Words eye view 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Different sport, same results

Kansas University football has reached an agreement with Les Miles, the coach will resign with an unreported payout amount.  I’m not going to detail the background story however it did provide us a reminder, Mizzou suffered a similar account several years back although only a portion resembles the other.  A negative story regarding Mizzou’s Frank Haith while he coached Miami was reported by Yahoo Sports in 2011.  Haith headed Miami basketball for a time before departing for Mizzou

In 2013 an agreement between Haith and the NCAA witnessed the coach being suspended for 5 games and by April of 2014 Tulsa hired him.  Poor play along with the events surrounding Haith’s past may have been contributing factors in his eventual departure.  In the same manner Haith like Miles departed after the season concluded.  In the case of both coaches’ background checks were reported to have been conducted, in both instances adverse information was missed.  I claim no HR expertise but wonder how much can be detailed to future employers.

Nobody leaves

The Lakers have an open roster spot, when they acquire a player it’s the hope it will be a buyout.  Despite the fact I stated the Lakers wouldn’t sign Boogie Cousins he remains on the open market.  The player I personally covet is Andre Drummond, his positives far outweigh the negatives.  Since we are discussing him let’s check them out, he’s got no 3-point shot a skill several current Big Men possess.  He’s not a good free-throw shooter but any team that endured Shaq on their roster what can I say? 

Drummond is not a great defender around the basket however good team defense could support him.  The positives, he is furious at rebounding the basketball and is an adequate rim protector.  In Drummond, the positives far outnumber the negatives.  The Nets can throw more money in his direction, but the stipulation might be the ability to start.  If he took the Brooklyn money does he replace DeAndre Jordan in the lineup?  With the Lakers this is a non-question, he becomes the starter and Gasol backs him up.  Finally, I’m unsure if the Lakers have enough assets to interest the Cavs in a trade unless another team is added in the mix. 

The landscape has changed

I hardly ever listen to sports talk radio but did so this afternoon.  Ken Pomeroy of kenpom.com was a guest, naturally the discussion centered on the upcoming NCAA tourney however the other dialogue is the basis for this account.  Pomeroy mentioned how much the college landscape has changed and he’s correct.  Today’s high school prospect desiring an NBA career has multiple paths to that objective.  They could decide to get paid immediately by heading overseas to play (see LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton). 

On the other hand, they could choose the G-League and Team Ignite and get paid, see Jalen Green or Daishen Hix projected 2021 draft picks.  The final choice is become a one and done player the route of most top prospects.  This represents those athletes who believe the NBA is in their future, there are others who might require seasoning.  A pro career might be in the back of their mind, they remain in school a full four years developing their game. 

They are the exception over most prospects, as you can see the landscape indeed has changed.  NOTE: As this account was completed came an announcement.  Overtime Elite i.e., OTE plans on a September launch, we have no idea if it makes an impact, but this is the proposal.  “They will target top-ranked players ages 16 to 18 who are willing to forfeit their remaining high school eligibility and future college eligibility to earn six figures.” *  

*ESPN.com/nba/story

Is it true?

ESPN’s Jalen Rose claims “The Warriors informed LaMelo Ball he was their choice.”  This story remains in the realm of it could have occurred, I have no reason to disbelieve Rose but it’s a problem if true.  The draft is always a mystery even to the evening of the event however why make a promise you have no intention to maintain. This draft like those of the past might have come down to a 50-50 proposition if you are debating a James Wiseman and Ball decision that’s okay but the promise remains a question.