Basketball from a fans perspective

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Bits n Pieces  

It was just a brief stopover; November 2020 veteran Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe was traded to the Pelicans. Just this month August 7 to be exact he was traded again this time to the Grizzlies. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com indicates Bledsoe has been traded to the Clippers in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu. This move is totally confusing to us, hopefully the Clippers have a plan in mind.

Netflix is running a documentary all NBA fans need to see. It’s titled Untold: Malice at the Palace and tells the story of the 2004 incident which prompted a near riot between the Pacers, Pistons and a host of Piston fans. For the first time the incident through first-hand accounts of the players, law enforcement and fans we discover portions of the story heretofore unknown.

It’s amazing

Talk of a Patrick Mahomes Kansas City NBA franchise has brought about very, very strange responses. A person has the right to express their own view however there is a point. Examples, a couple of letters indicated “There was no requirement for NBA with the Mavericks here.” For those who might be unfamiliar the Mavericks in this instance are the ECHL and an affiliate of the Calgary Flames of the NHL.

No disagreement with those who love hockey but comparing minor league hockey to major league basketball, figure that one out if you care. Just a few more noted, “We have close by basketball” a reference to Lawrence Kansas and KU basketball (50 miles away) and Columbia MO and Mizzou (125 miles away). My residence is in the south portion of the city, driving city streets I can arrive at T-Mobile Center in less than 20 minutes. Most letters were approving of an effort to secure an NBA franchise for Kansas City, hopefully one day we shall see progress with Mahomes or someone else involved in the process.

LeBron is guilty

A substantial number in Laker Nation are more thrilled with the fact Kyle Kuzma is gone over the fact Russell Westbrook is now a member of the team. Kyle Kuzma can play, he just was unable to adapt his game to LeBron James. In addition, there might have been a continuing problem in the role of reserve over starter. That’s what Kuzma was, a starter prior to LeBron’s arrival. I remember tuning in to Summer League games wanting to see Lonzo Ball in action, Ball was injured at a point and Kuzma took over.

In fact, that summer proved the kid few of us knew could play the game at the NBA level. His rookie year was good enough he made the All-Rookie Team in 2018. We don’t know what unfolds for him with the Wizards, given time to adjust and the opportunity to play the real Kuzma will show up. This member of Laker Nation wishes Kyle Kuzma the best and hopes he demonstrate to the Lakers they made a mistake in trading him. An update here, Lebron James and Russell Westbrook arrived together at the Lakers Summer League game versus the Pistons. The play-by-play announcer made a prophetic statement, “If LeBron James didn’t want Westbrook (with the Lakers) he wouldn’t be here.”

Neither Mizzou player was drafted

Two Mizzou Tigers signed free agent contracts; Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. 6-foot 10-inch center was signed by the Orlando Magic while 6-foot 3 guard Dru Smith is with the Miami Heat. Both play for the summer league teams. They might be a longshot to earn a roster spot however we are never certain. Tilmon and Smith were key to the success Mizzou accomplished on the basketball court. If other Tiger players had competed at the level of these two there might have been a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

In any event good luck to these two former Mizzou Tigers. This not to state there was limited talent on the roster, growth in one’s game is always possible. The two mentioned excelled above their teammates and provided valued leadership at times scoring, rebounds and the other things. Dru Smith was in action for the Heat against the Lakers on Tuesday, he played a steady game although he wasn’t a starter. It might be easier for Tilmon to earn a roster spot with his height (6-10) and weight (252 pounds). Not trying to downgrade Smith’s effort but most times it’s easier to locate a quality guard than a valued Big Man.

He’s from the Dominican Republic

If we mention the Dominican Republic and connect it with sports what is the first thought? More than likely your thinking drifts toward baseball, a large contingent of Dominicans have longed displayed their talent on baseball diamonds across the nation. We introduce 18-year-old Jean Montero, a 6-foot 2-inch 180-pound point guard. Montero is one of the Overtime Elite prospects to sign a contract with the startup basketball league. OTE will kick off its initial season in 2021-22, be on the lookout for this potential talent to display his basketball acumen.