Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Locked up
Few were privy to this news event; Kentucky’s John Calipari signed a 10-year extension reported to be $86 million. We’ve read and heard Calipari indicated Kentucky would be his last coaching stop prior to retirement. Reports of Calipari wanting to have an NBA head coaching job have circulated for years, I think we can lay that story to rest now. It’s my belief no NBA team would pay that much money or tie up a coach that length of time. Players in the past have signed lifetime contracts however I’m unaware of any coach. Dollars aside 5-years is likely the maximum length of time for an NBA contract.
“I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me”
You know by now if you’ve read Words eye view any length of time the headline has been used over and over by yours truly. Generally, it occurs at the time I hear or read a troubling story or finger pointing without offering proof. In this instance it’s the latter, the sports world has been notified there are 6 NCAA schools facing major punishment. How about this NCAA rather than a pre-announcement go ahead and lay down the hammer? Is there some reason you are teasing us with this story yet refusing to identify the schools? It’s clear if you have a number you have the names, I’m waiting but I’m not holding my breath.
You know by now if you’ve read Words eye view any length of time the headline has been used over and over by yours truly. Generally, it occurs at the time I hear or read a troubling story or finger pointing without offering proof. In this instance it’s the latter, the sports world has been notified there are 6 NCAA schools facing major punishment. How about this NCAA rather than a pre-announcement go ahead and lay down the hammer? Is there some reason you are teasing us with this story yet refusing to identify the schools? It’s clear if you have a number you have the names, I’m waiting but I’m not holding my breath.
Stealth
We read and hear reports on stealth aircraft, more recently it’s been stealth warships. They are not invisible to radar just difficult to detect, I read a fighter bomber could appear the size of a bird on detection systems. In a manner of speaking the Raptors Kawhi Leonard is stealthy, the opposition can see him yet fail to see the damage he inflicts until the end of the game. That’s an oversimplification of Leonard’s game but an explanation as what transpires. He does bunches of stuff that often go unnoticed until the end of the game. If the Raptors win this series (and that appears likely) there is a clear reason why, stealthy Kawhi Leonard is the reason, NOTE: It's clear this was written days ago, series MVP and all.
We read and hear reports on stealth aircraft, more recently it’s been stealth warships. They are not invisible to radar just difficult to detect, I read a fighter bomber could appear the size of a bird on detection systems. In a manner of speaking the Raptors Kawhi Leonard is stealthy, the opposition can see him yet fail to see the damage he inflicts until the end of the game. That’s an oversimplification of Leonard’s game but an explanation as what transpires. He does bunches of stuff that often go unnoticed until the end of the game. If the Raptors win this series (and that appears likely) there is a clear reason why, stealthy Kawhi Leonard is the reason, NOTE: It's clear this was written days ago, series MVP and all.
Are you sure?
Any NBA team besides the Knicks and Lakers is taking a chance, a chance on what? Rich Paul agent for Anthony Davis has made the intentions known. Any team trading for Davis “Will receive a one-year rental.” In other words, the restricted free-agent will become a free-agent in July 1, 2020. On that date Davis will leave ____ NBA team and sign with the Knicks or the Lakers. If this information is correct what do the Clippers and others do? Are they willing to trade for Davis hoping they can convince him to sign long-term? This scenario will be decided July 1, 2019.
Any NBA team besides the Knicks and Lakers is taking a chance, a chance on what? Rich Paul agent for Anthony Davis has made the intentions known. Any team trading for Davis “Will receive a one-year rental.” In other words, the restricted free-agent will become a free-agent in July 1, 2020. On that date Davis will leave ____ NBA team and sign with the Knicks or the Lakers. If this information is correct what do the Clippers and others do? Are they willing to trade for Davis hoping they can convince him to sign long-term? This scenario will be decided July 1, 2019.
It’s probably true
On ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption one of the subjects discussed was starting time for NBA games. Co-host Mike Wilbon said; “The NBA earns more money from television contracts than gate receipts.” If we look across the sports television landscape broadcasts be it football, baseball or basketball dates and times for events are most often mandated by television.
On ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption one of the subjects discussed was starting time for NBA games. Co-host Mike Wilbon said; “The NBA earns more money from television contracts than gate receipts.” If we look across the sports television landscape broadcasts be it football, baseball or basketball dates and times for events are most often mandated by television.
I’ve mentioned
previously my difficulty with viewing weeknight west coast games, they begin in
Kansas City at 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. Central Time.
Whether college does the same thing they mentioned the NBA is going to
experiment with earlier starting times for selected games. It makes sense on several levels; New Yorkers
don’t want to stay up till 12:00 or 12:30 a.m. to see LeBron or the Splash
Brothers play.
Speaking of
television
I infrequently watch TNT’s pre-game program featuring Charles, Kenny, Shaq and Ernie. Despite my limited viewing TNT must be running laps around the ESPN/ABC crew NBA Countdown. As they say “word on the street” there’s about to be a shakeup. Reports are host Michelle Beadle is out and so is Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups. At this point it would appear Jalen Rose is the only analyst retaining his job. Truth is I watch the ESPN/ABC crew more than Barkley and company. The public almost never has a clue what formula network executives utilize in renewing or cancelling a program. In this instance maintaining a program but changing the cast.
I infrequently watch TNT’s pre-game program featuring Charles, Kenny, Shaq and Ernie. Despite my limited viewing TNT must be running laps around the ESPN/ABC crew NBA Countdown. As they say “word on the street” there’s about to be a shakeup. Reports are host Michelle Beadle is out and so is Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups. At this point it would appear Jalen Rose is the only analyst retaining his job. Truth is I watch the ESPN/ABC crew more than Barkley and company. The public almost never has a clue what formula network executives utilize in renewing or cancelling a program. In this instance maintaining a program but changing the cast.
