Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This is suspect  

“Entertainer” Stephen A. Smith has done it once again. He and Jason Whitlock have been feuding in social media for a time, although I have issues with Whitlock he claims the story SAS relates couldn’t have occurred. Bear with me while I tell the story, SAS claims a friend or someone connected with Winston-Salem State drove SAS to North Carolina for a tryout. The legendary Clarence “Big House” Gaines was the head basketball coach at the time. 

SAS claims this person convinced the coach on a weekend to see him work out. After some warmups he says the coach made this statement. “You supposed to be a shooter let’s see you shoot.” SAS claims he sunk 17 3-pointers in a row, Gaines was supposed to have signed him on the sport with a scholarship. The balance of the story SAS indicates he suffered an injury later ending his college basketball career with a 1.5 ppg scoring average.  What’s questionable about this account allow me to begin. A friend pointed out SAS was born in 1967, technically he would have been a freshmen in the 1985-96 season. The following season, 1986-87 colleges implemented the rule change allowing 3-point baskets. What is unclear is the circumstances of events that occurred afterwards. Not a single college or university at the time had a 3-point line measurement. 

In addition to that the expansion Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA did not begin play until the fall of 1988. There is a belief all of us desire to be shown in a positive light, some of us no matter what our station in life want to embellish our place or position. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this SAS account is fictional and the series of events didn’t occur. I do find them highly suspicious…what do you think? Does my bias regarding SAS enter the picture here, perhaps?

He said

My piece earlier in the week regarding generational players made for questions. Naturally the first one I heard, “Why are you including Victor Wembanyama in your count he’s only played half a season?” For me it was easy because I’ve seen enough of the rookie to convince myself he is the real deal. Rather than listen to my constant rant the following quotes provided will be from top players in the NBA assessing Wemby’s game. I must cover the Thursday night victory over the Thunder prior to proceeding (yes the Spurs actually won a game).

It was a 132-112 victory and Wemby beginning slowly would come to the forefront as the game progressed. The end result would see him add to his NBA leading block total with 5, also he pulled down 13 rebounds and 7 assists along with 28 points. Did I fail to mention it was 59.9% shooting from the floor with 32.7% from three, in 32 minutes of action Wemby had only 2 TO’s. This from LeBron James, “Special talent,” said James of the 7-4 Frenchman, who he once complimented by calling him an “alien.” “They got a good one here.” From Suns forward Kevin Durant, He (Wemby) is going to be a force in this league for a long time.” TNT’s Kenny Smith, “In year four, he’ll be the league MVP” he said of Wemby. The MVP of the NBA Joel Embiid had this to say, “He is great he has got everything, size, skill. There is nothing else to say. (He is) probably the future. He is already pretty good but once he develops and his body catches on, he is going to be a lot of problems for a lot of guys in this league. He is extremely talented.”

You’ve just read the words of several current players and one former player, all expressions that take on the same tone. The NBA has only become richer now with a Victor Wembanyama in the league. There is no doubt the Spurs will begin assembling a competitive team around him. This game offered us proof that the Rookie of the Year trophy begins with Wemby and ends with Wemby. He managed to outduel Chet Holmgren providing all the proof. Did you see it, the step back jumper Holmgren attempted to shoot over Wemby? Wemby went up at the same time, not only did he block the shot he pulled it down into his arms.  

In second place

Have the Lakers lost their place, I’m not talking playoff position their place with Angeleno’s? The world remains solid Lakers but what about Are the Clippers now in first place in their hearts and minds? With the exception of 2020 with a Laker NBA Championship which of the team’s has won the most regular season games in the last 10 years. If I were to venture a guess I’d say it’s been the Clippers, they have no championship banner hanging in the rafters but certainly had more buzz about them than the Lakers during this period. Since Steve Ballmer’s taken over as owner things are quite different in Clipperland.

SB (that’s what I call him) has begun a process of rebranding this Clipper franchise, everything about it is changing. It’s not just a new arena (Intuit Dome) next season it’s a plethora of stuff detailing change. I’m unsure how this is gauged but management claims the fan base has increased over time especially since SB acquired the team. What occurs going forward, are the Clippers contenders or pretenders? Will they truly win the hearts and minds of their fans? The Lakers are an institution but it’s always been my contention SoCal has a large enough population base for two teams. My argument will now be resolved beginning next season, you know the issue with two teams sharing the same arena which should have never occurred.

The Ball brothers

With his over the top personality LaVar Ball informed all, within earshot his sons were headed to the NBA. That was back then this is now, the oldest brother Lonzo was drafted and has played well. The one season he played alongside LeBron there were nothing but his praise about his play. Since then Lonzo’s played for first the Pelicans and is presently a member of the Bulls. He is sidelined with an injury and has not seen action since the 2021-22 season. News reports indicate he was supposed to have begun running sprints in January 2024, as this is written that has not occurred.

At this point at age 26 his NBA future appears questionable. Middle brother LiAngelo after playing a season at UCLA is yet to play in the league. He’s been in NBA training camps but it appears no team is interested in him for the long term. He’s still only 25 years of age so we cannot state he will never play in the NBA however his opportunity to play becomes much shorter. Although injured at present baby brother LaMelo might be the only one to fulfill the plan laid out by the father. NBA Rookie of the Year while playing for the Hornets Melo has proven he might be the best player of the three. What began with such promise for the Ball brothers especially the boastful father has slowly eroded away, chances are real good the vision laid out by LaVar Ball for his three son’s might never come to fruition.