Basketball from a fans perspective

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Change a brewing?

Laker coach Darvin Ham indicates he’s been given carte blanche regarding Russell Westbrook. The story caused me to search out answers from Kansas City members of Laker Nation. This is the question I posed, “It appears at least for now the Lakers are unable to locate a trading partner for Westbrook, based on the Ham story what if? Westbrook is removed from the starting unit and is placed in a reserve role.    The two members I contacted were in agreement, and this represents their combined view.

“There might be too much pressure on Westbrook on the floor with LeBron and AD to perform. He’s never going to be the floor leader with LeBron on the court at the same time. Coming off the bench with the reserves they would look toward him for leadership and distribution of the ball, there would be less pressure on Westbrook to produce.” Naturally this view represents a "suppose", what occurs if this role is presented to him, and he rejects it? We certainly don’t have the answer however it becomes fun speculating on the possibility. What do you think, could this work for the Lakers in your view…think about it?

Wilt numbers

You know how good Wilt Chamberlain was, on the other hand perhaps you should check out these individual game totals. Most reading this are familiar with the 100-point game he scored against the Knicks in March 1962; Chamberlain wore the jersey of the Philadelphia Warriors at the time. There are other single game highs for The Dipper that are astronomical.  How about these single season game records for Chamberlain, 55 rebounds or this one, 21 assists and 25 blocked shots?

We’ve read stories claiming Chamberlain was selfish and only interested in his offensive effort i.e., he was not a team player. The latter three figures might dispute the fact Chamberlain was only interested in his offensive output. I can hear the naysayers as this is being written, “Sure he was able to accomplish those numbers there were only 8 teams including the Warriors during much of his career.” Say it if you wish, you will get no argument from me. Truth is if you demote the Chamberlain effort chances are really good, I’ll ignore.    

A connection

Mizzou received a verbal commitment from point guard Anthony Robinson II 2023 prospect recently. While researching background on the youngster his high school coaches name was mentioned in an account. My first thought, the name Charlie Ward sounds familiar to me. Depending on your age or basketball knowledge the name might be unfamiliar to many of you reading this. Robinson’s high school coach was an outstanding football player at Florida State back in the day.

Ward was the winner of the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner while quarterbacking Florida State University. Despite his football excellence Ward’s pro career would be on the basketball court rather than the gridiron. Ward had a 12-year career most of it spent with the Knicks as a point guard the same position Robinson II plays. Back to Robinson II a moment, we don’t have any idea if he can adjust to the college game, rest assured we believe he’s been taught. This is certainly different; few high school athletes can lay claim to the fact their coach played the game at the professional level.

The wrong guy

This is funny now all these years later, the statement made by Ron Harper. The former guard claims it should have been him guarding Michael Jordan on the shot rather than Craig Ehlo. MJ with ice water in his veins took the shot that won Game 5 in 1989 against the Cavs but wait there’s more. 6-foot 6-inch Harper then with the Cavs was a pretty good defender, he wanted to guard MJ on the inbound play. During the timeout they were discussing strategy on the sidelines.

Harper claims he asked coach Lenny Wilkins to allow him to guard MJ. He was overruled by the coach who wanted Craig Ehlo also 6 foot 6 and a good defender. Of course, this is “what if history” for Harper, Jordan might have still sunk the winning basket it didn’t matter who watched him. As for the game total it was 44 points (including the winner) along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. It is interesting years later MJ and Harper would become teammates on several championship Bulls teams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5WUOnTxwPw&t=7s

This is the landscape today

Illinois native Matas Buzelis all 6 foot 10 of him is a Rivals 5-star prospect in the Class of 2023. He’s the number 6 player in the nation according to this source so that provides you an idea of the small forwards projected talent. Buzelis will be a senior at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita once school begins. The talented youngster has offers from 17 schools across the nation from Arizona to Wisconsin alphabetically. Despite the substantial number of schools, he’s decided his aspiration is a pro career immediately.

Buzelis announced recently instead of heading off to college in the fall he is signing with G-League Team Elite. He intends to begin to play as a pro immediately after graduation rather than spend a year in college or Australia. Information update for some, there were two players from Elite chosen in the 2022 NBA draft, number 8 pick Dyson Daniels by the Pelicans and number 24 MarJon Beauchamp chosen by the Bucks.