Basketball from a fans perspective

August 30, 2018
I wanted you to mark the date…. August 30, 2018 Stephen A. Smith and me in agreement.  What brought the two of us together, we are often on opposite ends of the spectrum on most occasions.  It was a statement by Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier that brought us together.  Broadcaster Clyde said, “There should be an asterisk next to Kevin Durant’s name.” 

Clyde said “He joined a team that really didn’t need him” so he echoed the comment I’ve heard in the barber shop since 2016.  Durant joined the Warriors a team that had just beaten his Thunder team for the NBA championship and he did this within weeks after losing the championship.  I’m certainly not going to detail Smith word for word however I totally agree with his take.  We love to take down champions, this effort by Clyde is simply one more.  As for Smith all I can do is laugh, this is one of those rare occasions we agree with one another.      

Trivia
You can stump your friends with this bit of trivia, “This franchise has changed names three times without once moving.”  What is the city and the present name of the team?  The Denver Larks were a charter member of the American Basketball Association, in the fall prior to beginning play (1967) the team name was changed to Rockets.  In 1974 the name was changed again, this time they became the Nuggets a name they retain to this day. 

Will he ever coach again?
Agree or not the world came crashing down on Rick Pitino October 16, 2017.  That was the date the University of Louisville fired the Hall of Fame coach.  His coaching resume is quite impressive apart from his tenure with the NBA Knicks and Celtics.  He’s won NCAA championships at Kentucky and Louisville although the latter has been vacated.  In 1,039 games his teams have won 647 of them.  This is but a tiny bit of the coaches outstanding resume yet, he remains unemployed. I’m not going to detail the story that got him fired you already know it, the university found cause to fire Pitino although he continues to maintain his innocence. 

Redemption and forgiveness are due everyone, Pitino will coach again however it will not be a high-profile program, it could even be at the NAIA level. Several years ago, a former coach was involved in a scandal of gigantic proportions.  Academic infractions, drug trafficking and a roster member murdered a teammate.  The coach tossed the player under the bus perhaps hoping the university and NCAA would stop short of him.  Well they didn’t stop, the “light of day” investigation revealed just how much this coach was involved to cover-up the events.  This coach was banned by the NCAA for a period unable to coach anyone’s team, he returned to coaching at the high school level because that’s the only job he was able to obtain.  Shorten version, that same coach after several struggling years is still coaching but at a less high-profile level college.        

Politics and sport
Off the top of my head I don’t remember, with few exceptions I’ve not included politics and sports often.  It’s out there and it’s recognized by me and others, the difference is in most instances it’s ignored.  I’ve always perceived Words eye view to be basketball, basketball and basketball.  In the history of the sport racial issues have been detailed which in a sense involve the politics of then and now.  This is reflective of a comment from LeBron James earlier, he said I “Didn’t feel right to stay silent on social issues.” 

Although this blog will continue to profile basketball I respect LeBron James and his take on social issues of the day.  Kobe Bryant in the recent past and Michael Jordan earlier took no position, they didn’t speak out on issues.  Sometimes there is no middle ground, several believe LeBron “should just bounce the basketball.”  Back then it was stated, “Why don’t Kobe or Michael speak on social issues?”  I respect the view of all, the right to speak and the right to remain silent. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Necessary work to be accomplished
NBADraft.net list Duke’s Zion Williamson as the number 3^rd pick in their 2019 mock draft.  I’ve questioned his game since I first saw him as a high school junior.  The flying dunks we witnessed on YouTube were spectacular and crowd pleasers.  At some point this fan began to ask the question, “Does he do anything beyond dunking the ball?”  His freshman year at Duke will be a huge test for the 6-foot 6-inch 285 pound forward.  His weight and athletic ability allowed him to intimidate at the high school level, Williamson must be willing to expand his game if he hopes to make it in the NBA.  I’m not hatin’ on this talented youngster, NBADraft.net says as much analyzing his talent. 

“Weaknesses: Although he hasn’t needed it at the high school level, he needs a more expanded half-court game as it will be predictable moving forward ... Often resorts to bully ball ... Struggles against a set defense ... May struggle against help defense at the highest level as he does a good job of getting into his defenders chest and clearing space ... Reading the game as a perimeter player will be an adjustment at the next levels ... A bit of a tweener as he lacks the perimeter game of a three and ideal size of a four … While he shows solid shooting mechanics, he doesn’t show much shooting or perimeter skills.”  I along with NBA scouts will be watching his development very closely this season. 

NBADraft.net

Convince me please
For several years, it’s been my belief you must live the sport.  It’s simple, media heads appear to judge if it’s sport EVERYONE can discuss it.  A totally untrue statement I think, one must live and breathe the sport literally.  The following is the example, ESPN’s “Get Up” appears to be a launch failure.  Co-host Michelle Beadle more closely identified with the NBA was M.I.A. whenever the subject turned to other sports. 

Beadle is now history and will return to her roots the NBA.  Co-host Mike Greenberg often mentions living in Chicago during the Jordan era, at times I’ve questioned some of his basketball conclusions.  None of us can be experts in all sports, I certainly have no expertise in media, but I have concluded this.  It doesn’t matter who you are or who you might be paired with working knowledge of the sport is required.  I believe I could discuss basketball college or the NBA at length.  Corner me on baseball, the NFL or NHL I’m lost.

Back to Back
We never discuss back to back NCAA champions anymore.  It’s simple they don’t exist, one and done athletes and others leaving early it’s an impossible task to repeat as champion.  Back in the day UCLA under John Wooden was often back to back to back to back to back.  That’s quite a few back to back’s but you get the general idea.  The last repeat champ was the Florida Gators who won in all in 2006 and repeated a year later.  We must travel back to 1991 and 1992 when the Duke Blue Devils were repeat champions.  UCLA won in 1965 and 1964 but dominated the tournament thereafter.  UCLA won the NCAA tournament from 1967 through 1973 a feat which never will be matched.       

In 1961 and 1962 the Cincinnati Bearcats were back to back champs and earlier the San Francisco Dons led by Bill Russell were winners in 1955 and 1956.  The first occurrence was 1945 and 1946 when Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) won consecutive championships.  Back to UCLA there were complaints about UCLA domination during this period.  It had nothing to do with grades, ineligible players or the like.  It was reported (never confirmed) businessman Sam Gilbert steered talent to the school by paying them.  We have no method of verification, coach John Wooden and Gilbert have since died.  Former Indiana coach Bobby Knight claimed UCLA cheated but clearly had no method or means to prove the alleged cheating.  As for this writer, “I’m from Missouri you’ve got to show me.”    

Basketball from a fans perspective

Traveling franchise
New Orleans certainly is not a hotbed for basketball, despite this fact the city has secured several franchises over the years.  The Buccaneers were a charter member of the American Basketball Association, they began play in 1967.  The franchise would only last three years before relocating to Memphis in 1970.  In 1974 NBA expansion found the city with another team, this time to tie in with the rich music history of the city this team was nicknamed Jazz.  Unfortunately, even adding LSU’s Pistol Pete Maravich could not save the franchise, in 1979 the team would move to Utah but retain the team name. 

One might wonder about the number of Jazz clubs that exist in Salt Laker City, just wondering. In the 2002-03 season then owner George Shinn moved his Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans retaining the nickname.  Due to Hurricane Katrina the franchise would spend two years in Oklahoma City before the next associated move would occur.  The expansion Charlotte Bobcats were born in 1988, in 2013 a name switcheroo occurred.  The team in New Orleans was re-branded the Pelicans and the Hornets name moved to Charlotte.  I hope I didn’t confuse you with all the moves, as you can see the cities had quite a few franchises over the years. 

“Bells”
Back in the day there was an adept back to the basket center named Walt Bellamy.  Although he’s in the Naismith Hall of Fame the passage of time has seen his star shine less brightly.  Bellamy or Bells as he was nicknamed arrived in the NBA from the University of Indiana.  The 6-foot 11-inch 245-pound Bellamy was made the number one pick by the Chicago Packers in 1961.  Before you say who, the Packers changed their name to the Zephyrs the following year.  The third year of the team’s existence they moved to Baltimore and were re-branded the Bullets who later moved again and became the Wizards. In any event Bells battled the other centers of the era Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Nate Thurmond. 

Maybe part of the problem his career numbers while good it’s been said he appeared take some nights off.  In his 13-year career he played for four NBA teams, his best years might have been spent as a member of the Atlanta Hawks.  Bells career numbers 20.1 points and 13.7 rebounds a game, he was among the first of the 20,000 points scorers despite an occasional “night-off.”  It was said Bells would constantly refer to himself in the third person, i.e. “Bells didn’t have any help tonight” or “The ball was snatched off the board by Bells and put back up for the winning shot. “Bells died in 2014 at age 74, Walt “Bells” Bellamy is one of the basketball names you should know. 

Where it all begins
College basketball talent arrives from small American towns, it also emanates from rural portions of the nation.  Those areas mentioned are the exceptions, a much larger percentage is from large urban areas.  The book is old by today’s standards having been published in 1970, despite this fact “The City Game, Basketball from the Garden to the Playgrounds” provided us confirmation of the concrete game.  A major portion of Pete Axthelm’s book dealt with the NBA championship run of the Knicks, the other portion the game at the amateur level.  A great deal of growth can also be attributed to AAU basketball, example Willie Cauley-Stein would likely not be in the NBA today if not for AAU. 

His move from tiny Spearville Kansas to Olathe and AAU allowed Cauley-Stein higher visibility.  There are urban areas the game was always high profile, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit might be examples.  Over the last uncounted years, we’ve witnessed the growth in places like Seattle, Denver and a few other metro areas.  Nowhere has the growth been more apparent than in the State of Texas.  Once if you said Texas, the next words out of someone’s mouth might be football but that is no longer the case.  In Texas specifically In the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro you could be referencing basketball to a significant portion of athletes in those areas. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Politics you say 
There are rare occasions when the world of sport is impacted by politics, this is one of those occasions.  One of the millions expressing condolences regarding Senator John McCain was Lauri Markkanen of the Bulls.  The Bulls forward tells the story at the time he was trying to obtain a student-visa the process got bogged down.  The former University of Arizona player indicated the senator’s office got involved and the issue was resolved.  Markkanen claims he will forever appreciate Senator McCain for helping him obtain his visa.  The intervention by the senator’s office allowed Markkanen to come to America and fulfill his dream of playing basketball.   

Our opinion is null and void
Consider this fact, I have no idea of the inter-workings of Kansas City Power & Light.  My only connection is to pay my bill when due and to report my power when it’s out.  I have no idea the duties of the CEO of KCP&L, should I have input into his hiring?  That is an unqualified no, I am not in the position of deciding who should become GM of the Sixers any more than who becomes CEO of KCP&L.  Where am I going with this story you ask?  Recently Stephen A. Smith offers us his input on the matter and you’ve got to believe his “inside sources” might provide him information however they cannot detail the day to day operations of a GM. 

Bryan Colangelo committed an act which caused him to be fired as Sixers GM, the team decided to terminate him.  In my view it’s certainly okay within reason to comment on the story.  Who replaces Colangelo should lie strictly with Sixers management alone and the opinion of Stephen A. Smith is not required.  For those who believe I might be picking on Smith that is not the intent, I’m simply attempting to point out there are times his view is valid even though I might not agree.  On other occasions he’s simply offering a view of a subject which is just that his view. 

It’s Official
Last Saturday I wrote of the retirement reports surrounding Manu Ginobili, on Monday it’s become official, Ginobili is leaving the game.  The Argentinian sharpshooter is retiring after 16 years, I cannot add anything to the written word expressed over the weekend except these tidbits, he was a 4X NBA Champion with the Spurs.  In addition, a reservation is already been placed in the Naismith Hall of Fame for this sharpshooter and skilled passer. 

Kobe Haters get over it
LeBron James is traveling China as this is written, according to reports this creates a dilemma for most Chinese fans.  Despite retirement Kobe Bryant remains the most popular NBA player in the nation.  Many in the country had feelings like mine, they recognize the greatest in LeBron however he is now in purple and gold.  How about that other guy, the one who wore number 8 and then 24?  Kobe has already gone on record stating his belief Laker fans here will adjust, those in China will likely do the same. 

Is this the year?
Bryce Drew is now in his 3^rd year as head coach at Vanderbilt, Drew was hired after an impressive record at his alma mater Valparaiso (65-19 in conference 124-49 overall).  A couple of thoughts from me, this institution is among many with above average academic standards.  To clarify my statement that’s not to say other schools don’t establish standards…. It just so happens Vanderbilt’s are much higher. 

According to my research the average GPA of an incoming freshman 3.76 on a 4.0 average, face facts several talented athletes simply don’t qualify at a Vanderbilt or other similar institutions.  Despite the high academic standards former coach Kevin Stallings managed to win impressively for over 15 years.  We cannot establish a time-frame for turning a basketball program around, there are several variables affecting success.  Three prospects on campus many believe will aid growth of the program and turn around last year’s 12-20 overall record.        

Basketball from a fans perspective

Todd Marinovich
Perhaps you’ve read as me, there are societies that believe instead of an upward plain we are in a circle.  Maybe that’s where the phrase, “What goes around comes around” might have originated.  I’ve always took the expression to mean whatever is done might come back to eventually bite you in the butt.  I thought about LaVar Ball and my belief he’s ruining his son’s despite his claim this is all done because he loves his son’s.  I don’t doubt he loves them however you can go overboard in this effort.  That might have been the case for Todd Marinovich as well, his father Marv a former football player was going to create this super football athlete.     

He began training his son at a very young age and the condensed version Marinovich never made it.  In an out of legal struggles through most of his adult life, he played briefly for the NFL Raiders, but it was the Canadian Football League and a series of teams.  At the age of 49 Marinovich is playing for the SoCal Coyotes a developmental team.  We cannot state point blank his father was responsible for his less than stellar career.  Todd Marinovich often made the choice and it turned out to be the wrong one.  I wonder if LaVar Ball has ever heard of Marv Marinovich?  If not, somebody needs to clue him in, protect your children, guide them but don’t overpower them.  We need look no further than Todd Marinovich as evidence. 

Voice of authority
Perhaps referring to J.J. Redick as the voice of authority might be an overstatement.  At the same time, he was front and center to “Lob City” while a member of the Clippers.  Redick claims locker room issues prevented the team from ever reaching the level many predicted.  Not the first-time ego played a part in a team not winning a championship.  In 2003 the Lakers added future Hall of Fame player Karl Malone to the roster.  He was joined by Gary “The Glove” Payton one of the all-time best point guards in NBA history. 

These two became part of a Laker team comprised of Shaq and Kobe, no way should this team ever lose.  Imagine three future Hall of Fame players in the same lineup yet they lost an NBA championship.  Sure, Malone was injured and missed the series however the Pistons still won 4 games to 1 and were crowned 2004 NBA champions.  The Pistons were a good team, they had to be in order to play for the championship.  On paper the Lakers were more than a good team they were a great team.  Oh well, as they often say, “You don’t play games on paper” just ask the Lakers. 

UCLA basketball
If you make a statement “UCLA” the first thought is likely winning basketball, the school is mentioned in the same breath as North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky and Kansas.  Interesting in that UCLA (probably due to history) is considered a blue-blood basketball program.  Consider this bit of information, UCLA has not won an NCAA championship since 1995.  Each of the programs mentioned have won since then in fact Duke and North Carolina have won at least two championships in the intervening years. 

UCLA has continued to attract talent, their record this past season was (21-12).  Fans, alumni and others expect more and perhaps this might be the year.  I’m not stating an NCAA Championship is in the future, but certainly improved play is expected, in fact the Bruins are projected to win the Pac-12 conference.  5-star prospect Moses Brown arrived from New York City, the 7-foot center is expected to move into the center position.  6-foot 10-inch Shareef O’ Neal son of Shaquille changed his mind regarding Arizona and decided in favor of UCLA.  

Playing for several years  
The Amateur Athletic Union or AAU traces its origin to 1888, play began at the high school level that same year.  The date mentioned is certainly long before we might first believe, we might have been familiar with AAU basketball at the collegiate or pro level.  As for high school it’s   probably the last 20 or so years we’ve witnessed the explosion of AAU basketball at the high school level.  How important is it you ask, depends on who you discuss the issue with?  It’s been said college coaches hate AAU basketball because they claim there is so little teaching. 

“AAU is killing high school basketball,” says Marcus Stout, a former standout at Fordham University who briefly played overseas and now teaches basketball fundamentals to youth. “It’s a necessary evil though. It’s good because it provides opportunities to players who might otherwise be overlooked, but it’s de-emphasizing the essence of the sport of basketball.”

In a Netflix documentary a father indicated “It was more important for his son to play AAU basketball over that of high school.”  Sounds strange, we’ve done almost a flip-flop but allow a further explanation.  A college assistant or head coach can scout only one player at a time in high school.  Attendance at selected AAU tournaments might allow a coaching staff to scout multiple numbers of players.  As the old folks once said, “It’s too late to lock the barn door after the animals’ escape.” With all the negatives associated with AAU basketball it is certainly here to stay. 

complex.sport.com/sports 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits n Pieces
Zaire Wade is a 6-foot 2-inch point guard, he’s a Class of 2020 prospect.  Although not highly publicized Wade’s received an offer from Nebraska.  He’s got some mighty big shoes to fill those of his famous dad Dwayne.  As for the fact young Wade is not highly touted it was pointed out neither was his dad at the same age.  Interesting one more instance of a son following his NBA dad.

I’ve checked out Mizzou’s schedule, unlike my promise of last season I intend to see a game in person.  Columbia is 150 miles from Kansas City, weeknight games except for Friday night are difficult for me and maybe other Kansas City and St. Louis residents.  The schedule looks friendly to my travel with a Friday night, Sunday and several Saturday games.  This time I’m headed to Columbia for sure.

Jeff Goodman is one of those voices I hear, this long-time basketball analyst has been quite accurate in his assessment of talent over the years.  He left ESPN this past June but made an interesting comment recently.  Goodman claims the network didn’t want him to cover the DOJ/FBI investigation of college basketball.  I touched on the investigation briefly however chose to pass on the story.  My reasoning was based on no conclusion, Goodman with more sources might have caused the network an issue.  Perhaps finance might have been the basis for ESPN curtailing any Goodman story.

Unlike the U.S. there is no high school basketball played in Europe.  That’s likely the reason  most European athletes turn pro at age 15 or 16.  It’s believed most join junior pro clubs, those skilled enough move up to the major club by the time they turn 17 or 18.  On the other hand a few venture here and play for American colleges, the Lakers Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine), the Bulls Lauri Markannen (Finland) and Laker Moe Wagner (Germany) are among those who chose to attend an American university first and later find their way to the NBA.   

Hup two, three, four 
A few of you might not be familiar with the headline, it’s a cadence count utilized by the military during marches to ensure every person is in step.  Bet you didn’t realize two of the most successful basketball coaches in history have a military background.  Mike Krzyzewski a.k.a. Coach K. was educated at the United States Military Academy at West Point (NY).  He played point and shooting guard on Army’s team, the coach would graduate in 1969, you know the balance of his biography. 

The Spurs Gregg Popovich holds a degree from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  Coach Pop a guard on the Air Force team would later graduate (1970) and served in the Air Force for a period after which he would began his coaching career.  I find this quite interesting two of the most successful basketball coaches on in the college ranks and the other in the NBA both have military backgrounds.  On the other hand, perhaps, you don’t believe it’s as noteworthy as I make it out to be.  

“Half-man, half-amazing”
Former NBA player turned TNT analyst Kenny Smith is the responsible party.  Vince Carter was anointed “half-man, half-amazing” by Smith at the time Carter arrived in the NBA in 1998.  His spectacular dunks were just that…. amazing.  Who can forget the dunk over Frederic Weiss in the 2000 Olympics?  Carter is now age 41, he doesn’t soar quite as high as he once did, but he still plays.  His latest stop Atlanta where he signed a 1-year contract.  He knows the end is in sight, a few weeks back while providing commentary Carter announced he was returning for the 2018-19 season.  He’s worn the jersey for several NBA teams, despite this fact he will be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.  He will always be Vince Carter, “half-man, half-amazing thanks to Kenny Smith. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

After 16 seasons
And at the age of 41 Manu Ginobili is considering retirement.  Ginobili is another of those guys I hated, it seemed at the time the Spurs and Lakers were competing for championships he was one.  Ginobili was one of the Spurs players as a starter or reserve who would hit the crucial or key shot causing my Lakers a loss.  Ginobili might not have been the first however he’s been given credit for bringing the “Euro Step” to the NBA. 

For those unfamiliar with the term it’s a move to the basket the player takes an extra step.  Officials ceased whistling players for traveling who begin utilizing the move.  It’s interesting in another aspect the player generally given credit for the move is not from Europe at all, he’s from Argentina. Ginobili did play for two Italian teams prior to the Spurs, they made him the 57^th pick in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft.  He’s going to meet with Coach Pop, whether he retires or not the next stop will be the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Friends, friends and maybe you
Larry Laker never complains about the Lakers, roster, coach and front office, that’s what family, friends and maybe you believe…. that belief is totally false.  I will be the most positive person ever unless I perceive an issue, or a move which later turns out to be the incorrect effort.  Example, the acquisition of Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley and Rajon Rondo.  Rondo, there’s a name that certainly says controversy but one I’m ready to deal with, you ask why?

The chief reason I’m simply tired of LaVar Ball who appears to suffer from oral diarrhea and cannot remain silent for even 5 minutes.  In fairness part of the problem is the media itself, Ball is a lightning rod for controversy.  Media appears to believe placing a mic in front of him is invaluable for ratings.  I’ve mentioned this previously and I will repeat it, the Lakers should trade Lonzo Ball not because he can’t play, it’s his dad.  Despite the clubhouse lawyer reputation of Rondo, he can play and I’m ready for him to take the reins.  I came across a side by side comparison of the two from last season and the numbers are quite interesting.   

Ball                                          Rondo

52                    G                     65

10.2                 PPG                8.3

36.0                 FG%                46.8 

6.9                   RB                   4.0

7.2                   APG                8.2

As you can see the 20-year old Ball’s numbers are nearly the same as the 32-year old Rondo.  The point here, for years NBA fans claimed Rondo “couldn’t shoot” how about Ball?  Although Ball is taller (6-foot 6 inches) and weighs slightly more (190 pounds) he managed to miss more games than Rondo.  Both demonstrate skill with distributing the ball, I call it a draw at this point.  LaVar Ball causes the balance to shift slightly toward Rondo at this point for me, what do you think?

https://herosports.com/nba/player-comparison/lonzo-ball-vs-rajon-rondo

He needs a job
Mark Jackson doesn’t really need a job, ESPN/ABC probably compensate him reasonably well.  When I state he needs a job it is a reference to an NBA head coaching job.  Jackson’s name is never rumored or mentioned when vacancies open in the coaching ranks.  This point guard turned coach turned analyst is on the outside looking in.  Unlike his broadcast partner Jeff Van Gundy, it’s my belief Jackson wants the opportunity to coach again after being dumped as coach of the Warriors. 

He led the Warriors from a 23-win season to 51 wins and was fired shortly thereafter.  This issue regarding Jackson comes to the forefront once again due to a conversation with a friend.  I hadn’t seen Sean for a while, so we immediately began discussing the acquisition of LeBron and other Laker additions.  At one-point Sean informed me “I’m not sold on Luke Walton to lead this bunch.”  I’ve heard that statement from other Laker fans but simply said “Let’s wait and see.” 

I did inform Sean this could play out in a similar manner to college.  Sean is ready to hire Mark Jackson as this is written, I believe Jackson needs a job, but it’s required right now not two years from now.  Allow a further explanation, a new college athletic director almost always wants to hire his own coaches.  The same situation is likely for the Lakers, Walton although a former Laker player was hired by the previous staff he’s not Magic Johnson or Rob Plenika’s hire.  This is my belief, Walton will be granted additional time with a “new” Laker team and front office in place.  Year one with LeBron is Walton’s, year two is not guaranteed.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

I’m okay if he’s okay
Paul George claims Magic Johnson and the Lakers are upset with him, he makes this statement after deciding to remain in OKC rather than sign with the Lakers.  George indicates he avoided a meeting with Magic and the Laker brain-trust.  Guess what, from where I sit it’s okay if your choice was OKC, that’s a decision you must live with.  Would this life-long Laker fan have loved to see you in purple and gold…. of course.  You made your decision now George live with it, I’m sure Magic is not looking over his shoulder pining about a lost opportunity.  If it’s an NBA championship sought by George I believe the Lakers will win a championship before OKC, now it’s up to George to make me eat my words.     

Figures don’t lie but liars do figure!
This account does detail numbers however unless they are not accurate they should be the truth.  If Seattle is supposed to be such a hotbed for NBA basketball how did they lose the Sonics?  First off, the team was sold to Oklahoma City business interests who promised the team would remain in Seattle.  I wanted to uncover the facts regarding owner Schultz selling the franchise…I believe the Sonics became a money pit.  The last 8 years in Seattle the largest attendance figure registered was 17 out of 30 NBA teams.

The other 7 years the figure was between 20 and 28 in the NBA.  I decided to check the team’s won-loss record during the same period.  The Sonics won 52 games losing 30 in the 2004-05 season, they only registered two winning seasons beyond this high-water mark.  The poor attendance might have partially been blamed on inferior performance on the basketball court.  Keep in mind this account is all speculation on my part, the attendance and won-loss history can be documented with over 3 million souls the Seattle metro is the largest in the nation without an NBA team. 

Who is he?
After working him out the Lakers were so impressed with Isaac Bonga they arranged a trade with the Sixers.  The Sixers chose him for the Lakers with the 39^th pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft.  Bonga’s numbers, he’s 6 foot 9 inches tall and a guard/small forward, he packs but 203 pounds on his slender body. 

He’s only 18-years old and extremely raw having only played at a high level for the last two years, Bonga played for the Frankfort Skyliners.  Although born in Germany his parents are originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Unless the youngster has an outstanding camp experience expect to see him in uniform for the D-Fenders, the Lakers G-League team this fall and winter.  We in the U.S. have only witnessed his play during the NBA Summer League exhibiting measured skill.  The Lakers could have allowed him to remain in Europe but chose to sign him to a 3-year contract.  Apparently, Laker scouts see a bright future for Bonga.   

It’s a name thing
There are untold numbers of things that bother folks, I certainly have my share but off the top of my head it’s team nicknames.  Kansas Cities team in the Basketball League announced a spelling change in the name.  Last season it was the Tornados, this season it’s the Tornadoes rather than the previous spelling.  I can only guess the old spelling represented one while the corrected spelling specifies more than one. No matter how you spell it I hate teams can’t be more innovative than name a sports team after a weather or catastrophe.  In any event these are the weather teams requiring a name change:  

Thunder (OKC),
Lighting (NHL),
Hurricanes (NCAA),
Heat (NBA)
Storm (WNBA)  
Avalanche (MLS)

Basketball from a fans perspective

Change, you say change?
The NCAA has long used the RPI or Rating Percentage Index as the barometer of measurement to determine seeding for the NCAA tournament.  Change is in the air but is it real change you ask?  The NET or NCAA Evaluation Tool will be the new measuring stick, how will it work? “It will rely on “game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin, net offensive and defensive efficiency, and the quality of wins and losses.  (It’s worth noting here that while scoring margin is factored in, it’s impact will be capped at 10 points to prevent running up the score.)”  So, there you have it, I’m not smart enough to figure out if this new tool is more efficient than the one it replaces. 

247 sports.com

The Silent Storm 
This is not written about the 2014 movie titled The Silent Storm, we could say the title somewhat fits the individual focused in this account.  Athletes who sound off on issues are perceived differently by many fans and the media.  There is hardly ever an argument they can’t play, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, NFL quarterback Joe Namath back in the day.  Today the NFL’s Richard Sherman and perhaps names I’m not focused on might apply today.  How about a guy whose public profile is quite minimal yet has fallen into disfavor with some?  Small forward Kawhi Leonard can score and has been outstanding defensively earning All Defensive First Team 3 consecutive years. 

All that has become null and void since last season, an injury kept Kawhi on the sidelines for practically the entire season.  More disconcerting to much of the public he appeared to make the Spurs out to be the bad guys.  Kawhi made it known he wanted to play at home (Los Angeles) whether it was the Lakers or Clippers was unclear.  The shorten version, with no meeting of the minds the Spurs traded Kawhi to the Raptors who hope to persuade him to stay.  Later Kawhi thanked Spurs fan but not much else, recently he mentioned that city again, Los Angeles.  This is another story that will not be fully resolved until July 2019 when free-agents can begin signing.

On second thought
Unless he decides to move the Clippers to Seattle Steve Ballmer's best move is to build his own arena.  This is a departure from my previous expressions regarding this issue, allow for a brief explanation.  We’ll use New York City as an example, the Nets have played in and around the city until 2012 when they moved to Brooklyn.  The latest figures I could locate indicate Brooklyn alone contains 2.649 million folks.  It would be foolish to believe all those folks are Nets fans, the point is the Knicks have witnessed no significant attendance dip.

This is evident despite having the Nets play less than 10 miles from Madison Square Garden.  Los Angeles has a population of nearly 4 million souls and a metro population double that number which indicates it should be able to accommodate two NBA teams.  On second thought the problem is an arena one, sharing Staples Center might have first appeared to be good however New York’s two teams play in separate facilities.  Ballmer’s team needs their own building it’s that simple.  NOTE:  This account was written several weeks ago, since that time Ballmer has gone on record again affirming a desire for his own arena. 

St. Louis versus Kansas City
It seems Cuonzo Martin recruits almost exclusively within a 150-mile radius of St. Louis.  If we return briefly to the past we can say former coach Kim Anderson was not much of a recruiter based on Anderson’s won-loss record.  Memory says former coaches Frank Haith and Mike Anderson recruited heavily in the St. Louis metro region.  Do you notice a trend here, these coaches travel up and down the streets and highways in and around St. Louis?  How about the western part of Missouri specifically Kansas City?  Other than Marcus Denmon and Michael Dixon Jr. in the present and Anthony Peeler in the past few athletes arrived from the Kansas City metro. 

That’s not to say Kansas City doesn’t produce it’s share of talent, it seems with few exceptions Mizzou appears to omit Kansas City as fertile recruiting ground.  I decided to check with a couple of former St. Louis residents who live here.  “St. Louis metro remains larger than Kansas City however the numbers are not that far apart.  How come St. Louis basketball appears to dominate recruiting” One person couldn’t really address the issue while the other gave me this.  He said, “AAU basketball in St. Louis has likely exceeded that of the Kansas City metro.”  It’s that simple according to Randy and he could be right. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

I’m back
Although the vacation was short I was still able to recharge the “batteries.”  Previously I’ve left the city but continued publishing.  Thanks for your patience and welcome back to Words eye view.       
Mizzou-Kansas news
These stories broke while I was on vacation.  Don’t be surprised, you will not locate Brooks Ford's name on any top basketball prospects for 2018.  Who is Ford, he’s the son of Travis Ford St. Louis University head coach.  Mizzou with no scholarships available finds the youngster coming into the fold as a walk-on.  This is noteworthy on several levels, first it’s the coach’s son headed to another’s program.  Secondly most don’t realize while a player Travis Ford played at Mizzou.  Malik Hall a 6-foot 8 inch forward and 4-star prospect in the Class of 2019 is yet to decide.  Despite no conclusion Hall managed to reduce his number of schools to five, eliminated were the Kansas Jayhawks.  Still in the running for Hall’s services are Oklahoma, Michigan State, Oregon, Texas and Purdue.      

They don’t believe
Laker forward Kyle Kuzma took exception to media members who downplayed the Lakers outlook for the 2018-19 season.  Yes, there have been wholesale changes the biggest one adding LeBron James.  The teams record over the last four seasons, they won 21 slid back with 17 wins.  Two years ago, it was a 26-win season followed by 35 in 2018.  Despite a veteran presence now they have “veteran” youngsters such as Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. 

I continue to believe Lonzo Ball will improve, perhaps he’ll never be a great shooter, but he can become a good shooter.  I’d mentioned previously his offensive numbers at UCLA were satisfactory, in addition to raising his field goal average he needs improvement at the free-throw line.  Health is also a key issue Ball must become more durable, he managed to play but 52 games his rookie year.  Behind every youngster there is a veteran presence, no NBA championship in 2019 but improvement is certainly projected. 

Winning basketball
For a few schools winning is an established tradition while a coaching change was the formula for others.  Let’s check out examples, we say Duke basketball and we automatically think winning basketball.  Apart from the 1960’s under Vic Bubas Duke basketball experienced both highs and lows, they won but also experienced losing seasons.  Once Coach K. was hired winning has become every season thing.  On the other hand, Kansas has experienced few losing seasons, under a succession of coaches beginning with Phog Allen in 1907 the won-loss record of Kansas is exemplary.  The record details three NCAA championships in the school’s history.

We could make a similar statement regarding North Carolina basketball, beginning with Frank McGuire in 1953 through the 2017-18 season under Roy Williams.  Carolina basketball has usually been a winner season after season.  UCLA basketball might be considered pathetic prior to 1948, that was the year legendary John Wooden was hired.  Since that hire through a succession of coaches UCLA basketball has meant winning.  This account would not be complete without mentioning Kentucky and its history.  From Adolph Rupp to John Calipari, Kentucky’s won 8 NCAA championships under 5 different coaches.  As usual this account should not be considered complete, there are schools that may have been overlooked which is not intentional.