Basketball from a fan perspective

Doc Rivers---There are times the news moves faster than the ability to publish and that is the case here.  The following is not the account that would have been placed here, in any event here goes.  One sports site claimed Rivers was fired, another claimed it was a mutual decision by Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer.  Whatever, Rivers is no longer the coach of the Clippers which is surprising and then not so much.  This team with the addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was expected to win now. 

There would be no adjustment allowed and maybe that might have been part of the problem.  With Leonard and George on Load Management all season there appeared at times to be no cohesiveness.  The Clippers were loaded with talent but seemed (in the playoffs) with little direction.  In that case the coach becomes the fall guy, it’s easier to change coaches than fire 14 players. 

Both Leonard and George will become free agents next summer so owner Ballmer might have felt the need to move now.  ESPN asks the question many of us might ask, “How do you replace a reasonably successful coach?”  If you’ve read Words eye view any length of time you realize I’m no Rivers fan however that doesn’t extend to him being fired.  I speculated regarding Billy Donovan and he took a job much sooner than expected.  This time around I will allow Rivers to make his own way, I believe he should be hired again somewhere. 

The coach---The Heat have a coach who is hardly ever mentioned any time a discussion of NBA coaches is held.  We speak of Erik Spoelstra, he is now in his 5^th championship series.  Several well-known coaches have never sniffed a championship yet Spoelstra’s got them beat, even more interesting is how he arrived at this point.  He played point guard at the University of Portland but went undrafted in 1992. 

Spoelstra would travel to Germany to play basketball; he would later become an assistant for that team.  Spoelstra was first hired as a video coordinator for the Heat, in 2008 he became an assistant coach and finally head coach of the Heat in 2008.  Someone could state it might be easy to win when you have LeBron James on your team but its more than that, the guy can flat out coach and the evidence is in front of us. 

He’s a winner regardless---Laker Dion Waiters is in a unique situation; he could receive a championship ring regardless of a Laker or Heat win.  Bleacher Report reminded us Waiters was on the Heat roster earlier in the season and of course is now with the Lakers.  Rest assured a similar situation might have occurred in the past this is just the latest example. 

Division III---If you’ve read Words eye view any length of time you might be aware of this fact.  There are few NBA players playing at the NAIA or Division III level.  It certainly isn’t a talent issue more likely the opportunity to play, that might be the case for Heat shooting guard/small forward Duncan Robinson. 

Robinson began his professional basketball journey at Williams College a Division III school, from there he transferred to the University of Michigan.  Robinson went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft but would sign with Miami’s G-League affiliate the Sioux Fall Skyforce.  From there the balance of the story is being written, Robinson has become a vital member of the Heat.  Look for Robinson in action as the NBA Championship round begins today. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Bits n Pieces---Breaking news on Monday came word Doc Rivers is out as Clippers coach.  Not a great deal of detail is known as this is written, as additional information is known it will be passed on to you.  

The father says one thing and the son says something else.  LaVar Ball says, “The Warriors are not a good fit for my son”, LaMelo Ball says, “I’m my own man.”  Is there a power fight in the Ball family?  Is the son informing the father you need to allow me to make my own decisions?   

He returned---I wanted to check the history, Phil Jackson left the Lakers at the end of the 1993-94 season.  There were issues with Kobe and Shaq in addition management refused to meet his salary request, so he resigned.  He resigned in 1994 only to return in 2005, his Laker team would win two more championships in 2010 and 2011.  Why the history lesson you ask, allow a short answer? 

Reports continue to circulate the Rockets are entertaining a re-hire of Jeff Van Gundy.  This has nothing to do with his coaching ability rather the fact they fired him in 2007.  Being terminated is no reason for a permanent Scarlett Letter however what does it say about your organization.  Unlike with Jackson he chose to leave and later return, the Rockets appear willing to re-hire a guy they could have kept all along, oh well.   

Who you got? ---Most in the nation are probably rooting for the Heat to win the 2020 NBA Championship.  That might be the case except the pocket surrounding Los Angeles, in addition there are isolated Laker fans here and there not living in Southern California.  I maintain (without offering any proof) there are more Laker fans throughout the nation and world than any other NBA team.  As for the return the last time the Lakers were in this neighborhood was 2010, for the Heat it was 2013.  Those rooting against the Lakers will inform you they are rooting for the Heat because:

*They hate LeBron

*They hate the Lakers

*They are sick of hearing talk about the Lakers (that could tie into the one above)

*They hate the State of California

Do you notice a common theme here, perhaps its imagination on my part?  If it is, I apologize in advance.     

Kentucky Wildcats--The 2020 NBA Championship will be decided by athletes from the same team, either the Lakers win or the Heat.  Regardless the winner of note will be Kentucky basketball.  Former Wildcats Rajon Rondo and Anthony Davis will be on one sideline for the Lakers while the Heat send out Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo also former Wildcats. 

Even more interesting 3 of the 4 played for Coach John Calipari, former Coach Tubby Smith was at the helm for Rajon Rondo. That makes Rondo the “old man” of these former Wildcats at 34-years of age, although Herro and Adebayo are close in age neither were teammates while at Kentucky.  Adebayo played one season for Kentucky in 2016-17 while Herro was there in 2018-19, both left after their freshmen year for the NBA.   

2020 Draft Combine---Earlier we reported the 2020 version of the NBA Draft Combine will be held in phases.  The first phase was held yesterday and proved interesting in one aspect; LaMelo Ball was the only potential lottery pick who chose to attend.  Taking a pass were James Edwards, Georgia, James Wiseman, Memphis and Obi Toppin, Dayton.  Whether this trio and others decide to attend future sessions is unknown at this point.  As for Ball deciding to appear it’s your guess as to why, in recent years potential top candidates avoid the combine.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

We have a winner---For nostalgic purposes I didn't want Lakers-Clippers, what I really wanted was Lakers-Celtics.  I imagined this would be a throwback to those Showtime Lakers and Bird led Celtics.  More recently in 2008 and 2010 the teams faced one another with the Celtics winning in '08 and the Lakers in '10.  The Heat beat the Celtics 125-113 setting the Wednesday evening start for the 2020 NBA Championship.  Don't get me wrong I'm not taking anything from the Heat, they will be a tough match for the Lakers.  Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo and the balance of the Heat roster can play, we shall see beginning Wednesday evening.  

Nothing yet---The Lakers have won nothing yet, well that’s not quite correct.  Saturday night they won the Western Conference Championship over an outstanding Nuggets team beating them 4 games to 1.  The Nuggets healthy should be a power in the NBA over the next several years with their mix of youngsters and veterans.  The Joker, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. and others will make the Nuggets a formidable foe.  As for the Lakers it was a 117-101 win over the Nuggets and the defense was outstanding as usual. 

This focus is more than numbers it is a look-back at an improbable and unusual run toward an NBA Championship.  Last look back at early spring, they were in first place as the pandemic halted play in March.  Fast forward to the July 30 re-start and the Lakers appeared to play lethargic basketball through the close of the delayed regular season.  What about the playoffs, there were concerns at this desk? 

The Lakers would face the Blazers in the first round and then just like that the poor play continued.  The Lakers lose the first game, my thought uh-oh we might have a problem.  It was the Blazers then the Rockets and it concluded with a series win over the Nuggets.  The job is only partial complete, the Lakers are 12-3 in the playoffs but there are four more games to win.  Am I impressed along with Laker Nation…you bet I am regardless of the championship outcome?  For the first time since 2010 a Laker team will be competing for an NBA Championship. 

This one is funny, maybe for the wrong reasons---Congressman Max Rose of Staten Island New York will receive no love from Knicks owner James Dolan.  We know the recent history; the Knicks have been terrible the last several years and its certainly of note by fans even those holding political office.  We are not exactly sure how and why TMZ Sports located Rose however his words must have stung owner James Dolan. The congressman said, “I’m a long time Knicks fan but Dolan needs to sell the team.”  

The wording might not have been in that order, but you get the point.  We don’t know if Dolan saw the interview or someone tipped him off.  He decided to address the issue in the only way he saw effective…money.  No, it wasn’t spent on his basketball team rather the opponent of Rose, Dolan donated to the campaign of the opposition candidate and encouraged others to do so.  We have no idea if the plan of Dolan will be successful and there really is no method to judge even if Rose might lose however I find this story quite funny.   

Why him? ---The Warriors have the second pick in the NBA Draft November 18, who is it?  We cannot be sure until Commissioner Silver steps to the mic and says, “With the second pick in the 2020 NBA Draft the Golden State Warriors select_________from_______.” The name Silver might call that evening just might be Deni Avdija 6-foot 8 small forward from Israel. 

It is no longer a surprise when a foreign-born player is a lottery or high first round pick, we can look at Kristaps Porzingis or Luka Doncic as the most recent examples.  If we think about it Avdija might be the most NBA ready over LaMelo Ball or James Wiseman. 

In addition, he is probably somewhat equipped to step into the lineup immediately having professional experience.  Yes, LaMelo did play in Australia and though his work was good an injury did not allow him to complete the season.  As for Wiseman the Memphis Big Man is a budding talent who will require adjustment to NBA play.  We are guessing Anthony Edwards will have been selected by the Wolves with the number one pick. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Close out---The Lakers managed to win the WC Championship over a very tough Nuggets team.  The final score was 117-107, a follow up will be provided on Monday.   

Coach wants his player to win---We have Anthony Davis on the Lakers and Jamal Murray with the Nuggets; their teams are battling one another to determine who represents the Western Conference for the NBA Championship.  Kentucky Coach John Calipari is a winner regardless…he was coach for both players.  AD played at Kentucky 2011-12 but left for the NBA after his freshmen year, as for Murray he only played one year 2015-16 and then declared for the NBA draft.        

He is not the first---Princepal Singh is not the first basketball player from India to arrive on these shores.  Despite this fact he might be the best thus far of a small figure, we make this conclusion based on Singh being signed and being placed on the NBA G-League team Ignite.  Singh is a 6-foot 10-inch 225-pound power forward, like several foreign athletes’ basketball was not his first sport. 

Singh began his athletic career as a volleyball player and was spotted by a sharp-eyed coach who moved him to the NBA Academy.  The academy was established in 2017 to develop and train the youth of India in the game of basketball.  We are anxious to see him in action playing for the G-League Ignite team next season.  Singh makes no secret of the fact he wants to play in the NBA, he’s taken that first step and with training Singh makes it to the next level. 

If we blink---We just might miss him at Oklahoma State, we speak of Cade Cunningham 6-foot-7 combo guard.  Cunningham was rated the number one prospect in the Class of 2020 by Rivals and 247Sports and was awarded 5-stars by both sites.  After Cunningham committed there was another decision required, OSU was placed on probation by the NCAA which meant no post-season play. 

After a brief period, Cunningham announced he would remain at OSU and would not transfer to another school.  If Cunningham is good as advertised if we blink, we might miss his freshman year because that’s all we’ll see.  If he has the breakout year, we expect he will not return to Stillwater for his sophomore year.  Next stop for Cunningham is the 2021 NBA Draft where he is expected to be a lottery pick. 

Also, perhaps on the cusp of an NBA career is Makur Maker a 7-foot forward at Howard University.  You remember he shocked the basketball world over the summer when he committed to Howard, he became the first Top 25 prospect to commit to an HBCU school in quite a while.  In addition, like Cunningham it’s likely Maker is not committed to Howard long term.  We look forward to viewing Howard games on one of the sports channels since the school has been invisible on television.   

Superstitions---have existed in sports for a millennium, they even persist into the 21^st Century.  Baseball players would ensure they step over the chalk lines rather than on them is as old as the game itself.  Then we have the SI jinx, any team or sports person profiled on the cover of Sports Illustrated would endure injury or suffer a catastrophe.  Those are just two examples of perhaps hundreds, one recently brought to light again is the Clipper jinx.  The 1984-85 season was the first for the Clippers in Los Angeles after leaving San Diego. 

In 36 years, the team has NEVER played for the Western Conference Championship.  The truth is most of those Clipper teams were bad.  In the 2011-12 season up to the present day they have fielded competitive teams earning numerous playoff berths.  One constant remained they never advanced far in the playoffs; it was believed the 2019-20 season would be different.  With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George plus a capable number of reserves much was expected.  Once again Clipper fans were left at the altar, was it the Clipper Jinx?

I can be baited---Sometimes a person makes a snide remark about the NBA to me and I’ll just say okay.  There are other instances I can be baited into a discussion, depends on the person and location.  I’ve mentioned I follow the Chiefs and Royals because both teams are local.  I don’t carry on an in-depth discussion about any other professional football or baseball team.  The reason is clear I don’t follow those sports in the same manner I do basketball and the NBA.  

In the past these are just a few of the statements my ears have picked up over the years.  “They don’t call traveling in the NBA” or “I only watch the last quarter of an NBA game.”  An even stranger statement is this one; “I followed the NBA when Michael Jordan played but I don’t anymore.”  I’m sure if I followed NFL or MLB with fervor, I do the NBA, I’m sure I could discover aspects worthy of criticism but why?  I just wish these folks would make their statements to someone other than yours truly. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Game four---We witnessed no repeat of Game one, the action from the Thursday night match was like an MMA match.  The final score read Lakers 114 Nuggets 108, but it was how we got to the end.  The team from Denver outshoot the Lakers from the floor although not by much, as expected they also were ahead slightly from the 3-point line.  The Lakers received the usual from both LeBron and AD however starting Dwight Howard over JaVale McGee appeared to cause the Joker problems.   

Oh, the rebounds…after being outrebounded badly in Game three by the Nuggets the Lakers made a statement leading 44-31.  Who wins tonight, I have no idea however I continue to believe this is the Lakers series.  Frank Vogel’s decision to start Howard over McGee might have set the tone, at this stage Howard is certainly no longer the offensive threat he once posed.  Despite this fact he certainly is more a threat than McGee.    

Bits and Pieces---Charles Dickens wrote a classic novel titled Great Expectations originally published in 1860.  We could say great expectations apply to Mizzou basketball fans for the upcoming season, it’s the fault of “tothefinishline” the social media page of Mizzou Men’s Basketball.  They released a statement indicating the Tigers return 88% of their offense from last season.  They take it one step further claiming, “Most experienced team in the (SEC) league.”  See why we expect great things on the court?

How about this story if true, “The Sixers interest in Mike D’Antoni revolves around James Harden?”  The Rocket shooter will be a free agent in two years and its hoped signing D’Antoni the coach will be able to lure Harden.  No commentary on my part just reporting the story. 

“Don’t slay the messenger” is the adage, Brendan Haywood former NBA player was interviewed post-game on NBA TV.  The host asked him about the Nuggets ability to survive and come back after being in a 1-3 deficit twice.  This paraphrases Haywood’s comment, he acknowledge this ability even mentioned the Nuggets could win the next game.  He went on to say they will not beat LeBron James and this Los Angeles team.  They will not beat a LeBron led team for 3 straight games, that’s the other Los Angeles team, which is an AAU team, wow that stung and can leave a mark. 

If you follow the NBA, you know the name Chris Paul, Thunder point guard.  It’s likely only those in North America are familiar with his insurance television commercials.  On ESPN’s First Take Friday morning before going to a break the host said, “Next up we are going to have the real Chris Paul," a takeoff on the television commercial. 

Lucky or good! ---That was the saying, “Would you rather be lucky or good?”  How about the Denver Nuggets being lucky and good?  Several NBA teams passed on Michael Porter Jr. due to injury, see he played but 3 games while at Mizzou.  Prior to the season most mock draft sites listed MPJ as the top pick in the 2018 draft, after his injury and surgery all that changed. 

The 2018 NBA Draft witnessed him a potential first pick in the first round slid all the way down to 14.  Another surgery after the draft but the Nuggets made it clear they were willing to wait, they would allow him to sit out the season.  MPJ would train and rehab to ensure he was ready for the 2019-20 NBA season. Last October he made his NBA debut and the balance of this story is yet to be written. Based on his limited play as a starter and now ready reserve we have a potential star in the making.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

Give the man credit! --- Thursday morning, I arose and the first letter I read, some joker claimed Tyler Herro was shooting in an “empty gym.”  The rookie shooting guard came off the Heat bench scoring 37 points helping lead the Heat to victory over the Celtics.  The 6 foot 5 Herro was not only hot but accurate shooting 66.7% from the floor.  

The 20-year old has been overlooked playing in the shadow of Jae Morant and Zion Williamson in the race for rookie of the year. By the way it doesn’t matter if Herro is shooting in American Airlines Arena or an arena in Lake Buena Vista Florida, the important issue is scoring the basket.  You might disagree on my take at times and that’s okay.  I hope I never make a dumb statement about someone “shooting in an empty gym.” In closing his shooting led to the Celtics finding themselves in a 3-1 hole.   

The legend of Drazen Petrovic---His NBA career was cut short by a tragic automobile accident at the age of 28.  Petrovic was drafted by the Blazers in 1989, this was a period Euro players were yet to prove they had the skill to play at the NBA level.  Petrovic from Croatia was already a professional by the time he arrived in the NBA having played 10 years in Europe.   

His time with the Blazers was not fruitful and he found himself on the bench as a reserve.  A trade was arranged sending him to the New Jersey Nets.  With the Nets his NBA career began to flourish with the trade.  Petrovic’s last two seasons proved to all he belonged in the NBA as his numbers increased substantially over his Blazer production. 

The guy was an iron man, the story is told he sprain his knee and was given months to rehab.  Working at his own pace Petrovic rehabbed his knee and only missed two weeks.  Petrovic died in an auto accident on the Autobahn June 7, 1993 in Germany, while a passenger.  Many believe Petrovic was on the road to NBA stardom when the tragic accident took his life at such a young age. 

What does the future hold? ---This is written prior to the NBA Championship; at this point it is unclear if the Lakers win or lose but it is being written anyway.  For Laker Nation, the window is closing for LeBron James, there is more NBA in his rear-view mirror than his windshield.  What occurs for the future of the team, finishing above .500 for the first time in years playing for the Western Conference Championship, how do the Lakers continue the winning ways?   

The question is somewhat difficult to answer at present, this is a veteran team built to win right now.  As for the future only, Kyle Kuzma stands out as a youthful keeper the balance of the roster will be history in 2-3 years.  Most of the youth was traded to acquire Anthony Davis, at this point a worthy move.  The roster is Kostas Antetokounmpo the 6-10 younger brother of Giannis, he’s only 22 years old.  Next up center Devontae Cacok who is 23 and a 6-8 center and Talen Horton-Tucker a 6-4 19-year old shooting guard.

There are veterans in their mid to late 20’s who might remain on the roster after LeBron retires.  All the draft choices didn’t evaporate in the AD trade so talent could be added via the draft.  The one thing we have no method to determine is free agency, LeBron arrived in this manner.  Could there be another LeBron type athlete available as a free agent?  The future for the Lakers remains somewhat clouded but optimistic.  So, this blueprint for the future is presented to Laker Nation for review. 

Have you seen them, or heard them? ---While watching a college sporting event it is entirely possible you heard an electronic whistle and didn’t realize it.  We cannot provide you a time and date however battery-operated whistles begin to make their way into organized sports in the last two years.  Several high school officials in football and basketball have begun utilizing them, the whistles pre-date Covid but make sense on a hygiene level. 

The common whistle in use today utilized by most officials is in the mouth, when blown saliva droplets are spread throughout the air.  The electronic whistle prevents this from occurring, it is held in the hand by a game official the only requirement is to push a button to signal a stoppage of game action.   The whistles are powered by an ordinary household battery which makes them inexpensive to operate.  As for the purchase price they a single whistle runs around $25.00 which exceeds the old fashion whistles.  Will the electronic whistle eventually come into common usage, that question remains unanswered for now?

Basketball from a fan perspective

Crash and burn---I’m a card-carrying member of Laker Nation you can decide to read this or skip it, the choice is yours.  All day Tuesday my thoughts would occasionally drift to the pending evening game.  I had a feeling the Nuggets would win for several reasons, that indeed was the outcome 114-106, what allowed them to win?  The belief by many Nuggets they actually “won” Game Two except for a desperation shot by AD. 

First, the Nuggets outrebounded the Lakers, from the floor shooting was almost identical the same for turnovers.  The Nuggets outshot the Lakers from the free-throw line, as for individual performances.  LeBron and AD had their usual games, the Nuggets received an outstanding game from Jerami Grant with 26 points.  Who wins the series, it’s my belief the Lakers ultimately win however I place no number in front of how many wins except 4?     

Bits n Pieces---This is not yet confirmed however this is the prevailing view.  Despite the fact we are discussing the start of the 2020-21 NBA season it might not begin in 2020.  Commissioner Silver in mentioning a start date for the season indicates it might be January 2021 before the league begins play again.   

It appears at least a portion of the early season college basketball tournaments might have found a home.  The word is the facilities at Walt Disney World might be utilized by several teams in a manner like the NBA.  This is a developing story so we must wait for the final word.     

It’s amazing to me the number who now expect a war for the Western Conference crown.  Despite my allegiance to the Lakers I never expected the Nuggets to roll over and play dead.  What I truly don’t understand are the guys on television and those writing doom and gloom stories about Lebron and the Lakers.  Down 3 games to 1 the Nuggets proved their grit by beating the Clippers in 7 games. 

Wow, Louisville basketball makes news once again in connection to the NCAA.  Former Coach Rick Pitino is long gone, and this latest accusation has nothing to do with the ex-coach as far as we can determine.  This violation is reported to be over recruiting violations, this one will require continued monitoring until it is resolved.   

Leadership skills---Kawhi Leonard is no leader before you begin tossing rocks in my direction allow for an explanation.  I didn’t state he wasn’t a talented player he’s just not a leader.  We discussed this question earlier and let’s delve into it a little further.  Leadership does not involve scoring the most points although it certainly helps, the same statement could be made regarding rebounds.   

From Last Dance we perceived in practice (and maybe at times during games) Bulls teammates probably hated Michael Jordan.  We cannot doubt MJ’s intense desire to win at all cost if we could measure the desire it’s probably off the chart.  Guys like MJ drive, no demand teammates play at a higher level.  It’s my belief leadership comes naturally; you cannot wake up one morning and decide to be a leader it must be born within that person.  That doesn’t say a person cannot adjust their leadership skills at the same time.  Don't expect Kawhi Leonard to lead any team, it's not part of his DNA.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Figure this one out---Billy Donovan is just messing with me, Tuesday morning I published a story indicating the coach was possibly headed back to the college ranks, but it might be awhile before he takes a job.  Then BAM, Tuesday afternoon comes the announcement Donovan will become head coach of the Bulls.  This move is strange for several reasons and perhaps the most unusual is this. 

Donovan left a Thunder team which finished 44-28 and earned a playoff berth. He’s now become the head man of a Bulls team which finished with almost the reverse record of 22-43 and was nowhere near earning a playoff berth.  Second to that I speculated Donovan would give himself time away from the game before returning to the flaming cauldron of coaching, especially at the NBA level.  Oh well, I cannot be right all the time and besides the fact my Tuesday account was titled Pure Speculation, so I get a do over here.   

His vocabulary---This is re-published from an earlier account because it’s interesting and funny to a degree.  If you lived in the New York Metro you’ve been listening to Knicks broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier for several years.  Frazier played 10 seasons for the Knicks and was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1987 and the College Basketball Hall in 2008.   

At the time the NBA honored the top 50 players of its first 50 years Frazier was one of the honorees.  Those outside the metro able to view Knick games on NBA League Pass or NBA TV are familiar with his broadcast style.  During a portion of a Knicks game Frazier used the word sagacious (suh-gey-shun s) in a description of game action. 

Most like me had no idea of the definition, it is not a word you might hear used in an NBA broadcast.  For dummies like me I decided to check the dictionary, “having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense: shrewd.”  Interesting use of the word and I guess it could be applied in an NBA game.  Thus ends, today's lesson courtesy of Walt "Clyde" Frazier.   

Sixer head coach---Anytime we are in the interview process and names are being tossed about generally I ignore the story.  I’m mentioning names because I’m a little surprised, this according to cbssports.com NBA page.  Mike D’Antoni late of the Rockets and Billy Donovan former Thunder coach.  This is just my observation, D’Antoni in my view is certainly no step up from Brett Brown. 

The Sixers will score but will they defend with him as head coach, D’Antoni must prove his teams can play defense.  As for Donovan this is almost a shocker, he’s not been hired but I believed he was more likely to return to the college ranks over another NBA job. Keep in mind neither have been hired however it remains a surprise for me both would be looking for a job so soon.  Earlier I wrote an account indicating my belief Donovan was headed back to college. 

Who replaces them--- One day it will occur; John Calipari will leave Kentucky and Roy Williams will retire at North Carolina?  Calipari is 61-years old as this is written so it might be awhile although he too could decide he’s had enough of college basketball.  Bill Self at Kansas might be the first of those mentioned to exit stage left however his might be for different reasons.  We have no idea of what occurs with Self however at age 57 he could head for an NBA job. 

Rick Pitino was fired at Louisville but after several years without a job Iona College hired the long-time coach.  In any event who replaces these coaches once they leave.  We believe the possibility of an assistant coach is highly unlikely, at one point in time that might have been the case.  Remember in 1988 when Roy Williams took over the Kansas basketball program, the announcement was met with “Roy Who”? 

Of course, he’d been a long-time assistant coach for Dean Smith at North Carolina.  Basketball programs with a national footprint are likely to lure a name coach from another major, a guy like Jay Wright at Villanova or Mark Few at Gonzaga.  In any event this is all speculation as written, not a single name (except for Self) might be on the move soon.  Nevertheless, it is worthwhile considering the future of several storied collegiate basketball programs. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Too many TO’s---Game One found the Lakers with few complaints, Game Two was far different.  Too many turnovers which directly/indirectly allowed the Nuggets to be in the position to win Game two.  The first half the Lakers were led in scoring by LeBron, the second half it was Anthony Davis.  The Joker came to play tonight, and he was certainly key to the Nuggets almost winning the game. 

With 2.1 seconds Rajon Rondo tossed the ball into Anthony Davis, for reasons unknown Mason Plumlee neglected to follow AD out to the 3-point line.  Jokic was guarding the in-bounder Rondo, Jokic realizing the ball went straight to AD made a valiant effort to block the shot.  Slow motion action showed the ball was mere inches above Jokic’s outstretched hand. 

The ball hit the basket when the clock read 0.00.  Ex Mizzou and Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. continues to grow his game; he came off the bench scoring 15 points for the Nuggets.  We know why this team was able to beat the Clippers, there is no quit in them.  Game Three is scheduled for tonight 8:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, we shall see what unfolds.

Wow---Speaking of Anthony Davis I thought this would be of interest to a few of you.  When we think of twins, we usually associated them with similar features but not in the case if they are fraternal.  The 6-foot 10-inch Laker forward has a twin sister, the information did not indicate which twin was born first however we know the tallest…it’s AD.  His sister is listed as 5 feet 8 inches tall; we might have guessed 6 feet or maybe a little taller.  We had no idea AD's sister was such a shorty compared to her twin brother.   

Pure speculation---Almost as soon as the Thunder were playoff eliminated Billy Donovan resigned as head coach.  A successful collegiate coach at Florida he surprised several when he left for the NBA Thunder in 2015.  The NBA is littered with landmines for college coaches however Donovan managed to make it work for him despite the fact he departed without winning an NBA Championship. 

Where does Donovan go from here, it would not appear to be the NBA, there are colleges waiting in line for him.  It’s likely he will cool his heels for a while and check out various opportunities.  We can bet money he won’t jump at the first job offer and why should he?  Two NCAA Championship teams with an overall winning record, the same for the NBA (.607).  We shall wait and see what opportunities are presented to Donovan, don't be surprised to hear his name when an announcement is made.  

Introducing---His name is Adem Bona, he’s 17-years old and is Turkish by way of Nigeria.  He was born on the African continent in the nation of Nigeria, after being discovered playing the game at an early age he moved to Turkey and now claims Turkish citizenship.  Bona stands 6 foot 11 and a thin 209 pounds, draftXpress.com indicates Bona is the number one international prospect. 

Bona is headed to Prolific Prep in Napa California some 47 miles north of San Francisco.  If you reside nearby Napa it might be worth your time to check out this youngster on the court.  The indication is Bona will be enrolled at Prolific for the next two years.  It would appear we should at least keep track of this youngster if he is as good as advertised by the scouts of draftXpress.com.    

Basketball from a fan perspective

Dagger straight through the heart---The Nuggets were about to tie the Western Conference series, there was but 2.1 seconds remaining in the game.  The Nuggets had a 103-102 lead, time for a catch and shoot, who would take the last shot? The ball was passed into Anthony Davis who hoisted a 3-point shot from the left side of the court.  By the time the ball dropped through the basket the clock read 0.00.  Of course a replay was required and the shot was declared good.  

Could you see it? ---Saturday night witnessed the Celtics winning 117-106 over the Heat, the series is now 2-1 in favor of the Heat.  Is it possible we could see a revival of a Celtics-Lakers Championship? Both teams must arrive at that point however rest assured NBA devotees would love to see it.  The teams last faced one another in 2010 with the Lakers winning the championship 4 games to 3, in 2008 the Celtics were winners 4 games to 2. 

Including the series mentioned the Celtics and Lakers have met a total of 12 times beginning in 1959 an NBA record. The opponents read like a who’s who of NBA history.  Bill Russell versus Jerry West, John Havlicek and Kareem Abdul Jabbar later it would become Larry Bird-Magic Johnson.  The last two championship matches featured Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant.  Can you see it in your mind’s eye, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James?  Hold on there a minute, we must arrive there first before we can begin this revisit.   

This is interesting---I’ve been a student of the game but there always one, two or more things you learn.  When the Lakers retired Kobe Bryant’s jerseys 8 and 24, I believe that was a first.  Whoa, not so fast there, research uncovered several similar instances.  Oscar Robertson had number 1 retired by the Bucks and number 14 by the Kings (his number when the franchise played in Cincinnati). 

Earl Monroe’s number 10 was retired by the Bullets/Wizards and his 15 by the Knicks. We could make the same statement about Pistol Pete Maravich, number 7 was retired by the Jazz and number 44 by the Hawks.  The Nets retired Julius Erving’s 32 and the Sixers retired his number 7.  Shaquille O’Neal’s 34 is hanging in Staples Center and 32 has been retired by the Heat.  Most interesting the Magic who originally drafted O’Neal are yet to retire his number or others on the Magic roster. 

I’m They are Back--- March 18, 1995 Michael Jordan sent out a fax (funny) with the two words: I’m Back.  If you remember the time or saw Last Dance, you remember MJ had retired from the Bulls to play baseball.  We decided to use it to reference the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season.  Steve Kerr’s team will be fully healed and restocked, they will become a force again in the NBA and especially the Western Conference.  Any rookie drafted is not likely to see a great deal of time on the court however with the second pick the Warriors could draft an athlete to aid their cause over the next several years. 

It could be Anthony Edwards shooting guard from Georgia or Memphis Big Man James Wiseman, a name we are unlikely to hear with the second pick is LaMelo Ball.  Nothing to do with talent rather usage, why draft a combo guard with a healthy Klay Thompson and Steph Curry.  On the other hand, the Warriors could draft someone other than the two names mentioned above.  The Western Conference will be even more competitive next season adding the Warriors in the mix for the championship.  Rest assured several foes in the Western Conference are not looking forward to the return of the Dubs. is now 2-1 in favor of the Heat.  Is it possible we could see a revival of a Celtics-Lakers Championship? Both teams must arrive at that point however rest assured NBA devotees would love to see it.  The teams last faced one another in 2010 with the Lakers winning the championship 4 games to 3, in 2008 the Celtics were winners 4 games to 2. 

Including the series mentioned the Celtics and Lakers have met a total of 12 times beginning in 1959 an NBA record. The opponents read like a who’s who of NBA history.  Bill Russell versus Jerry West, John Havlicek and Kareem Abdul Jabbar later it would become Larry Bird-Magic Johnson.  The last two championship matches featured Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant.  Can you see it in your mind’s eye, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James?  Hold on there a minute, we must arrive there first before we can begin this revisit.   

He changed the game---Michael Jordan changed the NBA in a manner you probably were not aware.  Once upon a time the NBA contained a rule allowing teams to only wear basketball shoes largely white or black, at that time most players wore Converse Chuck Taylors which are now fashion item.  Back then they were the top of the line basketball shoe.  It’s believed 1972 saw the first basketball shoes manufactured in leather,

One more shoe innovation would occur indirectly due to Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan 1 was introduced in 1985 but banned by the NBA based on the rules in effect at the time.  The Red and Black shoe was banned because the NBA had a 51% white rule in effect and these shoes violated league rules.  Most interesting in the later part of the 20^th Century we witness guys on the same team don’t often wear the same color shoes anymore.  There you have it one more example MJ changed the NBA game.