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Basketball from a fans perspective

“Don’t let other people tell you what YOU want”  

Pat Riley          

Wow 

The Warriors have continued to be one of the best teams in the NBA over the last few years, there were NBA Championships won in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. Although they were eliminated in the playoffs last season those winning seasons provide evidence of their greatness. Will this play at a high level continue with the changes made over the summer, that is the question as training camp opens and we check the Warriors depth chart. Below is the projected starting lineup, Draymond Green is currently sidelined but will be available, check this out:

point guard Chris Paul 6 feet

shooting guard Steph Curry 6 foot 2

small forward Klay Thompson 6 foot 6

power forward Andrew Wiggins 6 foot 7

center Draymond Green 6 foot 6

Do you see what I see, it should be clear this Warriors team if this lineup is final presents them with do doubt the smallest starting lineup in the NBA? In the back court the Paul-Curry duo will be giving up a tremendous amount of height to other teams. At least both guards are generally high in steal numbers so that might help. As for the front court that’s a different matter, the 230-pound Green and 197-pound Andrew Wiggins must battle and I mean that literally other teams on the boards. This version of the Warriors have little bulk nor height to contend with other NBA teams.

I have the utmost confidence in Steve Kerr’s coaching ability but this one will require all the skills he’s acquired as a coach over time. What’s most critical is a team must be able to rebound the basketball in order to later shoot it, with such a lilliputian team this becomes a concern for much of Dub Nation. Unless the Warriors decide to make a move Dario Saric is it, I didn’t say he was the best but at 6 foot 10 he is the tallest player on the roster at present. Before you run off and claim I hate the Warriors or something similar allow me to say this. I believe the Warriors are a veteran team, they will win more games than they lose. Despite this stated fact the lack of height will place a cap on the number of wins. The win total will be enough to earn them a playoff berth, a championship is a question. 

I’ve been a long-time fan of basketball

For me it was local sports talk radio first, I have long realized Kansas basketball has a rich history. The school is almost always in the Top 10, this upcoming season they are ranked number one. Despite this fact if I turn my radio on I don’t want nor expect a 4-hour critique of Bill Self and Kansas basketball. There are other area schools worthy of discussing and not all are D-I schools. I’ve grown tired of listening to the blabber regarding Kansas basketball. I believe it was late May or early June I decided to boycott both local sports stations. This is written in early October and I have yet to return. Next on my list was Stephen A. Smith especially his ESPN program First Take, I made sure days I was home the television if on it would be on another channel.

During the NBA playoffs whenever SAS appeared on my screen I either muted the sound or changed channels. Despite my best efforts he was still popping up on my newsfeed, in spite of the fact I consider myself technically challenged I managed to block his stories. I took this effort one step further when I discovered SAS stories were arriving on my YouTube feed as well, when I see them I “hide” them without reading the headline or anything related to the story. I know what you are thinking, allow me to state this. I hope this doesn’t appear arrogant on my part, radio guy and SAS are entitled to voice their opinions on basketball matters. That’s a two-way street, I shouldn’t be forced to listen to sports broadcast I often find fault.

Is it a good thing

By now you are fully aware I’m a member of Mizzou Nation. I follow the program intently and certainly desire the basketball program to excel. The Class of 2024 on paper looks outstanding however there is downside to recruiting, 4- and 5-star athletes are often one and done players. They arrive on campus as freshman and depart at the end of that year for the NBA or other professional leagues. One and done is something we’ve come to accept, sometimes it’s a surprise other times its most expected. Are they ready, it depends and I can cite one example. Kyrie Irving departed Duke after 11 games, during those games he’d averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists a game.

When he declared for the NBA I remember my words at the time, “He’s not ready for the NBA.” I acknowledge my view of his ability was certainly more correct than mine. The ability to earn income has changed since the days of Irving, we now have Name, Image and Likeness in effect. Despite that rule being in place I would guess for the most part there is a greater opportunity for financial reward at the pro level. As for Mizzou I hope the school is able to recruit every 4- and 5-star athlete available however the first issue has been covered. The second issue, that player is not a good fit or able to make the adjustment to Division I play. Despite what might be perceive as negatives I say continue to recruit them.

What position does he play…. how about all of them

NBA training camps have opened and we are in San Antonio. We are attempting to check out rookie Victor Wembanyama as he prepares for his rookie debut. As for the headline it’s really true, the 7 foot 3 and ½ inch youngster has moved around according to reports. He’s played center, power and small forward even some at the point. Wemby claims he’s yet to be assigned a position on the floor, his rookie season might just turn out as he describes. Opposing matchups might be the key factor in determining the position he plays. My guess with his thin frame Wemby won’t spend a great deal of play at the center position but that’s only speculation by yours truly.

If we check the ESPN page on the Spurs depth chart Wemby is listed at the power forward position. The page also claims Wemby is up to 225 pounds which certainly bodes well for him. You remember all last spring after the draft up through the summer we read and heard statements. The vast majority of the negatives surrounding him dealt with his weight. I had an amusing thought, you might remember a few years ago Zion Williamson was too heavy we heard. With Wemby it’s just the opposite he doesn’t weigh enough. Despite the negatives I’m looking forward to seeing the youngster in action with the Spurs. I certainly intend to reserve my assessment of his play until February or March if there is an immediate breakout that’s a different matter. In closing this at nearly 7-4 could you see him play the point?