Basketball from a fans perspective

There is a difference…..

Between fact and stupidity, I’ll site the issue.  A website was discussing the season Sixers Ben Simmons was experiencing and the writer made the “mistake” of referring to Simmons as a rookie.  One of the first responses stated: “He should be considered a red-shirt”.  I thought red-shirt what, this isn’t college and we don’t use the term in the NBA.  The writer went on to point out drafted in 2016 Simmons didn’t play until the 2017-18 season.  He was correct in a sense however Simmons played 0 games in the association last year, if he’d played any games at all I could understand his take.  In this instance the writers argument made no sense whatsoever to me.  

He sees what I see

The barber shop gathering believes I hate the Thunder and Russell Westbrook and that is not the case.  I believe despite adding talent to play alongside Westbrook the Thunder remain a middle of the pack team.  A team good enough to earn a playoff spot every season but lacking “that something” that allows them to contend for an NBA Championship.  AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today Sports sees the same thing I do. 

His latest power rankings list the Thunder as the number 11 team in the NBA.  From him; “The Thunder through 78 games last season: 45-33.  The Thunder through 78 games this season, with two perennial All-Stars (Anthony & George) added to the roster: 45-33.”  I remember at the time Westbrook arrived in the NBA I said “this guy is a true talent but needs to tone his game somewhat.”  After 9 seasons it appears there is likely no additional growth in the the game for Westbrook.    

The Porter’s 

Several of the Mizzou faithful hoped Michael Porter Jr. would remain in school.  Checking out the possible financial reward you might understand why he’s headed for the NBA.  Again, let me stress mock drafts are not officially sanctioned by the NBA however they are generally accurate.  Immediately behind the website is the latest projection on where Porter might be drafted.  It should be of note the financial figures represent Forbes 2017 figures and or likely to rise. 

NBADraft.net #3, $12 million for 2 years

Tankathon #4, $11 million for 2 years

Mydraft.com #5, $10 million for 2 years

Word came late Thursday afternoon Mizzou fans hoped they wouldn’t hear.  The other brother Jontay Porter made his intention known.  He would submit his name for the 2018 NBA draft but would not hire an agent.  There is no doubt in my mind Jontay has NBA qualities, I make the bold statement after witnessing his play at the Division I level.  As most of you are aware he should have actually been a senior in high school, at 6 feet 11 inches and 240 pounds Jontay is bigger than older brother Michael.  Naturally Mizzou fans would love for Jontay to return however the decision to go or stay remains Jontay’s alone. 

Best starting five 

Several NBA teams have been fortunate to have a considerable number of talented athletes through the years.  Who makes a team's all-time list of talent?  That’s an awesome task but I’m going to provide you my list of some of the best of the best over the years.  Note those in the Hall of Fame are designated with an H, if you feel the need you can compile your own list. 

Lakers

Kareem Abdul Jabbar-H

Pau Gasol

James Worthy-H

Magic Johnson-H

Kobe Bryant

Knicks

Willis Reed-H

Dave Debuscherre-H

Bill Bradley-H

Walt Frazier-H

Earl Monroe-H

Warriors

Nate Thurmond-H

Jerry Lucas-H

Rick Barry-H

Steph Curry

Klay Thompson

Bulls

Michael Jordan-H

Scottie Pippen-H

Artis Gilmore-H

John Paxon
Horace Grant