BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

NBA rules the airways 
That headline is pretty much true with few exceptions.  No argument football (soccer) remains the number one sport throughout the world.  NFL football and Major League Baseball coverage exists as well but nothing comparable to the NBA.  Rather than attempt to list all the nations an area footprint might be just a informative. 

Central America and the Caribbean
South America
Europe
Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Sahara Africa
AsiaOceana

This is quite an extensive list, if you check the list and a world resource you’ll discover there are few nations you are unable to view NBA basketball.  They might be telecast early morning or in some instances tape-delayed, doesn’t matter if you are in El Salvador, Romania, Chile, Austria, Israel, Mongolia or New Guinea the games are there for your viewing. 

Diamond in the rough?
We sometimes use the term above to describe something hidden.  I guess it might have come about because diamonds are often hidden deep underground, it takes a great deal of labor to locate them.  We sometimes use the term to describe talent that might not be visible to all regarding an athlete.  We could use the Lakers Isaac Evolue Etue Bofenda Bonga or simply Isaac Bonga as an example.  Bonga was born in Germany although his parents immigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The Lakers requested the Sixers draft Bonga in the second round of the 2018 draft, his rights were then traded to the Lakers.

At this point we are unsure what position the 6-foot 9-inch Bonga plays, at a slim 180 pounds small forward is out of the question it’s either shooting guard or the point.  What’s the Laker secret, Bonga’s been signed to a 4-year contract?  He might be sent to the G-League South Bay Lakers before the season begins however I wouldn’t bet on it.  The youngster is extremely raw however he just might earn a roster spot, if not now expect to see him called up before the season is complete.  NOTE: Bonga earned a roster spot, whether he spends time later with South Bay is unclear at this point. 

Phasing out the Big Man?
Is the NBA phasing out the role of the Big Man in today’s?  Laker center JaVale McGee believes that to be the case.  I’m going to cite one instance he spoke on, elimination of the center in All-Star balloting.  He’s correct, I’m unsure of the year the change was made but that is indeed true today.  I haven’t seen a ballot but guess it makes no position designation.  I realize we are in the day of small ball but you going to tell me a good 7-footer isn’t important to a team’s success.  I can point a finger of blame at LeBron James, and the Golden State Warriors.  In both instances’ championship success occurred on the basketball court without utilizing a traditional Big Man. 

There is an old statement, “Success is the sincerest form of flattery” which certainly has rung true in the NBA.  The late Pete Newell probably was the first to institute a basketball camp for Big Men, they were taught the fundamental role of the pivot man in the game and how to best utilize your height and skill for your team.  The evolution of the game has witnessed 7-foot centers and power forwards taking shots from the 3-point line.  Is it a good thing, yes on those occasions they sink baskets?  I read an interview with James Wiseman the number two prospect in the Class of 2019.  Wiseman standing all of 7 feet questioned on where he saw himself in 5 years, his response “4 man in the NBA.”

I’m sure the specter of Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan and others are probably cringing at what they perceive as post play in today’s NBA.  I find it difficult to believe a team with a genuine talent at the center position would turn him into a 3-point shot maker.  I’ve not seen enough of Suns rookie DeAndre Ayton to make a judgement, but it’s reported he’s got a “back to the basket” game.  As for the Magic’s Mohamed Bamba I’m going to reserve judgement on him for the time being.  The best center currently in the NBA is Joel Embiid of the Sixers, Rudy Gobert of the Jazz and Karl-Anthony Towns might be tied for second in my opinion.  The Heat’s Hassan Whiteside stock was rising until last season, he's in the mix I'm just not sure where to place him if I were compiling a Top 10.