Basketball from a fans perspective

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“Memphis Tennessee”

In 1959 Rock & Roll pioneer Chuck Berry’s studio released his hit tune Memphis Tennessee, in 1964 Johnny Rivers covered the hit with his own rendition. The stanza goes, “Long distance information, give me Memphis Tennessee Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me.” The person seeking information might be one Emoni Bates either the number one or two prospect in the Class of 2022, Bates has reclassified now so we are unsure of where he fits in the Class of 2021.

It’s rumored Bates is headed to Memphis to play for coach Penny Hardaway although as this is written he’s made no indication where he might be headed. Several familiar with Bates disagree with me, it’s my belief 201 pounds spread over a 6-foot 9-inch frame says shooting guard not small forward. Adding bulk might reduce Bates quickness however that remains an unanswered question. In any event we await the answer an if he is headed for Memphis as many sources are claiming.

Which comes first?

Which card arrives first, his AARP or Social Security for Udonis Haslem of the Heat, he’s re-signed for the 2021-22 which will be season 19. A kindergarten student began school and will now be entering their second year of college, which is the length of time Haslem’s been in the NBA as a player. The power forward of the Heat just turned 41 years of age in June but he’s not the oldest player in NBA history. In the 1996-97 season Robert Parrish most associated with the Celtics played at age 43 for the Bulls. Kevin Willis a former Atlanta Hawks power forward played one game for the Mavs in 2007, he was 44 years old at the time. Despite my attempt at humor regarding Haslem he’s got quite a way to go before he becomes the oldest NBA player in history.

Draft night grades

I try not to place a great deal of stock in the grading system used by various sites. They don’t really know how a draft turns out for a minimum of the first three years, with the disclaimer out of the way let’s check USA Today for its assessment. The publication awarded an A+ to four teams one technically not a participant in the draft.

Detroit Pistons A+

Golden State Warriors A+

Houston Rockets A+

Los Angeles Lakers A+

Orlando Magic A

Sacramento Kings A

Cleveland Cavs A

New Orleans Pelicans A-

This is just one opinion however the grades might provide an indication how deep in talent the 2021 draft was. Why the Lakers were included is interesting, the writer believed the two free-agent signings of Oklahoma’s Austin Reeves and Gonzaga’s Joel Ayayi places them in line with the Pistons, Warriors and Rockets. Don’t agree with them, that’s okay its one guys opinion as I stated we have a way to go before any of the grades are proven correct.

I missed it

The Rockets faced the Pistons in Tuesday night Summer League game, it was Cade Cunningham versus Jalen Green. It was the top pick in the 2021 draft versus the second pick, who would win the game? I don’t know because I chose to watch the Royals-Yankees instead, I had to depend on SportsCenter and NBA TV highlights oh well. The Rockets won the game 111-91, Cunningham playing the point and Green at the shooting guard were only matched against one another on occasion. Green with 25 points (.545) won the scoring match over Cunningham who scored 20 (.444). Technically this was only an exhibition game, but rest assured in the future these two will see a great deal of action in the future.

What a reduction

Former Laker guard Dennis Schroeder will sign a 1-year $5.9 million deal with the Celtics. That is certainly a large number for you and me, maybe only me because I have no idea of your financial status. In any event February 2021 the Lakers offered Schroeder a 4-year contract which was reported on the high side to be at least $84 million, on the low side $60 million may have been the figure. Schroeder turned down the Lakers preferring to see what free agency would allow him to earn. Schroder believed his value would be much greater than $5.9 million but here is the series of events.

August 2 would see a sizeable number of free agent moves and this occurred. Schroder hope to barter for a much larger figure than he would sign. All is not lost, it’s certainly possible for Schroder to still earn the big payday, it just might not occur in the timely manner he believed it should. The game remains a team game however I find it interesting, several fans appear to believe LeBron James is/was the problem for Schroeder. They claim players have difficulty playing with him, you must be the judge on this one I ain’t touching it.