Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

The Admiral

David Robinson hoped for a career in the U.S. Navy, his growth in height plus athletic ability deterred that future. It was mentioned previously when he enrolled at Annapolis his plebe (freshman year) he stood 6 feet 6, by the time he graduated he was 7 foot 1. His talent on the basketball court grew along with his height. In any event Robinson holds the longest record of draft night versus his first NBA game.

The Spurs made Robinson the number 1 pick in the June 22, 1987, draft but he did not play his first regular season NBA game for the Spurs until November 4, 1989. Robinson was required to finish his naval commitment however instead of the normal 5 years he was only obligated to serve 2 years. Robinson is now enshrined in the Naismith and FIBA Hall of Fame as much for his All-American status at Annapolis and his brilliant career with the Spurs. Robinson holds a record that will never be eclipsed, the time between an athlete being drafted and their first NBA game.

Do we really care?

It appears Kyrie Irving will soon be in the Nets backcourt, as for Ben Simmons that is a different matter. NBA on Clutch Sports contained this headline: “Ben Simmons has lost nearly $7.5 million, and Kyrie Irving has lost $6 million due to games missed this season.” Anytime an athlete is injured and out of the lineup he or she has no control regarding that fact. In the instance of Simmons and Irving they made a conscious decision or stance (for varied reasons) to not play basketball for their respective teams.

That course of action is certainly warranted if they believe in the stance taken. Naturally, there are always consequences for the actions one takes, in the instance of these two athletes its loss of income. I wonder if Clutch Sports is just trying to stir the pot and this column might be a contributing factor as well. There is a final issue to consider, both athletes income is far above the average citizen anywhere in the world. Does Clutch Sports want us to sympathize with Simmons and Irving over lost income? This might appear mean spirited on my part however that is not the intent, its simply intended to point out the basis for loss of income.

Color me somewhat impressed  

A triple double during a game is not that unusual, as for a double-triple double now that’s a rarity? Prior to Tuesday night it had only been accomplished 12 times in NBA history. The Lakers certainly haven’t had a great deal to celebrate thus far, their struggles have been documented in this blog from time to time. On Tuesday evening in a game against the Rockets the Lakers had two players register a triple double. In the 132-123 victory over the Rockets LeBron James had 32 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds. This was the third time in Laker history teammates had triple doubles in the same game. Teammate Russell Westbrook scored 34 points along with 10 assists and 12 rebounds.

The Lakers had changed their starting lineup to halt a 5-game losing streak, should we suppose this lineup move was a contributing factor in the win? This change featured LeBron starting at center, how much he played is unknown with the amount of switching in the game. With head coach Vogel sidelined with covid acting coach David Fizdale made the decision to start LeBron.

This was not a difficult decision for Fizdale based on the present state of the Lakers center status. No AD he’s injured, Dwight Howard recovering from covid and inconsistent play from DeAndre Jordan was likely the basis for the change. As for the double-triple double by LeBron and Westbrook most in Laker Nation while applauding this effort might say instead “give us some consistency. How about winning 5 or 6 games in a row for a change.” As for the history it is quite extensive, the last teammates to accomplish this feat was Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler of the Heat on February 18, 2021. The first to achieve this was Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinsohn of the Celtics April 5, 1958.

Bits n Pieces

There is no medical ability with this article, it is intended to ask the question. Should Pelican forward Zion Williamson be shut down for the season? It is now January and Williamson is yet to set foot on the court. We’d hate to see this budding talent shut down for good and that’s what might occur if he is rushed back after giving the go ahead by the medical staff. We have read reports saying Williamson’s weight has ballooned upward but that is easy to understand, the injury to his foot has keep him from working out. Based on the bit of medical information placed in front of us this is our belief. Williamson should sit out the 2021-22 season and be prepared to play in the fall.

I thought it might be time to check on Makur Maker’s progress. You might remember the 6-foot 11 youngster made news when he enrolled at Howard University an HBCU school. We are usure of the order, but Maker was injured which took him out of the lineup. Then covid forced the cancellation of the season thus ending his college career before it began. Maker decided in favor of a pro career and headed to Australia and the Sydney Kings. Unable to see NBL games on television we have only the numbers to make a judgement. It appears Maker is a reserve at this point based on the limited minutes he’s played therefore we can make no judgement on adjustment to the pro game.

So far, we’ve seen no Kyrie Irving this season however there is a concern. Nothing’s changed regarding news from the health department in New York City regarding covid. Despite this department making no changes there are reports the Nets are about to make a change. After first stating Kyrie would not be able to play apparently, they are in full retreat. Reports are circulating the Nets intend the mercurial point guard to play road games and practice with the team outside New York City. My only question, if covid hits the Nets (as it has already to a degree) will Kyrie be considered the culprit? This talented athlete decided early on his principles were more important than a city mandate. That’s okay except we don’t always get what we want, sometimes we must suffer from the consequence of our decisions.