Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Déjà vu

We know the definition of Déjà vu, but the following is a dictionary description. According to Merriam-Webster it’s “The illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time.” That’s what we might have at this point, there is a report circulating which is yet to be confirmed. The Kawhi Leonard story continues to evolve, it is being reported he is upset with the Clippers medical staff. He believes the knee injury he suffered during their series with the Jazz was misdiagnosed. Hey, wasn’t a supposed misdiagnosis the basis for Kawhi leaving San Antonio in 2018, as the late Yogi Berra might say “It’s déjà vu all over again”?

We are treated to a series of mix reports on Kawhi, incredibly talented basketball player but still very much a man of mystery. The unknown part we are never fully aware of his intentions, he is a private person we understand that fact, but he plays in a very public venue the NBA. Since Game four of the Jazz series, we believed he would return to the lineup eventually and continue to aid the Clipper cause. If they should lose against the Suns (and they will) how about his future with the Clippers? Will his teammates look toward him in a positive light now and into the future? We don’t have an answer for that question at present however we certainly intend to follow this evolving story. 

Sorry…I’m a skeptic

The definition, “1. Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations. 2. relating to the theory that certain knowledge is impossible.” Definitions from the Oxford Languages. That’s me, I am unsure about two teams the Bucks and Clippers. Don’t confuse the statement I’m unsure if they are NBA champion material, notice I didn’t say either team wasn’t good the question for me is one of heart. It’s been my belief for several years no matter the sport you’ve got to want it over the other guy.

I’m unsure if it’s a Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant will or something else. I recall watching the 2004 NBA championship and believed in my heart, there is no way these Pistons are beating my Lakers, yet they did. Those Pistons had something the Lakers lacked in that championship series. In 2021 the Bucks and Clippers have been knocking on the door trying to get in but somehow always manage to come up short. If I look back 3-4 years injuries might have derailed their championship aspirations I just don’t remember. I’d like one or both teams to prove me wrong, win the whole thing so you can shut me up, I’m out.

Dallas

The continuing saga in Dallas follows the former television series as it unfolds, yes, it is almost a soap opera. It’s reported former coach Rick Carlisle gave an endorsement to the hire of Jason Kidd. Some believed the head coaching job should have gone to Carlisle’s top assistant Jamahl Mosley. Is this a soap opera or what, Mosley was supposed to have a closer bond with superstar Luka Doncic than the departed coach? It’s said Carlisle felt threaten by the link of these two. Now your first question might ask the question do we have any proof of this report?

That would be an unequivocal no, we cannot document any portions of this account. Despite this fact there is a belief portions of the series of events are more “fire than smoke.” There is no reason to believe the situation will not eventually be resolved but there remains a question. Mark Cuban has always appeared to be a “different type” of owner, could a portion of this apparent disorder lie with the owner? Cuban has always appeared to operate his team in an unbridled manner. In the meantime, the Nets have contacted the Mavs regarding Mosley, since there are no additional details, we can only assume they might be entertaining a hire. As for the future of the Mavs it appears good despite several missteps. The Mavs are certainly in a better position than either the two other Texas teams, Spurs and Rockets.

The Replacements

This is no reference to the 2000 movie starring Keanu Reeves that was a football story, this is basketball. Several longtime and legendary coaches are at that point, they are looking toward retirement, who replaces these guys? Roy Williams at North Carolina has retired so has Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger, Duke’s Coach K. will retire in 2022. As for Jim Boeheim of Syracuse the clock is ticking, on the other hand Rick Pitino (68 years old) returned to the game when he could have retired. West Virginia’s Bob Huggins will turn 68 prior to the 2021-22 season. Even John Calipari has announced publicly Kentucky will be his last coaching stop. 66-year-old Michigan State coach Tom Izzo announced he’s got no intention to retire soon.

Who replaces these longtime and some of them legendary coaches, well North Carolina’s made one of the first moves hiring former Tarheel player and assistant coach Hubert Davis? The replacements haven’t been identified yet but they are out there. They might not become head coach at their present post, but they will carry on the game given a chance. As a reminder patience is required for any coach to implement his program, this is a reminder of just that. This major university hired a new head coach. In the coaches first three seasons his team won 38 games while losing 47, what might have occurred if a decision was made to fire that coach. The school in our story is Duke University, the coach Michael William Krzyzewski a.k.a. Coach K.