Basketball from a fans perspective

The sun is shining somewhere

12 straight losses for the Spurs makes it somewhat gloomy for a fan. To make note of a rare accomplishment should allow for the sun to peak through the clouds of misery just a teeny-tiny bit, thanks Wemby. In the Sunday loss to the Nuggets Wemby posted 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 blocks and 2 assists. He becomes the first rookie in NBA history to accomplish the rare feat, according to FanNation the most recent player is James Harden in 2019. Others who accomplished this feat are Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and Robert Parrish. That places Wemby in some exclusive company if we think about it for a moment.

I’m sure the losses by the Spurs are disappointing to the fan base but it’s my belief you’ve got a good one in Wemby. We can never predict the future but I believe barring injury of some type Spurs fans can look forward to an impending bright future with talent surrounding Wemby. A future where the sun is shining all the time and the clouds have vanished. I located this after completing my contribution, at least one other besides me believes this as well. “He’s 19 years old he’s going to change the game…just sit back and enjoy the show”, the words of Nugget center Nikola Jokic. As for the present coach Pop will lay out the plan but it might come to fruition under another head coach.

Click bait

I hope you are familiar with the headline above, if not it simply points out a fact most of us notice. It simply describes a headline or photo of a story to peak your interest in reading the story. They are attention grabbing, that’s the purpose for them. When I am enticed to read the story it often goes off in a direction far from what I first believed. In case you are wondering where I’m headed allow me to make a brief statement, I’m an amateur writer whose loved basketball all my life.

Basketball doesn’t consume my life however it is an important portion. Certainly my desire is for you to read Off the Dribble but I have no intention to use misleading headlines to make for additional readers. My hope is you enjoy the blog enough to recommend it to a family member or friend. I also make an attempt often to thank those readers who’ve been faithful to the effort. I don’t always get it right however never will I ever state my view is the only acceptable one and you must agree with me. Thanks again and keep reading and hopefully I can continue to provide content enjoyable related to basketball.

1950

Earlier you read of the 1961 College Basketball Scandal, there was one 9 years earlier in 1950. This point shaving scandal involved 7 schools in total. Most of the players involved were on the roster at City College of New York in the 1949-50 season. Unlike the 1961 scandal there were more players (32) from 7 colleges admitted taking bribes compared to the later event. There were residuals in this one far different from the 1961 event. As an example, Kentucky did not play the 1952-53 season. CCNY de-emphasized its basketball program and now plays a Division III schedule. Long Island University shut down its athletic program from 1951-1957, they returned to Division I play in the 1980’s. Although Ralph Beard, Alex Groza and others were barred from play in the NBA Sherman White might have suffered the worst fate of all…prison.

White admits his guilt indicating he accepted money from gambling interests that’s not up for debate, being incarcerated while others “walked away” is a different story. All of the players received suspended sentences except for White. He would receive 12 months in the notorious Rikers Island (he served 8 months and days) for his part in the scandal. There was a question if racism played a role in his sentencing although White claimed he probably didn’t show the respect or humility he should have. In any event after prison White would play in the Eastern Professional Basketball League up through 1963. It’s reported the Knicks were prepared to make him a territorial pick in the 1951 NBA Draft but that would never occur. In 2011 White died at the age of 82 in Piscataway New Jersey. I’ve attempted to provide you a sketch of the 1950 events, by no means should my version be considered complete.  

Pop

Gregg Popovich has been coaching the Spurs for several years, he turns 75 in January 2024. Despite the rough and gruff manner he portrays deep down he’s a different sort of dude. It’s clear his beliefs are his and his alone, no requirement for you to subscribe to them. In all the years Popovich’s coach I’ve only heard one former player speak of him in a negative tone. That provides me with the belief his players respect him despite his manner. That ties into the story your about to read. Current Clipper Kawhi Leonard was one of the keys to the Spurs last NBA Championship. In 2018 Leonard was granted his request, the Spurs traded him to the Raptors, from the Raptors it’s become the Clippers.

So as you might understand there have been several visits by Leonard with his new team. If you are familiar with NBA history you are aware Kawhi Leonard once played for the Spurs. Leonard leaving the Spurs as a free agent upset a number of Spurs fans. Since leaving the Spurs Leonard’s played for the Raptors and now the Clippers. It’s been a minute but as you might belief his recent appearance was not the first time he’s returned as a visitor. He was fouled during the game and as he stepped to the line a chorus of boos began raining down aimed at Leonard. Then a strange thing occurred, Pop walked over grabbed the PA mic and chastised the crowd for booing, yes…Pop is a different kind of dude.

A partnership

This discussion centers on NBA expansion once again, this time the talk is a possible ownership group.  When it arrives it will be Seattle and Las Vegas making the NBA a 32-team league. A recognized date for expansion is yet to be finalized however my best guess would be the 2028-30 season. As for Las Vegas Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James separately have expressed a desire to become owners of this expansion franchise.

This is the twist to the story, although neither player expressed a desire for a partnership, Shaq now indicates he is willing. Up to this point LeBron’s said nothing regarding this matter however he’s got another issue. While LeBron remains an active player NBA rules prohibit him or any player from ownership of a team. Most are aware Michael Jordan has sold his majority share in the Hornets franchise and is no longer an owner. The NBA is highly likely to want a minority owner for this Las Vegas team, even if it’s not a partnership, one or the other of these two is liable to be part of an ownership group.