Kansas centers
Joel Embiid continues to
prove the wait has been worth it, I’m talking about the injury riddled start of
his NBA career. I’ve stated this
previously and will repeat it again, Embiid is the best center in the NBA, I didn’t
stutter making the statement. His game
Thursday night against the Clippers and Marcin Gortat was a thing of
beauty. Embiid was 16-32 from the floor
(.500) with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Forgive me, I’m old school I don’t wish to
take anything away from Steph, Klay or Kevin but I love dominate center
play. Before the rise of the Warriors
there was Shaquille O’Neal who controlled the paint and dared anyone to stand
in the way of his 350-pound body.
Embiid dominates the game
but in a slightly different manner than a Shaq or even Dwight Howard at one
time. JaVale McGee must be included in
this discussion due to his break-out year.
It could be an apparition however this career reserve center has doubled
his scoring and rebounds over last season.
Checking the records his best season was 2011-12 playing for the Wizards
with an 11.9 point per game average. Warrior
fans calm down as I attempt to explain, McGee is playing more minutes plus the
addition of LeBron James has enhanced his game.
Back to Embiid a moment, if he’s not the best currently at the position
you name someone better.
Bits n Pieces
I believe it was Duke’s
Coach K. with the statement regarding the one and done rule. “If the
NBA begins allowing high school players in the draft it won’t change one and
done.” I believe the coach to be
correct, as an example some future prospect will have a standout season, this
freshman will decide he’s ready for the NBA and will not return for his
sophomore year.
Ever wonder why the Thunder
are in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference? Sure, you do, remember this is the former
Seattle franchise now located in Oklahoma City.
In 2008 when the franchise moved the NBA wanting balance decided in
favor of leaving the Thunder (Sonics) in the Northwest Division. The other members Portland, Minnesota, Utah,
Denver and Oklahoma City.
Friday November 2, 2018 we
have a decision in front of us, do we watch any of the plethora of college
games or the NBA double-header? Several
college teams have already played ahead of Friday evenings schedule of
exhibitions. Most colleges begin non-conference play upcoming Tuesday.
Mayor’s race
I figured to check on the
progress of the Clippers proposed arena in Inglewood. To my amazement I discovered whoever is
elected mayor of Inglewood might impact the proposition. Current Mayor James Butts supports building
the arena, his opponent Mark Little represents the opposition. The opposition is Madison Square Garden or
simply MSG, owners of the Forum former home of the Lakers.
The planned arena is less
than a mile from the Forum and naturally the concern is the two arenas will be
competing for concerts and other events.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has donated money to Butts campaign while
MSG is supporting Little. To top it off
Ballmer said in August “We’re moving to
Inglewood come hell or high water,” the Clippers Staples Center lease
expires in 2024. I’m sure there are
other city service issues on the ballot they usually are, this one has an added
matter…an arena.
