Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Who win's  
I wrote this yesterday morning I  have no idea which team won last night, despite that fact this is the outcome of the series.  Warriors win another championship, can't provide the number of games but they do it again. The Breakdown: Both teams might be even on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps Kawhi might tilt the floor a bit in favor of the Raptors.

On the offense side the Warriors are clearly better than the Raptors. The reserve side clearly favors the Warriors, Kerr would send/start a sub, first thought who is that guy? That/those reserves would clearly outplay the opposition. The X-factor clearly is KD, if he's able to play at 75% he becomes the game/series changer. I’ve provided you an opportunity to laugh at me at the end of the series should I be wrong. On the other hand, naw you won't. 🏀🤔

“Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here"
Those were the exact words of astronaut Jack Swigert to Mission Control.  In the 1995 movie Apollo 13 actor Tom Hanks changed the wording to “Houston we have a problem.”  That was a life and death matter this is not that serious, whatever way you state it its clear, Houston we have a problem, feel free to insert Rockets in place of Houston.  As my friend presented it, “Last year fans were claiming the injury to Chris Paul derailed their championship effort, they had Paul and the Warriors had no Durant however the results were the same…. Warriors win.” 

A few in Houston might claim your Lakers ain’t so hot however there is a vast difference.  I can agree with their assessment despite having LeBron James.  What happened to the Rockets a team built to break the reign of the Warriors?  They will return next season; they will likely have another winning season.  Chris Paul will distribute; James Harden will shoot, and I maintain they will still come up short.  There is a missing element with this team despite the fact they are abundant in talent.  A missing element I believe is defense, they are not terrible, but team defense is only average. 

Really
Forbes has been a financial publication for eons now, they do a good job in that area. Although salaries are certainly financial sometimes even Forbes can be questioned.  Example, they published a list of NBA players a journalist viewed as being overpaid.  They utilized several graphs in order to formulate a conclusion.  If they concluded James Harden, Tim Hardaway Jr. or Chris Paul we could say okay, including an athlete who rarely played is a slightly different story.   Adding the Knicks Mitchell Robinson is an error (in my opinion) of an enormous nature. 

Technically he’s no longer a rookie since he played the entire 2018-19 season.  Rookie Robinson was a reserve player for the bulk of his early NBA career, every single player on their list is a starter except for Robinson.  I didn’t bother with checking how Forbes came to its conclusion let’s just say they included a reserve/rookie on their list of Top 25 players they conclude are overpaid.  Hey Forbes stick to what you do best, finance and not providing a conclusion regarding athletes.   

He’s leaving
I have a North Carolina alumnus in KC I could pose the question, what occurred with Seventh Woods?  He was highly touted in high school in fact the 6-foot 2-point guard was playing on the high school varsity as an 8^th grader.  The attraction of a blue-blood program such as North Carolina must have appealed to him, the talent rich Carolina roster witnessed him playing a reserve role as a freshman.  

A stress fracture in his sophomore year caused him to miss 17 games so we might guess he looked forward to his junior year.  Freshman Coby White (now headed for the NBA) beat him out for major minutes in his junior year.  Woods announced he is transferring to a yet to be determined school.  He arrived on the Tarheel campus as one of the most highly recruited players in South Carolina history until that other guy came along later.  Once he transfers Woods will be forced to sit out a year unless he appeals.  Was Woods as talented as we first believed or was it something else that saw him not fulfill the role we perceived.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Notice
I haven’t made a comment on the supposed bomb-shell ESPN depiction of the Lakers front office operations.  The Lakers continue to make the news in a manner unintended.  If you check the history there are two stories written and published in Words eye view, one May 23 the other May 24.  In both instances I attempted to point out the issues I believed the Lakers faced in the past and those going forward. 

Did the ESPN piece add anything not previously covered; I have no idea?  I chose to skip it believing the only difference the ESPN journalist might have had the capability to contact a few Laker employees for his story.  In other Laker news who is Darel Poireier we might ask?  Turns out he’s a 6-foot 11 238-pound wing from France, he’s a Euro league player and the Lakers have him in to conduct a workout.   

How about this?
Commissioner Silver appears open to change so here goes, why the 5-day delay in beginning the championship round?  NBA fans might have become accustom to a playoff game (east-west) every other day.  Rather than a Thursday start why not at least Tuesday, that would have provided three days rest for the Raptors. 

I’m not on a tirade  
The Kings will never see Kansas City again, this is a major portion why.  The team was terrible, on the court and especially in the front office.  They were poor at executing trades and even poorer drafting talent.  The first example they had an opportunity to draft a young Moses Malone in the ABA dispersal draft chose guard Ron Boone.  If you are relative or a friend of the athlete this is not to disparage Boone, or any player mentioned.  The intent is to detail how poorly the Kansas City version was in scouting and procuring talent for the team. In the 1981 draft the Kings chose Steve Johnson, later Tom Chambers and Rolando Blackman were picked by the Sonics and Mavs respectively.

In the 1983 draft the Kings chose Ennis Whatley with the 13^th pick, one pick later the Blazers chose Hall of Fame player Clyde Drexler.  Wait there’s more, the following year (1984) picking 9 they chose Otis Thorpe.  Thorpe would have a long NBA career but nothing like the 16^th pick in that draft Hall of Fame player John Stockton.  In 1985 (the first in Sacramento) with the 6^th pick the Kings chose Joe Kleine who also had a long serviceable pedestrian career, Chris Mullin chosen with the 7^th pick is in the Hall of Fame.  Some of the names might be unfamiliar to you, check their resume and draw your own conclusions.  In fairness to the Kings a scout cannot always determine the future regarding an athlete but to miss on such a number is mind boggling. 

Mizzou recruiting
All could possibly change one day, 247Sports has an interesting report concerning Mizzou’s basketball recruiting.  Remember we’d mentioned Cuonzo Martin’s recruiting history, the fact this East St. Louis (IL) native believed the area was prime recruiting territory.  Of the top 5 prospects in the Class of 2020 four are from the St. Louis area, the other from Kansas City.  As indicated earlier there is no guarantee all five of these prospects sign with Mizzou yet it remains interesting.  This coach and his staff continue to emphasis a focus on talent in the State of Missouri and Illinois.    

Australian pro basketball
I have little working knowledge of Australia’s National Basketball League, it’s easy to check and uncover there are 9 Australian teams and one from New Zealand.  I’m hearing a great amount of second guessing by media members regarding R.J. Hampton’s decision to head for New Zealand to play for the Breakers.  I’m here to defend him, first of all how long have we listened to those voicing the view; “The one and done is ruining college basketball?”  Hampton chose a route which is most beneficial for him soon.  He indicated on Get Up his goal is to play in the NBA eventually. 

Which will prove most beneficial to the growth of his game playing Division I basketball or battling pro players in the NBL?  Hampton is getting paid, allow me to emphasize that again he’s getting paid.  His paycheck will look astronomical compared to any money other Class of 2019 athletes will receive.  I almost failed to mention a possible shoe deal which will gain him even more income.  Several foreign players had family move to America with them once they reached the NBA, Hampton’s family is moving with him to New Zealand.  It’s clear from what I read Hampton ain’t no dummy, his SAT or ACT score would have allowed him to attend Duke if that had been the direction of his choosing. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The decision
R.J. Hampton the last remaining uncommitted 5-star prospect in the Class of 2019 announced his choice.  The 6-foot 5-inch point guard narrowed his college list to Memphis, Kansas and Texas Tech.  This morning prior to Hampton’s decision I guessed it would either be Memphis or Kansas.  The youngster fooled all of us based on his choice, he’s headed to New Zealand to play for the Breakers of the National Basketball League.   

Although coaches and fans of the three schools might be displeased the move makes sense on several levels.  We read Hampton was likely a one and done player so this way he’s not taking up classroom space for a student.  What better method to prepare yourself for the pro level than to play the game (and get paid)?  There are no details as this is written but more than likely this will be a 1-year contract, expect to see his name in the 2020 NBA draft. 

The Swoosh
Ja Morant has a shoe deal in place, this feat occurred despite the fact Morant’s has no NBA team at least until June 19.  Nike signed the projected 2019 number two pick to a multi-year contract.  According to reports this will be no change for Morant since he wore Nikes at Murray State, as for the monetary details of the contract they were not revealed.  Morant made this statement on his Instagram account, “All my life my parents worked for a check.  Now I’m proud to say I work for the check.” It’s being reported Morant is the first athlete in the 2019 draft to sign a shoe deal. 

Lay the hammer down
Mike Brey holds another job other than men's basketball coach at Notre Dame.  He’s also president of the National Association Basketball Coaches board of directors.  Brey went on the record recently, “he challenged schools to be more aggressive in firing coaches who violate NCAA and school rules.”  We have acknowledged several times cheating of some sort exists.  In most instances the athlete is punished and sometimes the school. 

Often the coach is last on the list facing a possible penalty.  During daily, weekly and monthly routine a coach cannot be on top of everything that’s where the coaching staff aids. In the wake of the Adidas trial to date several assistants have been fired so even there the head coach must truly take the lead by ensuring they are accountable.  Sin by omission rather than commission, in other words in trouble because of oversight not intentional. 

$$$$
I almost never offer an opinion on the amount of money an athlete might be earning.  The same goes for entertainers, government officials even working-class folks earning more than me.  I DO HAVE A PROBLEM if the organization you run appears dysfunctional which is the NCAA in my view.  We know some of the issues the NCAA has dealt with over the past 3-5years.  Despite the apparent internal and operational issues, they felt good enough about president Mark Emmert to raise his salary 60%.  Emmert’s salary was increased from $2.4 million to a reported $3.9 million a year. 

How old is too old?
I don’t know this to be a fact, I’ve read western cultures tend to put you out to pasture by a certain age.  On the other hand, it’s just the opposite with eastern culture, they tend to revere age.  They must equate age with wisdom we might suppose.  By the time you read this Jerry West either will turn 80-years of age or be days from it. 

The celebrity of West has probably exceeded his playing days at this point in his life, besides the fact most fans have only seen film of him in action.  The man remains vital as a consultant in the Clippers organization, how valuable the Lakers dropped a hint hoping he would return “home”.  His resume as a player is far too extensive to do him justice in this short account, let’s just say he’s enshrined in the College and Naismith Hall of Fame. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Can you see the future? 
Bob McKillop is now in his 30^th year as Davidson’s head basketball coach.  Most of us are aware the Warriors Steph Curry was not highly recruited from high school.  McKillop explained “He could see success for Curry in the future.”  The coach stated the first college game Curry had 9 turnovers, from that point on he was upward bound.  He informed father Dell a former NBA player himself, “Steph’s going to make a great deal of money in the future.”  We read of similar stories, a coach or scout sees “something” in a player we miss. 

Sure, we witness play of the same player but are unable to project future success in the game.  Former LSU coach Dale Brown also had the ability to see the future too.  He met Shaquille O’Neal at the time he thought the 6-foot 8-inch teen was in the military.   Brown was in Germany conducting a basketball clinic on an Army base, Shaq’s stepfather was then serving in the Army.  The coach kept track of Shaq through his high school years and the rest is history.  There are several with the ability to see the future these are but too examples. 

You were 4 or 5 steps ahead of me
Comedian-entertainer Kevin Hart is part of the Sixer ownership group, most of us were aware Hart grew up in Philadelphia but didn’t realize he held status as owner.  We have no idea what percentage of the team Hart owns.  For you with prior knowledge let’s just say you were 4 or 5 steps ahead of me. 

Is it journalism or showbiz? 
You probably believe this is a reference to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith it’s not.  This time it’s our local radio-drive time guy.  Allow me to set the stage, prior to the conclusion of the Adidas trial he was on the radio daily discussing all the ramifications.  He indicated “Heads would roll, and likely Nike, Under Armour and others would be entrapped too.”  Guess what, the trial has concluded and as this is written NO coach including Sean Miller has been fired. 

Do we believe there is the issue of cheating of some sort in college basketball?  Of course, but to toss a few coaches plus non-involved shoe companies under the bus is a travesty on this radio guys part.  I hear you First Amendment folks, guess what you are correct no censorship of views.  There is a belief on my part a journalist could provide accurate information as possible without delving into the TMZ/National Inquirer world of journalism. 

“Who are those guys?”
You remember the line from the 1969 movie western classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  All throughout the movie we could see the dust of horses and assumed it was law enforcement chasing after the two outlaws.  Butch would say to Sundance in one scene “Who are those guys?”  in the next scene it was Sundance asking Butch “Who are those guys?”  We could make the same statement after checking the Knicks draft history over the last several years. 

The jury is still out on 2018 rookies Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson as for the others that’s a different story.  Kristaps Porzingis was good, but he’s been traded, Tim Hardaway Jr. was a good pick, but he’s gone too.  There are a bunch of names going back to the year 2000 but nobody stands out.  Channing Frye just retired, and Trevor Ariza is still playing, Frye didn’t retire from the Knicks and Ariza is with the Wizards.  

I love this but not this
Allow me to state upfront, I’m no fan of entertainer Drake.  I love his enthusiasm and support of the Raptors but not his over the top antics.  A brief return to the past, at the time Norm Stewart coached Mizzou he would stand for practically the length of the game.  Kansas fans developed a chant for him whenever the Tigers played at Kansas.

“Sit down Norm” was the refrain heard throughout Allen Field house for major portions of the game.  By comparison to Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson in the celebrity love fest Drake is new.  There is a vast difference between Drake and those mentioned, for the most part they manage to keep their butts firmly planted in their seats.  It should be interesting to see how this plays out and especially if the NBA issues a statement regarding fan behavior

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A different NBA championship
We’ve discussed the NBA has become a “World Game”, for the first time ever one of the contestants represents an NBA team outside the continental U.S.  The Raptors of Toronto Canada are the Eastern Champions, they face the Western Division Champion Warriors.  The Warriors are the early favorites, don’t discount the Raptors determination after defeating the Bucks 4 games to 2. 

The Warriors are missing Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins.  At this point KD is the most valuable Warrior not playing, if he’s unable to play in the series the scenario changes.  Personally, I’m not rooting for either team, my desire is for a competitive series free of officiating complaints.  The series begins on Thursday evening in Toronto, Sunday evening will see both teams in action. 

I’m excited
Mizzou will surprise in 2019-20, most SEC teams expect to see the same Mizzou team they faced last season.  I’m not sure who coined the phrase “the best thing about freshman they become sophomores.”  Point guard Xavier Pinson was a blur on the court but sometimes his aggressive play resulted in frequent turnovers.  Pinson should be improved in that area as a sophomore, his shooting was satisfactory.  Illinois transfer Mark Smith proved he was deadeye from distance until an injury sent him to the sidelines and he managed to play only 20 games.     

No holding back Dru Smith this time the, Evansville transfer is ready to contribute for Mizzou.  We are reading Jeremiah Tilmon is working on his shot from distance which should aid his game.  Cutting down on his tendency to foul might be more important in my view than his shooting.  I tend to be impressed in the recruiting aspect of prospect rather than the play of a freshman.  Mizzou’s got three who should add depth and play major minutes.  In the frontcourt is 6-7 220-pound Kobe Brown and 6-8 Tray Jackson, 6-2-point guard Mario McKinney adds depth in the backcourt.

R.J. will attend……….
He’s from Little Elm located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, his name is R.J. Hampton.  Hampton is unique in that he’s the last remaining 5-star prospect uncommitted at least until Tuesday.  Hampton is rated number 6 in the Class of 2019 prospects, he’s reduced his list of schools to possibly one of the three, Memphis, Kansas and Texas Tech.  As for the other numbers Hampton is a 6-foot 5-inch 180-pound point guard,

As for his choice he’s likely a one and done athlete no matter which school he chooses.  Not unusual for today’s youngsters Hampton will appear on ESPN's Get Up to announce his choice of school's.  Will he join Penny Hardaway who’s assembling a juggernaut at Memphis?  On the other hand, he could take U.S. 82 West about 4 hours and play for Chris Beard at Texas Tech.  Finally, Hampton might consider playing for a Blue Blood Kansas program and Bill Self. 

He’s only 27 years old
Play on the court belies his age, we might believe he’s 40+ years old.  See Kawhi Leonard is ol skool, sports broadcasters of the past might say this about him.  “He comes to work with his lunch pail” meaning he does all those keys that contribute to a team’s victory.  The keys are the little things teammates can’t or sometimes maybe unwilling to do.  Proof of this Leonard’s twice been selected as Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016) as a member of the Spurs. 

In 2011 the Pacers drafted Leonard with the 15^th pick but traded his rights to the Spurs.  Born in Los Angeles he remained so what close to home attending San Diego State where he left for the NBA after his sophomore year.  More could be written, NBA champion plus 3-time NBA All Star but Leonard is not a demonstrative guy.  It’s unnecessary to pat him on the back he knows his value to the Spurs and now the Raptors, he needs no reinforcement in this account.

Anthony Davis of the _______
Notice the last portion of the headline is blank, it’s empty because no one is sure where Anthony Davis is headed.  Is it the Lakers, Clippers, Celtics or Knicks or maybe some other team?  Newly hired GM David Griffin indicates the Pelicans plain is for Davis to remain in the “Big Easy.”  I have no inside information regarding Davis just the belief he’s a man of his words. 

Davis has been quiet however with plenty of opportunities to say “I’m staying” he’s been silent.  It’s extremely difficult to hold on to a player wanting out (see Kawhi Leonard), a trade will be consummated.  Which team and what players are involved is not known at this point, the only player we are sure who’s included in the package is Anthony Davis? 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The plan is…….
We are slightly confused in this part of the country; we guessed the project to refurbish Key Arena was the ending result in Seattle.  There was debate between a remodel of the existing building or a new one.  Once the city council approved the Key Arena project, we figured that was the end.  We knew Seattle was to receive an expansion NHL team and the Sonics might be a future possibility to play in the building.  Apparently, that is not the case or at least presently.  Reading MyNorthwest.com recently a different perspective was gained. 

From the article it appears Chris Hansen’s group is attempting to build a brand-new arena and it would be Sonics only.  Hansen’s been in the lead in the effort to return the NBA to Seattle, you might remember the Kings were virtually sold at a point.  He planned on moving the franchise north until David Stern stepped in and a local group purchased the Kings.  Back to the subject at hand, there is a website with details of the arena design and related information regarding the plan. 

Rookie of the Year
It was mid to late December; this writer declared the Mavs Luka Doncic Rookie of the Year.  The Hawks Trae Young said hold on a moment I’m here too, this occurred at some point in January.  Young came on like a streaking meteorite from January through the end of the season.  We could simply check out the numbers and determine the Mavs forward and Hawks point guard were relatively mirror images at close. 

Certainly the 6-foot 7-inch Doncic held the lead in rebounds however the speedy Hawks point guard led the way in assists.  Most interesting to many the per game point totals were not that far apart, Doncic at 21.2 ppg while Young was 19.1.  It’s probably not going to occur, but this could be co-rookies of the year.  This event has occurred three other times in NBA history.  The last time 2000 when Rockets guard Steve Francis shared the award with Bulls forward Elton Brand.      

This is shocking news…for some
Sam Snelling writes for Rock M Nation the Mizzou fan website.  Recently he posed the question the time might be right for Mizzou to return to the Big 12-SEC Challenge.  Based on Mizzou’s record over 4 of the 5 last years the Tigers have been excluded from the pre-season match.  I agree with Snelling I’d like to see Mizzou be included in the challenge again and then BAM he goes there!  Snelling lays the hammer down suggesting Bill Self likely doesn’t want to play Mizzou.  The journalist had to go there unfortunately, just when I believed things had toned down Snelling revives the bitterness existing between elements of the programs. 

This Mizzou fan has no desire to ever play Kansas again if Self is there.  Self is one of the best college coaches out there I’m just not sure I like him any longer.  It’s not just Self its some in Jayhawk Nation, you might remember the account.  I said to a Kansas fan once; “Why does Kansas avoid playing Mizzou?  It would be an easy win for them.  The fan’s response; Mizzou makes the NCAA they would be able to play Kansas.”  So, there you have it, Kansas is only willing to play Mizzou if they are forced based on a possible NCAA match.  Thanks, but no thanks Mr. Self.   

I have no idea
Those of us in Laker Nation have no idea what the team does with next month’s 4^th pick in the 2019 NBA draft.  Draft history has been a little murky at times in the past, allow a brief journey in time.  In 2015 most of us believed the pick would be Jahlil Okafor or D’Angelo Russell.  It turned out to be Russell who’s since been traded, they could have easily chosen Okafor but that’s just as well.  

In 2016 I don’t believe there was any question the Lakers were going to draft anyone but Brandon Ingram.  We could make the same statement for 2017, it was concluded early Lonzo Ball would likely be the top pick.  2018 was a shot in the dark, I don’t imagine anyone had the Lakers choosing Moe Wagner.  The 2019 draft will likely be a repeat of last season, the Lakers will choose from:

Coby White-North Carolina
DeAndre Hunter-Virginia
Rui Hachimura-Gonzaga
Darius Garland-Vanderbilt
Jarrett Culver-Texas Tech
R.J. Barrett-Duke
Bol Bol-Oregon
Jaxson Hayes-Texas

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

They have no clue
I’m sure Jayhawk Nation feels vindicated and pleased; Silvio De Sousa being declared ineligible by the NCAA has now been given clearance to play in the fall.  Has anything changed other than the appeal process for this young man?  I’ve read four accounts from various websites and none of the journalists have provided us a clear explanation why the verdict was overturned.  In addition, the reports failed to mention the $2,500 De Sousa’s guardian was reported to have received. 

While the appeal by Kansas was in the works De Sousa submitted his name for the NBA draft, that’s likely to change now.  It would sure be wonderful if someone from the NCAA would clue us earthlings in on their decision process.  Issuing a statement allowing him to play says nothing other than he can now play.  Does this scenario play out with the next “Silvio De Sousa?”  There are privacy issues involved and it's realized we cannot be provided all the answers we might desire.  The NCAA suspended De Sousa for two years, why such a lengthy period for a virtual slap on the wrist?

Go figure
After the lottery I read someone stated NBA teams will continue to find methods to tank, i.e. lose to improve their draft position.  As you are aware the bottom three finishers all have a 14% chance at the top pick.  This confuses me, he’s claiming a team would lose on purpose with only a 1 in 3 chance of acquiring the top pick in the draft.  I’m no gambler (other than small wagers) I can’t figure this one out, is there something here I’m missing?  

Reliable sources
The term above is often used at the time a journalist uncovers a story.  The source cannot be revealed however the account is supposed to be accurate.  I’m unsure if the term applies to this story but here goes.  As you are aware NBA teams have been charged large sums of cash for contacting players other than their own.        

This occurred more than once to the Lakers while Magic Johnson was president.  ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (the reliable source) claims LeBron James is not waiting to the conclusion of the NBA championship.  Windhorst claims LeBron has contacted a few NBA players already.  I have no direct knowledge; this is guessing on my part players cannot be fined in the same manner as an NBA team.

Surprise
The trade of Kristaps Porzingis last January caught most of us off-guard.  Most of us in other time zones were unaware of any issues between Porzingis and Knicks management.  Possibly a few Knick fans might have had a hint something was going on besides the injury to Porzingis, most of us didn’t.  This latest news is almost shocking to believe but it must be true. 

Wednesday Knicks president Steve Mills claimed; “He (Porzingis) came into our office and demanded a trade, or he was headed back to Europe.”  We have only the Knicks side of the account, we await comment from Porzingis.  On the surface it appears the trade to Dallas met with his approval, the photos we saw last January showed a smiling jovial Porzingis. 

Blue Blood programs
Jaden McDaniel is one of the last in the Class of 2019 to declare.  The 6-7 5-star and number 7 Rivals prospect had his choice of “Blue Blood programs.”  Kentucky, Duke and Kansas all had offers plus there were several others trying to lure him to their program.  This youngster from the Seattle metro decided to remain in the state, he chose the University of Washington to begin his collegiate path.  In Little Elm Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth metro) the Rivals number 6 point guard in the nation R.J. Hampton reduced his list to four schools.  Those making his final cut are Kentucky, Texas Tech, Kansas and Memphis.    

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Is it time to sell? 
Jeanie Buss fired brother Jim when it was reported he intended to sell the team.  That was only one element causing a rift in the family, the team had suffered on the court too.  Jeanie cleaned house not only her brother but long-time GM Mitch Kupchak was shown the door too.  They were replaced by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka as president and GM respectfully.  By the time this is read a coach will be in place (Frank Vogel hire) but that will only resolve part of the problem.  I’m not sure who to give credit let’s just say, “The fish rots from the head down.” 

Perhaps it is time the family considered selling the team.  All of us are faced with changing times, the dynamics involved today for the Lakers are far different from those in the day of Dr. Buss.  This proud franchise which once was the gold standard has fallen on hard times in recent years.  The most recent Forbes report indicates the Lakers are the 2^nd most valued franchise in the NBA, only the Knicks ranked ahead of them.  A February account indicates the Lakers are valued at a cool $3.7 billion.  Divided among the family and the small number of stockholders all could earn a hefty payday.  Remove the "family" element sell the team to someone who's made money outside basketball.  

Big Z
It’s funny in a manner of speaking his nickname, the late Zelmo Beaty was nicknamed “The Big Z.”  Standing 6 foot 9 inches and 225 pounds technically he wasn’t big considering he went to battle against Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy and other 7-foot centers of the era.  Beaty played his college basketball at Prairie View A&M and was a two time all NAIA player averaging 25 points and 20 rebounds during his time at Prairie View.  He led the team to the 1962 NAIA championship, later he would be drafted by the St. Louis Hawks and moved with the franchise to Atlanta. 

Beaty proved he could play in the competitive NBA of the period and believed the Hawks slighted him in salary.  The issue of salary in 1970 witnessed him leaving for the rival American Basketball Association Utah Stars, Beaty would continue his outstanding play in the ABA winning a championship in 1971. He  would conclude his professional career as a member of the Lakers in 1975.  Beaty is another of the double honorees, elected to the College and Naismith Hall of Fame.  Zelmo Beaty or Big Z a name from basketball’s past you should know.    

Celebrity NBA fans
The recent complaints about entertainer Drake’s support of the Raptors is interesting.  I didn’t see what he did only read the complaints by the Bucks head coach and fans.  Entertainer Doris Day died May 13 at the age of 97, she became an early fan of the NBA and Lakers when the team moved to Los Angeles in 1961, she was later joined by actress Dyan Cannon.  At some point Jack Nicholson began showing up at Laker games in the Forum (later GW Forum).  There were a host of others who became fans of the Lakers and the NBA. 

In New York Spike Lee is almost always seated courtside at Knick games. At the time the Nets moved to Brooklyn this Brooklynite was asked which team he would root for?  You have the answer already; we can add Chris Rock and Ben Stiller to the list of Knick fans.  Due to the entertainment industry headquartered in New York and Los Angeles most celebrity fans can be seen courtside at MSG and Staples Center.   The Wahlberg brothers’ film in New York and Los Angeles but can sometimes be seen at TD Garden Center in Boston.  Actors Chris O’Donnell, Vince Vaughn and Bill Murray can sometimes be seen at the United Center in Chicago.  The Bulls also claim former President Barack Obama as a fan. 

Do we include Justin Timberlake on our list since he’s a minority owner of the Grizzlies?  The same for Wil Smith with the Sixers and Usher with the Cavs, they are also owners of a piece of the franchise.  Finally, do we consider actress Jami Gertz, her husband is one of the owners of the Hawks.  As for Drake’s actions this occurred back in the day.  Jack Nicholson got up from his courtside seats during a game and listened in on the play the opposing team was to run.  Nicholson ambled over to former coach Pat Riley and said; “They are going to run ________________”.  Did this actually occur I offer no proof, maybe it’s just one of those urban myths?  As for the list don’t consider it to be final there are other celebrities omitted certainly not on purpose.      

Captain Speculation
I know don’t remind me, I once said you cannot give yourself a nickname.  Well Captain Speculation (me) is staying away from this one.  The NCAA’s vice-president of Governance indicates the body will make recommendations for penalties based on the Adidas trial.  To date only head coach Rick Pitino has been fired along with several assistant coaches from a few programs. 

Surely penalties will be forthcoming for a select number of schools.  Who gets penalized you ask; I have no idea and for once there is no speculation on my part?  I can make this statement with certainty; several coaches and basketball programs should demand an apology if all we uncover is what’s been noted to date.  Does cheating exist, of course it does.  I hope in my zeal I’ve not assassinated anyone’s character.