Basketball from a fan’s perspective

We saw this on Wednesday

I’m unsure what prompted the statement however a news crawl on ESPN caught my attention.  Mark Emmert president of the NCAA had this to say, “I’m profoundly concerned about the NCAA's image with the public." I almost fell out of my chair laughing; you wonder why Mr. Emmert, allow me just a brief explanation.  This denunciation only represents universities in a 400-mile radius of Kansas City Missouri. 

50 miles from here In Lawrence Kansas Bill Self has a bone to pick with the NCAA over the Silvio De Sousa suspension and later the hammer laid down on the basketball program.  150 miles east on I-70 Mizzou self-reported its football program was penalized later appealed and the needle didn’t move one inch.  South and east of Kansas City 350 miles away Memphis basketball’s James Wiseman will complete an NCAA mandated suspension next month. 

His coach Penny Hardaway (who was not hired at the time) provided funds for construction of a campus building.  Maybe it was moving expenses the coach provided the Wiseman family to relocate from Nashville.  This as well occurred prior to the coach being hired.  Back to Kansas for a minute, De Sousa was forced to sit out parts of two seasons for a reported $1000+ dollars his guardian received.  Wiseman will only sit out 25 games for $11,000+ moving fees his family received and will play in the same season. 

How old?

There are at minimum of 8 NBA athletes born after Vince Carter entered the NBA in 1998.  Trae Young, Kevin Knox and Zion Williamson are just a few names.  This is the final season for Carter, TNT’s Kenny Smith gave him the nickname “Half-Man, Half Amazing.”  He was a high-flier with his dunks back then, Carter is likely flying a notch below the skill level we witnessed 20 years ago.  Next stop for him the halls of fame are likely to call, we could see the FIBA and Naismith Hall of Fame in his future.   

He’s returned

After a 25-game suspension DeAndre Ayton returned to the Suns lineup on Tuesday evening.  He’d tested positive for a diuretic which resulted in the NBA issuing a suspension.  I was partially unclear on the definition of a diuretic if you are with me a definition would certainly help. 

“Diuretics are banned in sports because they can help with weight loss and could be used to speed up the elimination of drugs from the system.  They increase the volume of urine produced by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney.” 

The Clippers beat the Suns however Ayton appeared to not miss a beat, he scored 18 points along with 12 rebounds 3 assist and 1 blocked shot.  Ayton indicated he’d learn his lesson from the suspension, lets do a presumption of innocence.  Former Bulls player Scottie Pippen claims this could all be on Ayton’s training staff which makes sense.  Why would Ayton or anyone else take a banned substance knowing there are random drug tests.  On the other hand, he could have been attempting to flush out his system but let’s not go there.   

A bad rap

Superstar athletes often receive an unfair reputation among some fans.  Kobe Bryant wanted teammates to give their all to the game, that’s the reason he and Dwight Howard had issues during the 2012-13 season.  Kobe believed Howard was not serious about the game, can we say in truth both might share blame for the breakup?  Howard was coming off an earlier injury.  Much earlier in time it was the Shaq-Kobe feud, it’s my unproven contention that Laker team could have won at least two more championships if not for the “divorce.” 

We read and hear negative comments regarding LeBron James how he’s managed to play general manager especially when a member of the Cavs.  James was reported to have orchestrated the Cavs move picking up Kyle Korver and Kevin Love.  James wanted teammates he believed would aid the team in attaining an NBA championship.  Superstar players want to win, and they desire teammates who share their view of the game.  I believe Kobe, LeBron and others realize the less talented cannot play at their skill level.  What they likely hope is the fire burns in their belly to win.