Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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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