Basketball from a fans perspective

Get back to winning

A win on Saturday afternoon will go a long way toward righting the ship in Columbia. The Mizzou Tigers are on a 3-game losing streak, without checking the record my thought of last season maybe 2 games in a row occurred. No disrespect intended but Central Arkansas arrives with a losing record. What exactly is the problem for Mizzou to date?  The key rebounding the ball, Mizzou remains ineffective on the boards, failing to properly box out the opposition leads to second and sometimes third shots by opposing teams. Being unable to rebound the ball is a recipe for defeat.

As I mentioned previously although Nick Honor at the point is familiar with the Dennis Gates offense he’s managed to come up short, Honor was much more effective last season over this one so far. After a swift start Noah Carter has practically disappeared from the action while others are also M.I.A. Included in the count of missing are Danny Stephens, Connor Vanover, Caleb Grill and John Tonje. I’m quite sure more was expected by Gates as all arrived in the transfer portal in the off season. Second to the rebound issue is the offense/defense, I’m unsure which to cover first. Let’s check the offense first, Sean East II has been the man. If East fails to score so does the Mizzou offense. There are several glimmers of hope, Tamar Bates who played at Indiana has been a legitimate scoring threat, I could also cite freshman Anthony Robinson II for his scoring and defense.

Aidan Shaw, who I thought would have a breakout year has played mostly up and down. As for the defense I’m really unsure where to begin, the pressing style defense exhibited for much of the time last season has disappeared for Mizzou to date. SEC teams last season might have been unprepared, at this point Mizzou cannot sneak up on anyone. If this appears to be a surrender account that is not the case, in truth I don’t expect this team to duplicate last season. You might remember it was 25 wins plus 2 NCAA Tournament games, that will not occur in 2024. NOTE: Mizzou with a game winner 92-59.

Bits n Pieces

There are more basketball analyst working than we can count on our fingers and toes. After completing accounts on both the NBA and college basketball the oldest guys working have been covered in this blog previously. In the NBA, its Hubie Brown who turned 90 years of age September 25, college basketball has Bill Raftery who had his birthday number 80 last April. Why are they still working when they could easily be retired, without direct knowledge, I believe its love. Yes, basketball has been an integral part of the life of Brown and Raftery for over 70+ years, simply stated they love it.

This has occurred in the NFL and NBA too, we made a mistake. League officials a day or so later admitting game officials made an error. I believe most of us understand this fact, we have human beings on the floor. They are going to miss plays, I just said they are human. The question for me and maybe you. What good does it do to admit an error occurred, do you intend to replay that portion of the game? I can only think of one occasion when a controversial ending was overturned and replayed. It occurred in baseball with the infamous pine tar game between the Yankees and the Royals. This was a 1983 game between the teams, the Yankee win was overturned and the game from the 7th inning was replayed giving the victory to the Royals.

What might have been, I’m watching Michael Porter Jr. in action for the Nuggets. All I can think is the injury season at Mizzou where he was unable to demonstrate his talent. If I remember when he arrived on campus he was projected as a number one or two NBA draft pick. His back injury ended all that although the Nuggets could foresee the budding talent. Porter Jr. slipped all the way down to number 14 in the 2018 draft and the Nuggets quickly snapped him up. They could afford to allow him to sit out and rehab completely, the Nuggets now view the wait a worthy one. Just think Porter Jr. could have been the foundation for Mizzou success but it wasn’t to be.

New ownership

The Wolves are playing my Lakers under new ownership on Saturday evening, well that statement is not totally correct allow a further explanation. Sometime ago owner Glen Taylor sold a major portion of the Wolves to A-Rod and his business partner Marc Lore. The A-Rod/Lore team was to eventually purchase the majority share of the team, that time has come. The sale concluded December 31, 2023, according to reports former majority owner Taylor will retain 20% ownership in the Wolves. I was unfamiliar with Lore so I conducted a quick Google search on him. He’s an entrepreneur, businessman and investor, Lore is the founder, Chairman and CEO of the Wonder Group. A-Rod requires no introduction, most sports fans are familiar with him or at least his name. A-Rod is a former major league baseball player for the Mariners, Rangers and Yankees. Thus the “new” ownership group of the Minnesota Wolves NBA franchise begins full scale operation January 1, 2024.

Amazing  

His birth name is Anthony Jerome Webb but he’s better known as Spud. Born in Dallas Texas he played his college basketball at Midland Community College and North Carolina State from 1981 to 1985. Despite being 5-foot 6 (or 7) Webb was drafted in the 4th round of the 1985 draft by the Pistons. Although drafting Webb the Pistons would later release him. Naturally his stature would indicate there wasn’t a great deal of interest by other NBA teams, he once scored 32 points leading the Hawks to a win over the Nuggets. 1986 was the year of Spud Webb, he would enter the NBA All-Star dunk contest where his fame would last to the present day.

Understand this, his teammates including Dominque Wilkins a participant had no idea Webb had such leaping ability, Webb would go on to win the event and have a 13-year career playing for various NBA teams. After he retired from play he was hired as president of basketball operations for the G-League team in Frisco Texas. As for his nickname, how did he acquire it? A visitor to the hospital at the time of his birth in 1963 indicated Webb’s head resembled that of the Sputnik satellite, eventually Sputnik was shortened to Spud. What makes Webb’s Slam Dunk win so interesting is he might be the only winner who did not have the ability to palm the basketball. Spud Webb all 5 foot 6 and 133 pounds with a 46-inch vertical, he was the winner of the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Championship.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits an Pieces 

After the Thursday night 128-122 OT loss to the Celtics the Pistons now own the record, technically they have tied the losing streak established by the Sixers over parts of two seasons with 28. They have a game scheduled today with the Raptors and then it’s the Rockets, Jazz, Warriors, Nuggets and Kings. Next up are the Spurs, Rockets again, Wizards and Wolves. I believe over these 10 games the losing streak will be ended, against which one of these teams I have no idea. We shall see if my examination is correct.

This is a Victor Wembanyama story you are hereby warned in advance, you can skip it if you desire. Here goes 8 players in the NBA ‘s history have produced games of 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocked shots in a game. Wemby accomplished the feat on Thursday night leading his team to victory and break a Spurs losing streak. He scored 30 points along with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocked shots in the 118-105 win over the Blazers. Just in case you are interested in the “others” who registered these numbers. David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Julius Erving, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Charles Barkley, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Five former player in the Naismith Hall of Fame plus three who could be enshrined one day, this accomplishment by Wemby while still a teen, his birthday is January 4 he turns 20 years of age.

This will have changed

By writing this a week or so ahead of publishing changes will occur. This college season so far looks quite different from 2022-23, yes the usual suspects are in place UConn, Kansas, Arizona, North Carolina and Duke. The difference this season thus far is that teams generally not listed in the Top 25 are present, who are these mystery guys you might ask? How about Colorado State 11-1 as this is written, we could include James Madison in the count too. I can’t really include Florida Atlantic in the mix, the Owls have been quite competitive in recent years.

A school I can include in the count is Mississippi, without checking the schedule I’m unsure who they might have played. As this is written the Bulldogs have 12 wins and no losses. Providence has been in the Top 25 over the years but this time it’s different for Mizzou Nation. One of our own, Kim English is in his first year as head coach. With the number of games available on various platforms I haven’t had an opportunity to see them all in action. As conference races begin over the next several weeks and months we’ll see who falls by the wayside and who continues to excel in the 2023-24 collegiate season.

Did the Knicks miss on him

Tyrese Haliburton had another one of those monster games on Thursday evening, the Pacer guard led the way in the 120-104 victory over the Bulls. He scored 21 points and had 20 assists and 0 turnovers in the game thus becoming only the second player in NBA history with 20 points and 20 assists and O turnovers. The other player to accomplish the deed was Chris Paul in 2016. Haliburton continues to shine in his 4th year in the NBA, you think the Kings might regret trading him to the Pacers.

That’s probably not the case Haliburton might not have been able to play starter minutes after all the Kings had DeAaron Fox at the point, Haliburton would have likely continued in a reserve role with them. You realize the Knicks had an opportunity to draft Haliburton in 2020, that is based on a Stephen A. Smith comment, he claims (without offering us any proof) he contacted the Knicks front office and “insisted” they draft Haliburton. The only hitch Smith offered us this statement on his program but offered no proof. As my friend Keenan might say “If there is no video it didn’t occur” LOL.

Christmas television 

This is interesting on several levels, let’s take a moment and read between the lines. Christmas Day sports television has been exclusively the property of the NBA, that has now changed. The NFL decided to place Christmas Eve and Christmas Day games on its 2023 schedule and that’s where our story begins. Without seeing any posted numbers analysts are reporting NFL games swamped the NBA games in viewership numbers on Christmas Day. Okay lets dive a little deeper in the pool to see if we can uncover some detail, first of all John, Joe and Andrew have long been aware the NFL fan base is so much larger than the NBA.

I can use my hometown as an example, Kansas City is totally absorbed in Chiefs football. My guess is 12-14 households out of 20 in this city had the Chiefs on rather than Bucks-Knicks and later Warriors-Nuggets basketball. Based on a couple of podcasts I saw the NBA might wish to consider closing up shop since they were beaten so badly rating wise. I’m just being witty, I’m certainly not serious although a couple of podcasters appeared quite grim in their accounts. I’ve long believed in a divide, there are casual NFL fans (like me) who are rabid NBA fans. At the same time there are far more fanatical NFL fans than NBA, why should that be so shocking to the podcasters and others? I’ve long believed without offering you any proof the NFL and NBA are not competing for the same fan.

We here too

I’ve mentioned this on more than one occasion so far and wanted to bring it to your attention again. Due to Wemby being 7 foot 4 and Chet Holmgren 7 foot 1 they have combined to block out the light, we cannot fully see the others. A portion of this we can blame on the media, as for other reasons that is an unknown. The others references the crop of 2023 NBA rookies and they appear to be doggone good too. This focus covers two rookies, in the future there might be additional coverage of others.

We begin in Charlotte and with the Hornets. Brandon Miller’s made the transition from the University of Alabama to the Hornets roster. As this is written he’s scoring at a modest 14.6 points shooting 43.6 from the floor and 37.6 from three. The team record might not reflect this but Miller has been a valuable addition to the Hornets now and into the future. Taking a I-95 south drive we arrive in Miami home of the Heat, from here we meet Jaime Jaquez Jr. Unlike Miller Jaquez Jr. is yet to play starter minutes, despite that fact there is no doubt he is one to watch this season and into the future. His scoring average is 13.1 points and 50.5 shooting from the floor, 38.1 from three in a little more than 28 minutes a game. These two might prove just as valuable to their respective teams as those “Twin Towers.”

Basketball from a fans perspective

The sky is falling

It’s possible you might remember the children’s tale of Chicken Little. For those unfamiliar with the tale it goes like this. A pebble fell out of the sky one day and hit Chicken Little on his head, at that point he went into overdrive trying to warn the other farm animals. He ran from one end of the barnyard to the other screaming “The sky is falling, the sky is falling.” I don’t remember the end of the story without searching but that’s where our tale begins. At least once every two weeks or so you read an account from a media member or a fan, they point out “Nobody is watching the NBA” without offering 0 proof of their statement. Well here I am prepared to give you 20 reasons why fans are watching the NBA and the league is in a continuing growth mode, they are listed below:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander                        Nikola Jokic

Chet Holmgren                                      Brandon Ingram

Victor Wembanyama                              Anthony Edwards

Austin Reaves                                        Karl-Anthony Towns

Brandon Miller                                       DeAaron Fox

Luka Doncic                                           Donovan Mitchell

Jaren Jackson Jr.                                   Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Ja Morant                                              Zion Williamson

Devin Booker                                         Jayson Tatum

Giannis Antetokounmpo                         Jaylen Brown 

Notice who is missing, there is no LeBron nor Kevin Durant listed, in addition no Steph Curry,  Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving. If you haven’t spotted the difference allow this brief explanation. All the players listed above are younger than 30 years of age. It is possible several of the names you might disagree with being placed on a rising star list. That’s okay, this is my list, you are free to detail one of your own. It’s just the fact I happen to believe the NBA’s future is quite solid if the majority of these 20 reach the level many believe capable. 

You could do this on your own

On Wednesday, a thumbnail sketch was provided on Providence coach Kim English. You could do this on your own however since I had an opportunity to see this Mizzou Tiger as a player this is a shortcut. English from Baltimore arrived on campus from Notre Dame Prep School and Randallstown High School both in Maryland. Although English was drafted the NBA proved a way stop on the road to a coaching career. There were three stops as an assistant, Tulsa, Colorado and then Tennessee in 2019. In March 2021 George Mason hired English as head coach and his first season saw his George Mason team finished with a 14-16 record and 7-9 in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Improvement occurred in the following year as English was able to lead them to a 20-13, 11-7 record. In two seasons the school went from 9th in the conference to 5th. Two years to the date English was hired at George Mason he was signed by Providence to replace longtime coach Ed Cooley. The 2023-24 season is early, as this is written Providence has 11 wins and only 2 losses prior to conference play, they are the number 25 team in the Top 25. English is not that far removed from his playing days, at the age of 35 he is one of the youngest coaches in the nation and can relate to those he is recruiting. I can only believe the two stops are the road to a major Division I program at some future date. So the brief update on the rising star I believe is named Kim English.

The coach (or manager)

I heard this a long time ago and believe it still applies today. “A coach (or manager) receives too much credit when their team wins and too much blame when they lose.” To me that says, “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” in all seriousness that person is the leader of his or her team. I have seen several that appeared to have no clue what they were doing while others coached or managed at a high level. Some took over poorly performing teams and were able to lead them to success. In basketball I once read of an assistant coach who worked for years under Pistons coach Chuck Daley. This NBA team seeing the success Daley had believed his top assistant should be able to duplicate that effort. Needless to say the assistant wasn’t a very good head coach.

A member of the media said, “How could he coach under Daley and learn so little about basketball?” In the college ranks I believe Quin Snyder is a good coach now, I’m unsure if that was the case when Mizzou hired him to replace Norm Stewart. I believe there was a growth curve for Snyder and its allowed him (in my view) to become a much better coach for the Jazz and now the Hawks. A number of assistant coaches long to become head coaches, circumstances are always different however the rate of success varies. Example, Patrick Ewing was a Hall of Fame athlete and long time NBA assistant coach. Hired at his alma mater Georgetown he was found unable to lead the program to success. I’m writing this to provide you an indication I’m concerned about Laker coach Darvin Ham. I will reserve my judgement for a time but let’s just say I am not as comfortable with his decisions as I was at the beginning of the season.

Are they legit

I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion I’m not an ESPN Insider, I only read the headline not the content. Because the play of the Clippers has improved the story ask the question are James Harden and team contenders? Before I begin an assessment allow me to say “I’m from Missouri you’ve got to Show Me.” No argument with the writer on my part Clipper play over the last few weeks has improved, has it progressed enough for them to play for the Western Conference and maybe NBA championship?

That question can only be answered in June, I’m going to attempt in late December to assess the Clippers. Although I questioned the acquisition of Harden at the time of the trade his play has certainly been exemplary as this is written. Despite the positives there are unresolved questions beginning with Harden. He all but disappeared in the playoff run last season with the Sixers. The health of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard remain key to an extended run, we could say that’s no more important to the Clippers than any other NBA team. The key issue to me are the reserves which includes Norman Powell, Terrance Mann and most of all Westbrook. So this is your quick critique of the Clippers, we shall see how this plays out.

Entitled

I’ve long understood we now live in a different age, it is the age of the consumer and them ALL WAYS BEING CORRECT. The latest example involves Clipper Russell Westbrook, I don’t have all the details but it appears similar to those of the recent past. A courtside fan made a statement which upset Westbrook however the aftermath is what concerns me. The first two letter writers attacked Russell, they were not worded in this manner but took that stance. “I paid for my ticket, I can say anything I wish,” the problem that’s only partially true. Freedom of speech does give that fan a degree of privilege but only up to a point.

He or she is not permitted to say any or everything that comes up, I understand and can agree a number of athletes are overpaid and for lack of another term spoiled. Many of us have customer service jobs, we must work directly with much of the public. There are few instances as a customer service rep where you are going to listen to profanities uttered in your direction without some form of retaliation. The basketball court is no different than your job as a customer. Some reading this will conclude I’m stating the paying customer at an NBA game has no rights, that’s not the point. The point is don’t allow yourself to appear foolish by uttering words you wouldn’t say to a bank teller or someone repairing your automobile to their face, we are not as entitled as many of us believe.

Basketball from a fans perspective

A distressing record

The Nets whipped the Pistons in Tuesday night’s action 118-112 thus establishing a new NBA record. Rest assured this was a record they certainly didn’t desire to hold. A little background, the Pistons topped the Bulls 118-102 on October 28, that would be the last win for them. The loss on Tuesday would become number 27 in a row. The Pistons broke the NBA record established by the Cavs on February 26, 2011, and tied by the Sixers on March 29, 2014, of 26 losses in a row. Sidebar here, I’ve not seen this Piston team play, the question might be asked are they that bad? I don’t think that would be the case, they are a young team which will require time.

There are three players on the roster over the age of 30 and the balance of team members are comprised of 20 somethings. In addition to the youth they have a veteran coach in Monty Williams. I believe if given time he can turn the team around the only question, how content will Piston Nation be while this team matures. Naturally, ownership is fully aware of the issue, there have been chants of “sell the team.” Piston owner Tom Gores responding to fans has gone on record indicating they are doing everything possible to bring the city a winning team. When is the losing streak going to come to an end with the first Piston win, that is unknown but it will happen we just have no idea. The dark overcast skies of winter appear over whatever arena the Pistons happen to appear in over the past two months.

Bits n Pieces

Mark Cuban will continue to be very much in view of all. As you are aware he sold his majority share of the Mavs to the Las Vegas Sands casino company for $3.5 billion. The NBA had to approve the sale which is a standard procedure. Despite the sale Cuban will retain shares in the team and will retain his seat on the NBA Board of Governors. We are informed he will also continue in the role of spokesperson for operations of the Mavs.

What do you suppose is the best college conference to date, this account is based on non-conference play? This unscientific check indicates the strongest play through the end of December is the Big XXI .785 followed by the SEC with a .704 mark. The ACC trails with .688, technically speaking the Mountain West is second with a .730 rating however that’s a little suspect.

Speaking of college basketball former Mizzou Tiger Kim English now a coach has Providence off to a smooth start. The Friars have 11 wins and only 2 losses prior to the beginning of conference play, they are the 25th rated team in the nation. English was hired at head coach at Providence after two seasons at George Mason. His last team at George Mason finished with a 20-13 record 11-7 in the Atlantic 10 Conference.   

He’s in the Naismith Hall

His scoring average was 6.7 points a game in 409 games, yet he’s been enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame. By now you are wondering how someone would be elected to the prestigious basketball shrine with such insignificant numbers. The question is more about the time the late Chuck Cooper played and what he managed to accomplish during his playing career. He graduated from high school in 1944 and enrolled at West Virginia State College (University) for a semester before being drafted in the latter stage of World War II. Following his military service Cooper enrolled at Duquesne University and was selected an All-American four years. At that time the only opportunity to play professional basketball for black players was the Harlem Globetrotters. The timeline is unclear if Cooper ever suited up for the Trotters because his next move would become one of a historic nature.

April 25, 1950, the Boston Celtics drafted Cooper as the 14th pick in the second round. A move of this nature upset a number of NBA owners and this was the quote from Walter Brown then Celtic owner. “I don’t give a damn if he’s striped, plaid or polka dot. Boston takes Charles Cooper of Duquesne.” Cooper played his first game November 1, 1950, thus becoming the first black player drafted to play in the NBA. It should be noted there were two additional black players who began play that year. Also making their debut in 1950 was Earl Lloyd of the Washington Capitols and Nat Clifton with the Knicks. As for Cooper his NBA career ended in 1956 as a member of the Fort Wayne Pistons. After basketball Cooper held a number of positions benefiting the community. In 1984 he died of cancer at the age of 57, Chuck Cooper another name you should be familiar with from basketballs rich history. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

On the other hand

If you read yesterday’s edition and the story concerning George Karl some might believe I was too tough on him. Someone reading it might say, “He can’t be that bad.” Guess what they are probably correct however I admit it, I don’t particularly like Karl for some of the reasons I detailed previously. For him alone Karl has chosen a path of complaint regarding many of today’s players and issues. Despite that fact of what I wrote there is another side to everyone and that includes Karl.

This second account will provide you with several positives about the former NBA player and coach. Karl was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2022 which certainly bodes well for him. In addition his NBA teams won over 1,000 games, although he never won an NBA championship his 5 teams made the post season tournament 22 times. His best team was the 1996 Sonic team comprised of Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, that team faced the Michael Jordan led Bulls for the NBA championship. As for the relatives, friends and fans of Karl I believe this update balances the account published on Monday.

A unique record

Those familiar with the name Rick Barry might say his most unique skill was free throw shooting. Barry is in 8th place all time in the NBA, his underhand style saw him shoot .8931 for his career. During his 14 year ABA/NBA career his .862 effort was the lowest percentage Barry ever scored from the line. Despite his outstanding effort at the line that’s not the unique record. Barry led the NCAA, the ABA and NBA in scoring at one time the only player to ever accomplish that feat. While he was enrolled at the University of Miami (FL) Barry led the NCAA in scoring with a 37.4 points per game average his senior year.

The 1966-67 season while a member of the San Francisco Warriors Barry led the NBA with a 35.6 point per game average. Once the ABA began play Barry left the Warriors for the ABA Oakland Oaks, in the 1968-69 season he led the startup league with a 34.0 point per game average. Is it possible for a player to duplicate a portion of Barry’s record in this day and age, that’s conceivable although not likely? I could see a prospect such as a Cooper Flagg leading the NCAA in scoring and repeating that endeavor in the NBA, as for a third professional league that might be a slight more difficult to accomplish. I guess if that player led the G-League or Euro basketball in scoring we could count that.

A time for giving

Needless to say the Christmas weekend was not good for Larry Laker. Allow me to detail the sorry for you, it began for me on Friday evening. My Mizzou Tigers would face the Fighting Illini in the Annual Braggin’ Rights game. For some reason I didn’t realize Illinois was number 13 in the nation until tip-off, that would turn out to not be good. In addition that would be the beginning of my really bad sports weekend. The game quickly turned in the direction of Illinois, the final score was Illinois 97-73 that hurt badly.

Fast forward to Christmas day at noon, the NFL Chiefs stumbled and bumbled their way allowing the Raiders a 20-14 victory. 4:00 p.m. Central Time the Lakers took the floor against the Celtics at Crypto.com, I believe the score was 12-0 Celtics before the Lakers scored their first point. Needless to say this game continued the downward trend of my other sports teams. The final score for this game was Celtics 126 Lakers 115. Generally we tend to think of Christmas as a time of giving, my sports teams were certainly contributors. They found themselves on the other side of lopsided wins by the opposition.   

Radio

If you are a history buff as I am you might have heard the term, “The Golden Age of Radio.” I am far too young to remember it however it occurred in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most programming came into households via the radio, a number of radio dramas moved to television once it began to dominate the airways. In addition to the dramatic programs there was the news. In addition there was sports, baseball dominated the airways but football and of course basketball came along later.

I’ve had the opportunity to listen to all of those sports at times, I believe due to the slow pace of baseball it lends itself best to radio over the other sports. The worst in my view…basketball, I suppose when the game was played at a slower pace it was probably okay to listen to a radio broadcast of a basketball game. For some strange reason I was unable to locate the date of the first radio broadcast however the history indicates it was a 1921 baseball game between the Pirates and Phillies. In October that same year the first football game between Pitt and West Virginia was broadcast. Somehow it’s my belief basketball would have followed around that same time. The radio broadcasters such as the Knicks Marty Glickman covered all sports but moved from the radio side to television, his first year on Knicks radio was 1946. Marv Albert his protegee followed in his footsteps.

Another sports broadcast legend was the Lakers Chick Hearn who began his role in 1957. His was unique because it began on the radio side but eventually moved over to television. He simulcast on radio and television and he coined the phrase “Words eye view.” On occasion I have been forced to listen to a Mizzou game on the radio, I find it extremely difficult. We forget in the early days radio was the only outlet available to determine the outcome of the game before the morning newspapers.

Rookie of the Year

If you’ve read this blog any length of time you realize one thing, rarely do I claim one player is better than another. That is the case for the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, as this is written Chet Holmgren is clearly the leading candidate for the award, Victor Wembanyama is a close second. There are factors impacting both, let’s check Wemby first. I’ve been reading complaints from a number of fans how coach Pop is utilizing the talents of Wemby. I cannot get into that area for a single reason alone, I ain’t no coach. I must assume the youngster is adapting to the NBA as best he can. For me the factor is the talent surrounding Wemby, it’s clear the Thunder roster is more capable than the one that represents the Spurs.

It’s my belief Holmgren has adapted to the NBA much in the same manner as Wemby. Holmgren playing for a better team might appear to several to be the superior performer. Keep in mind this is written with a little more than two months of NBA play. This is December 23, the numbers might go up or down however both (in my view) are relatively close.  They are playing about the same number of minutes, in scoring the ball Wemby is up by 1 point over Holmgren. As for FG percentage Holmgren is the leader 53.1% to 43.5% and the same goes for shooting from distance, Holmgren is 38.1% to 27.9%. Rebounds, assists and steals Wemby is the leader but not by much. In block shot leadership Wemby is tied for first with 3 a game while Holmgren is 2.7. What have I proved with this exercise, absolutely nothing. Well not quite…I’ve proven barring major injury the NBA has two stars for the immediate future. Oh, that ROY thing…you decide who should earn it not me.

Basketball from a fans perspective

The NBA now has company

Christmas Day December 25 was once exclusively cornered by the NBA, the first game was played December 25, 1947, the first year after the league existed. Televising Christmas Day games don’t exist quite that long ago. According to information I uncovered the first Christmas Day broadcast occurred in 1967, just a single game. As the NBA expanded an increasing number of games were added to the calendar. As for 2023 we see the first game begins at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and the last kicks off at 10-30 p.m. Eastern, a total of 5 games to be played.

These games are spread across the ABC/ESPN family of networks but wait there is more. A sentence or so ago I stated the last NBA game kicks off etc. etc. That’s exactly what has occurred, the NBA now has “company” for its games…no longer is it the only sport televised. Over time the NFL has added teams as well, the league probably seeing what the NBA’s accomplished over the years decided to follow suit. There were three NFL games scheduled Christmas Day maybe the most televised ever, Raiders at Chiefs, Giants and Eagles and Ravens playing the 49ers. Don’t get the wrong impression I see nothing wrong in this change I’m simply pointing out a change in programming that once didn’t exist at a point in time.

An enabler

Did you see what occurred, Jae Morant returned from suspension for the Grizzlies. The speedy point guard appeared to have not missed a beat, he was key to the improved play of his team. I wrote at the time my hope he’d learned a lesson in the suspension. Folks you hang out with don’t always have your best interest at heart. If we go back in NBA history I read Allen Iverson’s “posse” impacted his actions during his NBA career. To my knowledge Iverson was never suspended however we can look back and ask questions about a portion of his time in the NBA. It would have been a good idea if Iverson had kept his friends a little further away. I didn’t say abandon friends but not allow them to influence your actions to a point it causes a problem with your team.

Recently we discovered not only are their friend influences around Morant there is family as well. I read Tee Morant father of Jae was interviewed on Sirius radio and appeared to proclaim his son had not changed his circle of friends and acquaintances. Keep in mind I’m seeing this issue through eyes provided me by the media, that’s the only method available. Based on what I read I must conclude Morant’s father is an enabler as well by his statement. Is he proclaiming his son is not changing the circle and it appears he’s said nothing or intends to steer clear of his son’s decisions? When you offer excuses for questionable behavior you become an enabler, does the term fit Tee Morant?

George Karl

At the beginning of this account I’m going to be honest with you. I’ve not been a fan of former coach George Karl for a time, he’s got plenty to say about the NBA and its players. The unfortunate part about 97% of his views are negative so I believe that allows me to be disapproving in this account. He’s started by questioning why the Lakers are placing a banner up after winning the NBA In-Season Tournament. His words not mine, “It goes along with the championship they won in the bubble.” Why are media members searching out this guy when his success rate is questionable as a coach.

Teams he coached earned playoff berths 10 years in a row, that’s the good. As for the bad it was 9 losses in the first round in those 10 years. If you believe my anger is due to his critical remarks on the Lakers its more than that, Karl’s got nasty stuff to say about pretty much any player or team, he is an equal opportunity criticizer. Want a couple more examples how about the Sixers Joel Embiid. “He has lazy body language,” it sure would be interesting for Karl to define exactly what he means for the reigning NBA MVP. But wait there’s more, he and former player JR Smith have also clashed. Karl: “(Smith) One of the most insecure players I ever coached,” so I’m guessing Karl received a psychology degree or some course in that area of study.

DeMarcus Cousins also suffered from the sharp tongue of Karl, there is one more former player Kenyon Martin. Karl coached Martin while both were with the Nuggets, they clashed to the degree Martin threatened to do bodily harm to Karl. I’m quite sure there are other former players who don’t hold Karl in high regard, those mentioned are the ones I could locate somewhat easily. I’m going to close this exercise by stating George Karl is not one of my favorites, in the future I must place him alongside the others. You know who they are, unlike Karl most of them are media members.

More than one championship

The Lakers are tied with the Celtics with 17 NBA Championships, that number is the most in the NBA. Could there have been more if they kept a portion of the talent included in trades. This is no revisionist history however it came about based on a photo of Brandon Ingram that appeared on ESPN’s NBA page and it got me to consider the what if. The Laker staff over the years has done a decent job of scouting out talent even if it’s not always remained in Los Angeles.

Despite this fact a number are now part of another team although they began as Lakers. It should be of note several were drafted by other NBA teams but made their NBA debut in Purple and Gold. I included them because the scouting staff must have concluded the athlete has potential talent. I could include D’Angelo Russell drafted in 2015 however the point guard returned in a trade to the Lakers in late winter 2023. This list is not intended to be complete just a few of the names I uncovered including the year they were drafted and their current team:

Brandon Ingram pick 2, 2016 – Pelicans

Julius Randle pick 7, 2014 – Knicks

Lonzo Ball pick 2, 2017 – Bulls

Kyle Kuzma pick 27, 2017 drafted by the Nets, traded to the Lakers – Wizards

Josh Hart pick 30, 2017 drafted by the Jazz traded to the Lakers – Knicks

Jordan Clarkson pick 46, 2014 drafted by the Wizards traded to the Lakers – Jazz

Talen-Horton Tucker pick 46, 2019 drafted by the Magic traded to the Lakers – Jazz

Larry Nance Jr. pick 27, 2015 – Cavs

Ivica Zubac pick 32, 2016 – Clippers

Thomas Bryant pick 42, 2017 – Heat

Basketball from a fans perspective

They don’t want to win

The Spurs are a young team in the NBA, that fact can often lead to mistakes costing a win. What if there are losses that could have been avoided, a layup that might prove easier to score than a shot from distance? For the most part frontcourt players (excepting LeBron and maybe a few others) don’t control the action. It’s up to that point or combo guard to direct traffic. There are reports that fans believe teammates of Victor Wembanyama are overlooking him on the floor. Why would they do such a thing, is it jealousy or something else? Because we are not in the locker room we have no idea of the composure of Wemby, is he a personality others like to be around is there something we cannot see.   

This from my high school days bear with me as I approach this using football as the example. This story was told to me by a classmate who played on the offensive line. I didn’t ask him, he casually brought this up in conversation one day. “You know I don’t hold my block as long as the coach wants me too. I don’t like Jim (QB) so I make my offensive hold less than normal and then let them come in hit Jim.” My mouth must have dropped open after hearing his story, I believe Melvin wanted to win however he allowed the feud with his quarterback teammate to overrule his play. Is that what is occurring in San Antonio, are teammates envious of the publicity Wemby is receiving or is it his personality causing issues? If the subject with Wemby is correct the Spurs have miles and miles to go before they become a good team, here’s hoping I’m wrong about the jealousy thing.

Saturday action

I’m only covering the Saturday action of the Thunder-Lakers plus Pistons-Nets games, these took the lead for me. Yesterday I wrote of a Thunder victory prior to the game, without returning back I don’t remember all the details. This part I did know, they arrived in OKC on a 4-game losing streak. The Thunder are now one of the best teams in the NBA, I believe most would have agreed with me on the victor. NBA games are played on the court and not on paper, the Lakers turned out to be winners 129-120. In the future I will cease predicting the outcome of games, I lack psychic ability. My Laker team was on a losing streak however the Pistons were much, much worst. Headed into their game with the Nets the worst team in the NBA had the all-time losing streak in front of them…26 games. The worst team in the NBA had registered 25 consecutive losses, are they really that bad?

I’ve yet to see them play this season but don’t believe they are as bad as their record indicates, in any event it occurred. The final score read Nets 126 Pistons 115, they tied the NBA record for most consecutive losses.  The schedule doesn’t get any easier, upcoming for them are the Nets again plus the Celtics, Raptors and Rockets. Based on my recent past I certainly am making no attempt to predict when the streak ends. Before I close this back to the Lakers a moment, they may not be an elite team however there is no way with the talent on their present roster they should have experienced a 4-game losing streak. My finger pointing begins at Darvin Ham, sorry coach it’s on you, beyond the coach it’s the team excluding AD…the Lakers continue to depend on a 40-year-old to lead them. I know he’s not that old it was for emphasis, it must be clear there are no players willing to stand in the void, that player unafraid of taking charge when LeBron is out of the lineup. Until that player steps up or maybe acquired the Lakers are likely to muddle somewhere in Top 10, good without being great.

SEC cauldron

My Tigers have lost 3 games in a row, against Kansas, Seton Hall and last Friday against Illinois. My hope was Mizzou would build momentum going into SEC play but that belief is long gone. Mizzou has a winnable game coming up against Central Arkansas on Saturday but they cannot take any team lightly at this point. Then it’s Georgia at home, Kentucky there, South Carolina at home and Alabama on the road. Despite what some might say I believe the SEC to be among the most competitive conferences in the nation. As for how Mizzou manages this season, this has got to be a work in progress. What I’ve seen thus far the coaching staff certainly has as well but I’m going to provide you my observation. Rebound the ball and box out…two keys which Mizzou certainly lacks at times this season. We know officials are not going to allow an opposing player to climb over your back for the ball, Mizzou must improve in this area.

The offense looks stagnant for the most part, there is no inside presence however that’s not all bad. The coach seems to prefer a perimeter type offense which is okay as long as you are making shots. I will repeat the last statement…making shots, if you are at the 3-point line it might be paramount to sink a significant number of them. 7 foot 5 Conner Vanover has been given permission to shoot from three, there is only one problem with that in the games I’ve seen he’s yet to sink one. With the limited minutes Vanover’s played I don’t wish the focus to be placed entirely on him however there is this tidbit. With his height and weight in limited minutes I expected more than what he’s exhibited to date. Finally Nick Honor is on the court to run the offense, can I say I’m disappointed to date. Mizzou will be unable to correct all the issues I’ve mentioned, they must scratch and claw their way to victory in the very tough upcoming SEC race.

What the world thinks

I came across a bit of interesting information to share with you regarding world viewership of NBA basketball. We hear reports about the popularity of the NBA so let’s take a list of a few facts. “Basketball is the world’s 3rd most popular sport with a global number estimated to be 2.2 billion fans.” The world leader of course is soccer or football, followed by cricket and then basketball. Rest assured there are several NFL fans who might find it hard to believe the world fails to follow their sport as much as the others. There are NFL fans abroad it’s just the fact those NBA fans outnumber them. The NBA indicates games are telecast to more than 200 nations around the world, they are broadcast in over 50 languages. As for the top nations around the world this should be considered an estimate. It’s believed the top 5 nations viewership outside of the United States is in the following order:

The Philippines

Australia

China

Canada

Mexico

Is this for real

As you read this consider it’s written after Bronny James first game, health issues aside is he a legitimate NBA prospect? He certainly has the size if the figures are accurate, 6 foot 4 and 210 pounds. That’s certainly enough size to play the point or maybe as a combo guard. I’ve noticed two mock draft sites project Bronny as a first round draft pick. They place him nowhere near the top but definitely in the first round.

That’s my difficulty, Bronny certainly appears talented enough to play at the Division one level but is that good enough for NBA play. I checked these websites and my focus was on weaknesses. “Bronny’s biggest weakness in high school was the inconsistency of his play. On some nights, he looked like the top prospect he was projected to be. On others, he fell into the background, looking like any other guy on the floor. He’s not an assertive scorer and lack the typical shake you see from elite guard prospects, failing to create separation from his defender. He’s a reliable ball handler, but it will be important for James to get more creative as a dribbler and establish some go-to moves as a shot-creator.”

What you read is one scouts view so you can understand why I have questions. I don’t remember the player, however Isiah Thomas was a part of the Raptors at the time. Thomas indicates he drafted Tracy McGrady because he didn’t want to take a chance on missing what he believed was a talented prospect. As you are aware McGrady turned out to eventually become a 2017 Naismith Hall of Fame honoree.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Thunderdome

If you are a music lover of any age you are familiar with the late Tina Turner. Her music covered a number of spectrums during her legendary career. Tina occasionally ventured outside the music world to Hollywood. She was cast in two films, one of them so-so in my opinion the other a classic. The 1985 release of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome saw her as the antagonist Aunty Entity. For those who didn’t see the movie Thunderdome represented the arena where combat would occur between two contestants.

The line repeated in the movie, “One man enters, one man leaves,” by now you are scratching your head in wonderment. What the heck does a 1985 movie have to do with basketball? As recently noted the citizens of Oklahoma City voted in favor of building a replacement arena for Paycom Center. In this day of corporations attaching their names in front of arenas or stadiums this name is highly unlikely to be used. Should by chance when opened its named Thunderdome remember where you first heard it. Why you ask, its elementary, the NBA team is the Thunder it should be logical they play in the Thunderdome.

Bits n Pieces  

The NBA record for a losing streak currently resides with the 2010-2011 Cavs and later tied by the 2013-14 Sixers. That number is 26 games in a row, quite a dubious distinction for a team. On Friday evening the Pistons were losers once again, now they have lost 25 consecutive games. Will the Pistons tie the all-time NBA record for losses, if they tie the record will they eventually become the new record holder? Note this, the longest streak takes place in parts of two seasons, the Sixers are the record holder. They lost 28 games in a row over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season.

What a beat down occurred on Friday for Mizzou. The annual Braggin’ Rights game between Mizzou and Illinois saw the Fighting Illini avenge last season’s loss to the Tigers 97-72. I must confess there are times I dread upcoming games and this was one of them. Illinois arrived for the game as the number 13 team in the nation so all I could hope for was an upset. Mizzou recruiting for next season is outstanding but that fails to aid this year’s version, the concern on my part is the upcoming tough, tough SEC Conference race. Many claim Mizzou exceeded expectations last season, SEC opponents would be better prepared in 2023-24.

I’ve always believed if you can play the game…you can play the game no matter the level. The ESPN headline mentioned the number of mid-major players who left for Power 5 schools, Zack Mayo was not one instead preferring to remain in place. The story was centered on South Dakota State’s Mayo is a 6-foot 4-point guard and the leading scorer for the Jackrabbits. As proof you can’t sign everyone the star of this team was born in Lawrence Kansas and probably grew up watching Jayhawk basketball. It’s clear players are sometimes overlooked even in their own backyard.

I came across some ABA trivia which I sure found interesting. Did you realize Dr. J. scored 63 points in a game but his team lost? In a February 1975 game the Nets scored 166 points with 63 of them provided by the good doctor. Why didn’t the Nets win, this was a 4 OT game in which the San Diego Conquistadors gained the victory 176-166. We must guess a number of ABA teams of the era played a fast-paced game despite some teams having Big Men on their rosters.

Are you old enough, I’m watching a Vanderbilt-Memphis game I can’t tell from distance. I don’t believe any player has a shoe that is close to matching his jersey color. Truth is its rare to even find all teams with the same color and shoe model. I’m watching a college game but it could apply just as well in the NBA. Michael Jordan’s done a great deal in basketball but his chief contribution aside of his play has been the shoe. As Mars Blackmon might say, “It must be the shoes,” it was the introduction of Air Jordan’s which turn the shoe market upside down. The NBA had a rule in place which prohibited the first Air Jordan model, change eventually came about through the effort of MJ. 

Can I add Dallas too?

The home of the Clippers, Intuit Dome opens in the fall of 2024. The Spurs, Sixers and Thunder have plans for new arenas in the future, can I add one more? The announcement Mark Cuban intended to sell his majority share of the Mavs also contained additional news. The story indicated there would be other ventures Cuban was contemplating, one of those missions a new arena for the Mavs. Are you asking yourself why a new arena?

The answer, American Airlines Center opened in 2001 which makes it 22 years old…certainly not old however there might be other issues the public is unaware. The Mavs are lessees and not owners, the lease expires in 2031 only 8 years from now. With planning and other stuff to consider this is likely the time to begin planning for a new arena. The only major tenant beside the Mavs are the NHL North Stars. Whether it’s done with Cuban’s money or some other method I could foresee a new arena in Dallas or somewhere in the metro after 2031.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Loyalty only extends so far

The Lakers will face the Thunder this evening, since this is written ahead of time I have no idea who wins. If I just look at the record the home team Thunder will win. It’s mind boggling for me my Lakers facing the Thunder and not being favored. If you are part of Thunder Nation I’m not disparaging your team they are clearly better than the Lakers thus far. As for the Lakers I’m trying to figure out what the issues are and can come to only one conclusion…the coach. I applauded the hiring of Darvin Ham because I believed he'd be a different voice and have a different agenda. Last season’s poor start and play up till the Westbrook trade I blamed (unfairly) on the departed Westbrook. The Lakers made a stretch run earned a playoff berth and managed to play in the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets.

The draft and free agent acquisition I approached the season feeling real good regarding the Lakers. A slow start again and then the Lakers began a stretch of very good play. Play good enough to win the first in-season NBA Tournament, since then it’s been all downhill. They might end this game against the Thunder with a .500 record something I certainly didn’t think possible just a few weeks ago. As for the headline I’m beginning to give Ham the side-eye, I hope you are familiar with the term. Ham’s not lost to me completely, I’m at the point where I’m not going to attempt to defend the coach from any negative comments. He’s not completely lost for me however I’m a slight bit uncomfortable with several of the ugly Laker losses recently.

He chose another career

I practically jump up and down with excitement anytime I discover information previously unknown. In this case some of you might have known this earlier…I didn’t. Legendary Jazz artist Al Jarreau past away in 2017 but during his brilliant recording career he managed to win 7 Grammys. Just in case you might still be unfamiliar with his name Google it. Better yet you can hear his voice singing the theme song of the Cybill Sheppard-Bruce Willis 1980’s television series Moonlighting. Did you know Jarreau could have chosen another path in life, basketball or maybe football?

Jarreau was selected an All-City basketball player in Milwaukee in 1958, in 1957 Jarreau was chosen All-City in football. Later at Ripon College in Wisconsin it became basketball only, there is no indication why Jarreau left sports behind except he admitted he wasn’t a good student. Later he claims with urgings from coaches and professors the classroom became his friend. He graduated with a degree in psychology and earn a master’s in vocational rehabilitation at Iowa. He worked in the field counseling war veterans and others before the lure of performing musically took the lead. In a manner of speaking perhaps it’s a good thing, the world would have lost a very talented voice.

There was no real merger

This account is a rehash of one on the same subject earlier, it’s been my contention the last year or so there was no ABA-NBA merger in 1976. There are several reasons why I believe this to be the case. In the case of the AFL-NFL all AFL teams came into the fold of the larger NFL. The NBA selected the franchises they wanted which included Denver, San Antonio, Nets and Pacers. None of those represented super large population bases but they probably were the best run and in the best financial shape versus many of the others.

The ABA began operations in the fall of 1967 with 11 teams, by the time of the merger the league had been reduced in numbers primarily related to finances. The bleak financial picture would be the downfall with NBA owners able to decide who they wanted and who were left out in the cold. The ABA teams above became members while the Utah Stars, Spirits of St. Louis, Kentucky Colonels and Virginia Squires went out of business. As additional proof this was no merger, it’s believed in the merger of the late 1940’s all the BAA teams merged with the NBL becoming today’s NBA. To make matters worse all ABA players didn’t make the cut, those on the merged teams did. As for the others they would be placed in a pool and selected in a draft based on that NBA team’s record.

Those players who never made it in the NBA were denied pension rights and just last year after years of fighting were included. As for the records they were lost to eternity even the players who eventually were able to play in the NBA, you can locate their stats however they are separate from those in the NBA. The NBA referred to it as a merger but it was really a GOING OUT OF BUSINESS affair. This is pure speculation on my part, I believe if the ABA had been able to remain operational for 2-3 years a true merger might have occurred.

Gen Z

If you’ve read Off the Dribble any length of time you’ve noticed there is always mention of a player or event of the past covered. Is this relevant or even important you might ask, well I did just that. I have two Generation Z guys who are also basketball fans. While their interest cover a range of topics most of which I have no clue we have common ground. They enjoy the product (basketball) as they see it being played today. It got me to wondering, am I putting them (or you for that matter) asleep discussing Doctor J. or the UCLA dynasty of the 1970’s or some other event in the history of the game?

I posed the question to my two Gen Z co-workers Keenan and Caleb, “Do you enjoy reading the history and is it important to you?” Both answered in the affirmative, based on their response I will continue the effort to provide you content containing present day basketball news and activity along with historical events and characters of the game. This I read a long time ago and it says, “You don’t know where you’re going until you find out where you’ve been.” The statement applies to life as well as basketball. With that said the history will continue if it’s not for you skip it but hopefully you continue to read the other stuff.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Sorry dude you are wrong

My intent was to leave Draymond Green alone, I was going to wait until judgement was rendered by the NBA. Unfortunately Shaquille O’ Neal forced my hand, he might have been the lone voice defending the play of Green and that’s okay. He said a couple of things I take issue with, Shaq claims Nurkic “oversold” the punch/slap whatever you wish to call it. Because none of us could feel the impact of the blow we must guess the officials called it correctly. That’s strike one against the statement of Shaq, strike two is a little more difficult to define. He contends Dennis Rodman played a similar style of basketball and he’s in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

This is my counter argument to the Shaq statement, just because someone did something and was able to get away with it is no excuse. I’m sure there are bank robbers who escaped and were never caught, just because their life played out in this manner Shaq is saying its okay to rob banks. I’m being facetious, there is certainly the possibility of injury to Nurkic. I wonder if Shaq remembers this Rodman incident, while still a member of the Bulls. It seems Rodman wound up on the floor near the basket competing for the ball. A photographer was a short distance from him and for no apparent reason Rodman decided to kick him. He’d not been responsible for Rodman losing his footing or even being on the floor, this photographer later sued Rodman. I wonder if Shaq would justify the actions of Rodman in this instance.   

I’m not a happy camper

Just as sure as the sun rises in the east I knew it, I was sure the Spurs would break their 18-game losing streak. I certainly didn’t expect it would occur against the Lakers but that’s how it turned out Friday evening. The game was on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. Central Time, I soon discovered LeBron was returning to the lineup, that was the good news. As for the bad, no AD, nor D’Lo plus Cam Reddish was also missing. My first thought was “This is not a good look.” I watched as an unknown Spurs player scored the first basket, Spurs 2 Lakers 0. It is now time for me to check out, which is exactly what I did,

This report is box score written only I didn’t see but 2-3 minutes of the game by choice. I’m unsure who was “watching” Spurs guard Devin Vassell…they were not guarding him as he led the way scoring 38 points in the 129-115 Spurs victory. Wemby contributed to the win but from the box score he might have been more effective in areas other than scoring. He pulled down 15 rebounds and had 5 assists along with 2 blocked shots, Wemby contributed 13 points. Winning the tournament I thought the Lakers might have turned the corner apparently that is not the case. The Lakers had a loss against the Mavs, a barely there win against the Spurs and then the Friday evening loss to those same Spurs. The Lakers must go some distance now to prove they want to win.

Living paycheck to paycheck

I’m sure for most reading this the headline is not an unknown, it could be you or someone with whom you are acquainted. For others it simply states a person awaiting a paycheck to continue maintenance for themselves and their family. While this fits a number of persons you might ask the question an NBA player? Yes indeed that is the case for former NBA player Joe Smith. We read of the financial success of Michael Jordan, Shaq, Junior Bridgeman (look him up) after they retire and we tend to believe that is across the board for most former NBA players, not true. Back to Smith, it was a 16-year NBA career playing for 12 different teams, Smith earned $61,000,000 during his playing career. Did I mention the homes he purchased, his classic automobile collection and the costly divorce?

It was reported in this manner Smith only “earned” $18,000,000 of the amount mentioned. There were taxes, agent fees and management fees dispensed from the total earnings, i.e., Smith had terrible spending habits leaving him with only $3,000. Based on his time in the NBA he qualifies for the NBA Pension but that will be some years before it kicks in. Despite the wild spending habits of Smith his management team did a poor job advising him. Some are claiming “It was his money, he should be able to do what he wants with it.” No argument from me however someone should have placed him on a money management plan prior to retirement. Smith will never recover the money he’s lost over the years but it appears he now has affective management in place, in addition the NBA Pension should aid him in the future.

A pending change

From Adam Silver NBA commissioner, the order of the NBA Draft is likely to change, this modification might be as soon as 2024. The draft would become a two-night event rather than the current one evening. There are several reasons for the proposed change, the commissioner mentioned this one. Nikola Jokic was drafted while a Taco Bell commercial was running, I cannot confirm the story I don’t remember the draft back then. This statement is official, Jokic was the 41st player chosen in the second round, most years there are only 60 players selected. As you surmise it would have been late night especially those in the east.

The Jokic account is the second portion of the story, memory says the draft begins 6:30 p.m. Central 7:30 on the east coast. It might be a late night for viewers on the east coast if they watch it through completion. The other consideration is diligence, teams are allowed 5 minutes between choices in the first round, once the second round begins there are only 2 minutes between selections. Are teams “rushed” in the second round, I have no idea however that’s the contention? Will this proposed change work, I see no reason why it wouldn’t. I’m unsure of the number however the NFL holds its draft over 2-3 days, a portion due to the number of players selected. Look for the 2-night draft to begin in 2024.