Basketball from a fan perspective

2012

That was 8 years ago, 2012 the last time the Lakers won a playoff series.  Saturday evening witnessed them defeating the “Dameless” Blazers 131-122 winning their playoff series 4 games to 1.  The Lakers shot nearly 55% from the floor with AD leading the way with 43 points.  LeBron recorded a triple double with 36 points 10 rebounds and 10 assists, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 14. 

Danny Green again did his impression of The Invisible Man scoring 5 points on 2-8 shooting from the floor.   The espn.com box gave Green a +17 rating, so they registered something fans missed.  47% shooting by the Blazers is likely to win most games but when you give up 55% to the opposition you see the result.  Sure, wish Dame were able to play, oh well now to wait for the winner of the Thunder-Rockets match.   

There is time

How about this interesting twist, the Warriors trade the number 2 pick in the 2020 draft?  This would be no one for one trade additional players would be included from both sides in this proposed trade.  You say I have gone a little silly, consider this fact the Warriors would receive a veteran player.  This vet would be plugged into the lineup immediately rather than having a rookie who might require a season or two adjusting to NBA play. 

Who might be available to make a trade with the Warriors, it depends on the team willing to entertain this possibility?  There are numerous contenders we could name who might be interested in that number 2 pick.  The Sixers could offer either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, we hear the name Bradley Beal of the Wizards mentioned in trade talk prior to this scenario.  Note both teams mentioned are Eastern Conference, it might be difficult for a Western Conference team to be included in any possible trade.   

Municipal Auditorium

This was published in July 2020, but I thought it was worth a repeat, the arena here belongs up there with The Palestra, Cameron Indoor and Hinkle Fieldhouse, enjoy.  Kansas City’s basketball arena opened in 1936, once Kemper (HyVee) and Sprint (T-Mobile) Arena opened the Muni witnessed fewer and fewer basketball games being played.  The venerable building has seen many giants of the game both college and NBA grace the court over those years.  At present the arena is home court for the University of MO-Kansas City.  

Beginning in 1937 the arena served as host site for the NAIA since its inception, the only years missing were 1994 through 2001 when the tournament was held in Oklahoma. Tennessee State won 3 consecutive NAIA Championships 1957-59 in the Muni and was duplicated later by Kentucky State 1970 through 1972.  The American Basketball League Kansas City Steers called the Muni home the 1 ½ years the league was in existence.  At the time the Cincinnati Royals arrived in town and rebranded as the Kings their games were in the Muni until Sprint Center was later opened in 1974.  

Prior to the NCAA moving championship games to football stadiums the Muni held the record for the most championship games played in a one building. The triple overtime NCAA Championship game in 1957 won by North Carolina over Kansas was played at the Muni.  The list of Hall of Fame players on the floor over the years reads like a who is who of college and NBA history.  Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Tiny Archibald, Jerry Lucas, Elvin Hayes, and John Havlicek are just a few of the hundreds of names written in the annals of history of Municipal Auditorium or the Muni.  This brief look back in time omits the number of high school games played in the building over the years.

There are others

Five NBA head coaching jobs are open currently, as pointed out there could be more.  Would an NBA team be willing to hire a college coach for the position?  There are several names but at this point it is all speculation as to their status.  The first name is that of Jay Wright long time Villanova coach.  As mentioned previously it would be like “moving across the street” since the coach lives in the Philadelphia are the Sixers calling?  Is trouble brewing in Lawrence Kansas for Bill Self?  His problem with the NCAA has been smoke but no fire for nearly two years.  Will the NCAA lay the hammer on the Kansas program forcing Self to head for the NBA? 

Would Juwan Howard leave Michigan for the NBA after such a short time on the job?  There are other college coaches besides those mentioned however Wright and Self might be the most sought.  What about assistant NBA coaches who were once head coaches? That certainly applies to the Lakers Jason Kidd and Tyronn Lue now with the Clippers.  We also have Ime Udoka Sixer assistant in the mix along with Sam Cassell.  Being fired is certainly no disparaging concern, several coaches have been fired at one location and hired at another.  In closing there are names left out of this account due to the number.  You can take the time and compile your own list utilizing this account plus names which may have been omitted. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

The concern

I am worried, the concern is the Laker back court.  The front court of LeBron James and Anthony Davis can match up with anyone.  Technically James is a point guard but how about the other starters?  Danny Green is listed as the small forward on the depth chart but technically he is a shooting guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is also a shooting guard.  Both guards have been hot and cold all season long and into the playoffs, in several instances cold.

Late season pickups Dion Waiters and JR Smith have not found a place in the mix, in addition there are other guard issues.  Defensive specialist Avery Bradley decided in favor of remaining home, Rajon Rondo has been injured since the season restart.  At times Alex Caruso has been the only reliable guard off the bench.  Can the Lakers accentuate the positives and downplay the negatives enabling them to the point they are able to win the NBA Championship?  That question remains unanswered as this is written.   

We don’t know

This week Mizzou announced Sean Durugordon verbally committed for 2021.  We have no idea if the 6-foot 7-inch wing can play at the collegiate level however we know Durugordon has a solid family background.  If not for family, he might not have reached this point in his life.  Durugordon has dealt with more tragedy than most high school seniors. 

He was Born in Harlem New York but grew up in Queens, from that point forward tragic events would affect his life.  Durugordon lost his mom while in elementary school to cancer, at age 15 his father died of a heart attack.  Older siblings stepped up and began providing the quidance and encouragement the young man required.  Durugordon entering his senior year attends Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.

Durugordon is listed as a 3-star prospect by rivals.com and espn.com awards him 4-stars. Due to the pandemic this New York City kid committed to Mizzou without setting foot inside the state.  It just proves recruiting works as coach did an end run on Arizona, Seton Hall and several other programs attempting to secure the services of Durugordon.  His life story to date might be the making of a basketball movie version of “The Blindside.”     

Blood

Many of us might have heard this at one time, “Blood is thicker than water”.  It simply means your relatives count more than many around you and that might be the case for the Ball brothers with the recent exception.  It is being reported LaMelo the youngest brother 2020 lottery pick has gone elsewhere.  No, the brother has not left the country or anything like that but apparently, we cannot make the same statement for Big Baller Brand. 

The shoe and apparel company founded by daddy Ball almost disappeared due to poor management and oversight.  It appears the brand is on the road to recovery but not without what could be the best brother.  It is reported LaMelo has signed a contract with Puma leaving BBB.  So far LaVar Ball is quiet on this move, but this could prove interesting.  Has LaMelo declared his independence to a degree from his father, we shall see?   

He reminds me of

We have often stated the comparison of a college or Euro player to one in the NBA is commonplace at times.  The reason is quite simple we can connect that players game to one we are familiar with.  That is the case for Dayton’s Obi Toppin, he was asked on ESPN who he modeled his game after.  Toppin claimed several thought his game compared to former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire. 

The 6-foot 9 Toppin indicated he has been watching the Lakers Anthony Davis for much of the last year and believes his game resembles that of the Laker star.  Mike Wilbon of ESPN is on record indicating he is worried.  He believes Toppin will be gone by the time his Chicago Bulls make their pick.  Of course, that statement indicates Wilbon finds Toppin game is one he would like to see on his favorite team. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

The schedule

Play will resume in the NBA  

Saturday

Boston at Toronto

Utah at Denver

Dallas at Clippers 

Sunday  

Orlando at Milwaukee

Portland at Lakers

OKC at Houston

Monday

Toronto at Boston

Will it do any good?

The chief of staff for the VP claimed the NBA pause in play was “absurd and silly”, we believe this to be the opinion of Pence and Trump.  Opposite of them is the president’s son-in-law and WH advisor Jared Kushner, he indicates a desire to sit down with LeBron James and discuss the racial issues plaguing the nation.  Fruitful action is required beyond talk, that should be in the form of legislation and other matters to rectify the racial tension much of the nation faces at present.   

Lute

Prior to 1985 Arizonians had no idea of winning basketball except maybe that of the NBA Suns.  Iowa was not Lute Olsen’s first job however he left that school for the University of Arizona.  It would never be the same as Olsen changed the basketball into a winning culture.  From that first season up to his retirement in 2007 Arizona earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament every season. 

In the 1996-97 season the Wildcats would be crowned NCAA Champion, if we check Olsen’s won-loss record it was one of winning every season except that very first season.  The coach is a double honoree having been enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Thursday came the announcement the legendary coach died at the age of 85, r.i.p. Lute Olsen.   

He is done

The Mavs playoff hopes will continue but not without a key player, Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn meniscus tear in his right knee in Game 1.  The Mavs power forward/center has become brittle suffering injuries which take him out the lineup requiring long periods of rehab.  He sat out the remainder of the 2018-19 season while healing from an ACL injury.  Porzingis informed the Knicks in January 2019 he wanted to be traded, in July they honored his wish trading the Big Man to the Mavs.  Porzingis played 57 games for the Mavs with decent numbers but then the playoffs and this latest injury.  Hopefully, he can return next season fully healed and ready to play.   

What is it?

There was a promise made by yours truly, it is about to be broken.  Jason Whitlock former KC Star journalist, ESPN, AOL Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN host, Fox Sports journalist has done it again.  I am unsure if his problem is Laker players or their notoriety, this time he is in attack mode regarding LeBron James.  Whitlock’s complaint is LeBron discussing the racial climate and LeBron’s in the stoppage of play on Wednesday. 

LeBron does not require me to defend him, so I am not, I am going to look at Whitlock.  As you can tell by the opening statements Whitlock’s had quite a few jobs.  It is clear these positions over the course of his career have enriched him.  Whitlock is great regarding character assassination, allow a brief visit to the past.  He constantly complained about Kobe Bryant while number 24 played.  As soon as Kobe retired, Whitlock lost a target, who should it be he thought?  How about the next biggest NBA name…LeBron James?

Last January with the tragic death of Kobe and others we witnessed the basketball world’s reaction.  I tuned into Speak for Yourself the Fox Sports program Whitlock once co-hosted with Marcellus Wiley.  I almost fell out my chair listening to the benevolence Whitlock bestowed on Kobe in death.  This account ends here, with no apparent television job it appears Whitlock is returning to print journalism.  Standby for the next bit of vitriol he voices, we know it will soon be here.  By the way, I'm sure there is a gap in employment listed above, this writer was unable to locate all the positions.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

“Just shut up and dribble” 

That headline uttered by Laura Ingraham of Fox News has gone down in history. It was her response one evening to a social stance LeBron James had expressed.  Ingraham believed then (and probably now) they should do athletic things and not express opinions on non-sports issues.  Wednesday the world was anticipating NBA playoff action, there was none.  The events in Kenosha Wisconsin reverberated across the nation affecting the NBA.

First it was the Milwaukee Bucks who decided to pause play, they were soon followed by the balance of remaining NBA teams in Orlando.  It was hinted play would be halted without a champion being crowned, late Thursday afternoon teams agreed to resume play.  The NBA remains a player’s league therefore their action was nothing like that of other sports.  It was reported several baseball players sat out although all the games were played, the NHL and NFL continued to operate although individual players may have sat. 

On Thursday it was reported many NFL teams cancelled practice for a meeting with players.  As for the basis of the NBA pause it was another police shooting of a black man, the incident is under investigation by the Kenosha Police Department and there is no resolution as this is written.  We live in a different age; we have athletes most in the NBA who refuse to just dribble or score touchdowns.  Today’s athletes have a social conscience and really are unconcerned if we the public and fans agree with their actions.  

It’s different today

Bill Russell stands 6 feet 9-inches, his listed weight is 215 pounds.  If Russell were to arrive in the NBA today, he would be a power or small forward, the NBA of 1956 he played center.  Russell’s defense especially his shot blocking ability led him to play the center position.  There are other changes, at 7 feet tall and 245 pounds the Mavs Dirk Nowitzki would have played center, we know of course he spent his career at power forward. 

The same could be said for present Mavs power forward Kristaps Porzingis, he is 7 feet 3 and 240 pounds and would have been a center a generation ago.  Former Senator Bill Bradley and Knicks player was the teams small forward during their championship years.  Bradley stood 6 foot 5 and 205 pounds; in today’s NBA he would be a shooting guard.  Those are just a few examples of the game’s growth in popularity along with the growth of its athletes.  We are fast approaching position less basketball a period we send 5 guys on the court despite the position.  Heck the Rockets are literally there right now, can it work only time will tell. 

Bits n Pieces 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicates the 2020-21 season will likely be delayed.  The original planned starting date was for December 1, now Silver claims the date needs to be moved further back.  It is likely we might be talking January or possibly February, his explanation makes sense, he wants fans to be able to attend games.  It is hoped a later start will allow the pandemic to subside and perhaps there will be a vaccine developed.      

I am fast becoming a card-carrying member of the Luka Doncic fan club, he does not play for my Lakers, but I certainly enjoy seeing him in action.  He checks all the boxes as an up and coming NBA star in fact he might already be there.  Is it wrong for me to state I see a little Larry Bird in him, am I making this sound racial?  I hope not because Doncic can straight out hoop as they might say. 

One of the Atlanta Hawks owner is a celebrity with nothing to do with the team, that would be Jamie Gertz.  She was active in the 1980’s with a number of movie and television projects.  She did not purchase the Hawks alone her husband Antony Ressler were part of a group purchasing the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.  In 2015 this group assumed ownership of the Hawks, as for Gertz how much she is involved day to day might be a question.  She represented the team in the draft lottery, most recently on August 20. 

This news might have slipped passed you at the beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season.  38 nations of the world are now represented on rosters throughout the NBA rosters.  The number of foreign athletes’ total 108. If you are old enough several reading this account might remember back to the days there were few foreign athletes on NBA rosters, this offers proof of the game’s growth over the last several years.     

Basketball from a fan perspective

Stealth Coach

20 or so years ago we first became aware the military had stealth aircraft.  The aircraft were not invisible to radar just difficult to pick up.  More recently the navy has begun building stealth ships which we believe might be in the same pattern i.e. difficult to see on radar.  Mizzou’s Cuonzo Martin operates in a stealth mode, there are a bunch of names out there and then WHAM.  

Mizzou announces they received a commitment, that is the case in the last 48 hours. Kaleb Brown a 6-foot 6-inch point guard and the brother of Kobe verbally committed on Monday.  48 hours came another verbal commitment, this time from Sean Durugordon a 6-foot 7-inch 3-star wing from Queens New York.  

Durugordon joins Brown and Aton Brookshire who committed in late spring.  Mizzou now has three remaining scholarships for 2021, coach will continue to operate in a stealthy manner.  We can never be sure where he might show up and who commits to Mizzou.  247Sports rates Mizzou number 32 in recruiting in the nation for 2021, it's early so the number could improve prior to next fall.  

Load management

Is Clipper forward Paul George good as advertised?  This is no reference to the outstanding 12-18, 35-point game versus the Mavs on Tuesday evening.  The question is simple, is George a superstar or merely a talented athlete?   All season long up to the March pause in play he and Kawhi Leonard were on load management.  It seemed the duo played every other Clipper game however there might have been a basis for George. 

George was returning from off-season shoulder surgery, that fact may have impacted this first season with the Clippers.  A superstar player should have the capability of providing inspiration and leadership to his teammates.  Again, we pose the question does the role fit Paul George?  In this instance you must be the judge, my thoughts and beliefs do not matter.  It would appear the Clippers are likely to win this series perhaps we must wait and see how the balance of George’s first Clipper season plays out. 

Jobs, who wants (who needs) one?

Currently four NBA head coaching positions are open, there might be one or two additional vacancies to occur.  At least one is probably walking if he is unable to secure the contract he desires.  The Rockets Mike D’Antoni is that coach who might be leaving.  The candidate names for head coach floating about are far too numerous to mention for fear of omitting a name.  Despite the rather tenuous position of NBA head coaches there is never a shortage of candidates.  If you (like me) lost track of the teams seeking a new head coach the list below should help:  

Chicago Bulls

Brooklyn Nets

New Orleans Pelicans

Philadelphia 76ers

Indiana Pacers

NOTE:  As this story was completed one more vacancy occurred, the Pacers fired head coach Nate McMillian, the number of new coaches to be hired now totals five and counting.  

I hate it!

I rarely use the word HATE; I believe it might be one of the vilest words in the English language.  In the instance of this account I can state with conviction I hate Dame Lilliard is injured and will not be able to play for the Blazers in Game Five.  The statement is made despite the fact this writer claims to be a card-carrying member of Laker Nation. 

I have become convinced he is a better shooter than Steph Curry, I realize a statement like that might be considered heresy, but it is the truth as I see it.  A knee sprain is the culprit for Dame forcing him to the sidelines for this important game.  As for the Lakers LeBron might be a game time decision as well, suffering from a sore right groin injury.  Oh well, the adage still applies, injuries are part of the game.  NOTE: This account was written prior to cancellation of the entire schedule of Wednesday games.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Plenty of candidates

Several names have been mentioned as a potential head coach.  One name surfaced which surprises us, that is Jay Wright Villanova.  Wright lives in the Philadelphia area so relocation would be a non-factor.  He might be the hottest college coach at the present time, NCAA Champion, and consistent winner.  Would Wright trade teaching kids the game for a bunch of overpaid prima donna’s (yes, I said it)? This writer is a Jay Wright fan however I am unsure if he is NBA ready, should he choose this path whether it is the Sixers or some other team I am okay with it. 

Open mouth, insert foot

I for one was quite anxious to hear from TNT’s Charles Barkley, Monday afternoon “The Mouth that Roared” claimed he was going with the Blazers all the way. Oh, I guess it might be a little difficult to speak with your foot in your mouth, LOL. The final score read Lakers 135 Blazers 115; the Lakers were ahead by 30 at one point before the starters were replaced by the reserves.  Anthony Davis left the Laker lineup in the 3rd quarter after scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds.  Davis suffered back spasms and it was clear he was no longer vital to the lead his team built, Barkley was quite conciliatory, I smiled.  

Mizzou commit

Coach Cuonzo Martin received his second-Class of 2021 commitment.  Kaleb Brown 6-foot 6-inch point guard from Huntsville Alabama tweeted his commitment to Mizzou.  In May Aton Brookshire from Springfield Missouri became the first 2021 commit.  Point guard Brown indicates he is not tied to one position so we can expect a switch here.  At this point this commitment leaves Mizzou with 4 scholarships for the 2021-22 season.  

The winner

We are unsure about the NFL because the league is yet to begin play.  As for baseball the artificial crowd noise pumped into stadiums ranks below that of the NBA and NHL.  We are unsure if NBA players are reacting to the “crowd noise” at times those of us watching the game on television might tend to forget there is no live audience in the arena.  The crowd response is adjusted based on game action; we cannot declare the NBA or NHL clear winners until the NFL begins play in a few weeks.  Perhaps the chief reason the NBA and NHL might be declared the winner their sport is played indoors versus the outdoor game of baseball and the NFL.       

We don’t know

As this is written in late August, we have no idea, we do not know if the 2020-21 college basketball season will start on time.  Despite this observation who do we suppose had the best recruiting class?  Drum roll please……it is John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats.   Most websites named the Wildcats as having the best incoming recruiting class, despite this pronouncement there is at least one website claiming the Duke Blue Devils are the top school. 

Do you notice a trend here, the same 5 or 6 schools are always at the top of the heap?  The schools are North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan and maybe others omitted.  How come these and other schools always earn high marks in recruiting while others miss the boat?  It is likely a two-part answer in our estimation the coach, and a long-time winning program.  Kentucky and Mizzou are recruiting the same athlete, which school does he choose?  The answer is quite simple as you can see.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

Coaching moves

There are jobs open, Brett Brown is on the hot seat and the Sixers might be ready to make a move.  In addition, we read the Nets are talking Tyronn Lue and Gregg Popovich, Lue maybe but Pop? At this stage, it would appear the long-time Spurs coach is looking at retirement over taking on the role of head coach at this point.  This is interesting because we are unsure if Jacque Vaughn’s been given ample time to secure himself to Nets management.  NOTE: This was written early Monday morning, I decided to publish the account anyway.   

A letter to Joel Embiid    

Dear Joel,

I can address you by your first name, I take elder privilege.  I watched your growth as a basketball player from your days at the University of Kansas.  You might wonder why this letter is being written, there are questions regarding the future of your game.  I watched the Celtics sweep your Sixers right out of the building which prompts this letter, your game has regressed in my view. 

I am unsure if this is a coaching issue however aspects of your offensive game have disappeared.  A friend of mine indicates you want to be Jordan or Kobe shooting those fadeaway jump shots.  You are 7 feet tall and 250 pounds why are you shooting outside shots your size clearly states, “inside game.” Your recent past provides us proof you have an inside game; your off season should be spent renewing this aspect.  I appreciate you taking time to read my letter, take care now.

Yours truly,

Larry Laker

“I’m not impressed!”

We believe the basketball world was in awe with the Luka Doncic game winning shot versus the Clippers. All of us except Shaquille O’Neal a.k.a. The Big Diesel below are his words on Inside the NBA.  Our question to Shaq and others, why must a player win multiple games in dramatic fashion before we recognize pending greatness?     

“Calm it down a notch. That’s all I’m saying. He’s great, but I’ve seen that before – his name is Steph Curry. I’ve seen that before – his name is James Harden. I’ve seen it all last week – his name is Damian Lillard. Just calm it down a little bit – that’s all I’m saying. He’s great; he can play.”    

You are the judge

Video below, the battles of Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, keep in mind Wilt was in year 10 by the time Kareem arrived in the NBA.  The vaulted skyhook was blocked by Wilt, there are doubts if anyone else did that for the balance of Kareem’s career, as for the player comparison:

Wilt Chamberlain 7 foot 1, 1 275 pounds

Kareem Abdul Jabbar 7 foot 2, 225 pounds 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2U4JSrpO78

Basketball from a fan perspective

Luka Legend

Remember how the media changed Larry Bird’s name to Larry Legend?  Well I officially changed Luka Doncic to Luka Legend.  His Mav team down one point in the waning seconds of OT, Legend’s 3-point basket led to a 135-133 win over the Clippers.  Once I heard Kristaps Porzingis was a late game scratch, I thought these Mavs are in big time trouble.  

This was no unguarded shot Kawhi Leonard was on Legend and in a switch, Reggie Jackson took over.  Legend finished the game with 43 points and 17 rebounds along with 13 assists.  Trey Burke scored 25 and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 21 more than making up for the MIA Porzingis, the series is now tied 2 games to 2.  Game 5 is scheduled to Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syxfsqiy3FY

“LeBron has that look again”

With minutes remaining in the Lakers-Blazer game I received the text message above from a friend.  He went on to say, “I have seen it before” and I texted back, “Yes, he needs it the Blazers are no joke.”  His response, “That look of we better play or else” and LeBron’s stat line certainly proved it.  38 points, 12 rebounds plus 8 assists and tough hard nose defense for a 35-year old guy and playing with a groin injury. 

As for the look my description is simple, it says “Dammit we might not win this series but we ain’t losing this particular game.”  AD, Anthony Davis was also a force with 29 points, 12 rebounds and he matched LeBron with 8 assists.  The Blazer backcourt of Dame and McCollum was outstanding overall Team Blazer shot 41% from the floor while Team Laker it was 50%.  The rebound total was Lakers 55, Blazers 38 and in the assist department it was 26 for the Lakers and 17 for the Blazers. 

I am backing up

This person is reversing course on an earlier statement, last season I went on record pronouncing Joel Embiid the best NBA Big Man today.  We are in the era of small ball is understandable but if you are 7 feet tall and 250 pounds you dominate the paint.  Watching Game Four of the Sixers-Celtics series I cannot believe the number of difficult shots Embiid takes.  Fall away jump shots, three-point attempts is the portion of his game I do not fully understand.

It does one no good to score 30+ points but miss so many shots you almost surrender an equivalent amount on the back end.  Perhaps I am watching Embiid with video of Shaq and Chamberlain playing in my mind.  As for Kareem Abdul Jabbar he was not a physical athlete, but the sky hook placed him in the category of the two mentioned beforehand.  This is not the end, Embiid has time to adjust his game next season.  Am I being too tough on Embiid, perhaps I just believe he could be so much better if he revised his game a bit?

One man happy and the other…well

Speaking of the NBA Draft, one man might be pleased and the other well, allow an explanation.  One writer claims the draft could play out with the Knicks being able to acquire LaMelo Ball with the 8^th pick.  Naturally, this will be pleasing to father LaVar Ball, remember how he practically force my Lakers to draft Lonzo Ball?  He is attempting a similar tactic with the Knicks practically expressing displeasure with any team except the Knicks. 

As for the other guy, my transplanted Bronx friend David.  He was a former co-worker, although he has lived in the Kansas City metro for a while, he continues to root for New York teams.  At the time I first mentioned Ball might become a Knick some of the words emanating from David’s lips were R-rated.  I did not question him at length, but I must believe most of his ire is aimed at LaVar and not at LaMelo or any of the Ball brothers. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Right place, right time plus talented

In this part of the nation we have plenty of Wichita State basketball available to us.  I remember viewing several games and witnessing Fred VanVleet in action.  I remember thinking this guy is good but never entertained the thought he would become so valuable to the Raptors.  Originally from Rockford Illinois he was not highly touted in high school, most basketball offers were from mid major schools such as Wichita State. 

Point guard VanVleet’s game grew steadily while at Wichita State however the NBA was likely out of the question.  In 2016 VanVleet would go undrafted however he managed to play for the Raptors 2016 Summer League team.  From that point it was a matter of proving he could play to earn a roster position, the team had 6 players for a single position on the 15- man roster.  The 6-foot 1-inch VanVleet beat out the others to earn that final roster spot.  He has not always been a starter for the first few years of his NBA career, but is in that role currently.  Fred VanVleet the guy who was at the right place, right time plus talented.   

I am making the pick

As general manager, director of player personnel and head coach I choose to make the Warriors pick at number two.  James Wiseman is the choice by yours truly, why Wiseman over someone else? As pointed out this is not a particularly strong draft so why this name?  The Warriors could certainly use the scoring of Anthony Edwards, but it is not key.  For once I agree with daddy LaVar Ball, he claims son LaMelo is not a good fit for the Warriors. 

Although the development for Wiseman might be somewhat delayed, he is the real deal, at 7 foot 1- and 240-pounds he becomes the rim-protector the Warriors need.  There is speed on his side that will enable him to keep up with Steph, Klay, and other potential teammates.  Wiseman’s offensive game is limited but that is no major issue, when everyone is healthy the Warriors have an ample amount of firepower when everyone is healthy.  Will the Warriors go this route is unknown, it certainly could not hurt.   

Sixer trouble

Prior to the start of the 2019-20 season many did not pencil in the Sixers as Eastern Conference champs although the belief was, they would be competitive.  We had the Raptors plus the Bucks as serious competition.  The season suspension in March, the Orlando Bubble plus the Ben Simmons injury.  Down 0-2 to the Celtics Friday evening and holding a lead in the closing minutes the Sixers were unable to sustain the lead to remain in contention. 

The Sixers would lose the lead and the game due to questionable shooting and defense, final score 102-94.  The Sixers now find themselves in an 0-3 hole, Joel Embiid had a particularly good game but took several questionable shots in the waning minutes of the game.  The Sixers are certainly missing Simmons, but it appears there are additional issues.  Those closer than myself probably see Sixer issues I've failed to note, let us just say change is some form is required.   

Six degrees of Kevin Love 

Many of you are might be aware the fun activity of connecting actor Kevin Bacon to several others.  It is simply titled “Six degrees of Kevin Bacon”, there might be six degrees of Cavs power forward Kevin Love.  First, Kevin is the son of Stan a former NBA player with the Baltimore Bullets, Lakers, and Spurs?  Stan’s NBA career certainly was not at the level of son only lasting five years but wait there is more. 

Like all families there is another famous Love, Stan has an older brother; he is the younger brother of Beach Boys member Mike Love.  One more “six degrees” connection although he is not a relative.  Kevin and the Warriors Klay Thompson were Little League baseball teammates during their 5^th and 6^th grade years.  This Kevin Love six degrees might not actually be close to the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, it it quite interesting.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

We get it

There are issues upsetting to many of us, often these are matters which affect us directly or indirectly.  With basketball and other sports, it is sometimes a slightly different matter. Allow a brief explanation, basketball player Sam Smith voices his opinion of an issue outside the sport of basketball.  You are offended because 1.  You do not agree with his view and 2. He should be more concerned with basketball than the issue he voices his opinion. 

We are about to welcome you into the 21^st Century, if this position expressed by several athletes concerns you it might be best if you discovered another sport and the reason is clear.  You might not agree with their stance however athletes will continue to address social and societal issues facing the nation and the world.  You can continue to enjoy basketball and tune out the chatter or simply discover another sport to follow, I am out.   

The Wolves

Coach Ryan Saunders and GM Scott Layden have a decision in front of them, they must put their heads together along with the scouting staff to decide on the choice.  As you are aware the Wolves won the lottery ensuring them of the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.  With no consensus number one who do the Wolves choose?  For them will it be the best fit or the best available athlete?  Let us explore this issue briefly, it appears D’Angelo Russell is listed on the depth chart as a point guard all though else where he is shown as a shooting guard. 

Could or would the Wolves plug in LeMelo Ball at either guard position?  On the other hand, they could pick Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards which leaves Russell at the point.  James Wiseman might not be a choice because the Wolves have Kat at the center position although it is possible, he could be moved to the power forward.  We could foresee Dayton’s Obi Topping or Deni Avdija from Israel at the small forward becoming the pick.  There might be someone we overlooked however the names mentioned appear to be the clear leaders.  One of the names mentioned would be the top pick, on the other hand there is the possibility the pick is made and then traded.   

Sometimes less is more

Several Laker fans were likely in a huge funk after the game, the team was losers to a good Blazer team in their first playoff game 100-93.  What might occur in Game Two, most Laker fans had no idea although they hoped play would be better.  The game was different, LeBron shoots a poor 36% from the floor scoring 10 points yet they were able to blow out the Blazers 111-88. 

The Lakers played lockdown defense on the Blazers as they only scored 40% from the floor while the Lakers were at nearly 48%.  Did I mention Anthony Davis, AD scored 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds?  Wonder when the last time JaVale McGee tied Anthony Davis for scoring honors.  Reading my review of the game a fan pointed out “A win is a win; I will take it.”  The Lakers won a playoff game for the first time in 8 years, most did not realize it had been that length of time. 

Best center all-time

For nearly 100 years professional basketball has been played.  Despite that fact we can look at 1946 and forward for our purpose, who is the best center all-time in that period?  A list of names will be provided, and it is up to you to determine the order.

George Mikan

Hakeem Olajuwon

Wilt Chamberlain

Shaquille O’Neal

Bill Russell

Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Jack Sikma

Robert Parrish

Basketball before football 

No argument on my part, the NFL is far more popular in America than the NBA, worldwide however is a different story.  The European version NFL Europe lasted from 1991 to 2007, although it certainly appeared to be popular, we never heard any talk about an NFL franchise being placed in Europe.  The nearest we have come is an occasional exhibition or regular season NFL game being played.  We might question exactly what has the NBA done?  It is a far different issue; NFL football is only played once a week its easy peasy to schedule.  NBA basketball is more complicated often playing 3 or 4 nights during a week. 

In addition to the scheduling issue there is also a time and distance differential with the Nets playing a Paris team.  Finally, the NBA probably has no desire to impede on the Euro game so what is left?  Until we have speedier transportation there is always the Western Hemisphere Mexico City as an example.  The NFL has scheduled games south of the border but so has the NBA.  The metro contains 21 million citizens, in addition NBA games have been a constant sell out.  Finally, a key factor is time zone.  As this is written it is 8:37 p.m. Central Time in Kansas City (MO), it is 8:37 p.m. Central Time in Mexico City, I rest my case.