BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The return 
Duke’s Zion Williamson returned to action on Thursday evening versus Syracuse.  The “shoe explosion” and resulting injury witnessed Williamson missing 5 consecutive games, there.  might be some rust in his game.  Williamson was only 2 for 9 from the free-throw line but that was the only negative on his game.  He was 13-13 from the field shooting a scorching 1,000% from the floor.  The 13-13 from the floor plus the two free-throws made for 29 points, in addition to his point total he snatched down 14 rebounds along with 5 steals.  Williamson’s outstanding play led the way to the Duke win 84-72 victory over Syracuse. 

As for his free-throw shooting that could stand improvement, he’s 67% from the line this season, this is the one area requiring work.  The NBA awaits this talented youngster, can he play at the next level?  We really have no idea however there is a belief he’s ready, one thing for sure at 285 pounds his body is certainly ready.  As for the shoe issue there as none, Nike took care of that.  According to Complex.com Nike was reported to have sent a team of specialists to Durham to meet with Williamson.  They designed a revamped Kyrie 4 and that’s what he wore Thursday evening.  Now that’s how you address a corporate negative, you fix it immediately. 

Bits n Pieces
By now I’m sure you read of the verbal altercation between Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and a Jazz fan recently.  Jazz owner Gail Miller addressed the issue with fans at half-court prior to Thursday night’s game, her thoughts communicated to the gathering was eloquent and timely.  “We’re not a racist community” was her statement to the home crowd, see the entire address for yourself    

I read an unconfirmed report on Thursday indicating “The Pelicans will never trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers.”  That might be a true statement however there are other considerations.  If they don’t re-sign Davis which appears remote, he’s history with the Pelicans.  It’s possible they trade him in order to avoid losing him in free-agency.

Chikezie “KZ” Okplala is a name unfamiliar to all except the NBA.  Stanford has a 15-16 record which is likely the reason he’s been somewhat hidden.  KZ is a 6-foot 8 inch forward who might be a 2 in the NBA.  Although he was born in the U.S. his parents immigrated to California from Nigeria.  His growth pattern was like Anthony Davis, KZ was 5 feet 10 when he enrolled in high school graduation saw him grow to 6 foot 8 inches in height.

“The right place and right time”
Depending on your age you might have heard or be familiar with the headline.  Then again you might not be acquainted with it, the explanation is quite simple.  An individual has an opportunity to succeed in the profession due to timing and placement.  They must be skilled in their craft however it aids the cause if no one is standing in their way.  No where is that more evident than the sports world, in this instance we speak of basketball.  The following is a recent example, Svi Mykhailiuk is his name.  He played at KU, I don’t remember reading any reports regarding his NBA prospects.  Last June the Lakers drafted him in the second round, maybe he can play at this level I thought. 

Then NBA Summer League began, and he was on fire especially from the 3-point line but then came the regular season.  That was Svi’s downfall the regular season, he was buried on the bench behind Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson and others.  Was it a talent issue or veteran issue as they moved in front of him in the rotation?  In February came a trade to the Pistons where he’s since remained.  Bottom line, can he play as a rotation player in the NBA?  I have no idea, Svi suffered the fate of others in the past, present and certainly the future.  He wasn’t in the right place at the right time.  Think about it a moment how many other NBA players can you name who might fit a similar story.  Several given the opportunity have blossomed while others, well I need not go any further you have a general idea.