Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Looking up at the others

Kansas played an outstanding game on Saturday afternoon beating the Houston Cougars 78-65, they shot 68.9% while holding the Cougars to 36.2%. The final score wasn’t as close as it might appear. On Monday evening playing against cross-state rival Kansas State they lost a thrilling OT game 75-70. The interesting part of Kansas basketball at this point they were looking up at Houston on Saturday in the standings prior to the game. 

Based on the Monday action they are once again seeing the Cougars ahead of them. Truth is Kansas is not only beneath Houston but also Texas Tech, Baylor and Iowa State prior to the Monday evening schedule. They are looking up in the standings at all the schools named including Houston who they beat soundly. Will Kansas finish the season in this position…of course not but this is certainly an unusual situation for them. I indicated the Top 25 is not a true reflection of strength however Kansas rated higher in the polls is sitting below the others mentioned. 

He should be included too

There are a number of outstanding rookies in the rookie class of 2023-24. Jonathan Kuminga is not a rookie however he’s only 21 years of age, his youth and this breakout season of 2023-24 says to all he’s on the way. On the road to an outstanding NBA career most likely with the Warriors. Monday night Kuminga scored 28 points and snatched 10 rebounds as his Warriors defeated the Nets 109-98. Did I say outstanding season, maybe not but it is let’s check the numbers. Kuminga is shooting 53.8% from the floor and 33% from three, his scoring average 15.1 points a game.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after arriving in the U.S. he attended three high schools here, he would decide on a pro career it would be NBA G-League Team Elite over focusing on a college or university. Despite the fact Kuminga is 6 foot 7 and 225 pounds the Warriors have played him at small forward and power forward. He’s proven to be especially valuable to the Warriors filling in for Draymond Green during his suspension. After Kuminga raised some concerns with Steve Kerr about playing time and his role with the team, that appears to have been addressed and in the rear-view mirror now. Be on the lookout for this rising NBA star.

Is this the year?

I was wrong, within weeks after the Clippers acquired James Harden they floundered. I boldly pronounced them not ready for a deep playoff run. Turns out I was wrong, they have been en Fuego as Russell Westbrook’s adapted to his role as 6th man, in addition Harden’s played much better. Maybe it was a matter of the team adjusting to Harden and vice versa. In any event at some point near or around Christmas they have been rolling defeating the majority of teams on their schedule. In Oklahoma, the Thunder had gotten off to a fast start and have played steady basketball since the season kicked off. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a stud and he might be the best combo guard in the NBA (Sorry Steph).

Adding Chet Holmgren to the lineup has also proved fruitful. It’s not just those two that the Thunder appear to be primed for the playoffs. Now for the dilemma, who goes…is this the year the Clippers and Thunder make their run and play for an NBA championship? Both teams being in the west one or maybe both might not earn that coveted trip. On the other hand the defending champion Nuggets are still there waiting to make their move, of late the Suns have improved as well. Going down the stretch its vitally important for all contenders to remain healthy. In closing I’m going to be careful this time around, I have no intention to count out a team prior to the playoffs. All I really need to do is look at the run made by the Lakers last season.

A possibility

Once upon a time Pittsburgh Pennsylvania was represented in professional basketball. In 1946-47 the city had a team the Ironmen, who began play that season. The Ironmen were a charter member in the Basketball Association of America which later merged with the NBL to become the NBA. The Ironmen didn’t last for any length of time going out of business after but one season, the history is unclear why pro basketball failed. After the ABA began play in 1976 Pittsburgh was awarded a franchise in the new league, despite having a team attendance appeared to be a problem. The Pipers as they were named relocated to Minnesota in 1968, in 1970 the franchise moved back to Pittsburgh.

Later another change, they were renamed becoming the Condors, despite the moves the Pittsburgh franchise went out of business ahead of the NBA acquisition. By now you are asking what prompted this account, there are two. I belong to an ABA history group, a member wrote “Pittsburgh needs a team” or something close to that. A research process was begun and I located an article on the web from pittsburghsportsnow.com dated October 10, 2023. According to the article a study would be undertaken to determine if there is interest in the city for an NBA team. As most of you are aware the city has a rich sports history with the baseball Pirates, NFL Steelers and NHL Penguins. I will attempt a follow up if there are additional developments.