Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Age was a factor

One more account regarding Last Dance, Jerry Krause, and MJ.  This is no intent to re-write history just interesting facts.  At the end of the run that 1998 championship these are the ages.  Phil Jackson does not figure in the equation, Krause hired Jackson perhaps there were issues between the two the public never saw.  As for the roster itself note the ages.  Dennis Rodman was 37, MJ and Bill Wennington were age 35 Ron Harper was 34. 

Scottie Pippen and Steve Kerr were 33, even the “baby” of the bunch Toni Kukoc was 30 years of age.  This team had just won a championship it’s quite possible with MJ they might have one another NBA Championship but that certainly would have been the end.  This is not intended to defend Krause, but we must consider apart from MJ he was the architect that built this Bulls championship team.  I am sure you might not agree with my assessment and that is okay. 

Tampering

We have little comment to date on the moves of the G-League by most coaches.  One coach has certainly allowed us to read in detail his thoughts.  Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway used the word tampering describing the actions of the G-League recently.  As most are aware the G-League is targeting perhaps the top 1% of high school talent believed ready for a professional career. 

If I were in a similar position to Hardaway, I would probably utter similar words.  There are far too many moving parts to please all the parties concerned.  I will repeat my earlier statement, there are probably thousands of high school players who dream of an NBA career.  Until we witness 10-15% of high school talent headed for the G-League I do not believe we have an issue.  I like Penny Hardaway but believe he missed on this one.      

SoCal is home

An announcement yesterday indicated Clippers owner Steve Ballmer completed his purchase of the Forum for $400 million, thus the former home of the Lakers belongs to him.  The news release indicated this clears the last remaining obstacle to Ballmer eventually building his own arena in Inglewood.  Like many of you I first believed Seattle area guy Ballmer would move the Clippers to his hometown. 

Quite a few years later a move to Seattle is out of the question, Ballmer and companies’ feet are firmly planted in SoCal.  The Clippers 18,500 seat arena in Inglewood has a planned opening of 2024.  At the time, a move was first mentioned it was thought the Clippers might return to the Honda Center.  The chief complaint we heard the previous ownership believed Anaheim was too far from downtown Los Angeles. 

The best of the best

Emoni Bates will not graduate high school until 2022, despite this fact many consider the Ypsilanti Michigan player the best high school player in the nation.  Winning the Gatorade Player of the Year certainly lends credence to the title.  Despite the accolades the Celtics Jayson Tatum believes he needs at least one year beyond high school. 

The changing basketball landscape makes it a perfect storm for the 6-foot 8-inch Bates in several ways.  The youngster can head to college for one year or head for Australia (ala LeMelo Ball).  On the other hand, he could sign with an NBA G-League team.  Based on the types of talent the G-League is searching for the acquisition of Bates would fit right in and get paid as well.  There you have it; the world is in front of this 16-year old.