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Basketball from a fans perspective

Is this the real Lakers

The Lakers faced the Suns who were minus Kevin Durant, what should Laker Nation expect. We certainly got more than expected as they finished off the Suns 122-111. It makes most of us wonder “What happened pre-trade deadline?” The Lakers haven’t set the world on fire but have played so much better despite the fact LeBron James has been missing for a time. Austin Reaves was inserted into the starting lineup, and he responded with 25 points and 11 assists. Also contributing to the win was D’Lo with 26 points and 8 assists along with Anthony Davis 27 points and 9 rebounds. 

The Lakers were en fuego for the game shooting a sizzling 55.7% from the floor along with 47.1% from three. I admit it, I was fooled by the summer and fall moves made by the Lakers. I mistakenly believed they were ready to compete for an NBA Championship. The tradeline deadline moves have caused me to grin from ear to ear, will they earn a playoff berth now? It appears currently they will be in the play in however the team apparently wants the 8^th or 9^th playoff spot. Can they, do it? The next few weeks will truly tell the story. If they don’t earn a playoff berth they are in a position to do great damage in the Western Conference next season.

Big Man play

Sometimes stories are blended into another, that is the case here. Tell me if you’ve heard this previously, “A Big Man must prove he can’t play while a little man must prove he can.” I have no idea who originated that statement, but it is pretty much true. As evidence most of you are aware of the sparkling game K-State point guard Marquis Nowell registered against Kentucky in their recent game. Nowell scored 27 points on 50% shooting from the floor (37.5% from three) and dished out 9 assists. His game was key to their victory over Kentucky 75-69. John Calipari might wish to have taken back his comment. When asked about the game, among the things he said was “That little guy” referring to Nowell. I’ll save yup, from looking it up this Harlem New York point guard stands 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 160 pounds.

But what about Mizzou, that was a swift move on my part in another direction. The writers of Rock M Nation are looking at the transfer portal for potential additions for Mizzou next season. My focus was post play because that was certainly one area that could stand improvement. One of the names mentioned was Jamarion Sharp 7-foot 5-inch center at Western Kentucky. It was pointed out Mizzou has yet to reach out to him but tried last season. For unknown reasons Sharp turned the Tigers down…is it worth it to contact him again? The guy that looks good to me is Elijah Hutchings-Everett who played at Austin Peay. Hutchings-Everett stands 6 foot 11 and checks in at 255 pounds, his numbers while certainly not outstanding, look good.

There is one additional post player I’d certainly desire Mizzou check out. Fardaws Aimaq played at Texas Tech this past season after playing at Utah Valley. His numbers at Utah Valley were outstanding at Tech not so much as he battled injuries, he was only able to play 11 games. Who remains, how about Mohamed Diarra 6-foot 10 post player, he registered minutes and even started a few games for Mizzou. Diarra after playing at a community college now realizes what is required to play in the SEC. We close with Mabor Majak, a 7-foot 2 245-pound center, although he came with Dennis Gates from Cleveland State, he hardly saw the floor. Can Majak be ready for a breakout year, as Keenan might say “It depends on his mindset.”

I didn’t read it, only the headline

The Joker is an outstanding talent, he’s been league MVP for two consecutive seasons now. I believe it’s time Joel Embiid supersede him, please note I didn’t say he was better than Jokic. George Karl has bothered me for a time, in recent years the former NBA player and coach has become a hater. I had to state that upfront before proceeding with this account. Although it’s not set in stone most of the numbers express the belief Sixer post Big Man Joel Embiid should be NBA MVP.

That might be the prevailing thought except by Karl, I didn’t read his account only the headline and it expressed his belief Embiid did not deserve the award. Fast forward to Thursday and I read Tim Legler ESPN basketball analyst view of the subject. Legs as he is nicknamed didn’t share Karl’s view and that makes me feel good for a couple of reasons. The chief reason I’m no fan of Karl but you might be inclined to lean toward a former player and coach over my opinion. I can counter that with the opinion of my guy Legler former NBA player and analyst. 

A new MSG

There will be a new Madison Square Garden at some point in the future. What I’m reading this is so far in the future a projected date cannot even be estimated. In Kansas City we opened a new airport at the end of February 2023, it took what seemed like two years before an initiative was even placed on the ballot for a vote. Much earlier I can remember the same sequence of events prior to Sprint Center (now T-Mobile) and the Power & Light Entertainment District ready for citizens to vote on the proposal. We are close to two million in area population but a little over half a million inside the city limits.       

I can imagine in New York City with its population, politics and other special interest groups it’s probably 10-15 times more difficult than Kansas City to move urban projects along. This is more than the Knicks and Rangers playing in a 60-year-old arena, urban development is screaming loudly DO SOMETHING. I will attempt to follow this story as best I can as it continues to develop, I make that statement because a new arena will be built someday but nobody has an idea of the date. I followed the progress (or lack of) with Barclays Center, it seemed like it was 4-5 years the project was “stalled” before ground was finally broken on the arena.