Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

Surgery

The Nuggets Michael Porter Jr. is to undergo back surgery and is out for an undetermined time. We’ve read no medical update however this surgery removes MPJ from the lineup for the balance of the season. Our chief concern this will become the second operation on his back. The question might be asked “how many times can you have successful back surgery and return to action?” Differing scenarios make for a range of answers.

As an example, if one works in an office environment a return to labor might not be earth shattering news. On the other hand, if that individual is a day laborer the story might be quite different and that’s the problem as we see it. To play at the high skill level the NBA demands an athlete must have physical tools as mental. Please don’t get the wrong impression in reading this, never say never is always the case. It’s our hope MPJ returns to action when possible and continues at the same level we’ve seen in the past.

Introducing….

7-foot 5-inch Oliver Rioux currently enrolled at IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida. I did not mention despite the height Rioux is only 15-years old. As for the young man’s height that’s easy to understand, his father stands 6 foot 8 and his mom 6 foot 2. Rioux has two brothers one is 6 foot 9 the other 6 foot 8, his sister is 6 foot 1. Video exists of the teen in action, and it appears he moves skillfully on the court. IMG staff is working with Rioux on a variety of drills to improve his dexterity, footwork and other areas.

This from an IMG coach, “He holds the ball high something taller players sometimes fail to do.” Although no stats have been provided to date Rioux appears to be quite solid in the weight department and unlike others appears prepared for the battle in the paint. Home for the youngster is Montreal Canada although he’s played for Real Madrid, check out his Instagram page. In closing one other coach is quoted “I could see a professional career in his future.” 

A skirmish, not a battle

In military battles small encounters are often referred to as a skirmish. The term skirmish certainly would be NBA basketball in Los Angeles, although questions surrounded both franchises they would compete. November 30 finds a slightly different story existing. The Lakers are 11-11 (.500) while the Clippers are slightly better 11-10 (.524), despite the record if the season ended today both earn a playoff berth. Truth is neither Los Angeles team has played particularly good basketball.

As for the WHY, only average play to this point, injuries have affected both teams in an unexpected manner especially the Clippers. Unlike the media I have no ability to peer into the future, believe it neither do they. Let’s simply say both have an opportunity to finish the season strong and increase their playoff position. As for stories surrounding Laker Coach Frank Vogel, I believe he finishes the season at the helm, the same applies for Coach Tyronn Lue. Bottom line, as players on both teams return to action and adjust, we should see better play.

Big Man

If you are a regular with Off the Dribble you know the score, I love Big Man basketball. I hate to see Big Men especially in the NBA standing at the 3-point line shooting. The book says “33% to 37% is an acceptable/average number”, let’s just say anything below that number is not good. Although he takes the shot often Joel Embiid is 33% for his career which says he is okay but a down low game in my view would be much better. Where am I going with this story, I’m headed to Mizzou and Big Man Jordan Wilmore? Wilmore is no place close to Embiid in skill level although at 7 foot 3 and 300 pounds he is near him in stature.

The Mizzou Big Man didn’t see the court much as a first-year player, as a sophomore Cuonzo Martin’s inserted him into the starting lineup. The result Wilmore had an unexciting game of 11 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots in his team’s 54-37 win over Northern Illinois. I don’t subscribe to ESPN3, so a bit of this account was provided to me by an associate who saw the game. Wilmore’s scoring was done mostly on dunks but even that’s okay to me, it details he can move around the basket. I believe it was highly unusual when Wilmore signed last year because he is not the typical Cuonzo Martin recruit. The coach tends to recruit guards and taller forwards not 7-foot Big Men, it should be interesting to see his continued development.