Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Good coaches tell you where the fish are, great coaches teach you how to find them.” – Kobe Bryant

Bits n Pieces 

Much as I hate to type this, without a healthy AD the Lakers will not repeat as NBA champions. In fact, they could lose this series versus the Suns, I’m unsure which was most disheartening to Laker Nation on Sunday. Losing Game three 100-92 or AD going down with yet another injury, I’m beginning to believe last season might have been the perfect storm. The key players (AD & LeBron) were healthy for the bulk of the season. A healthy Laker team was able to compete and win a championship. 

Former Jazz center Mark Eaton died on Saturday the result of a bicycle accident. Eaton was one who player who spent his entire career with one team this being the Jazz. He was the center for that (John) Stockton to (Karl) Malone duo which won several games for the Jazz of that era.  There was no requirement to score for the 7-foot 4-inch giant, he blocked shots and clogged the lane effectively with his 275-pound body. In 1985 and 1989 Eaton was chosen Defensive Player of the Year, Eaton was 64-years old at the time of his death. His journey in basketball is quite interesting, playing a reserve role in high school Eaton went to work immediately thereafter as an automotive mechanic, can you imagine driving into that  shop and being greeted by a 6-foot 11-inch (at the time) person, R.I.P. big guy?

I forget, you forget, they forget…maybe. My memories good, yes on occasion I must hand write reminders or add them to my iPhone to aid me. We are all guilty at times, we forget all sorts of events we even forget portions of a conversation or even a statement made during a conversation. With that said perhaps I’ve been too harsh with many of those in sports media. Apart from the actors (and you know who they are) in a 3-hour radio or television broadcast that media person might tend to forget what he or she might have stated. Okay they get a pass at this point, it’s the actors I have issues with be they card carrying members or former athletes. Despite what some in the public might believe in my opinion they are not in place to entertain; they are to inform.  

In this part of the country on radio or television not much discussion of the NBA exists, I understand and have become accustomed to that fact. What I don’t understand when there is a comment for it to be negative for no apparent reason. A local radio guy claimed, “There was 0 interest in the playoffs.” Was he discussing locally, he never made that clear? I always wish to be informed, don’t toss out information without providing a source and expect me (and others) to believe it. If a story is speculation in Off the Dribble always there is an attempt to point that detail out. 

Blue Blood programs

The headline is the term we apply to those basketball programs steeped in tradition. You know them annually they are in the Top 25 usually, most often the Top 10. You know the names Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Kansas and UCLA. There might be an argument in some circles including UCLA in the count, check out their NCAA championship history. If your statement, is they have won anything recently you would be correct. There is an issue, if we exclude UCLA, we might as well omit Kansas too, they haven’t won the tournament since 2008. By wins they are in order:

Kentucky 2,329

Kansas 2,323

North Carolina 2,294

Duke 2,214

Temple 1,945

Is that a shocker, Temple University in 5^th place all-time wins? If we look at the basketball history the school’s been playing since the 1894-1895 season there has been little turnover in the coaching ranks. Despite this fact there are two coaches who stand out. The late Harry Litwack coached the Owls from 1953-1973, compiling a 373-193 won-loss record and the late John Chaney. Chaney was head man from 1982-2006 and his record during this time was 741-312, combined the two coaches won 1,114 games.

Stay the course

After playing for the NBA championship last season most including me expected a deeper future run by the Heat. They have now been eliminated in the first round by the Bucks and now are ready for the off season. What me worry appears to be the view of long-time president Pat Riley. He indicates the Heat have a nucleus of young players and will stay the course. If we check out their roster, we might understand why Riley takes this position. The Heat are only long in the tooth in a few areas Goran Dragic, Trevor Ariza and 40-year-old Udonis Haslem.  

There are a few other veterans including Jimmy Butler aged 31, the balance of the roster is in their 20’s. The Heat played for a championship last season with a youthful roster. I’m unsure the full story this season however I trust Pat Riley.  If he indicates they need to stay the course I’m a believer in his words. With a couple of draft picks and maybe a free agent pickup they will likely be okay. After all the Heat won 40 games with this roster finishing in second place in the Southeast Division. The only question as this is completed, I have no idea the status of those roster members unnamed. Are of losing any of the core once the free agency period begins. 

Bill Bradley, Renaissance Man-Part I

After retirement NBA players have pursued several varied occupations. Bill Bradley is the only one who served as senator in the U.S. Congress, but we are getting ahead of the story. Bradley was born 77 years ago in Crystal City Missouri about 50 miles south of St. Louis, he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. Bradley excelled in the classroom as well enhancing his academic standard. An All-State basketball player there were numerous basketball scholarships, but he chose Ivy League Princeton. Then as now Ivy League schools offered no athletic scholarships.  There were numerous honors accorded him while he was enrolled at Princeton All American, College Player of the Year and other honors. At the time the NBA had in place territorial draft picks.

“In the first 20 years of the BAA/NBA, the league was still trying to gain the support of fans who lived in or near the teams' home markets. To achieve this, the league introduced the territorial pick rule to help teams acquire popular players from colleges in their area who would presumably have strong local support. Before the draft, a team could forfeit its first-round draft pick and then select any player from within a 50-mile (80 km) radius of its home arena. Although the territorial picks were selected before the draft, these picks were not factored into the overall selection count of the draft; therefore, the first non-territorial pick of the draft was considered the first overall pick.” It was stated Princeton (New Jersey) was one mile closer to New York City over Philadelphia thus Bradley became a Knicks draft pick. Bradley although drafted didn’t report immediately, he was in Europe attending Oxford University.

Wikipedia

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Leadership is an ever-evolving position-Coach K.

What were they thinking?

The muddled sale of the Wolves franchise caused me to reflect to an earlier time. The Wolves had worked for several years attempting to persuade Ricky Rubio to play in the NBA. In the 2009 NBA draft the Wolves managed to secure three picks so it would be possible to pick him, why Rubio? The Spanish phenom’s exploits on the court had been well documented at an early age. In the 2009 NBA draft the Wolves would make Rubio the 5^th pick in the first round of that draft and then it occurred. With the 6^th pick they decided to choose point guard Jonny Flynn of Syracuse, the confusion would continue with the 18^th pick as they chose Ty Lawson of North Carolina. What were they doing, attempting to corner the market on the top point guards in the 2009 draft?

Well, these strange moves didn’t exactly work out for them, Rubio didn’t arrive from Spain until 2011. He would play for the Wolves until 2017 when he was traded to the Jazz, in 2019 Rubio signed a free agent contract with the Suns. In late 2020 we’d witness Rubio being traded to the Thunder who two days later traded him back to his starting point in the NBA, the Wolves. As for Flynn he managed to play two years for the Wolves and then it was Rockets and Blazers. Since then, he’s played in Europe and had a couple of stops in Australia, Europe and the CBA. It appears he’s no longer an active player anywhere. The Wolves would trade Lawson to the Nuggets for a future draft pick, he never donned a jersey for the franchise. Without additional research we cannot determine who the Wolves might have received in exchange for Lawson. 

Charles Barkley Part II

During a discussion on the NBA, a friend made this statement to me “I like Charles Barkley, he’s entertaining.” I certainly wasn’t in agreement although we continue our relationship. I don’t hate Barkley, there is no dislike on my part I expect an analyst to point out stuff for me and others. It seems sometimes that fact is often elusive for me (and maybe others). Barkley’s played the game at the highest level and is in the Naismith Hall of Fame so his background says he should be good at the job. Barkley’s role should be a piece of cake however his message becomes muddled at times.

This is the issue for me, it’s likely a few fans believe as my friend states “he’s entertaining.” I realize I’m different, I don’t want guys like Barkley to entertain I want them to inform. An analyst cannot and will not be correct in all instances and we should take that fact into consideration. This is an example, as we are aware LeBron James suffered a high ankle sprain, from what we’ve been led to believe this is not a quick recovery. On Inside the NBA Barkley must have stated LeBron “didn’t look good in the first half.” This after the game “LeBron “played better in the second half” of Game three. Is this information insightful, you become the judge?

The Nets finally have a home

Rest assured we have no evidence if this is true however it was reported at the time. In 2002 when the New Jersey Nets played for the NBA championship this incident was supposed to have occurred. A media member from Kansas City claimed he was unable to locate any Nets gear inside New York City. All that’s changed now, yesterday at work in Kansas City a youngster came into our workplace with a Nets baseball cap on. That might not have occurred without the Nets moving to Brooklyn in 2012. The problem for this franchise is movement, founded in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans in the ABA team it seemed home was always subject to the next move.

In 1968 they moved to Long Island and were re-branded as the New York Nets. In 1977 they returned to New Jersey becoming the New Jersey Nets. In New Jersey home was the Izod Center and later it became the Prudential Center in Newark. New ownership brought a change in direction which included a planned new arena in Brooklyn. Barclays Center was opened in 2012 in the borough of Brooklyn. Thus, the city claimed two NBA franchises despite one of them was named for a borough and the explanation is interesting. A few generations of Brooklynites remember when a major league baseball team had Brooklyn emblazoned on their jersey. If we fast forward ownership has been bold in its effort to acquire free agency and we might see proof of that effort in 2021 culminating with a championship.

Few know his name     

Amar’e Stoudemire is retired now; he would experience an incredibly good NBA career. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James are about to close out their NBA careers as well, as for Lenny Cooke that’s a different story. You are asking the question who he is, Cooke is a 6-foot 6 inch forward born in Atlantic City New Jersey, he was supposed to have been better than all of them. What occurred, why did we never see him in a college or NBA jersey? It really depends on who you check with, I located one video that affirmed what was said earlier. There is a second video claiming Cooke despite his talent was lazy, unlike the others he never worked on his game.

In Northern Valley High School in Old Tappan New Jersey Cooke appeared to be surrounded by people who only told him how good he was or how much money he could earn. In any event it was reported at least three NBA teams indicated they would draft him when their turn came in 2002, it didn’t happen. He’s bounced around playing in various leagues here and overseas, but the NBA never called him. Cooke is 39-years old now, he’s an age he should have retired three or four years ago if an NBA career had ever occurred. There are several parties who claim Cooke is at the core for the NBA adopting an age 19 or one year removed from high school. From all indications Cooke was never in trouble however his poor academics and numerous schools might have been a contributing factor in the NBA bypassing him.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Don’t let the sum total of your existence be eight to 10 pounds of air”-John Thompson the late Georgetown coach.

It appears he is likely history

About this time last year Makur Maker made national headlines, the 6-foot 11 inch 5-star prospect announced he was headed to Howard University. Maker became the first high profile athlete in 10 years to commit to an HBCU school. The school located in Washington D.C. is one of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. As for the 2020-21 Howard season can we say it was a catastrophe?  The first occurrence Maker was injured after playing but two games, then it was covid as the Howard program was shut down all together.  It’s being reported on Friday he is declaring for the NBA draft although it appears he will leave the door open for a possible return to Howard, he’s not hiring an agent.  

Charles Barkley Part I

This is for Charles Barkley and others; it's too bad Chris Paul is unable to play at 100% but consider this fact. LeBron was out for 6 weeks and missed 20 games, AD was absent in 30 games. In both instances they are not 100% recovered yet they are playing. What if this scenario or something similar had occurred, the two Laker stars missed 0 games or a small number the roles might be reversed?

The Lakers could just as easily be the 2nd seed and the Suns resting at 7. Unfortunately, no matter the sport injuries are part of the game, they can certainly impact a team’s performance. It is difficult to measure the impact of a hobbled Chris Paul or a less than healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Athletes of this caliber cannot be simply replaced in the lineup and a team moves forward. Those named and others are the Heart and Soul of their respective teams. If Barkley and others wish to provide me information, it would be nice if they considered the BIG PICTURE.

Another snag develops

Hold on a moment the sale is not yet finalized, i.e., Minnesota Wolves franchise. We are not privy to the bill of sale, but this reported development. We don’t have detail on the total number of present owners however there must be at least one. This minority shareholder is attempting to hold up purchase of the team by Alex Rodriguez and business partner Marc Lore.

The sale of the Wolves franchise was to include a provision the team would remain in Minnesota. According to this shareholder that is not the case, he claims there is no stipulation written specifying the information just provided you. I can only speculate which certainly might cause me to draw an inaccurate conclusion. Are the partners pulling a Greg Lukenbill on Wolves fans, that’s okay if you don’t remember Lukenbill? He purchased the Kansas City Kings, claimed there was no intention to move the franchise. Within two years Lukenbill applied to the NBA for permission to move the team to his home Sacramento.

I give you permission to laugh at me

Laker point guard Dennis Schroeder will re-sign with the Lakers, that’s a bold statement from Larry Laker considering he turned down an earlier offering. It’s difficult to project myself in front of a $$$$ issue but I believe the reasons are evident. Schroeder could sign for less money and still be okay, the Los Angeles/Hollywood endorsement opportunities available could prove quite beneficial for his future.

We’ve read several complaints about aspects of his game but are they valid? If we just look at the numbers his FG percentage and scoring is slightly down from last season. This could be the result of playing starter minutes for the Lakers versus a reserve role with the Thunder. In closing allow me to display my bias, Schroeder is one of those athletes I’ve always admired. First with the Hawks and later with the Thunder he provided proof he could play at the NBA level. His biggest asset to me is his speed, end line to end line in a foot race I would match him against Russell Westbrook, John Wall and anyone out there. In closing this brief account remember the headline, I certainly will.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Stop looking for happiness in the same place you lost it-unknown

A change

If you are linked to Words eye view you now notice the blog has a new name, it’s now titled Off the Dribble. The original title was a nod to the former legendary Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn. Because Hearn simulcast Laker games on radio and television, he painted the broadcast he said in the Words eye view. At the time we first began publishing if you Google the term this blog was the only one referenced. There are now two others with the same title thus the name change. There is no other modification except for the name, if you enjoy Off the dribble, please continue to read it daily, in addition refer it to your basketball friends.

Thank you

Larry Laker 

Two NBA cities, a similar occurrence  

The Sixers beat the Wizards somewhat easy on Wednesday, Russell Westbrook left the court with an injury. A “fan” and I use the term loosely decided rather than eat his popcorn he’d toss it on the exiting Westbrook. Naturally, Sixer security removed the fan, but the issue goes much further, I’m reading responses to the incident. I stopped reading after the first 5 or 6 letters due to 2 of that number. Two individuals decided to inform us “how Westbrook was a hothead” and he went on to criticize Westbrook because he was restrained from going into the stands. Two issues, if you’ve read this blog any length of time you realize Westbrook is not one of my favorite players, but I will defend him to the hilt in this instance.

The popcorn certainly didn’t hurt Westbrook but the question we might ask the fan why? I didn’t see the game but from the final score (120-95) it appears the Sixers were clearly in command. Meantime a few hundred miles east in New York City a similar incident occurred. A fan decided he’d deposit some spit on the Hawks Trae Young. The fan was caught and ejected; he was not a season ticket holder but has been banned for an indefinite period.  No wonder we have violence problems in this nation if we cannot control our emotions any better than this. In Philadelphia, the ticket holder seasons pass has been revoked and he has also banned for an unspecified period too, but this is more than troubling. We have a percentage of the population who allow their emotions to dictate their actions. In addition, from the letter responses we read there are others who believe the actions of both fans are no big deal.  

Covid basketball

To see Madison Square Garden filled for the Knicks and Hawks game was a good and bad thing on Tuesday evening. Good from the standpoint New Yorkers are rightly excited about their Knicks, the team has played pathetic basketball over the last several years. Fans of the franchise haven’t had a great deal to be proud of. The attendance released indicates there were 16,000 fans inside the world’s most famous arena.

The crowd gathered outside after the victory was shoulder to shoulder too. The inside and outside gathering represents the Bad, all I could think of is it safe, is it safe yet? The last year of covid has caused me great trepidation whenever or wherever I witness large crowds gathered.  It appears in the U.S. we might have turned the corner on this dreaded plague, and I hope that is indeed the case. I read no details, but hopefully standard precautions took although I never saw any facial coverings.  

The Vampire Diaries

Just like Dracula lives on and on in movie after movie so does the Zion Williamson story. The Pelican forward is no vampire but just like a vampire story every time you believe the story is dead it rises once again. That is the case for the latest news, the account claiming Zion’s parents had received payment while the young man was in high school. In 2018 the NCAA and Duke conducted an intense investigation of his background and the family.

The NCAA Clearinghouse approved Zion to play at Duke. If both institutions managed a thorough background check how come nothing turned up at the time? Where is the evidence, to simply state we have it and fail to present the evidence leaves me highly skeptical? So, this case continues to drag on, every now and then a portion of it rises again. It’s too bad we don’t have a stake to drive through its heart, that’s what they do in the vampire stories be they movies or television. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Did you hear the news?

Six high school powerhouse programs are forming a league, it will be titled The National Interscholastic Basketball Conference. The NIBC will begin play in the 2021-22 basketball season. Conference schools are: Oak Hill Academy (Virginia), Montverde (Florida), IMG Academy (Florida), La Lumiere School (Indiana), Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas) and Wasatch Academy (Utah). Two additional schools will be added prior to the start of the season, the NIBC will have a commissioner leading the conference.     

The mouth that roared

Charles Barkley has struck once again; we are unsure if this statement made was prior to the Lakers-Suns series or after the Lakers lost Game one. This from Mr. Barkley, “Nobody is scared of the Lakers” we hope this is indeed the case. In the NBA you put on your big boy pants, no complaining allowed although we know it does exist.  

A curse

The Clippers sat Kawhi Leonard and Paul George down and lost the last two games of the regular season. They were accused by several in the media of attempting to avoid playing the Lakers in the first round which they vehemently denied. Remember me, I wrote on Tuesday morning there was no such thing as a Clipper curse, this was written AFTER the 113-103 loss to the Mavs this past Saturday. Then it occurred again, Tuesday night, despite the best effort of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George the Clippers fell once again. This time it was a 127-121 loss to those same Mavs, the Clippers now find themselves in an 0-2 hole. 

We read in this morning’s headlines from them, “There is no level of concern.” This from Paul George, Ty Lue and maybe others after the loss. They are not concerned, perhaps somebody should point out to the Clippers they are in the playoffs and in an 0-2 deficit. It would appear the playoffs have now become a speed bump for the Clippers, last season it was the Nuggets, this season it might be the Mavs. They have now lost 5 consecutive playoff games dating back to last season. One additional note, defensive specialist Patrick Beverly was torched for 39 points in 38 minutes by Luka Doncic. Don’t you imagine he might require a nickname for this game? Former player Reuben Patterson once announced to the world he was “The Kobe Stopper.” A funny thing occurred; he didn’t do much stopping against Kobe. 

Change is evident

Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin’s made no statement to this effect, but change is upcoming. The roster contains 7-foot 3-inch Jordan Wilmore on the roster he’s the exception, the balance of the roster would appear interchangeable. The incoming crop of freshmen plus holdovers and the newbies, all are generally the same size. Imagine this to occur during a timeout all five players are replaced, not because the first team is playing badly.

The intent is for Mizzou to play a speedier game and fresh troops are required for this change. The first thought you this might be acquainted with the “40 minutes of hell” originated by former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson. His disciple Mike Anderson now at St. John’s embraced this type of pressing belly button to belly button defense. The early belief Mizzou’s effort might not be quite that extreme. The key to play an up-tempo defense is to score the ball something Mizzou had issues with at times. Keep in mind this is written in the middle of May and is all speculation on the writers part.

The best seat in the house

I’ve attended several college and NBA games in Municipal Auditorium, Kemper Arena and T-Mobile Center. For this analysis high school arenas are omitted from this account. What’s the best seat in house, before you give me your opinion allow me to provide a little background from me. Twice I’ve had the opportunity to sit in a sky box, plenty of food to eat not good for viewing a game unless you look at the monitor. I didn’t drive to the game to watch the game on “television.”

Once I had Jack Nicholson/Spike Lee seats, awful seats. For all practical purposes you are on the floor right in the middle of the action however the players at times blocked my field of vision. I once sat in an end zone bleacher seat; it was okay however I was accustomed to viewing the game side to side as on television. You are given an unconventional view from the end zone; they are okay but certainly not the best. The best seats in the house are those in the middle section of an arena halfway up. The seats allow you to see the court in its entirety, your view is not obstructed by players on the court.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

NBA honors

The first announced NBA award winner for 2021 is Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson. The former Mizzou Tiger was named 6^th Man of the Year.  18.4 points per game and .347 from the 3, Clarkson was Mr. Instant Offense for the Jazz. Many of us first witnessed his play at Tulsa, it would continue once he transferred to Mizzou. In 2014 Clarkson was drafted in the 2^nd round with the 46^th pick by the Wizards but his rights were traded to the Lakers. There have been a few more stops prior to landing in Salt Lake City. Congratulations are due Jordan Clarkson as his NBA star continues to rise. 

One of the worst teams in the NBA

There are several candidates for this honor and the Sacramento Kings don’t have the worst won-lost record in the NBA. The foremost reason they are mentioned is the length of time the team has spent near the bottom of the NBA. We have written on the futility existing in New York with the Knicks, they appeared in the playoffs in the 2012-13 season. The last time the Kings were in the playoffs was the 2005-06 season. Is coaching the issue, since Rick Adelman departed in 2006 the team has had 10 head coaches most of whom were replaced some involuntarily. 

One of those 10 was a guy by the name of Mike Malone who took over the Nuggets and has guided them to three successive winning seasons. Reports are current coach Luke Walton is in hot water but is it all his fault trying to keep this sinking ship buoyant? The records indicate the team’s drafted 30 players since the 2006 season, if we subtract 7 players taken the last two drafts our number is 23. De’Aaron Fox selected in 2017 and Marvin Bagley in 2018 represent the only drafted players from that number remaining in Sacramento. This account fails to look at trades, but it really doesn’t matter, as you can see questionable coaching hires plus questionable draft picks.  Where does that lead us, an inept front office and ownership group. 

The man youth, the myth, the legend

Notice, because he’s only age 16 about to turn 17 “man” has been replaced by “youth” in the idiom. In this instance we speak of Mikey Williams a 6-foot 3 combo guard, after beginning play for San Ysidro High School in San Diego he plays for Lake Norman Christian School in Huntersville North Carolina now. Williams is entering his junior year of high school and 247Sports.com plus rivals.com awards him 5 stars, on 247 he’s number two and rivals list him at 5 in the Class of 2023. 

How do we figure he’s legendary, recently his AAU team We All Can Go was the featured team in the Kansas City Classic? According to reports the gathering was mostly in attendance to view Williams in action. His game versus Team Trae Young witnessed a packed HyVee Arena as no social distancing was evident in this pandemic age. He exhibited several dunks in the teams warmup preparation. This is where the disclaimer is listed, this endorsement is no prediction of future success on the court. Looking ahead is always speculative until we arrive there.

Point forward?

Former Bucks coach Don Nelson would often have Paul Pressey run the offense. Although he was listed as a forward on the roster Nelson utilized the passing skills of 6 foot 5 Pressy. For all practical purposes that’s been LeBron James, from Cleveland to South Beach to Cleveland and now Los Angeles he’s listed as a “small” forward. LeBron at 6 foot 9 and 250 is more likely a point guard in the mold of Magic Johnson,

If we wish to consider him a point forward his assists numbers throughout his career exceed those of Paul Pressey mentioned above. Last season with 10.2 assists per game he led the NBA in that department, for his career he averages 7.4, the latter number exceeds those of many point guards in the association. If we look back over the course of his Hall of Fame career (I know he’s not there yet) we see his assist total was 5.9 as a rookie. It’s interesting in a sense most don’t see LeBron James as who he is a pure point guard.

Finding your niche

Drafted by the Magic from Duke, when JJ Redick arrived in the NBA in 2006 a great career was projected for him. As this is written he’s injured and out for the season, Redick is 36-years old now on the downhill side of his NBA career. The run has been great but nothing close to what was envisioned, Redick has made the rounds throughout the NBA but there is a reason. He’s been a dependable distance shooter especially from 3-point range.

I believe he is an athlete a little slow of foot but fits a niche, a shooter. That’s what Redick’s provided throughout his NBA career. Now with the Mavs and we don’t know if this is the end or not. This we do know with a $6 million annual salary whenever he retires, he and his family should be able to live comfortably the balance of his life. He’s got a podcast company, so Redick is certainly looking to the future beyond basketball. Talented shooter JJ Redick an athlete who “discovered” his niche in the NBA. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Die with memories not dreams-unknown 

May 27, 1985

That was the date, the Boston Massacre occurred, for you students of American History that was the second event. The original massacre transpired March 5, 1770 and was one of the foundations of the American revolution against colonial rule by Great Britain. I find it interesting in the fact the Celtics beat the Lakers 148-114 in Game one of that 1985 series, many believed that was the opening salvo to another championship for the Celtics. This series witnessed the Lakers returning from the poor start in Game 1 to win 4 games to 2,

This would become only the second time in their history the Celtics lost the deciding championship game at home. Don’t you find it interesting there are legions of fans who now believe the Laker-Suns series is “over” after one game, teams in the past have won playoff series after being down 3-1.  I cannot speak for Laker Nation however I can speak for myself; I am disappointed with the outcome of Game one with the 99-90 loss. The Lakers could lose this series, still they may not repeat as NBA champions, we just don’t know the future. This I do know, all of (well most of ) Laker Nation is proud of this team and will continue to claim Purple and Gold forever.  

Take up another pastime

We continue to read and hear complaints regarding the NBA, the objections are aimed for the most part at the social and civic stance taken by several players. This is a reminder once again; this is not your grandpa’s NBA, it’s not even your father’s NBA. The change you desire going back to an earlier time ain’t forthcoming and it’s bothersome to many of you. "Just shut and dribble" is not going to work for a number of players. The suggestion was made a few months ago and it still applies today, you might consider another pastime. NBA, NFL and other athletes are not returning to the 1950’s so if you are bothered…well. On second thought there is another suggestion, you can continue to follow the NBA and other sports but ignore the other.

Name tag

I echo the statement from Jemele Hill former ESPN journalist, I hope I’m not guilty. I don’t think so, over the length of time this blog’s been published I don’t believe I’ve called anyone out of their name.  That is the term used when a media person in discussing an individual in a negative light attaches a derogatory tag to them.  This could be “bust, loser” or some other adjective in discussing a person. I’ve concluded anytime you must apply that type of tag to someone it details for all your juvenile mind.

I realize over the years many negative comments have originated from my publication however I hope those written their integrity was never maimed. Many in media especially the visual one believe freedom of speech allows them to make any statement they chose. It was once said by a politician, “Freedom of speech does not allow you to yell fire in a crowded theatre.” It is not now or never been okay to hang a negative tag on a person whether we are discussing the NBA or politics.    

There is no curse

We continue to read headlines, “Is this the year the Clippers break the curse?” I’ve got news for folks who wrote that story and those who believe it. There is no such thing, the Clippers haven’t won a championship because they were incredibly bad for several years. The 2005-2006 season became their first winning season since the San Diego days of the franchise. Generally, from this point going forward they were able to assemble competitive teams.

The problem, they always managed to come up short once they reached the playoffs. It was the Lob City group that failed to win for a variety of reasons, later it would become the Clippers of    Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Sorry folks, all versions of the Clippers failed to advance for one reason or another, a curse…sorry I refuse to believe that’s why they lost. This is the year they can debunk the annual headlines and talk associated with a curse.  Do the Clippers win the 2021 NBA championship, we must wait to July for that answer? 

Global game

Unlike many other sports only basketball particularly the NBA has become a world game. This was no accident it was purpose driven, it was begun by the late commissioner David Stern and has grown throughout the years. Business interest is a key component but developing talent is part of the picture as well. The NBA conducts operations in each of the locations below.

NBA Asia (Hong Kong, Manila)

NBA Canada (Toronto)

NBA China (Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei)

NBA Europe (London, Madrid)

NBA India (Mumbai)

NBA Latin America (Mexico City, Rio De Janeiro)

NBA Africa (Johannesburg)

NBA teams here will never travel to distant lands except for exhibition and the occasional regular season game. The NBA brand, less than 30 years ago there were no world offices as there are now. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle-Unknown

Roundball Rock

From 1991-2002 broadcast network coverage of the NBA was strictly in the domain of NBC.      It was this period we heard Roundball Rock at the beginning of every NBA telecast, there is nothing like a great theme or fight song to put you in the mood and this certainly did. Entertainer John Tesh is probably one of the few persons one associates with sports particularly NBA basketball.  Tesh would write in my opinion the best theme song ever for the NBA and to this day no one has been able to top it. Check out the YouTube versions below, one live and the pre-recorded version of Roundball Rock. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-cSFPglc90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pnl1ulaG5k

Bits n Pieces 

It was her not him, a news report broke late Friday, according to the account LeBron James wanted the Knicks. Savannah James wanted the Lakers, the question if this is true why anyone would doubt it occurred. Most men are often influenced by their wife or significant other in decisions or problem solving, this might be one more example. You might have heard the expression often “Happy wife, happy life.”

Did you catch it, Rudy Tomjanovich on his entry into the Naismith Hall of Fame? Prior to accepting the honor said Robert Horry deserved to be there as well. Certainly not shocking, Horry helped win two championships while a member of the Rockets. After Horry left the Rockets with the Suns, Lakers and Spurs he took on a reserve role, clutch shot maker when called on. He’s got 7 count them, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 NBA championship rings. Of all the clutch shots this was the greatest in history for Laker Nation. As for the Hall of Fame, that’s the coach talking not me. I refuse to say yes or no based on the last time, I said Dennis Rodman didn’t belong and look how wrong I was there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaDi_HR7bT4&t=148s  

The Warriors expected Klay Thompson to return but he suffered an injury forcing him to miss another season. James Wiseman and Kelly Oubre Jr. were expected to contribute but they experienced injuries which sidelined them at points for the season. What do the Warriors have to look toward in the 2021-22 season? A wise draft pick in July plus the return of the walking wounded, Thompson, Wiseman and Kelly Oubre Jr. and continued health for Steph Curry. See where I’m headed with this story, the Warriors made the playoffs with vital missing parts next season expect a deep playoff run.  

Laugh out loud

“Ranking opponents by upset potential” read the ESPN headline and it caused me to laugh out loud. If I knew ahead of time which team was possibly going to be upset Las Vegas would go bankrupt. Truth is ESPN has no idea either just an observation the same as me or you. Upsets have occurred in the playoffs since the leagues founding. Just last season the Miami Heat were a 5 seed yet managed to play the Lakers for the 2020 NBA championship.

If we look further back in time the 1995 Rockets were a 6 seed yet won the NBA championship, what might we guess the odds were back then. The number 8 Nuggets didn’t win the championship but upset the number 1 Sonics in 1994. Perhaps the greatest upset in NBA history occurred in 1975, the Warriors defeated the Bullets (Wizards) 4 games to 0 for the NBA championship. Those are but a few upsets with a speedy history check, rest assured there are other examples. 

The Dallas Spurs 

Some of you are sitting there scratching your heads, the Spurs have always belonged to San Antonio. That’s not quite correct, the American Basketball Association Chaparrals came into existence in 1967, their home at the time was Dallas Texas. According to history the team was bad and suffered from poor attendance, three years after its founding “Dallas” was dropped, and the team became the Texas Chaparrals and adopted a regional schedule playing in Fort Worth and Lubbock. That moved failed and they would return to Dallas placing the cities name up front again.  

In one of the strangest moves maybe in sports history a group of San Antonio businessmen “leased” the team for a period. Games would be played in San Antonio and if an agreement to purchase could not be reached the team would return to Dallas. The shorten version of the story an agreement was concluded, and the team was renamed the San Antonio Gunslingers, prior to playing their first game they became the Spurs. The balance of this story you might be acquainted with, the Spurs would become one of four teams added to the NBA after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. The team closely identified with the City of San Antonio had its birth in Dallas and would spend its first six years of existence playing in the city along with Fort Worth and Lubbock.   

I don’t work for the Chamber of Commerce 

According to Wikipedia Akron Ohio’s population is about 200,000 souls, at its largest it   never exceeded 300,000 and that occurred in 1960. Despite the populace Akron’s produced some impressive basketball talent over the years. This is a did you know, LeBron James and Steph Curry were born in the same hospital 39 months apart? Before those two are enshrined in the Hall of Fame there were others in front of them. Center Nate Thurmond is generally known for his time with the San Francisco Warriors and Bulls later, he’s in the Hall.

Next up Gus Johnson who might have been the first NBA player to break a backboard with his furious dunks. The Baltimore Bullets (Wizards) were winners back then due to him and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Johnson is also enshrined in the Hall. Next up Steve Johnson, drafted by the Kansas City Kings he spent several years in the NBA with stops in a number of NBA cities. Jerome Lane is no longer in the NBA but had a 7-year career playing principally for the Nuggets, he attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School the same school which LeBron would attend. We close with Larry Nance Jr., drafted by the Lakers in 2015 he was traded to the Cavs in 2018 where he remains. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Today only happens once…. make it amazing-unknown 

Kwame Brown

I wrote a detailed commentary and decided against publishing it.  Despite what Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless and others have stated Kwame Brown is no scrub. They believe freedom of speech allows them to call Brown and others derogatory names. 

The other Van Gundy

Jeff is his name and many of us certainly hope he finds something else to do besides NBA basketball. I’ve held a grudge for several years, but it now appears I have gained at least one ally.  Alex Schultz wrote in the SF Gate “ESPN announcer Jeff Van Gundy is even crankier than usual for the Warriors-Grizzlies play in game.” How many ways can I describe his commentary, okay one example. Last season while broadcasting a Laker game it was mentioned the number of championships the franchise had accumulated.

With no prompting this from Van Gundy: “They should only count the championships won while in LA.” A quick check discovered how much in error his statement was, we only need check the Kings. The Kings website lists them as NBA champions in the 1950-1951 season. The franchise was in Rochester New York and known as the Royals, of course they would move to Cincinnati, Kansas City and finally Sacramento. My wife has a saying, “What comes up comes out” which refers to people blurting out whatever comes to mind, that certainly fits the other Van Gundy.

Why I’m not bothered

A report is circulating the parents of Zion Williamson received payments from Adidas while the young man was in high school. If true, there are several questions which remain unanswered to this point. The bank records of a former Adidas employee are reported to detail this information. If you remember the story this is part of the Adidas mess that’s been dragging on for years now. If true there are questions, if a background check of a prospective high-profile athlete is investigated who conducts it? If the account is true, you might say   Zion should have been ineligible to play at Duke, guess what I don’t care. This not an NCAA problem but in a manner of speaking it is, the governing body of collegiate sports continues to operate with 1920 rules.

The NCAA wants anyone earning income be deemed a professional. What exactly does any youngster receive from the NCAA other than granting eligibility? Did you wonder why in this pandemic climate the NCAA followed the NBA’s lead playing all tournament games in a Bubble? It was revenue plain and simple, this source of income covers nearly half of the organizations activity we are led to believe. With no tournament played in 2020 due to the pandemic the NCAA had to ensure it be played in 2021. You didn’t ask but here goes, if Zion had been paid by Duke to attend school that would be a different matter for me. To date as far as we know that has not been the case, as with most an effective counter might alter my view however I don’t believe by a great deal.  

A dunk that changed a game

We’ve mentioned the dunk was disallowed in the college game for several years. The NCAA gave some lame brain reason why it was banned, the dominance of one Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) was the reason. Abdul Jabbar was long gone to the NBA by the time UCLA played in the 1970 NCAA championship, despite the dunk being banned it would turn out to be crucial to the victory. UCLA would face Jacksonville for the championship, the UCLA squad was undersized compared to Jacksonville. UCLA stood 6 foot 9, 6 foot 9 and 6 foot 7 across its front line. Jacksonville had 7-2 Artis Gilmore and 7-foot Pembrooke Burrows probably the first twin towers in basketball history.  

Early in the game Jacksonville’s height advantage handicapped UCLA’s attack. Often 6-9 Sidney Wicks and 6-9 Steve Patterson were forced to double team Gilmore, and this continued to create problems for the defense of UCLA. Then it occurred in the first half, Wicks upset at the direction of the game dribbled the ball on the left wing heading on a collision course toward Gilmore. Wicks went up and dunked the ball over Gilmore, officials blew the whistle and Jacksonville was awarded free throws but that was it. UCLA would go on to claim another national championship while threshing Jacksonville 80-69. Below is a YouTube link to that game, the only problem the video is fuzzy and unclear. Hopefully around the 4-minute mark you will see the dunk that Williamson received payments from Adidas while

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvAMOHQk3g&t=286s. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I never lose. I either win or I learn-Nelson Mandela

(Some) Kansas fans are unforgiving

I’m unsure what possessed me, I turned on one of the local sports talk radio stations driving to work on Thursday morning. This was rare for Kansas City the NBA is hardly ever a topic of discussion however Andrew Wiggins was. For those who might be unaware Wiggins was a one and done athlete at Kansas. The co-host somewhat trashed the game he played the previous night against the Lakers. He said something about him “disappearing” which didn’t make sense to me. At a point Wiggins alone might have been solely responsible for the Warriors remaining in the game.

Wiggins certainly wasn’t the focus of the Warriors offense with Steph Curry a Warrior. He was the second leading Warriors scorer with 21 points on 10-18 shooting 55%. As for this host comment about disappearing I had to research his statement. Wiggins did indeed have a poor game for Kansas when they faced Stanford. He scored but 4 points on 1-6 shooting, I wonder if this sports guy managed to see what I uncovered. Kansas as a team shot 32.8% from the floor, Tarik Black was the high scorer with 18 points. No other Kansas player was in double figures as they lost 60-57 and were eliminated from the 2014 NCAA tournament. 

Pioneers

Several might remember we mentioned a while back Overtime Elite, this new league announced it intended to sign high school talent and groom them for NBA play. High profile prospects would be guaranteed six-figure contracts and possible additional earnings from their likeness or commercials. They are here, Matt and Ryan Bewley 6-foot 9-inch twin brothers announced on Friday they will sign with OTE. The twins are Class of 2023 prospects so they would be leaving school in weeks if not already. OTE is reported to offer the equivalent of a high school diploma as well.

What occurs from this point is a mystery its early, the twins are the only high school players thus far to announce they are signing with OTE. Currently the brothers have been enrolled at West Oaks Academy in Orlando Florida their hometown. This announcement certainly bears watching over the next few months to see if it produces fruit. In a somewhat related report Scoot Henderson also made news on Friday, Henderson is from Marietta Georgia near to Atlanta. He’s a 6-foot 3-inch point guard and the Rivals number 13 prospect in the Class of 2022. In the case of Henderson, he is headed to the NBA G-League and Team Elite. In this case the 17-year-old has signed a $1 million dollar contract already. The evolution that is amateur basketball continues to evolve over time.

Was it the NBA or Tom Thibodeau?

By now you are aware Hawks coach Nate McMillian was fined a large amount of money. The interim coach made his belief known the NBA wanted the Knicks in the playoffs. McMillian might be correct however the credit is more likely in another direction. I believe its coach Tom Thibodeau the Hawks coach should give credit. We don’t believe the Knicks are championship ready however they are certainly on the way. This is a twofold effort its part Thibodeau and the Knicks roster, after all the players must decide if they want this coach to lead them. History says several coaches have been replaced over the years simply because the team found them lacking in some manner.

Who do you trust

If you are old enough or familiar with television history, you are aware. Years before the late Johnny Carson began his role as host of the Tonight Show there was a quiz program titled Who do you Trust which he also moderated. “Married couples compete to answer questions; the husband decides whether he or his wife will answer.” If this sounds chauvinistic keep in mind this was 1950’s television as we knew it. We are not discussing couples rather its people; we are over saturated with opinions on basketball matters, especially the NBA.

We have present day and former players offering their opinions, we have media members voicing theirs. Finally, we have guys with access to YouTube offering their opinions as well plus guys like me. The question becomes who do you trust to provide you the information? For the YouTube crowd and guys like me check them at the door, you can determine bias early into the video or printed word. I believe I made it known on the front page “About Me”, I’m part of Mizzou and Laker Nation. As for the media your best judgement is made by you, is the person providing what you believe is trustworthy information or simply attempting to secure clicks?   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Glass half full or half empty

The Lakers won a highly contested game on Wednesday evening versus the Warriors 103-100. LeBron James sank a 3-point basket in the waning seconds of the game sealing the victory. We can all agree the Lakers could have lost this game…. but they didn’t! The Warriors led at the half 55-42 and lost the game, a 13-point lead and they lost allow that to sink in. Much of Laker Nation (including me) is confused by some of the responses seen and heard.

This is one of the stories, a website claimed the Warriors have had past issues with two of the game officials. It didn’t stop there the number of letters I read indicating the Lakers were lucky to win was unbelievable. One writer claiming luck allowed the Lakers to win failed to mention the 20 turnovers committed by the Warriors. Then the media began to weigh in on the subject, a well-known ESPN guy claims “The Lakers are not going very far with LeBron playing on one leg.” I kinda believe LeBron can decide himself if he needs to be on the floor. In addition, I wonder if this guy has a medical degree in addition to journalism.   

Fact or Fiction 

The man, the myth the legend that was the late Wilt Chamberlain. There are so many stories circulating on Chamberlain’s exploits it is sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction. The other issue the NBA at much of the time he played was not covered extensively as it is now. This story continues to circulate, although you might have missed it earlier its being repeated. NBA documentation identifies four player quadruple doubles in the leagues history. They are Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.

How about a quintuple-double registering numbers in five areas of a box score? Chamberlain was reported to have accomplished this task, a quintuple-double on March 18, 1968 against the Lakers. The difficulty with recognizing the “record” the NBA did not record blocks and steals in 1968, did it really occur? We just don’t know; the NBA began recording both in the 1973-74 season. Here are the Chamberlain numbers: 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks and 11 steals. The late Harvey Pollack was the keeper of stats for Philadelphia and the NBA. Do we trust the keen eye of Pollack for this game or is the blocks and steal total suspect?

He spoke

I hope I’ve always made it clear my view of a particular subject is not the only view. On Wednesday, an account was published in response to an ESPN First Take and the subject matter focused on a comment made by co-host Max Kellerman. That is the case you are about to read, Chris read my account of Max Kellerman and added his view of the subject, here goes. 

“These meetings produce rivalries of greatness. In some instances, one person outshines the other. In many, they push a debate over which is the better player since the contests are so close and in some, one player simply outshines the other. So, in that respect I agree one person can impact positively or negatively on a legacy. It’s called rivalries when they play each other Mr. Kellerman. But it’s a pretty lame argument the way Kellerman uses it.”

I can agree as Chris points out perhaps a second or third party can affect one’s legacy but not in the manner Kellerman attempted to point out. It’s interesting in another aspect, I no longer watch First Take. Updated news feeds on my phone provide teasers which increase my curiosity.  Once again Kellerman and Smith managed to rile me up again with their “performance.” Back to previous pursuits until the next time these two or others manage to annoy me again.

Kyle Kuzma is a keeper   

My guess Laker fans more than others have been screaming all last season and this TRADE KYLE KUZMA. This member of Laker Nation believes he is a keeper for several reasons. He is not the player to lead his team to a championship, but his value is underappreciated. As I often state give me the positives, no requirement to constantly inform me of the things a player doesn’t do well. For Kuzma it’s not talent as much as consistency, his game continues to grow as he matures.

During the absence of AD and LeBron I believe he’s come to the forefront in a variety of ways. If scoring is required, he does that, if tough defense is required, he’s apt to do that too. We could make the same statement if a crucial rebound is required too. I believe some Laker fans are plain spoiled, they have been accustomed to winning and outstanding play over the years. Guess what, every Laker player isn’t named Kobe, Magic or Kareem, some are named Kyle. If for some unforeseen reason the Lakers trade Kuzma I hope they receive adequate compensation in return. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

What’s a legacy?

It’s clear Max Kellerman of ESPN and me are not on the same page. I’ve always believed legacy was a thing established by the individual. No one I thought could tarnish another’s image or at least that’s what I believed. Enter Kellerman with an opposing view, before I cover this allow me to apologize up front. If you saw Godfather III, you remember the line by Michael (Al Pacino) Corleone? “Just when I thought I was out. They pull me back in.” By discussing this issue, I am providing Kellerman undeserved publicity and forcing me to name media names again. 

I have no issue with you checking YouTube to see if I covered this correctly so here goes. Kellerman claims, “LeBron James has messed up the legacy of Steph Curry.” He went on to state despite Steph’s greatness it had been usurped by LeBron in their playoff matchups, Andre Iguodala is named MVP in one championship and Kevin Durant in another, still a third and LeBron is awarded the honor. With teammates being named MVP of the series that must point out the Warriors won, which says Curry won too. I believe an individual can impact his or her legacy in a negative way, unless it’s something bizarre no man or woman can affect it. What do you think, am I off base on this?

Last chance

Chris Paul is age 36 and nearing the end of a brilliant NBA career; the window is slowly closing on his championship aspirations. It would appear this is the year of the championship or at least that’s the view of many. The diminutive point guard has moved quite a bit during his NBA career the Suns become his 5^th team. Of all the moves over his career the time he spent with the Clippers may have been his best opportunity to win other than the Lakers. The Lakers, when did he play for them, you might ask, more on that later? His time in New Orleans while productive he spent time on several bad teams.

The time with the Rockets was strange as well there were pieces but no cohesiveness. With the Thunder was a throwaway, the Suns were a good time but have become much better now that he’s in Phoenix. As for the Lakers he was traded to them in 2011 but it was voided by then NBA commissioner David Stern. The trade was cancelled "in the best interest of the NBA" was the statement given at the time. Can you imagine 25-year-old Chris Paul in the backcourt with Kobe Bryant who just turned 33. Center Andrew Bynum had his head on straight back. The Lakers would patch the remainder of the lineup together having lost Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in the trade that brought them Chris Paul. 

Hope springs eternal

Will “The Big Ticket” somehow be involved with the Wolves once the sale is finalized? We’ve devoted a couple of columns to former Yankee A-Rod and Richard Lore purchase of the Wolves and Lynx. You remember Kevin Garnett stated on more than one occasion his desire to purchase the team. Somehow, someway he and owner Glen Taylor parted ways on the sale, and it was never consummated. Once it was announced the owner had reached an agreement with prospective owners, we believed the story was at an end until.

Fast forward to the induction ceremonies at the Naismith Hall of Fame, Garnett was one of the honorees. During a portion of his acceptance speech, Garnett said, and I paraphrase, “I look forward to rebuilding Minneapolis.” The area has been rocked by civil demonstrations the last several months but is basically intact. What was meant by Garnett when he said “I” and “rebuild”, is he going to be involved in some capacity in the future once the sale is finalized? This question will remain that for a period however we should continue to monitor further developments.  

The saga continues

You remember Mac McClung don’t you, the young man unsure of his future? He left Georgetown for Texas Tech played a season then announced he was transferring. Then it was “I’m submitting my name for the NBA draft” and later “I’m returning to Texas Tech.” All this movement came in matter of a few weeks. Now McClung indicates he is not withdrawing his name, he will remain in the draft. For this writer I will never say never however it is going to be a gigantic stretch for him to reach the NBA.

McClung’s been described as a shooting guard in a point guards body, the only problem he’s not a point. He’s not even on the combo level, now for the “Never say never.” I introduce you to Laker guard Alex Caruso who went undrafted in the 2016 draft. Caruso would wind up with the Lakers through a free agency signing and G-League play. Of course, he must have worked on the skills needed for an NBA job providing proof he could play at this level although it would be a backup role.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“The best competition I have is against myself to become better.”  John Wooden

This is no free speech issue

The Hawks Trae Young has just finished his third year in the NBA. We cannot always be correct in our view of a subject, but I try and refrain from bold pronouncements. Sure, I do it all the time in a joking manner but never with serious intent. Five years ago, I occasionally listened to local sports talk radio, now I don’t listen at all. If they announced a zombie apocalypse, I would miss it. It’s likely I would be devoured by zombies, but I digress.

This local guy who no longer works here decided Trae Young couldn’t play. He said as much on his show one afternoon. This is no contention on my part about free speech and all that the problem there is no accountability with this guy or anyone else in media. If I make a dumb statement (which occurs on occasion) the circle reading my asinine view is much smaller than his. Does he influence others with his thoughts…probably, is it the same for me maybe?

The wrong side of history

As the playoffs kick off the Lakers find themselves on the wrong side of history. The archives of the NBA list the Houston Rockets as repeat NBA champions in 1995, that team went into the playoffs as a 6 seed. No seed has ever won a championship any lower than that, the Lakers will be a 6 or 7 seed based on their playoff run. The Laker position appears bleak for defending their 2020 championship. Health issues aside it is possible they could repeat based on several factors; they are listed as you continue to read. Rest-LeBron and AD sidelined for a great portion of the regular season should be prepared for a deep run.

Hopefully, the balance of the roster is prepared for the long haul. Post-It’s my belief the position might be even stronger than last season. The trifecta of Drummond/Gasol/Harrell might be the equal of    JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard combo of last season. Reserves-Wiley veteran Rajon Rondo is gone however the Lakers can send out Alex Caruso, Talen Horton-Tucker and Ben McLemore. Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris saw plenty of action in last season’s championship run. All this could go down the drain and the Lakers could lose; I hope that is not the case.   

There’s another brother?

We had the Barry brothers Scooter, Jon, Brent, Drew and Canyon, sons of Hall of Fame player Rick. It would appear the Porter brothers are also blazing a basketball history. We are familiar with the oldest brother, Michael Porter Jr. played at Mizzou and now is with the Denver Nuggets, he is on the road to NBA stardom. His younger brother Jontay also played at Mizzou, although he went undrafted, he now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.

We recently discovered there is a younger brother Coban Porter. He’s signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Denver, we might guess the younger brother might not live in a dorm. Now we made aware there is a fourth brother 6-foot 9-inch Jevon Porter, the youngest sibling attends Father Tolton High School in Columbia Missouri and enters his senior year in the fall. We might guess there are probably few willing to play a pickup game against the Porter brothers.     

Anal retentive

If you are unfamiliar with the title allow me to provide you the definition. “A person who is excessively orderly and fussy.” Well, that is me sometimes…well almost, my latest rant is bears. What do bears have to do with basketball or the NBA? Well here goes, the NBA Grizzlies came into existence in 1995 as an NBA expansion team, Grizzlies was chosen as the team name. The Pacific Northwest is Grizzly Bear territory however that doesn’t apply to the State of Tennessee. In 2001 the franchise moved from Vancouver British Columbia Canada to Memphis but retained the name.

According to research information most of the United States (including Tennessee) is home to black bears and not grizzlies. At this point I am sure you are asking yourself “What is wrong with this guy?” I warned you early on I am anal retentive at times. It would be okay with me for Memphis to consider a name change for its NBA team. They could just become the Bears although the NFL team in Chicago might have a problem. Owners could also follow the lead of New Orleans, we mentioned owner Tom Benson wanted a name more closely identified with the city. The team was rebranded as the Pelicans and the same could occur in Memphis. My suggestion for a new name is the Memphis Blues, the music has long been associated with the city and could apply. The NHL Blues might have an issue with this change along with the Bears.