Basketball from a fans perspective

I only read the headline

The resident entertainer (that’s what I now place in front of his name) Stephen A. Smith is at it again. He’s decided the U.S. should stop playing basketball at least for this Olympics. The headline read “Should the U.S. withdraw its Olympic team” or something quite similar. Question Mr. Smith why, because they are not playing at the level of previous teams or what you might have expected? Don’t you think that type of decision might rest with the head coach his staff or someone other than you offering an opinion? 

Oh, I forgot you are just exercising your right to free speech and have only voiced your opinion on the matter. You say you are not to be taken seriously despite a large portion of the nation and world have access to your daily rantings. By the way did you know Kris Middleton, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday are on the way to Tokyo. We have no idea if they have any gas left in the tank after a competitive championship however, they should help to a degree. As for the possibility of losing, I’m not a doom and gloom guy isn’t it better to compete and risk losing over withdrawing from competition? We are eagerly awaiting your answer Mr. Smith. 

It’s been quite a journey

Can we state Khris Middleton might be the second-best Bucks player? That’s not intended to be a put down on him or his talent, allow a further brief explanation. After he played at Texas A&M Middleton was made the 39^th pick in the second round by the Pistons in 2012, notice we said it was round two before he was chosen. Not able to earn a roster position with the Pistons Middleton was sent to play for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the G-League.

The Pistons would later recall him, in July 2013 Middleton was traded to the Bucks along with two other players. The balance of this story is known, he moved into the starting lineup. Since his arrival with the Bucks Middleton’s been an NBA All Star twice (2019, 2020) with the Bucks. Middleton is now an NBA champion having been a key to the Bucks championship run. What about this series of life events, second round draft pick spent time in the G-League and would become a twice NBA All Star and now champion? 

The landscape is liable to change

Wednesdays news contained a story indicating Texas and Oklahoma had “reached out” to the SEC. The sonic boom you heard was the reaction of the other Big XII schools. Our reading indicates the SEC generates the most revenue among all conferences in the nation. Just imagine what the Big XII might appear with no Texas and Oklahoma. What’s that you say, Kansas remains a conference member. Allow me to clue you in Kansas doesn’t count as much as you might believe. For universities its football, football and more football. The sport with the oblong ball rules supreme, we love basketball, but it is just not at the revenue generating level of football. Don’t get it twisted Jayhawk Nation, you have one of the most successful basketball programs in the nation.

On the other hand, Kansas football is pretty much pathetic, I would venture to say some of the high-profile high school programs in the metro such as Bishop Miege or Rockhurst might really give Kansas football a match on the gridiron. As for this potential move consider this, Texas in the SEC with the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro populations could prove a boon to SEC sports. We might find this next part interesting, its being reported if a vote is to be taken Texas A&M and Mizzou will vote against any measuring to allow the two Big XII schools in the conference. It’s said Texas A&M moved originally to get out from under the shadow of the University of Texas. Mizzou possibility for financial reasons, Mizzou left the Big XII originally due to revenue not divided equally. Texas received a larger share than other schools in the conference. Before the sunset, we heard from the Pac-12, apparently, they intend to enter this competition to add teams as well. We are no longer handicapped by geography everyone travels by air, so despite the distance it’s possible to see a UCLA-Oklahoma conference football or basketball game. Stay tuned for additional updates on this continuing developing story. NOTE: As this report was completed its being reported Texas intends an announcement on Monday.

Laker backcourt

The rumor mill is working overtime regarding the Laker back court next season. As you are aware the offense suffered with no AD or LeBron on the floor. This statement is made despite the two missing in action during February and March this past season when injured. Based on this fact and the word on the street at the time the season starts, we could find the following player(s) in the backcourt with LeBron.  These are just the names mentioned thus far as possible additions:

Russell Westbrook

Chris Paul

Dame Lillard

Lonzo Ball

Buddy Hield

Kyle Lowrey

CJ McCollum

That’s a total of 7 players, rest assured the Lakers certainly cannot add some to the roster. $$$ certainly, might affect Westbrook, Paul, Lillard and perhaps Ball. What occurs, my best guess is the Lakers add Ball, Hield or Lowrey. Keep in mind I am unable to see the bottom line for the team, the Lakers are still paying Luol Deng.