Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

Buyer’s remorse

For those who might be unfamiliar with the term Buyer’s remorse it’s explained in this manner. The consumer purchases a thing and later regrets buying the product. That could be the case for the Lakers regarding Russell Westbrook, although acquiring him in a trade wasn’t a purchase it could have been avoided. I remember at the time Westbrook was acquired the talk was the intent to land Buddy Hield from the Kings. Although teams in the same conference are not often trading partners this one looked good. In the NBA, the former University of Oklahoma guard has become a light’s out shooter especially from the three line.

 Acquiring Westbrook caught me unprepared, first the shock and then the question…can this work? Based on his past I concluded at this stage Westbrook wanted to win a championship, becoming a Laker might be his last opportunity. I reasoned he would make the adjustments required to aid in winning it all. This is written on January 20, 2022, the Lakers are no closer to a championship than this time last season. It would be easy to blame Westbrook for the present state of the Lakers, he is not responsible alone but is certainly a factor. Laker management (at least on paper) have given a vote of confidence to Coach Frank Vogel. If Vogel remains in place who goes, apparently that would be Westbrook.

The Golden State

California has the most NBA teams in the nation, of the four only the Warriors are playing particularly good basketball despite a recent short losing streak. As this is written California can state boldly it contains one of the best basketball teams in the nation. As for the others that’s a slightly different story, the Kings of Sacramento have talent however not much movement. As this is written they have 18 wins and 29 losses, they will miss the playoffs for…fans have stopped counting the number. Heading south on Interstate 5 we arrive in Los Angeles; we knew ahead of the season start Kawhi Leonard would be missing for the season.

The absence of Paul George has the Clippers at a standstill, they are not bad but not really good either the Clippers have 22 wins and 24 losses. Perhaps when the walking wounded return, they should compete for a playoff berth however that remains questionable at this time. Finally, the Lakers, the team built to compete for the 2022 NBA Championship. This team faces the same future as their Staples Center mates (sorry it remains Staples to me). With 22 wins and 23 losses they are treading water floundering about.  The shining star for the State of California must be the Warriors, last season it was 50 losses. They are 32-13 and the second-best winning record in the NBA.

Quite an appetite

Wilt Chamberlain the Man, the Myth, the Legend. In this instance we are discussing the Man and his reported appetite. Teammate Jerry West tells the story of visiting Chamberlain’s hotel room when the team was on the road. West claims Chamberlain’s appetite was enormous, if you stand 7 foot 1 and weigh 275 pounds you most likely consume large quantities of food. West claims he saw Chamberlain with 3 giant racks of ribs, 6 7-Up’s, 2 one-pound brisket sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, barbequed beans and barbequed chicken. West asked Chamberlain “how are you going to play tomorrow night?” West went on to state Chamberlain recorded 25 rebounds in the game. West claimed there was enough food consumed by Chamberlain that night to feed 10 men.

Portions from basketballnetwork.com

In exclusive company

This focus is an account on Sixer center Joel Embiid, Embiid had a game that placed him in exclusive company. He tied his career high as he scored 50 points against the Magic in a 113-110 Sixer win. Get this he scored the 50 points in 27 minutes of action. Embiid filled the box with his 50 points with 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. His season stats, 27.3 points along with 10.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. The assist total provide us proof of Embiid’s ability to share the wealth. Embiid is the second player in Sixer history to record multiple 50-point, 10 rebound games. Chamberlain had 11 of these games while a member of the Sixers. Last season I wrote my belief Embiid had been surpassed by Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. This statement, Jokic is the reigning MVP however Embiid might be on an equal plane this season.

In case you missed it

When you think of Chicago professional basketball the Bulls are probably your first thought. That’s understandable the expansion Bulls were born in 1966 which makes them 56 years old. America’s Second City has a rich basketball history much of it dating back to the early years of the professional game. Check out these teams and leagues from the early days.

Chicago American Gears-National Basketball League 1944-1947

Chicago Stags-National Basketball Association 1946-1950

Chicago Packers-National Basketball Association (now the Washington Wizards)

Chicago Bruins-American Basketball League I 1925-1955

Chicago Majors-American Basketball League II 1961-1963

There were three other Chicago pro teams, the Rockstars, Skyliners and Soldiers who played in the American Basketball Association. The records provide no proof however it’s believed these were three separate leagues all formed at various times.