Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I ain’t hatin’ 
My barber accused me of hatin' on Russell Westbrook nicknaming him "West-brick" for his poor shooting. He claimed I wasn't focusing on the rebounds and assists the point guard claimed during his games. He said “Westbrook had to shoot the ball, no other Thunder players were that good.”  I thought for a moment what about Paul George, he’s a talented player?  This is the problem as this fan sees it, it’s mental.  

The method for me to explain, the game is two-dimensional, Westbrook can only see if from a one-dimensional perspective.  His talent is certainly evident but he fails to see the need at times to dial back his game.  We witnessed Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Steph Curry take over a game and practically willing victory to their team.  Westbrook doesn’t have that extra ???? to complete the task.  I’m reminded of a statement made by an acquittance, "He (Westbrook) is certainly talented but if I was starting a team from scratch I would exclude him.”

College basketball news
Only the inner circle knows for sure, we can bet Kansas coach Bill Self was doing a happy dance with the news.  Big man Udoka Azbuike announced he was returning for his senior year, the 7-foot center was rumored to be thinking NBA.  Most mock draft sites listed him as a possible second round draft choice but still he’s recognized.

5-star point guard Cole Anthony announced his intention.  The Rivals number four prospect in the Class of 2019 is headed to Chapel Hill to play for Roy Williams.   The son of former NBA player and television analyst Greg Anthony had been tight lipped on his ultimate destination.  Isn’t it interesting how North Carolina, Duke and others simply re-load during and after the season?

Kim English is not a well-known name except for Mizzou Nation.  Since his playing days are over the former Mizzou athlete is on the fast-track to become a college head coach.  He was recently hired by Rick Barnes at Tennessee as an assistant his latest coaching stop.  Rumor had English under consideration for the UMKC job, I’m happy he didn’t take that job it’s a train-wreck. 

Luke Walton
I can offer no opinion of the sexual assault charge against Luke Walton.  In the day of #MeToo it’s difficult for many of us to formulate an opinion until all the facts are in.  I intend to discuss the other part of breaking Walton news.  It’s been reported Walton had an opportunity to retain his Laker head coaching job but chose otherwise.  In all honesty it makes sense to me for a couple of reasons.

Word is Walton expressed a distrust in Rob Pelinka Laker GM, in the other instance it’s job security.  It’s been mentioned previously news reports began circulating in late January or early February indicating Walton had a job in jeopardy warning.  When your replacement is mentioned before you exit the building, well what else can you think except “I want outta here?”

A missing name
The Suns fired Igor Kokoskov, earlier the Lakers fired Luke Walton.  For now, those jobs are open and there could be more before all is done.  It’s interesting among the names mentioned as coaching candidates are Tyronn Lue, Monty Williams and even former Louisville coach Rick Pitino’s name has been mentioned.  A missing name is the architect of the Warriors, yes, I said it.  I certainly have no desire to trash Steve Kerr but it was Mark Jackson. 

The former point guard turned coach and now ABC/ESPN analyst did it, he helped build the Warriors into championship contenders.  You notice Jackson’s name is never mentioned anytime a coaching vacancy occurs.  Get this, maybe it’s me perhaps the former coach has no desire to return to the grind of coaching again.  After all its much safer broadcasting games rather than having a GM, owner or fans second-guessing your moves.  We shall see who the Suns, Lakers and perhaps others hire.  For sure it’s likely not going to be Mark Jackson.