Basketball from a fan perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

The 2020-21 NBA season---The NBA began playing an 82-game schedule in the 1967-68 season, the number of games was increased that season as the league expanded to 12 teams.  The NBA has continued to play an 82-game season despite the increase in the number of teams which today totals 30 in the U.S. and Canada.  Several years the NBA managed to play fewer than 82 games, this was due to labor issues between owners and players.  The 2020-21 season beginning December 22, 2020 will see a shorten season due to the pandemic, NBA teams will consist of a 72-game schedule.

King of analytics---Could I inform you I’m not impressed with Daryl Morey?  If you are unfamiliar with the name, he is the new president of the Sixers, he’s been with the Rockets since 2006 and general manager from 2007 until recently.  There is no hatred or anything that serious it’s the job performance by Morey.   October 15, he resigned as general manager of the Rockets and November 2 he was hired as president of the Sixers.   

Reading his education, we might believe he is in the forefront of the analytics group.  Former NBA player Charles Barkley and I don’t agree on numerous things, we do on the issue of analytics.  I don’t understand it however that’s not the question, my subject might be has Morey won anything utilizing analytics?  We realize it is not his job to score baskets or rebound the basketball however I’m not exactly sure what makes him such a hot shot front office person. 

NBA draft---As this is written we have days remaining until the NBA draft, this is a check from our two sources of knowledge.  These are nbadraftroom.com and nbadraft.net, the top choice or projected number one will be shooting guard Anthony Edwards from Georgia.  Edwards will be selected by the Wolves; Edwards will probably move into the starting lineup replacing Malik Beasley.  Both polls also agree with the second pick, they indicate Israeli forward Deni Avdija is likely the second pick to the Warriors.  Picks three and five are not the same however both polls are projecting LaMelo Ball to the Bulls as the number four choice.  As we move closer to the November 18 date an update will be provided.   

Whatever comes up comes out---Several believe I’m a Skip Bayless hater that is not the case.  This is Bayless of Fox Sports prior to the start of the NBA season, “This will be LeBron James toughest NBA Championship.”  This is Bayless immediately after the NBA championship, “This was LeBron James easiest championship.”  We realize Bayless had no idea in October the NBA would shut down in March and would not restart until late August. 

Bayless had no idea if The Bubble would work.  In conclusion he says this was an “easy” route to an NBA Championship?  In addition to the physical part I wonder if he realize the Lakers (and Heat) were disconnected from their families for up to three months.  Bayless is certainly entitled to his opinion but sometimes placed together they don’t make a great deal of sense.  Perhaps Bayless should stick to the NFL, it appears he's got a view of the NBA but lacks basic knowledge.   

This is difficult---Chris Paul might be the best choice, the downside his huge contract says it is not possible to add him to the Laker roster.  Money aside there are three free agent players I believe the team could add plus financial stability could still be maintained.  Piston point guard Derrick Rose, he’s 32-years old meaning he’s should have several years ahead of him.  He’s a good three-point shooter but probably ranks at number 3.  Next, we have Pacer shooting/point guard Victor Oladipo, he’s only 28-years old. 

The downside Oladipo has injury issues but is an exceptionally reliable 3-point shooter.  Last, we have Jordan Clarkson who the Lakers had at one point, a different front office traded this talented guard.  He’s last on the list but that has nothing to do with ability rather finance, the 28-year old would have the largest contract of the three. It should be of note Clarkson would be the best 3-point shooter of the bunch.  I believe a point guard over any other position, one of them would start with Rondo playing a reserve role.