Basketball from a fan perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

No G.O.A.T. discussions here

The 12^th man on the 2020 Sixers could probably run circles around the 12^th man of the 1960 Celtics.  As for other matches they might be a slight bit more difficult to determine who is the best.  I would bet money (if I were a betting person) the 1960 Wilt Chamberlain could hold his own against 2020 Joel Embiid.  How about matching Oscar Robertson versus LeBron James would James shut down the Big O or vice versa. 

That’s a reach, no one really shuts down an opposition player let’s just say make play more difficult.  The athletes of the 21^st Century are better trained; they have improved conditioning over those of the 1950’s and earlier there is no argument with that logic.  It is unfair in my opinion to compare athletes who play in different eras of NBA play.  There are so many variables that make it downright ridiculous to compare LeBron James to Michael Jordan.  Just a few of my thoughts, certainly doesn't make it correct.  What do you think, am I on to something or off base regarding this view?   

Is he gone too?

“Sweet” Lou Williams is one of those guys, he could walk into a gym and hit 5-6 long range shots with no warmup.  Despite his sharpshooting we are reading reports the Clippers are attempting to trade him.  Like his teammate Montrezl Harrell the always accurate Williams didn’t shoot particularly well in the bubble however it might be more to the story.  We read reports he and Harrell were two of the Clippers who “appeared” to have issues with Kawhi Leonard and Load Management. 

It didn’t help Williams in that he left the Bubble to attend his grandfather’s funeral, he was present at the funeral but was also spotted later at a strip club.  Williams claimed he was at the club to eat; he was reported to have said they have the best wings around.  There might be one other factor, this could be a salary dump by the team.  There you have it the reasons why Lou Williams might be history with the Clippers.  If this appears to be a critical account rest assured, if I’m a GM and need a reserve shooter I'm going to ask the question "Is Lou Williams available?"   

Attendance

With no bubble in place (nor vaccine) how will the 2020-21 NBA season unfold?  Numerous questions exist, at the same time the prospect of COVID-19 looms over all activities.  There is no intent for the NBA season to be played in a bubble as existed in Orlando.  With the prospect of fans how do teams intend to host fans.  The Lakers indicate early games will witness no fans in attendance; that would lead us to believe Staples Center might eventually host fans even in a limited manner. 

On the other side of the building the Clippers are yet to announce their intentions.  In San Francisco, the Warriors indicate Chase Center will allow 50% capacity in the arena and their guidelines will follow those planned by the NBA and local ordinances.  As for Staples and Chase Center and others masks will be required for all fans over the age of 2, those sitting 30 feet from the court will be required to test negative for COVID-19 two days prior or a rapid test the day of.  There are additional guidelines in place, and they will be updated at a future date. 

No excuse is offered

You might remember we profiled several older citizens remaining active in basketball be it the NBA or college.  It’s been awhile however it’s my belief we missed at least one noteworthy senior and that is Bill Raftery.  Raf as he is nicknamed is 77-years old and fills the role of analyst for Fox Sports, not just a broadcaster he played and coached the game too.  Raf was drafted in 1963 by the Knicks but never played in the NBA, he began coaching at Farleigh Dickinson in 1963-64.  He would remain there until 1967 when he became head coach at Seton Hall lasting until 1981.  

As for broadcasting he went to work for CBS providing analysis for college games and later moved to ESPN.  It’s Raft’s work at CBS where he gained notoriety for his catchy basketball terms.  “Man, to man” in an excited fast voice as the game first begins is heard, “With a little kiss” his catch phrase for a bank shot.  “A little nickel-dimer”, his definition of a light foul there are other broadcast terms but those three are the standouts.  Bill Raftery another standout septuagenarian who refuses to be replaced, it should be clear to all he loves the game and loves broadcasting it.