Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

The Curry brothers      

This is not a direct quote from dad Dell Curry, but its reported he declared to son Steph early. This thought should be in the forefront of your mind when shooting the basketball, he told Steph (and Seth too). “If it (basketball) doesn’t go in center, it’s a miss. It’s clear the son’s adopted the words of their father. No bouncing are rolling around on the rim or something similar, it’s center mass only. It’s interesting the students have become better than the teacher, Dell was a good shooter, but the sons have become superior shooters over the father. Baby brother Seth’s replication is not as broad as Steph, but he too can shoot the basketball as well.

Drafting the wrong guy

A website questioned if the Pelicans made the right choice in 2019, they made Zion Williamson the number one pick over Ja Morant who was chosen second. Last season and this early part of 2021-22 we see why that statement might be a question. The Grizzlies point guard lite up the Lakers on Sunday evening, with no national telecast and no NBA League Pass we don’t know. We have no idea who was “watching” Morant since it’s apparent they certainly were not guarding him.

Morant’s box score was 40 points, 10 assists, 81.8% from the free throw line. As for the shooting it was 61.9% from the floor, 71.7% from 3 as he was a juggernaut for much of the game. The only downside a crucial missed free throw with seconds left in the game. Morant took the shot behind the three line, sinking all of them would have forced an overtime. He made the first two shots and missed the last one, Lakers escaped with a 121-118 win. As for the draft we can debate that issue from now into the future, rest assured the Grizzlies are certainly satisfied with their choice.

I’m not impressed

My attempt always is to avoid politics in Off the Dribble, there are time’s its unavoidable and this is one. New York City has a mayor’s race upcoming, and Kyrie Irving is in the middle of it. Current Mayor Bill De Blasio appears content to allow medical people to make medical decisions. The leading candidate Eric Adams apparently has an opposing view. Adams has said he “Will try and lift the ban prohibiting Irving from play.”

Is this an attempt on the candidate Adams part to increase his vote total or does he believe he’s got more information than the health department of the city? If Adams is chosen mayor and follows through on this effort, will he make the same directive for others who might be opposed to the law? This moves us further into a danger area if we continue to allow politics to become a part of this epidemic. I realize my view might not be popular with a number reading this, but I hope you will see the basis for formulating this opinion.

A Big Splash is needed

The media covering the SEC announced its outlook for the upcoming basketball season. Most have the Mizzou Tigers finishing either 9 or 10 in the 14-team conference. That ranking ain’t good enough for me, it’s time for a greater than expected season by Mizzou for 2021-2022. It’s been mentioned previously the Tigers return only two players from last season. Despite this fact the transfer portal brought in “veteran” talent guys who proved they could score the ball, the question can they defend? Coach Cuonzo’s emphasis is always on the defensive side of the ball so if the newcomers and holdovers…well you know.

The basketball program has turned around from the earlier coach, Mizzou is now competitive however they have not exceeded expectations. This is the time, Cuonzo is in no danger of being fired but it’s time to exceed, it’s time for Mizzou to exceed expectations. What does this member of Mizzou Nation expect (or hope) for the upcoming season? First place, no just kidding if this team finished 6^th I would be pleased. Why such a low conference record, I believe that would get them into the NCAA Tournament. As most are aware once a team earns a tournament berth anything can occur. For me this is the make-or-break year for the coach, this statement is made despite the fact I like Cuonzo Martin. Unless the bottom drops out it is unlikely, he’s fired however those who follow the program that are concerned about the lack of upward progress.

What!!

As Pelicans forward Zion Williamson recovers from a right foot injury comes this shocking news. Reports are circulating the talented youngster is on the north side of 300 pounds. You might remember there was a great deal of conversation about his weight when Williamson arrived in the NBA. The numbers reported by the Pelicans showed he checked in at 284 pounds, this caused among others Charles Barkley to comment. While playing at Auburn Barkley was nicknamed “The Round Mound of Rebound” for his rather overweight stature. Now an analyst for TNT, Barkley said excess weight will prove troublesome for Williamson’s knees in the future. This certainly is not good news if correct, it appears Williamson might need a personal trainer or worst yet an intervention.