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Basketball from a fans perspective

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t

The Lakers were active in the trading market up to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time February 9. The first trade that broke saw the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano Anderson plus Damion Jones and two 2027 first round picks. Arriving to wear purple and gold are D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt but wait there’s more. The Lakers then sent Thomas Bryant to the Nuggets for Devon Reed and three second round picks. The day was closed out with Patrick Beverley moved to Orlando for center Mo Bamba. As you can see by the flurry of activity the Lakers were quite active in the trade market. As for the headline allow me to explain, GM Rod Pelinka has been on the hot seat for months with many in Laker Nation.

The prime objection Pelinka wasn’t moving fast enough to address team needs. Now the day is complete and I’m reading as many letters complaining about the trades as praising them. Because I’m a “glass half full rather than half empty” guy I am reserving time to allow the trades to marinate. The only trade I will comment on for now is Russell Westbrook, the Lakers had to move him. It’s being reported the Jazz will likely release him and the Clippers are reported to be interested in signing him. I’m actually okay with the prospect of Westbrook moving across the hall at the arena. This team has practically been re-tooled from its season start. Are the Lakers preparing themselves for a run to earn a playoff berth?

He’s smooth

I’m no Kyrie Irving fan, never have been although I have no problem acknowledging his tremendous talent. I was particularly interested to see what his first game with the Mavs would be like since it was   available on ESPN. Even better the Mavs minus Luka would be facing the Clippers who they might meet in the playoffs. Skates, that would be my description of Irving’s moves on the court, without registering a blink it seemed he scored 24 points dished out 5 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds. Irving’s scoring and leadership was key to the 110-104 victory over the Clippers.

All was not positive as there were more turnovers than might have been expected, but part of that can be attributed to new team and new teammates. It’s easy to understand why many NBA teams were lining up to acquire his services. Irving is an exceptionally talented basketball player despite being a knucklehead at times. I can only speak to the portion I see, throughout his travels in the NBA (there have been many) I’ve yet to read or hear a complaint from a teammate. There is no method to prove my point but the trade to the Mavs provides visual proof he’s smooth.

And now there are none

I hear and read rumors of trades all the time, I can say in truth rarely does one slip past me offering a surprise…this one did. I rose on Thursday morning to discover the Nets traded Kevin Durant to the Suns, so here goes. Durant and TJ Warren to the Suns, heading east to the Nets in the exchange is Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected future first round draft choices. So what does this entail for the Western Conference race?

I’m glad you asked the question and in truth I can only say I don’t know. With CP3, DeAndre Ayton, Devin Booker and now Durant added to the lineup what do you think? You know what “they” say, on paper the Suns are the best in the west maybe in the NBA. What they often forget to mention the game is not played on paper its played on the hardwood. Okay you claim I’m shortchanging the move of the Suns that is certainly untrue, I believe they are very good.

Yes, a shot clock is needed

The final score read 4 to 2, no that wasn’t a baseball, hockey or soccer game. There is no shot clock in Oklahoma high school basketball, so this is your strategy. If you have an opponent, you believe you can’t beat you hold the ball game long. Weatherford High School beat Anadarko 4 to 2 and get this, the half time score was Weatherford 2 Anadarko 0. Understand this, Weatherford was ranked the number 3 high school in Oklahoma while their opposition was 9. The attempt to steal the game from a higher rated team didn’t work, in addition it must have been really entertaining for fans of both teams. I have no idea what the high school association is thinking but after this I’m sure they might entertain adding a shot clock next season.

Akron Ohio

We hear mention of the city and automatically think of LeBron James, but Akron knew basketball prior to James. Teammates in the Naismith Hall of Fame, not too uncommon bunches of Celtics and Lakers can lay claim to that story. How about high school teammates enshrined in the hall, has it ever occurred? My friend Alex has the answer since he’s from Akron originally. Nate Thurmond and Gus Johnson were teammates at Akron’s Central High School, Thurmond’s NBA career ran from 1963-1977.

He played for a number of teams but is primarily known for his tenure with the San Francisco Warriors. Thurmond’s high school teammate, Gus Johnson played from 1963-1973 most of his best seasons spent as a member of the Baltimore Bullets (Wizards).  Thurmond was enshrined in the Naismith Hall in 1985 and 2006 in the College Basketball Hall of Fame. As for Johnson it would be 2010 when he was accorded the honor. Both have now passed, Johnson died in 1987 and Thurmond in 2016. So there you have it, the teammates and this is a good trivia question to stump your friends.