Basketball from a fan’s perspective

 NBA Rookie of the Year

To no one’s surprise the 2021 Rookie of the Year is Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball. TNT's Kenny Smith in an interview with Ball said, “You took an unconventional route to the NBA.” That’s certainly true based on two overseas journeys one to Lithuania and the other Australia. Although an injury cut short his play in Australia it was there NBA scouts began to sit up and take notice of his basketball acumen. The Hornets would make Ball the number 3 pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft.

The scoring numbers were not eye popping it was his court awareness that allowed him to stand out over other rookies in his class. His nearly 6 rebounds and 6 assists per game will only increase in the next several years, we could also include the shooting as well. The 6-foot 6-inch Ball has the world at his fingertips as a teen, he won’t turn 20 until August. This is different, I’m going to give a shout out to LaVar Ball, the father has been over the top at times as he’s “marketed” his offspring. It’s outstanding for him having two sons in the NBA one Rookie of the Year, he’s proven us wrong about his coaching and marketing skill.

Playoff stuff

Is there a Clipper jinx, I said much earlier I don’t believe in them or curses however I’m really beginning to wonder based on this latest development? There was no guarantee the Clippers would emerge out of the west however they were poised to do just that. Then BAM we are greeted with the news Kawhi Leonard will miss the Wednesday night game with a right knee sprain. The question will he be able to return and aid the Clippers to compete for the Western Division championship?  Can teammate Paul George step up in a manner like KD with the Nets? By the time you read this we’ll have a partial answer. 

Meanwhile in Phoenix the news is just as distressing although perhaps not quite as serious, Suns point guard Chris Paul has been placed in covid protocol by the NBA. This is not to say he’s tested positive he could simply have been around someone with the virus. On the other hand, Paul could be asymptomatic we just don’t know at this point. Bottom line I hate how these playoffs have been affected in this manner it’s disheartening. Enough bad news we close this account on what I consider a humorous note check the link below. The Hotel.com commercials with Captain Obvious are always entertaining for me, this one is especially so…enjoy. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G33vxBeaP3k

The Bucks well….

With a series tie 2-2, no Kyrie and no Hardin the Bucks figured to take Game Five. The Bucks had the Nets on the ropes about to deliver the knockout blow, unfortunately they forgot to check with Kevin Durant on the game’s outcome. The Nets beat the Bucks Tuesday evening 114-108 despite the fact the Nets had to overcome a double-digit lead. KD never sat one minute playing 48 minutes and placing his team on his back and carrying the heavy load to the victory.

By now you know the box score total, 49 points, 17 rebounds plus 10 assists 3 steals and 2 blocked shots. Just in case you might have believed KD was just tossing up shots he was 70% from the floor. I truly don’t know what to think at this point, the Bucks wouldn’t have closed them out on Tuesday but are they lacking a killer instinct. James Hardin did play despite being hobbled but his total was only 5 points and 6 rebounds along with 8 assists. KD was assisted by Blake Griffin with 17 points and Jeff Green came off the bench scoring 27 points. So, what’s the verdict, are the Bucks for real?   

Coaching carousel continues

Wednesday was not a good day for coaches, Scott Brooks (Wizards) and Stan Van Gundy (Pelicans) were both shown the door by ownership; these two become the 5^th and 6^th coach who must be replaced for the 2021-22 NBA season. Just in case you forgot the others they are:

Blazers

Magic

Pacers

Celtics  

On the heels of this news came word the Mavs have parted ways with long-time GM Donnie Nelson. There is a story behind this as soon as additional information is known it will be passed on to you. Becky Hammon interviewed with the Blazers on Tuesday; she is also reported to be a candidate for the Magic job. Meantime in Boston a billboard with Hammon’s name along with Kara Lawson former WNBA player and current Duke Woman’s basketball coach was displayed.

Van Gundy and Nate Bjorkgren with the Pacers were only given 1-year to turn their respective teams around, not a great deal of time. In Sacramento Luke Walton appears safe at least as this is written. I certainly don't wish to see anyone lose their job, there are exceptions of course. The NBA has a unique and rare opportunity currently, there are 6 head coaches to be hired. Please don't continue to hire recycled guys, be bold. Take a chance on Becky Hammon, give Chauncey Billups or Sam Cassell an opportunity or another. You continue to hire the same guys who got fired at their previous job, the opportunity is at hand, that is all.