Basketball from a fans perspective

This is interesting

Michigan coach John Beilein interviewed for the Pistons job, this is an interesting development on several levels.  The NBA rarely contacts college coaches, over the years names like Coach K., Tom Izzo and Bill Self have been mentioned however I’m unsure if they interviewed.  Celtic coach Brad Stevens made the move and has been one of the few to taste success.  We could include Quin Snyder’s name in this account although there were a few pro stops after leaving Mizzou before achieving success with the Jazz.  Beilein’s Michigan teams are invited to the NCAA tournament every year, that should offer proof he can coach.  It should be interesting if the Pistons offer him the job and if he accepts it.  

Dennis Rodman 2.0  

Those old enough might remember Dennis Rodman, you might see a parallel in this comparison to the Warriors Draymon Green.  Rodman played for several NBA teams during his career, most remember him as a member of the NBA Champion Bulls alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.  The Warriors Draymond Green has “Dennis Rodman” tendencies” as you will see.  Both are 6-foot 7 inches tall, Rodman checked in at 220 pounds while Green is 230. 

Rodman was a superior rebounder, he sacrificed an offensive game for rebounds leading the league in that category for several years.  Green can rebound, he’s often in double figures but unlike Rodman has an offensive game superior to that of Rodman.  Rodman played tough defense and would often play mind games with his opponents, the same for Green.  The two are similar in the volatile department, Rodman generally led the led in technical fouls and the same could be said for Green.  Confrontations between opponents in Rodman’s era are no different in nature than those occurring today with Green.

No change

Commissioner Adam Silver says the NBA has no plans to change the parameters regarding qualification for Rookie of the Year.  You remember the argument this past season, several fans were arguing the Sixers Ben Simmons shouldn’t qualify as a rookie.  Simmons drafted in 2016 missed the season with an injury.  Several stated Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz should be ROY since he was drafted in 2017.  Two fans responded providing valid points.  “Remember Larry Bird was drafted but chose to remain at Indiana State” that’s a fact.  Bird drafted in 1978 didn’t begin play for the Celtics until 1979.  Another writer pointed to European players, “How about Euro players they are being paid which technically says they shouldn’t qualify for ROY.”  If the NBA has no issue with who qualifies why are we arguing over the issue?

Bits n Pieces 

With the draft fast approaching I thought to look back, in 2016 two players were drafted from the Peoples Republic of China.  In the second round and 43^rd pick the Rockets chose Zhou Qi, later in the round the Grizzlies chose Wang Zhelin with the 57^th pick.  The 7-foot 1-inch Qi earned a spot on the Rockets roster but rarely plays.  The 6 feet 10 Zhelin never left home and his future status is questionable. 

A few you might remember a mention of Nate Thurmond and his quadruple double.  While a member of the Bulls the Hall of Fame center scored 22 points along with 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocked shots.  This event occurred October 18, 1974 versus the Hawks, Thurmond was the first NBA player to accomplish the feat however others would follow.  Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon achieved the deed twice during his career. 

Feb 15, 1986 Alvin Robertson Spurs vs Suns 20 pts, 11 rebounds 10 assists 10 steals

Mar 3, 1990 Hakeem Olajuwon Rockets vs Warriors 29 pts, 18 rebounds 10 assists 11 blocks

Mar 29, 1990 Hakeem Olajuwon Rockets vs Bucks 18 pts 16 rebounds 10 assists 11 blocks

Feb 17, 1994 David Robinson Spurs vs Pistons 34 pts 10 rebounds 10 assists 10 blocks

Wow, Kawhi Leonard shows up at a Dodger game and everybody goes bananas. They add 2 + 2 but total 5, I know that addition is not correct but hold on a moment.  Before we conclude Kawhi is headed to the Lakers did you forget he grew up in the Greater Los Angeles area?  He’s simply returning home and must have decided to attend the baseball game.

Are they trolls out there whose sole purpose in life is to aggravate me?  These are actual letters regarding an NBA story.  “Haven’t watched nba in 5 years” and “Who cares it’s a boring sport when two teams make it to the finals 4 years straight.”  It’s okay with me however this is the portion I don’t understand.  I don’t follow the NHL, but I certainly don’t believe I have a duty to click onto an NHL story and then immediately offer criticism.  I don’t follow the NHL so why is it necessary to comment on it in a negative manner?