Basketball from a fans perspective

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Bits n Pieces

As NBA training camps open one of the most confusing might be the Celtics. They are a veteran team; they know what to do however the coaching change at the top is the question. When training camp opens assistant now head coach Joe Mazzulla is now the man in charge. The team is accustomed to hearing his voice during practice, shoot around and during a game however he’s now in a different position. Much of this Celtic team competed for an NBA Championship last season so they know how to win. If the Celtics begin the season slowly there is no requirement to panic although I know a number will.  As for guard Marcus Smart and his response that will be covered on Friday. 

LaVar Ball should be pleased now, all three sons are now in the NBA. We are acquainted with oldest brother Lonzo although injured plays for the Bulls. Baby brother LaMelo is a member of the Hornets, he now has a new teammate-brother. LiAngelo’s been signed by the Hornets for an undisclosed amount to a non-guaranteed contract. You might remember he was in the Hornets training camp last season however he failed to earn a roster spot. Do we suppose the time is now for LiAngelo and each of us must apologize to daddy LaVar. LaVar said ages ago all three of his son’s would play in the NBA. He further stated all three would play for the same team, that might be unmanageable.  

The injury bug

In a manner similar to others in Laker Nation I’ve lamented the saga of Anthony Davis. So much talent yet he continues to spend time on the injury list. It might be bad but nowhere close to that of Markelle Fultz. You remember Fultz don’t you, number one draft pick by the Sixers in 2017 from the University of Washington. I just read he fractured his toe, no surgery (which is good) now with the Magic they have given no timetable for his return. No one plays 82 games anymore injury or not but consider these numbers.

In 6 years, Fultz has played a total of 131 games for the Sixers and Magic, he was a starter in 86. In that time, he could have played in at least 492. For the talented but injury prone guard it’s been one injury after another, the closest he came to playing a full season was his first with the Magic. In the 2019-20 season Fultz managed to play in 72 games in 60 of them he was a starter. The following season he played 8 games and last season it was 18. There is no attempt to detail the injuries I’m just going to say so much potential talent but little opportunity to display it.

I’m violating my established rule

You are probably asking yourself “What is the rule?” I have refrained from writing about Mizzou prospects at least till there is a verbal commitment. Even verbal’s are saying “I might attend there on the other hand maybe not.” So now that you have the background allow me to inform you of a recent occurrence. Mizzou had four prospects visit the campus over a recent weekend. Antonio Barrett or T.O. as he prefers is a 6-foot 4 180-pound point guard, 247Sports awards this Class of 2024 prospect 3-stars. For me the most interesting part Barrett is from Edmond Oklahoma, the city is located about a 30 plus minute drive from the University of Oklahoma.

Barrett does have OU on his list of schools nevertheless this is still quite interesting. We can add the name of John Bol a 7-foot 2 190 pound forward, the skinny Bol attends Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita (KS). Bol is awarded 5-stars by 247 Sports and a sophomore at the school. Also visiting Columbia was Jordan Butler a 6-foot 10 220 pound forward, Rivals doesn’t award this Class of 2023 prospect any stars but no matter. Stars are to provide us a projection of an athletes potential, they fail to indicate if that particular athlete can play at the collegiate level. There you have it Mizzou Nation pending prospects for the future of Mizzou basketball and the reminder I violated my own rule in providing you this information in advance of possible commitment.

Best Big Men

I listen to a local podcast; the hosts were discussing the best Big Men. Okay, we know offenses have changed, it’s now an inside out game versus outside end of long-ago basketball. Who are your Top Five Big Men? Mine is a little different because I attempted to look at their college as well as the NBA. Based on that factor my Top Five in order:

Kareem Abdul Jabbar-3 NCAA championships, 6 NBA championships

Bill Russell-2 NCAA championships, 11 NBA championships

Wilt Chamberlain-2 NBA championships

Shaquille O’Neal-4 NBA championships

Hakeem Olajuwon-2 NBA championships

Those who while very good failed to earn a spot on my roster, not in any order:

Moses Malone

David Robinson

Patrick Ewing

Willis Reed

Nate Thurmond

Bob Lanier

You are asking the question, “Where is Tim Duncan” and with good reason. Tim despite his greatness spent the major portion of his NBA career as a power forward. He did this despite being 6 foot 11 and 250 pounds. There are several Big Men omitted from this list, they are certainly valued players however they don’t measure up to my Top Five. What do you think, you agree with my list? Do you think several in the second tier earn a spot on your list? Did you notice the fact all are retired players, with the change in NBA offense there are few players who might qualify.