Basketball from a fan’s perspective
MPJ
Although Michael Porter Jr. played but two games for Mizzou I’m rooting for him to return to the court. As was mentioned previously surgery cast a shadow across the 2018 NBA draft for several teams. A projected number one or two pre-season pick he slid down to the 14th pick by the Nuggets. According to reports from training camp MPJ was still experiencing pain after the December back surgery, he underwent a second surgery over the summer.
MPJ now claims he is pain free at this point, his NBA debut
is yet to be determined. I often say I
claim no medical expertise, but a healthy back is key to play at whatever sport
of choice. The report I read indicated
the Nuggets have plenty of depth at the wing so MPJ won’t be missed for the
immediate future. I must admit he’s a
Mizzou guy if only briefly, I wish future success for him at the NBA
level. There will be follow up reports
on his progress.
The sky-hook
The hook shot has been in the arsenal of players for several years, for all we know Dr. Naismith might have taught it to his YMCA students back in 1891. George Mikan played at DePaul from 1942 to 1946, it’s reported his college coach Ray Meyer taught him the shot. Later in the NBA as a member of the Minneapolis Lakers he used the shot to dominate the league in the 1950’s.
The hook shot has been in the arsenal of players for several years, for all we know Dr. Naismith might have taught it to his YMCA students back in 1891. George Mikan played at DePaul from 1942 to 1946, it’s reported his college coach Ray Meyer taught him the shot. Later in the NBA as a member of the Minneapolis Lakers he used the shot to dominate the league in the 1950’s.
One reality, nobody shot it like Kareem Abdul Jabbar or with
his accuracy, standing 7 feet 2 inches it might have appeared the shot was coming
down from the sky. I don’t know if we
can credit any of the media with attaching “sky” to his hook shot. As for Abdul Jabbar I’ve never read anything
relating to why he took up the shot.
My best guess, as a youngster he might have utilized it to
shoot over taller opponents. I found it
quite interesting reading his view of today’s NBA, he indicates the rules have
changed from his time. It was noteworthy
he stated Steph Curry and others would be outstanding no matter what era they
played. Despite rule changes and the
evolution of the game Abdul Jabbar claims “40 years younger he could shoot the
sky-hook in today’s NBA.” I happen to be
one of those who believe him.
“Durantula”
I don’t hear the nickname Durantula applied to Kevin Durant anymore, I thought it was kinda stupid anyway. In any event 2019 he becomes a free-agent. I’ve read at least one account claiming, “he’s headed to the Lakers”, my initial response to that story is why? I could understand a “Kyrie Irving” or a similar player desiring an NBA championship, Durant’s got two rings.
I don’t hear the nickname Durantula applied to Kevin Durant anymore, I thought it was kinda stupid anyway. In any event 2019 he becomes a free-agent. I’ve read at least one account claiming, “he’s headed to the Lakers”, my initial response to that story is why? I could understand a “Kyrie Irving” or a similar player desiring an NBA championship, Durant’s got two rings.
A third or a fourth ring would certainly be welcome but is it
necessary to chase it by jumping from team to team. Opinions are not worth a great deal to a
player, but I can hear the barber shop crew now. One of the barbers was highly critical of
Durant leaving the Thunder for the Warriors.
It had nothing to do with the talent factor but the point he left for a
team that had just beaten his team in the playoffs. KD needs to remain in place I’m sure the
Warriors plan on rewarding him sufficiently.
Speaking of the Knicks
Phil Jackson is likely sitting in a cabin someplace in Montana, he’s reading a book, fishing or doing something else. I’d bet money NBA basketball is likely far from his thoughts despite winning 11 NBA championships with the Bulls and Lakers. Some have claimed he didn’t do much coaching with Pippen and Jordan, Shaq and Kobe on his teams. Don’t you believe that, it takes the right person to correctly guide a team to the championship level. Jackson accomplished this feat 11 times with two different teams, don’t tell me he wasn’t coaching.
As for Jackson’s front office role it didn’t turn out
as many (including this writer) hoped.
The man with success written all over his bio desired his tenure with
the Knicks to be more successful than it turned out. Knick fans might be divided regarding the
time Jackson ran the franchise, whatever side both can mutually agree. If Kristaps Porzingis can return from injury
successfully fans can point toward Jackson.
All indications point out Jackson was solely responsible for drafting the
Latvian youngster. It’s often been said
a person marches to the beat of a different drum, that I believe to be the word
of Philip Douglas Jackson
Phil Jackson is likely sitting in a cabin someplace in Montana, he’s reading a book, fishing or doing something else. I’d bet money NBA basketball is likely far from his thoughts despite winning 11 NBA championships with the Bulls and Lakers. Some have claimed he didn’t do much coaching with Pippen and Jordan, Shaq and Kobe on his teams. Don’t you believe that, it takes the right person to correctly guide a team to the championship level. Jackson accomplished this feat 11 times with two different teams, don’t tell me he wasn’t coaching.
