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 10th 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,
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.
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 28th, 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.
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 28th, 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
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
