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.