Basketball from a fan’s perspective

They “won”

The Blazers beat the Lakers 127-119 Friday and you could mark it down as a loss.  The remarks prior to the game by LeBron James will become, scratch that are the stuff of legend.  His words it’s believed won hearts and might have provided inspiration to many across the nation and around the world.  The gathering in Staples Center and on television was in attendance to watch a basketball game. 

At the beginning we witnessed LeBron laying down a piece of paper on the court and stating, “He would speak from the heart.”  We felt the power of his words not only for Kobe and Gigi but all the other lives who perished in the helicopter crash one week ago.  The outpouring by fans and media personalities inside and outside Staples was something we witness on rare occasions.  As LeBron said, “We see this as a celebration of life,” Mamba out. 

Is it too soon?

We ask the question is it too soon?  What have we seen after five games for Zion Williamson?  Were the Pelicans justified in making him the top draft pick in 2019?  Is he the real deal or simply a very good player, on the other hand has too little time elapsed to make a judgement?  If we look strictly at the numbers, the only negative at this point is his poor free throw shooting.  Zion is 48% from the line, those are Chamberlain/Shaq numbers and he’s got to improve that. He’s not liable to shoot 63% from the field and 67% from the 3-point line for the season those numbers are highly unlikely. 

Zion’s nearly 20 point a game average is certainly possible to maintain for the balance of the season.  We remember those YouTube highlights in high school, many back then questioned “Can he do more than just dunk the ball.”  The early answer is yes, at 6 foot 6 and 285 pounds he can do a great deal more than we thought.  Part of that might be simply working on his game and listening to coaching tips.  The complaint in these circles is comparing an athlete with someone familiar in this instance it’s not me.  If you check nbadraftroom.com they say, “air Barkley”, a reference to the pride of Leeds Alabama Charles Barkley. 

Hate

The word makes for a strong statement, let’s just say I “feel intense or passionate dislike for” Beverley.  It’s my view his so-called defensive play is a mask for dirty play.  Let’s face it friends there are players who cheat in the NBA, often we don’t see it.  Doesn’t matter if we are at the game or viewing it on television, we miss it.  Most times our eyes are unable to focus on the constant movement during an NBA game. 

Still don’t believe Beverley is a dirty player ask Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook.  Both sustained major injuries which caused them to miss several games.  In the instance of Paul his injury might have prevented the Rockets from advancing in the playoffs. Beverley’s play falls right in line with many past NBA dirty players, they set the standard for him.  You know them, Dennis Rodman, Bruce Bowen, Bill Laimbeer.  I likely miss several others, but you get the general idea. 

Bits n Pieces

Ja Morant was pronounced 2020 Rookie of the Year by yours truly.  Morant’s numbers provide us proof except I overlooked Kendrick Nunn.  There was a reason I forgot Nunn was a rookie too.  He went undrafted in 2018 but played the 2018-19 season in the G- League.  The Heat combo guard is playing very well in this his rookie year.  Next time I’ll check thoroughly before declaring anyone a winner of any award.  Despite my oversight I maintain Morant will be named Rookie of the Year.  

It’s because of my location, I’m smack dab in the middle of Big 12 country.  In addition, SEC Mizzou is 150 miles down I-70.  I grew up watching, rooting for and hatin’ on several of these teams.  Other portions of the nation have outstanding coaches and teams, there is far too much basketball to adequately cover it all.  This is no apology just an explanation why your favorite team might be overlooked. 

Legendary Celtic coach Red Auerbach is also connected with another defunct NBA franchise besides the Washington Capitols.  1949-50 Auerbach served as head coach of the Tri-City Blackhawks the predecessor of today’s Atlanta Hawks.  The three cities of the franchise were Moline and Rock Island Illinois and Davenport Iowa.  The franchise would relocate to Milwaukee and later St. Louis prior to the Atlanta move.