BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE
A change at the 5
Knicks coach David Fizdale announced center Mitchell Robinson would become the starter for the remainder of the season. By all indications there was no issue with DeAndre Jordan perhaps the coach wanted to see Robinson in action as a starter rather than as a reserve. His first start didn’t result in a win however his numbers continue to tell the story. Robinson was 100% from the floor but only took 3 shoots, he snatched down 14 rebounds had 4 blocked shots and 3 steals.
Knicks coach David Fizdale announced center Mitchell Robinson would become the starter for the remainder of the season. By all indications there was no issue with DeAndre Jordan perhaps the coach wanted to see Robinson in action as a starter rather than as a reserve. His first start didn’t result in a win however his numbers continue to tell the story. Robinson was 100% from the floor but only took 3 shoots, he snatched down 14 rebounds had 4 blocked shots and 3 steals.
I thought for a moment
Yesterday a story was published on the Mavs Kristaps Porzingis. Often subjects are chosen and written a week or two ahead of the date they appear. That was the case with the story on Porzingis, Saturday a report came across all news services indicating the New York City Police were investigating Porzingis regarding a sexual assault claim. I hesitated to publish the account but decided in favor of it.
Yesterday a story was published on the Mavs Kristaps Porzingis. Often subjects are chosen and written a week or two ahead of the date they appear. That was the case with the story on Porzingis, Saturday a report came across all news services indicating the New York City Police were investigating Porzingis regarding a sexual assault claim. I hesitated to publish the account but decided in favor of it.
We don’t know at this point if Porzingis
is guilty of anything however, I did not want to appear as though I ignored the
controversy surrounding Porzingis. In
the day of #metoo we must face the fact similar accounts might be reported in
the future on several public figures. I
feel a responsibility to report as accurately as possible the news of the day
and this is that. Until proven guilty
Kristaps is innocent in the eyes of the law, it should be the same in the court
of public opinion.
New coach
This news is likely only of interest in the Kansas City metro, after firing Kareem Richardson the administration began a search to replace him. 42-year old Billy Donlon will be named head coach by the time you read this. Donlon was an assistant at Northwestern and the University of Michigan, he spent 10-years as the head coach at Wright State. We must applaud Donlon taking over a program that requires a great deal of work.
This news is likely only of interest in the Kansas City metro, after firing Kareem Richardson the administration began a search to replace him. 42-year old Billy Donlon will be named head coach by the time you read this. Donlon was an assistant at Northwestern and the University of Michigan, he spent 10-years as the head coach at Wright State. We must applaud Donlon taking over a program that requires a great deal of work.
We understand it usually requires a 3-4
year turn around before a new coach can claim success, all that goes out the
window if he manages to sign a couple of high-profile athletes. Kansas City is not Chicago, LA or Texas,
talent exists in the metro if Donlon can manage to tap into the stream. Former coach Rich Zvosec (2001-07) appears to
be the only one able to gain traction locally.
Good luck coach Donlon you have quite a task in front of you.
A good move
I believe I’ve made it clear most of the front-office moves made by the Lakers failed to pan out in my view. Can you say Michael Beasley, how about trading Ivica Zubac for Mike Muscala? There were other moves that leave me scratching my head trying to figure out the thought processes of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. Two player acquisitions which did work in favor of the Lakers, signing JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo. Of the two there were serious concerns on my part regarding Rondo, nothing to do with his play.
After bouncing around the NBA, the word around the league he was not a good teammate. That apparently is not true, all indications are quite contrary. He can’t shoot, but that was never his strong suit anyway it was his ability to run a team as a point guard. His recent 17 assist 5 steal game was a throwback to Magic Johnson in the Laker backcourt. Injuries plus a suspension cost Rondo a significant portion of the season however there remains a question for many. If Lonzo Ball is not traded in the off-season where does that leave Rondo? It’s been my belief Rondo is not a back-up despite his poor shooting, he’s a fair defender but at 33 maybe he’s become a reserve player near the end of a career.
I believe I’ve made it clear most of the front-office moves made by the Lakers failed to pan out in my view. Can you say Michael Beasley, how about trading Ivica Zubac for Mike Muscala? There were other moves that leave me scratching my head trying to figure out the thought processes of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. Two player acquisitions which did work in favor of the Lakers, signing JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo. Of the two there were serious concerns on my part regarding Rondo, nothing to do with his play.
After bouncing around the NBA, the word around the league he was not a good teammate. That apparently is not true, all indications are quite contrary. He can’t shoot, but that was never his strong suit anyway it was his ability to run a team as a point guard. His recent 17 assist 5 steal game was a throwback to Magic Johnson in the Laker backcourt. Injuries plus a suspension cost Rondo a significant portion of the season however there remains a question for many. If Lonzo Ball is not traded in the off-season where does that leave Rondo? It’s been my belief Rondo is not a back-up despite his poor shooting, he’s a fair defender but at 33 maybe he’s become a reserve player near the end of a career.
I’m confused
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a talent he’s listed on several mock draft sites, that’s not the issue causing my confusion. What position does the Virginia Tech athlete play? This is the basis for my confusion, nbadraftroom.com list him as a point guard while nbadraft.net indicates he’s a shooting guard. This combo guard (maybe) is from Toronto Ontario Canada. He’s also the cousin of Clipper rookie point guard Shay Gilgeous-Alexander. Why the question, well both sites have the Lakers picking Alexander-Walker.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a talent he’s listed on several mock draft sites, that’s not the issue causing my confusion. What position does the Virginia Tech athlete play? This is the basis for my confusion, nbadraftroom.com list him as a point guard while nbadraft.net indicates he’s a shooting guard. This combo guard (maybe) is from Toronto Ontario Canada. He’s also the cousin of Clipper rookie point guard Shay Gilgeous-Alexander. Why the question, well both sites have the Lakers picking Alexander-Walker.
