Basketball from a fan perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

Another legend gone---We are often guilty of overusing the term legend, but that’s what Billy Tubbs was.  The former coach most associated with Oklahoma basketball died on Sunday of leukemia, he was 85-years old.  We can state with certainty before his arrival in 1980 the school’s football program was the sport of choice by most in Oklahoma.  He made those in the Sooner State sit up and take notice with “Billy Ball” his fast-paced brand of basketball.  While at Oklahoma his teams would win over 300 games and play in the NCAA Tournament or NIT every season. 

After leaving Oklahoma Tubbs would coach TCU and finish his career at Lamar University.  From 1971 when he began coaching through his last season in 2006 Tubbs never experienced a losing season.  The internet is full of quotes by the quick-witted Tubbs who always managed to provide humorous commentary on the game he coached and loved.  He was serious about winning basketball games, an example follows.  In a 1989 game between Mizzou and Oklahoma Tubbs upset with the officiating had earlier received a technical, the raucous crowd began throwing objects on the court.  Game officials requested Tubbs use the P.A. system to address the assembly and request they stop throwing objects on the court.  The link below is classic Billy Tubbs, by the way he was ejected after the announcement.  Place the link below on your browser.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM6dwb3zIIo

Boy is he skinny---Over the weekend I had an opportunity to witness Chet Holmgren play.  His Team Sizzle was in action against Team Storm in the Top Flight Invite AAU Tournament.  Allow me to say this up front, I would rather see a prospect in a regular high school game over AAU competition but that’s me.  As for my scouting report Holmgren appears to be a legitimate 7 foot 1 (on television at least) but boy is he skinny.  Rivals, ESPN100 and several other sites indicate he checks in at 195 pounds which is practically skin and bones with his height.  The commentator did indicate that is an increase in his weight, he was in the 180-pound range last season. 

Holmgren certainly has shooting range in line with many of today’s Big Men, he’s got a 3-point shot.  Because the Lakers Anthony Davis was mentioned during the telecast, I decided to check his stats at the time he was drafted in 2012.  Davis stood 6 foot 10 his present height however it was 222 pounds versus the 253 he weighs now.  Holmgren list has been reduced to 7 schools under consideration.  As for the weight issue, we’ve got to believe wherever he decides to attend college a strength and conditioning coach will work with him.  Holmgren led the way as Team Sizzle defeated Team Storm, he registered 18 points 18 rebounds and 12 blocked shots. 

NBA connection---Stephen Silas Rockets coach had an NBA connection early in life.  We are not referring to him serving as an assistant coach at several stops.  The reference is toward his father, Paul Silas was a former NBA player and longtime NBA coach.  As for the son, Stephen Silas attended Brown University, there Silas played basketball.  Since the 1999-2000 season he’s served in a variety of roles in the NBA. 

Silas’s been a scout, an assistant coach even once serving on the staff of his father Paul.  His various stops throughout his NBA career offer us proof he’s dealt with varying personalities over that timeframe.  The concern at this point is time, it’s our belief Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta must remain patient.  We have witnessed billionaire owners in the NBA and other professional sports become impatient in their team’s play.  This Rockets team is good but not championship quality, Silas must be given adequate time to mold the team in the image he sees for the future. 

A change---After owning the Jazz for more than 30 years the Miller family placed a FOR-SALE sign outside headquarters.  As per normal there is always an owner willing to step forward to purchase an NBA franchise.  In this instance the pending buyer is Ryan Smith who owns a software company, Smith indicates he grew up a Jazz fan even wanted to play for them at one time.  The reported selling price is $1.66 billion which is pending for now, the NBA’s Board of Governors must meet and approve the sale of the franchise.  Although the Salt Lake City metro is one of the smallest in the NBA fans have continued to support the Jazz over the years. 

I’m easy---If you provide enough convincing information, I can be persuaded to change my mind on a matter.  That’s the case for me on the Lakers acquiring Derrick Rose, you might remember I questioned any effort to acquire the point guard.  This hypothetical move makes sense on several levels, allow me to explain how adding Rose to the roster makes sense.  After a couple of NBA stops Rose proved with the Wolves and this past season with the Pistons he can still play at a high skill pace.   

He just turned 32 so he should have several top years of basketball remaining for his career.  Okay, you cornered me here are the two main reasons the Lakers should make the trade.  1.  The Rose salary is not astronomical like Chris Paul.  2.  LeBron James likes the guy from the brief time they were teammates with the Cavs.  Try as I might I’m not Ron Pelinka however I hope trading Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma makes sense.  One more point, Rose is a point guard he becomes the starter with Rondo relieving him off the bench.  There would be no drop off in production once LeBron takes his rest.