Basketball from a fan perspective

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We don’t always receive what we desire---LaVar Ball has made his selection    ahead of the November 18 NBA Draft he WANTS for son LaMelo.  The only glitch we don’t always receive what we desire, teams could trade down to draft lower.  In addition, we never witnessed Scottie Pippen in a Sonics jersey because a draft night trade sent him to the Bulls.  With both   scenarios out of the way consider this fact, six teams would pass Ball before he would be available to the Pistons.  It could occur but the Wolves, Warriors, Hornets, Bulls and Hawks all would pass on Ball before the Piston pick.  In closing I try to never say never however we might believe the Pistons or Knicks just might not have the opportunity to choose Ball unless a deal is worked out.   

Trivia---With the 2020 NBA Championship in the books we have an interesting bit of trivia to share with you.  The NBA first begun play in 1946 is 74 years old, in that time two franchises have dominated the championship series.  The Celtics and Lakers with 17 championships apiece totaling 34, that's nearly half the championships won since the league first began play back in 1946.   

Highly unusual---A bunch of newly hired coaches are busy taking stock and analyzing the needs of their teams, in addition they are active assembling their coaching staffs.  In Brooklyn, the composition of the coaching staff might be a little different from any other staff in the NBA.  Head coach Steve Nash is adding his former coach to his staff.  The Nets are finalizing a deal adding Mike D’Antoni to the staff.

The highly unusual aspect of this paring D’Antoni was most recently the head coach for the Rockets.  As for the past D’Antoni was the head coach for Nash at two NBA stops, the first time with the Suns and the second time when the two were coach and player with the Lakers.  We’ve had father-son coaching combinations in the past, a later account will detail Stephen Silas new Rockets coach and his father connection.  Without an internet search we are unsure if this has ever occurred before, a coach and former player reversing roles.  

Sell yourself---I have believed for several years half of obtaining a job is selling yourself.  That might sound strange however I believe it to be the truth.  I remember once interviewing for a job, I was offered a position in the initial interview, it’s my belief my confident manner provided the provided the interviewer the impression I could perform the job.  I didn’t take the job, who knows I might have been terrible working it but that was not the impression conveyed. 

Where am I going with this you might ask…straight to LaMelo Ball prospective top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.  This is pure speculation, but the rumor circulating Ball is not interviewing well on his journey among various NBA teams.  There are reports this might cause him to drop further in the order for the 2020 NBA Draft. Anything further stated at this point would be further speculation on my part.      

Okay Gary---Gary Parrish covers NCAA basketball for cbssports.com, generally I’ve found his writing insightful and thought provoking.  I disagree with his latest article written October 29 titled “College basketball coaches on hot seat: Who is lacking job security and might need a good 2020-21.”  Sean Miller coach of the Arizona Wildcats is one of five Parrish identifies on the hot seat, who is missing from his list is Bill Self at Kansas.  Self annually turns out a winner so no complaint by me on that account.  Parrish indicates his belief the administration at Kansas is willing to stand by Self no matter what penalty the NCAA mandates. 

To my knowledge no school has been given the “Death Penalty” since SMU received it for football back in 1987.  I will repeat what I wrote earlier, it is possible Kansas will be acquitted of a reduced number of charges but certainly not escape punishment regarding all.  One additional note, although Self threatened to sue the NCAA back in June there is no indication it ever occurred.  A portion of this can be laid at the feet of the governing body, if you intend to punish you should move forthright and quickly.  The reported improprieties occurred over three years ago if my math is correct.  The NCAA might be just as guilty for dragging this entire process out.