Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This is pure speculation

A report is circulating that the Lakers are amenable to drafting Bronny James. There’s been no declaration by him of an intention to submit his name to the NBA draft. Usually news of that type comes at the conclusion of the college season. In all likelihood the question will remain unresolved until April 2 at the earliest. As you can see bunches of things must occur first for this possibility but let’s speculate like several writers.

As I’ve indicated I have no scouting credentials I’m just a fan. With that I have not been impressed with Bronny and this was prior to his health issue. LeBron wants to play basketball with his son we get that, is Bronny worth a draft choice…for me that’s an emphatic no. If I’m sitting in the seat of Rob Pelinka I’d have a heart to heart with LeBron and ask him which team he would desire a trade. That might appear I’ve given up on LeBron however that is not the case. Let’s just say I’m less impressed with Bronny at this point over that of his dad.

Ain’t happening

Depending on your age how much do you know about the American Basketball Association? Chances are if you are 60 or more you probably still have little knowledge about the upstart league. Where am I going with this account, an ABA reminiscence group exists on social media and I read this from a contributor. “It sure would be nice if those former ABA teams had a night honoring their ABA past.” The first response from a member of the group, “The NBA has no desire to return to a derisive period in basketball history.”

I imagine an additional thought could be added, none of the teams the Spurs, Pacers, Nuggets or Nets have owners from the period 48 years ago. Nostalgia Night or something similar is stuff driven by management and not fans. I’m changing sports but this is an example, the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs were an original American Football League team. They were in competition with NFL teams at the time for talent, once the two leagues merged and became one it was over i.e., the rivalry. The Chiefs desire to beat the 49ers is strictly as an opponent it has little to do with an AFL-NFL rivalry which no longer exists as it once did.

Thanks Kansas

I first became acquainted with Derik Queen through the Kansas basketball fan site. The question was asked, “Is Derik Queen still a possibility for Kansas” or something similar. I then began scouring various websites, two I found listed him as 6 foot 9 while two others said it was 6 foot 10. As for his weight it’s either 220, 230 or 245 pounds, pick which one works best for you. In any event Queen is awarded 5 stars by Rivals and 247Sports and is 4 star rated by On3.

The Kansas website indicates Bill Self and crew are trying to convince Queen to attend Kansas. As for the present time this young man who hails from Baltimore Maryland is in his senior year at Montverde Academy in Florida. Although this Class of 2024 prospect’s made no formal declaration it would appear Kansas is no longer in the picture or that’s what we are led to believe. Rivals FutureCast places Queen at 100% to attend Maryland. As for the others, On3 and 247Sports indicate Queen is leaning heavily in the direction of Maryland.

Donald Sterling’s to blame

I know, Sterling hasn’t owned the Clippers since 2014, that’s the year Steve Ballmer purchased the team. As for the headline I have no issues with Ballmer it’s the fact I believe the Clippers should still reside in San Diego. The history says this was the first instance of Sterling operating as a maverick. It was 1984 and the record indicates the owner moved the team north without NBA approval. I contend Sterling looked at the NFL and the move of the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles.

The NFL sued the late Al Davis but lost in a court fight, I believe to this day that was the basis for the NBA move. There were problems in San Diego I believe arena and attendance which became the basis for the Sterling move. Sterling a Cali person probably never considered other locations such as Miami, Vancouver, Toronto, Minnesota or Charlotte. The NBA would later place expansion teams in each of the named city’s. I have long contended one team for one city, I know what you are going to say…what about NYC? I cannot respond to that except to express my position on the matter.

He’s tight with his money

Over the years I’ve read a number of stories and maybe you have to about Michael Jordan. These accounts claim His Airness is quite stingy with his money, this despite the fact he’s now reported to be a billionaire. In any event it’s been said “He would rather spend your money than his own.” I have no method to prove or disprove this account however a portion of the following story is true because there was a legal judgment rendered.

As the story goes this particular store used his likeness in a series of commercials, the only issue they appeared to have done this without securing a contract from Jordan on the matter. Jordan attorney’s filed a lawsuit against the Chicago area department chain and the matter went to trial. The court rendered judgement in Jordan’s favor and this was the final portion of the story. Jordan was reported to have the $8.9 million check cashed and the funds distributed to 23 Chicago area charities he believes benefit citizens.