Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

NBA training camps about to open
The collective bargaining agreement might confuse fans (like me).  We understand guaranteed contracts but how about the others.  Just in case you are like me hopefully this information I located should clarify the issue.  

Two-Way Contract- “Beginning in the 2017 offseason, NBA rosters expanded from 15 to 17 players with the addition of two spots for players under “Two-Way Contracts.” NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team.” 

Exhibit 10 Contract- “There are 50 players who have signed a contract with the Exhibit 10, a new type of deal in the most recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A player who is signed to a contract with an Exhibit 10 will receive a bonus up to $50,000 if he signs a contract with the team's G League affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. However, there is a catch.

A player waived by Oct. 17 must report to his G League affiliate by Oct. 20 and remain there for at least 60 days to receive the bonus (in addition to the G League salary). Unlike last season, when a team would incur a salary-cap hit for players with partially guaranteed money who were eventually waived at the end of training camp, an NBA team will not have a cap charge for the bonus money awarded. A player signed with an Exhibit 10 can also be converted to a two-way contract by the first day of the regular season. The bonus would then be rescinded, and the two-way contract would apply.”

Bits n Pieces
Mizzou Big Man Jeremiah Tilmon is “listed” as 6 feet 10 inches tall.  Notice listed is in parenthesis, video exists of him standing next to newcomer Axel Okongo who is 7 feet tall…maybe.  The two Mizzou Big Men “appear” to be the same height so what’s correct, is Tilmon taller than listed or is Okongo shorter?  Since the beginning of time publicist and coaching staffs have sometimes indicated players are taller than listed.  As an example, Nate “Tiny” Archibald former Kings and Celtic point guard was listed as 6-foot 1 inch, I once had an opportunity to stand next to him.  Let’s just say Tiny was 5 feet 10 or 11 at the most. 

Bol Bol signed a Two-Way Contract with the Nuggets recently.  Reading the explanation on these types of contracts determines Bol will spend a portion of the season in the G-League.  Although he stands 7-2 its reported, he only weighs 205 pounds which certainly is a question in the minds of many. 

Basketball has become an international thing, more and more of the world has begun to develop talent.  That talent finds its way to these shores in several college programs and the NBA.  Due to the growth of the game it’s difficult for me to imagine the U.S. will continue to dominate play internationally.  The U.S. cannot lead without sending its best NBA players to compete in FIBA and Olympic play.  I hope this is not seen as sour grapes on my part that’s not the intent, its simply meant to reflect 21^st Century basketball. 

The hopes of a nation
We discussed Kai Sotto back in February, you might remember Sotto is a 17-year old basketball prospect from the Pacific Island nation of the Philippines. The youngster stands 7 feet 2 inches and 225 pounds, his growth is far from complete according to his father, he could add another 2 inches. Sotto journeyed to Atlanta this past spring to begin a training routine hopefully leading to the NBA. In the FIBU19 games Sotto didn’t perform at the level he planned so its apparent more work is forthcoming. 

As for the future there are indications, he might be headed to play in Europe in order to boost his basketball skill.  Sotto carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, many see him as the first native born Filipino in the NBA.  Raymond Townsend was drafted by the Warriors in 1973 and played for the Pacers as well.  In 2014 Jordan Clarkson was drafted by the Wizards but now plays for the Cavs.  Both athletes have Filipino heritage but were born in this country.