Basketball from a fan perspective

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I’m not impressed

The Memphis Zoo had a new arrival recently; it was the birth of a baby giraffe.  Someone decided to provide the baby a name, why not name him after one of the city’s sports stars Ja Morant who plays for the Grizzlies?  That’s exactly what was done, the giraffe was named Ja Raffe.  I shared the story with my wife who gave me one of those looks, next time I will keep stories of that type to myself LOL. 

Speaking of gettin’ paid

Fred VanVleet has played his way into an NBA career; he signs a 4-year $85 million contract to remain with the Raptors.  The 2016 NBA Draft was held through rounds 1 and 2 and we never heard his name mentioned once, that’s because he wasn’t drafted.  Scouts didn’t consider him an NBA prospect or at least good enough to draft but boy were they wrong.  The point guard who honed his basketball skill at Wichita State was to become a valued teammate for the Raptors.  

VanVleet could have walked as a free agent however it’s likely in addition to being paid he wanted to demonstrate his appreciation to Raptors management.  Playing at Wichita State many in the metro had an opportunity to witness his play, did we believe he was headed for the NBA?  I certainly cannot claim I knew in advance; this I did know.  I saw a hard-nose, scrappy athlete who would run through brick walls to win.  I for one certainly appreciate his play and the fact he got paid. 

What do you think?

Shannon Sharpe applauded LaVar Ball for his ability to train his sons for the NBA since they were youngsters.  History was made draft night with LaMelo being drafted at 3, earlier Lonzo was the number 2 pick in 2017.  For the first time in history we had two brothers drafted in the Top 5 of the NBA Draft, this is certainly commendable for Daddy Ball.  I’ve always believed a portion of the vitriol aimed at the brothers was a result of the actions of the father. 

LaVar Ball is always over the top and his actions sometimes reminds one of the lines from the movie Patton.  Prior to a crucial battle the World War II general uttered words like the following to his adjutant.  “You know General, sometimes the men don’t know when you’re acting.  Patton’s response: “It’s not important for them to know.  It’s only important for me to know.”  Perhaps that’s been the case all along with LaVar Ball, he’s been acting for us NBA fans have become his audience.    

Wheeling and dealing

Rob Pelinka and the Lakers continue to revamp this championship team.  We have no idea if they win it all in the 2020-21 season, they certainly haven’t rested on their laurels.  The continued optimism by Laker Nation is based on the replacement players and attempting to upgrade the areas requiring just that.  The Lakers drafted Marc Gasol in 2007 but traded his draft rights to the Grizzlies for brother Pau.  The younger brother will now wear Purple and Gold, the Lakers traded JaVale McGee to secure Gasol to anchor the middle. 

Although he signed a 2-year deal Gasol is 35-years old, so this is a short-term move for the 6-foot 11-inch 255-pound center.  The downside, he’s not very mobile but neither were McGee and Dwight Howard.  Marc is an accomplished passer at the center position, he’s got range out to the 3-point line.  As proof consider this jewel, Kentavious Caldwell Pope led the team shooting .385 from distance, Marc shot .385 for the Raptors.  I would imagine the Lakers are not necessarily looking at him from an offensive standpoint, whatever he brings to the table will be satisfactory and his 3-point shot making is certainly a plus.  Is this the last of the deals for the Lakers?