Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Push back

I received push back regarding my account LeBron James could possibly lead the NBA in assists, the second non-point guard in league history to accomplish the feat.    A friend said, “Isn’t he actually playing the point?”  Technically that might be correct although on the depth chart Avery Bradley is listed at the point.  Perhaps we resolve the issue by borrowing the term utilized in the past…point forward.   The term probably originated at some point in the early ‘80’s.  According to research who first came up with the term is kinda fuzzy, it likely depends on who you read. 

One of the sources I uncovered indicates former NBA team member now broadcaster Marques Johnson takes credit for first using the term.  “Marques Johnson claims it was him, Tiny Archibald had been injured and the coach (Don Nelson) told Johnson to take over.  His question to the coach, ‘you want me to be the point forward?’  It’s likely you might be more familiar with another Bucks forward Paul Pressey.  He also filled the role effectively for the Bucks.  Rick Barry was never given the title although he too was an efficient passer, none of the trio mentioned ever led the NBA in assists although LeBron could accomplish the feat this season.      

Was it a mistake?

Pat Forde covers college basketball for SI.com, he’s knowledgeable and informative regarding college basketball and this is not intended to criticize his work.  Recently he detailed the events surrounding James Wiseman, what it’s meant for him, Memphis basketball and the NCAA.  Wiseman only played 7 games before the NCAA declared him ineligible, his family was required to repay funds which the NCAA claimed they should not have received.  The question becomes did Penny Hardaway understand there might be potential “landmines” in front of the effort to recruit Wiseman?  

The university issued a formidable statement and indicated they were prepared to battle the NCAA regarding the youngster, weeks later Wiseman said, “Never mind I’m headed to the NBA.”  If we face facts the NBA was in the picture long before Wiseman ever set foot on campus, Wiseman was listed as a lottery pick on every mock draft site available.  Another writer put it this way, "Wiseman doesn't need the NCAA, he doesn't need college basketball."  The other issue people continue to wag their fingers at colleges particularly the one and done rule.  

Those individuals are missing the mark, it’s the NBA they should be angry with.  The NBA players association and NBA owners have been culprit.  There are so many moving parts with this story however it appears there is only one clear winner…James Wiseman.  Commissioner Silver will announce his name in June somewhere between pick number one and five, the losers Memphis basketball and the NCAA.  Memphis basketball could face sanctions over the matter, in addition losing the benefit of Wiseman’s play at least for the 2019-20 college season.  Despite the turn of events the NCAA remains in the loser column too.  The organization has become a shark without any teeth, they are opposed to paying athletes yet have no power to do anything except bark at the States like California that has passed legislation.        

Who was he? 

Wally Pipp huh? The studio host on NBA TV used that name for Michael Porter Jr. recently, MPJ has played a reserve role for the Nuggets. An injury to Will Barton saw the former Mizzou forward him inserted into the starting lineup. What's Wally Pipp's role in baseball history? I’ll provide you a couple of hints.  😁

Yankees

First base

headache  

I didn’t hear what I thought

Viewing the results of the previous evenings NBA games, the host made a statement about winning streaks.  I understood him to say; ‘They had the longest winning streak in the NBA.’  It was my mistake, I thought he indicated the Lakers record had been eclipsed.  Imagine this an NBA team not losing a game for two consecutive months that’s what the 1972-73 Lakers accomplished.  This Wilt Chamberlain/Jerry West led team began the streak on November 5, 1972. 

On that date they beat the Baltimore Bullets (Wizards) and didn’t lose again until January 9, 1973 losing to the Bucks in Milwaukee.  The Lakers had won a record 33 games in a row.  How about other sports, the 1916 New York Giants won 26 games in a row establishing the record for baseball.  The 2008-09 NFL Colts won 23 games in a row.  Many will invalidate the Laker record claiming there were fewer teams, true there were only 17.  They cannot claim fewer games because the NBA had already begun playing an 82-game season.  

Solace

Mizzou finished its non-conference schedule Monday evening with a 91-33 victory over Chicago State leaving the Tigers with an 8-4 record.  Mizzou now heads for Lexington to play the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday.  Mizzou might be slightly better than first believed by me, of the four losses Charleston Southern was the ugliest.  Charleston Southern had a losing record at the time they played the Tigers. 

Losing to Charleston Southern especially at home was quite disappointing.  As for the other three losses if we check the competition’s record the loss is not quite the same.  Example, losing to Xavier the Musketeers currently have 11 wins and 3 losses, Butler’s won 12 games losing only 1 as for Oklahoma they have a 9-3 record.  Mizzou’s 63-56 win versus Big 10 Illinois certainly is a plus.  Most of the media indicate a belief SEC play will be down slightly this season, perhaps that will allow Mizzou to sneak up on several teams.