Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

A Kansas City legend
A stage in the Plaza Library contained his widow former opponents, teammates and friends of the late Warren Jabali gathered last Sunday.  Dave Thomas author of “Jabali A Kansas City Legend” presented excerpts from his book to those gathered.  The passage of time did not hinder anyone from sharing memories of Jabali’s play at Central High in Kansas City and later at Wichita State and professionally in the ABA.   The paperback version of the book is available on Amazon for $19.95.   We continue to praise the basketball prowess of the late Warren Jabali.  If this Kansas City high school athlete was that good how come, he didn’t play in the NBA or I was familiar with his name? 

There are several reasons and I’ll try and provide the high points for you.  Jabali was a 6-foot 2-inch point guard with great skills for the middle 1960’s.  First point, Jabali was drafted by the Knicks in the 4^th round of the 1968 draft.  Although fewer NBA teams existed back then can you imagine arriving in training camp with a large number of athletes in front of you?  Second point, Walt Frazier was drafted in 1967 and established himself as the starting point guard, if Jabali made the team it’s likely he would have played behind Frazier or maybe not. 

Third point, the ‘60’s was a turbulent time period in America, racial strife and the war in Viet Nam divided many in the nation.  Jabali had a reputation (unfair) he was a black power advocate.  This reputation began at Wichita State when a fight broke out between, he and an opposing white player.  Final point, I offer you no proof although it is believed this occurred.  Red Holzman didn’t want Jabali on his team based on point three, Jabali refused to back down to anyone which caused problems for him with several white people.  There you have it the many reasons Jabali cast his lot with the upstart American Basketball Association Oakland Oaks rather than the NBA.

Sometimes we fail to understand change
As humans a number don’t adapt to change, it often becomes their worst nightmare.  Teams have undergone a name change for unusual reasons.  In the 1961-62 season the expansion Chicago Packers began play in the NBA.  In that period the city contained slaughterhouses, cattle were euthanized, and the meat was processed in these plants. 

Naturally the smell around these facilities was none too pleasant and must have drifted toward Chicago Stadium where the team played.  In any event the expansion team smelled bad and so did the plants.  To alleviate the smelly problem the second season witnessed a name change becoming the Zephyrs.  Later the franchise moved to Baltimore becoming the Bullets and later to Washington D.C.  The former owner concerned with violence in the city and the name of the team held a contest and thus the Wizards were born.

The move of the Cincinnati Royals to Kansas City also caused a change, the baseball Royals were already in existence, so the team became the Kings.  Those and maybe other team names are somewhat valid, how about change for no reason?  That might be the case if the Clippers in act the plan, there is no concrete proof this transformation will occur but here goes.  Owner Steve Ballmer is considering a logo and name change for his Clippers.  If you are asking why, I’ll leave that to marinate on your brain for a while. 

Youth will continue to be served
I’ve stated repeatedly mock drafts certainly are no indication of fact.  With that statement to consider we took an early look at the 2020 NBA draft on nbadraft.net and nbadraftroom.com.  Of the first 20 prospects all are freshmen or international players except for 3.  The international arena is far different, so no commentary is made here, as for American athletes that’s another story. 

It’s been mentioned commissioner Adam Silver believes the age restriction for American players will be revised by the 2021 draft.  That 2021 draft will likely include high school athletes, Emoni Bates is likely to be at the top of the list.  Whatever procedure takes place, high school players headed overseas or the NBA changing its policy youth will continue to be served.  

70% of those in the NBA
The comment was made, “Carmelo Anthony is better than 70% of the players in the NBA.”  Guess what, there is no argument on my part Anthony very much remains a talent.  On the other hand, “Father Time remains undefeated.”  Many of that 70% are more willing to do the intangibles which enhances their respective teams.  This is not a talent issue; it’s clear Anthony is more talented.  The difference as I see it at this stage of his career, he’s unable to find the middle ground for his game by taking a lesser role.  That’s the prime reason as the calendar changes from July to August he’s got no job.  Will Anthony play in the 2019-20 season, only he knows for sure?

SPECIAL 

Max Falkenstein

The legendary Kansas broadcaster died on Monday; he was 95 years old.  His 60-year broadcast career (1946-2006) is second only to Dodger broadcaster Vince Scully’s 67 seasons.  Although Falkenstein broadcast Kansas football it was basketball which became his specialty.  Imagine this rich broadcast basketball history, he described a hook shot from Clyde Lovellette who played on the 1952 NCAA championship team.  Falkenstein would be a first-hand witness as the NCAA widen the lane due to Wilt Chamberlain’s defensive dominance around the basket. Later Falkenstein broadcast the Jo Jo White shot, it was ruled the sharpshooter stepped out of bounds.  

The Kansas loss allowed history to occur, the TO gave Texas Western the opportunity to play for and win the 1966 NCAA champion.  All black Texas Western would play and beat all white Kentucky, the game changed college basketball history forever particularly in the south.  He described the play of young Paul Pierce and much later Andrew Wiggins.  These players and hundreds more Falkenstien broadcast their exploits over 60 years.  As Falkenstein first begin broadcasting Kansas basketball the legendary Phog Allen was head coach.  In addition to Allen he would interview Dick Harp and Ted Owens.  Later there would be Hall of Fame coaches Larry Brown, Roy Williams finally ending with Bill Self in 2006 all interviewed by the legend.  Max Falkenstein a giant of the broadcast industry, R.I.P.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

The Big Boy contest
Allow me to introduce many of you to Josh Christopher, he’s a 6-foot 4-inch Rivals 5-star shooting guard.  He attends Mayfair High School in Lakewood, a city in Los Angeles County.  Several universities are vying for his services, this Class of 2020 prospect has reduced his choices to a Top 5 list.  These are not in any order, they are Arizona State, Michigan, UCLA, Kentucky and Mizzou.  How in the heck did Mizzou find itself in the middle of or even have a place in The Big Boy contest?  Christopher’s cousin is the strength and conditioning coach at wait for it, wait for it…Mizzou.  Is Mizzou seriously in the running to recruit this talented prospect? 

He said all the right things
In his introductory press conference to Houston Russell Westbrook said all the right things, in addition the all too familiar grimace was missing…. he was smiling.  Westbrook said, “He and James Harden have been friends beginning at age 10.”  That’s certainly possible, both are from Los Angeles so there paths certainly could have passed.  Westbrook remained at home attending UCLA while Hardin left to play for Arizona State. 

Both athletes are months apart in age and in the NBA, they were once teammates.  Westbrook the starting point guard for the Thunder and Hardin first reserve off the bench.  Hardin was traded to the Rockets because the two parties could not agree on a new contract.  Westbrook’s star shone brightly in Oklahoma City, but the arrival of Hardin in Houston also saw him become a star.  Now the question becomes can ball dominant Russell Westbrook play in the same backcourt with ball dominant James Hardin? 

We can look to the Lakers of the past for that account.  They drafted point guard Norm Nixon in 1977 and Magic Johnson was drafted in 1979.  We can’t be for certain but maybe the belief at the time despite his passing skill the 6-foot 8-inch Johnson would play the three and Nixon would remain at the point.  Well it didn’t exactly work out as planned, the two were accommodating to one another but it became clear one had to go.  The Lakers traded Nixon to the Clippers allowing Magic to assume the role of point guard rather than sharing duties with Nixon.    

HIS arena
The Battle of Los Angeles is on for real now, no argument from this Laker fan.  It’s obvious the Clippers have been clear winners in the won-loss department over the last several seasons.  What about the hearts and minds of those in Southern California?  The plan is to stamp Los Angeles as Clipper territory, they are no longer willing to place themselves behind the giant shadow of the Lakers.  Many (including me) believed Seattle guy Steve Ballmer would move the team to the Pacific Northwest after he purchased it in 2014. 

With the signing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George a new era has begun, this will eventually include a new arena for the Clippers only, what had been talk in the past took a step toward reality on Friday.  We’ve discussed Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s arena problem previously; he’s wanted out of his team’s Staples Center lease for well over a year.  The foremost problem, Ballmer implies his Clippers are third in line for available dates at Staples.  First the Lakers then the NHL Kings and then the Clippers.   

We observed the release of an architect’s plan how the 18,500 seat Inglewood arena would appear when completed.  According to the news release construction would begin in 2021, in 2024 arena construction would be complete.  The building timeline would coincide with the expiration of the Clippers Staple contract.  Perhaps the best part of this proposed arena it will benefit local taxpayer’s, Ballmer one of the richest owners in the NBA will underwrite all construction costs associated with the arena.  A delay could occur based on the pending lawsuit pitting MSG (owner of the nearby Forum) against Ballmer.  Ballmer believes that can be resolved in time for this project to be completed. 

 https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/clippers-arena-renderings/

I ain’t scared
You remember the story, Shareef O’Neal was headed to Arizona.  The son maybe on his father’s advice decided in favor of UCLA. Of course, surgery would prevent Shareef from play but what about Arizona’s program?  The school was one of the numbers mentioned in the Adidas trial, even a tape recording of Coach Miller discussing payment to a prospect was played at the trial.  As for this fall there are two 5-star recruits, one 4-star and a 3-star prospect headed to Arizona. 

Transfers from Kentucky and Nevada will be added to the current holdovers.  As we look toward 2020 Dalen Terry a 6-foot 6-inch shooting guard and 4-star prospect indicates he’s headed to Arizona.  We might ask the question…what happened, wasn’t Arizona one of the school’s the NCAA would place on probation?  The NCAA is yet to announce the others however one thing we know for sure.  Despite the cloud hanging over the basketball program a bevy of talent said, “I ain’t scared.”

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Maybe I’m wrong
I’m mistaken, I thought the news cycle regarding basketball slowed during the summer.  It has in a sense although it seems there is breaking news daily be it high school, college or the NBA.  Based on this an extra day will be available, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the publication.  I appreciate you continuing to click on the link to Words eye view.  If you enjoy the rantings of a basketball fan pass the link on to friends, thanks. 

A point I missed
A fan pointed to a fact I overlooked regarding Steve Kerr’s assessment of the Anthony Davis trade.  On Friday I pointed out the coach viewed the trade as bad for the NBA.  Several point to the fact Davis was under contract and “how could he demand a trade?”  They are correct in their view but how about this picture Davis says nothing and remains a Pelican. 

After the 2020 season he decides to leave New Orleans rather than remain with the team.  As an unrestricted free agent, he could have simply walked away, and the Pelicans would have received 0 compensation.  There is no doubt, if it was agent Rich Paul, LeBron or someone else in the lead its clear AD wanted out of New Orleans.  Trading AD to the Lakers proves more beneficial to the Pelicans than simply allowing AD to walk.       

SEC/Big 12 Challenge
Coming off a losing season Mizzou received a surprised invitation.  SEC Mizzou will face Big 12 West Virginia in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.  The game is scheduled for January 25, 2020, time is yet to be announced.  As we arrive in the season and are closer to the date, the time and place will be published.  One of the first responses I read, “Should be KU”, as for yours truly I could care less.    

You know what would be nice?
The talking heads (including former players) allow the 2019-20 NBA season to be played.  Every day it seems one or more of them name a different team as NBA champion.  The Clippers, Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Celtics and Rockets have all been named as potential champions.  The talking heads won’t listen to me but here goes anyway, please wait at least till December 2019 before pronouncing one or more teams NBA champion. 

This is different 
Dwayne Wade might have been the highest profile athlete with Li-Ning shoe and apparel but no more.  Although Wade’s only been retired since the end of the 2019 season he’s retired.  Li-Ning must find a hot preferably young prospect to replace Wade.  They managed to accomplish the feat although it certainly wasn’t in the manner we might have believed.  You remember R.J. Hampton, don’t you?  Hampton was the 6-foot 5-inch point guard who was headed to Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis or North Carolina. 

While the world (I exaggerate) waited for Hampton’s decision on which school he would attend Hampton did an end run on us.  He chose none of the above but decided in favor of a pro career in joining Australia’s National Basketball League.  Hampton will play for the lone New Zealand representative in the NBL, the Breakers.  He made news again on the financial front, rather than signing with Nike, Adidas or Under Armour he checked the box marked OTHER.  On Thursday it was announced Hampton signed a 5-year contract with the Chinese company Li-Ning.  How about this accomplishment, he’s got a 5-year shoe deal but is yet to set foot on an NBA court? 

Best high school team in the nation (maybe)
Sierra Canyon’s high school team might be among the best teams in the nation this upcoming basketball season.  A little background, this is the same school that produced Marvin Bagley III and others, according to Wikipedia it’s located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Chatsworth.  This private co-educational school is comprised of students K-12, did I mention Sierra Canyon also plays basketball?   

In the fall the school will add Bronny James Jr. and Zaire Wade to the roster, they are the sons of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.  Both youngsters appear to have outstanding ability, the two will join a team already laden with talent.  Ziaire Williams a 6-8 small forward and B.J. Boston 6-7 shooting guard both Rivals 5-star prospects are transferring to Sierra Canyon.  These two along with LeBron and Dwayne’s sons should be must see basketball for the upcoming season.      

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday

“Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch?”
The headline is a play on an adage, it simply states “There is no such thing as a free lunch.”  You can never get anything for nothing, in this instance free does exist, not the lunch but a service without a charge.  The one occasion I visited San Francisco was such a long time ago I cannot imagine the impact of traffic regarding Chase Center events. 

Well Bay Area fans will have little issues if fans utilize this free ride.  The Warriors are picking up the tab for games and concert events at Chase Center for those using public transportation.  It should be easy; you present your ticket or the electronic version of a ticket when boarding public transit and you ride free.  We have no idea how long this program will take place however it appears to be a worthwhile concept. 

I disagree
We can uncover little to disagree with Warriors coach Steve Kerr, in addition to his working relationship with players he’s also socially conscious.  You ask what there is to disagree with Kerr, allow a brief explanation.  Kerr took issue with Anthony Davis forcing the Pelicans to trade him, the coach claimed it was bad for the NBA.  His view might be correct but was this trade the first time it ever occurred for a star player?  Let’s just state this is Kerr’s opinion which is fine.  We also can state with conviction this is not the first time in NBA history a trade of this magnitude occurred. 

We must return to 1975 and the Milwaukee Bucks, in June of that year Kareem Abdul Jabbar was traded to the Lakers.  Kareem had made it known earlier he no longer wanted to play in Milwaukee.  Kareem identified only two possible destinations, New York or Los Angeles.  New York the city of his birth and the fact he was a Knicks fan as a youngster.  As for Los Angeles he came into national prominence playing for the UCLA Bruins, so that city was also included as a possible destination.  We know the result; Kareem was traded to the Lakers.  Did the 1975 NBA look bad, it may have but it survives to this day? 

Tacko Time   
Imagine this, you are not drafted after four years of college basketball.  You are no combo power forward/center, you are the real deal a gigantic center.  After Tacko Fall first came to our attention as a freshman we thought he was an oddity.  A 7-foot 6-inch giant of a man with little basketball in his past.  Tacko is a native of Senegal on the West African portion of the continent.  He took up the game at a point long after most American and a few Euro kids began play.  It seemed at the end of every season the question was asked, “Is the NBA in his future?” 

The NBA game is now an outside-inside game, no longer is center play a requirement for success.  After the recent college season and the NBA draft he didn’t hear his name called.  No problem he signed a contract with the Celtics to play for their Summer League team.  Although his scoring and rebounding were only average based on his limited time on the court Celtic management must have been impressed.  On Thursday the Celtics announced the signing of four players among them Tacko Fall.  Tacko might still spend the season with Celtics G-League team, despite this it appears this long-shot to earn a roster spot has done just that. 

Outstanding
We are so enamored with Steph Curry shooting we sometimes forget the other parts of his game.  Curry is a point guard, check out this action from the 2019 NBA All-Star game.      

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2hXbLvUWFg

The deal is done 
Zion Williamson had no shoe deal; most of the other draft lottery picks had shoe contracts in place, that was before Tuesday.  Although he was drafted number one his agent was yet to arrange a contract with one of the shoe companies pursuing him.  

After several quiet years Puma emerged as a threat after last season’s success, they hoped to add the Pelicans top pick to their growing roster of athletes.The deed is done, it’s been announced Zion has signed with the Jordan Brand.  No monetary figures were released at this time, former Nike and Adidas rep Sonny Vacarro stated Zion would sign one of the most lucrative shoe contracts on record.  “Any endorsement deal would be over $100 million for 10 years.”  We must wait to determine if the figure will ever be announced.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday  

“Wait till they get a load of ME!”
The immortal words above are those of Jack Nicholson in the role of the Joker one of Batman’s arch nemesis, the line was uttered in the 1989 movie Batman.  The sentence really states wait until they see me, it was Nicholson in the movie its Hardin on the basketball court.  James Hardin the Rockets man of many moves is claiming he’s got a new one for this upcoming season, he says in advance “it’s going to look like a travel but it’s not.” 

Don’t you find it thought-provoking; Hardin is defending this new move prior to it even being demonstrated during an NBA game.  The subject of traveling is a topic for a brief examination, cynics claim “They never whistle players for traveling in the NBA.”  We depend on game officials to officiate the game as they “see it,” its possible officials allow more player movement than in high school or college.  Detractors might be correct, perhaps they don’t call traveling in the NBA. 

How can he be so good so young?
Remember the name Emoni Bates, he’s a rail thin 6-foot 8 185-pound small forward.  Bates is a Rivals 5-star prospect in the Class of 2022, yes 5 stars already.  Bates just completing his freshman year is from Ypsilanti Michigan and attends Lincoln HS in the city.  How good is Bates, Mike DeCoursey of the Sporting News claims by 2022 the age restriction will have been eliminated by the NBA. 

DeCoursey indicates there in doubt he will be the first high school player drafted in the NBA since 2005.  We read his game compares to that of Kevin Durant.  SBNation.com ranks Bates number one of the Top 10 high school ballers in the nation and he’s just completed his freshman year.  Michigan, Michigan State and DePaul have offers for him currently, over the next few years if he continues to excel, we can only see the number rise exponentially. 

Bits n Pieces 
Is this ESPN.com’s basketball page or the Mavs making the call?  I’m checking out the depth chart and it shows ROY Luka Doncic at shooting guard and Tim Hardaway Jr at small forward.  Doncic’s skill certainly lends itself to play at the two, as for playing the three I don’t doubt Hardaway Jr could play the position.  This appears to be a change in philosophy for the Mavs, once training camp opens, we can further determine if this move might come about. 

In the SEC the hiring and recruiting of Jerry Stackhouse is news.  The possible repercussions regarding Auburn basketball, the arrival of Eric Mussleman at Arkansas replacing Mike Anderson is also news.  John Calipari at Kentucky is always worth several headlines.  We’ve not heard too much news regarding Mizzou which is okay for me.  It’s believed the Tigers will be much improved over last season.  Hopefully they sneak up on a couple of SEC rivals. 

Woodward Academy is in College Park Georgia in the Metro Atlanta area.  This college prep school is compressed of students K-12 at two campus locations.  It’s also home to Class of 2020 prospect Walker Kessler, a 7-foot 235-pound center and a Rivals 5-star prospect.  Kessler has 13 universities with offers for his services, its likely he reduces the number at some point.

Big Baller Brand or BBB is about to go under, the shoe and apparel company founded by LaVar Ball is close to going out of business.  If it appears, I’m poking fun at the misfortunes of LaVar Ball that is not the case.  What I am attempting to point out you should be careful in the manner you treat people.  No need of detailing any of his actions over the past three years.  What I hope occurs is for him to eat a little “humble pie” and work on re-building the company and his interactions with others tone it down a bit. 

The Spurs announce the hiring of Tim Duncan as an assistant coach.  This is interesting on several levels, first we had no idea Duncan might be interested someday in coaching.  Second, at 7 feet he might become the tallest coach in basketball history.  John Thompson former Georgetown coach is 6-10, Danny Manning current Wake Forest coach is also 6-10 and Bill Russell Celtics, Sonics and Kings is 6-9.      

On second thought
I’m not sayin’ the Warriors are going to be 2020 NBA champs; I may have sold them a bit short.  Part of my reasoning was based on the loss of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson missing in action at least till February or March.  In addition, key reserves Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are no longer Warriors along with several others.  Wait, on the horizon riding to the rescue are point guard D’Angelo Russell center Willie Cauley-Stein along with Alec Burks and several holdovers.  Mercurial Draymon Green remains in place among the returning Kevon Looney. 

In addition, steady Steve Kerr remains at the helm as they move into the brand-new Chase Center in San Francisco.  The danger appears to be depth, the roster as it appears in middle July doesn’t appear quite as solid as the prior season.  It would seem the Warriors have enough weapons to last them through the regular season, the playoffs could prove to be their downfall.  On the other hand, this is a veteran playoff team with several key players remaining.  They won it all BKD, rest assured they would love to prove they could win AKD.  NOTE:  BKD=Before Kevin Durant, AKD=After Kevin Durant. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday  

The best and the worst
Your view not mine, NBA on ClutchPoints ask the question “Who is the Best and Worst NBA Talking Head?” Your candidates are:

Jalen Rose ESPN
Shannon Sharpe Fox Sports
Max Kellerman ESPN
Stephen A. Smith ESPN
Rachel Nichols ESPN
Nick Wright Fox Sports
Colin Cowherd Fox Sports
Jalen Rose ESPN
Skip Bayless Fox Sports
Ramona Shelburne ESPN

I added Rachel Nichols and Ramona Shelburne because I believe there should be diversity in this list. 

Early versus late bloomer
Due to the age we live in LeBron James and Zion Williamson became “known” prior to the NBA.  It was a different era however we could make the same assessment for Wilt Chamberlain and much later Lew Alcindor and Dr. J.  Their presence on the basketball court marked them for future success, what about the late bloomers?  Those athletes we had no idea they would be quite this successful.  They often were recognized in college however in the NBA they may have excelled far beyond what might have been first perceived.  

We can count Steph Curry among the number, how about adding Kawhi Leonard to the mix.  It was reported weeks ago Curry has a basketball camp for two- and three-star high school kids like him.  He wants to teach them skills to enhance their game leading to college or even an NBA career.  We don’t know at this point however Ja Morant appears to be a rising star as he bolted into the national spotlight after his sophomore year at Murray State.  Morant attended mid-major Murray State, Donovan Mitchell was at perennial basketball powerhouse Louisville nevertheless he surprised us all.  The talent was there all along, training and dedication to the game brought it to the surface and it blossomed.    

Is there a need? 
Hunter Dickinson is a 7-foot 2 inch 260-pound center and he’s still in high school.  He’s a 4-star Rivals prospect and number 28 in the Class of 2020.  Dickinson will enter his senior year in August at DeMatha in Maryland.  Currently there are 15 offers in front of him with the most recent being Tennessee.  In addition, Maryland, Purdue, Kansas are just a few of those with scholarship offers on the table.  The problem for Dickinson and others his size they attend college and get caught in the small ball/pick and roll game. 

There appears less and less interest by coaching staffs for a center to play a back to the basket game.  I’ve not seen this youngster in action so there is no method to determine his skill level, perhaps he’s already adapted to the 3-point line.  If not my hope for him and others of his size, they don’t get lost in the maze of small ball.  As an example, by the time you read this Tacko Fall will have made his debut for the Celtics Summer League team.  The 7-foot 6-inch giant is probably not going to earn a spot on the regular team, he’s not skilled enough for the game of today.  I question how many 7-foot players might have been by-passed in the recent NBA draft.   

Does he get a shot?
The CBS affiliate in Boston is checking out the Celtics roster, similar to the Lakers they have a final roster spot open too.  Several fans are clamoring for the team to sign Tacko Fall, the chances remain somewhat slim however there is a possibility for these fans.  The Celtics could sign Tacko then move him to the Maine Red Claws their G-League affiliate.  

If this scenario fails to play out for Tacko its possible Europe might be calling for the 7-foot 6-inch giant. We suppose Celtic Nation would not be so enamored with Tacko except for his play in the summer league.  I will fall back on a previous comment by a scout, “If this was 20 years ago there is no doubt he would have been drafted.”  Although limited coaches would begin working with him to aid in the development of his skill.  Former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell expressed numerous positives about Tacko on NBA TV this summer. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Did it occur because its Kansas City?
810 Sports radio hired a replacement for their drive-time guy.  You might remember hearing or reading the firestorm this former employee created one afternoon discussing Chiefs coach Andy Reid and the manner he instructs his players.  The radio guys termination occurred due to him including the coach’s family in his assessment of the Chiefs.  It got me to thinking, radio and television personalities have gotten in trouble since like forever.  Most recently Jemele Hill was first suspended and later resigned at ESPN.  Perhaps the size of our metro might have been a contributing factor. 

The KC Metro population is 2.2 million folks, that’s small by comparison to Los Angeles, New York or Chicago.  No longer an NBA city there are professional sports here in the form of football, baseball and soccer (football) so the metro is not exactly devoid of sports.  I’d had issues with this radio guy for years regarding incendiary comments he’d made about basketball especially the NBA, players and coaches.  Did he deserved to be fired, not my call however I don’t pay his salary.  It’s clear although he was one of the owners the majority owners must have felt it was time for him to go.  Would this radio guy have been fired anywhere else in the country?

Chicago a basketball mecca
Not my words those of newly acquired Laker power forward Anthony Davis, 6-foot 10-inch Davis was born in Chicago, attended Perspectives Charter in the city.  Is his view of basketball in the Windy City true?  How about comprising a team of Chicago only players, this does not include those from the metro?

Center
George Mikan
Johnny Kerr
Power forward
Anthony Davis
Antoine Walker
Small forward
Juwan Howard
Quentin Richardson
Mark Aguirre 
Point guard
Isiah Thomas
Derrick Rose
Tim Hardaway
Shooting guard
Dwayne Wade  
Nick Anderson
Reserves
Doc Rivers
Quinn Buckner
Jabari Parker
Patrick Beverly

You might be surprised; this list is far from complete for several reasons.  A number have been retired while others may be unknown to you.  It simply reinforces the statement made by Anthony Davis Chicago’s produced several talented basketball players over the decades. 

“It’s gotta be the shoes”
Those are the words of Mars Blackmon a.k.a. Spike Lee, he is asking Michael Jordan the question regarding MJ's ability to “fly”.  During a series of television commercials, a television audience was introduced to the Air Jordan brand, since that time period several NBA athletes have chosen the brand, Nike, Adidas or some other shoe.  What about Zion Williamson you ask? 

For one thing the highly touted rookie is yet to sign with any brand.  If you remember the “exploding shoe” story Zion wore Nike’s while enrolled at Duke.  According to TMZ Sports Puma is making a valiant run at signing the highly touted rookie.  Whatever shoe company manages to secure Zion’s signature on the dotted line will pay large sums of money, the youngster will likely be set for life.    

Duke’s a winner…. again
You’ve heard the account previously, the rich keep getting richer or similar words.  In checking Rivals.com we discover the Durham North Carolina university has the number one recruiting Class for 2020.  Several of you proclaim when is Duke not at or near the top in recruiting, Duke has two Top 20 (21) prospects in the class.  Jalen Johnson 6-foot 8-inch small forward number 5, Jeremy Roach 6-foot point guard and number 21 are the names.  It doesn’t end there, in checking a few of the undecided prospects in the Top 10, guess which university is included in their possible choices?

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Okay Kobe haters you are welcome  
Several might have forgotten Dwight Howard even played for the Lakers.  It was just one year unsigned he left as a free agent.  We later read he and Kobe butted heads throughout the season, in fairness to Howard he was coming off an injury I believe.  In any event whether you loved him or hated him Kobe played the game at 110%.  

He didn’t believe Howard gave the same dedication and devotion for the game as him.  Kobe called him soft, that label has been pinned to his forehead since 2013.  Kobe haters (you know who you are will love this) Howard claims he hated Kobe for making that statement about him.  We don’t know the truth Kobe says he didn’t make that assertion about Howard.  Whatever the case the years have mellowed his tone, if the declaration is true Howard claims he appreciates Kobe now. 

Playoff basketball every evening (or afternoon) 
Moves by the Clippers and Lakers distracted us, we began to explore the Battle of Staples Center prior to its beginning.  We overlooked the Jazz who won 50 games last season without Mike Conley, they have Rudy Gobert defensive player of the year.  How can we forget sharpshooter Donovan Mitchell also in the back court with Conley? 

Expect the Jazz to continue their quest for an NBA championship in this upcoming season.  West from Salt Lake City we land in Denver, the Nuggets won 54 games last season.  All the keys to championship basketball are currently in place, in addition can Michael Porter Jr. demonstrate the promise we believe he held.  As stated in the headline, there will be playoff basketball every evening in the Western Conference.     

“Who are those guys?”
The headline is from the 1969 western classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Moviegoers saw a band of horsemen in scenes throughout the movie, the viewer was led to believe it was a sheriff’s posse after the outlaws.  We could make the same statement when the Lakers take to the floor this fall.  Sure, LeBron is back, so too is Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and JaVale McGee.  The balance of the roster as this is written are newbies, the biggest name of course is Anthony Davis. 

The talented power forward/center is the chief reason the Laker roster looks so different.  Despite several talented players being traded to acquire AD many believe he will be worthy of the talent relinquished. If DeMarcus Cousins is fully healed, he might be the second or third best addition of the newcomers.  I haven’t seen enough of Danny Green to make a judgment; this I do know he was a key to the Raptors winning the NBA championship.  Even this long time Laker fan might ask “Who are those guys?”

Bits n Pieces
The NBA continues to lead all professional sports in diversify hiring.  Lindsay Harding former Duke and WNBA star has been added to the staff of Kings coach Luke Walton.  I’m unsure of the number however I believe Harding becomes the 9^th female coach hired by an NBA team…. way to go NBA. 

No not him…the other guy, it seems every time the name Tony Bennett is mentioned the first thought is the legendary 92-year old singer.  The other Tony has probably gotten that since well he’s 50 years old.  The crooner is a legend the basketball coach will someday reach that level.  The basketball Bennett is coming off his first NCAA championship at Virginia, might there be more?  We don’t know that for a fact, we do know he can win, and he can develop talent, 11 of his former players at Washington and Virginia are in the NBA.  Next time the name is mentioned shock them by saying; “The singer or the basketball coach?”

It's not only the Lakers who might be upset with Kawhi Leonard so is Nike.  The Claw (Klaw?) Logo Kawhi claims he designed but gave it to Nike for their use.  I'll save you from reading large amounts of legal descriptions, Nike is counter suing claiming their design team came up with the logo although Kawhi might have laid out a preliminary design.  Best guess there will be an out of court settlement by both parties, its likely the public never learns who the winner might be.