Basketball from a fans perspective

Landing zone

I’m not as familiar with ESPN’s Will Cain as I am some of the other networks media members.  He made a statement about LeBron James on Thursday which makes a great deal of sense.  “The possible destinations besides Cleveland are Houston, Lakers and Sixers.  I (Cain) believe the Sixers are the best fit.”  Cain believes the Sixers would be nearer in delivering an NBA Championship with Embiid and Simmons in place over the others.  The Lakers are not yet ready to compete for a championship in the tough, tough Western Conference.  

As for the Rockets they have a veteran team in place but would need to get by the Warriors. 

The path through the Eastern Conference past the Raptors/Celtics might be slightly easier.  Raptor and Celtic fans don’t get upset with me, this is pure speculation on my part.  I tend to believe Philly is the landing zone whether the Cavs win this year or not.  Why have we reached this point that LeBron is on the move once again.  Pure speculation on my part but I perceive an icy relationship has existed between owner Dan Gilbert and athlete LeBron James despite the return to Cleveland.  There is an outside chance all this becomes null and void and he remains in Cleveland. 

I’m no fisherman

If you tossed out enough fishing lines you certainly have a greater opportunity to catch fish.  The same statement applies as Mizzou attempts to recruit replacements.  Mizzou’s contacted grad transfer 6-foot David Nichols of the University of Albany (NY), he’s a point guard who can score the ball.  Another point guard Mizzou’s contacted is 5-foot 11-inch Aaron Calixte, he played his college ball at Maine. I have no idea if Nichols or Calixte can play, as veteran point guards if either arrives in Columbia in the fall they should be able to help shore up the position.   

He’s down and out

The Celtics are probably in shock at least temporarily, point guard Kyrie Irving is lost for the balance of the season and the playoffs.   Surgery on his left knee has sidelined him and its next season for Irving.  It’s too bad, I hate for any team to go into the playoffs without being 100% healthy. 

Prepare to be shocked

As the NBA season winds down two teams have the same record as this is written, the Cavs are 48-30.  They are number three in the Eastern Conference, right behind them at four is the wait for it, wait for it, wait for it …………. the Sixers from Philadelphia also with a 48-30 record. 

Clyde

If you have the MSG Network you know the Knicks analyst is Walt Frazier, that’s his given name but to Knick fans of the past he was/is Clyde.  Walt “Clyde” Frazier was the 5^th pick in the first round of the 1967 draft by the Knicks.  His rookie year was undistinguished however by the second year the Atlanta Georgia native had clearly established himself as an emerging All-Star.  Frazier personified cool, he never appeared hurried or rushed on the court although he led the break and in some instances was on the receiving end of a pass.  Frazier was a vital key to the Knicks winning NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973.  

Frazier was a dynamic defensive point guard and he came by it in an unusual manner. 

Academically ineligible in 1966 at Southern Illinois Frazier was forced to work on his defense and became quite detrimental to opposing players.   As for his nickname the movie Bonnie and Clyde were released in 1967, Clyde Barrow played by Warren Beatty was decked in several fedora’s and clothing choices throughout the movie.  The movie influenced Frazier to the point he dressed like the movie character.  Mike Breen who often conducts play by play for MSG is sitting next to a man enshrined in two halls of fame.  Frazier is in the Naismith Hall and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Clyde Frazier, now you know how he acquired the nickname.