Basketball from a fans perspective

“I don’t complain about playing time. My job is to play so well the coach can’t sit me.”

Shane Battier

Are you scared, I’m not

No, this is not the sign of the forthcoming apocalypse although some might desire you believe that. I saw a video recently, a YouTube personality claimed the tide had turned. International players are now dominating play in the NBA. He based his belief on seeing 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama in action. We’ve witnessed an ever-increasing number of international players make their way to the NBA. The NBA MVP has been an international one over the last five seasons.

The last time an American player won the award was 2018 when James Harden then with the Rockets was named MVP. Let’s look back briefly, there was a time when international players were not equipped to play basketball at the NBA level. International players began arriving on these shores in the ‘80’s but few made an impact. Sure there was Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Drazen Petrovic and a few others but that was about it. To be the best you must compete against the best, I’m sure it was no one thing rather a combination of things that allowed the international player vast improvement. International players became more skilled at playing the NBA game. They added an extra element bringing the Euro step with them.

There will likely be no more Dream Teams, a team comprised of American talent which dominates the basketball world but that’s okay in my view. The Giannis Antekounmpo’s, Luka Doncic’s of the world and perhaps Victor Wembanyama add spice and a new element to the game. To answer the headline, I can’t speak for you, as for me I’m not scared of the increased number of international players in the NBA. I’m sure some might not appreciate this but I’m excluding the Canadian contingent as “international.”

Should I…go ahead anyway

I hesitate here because there are individuals who are going to accuse me of hating. On Tuesday the University of Kansas announced an extension to the Bill Self contract, he is now the highest paid basketball coach in the nation. His Kansas teams have won 2 NCAA Championships along with 13 consecutive Big XII Championships which includes 566 wins going into the 2023-24 season. He was working on a “lifetime” contract anyway this extension adds additional funding to what was in place previously.

With the retirement of Coach K., Roy Williams and Jay Wright its apparent Self is the most visible and winningest high-profile coach within our view presently. Coach Cal remains at Kentucky however his teams have underperformed the last few years. In closing did you notice the missing piece? Okay, I’ll mention it, nowhere in this account did I mention $$$. There is a clear reason why, I’ve long believed the vast majority of those working in the sports field are overpaid. If I don’t mention the $$$ its better for me to write an account.  

I hold grudges

Earlier when discussing the season a friend said, “I’d rather see the Kings or Thunder over the Spurs with Wemby.” ESPN and TNT have placed an increased number of the Spurs games available this season. I hold grudges, I don’t have an issue with the City of Sacramento or any of its residents. I have no issue with the present roster of the Kings however it’s still my contention somebody stole my team. I now believe my ire has been misplaced, it was all aimed westward instead of internal.

Yes, I’m pointing the finger at my hometown Kansas City, there was no grassroots effort to keep the franchise here. Records indicate there was at least one city councilman at the time who championed maintaining the Kings here. Unfortunately he must have had limited clout despite his hope, I can point my finger at the former mayor and various members of the city council at the time. Records indicate they made a hum-Hoo effort to keep the franchise here. All this time I’ve held a grudge against the Kings and the fact they have called Sacramento home lies more with Kansas City interests and little grass roots effort to keep the team here. 

MSG & Wemby

Don’t get too excited, Victor Wembanyama had a poor game on Wednesday night. There were forces at work competing against the Spurs teen you probably hadn’t stopped to consider. The game was played in New York City in Madison Square Garden. Wemby’s been a pro for a couple of years but this game was far different, it was played in the mecca of basketball. That’s only the beginning of the story, it appeared the Knicks made a supreme team effort to stop Wemby in all facets of the game.

The Knicks certainly didn’t end the game shooting lights out but it easily started in that manner for them. As for Wemby it was 14 points but he only shot 4 for 14 from the floor, from the three line it was an Ofer, 0-4. He did managed to snatch down a respectable 9 rebounds. Wemby is a rookie, some of us seem to forget that fact, he will rebound. Can I say that MSG game might be a lesson he needs to stowaway in his memory bank. In any event I feel confident enough to pronounce him 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year until Chet Holmgren or someone else steps up and bests him.