Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits and Pieces

Wolves owner Glen Taylor is interested in selling the team.  It appears his only condition is the team remains in the Twin Cities.  If you remember at one time Kevin Garnett was reported to be interested in owning an NBA team.  As for the Wolves it appears that ship has sailed since Garnett appears to want nothing to do with Taylor.  Garnett probably still desires to become an owner but purchasing it from Taylor is a different matter.  

The NBA Draft lottery has been moved from August 25 to August 20.  The date for the draft itself remains the same, October 16.  August 3 is the last date for college players to remove their name from the draft.  As for the location of the draft it will be held in the Barclays Center Brooklyn New York.   

New York City Dude 

Chris Mullen was a rarity, a New York City guy who remained at home.  Mullin first attended Power Memorial Lew Alcindor’s former school, he transferred to Xaverian High School.  After graduation (1981) Mullin chose to remain at home attending St. John’s University over several school choices.  The talented Mullin was All Big East three seasons while attending at St. John’s, in 1985 Golden State made him the 7^th pick in the first round.  Mullin would play for the Warriors until 1997.  Matched with Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond along with Chris this high scoring trio would be nicknamed Run TMC. 

The 1996-97 season saw Mullin traded to the Pacers where he continued to play outstanding basketball, he returned to the Warriors for his final season as an active player.  Mullin’s held several roles since his playing days, front office for the Warriors and Kings.  He would become an analyst for ESPN briefly, March 2015 witnessed a return to New York City to serve as head coach of St. John’s.  Although his won-loss record was satisfactory he resigned the position in April 2019.  Currently Mullin returned to the Bay Area and serves as an analyst for Warrior games.  This is but a brief portion of the career of one of the many talented basketball players produced by New York City.

I’ve got a secret 

This has nothing to do with the television quiz show of the 1950’s.  On second thought maybe it is not much of a secret for many around the Philadelphia metro just the balance of us.  Coaching aside notice I did not restrict myself by separating Jay Wright from NBA coaches I said the best dressed---period.  I’m trying to imagine who might come nearest to Wright and I’m drawing a complete blank.

Now we know what a number of folks know in Philadelphia, no off the rack suits for Wright his suits are custom tailored.  Wright’s suits range in price from $300 to $500 which is economical for a custom-made suit.  This cannot be confirmed but it is reported the coach has two closets in his bedroom one for his suits and one for shoes, slacks, and shirts. I’ve already noted it but perhaps we should pay as much attention to the sartorial style of Wright as his X’s and O’ philosophy.  Wright is a winner as denoted with two NCAA Championships on his resume.  

Bird watching

We read, “If you can back it up it ain’t trash talking.”  That was the case for the Celtics Larry Bird, okay he became a Pacer but that was after his play on the court.  His contemporaries claim he was one of the best at talking trash against the opposition.  His basketball journey began at the University of Indiana and many believe there was an issue with the fiery Coach Bobby Knight.  That was not the case, small town Bird was more comfortable playing at Indiana State.  He blossomed at the school and here is another bit of information most are unaware.  Legendary former coach and general manager Red Auerbach drafted Bird although the Indiana sharpshooter had another year remaining in college. 

Bird’s senior year was outstanding as the Sycamores were undefeated leading up to the NCAA Championship.  Bird would face off against Michigan State’s Magic Johnson the first of several later meetings in the NBA.  The 1979 championship would witness Magic’s team beating Indiana State but finished the season with 33 wins and that single loss.  As for the NBA Bird won Rookie of the Year honors over Magic Johnson the following year.  In 1997 he surprised many by returning to his native Indiana and becoming head coach of the Pacers.  Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame, member 50^th Anniversary All-Time NBA Team, Olympic Gold Medal winner, his number 33 retired by the Celtics and Indiana State.  Those are but a few of the honors for "The Hick from French Lick" one of the NBA's All-Time greats.