Basketball from a fan perspective

What he said

My friend Jerome read the account regarding Kawhi Leonard on Sunday, he asked the question, “What are the chances of Kawhi signing a Laker contract?  What would he look like in Portland?  This is all speculation on my part but let’s attempt to answer the questions he posed.  The Clippers recently signed Paul George to a max deal, he is now the highest paid member on the roster.  Kawhi is still playing under his old contract, he will become a free agent at the end of this season.  It’s highly likely Kawhi signs a max contract with the Clippers or elsewhere, as for my friend’s question.    

For unknown reasons Kawhi did not appear to be comfortable signing with and playing for the Lakers along with LeBron James.  All things considered I have doubts at this point he would sign with the Lakers after the season is completed.  On the other the Blazers might be a different matter.  Currently the Blazers have Dame Lillard and C.J. McCollum two exceptionally talented guards, adding a Kawhi Leonard to this team might be the missing element allowing them to win an NBA Championship.   Pure conjecture on my part I believe the shadow of LeBron looms large over the Lakers with the Blazers that is non-exist.  

He might be the one

This is certainly no declaration of future success just a report on an outstanding game, LaMelo Ball became the youngest NBA player in history to register a triple double.  Three months past his 19^th birthday Ball scored 22 points 12 rebounds and 11 assists leading the way to a 113-105 Hornets win over the Hawks. The youngest of the Ball brothers just might be the one, the best of all the brothers. 

Ball is not starting at this point, but it might be difficult to see him continue playing in a reserve role.  The shooting percentage could be improved all though he managed to shoot well in his triple double game.  One scouting report indicated Ball had a problem with turnovers, that has not been evident thus far.  If Ball continues to progress at this level it appears, he might indeed be the steal of the 2020 NBA draft.  Prior to the draft several mock sites listed Ball as the top pick however he would become number 3 to the Hornets. 

Your eyes are okay.

I had to double-check my reading glasses; on Friday it indicates the Knicks have 5 wins in this early NBA season.  The Knicks are at .500 in January something that hasn’t occurred too often in recent years.  What in the world is going on in The Big Apple, could first year coach Tom Thibodeau have made that much difference in play?  As this is written I haven’t witnessed the Knicks in action however their play must clearly be improved.

There’s been little to cheer about in Madison Square Garden last season and several prior to that.  I haven’t checked the television schedule but I’m anxious to see the Knicks in action.  Get this, if the season ended today, the Knicks would earn a playoff berth something they haven’t accomplished since the 2012-13 season.  Whatever Thibodeau is doing he needs to continue it, rest assured Spike Lee is probably unhappy.  Annoyed because he can’t see his beloved the Knicks in person. 

Do we care is the question?

Zion Williamson 20 some pounds lighter than last season and a change in diet is having an effective sophomore year.  The mind drifted back to last summer and the accusation of money changing hands.  You remember the story, Zion’s former agent filed suit after he dropped her firm.  She then accused his family of receiving $400,000 while at Duke, receiving money while in school would make him ineligible.  The story turned out to be plenty of smoke but no fire just a great deal of finger pointing but a deeper question. 

What occurs if a similar story occurs with the next athlete and its proven money exchanged hands?  The NCAA is likely to penalize the athlete first and the school secondly, guess who misses being charged with anything?  Yes, you got it the NCAA which earns millions off the efforts of football and basketball players.  There are other sports which the NCAA is responsible however they don’t produce near the amount of income for the NCAA of college football and basketball.  As often stated, the NCAA manages to block the path rather than make road improvements.  The headline said, “Do we care” if a Zion Williamson receives extra compensation?  The answer is based on your beliefs regarding amateur versus professional.