Basketball from a fans perspective

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What we know

What do we know about Kawhi Leonard and his ACL surgery, exactly nothing, this we do know he signed an extension? For the first time since the surgery his name hit the internet, “What was the timeline on his return” was the question on most minds? When…we don’t know, he is continuing to rehab the partial tear in his right ACL. In truth an injury of this degree is difficult to figure out a return date all we can do is guess.

It’s believed the earliest Kawhi might return would be mid to late February or he could miss the entire season. I found an article on bleacherreport.com, the story profiled 10 former or present day NBA players who underwent ACL surgery. Of course, nothing of this type is ever equal, there are individuals who heal faster than others. At the same time in reading the account all were able to return to action successfully after rehab. Among the active players returning successfully from ACL injuries are Derrick Rose, Kyle Lowry, Ricky Rubio and Danilo Gallinari. Hopefully Kawhi will return successfully as those named.

The Smith factor

No, this is not about Agent Smith the antagonist in The Matrix series, it’s Stephen A. Smith. I quit watching ESPN’s First Take so I could avoid his spin on stuff, yet he’s permeated my space. I cannot read the NBA page on the website without seeing a statement made by Smith. I don’t read the account however it smacks me in the face. When I pursue sources other than ESPN.com a statement by Smith is almost always reported by others. My question who appointed him the king of sports journalism?

I find few instances of agreement and that is okay, what I find most irritating is him playing at general manager. Smith is in no position to decide who goes or who stays on any team. He’s entitled to his own opinion on practically any manner however just because he says it doesn’t make it so. Smith has no idea the requirements to complete a trade…how can he suppose Dame Lillard or anyone else be traded.

I am just not sure what to do at this point regarding my irritation with this over the top media coverage of Smith and his opinions. I’m sure some of you like my cousin enjoy his banter and pronouncements, I have found him to be loud and often times plain obnoxious. In addition, in certain areas he’s been proven wrong more than correct when it comes to picking winners. For my cousin and you hopefully this is the last time you will see this or a similar column.   

The return

One of the all-time great Spurs is returning…Manu Ginobili. Oh, I hope this isn’t confusing Ginobili is 44-years old now and certainly isn’t resuming his play on the basketball court. The Spurs have been trying for to him to return in a role with the Spurs. According to the news Ginobili will take on a player centric role with the team, he will aid in player development for the Spurs. It’s good to see Ginobili return to the Spurs and this little tidbit of information. He was one of those guys I hated, it seemed he always came off the bench or as a starter sank a basket or stole the ball. When this effort occurred against other NBA teams it was no big deal, it seemed far too often it happened against my Lakers. Of course, all is forgiven now with his retirement as an active player. 

Upcoming key NBA dates

September 28-NBA Training Camps open

October 3-Nets at Lakers pre-season 3:30 p.m. Eastern 2:30 Central on TNT

October 4-15 Balance of pre-season games scheduled

October 19-Regular season begins 

I’m reluctant

His name is Robert Jennings, he hails from DeSoto in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro. As for his size and position he’s a 6-foot 7-inch 220-pound power forward. The main reason for the headline Jennings is an athlete in the “I might choose Mizzou as my school of choice”. The problem Jennings announced he’s reduced the number possible destinations to, Texas Tech and you guessed it Mizzou. As for how he might be viewed Rivals list Jennings as a 3-star prospect although they did not assign a ranking for him in the Class of 2022.

Despite my reluctance all I can say at this point I hope he decides in favor of Mizzou, no disrespect toward Texas Tech it’s program or fans. So, you see my reluctance, every time I become too excited about a prospect his final choice comes down to a school other than Mizzou. As an example, I was aware Aidan Shaw had Mizzou as a possible destination. A kid on the Kansas side of the line and Bill Self recruiting him, I (along with others) believed Shaw was headed to Lawrence Kansas. Imagine my shock and surprise when Shaw announced his chose was Mizzou over Kansas and others, can I say I’m ready for another surprise?