Basketball from a fan perspective

3 games a total of 69 minutes

The total above represents James Wiseman’s college stats while enrolled at the University of Memphis.  You know the full story, ruled ineligible until a charity of his choosing was reimbursed, the 7-foot 1 240-pound center/power forward chose to leave school.  This latest development certainly fails to represent a done deal however the Warriors through Zoom met with Wiseman and appear intrigued by his game.  

Wiseman’s moves around the basket and swiftness up and down the court would potentially be a good fit. For once LaVar Ball might be correct in his judgement, the elder Ball claimed the Warriors were not a good fit for LaMelo Ball.  Based on the skill set Wiseman possesses he just might be a better fit for the Warriors.  Zoom is just an electronic method of communicating in the age of COVID-19, the genuine test will the Warriors decide to bring Wiseman in to work him out?  With everything in the NBA pushed back due to pandemic we shall see what eventually develops regarding Wiseman. 

At home

The numbers are small but several on NBA rosters decided to remain at home.  These players made the decision with concerns for their families being the first concern.  M.I.A. on the NBA restart this week are:

Avery Bradley-Los Angeles Lakers

Victor Oladipo-Indiana Pacers

DeAndre Jordan-Brooklyn Nets

Wilson Chandler-Brooklyn Nets

Trevor Ariza-Portland Blazers

Davis Bertains-Washington Wizards

Willie Cauley-Stein-Dallas Mavs

Thabo Sefolosha-Houston Rockets

It should be noted Victor Oladipo stated early he intended to remain at home, Oladipo’s been spotted in Orlando.  At this point we remain unsure if he intends to play the remainder of the NBA season or return home. 

Bits n Pieces 

Sometimes the news moves swiftly you miss a story that should have been reported.  Shame on me, Rivals-5-star prospect shooting guard Max Christie verbally committed to Michigan State.  Christie a 6-foot 5 shooting guard is in the Class of 2021 but would join with 5-star Emoni Bates a 6-foot 9 inch small forward or shooting guard and 4-star Enoch Boakye 6-foot 10 center in the Class of 2022.  Christie made his attention known prior to Boakye however the news was reported in reverse order.  We cannot be for sure however it would appear Michigan State basketball will continue winning basketball now and into the future.   

Jordan Wood and Zach Kent will be on the basketball court this fall and winter for Howard University and Delaware State.  What makes these two so unique or standouts when they attend separate schools?  I am happy you ask the question, both Wood and Kent are white players attending historically black colleges.  We have no idea the talent level of the duo, Wood is a freshman and Kent a transfer from the University of Tennessee. 

I stopped counting, there are a minimum of 8 athletes born after Vince Carter entered the NBA in 1998.  Trae Young, Kevin Knox and Zion Williamson are just a few names.  Originally Carter planned on retiring after the 2019-20 season was complete, the pandemic fixed that.  He decided to quit now rather than wait until the end of the season.  Kenny Smith gave him the nickname “Half-Man, Half Amazing.”  Carter was a high-flier with his dunks back then, Carter is likely flying a notch below the skill level we witnessed 20 years ago.  Next stop for him the halls of fame are likely to call, we could see the FIBA and Naismith Hall of Fame for Carter soon.