BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE
Times up
I’ve attempted to hold my commentary on Luke Walton. A coach taking on the role of a rebuild must be given time to implement his program and establish a relationship with his team. There must also be a meeting of the minds especially with a professional team. I’ve been a long-time believer pro players more so than collegiate one’s sometimes reach a point where they “turn off” a coach. No amount of direction, yelling, cursing and other antics by the coach work. The Lakers were forced to fire Pat Riley, after years of playoff and championship success we read Riley had lost the clubhouse. Laker players were no longer listening to his direction during team meetings and training.
Times up
I’ve attempted to hold my commentary on Luke Walton. A coach taking on the role of a rebuild must be given time to implement his program and establish a relationship with his team. There must also be a meeting of the minds especially with a professional team. I’ve been a long-time believer pro players more so than collegiate one’s sometimes reach a point where they “turn off” a coach. No amount of direction, yelling, cursing and other antics by the coach work. The Lakers were forced to fire Pat Riley, after years of playoff and championship success we read Riley had lost the clubhouse. Laker players were no longer listening to his direction during team meetings and training.
In Kansas City former coach Marty Schoettenheimer
was one of the most successful coaches in Chiefs history. After the team began sliding downward
Schoettenheimer resigned in 1998. There
was one game the Chiefs on the field appeared to self-destruct. It was whispered, the coach had acquired
free-agents of questionable character and lost the ear of those newly acquired
players and others on the roster. Where
am I going, it’s time for the Lakers to make a change. It appears Luke Walton has lost the
clubhouse, I realize LeBron James is sidelined but it’s more than that. Whose available, Brian Shaw (former Laker and
head coach), ABC/ESPN analyst Mark Jackson also a former coach. I believe a change at this point would be a
breath of fresh air.
Can we say upset in unison?
If you tuned in on Saturday, you might have done what I did witnessed two top 10 teams lose. I’m sure ranked teams have both lost on the same day however I’m unsure if it’s occurred this season. Your memory might be better than mine, in this instance I had the opportunity to see both games. Saturday evening number 4 Nevada undefeated at tipoff lost their game versus unranked New Mexico State. Earlier in the day Iowa State also unranked at the time accomplished the same feat beating number 5 Kansas. Although the home team won in both instances the games were not even close, Nevada winning 85-58 and Iowa State a 77-60 winner.
If you tuned in on Saturday, you might have done what I did witnessed two top 10 teams lose. I’m sure ranked teams have both lost on the same day however I’m unsure if it’s occurred this season. Your memory might be better than mine, in this instance I had the opportunity to see both games. Saturday evening number 4 Nevada undefeated at tipoff lost their game versus unranked New Mexico State. Earlier in the day Iowa State also unranked at the time accomplished the same feat beating number 5 Kansas. Although the home team won in both instances the games were not even close, Nevada winning 85-58 and Iowa State a 77-60 winner.
Remember the name
Trayvon Reed is a 7-foot 2-inch 240-pound center, he plays for Texas Southern University. I realize you might not have heard the name however don’t be shocked or surprised. We could hear Reed’s name called in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, if not then he might just become some team’s free agent signee. Reed while relatively unknown began his college career at Auburn but would transfer to Texas Southern University. TSU is in the city of Houston Texas and is one of the many historically black universities in the south and southwest.
Two mock draft sites contained Reed’s name, he’s been identified by scouts, whether he is drafted remains a question. The key might be the NBA Draft Combine should Reed be invited. It’s been said few except those around Vanderbilt and later Mizzou knew the name DeMarre Carroll. After distinguishing himself at the 2009 NBA Draft Combine he was made a late first round pick by the Hawks. Carroll now a member of the Nets has managed an NBA career and is paid generously for it. The same scenario could play out for Reed as well. If he attends the combine and has a good showing he could be drafted or at the very least sign a free-agent Summer League contract. Undrafted Allonzo Trier proved he could play, and the Knicks said “Yes he can” signing him.
Trayvon Reed is a 7-foot 2-inch 240-pound center, he plays for Texas Southern University. I realize you might not have heard the name however don’t be shocked or surprised. We could hear Reed’s name called in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, if not then he might just become some team’s free agent signee. Reed while relatively unknown began his college career at Auburn but would transfer to Texas Southern University. TSU is in the city of Houston Texas and is one of the many historically black universities in the south and southwest.
Two mock draft sites contained Reed’s name, he’s been identified by scouts, whether he is drafted remains a question. The key might be the NBA Draft Combine should Reed be invited. It’s been said few except those around Vanderbilt and later Mizzou knew the name DeMarre Carroll. After distinguishing himself at the 2009 NBA Draft Combine he was made a late first round pick by the Hawks. Carroll now a member of the Nets has managed an NBA career and is paid generously for it. The same scenario could play out for Reed as well. If he attends the combine and has a good showing he could be drafted or at the very least sign a free-agent Summer League contract. Undrafted Allonzo Trier proved he could play, and the Knicks said “Yes he can” signing him.
Bits n Pieces
In the middle of December, the Pacers made NBA history, the team announced the hiring of Kelly Krauskopf as assistant general manager. Krauskopf becomes the first woman in NBA history to hold a similar position. She’s no window dressing hire, Krauskopf’s been in the forefront of major decisions having served 19-years as a top executive of the WNBA Fever. In addition, she’s held other positions demonstrating her basketball capabilities.
In the middle of December, the Pacers made NBA history, the team announced the hiring of Kelly Krauskopf as assistant general manager. Krauskopf becomes the first woman in NBA history to hold a similar position. She’s no window dressing hire, Krauskopf’s been in the forefront of major decisions having served 19-years as a top executive of the WNBA Fever. In addition, she’s held other positions demonstrating her basketball capabilities.
You wanna know the
Mavs Dirk Nowitzki’s age? Consider this fact, shooting guard Jaylen
Brown born in 1996 was 2-years old when Dirk began playing for the Mavs. Dirk is unsure if this is his last year or
not however many believe this is the end.
Two guys who faced
one another on the basketball court did it again. This time it occurred as head coaches. This past Saturday Chris Mullin at St. John’s
faced Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas, Mullin’s team prevailed in OT 97-94.
