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).
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 2nd or 3rd 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?
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 2nd or 3rd 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.
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.
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.
