Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I trust Doris Burke

There are a handful of analysts I trust to provide me with concise NBA information.  Doris Burke is among that number; the former Providence guard’s stock has risen considerably since she first began her broadcast career in 1990.  As might be expected it was the women’s game, she commenced her broadcast vocation.  Burke would move to the college men’s game prior to the NBA. 

In 2017 ESPN hired her to replace Doug Collins who departed for an analyst role with the Bulls.  Burke became the first woman on a national basis in this position.  I’ve always found her to be insightful and informative without going “over the top” as some in the role sometimes do.  In 2018 the Naismith Hall of Fame inducted her as the Curt Gowdy Media Award winner.  This honor provides you an idea how those in the media view her.        

Windy City product 

Allen Iverson was nicknamed “The Answer,” perhaps that tag might be laid on Mizzou guard Xavier Pinson one day.  There is a question on his size, no doubt he probably is 6 feet 2 which the roster indicates.  The part that might be suspect is the weight, the roster says Pinson weighs 170 pounds.  I suspect the 170 pounds is probably embellished by 10-15 pounds; it’s likely the slight Pinson might weigh between 150-160 which is close to Iverson.   

We hear a great deal about Chicago basketball during All-Star weekend, Pinson might not have been a name mentioned however he did graduate from Simeon Academy in Chicago.  Last year as a freshman and at points this year he self-destructs at time, critical turnovers and poor shot selection at times he is fearless.  Don’t misunderstand my comparison to Iverson has to do with Pinson’s stature and his desire to control the game reminds me of “The Answer” at times.  If he continues at this rate the world is his, it certainly could be on a pro level somewhere, it could be an NBA job.        

What to expect

I admit it prior to the start of the NBA season I didn't know what to expect, I must confess I’ve been pleasantly surprised and pleased by the 2019-20 version of the Lakers. For example, the tandem of LeBron and AD have molded their game much quicker than I might have expected last September.  If you remember the media talk ahead of the season pronounced the Clippers the "best team in basketball." They might indeed be the best but so far, they have managed to beat the Lakers twice, as for competing against the balance of the NBA that's been a different story.

We continue to read and hear, “Kawhi and George have not been in the lineup together enough.”  Other than injuries we might ask the question why?  On ESPN’s Get Up Doris Burke provided an interesting bit of information, she said, and I checked.  LeBron is playing fewer minutes than any time in his NBA career, so much for his load management.  As this is written I have no idea if this Laker team will be crowned champion in June, this I do know.  I have gained an appreciation for not only the team but coach Frank Vogel and staff. 

Who gets him?

June and the NBA draft are a little over three months from now, but we are speculating here.  Which team drafts LaMelo Ball the youngest of the brothers.  The chief question we are unable to answer can he play at the NBA level, only time will provide the answer.  From indications of NBA scouts his play in the NBL indicates he’s ready for competitive play. 

Unfortunately, Ball has an additional issue none of the 2020 draft picks have working against them…LaVar Ball.  We might believe the dad would tone down his over the top persona after all the confusion and controversy he caused with the elder son Lonzo.  Back to LaMelo, which team drafts him based on exhibited talent alone?  For example, would a team such as the Suns draft Ball and trade Ricky Rubio place him in the role of primary ball handler?

Don’t think it could occur, the Grizzlies traded veteran Mike Conley last year. 

The decision has been fruitful giving the “keys to the vehicle” to Ja Morant, this is no criticism of Conley, but the Grizzlies are better than last season.  Don’t say it can’t be done if a team decides to trade a veteran replacing him with Ball, on the other hand there is the LaVar factor to consider.