Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Don’t get ahead of your skis

We’ve heard the term above quite often in the past few months.  I don’t ski but I guess the explanation is don’t attempt more than the conditions allow.  We could make the same statement regarding the NBA season, despite the Christmas Day loss to the Clippers the team bounced back with two consecutive wins.  Currently the 26-7 record of the Lakers remains the best in the NBA, certainly I’m pleased but I also remember back to this time last season. 

LeBron James was injured in the 2018 Christmas game and would miss the next 27 games.  By the time he returned injuries to other teammates sunk the season and coach Luke Walton.  Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game in all professional sports.  As for 2020 I don’t plan on getting ahead of my skis, let’s just say I’m pleased for now and hopefully the Lakers continue play at this level.  For the second game in a row LeBron James was not the high scorer shooting 30% from the floor scoring 13 points and dishing out 13 assists.   

Injury prone 

No argument here, Kyrie Irving is a very talented basketball player.  In addition to the talent Irving appears fragile, since his NBA entry he’s never played a full 82-game schedule.  If this appears criticism that is not the case, this is not to say he’s should be an iron man if you are sick/injured you need to sit.  NBA stats indicate the 2014-15 season while with the Cavs he played 75 games. 

The 2015-15 season represents the high-water mark for games in his 9-year career.  Irving’s first season with the Nets has witnessed him on the court for 11 games as this is written, with Kevin Durant sidelined too this season might not have unfolded as the Nets might have hoped.  The Nets GM says Irving is “close to returning” however the announcement gave no timetable on his possible return. 

Bits n Pieces

We are all familiar with the chant “Were number one” by several college basketball fans after a win.  At least this time it’s more correct than not, for the second week in a row Gonzaga avoided an upset and remained number one in the AP Poll.  It’s been mentioned previously the 2019-20 college season no one team remains at the top of the poll for an extended period. 

LeBron James is leading the NBA in assists with 10.8 a game, curious I researched the question. 1946-47 was the first year of the NBA, a guard has been the assist leader every year except 1967-68.  That season center Wilt Chamberlain for reasons not fully explained quit scoring huge numbers but concentrated on distributing the basketball.  If LeBron is the leader at the end of the season, he would become the 2nd non-guard to lead the league in that category. A bit of trivia for you to store in your memory banks.   🤔

A report was issued indicating there could be massive traffic jams in and around the Clippers planned arena.  With the Forum and its concerts and the Rams/Chargers Stadium close by who would have figured?  I’m being facetious here; you have the Forum with some 17,000 seats probably more for a concert.  Add to it the 70,000-capacity football stadium plus the 18,500 seats in the Clippers planned arena.  The only hope for those attending events is precise effort will be made to coordinate dates for all three venues. As sure as I’m sitting here this won’t always occur however it should. 

The two-headed Laker center of JaVale McGee/Dwight Howard scored 26 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and had 4 blocked shots versus the Mavs.  Once Boogie Cousins returns to action the center position will be greatly enhanced. 

 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“And now for something completely different”

The above is the line sometimes used from the old Monty Python comedy television series, and this IS completely different.  The Lakers broke their four-game losing streak and neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis led the way in scoring.  It was Kyle Kuzma with 24 points off the bench, you remember there was supposed to be drama between his trainer and LeBron over the latter’s groin injury? 

I have no idea if Kuz will be a Laker next week or not, but Saturday night highlights we witnessed a cross court pass from LeBron to Kuz who immediately sunk a 3-point basket.  Is there drama in Lakerland, there’s always some sort of exhibition occurring.  How about another line this time from all those comedy law enforcement TV programs, “Nothing to see here (except basketball) move on.”  

OG (Old Guy)

Pacer forward Domantas Sabonis led the way in defeating my Lakers recently.  The son is good however this account is about his dad Big Man Arvydas.  Arvydas was huge, he stood 7 foot 3 and a hefty 291 pounds by the time he arrived in the NBA.  Two issues prevented us from witnessing his talent.  It was a different era then, drafted by the Hawks in 1985 the political climate of the time would not allow him to leave Lithuania.  Arvydas did not arrive in the NBA until the 1995-96 season, a skilled athlete who like Connie Hawkins we never witnessed play in his prime.

Arvydas was a 31-year old rookie by the time he began play for the Blazers.  The second issue was a devastating Achilles tendon injury which robbed him of much of his early flair, by the time Arvydas reached the NBA he was a shadow of his former self.  Despite this fact he was a skillful passer from the center position and may have been among the first Big Man with a 3-point shot.  If you look at his NBA career number’s, they appear rather pedestrian.  Numbers alone don’t provide us a true picture of his talent that’s why he was rewarded after he retired, Arvydas has been enshrined in the FIBA and Naismith Halls of Fame. 

Sibling rivalry

Recently much was made of brothers Justin, Jrue and Aaron Holiday appearing in the same NBA game.  Although there have been no large numbers brother combos have played in the NBA since the days of its founding.  In addition to the Holiday’s we have the Lopez brothers, twins Markieff and Marcus Morris are also active.  Marc Gasol remains active older brother Pau might soon retire.  In the recent past Rick Barry’s son’s Jon, Brent and Drew and prior to them the Van Arsdale twins Dick and Tom.  There may be additional brothers omitted but it wasn’t on purpose.

How to….

Be informative in describing the game but don’t talk too much.  I don’t have the answer however the shorten version of this account is the role of a basketball television analyst.  They are hired due to their expertise and ability to communicate the game to the viewer.  It’s always been my belief a radio analyst requires far more verbal skills than video, it’s obvious the picture.  You might not see the nuances of the game however an untrained eye can see the shot or the pass, blocked shot or TO.  It was said the late Chick Hearn simulcasting Laker games on radio and television was much more descriptive than required for television. 

It was done on purpose the action on the court had to be communicated to those in his audience listening on radio.  We have reached a stage now especially with television, the picture quality is so clear and concise we now see plays our grandfathers and fathers never witnessed.  I believe it’s important for that analyst to highlight areas which they believe are critical for the viewer.  At the same time, its unimportant to talk incessantly as Jeff Van Gundy often does during games.  Don’t get me wrong, I have no doubt of Van Gundy’s basketball knowledge.  For me it appears he often go’s on tangents which often have nothing to do with the game in front of us.  Now you ask, could I perform the role of an analyst?  Currently no, with training and coaching an emphatic yes. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

It’s almost 2020

This collegiate season is certainly different for me, it’s almost 2020 other than Mizzou I’ve seen few games.  I cannot say there is one thing there are thoughts, however.   The prospect of seeing Duke’s Zion Williamson was thrilling, we watched in amazement his thunderous dunks and his 285-pound body speeding up and down the court. 

In addition, we had perhaps the second coming of Allen Iverson.  Speedy Ja Morant from Murray State was prime time viewing, his ability to shoot plus distribute the basketball almost demanded we see him in action.  There were others but those two stand out for me.  Then it was the teams, this season there have been so many upsets there is no one or two teams playing above everyone else.   

“Own him!”

Laker Nation is not pleased with the Lakers losing Christmas Day versus the Clippers.  This card-carrying member of Laker Nation is upset   with the outcome however the residual effects by the media are more troubling.  One publication said, “Kawhi Leonard did own LeBron James on Christmas Day.”  No argument from me the 35 point 12 rebound 5 assist game was an outstanding effort by Leonard. 

LeBron didn’t shoot particularly well, was the issue Leonard’s defense or the groin issue the basis for an average shooting evening for LeBron?  In any event LeBron’s 23 points 10 assists and 9 rebounds ain’t too bad for an old guy.  If this appears as if I’m making an excuse for LeBron James so be it, the Battle of Los Angeles is not over YET.  Health remains a vital concern, Lebron indicates he plays Saturday evening against the Blazers…I hope not.   

What if…

The Warriors are awarded the top pick in the 2020 draft, who do we suppose they choose?  This is not in any order; most NBA mock sites list the players below as the top 6.  They are not place in any order just their names, height position and school/country.      

Anthony Edwards 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard Georgia

James Wiseman 7-1-inch center Memphis

LaMelo Ball 6-8-inch point guard Australia

Obi Topping 6-9-inch small forward Dayton

Nico Mannion 6-3-point guard Arizona

Scouting each athlete is key, we cannot accomplish the task in this short piece.  In addition, we cannot get inside their heads and uncover what makes them tick, that becomes a best guess for now.  You are Warriors GM Bob Meyers or head coach Steve Kerr, which athlete do you select?

Quit please

Legendary Celtic Bill Russell had numerous battles with Wilt Chamberlain but none with Kareem Abdul Jabbar.  See Russell retired in the spring of 1969 and Kareem began his NBA career in the fall of that year.  Magic Johnson first retired in 1991 and briefly played in 1996, Michael Jordan came on the NBA scene in 1984.  Any competition between the two would have been limited.  We could make that same statement regarding another of other athletes.  One may have been at the peak of his career while the other had retired or was about to retire. 

I’ve made this statement time and time again I truly wish the arguments would cease.  They might be interesting to many of you but not me, how do we compare Russell Westbrook’s triple double to those of Oscar Robertson?  Different players and certainly different basketball eras with different rules.  Hand checking has been eliminated however in the 60’s and ‘70’s a defensive player could legally place his hand on an opposing player back.  The idea was to impede the players movement into the offensive end of the court.  Oscar Robertson dealt with hand checking something Westbrook cannot contemplate. 

Surprise to date

The Lakers and Clippers were expected to be competitive this season, the same could be said for several teams in the Eastern and Western Conference.  Missing in most assessments were the Dallas Mavericks, not a single soul predicted they would play at this level.  Consider this, if the season ended today in the west the Wolves, Blazers, Spurs and Warriors miss the playoffs. 

All earned playoff berths last season excepting the Mavs who are a current 3 seed as this is written.  Key to this improved play is Luka Doncic however he’s only a vital cog in the development of the team.  As Kristaps Porzingis fully recovers his game there is no telling how high the Mavs will soar.  NBA champions this season, serious doubts on that however there might rise to that level in the distant future.              

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Hidden gem?

Every season I check mock draft sites and identify a generally unknown athlete, my hope this player is drafted and can help my favorite NBA team you know which one.  I’ll provide a couple of past examples, 7-foot center Ivica Zubac was drafted by the Lakers in 2016.  7-foot Mitchell Robinson in 2018 the Lakers was 7-foot Mitchell Robinson from Western Kentucky was the man, he came in for a workout and indications the Lakers intended to draft him. 

After a couple of seasons mostly playing a backup role Zubac was traded last February to the Clippers, as for Robinson the Knicks were able to draft him in front of the Lakers.  Robinson was drafted by the Knicks with the 36^th pick while the Lakers had picks 39 and 47.  Both are playing a reserve role, will they ever fully develop their talent, that is yet to be answered. 

How about 2020 you ask, nbadraft.net places before us the name of Neemias Queta.  He’s a 7-foot 245-pound center who plays for Utah State, Queta is currently sidelined with an injury but should return to action in the future.  Although this prospect is enrolled in the U.S., he’s from Barreiro Portugal.  His freshman numbers certainly indicate future promise, nearly 12 points and 9 rebounds a game plus 61% shooting from the field.     

Statement game

The Sixers blew the Bucks away on Christmas day 121-109.  We hear the term statement game used all the time, was Wednesday a statement game?  The Sixers were expected to be at the top in the east this season however the Celtics and especially the Bucks “stole” their thunder.  The Sixers themselves were part of the problem not playing at the level fans and maybe the team itself expected.  Shaq and Charles Barkley noted Joel Embiid was not at the stage they believed he was capable of.  Embiid acknowledged he heard the comments and to prove he’d paid attention Embiid had a monster game 31 points 11 rebounds while shooting 52% from the floor with but a single TO, we hear you Big Fella.   

Bill Self to the NBA

Don’t worry you missed no sports news update this is just pure speculation.  The other evening one of the local sports reporters looking at 2020 speculated about Kansas basketball and Bill Self.  This reporter claims the NCAA will penalize Kansas basketball severely.  This will either cause or force Bill Self to leave the program.  He claims the next stop for Self will be the NBA my response that’s not necessarily safe either.  Over the years we’ve read and heard reports the coach has entertained an NBA job. 

What might appear to be an upward bound move on Self’s part is strewn with landmines.  To date Larry Brown remains the only coach to win an NCAA and NBA championship, the road is littered with college coaches who could not coach successfully at the NBA level.  Billy Donovan after tasting success at Florida left for the Thunder, Donovan was a good college coach.  As for the NBA we can make that same statement however his Thunder teams have failed to win a championship. 

Is it all his fault, of course not but he’s the head man?  As for the Cavs, former Michigan and first year coach John Beilein is reported to have problems with many of the Cavs players, at 66 years of age we assume he’s financially solvent or he wouldn’t have taken the job.  Your response several coaches have been fired with no NBA connections; that would be the case as well.  If you are looking at differences as to why there is little if any success, I cannot provide you a single answer.     

You thought there might be a different outcome

It’s been reported Big Man James Wiseman’s signed with Excel Sports Management.  There were reports circulating the young man might return to school rather than the NBA.  Not uncommon, sometimes players declared for the draft and the workouts have not been successful, in other instances the the player was given word they would not be drafted they decided to return to school.  We are unsure where the story began but keep in mind Wiseman’s status is totally different, most mock drafts have him projected as a lottery pick.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This should be pointed out

Those of us in Missouri and Illinois are likely aware of this information you are about to receive.  Mizzou’s victory last weekend over Illinois probably meant more to Mizzou than meets the eye.  It was pointed out and I’m passing the information, there were 5 players with Mizzou on the front of their jersey.  Once the spring semester concludes all likely return home for the summer…where?  How about Illinois, the state is home for them.  It’s been mentioned previously coach Cuonzo Martin was born and grew up in East St. Louis Illinois.  The state of Illinois has been fertile recruiting ground for the coach and the Mizzou program.   

It’s conference (or winning) time

The next two weeks will find most teams kicking off their conference season; teams are prepping themselves in anticipation.  Who wins the Big 10, Big 12 or SEC just to name a few conferences?  One writer believes the SEC overall is not as strong as in the past, that just might provide defensive minded and offensive lacking Mizzou to sneak past one or two teams.  As for the Big 12 will Kansas basketball return to its usual place at the top of the conference?  Will West Virginia, Baylor, Texas or even Oklahoma mount a charge?  Michigan State, Ohio State and Maryland appear to be primed and ready to contend in the Big 10. 

In the ACC Louisville is on top as conference play begins however the usual suspects Duke and North Carolina will be in the fight.  In the west Gonzaga, Colorado, Stanford and Oregon would appear to be power players in their respective conferences.  Returning to the Central Time Zone just how good is Memphis, Northern Iowa, DePaul or Butler?  This short account is certainly not intended to be complete; headed into conference play we have no clear picture of who wins.  Injuries can always impact a team’s performance and often become the X-factor.  Despite the unknowns this should be a good college season with no clear winners. 

Lakers blow 15-point lead

The new Lakers played the first half of the basketball game, in the second half there were a bunch of players on the floor who somewhat resembled the Lakers.  The unfortunate part this collection of players appeared to have no clue how to put away an adversary.  The imposters played nothing like the team on the floor in the first half.  The final score read, Clippers 111 Lakers 106.  This team must prove to me they want to win, Wednesday night they gave us the opposite impression. 

It’s apparent the Lakers need a 3^rd scorer among the reserves, the heir apparent is Kyle Kuzma however that’s been an issue.  An assortment of injuries has placed Kuzma on the sidelines for two extended portions of the season.  There are reserves available, the question are the Lakers willing to make a deal based on their present cap space status?   Andre Iguodala will not provide the offense, but he could the defense at this point.  Dennis Schroeder can add both, but the Thunder guard is close to be an untouchable.

Coaching tree

The Spurs Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree was mentioned during the Christmas Day game between the Sixers and Bucks.  The Sixers Brett Brown and the Bucks Mike Budenholzer were on the coaching staff at a point for Popovich.  Most of us were unaware the “tree” was as extensive as it is.  Besides the two mentioned there are several other current and former head coaches. 

Alvin Gentry with the Pelicans, James Borrego Hornets, Jim Boylen Bulls, Quin Snyder Jazz and Taylor Jenkins with the Hawks.  The parade doesn’t end there, former head coaches Mike Brown, Jacque Vaughn and Earl Watson also served as assistants before becoming head coaches.  I’m unsure if we should count Mike D’Antoni in the number, he was a scout at one time for the Spurs in between head coaching assignments. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Marc Stein

Many remember Stein from his days at ESPN, he now works for the New York Times.  With the decade close the columnist selected stories, he believed noteworthy.  I’d like to provide my own input regarding two of the stories and add one that was omitted.  Item 1. The train wreck that became the Knicks during the decade, Stein indicates they won 319 games while losing 484.  Knick fans were aware of that fact, you want to know what continues to amaze me out here in the middle of the country? 

The resiliency of Knick fans, they slap down $$$ year after year to see the worst team in the NBA.  Adam Silver is not going to perform a “Donald Sterling” because thus far James Dolan’s done nothing to embarrass the NBA.  The owner has only been an embarrassment to Knick fans.  Item 2.  A trade that was voided, as a Laker fan I can never forget this.  Chris Paul was a Laker for 24 or so hours, former commissioner David Stern decided he wouldn’t approve the trade in the best interest of the NBA. 

A reminder at that time the NBA had stepped in taking over the operations of the team.  Although the GM authorized the trade Stern said no, could the Lakers fortunes have not been so bleak if Paul was on board?  This Laker fan would like to believe that would be the case, to compound the issue Stern never offered an explanation other than “The best interest of the NBA.”  Item 2a.  His name was mentioned earlier, Donald Sterling being forced to sell the Clippers has got to be in the list of top NBA stories of the decade.  We can probably count on one hand the number of times an owner’s been fired by a pro league.      

Have we moved into a different realm?

‘I’ve got mine you’d better get yours’ apparently is the thought of many.  It seemingly doesn’t matter if you cheat, lie or steal to obtain IT!  Example the news story regarding Kawhi Leonard’s uncle, I’ve yet to read a fan letter stating it’s okay the attempt at getting rich(er) from the labor of his nephew.  Just as sure as this is being written over the next few days we’ll come upon a letter or series of letters defending the uncle’s action if they are valid. 

We read letters defending fans who attack players verbally from the comfort and safety of their $500 seat. Many of us see no problem even at the time the authorities deem the behavior abnormal.  A number have no problem with bullying those who disagree from the safety of their laptop.  Don’t misunderstand there’s nothing wrong with peaceable dissent.  We cannot abuse players with expletives unless they have done something besides scoring a basket or snatching a rebound.  I’m finished, you can continue reading or complete whatever task was in front of you. 

The Eastern Conference

I’d mentioned the Sixers are my second favorite team, it also helps they play in the east.  They only face my Lakers twice a year, but you know in advance who I’m rooting for.  Expected to be the top team in the east thus far we’ve witnessed a downward slide by the Sixers.  Memory says last season they were a one or two seed in the playoffs, if the 2019-20 season ended today, they would enter the playoffs as the 6^th seed.  Fans of the team or those with more opportunity to see them play what’s wrong? 

Before you answer allow me to inform you of one flaw.  Joel Embiid needs to quit taking 3-point shots, at 7 feet and 280 pounds he could dominate play on the inside if he desired.  Both Charles Barkley and Shaq have been critical of Embiid’s play.  “He’s the toughest player in the league to match up with,” Barkley said of Embiid on TNT, “but we don’t talk about him the way we talk about Luka [Doncic], Giannis [Antetokounmpo], Anthony Davis, James [Harden]. We don’t ever say that about him. It’s frustrating for me, because I picked the Sixers to get to the finals....” *

*Inquirer.com  

Snake bit

The term doesn’t apply to a snake bite, it’s associated with bad luck.  A friend identified as a Mizzou fan has indicated he believes the sports program is ill-fated.  I’m not going to discuss football; this is a basketball blog.  A series of unfortunate or sometimes unplanned incidents have led Mizzou to this point in time.  Example agree or not long-time coach Norm Stewart was forced out in 1999.  Mizzou was 731-375 in his 38 years at the helm, who replaced him?  Politics were part of the reason Stewart was retired. 

The former AD interviewed Quin Snyder (now Jazz coach) and Bill Self who was the Tulsa coach at the time.  Bad choice, in hindsight yes but how could anyone know?  Snyder was the lead assistant for coach K. and Self was coaching a mid-major.  Mike Anderson arrived cleaning up the mess left in the wake of Snyder.  He turned the program around, in 2009 Anderson wanted a raise and Mizzou complied, he signed a 7-year extension and once the Arkansas job opened in 2011 Anderson was gone.  Frank Haith was hired from Miami and he was a winner however he would resign in 2014. 

Later Mizzou self-reported for improper proceedings occurring during Haith’s time.  Haith’s sudden resignation left Mizzou with no coach; the AD decided in favor of Kim Anderson a former Mizzou player who was a winner at Division II University of Central Missouri.  Anderson certainly could coach however it appeared he was over matched at the Division I level in the area of recruiting.  Anderson was terminated in 2017 replaced by Cuonzo Martin.  The jury is still out regarding Martin however that’s the coaching history, snake bit I don’t think so. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Greed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVxYOQS6ggk

It’s approaching 24 hours since the news broke on Kawhi Leonard’s uncle.  We expect to hear at some point the report is untrue or parts of the negotiations did not occur in the manner first reported.  I hoped you click on the link first and paid particularly attention around the 44 second mark.  That’s when Gordon Gekko portrayed by Michael Douglas utters the phrase, “Greed is good.”  Everyone needs or should be paid, no argument there.  The question is what is the cutoff point?  This is unofficial however its reported Leonard’s contract will pay him $32.74 million (unspecified length of time). 

Leonard’s doing all the heavy lifting therefore the largest portion of pay goes to him.  If uncle takes 15% that comes to almost $5 million, we have no idea of his lifestyle before the Clippers, but this is not Leonard’s first trip around the block.  This season completed will be his 8^th in the NBA so he and his uncle should be financially solvent.  I hate discussing NBA salaries because its my belief everyone is overpaid.  If we consider that fact Leonard’s uncle is way, way over the line of acceptability for his financial demands.  NOTE:  After the story was completed came word from Leonard, ‘People make up stories every day.’  Not much of a defense, just sayin’. 

Guilty

My feet fit on that precarious limb as well, you venture out and speculate on an outcome.  I admit I’ve been guilty at times although Kyle Soppe has me beat.  I’d never heard of him before reading the headline on ESPN’s men’s basketball page.  “How to identify the Final Four teams during Christmas week” was his headline.  Soppe is writing the account of the championship round some three months from now, boy the calendar still indicates it’s 2019. 

After reading his account I can’t disagree with his assessment except for this one fact.  My belief, I don’t imagine all four of the teams he’s picked will be standing April 4^th, 2020.  The prime reason upsets, we love to root for that Cinderella team, that 2018 Loyola team as an example, that team outplayed its opponents into the Final Four.  On the other hand, Soppe could be correct, by the time April rolls around his account and my response will long be forgotten.     

Cautionary Tale

By the time this is read the field might have changed, currently ESPN ranks LaMelo Ball the top prospect in the 2020 NBA draft.  We believe he can play in the NBA, yet we remain cautiously unsure until he manages to play successfully at this level.  Over the years several “can’t miss” prospects did miss.  We believed Anthony Bennett could play, he was made the first pick in the 2013 draft by the Cavs.  We discovered later he could play successfully just not in the NBA.  Gonzaga’s Adam Morrison has two count them one, two NBA Championship rings while a member of the Lakers. 

Morrison earned his rings while seated next to the Laker trainer, he was the third pick in the first round by the Bobcats (Hornets) in the 2006 NBA draft.  Darko Milicic was made the second pick in the first round by the Pistons in 2003.  Despite his 7-foot tall 250-pound frame Milicic made the rounds in the NBA playing for 6 different franchises, he never reached the stature many predicted for him.  Often an athlete’s collegiate game just fails to transfer successfully to the NBA.  A number experienced long successful careers playing in Europe, Australia and other parts of the world.  Several manage to achieve financial wealth despite not earning a continuous roster position in the NBA, Milicic is a prime example.      

I’d be looking over my shoulder  

After the weekend action Kansas was bumped from the top spot in both polls.  The loss to Villanova was beneficial for them as well moving up.  As for the current week’s polls Gonzaga ascends to number one.  The 6^th week of polling since the pre-season we find a different team at one.  What exactly does this movement entail for this college season?

There are theories none that can be scientifically proven.  How about this one, balance.  There is not the Grand Canyon chasm that once existed between the haves and have nots, Kentucky and North Carolina can lose in the same manner as any of the other 300 or so Division I programs.  This is good in several aspects, here’s hoping some aspects of the recruiting process change.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I’m unsure about you

There are times I read an account and say to myself, “That can’t be true can it?”  That’s the case Monday evening, a story broke in Bleacher Report.  The story written by Tyler Conway regarding Kawhi Leonard and the Lakers.  Tyler Conway leveled a series of serious charges against Leonard’s uncle.  

If you remember last summer the uncle was reported to be acting as agent for his nephew.  Rather than detail the story I’d rather you’d read it and formulate your own opinion.  In closing my only statement is I really hope this account is not true.  Did the uncle believe he’d be able to accomplish the demands Conway claims?

Not as bad as we thought        

Mizzou shooting might not be good however it may not be as bad as first perceived.  I disapprove looking at numbers alone since they often fail to provide a true representation of the events.  In this event just take them for what they are worth, in the last three weeks Mizzou’s registered victory’s over Temple, Southern Illinois and Illinois.  As for the shooting as indicated it’s a little better than we might think. 

Mizzou is shooting .428 from the floor while the opposition is at a .370 clip.  Despite Jeremiah Tilmon’s continuing propensity to foul Mizzou’s outrebounded it’s opponents by nearly 7 a game.  The steal total and block shots a game by Mizzou also exceed the opposition, the shooting is not likely to improve drastically however it could rise somewhat.  Many of you might be familiar with the term “winning ugly”, that might become the mantra of this year’s Mizzou Tigers. 

Load management

Once again, the issue of load management (resting non-injured players) caused a somewhat heated discussion on Sunday.  I said, “I’m going to watch the Lakers-Nuggets game tonight.”  One acquittance stated, “You know LeBron is not going to play he’s got an injury.”  Nevertheless, he felt it necessary to make a statement about load management. 

“If I pay $100 or $200 for a ticket, I expect stars to play.”  Another acquaintance who played high school and college basketball chimed in, “They (NBA) play from October through June, they could play 100 games.  We’ve got to consider the wear and tear on their bodies.”  We didn’t resolve our discussion (or argument), what do you think?  Are fans and the media making too much of the issue?

Need to see him again

Broadcaster Steven Bardo played basketball for Illinois in the middle ‘80’s, he also spent a brief period in the NBA.  Bardo has credibility so this upfront before we continue.  Recently Bardo was quoted, “You better see Kofi Cockburn now because he won’t be at Illinois very long.”  Bardo indicates he’s headed for the NBA draft in June.  Mizzou plays tough defense as Cockburn managed but 13 points and 2 rebounds on Saturday. 

This is not intended to contradict Bardo’s statement let’s just say this.  I need to see him more than the one occasion, at 7 feet and 290 pounds there was much to see improved.  His footwork while good witnessed many makeable missed shots around the basket.  A trio of 6-10-inch defenders harassed Cockburn all over the floor, in fairness Cockburn is a freshman Big Man there is a learning curve.

Deep pockets 

The baseball Royals are a young franchise compared to other baseball teams.  There are teams with over 100 years of play, the Royals franchise is but 50 years old.  In that period the Royals had original owner Ewing Kauffman, he was followed by David Glass.  Baseball approved John Sherman and he becomes owner number three.  Most of us even Kansas City residents had no advance information on the new Royals owner.     Royals reported Sherman was a minority stockholder in the Cleveland Indians.  What about the new owner, he founded a propane company and through business efforts became a billionaire? 

Where am I going with this story you ask, Sherman provides us proof there might be another area resident with deep pockets, i.e. enough money to back an NBA franchise in Kansas City.  The question becomes would the disposable income in the metro be abundant to support another sports franchise?  The clear leader in popularity (and finance) is the NFL Chiefs, next up the Royals followed by MLS Sporting Kansas City.  To my knowledge no NBA franchise is moving so a team here would be expansion.  In addition to paying large sums of money for NBA entry there would be associated costs (player acquisitions, arena agreements and such).  The question becomes, would someone even with deep pockets be willing to justify the expense?

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Yet another incident

There are fans who believe “I paid my money for this seat besides I have freedom of speech.”  This is another case of wacky fans; two Sixer season ticket holders have been banned from Wells Fargo Center.  They were yelling obscenities at Wizard guard Isaiah Thomas.  This is in line with the Jazz fan and his girlfriend expelled from Vivint Smart Home Arena last season in a similar incident involving Russell Westbrook. 

As reported, this “fan” is suing the Jazz and Westbrook.  Finally, we arrive at the Warriors part owner prohibited from attending games due to a similar issue last season.  I could be wrong but am willing to bet all three instances were fueled by alcohol, in addition the distance from the floor to courtside seats is but a few feet.  How else to explain why a grown man would attempt to get into a verbal battle with a player from an opposing team?  This issue appears to be getting worse instead of better.

He said what?

Magic Johnson’s never lost his place with me, I still count him as a favorite Laker.  Despite the statement there are questions surrounding his recent assertion.  This version of the Lakers has the second-best record in the NBA as this is written.  Magic believes he’s contributed to the success thus far.  Let’s check the facts, LeBron James did indeed arrive before Magic resigned as VP of basketball operations, as for the other acquisitions that’s a different story. 

Back in January there was plenty of chit-chat regarding Anthony Davis leaving New Orleans, Magic was still in place.  He resigned at the end of the 2018-19 season and the current roster was traded for (AD) or was signed by Rob Pelinka.  Magic went on to claim the blueprint for the turn around by the Lakers was his plan.  A portion of Magic’s claim cannot be fully evaluated the season is far from over.  Exactly how much did Magic contribute to the resurgence of the Lakers is where we arrive, and could we say…X factor.       

Not what they thought 

The 2019-20 season looked so enticing for the Pelicans.  Rest assured no one expected them to contend for a playoff spot.  The excitement was led by the prospect of number one pick Zion Williamson plus the legion of players received in the Anthony Davis trade.  Sharpshooter JJ Redick was a free agent signing from the Sixers, yes everything looked promising in the Crescent City.  In a snap the entire outlook changed, Williamson was diagnosed with an injury.  As this is written he’s working out lightly but there is no timetable for an NBA appearance.  

Brandon Ingram is having an exceptional season, as the Pelicans debate trades the slim forward is an untouchable, the verdict for the other former Lakers is mixed.  In a reserve role Josh Hart’s raised his scoring average a bit over last season as for Lonzo Ball that’s a different story.  Unlike the prior two seasons Ball is playing a reserve role behind Jrue Holiday.   JJ Redicks numbers are down slightly from his years with the Sixers, perhaps he’s not granted the number of uncontested shots he had in Philadelphia.  The team stands 7-23, only the Warriors have a worst record.  Video of Alvin Gentry clearly details his frustration with the play of his team.

What do the scouts say?

James Wiseman has made it known; rather than return to Memphis he intends to play in the NBA.  Our discussion yesterday indicated we are unsure if he’s a genuine NBA talent.  His height (7-1) and weight 250 pounds screams loudly but is it true?  The game’s changed, Wiseman might easily find himself at the power forward position rather than center.  No argument he’s got raw physical talent but what about his brain?  Research indicates it weighs 1400 grams or about 3-pounds, but it is so very important besides raw skill. 

We may have overlooked the most important part of the human anatomy…the heart.  Maybe we can conclude the heart is as valuable as the brain in determining whether Wiseman can play successfully at the NBA level.  It’s often been noted less talented players thrive in all sports due to their brain power.  Scouting reports read much the same, this is but one regarding Wiseman.  I believe this is about the sharpest scouting report of all.  “Big man with the physical tools that make coaches and scouts drool but without the skill and feel to back up a lot of his hype. Wiseman has improved a lot over the past few months but still has a long way to go even for a player so young.”