Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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Hit it and quit it

That was the statement on Wednesday however there is an addendum.  The NBA in China has been a boon to the NBA and its coffers.  The popularity of the game in that nation far exceeds any other nation in the world.  At the same time China is China and the U.S. is… you get it.  Any comment right or wrong from this administration represents the government of the U.S., same applies for Beijing.  Yao Ming likely would not do this however I’m going to use him as an example.  If Yao tweeted “America was full of criminal activity” we’d be upset with the tweet. 

We could be upset with him but not Beijing, Yao would only be expressing his view.  Same goes for the Rockets GM Daryl Morey, he’s providing his observation of an issue.  If the Chinese government wishes to destroy a relationship based on words of one individual so be it.  I believe Morey has the right to express his opinion of a matter without creating the international incident that’s occurred.  Lastly, I hope the NBA hasn’t sold its soul as the USA Today headline read.  That’s it, I am through this time on the subject. 

Da Bulls 

Any time you mention the Bulls and you omit the current edition what’s your first thought?  I can guess, that very next thought is the Michael Jordan led Bulls.  That’s understandable, NBA championships and all.  In the middle ‘60’s we first witnessed outstanding play by the Bulls.  After beginning life as an expansion team in 1966-67 from the years 1970-1975 they were among the best in the NBA. 

Those teams had Bob “Butterbean” Love at power forward, a rotating small forward, Clifford Ray, Dennis Awtry or Tom Boerwinkle at center.  In the backcourt they had two defensive minded gems in Jerry Sloan (later head coach of the Jazz) and Norm Van Lier.  This Bulls team led by head coach Dick Motta won 57 games one season, their lowest win total during this period was the 47 in 1974-75 season.  This Bulls team earned a playoff berth every one of those seasons but was never able to climb the mountain i.e. play for an NBA championship. 

The point guards
What I believe might not be reality but that might be the case.  Mizzou basketball will be improved for two reasons…. the point guards.  I know that’s only one but allow an explanation Xavier Pinson is now a sophomore, with a year under his belly he will be an improved point guard.  Pinson certainly flashes of talent but in a typical freshman style there were not enough positives.  The key of course is transfer and redshirt junior Dru Smith with valued time at the point while playing for Evansville. 

We must include freshman combo guard Mario McKinney in the mix as well.  It’s been mentioned in the past transfers and injuries left Mizzou with the departed Kassius Robertson spending the bulk of his minutes at the point.  Robertson was a shooting guard who did his best pressed into service in a position that likely created discomfort for him.  Despite the demand last season Robertson accomplished the task as best he could, in 2019-20 it will be exciting to see a true point guard in action. 

A chip off the old block
The last name is familiar to most who know the NBA it’s Stockton, his dad John Stockton is in the college and Naismith Hall of Fames.  As we all know John had a sterling career playing his entire career as a member of the for NBA Jazz.  John has family one of whom is son    David.  David following in the footsteps of his dad played his college basketball at Gonzaga the same school as dad. 

David went undrafted in 2014 but maintained a love and desire to play the game.  Since college he’s managed to play for a several teams over the years.  Recently the Lakers made him a late addition to their roster signing him to a free-agent contract.  Does young Stockton make the final cut for the Lakers?  That decision rests with Frank Vogel and his coaching staff. 

Deep in the heart of Texas
There is a Euro connection deep in the heart of Texas.  The Dallas Mavs have Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia on one wing on the other wing is Luka Doncic from Slovenia, the two nations are less than 1,000 miles apart.  Porzingis is a power forward but at 7-foot 3 inch and 240 pounds he’s likely to play some center. Doncic is a small forward (6-foot 7-inch 218-pounds) however his passing skills makes him more a point forward. 

Without checking other NBA teams It’s believed the Mavs might have the only Euro Duo in the NBA.  As for the brief history Doncic recently named 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year is now joined by Porzingis obtained in a trade with the Knicks last winter.  Porzingis did not play in January 2019 due to injury but appears fully healed now.  Runner up to Karl-Anthony Towns for 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year was Porzingis.  The Mavs can lay claim they have two of the best rookies arriving in the NBA over the last three years.