Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

They tried to stop them   

Did you know there were rule changes made in college basketball specifically to curtail Wilt Chamberlain? “These rules changed included widening the lane, instituting offensive goaltending and revising rules governing inbounding the ball and shooting free throws (Chamberlain would leap with the ball from behind the foul line to deposit the ball in the basket)” Researching the college game later a rule was instituted to curtail Lew Alcindor too.

From 1967 through 1977 The Lew Alcindor Rule was in effect in college basketball. In his sophomore year (freshman were not eligible at the time) Alcindor dominated college basketball with his game, especially dunks. The NCAA in its infinite wisdom decided “The dunk was not a skillful shot, and the rules committee said the ban was also a result of injury concerns.  Their report cited 1,500 events where a player was hurt around the backboard during the previous year.” Despite these rules Wilt Chamberlain and later Lew Alcindor would impact the game of basketball like no others.  

Jeanie Buss

Laker owner Jeanie Buss has several stories, she told one of these in a recent interview.  She indicated Magic Johnson was 19 at the time the Lakers drafted him, and she was 17 so they were nearly the same age.  When they flew Magic out to meet then owner Dr. Buss the door rang at his residence.  He told Jeanie “That will be Bill Sharman (then Laker GM) and Magic Johnson, I’m going upstairs a moment, offer them a drink.”  Jeanie revealed Magic stated, “I’m excited you drafted me but I’m only going to be here 3 years, I want to play for the Pistons that’s my home.”  Jeanie said she went upstairs and told her dad what Magic had said. 

Dr. Buss said, “Don’t worry the first time he puts on that Laker uniform he’s never going to leave.”  As the owner predicted the teenager from Lansing Michigan would return home on occasion but even in retirement California and Los Angeles would become home.  Jeanie also went on to correct a story we’ve heard over the years. She claims it was her dad, Dr. Jerry Buss who made the decision to trade Shaquille O’Neal.  For years many believed it was the feud between the team’s two super stars which caused the trade to be accomplished.  Jeanie Buss claims “Phil (Jackson) told Dr. Buss you are making a mistake; he (Shaq) is the most dominate player in the NBA.”  Dr. Buss said to Phil, “You don’t have to pay him…. I do.”

I’m not upset

I was perusing Rock M Nation and the transfers Mizzou lost after the season, this was done based on conversations I held with two of the Mizzou faithful. From my perspective I can make statements the coach and his staff cannot. With that said let’s check out the transfer portal. 

Drew Buggs-transfer from Hawaii, we knew he wasn’t a shooter however even playing backup minutes he didn’t bring as much to the floor as was hoped.

Mark Smith-last season Smith was injured during the season, so he gets a pass, the 2020-21 season was a different matter.  Most of us couldn’t figure out which Smith would show up in the game the lights out shooter or the one who often couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.

Torrence Watson-Of all the roster he and Pinson might have been the most talented but like Pinson he appeared to have fallen out of favor with the coach.

Ed Chang-Transferred in as a 3-point specialist from Salt Lake Community College and San Diego State, rarely saw the floor. Was he not impressive enough in practice by the coaching staff?

Parker Braun-Saw minutes on the floor but was inconsistent with his shot and defense.  

Xavier Pinson-Played major minutes along with Mark Smith, can I use the word consistency?  The good Pinson was a 3-point threat and penetrator, the bad Pinson was a turnover machine at times during the season. 

There might be a claim by some the coach recruited players who didn’t fit his system. That could well be the case however apart from Pinson and Smith none in the transfer portal played major minutes. It should be of note Smith was a senior and could have returned if he desired.

Remember Clint Capela?

Capela is the Big Man the Rockets “gave” the Hawks in January 2020. The reason why I used that term Daryl Morey then GM along with the head coach decided a lineup featuring a 6-foot 7-inch center would work in the NBA.  Before you go off rushing the Lakers are playing Montrezl Harrell at the position, but he is a reserve player.  Last season Capela along with 7-foot Nene were traded to the Hawks as the Rockets decided on this small lineup.   

The success with this lineup is another story, back to Capela the Hawk big man is having a break-out year with his new team. There was no question about rebounds he could always do that, he’s been a double-digit rebounder most of his NBA career. We are unsure if there is an explanation for the breakout year after all James Harden was passing the ball to him while he was a member of the Rockets.