Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday May-September

Allow me to catch up

A short vacation and I feel as though I missed “weeks and weeks” of action.  First the bad, yours truly predicted the Celtics over the Cavs.  I’m not going to provide you the basis for this most grievous error let’s just say I messed up.  As for the game vacation schedule prevented me from viewing the game so only the final score, Cavs 87 Celtics 79.  For the Rockets-Warriors series, the Rockets played a good first half the problem there are two halves to a game.  Final score Warriors 101 Rockets 92. 

Donte who?

Leading into the 2018 basketball season we believed Villanova would be good.  Returning to the team were NBA prospects Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson and a guy nobody knew Donte DiVincenzo.  Well he wasn’t exactly hidden few were aware of his presence except the coaching staff and the Villanova faithful.  DiVincenzo remained somewhat invisible until the NCAA Tournament, that would be his coming out party.  He was selected Sixth Man of the Year in the Big East which says he didn’t register starter minutes during the season.  After Villanova secured the NCAA Championship the entire world knew the name Donte DiVincenzo. 

He did what he does, emerging from the Villanova bench he led the way in his teams’ championship win scoring 31 points which included 5 three-point baskets, 5 rebounds 3 assists and 2 blocked shots.  Not bad for this red-shirt sophomore who would likely play starter minutes if he’d chosen to remain in school.  After his outstanding game and being selected NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding player the NBA called.  The 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard received an invitation to the draft combine but didn’t hire an agent.  Yesterday he announced his decision, he’s hiring an agent which certainly says the NBA’s gain is Villanova’s loss.  We are unsure what role he will see in the NBA however time will tell. 

Left out again…this time with an explanation

Recently the field of teams for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge were announced.  For the second year in a row Mizzou would not be one of the participating teams, there was an explanation that made it okay.  “What may seem like a snubbing — given the Tigers are coming off their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013 — is instead something that has been set in stone since before the 2017-18 season. Then, the SEC announced that the 10 teams from the conference competing in the 2018 challenge would also compete in the 2019 challenge. Missouri was not among the 10 teams in the 2018 challenge.”

The Missourian

Say what?

Did you realize Skechers manufactured basketball shoes?  If you were aware of this fact you are likely ahead of most of us including this writer.  Skechers decided to sue Adidas for false advertisement and several other charges.  The suit was probably based on the on-going justice department investigation of college basketball and the fact to date Adidas is the only identified shoe company. 

The question might be why other than notoriety, according to news reports Skechers is just a blip on the radar among shoe companies.  2017 sales figures point to the fact Nike owns 73.5% of the basketball shoe market followed by Under Armour 12.1%, Jordan Brand (Nike) is 7.8% and Adidas is 4.8%.  Where was Skechers you ask in the Big Picture, somewhere but likely a microscopic sales participant.   

Let’s discuss this

As this is written LeBron James and the Cavs are still in a fight for a championship.  It’s an appropriate time to discuss pending free agency for him.  Lakers Nations fan website indicates there are two possible destinations for LeBron, the Lakers or Sixers.  From the standpoint of ready to win right now the Sixers would be the better destination for him.  We’ve explored this issue in the past and my view has not changed. 

The Lakers as mentioned are the second youngest team in the NBA, they could certainly benefit from the steady hand of a LeBron James.  The downside to a LeBron James in the Lakers lineup is stunting the growth of this young team.  I could see these youngsters “standing around” waiting for LeBron to either take the shot, drive to the basket or distribute the ball.  The Sixers are a playoff team currently the Lakers are yet to reach that level. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday May-September

Are you sure?

We have less than a month June 21 to be exact, the NBA draft will be held in Barclays Center Thursday evening.  A little background history before delving in the issue I have.  The Suns hired Igor Kokoskov May 3, this Serbian becomes the first Euro head coach in the NBA.  You think I got a problem with the hire, no far from it.  If the Suns believe the long-time NBA assistant can handle the duties of a head coach I’m okay with that.  

This is what I’m not okay with, the “possible” first pick made by the Suns draft night. 

All kinds of rumors are circulating Kokoskov will draft Luka Doncic, he will draft the 19-year old because he once coached the youngster.  This is not “I don’t believe he’s got the talent to be a number one pick,” it doesn’t even travel that far.  It rests with the prospective talent remaining available, DeAndre Ayton wunderkind played in the Sun’s backyard all season long.  I’ve said it previously and will repeat it again, small ball is in however how do you pass on big man potential of a 7-foot 1 inch 260-pound center?   

Bits n Pieces

It’s only 4 additional games but it would kill the NIT.  The ACC is proposing the NCAA Tournament field be increased from 68 to 72 teams.  Yes, adding 4 teams might not appear to be earth shattering but what about the NIT?  This venerable tournament which exceeds the NCAA Tourney might be history if this measure is approved.  By the way the NIT was first played in 1938, the NCAA 1939.

Unless you are part of Kansas nation you might be unfamiliar with the name Ochai Agbaji.  He’s a 6-foot 5-inch small forward who attended Oak Park High School in Kansas City.  On the national picture Agbaji is a relative unknown so the question might be why?   He’s connected to the program due to the school being close to Kansas City (MO) and his relationship with the coaching staff. 

I’m going to make this statement say for the last time, I still don’t understand the Raptors move in firing Dwane Casey.  It’s my belief Casey brings a great deal to the table but it’s team that failed to deliver.  It’s been said since the beginning of time, it’s far easier to fire the coach (or manager) than the team.  I said this previously and will repeat it, I hope Casey doesn’t get lost in the vast waste land of coaches who never get a second chance. 

Speaking of coaches, the Bucks have finally decided, they hired former Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer signing him to a 4-year contract.  Budenholzer moves from the mild Georgia winters averaging a low of 33 to a high of 51 degrees to the frozen north of Milwaukee where the average on the low in a chilly 13 to a high of 28 degrees. Oh well the Bucks are paying him enough money to afford a couple of more winter coats.    

I’m not a hater…. really

Don’t believe what you read or hear about me…. please.  I don’t hate Kansas basketball, I don’t hate Bill Self I do hate the fact he avoids playing Wichita State and Mizzou.  On top of that Self has a large following that believes this position is okay.  Enough of that now to the main point, Myron Medcalf ESPN writer has presented us with his pre-season Way Too Early Top 25 list.  It might be a surprise to you not for me he’s placed Kansas in the top slot followed by the team that ran them out of the building Villanova.  If you believe I’m picking on Medcalf far from it he’s not the only scribe that’s placed Kansas at the top. 

The Jayhawks lose key players (Malik Newman & Lagerald Vick) to early NBA entry and seniors Devonte Graham and Svi Mykhailiuk.  At this point the status of Udoka Azibuike is in limbo he’s entertaining the NBA although he’s hired no agent.  That’s a great deal of offense plus guys who know the Self system.  Kansas has one of the best recruiting classes in recent history, but they must hit the ground running if they are expected to equal the 2017-18 version of the Jayhawks.  If you ask me ‘What about Villanova’ I could make a similar statement they too expect wholesale changes for the upcoming season.  Duke, North Carolina or Gonzaga could finish above both Kansas and Villanova.   

He got an extension

Last Wednesday I wrote “Although several NBA teams have changed head coaches Doc Rivers remains in place, it’s likely he is secure unless he decides to leave.”  Doc didn’t decide to leave however owner Steve Ballmer decided to sign him to an extension.  The owner hinted the Clippers were transiting as a team plus the injuries Doc did an admirable job.  Ballmer’s words not mine, as many might be aware I’ve long made it clear I’m not a Rivers fan.  I don’t dislike him as a person I happen to believe he is over rated as a coach.  After reading the ESPN account of the extension I dropped down to read letters from fans, surprise I discovered there are several others who share my view. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday May-September

PLEASE NOTE: WORDS EYE VIEW WILL NOT PUBLISH MAY 28

Didn’t see the game

Sorry cannot give you my spin on Game 5 Celtics-Cavs, I was surprised when I checked my IPhone and discovered the score.  The Celtics defeated the Cavs 96- 83, I checked the box score and found out LeBron led the way with 26 points followed by Love with 14.  The balance of Cavs scored in single digits which likely contributed to the loss.  Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 24 points, but four other Celtics were in double-figures, I’m content with my choice with Ben Simmons being Rookie of the Year.  We heard a great deal of argument indicating Simmons was ineligible (drafted in 2016), many said Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz should be ROY, how about some love for Jayson Tatum?  I’m going out on a limb, Celtics win…..Celtics win the series.  

Wes Unseld

He played mostly center during a period most teams had 7-foot athletes at the position.  Unseld stood 6 feet 7 inches the height of several small forwards and some shooting guards.  The stats say he checked in at 245 pounds but many believe it was much more.  He was immovable on the block as he battled the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Willis Reed and others.  Between Unseld and the late Gus Johnson few rebounds were grabbed by anyone apart from these two.  Unseld spent his entire career with the Bullets in Baltimore and later with the teams’ move to Washington D.C.  He would snatch a rebound off the backboard and whip it the length of the court to a streaking teammate for an easy layup. 

It was said no one was his equal at tossing the outlet pass, he was even better than the great Bill Russell.  Unseld was never a proficient scorer most of his scoring consisted of put backs and 10-foot or less baskets.  Over the course of his 12-year NBA career he averaged 14 rebounds and an efficient 3.9 assists an outstanding number for a center.  After Unseld set a pick on you it was felt it throughout the length of your body.  This former Louisville Cardinal was enshrined in the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Hall of Fame.  After his retirement he served as general manager for a period but is now in education.  He and his wife opened a school in 1979 where he serves as office manager and basketball coach.  Wes Unseld a name basketball fans should know. 

I’m not opposed

Despite what you might believe I’m not opposed to LiAngelo on the Lakers.  Any likelihood the Laker staff believes the middle Ball brother can aid the team’s growth I’m okay with.  A great deal of politicking has been conducted by the brother (probably orchestrated by dad LaVar Ball) over the last several weeks.  We believe LaVar Ball thinks he alone was responsible for son Lonzo being drafted by the Lakers.  My opposition to LiAngelo on the Lakers comes in the form of a draft choice to acquire him.  His name is listed on no mock draft sites, in addition talent scouts claim the 6-foot 5-inch 215-pound LiAngelo Ball might be the least talented of the three brothers.  No, I’m not opposed to the middle brother becoming a member of the Lakers however it must be strictly as a free-agent.  No wasting a draft choice even a 2^nd round choice on this potential prospect.   

They are relatives…who would have figured?

The Cavs and Celtics series has an unusual twist to it besides the teams.  Seated on both benches at points during the game are cousins which is unusual.  Cavs coach Tyronn Lue was born in Mexico (MO) but played the major portion of his high school basketball at Raytown High School in Metro Kansas City.  On the other side of the state in St. Louis Jayson Tatum was growing up watching his cousin play at Nebraska and later in the NBA.  According to the family tree they provided Lue and Tatum’s fathers are cousins on Lue’s grandfathers side.  I would guess this news is now being revealed because the teams are facing one another in the playoffs. 

“Well, isn’t that special”

Dana Carvey played several characters while a member of the Saturday Night Live cast, it’s likely “The Church Lady” was his most famous role.  The Church Lady would interview guests on her program and when the fictional guest made an interesting statement she would investigate the television camera and say, “Well, isn’t that special.”  We could make the same statement regarding Evan Yerkes, never heard of him, neither did I until recently. 

The 6-foot 3-inch combo guard will be a member of the 2018-19 Mizzou roster, why was he a secret you ask?  He’s a walk-on at Mizzou, Yerkes reported to have turned down scholarship offers to Division I and NAIA schools “because he wanted to play at the highest level.”  He broke numerous scoring records at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Ill, a Chicago suburb.  Yerkes shot 45% from the 3-point line in high school and Cuonzo Martin hopes he can bring that type of shooting to the Mizzou roster.  We all could say, “Well, isn’t that special” his 3-point shooting that is. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Tied

The Warriors finally lost a home game, the final score read Rockets 95 Warriors 92.  Neither team shot particularly well, the Warriors 39.3% from the floor while the Rockets were 39.0%.  Chris Paul and James Harden led the way for the Rockets with 27 and 30 points respectively.  Kevin Durant scored 27 points and Steph Curry had 28 but neither player shot adequately from the floor.  The series is now tied 2-2 and back to Houston for Game Five on Thursday.  

Safe for now

Although several NBA teams have changed head coaches Doc Rivers remains in place, it’s likely he is secure unless he decides to leave.  There is a noticeable change in the front office of the Clippers, longtime basketball guru Jerry West has become the face of the Clippers franchise.  At the time he was hired in June of 2017 it was as a member of the executive board.  One of the teams’ first series of moves was Rivers being relinquished of his player personnel duties. 

This change was evident at the recent draft lottery, West was seated along with others as a representative of the Clippers.  Several coaches in the past have served a dual role as coach and player personnel director.  The coach becomes the de-facto general manager because they are often responsible for player contracts.  We can assume Rivers continues to provide input regarding acquisition of personnel and the draft.  Any business related to player contracts is no longer in Rivers purview it lies strictly in the hands of West and the front office.          

2000 

Several noteworthy events occurred in the year 2000, many joyful and many tragedies.  June 28, 2000 was certainly a tragic night for the NBA not for death, illness or the like.  The draft was held on that date and it may have been the poorest draft of basket talent in the most recent past, I scoured the list of names from top to bottom and couldn’t locate a single worthy candidate for the hall of fame.  There have been poor drafts but this one must be placed near the top of the list, in fairness everyone was not horrible. 

A few players in that draft had long careers however it was mostly as journeyman players.  I guess we could say journeyman players are paid far above the salary of the average working person.  Kenyon Martin picked number one by the Nets, Stromile Swift (who?) number two to the (Vancouver) Grizzlies and Darius Miles the third pick by the Clippers.  Interesting in that Jamal Crawford at age 38 is the lone player from that draft still playing, he’s with the Wolves.  Mike Miller finished his career during the 2016-17 season as a member of the Nuggets.  Check it out for yourself, the worst draft in NBA history occurred in 2000.   

‘I’m back’

No, not that guy…. Michael Jordan is still retired, I figure the headline could just as easily be used by Jim Calhoun former UConn coach.  Calhoun retired from coaching in 2012 after 873 wins, 3 NCAA Tournament Championships and induction in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Calhoun has come out of retirement to coach Division III University of St. Joseph in Hartford (CT) a brand-new program.  The school formerly was a women’s only institution but is now co-educational. 

All-Rookie team

One of the key reasons the NBA is in such decent shape is the continuing infusion of youthful talent.  The athletes below were either starters for their respective teams or played major minutes.  Below is the All-Rookie 

Team for 2017-18.  

1^st Team

Kyle Kuzma,  Lakers

Lauri Markkanen, Bulls

Donovan Mitchell, Jazz

Ben Simmons, Sixers

Jason Tatum, Celtics

2^nd Team

Lonzo Ball, Laker

Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kings

John Collins, Hawks

Josh Jackson, Suns

Dennis Smith Jr., Mavs 

Laker fans should feel pleased, their team was the only NBA team able to place two players on the All-Rookie Team. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Say what?

You dangle a $100 bill in front of someone and then when they reach for it you pull it back.  That’s what we might refer to as a tease, the latest example might be Luka Doncic.  The 19-year old Slovenian ranks high on most of the mock NBA draft sites, yes that Doncic.  He’s the prospect that several sites had positioned as high as the number one pick in the 2018 draft.  Well Doncic said recently “He’s not exactly sure he wants the NBA this season.”

I have no issue with him vacillating on the subject, he should clear this up over the next few weeks.  I’m sure no NBA team wants to take a chance on drafting him if he’s not available immediately.  Oh, you say several Euro players have been drafted in the past and did not report immediately.  The statement is true however none were as highly touted or ranked as high as Doncic.  He’s not at the NBA Combine this week although his name was mentioned. 

Blow Out     

I’m not referring to the 1981 movie starring John Travolta and Nancy Allen, the movie dealt with a conspiracy and cover-up.  Game Two of the Rockets-Dubs challenge was no conspiracy or cover-up, but it was a blow out.  Did you realize the Dubs had more turnovers in the first quarter than their total in Game One?  9 turnovers in Game One, 15 in Game Two so as you can see the Rockets were on a mission to avoid an O-2 start in the series. 

Kevin Durant was present (38 points) as for his teammates that’s a different story.  Steph Curry scored 16 points but only shot .368 from the floor.  That was it no other Warrior was in double figures.  As for the Rockets they were prepared, 5 players scoring in double-figures led by James Harden and Eric Gordon (both with 27 points).  See you in Oakland for Game Three 7:00 PM Central Time on Sunday.  

Anniversary

38 years ago, May 16, 1980 to be exact Magic Johnson had an NBA game of epic proportions.  The Lakers would defeat the Sixers to win the NBA championship 4 games to 2.  An ankle injury left Kareem Abdul Jabbar in Los Angeles while his teammates would face the Sixers in Philadelphia.  There was worry aplenty in Lakerland, the Captain was not there.  Despite the doom hanging over the game Magic Johnson would have nothing to do with it.  

The Laker rookie would start the game at center replacing Cap, he would go on to play 47 of the 48 minutes of the game. This historic game also witnessed Magic play all five positions on the floor.  Magic’s box score read 42 points, 14-14 from the free-throw line along with 15 rebounds and 7 assists, he was named series MVP.  NOTE:  Only the television audiences in Philadelphia and Los Angeles were witness to the events.  In 1980 the NBA didn’t have the clout of today all games were played on the CBS Network, ESPN began broadcasting in 1979 but had no NBA contract at the time.  The bulk of the nation viewed the game courtesy of tape-delay.  

Did you see?

I believe we might have all been surprised to see actress Jami Gertz at the NBA Draft Lottery.   She was easily recognized from several movie and television roles throughout the years, “This is us” and “Entourage” television series plus the movie “Twister”.  Did the Hawks select her due to her celebrity status or did she win a contest?  My research indicated Gertz is one of the owners of the Hawks, Businessman Tony Ressler is an owner of the Hawks franchise and he’s also the husband of Gertz, now that clears our confusion.   

Who do we choose? 

While sitting in the chair my barber asks me “Who do the Lakers choose?”  He was referring of course to the June 21 NBA Draft.  With the second youngest roster in the NBA and with a mid to late first round pick what do they do?  They have plenty of cap space to sign free-agent(s) however that cannot be accomplished until July 1 after the draft.  How do they approach this draft in consideration of the issues raised?  I am all over the map with my decision however so too are the mock draft sites, check them out.          

Dzanan Musa 6-9 small forward Bosnia and Herzegovina-Tankathon.com

Aaron Holiday 6-1-point guard UCLA-NBADraft.net & HoopsHype.com

Mitchell Robinson 7-0 center no college-MyNBADraft.com

D’Anthony Melton 6-3 pg/sg USC-CBSSports.com mock

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

A changing of the guard 

There is no doubting the talent of LeBron James, we have marveled at his game for the last past 15 years.  Has the time come when LeBron can no longer yield his team to a win?  “They imposed their will on the Cavaliers” was the comment by analyst Mark Jackson.  After the blowout win in Game one the entire world expected the Cavs to come out of the locker room breathing fire.  Final score Celtics 107 Cavs 94.  

One game fails to make a series

The Rockets have home court advantage having won more regular season games.  I have no intention of boring you with details of a game you probably witnessed.  Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors in their 119-106 win over the Rockets.  Durant scored 37 points while Klay Thompson lent assistance with 28 points.  Steph Curry chipped in with 18 points, he shot .533 from the floor along with 8 assists.  James Harden had a typical Harden game, 41 points 7 assists shooting .853 from the floor.  Chris Paul scored 23 points and 11 rebounds and Eric Gordon off the bench with 15 points.  The Warriors follow the Celtics by taking Game one.

He’s more adult than you

Not all adults should be a source of information and direction for youngsters.  Notice I said not all, in this instance I speak of 66-year old Skip Bayless of Fox Sports.  Many realize Vanderbilt is probably the best known academic school in the southeast however the school has a very good basketball program.  As reported earlier #6 Rivals guard Class of 2018 prospect Romeo Langford reduced the number of schools he was considering to Kansas, Indiana and Vanderbilt.  He chose his home state team the Indiana Hoosiers however the decision of an 18-year old failed to please 66-year old Skip Bayless. 

This is the tweet Bayless sent Langford, “Hey Romeo Langford: I respect & understand your decision to stay in state and play for Indiana.  But should’ve signed with the best school in the country, Vanderbilt, and joined a recruiting class that could’ve contended for a national championship.”  What do you see wrong with the picture besides the obvious?  This old fool (Bayless) for sake of a headline or something else inserts himself in the middle of this young man’s decision, shame on you Bayless.  I want every prospect Cuonzo Martin sends an offer to sign with Mizzou, at the same time I know it ain’t gonna happen.

NBA Draft

There are noteworthy events in the life of the NBA, other than the NBA championship the draft is probably right up there from a historical perspective.  We are a little over a month away from the June 21 date, last night the lottery was held to determine the order teams would choose.  I don’t believe Michael Porter Jr. was ever the top pick in any pre-season mock draft however he was number 2 or 3 depending on which one you read. 

It seems since December we’ve gone back and forth on the top pick.  Most sites say the top pick will be either the talented center from Arizona DeAndre Ayton or Luka Doncic from Slovenia.  The Suns tabbed Igor Kokoskov from Serbia as their head coach, he’s already gone on record indicating he likes Doncic’s game.  Question, does he take a chance and draft Doncic or Ayton who is in the Suns “backyard?”  That question and others will not be fully addressed until the night of June 21.

This is interesting

The Tornados were a playoff casualty losing to the Yakima (WA) Sun Kings.  The Pacific Northwest team face the Albany Patroons which is historic.  Historic in the sense both teams pre-date the North American Premier League which they now call home.  Yakima began life in the Continental Basketball Association in 1990.  In 2008 suffering economic loss operations were shut down until a “new” Sun Kings was re-born in a new league in 2017. 

Not many minor league teams can claim the legendary Phil Jackson began his coaching career in Albany before the Bulls and Lakers.  In fact, his Albany Patroons won a Continental Basketball Championship.  The Patroons left the CBA for a period playing in the United States Basketball League before returning to the CBA, in 2017 they too joined the new league.  Many former individuals with NBA connections made an appearance over the years with Albany.  Among the names Bill Musselman, Scott Brooks, Mario Elie and George Karl to name a few. 

Draft Combine

Today 69 invited players will undergo a series of workouts in Chicago to aid in determining their draft status.  As usual several players skipped the event and will conduct individual workouts.  The absentees include likely number one pick DeAndre Ayton plus top International prospects Luka Doncic and Dzanan Musa along with Robert Williams Texas A&M.  If you care the action will be available on ESPN2 live streamed on WatchESPN.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Surprise, surprise

You have all the details however just a few notes.  The Celtics raced out to a 36-18 first quarter lead and never looked back.  The Cavs outscored the Celtics 29-17 in the third quarter but surrendered 30 points in the 4^th quarter leading them to a 108-83 win. One game does not make a series, but Game 1 proved quite interesting.   

Interesting

Surprising news relating to the NBA draft next month, the Lakers along with other NBA teams worked out an unknown player from China.  When I read the name came surprise number two, Abudushalamu Abudurexit, he’s a 6-foot 8-inch 187 pound small forward.  His name certainly didn’t appear to be similar to any Chinese name I’d ever read.  I was as curious as much about the prospect as his name, a further investigation provided an explanation.     

“Abudurexit is a Uyghur, a minority group living in East and Central Asia in the Peoples Republic of China.”  Did he impress enough in the workouts for the Lakers or some other NBA team to draft him?  That question will remain unanswered until next month.  I would say don’t expect to hear his name in the first round however it could occur in the mid to late second round if he impressed one of these teams.  On the other hand, if he’s not drafted there is the possibility of signing a free-agent contract.  

Headed to the Virgin Islands

Mizzou will travel to the Virgin Islands November 16-24 taking part in the Annual Paradise Jam Tournament.  Other participants invited include Eastern Kentucky, Kennesaw State, Northern Iowa, Old Dominion, Oregon State and Penn.  Mizzou will be making a first-time appearance as will Oregon State, Penn and Kennesaw State.  In other Mizzou news the incoming crop of players have plans at work.  Xavier Pinson the 6-foot 1-inch point guard packs 158 pounds on his slim frame, he plans on weighing 170 pounds by the time school begins.  K.J. Santos 6-foot 8 inch forward checked in originally at a slender 200 pounds has bulked up and now weighs 230 pounds. 

As you can see both players preparing for the rigors of SEC play believed it might be advantageous to acquire additional weight.  Hopefully the added weight will prove beneficial and not cause either to lose quickness.  As for that recruitment thing I believe this was mentioned previously.  Mizzou made a big-time splash last season adding Michael Porter Jr. and others to the roster.  Although injuries prevented them from the season most expected Mizzou was still pretty good.  As for 2018 according to ESPN Mizzou has the 47^th rated class in the nation.  That might not appear significant however considering there are somewhere around 300 Division I basketball teams I’d say that’s still a respectable number. 

A brave soul

Despite the Hawks history with coaches, despite the fact the Coach of the Year was just fired.  With the uncertainty of serving as an NBA coach why would anyone want the job?  With that statement in our rear-view mirror let us proceed to the business at hand.  Lloyd Pierce has been named Hawks coach replacing the departed Mike Budenholzer.  Pierce comes from Brett Brown’s staff and the Sixers, he’s also served as an assistant at several NBA stops .  All I can say I understand the desire to be a head coach, but NBA teams certainly don’t allow much planning for the future unless you are a Gregg Popovich. 

Kryptonite

I misspelled his name the other day, it should have been D w a n e Casey.  I guess it doesn’t matter anyway, the Raptors decided to fire the NBA Coach of the Year after 7 seasons at the helm.  I guess it must be LeBron James and the Cavs who became the Kryptonite for the Raptors.  First place finish in the 2017-18 season and the Raptors still couldn’t beat their nemesis.   I hope Casey gets another job at some point, the guy can coach he just ran into LeBron James too many times.

We understand

LaVar Ball’s been out of the country, he’s been in Lithuania supporting his middle and youngest son on their pro basketball debut.  Now they (he) is back from Europe the caw-caw begins again.  Those of you who read Words eye view know I love me some Lakers but I ain’t brain-dead.  The Spurs Kawhi Leonard played only 9 games in the 2017-18 season sidelined by an injury. 

I didn’t have the opportunity to hear the radio broadcast, I’m not even sure how the conversation began but this is the elder Ball’s response.  "Stop it! ... Hell no. Lonzo, I'm gonna tell you what he does, makes everyone on the team better. Who don't want to start a team with that? You put Kawhi on there, he won't make everyone better. He's gonna do his thing. He's a specialty guy.”  There is no requirement for me to do a player comparison despite Ball’s opinion we know the truth don’t we?

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Not a single vote

I understand Dwaine Casey voted as NBA Coach of the Year, no argument from me.  The Raptors flamed out in the playoffs however they had the second best regular season won-loss record in the association.  What I don't understand Doc Rivers receiving a vote for the honor and Brad Stevens being passed over.  I know the recognition is for the regular season but Rivers and his Clippers under achieved all season.  Did the Clippers suffer injuries, sure but so did several other teams some still playing?  Rivers and his Clippers have been sitting on the sidelines for a month having missed the playoffs.  Where was it written “Life is fair?” 

Don’t know if I mentioned this

The legendary Dr. J. stated recently the Sixers should have chosen Jason Tatum (who went to the Celtics) over Markelle Fultz in the 2017 draft.  Those words say a great deal considering they come from the man who once soared on the court for the Sixers.  I can agree with the good doctor but also conduct a hindsight view of the draft.  Remember the Sixers had drafted Ben Simmons in 2016 although he’d missed the season with an injury.  The belief at the time Simmons would play small forward, the Sixers needed a point guard.  The top point guards in the 2017 draft were Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, after listening to all the noise from LaVar Ball the Sixers decided in favor of Fultz. 

Final Four

The Celtics closed out my Sixers on Thursday 114-112, we are now down to four teams.  This is written prior to action; the Rockets face the Warriors and the Celtics are in action against the Cavs.  A reminder I picked the Raptors over the Cavs so anything I say might be suspect.  With the disclaimer out there allow me to venture out on that shaky tree branch once again.  I’ve not read anything prior to writing this piece, assuming all four teams are healthy I’m ready.  Rather than pick a specific number of games I’m going with the apparent winner, Warriors over Rockets and Cavs over Celtics.

A game for the ages

Chris Paul alone closed out the Pelicans 112-102 and now the Warriors stand in the doorway blocking their path to a championship.  The Rockets point guard scored 41 points while shooting .591 from the floor.  7 rebounds and 10 assists and 0 turnovers.  That’s phenomenal in 38 minutes of action on the floor Paul had no turnovers.  I forgot to add Paul shot .800 from the 3 point line and 7 for 8 from the free-throw line. 

Speaking of the draft

Michael Porter Jr. was the number one top pick on most 2018 NBA mock drafts.  An injury sidelined the Mizzou forward for practically the duration of the season and he would only play 3 games.  Despite the short season Porter Jr. has not fallen very far on most mock sites.  The highest position is the 4^th spot, the lowest number is 8 which guarantees him to be a lottery pick.  Using 2017-18 numbers if Porter Jr. is drafted in 4^th place he receives $4,200,000.00 his first year, if he lands in 8^th place its worth $2,900,000.00.  

Porter Jr. is in the same realm of Kyrie Irving, Irving played only 11 games at Duke before declaring for the 2011 NBA draft.  He too was forced to the sidelines by an injury that witnessed him missing the season.  Irving would become the number 1 pick by the Cavs in 2011, it was his talent projection NBA scouts believed in versus the number of college games.  I’m unsure if there are any other professional sports that believe in talent projections at the level of the NBA, baseball is the only sport that comes to mind although I could be overlooking some other sports. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Caught off guard

Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons have parted ways after 4 seasons.  This news caught many of us off guard in the same manner of Mike Budenholzer’s with the Hawks.  Despite my error there are additional openings in the association with the Bucks, Hawks, and now Pistons searching for coaches.  I think that’s all for now without checking however there could be more.  Budenholzer and Van Gundy were not fired they left due to issues with management, might there be others too?  In other coaching news the Hornets intend to hire Spurs assistant James Borrengo to fill the head coaching position.  So much for the view once held NBA teams are unwilling to hire assistants to serve as a head coach. 

She tore into the NCAA 

Kylia Carter played basketball at Ol Miss, she is likely more familiar than most of us with the rules and regulations of the NCAA.  Her son Wendall Carter a McDonald’s All American played one season at Duke and declared for the NBA draft.  In a recent panel discussion of college athletics and basketball she voiced her view when it was her turn to speak.  She called out the NCAA for its operational methods rules and regulations. 

“The problem that I see is not with the student-athletes, it’s not with the coaches or the institutions of higher learning but it’s with a system … where the laborers are the only people that are not being compensated for the work that they do while those in charge receive mighty compensation,” she said. “The only two systems where I’ve known that to be in place are slavery and the prison system. And now I see the NCAA as overseers of a system that is identical to that. So it’s difficult for me to sit here and not say that there is a problem that is sickening.”

The last OG's  
LeBron James is 33 years old, regardless of his age he is playing the best basketball of his career.  The question might be could he play 5 or 6 more years?  The Spurs Manu Ginobili remains a question mark but if he decides to play one more year he will have turned 41.  Jason Terry of the Bucks has already gone on recording indicating he intends to return next season, he’s also 41 years old. 

“Half-Man-Half Amazing” Vince Carter of the Kings is already 41 and will turn 42 prior to the 2018-19 season concluding.  What is with these “dinosaurs”, they play because they love the game.  They also play because they are in excellent physical condition for their age.  Can LeBron James play another 6 years, if we used the players listed as a guide its certainly possible.  It should be noted for those who might be unfamiliar with the term OG it stands for Old Guy but don’t used that term to refer to the trio of Ginobili, Terry or Carter.

Season ending 

The Kansas City Tornados lost to the Yakima Sunkings 112-96 on Monday evening, the Sunkings win the playoff series 2 games to 1.  The Tornados making the playoffs in their first year of existence is impressive despite coming up short at the end.  The North American Premier Basketball League will never compare to the NBA but I’m sure that’s not the intent.  The desire is to gather a bunch of former college players who either couldn’t or didn’t want to play in Europe or the NBA-G League.  As pointed out earlier this 8-team league will expand by 3 teams next season adding Tampa, Raleigh (NC) and Bellevue (WA).  The key of course is $$$$ for this league or any organization or business intending to sustain itself. 

They moved it

I believe the NBA Draft Combine has been held in Chicago since its inception, this year is an exception.  The event scheduled for May 16-20 will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, invitations have been extended to 69 players across the spectrum by the NBA.  Who manages to distinguish themselves in Brooklyn later this month should prove interesting?  The drills will reveal that for us, this is fair warning don’t expect everyone to show up.  Last year Lonzo Ball and several others failed to participate however it didn’t impact their draft position.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday-May through September

Both 3-1

On Sunday the Warriors and Rockets were winners, for the Warriors it was a 118-92 win over the Pelicans and the Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87.  On both sides of the continent the east and west teams could close out their series this upcoming week.  

She’s 13-years old

Jada Williams attends Brittany Hills Middle School in Blue Springs Missouri, a city in metro Kansas City.  Williams has received offers from Syracuse and Illinois plus overtures from several schools.  She first began exhibiting her basketball talent at the tender age of 5-years at the YMCA.   At 5 feet 6 inches the talented guard is likely to grow a few more inches.  Of course, she wants to play Division I basketball and eventually the WNBA.  Store the name in your memory banks, you should hear it for an additional 4 years before she choses a college.  

My apologies

My error, I stated the Hawks were the only remaining team without a head coach.  I was wrong, the Bucks are still there too.  They might not be very much longer if they hire Becky Hammon.  Hammon former WNBA player on the staff of the Spurs interviewed for the head coaching position of the men’s team at Colorado State.  Will the Bucks make this move or is Hammond truly interested in the position? 

Doom and Gloom 

I believe the title is appropriate for what I read late last week, a rumor is circulating Paul George has withdrawn his daughter from school.  The claim and that’s what it is too this point has caused panic in many of the citizens of Oklahoma City, without verification I’m not even sure “the story has legs” as they say.  We recognize the fact George will become a free-agent July 1, the Thunder faithful hope George re-signs with the home team however that’s not guaranteed He could leave the plains of Oklahoma for Southern California or Houston, on the other hand it could be the city sitting beside Lake Erie or it could be somewhere I’ve failed to mention.            

Roll over and play dead

Saturday evening the Raptors and Sixers faced a formidable task, both were in an 0-2 hole   against the Cavs and Celtics.  A combination of factors conspired to place these two front runners in a deep place.  Headed into Game 3 I thought both teams had an opportunity to rebound.  They would not likely win the series but at least make it respectable.  A combination of turnovers did in the young Sixers as they lost 101-98 in OT, “the fat lady is walking through the door” although she’s not yet fully tuned up. 

The Raptors-Cavs tied at 103 with seconds remaining, LeBron James hit a high bank shot that fell through the nets Cavs 105 Raptors 103.  The look on the face of several of the Raptors said, “How could this happen again.”  My wife’s cousin a big-time LeBron James fan and I held a conversation this afternoon.  I told Danny, “Maybe players 2 through 12 or 13 the Raptors are probably better than the Cavs.  The problem is the Raptors have no “LeBron James” type player on their roster, he makes the difference.