Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Whistling past the graveyard”

It’s an old axiom, it simply states a person intends “to stay cheerful in a dire situation.”  That’s fans of the Kansas basketball program around these parts I believe, your team is now number one in the nation in both AP and Coaches Poll.  Most Kansas fans (including the media) refuse to acknowledge the danger on the horizon in the specter of the NCAA. 

Perhaps you believe its Kansas basketball the NCAA will not come down as hard on your program as others.  That scenario could occur however I hope I don’t hear the following, complaints about the Carolina program and Roy Williams.  Kansas fans love to point their finger at Roy Williams, I’m quite sure they continue to hold a grudge because he left Kansas for his alma mater.  What occurs when Bill Self leaves for the NBA?

There is a tie now

In an earlier account we featured Russell Westbrook, I wrote “He was leading the NBA in technical fouls.”  That is not the case after the Warriors Thursday evening game against the Lakers.  Draymon Green received two technical fouls and an ejection, there is now a tie at the top between Westbrook and Green. 

“Dance with the one that brung ya”

We heard the names Dion Waiters, JR Smith, Andre Iguodala, Darren Collison and Derrick Rose.  Also mentioned in conversation was Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Schroder, the barber shop guys even referenced Jamal Crawford sitting at home in Seattle.  There have been so many names floated about I’m sure a name or two may be missing from the list. Is it over, other than picking up forward Markieff Morris?   

Best guess the Lakers are going to maintain the guards on the roster at present?  The Lakers might be playing that old Country and Western tune “Dance with the one that brung ya.”  Chemistry now is very important, perhaps that might be the biggest concern over simply adding a warm body.  As for the X-factor that may be Alex Caruso, the second-year guard works well with LeBron.  In addition, the game doesn’t slow as much with Caruso in the lineup as it does with Rondo. 

“I’m from Missouri”

I will repeat again, because I’m from Missouri I can use the adage.  “I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to show me,” (insert Houston Rockets here).  On Wednesday evening the Rockets blew out the Grizzlies 140 to 112, the morning hosts on ESPN continue to point out the Rockets as possible NBA champions.  Prior to beginning play, every team is on the same level however there is a key question from this side. 

The Rockets can score like crazy playing team X one evening and two nights later play team Y.  What might occur in a 7-game series facing the same team?  Can this small ball lineup win enough series to eventually qualify for a championship berth?  Unlike media members I refuse to use regular season basketball as a barometer of success.  Perhaps this style might indeed work however let’s arrive at the playoffs first before pronouncing it an accomplishment. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Don’t slay the messenger

A USA Today article prompted this short account, what occurs should Kansas win the NCAA championship?  You might remember Kansas basketball received a notice of allegations from the NCAA last September.  In this case it might be better if Kansas fails to win because they receive the championship trophy one month and much later the title would be relinquished.  Don’t think it could happen check out the history, Louisville won the 2013 NCAA championship however it was vacated in 2018.  If you are part of Kansas Nation don’t slay the messenger, I’m only reporting what might possibly occur if Kansas wins the championship. 

High school to the NBA

In 2005 the Lakers drafted Andrew Bynum; he became the 10^th pick in the first round.  Bynum would become the last player entering the NBA directly from high school.  This scenario does not apply to International players who fit a special criteria.  A story was published regarding the NBA Class of 1996 and how many players were drafted ahead of Kobe Bryant.  I told my wife, “Why is this important now, Kobe arrived straight from high school while the others had degrees of college experience.”  Kobe had just graduated from Lower Merion High School in suburban Philadelphia when drafted but there may have been questions on his NBA readiness. 

My wife asked, “Have there been other high school players with resumes similar to Kobe?”  I thought for a moment, Kevin Garnett came into the NBA from Farragut Academy High School in Chicago.  He would score over 26,000 points in his career and become an NBA champion.  Garnett will be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible.  The other high school player we are witness to his play is LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron Ohio, he too is eventually headed to the Hall of Fame.  Keep in mind there have been a significant number of high school players drafted but few experienced the success of the trio mentioned. 

The East side of the State

I’ve been bragging on Kansas City (MO) area players in the NBA, our friends on the East side of the State have topped us.  The area talent here is strictly playing a reserve role except for Landry Shamet (Park Hill HS, Kansas City).  My friend says St. Louis radio is claiming the duo of Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum are the best NBA players from St. Louis since the days of Bill Bradley and JoJo White. 

Bradley produced back to back 50-point games scoring 53 against the Bulls and followed that with 55 against the Bucks.  I was praising Tatum earlier in the week regarding his game against my Lakers.  Tatum scored 41 points and had an opportunity to score the tying or winning basket at the horn.  He followed with 36 and 33 points.     

It’s difficult

At times this season it’s been quite difficult to watch Mizzou basketball.  On Wednesday evening they scratched and clawed their way to victory over Vanderbilt beating the Commodores 61-52.  The win leaves them with 6 wins and 9 losses in the SEC and 14-14 overall, this certainly is nothing to brag about.  On an upward bound note Mizzou’s now won 4 of the last 6 games played. 

Once SEC play began in January the takeoff was extremely rough, Mizzou won only one of its first five games.  This is NOT offering an excuse for poor play however injuries and, in some instances, coaching moves impacted this team in areas Mizzou Nation fails to take into consideration.  What do I know, this is written from a fans perspective one who is part of Mizzou Nation? 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Zion

Is Zion Williamson the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, that was part of a discussion on Tuesday evening by the television broadcast crew.  Those of us able to witness saw Zion in game number 33, his chief rival for ROY Ja Morant has appeared in almost twice as many games thus far.  If Zion plays the balance of the Pelicans season, he will total 56 games.  Of course, injury curtailed his play until January 2020.  How impressive was the youngster, after the game LeBron had nothing but praise for the youngster? 

As for the Laker-Pelican game it wasn’t the match most expected, for much of the evening Zion rarely faced LeBron and vice-versa.  Despite this both stars (notice I wrote both) had outstanding games.  The teen age Zion had 29 points along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, he shot 44% from the floor.  The other guy had a 40-point game despite 7 TO’s, he changed the game in the 3^rd quarter going on a scoring binge.  The final score read Lakers 119 Pelicans 109, there is no quit in these Pelicans as former Laker Brandon Ingram torched his old team for 34 points.     

There are occasions

If you’ve read Words eye view any length of time you know I have issues with the take of Stephen A. Smith at times.  This is one of those occasions listening to Smith’s commentary last week on Russell Westbrook we are on the same page.  This is not a talent issue, there is no argument on my part or anyone else Westbrook is just that it’s his inability to dial back his aggression.  Westbrook leads NBA players in technicals (13) this season, three more before the end of the season and it’s a one game suspension.      

Everyone in Westbrook’s periphery is the enemy, the media, game officials, opposing players and opposition fans.  This is the key for me, Westbrook claims he’s sometimes singled out by officials.  It’s clear after a dozen years in the NBA Westbrook is never going to tone-down his sometimes over the top mantra.  If he must play at this level to stoke himself up so be it, hear this.  Don’t complain about game officials picking on you unless you Westbrook, are willing to change which apparently you refuse.  UPDATE:  In Wednesday night action against the Grizzlies Westbrook added to his total receiving his 14 technical foul for the season.  

His number is sizeable

Several might remember the story, we discussed Luka Doncic and the fact he wore jersey number 77.  It was also mentioned few basketball players had numbers higher than Doncic’s number, the late George Mikan wore 99 for the Minneapolis Lakers back in the day.  Allow me to introduce you to the newest Laker Markieff Morris, he wore number 88, how this number came about is easily explained.           

Morris had worn number 8, to honor Kobe Bryant he decided to change numbers.  At first it was going to be 33 but he discovered that number was worn by former Piston Grant Hill.  Hill a Hall of Fame candidate is likely to have the number retired by the Pistons.  Morris decided in favor of 88 saying “I’m gonna do a double 8” *, so the first time you see him in a Laker jersey you will understand why his jersey number is so large.     

*Detroit Free Press

“The best player in the world”

We rarely have an opportunity currently to see an inside-outside game in the NBA anymore.  With the change in NBA offenses emphasis on center play is not a priority.  Recently Joel Embiid created quite a stir when he pronounced himself “The best player in the world.”  I’m not prepared to argue with him after his Monday game versus the Hawks. 

It was quite noteworthy the self-proclaimed Big Man scored a career high 49 points along with 14 rebounds 3 assists and 3 steals.  Embiid did all this while shooting an outstanding 71% from the floor.  We are in the era of small-ball and 3-point shooting, for me there is nothing like the dominance of a Big Man game.  Those witnessing the action in Wells Fargo Center or on television saw an exceptional game by Embiid. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The NFL Combine

As this is written the NFL is holding its combine in Indianapolis, what should we discuss the NFL draft or the NBA draft?  The NFL draft occurs April 23 and the NBA draft much later June 25.  Just kiddin’ folks this publication is dedicated to basketball only; occasionally other sports are mentioned.  As for the NBA draft, there appears not much movement among the Top 10 projected picks.  Likely a true picture will not be determined until after the first Monday in April. 

That’s the date the NCAA champion will be crowned and over the next 3-4 weeks we’ll began to grasp exactly who is leaving and who might be staying.  Up first is the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament held a week after the NCAA championship.  College seniors display their skills before NBA representatives.  How important is this tournament, ask DeMarre Carroll?  Carroll was not on the NBA’s radar until his outstanding play in the tournament, he’s now in his 11^th year in the NBA.  Next up the NBA will conduct its combine in Chicago May 21 and will run through May 24.  There you have it a bit of pre-draft information.

What if…

We cannot correct events of the past, for me and others it’s fun to look back at an occurrence and ask the question “What if.”  This is one most Kansas basketball fans either don’t know or have forgotten.  At the time long-term Mizzou coach Norm Stewart was forced out a nation-wide search was conducted for his replacement.  We have no idea if it was 1-2 on the decision but Quin Snyder (present Jazz coach) was hired, Kansas coach Bill Self probably finished in second place. 

How did it occur, well it’s been too many years but allow our imagination to construct the hiring process?  We have Snyder; he played for coach K. at Duke and became his associate head coach.  Meanwhile Self was serving as head coach at Tulsa a mid-major school.  Self-arrived at Tulsa from Oral Roberts University where his teams finished one game above .500 (55-54).  Although none of the Duke success could be laid at the feet of Snyder there might have been a belief, he was a” better” candidate for the Mizzou job than Self. 

Of course, we know that would not be the case, Snyder departed Mizzou under a cloud of smoke.  He served as head coach at a couple of minor league stops before being hired by the Utah Jazz.  At Tulsa Self’s record improved when he departed in 2000 for the University of Illinois his win total stood at 74-27.  He managed a similar record at Illinois (78-24) prior to taking the Kansas job in 2003 replacing Roy Williams who departed for his alma mater North Carolina.  What if Mizzou hired Self rather than Snyder, would the fortunes of Mizzou basketball be as successful as they have been for Kansas?    

Great last season, not so much this time

Those in the media proclaimed Big 12 dominance last season in fact it was great, not so much this time around.  Few arguments from any parties the strength of schedule plus the conference won-loss record provided proof of that fact.  We saw over half the conference (6) teams receive invites to the NCAA Tournament in 2019, Big 12 Texas Tech was runner up to eventual champion Virginia. 

As for this season this picture might be quite different.  We are weeks from selection Sunday however other than Kansas and Baylor it might be difficult to see four additional Big 12 teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament.  At most Texas Tech and West Virginia make the cut but no more.  As with any future prediction this could be incorrect, that’s the prime reason this writer attempts to refrain from this practice. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Are we watching the same game?

Sometimes I wonder if I’m watching the same game as some media members.  This is a small portion of my reading for the Sunday afternoon Laker-Celtic match.  “They (Lakers) barely got past the Celtics and Kemba Walker didn’t play.”  Well a portion of the statement is correct; Walker didn’t play however I have a question.  I wonder if the person writing the account realized despite the closeness of the game it was a win for the Lakers and a loss for the Celtics.  We can dissect a game till the cows come home however the final score is still the objective. 

He doesn’t agree

Media types have compared Zion Williamson to the former “Round Mound of Rebound” Charles Barkley.  Although Williamson weighs more than Barkley did as a rookie, they are both nearly the same height.  The comparison is made despite the fact Williamson is yet to play 30 games however their games are similar.  

How similar, even Barkley agrees they compare except for one fact. Barkley says, “Williamson is a quicker leaper than me.”  Former Piston and media guy Isiah Thomas who played against Barkley says, “Zion Williamson is a more athletic Charles Barkley.”  I know, I’m the guy who hates comparing old school players to the current crop.  We do this I believe because often that’s the only method of judging play. 

Wow

What a weekend, number 3 Kansas won so did number 5 Dayton.  As for the others it was exciting, Kansas knocked off number 1 Baylor and it’s 23-game winning streak.  BYU thumped number 2 Gonzaga while UNLV upset previously undefeated number 4 San Diego State.  The Kansas Jayhawks are most likely to move into the top spot based on the weekend games; the topsy-turvy collegiate season somewhat stable will see a Top 25 shakeup at 2 through 5. 

Point guard or point forward?

Recently Paul Pierce and company were arguing on the ABC pre-game program, the argument “Is LeBron James a point guard or point forward?”  Magic stood 6-9 but so does LeBron, LeBron is 250 pounds and Magic was 225.  Before proceeding can I state the argument, was not resolved by the three analysts; as for current facts LeBron is the current ball handler for the Lakers when on the court? 

LeBron’s never lead the NBA in assists but does this season with 10.7 assists per game, he’s been the league leader all season.  Throughout his NBA career LeBron has been a small forward whose been a primary ball handler with the Cavs and Heat.  He now performs the same task as a member of the Lakers.  If I were to provide my belief here, I’d say LeBron is a point forward over some who argue he’s a point guard. A friend pointed out he rarely plays on the wing and is usually posted at the top. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bird-Magic revived again

If you closed your eyes yesterday afternoon you could see it in your mind’s eye, the Celtics Larry Bird and Magic Johnson of the Lakers battling one another for court superiority.  We are reminded the Celtic-Laker rivalry has been dormant for several years.  The Lakers have been the culprit having played poorly until the 2019-20 NBA season.  Despite 41 points from the Celtics Jayson Tatum the Lakers managed to slip by 114-112. 

This was not for the faint of heart as the game flow went back and forth between the Lakers and Celtics.  In other Los Angeles news Marcus said it but this would be different, he’s stating "He can see the twin brothers not only living together but carpooling to Staples Center if the LA Clippers and Lakers face each other in a seven-game playoff series."  This might be the first time in NBA history two brothers arrive at any game in this manner.  There is no guarantee this scenario will play out as Marcus implies, one or both could be knocked off in the early rounds of the conference playoff picture. 

5 criticisms you are tired of?

1. Mavs owner Mark Cuban complaining about officiating.

2. hummm

3. “

4. “

5. “

My mind’s gone blank I can’t remember the other 4, as for item 1 I’ve noticed a pattern.  It seems Cuban only complains when there is an “error” impacting a game the Mavs are playing.  You go on to claim the issue of poor officiating has existed for 20 years, I could be wrong isn’t that nearly the length of time you’ve owned the Mavs?  Mr. Cuban you are an owner you cannot resolve this issue in the court of public opinion.  Why not table the issue for now and discuss it at length in the next Board of Governors meeting?  Fuming in the media about officiating does nothing about correcting your perceived issues, just my thoughts don’t make it correct.

The judge 

We have another eligibility issue with this report although different from the one you just read.  We heard from Memphis center James Wiseman, the NCAA suspended the youngster 12-games and required nearly $12,000 be paid to a charity of the family’s choice.  Coach Penny Hardaway who loaned the family moving expenses from Nashville to Memphis was deemed a booster, the money given the family occurred prior to Hardaway being hired. 

Wiseman was playing for Hardaway’s AAU team so the two did have a connection.  In any event Wiseman claimed in the interview he believed the punishment was unfair, all he wanted to do was play basketball for Memphis.  Will the 7-foot Wiseman be quizzed on leaving school rather than sit out the suspension.  The Knicks Mitchell Robinson wasn’t suspended but left Western Kentucky after playing in 0 games. 

In the case of Robinson his name was listed on several mock draft sites however he wasn’t as highly a rated prospect as Wiseman.  The point is Robinson still managed to hear his name called in the 2018 draft, rest assured Robinson was probably under the same scrutiny Wiseman will eventually face as he visits several NBA teams for workouts.  Wiseman claims he believed the NCAA had been unfair to him with the suspension, what do you think, was the governing body once again overzealous in its effort to resolve any eligibility issues?   

Kansas City and the NBA 

Although it’s been more than minute KC still maintains a connection to the NBA.  No superstar players yet they are in the NBA.  Who are the they, well there is Alec Burks guard with the Sixers?  Burks played high school ball at suburban Grandview and in college for Colorado.  Ottawa Kansas is not considered metro although it’s only 53 miles from downtown Kansas City MO.  Ottawa is the home of Semi Ojeleye, after graduation he left for Duke and SMU, he now plays for the Celtics.  

Landry Shamet’s moved into the starting lineup for the Clippers, Shamet attended Park Hill High School and Wichita State.  Willie Cauley-Stein played at suburban Olathe Northwest and Kentucky, recently traded he’s now with the Mavs. In Chicago point guard Shaquille Harrison is on the Bulls roster, Harrison graduated from suburban Lees Summit and played at Tulsa University.  Although he didn’t attend high school here, we can mention Mike D’Antoni who once played for the Kansas City Kings. 

One of the voices heard broadcasting the NBA on TNT is Kevin Harlan, although he didn’t attend high school here his roots are deep.  After graduating from Kansas University, he went into broadcasting.  He was one of the voices of the Kansas City Kings and for several years the broadcast voice of the NFL Chiefs.  He would move to become the Wolves play by play voice and is now one of the primary broadcasters of the NBA on the TNT Network.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Time to put up or shut up

Clipper fans brag about the fact their team has beaten the Lakers twice.  They look the other way when the subject of the Kings come up, the Kings have beaten the Clippers twice in the last three weeks both times at Staples Center.  All we hear are, “We’ve got to get it together” or “We’ve had injuries, we need everyone healthy."  Finally this one from last night, "Time is now to play better."

As for the injuries they are part of the game, there is really nothing that can be done other than to adapt and try to overcome them.  As recently as today we read how the Clippers will beat the Lakers in a 7-game series.  We cannot dispute that view however they are at the point they must prove it.  At this stage the supposed best team in the NBA at least in the Western Conference sure doesn’t appear to be that. 

I never make predictions

Unlike the talking heads on television I never make predictions.  There are always preferred winners but the ability to judge the outcome of an event is too difficult for me.  As for the Kansas-Baylor game I was “surprised” based on the variables.  Baylor was riding a 23-game winning streak, they were playing in Waco.  Baylor had beaten Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse one of the few teams to accomplish that feat.  The home team (Baylor) cannot win a contest shooting 40% from the floor and allowing the visitors (Kansas) to shoot a sparkling 51%. 

That’s a match the home team is going to lose 9 out of 10 times.  As for the game we continue to read Kansas Big Man Udoka Azubuike is playing in the wrong era for the NBA.  The NBA game has become an outside-inside game with emphasis on the 3-point line.  23 points 19 rebounds and 3 block shots are outstanding no matter the era.  The only element of his game needing improvement is at the line, that is an area a few Big Men of the past have suffered.  Azubuike at 7 feet and 280 pounds I think I’d likely give him a chance to play on my team if I’m an NBA GM. 

He’s a winner and so is his program 

As surely as the sun rises in the east, we can expect Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats winning 20 games every season.  Villanova just won game 20 versus 6 losses.  This is the 15^th time Wright’s teams have won 20+ games.  The coach has two NCAA championships on his resume and five times Villanova has won 30 or more games. 

This is the most interesting detail, Wright’s recruits’ athletes who are talented, but not dependent on McDonald’s All Americans. The Wildcats always earn an NCAA berth every season; the headline above, Jay Wright’s name has been mentioned regarding the Knicks head coaching position.  We could say to Knicks owner James Dolan, “You’ve got to be kidding.”  How in the world would Wright want to take over the train-wreck that is the Knicks?  Knowing a thing or two about style hands down Wright is the best dressed coach in basketball. 

He’s come into his own

Bam Adebayo of the Heat can play; he just needed the opportunity to prove it.  If we checked the stats from his first two years in the NBA (6.9, 8.9 ppg) we’d figure there were questions on his ability.  Inserted into the starting lineup in the 2019-20 season has uncovered the talent witnessed at Kentucky.  The 6-foot 9-inch power forward is currently scoring at a 16.1 per game clip along with 10.6 rebounds and to prove he’s not one dimensional 5.0 assists.  The NBA has taken not of his improved play, Adebayo was an NBA All Star for 2020.  Keep an eye on this young man he will continue to develop into a quality NBA player. 

The NBA or college

Makur Maker is a young man with a decision on his hands, is it the NBA or is it college in his future?  The youngster was born in Kenya by way of Australia and eventually the U.S.  currently he attends Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix.  Maker is the number 17 Rivals prospect in the Class of 2020, he’s listed at number 34 on nbadraftroom.com’s mock draft site.  So, there you have it, a prospect with the opportunity to choose between college and the NBA. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A departure and arrival

The Lakers waived Boogie Cousins for now, Markieff Morris is expected to sign with them after a buyout from the Pistons.  I must admit I know more of the Morris twins Markieff and Marcus from their time at Kansas than I do their NBA careers.  Laker Nation must consider the team made the best move considering the circumstances, they did not give up Kuzma whose name was mentioned in several potential trades. 

As for Boogie I hate to see him go but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  He could re-sign with the Lakers in the off-season or perhaps another team might be interested in picking him up.  Dwight Howard needs to thank Boogie, if not for the Achilles injury the roles of these two could have been reversed.  So, in addition to a city rivalry we add to it a sibling rivalry with Markieff now a Laker and Marcus with the Clippers. 

He doesn’t know beans

Every time Trae Young achieves an outstanding accomplishment I smile.  I smile as I think back to the local radio guy.  I’ve told this story previously we had a sports talk radio host who was always suffering (per usual) from oral diarrhea, running off at the mouth and discussing basketball which it was clear he didn’t have a clue.  He compounded his ignorance by paying only attention to the Big 12 Conference and more especially Kansas basketball.  The guy tried to convince his listening audience Trae Young “had no game.” 

It was about this time in Young’s freshman year at Oklahoma.  I listened to the words of an NBA scout rather than this guy.  The scout said, “They won’t be able to draw junk defenses once he (Young) arrives in the NBA.  Since Young’s arrival in the NBA every time he has an outstanding game as I said earlier, I smile.  On Thursday the slim Hawks point guard was outstanding in his teams win over the Magic.  Young scored 50 points in the 129-124 winner over the Magic.  Young wasn’t just chunking up shots, he shot 48% from the floor.      

The Admiral

David Robinson wasn’t really an admiral, he was given the nickname as a graduate of the Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy.  Upon graduation Robinson was commissioned an Ensign (2^nd Lieutenant) and promoted to Lieutenant Jr. Grade when he left the Navy, that’s equivalent to an Army or Marine Corp 1^st Lieutenant.  Robinson was just under the height limit of 6 foot 8 inches tall but received a waiver to enter the academy, four years later he stood 7 feet tall. 

The bio indicates there was nothing noteworthy about his high school basketball, he was better at academics then sports.  Can we just say the talent was lying beneath the surface?  The next four years at Annapolis led him to be named an All-American.  At 7-foot 1-inch Robinson was too tall for duty aboard a naval ship which he hoped would become his career.  Instead his career would become the NBA and he would spend it as a member of the Spurs. 

By the time Robinson graduated from Annapolis an agreement was made with the Secretary of the Navy and Robinson would only spend 2-years on active duty.  Later with Tim Duncan they would become one of the most lethal twin towers in NBA history.  By the time Robinson ended his 14-year NBA career his play witnessed him enshrined in the FIBA and Naismith Hall of Fame.  For reasons unknown anytime a discussion on NBA Big Men occur Robinson’s name is rarely mentioned, he won championships, MVP’s yet is left out of the discussion. 

It was just the manner it was written

One of the websites I visit regularly bleacherreport.com contained an interesting article.  “Five teams who might tank to secure LaMelo Ball”, I almost fell out of my chair laughing.  It was not for the reason you might first suspect, from all indications Ball is a legitimate draft prospect.  The question, would the Knicks or the Bulls or other teams lose on purpose in order to draft him? 

We cannot be for sure, but we imagine a team with a budding superstar on the horizon might attempt to lose on purpose. What’s what provoke laugher on my part, besides the fact the youngster has at least one serious issue to eliminate.  It’s been reported Ball plays little if any defense, despite what an uninformed visitor might believe they do play defense in the NBA.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

They did everything well except….

I only read the headline not the complete account, Steve Nash says, “The Suns could have been the Warriors before the Warriors.”  He was referring to those high scoring Suns teams.  Nash is a Hall of Fame player, those teams of Nash, Shawn Marion, Amar’e Stoudemire and others did everything well except play defense.  

Mike D’Antoni has coached the Suns, Lakers, Knicks and now the Rockets. 

In all those stops his teams have never been known for their defensive prowess, emphasis has always been on the offensive end of the court.  This latest bold experiment playing “small ball” will be interesting, can the Rockets successfully compete for an NBA championship playing a small lineup?  Time will be the test for this D’Antoni team. 

NBA ready

Several NBA scouts who witnessed Emoni Bates in action pronounce him ready for NBA play in 2022, that’s the year this sophomore graduates high school.  As been mentioned on several occasions the belief is the age 18 rule and 1-year after high school graduation will have been repealed.  The 6-foot 9 razor thin forward is averaging 30.3 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals per game for the season. 

Bates plays for Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti (Mich.) and a recent game was classic.  This past Tuesday versus Chelsea (Mich.) Bates scored 63 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a 108-102 double OT win over Chelsea.  We are approaching the end of the high school season, its likely unless you live in Michigan there will be no opportunity to see the youngster in action.  I had hoped the management team at ESPN would have decided to televise one of Lincoln’s game however that doesn’t appear to be the case. 

Quality wins

Mizzou’s record is confusing if we check the opposition through February 18, the Tigers are 13-13 yet have beaten each of the teams below.  Check the current won-loss record of the opposition Mizzou has beaten this season to date.  

Southern Illinois 15-12

Temple 13-12

Illinois 16-9

Florida 16-9

Arkansas 16-9

Auburn 22-3

Auburn certainly is placed at the top of the list however Arkansas, Florida and Illinois could also be considered worthy opponents.  If only Mizzou had played better against several other adversaries. 

He’s out for the season

The Warriors announced Klay Thompson will miss the balance of the season.  As for Steph Curry management might want to consider shutting him down as well.  The Warriors have only 27 games remaining on the schedule, if they were playoff bound it might be a different story.  This is not an intent to tank but the season was practically over when Steph suffered his injury.  Even without Kevin Durant the Warriors were expected to compete in the 2019-20 season but that’s not been the case.    

Charles Barkley 

I’ve said as a joke I listen to every other sentence Charles Barkley utters on TNT.  On a serious note I often disagree with several of his takes on issues however he does have an advantage. An advantage over whom you ask, those guys in the media who just talk incessantly, to me they often appear to say, “How controversial or loud can I be?”  I might not agree with the view Barkley provides me and others however there is a vast difference. 

He and other former NBA athletes played the game at a high level.  They might not always be correct in their observations and views, but they have been there, done that.  Jason Whitlock played college football, ditto for Stephen A. Smith in basketball.  Have you ever stopped to consider if they had been that talented, they would have played in the NFL or NBA?  Unfortunately, the media types with little if any athletic skill seem to be like the empty wagon.  Have you heard the adage, “An empty wagon makes the most noise?” 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Wally Pipp

Unless you are well versed in baseball trivia the name Wally Pipp probably is an unknown.  The story that’s circulated much of my life I’ve discovered was pure fiction.  The fiction, Pipp had a headache and asked the Yankee manager for the day off.  He was replaced by Lou Gehrig who would go on to play 2,130 consecutive games at first base for the Yankees.  The truth, Pipp and several starters were in a batting slump, the manager decided to replace several regulars in the lineup including Pipp, Gehrig was one of the replacements.     

Where am I going with this story, we might have a similar situation with the Mizzou Tigers.  Starting guard Mark Smith suffered a lower back injury which caused him to miss a succession of games, the coach inserted reserve guard Xavier Pinson.  Pinson’s been the key to Mizzou winning 3 out of the last 4 games played scoring a total of 93 points.  His 28-point game was a key to beating number 11 Auburn, he followed that up with 32-points in the win over Ole Miss on Tuesday evening.  Once Smith is healthy will the coach bench Pinson in favor of Smith?  That question will not be answered until the return. 

Location, location, location

Nightly the sports news we receive in Kansas City about Big 12 basketball is generally focused on Kansas.  What’s most interesting Baylor not Kansas is in first place, but you wouldn’t believe it viewing the Kansas City sports news?  Baylor’s hold on first place is tenuous, they are only in first place by a single game.   The two combatants meet this coming Saturday in Waco, they could be tied with a Kansas win or Baylor could close the day with a two-game lead. 

The only conference loss thus far experienced by Kansas came at the hands of you guessed it…the Baylor Bears.  Geography plays a role here, although we are on the Missouri side Lawrence Kansas is less than 50 miles from most KC addresses.  Depending on your location Waco is about 112 miles from the Dallas Fort Worth metro so we must imagine the news in Texas is slanted more toward Baylor. Just in case you are interested the University of Missouri-Columbia is about 150 miles from KC.

Black History moment

Associate head coach B.J. Bickerstaff takes over as the head coach of the Cavs with the departure of John Beilein.  We have no idea at this point if African American Bickerstaff remains as head coach, this we do know.  There was no requirement for an NFL type Rooney Rule for him to be hired, the NBA has long been the clear winner in hiring and advancement of minorities and women. 

We travel back in time to the late John McClendon hired by the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League in 1962 after successfully guiding HBCU Tennessee State to three consecutive NAIA championships.  Four years later Red Auerbach stepped down as head coach of the NBA Celtics replaced by the legendary center Bill Russell.  At the collegiate level Illinois State gave the coaching reins to Will Robinson in 1970 thus becoming the first black head coach at the Division I level.   

Which one, which one

As you are aware the Lakers surrendered a hefty number of draft choices in the Anthony Davis trade.  One site indicated the Lakers had no 2020 picks; another claims they have no second-round pick.  We are going to assume at least a portion of the information is incorrect.  Another source claims the Lakers have their first-round pick but no second round, we’ll go with that for now.  In the 2020 draft four mock sites have the Lakers choosing these four.                    

Udoka Azuibuke 6-foot 11-inch 280-pound Kansas center

Cassius Winston 6-foot 1 inch 185-pound point guard Michigan State

Cassius Stanley 6-foot 6-inch 193-pound shooting guard/forward Duke

Scottie Lewis 6-foot 5-inch 185-pound shooting guard

Considering the fact Laker Nation, you are sitting in with Rob Pelinka and Frank Vogel, which player do you recommend?