Basketball from a fan perspective

Bits n Pieces---We received the information regarding the NBA Draft on November 18.  It is what we expected, it will be on the order of the NFL draft.  Commissioner Silver will announce the first round from the ESPN Studios in Bristol Connecticut, the second round will be completed by Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.  We’ve been informed several of the drafted players will be available virtually. 

Can you believe Terrance Clark left $400,000 on the table?  Yes, that’s the reported figure the 6-foot 6-inch wing said, “thanks I’m going to head for Kentucky and John Calipari.” Clarke had an offer from the G-League to join Team Ignite comprised of outstanding high school talent.  “Coach Cal obviously is going to get me ready (NBA) said Clark.”  I’m unsure if I would have passed on this if I’m 18-years old and basketball talented. 

The money payed is earned, it’s not stolen or misappropriated in any manner.  Our reference in this instance is the large sums of money most Division I schools pay their basketball coaches.  You know what is even more interesting, basketball falls in line behind football at most of these institutions?  What does that say, it simply states the whole system is out of whack.  Students graduating with huge student loans to repay, that ain’t right. 

He said it---We are reminded, LeBron James was asked the question a year ago.  Coming off a groin injury which sidelined him for 18 games in 2019 more than ever in his storied NBA career.  LeBron said, “If I am healthy, I’m playing” which was a dig at the Clippers and their load management of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.  Doc Rivers said, “It’s our philosophy, I don’t know theirs (Lakers).  I think theirs is whatever LeBron says it is.” 

The 2019-20 season was different because there was a significant break in play.  From roughly early November through June at the end can amount to well over 100 games played.  The season is long and tiring for NBA players, despite this statement there is a belief by many the Clippers and Tyronn Lue must come to a meeting of the minds.  We shall see how this plays out for the Clippers in the 2021 season. 

Best Laker coaches---The success of the Lakers can be pointed toward the players.  Also, in the mix and a contributor to the success of the franchise is the number of coaches who were at the helm especially in leading them to championships.  Who are the All-Time Top coaches in Laker history?  This is my opinion so here goes:

Phil Jackson-5  

*John Kundla-5

Pat Riley-4 

Jerry West-0

Fred Schaus-0

Paul Westhead-1

Frank Vogel-1

Bill Sharman-1

*Minneapolis Lakers coach

There might be a question why I included the names of Schaus, West and Vogel in the number, neither won a championship and Vogel just won his first.  The first two upheld the Laker standard of play while they led the team and the 2020 win provided us proof Vogel knows what he is doing.  Head coach of the Lakers that first year in Los Angeles was Fred Schaus who was head coach from1960-67, Schaus compiled a .563 winning percentage.  West retired as a player in 1974, three years later he was named head coach and ran the team successfully until 1979, his Laker team made the playoffs each of those years, he compiled a .589 winning percentage.  As for Vogel I know what you are saying, “Vogel’s only got one championship he needs to do it more than one time to prove it was no fluke.”  Until someone proves him wrong its my belief Vogel was the coach for this team.  We don’t hear anybody claiming, “Jason Kidd should have been hired.”