Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Running with the Big Boy programs
Mizzou finds itself in the leadoff position regarding point guard Caleb Love.  Love checks in at 6-3 175 pounds ideal size for the position, this St. Louis prospect has Indiana, Kansas and North Carolina on his visitation list.  Once again like Cam’Ron Fletcher (who decided on Kentucky) Mizzou faces an uphill battle running with the Big Boy programs.  As for this Mizzou fan it’s my belief this is a good thing, one of the attributes attributed to Cuonzo Martin, he’s a good recruiter. 

Its mighty tough recruiting against some of the nations storied programs but it might prove fruitful in the long term.  Under departed coaches Frank Haith and more recently Kim Anderson Mizzou was able to attract 2^nd tier talent.  If it appears this is critical of players recruited during that period that is not the case.  Michael Dixon Jr. and Marcus Denmon are playing professionally overseas, in addition Jordan Clarkson is on the Cavs roster.  There are others omitted in this quick search, as for coach Cuonzo keep during what you do. 

Who’s job, your guess please
Laker coach Frank Vogel has indicated the story of LeBron playing point is that…. a story.  With that statement on the sidelines who plays major minutes at the position.  I don’t have the answer I’ve only got questions.  One of the Laker fan websites says it’s not going to be Rajon Rondo as one might expect.  Rondo surprised this Laker fan with his play last season however he’s got a problem.  Let’s just say the issue has followed him throughout his NBA career he can’t shoot. 

For the most part he’s an effective distributor of the basketball but has two shortfalls, the shooting plus his lack of defense.  This same website claims the point guard job will likely fall to former Celtic and Clipper Avery Bradley.  Bradley’s shoots better than Rondo and he’s twice made an NBA All Defensive first or second team.  Rondo can run circles around Bradley in distributing the basketball.  So there you have it, who eventually gets the job, your guess is as good as mine?

No basketball powers for them

Kobe Bryant and LeBron skipped college, as for others it was a different matter.  Several players didn't play at traditional power schools, a few made it all the way to the Hall of Fame.  Question, we suppose Jae Morant's name might be included in a future quiz someday?  NBA careers for the below began at schools you probably didn’t realize, match the player with his school.  Don’t cheat, the answers will be provided tomorrow.     

Steve Nash                                 Tennessee State  

Nate Thurmond                           Weber State

CJ McCollum                                Southern Illinois

Dame Lillard                                Bowling Green

Walt Frazier                                Davidson

Jack Sikma                                 Santa Clara  

Steph Curry                                Lehigh  

Robert Covington                         Illinois Wesleyan  

Christmas games
The Clippers at Lakers had been mentioned previously, how about the balance of the day and evening games?  I could see a divorce in my future if I was entrenched in the Man Cave all afternoon and evening, LOL.

BOS vs. TOR ESPN

MIL vs. PHI ABC

HOU vs. GSW ABC

LAC vs. LAL ESPN

NOP vs. DEN ESPN

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Correct twice a day
You might have heard the expression “A broken clock is correct twice a day.”  I’ve always believed that to be a rare occasion you agree with someone or something.  In this case it’s the someone, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith specifically.  It’s that broken clock antidote that sees me agreeing with Smith.  The NBA own its own we believe to drop the term “owner.”  With this nation’s history of slavery and a league 90-95% African American it was the belief by some the term owner was offensive.  The majority of NBA team owners (or governors) are white which is the concern of several players.  

Smith explained, “I own my home, I don’t own the people that live in my house.” This subject matter has its roots with the comments regarding former Clippers owner Donald Sterling.  In the recent ESPN podcast, it was pointed out Sterling had rather antiquated views, “My players” was the term he would utilize often.  It’s likely Sterling had no clue that type of language was offensive to most African American players.  Smith went on to point out “owners” are responsible for the payroll, arena usage and other areas not a single player is involved. 

Smith stated his belief Sterling was likely the only owner with that type mentality regarding his teams and players i.e. ownership.  We have no effective method to rectify past misdeeds other than to ask what are you doing now?  We share Smith's view regarding today's society, are you treating all as equals despite their race or ethnicity?  In a sense it might not matter if we use the term owner or governor, we are talking about the person who is responsible for much of the day to day money operations of an NBA franchise. 

Sorry
The apology is not for the reason you might first believe.  Despite the opinions expressed by the writer at times they are mine, it not stating my view is the only one that’s valid.  If you have an opposing view that’s okay, much as I attempt to locate and correct grammar errors or incorrect events they do occur.  If you read something and then re-read it and its different the reason is simple.  I re-read the story and corrected the syntax, as with anything I miss stuff.  I continue to hope to provide basketball information different from other sources.  Research, editing and publishing alone almost ensures an error or two might occur.  Once again thank you for reading Words eye view. 

Old news
Laker coach Frank Vogel acknowledged he’d heard the tale which circulated a few weeks back, I’m late reporting it but felt the need.  A story circulated indicating the Lakers were considering LeBron James as the starter at the point.  On the surface sounds as if it might be a factual statement.  Over the course of his NBA career we’ve noted Lebron’s skill at distributing the basketball.  We need to hold a little while longer before deciding this story is fact.     

According to the coach the Lakers are yet to decide on a starting lineup, this certainly makes sense because training camp is yet to open.  This proposal might not be in the best interest of the team if we consider the ramifications.  As indicated LeBron might be considered a point-forward rather than a small forward.  What he’d offer on the offensive side the Lakers loose on the defensive end.  I know LeBron’s fast (versus other small forwards), matched against Russell Westbrook or Steph Curry might be a different story.       

A few dates of note

Naismith Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony-September 7

NBA Training Camps Open-September 28

NBA pre-season begins-October 4

2019-20 NBA season kicks off-October 22

Division I basketball teams can begin practice-September 24

Division I basketball season kicks off-November 5

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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If you are reading this-part deux  
To clarify Monday’s NCAA account, it’s not my intent the organization lay down the hammer on any school.  We can only believe what we read and hear, the NCAA announced there would be major punishment forthcoming.  Once again this provides us the opportunity to call into question the actions of this body.  Interesting to us none of the schools mentioned last spring have suffered any punishment.  Was it an overzealous media or was there really judgement forthcoming? I’m not anxious for any school to be punished however we must consider this reminder again.  The NCAA told us “major punishment was forthcoming.”

A departure
NFL quarterback Andrew Luck announced his retirement over the weekend.  The news was met with a chorus of boos from hometown fans as he left the field.  Luck has suffered a series of injuries over the course of his career and decided in favor of retiring.  Fox Sports guy Doug Gottlieb added his two cents worth offering critical remarks on the Luck decision. 

It’s easy for a person like Gottlieb to forget HIS own history.  When you offer critical remarks on someone your past exploits are brought into focus.  While playing basketball at Notre Dame Gottlieb stole credit cards of fellow students.  As they say, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks.”  Luck at 29 is concerned about Luck at 50 or 60 years of age.  I certainly understand the disappointment of fans however the decision belongs to Luck alone, not me nor you.  

We are excited for him
Lonzo Ball indicates he’s excited about a fresh start in New Orleans.  I’m sure most of Laker Nation probably feels the same way. Generally, the nation probably doesn’t hold any ill will toward him, most like me just full of questions.  We cannot figure out why he never played at the level Magic Johnson and others predicted.  Was it the pressure of playing in Los Angeles?  Were our expectations sat too high or was it something else? 

All could have been contributing factors to Lonzo never reaching the level expected by many.  He never played an injury free season which is paramount.  There is a positive here, provided Lonzo is healthy and his helicopter father LaVar Ball less visible perhaps he can improve his level of play.   New city, new team, new teammates (kinda).  Despite not working out for the Lakers we wish nothing but the best for apparently a genuine good guy. 

This is interesting
I don’t think anyone can blame Fred Hoiberg for his decision, the former Iowa State player and coach of his alma mater left for the NBA Bulls in 2015.  Last December after three years as head coach the Bulls fired Hoiberg, the man nicknamed “The Mayor” was hired in March as head coach of Nebraska.  We wrote of the hire at the time however this Hoiberg news is somewhat different.  CBSSports.com media conducted a poll to determine the best coaching hire for 2019-20. 

The poll was coaching voting only and the winner was Hoiberg.  Success is not tasted immediately; we have no idea of the talent remaining at Nebraska.  Given time his fellow coaches believe he can turn Nebraska basketball around.  As for the nickname a number are unaware of the story.  Hoiberg was such a popular player at Iowa State it was reported he’d received write-in votes for mayor of Ames Iowa once, Ames is home to the University of Iowa. 

Europe plus Africa
We’ve discussed the amount of NBA players arriving from Europe principally the Balkan States.  The African continent might soon be on an equal level if the future as we see holds true.  There are 14 high profile high school athletes who hail from the African continent listed on Rivals and 247 Sports talent sites.  Several of the names are not well known but certainly have demonstrated talent for the game.  One of the names of note, Precious Achiuwa a 6-9 forward from Mali, he’ll be a freshman at Memphis in the fall and will play for Penny Hardaway. 

Enrolled at Gonzaga is Oumar Ballo, the 6-10 240-pound Big Man also hails from Mali.  Entering his second year at Western Kentucky is Charles Bassey a 6-11 center from Nigeria.  7-foot Udoka Azubuike also from Nigeria is an incoming senior at Kansas University.  If we look at the others all are big men apart from 5-star prospect Aminu Mohammed a 6-4 shooting guard a junior at Greenwood Laboratory High School in Springfield (MO).  In addition to the nations mentioned there are talented prospects from Cameroon, Guinea, South Sudan, Senegal.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

If you are reading this nothing’s been done
Remember last spring’s warning by the NCAA, “Several schools will face major punishment.” This threat was made in relation to the Adidas trial and its resulting conclusion.  We received a promise action from the NCAA would be dealt with after the basketball tournament champion was crowned.  We are aware the tournament is held in early April.

We are one week from September and to date other than Utah and more recently Mississippi State we’ve heard not a peep from the NCAA.  School’s begun at all the institutions; we are on the cusp of another college basketball season yet there is no news.  Keep in mind this is written days ahead of its publication, if action is taken by the NCAA you won’t have the opportunity to read this.  I will have deleted it as a non-story, no action by the NCAA allows you to read this rant. 

Thunderdome or the NBA Western Conference
A few movies generate sequels; the Mad Max franchise is one of those. There have been five produced to date, one the 1985 release was titled Mad Max, Beyond Thunderdome.  Like most movies it contained a classic line for those facing judgment it was the Thunderdome, “Two men enter one-man leaves.”  In this instance the Western Conference NBA race could be titled Thunderdome although more than two teams will be involved.  The Eastern Conference will be competitive in 2019-20, as for the west it will be all out warfare.  Every playoff team improved themselves in the off-season except three.  The Thunder and Spurs are a conundrum, as for the Nuggets that’s quite a different story some believe including this writer. 

For reasons unknown most seem to have forgotten Denver won 54 games last season, the second highest win total in the conference.  The Nuggets starting five are terrific, my only question is the reserves.  That’s more to do with my unfamiliarity with that group over their talent.  Off-season additions through the draft or trades include Bol Bol, Tyler Cook and Vlatko Cancar.  In front of them and technically a rookie is Michael Porter Jr. who sat out last season.  It’s quite interesting with all the talk about the re-tooled Western Conference few are discussing the Nuggets.  That might be a good thing, this way the pressure is on the Big Boy Clippers, Lakers, Blazers and too an extent the Warriors.  All things considered these teams and others should be wary of the Nuggets. 

It was a historical event
In the middle of a historical event you don’t relate to the significance on occasion.  That’s the case involving former Clippers owner Donald Sterling.  Several events leading to the eventual forced sale are covered in the 5-part 30 by 30 ESPN podcast.  Those of us who follow the NBA were aware of the events leading up to the Sterling suspension for life a rare occurrence for any sports owner. 

The podcast told us in detail the balance of the story many probably might not have been aware.  There was one point revealed which surprised me, Donald Sterling helped Dr. Buss purchase the Lakers.  According to the report Buss was property rich but cash poor, Buss required cash in order to complete the purchase.  He approached Sterling selling several of his properties in exchange for cash.  I’m not going to give away anymore of this story, this 5-part series is worth your time if you are so inclined.    

Bits n Pieces
The Pacers and Kings will play in Mumbai India October 4 and 5, although they are pre-season games the response has been overwhelming.  The game will be held in the 8,000 seat NSCI Dome, ticket sales were quite brisk with the arena nearly sold out in under two hours.  There is no indication if there is a larger capacity available in the city.  The NBA has a presence in the Asian nation opening an office and later a basketball academy a few years ago. 

UCLA coach Mick Cronin secured his first 5-star prospect, Daishen Nix a 6-4 190-pound point guard is headed to Pauley Pavilion next fall.  Nix the 14^th rated prospect in the Class of 2020 gave his verbal to UCLA and Cronin.  He’s from Alaska by way of Trinity International in Las Vegas.  Several schools had offers for him besides UCLA among them were Arizona, Gonzaga, Illinois, Kansas and LSU.      

Usually if you say it you believe it to be the truth.  Rockets guard James Harden stated he believes the reason he didn’t win back to back MVP’s is perception.  He believes the media set up a narrative early at the beginning of the season.  They never departed from this trend according to the Rockets guard.  No argument on my part Harden's 2018-19 season was outstanding.  A conspiracy, I've mentioned this in the past I don't do conspiracies.  If we understand Harden, he believes Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't deserve his MVP.       

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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Words of Wisdom
The quote below is from former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, it covers Carmelo Anthony and his lack of an NBA team.  I wanted to ensure it was complete rather than simply to paraphrase it.

“Listen I agree Melo should be in league on somebody roster for damn show, but he needs to follow in Vince Carter footsteps, because when Vince knew he wasn’t that dude no more he embraced a lesser role with open arms and now he’s 42 years old and about to play his 22^nd season.” 

Overlook the grammar, pay attention to the words of Perkins.  This is a sharp rebuttal to the words of Royce White on Friday and the subject of Carmelo Anthony.  As I indicated yesterday if LeBron wanted Carmelo on the team, I’m sure he’d be there.  It’s clear either that’s no longer the desire of LeBron or Laker management has no desire to sign him. 

On No!
Could it be, I hope not!  On the other hand, Larry Laker is not part of the Laker brain trust.  We are reading “The Lakers are looking at Dwight Howard,” I hope it’s the other way around “Howard is looking at the Lakers.”  The last time Howard was in Southern Cal he went riding off into the sunset, some say it was Kobe’s fault while others believe it was a whole other thing.  Whatever the case Howard did not endear himself to Laker Nation, but things have changed…maybe. 

He is on the downhill side of what should have been a Hall of Fame career.  It’s been stated previously his early years with the Magic were outstanding.  What transpired with his career you ask, we could say a bunch of stuff which included front office people, coaches, teammates named Kobe and injuries.  Injuries certainly played a key role but so did his head.  Howard drifted from team to team after leaving the Lakers, he never seems to stick with one team more than two seasons. 

Is Larry Laker ready to forgive you ask?  In a reserve role and vet minimum in addition a 1-year contract I could see Howard returning to Staples Center.  On the other hand, Joakim Noah might be a better fit, he lacks the offensive game of Howard but does other things much better.  We are talking a reserve role so neither will be required to play major minutes.  NOTE:  Despite my concerns the Lakers decided in favor of Howard.  The offense he brings to the game would certainly be above Joakim Noah, it’s the other things that concern me. 

The mystery
Most of us in the U.S. are familiar with the name Michael Avenatti.  For others he was the attorney for Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against the president of the United States.  Avenatti has been charged with attempting to exhort $25 million from Nike.  The short version of the story Avenatti claims several high school/college players received or were to receive payment through agents representing Nike.  Among the names Avenatti dropped were Zion Williamson, DeAndre Ayton and others.

Shortly after the reported extortion attempt Avenatti was arrested by federal authorities, that was the past.  On Wednesday of this week his attorneys filed a motion to have the charges dropped.  This is an informational piece only; this story is too involved and far from over to allow anyone to arrive at a conclusion.  We can safely assume the shoe business is big business.  Although no major schools have been charged the Adidas trial proved as the saying goes; “where there’s smoke there’s fire.”  We shall wait and see how this ultimately plays out. 

Team USA
Readers in Europe or Asia reading this I admit my bias upfront.  From my reading and seeing one game as this is written I’m worried.  Players have left due to injury while others chose to not participate.  This might be the weakest Team USA in memory.  We’ve witnessed an increasing number of players from Europe and Africa play in the NBA.  These players often head back to their respective countries and are members of their nations national team.  Although it’s my belief this is not a quality US team I will root for victory, sorry world.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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Don’t mess with Larry Legend
A mural of Larry Bird in Indianapolis will soon be changed, it will be modified because the Celtic legend doesn’t like it.  The mural has Bird in his Indiana State uniform as he appeared in 1977 but that’s not the issue.  The artist chose to paint tattoos on both upper arms, the neck and upper chest near the neck area.  There is a cardinal on the left cheek and one near the right eye.  The artist indicated she would change the mural to please the desire of Larry Legend.      

We are an opinionated people
I might be guiltier than most because I publish a blog read world-wide, hopefully I’ve given you my opinion without forcing it on you.  Royce White hasn’t forced his opinion either however he’s made his thoughts known.  His name might be unfamiliar to many of you, White was a point forward at Iowa State.  His all-around game led him to become the 16^th pick in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Rockets.  It was discovered soon after White had a fear of flying along with several other issues.  The shorten version he never established himself as a quality NBA player although he’s played professionally overseas.

He’s now playing in the Big3 basketball league but that’s not what this account covers. White questions the judgement of the Lakers front office for picking up Jared Dudley over Carmelo Anthony.  No disagreement from me Anthony’s game has diminished but he can do things on the court Dudley never had the capability.  Bottom line Mr. White the Lakers must have a valid reason for skipping over Anthony, this I believe, if LeBron wanted Anthony on this team he’d be on this team.  Is there a conspiracy in existence to keep Anthony sidelined?  I can’t speak to that however I might remind Mr. White there are 29 other NBA teams besides the Lakers.  For unknown reasons they have passed on signing Anthony too.   

He’s key
The won-loss record for Mizzou was disappointing last season.  Coming off a 20-win season and receiving an NCAA invitation the Tigers finished with 15 wins and 17 losses.  Mizzou suffered several injuries to key players resulting in the team’s poor performance. Win one lose one, transfer guard Mark Smith was ruled eligible immediately as for Dru Smith that was a different story.  The other Smith was forced to sit out the season after transferring from Evansville. 

The 6-foot 3-inch point guard is expected to add veteran experience after proving he could play at the college level.  Smith had numbers of 13.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals a game as a sophomore versus Missouri Valley opposition.  One thing for certain this point guard should stabilize the backcourt which was somewhat shaky at times.  Although he performed adequately in the role departed senior Jordan Geist was a shooting guard forced to be the primary ball handler.  Just hearing Mizzou’s backcourt of (Mark) Smith & (Dru) Smith you might imagine an accounting firm or attorney’s office. 

He plays football too
Imagine you are a defensive lineman; you break the huddle and once you come up to the line and look across at the opposing quarterback’s he’s as enormous as you are.  That’s the case for Paolo Banchero 5-star prospect in the Class of 2021, he stands 6 foot 9 and weighs 235 pounds and plays quarterback for O Dea High School in Seattle.   

The sport receiving the most notoriety for Banchero is basketball not football.  He’s entering his junior year but is yet to make a commitment.  All the Big Boy programs are recruiting him Duke, Kansas, North Carolina along with 11 other programs.  One of the school’s recruiting him is the University of Washington, an 11-minute four-mile drive from his high school.  Rest assured his football days are likely over whatever school he decides to attend.     

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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It’s official now
The Nets have a “new” owner, not really.  If you remember reading last weeks account on this story Mikhail Prokhorov was selling his 51% ownership in the Nets.  Minority owner Joseph Tsai is now the majority owner having purchased the 51% share of the team; he's is now the owner of the Brooklyn Nets.  From the information we gathered it appears Barclays Center was not included in the sale of the team.  Former majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov retains ownership of the basketball home of the Nets.  Best guess, it would appear income derived from basketball operations and other events belongs strictly to Prokhorov. 

He’s now an Oregon Duck
2020 5-star prospect N’Faly Dante has reclassified, he is now headed to Oregon.    Rivals listed him as the number 9 prospect in the Class of 2020.  Dante is a 6-foot 11-inch 225-pound center, he’s got a 7-foot 6-inch wingspan.  Dante hails from the West African nation of Mali, he attended Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita.  Coach Dana Altman circumvented the efforts of Arkansas-Little Rock, Iowa State and Big Boy programs of Kansas and Kentucky.  It would appear Dante will move immediately into the center position for the Ducks. 

Offense is not the issue
I’m unsure if it was made clear recently, i.e. missing Boogie Cousins.  The Lakers generally had no problem scoring the ball last season, the defense was questionable at times.  JaVale McGee will never go down in NBA history as a great defender but he’s good, much better than many of us first believed.  His role with the Lakers was slightly different from that of his time with the Warriors.  This might be shocking but he might be at the same level or slightly above the injured Cousins.  Protect the rim, McGee performed at a satisfactory rate last season. 

Will the Lakers miss Cousins, that’s a difficult question to answer.  The Lakers never had an opportunity to see him in game action, all the projections were “We think he can…...”  At this point the only hope is with work Cousins returns next season prepared to play.  Bleacher Report compiled a list of 5 veteran NBA players the Lakers could acquire.  The names mentioned by the .com site are only “warm” bodies, if I’m part of the brain-trust I’d rather go with youth.  There is a clear-cut reason to me why Joakim Noah and Dwight Howard are on their list. 

He’s still in high school
Chet Holmgren is beginning his junior year at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis.  The 7-foot power forward is a Rivals 5-star and number 7 prospect in the Class of 2021.  The entire basketball world sat up and paid attention thanks to video of Holmgren and Curry matched up this summer.  For a 7-foot high school junior his move was a thing of beauty, it occurred at an Under Armour Basketball camp.  Holmgren made a cross over move while guarded by the Warriors point guard. Check out the video below if you had not seen it earlier.  A friend (and Warriors fan) said, “They don’t pay Steph to play defense LOL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC0hpjBo2z8

Life cut short
Nowhere is it written we are live a full life, losing one’s life by violence is certainly more tragic.  Most often the person or persons might be in the prime of life.  It was stated previously the world of basketball is not exempt from violence.  We mentioned former NBA player Lorenzen Wright who died in 2010, his ex-wife and associates are currently incarcerated after being implicated in his murder. 

Recently the BET Network detailed the death of Bison Dele who died in 2002 at the age of 33.  His murder and those of his associates is a mystery that’s likely to remain one forever.  Dele, his girlfriend and the ship’s captain’s bodies were never recovered from the Pacific Ocean.  Dele’s brother admitted a role in the murders but later committed suicide.  The mystery of the events in the ocean around Tahiti, French Polynesia will forever remain that, an unknown.

Life can be quite eventful at times
Words eye view is on a limited publishing schedule during the off-season, despite this fact it’s not as limited as it might appear over the past few days.  This is the series of events; the Saturday edition was ready until the crash.  It had been     raining heavily in Kansas City overnight, a tree in my back yard came crashing down at 5:15 a.m. jarring both of us out of our sleep.  In addition to taking out the power line my cable line came down as well.  So, we had no power, we had no cable, we had no internet, therefore we had no Words eye view.  Our sub-division is one with plenty of trees and all our utilities are aerial, so there’s my dilemma.  To continue the story, I purposely scheduled my cable drop late afternoon figuring the power company would have completed their portion of work. 

WRONG, the cable guy made it to my home about 2 hours prior to the power guy.  Cable guy, “Sorry I can’t help you; we need the power on” was his explanation.    Saturday evening about 9:15 p.m. or so we finally had power but no cable/internet service. An electrician was required to re-wire the power box and two additional calls were made, one to the power company to re-run the drop and a second call to the cable company to attach my cable line.  This is the second occurrence but a different tree, now both trees are gone so hopefully there will never be a repeat of the weekend’s action. Finally Wednesday afternoon everything is working.  In the grand scheme I have air conditioning in this 90-degree Midwest heat so it’s not that BAD, just frustrating with all the coordination required.   

We are going to be a little off schedule but I promise we'll catch up.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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WOW!!!
It would appear Boogie Cousins season is over before it began.  Early word Cousins suffered a torn ACL while working out in Las Vegas preparing for the upcoming season.  It would appear the center position for the Lakers now belongs to JaVale McGee exclusively unless the Lakers decide to make a move.  The 7-foot McGee is skilled at defending the rim, 148 blocks in only 75 games.  With the two blocked shots a game McGee averaged more than noted shot blockers Hassan Whiteside, Joel Embiid, Karl Anthony-Town, Clint Capela and Giannis Antetokounmpo.  McGee was not a primary scorer yet managed to average 12 points per game. 

The Lakers depth chart list Devontae Cook (6-7 240 pounds) and Aric Holman (6-10 225 pounds), the injury to Cousins could allow an opening for one of them.  Both Cook and Holman are rookies but displayed skill during Summer League play, it’s highly unlikely both make the 15-man roster.  On the other hand, we could see Anthony Davis slide over to the center position as relief although we don’t expect to see him playing the position full time.  This next statement would apply to any player in a similar spot.  I cannot help but feel sorry for Cousins, rest assured he wanted to perform at a high level for the Lakers this season. 

I didn’t know

Nike and Adidas are in the same general geographical vicinity, I didn’t realize that until recently.  Most of us are aware headquarters for Nike is Beaverton Oregon, for those unfamiliar with the geography Beaverton is in Metro Portland.  The number two shoe and apparel company in the world is Adidas and its headquarters are in Germany.  Bet you can’t guess the center of operations for the brand in North American?  You got that right Portland Oregon interesting, the number one and number two shoe and apparel corporations located blocks apart from one another.  These two shoe and apparel giants are not only located in the same city they are essentially in the same city.    

California Love  
We remember Tyronn Lue interviewed for the Laker head coaching job earlier this summer.  For unknown reasons (possibly money or contract length) the parties could not come to an agreement.  We are now reading, and hearing reports Lue is meeting with the Clippers and Doc Rivers.  If he’s hired Lue would become assistant head coach for a second time, the two worked together with the Celtics.  Like Tupac Shakur Lue’s got “California Love.” 

No argument from me
Colin Cowherd Fox Sports and I have been on the opposite side of several basketball issues over time.  This latest Cowherd statement, “Even though he underachieved in the postseason, I think Russell Westbrook gave OKC every ounce of energy he had.”  We might be on opposite sides but not in the area you might first believe. 

No argument from me Westbrook gave it his all for the Thunder but that’s always been part of the problem I’ve perceived.  Westbrook’s always appeared to say to himself “If I can’t do it nobody can” or I’ve got to take the last shot.”  His overenthusiastic desire to win led him at times into poor execution, we witness poor shots and turnovers at critical times.  Will he adapt his game now that he’s a member of the Rockets, it’s got too? 

Soon a new owner
News reports indicate the Nets might soon have a new owner, he’s already an owner.  Several years ago, owner Mikhail Prokhorov sold 49 percent of the team to Joseph Tsai.  Tsai will assume total ownership after he purchases the other 51 percent held by Prokhorov.  Tsai purchased his 49 percent of the Nets in 2017 for $1 billion. How much is the acquisition going to cost Tsai to obtain complete ownership you might ask?  It’s reported to be $2.35 billion, that’s the dollar figure Forbes places on the franchise.  As for the soon to be new owner Tsai’s background, he’s the co-founder of Alibaba Group Holding, a Chinese multinational conglomerate holding company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology.