Basketball from a fans perspective

Greg Oden and Jimmer Fredette
A player could have an outstanding college career and a not so successful NBA career.  One was curtailed due to injury the other was just not talented enough; the names are Greg Oden and Jimmer Fredette.  Oden from Ohio State was viewed as such a talent he was made the number one pick in 2007.  One NBA scout even stated “Oden was the second coming of Bill Russell” figuring his defense was that outstanding.  The Blazers chose Oden figuring the 7-foot prospect would eventually lead them to an NBA championship.  Then injuries sat in, setback after setback that led Oden to professional play in China. 

Oden would eventually retire from the NBA after playing but 105 games without ever playing a full season.  Injuries curtailed what many believed was a promising NBA career.  Unlike Oden Jimmer Fredette continues play, he’s a member of the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association.  In 2011 Fredette was the 10^th pick by the Kings in the first round, later he played for the Bulls, Pelicans, the G-League Knicks and the Knicks.  Fredette was a shooting guard at BYU and a point guard in the NBA unable to transfer the game he demonstrated in college to the NBA.  It’s not fair but often we measure a player’s career against an NBA career which often is totally unfair.  Injuries and talent so very often impact progress at the next level. 

They are better than the Clippers (in print)  
After LeBron James signed I wrote the Lakers might now be the best team in Los Angeles.  If we believe Frank Urbinia in Hoopshype the Lakers are better than the Clippers at least at the point.  The writer provided us his list of the Top 30-point guards in the NBA for 2018-19.  Urbinia began with the Clippers Patrick Beverly, he ranked Beverly at number 30.  You can read his list and agree or disagree with his order,

I focused on Lakers versus Clippers.  Laker back-up Rajon Rondo was listed at 28 and Lonzo Ball number 16.  If we believe Urbinia the starter and back-up for the Lakers is better than Beverly or anyone backing him up.  We now turn to CBSSports.com’s NBA page and Chris Barnewall.  The writer provides us his take on NBA Power Rankings, he indicates the Lakers are number 10 in his poll while the Clippers are listed at 17.  Don’t yell and scream at me I didn’t write either account I’m only the messenger.   

This is news because…….
He stands 7 feet 3 inches tall which provides the foundation for this account.  His name is Naheem McLeod and this 230-pound center will be entering his senior year at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in August.  His high school is in Plymouth Meeting (PA) a city about 20 miles north-northwest of Philadelphia.  YouTube video of McLeod is available however I’m always somewhat skeptical of video for a couple of reasons. 

I’m not stating he can’t play just the fact he’s likely faced few challengers in high school on the offensive or defensive end near or close to his height.  McLeod might be easily 5 or 6 inches taller than most of the competition he’s faced thus far.  One sure thing you’d better believe Jay Wright of Villanova has seen McLeod in action because Villanova is located only 6 miles from Plymouth Meeting.  Don’t be too shocked if this budding talent remains at home.    

Blocked shots
How about this, the single-game block shots record in the NBA has lasted 45 years.  I’ve said never say never however this record is unlikely to be broken.  There are numerous NBA records that could be eclipsed however this is not one.  The Lakers Elmore Smith had 17 blocked shots in an October 28^th, 1973 game against the Blazers.  Smith had a triple-double in 48 minutes of action he scored 12 points and pulled down 16 rebounds.  As for others with double-digit blocked shots.

Manute Bol 15 blocks twice
Shaquille O’Neal 15 blocks
Elmore Smith 14 blocks twice 
Mark Eaton 14 blocks twice
6 players with 13 blocks
17 players with 12 blocks

Basketball from a fans perspective

Basketball shoes
Gone are the days of Chuck Taylor, so too with the Magic Johnson/Larry Bird Converse All Stars.  Converse is no longer Converse, Nike purchased the company several years ago.  The Big Boys now are Nike, the Jordan Brand, Adidas and Under Armour.  Puma once a player has returned to the market place and a brand-new entry Li Ning has entered too.  While several manufacturers are producing basketball shoes Nike and the Jordan Brand sit comfortably in first place.  In the last year we’ve witnessed LaVar Ball and his Big Baller Brand shoe line enter the market. 

Entertainer Kanye West had Adidas casual sneakers in his inventory but decided to add a basketball shoe to his Yeezy shoe line.  No shoe is going to produce an NBA player, talent and work ethic will lead to a career beyond college.  The BBB and Yeezy brand shoes are highly overpriced, if you have enough disposable income to purchase shoes costing more than $500.00 so be it.  If you purchase any shoe brand expecting it to enhance your game better forget that, instead of working on your moves on the court moves to a text book might be more essential.

It’s time to look northward again (in my opinion)
The Grizzlies left Vancouver in 2001 after arriving as an expansion team in 1995, there are residents reading this likely agitated all over again but consider this fact.  I don’t hold a grudge against the NBA for moving the Kings, it was ownership applying for the move the league simply approved it.  What about attendance you ask, well the expansion Grizzlies like other expansion teams was not very good.  Fans have difficulty plopping down their hard-earned wages to see a continuous loser.  The population base is certainly large enough to make a go of it, the metro is nearly 2.5 million folks so that issue is addressed, you claim hockey is king in Canada. 

The NHL is king and will always remain the number one sport in Canada but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for another sport.  Okay I realize Toronto is on the other end of the nation, the Raptors appear to be doing okay despite competing for the dollar with the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.  The Grizzlies exit might have left a sour taste in many mouths however this is a different age.  Seattle might be first in line for an NBA expansion team and Vancouver might be second ahead of Las Vegas in many eyes.  Rogers Arena home of the Grizzlies opened in 1995 so it should be adequate

I’m going to pick a fight
A group of former Mizzou and Kansas players participated in a charity game recently.  I thought how nice if the schools would play one another again during the regular season.  Every time I mention the subject I receive the same response from Kansas fans no matter who I mention it to.  “It’s a lose-lose scenario for Kansas, there is no benefit for Kansas to play Missouri.  If Kansas wins people will say they were supposed to win. 

Should Missouri win it becomes important to their program.”  It’s interesting to me, the statement sounds like the one I hear about Wichita State.  This is also one I’ve heard, “If Mizzou makes the NCAA tournament Kansas would be forced to play them.”  Mizzou basketball is on the upswing but the two schools possibly meeting in the NCAA is slim and not likely.  Bill Self refuses to schedule either team, this view is not likely to change if Self is coach.  Kansas fans don’t like to hear this, basketball has been so much more successful than football an athletic director would not dare cross Self. 

Are we there yet?
“Easy for Clippers to rebuild” not my words but those of Doc Rivers coach of the Clippers.  He claims, “it’s much harder to re-build after winning an NBA championship.”  Doc’s an NBA coach I’m only a fan and blogger however his statement certainly requires clarification.  I’ve gone on record indicating I’m not exactly sure of the coaching qualities of Rivers.  Sure, he won an NBA championship as mentioned on several occasions.  It’s also been pointed out that was a perfect storm, three eventual HOF players Garnett, Allen and Pierce.  It’s easy, no let’s just say it’s not as difficult coaching this trio if all were early in their NBA careers.  Back to the subject, the rebuild has begun, after drafting two-point guards in June young Rivers was traded. 

Center DeAndre Jordan was lost through free-agency to the Mavs.  Marcin Gortat arrives via the Rivers trade.  Gortat is okay however this is a step backward in my view.  Tobias Harris is a keeper at the power forward and so is Danilo Gallinari if he can manage to remain healthy for a complete season.  Patrick Beverly will lead at the point, but he too is step down from Chris Paul.  Avery Bradley at the shooting guard is good, other than Lou Williams the remainder of the reserves are serviceable but certainly none of them strike fear in the heart of opponents.  I’m going to disagree with the esteem coach, he can check around the NBA and see how the Bucks, Bulls and Lakers have progressed.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

“Aircraft carrier”
Several of the world’s navies contain aircraft carriers most of us are familiar with the term.  If it’s used in basketball we might not be too sure of the reference.  Dick Vitale long-time ESPN/ABC analyst always refers to 7-foot big men as “aircraft carriers.”  We must guess Vitale uses this reference since the largest ships in today’s navy are carriers.  Balsa Koprivica a 7 foot 1-inch 240-pound forward from Serbia is on Mizzou’s radar.    It’s been a considerable number of years since Mizzou recruited a player this tall and it just might occur. 

Koprivica attends Montverde Academy in Montverde Florida 27 miles or so from downtown Orlando.  Mizzou assistant Cornell Mann has closely followed the progress of Koprivica, it’s not clear whether an offer has been made.  According to Rivals.com the number 59 prospect in the Class of 2019 has over 15 offers waiting for him.   Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona are just a few of the high-profile schools with Koprivica on their list of prospects.  It would be quite a coup if Koprivica chooses Mizzou with all the competition that might be questionable.           

He’s signed, sealed and delivered
The Rockets signed Clint Capela to a 5-year contract, the 6-foot 10-inch Capela was a restricted agent it was highly unlikely he was headed elsewhere.  We have traveled a great distance in a short span of time, a late first round pick in 2014 Capela was extremely raw.  The Rocket center was forced to spend time in the G-League developing his game.  Once he returned to the Rockets he was backup to Dwight Howard until the latter was traded to the Hawks.  Management would never admit this; did they possibly foresee the future potential of Capela?  Enough promise they were willing to part ways with Howard?  As for Capela he just had his 24^th birthday in May and should continue his NBA growth into the future.             

Combo guards
The term ‘combo guard’ has come into our vocabulary over the last several years.  My definition of the term is simple, a guard who can score as easily as passing the basketball.  I thought for a moment haven’t a number always been combo guards?  I decided to research the question and look back in NBA history for an answer.  Celtic Bob Cousy was considered a magician with the basketball.  His nearly 8 assist career average also included an 18.4 point per game average.  We think of Oscar Robertson as a scorer (25.7 ppg) however his numbers include a 9.5 assist average.  The same statement might be said for Laker great Jerry West, his 27 points per game is outstanding but so is his 6.7 assist per game average. 

How about Tiny Archibald who led the NBA in scoring and assist one season.  His career numbers nearly 19 points and 7.4 assists per game.  Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier was a valued leader for the Knicks back in the day, helped them to win two NBA championships.  Clyde could score (18.9 points per game) but his 6.1 assists per game indicate he could dish the rock too.  There are others from the past, but I’ll stop here, consider this fact.  Combo guards have always existed the difference the Curry’s and Westbrook’s of the NBA have often become their team’s primary scorers, the offense operates outside-in rather than inside-out.  Combo guard is common usage today; however, I believe they have always existed.   

The upcoming college basketball season   
I predict the 2018-19 college basketball season will be just as exciting as the preceding one.  Several the athletes will perform as expected, in addition a ‘Trae Young’ type will burst on the scene and cause us to wonder why we didn’t know.  Fans love to chant ‘We’re number one, we’re number one’ but who is number one?  We can’t determine that fact until play begins, often the number one team in the nation will not be the one on the last poll prior to the NCAA tournament.  With that I still believe it’s fun to see what pollsters think, this is a glimpse of several.com sites.  

NBCSports.com, Yahoo.com and SI.com-Kansas Jayhawks

CBSSports.com, ESPN.com-Kentucky Wildcats

A Cinderella team like Chicago Loyola last season is likely to make a run but fall short of the championship. The again the champion could be Michigan, Duke, Xavier, North Carolina or some other team might come to the forefront and displace Kansas or Kentucky.    

Basketball from a fans perspective

Sorry Kansas fans, my oversight
In yesterday’s edition of Words eye view the Border War was profiled existing in the past between Kansas and Missouri.  During the American Civil War Union defenders of Columbia Missouri nicknamed themselves Tigers, it was their furious desire to defend the town.  They had been informed Confederate forces were marching on the town to take charge.  Years later sports teams at Mizzou would adopt Tigers as the school’s sport symbol.  I failed to mention the Kansas mascot Jayhawks.  “Jayhawkers was originally a term for United States Civil War guerrilla fighters, later applied generally to residents of Kansas.”  Several decades later it would be shortened to Jayhawk and would be adopted by the school’s sports team as their symbol.    

Wikipedia  

The arena has a name
On Thursday the Bucks announced the name of the arena, Fiserv signed a 25-year naming rights agreement.  The arena will be known as Fiserv Forum and is in downtown Milwaukee.  In addition to serving as home for the Bucks the arena will also serve other entertainment venues in the city.  Fiserv Inc. is a provider of financial services technology solutions.  

Gotham City crew 
I remember reading once the NBA required a winning team in New York City, the largest city in the nation practically demanded a playoff contending team.  Those of us who follow the sport are aware the Knicks have not been consistent winners since the days of Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Pat Riley.  Maybe the Knicks are on the road to become respectable again.  In May we featured the front office changes for the Knicks, this was culminated by the hire of head coach David Fizdale.  How serious is Fizdale you ask, he and his wife flew to Latvia to meet with Porzingis and family.  After the June draft are the Knicks on the road to respectability?  We certainly hope so.  Kevin Knox received a welcome draft night, he was treated to a chorus of boos by the majority Knick audience. 

As with any rookie he’s rough around the edges however summer played proved the 6-foot 9 inch forward given time should be a presence in the Knick lineup.  Next up is Mitchell Robinson, it was hoped by this writer the 7-foot 1-inch center would fall to the Lakers.  His summer league numbers proved he was ready, 13 points 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots a game.  After sitting out a year no one was sure what he might bring to the court.  He’s got a motor that never stops which makes him an asset.  Knox and Robinson are listed as reserves on the Knicks depth chart certainly understandable.  With a healthy Kristaps Porzingis returning and these rookies maybe the Knicks can make noise in the east.  If they competed for a playoff berth it would be a feat that’s been missing for Knick teams over the past few years.  

The record
On Thursday we covered Lou Williams assessment of the Clippers for the upcoming season.  Williams indicated his belief the Clippers remain superior to the Lakers despite the addition of LeBron James to the Lakers.  Last season, the Clippers finished with a 42-40 record and the Lakers were 35-47.  A 7-game difference in the win column is a great deal closer than prior years, the point was to provide you the record.

What if?
Instead of the Hornets drafting Kobe Bryant it would have been the Nets making the choice.  The Nets with John Calipari head coach worked out Kobe in preparation for the draft, the story was Calipari thought highly of the drills and was prepared to draft him.  “He who hesitates loses”, the Nets had the 8^th pick in the draft and when it came their turn they “blinked” then chose Kerry Kittles over Kobe. 

This is certainly no knock on Kittles, the slender guard had a 10-year NBA career averaging 14.1 ppg average.  The belief at the time Kobe didn’t want to play for the Nets but consider this fact.  The Hornets took a chance drafting him at 13 and for all intents and purpose it was believed he would be in Charlotte to begin his NBA career.  Later the Lakers would trade center Vlade Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and the rest as they say is history.  Kobe will be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in the next few years, what if he’d been drafted by the Nets?  He would enter the hall as a member of the Nets......maybe.    

Basketball from a fans perspective

Okay, you say this is a change?
When is change not really a change?  It occurs at the time Nike designs the Lakers new jerseys.  In advance of the July 31 roll out sports outlet Modell has the jerseys displaced ahead of the date.  The change, from the photo the jerseys appear more yellow than gold, the home jerseys were not displayed so hopefully they remain purple.  The top is certainly a throw-back, the tops used since 1999 were V-neck styling and more of a shirt look.  As for the balance of the jersey it appears a return to the days of Magic Johnson, the jersey has more of an undershirt styling the V-neck is gone. 

And still more
The Las Vegas Invitational was first played in 2000, for 2018 the tournament contains an outstanding mix, ACC, Pac-12, Big 10 and Big 12 are represented by North Carolina, UCLA, Michigan State and Texas.  The tournament will be held in the Orleans Arena November 22-23 in Las Vegas. 

Border War
Kansas and Missouri fought over the issue of slavery and much later the schools battled in sports.  The two states which share a border battled back and forth prior to the Civil War and during it.  Lawrence Kansas home of the university was burned to the ground by Confederate William Quantrill in 1863.  Slavery was not permitted in Kansas although neighboring Missouri was a slave holding state.  Missouri did not secede from the union as other southern and border states had done.  Battles were fought in Missouri by both sides, Union defenders of Columbia (home of Mizzou) gathered a group of volunteers to defend the city hearing Confederate forces were marching on the town.  The defenders of Columbia dubbed themselves the “Tigers” which later became the symbol for the university athletic teams. 

The border fighting was likely the beginning of the animosity that existed between the two states.  This moved into the realm of athletic competition, Kansas and Missouri were rivals in the Big 12 Conference and its predecessor.  The two schools were rivals for 100 years until Mizzou left for the SEC after the 2012 season.  July 25, 2018 the SEC Network telecast the last Kansas game played at Mizzou Arena which occurred February 4, 2012.  Mizzou won the game 74-71 thanks to the efforts of Marcus Denmon’s 29 points.  Mizzou’s small lineup had the 6-foot 6-inch Kim English guarding 7-foot Jeff Withey, English finished the game with 18 points and Withey registered a goose egg.  Kansas was led in scoring by Thomas Robinson with 25 points and Tyshawn Taylor with 21.  What a game by both teams, too bad they no longer play one another. 

Their pulpit
In his infinite wisdom from his pulpit (television camera) Stephen A. Smith delivers his sermon.  “If Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka fail to sign LeBron James or Paul George the summer will be a failure.”  Basketball 101 as delivered by Reverend Smith as does Colin Cowherd, Jason Whitlock and host of others.  They deliver their daily sermons inspired by their own thoughts and viewpoint.  I say to them and others, “If you are so doggone smart why are you sitting in front of a television camera you should be running a franchise.”  There is a reason they are members of the media, they haven’t a clue how to function in the role. 

Sure, they know a little basketball however it’s strictly from a fans perspective and perhaps those athletes they manage to befriend.  The Lakers where are on the road to a .500 season without LeBron or George, they gained LeBron and lost George.  Magic and Pelinka were brought in owner Jeanie Buss because her brother and Mitch Kupchak had lost the way.  Now Smith is trying to convince us missing out on one of those free-agents will doom the Lakers to mediocrity, I don’t think so.  These guys need to wake up and discover the world does not revolve around their thoughts and opinions, they can be as wrong as two left shoes however they rarely admit. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

If you don’t know, you don’t know
NBA teams are announcing ________has been signed to a two-way contract.  What exactly is a two-way contract, I’m glad you asked me.  “NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players with four or fewer years of NBA service are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.”

NBAGleague.com

Tournaments, tournaments and more tournaments
For the 8^th year November 21-23 to be exact the Battle for Atlantis 2018 is scheduled.  The tournament will be held at Paradise Island Bahamas.  Just another excuse for us in changing climates to head for warmer weather.  In any event it should be a good tournament.

Wisconsin
Florida
Virginia
Butler
Dayton
Stanford
Oklahoma
Middle Tennessee

Lou Williams says
“The Clippers are still better than the Lakers.”  That's the statement by sharpshooting Lou Williams.  He's played for both teams, he should be a voice of authority except there are questions.  Lou might be discussing the previous edition Clippers team, the one with Blake Griffin. DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul key to the team’s success.  I hate to admit as a Laker fan, but those Clippers were better than my Lakers, I seriously doubt if any Laker fan would disagree with that.  Replacing Griffin at the power forward is Tobias Harris a steady player however I’m unsure at this point if he’s better than Griffin. 

The power forward position is a draw in my view.  Next up the “Polish Hammer”, Marcin Gortat has replaced Jordan at center, a down grade in my view.  Finally, at point is Patrick Beverly followed by a host of backups wanting to replace him.  Beverly is good, Beverly ain’t no Chris Paul however.  He might be slightly better defensively than Paul however in scoring and assists he comes in behind Paul, down grade.  As I see it we have one draw and two positions reflecting down grades.  Other than Lou Williams the reserves are steady but not scary.  With LeBron in the Lakers lineup I’m gonna call this match a draw until we begin season play. 

The last stop? 
Dwight Howard signed his contract with the Wizards, they become his 4^th team in 4 years.  We certainly cannot figure out the issue, if we look at his numbers he’s been a double-double man at every stop since he left the Magic.  The Hawks, Hornets, Nets and Wizards all must had reasons for moving Howard. At age 32 is this the last stop for Howard, we must wait to determine an answer to that question.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Paradise Jam
I’m unsure if I mentioned this pre-season tournament earlier, if you’ve already noted it that’s okay too.  The reference is the Paradise Jam Tournament to be held November 16-19 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, below are the participating schools.

Oregon State
Old Dominion
Mizzou
Northern Iowa
Penn
Eastern Kentucky
Kansas State  

Hawaii sounds nice about now
In November the nations weather begins a gradual change, it’s still late fall however mountainous portions of the nation are already experiencing winter weather.  In Kansas City the high temperature is around 50+ degrees however snow sometimes totaling several inches has been recorded in Midwest Kansas City.  With that statement in mind the balmy temperature of Hawaii would sound nice around this time.  If one is a college basketball fan it might be even better, warm weather plus a competitive field in the Maui Invitational Tournament.  The tournament will be held November 19-21 in Maui, Hawaii.  Below are the invited teams. 

Arizona
Auburn
Duke
Gonzaga
Illinois
Iowa State
San Diego State
Xavier

This is far too early
You might not have seen the photo or read the account, the ESPN.com NBA page questions if Luka Doncic or DeAndre Ayton are the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year.  Their disclaimer is it could be someone else.  It is far too early to make these types of predictions in my view.  We’ve yet to see Doncic on the court we believe he’s a talent, until we see him in action he is a large question mark.  On the other hand, we witnessed Ayton in action during summer league play, he looked good, but questions remain on him as well. 

I would hold off making any wild predictions at least until play begins.  Although many are still arguing over the decision Ben Simmons was thought to be the leader for 2018 and he did win ROY.  2017 was a different story, nobody had any idea in advance.  I’d bet money right now unless you live in the NBA city or a fan of the college he attended you have no idea who won.  He attended the University of Virginia, if I give you anymore hints such as the city you’ll guess his name.  Here goes, it’s Malcom Brogdon of the Bucks I knew you didn’t remember.  

It might not appear ethical
The writer and even the publication escape me, I doubt if it was a major publication.  You might remember I wrote of a NYC author who pointed to Mizzou and its recruitment of the Porter brothers.  He attempted to paint a picture how unethical it was the school first hired the father and later the brothers committed.  I’m unsure of the writer’s intent however it’s clear he did little if any research before publishing his critical account of Mizzou basketball.  I wrote this hiring of fathers has occurred for a very long time, the Porter connection was not the first time.  We might travel back to 1967 and Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich.  He enrolled at LSU and would play for Press Maravich his father.  Another example, Ed Manning was hired as an assistant coach by Larry Brown at Kansas in 1983, the following year son Danny enrolled at Kansas. 

Manning would later lead the Jayhawks to the 1988 NCAA Championship.  That’s but one example of father assistant coach and son(s) college athletes.  Southern Cal added Eric Mobley to their coaching staff, he has two 5-star son’s, Isaiah a 6-foot 9 inch forward in the Class of 2019 brother, Evan is a 7-foot forward and Class of 2020 prospect. The brothers have committed to Southern Cal, was it due to their father, probably.  Anything unethical about this move, not in my book as indicated this type of arrangement has occurred time and time again.  Careful who you receive your information from, a number in the media love to stir up controversy while others plain don’t know what they are talking about. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

“A broken clock is correct twice a day”
On hearing the news LeBron James intended to sign with the Lakers LaVar Ball said, “Lonzo is going to make LeBron a better player.”  LaVar’s claims caused me to laugh out loud, he’s so full of himself sometimes it’s difficult to separate the caw-caw from the truth.  Later I thought “Maybe he does have a point.”  We’ve watched Lebron enough to know he wants his teammates to take shots.  He’s always been more of a point forward than a traditional small or power forward.  I thought about LaVar’s comment a moment, distributing the basketball for the most part has been LeBron’s responsibility. 

He’s played with a number of shoot first point guards (Kyrie Irving, Larry Hughes) throughout his career, I could not think of a genuine point guard that is until now.  Ever what you might say about Lonzo Ball his preference is to pass first and shoot second.  In addition, he might relieve LeBron on some of the ball-handling responsibilities.  It should be advantageous for LeBron once reserves are in the lineup, Rajon Rondo has always been a pass first shoot second point guard too.   There will be kinks to work out however I hate to admit it but LaVar might be correct this one time.    

Dirk
I’m echoing a statement I once heard, “Anytime you are known by one name you are truly a star.”  In the entertainment industry it might be Madonna, Michael or little sister Janet.  In sports it’s Serena, LeBron, Kobe and Larry just to name a few.  So, it is with Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavs, if you say the name Dirk we know it’s a reference to the sharpshooting forward.  Dirk was made the 9^th pick by the Bucks in 1998.  The Mavs had worked out a deal in advance of the draft to acquire Dirk’s draft rights. 

Consider this fact he was chosen in a period when Euro players were still considered questionable in some circles.  That thought did not exist with the Mavs Don Nelson, he believed Dirk was a diamond in the rough.  Dirk just signed a contract and will return to the Mavs for season number 21.  At the age of 40 this is likely his last agreement, the next stop for him will be the Naismith Hall of Fame.  He will join Kobe as one of the few NBA players to spend his entire career with one team. 

Warning, this is not complete
The headline is intended to infer just what it states.  The basis, for the last few months we’ve read and heard about proposals for legalized gambling on college sports.  Nowhere is this scarier to me than with basketball.  1951, 1960 and 1979 were the years major point shaving scandals occurred in the college game.  The sport receives a black-eye, and many believe it will never occur again and then bam!  I don’t know enough about sports gambling to argue pro or con however this is what I believe. 

It is practically impossible to point-shave in any major college sports other than basketball.  Team A is supposed to beat Team B by X number of points, a makeable shot is missed which determines the outcome.  Did the player miss on purpose, we have no idea unless he confesses?  I know I’m making this too elementary, but I hope you get the point.  There are gambling interest at work as we speak, they have always bet on college basketball.  If legislation passes they will be able to do this legally which I have a concern.   

It’s funny
Last time I checked NBA basketball remains a team sport.  Despite this fact there are fans who downright refuse to give credit where it’s due.  Example, Adam Morrison has two NBA championship rings, what did he accomplish for the Lakers?  Other than occupying a spot next to an assistant coach not much.  Former Hall of Fame player Charles Barkley has 0 rings does this fact make Morrison more valuable than Barkley?  Of course not, right place---right time plus talent and ability.  There are fans who refuse to give Kevin Durant credit for his two NBA championships.  Could the Warriors have won without Durant, of course they could but he provided the “topping on the cake.” 

We’ve heard similar comments about Kobe Bryant, “He won because of Shaq and later Pau Gasol.”  That’s only partially true, despite their view Kobe was a tremendous talent and key to Laker championships.  He didn’t accomplish the wins alone there were valued teammates and reserves.  Kyrie Irving was drafted after LeBron left for Miami, although he is quite talented he didn’t win.  Once LeBron returned the Cavs were able to win a championship for Cleveland.  Nobody wins a championship alone you need help from your teammates.  We need look no further than the 2018 NBA championship for evidence of this fact.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

The ball bounces the same all over    
NBA talent arrives from all over the nation, from the largest enrolled school to the smallest in the nation.  We witness talent from Kentucky, UCLA, Duke and North Carolina arrive annually.  Talent comes from mid-major schools every year. The league is devoid of NAIA talent however smaller Division I or II basketball players abound.  There is no desire to place these names in any kind of order, just say they are very talented.  Behind their name is the college and present NBA team. This list by no means should be considered complete nor is it in any order.  Check it out.    

Robert Covington-Tennessee State, Sixers
C.J. McCollum-Lehigh, Blazers
George Hill-IUPUI, Cavs
Hassan Whiteside-Marshall, Heat
Courtney Lee-Western Kentucky, Knicks
Paul Milsap-Louisiana Tech, Nuggets
Paul George-Fresno State, Thunder
Kawhi Leonard-San Diego State, Raptors
Damian Lillard-Weber State, Blazers
Steph Curry-Davidson, Warriors

Nope, ain’t gonna do it
The Warriors have won 3 of the last 4 NBA championships, this was back to back.  If not for Draymond Green they may have won 4 in a row but that’s another story.  Speaking of stories, we now begin the comparison of the Warriors.  We compare them to the Russell led Celtics of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, the Showtime Lakers or the Bad Boy Pistons, maybe the Tim Duncan Spurs.  Did I forget anyone, these Warriors are good, but I don’t compare them to any team except themselves?  Each of the teams mentioned played in a different era, they still shot the ball in the basket and contested for rebounds. 

They block opposing players out and blocked shots, they assisted on baskets and 1001 other things.  Could Bill Russell or Sam Jones play on the 2018 version of the Warriors, you bet they could.  The same might be said for Larry Bird, Kareem or David Robinson, they could play because that’s what superstar athletes do.  At the same time, we might teleport Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and company back to any of the periods mentioned and they would be able to play at the same high skill level.  Stop trying to compare, its enjoyable conversation but certainly not a practical exercise.  Just my thoughts, doesn’t make them correct.    

There is talk again, this time not from me
There is talk (and it’s just that) about Kansas City securing an NBA team.  Kansas City resident Jarrett Sutton an NBA scout claims a group of people are working on this effort.  I’m not going to bore you with the Sutton details although there was an interesting twist to the story, the proposed team name. It was discussed the NBA team should be named the Monarchs.  

For those who might be unaware the name Monarchs has long been associated with Kansas City and the Negro Leagues of a by-gone era.  The Negro Leagues baseball museum is located in the city and in the 18^th and Vine Jazz District.  No requirement to purchase tickets the reported time-frame is 5-7 years from now.  At this point this is all speculation however it would prove quite interesting if this should prove fruitful.  Kansas City in the NBA once again.   

High school powers   
You know them, those college teams that are at the top or near there every season.  Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and North Carolina, there are others I may have omitted but you get the idea.  There are high school powers too…. These teams attract talent from all over the nation and world.  You are just as familiar with them as you are Kentucky, Duke and the others.  Two of them have closed now but sent several talented athletes to college and the NBA.   

Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV
Findlay Prep, Henderson, NV
Mater Dei, Santa Ana, CA
Montverde Academy, Montverde, Fl
Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, VA  
Scott County Central, Sikeston, MO
DeMatha High School, Hyattsville, MD
IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
Sunrise Christian Academy, Wichita, KS 
St. Anthony, Jersey City, NJ (Closed 2017)
Power Memorial Academy, New York City (Closed 1984)  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Convince me
It’s a done deal, Kawhi Leonard is now a member of the Raptors.  Now the difficult part begins, the part that convinces him the city, fans and culture are worthy of an extension. Who do we call on first, how about the Raptors number one celebrity fan Drake, that might work.  We could ask comedian/actress Samantha Bee yes, she could be included in the group.  Funny man Jim Carrey might work if he was still funny, how about R&B artist Melanie Fiona in the group.

This is an attempt to inject humor into a serious situation.  The Raptors will not fall apart if Kawhi leaves however DeMar DeRozen might say, “See you should have kept me.”  Most important in all the names mentioned is Masai Ujiri president of the Raptors.  All the celebrities including number one fan Drake can cut no deals or sign not one check.  Ujiri is the key to whether Kawhi remains in Toronto or heads to the Lakers in 2020.  

Limited his scoring
We know Michael Jordan was prolific at scoring the basketball, it wasn’t his role at North Carolina.  There was a saying once he reached the NBA, “Who was the only guy to hold Michael Jordan under 20 points?”  The correct answer is Dean Smith his coach at North Carolina.  There is a high degree of probability Jordan was adhering to the team’s offense that limited his scoring. 

We might make the same statement about Laker rookie Svi Mykhailiuk, it’s only summer league however his scoring has been far above the level most of us expected.  Perhaps it was the same scenario his limited scoring was an adaption to Bill Self’s offense, we shall see once the regular season begins.  Please note I have no illusions Svi is going to turn into the next Michael Jordan, his offense has blossomed at the NBA level.  

I’m glad you ask me…….
How many knuckleheads can you have on one team?  That question cannot be answered until the season begins.  The Lakers might appear to be over the quota or I could be mistaken. My point is only based on past performances which is really the only method we must make a call.  They remain in the NBA because they can play outstanding at times, character issues have witnessed them moving from team to team.  Let’s begin with Lance Stephenson, the Lakers become only his second team.  We’ll adopt a wait and see attitude with him, as for the others we must do the same really. 

The Lakers become team number 6 for Rajon Rondo, he never could shoot but his 8.2 assists were 4^th in the league and he was in the top half of the NBA in steals.  Will Rondo adapt to a reserve role is the question.  Power forward Michael Beasley could walk into a gym without warming up and sink 9 baskets out of 12 shots.  Shooting has never been his issue as the Lakers become team number 7 for him.  Beasley has been noted for playing “matador” defense at times, the 15 points Beasley scores off the bench are no plus when his guy scores 20.  So, there you have it, the Lakers have three players on the roster who are “like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.”  

It ain’t over till it’s over
The bomb that was supposed to be dropped on college basketball has turned into a dud.  Sure, the FBI/Justice Department investigation is on-going but exactly what’s the outcome to date?  A small number of players have been declared ineligible, that same number of assistant coaches have either been terminated or in the case of Chuck Person arrested.  Subpoenas have been served at Maryland and Kansas we are yet to hear the outcome there.  Louisville fired Rick Pitino but that likely was a culmination of past events on top of this latest investigation.  Whispers about Sean Miller at Arizona paying DeAndre Ayton’s family but to date nothing has been proven.

I love the college game as much as the NBA, I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday.  I’ve known for years beneath the underbelly improprieties occur and will perhaps continue.  I question in our appetite for a story media might be guilty of embellishment and it’s not what we might first be led to believe?  Don’t get me wrong if there is evidence of wrongdoing please correct it.  In conclusion this is not over, maybe there is a smoking gun somewhere.  Thus far the evidence is not contained in what we seen thus far.  One additional note, the specter of legalized gambling truly concerns many.  History indicates it is far easier for a point guard to shave points than an NFL quarterback.