He’s committed
Scottie Pippen is headed to Vanderbilt to play basketball was the announcement on Friday. No, not that Pippen the son Scottie Pippen Jr., he's a 6-foot 1 inch 160 pound point guard and 4-star prospect. It should be noted his father was the same height at the time he entered Central Arkansas but grew to 6 foot 7 inches by his senior year.
Scottie Pippen is headed to Vanderbilt to play basketball was the announcement on Friday. No, not that Pippen the son Scottie Pippen Jr., he's a 6-foot 1 inch 160 pound point guard and 4-star prospect. It should be noted his father was the same height at the time he entered Central Arkansas but grew to 6 foot 7 inches by his senior year.
“The darkest period is just before dawn”
The adage above simply implies despite the negative surrounding you the dawn brings about a new beginning. In this instance we reference the Knicks, it’s about to dawn. Don’t get excited I’m not saying this season they need Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup and healthy. There are pieces in place already Emmanuel Mudiay, Kevin Knox and Tim Hardaway Jr., the key there are quality free agents available this summer. If the Knicks can sign one of the many free-agents, we need look no further than the Lakers to judge the impact. The Lakers are better, not great but indeed better. Nobody out there is LeBron however there is quality available. David Fizdale is an outstanding coach, Knick fans might be downtrodden now, but the dawn is about to break.
The adage above simply implies despite the negative surrounding you the dawn brings about a new beginning. In this instance we reference the Knicks, it’s about to dawn. Don’t get excited I’m not saying this season they need Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup and healthy. There are pieces in place already Emmanuel Mudiay, Kevin Knox and Tim Hardaway Jr., the key there are quality free agents available this summer. If the Knicks can sign one of the many free-agents, we need look no further than the Lakers to judge the impact. The Lakers are better, not great but indeed better. Nobody out there is LeBron however there is quality available. David Fizdale is an outstanding coach, Knick fans might be downtrodden now, but the dawn is about to break.
Take all the time required
It’s been a complaint of mine the Lebron injury has caused a downward slide for the Lakers. Two issues, I expected the team to play at a high skill level (although they haven’t to a degree). No return to action before you are fully healed, a LeBron playing at 85-90% is an ineffective LeBron. The Friday morning announcement indicates at least 3 more games, how about 5 just to be on the cautious side?
It’s been a complaint of mine the Lebron injury has caused a downward slide for the Lakers. Two issues, I expected the team to play at a high skill level (although they haven’t to a degree). No return to action before you are fully healed, a LeBron playing at 85-90% is an ineffective LeBron. The Friday morning announcement indicates at least 3 more games, how about 5 just to be on the cautious side?
I’ve been critical
Russell Westbrook has been an enigma to me, it’s never been a talent issue it’s the other. I believe the Thunder might not be the Thunder (literally) if not for the mercurial point guard. The Thunder lost their game against the Spurs in double OT 154-147 on Thursday, it wasn’t Westbrook’s fault. He tried everything in his power to pull, push and cajole his teammates to victory. Playing 50 minutes in the game he shot .500 from the floor, the sharpshooting by Westbrook included 24 points 24 assists and 13 rebounds. The screen contained a graphic at one point indicating he failed to score in both OT’s, it’s likely he just ran out of gas. I refuse to blame Westbrook for the loss. Read that again, I said it and meant it.
Russell Westbrook has been an enigma to me, it’s never been a talent issue it’s the other. I believe the Thunder might not be the Thunder (literally) if not for the mercurial point guard. The Thunder lost their game against the Spurs in double OT 154-147 on Thursday, it wasn’t Westbrook’s fault. He tried everything in his power to pull, push and cajole his teammates to victory. Playing 50 minutes in the game he shot .500 from the floor, the sharpshooting by Westbrook included 24 points 24 assists and 13 rebounds. The screen contained a graphic at one point indicating he failed to score in both OT’s, it’s likely he just ran out of gas. I refuse to blame Westbrook for the loss. Read that again, I said it and meant it.
The Battle of Los Angeles
Prior to the season I made a bold prediction, with LeBron in Purple and Gold the Lakers were King. I decided the Lakers would be crowned King of Los Angeles with the Clippers coming in second. Well I’m going to admit my view might have been somewhat suspect. The Lakers are in the 8th spot and playing above .500 ball despite LeBron being sidelined since December 25th. The miscalculation on my part revolves around the Clippers who failed to make the playoffs last season. As this is written the Clippers reside in 4th place, they too will make the final cut should the season end currently.
Prior to the season I made a bold prediction, with LeBron in Purple and Gold the Lakers were King. I decided the Lakers would be crowned King of Los Angeles with the Clippers coming in second. Well I’m going to admit my view might have been somewhat suspect. The Lakers are in the 8th spot and playing above .500 ball despite LeBron being sidelined since December 25th. The miscalculation on my part revolves around the Clippers who failed to make the playoffs last season. As this is written the Clippers reside in 4th place, they too will make the final cut should the season end currently.
How has this turn
been managed, first I’m going to give a shout out to Doc Rivers. His coaching was suspect to me but no more
he’s proven he can move the “chess
pieces.” One additional key is having
the talented Dino Gallinari on the floor, he only played 21 games total last
season. As this is written he’s played
39 games. In addition, Tobias Harris and
Montrezl Harrel have also been outstanding to date. There are other keys however those mentioned
are the chief one’s I’ve witnessed. It’s
likely these Clippers will fail to win the Western Conference championship
however they might prove a fact. The
Clippers might be Kings of Los Angeles rather than the Lakers.
