Basketball from a fan perspective

Bits n Pieces---Yesterday we discussed the championship ring issue surrounding Laker guard Avery Bradley.  It appeared Bradley was reluctant to ask the team for a ring and the matter wasn’t clear what the Lakers front office intended to do.  On Friday, the subject was clarified, GM Rod Pelinka announced the Lakers would award Bradley a ring.  Rest assured there are some who might be opposed to this move but it’s my belief this is the best move that could be made.  

We never thought of former NBA great Gary Payton as a coach, up to this point in time he never indicated a desire to coach.  Guess what, “The Glove” has now decided his future now lies in the coaching ranks for some NBA team.  From a player standpoint there is no argument the Hall of Fame Payton knows the game, the question will he be able to communicate it successfully as a coach? 

At this point we have no idea what might prevail for the college basketball season.  This we do know; teams have begun practice and preparation for the season however it might play out.  As we approach the dawn of the season at least two high profile coaches might be flying beneath the radar but there is pending trouble on the horizon.  Bill Self and the Kansas program have been under scrutiny for a considerable period.  There is no indication when this story finally breaks.  Meanwhile down the road at Wichita State Coach Gregg Marshall is also under the microscope for alleged issues.  COVID notwithstanding hopefully we can have a semblance of a season.    

This is another story related to the Kansas basketball program, but it involves Silvio De Sousa.  The coach indicated De Sousa is withdrawing from school desiring to focus on personal issues in his life.  If you remember De Sousa had eligibility issues which forced him to the sidelines for a period.  The athletic department became his best friend as they petitioned the NCAA to clarify De Sousa’s eligibility.  They were successful in their efforts to aid De Sousa in re-gaining his eligibility and he was able to play last season.  The upcoming season is a different matter, De Sousa’s decided to leave the program and many of us are shaking our heads.  Whether it was the eligibility issues or something else the curtain now comes down on his time at Kansas University.   

The ship has run aground---Rockets GM Daryl Morey resigned on Thursday; this follows Mike D’Antoni leaving as coach of the team.  The front office and coaching staff must be replaced, where does the team stand as we prepare for the 2021 season?  The Rockets are a veteran team with outstanding shooting by James Hardin and Russell Westbrook but that’s about all.  They are adequate defensively but woefully short sided and that’s not a joke.  We are unsure of the architect behind the move, but it was decided the team would begin playing small ball.  The Rockets experimented with a lineup featuring Richard Covington at 6 foot 7 the tallest player in the starting lineup. 

Were the Rockets attempting to duplicate the Warriors you ask, well not quite.  We tend to forget Warrior championship teams had Andrew Bogut and JaVale McGee both 7 feet.  Neither player was the focus of the offense however they were able to accomplish those Big Man things, guard the paint block a shot rebound and score occasionally.  The small ball Rockets had the tandem of Hardin and Westbrook.  Talent prevailed in the regular season, but this offense was curtailed once the playoffs began.  Where do they go from here, help is not coming from the draft?  This "new" Rocket front office and coach whenever it is hired certainly has it's work cut out for them.   

I’m allowed to change my mind---If Mark Jackson wants a coaching job so be it.  You might remember I once wrote my belief the NBA was blackballing him.  That might indeed be the case however does he really need a job?  No, not really working for ESPN/ABC provides Jackson adequate income, sitting behind a mic is far less stressful than making out a starting lineup or dealing with egos.  The chances are good Jackson is being compensated in a satisfactory manner otherwise he would have left the network several years ago.   

My thought goes to Dick Vitale, most probably fail to realize Dickey V. came out of the coaching ranks.  He’s been on television so long many under age 20 might believe television is the only job he’s ever held.  As Jackson travels from place to place across the landscape keep this in mind.  He might have left at any stage of his life to seek employment as a coach.  We don’t know if Jackson has any desire to coach at the collegiate level or if he is even qualified.  In any event coach keep doing what you are doing until a future lucrative offer is available you might desire. 

Trade---At the time the Lakers were discussing an effort to acquire Anthony Davis we heard several names, one of the names mentioned was forward Kyle Kuzma.  The Lakers were reported to have said “NO, NO we have no intention to include Kuzma in any trade.”  As proof of his value the Lakers had no issue trading first round pick Lonzo Ball but said no on the other.  Kuzma was thought to be a star in the making after scoring 18.7 points per game as a starter. 

It appeared Kuzma never adjusted to playing a reserve role and it’s likely he will be traded this off season.  Many in Laker Nation are okay with a trade however there is an issue for this member.  Kuzma is only 25 years old, barring injury he should have a long and fruitful career for some NBA team.  Trade him that’s okay…trade him for a 32-year old Derrick Rose causes me to say I am unsure about this reported move.