Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“And now for something completely different”

The above is the line sometimes used from the old Monty Python comedy television series, and this IS completely different.  The Lakers broke their four-game losing streak and neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis led the way in scoring.  It was Kyle Kuzma with 24 points off the bench, you remember there was supposed to be drama between his trainer and LeBron over the latter’s groin injury? 

I have no idea if Kuz will be a Laker next week or not, but Saturday night highlights we witnessed a cross court pass from LeBron to Kuz who immediately sunk a 3-point basket.  Is there drama in Lakerland, there’s always some sort of exhibition occurring.  How about another line this time from all those comedy law enforcement TV programs, “Nothing to see here (except basketball) move on.”  

OG (Old Guy)

Pacer forward Domantas Sabonis led the way in defeating my Lakers recently.  The son is good however this account is about his dad Big Man Arvydas.  Arvydas was huge, he stood 7 foot 3 and a hefty 291 pounds by the time he arrived in the NBA.  Two issues prevented us from witnessing his talent.  It was a different era then, drafted by the Hawks in 1985 the political climate of the time would not allow him to leave Lithuania.  Arvydas did not arrive in the NBA until the 1995-96 season, a skilled athlete who like Connie Hawkins we never witnessed play in his prime.

Arvydas was a 31-year old rookie by the time he began play for the Blazers.  The second issue was a devastating Achilles tendon injury which robbed him of much of his early flair, by the time Arvydas reached the NBA he was a shadow of his former self.  Despite this fact he was a skillful passer from the center position and may have been among the first Big Man with a 3-point shot.  If you look at his NBA career number’s, they appear rather pedestrian.  Numbers alone don’t provide us a true picture of his talent that’s why he was rewarded after he retired, Arvydas has been enshrined in the FIBA and Naismith Halls of Fame. 

Sibling rivalry

Recently much was made of brothers Justin, Jrue and Aaron Holiday appearing in the same NBA game.  Although there have been no large numbers brother combos have played in the NBA since the days of its founding.  In addition to the Holiday’s we have the Lopez brothers, twins Markieff and Marcus Morris are also active.  Marc Gasol remains active older brother Pau might soon retire.  In the recent past Rick Barry’s son’s Jon, Brent and Drew and prior to them the Van Arsdale twins Dick and Tom.  There may be additional brothers omitted but it wasn’t on purpose.

How to….

Be informative in describing the game but don’t talk too much.  I don’t have the answer however the shorten version of this account is the role of a basketball television analyst.  They are hired due to their expertise and ability to communicate the game to the viewer.  It’s always been my belief a radio analyst requires far more verbal skills than video, it’s obvious the picture.  You might not see the nuances of the game however an untrained eye can see the shot or the pass, blocked shot or TO.  It was said the late Chick Hearn simulcasting Laker games on radio and television was much more descriptive than required for television. 

It was done on purpose the action on the court had to be communicated to those in his audience listening on radio.  We have reached a stage now especially with television, the picture quality is so clear and concise we now see plays our grandfathers and fathers never witnessed.  I believe it’s important for that analyst to highlight areas which they believe are critical for the viewer.  At the same time, its unimportant to talk incessantly as Jeff Van Gundy often does during games.  Don’t get me wrong, I have no doubt of Van Gundy’s basketball knowledge.  For me it appears he often go’s on tangents which often have nothing to do with the game in front of us.  Now you ask, could I perform the role of an analyst?  Currently no, with training and coaching an emphatic yes.