Basketball from a
fans perspective
Maybe the criticism wasn’t warranted
Kim Anderson was fired after three seasons at Mizzou. His numbers, 27-68 (.284) the record was even worst in SEC play 8-46 (.148). I certainly expected much better and so did Mizzou Nation, his track record at the University of Central Missouri was outstanding 274-94 (.745), in the MIAA Conference it was 158-67 (.702). His team won the NCAA Division II championship in 2014 all the numbers said winner except he wasn’t. Anderson landed on his feet after his firing at Mizzou, Pittsburg State (KS) hired Anderson and he walked in and led the team to a 17-13 overall and 9-10 in the MIAA. The previous year the school finished 5-22 with a 3-16 record in the conference. The Anderson factor at work which might prove there is a difference coaching Division II basketball over Division I.
It’s not the NBA’s
fault
There has been ample opportunity in the past to offer criticism of the NBA. My first thought former commissioner David Stern voiding the trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers. The action by the NBA which own the New Orleans franchise at the time remains an ‘itch I can’t scratch’ as a Lakers fan. Monday evening Dwane Casey was named NBA coach of the year.
There has been ample opportunity in the past to offer criticism of the NBA. My first thought former commissioner David Stern voiding the trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers. The action by the NBA which own the New Orleans franchise at the time remains an ‘itch I can’t scratch’ as a Lakers fan. Monday evening Dwane Casey was named NBA coach of the year.
Tuesday morning I heard a
member of the media claim, ‘It’s an
embarrassment to the NBA Dwane Casey named coach of the year and he’s fired.’
I would be the first one to admit this is not a usual circumstance, an
embarrassment…. no way. In the Chris
Paul trade (and you might think of another instance) the NBA was directly
involved in the issue. This is totally
different, Toronto management chose for whatever reason to fire Casey, the
embarrassment lies strictly with the Raptors and not the NBA.
What might have been
The photo on ESPN’s NBA page Monday evening was quite significant. If you didn’t see the photo Kevin Durant was on the left side of the frame, James Harden in the middle and Russell Westbrook on the right side. On Tuesday morning a different photo was displayed but it too contained all three of them. Durant, Harden and Westbrook in Thunder jerseys, my how time has brought about a change.
The photo on ESPN’s NBA page Monday evening was quite significant. If you didn’t see the photo Kevin Durant was on the left side of the frame, James Harden in the middle and Russell Westbrook on the right side. On Tuesday morning a different photo was displayed but it too contained all three of them. Durant, Harden and Westbrook in Thunder jerseys, my how time has brought about a change.
Durant has been NBA Finals
MVP twice in a Warriors jersey, Monday evening Harden was named regular season
MVP. We cannot overlook the fact
Westbrook was NBA MVP in 2017. Three
MVP’s but only Westbrook remains a member of the Thunder. Harden Sixth Man of the Year in 2011-12
likely wanted starter minutes, he would be traded to the Rockets after the
season, in 2016 Durant ‘walked away’
signing a 2-year free-agent contract with the Warriors.
Tough work proved key
Landry Shamet arrived on the Wichita State campus not highly touted. It wasn’t the fact this Kansas City native couldn’t play the game he had to work harder to out tough and outperform those in front of him. It didn’t help his caused, he was red shirted his freshman year due to injury. This setback must have caused him to work even harder eventually he would become the starting guard for the Shockers. On June 21 the Sixers made Shamet the 25th pick in the first round. As a late first round draft pick there is no guarantee he earns a roster spot, based on his past I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable saying he ain't making it. He’s got two advantages, he’s 6 feet 5 inches tall and his work ethic. A shout out to Park Hill High School where Shamet honed a portion of his basketball skill.
Landry Shamet arrived on the Wichita State campus not highly touted. It wasn’t the fact this Kansas City native couldn’t play the game he had to work harder to out tough and outperform those in front of him. It didn’t help his caused, he was red shirted his freshman year due to injury. This setback must have caused him to work even harder eventually he would become the starting guard for the Shockers. On June 21 the Sixers made Shamet the 25th pick in the first round. As a late first round draft pick there is no guarantee he earns a roster spot, based on his past I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable saying he ain't making it. He’s got two advantages, he’s 6 feet 5 inches tall and his work ethic. A shout out to Park Hill High School where Shamet honed a portion of his basketball skill.
