Basketball from a fan perspective

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Bits n Pieces  

On Wednesday, the NBA announced 1 athlete out of 549 tested positive for COVID.  You might remember recently we indicated the NBA sent out guidelines to all 30 teams.  This is no indication of continuing good news on the virus, it is good in that the measures thus far have proven effective.  As you are aware the news at the collegiate level is not as forthcoming.  It’s probably far easier to corral older NBA players to a routine over 18-20-year-old youngsters.  Most college players are likely away from home for the first time plus the maturity factor.    

Fran Fraschilla providing color commentary on the TCU-Oklahoma State game said this, “High school basketball in the Dallas Metro is among the best in the nation.”  Strong words coming from a Brooklyn New York guy.  New York City and other areas continue to provide basketball talent for colleges and the pro ranks.  As for Fraschilla he served as head coach at three colleges prior to becoming an analyst for ESPN. 

Kostas might be history

On Tuesday afternoon came word Giannis Antetokounmpo would remain in Milwaukee, he signed a $228 million 5-year contract which indicates his financial future is assured.  However, for younger brother Kostas the future might not be so bright, at least that might be with the Lakers.  It was never made clear; it would appear the Lakers signed Kostas in the hope this might aid them to sign older brother Giannis once he became a free agent. 

Now with the Giannis signing that possibility is out of the question but what does the future holds for Kostas?  During his brief basketball career, the 6-foot 10 power forward has played 2 games with the Mavs plus 5 for the Lakers after playing one season at the University of Dayton.  Pure speculation on my part however he must not be as talented as his older brother, this might be a fact.  Kostas signed a contract last month so he will remain on the Laker roster through the 2020-21 season after this we remain unsure of his future.

Daddy Ball  

The late heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali was known for predictions, generally he would announce ahead of a fight what round he would knock an opponent out.  For the most part he was accurate although often accused of boastfulness.  Super Bowl III, the Baltimore Colts were heavy favorites leading up to the game.  This irritated Jets quarterback Joe Namath to the point he predicted his Jets would win and they accomplished it.  Nothing wrong with predictions until you are proven wrong which is the case for LaVar Ball. 

When the “thing” doesn’t go in the manner Ball predicts he spins the account to favor him. I hope you remember the comment by him after Lonzo was traded to the Pelicans?  “The Lakers will never win a championship after trading my son.”  In October 2020 that statement morphed into “They (Lakers) in the bubble, they (Lakers) need to send me a thank you card, I gave them incentive to win.”   It’s interesting when one is good enough to always make the correct call.  Now his ire is aimed at the Pistons for releasing middle son LiAngelo.  “The franchise over there is raggedy as Hell…But Hey, they’re gonna learn the hard way.”  I guess it is too much to expect Daddy Ball to tone his pretension down, he is what he is. 

Coaches receive too much credit and too much blame

Have you heard the statement previously?  The adage points a finger toward coaches particularly those in the NBA.  Simply stated often when a team is losing or not playing well the coach is usually blamed over the players.  When that coach juggles his lineup and makes shrewd substitutions the coach often doesn’t receive adequate credit. 

Laker Nation is still in the honeymoon stage with Frank Vogel however he belongs on the other side…not enough credit.  This strange NBA season witnessed most of Vogel’s coaching skills exhibited during the playoffs.  The lineup utilized by the Lakers in winning the NBA Championship at times went with a small lineup and then return to a Big Man line depending which team they faced in the playoffs.  Defensive schemes utilized by the Lakers varied according to which opposition player required limiting the number of shots they might attempt.