Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Published Monday through Friday weekly
We have no Jack Sikma
Jack Sikma might be the first of a trend, a consistent Big Man 3-point shot maker. Sikma drafted in 1977 was one of the Class of 2019 members inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame recently. During a portion of his acceptance speech he said, “It’s time for the NBA in Seattle.” If you are unfamiliar with Sikma, he was drafted by the Sonics but finished his NBA career with the Bucks. Why does he feel so clear-cut regarding Seattle, it might be he played on an NBA championship team in the city? On the other hand, maybe it could be something altogether different.
Jack Sikma might be the first of a trend, a consistent Big Man 3-point shot maker. Sikma drafted in 1977 was one of the Class of 2019 members inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame recently. During a portion of his acceptance speech he said, “It’s time for the NBA in Seattle.” If you are unfamiliar with Sikma, he was drafted by the Sonics but finished his NBA career with the Bucks. Why does he feel so clear-cut regarding Seattle, it might be he played on an NBA championship team in the city? On the other hand, maybe it could be something altogether different.
What about Kansas City, it’s been more than 30 years since the Kings left for Sacramento.
There are two issues impacting an NBA return to Kansas City. 1. A
local owner willing to step up to the plate, the proposed sale of the baseball
Royals proves there exist a potential owner with deep, deep pockets in the
local market. The Royals new owner is a
resident of the metro but the other issue.
2. We have no “Jack Sikma” a
Kings player who played in Kansas City and voices a positive note about the
city.
At least three former Kings and their most
successful coach have died over the years but there are others. Nate “Tiny” Archibald experienced a HOF moment
in a single season, he led the NBA in scoring and assists. To date no one’s ever accomplished that feat. Former forward Eddie Johnson is a broadcaster
and writer, he’s been silent. Reggie
Theus served as head coach or an assistant in the NBA and college since his
days here, where are you Reggie? Ron Boone,
Phil Ford and Otis Birdsong, all have remained quiet. Perhaps the time each spent in Kansas City
was unpleasant and they believe there is no requirement to voice a positive
opinion about the city.
The Rocket(s) stuck on
the launch pad
It’s early in the season, the Rockets have plenty of time to recover, let’s just say the off-season moves have not proven beneficial to date. The proof, the Rockets are 3-3 after 6 games, in addition Sunday evening the Heat beat them 129-100. Do you want further proof, the Rockets are surrendering 127 points a game the most in the NBA? Although this writer is no fan of Russell Westbrook adding him to the lineup has not been the problem. If we look at the Rockets the key might be James Hardin’s field goal percentage is down from last season.
It’s early in the season, the Rockets have plenty of time to recover, let’s just say the off-season moves have not proven beneficial to date. The proof, the Rockets are 3-3 after 6 games, in addition Sunday evening the Heat beat them 129-100. Do you want further proof, the Rockets are surrendering 127 points a game the most in the NBA? Although this writer is no fan of Russell Westbrook adding him to the lineup has not been the problem. If we look at the Rockets the key might be James Hardin’s field goal percentage is down from last season.
The Rockets under D’Antoni have been an
offensive team, Hardin is an okay defender and the same could be said about
Westbrook. Those who know Mike D’Antoni
can testify his teams have always been light on the defensive end. On the other hand, they could be suffering
the “Pat Riley Syndrome?” You ask what’s
that, I cannot verify the accuracy of the account only reporting what I once
read. The Showtime Lakers downfall, they
began to tune out coach Riley it was said.
Maybe that’s what’s occurring in Houston after all D’Antoni’s been
coaching the Rockets since 2016. Maybe
it’s a whole other thing, this I know the Rockets should be better than 3 wins
and 3 losses.
Jay Bilas is still at
war
Can we state with conviction ESPN’s Jay Bilas has a low opinion of the NCAA? Yes, I believe we could make that statement. He affirmed it once again when that body ok’d athletes being compensated for their likeness leading to payment. For those who might only see Bilas on television just a brief visit with his bio. He played basketball at Duke later served as an assistant under coach K, he’s a practicing attorney in addition to analyzing college basketball for ESPN. As for his latest battle with the NCAA his argument is simple. Bilas claims at the time the State of California indicated it would allow college players to be financially compensated heads exploded at NCAA headquarters. Not only were they opposed to it but expressed it publicly for all to hear. Now Bilas claims some 40 days or so later they are okay with this move.
Can we state with conviction ESPN’s Jay Bilas has a low opinion of the NCAA? Yes, I believe we could make that statement. He affirmed it once again when that body ok’d athletes being compensated for their likeness leading to payment. For those who might only see Bilas on television just a brief visit with his bio. He played basketball at Duke later served as an assistant under coach K, he’s a practicing attorney in addition to analyzing college basketball for ESPN. As for his latest battle with the NCAA his argument is simple. Bilas claims at the time the State of California indicated it would allow college players to be financially compensated heads exploded at NCAA headquarters. Not only were they opposed to it but expressed it publicly for all to hear. Now Bilas claims some 40 days or so later they are okay with this move.
It has long been my belief college sports
requires an administrator however the NCAA is no longer that body. They are slow to act, archaic in some of
their rulings and when punishment is dealt out its only administered to
mid-major schools. We can just check the
Adidas trial which concluded in late winter.
The NCAA indicated punishment would be forthcoming “after the 2019 NCAA
tournament.” Several high-profile
schools were later penalized however it occurred over the summer rather than in
the spring of the year. Kansas
basketball is one of those high-profile programs named in the Adidas
trial. Bill Self has indicated the
school intends to appeal; it will be interesting to see how this turns
out. There are other instances the NCAA
has proven its non-functioning ability; these are but two.
He’s better than last
season
We followed the Mavs Luka Doncic to determine if he was as good as advertised. Several Euro players have made the journey to the NBA with high expectations. Often NBA fans have been disappointed, while the prospect might have been good in Europe, they failed at the NBA level. No requirement to name names most of you are aware of those we speak. What about Doncic, would he prove to be different, the 2019 Rookie of the Year was NBA ready despite his youthful age.
We followed the Mavs Luka Doncic to determine if he was as good as advertised. Several Euro players have made the journey to the NBA with high expectations. Often NBA fans have been disappointed, while the prospect might have been good in Europe, they failed at the NBA level. No requirement to name names most of you are aware of those we speak. What about Doncic, would he prove to be different, the 2019 Rookie of the Year was NBA ready despite his youthful age.
Doncic had birthday number 20 last February
in the middle of his rookie year. What
could we expect for an encore in his sophomore year, we waited anxiously? Doncic has proven to be a walking
triple-double, not only a keen ability to score but he rebounds and distributes
the ball. Although his team lost their
game against the Lakers, he had an extraordinary game, 31 points 15 assists and
12 rebounds. At this point we might
state his ceiling is the sky, he can only get better and better and better
