Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces
In news of a surprising nature WHB-810 fired Kevin Keitzman on Friday.  He’s the drive-time radio host who’s remarks regarding Chiefs coach Andy Reid stirred up a hornet’s nest locally and made the national sports news.  Did he deserved to be fired probably not, he’s possibly said worst things over his 22 years on the radio?  Two maybe three issues caused him to lose his job.  The Chiefs, radio advertisers and perhaps he really wasn’t very good at his job.  Maybe local media contacted Keitzman in private not a single KC person came forth to publicly defend him. He was part of the weekend broadcast team for one of the local TV stations.  Several of his colleagues retired but remain in the area, they were conspicuously absent as well.       

Where in the world is Markelle Fultz?  The number one pick in the 2017 draft by the Sixers has only been on the court for 33 games since then.  Surgery was to have repaired a damaged shoulder, last February he was traded to the Magic.  He continues to rehab with no return date yet planned.  Has Fultz become the 2017 version of Greg Oden?  Oden drafted number one in 2007 would never exhibit the basketball skill he displayed in college; an array of injuries sunk his once promising NBA aspirations. 

With the Kara Lawson hire the NBA will now have 8 female assistant coaches next season.   The number might seem small considering there are 30 NBA franchises and large numbers of male assistant coaches.  Ask yourself this  question, how does this figure compare to female coaches in the NFL, MLB, NHL or MLS?  I thought you’d come to that conclusion. 

If reports prove correct it appears Kyrie Irving will be replaced in the Celtics backcourt by Kemba Walker.  Apparently, Brooklyn and the Nets is where Irving is headed.  If proven correct the strange and unusual NBA journeys of Irving will continue.  An addendum Captain Speculation (me) has surrendered, 2019 free agency has my head spinning.  There are so many stories floating about I’m unsure the accuracy of the Walker account.

No one ever did this 
The strongest man in the NBA perhaps basketball might have been the late Wilt Chamberlain.  The circle rim portion of a goal is comprised of 5/8-inch solid steel.  Chuck Connors, Gus Johnson, Darryl Dawkins and Shaquille O’Neal broke NBA backboards during their careers, once during a Chamberlain game his thunderous dunks all game long broke the rim something the others never accomplished.  The goal never detached from the backboard but when taken down in the second half of the game it was quite evident.  The detached rim was quite visible as the television camera zoomed in on a close shot of the goal laying on the court.            

I'm happy...if true  
Kawhi Leonard has four meetings scheduled Raptors, Knicks, Clippers and Lakers.  My team might not be able to sign Leonard however this time they have a meeting.  Remember last season Paul George was the target, somehow, he slipped through the Lakers grasp.  I’m happy if the Lakers can even schedule a meeting with a top free agent.  One additional note, Leonard was supposed to have requested Magic Johnson and owner Jeanie Buss alone meet with him.  Part of this request is not possible according to NBA rules, Johnson no longer associated with the team.  He certainly can meet with Leonard unofficially but certainly cannot be involved in any sort of “understanding” between he, Leonard and the Lakers

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Rifleman
Former Auburn and NBA player Chuck Person was nicknamed The Rifleman for his prolific shooting.  Person was given the nickname by those who watched an old television series.  If you are a certain age or have MeTV on your cable or satellite system you are familiar with The Rifleman.  From 1958-1963 Chuck Connors   portrayed rancher Lucas McCain in a television series set in the Old American West.  The program took the title of the Winchester rifle the McCain character used to help dispense justice at times. Although his acting career lasted a total of 40 years he was actually an athlete who turned to acting.  

Connors played minor league baseball prior to World War II, in 1946 following his discharge from the service the 6 foot 6 inch Connors joined the Boston Celtics.  He would play several games for the Celtics prior to leaving basketball for baseball.  There is no documentation but Connors was reported to be the first to break a backboard on a dunk.  It was not Wilt Chamberlain or Darryl Dawkins.  From 1948-1952 he played in the minors and for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.  His bio indicates he believed he’d never make it as a baseball player, thus began an acting career that eclipsed his athletic years.  Connors passed away in 1992 at the age of 71. 

Raptor fans
Toronto deserves a shout out, I’m unsure if I congratulated them for winning the 2019 NBA championship.  The championship was well deserved for the team and its fans.  If you are part of, We the North you can stop at this point, the next portion will not be pleasant for your reading or hearing if you are relaying this to someone.  IF Kawhi Leonard should choose a destination other than Toronto the Raptors are in big time trouble with an upper-case T. 

I didn’t say terrible; they will earn a playoff berth, I could foresee them even playing for the championship next season but they ain’t gonna win it.   They do win again if Masai Ujiri pulls another rabbit out of his hat which he is very capable of accomplishing.  Last season it was two rabbits, firing coach Dwayne Casey and trading for Kawhi Leonard.  Maybe it was three rabbits hiring Nick Nurse to coach this team, the pieces are in place for a long run whatever direction Leonard chooses.  

All Star Trio
As this is written the Lakers are attempting to secure an All Star to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.  Is it a requirement to have three premier players to gain an NBA championship?  A brief look back at several successful NBA teams containing a trio of outstanding players.  In several instances, the trio’s been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.  A return in history might describe a trio of Celtics at various times, in most instances Bill Russell stood out as the catalyst for those teams. 

The NBA champion Knicks (yes Knick fans under the age of 40) consisted of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Dave DeBusschere and the anchor Willis Reed.  It was 1973 when the Knicks last won an NBA championship.  Several years later the Rockets would taste championship success anchored by Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Robert Horry.  My Lakers had Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, the 1983 Sixer championship team had Moses Malone, Dr. J. and Maurice Cheeks all later inducted into the Hall of Fame.  This is certainly not complete there are teams and players omitted but you get the idea.  The question remains unanswered, is a trio required for success?  Probably not but it certainly can’t hurt.  

Is change in the air?     
We covered R.J. Hampton and his decision to turn pro, is there a trend occurring?  Kenyon Martin Jr. was headed to Vanderbilt, he changed his mind and he is headed for the National Basketball League in Australia.  On ESPN’s The Jump LeMelo Ball announced he was headed for Australia too.  Today Terry Armstrong a 6-foot 6-inch wing announced he was headed somewhere other than Arizona his committed school.  Is there a trend here, high school seniors who could have attended college but chose to begin professional careers?  Earlier it was reported Ball might have issues gaining eligibility by the NCAA however the other three could have chosen to attend college. 

I listened to a discussion on the subject and the points were valid, the chief point being paid large sums of money has got to be at the top of the list.  Instead of English 101 study will consist of the team playbook.  As this is written Armstrong’s made no indication where he’s headed as for the others it’s the NBL in Australia.  A key point there is no language issue in Australia, English is the spoken language although the dialect its somewhat strange to American ears.  This group of American high school players are not the first to bypass college for foreign shores, I reject the notion four players is a tidal wave choosing a pro career over college.     

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Wow!  
Late breaking news arrived early Thursday afternoon regarding the Lakers, they reduced their roster even further.  The Lakers traded Mo Wagner, Issac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones to the Wizards as part of the Anthony Davis trade.  On the Laker roster are Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Alex Caruso and Johnathan Williams, not enough for a 5 on 5 game. 

In addition, AD waived his trade kicker allowing the Lakers to have enough max money to secure a third player.  Exactly who that player might be remains an unknown days prior to free agency.  Hopefully there could be a backup plan in place should player A not sign they could move to player B and possibly C.  Unlike last season the Lakers appear to be operating smoothly despite apparent dysfunction with the Magic Johnson resignation. 

I don’t do $$$
As we approach NBA free agency players moving will be discussed.  The years of a contract might be mentioned, rarely will compensation be examined.  There is a clear reason, most believe professional athletes in all sports are way overpaid.  It’s true, by the age of 40 most have been retired 3 or 4 years.  They must “live” the balance of their lives, what about living accommodations, food, power and other necessities.  The athlete must continue to purchase gasoline for his automobile(s). 

This basketball fan loves the game but also believe educators, fire and police along with the military need to be paid as well.  We argue why a teacher needs a pay raise but often have no complaint about the salary our fictional Jack Strong earns for passing a football or sinking a basket.  The belief, “I’m paying the teacher’s salary with my taxes but not Jack therefore it’s different.”  I will continue to follow NBA basketball I won’t change; I can also see how the other half exists and why their salary demands are just as important.

Speaking of money
This was mentioned in the past; the Celtics had a reserve player who also pitched for the Red Sox.  He was late arriving every spring due to the Celtics competing for championships every season.  Despite his late arrival Gene Conley was always able to begin pitching no later than the 2^nd or 3^rd week of May.  The Celtics had claimed their championship and Conley had time to prepare his body for baseball.  Nowadays it’s the middle of June before the NBA championship is decided.  The commissioner mentioned the NBA is considering reducing the 82-game schedule.  The larger question, who gives up money with fewer games…. the owners or players?  Many have long believed the season including the playoffs is far too long, will this work?  

Evaluator of talent
The following are proof Magic Johnson had shortcomings evaluating team needs.  Exhibit A., allowing Brook Lopez to walk without the team receiving any compensation for the free agent.  For a 7-foot player Lopez doesn’t rebound very well.  He excels at stretching the floor an element clearly lacking once LeBron James arrived.  Exhibit B., pronouncing Lonzo Ball the point guard while indicating D’Angelo Russell was no leader. 

Ball (since traded) never played a complete season due to injury.  An improving on ball defender his shot never arrived.  As for Russell traded to the Nets he was selected for the NBA All Star Game last season.  Exhibit C., Michael Beasley was not the only one-year contract player on the roster but certainly the one with the least contribution to the Lakers.  They released him, in fairness perhaps it was the illness of his mother we don’t truly.  There you have it, a short critique of Magic Johnson’s ability to address team needs. 

Bits n Pieces
Cannen Cunningham has been added to the coaching staff at Oklahoma State.  His name was unknown to me and probably you.  You might be more familiar with Cade Cunningham his younger brother.  The youngster is a 6-foot 7-inch point guard and a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2020.  It just happens Cade is uncommitted as this is written.  We can debate the success or lack thereof regarding the Porter brothers.  A fan questioned the head coach for adding Michael Porter Sr. to his staff.  Stuff like this is done all the time, Mizzou wasn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last. 

I’m preparing for the 2020 NBA draft, I know you’re going to say, “Gee we just finished the 2019 NBA draft and you are looking at 2020?”  I certainly am because that’s what I do.  One of the intriguing names on the list is one Ochai Agbaji, few were acquainted with this Kansas freshman he was redshirted at the beginning of the season.  More detail will be provided on this NBA prospect soon. 

The Big East Conference voted to invite UConn back, not the least bit surprising based on UConn’s winning tradition.  UConn was a vital member of this “basketball” conference prior to its breakup some years ago.  The term is applied here due to the fact basketball was the basis of its founding.  Several former rivals remain in place from its 1979 founding.  Georgetown, Villanova, St. John’s and others perhaps look at this latest move as a benefit for the conference.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He was among the best
Any time a discussion occurs here regarding all-time greats in KC high school basketball hoops the same names are usually mentioned.  Either Warren Armstrong, Central, Anthony Peeler, Paseo or JaRon Rush Pembroke will be mentioned.  We could say all played in different eras of high school basketball.  Armstrong (Jabali) was Rookie of the Year in the ABA and had an extensive career until injuries curtailed his livelihood.  Peeler drafted by the Lakers played for several other NBA teams during his 13-year NBA career. 

Rush although extremely talented never managed an NBA career, he declared for the draft after his freshman year at UCLA.  Bad advice regarding his draft status and personal issues cost him a possible NBA career.  As for Peeler after graduation from Paseo he attended Mizzou where he became a standout player for then coach Norm Stewart.  A friend attended a basketball camp while in high school years later he would play for Mizzou.  As for the camp each participant received a medal for participating, my friend managed to secure Anthony Peelers autograph.  He gave me the medal to add to my Laker collection of memorabilia, thanks much Rob. 

One more comment
We read several fan letters defending the suspended KC radio host.  In this day of social media is there ever a point that becomes out of bounds?  The radio guy claimed because Andy Reid hired his sons they were “fair game” to be included in the discussion.  That might be true however this is where the line becomes blurred, when you attempt to tie family into the coaches handling of football talent that might be the line in the sand. 

If for instance this host totaled the number of bad characters the Chiefs have employed tied it to Andy Reid that might have been the end.  There would have been no uproar locally or nationally, by choosing to take it one step further including Reid’s family this host stepped over that line.  My audience is much smaller than radio guy however I truly hope I’ve never stepped over the line.  I can only think of one instance, my criticism of Doc Rivers and son Austin Rivers time with the Clippers.  I believed it smacked of nepotism and I said so at the time.  In my passion to complete a story misrepresented a person or event I hope not. 

This is unusual
On Tuesday Missouri State made an offer to Rivals 5-star prospect Aminu Mohammed.  Mohammed is the number 14 prospect in the Class of 2021 however that’s not the unusual aspect.  Point, his brother is enrolled at Missouri State and is a roster member of the basketball team.  Point, Mohammed’s high school Greenwood Laboratory is located on the campus of the Springfield school.   Final point, although Springfield is 150 miles from Columbia Mizzou is yet to make an offer as this is written.  Mizzou failing to make an offer is probably the most unusual aspect. 

Would it work?
Here I go again; I’m settled on JJ Redick as the Lakers shooting guard.  Could they acquire a point guard by default might be the question?  The Jazz have acquired Mike Conley from the Grizzlies, unrestricted free agent Ricky Rubio apparently has no job.  Next stop Los Angeles and the Lakers (I hope), check out his numbers.  At the time he arrived in the NBA as a 19-year-old he was a distributor of the basketball, Rubio couldn’t toss the ball in the ocean as a shooter.   

All that’s changed now, Rubio shot 40.4% from the floor scoring 12.7 points and 6.1 assists per game last season.  In addition to those numbers Rubio is nearly 84% from the free throw line.  He’s only 28 years old and should have several productive years in front of him.  Can the Lakers make the dollars right for this pass first point guard?  Laker Nation certainly hopes that is the case.  His field goal shooting percentage is minimal but that’s not the chief area of concern for the Lakers.  

They were history makers
We might state any team winning the NCAA championship is a history maker.  Texas Western (now Texas-El Paso) accomplished the task in a different manner.  The racial landscape of America was undergoing change, most northern and western universities contained black players, in the deep south and southwest witnessed change as well with several smaller conferences.  In 1966 many basketball teams in the southern United States were still comprised of white players.  Larger conferences such as the SEC, ACC and Southwest Conference were among the last to recruit black players.  Texas Western then not affiliated with a conference played whomever they could schedule.  In addition, Don Haskins coach of Texas Western may not have been concerned about race as much as winning basketball games. 

Haskins team in the 1965-66 season was comprised of five black starters the first instance in the NCAA at the time.  Texas Western and Kentucky with its all white starters were marching toward a meeting for the 1966 NCAA championship.  March 19, 1966 history was made when the two teams faced one another.  Texas Western defeated Kentucky 72-65 finishing the season with 28 wins and 1 loss.  That one game would witness the landscape changing forever, it didn’t occur overnight more and more schools in the deep south began to recruit black players.  In 2006 Hollywood depicted the story in Glory Road, it’s available on several platforms.  In 2007 the Texas Western team was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.     

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Habits
Good or bad habits are often difficult to break, quitting smoking, eating too much you get the idea, I hope.  There are plenty of others I fail to mention one for me is sports talk radio, for several years I’ve believed it was a bad habit.  I listened driving to and from work, rarely did I listen at home unless there was a reason.  I confess it’s been less than a year, but I’ve finally broken the habit, I’ve given it up.  One of the key reasons we have a local drive-time radio host who loves to stoke controversy.  He’s done it for years and gotten away with it, this time he’s gotten bit in the butt. 

Listeners who call in with opposing views are sometimes berated over the airways by the host.   The station he works for has suspended him indefinitely regarding comments he made about Chiefs coach Andy Reid and family.  Will he lose his job probably not however hopefully he learned a lesson?  We have freedom of speech however as once said; “Freedom of speech doesn’t allow you to yell fire in a crowded theater.”  I listened to his tweeter “apology” which is almost laughable, I’m sorry my words were misunderstood that was not my intention etc. etc. etc.  You said it, are we to read between the lines and conclude “that’s okay he wasn’t talking about the coaches’ son.”  

The heart
It’s said the human heart is about the size of our balled-up fist, I claim no medical expertise just remember my anatomy class in high school and college.  Cancer is probably thought to be the number one killer is actually in second place, heart disease is the number one killer.  Shareef O’Neal son of Shaquille and Shaunie was prepared to play basketball this past season for UCLA, a medical check detected a heart issue requiring surgery.  The surgery was successful and young Shareef has recovered.  Recently a report was issued claiming Shareef could have died without surgery. 

This is not the first time we have been informed of heart related problems for basketball players, just a brief history.  The Celtics Reggie Lewis, Hank Gaithers Loyola Marymount and Hall of Famer Pete Maravich all died of heart related problems.  Wilt Chamberlain lived to the age of 63 died of congestive heart failure.  Basketball players are not the only athletes to suffer, rest assured its likely other sports has witnessed its number impacted as well.  What might appear to be a doom and gloom report is not the intent, have your heart and the balance of your body checked annually.  We all have limited time on earth, there is no requirement to leave early regarding a medical issue that could have been prevented.

Just because he said it
The disappointment was quite evident on his face, I speak of Oregon’s Bol Bol.  As most are aware Bol missed the 2018-19 college season.  Despite the season ending injury several mock draft sites projected Bol to be a mid to late round first round draft pick.  Bol’s slide downward to the second round and the 44^th pick surely was a letdown to him and family members.  The day after the draft Shaquille O’Neal may have shocked the world with a portion of his comment regarding Bol. 

The Big Aristotle declared; “When I was his coach in AAU, we never lost. He's got it all. He's (7-2), can shoot, dribble, can pass. Nobody really knows it because he was always hurt.  I’d build a team around Bol rather than Zion.”  We’ve got three issues to explore which call the statement into question. 

The Big Man might favor a similar type player.  The closing portion of Shaq’s statement might be the most detrimental, “he was always hurt.”  His statement causes us confusion, was it AAU ball or Oregon Shaq mentioned?  Build a team around Bol rather than Zion is a strong statement on Shaq’s part.  Wikipedia indicates Bol weighs 236 pounds however one report indicated he was 204 pounds.  Perhaps he’s one unable to gain weight but I believe he’s got to gain a bit of weight. 

You might have seen it different
Trae Young could have been Rookie of the Year, just my opinion.  If you remember early on December I believe, I declared the Mavs Luka Doncic the winner.  Young got off to a slow start, from January through the balance of the season his numbers were equal to Doncic.  Naturally the 6 foot 7 Doncic grabbed more rebounds than the smaller Young.  It was my view ROY could have been shared by both, oh well I ain’t mad at Doncic or those who voted for him. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Palace at Auburn Hills
Piston basketball’s been played at Little Caesars Arena since 2017, prior to that it was the Palace at Auburn Hills which opened in 1988.  The Palace is located about 30 some miles north and west of downtown Detroit, the Pistons won three championships in the building 1989, 1990 and 2004.  

Those of us outside the Detroit metro had no clue what might occur to the arena once the Pistons made the move downtown.  News came on Monday the building would be demolished in the fall.  The Palace will join a number of other NBA homes no longer in use.  Many have met the wrecking ball, LA Sports Arena, Reunion Arena (Dallas), Bradley Center in (Milwaukee) and Spectrum in Philadelphia.  Oracle in Oakland is now closed although there is no mention if it too will eventually face demolition.   

The LaVar Lonzo Ball experiment is over
We have no idea the accuracy of the story circulating regarding D’Angelo Russell.  Several sources report the point guard is open to the idea of returning to the Lakers. Why is Lonzo Ball in New Orleans after almost three years with the Lakers, why is Russell with the Nets when the Lakers drafted him.  We must briefly return to the past, we   continue to hear different stories who took the lead in drafting Lonzo Ball, some claim it was Magic Johnson while others believe it was Jeanie Buss.  This we know; Magic was responsible for firing D’Angelo Russell. 

I’m paraphrasing his statement, it was “We need a player who is a leader” which certainly was an indictment of Russell at the time.  Russell was traded to the Nets along with Timofey Mozgov two years ago the trade proved beneficial for Russell, he earned an All Star berth this past season.  We are still in the rumor stage there is no clear indication Russell is open to becoming a Laker once again.  This Laker fan had no issues with the youngster although many fans were upset with him for breaking the unwritten man code on teammate Swiggy P.  Things have changed, Swiggy is no longer in the NBA now and so is Magic.  I’d love to have Russell running the point again.  Team owner Gayle Benson and coach Gentry the transfer is complete, LaVar Ball is now turned over to the Pelicans organization.  

Jurassic period
Tacko Fall former UCF center signed a contract with thu[[e Celtics after failing to be drafted.  A scout said, “If this was 15-20 years ago, he would have been drafted on his height alone.”  We acknowledge the game has changed and dominant centers are no longer the norm.  It’s as if basketball of the past was played during the Jurassic period of the earth, old and no longer practical.  We see evidence all over the game, athletes 6 foot 10 and taller are often playing the power forward position. 

If they do play in the middle, they are sometimes on the 3-point line with a portion of their offense.  A series of events occurred which affected changes in the game offensively.  Yesterday a story ran where Shaq indicated if he played today, he’d still play a power game.  We might guess only a select number of athletes might play this type of game.  For this writer the more traditional center play of Kareem Abdul Jabbar and others, many miss the day of that type of center play.  A basket successful 22 feet in the corner is only 1 more point than a 10-foot basket by a center. 

What’s his best chance of winning?
Nothing is set in stone at this point, what should we suppose is the best opportunity for Kawhi Leonard to win another championship?  There are two billboards with messages of encouragement in Los Angeles paid for by the Clippers naturally.  The Knicks are also one of the teams mentioned desirous of his play, so too are the Lakers. 

As for the Lakers that might be a long shot now with the acquisition of Anthony Davis.  As for Kawhi we must include his Raptors team in the conversation as well.  We have a minimum of at least three NBA teams preparing offers for him to join their team.  The money is there with all, the question might be winning an NBA championship.  Which teams named might be nearer a championship?  I don’t do odds however my best guess in order would be the Raptors, Lakers, Clippers and Knicks. 

He wasn’t the first
Rui Hachimura wasn’t the first Japanese player in the NBA drafted he was number two.  In 1981 Yasutaka Okayama was the first player drafted however he never chose to play in the NBA.  Yuta Tabuse begin his basketball career at BYU-Hawaii 2001-02, after college he returned to Japan and then it was the NBA-D-League.  His first professional appearance here was in the NBA Summer League, later Tabuse played in 4 games during the 2004-05 season for the Suns. 

Yuta Watanabe is a 6-foot 9 inch forward, Watanabe played college basketball at George Washington University but went undrafted in 2018.  Watanabe would see action in 15 games for the Grizzlies during the 2018-19 NBA season. This certainly is no prediction of future NBA stardom Hachimura appears to be the best thus far.  The Wizards made this Gonzaga forward the 9^th pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Did you read this?
“Shaq says he wouldn’t develop a three if he played in the league today.  I’m not gonna do what everybody else does. Everyone else is gonna have to try to stop me. … You don’t want that funk down low.” If you had an opportunity to see the younger version of Shaquille O’Neal, you fully appreciate and understand his statement.  Only a few tough and brave souls challenged him in the area immediately around the basket.  He once pulled down an NBA backboard causing the entire stanchion to collapse while he was a member of the Magic.  Keep in mind this occurred long after collapsible rims were in place, just shows you the brute force Shaq often attacked the rim.  I’ve stated this previously, I miss the days of center play.  A 7 foot center shooting 3’s is not for me even if they are dead eye shooters. 

I don’t watch it
One of the local stations runs a program titled “Locker Room” on their lineup.  I could be mistaken but I thought it was just about the NFL Chiefs.  In any event she had them run a clip of the program on the 10:00 p.m. news.  The person talking was unfamiliar to me, but this is the basis for my writing.  He said, “Kansas didn’t have any players selected in the draft so that’s a good thing, they can return to school.” 

Well that’s not exactly a positive in my book, Mizzou’s Jontay Porter wasn’t drafted either.  I certainly don’t believe Jontay or those Kansas reports not selected are viewing their current status as a positive.  It’s likely NBA scouts and front office people were unable to project Jontay or the Kansas players as NBA worthy, just my thoughts don’t make it correct. 

Who is he?
The Lakers traded their number 4 pick in the 2019 draft in the Anthony Davis exchange, they had no second-round pick until they swung a trade.  They selected Talen Horton-Tucker from Iowa State with the 46 pick, he’s a 6-foot 4-inch 235-pound combo player.  He’s likely to play shooting guard although he’s got a 7-foot 1-inch wingspan plus Kawhi Leonard size hands.  Thus you understand why he might be considered for two positions. 

Now for a little more detail his field good shooting was only average from the floor.  Horton-Tucker is not a particularly sound free-throw shooter averaging somewhere in the 60% range, with the description what does Horton-Tucker bring to the Lakers that makes him a valuable acquisition?  He’s got an NBA body; he’s hardly going to be man-handled wherever he is on the floor.  It appears the Lakers might play him some at the small forward position. There you have it, all I can gather regarding Horton-Tucker in 9 sentences, sure hope he can play.

Skyhook
The headline refers to the patented hook shot of Kareem Abdul Jabbar.  He didn’t invent the hook shot nor was he the first to ever shoot it.  It became perfection for him a shot that none of the opposition could block.  Where did the term originate you ask, former Bucks broadcaster Eddie Doucette is credited with it?  In those days’ broadcasters were not seated court side as they are today.  He says he first used it in a double-overtime playoff game against the Celtics in 1974.  In the balcony broadcasting the game Doucette said; “sitting at that level it appeared the shot was coming out of the sky.” 

The shot won the playoff game for the Bucks and the rest is history.  It’s interesting it’s claimed no opposing player of that era including Wilt Chamberlain ever blocked the shot.  Did Kareem miss, of course he did but the accuracy and distance he was able to score baskets was amazing.  In those days the NBA was far rawer than now, opposing centers would utilize all manners of physical effort some legal and much of it illegal (if they could hide it) to slow him down.  No one to this day has been able to duplicate that shot.  We witness jump hooks day in and day out but nothing resembling that skyhook.  The game’s changed but I wonder if one of today’s centers perfected it what might occur, interesting thought. 

Ball in the family
There will be another Ball in the NBA in 2020 and it appears he’s talented.  The youngest son LaMelo is projected as a first-round pick on two mock draft sites nbadraft.net and nbadraftroom.com.  You remember the story; he was headed to play college basketball however that was far fetched.  No way would the NCAA deem him eligible after playing at the pro level in Lithuania. 

We can look at Enes Kanter now with the Blazers, originally, he attempted to enroll at Kentucky.  Memory says it was discovered “he was paid” and the NCAA declared him ineligible.  The youngest Ball sibling has continued to grow, he now stands 6 foot 7 or 6 foot 8 depending on your source but weighs a lean 180 pounds.  One mock site nbadraft.net has Ball as the number 3 pick while nbadraftroom.com has Ball at 22.  “He doesn't defend very well and will have to give better effort on that side of the ball, but he's got the tools” says nbadraftroom.com. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Who says you can’t go home?
UConn one of the founding Big East members is returning to its roots.  After some years in the American Athletic Conference reports are the school will return to the Big East in basketball for the 2020 season.  As this is written the status for football is yet to be determined.  Several factors worked against the UConn men’s team after Jim Calhoun retired.  The school hired former UConn player Kevin Ollie and he won an NCAA championship in 2013, from that point on a series of events occurred giving the program a black eye.  The move didn’t impact the women's team, they marched on to success on the basketball court never missing a beat. 

Who says you can’t go home; UConn is going to do it?  The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced the school is leaving the WAC, so UMKC is returning home too.  UMKC’s been a member of the WAC Conference since 2013, for a variety of reasons little progress has been made on the basketball court during their time in the conference.  The school has continued to change coaches without a great deal of success on the court.  Beginning in the 2020-21 season UMKC will return to its roots, they will return to the Summit League.  This should prove more beneficial provided the school is serious about competing at the D-I level. 

The last item on the agenda
Last on the NBA’s agenda for 2018-19 is NBA Summer League play.  Once again Las Vegas is the destination for 32 teams including China and Croatia.  The schedule begins July 5 and ends July 15, several 2019 draft picks along with free agents will be in action during this period.  NBA fans near Las Vegas can expect to see competitive basketball as many free agents are vying for roster positions with the big club.  If you are like me not close by or with plans to visit there will be coverage by the league’s television partners, NBA TV and ESPN.

It’s all dependent on him
Several NBA teams including my Lakers are under intense pressure to perform better next season. We could also include the Rockets, Thunder and Blazers and several others unnamed.  Which team faces the most, it’s got to be the Raptors under the most pressure to succeed.  It’s my belief with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson M.I.A. for next season the Warriors are likely facing less pressure than a few teams named earlier.  Question, have you read or heard anyone predict the Raptors repeat as NBA champions?  The reality, the Raptors success is “tied at the hip to Kawhi Leonard and his decision.”  His lone resolution might impact one team more than any other.  🤔

The big man didn’t get drafted
Tacko Fall didn’t get drafted as both mock sites suggested, a day later it was reported the 7-foot 7-inch Fall would sign a two-way contract with the Celtics.  It’s likely we’ll see him in action in the NBA Summer League.  It’s going to be a struggle in more ways than one as Fall attempts to adapt to a speedier game than he experienced at the University of Central Florida. 

Maurice King
Few know his name even in his hometown of Kansas City Missouri.  He first came to prominence playing basketball for R.T. Coles High School long since closed and the building no longer exist having been demolished in 1965.  I could locate no information however King was not the first black player for Kansas, he was the first starter in 1954.  In 1956 Wilt Chamberlain would join King as a starter.  The NCAA didn’t tabulate assists in those days, so we have no idea of his total, King scored nearly 10 points a game with a high of 14.3 ppg during the 1955-56 season. 

The Celtics would draft him in 1959, later he played for the Baltimore Bullets (Eastern Professional Basketball League).  King would return home in 1961 and join the Kansas City Steers of the American Basketball League.  The ABL folded after a year and a half and King closed his pro career as a member of the NBA Chicago Zephyrs.  His numbers might indicate an average pro career and that indeed might be the case but consider this tidbit.  The metro area has produced several professional basketball players over the years however Maurice King was the first.   

Trivia  
I located video on the Rockets new jerseys for next season, seeing the video caused my mind to wonder about the team’s history.  This might not be news to some, the expansion team came into existence in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets.  Most of us were aware the franchise moved to Houston in 1971 but didn’t realize the team nickname was coined day one, a contest was held to name the new team.   

“The resulting contest to name the franchise chose the name “Rocket”, which paid homage to San Diego’s theme of “a city in motion” and the local arm of General Dynamics developing the Atlas missile and booster rocket program.”  Like me you probably believed with NASA and the space program located in the city that was the connection with the team nickname, you connected Rockets with NASA.  Interesting bit of trivia I would think. 

*sportsteamshistory.com