Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A funny thing happened on the way to the NBA

We read a while back high school talent Emoni Bates would be the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.  The 2020 Gatorade Player of the Year has two years remaining at Ypsilanti’s (MI) Lincoln High School, earlier experts indicated by 2022 the NBA will have repealed its age 18/1-year from graduation rule.  Well no move occurred, i.e. repeal of the NBA rule however Bates decided to make a move. 

On Monday this soon to be high school junior verbally committed to attend Michigan State.  We can see in our mine’s eye Coach Tom Izzo smiling from ear to ear with the Monday news.  There is no guarantee he follows through on this announcement.  This pledge by Bates is verbal and he certainly has time to change his mind over the next two years.   

No real surprise

In a move we expected to occur the Lakers signed JR Smith through the balance of the season.  After Avery Bradley indicated he would not return the team decided a roster move was required.  We now have a question; can the offense of Dion Waiters plus JR Smith compensate for the loss on the defensive side of the court for both?  How does Alex Caruso along with Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fit in this picture?  Those questions and others will be answered beginning July 30.   

Social Conscience

Fox News host Laura Ingraham has become famous in a manner she probably didn't see coming.  In 2018 LeBron James and Kevin Durant chose to address racial and social issues and the statements must have concerned Ingraham.  On her nightly Fox program, The Ingraham Angle Ingraham said infamously “Basketball stars should just shut up and dribble.”  Her bio indicates she is 57 years old, old enough to read or hear of athletes of another generation address racial and social issues.   

NBA legends Bill Russell is 86 years old; Oscar Robertson is 81, both were active while playing basketball in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.  Perhaps it was the period both were active players in the NBA or something else.  These two and others addressed social and racial issues.  It does not matter if you agree with the stance taken by athletes, they still have the right to voice their opinions regarding a subject. 

We express opinions daily on a variety of subjects some we have direct knowledge while others it is just an opinion.  The prevailing belief by Ingraham and a host of other athletes should play the game only.  They are not entitled to express their opinion on any manner unrelated to the sport they participate in.  Ms. Ingraham is tardy to the party, athletes especially several black athletes have been quite vocal in the past regarding a variety of subjects. 

33’s

How about these jersey number 33’s in college, there is no point who wore it best in college the answer is evident? 

Lew Alcindor UCLA

Shaquille O’Neal LSU

Patrick Ewing Georgetown

Larry Bird Indiana State

Antwan Jamison North Carolina

Marcus Smart Oklahoma State

Magic Johnson Michigan State

Grant Hill Duke

Scottie Pippen Central Arkansas

Travis Grant Kentucky State

Earl Monroe Winston Salem

Alonzo Mourning Georgetown

David Thompson North Carolina State

This list is certainly not complete however the 33’s certainly experienced outstanding collegiate years.  If several names are unfamiliar to you feel free to check their numbers on basketballreference.com or other sources. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Stats

In the past we have witnessed colleges and NBA teams sometimes guilty of this practice, they inflate the stats of a player related to their height and sometimes even their weight.  That is not the case we have for James Wiseman pending lottery pick in the 2020 draft.  From basketball.realgm.com we gain interesting information on Wiseman. 

The youngster measures 6 foot 11 inches without shoes, that makes him a bonafide 7-foot prospect.  Most mock draft sites list Wiseman at that height, in addition he’s got a 7-foot 4-inch wingspan and checks in at 247 pounds.  Despite these apparent strong points, the article goes on to point out his collegiate play represents a total of 69 minutes for the University of Memphis.  The NCAA ruled Wiseman had been compensated inappropriately which shorten his college playing career. 

The question was asked   

Recently I commissioned a panel of friends to determine their view of Big Man basketball today.  All shared their beliefs which was appreciated by yours truly and published on June 16 in case you missed it.  A YouTube video shot last December provides us a list of Top 10 NBA ready Big Men.  Keep in mind the video below the 7-foot athletes are 1. Facing AAU competition and 2.  Often they are matched against smaller opposition.  My intent was to “locate” these prospects; I have no idea as the video details if “They are NBA ready.”  I will leave that determination to someone other than me to decide if one or more is ready for the next level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8bkfaLe_6E

The eye of a scout

Sometimes you see something in a player and think “He’s got it.”  You must trust me on this one but that is what I saw in Joel Embiid while playing for Kansas.  Embiid had emerged from the bench a raw but budding talent, he managed to displaced Tarik Black who was the starting center.  A late season injury would send Embiid to the sidelines for the remainder of his freshman season.  Later he would decide in favor of the NBA over returning to Kansas for his sophomore year, I though big mistake.  

The 2014 NBA Draft would witness Embiid becoming the third pick in the first round, I thought maybe scouts saw the same potential I did.  Then disaster struck an injury forced him to the sidelines for the season in what would have been his rookie year, I do not remember if it were the lingering injury from his days at Kansas.  I thought oh well maybe next season except Embiid would miss the 2015-16 too and I thought, “Maybe this guy will never play in the NBA and entertained thoughts of former NBA player Sam Bowie. 

Bowie was a talent who could never remain healthy long enough to approach the talent he displayed earlier at Kentucky.  As for Embiid this would all become an afterthought as the Big Man was able to display his talent for the Sixers and the NBA.  Although there have been a few bumps in the road Embiid has clearly displayed his talent with career numbers of 24.3 points and 11.4 rebounds a game.  Can we expect more from Embiid now and into the future, the answer yes?  The Sixers need to surround him with additional depth around him for the Sixers and Embiid to further bloom. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Did I miss him?

This writer remains unsure when a story is published.  Most of the time a story might be published several weeks after it is written, that might be the case here. Our discussion regarding successful NBA coaches who moved from the college ranks, we failed to mention the Celtics Brad Stevens.  Stevens is 43-years old now, he was the youngest coach in the NBA when hired by the Celtics.  

After his playing career concluded Stevens was hired as an assistant at Butler University.  In 2007 he moved to the head seat running the program until 2013.  His Bulldog teams were a success on the court, Stevens never experienced a losing season in the four years he served as head coach. Stevens head is wrapped up in basketball, his wife tells the story on their third date they made an hour and half drive to a high school basketball game.  Celtics GM Danny Ainge contacted Stevens regarding the head coaching job in Boston, that first team led by Stevens finished 2013-14 season with 25 wins and 57 losses.  

From that point on the winning totals have increased each year until 2018-19, the win total was down slightly.  The Celtics were in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 43-21 record when play was halted this season.  Except for his first season at the helm his Celtics have made the playoffs each season.  So, there you have it, Brad Stevens a college coach who's managed to transfer his collegiate success to the NBA level.   

The Re-Start

NBA teams will play an 8-game seeding schedule with the re-start of the season.  This seeding will determine the final order for the playoffs.  It is likely the basketball might not be top notch at the beginning of play.  By the time the playoffs begin we should witness an improvement in play.   

“Who are those guys?”

The line was uttered by outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in the 1969 movie classic.  The two were being pursued by a posse of lawman, our group is being pursued by NBA teams.  I have stated in the past the difficulty of foreign names in the NBA Draft.  With Euro teams being 7+ hours ahead of U.S. Time and little visibility on television we do not often know the names. 

In addition, in most instances we have not even witnessed play, we must depend on information gleaned from several sources.  Here goes, these are the names likely to be heard in the 2020 NBA Draft.  There are additional factors to consider, it is possible those announced in the second round might decide to remain in Europe.  In addition, there are names you will possibly hear not detailed in this brief report.  Finally, foreign players matriculating at American universities are not included in the number nor is LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton. 

Killian Hayes 6-5 195-point guard France-American who grew up in France.

Deni Avdija 6-9 210-small forward Israel

Theo Maledon 6-5 175-point guard France

Aleksej Pokusekski 7-0 190-center Serbia

Leandro Bolmaro 6-6 180-shooting guard Argentina

Shock the world

Mikey Williams is a 5-star guard in the Class of 2023.  Although he’s made no decision on his future school of choice, he created a mini tsunami recently, Williams indicated he would be open to attend an HBCU school.  For those who might be unfamiliar with the term it applies to black colleges established after the civil war.  They were founded as segregation prevented black students from attending state sanctioned schools with whites.  As the nation moved into the 20th Century and social and racial change occurred black students were no longer prohibited from attending state schools.   

Overall student enrollment might not have suffered with integration however sports programs took a back seat.  Talented black athletes no longer chose HBCU schools.  In the past Hall of Fame players like Willis Reed, Earl Monroe and others were products of these schools.  Jackson State, Grambling, Florida A&M, and others continue to compete on the basketball court and football field however they no longer attract the top athlete.  Williams made no mention of a school however he found an ally in Carmelo Anthony who said essentially you only need one.  One athlete to change the landscape and history, it might not be Williams however the concept is interesting.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces

The NBA on Friday announced 16 of 302 NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus.  We do not know if that number quarantined will be allowed to finish the season, that is an unknown question at this point. 

Charles Barkley continues to provide cannon fodder for NBA players and others, this his view of the Nets DeAndre Jordan.  "If you locked him in a gym by himself overnight & told him he couldn't dunk, he'd have 6 points in the morning."

The Oklahoma Attorney General is upset with the NCAA.  He told them as much based on the penalties Oklahoma State is facing.  We have had a love-hate relationship with the NCAA, they are wrong lots of times however they might not be this time.  I believe the people of Oklahoma would be better served by the AG enforcing laws and legal matters applying to the state.  This is not an issue for him to regulate. 

In a story on Emoni Bates The Detroit News listed the 6-foot 9-inch Bates as a guard.  He is listed in several publications as 200 pounds but that might not be accurate.  What if he is one of those athletes with difficulty gaining pounds, perhaps shooting guard might be the best position for him in college (?) and the NBA.   

43

No more Vin-Sanity or Half-Man Half-Amazing, those were the nicknames given Vince Carter.  The number 43 is his age, after 22 years in the NBA Carter has decided to retire from the game he loves.  The Vince Carter we witnessed the last few years was not the highflyer of his youth.  The one who spent the early portion of his career a member of the Raptors, over the years Carter would play for several NBA teams. 

As for his history who can forget his dunk over Frederic Weiss in the 2000 Olympics.  Weiss who stood 7 feet 2 inches was posterized by Carter in Team USA’s victory over France.  Why not check it out yourself rather than just read this account.  The dunk was one we might expect in a slam dunk contest not a regular game however it did, enjoy.  As for Vince Carter the game will miss you, relish your retirement. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_uZeCymShQ

Seattle is set to return

Don’t worry you missed no SportsCenter news: Seattle has not returned to the NBA although its sure to occur at some future date.  This is an update on the former Key Arena later Seattle Center and now Climate Pledge, Jeff Bezos CEO of Amazon paid naming rights for the arena.  The refurbished arena is intended to provide a home for Seattle’s planned NHL franchise. 

How does this impact a possible return to Seattle by the NBA?  The old Key Arena was deemed inadequate by NBA standards near the end of the Sonics run.  If it meets NHL standards at completion, then rest assured the NBA will not be far behind.  Seattle’s NHL expansion team will begin play in the 2021-22 season; can the "new" Sonics be far beyond that date?   

Being tall does not always equate talent

Shawn Bradley is 48-years old now, depending on your age or NBA interest you might be familiar with him.  Bradley stood 7 foot 6 inches and eventually a weight of 275 pounds, after outstanding high school play at Castle Dale (UT) he would attend BYU.  After a pedestrian year at BYU in 1990-91 Bradley decided he was ready for the NBA, he declared for the draft. 

June 1993 he was made the second pick in the first round of the draft by the Sixers.  Bradley was effective at blocking shots with his height but that is about all.  There was difficulty scoring and rebounding the basketball which is amazing for a player standing that tall.  The Sixers would hire Big Man Moses Malone to work with him, they even hired a dietitian to aid him nutritionally in gaining weight. The Sixers finally gave up trading Bradley to the Nets in 1995 where he played for almost two seasons.  Bradley was on the move once again traded to the Mavs in 1995, he played until 2005 in a Mavs jersey. 

He retired in 2005 at the age of 33, nagging injuries were a contributing factor.  In and out of the lineup during his career his best season was 1996-97 playing for the Nets and Mavs.  He scored 14.6 points and pulled down nearly 9 rebounds a game, he led the NBA in blocked shots with 248.  Many who remember Bradley would say “He just wasn’t mean enough” to play at the NBA level.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Father versus Son

I read the headline and just a paragraph of the account, the mouth that roared is at it again.  No, it is not Charles Barkley it is the other guy, LaVar Ball.  The elder Ball has decided months in advance of the draft the Warriors “are not a good fit” for his youngest son LaMelo.  We heard the report on talk radio, I read the headline and a paragraph, The elder Ball has decided months in advance of the draft the Warriors are “not a good fit” for his youngest son LaMelo.   We did not hear this on ESPN television because LaVar has become persona non grata on that network.  Informed the Warriors were entertaining the idea of drafting LeMelo this is LaVar’s response. 

“That’s the part I don’t like about Golden State,” LaVar said.  “They got Klay and the other guys, and now you want to put Melo in that mix to say you got to follow these guys.  Melo ain’t no follower.  He don’t need to do what they do, let them do they thing.”*  While the syntax and grammar are atrocious you get the point, I hope.  LaVar Ball is like the mythical Phoenix, the bird obtains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor.  Just at a time we believe LaVar Ball will fade he arrives back on the scene once again.  More interesting the son sent a tweet which appeared to express an opinion opposite of his father.  The report indicated the LaMelo tweet was deleted. 

*nbcsports.com 

Gain but lose

Concerns regarding his family Avery Bradley indicates he will not not return to the Lakers for the conclusion of the season.  I hope no serious fan is upset with Bradley for his decision, what does the future hold for the Laker?  An early morning report on ESPN.com’s NBA page indicates the Lakers are “looking at JR Smith” as a possible replacement.  Gain but lose, Smith is a much better shooter than Bradley however Bradley is the better defender.  If this signing should occur the Lakers offense will improve while the defense will slide downward slightly.  The re-start and conclusion of the NBA season could prove remarkably interesting.   

Class of 2022

We first became aware of Emoni Bates as an 8^th grade basketball phenom.  That is the time we first read Bates might be headed for the NBA rather than college.  The basis for this belief was simple, he is super talented, and the NBA Players and league owners will have adjusted their position on the age 18- or one-year graduation class rule.  He stands 6 foot 8 but is splinter thin at 185 pounds, it is possible he might gain little additional weight. 

While waiting for change there might be one more in Bates future.  He might decide to attend college and if that is the case Michigan State might be in his future.  It would appear State Coach Tom Izzo has made his presence known to the youngster.  Just in case Bates decides on the NBA/G-League or something else unforeseen Izzo is still looking toward 2022.  State’s made an offer to 7-foot 240-pound center Donovan Clingan who is a Rivals 4-star prospect in the Class of 2022. Enjoy the Top 10 highlights from Bates sophomore year in high school.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIZUajBAyaw

Hate those guys!  

Quite a strong statement however there are teams you love to hate.  My Lakers fit that category, does not matter if it is the Showtime Lakers of the 1980’s or the present-day Laker team.  Countless basketball fans have voiced their dislike of the Lakers over the years.  This writer can make a confession too, the Bad Boy Pistons have been one of my least favorite NBA teams.  I never liked the Pistons physical style of basketball; I always compared their play to a WWE match. 

Funny, the Celtics were never a fan favorite of mine however they were always a worthy adversary versus my Lakers.  The Heat were disliked by me but strictly due to LeBron leaving Cleveland and the Heat adding Chris Bosh.  They were accepted by me as champions no argument from me.  Bottom line I cannot think of any NBA Champion team apart from the Pistons I could say I hated.  As for the present-day team of Pistons they are certainly fine. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The future 

Collegiate basketball might be in better shape than the NBA, the season was shut down in early spring with no NCAA Championship winner being crowned, that was the downside.  The upside, unlike other professional and college sports basketball teams are not looking at the clock.  Normally practice for them begins at a point in October, by that time perhaps covid 19 will be at a point less detrimental than currently.  With play beginning in November college basketball has time to fully prepare for the 2020-21 season.   

Things we heard but not understood

Larry: “I thought I understood basketball.” 

Jim: “What’s confusing to you?”

Larry: “The announcer guy keeps talking about a pickle roll, what’s that?”

Jim: “He’s not saying pickle roll, he’s sayin’ “Pick and Roll.”   

Do we care

I admit I am guilty, sometimes the views of the talking heads upset me and force me to respond.  Members of the media probably have a 0% opportunity to read my critique of them however there is a larger question.  Do we care about their opinion on a subject?  Is Stephen A. Smith or Colin Cowherd’s opinion more valuable than ours? 

For several years, I have made one admission, members of the media have access to players which is a plus over us in the public arena.  Having an opportunity to dialogue with athletes fails to make them or anyone any smarter or more insightful.  I will continue to read and react however I refuse going forward to pay any attention to them.  I will solicit opinions and views of those around me and my research to formulate opinions.   

I am not sure how I feel

Not much is known regarding Donnie Tyndall, I had to check his resume prior to writing this account. Tyndall was hired by Chipola Junior College in Florida recently however there is a history.  The coach in a manner of many others was rising from Morehead State to Southern Miss and finally Tennessee.  Tyndall was fired at Tennessee from improprieties occurring while he headed the Southern Miss program.  An investigation indicated improper aid and academic fraud occurred while Tyndall coached at Southern Miss. 

The NCAA placed a 10-year show-cause on Tyndall, he could not be hired by an NCAA sanction school until he meets with the organization.  Memory fails me on the length of the punishment however Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson and Auburn’s Bruce Pearl experienced the same show-cause penalty.  A show-cause is not a death sentence, both veteran coaches mentioned were able to return and coach major colleges.  The only difference we believe their penalty was not as extensive as that facing Tyndall.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Hold on a moment

It was reported Cade Cunningham would remain at Oklahoma State rather than transfer or play in the G-League.  This view was based on the OSU ban from post season play by the NCAA and would Cunningham be willing to remain committed.  

We reported yesterday he intends to remain at OSU however the joy felt by many might be short lived. Cunningham arrives at OSU as the number one prospect in the Class of 2020, is he as good as advertised?  If that turns out to be the case, he is not in for a long stay at OSU?  It is likely he is a one and done athlete and might be headed for the NBA at the end of the 2020-21 season.  This observation could be incorrect, on the other hand.  

On second thought

Yesterday this writer announced Ice Cube would replace Jack Nicholson as the Lakers number one celebrity fan.  Today I checked bleacherreport.com and they must have said, “Whoa, hold on there a minute what about these names?”  In addition to Nicholson and Cube they named Flea and Anthony Kiedis two members of the rock group The Red Hot Chili Peppers.   The Equalizer Denzel Washington was on their list in addition to actress Dyan Cannon.  We could add rapper Snoop Dog to the list as well.  We located several additional names on nba.com but they were mix of names profiled earlier. 

Grumbling

Several NBA players have grumbled about the re-start of the season.  Despite the complaints voiced no one as this is written have signed off saying I ain’t playing.  That was the status until Monday as two players indicate they will not play.  Most interesting neither identified thus far has used the pandemic as an excuse. Veteran Trevor Ariza has a visitation issue with his son and has decided to pass the first month.  

Will Ariza eventually play, that remains a question for now.  For Wizards forward Davis Bertans it becomes a money issue.  The Wizards forward has past injury issues and is about to become a free agent.  Will there be additional players deciding to “sit out” for a variety of reasons?  That is quite possible, wait and see what occurs. As this account was completed the Lakers Avery Bradley also indicated he would not play.  

Kansas City basketball history

Wikipedia contains information we hope is accurate, we speak of material referencing Kansas City’s connection to the American Basketball Association.  It was reported February 2, 1967 Kansas City was a charter member of the new league.  Wikipedia indicates the city had a problem finding an arena, in April 1967 the franchise was sold to Denver interest and the team was located there without playing a single game in Kansas City.  The information relating to arena issues is a little confusing. 

Kemper Arena former home of the Kings was not opened until 1974 however all-purpose and venerable Municipal Auditorium was in use.  Municipal’s capacity is small compared to Kemper or Sprint, but it was in use for NCAA Tournament play.  Again, with NCAA play think 32 total teams nothing like today so even if the building were in use for tournament games it would not be tied up for long.  This is certainly no attempt to re-write history but how Denver managed to land Kansas City’s franchise is interesting. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Sigh

The collective sigh we heard on Monday was Oklahoma State Coach Mike Boynton, Oklahoma State fans and alumni as well.  The 6-foot 7-inch point guard Cade Cunningham was the number one prospect in the Class of 2020.  He was headed to OSU until the NCAA dropped a bomb on the program.  No post season play in what would be Cunningham’s only year we believe in Stillwater.  Cunningham indicates rather than a G-League start it will be OSU after all in the fall when school begins.   

New number one

We are unsure if it is an age factor or something else.  Jack Nicholson a Lakers staple seated courtside is rarely seen these days.  He paid for those super expensive seats during a period the Lakers were not good, maybe he might believe the Lakers owe him a refund.  We cannot answer the question but just in case this is a proposal.  O’Shea Jackson better known as Ice Cube, rapper, actor, filmmaker, and co-founder of Big3 basketball is nominated.  This long-time fan is ready to assume the role of number one Laker celebrity fan.  With Jack Nicholson no longer in place who is left but Cube?   

The next….

Every day comes another new name as a potential Knicks coach, the list of names has become endless.  The names we have read include Tom Thibodeau, Mike Brown, Jason Kidd, Kenny Atkinson, Ime Udoka and three other assistants.  Toss in the name of interim Mike Miller into the mix as well.  Four former head coaches, four assistants and one interim…that is a large number to consider for the job.  

Should we suppose Knicks President Leon Rose, GM Scott Perry and other possible front office personnel along with owner James Dolan will produce a slam dunk hire?  We can only suppose that until a name is formally announced.  Keep in mind whomever assumes the role of head coach has a monumental job in front of them.  The Knicks are probably the worst team in the NBA, it will take time to rebuild this historic franchise.   

He is not the first

Jordan Clarkson’s mom is originally from the Philippines although his dad is American, the young man was born in Tampa (FL).  Jordan is one of a small number of Filipino players in the NBA.  Kai Sotto wants to play in the NBA too.  Sotto arrived on our shores from the Philippines, the 7-foot 2-inch Sotto hope to improve his basketball skills here.  Sotto had a two-phase goal on arrival, he is headed to the G-League rather than college so we can check off one box.  

The second check mark will be quite a bit more difficult; he wants to play in the NBA. There is no doubt it will take a while to adjust to the pro game even at the G-League level.  At the time we first read of Sotto he was in the Philippines and as a 16-year old stood 6 foot 11.  If he continues to grow, he will reach the 7-4 or 7-5 figure his father claims he should reach.  Now for us still enthralled with the Big Man’s game will Sotto develop a 3-point shot like Dirk Nowitzki or a sky hook like Kareem Abdul Jabbar?  On a serious note we can rest assured Sotto’s chief desire is to earn a roster spot in the NBA. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Yesterday

This is a follow up to the article on Kansas basketball yesterday, reading yesterday’s Words eye view many might believe I have a vendetta against Bill Self and his program.  I have issues with Self, but it revolves around his anti Mizzou posture he and many others have long exhibited since 2011.  Why the animosity toward Mizzou, I believe its origin is the decision to leave the Big 12 Conference for the SEC.  A large payday was a portion of why Mizzou left for the SEC and is the basis for the grudge. 

Those on the Kansas side can offer all the excuses they desire but that is my belief.  At the same time am I on the NCAA side regarding the issues facing Kansas basketball?  I can state an emphatic NO, the NCAA has been more wrong than right in several instances I could cite over the years.  Calm down, don’t take yesterday’s column as evidence of a personal bias toward Kansas basketball.  If you remember I stated my confusion, why Self would even be involved in this type of impropriety.  Kansas basketball and the coach have a worldwide footprint. 

Did you miss this?

A portion of the conference call among NBA players was largely overlooked.  Then again, I wonder how serious the conversation was about starting a “new” league.  To say it and then follow through is an entirely different matter.  It might appear some were looking at the startup of the XFL and other leagues in recent years as a model.  Have they checked out the big picture, none of these startups are in operation today, the reason $$$$$? 

I have no desire to criticize their intentions if true but there is a great deal more required than to just say, “We need a new league.”  Allow us briefly to check out a few of the distant past, keep in mind the startups managed to remain operating only after a merger.  The American landscape is littered with the carcasses of defunct franchises in several sports, the four below are just the few I could think of without much research.  It sounds good to be your own boss however it takes a great deal of work and $$$$$ to accomplish the task.   

American Football League 1960 merge in 1970 with the NFL

American Basketball Association 1967-1976 four teams merged with the NBA

World Hockey Association 1971-1979 four teams merged with the NHL

United States Football League 1982-1986

It is always an even number

If you check out each of the professional sports leagues there is always an even number.  The NBA has 30 teams, the NFL 32 teams while baseball has 30.  Where is this discussion headed, the NBA will return to Seattle one day?  The NBA with 31 teams would add a second team to balance the number, what team becomes the 32nd franchise?  We can only speculate on expansion, should a team choose to relocate is an unknown.  As this is written there is at least one team reported to be entertaining a move but its only speculation. 

There are numerous candidates to consider, my hometown Kansas City is at the top of the list.  No need of detailing the why’s and wherefores’ I will just leave it there.  Louisville is another city often mentioned as an expansion candidate along with Albuquerque New Mexico.  We could include Richmond and Virginia Beach; the two cities are not close however possibly near enough an NBA franchise could draw fans from both areas.  Mexico City is on a list due to its population, financial clout and same time zone as U.S. cities.  It is my view alone the NBA will never return to St. Louis, Cincinnati, or Buffalo three cities which once had teams in the NBA. 

Mizzou Big Man

Below you will note YouTube video of Mizzou Big Man Jordan Wilmore in action.  Wilmore a 7-foot-2-245-pound centers game appears to reflect that of an Ol Skool Big Man.  Keep in mind this is action of Wilmore in high school because that is all we have for now, but his game appears to be a throwback to an earlier period. Although he looks good Wilmore is not likely to see a great deal of time on the court as a freshman.  The center position belongs to 6 foot 10 Jeremiah Tilmon however there is a question. 

There is a question of depth at the center position, Tilmon has been foul prone at times.  7-foot center Alex Okongo has transferred although he saw little time last season.  As this is written there could be a depth problem, should foul prone Tilmon become glued to the bench.  Coach Martin might depend on the trifecta of Wilmore, Parker Braun, and Mitchell Smith to fill the void.  Who knows, we might all be fooled Wilmore might impress immediately and gain valuable playing time as a freshman.  The Mizzou faithful hopes for a winning season regardless of who is on the floor. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULH291hK01c

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I cannot impede the future

Probably many of you felt as I did, the NBA season was prematurely concluded.  Coronavirus stopped all play in late March, I held hope the NBA season would close with a champion being crowned.  At some point in time the virus began to slow, and talk began on resuming the NBA season.  July 30 would be the date announced NBA play would begin again. 

22 NBA teams would begin play in Orlando with little if any others in attendance.  The relaxation of stay at home orders has seen the virus re-emerge (or maybe it never went away).  This weekend a report was issued indicating several baseball players and coaches tested positive for coronavirus.  Once again, I return to my late April or early May thoughts, shut everything down.  Let us begin anew next season.   

Be careful…be very careful

I decided to check a KU Website and much of what I read was expected, 97.6% of the letters I read defended Bill Self and Kansas basketball.  The most bizarre, a writer connected President Obama and Nike to this incident.  Even more interesting a complete step by step timeline leading to Kansas being charged was provided by this writer.  Let us check across the state line in Missouri, Frank Haith was supposed to have been vetted prior to his hire by Mizzou’s Athletic Department in 2011.  The timeline is compacted for this account, a trial began involving a booster was held in Miami, Haith’s name was mentioned in the investigation and later trial. This writer attempted an investigative report and concluded Haith did nothing wrong.  In addition, the probe involved Miami football players and less information was revealed regarding the basketball program. 

After months (seemed like years) Haith agreed he was guilty sat out several games mandated by the NCAA and the program continued.  At the conclusion of the 2013-14 season Haith resigned and took the head coaching position at Tulsa.  Considering Haith only faced a    suspension we can state the accusation might not have been as serious as facing Kansas, yet this outcome forced me to conclude.  Never again would I become so involved in a program or individual I would be unable (or unwilling) to believe what I was reading and hearing.  This is fair warning for several Kansas fans.  Kansas basketball is in an unfamiliar territory, they are usually watching the other guys around the get the smacked down by the NCAA. 

The latest guy around them is their Big 12 rival Oklahoma State, the NCAA prohibited them from post-season play.  In addition, OSU will shed several scholarships, there is talk the program might lose some of its pending and present talent.  Kansas faces far more in penalties than was facing OSU.  The NCAA will lay the hammer on Kansas basketball for a variety of infractions.  If for some reason Kansas is hit with a feather by the NCAA imagine this picture.  A lion lacking teeth, a tiger with missing claws or a bear that just growls will become the view in the eyes of many is that of the NCAA.  As this account was completed came word from Kansas and Bill Self.  The report indicating Self was considering filing charges against the NCAA.  If he and the program are innocent as claimed why is there a need to even threaten a suit?   

I have gained an appreciation

The Lakers might never win a championship with LeBron James in the lineup.  Despite the statement I have gained an appreciation I never held previously for him.  In the gallery of Laker greats, LeBron will never replace Kobe Bryant for me.  It is difficult to assign him a number, let us just say in my All-Time Top 10 Lakers LeBron is somewhere in there.  It is more than his basketball prowess I have gained an appreciation it includes his ability to see the world beyond the basketball court. 

Few athletes choose the path of addressing racial and social matters.  Do not for one minute believe his view is accepted in all circles.  There are several individuals who believe it should be basketball, basketball, and basketball.  Individuals such as Fox News Laura Ingraham once said, “He needs to shut up and just dribble” or something similar.  Sorry Ms. Ingraham that is not LeBron, you are not going to silence him, better become accustomed to him speaking on matters other than basketball alone.