BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The comeback

Kawhi Leonard had a unique comeback to the criticism of his former Coach Gregg Popovich.  You remember the coach said this about his former player, “He was a good player but no leader or a similar statement.  Leonard’s response, “His comments (Popovich) were funny to me.”  Leonard went on to state his position while a member of the Spurs.  I posed the question to a few friends, I received one response which I’ll share.  My friend’s response was, “No. I don't want a bunch of "leaders" on my team. That leads to players only team meetings following several losing streaks. One alpha dog per team is sufficient. i.e. to make my point is the Kobe/Shaq Lakers.”  What is your view of the coaches’ comment? 

Kansas City in Da House

Sixer rookie Landry Shamet only scored 16 points in the game, but the figure represents his high-water scoring mark to date.  Within the last past week, the question was raised “Who is the first point guard off the bench Markelle Fultz or T.J. McConnell?”  Turns out that might not be the case for either, Fultz’s status is an unknown as for McConnell he might have been displaced. 

We cannot be for sure however it appears the Kansas City rookie may have moved ahead of McConnell in the rotation.  With the uncertain future of Fultz it could be Shamet moves ahead of both, we shall see how this plays out.  The winning basket was scored by new guy Jimmy Butler with 0.4 remaining in the game and the Sixers down by a single point.  “Mr. Ice Water in his veins” scored a 3-point basket, final score Sixers 127 Nets 125.        

I wonder

Are there any residual affects remaining from the Adidas investigation and trial?  I suppose it’s a possibility, we could look at the future recruiting outlook for Kansas for basketball.  By all indications the present roster at Kansas is good and depth, they could be a Final Four contender in April 2019.  What about the future of basketball at the home of Dr. Naismith beyond this season?  We could make the statement and its certainly valid every athlete Duke, North Carolina and Kentucky recruit don’t arrive on campus. 

Check out these high-profile Rivals prospects in the Class of 2019 and where they are headed.  James Wiseman #2 in the Class of 2019 chose Memphis, #10 Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is headed to Villanova rather than Kansas where his dad played.  Texas big man Will Baker decided to remain at “home” turning down Kansas, finally guard Nico Mannion #20 chose Arizona rather than head to Kansas.  As I indicated this could be coincidental however it is interesting all the prospects were recruited by Kansas but chose somewhere else to play their college basketball.  

What’s his name? 

There is a difference in my mind between a usual name and a nickname, example.  Fat Lever played in the NBA from 1982 to 1994 for a few teams, the Nuggets is general what comes to mind.  His given name is Lafayette, according to the story at the time he and a younger sister were children his baby sister couldn’t pronounce his name.  What came out of her mouth according to the family is “Fat”, the nickname stuck.  God Shammgod grew up in New York City played his college ball at Providence and for a few NBA teams from 1997-1999. 
  

Longar Longar was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners and for a time with the Thunder.  Think weapon with this next name, Middle Tennessee State had Tommy Gunn on their roster at one time.  Stetson and Alabama State had a native American play for them, Chief Kickingstallionsims.  Some might believe Lloyd Free belongs on the list however I refuse to add his name.  He arrived in the NBA as Lloyd and some point decided to change his name to World B. Free, the same goes for Metta World Peace a.k.a. Ron Artest.  There are probably 100 or more names in all-sports omitted maybe some who played basketball, so this list represents just a few.  

Once more

Just when you think you’ve heard it all you hear one more thing.  In this instance it’s a mixed one, basketball plus a reality story that begs to be reported.  This act is certainly not binding however Kendall Jenner is not welcome in Philadelphia, well more like Wells Fargo Center.  Jenner the daughter of Bruce and Kris has been banned from Sixer games or at least that’s what the petition says.  Jenner was dating Sixer point guard Ben Simmons, but reports indicate their relationship had soured, the couple are reported to be dating again.  The petition indicates “Jenner will hinder Simmons basketball career.”  This is a first for me, I’ve never been aware of fans involving themselves in the personal life in this manner of an athlete.  As I stated at the beginning, "Just when you think you've heard it all you hear one more thing."