Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Hoya Paranoia

Georgetown University played basketball before Big John Thompson, they would continue to play after his coaching career concluded.  There is no argument from anyone Thompson placed the Hoyas on the national basketball map.  He would coach them from 1972-1999 compiling a sterling record of 596-239 .714 and 196-110 .641 in the Big East Conference.  His Hoyas would win the 1984 NCAA Championship but could have easily won at least two more. 

Georgetown basketball was not embraced in the same manner as UCLA, North Carolina or some of the other programs.  The Hoyas intimidated opponents, this team comprised of all black players along with a no-nonsense black head coach intimidated opposing teams.  Big John didn’t care one bit if you didn’t like his team you were going to respect the Hoyas John saw to that.  The coach is a double honoree, enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  John Thompson has been on the sidelines for quite a few years, many younger fans might see him being interviewed but fail to recognize his contributions to the game. 

Thrown to the Wolves

If you are unfamiliar with the headline it’s quite simple, it points to the fact sometimes people are forced to perform a job with little if any assistance or training, they must fend for themselves.  So that’s where the term originated, the person is overwhelmed by the requirements of the job. Wolves are savage in their attacks, hence the term “Thrown to the Wolves.”  That was my view initially when it was announced Mizzou received a commitment from Mario McKinney.  Would the combo guard be ready by next season, could he adjust to play at the D-I level? 

Those and other questions were rolling around in my head.  They were there for no reason, I failed to consider McKinney will not be “Thrown to the Wolves.”  He will not be expected initially to take on the role of lead guard, that falls on the shoulders of the Smith’s, Mark and Dru.  Both are transfers who will be eligible 2019-20 McKinney’s freshman year.  In addition, point guard Xavier Pinson will be a sophomore next season and he will take on some of the ball-handling responsibilities too.  McKinney can be eased into the role it’s hoped he will eventually fill.     

The team he left behind 
We’ve discussed LeBron’s new team, what about the one he left behind, what becomes of the Cleveland Cavs?  They are not going to fall into the basement, they have pieces remaining despite no LeBron to lead them.  Serviceable Rodney Hood moves into the small forward spot left by the departure of you know who.  Hood can play although he won’t be reminiscent to Cavs fans of the past occupant.  The position lacking last season and with no change finds Tristan Thompson earning the most minutes at center.  Thompson can play but he reminds us of the line uttered by Tom Hanks when he portrayed Forrest Gump. 

In one scene in the movie the Forrest Gump character says; “Life’s (Thompson) is like a box of chocolate you never know what you gonna get.”  Some nights he plays as if he’s the second coming of Kareem or Wilt and the next night, well you get the point.  More interesting as this was being completed we read Thompson wants out.  He is trying to get himself traded since LeBron is no longer a teammate.     

We should expect Kevin Love to revert to the power forward we witnessed with the Wolves.  No further explanation required here.  At shooting guard JR Smith is listed as the starter with Mizzou guy Jordan Clarkson back-up.  For obvious reasons I’d like to see the roles reversed.  Finally, at the point George Hill is listed as the starter with rookie Collin Sexton his backup.  Sexton has been quite impressive in Summer League play.  It might be no great shock to see him as the starter by January.  The reserves are adequate but that was the case last season so really no change.  The Cavs finished in 4^th place in the east last season, it will not be that high in 2018-19.  Despite losing LeBron I believe they will earn a playoff berth. 

“Build it and they will come”

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is quite rich, so wealthy he was able to purchase the Clippers for the unheard-of figure of $2 billion in 2014.  For quite a while Ballmer has expressed displeasure with the lease arrangements for Staples Arena.  It’s reported the NBA Lakers and NHL Kings are at the top of the list for available dates followed by concerts and other programs, in last place are Ballmer’s Clippers.  Ballmer has made it known he wants his own arena, and this might become fact.  The City of Inglewood is working with Ballmer interests on a location near the Rams stadium presently under construction. 

The California Legislature has signed off on a bill expediting judicial review if there is an environmental issue raised.  The latest reported news has the owner paying for the arena out of his own pocket.  Once again, a reminder, Steve Ballmer has mighty deep pockets.  Everything is not smooth sailing, there is push back from at least two groups, so we must adopt a wait and see attitude.  Artist renderings will be available at a date in the fall, Ballmer claims the Clippers could be in their building by 2024.  Remember in the movie “Field of Dreams, build it and they will come.”  That’s true with baseball or Clippers basketball