Basketball from a fans perspective

The Lakers dilemma    

We see the problem; it was pointed out the James/Davis/Westbrook combo played a total of 21 games in the 2021-22 season. Now there is no attempt to conduct revisionist history, but we question, if this trio had played even 40 games how much different the season might have turned out…oh well. By the time you read this Frank Vogel will have been fired. The coach was only part of the problem for this Laker team, you remember in the Wizard of Oz? “Don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain.”

Kurt Rambis and Rob Pelinka along with LeBron James all share in the mess that became the 2021-22 Lakers. It’s too bad Vogel must take all the blame for this inept front office along with several roster members. One matter that can never be taken away from Vogel, he was the NBA Championship coach in 2020. We believe he was the mover and shaker for that team. Now that’s it official the Lakers begin the search for Vogel’s replacement, there are a number of names most of us are familiar with, but this is the problem as I see it. In my view the team’s only had three coaches who managed to produce winning teams over a period of time. Those names Pat Riley (1981-1990), Del Harris (1994-1999) and Phil Jackson (1999-2004 & 2005-2011). 

They once attempted to hire Tyronn Lue but could not agree on contract terms, they hired someone else. Byron Scott, and Luke Walton were found to be not particularly good sitting in the lead chair, Mike D’Antoni might have been a different manner. The Lakers played well under him the problem he wanted an increase in salary which the Lakers would not agree. You see the dilemma; the Lakers have been lukewarm in coaching hires.

Bits n Pieces 

Embiid for the win, that is Joel Embiid wants to prove to all not only is he the best center in the NBA he might claim to be the best player in the league. Okay maybe he didn’t say as much but it’s likely he may perhaps think it. In any event Embiid accomplished a rare feat at the close of the season, he becomes the first international player to lead the NBA in scoring. The international story might have been forgotten because he played at Kansas for his freshman year, he was born and grew up in Cameroon on the African continent. As for Embiid’s scoring it was 30.6 per game average led the lead as he became the first center since Shaq (22 years ago) to lead the NBA in scoring. In addition, there could be an MVP in Embiid’s future.

With the NBA season concluding we move into awards season, one of the first honor to be determined might be Rookie of the Year. Of all the candidates the contest will probably be decided between point /shooting guard Cade Cunningham of the Pistons and Evan Mobley Cavs center/power forward. Although it’s difficult to choose one over the other Cunningham will likely be selected winner, that’s a best guess and not a slam dunk answer. The history points out twice we had two winners. As an example, in 1995 winners were Grant Hill and Jason Kidd who would share the award. Five years later there would be a tie again as Elton Brand and Steve Francis were Co-Rookies of the Year.

News from Mizzou, the coach received another commitment sort of. See the player is one who played for Coach Gates at Cleveland State. His name, Tre Gomillion a 6-foot 4 215-pound combo guard we read he is accustomed to the coaches offense which will be an aid once the season starts. One of the many problems this past season was the lack of a competent point guard. Kobe Brown, who is actually a small forward, was forced in that role for much of the season. Gomillion becomes commit number three or four depending on whether we count incoming freshman Aiden Shaw.

Austin Reaves joined some exclusive Laker company in the last game of the season. The 6-foot 5 guard scored 30 points grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 10 assists, his effort helped the Lakers win an OT match against the Nuggets 146-141. Reaves joins Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson and Lonzo Ball achieving a triple-double in his rookie year.  

They were missing

We realize injuries are part of any sport, NBA teams attempt to work around this issue as best possible. As the season draws to a close this was a key issue Commissioner Silver addressed with the media recently. Silver pointed out a number of major stars were missing in action for the season or for extended parts of the season, check out these names and the numbers.

Ben Simmons-out

Kawhi Leonard-out

Zion Williamson-out

John Wall-out

Jamal Murray-out

Bradley Beal-40 games

Anthony Davis-42 games

Paul George-50 games

There are others omitted but this was intended to provide a brief list of the missing and what the commissioner mentioned in his press conference. Kyrie Irving was not listed because he wasn’t injured and the 53 games he missed were by choice. Rest assured no one expects an athlete to play hurt but owners must explore methods to reduce the number of stars missing games. Injuries plus Load Management certainly cannot endear the game to its fans. The league should check the number of exhibition and regular season games and considering a reduction. Instead of expanding the playoffs a reduction should be taken into account, the 7-8 seeds should play a best 3 out of 5 games instead of a 7-game series. Fans are not pleased paying their hard-earned income expecting to see the stars. Instead, injuries and Load Management impacts the game and positioning of teams.