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 8th
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.
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.
