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Basketball from a fans perspective

Layoffs

You caught this news earlier I believe, ESPN laid off 20+ employees. Although the ESPN footprint is sports it operates no differently than other large corporations except we are able to see the faces. Among those names which will disappear from our television sets is longtime NBA analyst and former player Jaylen Rose. In addition game analyst and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy was also among the number losing his job.

Max Kellerman covers the league occasionally and was also among those terminated. The other ESPN employees terminated provided reporting on sports other than the NBA and college basketball. It’s distressful anytime someone is terminated from their employment. Perhaps Rose, Van Gundy and the others will seek employment with another network or maybe venue. There is no best time for anyone to lose a job, I guess with no NBA basketball until November maybe ESPN thought it might be better now rather than later.

Working, working

Coach Gates and staff received the first commitment for the Class of 2024. T.O. Barrett a 6-foot 4 180-pound combo guard has given his verbal to Mizzou. The 4-star prospect is from Edmond Oklahoma, for those who might be unaware the city is within shouting distance of the University of Oklahoma. Not only did Barrett pass at his hometown school he also omitted Oklahoma State as well. Barrett is arriving in the state earlier than might be expected, he will begin his senior year of high school at Link Academy in Branson Missouri.

Road mileage between Branson and Columbia is about 200 miles, this likely ensures Barrett’s attendance at a few Mizzou games unless he’s got a schedule conflict. I have no idea of his skill level or if he is able to adjust to play at the collegiate level. The part that excites me is this coach and his staff have continued to recruit prospects. I’ve mentioned this previously I respected the preceding head coach greatly but attracting talent became an issue toward the end of his tenure. I along with the balance of Mizzou Nation have no idea what occurs in the second season for coach Gates. Will he deliver on the promise of bringing competitive basketball back to the school on a continuing basis? We can only hope the coach and staff continue in that mindset.

Punishment

The 25-game suspension Ja Morant will suffer is nowhere close to the longest in NBA history. Once I began the research I uncovered the fact that in the past a number of NBA players have received lifetime suspensions almost all related to drug usage or conduct unbecoming to the sport. The term “unbecoming” involved gambling or association with gamblers and point shaving. In addition we have Donald Sterling former owner of the Clippers, who received a lifetime suspension. The history details 9 players receiving lifetime suspensions which after time were lifted. Probably the most well-known member of this group would be Connie Hawkins.

Hawkins ban involved association with a known gambler, his case eventually went to Federal Court where a ruling was made in his favor. We could include former Suns owner Robert Sarver who was suspended for a year and rather than serve out the time decided to sell the team. As for game suspensions Metta Sandiford Artest then Ron Artest received an 86-game suspension for his part in The Malice in the Palace. Fact is checking a few of the lengthier suspensions most involve the notorious fight between the Pistons and Pacers. For those who believe Morant’s suspension might be excessive you need to check out the history I uncovered. Besides Artest two other players received 60+ game suspensions, two others received 50+ games. As this is written the NBA Players Association is yet to announce any type of action regarding Morant however I’m sure they will. 

Keeping the gang together     

In addition the Lakers managed to add a number of new members to the gang. I mentioned on Friday the Lakers waived center Mo Bamba, as I indicated it wasn’t exactly shocking or even surprising. The 6 foot 11 Bamba was injured for much of the season after being acquired in a 2023 trade deadline deal. The Lakers would have been forced to pay Bamba huge sums of money to retain him so that is understandable. They also declined to pick up the option for shooting guard Malik Beasley, that move is a slight bit surprising although it might not end there.

According to Laker management Beasley or Bamba maybe both could return to the Lakers with restructured contracts. The Lakers exercised their option on two players, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rue Hachimura. On Friday Hachimura signed a 3-year contract. Although I really wanted Dennis Schroeder to remain with the team the Lakers were unable to offer the amount he wanted, he signed with the Raptors. As always monetary issues are not a part of the discussion, this is announced in case you are new to the blog allow a brief explanation. It doesn’t matter which professional sport we are discussing I’ve long believed the majority of professional athletes are way overpaid. Friday the team announced signing former Wolves forward Taurean Prince to a one-year contract. Prince a wing managed to shoot 38.1% from three a commodity the Lakers desperately need. Gabe Vincent had a break-out season for the Heat, I guess that was a partial basis for the Lakers signing the prolific 3-point shooter to a 3-year contract. Arriving in Los Angeles is Cam Reddish late of the Blazers, he shot 31.8% this past season.

On Saturday the team announced Jaxson Hayes formerly with the Pelicans signed a 2-year contract. This is training camp move, is the 6-foot 11-inch Hayes a backup power forward or the starting center? D’Lo signed to a 2-year contract, one more outstanding move. The last piece of the puzzle in keeping the gang together. The team announced Austin Reaves resigned to a 4-year contract, by the way, Bobby Marks ESPN gives the Lakers A+ for their free agent signings. Do you see a trend signing 3-point shooters with the exception of Hayes? Brook Lopez with the Lakers is officially dead now he resigned with the Bucks.