BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE
The 2019 NBA champion is
___________
Note in the headline above there is a blank space behind is, there is a reason for this. It’s quite interesting how the movement of one player has created a domino effect. The player I speak of is LeBron James. James leaving the Eastern Conference Cavs has opened the door for other contenders. We have no idea near the end of February who will be crowned 2019 champion. The Sixers have made trade deadline deals to strengthen their roster. The Bucks as this is written have the best won-loss record in the NBA, in addition the Raptors are lurking in the weeds.
Note in the headline above there is a blank space behind is, there is a reason for this. It’s quite interesting how the movement of one player has created a domino effect. The player I speak of is LeBron James. James leaving the Eastern Conference Cavs has opened the door for other contenders. We have no idea near the end of February who will be crowned 2019 champion. The Sixers have made trade deadline deals to strengthen their roster. The Bucks as this is written have the best won-loss record in the NBA, in addition the Raptors are lurking in the weeds.
On the other hand, the Celtics cannot be
counted out plus the Pacers despite losing Victor Oladipo. That’s the list of contenders in the east,
what about the west? The defending
champion Warriors have played up and down all season however come playoff time
that might be a different matter. The
surprising Nuggets are the only legitimate contenders in the west in my
estimation. The Kings, Thunder, Rockets
and Blazers certainly are talented however this writer must be convinced any of
them can win a championship. With such a
wide-open field especially in the east it’s extremely difficult to project a
winner, how about your view?
Despite what is believed
they play defense
I for one will be shocked if LeMelo Ball plays college ball, there are far too many questions for a university to consider. It matters not if he and his older brother were payed while in Lithuania the youngest son signed with an agent. That is a giant no-no at the top of the list for any team considering a scholarship. Although Enes Kanter is now in the NBA he first attempted to enroll at Kentucky. The NCAA would not approve Kanter’s effort due to similar issues raised regarding compensation. The other issue, every scouting report I read indicate LeMelo might succeed “Bill Murray” in Space Jam, you remember, don’t you? Just in case you need a reminder check out the YouTube link.
I for one will be shocked if LeMelo Ball plays college ball, there are far too many questions for a university to consider. It matters not if he and his older brother were payed while in Lithuania the youngest son signed with an agent. That is a giant no-no at the top of the list for any team considering a scholarship. Although Enes Kanter is now in the NBA he first attempted to enroll at Kentucky. The NCAA would not approve Kanter’s effort due to similar issues raised regarding compensation. The other issue, every scouting report I read indicate LeMelo might succeed “Bill Murray” in Space Jam, you remember, don’t you? Just in case you need a reminder check out the YouTube link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIV_9--awCI
This leads us to the 2020 NBA draft, the
one and done rule will have been rescinded by then so Ball would be eligible. The negatives mentioned in his game is an NBA
team willing to take a chance on him?
Allow me to revise the question, will an NBA team be able to deal with
him and LaVar Ball?
Try and not get too excited
If you’ve read this publication for a period, you might note one thing. The focus at the youth level is at least age 16…. you ask why. I’ve seen far too many YouTube videos of 4 and 5-year-old phenoms who disappear. They appear outstanding but fail to progress or the competition catches up with them. Several years ago, the Kansas City Star contained a story on “The best 8th grade basketball player in Kansas City.” There was no explanation as to how the reporter arrived at his conclusion.
If you’ve read this publication for a period, you might note one thing. The focus at the youth level is at least age 16…. you ask why. I’ve seen far too many YouTube videos of 4 and 5-year-old phenoms who disappear. They appear outstanding but fail to progress or the competition catches up with them. Several years ago, the Kansas City Star contained a story on “The best 8th grade basketball player in Kansas City.” There was no explanation as to how the reporter arrived at his conclusion.
We can rest assured he couldn’t have
witnessed every 8th grade talent in Kansas City play. As this youngster reached high school the
competition got taller and just as skillful, in some instances more proficient. The young man was talented enough to play at
the high school level however Division I was out of the question. I believe he did play at the collegiate level
at an NAIA school. The short version,
talent can be exhibited at various levels of competition. Its not necessary for you to adopt my view
however I try and not get too excited regarding pre-teen talent on the
court.
He still can’t shoot from
the field
The headline reference is regarding Sixer point guard Ben Simmons. I continue to read and hear complaints about his inability to shoot an acceptable percentage from the floor. At times when Simmons does shoot his driving skill often produces layups and dunks rather than jump shots. Everything is driven by numbers check those in his second full season…. I did. Simmons averages about 16 points a game however the Sixers don’t require him scoring it’s the other things.
The headline reference is regarding Sixer point guard Ben Simmons. I continue to read and hear complaints about his inability to shoot an acceptable percentage from the floor. At times when Simmons does shoot his driving skill often produces layups and dunks rather than jump shots. Everything is driven by numbers check those in his second full season…. I did. Simmons averages about 16 points a game however the Sixers don’t require him scoring it’s the other things.
Can you say triple-double, Simmons flirts
with one nearly every time he walks onto a basketball court? Rather than dwell on the negatives it would
be refreshing if these “experts” would look at the total game of Simmons. They need to be reminded (again) of a
non-shooting 6-foot 9-inch point guard.
His name was Ervin “Magic” Johnson and he too had no range on his shot,
by the time he retired from the game his shot was quite reliable. I’m not stating Simmons is as good as Magic,
but he does have one advantage, he’s taller.
Simmons measures 6-foot 10 inches compared to the 6-foot 9-inch Magic.
