Basketball from a fan’s perspective        

“You can’t win unless you learn how to lose” Kareem Abdul Jabbar 

Bits n Pieces-Laker center Andre Drummond wears number 2, he’s never worn that number with the Pistons or Cavs.  On March 29 when Drummond signed with the Lakers, he requested the number.  The significance of the number, it was the jersey number of Gianna Bryant, daughter of Kobe and Vanessa Bryant who died in January 2020 with her father and several others.   

Recently we discussed bully basketball, Shaquille O’Neal was mentioned, perhaps we could include Joel Embiid in that category too.  Despite his propensity to shoot from 3 he does have a back to the basket game and can bully opposing centers.  Against the Nets Embiid scored 39 points along with 13 rebounds and was 3 for 6 from the 3-line.

Why the focus on what you don’t do well, why not concern us with your upside.  An example might be the Mavs Luka Doncic, we continue to read and hear what he doesn’t do well.  Probably the chief one is “He’s not very athletic” is the one we hear most.  Is there a requirement to be athletic to play basketball at a high skill level?  We could make the same statement regarding Andre Drummond above.  His back to the basket play is out of step with today’s NBA.  This we do know; Drummond is a double-double player. 

In late March veteran LaMarcus Aldridge received a buyout from the Spurs.  The veteran NBA player would later sign with the Nets, he was expected to boost their reserves and be an occasional starter.  On April 15 all that came to an end as Aldridge abruptly retired, the reason cited health issues related to his heart.  It is certainly in his best interest to leave the game if a serious risk exists.  Thanks, LaMarcus and enjoy your retirement. 

This is likely to put you to sleep-Any time you begin a discussion regarding NBA defense its likely to put you to sleep.  Everyone loves to talk about the dunk or 3-point shot, defense is boring.  A discussion is unexciting however defense wins games.  Defense has kept the Laker ship afloat despite Anthony Davis missing part of February and the entire month of March.  An injury has sidelined LeBron James for the last few weeks and despite these key players missing the Lakers remain solid in several defensive categories.   

The Lakers are second in the NBA allowing the least number of points with 105.6 points per game.  Opposing teams are shooting 39.5% which places them behind only one other team, the Lakers rank second in least number of 3-point field goals made giving up 34.3%.  They are tied for first in steals and despite what you might have believed they are not in last place in blocked shots.  The team is to be applauded for stepping up to the task in front of them and coach Vogel and staff have done a magnificent job as well.  Are you asleep yet, good if you are awake now you know why the Lakers are still afloat? 

Mizzou basketball-Xavier Pinson announced early he was transferring, where was an unknown at the time.  On Monday, his destination would be LSU which is interesting in at least one instance.  It reminds of us the Star Trek story featuring the archenemy of Captain Kirk the Klingon known simply as Khan, rather than describe it click on the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQcQonPqs9Q

In other new with those who left, and the arrivals Mizzou has two scholarships available.  The belief by Rock M Nation is Cuonzo Martin would likely fill at least one slot with a post player, makes sense.  Yaya Keita is certainly tall enough at 6 foot 9 however he’s a freshman, don't expect him to play major minutes immediately unless he surprises us.  The indication at least for now 7-foot 3-inch 245-pound sophomore Jordan Wilmore is a project.  It would appear, notice what was just stated, those leaving have been replaced apart from a bona fide post player.  That is your update on Mizzou basketball through April 15, 2021.