Basketball from a fan’s perspective

What is it?

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time you are aware of this fact. I’m not a fan of Doc Rivers, I don’t hate him I don’t even dislike him. For me, the problem is far simpler I just don’t believe he’s a particularly good coach. It was the belief by a number this was the year for the Sixers, all season long for a variety of reasons they appeared to play up and down. Injuries certainly caused a portion of this see-saw effort. From 2013-2020 as head coach of the Clippers they were regular season winners but when it came to the playoffs that was a different matter. 

You counter saying, “Doc Rivers won it all in 2008”, I would agree with the statement however the forces at work were quite different. We had two talented players (Kevin Garnett & Ray Allen) joining perennial All Star Paul Pierce, this team was molded at the right time. All wanted an NBA championship and they excelled for it that season resulting in the win. The following season the trio would lose to the Magic in the playoffs 4 games to 3 and that was the end for it in Boston for Rivers. 

Rivers would move on to the Clippers and the game became Lob City as Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan and others played a high wire act around the basket. I wish Rivers could prove me wrong, but I believe the Sixers as presently constructed will do okay in the regular season, they will earn a playoff berth. From Monday morning’s headlines,” Rivers unsure Simmons can be point guard of championship team.” If you don’t know who has the answer? They are unlikely to win the grand prize with Rivers as head coach, just my thoughts. 

Bits n Pieces

Two years ago, I declared Joel Embiid the best center in the NBA, I’m not so sure now. I can no longer tolerate the spin moves that become turnovers or the ill-advised 3-point shot attempts. We expect guards to have a significant number of turnovers not centers. At 7 feet and 280 pounds Embiid should be taking more shots in the paint than 25-30 feet from the basket. We hoped Doc Rivers would change the culture, but it appears not much has changed in Philadelphia. 

James Jones was named NBA Executive of the Year. We might question, was the honor strictly based on the GM orchestrating the Chris Paul trade? As you are aware that trade has been key to the excellent play of the Suns thus far. The team improved from 34 wins last season to 51 this season and the second seed in the Western Conference. Although Paul is covid restricted and did not play the Suns managed to win the first game of the Western Conference finals against the Clippers 120-114.

In connection with the above story, we had no idea what might occur in the first Western Conference opening game. We knew ahead of time Chris Paul was covid restricted, in addition we were aware Kawhi Leonard would not play. Could we witness more Clipper magic, an unexpected player taking charge of the game? Well, it did occur, but it would be Devin Booker of the Suns who came to play on Sunday. Booker the shooting guard took on the role of point guard, he would score 40 points and snatch down 13 rebounds, he also managed to dish out 11 assists leading to the 120-114 win. What a great time for Booker to accomplish his first triple double. 

It’s difficult to repeat as an NCAA basketball champion in this age, a better question will Baylor be able to defend its Big 12 championship. Scott Drew is sitting on top of the world as his Bears won both in 2021. The Kansas Jayhawks thanks to recruiting and the transfer portal appear to be prepared for the season. In Austin Chris Beard replaces Shaka Smart so Texas should be competitive as well. As this is written we don’t know West Virginia but we know Bob Huggins, at Oklahoma State Cade Cunningham will be playing in the NBA but what about the remaining Cowboys. Those are the programs believed to be competitive, Baylor and Scott Drew have their work cut out for them, but they will be prepared for battle. The Big 12 basketball conference perhaps best in the nation.

This one is a little difficult to believe

I’m unsure of the date without checking, I wrote there was no issue for me if the NBA chose co-Rookies of the Year. It’s been done on at least two occasions in the past, it was the Hornets LaMelo Ball and the Wolves Anthony Edwards I had in mind. By now you are aware Ball was accorded the honor over Edwards but that’s where the problem began. There’s been much wailing and gnashing of teeth since the NBA announced Ball as the winner. There were the conspiracy theorists along with at least one website in particular calling foul.

This was their argument, “Ball missed 21 of the 72 games while Edwards played in all 72.” The theorists only provided us the view “The NBA had the fix in allowing Ball to win.” I’d like to ask them a question. The father LaVar Ball has been a public embarrassment to the NBA going back to oldest son Lonzo’s draft his time with the Lakers. Stan Van Gundy’s been fired but who called for him to let go first…I believe it might be Father Ball. Why in the world would the NBA have any desire to provide LaVar Ball with additional propaganda to use? You are aware of my standard statement, “I’m from Missouri you must show me.” Talk is cheap prove the vote was fixed in favor of Ball.