Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The lay of the land

It’s been mentioned on more than one occasion, Lawrence Kansas home of the Kansas Jayhawks is less than 50 miles from most addresses in Kansas City Missouri.  The University of Missouri-Columbia is about 120 road miles from Kansas City.  We are bombarded daily by print and electronic media with stories regarding Kansas athletics.  You say, “Kansas basketball is better than Mizzou” and I have no difficulty agreeing with you excepting sports in general.  Kansas has one of the worst football programs in Division I football, yet the Kansas score will routinely be reported ahead of the Mizzou score.  My newspaper of choice regarding Mizzou sports is the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the east side of the state.  

Not yet official

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl announced Isaac Okoro will declare for the 2020 NBA draft.  The early indication this 6-foot 6-inch small forward will not hire an agent, this would allow Okoro to return to school if he should desire.  One mock draft site list him as the potential number 8 pick while another places him at number 11. Also expected to enter the draft is Duke point guard Tre Jones.  Jones was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and is a sophomore, his brother Tyus plays for the Grizzlies.  As this is written it’s not clear if NBA teams will schedule individual workouts. 

Love-Hate

I have a love-hate relationship with stats, there’s a clear reason.  Stats while certainly valuable don’t always project accuracy or provide detail, allow a brief explanation.  Rock M Nation a Mizzou fan website compiled season stats for the team versus the opposition.  There is no attempt on my part to list them in detail allow me to say they sometimes can prove confusing.  If we just read the numbers one might believe Mizzou compiled a .500 record or better and that is not the case.  As you can now understand why this love-hate with stats exist. 

The NBA draft

Although the NBA season was cut short it’s likely the draft will still be held in June.  99% of NBA players arrive in that manner, in addition the majority arrive from foreign leagues or Division I basketball programs however there are exceptions.  A number might remember Devean George drafted by the Lakers in 1999.  George played college ball at Augsburg University in Minneapolis; this school competes at the Division III level. 

We are unsure of the number it might be fractional…the figure who earn a roster spot without benefit of the draft.  Now and again someone distinguishes themselves from a Division III program and that’s the case for 6-7 shooting guard/small forward Duncan Robinson of the Heat.  Robinson began play at Division III Williams College and finished his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.  He went undrafted in 2018 but signed a two-way contract, Robinson spent a portion of the season with the Heat and the balance with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the G-League.  

Too much

A Laker website asked the question “Did the Lakers give up too much to acquire Anthony Davis?” Let’s revisit the trade briefly, the Lakers sent Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first round picks to the Pelicans.  This is written from a fan’s perspective and not from an official report.  Although most probably believed Ball was key, I believe it was Ingram.  Each of Ingram’s first three years witnessed a steady rise in production.  Ball was an enigma for me, I truly wanted him to play better than what I witnessed. 

Perhaps away from the glare of Los Angeles Ball will continue to develop his game, as for the draft choices that’s speculation at this time.  The Pelicans could acquire three future NBA All Stars on the other hand the Pelicans might not gain any player who might help them.  It’s quite possible those picks could range from 25-30, not lottery pick here.  That’s not to say there is no talent available in the late first round it is however its less likely to be an instance fit.  This assessment is for the Pelicans, now for the Lakers. 

The Lakers received power forward Anthony Davis, teamed with LeBron James he’s been an amazing addition to the Lakers roster.  AD might be more impactful for improved Laker play this season over anyone other than LeBron James.  Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant stand alone, they represent the only super star athletes the team developed.  Wilt, Kareem, Shaq and others were all acquired in trades or free agency.  Few Laker championships have occurred by players they developed.