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.