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?