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Basketball from a fans perspective

Can I change my mind?

You bet I can change and often I do, I've change my position on matters and subjects in the past and that is the case here. I believe the Nets have become the bad guys in the Kyrie Irving drama and suspension. The Nets ownership have become as big a problem as Irving created. The conditions allowing for Irving to return are far too difficult in my view. As an example during the suspension Irving receives no pay, one of the conditions of return he must payout $500,000 to anti-hate causes. That amount is out of line in my view. Sensitivity training and anti-semitic session, one or the other, there is no requirement for both. While I am voicing my opposition to the stance taken by Nets management Irving doesn’t escape freely, he is a contributing partner.  Irving is an intelligent guy from what I’ve been led to believe, in addition, he wasn’t voicing support for the movie. 

Irving's defiance when questioned about the film made it appear he might believe in the film. This portion I’m guessing, Irving conducted zero research on the author and film before providing the link to his millions of followers. In the future he’s got to be a little smarter in this area. It’s my understanding Irving has met with Nets owner Joe Tsai; he could go one step further and meet with Jewish leaders at a future date. Dialogue is always worthwhile to clear up matters of conflict. One of the 6 requirements has been completed, in my view only two additional items are required a sit-down meeting and sensitivity training or antisemitic session, one of them but not both. The change in my stance is evident however both parties…the Nets and Kyrie Irving are guilty in my eyes. Irving for linking the film to him and the Nets for laying out an impossible set of rules for the player to return. In closing I’m quite sure this change in my view will be upsetting to some however consider one fact, I have no ability to change anything except my outlook on the matter. 

He might want to think this out

Recently we discussed reports indicating former president Obama might become a minority owner of the Suns. Based on the latest information released by Forbes he just might want to think this out a bit. The Pelicans were rated the lowest valued team in the NBA, and they were listed at $1.6 billion, that’s a B not an M. The most valuable franchise the Golden State Warriors assessed at $7 billion, they are followed by the Knicks and Lakers at $6.1 billion and $5.9 billion.

The magazine also indicates at least 7 teams increased in value in the past year. The larger question, in this day and age who can afford to own an NBA team or any sports franchise for that matter? As for the Suns they were in the number of franchises increasing in value, Forbes indicates they are now worth $1.8 billion. I just checked the archives, the ownership group that purchased the Kings and moved them to Sacramento paid $10.5 million for the team. Of course this was 1983 dollars, for a comparison I placed the figure in a CPI inflation calculator, and it computes today at $31,290,000.

The Tigers signed numbers

On Wednesday Mizzou commit Jordan Butler affirmed he was headed to Columbia by signing his letter of intent. The 6-foot 10 center will need to put on weight (195 pounds) if he expects to play the post in the tough SEC. Butler is from Greenville South Carolina and a senior at Christ Church High School. Butler joins 6-foot 2 150-pound point guard Anthony Robinson II and wing Trent Pierce, 6-foot 8 and 185 pounds signed letters of intent earlier in the day. The three signees become the foundation of the Class of 2023 rated number 17 in the nation by 247Sports.

There should be additional incoming talent since Gates had to build the roster comprised of transfers. Only three players remain from Cuonzo Martin’s time as coach. Robinson and Butler are rated 4-star while Pierce is a 3-star, as for the ratings they certainly are noteworthy. Ratings don’t mean beans if an athlete is unable to play at the skill level projected. There are 11 prospects with offers on the table from Mizzou, we realize Coach Gates and staff is unlikely to sign all nor would there be a requirement. Keep doing what you are doing, so far this member of Mizzou Nation is pleased.   

“I didn’t come to L.A. to lose”

The headline is a quote from Lakers coach Darvin Ham discussing the early season losses of his team. My question, how exactly is Ham expected to win without help? Help in this instance not from the roster but from the front office, help from Rod Pelinka…Jeanie Buss or someone. At this point Ham could be compared to a boxer, he’s in the ring with one hand tied behind his back, he can only hit the opponent (other NBA teams) with his right.

Ham’s got no left-hand jab or the ability to counter punch, any counter punch requires use of both hands which are lacking in this instance. The Lakers have done an excellent job of drafting players in the past, they are spread throughout the NBA. Just a few of the names, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. Since it appears the Lakers have adopted a win now philosophy what is the holdup on the reported trade with the Pacers. If reports are correct all the Lakers must do is send Westbrook and draft choices to acquire Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.