Basketball from a fans perspective

“Be quick but don’t hurry”

John Wooden 

I’m unsure

Awhile back I began publishing this blog on a Monday through Friday basis. As you are aware there is basketball activity news and games occurring on Saturday and Sunday but my intention was to “catch up” on Monday. I’ve discovered since the NBA season has begun and colleges are playing exhibition games that intention just doesn’t work, the ever-increasing activity causes me to miss stories and events I wanted to cover.

Based on this fact I’m publishing a Saturday edition, there will also be a Sunday edition as well. As for the future that is an unknown, will Off the Dribble return to a 7-day a week edition? Can I say as this is written I don’t have that answer for you at this time, please stay connected. While I’m at it, allow me to thank you no matter if you are a brand-new reader or someone who’s been here near the start. I appreciate you taking time to read Off the Dribble whether its daily, every other day or once a week.

WW

I am sure you are attempting to figure out the meaning of the headline. It’s simple it stands for “Wemby Watch”, I’ve convinced myself to see as many of his games as possible. Because the Spurs are on Central Time and the Lakers Pacific there should be no issue unless both have road games in the same time zone or something similar. In any event Thursday night the Spurs were matched against the Suns for the second time in days. Although Bradley Beal remained sidelined Devin Booker was in the lineup this time. The final score read Spurs 132 Suns 121 but it was between the start and finish that was so exciting.   

On second thought fans of the Suns were not that excited in the loss. What can I say, 19-year old Victor Wembanyama was the high scorer for the Spurs contributing 38 to the Spurs point total. It was mentioned the only Spurs rookie to exceed that figure is David Robinson. Wemby led the way for the Spurs shooting 57.7% from the floor along with a sizzling 50% from three. It was 83% from the line with 10 rebounds 2 assists and 2 blocked shots. I’m comfortable with the fact I believe future stardom awaits this youngster. Many critics claim he needs to gain weight, that might be a fact however hopefully it doesn’t diminish his speed up and down the court.

I’ll take him

Allow me to make this statement at the beginning. I have no advance Psych studies, it was Psych 101 and 102. I couldn’t figure out the problem with Ben Simmons other than injury. I believe the problems with his shooting finally got to a point where it weighed him down. I’ve followed his career since he left Australia for the NBA, I saw every LSU game he played. I discovered back then Simmons had little if any shooting range from distance. What I saw with the Sixers was an adept defender and at 6 foot 10 maybe one of the best assist men in the NBA.

I think the 2021 playoffs became the starting point for his downfall with the Sixers, he dealt with criticism from the media, fans and some of his teammates. I ain’t excusing the sitting down part but I could understand why he said he didn’t want to ever play in Philly again. On February 10, 2022, Simmons along with several others was traded to the Nets. The Simmons numbers early in this NBA season look good with the exception of the scoring. 10.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists a game are outstanding numbers for your point guard. The other issue which we cannot see or measure is the Simmons defense. I believe based on his past the ability to defend is still there. If the Nets don’t want him if I’m a GM I’d take him.

Everyone is not LeBron

Perhaps you have more information than me, for a number of reasons the Warriors have not offered Klay Thompson an extension. Some Laker fans have been salivating with the thought, “Can we acquire him?” There is one member of Laker Nation who is saying thanks but no thanks regarding Thompson. Before you boo and hiss me allow an explanation. Thompson is 33 years old not ancient, if he signed as a free agent that’s a different matter.

I see no trade in the future for his services, I cannot see the Lakers giving up one of their prized youngsters to acquire him. Looking over the names the Lakers actually have several youthful veterans as well…I’m including them as well in this discussion. I love the shooting skill of this valued member of the Splash Brothers but not enough to make a trade to acquire his services. At this point for reasons not fully explained to the fans ownership is unwilling to give an indication why they will simply allow Thompson to walk away.