Basketball from a fans perspective

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The Thin Man

As many are aware I am a movie buff, I’ve seen a considerable number of classic movies of the 1930’s through the 1950’s. One from the 1930’s stands out titled the Thin Man, the late William Powell played a detective in this series of movies. Why Nick Charles (Powell) was tagged “The Thin Man” is unknown and really not clear. In the case of Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren, it is certain, at 7 foot 1 and 195 pounds it’s easy to understand why the nickname might have been hung on him by me and maybe others.

The Thin Man had quite a stat filling debut game in the NBA, yes, its only Summer League but it was still good. 23 points (4, 3-pointers), shooting 78% from the floor also included were 7 rebounds 4 assists and 6 BLOCKED SHOTS! As per usual the disclaimer is placed here, it reads thusly, “This should be considered no precursor to the beginning of a solid NBA career. The intent is to simply point out the swift start The Thin Man had in his first game.” Of further interest is that first regular season game, the one which will see him in action against grizzly veteran NBA players. Unlike several negative letters read he’s a player until he proves he can’t play at this level.

Say What?

Darvin Ham is excited about Russell Westbrook, that is quite interesting. The Laker coach claims, “Westbrook will start, in addition he’s going to flourish.” Coach is saying all the right things to place the mercurial guard at ease with the change at head coach. It would appear from his statement Ham believes Westbrook will be playing for the Lakers and not any other team when the ball is tossed up. My view of the guard went from “I don’t want him” to “Maybe he will adjust” and then, “What’s wrong with his game” and finally “They need to trade him.”

A fellow member of Laker Nation voiced his view of Westbrook to me. John said, “Westbrook arrived believing he’d be the third option with the Lakers. AD went down for an extended period of the season, LeBron was in and out of the lineup at times, Westbrook was forced to be the primary focus on offense rather than a third option.” I thought for a moment John might be correct, the shooting woes of Westbrook have been well documented. IF Westbrook is not the primary focus on offense, should we see the OKC version of Westbrook? This question remains unanswered for now, we remain unsure of the ultimate destination for him.

There is a difference

Talent versus leadership, there is a difference between the two. All are aware Kevin Durant has made it known he wants to leave the Nets and find a new team, allow this brief explanation. Durant is a superior NBA player but he’s no leader…strong words but true. As an example, Steph Curry is a talent, but he is also a leader, irritating as he might have been to teammates Michael Jordan checked both boxes. We believe Magic Johnson checked both as well, talent plus leadership. Many claimed Kobe Bryant’s game was close to MJ except for one area, Bryant was a notable talent but not much of a leader.

My declaration might surprise some Laker fans, his greatness might have prevented him from being the person in charge in my view. Wilt Chamberlain was another exceptionally talented player but exhibited no leadership skills. As Durant continues to search can we say this is a terrible thing Durant only checks one box? This is just a point made, it remains our belief the talented forward will soon find a team we are just unsure which one it might turn out to be. On the other hand, we might note a lesser talented player with higher-than-normal leadership ability. You know something, I’m unsure if Kyrie Irving is a leader, certainly talented but that other thing.

Bits n Pieces

Mizzou missed the boat on this one, Parker and Christian Braun two basketball playing brothers from the Kansas City metro. Parker decided to play for Mizzou while brother Christian favored Kansas. The story didn’t end favorably for Mizzou, April 2021 saw Parker transferring to Santa Clara while brother Christian remained at Kansas. With the 21st pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft the Nuggets made brother Christian an NBA prospect. In other Mizzou news comes this account which could be termed an urban legend. Incoming Mizzou freshman Aiden Shaw posted video to his Twitter account of his vertical. Shaw indicates the vertical was 49” which if factual would exceed the 48” registered at the NBA Combine. 

The good and the bad for rookie Ochai Agbaji, the good is the fact the Kansas guard was a lottery pick in the draft. To be skilled enough to be drafted in the NBA is at the top of the list, to be chosen as the 14^th pick the financial reward is much greater than as the 20^th or 25^th pick. The bad, being drafted by a team with an abundance of young talent at the position you play. At 6 foot 5 we cannot project Agbaji at any position other than shooting guard. The ESPN depth chart for the Cavs places Agbaji in the three slot behind starter Collin Sexton and backup Caris Levert.

Call me on this, I’m willing to step out on that tree branch. Scottie Pippen Jr. will likely earn a spot on the Lakers roster. I know it’s early July and Junior’s played but three games, but I’m impressed thus far. Some reading this might say “You are easily impressed.” This is what I see, not only can Junior score he’s an effective shooter and the point guard distributes the ball easily and plays tough defense. I know, this is Summer League play let’s not get too far out in front of the skis, but this kid appears to be a keeper.