Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He is acquainted with Rod Pelinka

On more than one occasion I’ve mentioned I have questions regarding Darvin Ham. I’m still not sold on him as an NBA coach, it’s clear from what I’ve read there are others who share my concern. Saturday morning I was searching the web and came across this. “Replacement for Darvin Ham is waiting” is what the headline read, I quickly pulled the story up on my iPhone and began to read about this coach who would replace Ham.

Then I read the name, Juwan Howard and I must have said to myself…Oh. Oh, from the standpoint the University of Michigan fired him a few weeks ago. Oh, from the standpoint, what does he offer as proof of his coaching ability? Then I discovered the connection, Howard was part of the Fab 5 while a player at Michigan. One of his teammates on that Michigan squad was a guy by the name of Rod Pelinka. Of course Pelinka is now the VP of Basketball Operations and General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers. I really am in no position to change anything regarding the Lakers, If Ham is replaced I sure hope its not by Howard especially based on his coaching resume 87 wins and 72 losses.

Am I missing something?

I came across this information which I found a little confusing and it caused me to question the why. Although I was unfamiliar with Christ Essandoko his name was listed on a KU fan website. His name came up as a portal transfer, this former St. Joseph’s center stands 7 feet tall and 285 pounds. Home for Essandoko is Paris France. His numbers were rather pedestrian so I would guess they represent him adjusting to the college game, this is the part I found interesting. Essandoko listed 10 possible destinations among them KU and the website said, “He could be a backup to Hunter Dickenson.” This is the portion I question, if Dickenson returns to KU why Essandoko would transfer to play backup to someone else. It might be better for him to transfer to Mizzou or one of the other schools on his list.       

Basketball Dynasty

This account is based on an article I read although the following interpretation is strictly mine. There have been a number of basketball dynasty’s during the game’s history, for this purpose those occurring in the mid to late 20th Century are the one’s explored. How about the Celtics, 17 NBA championships won by the tandem of Bill Russell, Bob Cousy and Larry Bird. The team from Boston must be included in our exploration of teams.

What about the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers they are tied with the Celtics for most championship wins. The trend was set in motion with George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson and culminated with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. How about the Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen Bulls, they certainly qualify for inclusion in the discussion too. Although their win total is not quite as extensive as the Celtics and Lakers we could consider the Steph Curry Warriors a dynasty. There is one team we have failed to mention so far and its actually not a professional team although some consider they might be thought of in that manner. This college team contained two of the best that ever played the game, Lew Alcindor who later became Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Walton. I know some of you are questioning Walton, just look up his collegiate record not what occurred in the NBA.

11 NCAA championships, 7 consecutive NCAA championships (1967-1973), 4 undefeated seasons (1964, 1967, 1972, 1973). There is one more noteworthy record I wish to mention, UCLA had an incredible 88-game winning streak from 1971 to 1974. There are so many more records established by the John Wooden led Bruins that could be included so I will stop for now. In closing some will say “Nothing like that could occur today” and guess what they are correct it couldn’t.

Draft declaration

I’m unsure if Bronny James is the first to declare for the NBA draft/return to school. Bronny was profiled because despite his age he is a well-known name. Generally speaking there can be up to 20-25 players declare for the draft, I cannot provide coverage or an update on every college player. Those such as Bronny and Xavian Lee will be profiled. You might be asking now who the heck is Xavian Lee, I guess that would be valid? Prior to his announcement I was similar to you I had no knowledge of Lee either.

A quick check and I was able to uncover this bit of information. It’s not often athletes from an Ivy League school declare for the draft but that’s what’s occurred here. Lee is completing his sophomore year at Princeton and he registered respectable numbers at Princeton. He’s a 6-foot 3 170-pound point guard, Lee earned first team All-Ivy League honors based on his 17 point 5 rebound and 4 assist season. Home for Lee is Toronto Canada, it should be mentioned there is a possibility of him returning to Princeton for his junior year of school. In the past the Ivy League has been known for producing business and political leaders however few managed to find their way to the NBA or NFL.