Basketball from a fans perspective

Playoff basketball

They claim there is no difference, they say regular season basketball is no different from playoff basketball.  They say players perform no differently in the playoffs than regular season, they whoever the mysterious they are have other untrue tales about regular season versus playoff basketball.  Let’s check out a quote from Hall of Fame and legendary Celtic Bill Russell.  Reading his autobiography several years ago I came across a quote that stood out for me.   

I couldn’t locate the book for the exact quote, but it went something along these lines.  “We had guys complaining about playing time or shot opportunities.  Once the playoffs began they became extremely quiet, they didn’t want to touch the basketball for fear of having to take a crucial shot.”  You sure playoff basketball is no different from the regular season, I don’t believe you’ve watched much basketball. 

Did it past him by?

Often, we are reluctant to change, it’s not that we can’t we just sometimes fail to see the need.  Change is even more difficult when it involves our fellow humans.  Without detailing social and societal change how about coaching basketball?  Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Knight failed to change, he didn’t adapt.  How come 70 something Coaches K. and Roy Williams continue coaching at a prominent level, they are not the same coaches they were 20 or 30 years ago.  They and others adapted with the changes and continue, with Knight it was my way or the highway as they might say.   

Knight began his head coaching duties at Army in 1965, from 1971-2000 he was Indiana basketball.  His Indiana teams won three NCAA Championships and a single NIT Championship, Knight’s been inducted in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  After he was fired at Indiana he would go on to Texas Tech and was a winner there as well.  It was clear to many the game had passed him by, not the X and O part…. the human part.  Did I mention Indiana had established a zero tolerance regarding the coach due to a past issue, violation of that policy caused him to be fired after 29 years at the helm.  Robert Montgomery Knight one of the most successful coaches in collegiate history but slow to adapt to change. 

Playoff triple-double

The Lakers Magic Johnson recorded a triple-double in 1980 his rookie year.  Several rookies have arrived in the NBA since that year, in the 38 years no rookie had ever accomplished the feat until October 21, 2018.  On this date the Sixers Ben Simmons recorded 17 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds in his teams 106-102 victory over the Heat.  The Sixers now hold a commanding 3 games to 1 lead over the heat. 

Who do they trade?

Rumor now says the Lakers are talking trade with the Spurs regarding Kawhi Leonard.  Much earlier the conversation revolved around LeBron James and Paul George moving to Southern California and donning purple and gold.  There is a difference both players are potential free-agents while Leonard must be acquired in a trade.  The Lakers would put together a package of players and perhaps cash to acquire the disgruntled Spurs forward. 

Leonard is an All-Pro and is only 26-years old but who do the Lakers include in a package? They could bundle Julius Randle, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac and cash or Luol Deng to the Spurs.  I’ve not checked salaries so I’m unsure if this would be approved, right now I’m just looking at possible combinations of players.  If I’m sitting in Magic Johnson or Rob Pelinka’s ’shoes do I contact the Spurs and “make them an offer they can’t refuse.”