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Basketball from a fans perspective

Another change at the top

Since the beginning of time coaches at the college and professional level have been fired. Generally the firing occurs when that coach is unable to turn his program around and make it productive. How about when the opposite occurs, two NBA coaches have been fired who won during the regular season and were able to lead their teams into the playoffs. We could add the name of Steve Nash, the former Nets coach was fired too however at the time the Nets had a losing record unlike the others. After they exited the playoffs Mike Budenholzer with the Bucks was fired after five seasons. This past weekend the Suns decided to make a change, they terminated the contract of Monty Williams after four seasons.

In both instances these coaches were regular season winners, the problem advancement. In the case of Budenholzer he does have a 2021 NBA Championship on his resume. As for Williams injuries appeared to have impacted the team despite the presence of Kevin Durant. In both instances Budenholzer and Williams were unable to lead their teams to the success management would like or perhaps projected based on a veteran roster. I expect to see both on the sidelines with another team someday. We can add another name to the coaching change although this one is not yet official. After the Sixers were eliminated on Sunday by the Celtics 112-88, Doc Rivers to be terminated. Rivers too will be hired again as a head coach someday.

Lakers overcome 2-10 start

They ain’t won anything yet, despite this fact on Tuesday the Lakers will play the Nuggets for the Western Conference Championship. Last October I thought they were prepared to compete, a new coach and a few new players, they had it all, at least that was my belief. I can only speak for myself, imagine my surprise with such a terrible beginning to the season. Without checking I don’t remember how the Lakers played in December and January but it wasn’t very good with injuries impacting them as well.

After the trade deadline in February they swapped 5 players for another 5, play improved slightly. I remember after Rui, D’Lo and others were added a co-worker asked me, “What are your Lakers going to do?” My response was classic, “Their play has improved however I don’t think they make the playoffs…I’m looking at next season.” This has certainly been one time I’m happy I was wrong, the Lakers improved play saw them finish above .500 by the time the season ended. They won a play in series against the Wolves, beat the Grizzlies and would face the Warriors in the semi-finals. Although the Warriors won Game 5 at home it was my belief the Lakers would prevail in Game 6.

Boy did they prevail in beating the NBA Champion Warriors 122-101 in Game 6. I am not going to go into detail you are well acquainted with Laker individuals you are familiar with; this truly was a team win as all were vital to the win and the series. This requires a special shout out to coach Darvin Ham; he’s been the key guiding this team to a winning record. My hope is a victory over the number one seed Nuggets and an NBA Championship win over an Eastern Conference opponent.

The Suns are eliminated

On Thursday evening the number one seeded Suns lost to the Nuggets 125-100, how did they manage to lose this series? It’s my contention we can point fingers at two of the best players in the NBA, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. It was March 3, 2023, the Suns acquired Durant from the Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, veteran Jae Crowder and four first round picks and a 2028 draft swap. The draft choices are in the future but the Suns managed to trade valued parts of what has been a successful team.

As for Paul…he’s destined for the hall of fame but at 38 years of age will likely retire without a championship ring. An NBA Championship is certainly not a barometer of success, however, let’s face it, some of us do. What does the future hold for the Suns might be your question? Those four first round picks are going to impact future player development, as for trade prospects who do they trade? At this point I would claim DeAndre Ayton might be the one tradeable commodity but even he might not be held in as high esteem as the Suns. At this time the Suns appear a competitive team next season, a championship might just be another story.

He’s an owner (in another sport)

No one can claim Magic Johnson isn’t busy, there are several holdings in his Magic Johnson Enterprises not involving sports teams. They include 31 Burger King Restaurants along with 13 24-Hour Fitness Centers and there are a few Magic Johnson movie theatres remaining in operation. As for sports according to information I could uncover Magic owns 2.3% shares of the Dodgers, there is no indication of the dollar value.

In addition his sports portfolio includes a stake in the MLS Los Angeles FC and the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. Magic is now wearing the cap of another sports team, this time it’s as an owner of the NFL Commanders. He’s part of the ownership group which purchased the team from Dan Snyder. It appears in all instances Magic is a minority holder of stock but no matter. Magic Johnson’s net worth far exceeds the amount he possessed at the time he retired from the NBA Lakers. It is noteworthy he sold his stake in the Lakers in order to become an owner of the Dodgers.