Basketball from a fans perspective

This is a view I believe is bogus

I read a letter stating; “The big man is no longer needed, look what occurred after Boogie Cousins went out.  The Pelicans have played better ball with him on the sidelines.  All you need is two quality guards.”  I can’t confirm the won-loss record for the Pelicans, I do dispute the belief there is no longer a need for quality big men in the game.  The game of big men has evolved, its moved out to the 3-point line over the past 10-15 years, that is quite evident. 

I would like to pose a question for you, as GM of the _____ NBA team you are preparing for the approaching draft.  Let’s just suppose scouting reports indicate Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton is the second coming of Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlain.  You are going to inform your owner (and the team’s fans) “Our team has more need for a Russell Westbrook or Steph Curry rather than a big man.”  The game has changed but certainly not to that degree, please tell me what in the world is wrong with this picture I just painted? 

Speaking of playoffs

The Clippers missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season, what happened?  There are a few explanations why the Clippers will watch the playoffs along with us.  Culprit number one might be the injury bug.  Patrick Beverly expected to play major minutes at the point was injured early and lost for the season, Dino Gallinari also a newcomer played less than 25 games spending considerable time on the injured list.  Blake Griffin missed games and then was traded in February to the Pistons, Tobias Harris was the best of the players received in the trade with Detroit.  The Clippers might not have been losers but it’s difficult to call this trade a win as well.  The departure of starters Chris Paul and J.J. Reddick in the off-season you can see where I’m headed. 

Three starters who played major minutes over the last past seasons are no longer on the roster, the replacements have either been injured or just plain are not as good.  I’m back with my usual rant, Austin Rivers pressed into the starting line-up proved he’s a valuable reserve but not a full-time player.  Finally, we arrive at the head coach Doc Rivers.  I remember reading it was said Pat Riley wore out his welcome at the time he coached the Lakers.  Players became tired of listening to the same speeches began to effectively turn Riley off.  Rivers is now in his 5^th year at the helm, player turnover has existed in that time-frame, several roster members from five years ago are no longer on the team, this might be a non-issue however it is worth considering.  I stated at one point and still believe it to be true the Clippers are descending while the Lakers are ascending. 

NBA Blackout rules

I have no choice other than to accept the information provided me.  The NBA offices responded to my email regarding Nuggets and Thunder games blacked out in Kansas City.   The issue is not the telecast of games on TNT, ABC or ESPN it’s the others.  Games on NBA TV and NBA League Pass or blacked out in Kansas City due to a broadcast footprint.  A select number of Thunder not the entire schedule is available in Kansas City on Fox Sports Midwest.  As for the Nuggets that’s a different matter, Nuggets games are not part of the package for my carrier although it appears one of the other cable systems offers it as part of their bundle.  So, there you have it no Nuggets or Thunder games for me unless its TNT, ABC or ESPN. 

He’s got a job

The Hornets hired Mitch Kupchak as general manager replacing Rich Cho.  Kupchak former Laker GM has connections to North Carolina.  He’s a former Tarheel who played in the NBA and moved into the front office of the Lakers under Jerry West.  At the time West departed Kupchak was hired as GM.  In the spring of 2017 co-owner Jeannie Buss assumed the leadership role of the Lakers she hired Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.  In the aftermath of the change Kupchak was fired as the Lakers cleaned out their front office.  I still believe Kupchak’s hands were tied in some of the moves occurring during the time-frame Jim Buss was in charge.  He's got a connection with another former Tarheel, a guy by the name of Michael Jordan.