Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A new coach 

As this is written it is not confirmed, news reports indicate the Boston Celtics will hire Ime Udoka as head coach. Udoka's been serving as an assistant with the Nets, this former Spurs player began his coaching career as an assistant on the staff of Gregg Popovich.  

 

Comic Relief

Shaquille O’Neal discussing Ben Simmons missing free throws is classic, in fact that’s so good Shaq should consider taking his comedy show on the road. “Mister I Make em when they Count” was a career .527 career free throw shooter. One season Shaq was .422 from the line was his lowest, the high was the sparkling .622 he shot in the middle of his NBA career. TNT desires him to critique games along with Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley and that’s okay.

It might be a good idea for Shaq to avoid any discussion relating to the words Free Throw. No doubt Simmons has issues at the line but so do several other veteran players. Russell Westbrook is the first that comes to mind, we always expect guards like Westbrook to shoot better than front court players. Westbrook arrived in the NBA an .800 shooter from the line, the last three seasons have seen him shoot .656, .763 and .656. Those are not terrible numbers but certainly below par for a quality guard like Westbrook. 

Draft Lottery

The NBA held its annual Draft Lottery on Tuesday evening, The Pistons were guaranteed to finish in the Top Four. And just like that it occurred, for the first time in 51 years the Pistons will have the opportunity to pick the top player in this year’s draft. In case you wondered Bob Lanier was that pick in 1970 and after his career concluded he would be enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Now a pause at this point, this is no declaration Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham or anyone else for that matter is headed to this type of honor it’s strictly for demonstration purposes. This is simply an indication the Pistons franchise could be on the rise in the next several years.

An update

Recently we reported on 6-foot 11-inch EJ Onu senior at Shawnee State (Ohio). We are aware it’s a team game however it should be pointed out Onu aided the school in finishing the season with an overall 31-2 record (18-1 in the conference). The school capped off this phenomenally successful season by winning the NAIA Basketball Championship in Kansas City March 23, 2021. It’s clear it doesn’t matter where you play the game if it appears you have a measure of talent the NBA will beat a path to your door. Doesn’t matter the location it could be Lexington Kentucky, Ann Arbor Michigan or in this case Portsmouth Ohio.

All-time Kansas City Kings Team

We must face facts; the Kings had a somewhat pathetic history while Kansas City was home. Most of the problem was due to poor to average coaching which includes management. The large majority was based on drafting and trading for average and in some instances below average NBA players. How could we compile a top team, well it wasn’t easy however this is it? Just in case some of the names are unfamiliar check NBA.com or YouTube. 

Nate “Tiny” Archibald point guard-most are familiar with his championship Celtic years, he first demonstrated his talent while playing in Kansas City. He remains the only player to win the scoring and assist title in the same season (1972-73).

Otis Birdsong shooting guard-The sharpshooter from the University of Houston had the ability to score on anyone or defense. Like others on this list Birdsong didn’t finish his career in Kansas City but boy could he score the ball.

Sam Lacey center-He wasn’t much of a scorer although he quite a dependable rebounder. He was a skillful passer out of the post, three times while here Lacey averaged over 5 assists per game for the season.

Eddie Johnson forward-He stood 6-foot 7 inches and was a smooth shooter. His career was on an upward trend as the Kings departed for Sacramento. He would later distinguish himself playing for the Suns and had an above average NBA career in my view.

Scott Wedman forward-neither of those named were power forwards but I’m making an exception including both. Wedman’s scoring average was not great (13.2) but with the Celtics he became a valued reserve player unlike the period with the Kings where he was a starter.