Basketball from a fan’s perspective
He earned it
A glove is a covering which is usually worn over the hands to
provide warmth or to prevent harm to the hands.
In this instance The Glove is not intended for any purpose other than to
impede you on the basketball court. The
reference of course is Gary Payton who was given that nickname due to his
defensive presence. He was made the
second pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Sonics, Payton at the point and Shawn
Kemp at the forward position would form a dynamic duo for the Sonics.
Nine times Payton was selected a member of the NBA All
Defensive First Team, he was named defensive player of the year in 1996 as he
led the league in steals. We tend to focus on his defensive effort however that
failed to take into count he could score when called on. In addition, he was a capable point guard
averaging nearly 7 assists during his NBA tenure, in the 2001-02 season he led
the NBA in assists. Payton’s been quite
vocal in his love for Seattle, it was reported the Thunder wanted to retire his
number 20 which he voiced opposition.
Although the NBA had left Seattle before he retired the city and its
fans remain special to The Glove. In
2013 Payton was enshrined along with others in the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Number four
Instead of heading off for college in the fall as many
students and athletes Kai Sotto is headed for a professional career in the NBA’s
G-League. The 7-foot 2-inch Sotto becomes the 4th high school player to
conclude the best path to the NBA was a direct line. Playing college basketball would possibly
delay his NBA progress, in addition Sotto will also earn a six figure contract
as the others.
Sotto is originally from Manila in the Philippines but decided
in favor of enhancing his game, he came to the U.S. to develop his game at The
Skill Factory in Atlanta. He will join
the G-League Select Team forming in the fall, there are several unanswered
questions. Will these four players and possibly others be included in
the 2021 NBA Draft? This is a developing
story and its possible there will be additional prospects following in the
footsteps of these four.
I am a Kobe fan
I remember, the late Kobe Bryant was seen in many circles as
selfish, a bad teammate and several other adjectives once read or heard. After his death we heard nothing but
platitudes which is okay, but I remember before. I am a Kobe fan and I remember, “He’s not a
good teammate” or “All he cares about is himself.” One more statement, “He was trying
to imitate Michael Jordan.” Last Dance provided us insight into the
Bulls and Michael Jordan, many of you discovered details you might have been
unaware previously.
MJ the greatest (yes, I said it) basketball player was
totally consumed with winning. Winning to the point he was not a good teammate in my opinion. As you witnessed a few of the Bulls
interviewed look at their time differently with MJ. I spent 3 years in the U.S. Army, I never had
to go to war, so I look back on that time and smile. I tend to forget about the bad times. I always state if you dislike Kobe that is
okay but to praise MJ and hate on Kobe…well.
MJ no longer considers Charles Barkley a friend, he and Isiah Thomas have
been at odds for years. Do not paint an
unreal picture of MJ because you love him and hate Kobe.
Pittsburgh
basketball
When you think of Pittsburgh what are your thoughts? Steelers football or Pirates baseball, it
might even be the NHL Penguins members since 1967. In our history of professional basketball Pittsburgh
is omitted although it too has a connection.
We have mentioned previously league history dates to 1946, the
Basketball Association of American began play.
On the east coast were the Celtics, Knicks, and others, moving west we
find the St. Louis Bombers, Chicago Stags and Pittsburgh Ironmen to name a
few.
The Ironmen were not particularly good, they finished that
first season with a 15-45 record. The
history is unclear however the Ironmen folded after the initial season. Professional basketball would not be revived again until the
American Basketball Association began play in 1967. The Pipers (later becoming the Condors) called
the city home until 1972. In June 1972 unsuccessful
to move the team it was folded, and Condor players were placed in a dispersal
draft and headed to other ABA teams.
There you have it a short history of professional basketball in western
Pennsylvania. Will the NBA ever return
to Pittsburgh, never say never although it might be awhile.
