Basketball from a fans perspective   

Monday through Friday

Was I to critical of Kyrie yesterday?

It depends on what side of the covid vaccine you claim. I know at least three people one being my former barber who assert they won’t get the shot. Each of these persons has made it known why they refuse, as for the barber notice the word former is underlined. There is a reason for that, I sought a barber who was vaccinated and decided to make a change. His decision was a factor in taking my business elsewhere. I have no problem with the stance taken by Kyrie Irving or my former barber for that matter. Both my former barber and Kyrie made a choice they intended to pursue, there is a cause and effect working with the direction they chose.

I am only a party of one however in the instance of my barber he’s lost revenue he would have received from me. We have no idea of the financial arrangements the Nets made with Kyrie because of an existing contract. Taking a stance on an issue is outstanding however prepare yourself to suffer the aftereffects. That becomes the key, at the time you undergo this position are you fully prepared for the consequences of your actions? Wishing and hoping NYC lifts its vax stance is just that…wishing and hoping! If you side with Kyrie on this matter allow me to provide you evidence. According to Commissioner Silver an unvaccinated player from a visiting team can play in Barclays Center. The same scenario applies to all Nets and Knicks players, which side do you choose, the vax or anti-vax side?

He said WHAT?

The opening salvo in the war of words has begun with James Harden issuing this terse statement, “I needed to be around guys I know WANT to win!” Who was the statement aimed at, was Harden referring to Kyrie or possibly KD or maybe some other roster member? Perhaps it wasn’t a roster member at all Harden could have been discussing members of the Nets coaching staff or conceivably it could be the front office. The story of Simmons was known in advance of the trade however should we expect a statement from him too? So, you believed all the drama existed on the west coast with the Laker-Westbrook saga. The Nets might have a better record than the Lakers however the theatre might be close to the same level.

Someone might have spoken too soon

On Tuesday you read an account regarding Cuonzo Martin and Mizzou basketball. The writer (whoever this guy is) claimed Mizzou was not winning however there had been few blowouts in the last several weeks. Well, that person was correct until Tuesday evening and Mizzou’s game against Arkansas. The Razorbacks outshot, out rebounded and out hustled the Mizzou Tigers to a 76-57 win. I would advise this writer Mizzou just doesn’t appear to match up well against Arkansas.

In addition, although we cannot provide proof when Arkansas faces other teams against Mizzou it’s a far different story. It appears Arkansas forces its will on Mizzou, all that’s necessary to prove the point is to check out the numbers we see. They shot 50% from the floor Mizzou 29.2%, 21.1% from 3 for Arkansas was not that good but certainly better than 12.5% from Mizzou. If we mention Arkansas forcing its will on Mizzou just check out the turnover total, Mizzou had 23 turnovers in the game an impossible total to win any game.   

Bits n Pieces     

As a reminder Nikola Jokic Mr. Triple Double was last season’s MVP, how about 2022, is he the leader in the middle of February? The Joker as he’s nicknamed has plenty of competition this season. The contenders (not in any order) are the Warriors Steph Curry, the Greek Freak from the Bucks and the Sixers Joel Embiid. Perhaps on the outside looking in are Karl-Anthony Towns of the Wolves and the Mavs Luka Doncic and one other. LeBron James, I know what you are saying or thinking but consider this, name a 37-year-old in the NBA’s past with the numbers LeBron’s registered thus far? It ain’t gonna happen, there would be yelling and screaming in a number of circles should LeBron be named MVP. After checking the list is there another player or two who might have been overlooked or included in this list?

He was nicknamed “The Glove” and the explanation is simple. Gary Payton played tough defense at all times on opposing guards. Although he played for more than one NBA team his tenure with the Sonics is where he set the standard. Matched with forward Shawn Kemp they would become a dynamic duo who could score the ball but also play defense. Born and raised in Oakland California he distinguished himself at Skyline High School before heading to Oregon State where his maturation continued. Payton was the second pick in the first round by the Sonics and while in Seattle was one of the NBA’s best point guards and defender. In fact, The Glove was named 1996 Defensive Player of the Year plus the steals leader that season. Get this during his 13-year NBA career he was All Defensive First Team 9 times, in 2013 Payton was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

Reports are circulating the right foot of Pelicans forward Zion Williamson might require a second surgery. News of this possible operation is scary in a number of ways, we cannot speculate (at least me) on medical issues. When healthy Zion has proven to be an NBA talent, if he is unable to resurrect his budding career well. Of the 220 games played since Zion was drafted, he’s managed to play in only 85 games so far in his brief career. The number mentioned includes 58 played in the 2021-22 NBA season.