Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday through Friday weekly

A family tale 
In the story an NBA prospect rises far above others, he rises to the point he becomes a lottery pick.  On one mock site he’s identified as the number 3, on the other he’s the number 4 pick.  NBA front offices are excited about his pending arrival however there are reservations.  There might be concerns about his adjustment to the NBA but the chief concern it’s the family or more specifically the father. 

By now you realize the individual in our tale is LaMelo Ball and the reservation in drafting him is LaVar Ball.  Rookies often arrive in the NBA with unforeseen issues, in this instance NBA front offices see the issue in front of them, it’s LaVar.  GM’s looked intently at the comments made by him regarding his oldest son Lonzo.  Here’s my spin however it could change, LaMelo will likely be a lottery pick.  The Warriors or the Bulls will meet with daddy and diplomatically inform him he needs to zip his public lip. 

Well now that’s different
This is the latest installment in the “Saga of James Wiseman” or “How to Satisfy the NCAA.”   Wiseman through his attorney withdrew his lawsuit against the NCAA.  Memphis declared him ineligible while the school applies for his reinstatement.  This is the interesting part of the arrangement; Wiseman can practice with the team however he will not play in any games until his player status is resolved with the NCAA.  

I believe a similar type of effort occurred regarding Silvio De Sousa at Kansas.  In both instances the financial issue was key to both players.  As for me don’t expect me to make a call on this topic there are far too many moving parts.  In addition, the NCAA is not too highly rated at my address and I’d like to remain neutral and just report the facts.    

Change the name please 
The Hornets moved from Charlotte to New Orleans, the NBA returned to Charlotte with an expansion team the Bobcats.  New Orleans wanted a local name connection and changed to the Pelicans, once this was done Charlotte asked for a name change too…. Hornets.  Did you follow that, don’t worry it’s a short version of several years but it provides evidence for this account.  There are other NBA teams requiring a name change, right at the top is Thunder, makes no sense whatsoever.  Thunder exists in Oklahoma City but everywhere else in the world too.  A sticking point, as a condition Thunder owner signed away the rights to the Sonics name when the team located from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

Next up we travel to Memphis and the Grizzlies; bears exist in the State of Tennessee but not Grizzlies the state is home to the smaller black bear.  Grizzlies exist in the Pacific Northwest in the Vancouver Canada region.  Next, we head to Los Angeles, in with the new (Steve Ballmer) out with the old (Clippers).  How about a name more closely associated with this owner?  Northward in California the city name is the question, the Warriors have moved back to San Francisco their original “home”.  Area fans will hate it, but San Francisco needs to be on the front of the jersey.  Nothing will occur just the thoughts of a long-time NBA fan. 

What’s his name?
It’s Alex Caruso, you say Caruso who is he?  He’s a 6-foot 4-inch combo guard and plays for the Lakers.  He signed a 2-year contract so unless he’s traded, he will be around for a little while.  How did he arrive on the doorsteps of Staples Center?  Caruso played his college basketball at Texas A&M, in 2016 he went undrafted by the NBA.  He played in the Summer League in 2016, Caruso was signed by the NBA Thunder but later waived. 

In 2017 he played for the Lakers Summer League team and must have impressed.  Caruso demonstrated he could play and fulfill a slot for these Lakers.  Although he’s considered a shooting guard he's generally played the point.  This is going to enhance his value since Rondo is sidelined and the roster is devoid of the poin.  In any event when viewing Laker games don’t be surprised to see him on the floor.