Basketball from a fans perspective

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday

“The champ is here, the champ is here!” 

The headline is the announcement made when the late Muhammed Ali would head for the boxing ring and his match. In this instance we are not discussing the late heavyweight boxing champ rather it’s the Milwaukee Bucks. There are times I disagree with the take of Shaquille O’Neal, this time I don’t. Individuals in the media have awarded the Lakers the west and the Nets the east. Well, the west is certainly up in the air and subject to debate we might make the same statement for the east. The Nets have been awarded the east championship prior to the first game of the 2021-22 season. Have we forgotten so soon the Bucks won it all last season, I don’t believe they are going to simply concede the east crown to the Nets?

I know what I said last season, the expectation was great at this address calling for a Suns win for a variety of reasons chief among them Chris Paul. We know the ability of The Greek Freak, but it appeared at times he was incapable of forcing his will upon his team. We saw his ability in that last game plus The Invisible Man Khris Middleton also came to play. It wasn’t just those two the balance of the Bucks roster came together in order to win the championship. You can sell this team short and pick them to finish behind the Nets, that ain’t me. I leave you with my statement, “I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me” the Bucks can’t repeat in the east.

BMOC

You must be a certain age to recognize BMOC, it stands for Big Man on Campus. The word was applied to JJ Redick while a member of the Duke Blue Devils. He won the Rupp Trophy 2 seasons, College Player of the Year in 2006 and a lights out shooter especially from three. He was stamped a “can’t miss” NBA player when drafted 11 in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Then it occurred, like a number of other outstanding collegiate players steering the ship in NBA waters would prove far more difficult.  It would be the 2013-14 season while a member of the Clippers he began to display his skill.

No longer playing starter minutes Redick would become a valuable reserve and 3-point specialist. He would continue this role with successive teams, the Sixers and Pelicans. Redick would play one more season with the Mavs, on September 21 he announced after 15 years he was retiring. The guy who came into the NBA with star written on his jersey managed a long and successful NBA career. He made a great deal of money during his time so his future should be secure. At this point we are unsure if he heads for the broadcast booth or into business. Whatever direction Redick travels he will be successful. He managed to make himself valuable by becoming a specialist. Good luck in your future endeavors JJ Redick and thanks. 

Is there a need?

The Lakers brought Kenneth Faried in for a workout, it’s highly likely Faried wants back in the NBA. He’s not been on an NBA roster since 2019 but is only thirty-two which on the Lakers would make him a “youngster.” In all seriousness “The Manimal” as he was nicknamed might become Montrezl Harrell 2.0. Is Faried worth a roster spot, moreover is there a requirement for an NBA specialist in the Small-Ball era? Dennis Rodman could have scored baskets however his concentration on rebounds and tough defense saw enshrinement in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

JJ Redick is searching for a team, although he certainly could retire, he wants one more shot as an NBA player (see above story he did retire). Did I mention Redick is a 3-point specialist, over the course of his career he’s been the distance shooter for more than one franchise. Reddick’s shooting has been invaluable to NBA teams. We consider this an example of one specialist from the past (Rodman) and one from the present (Redick). There are others but, in a discussion, we came to one conclusion specialist can only be used by “good” teams. Back to Rodman, he played valuable minutes for the Pistons and Bulls, in both instances we are discussing championship teams. For the Spurs and the Lakers his value was diminished due to the team.

Oden is in a good place

There are occasions an athlete reaches the NBA and we discover they are just not that good. Good in that dominance at the collegiate level does not occur one level above. This was mentioned in the past a writer listed NBA busts, guys whose career simply didn’t match their hype. This writer listed Greg Oden’s name among the cast, and I screamed loudly NO….NO!  Oden is now a member of the Ohio State coaching staff as a graduate assistant, he returned to school and received his degree two years ago but I’m getting ahead of myself. Oden graduated from Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and chose to attend Ohio State.

In 2007 the Blazers made the 7-foot 273-pound Oden the top choice in that year’s draft, the long and storied NBA career predicted never came to fruition. Nagging injuries would dog him throughout his brief NBA career. The NBA has changed however this provides you an idea why he was the top choice in 2007. I’m reminded over and over one NBA scout compared Oden to the second coming of Bill Russell, which was the thought of his defensive prowess. After a time with the Heat and play in China Oden gave it up in 2016 injuries robbing him of the promise. So, what did he do, he returned to Ohio State and obtained his degree? He’s married now and hopes the job at Ohio State will allow him to become a head coach at some future date, here’s hoping it is soon.