Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” John Wooden

That’s not tampering but it is attention-grabbing

Apart from a few exhibition games Kansas City has been without NBA basketball since 1985. The 2020-21 season is over for those teams failing to earn a playoff berth or the play in games. Later you will read an account on why I figure the Kings are among the worst run franchises in the NBA. The Kings have now missed the playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons.

On hearing the news Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas sent out a tweet which is entertaining depending on where you reside. To quote the tweet it read, “Bad vibes out there. Time to come back to Kansas City.” The tweet certainly is not going to bring about a return of the Kings but it’s interesting. If the mayor were connected to an NBA team in some manner, he would be receiving a call from the commissioner and be accused of tampering, that is not the case here.

This is a record

I didn’t bother with checking NBA records; I’ve got to be correct. The shortest debut in NBA history, 3 minutes. Udonis Haslem of the Heat sidelined all season long, he enters the Thursday night game versus the Sixers. He and Dwight Howard get into an altercation, GONE…Haslem ejected from the game after a scant 3 minutes…wow.

Yesssss

The headline can only reflect one broadcaster, Marv Albert. The yesssss is his signature broadcast term when something thrilling occurs on the court. The dean of NBA broadcasters is about to turn 80 in June but it’s just a number. Based on the letters I read several NBA watchers have issues with Albert perhaps more his age than anything. On occasion he’s made broadcast errors but so has every broadcaster and analyst throughout the NBA. There is a gap, rest assured Albert and 99% of the athletes he reports are not listening to the same music.

In fact, Albert might be watching Indiana Jones or Hoosiers while those on the court are viewing Fast and the Furious or Marvel series of movies. From 1967 through 2004 Albert was the voice of the Knicks until he fell into disfavor with management. His broadcasts were peppered with critical remarks with the manner the team was being led. Since 1999 Albert’s been one of the main broadcasters of NBA basketball on TNT. Will he ever retire, that’s a good question? Technically the late Chick Hearn broadcaster for the Lakers never officially retired. There is no number indicating one should retire, we guess Albert will one day…but not today.

I could be wrong

Recently you might have read I pronounced Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball Rookie of the Year, I might have been premature in my account. Wolves forward Anthony Edwards certainly has come on strong as the NBA draws to a close. The only negative is his field goal percentage, 41% could be raised slightly. His range from 3 is outstanding at nearly 33% and from the line he’s at 77%.

Edwards is listed as a small forward which is interesting since he only stands 6-foot 4 but is a rock solid 225 pounds. Although he weighs less than Charles Barkley back then and Zion Williamson now both are slightly taller than Edwards. Oh, that stuff about me crowning LaMelo Ball forget it. I would have no argument with a co-Rookie of the Year which is a good thing. It details for all the NBA is in good hands for now and future with the talent we see evident on the court. 

Class of 2022 

We realize it’s still 2021 however 97 or 98% of the Class of 2021 is committed. It’s time to take an early look at next year although positioning is likely to change. The number one and two prospects listed on Rivals.com and 247Sports.com in the Class of 2022 are the same. The name Emoni Bates is number one on both, we remain unsure where the 6-foot-8-inch prospect is headed. He could choose a college but after de-committing it might be an early pro start, others are identified here. Listed second on Rivals and 247Sports is center Jalen Duren, he stands 6-foot 10 and checks in at 230 pounds.

Duren attends Montverde Academy in Montverde Florida, high on his list is Michigan however Alabama, Georgetown and others are listed. Rivals list 6-foot 6-inch shooting guard Chris Livingston from Akron Ohio third on their list, his choices are Ohio State (naturally) along with Akron, Florida and North Carolina. 247Sports Dior Johnson is number three, he’s a 6-foot 3-inch point guard from Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Alabama, Arizona State, LSU and St. John’s are just a few on his list.  Amari Bradley is four on 247Sports and five on Rivals, this 6-foot 4-inch combo guard is from Chatsworth California and is verbally committed to UCLA. This represents a look at a few of the top prospects, over the years we’ve witnessed movement up and down.  Don’t expect this list to remain stagnant throughout the season.