Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Isn’t this an interesting development

While working on the Saturday edition came this breaking news, Bronny James declared for the NBA Draft while exploring the transfer portal. This makes sense on several levels, he can meet with teams obtain feedback prior to making a decision. We cannot determine the future without adequate comment which its hoped Bronny receives. There are several scenarios that could be developed but I’m not going there totally.

In closing allow me to express my concern, I am going to assume the Bronny health issue will be monitored but he’s played limited minutes during his freshman year. The move of his coach at USC certainly played a part in this move however my hope he would return to school. I am no draft expert but believe he is not ready for the rough and tumble world of the NBA. I was on the “Wemby Watch” early, although he was only 19 years of age Wemby had experienced play as a pro, Bronny has basketball skill but little to back up his desire. This is another story that will be monitored over the next few months whether the destination is the NBA or another college.

Maybe it’s me

We are nearly there, the end of the 2023-24 college basketball season is fast approaching. The question might be asked where it went, it seems like a week or so ago it was November and it’s beginning. I can only speak for myself but I was a little underwhelmed this season, for the most part the play was good however it was lacking an ingredient. Whether UConn wins it all is yet to be determined, it was UConn and Houston basketball for much of the season.

It seemed these two teams would alternate who would be in the top spot week to week. There was no Kentucky…no Kansas for the most part, there appeared to be no super college teams I’ve grown accustomed to seeing. For those who believe I might be piling on that is not the case, for the most part I enjoyed the college season it just seems it could have been better. In closing consider this associated fact, a lesser amount of basketball news over the next few months will be published. Keep in mind I will try my best to locate stuff I believe might be important to you so please continue reading.

Bits n Pieces 

Sometimes I post the same story on this blog and social media. I tried to research if it had been posted previously and I couldn’t locate it so here goes. The talk regarding Kentucky’s John Calipari just became that, talk. Coach Cal met with Kentucky’s AD and I read no detail except the coach will continue to head Kentucky basketball. This is where I take the opportunity to read between the lines regarding the school retaining his services. It was more than a buyout decision that allowed him to retain his job. As for the school, I’m sure Kentucky could have appealed to one of their alumni or donors and obtained the reported $30,000+ fee. Despite the opinions expressed by a local sports talk radio guy the administration for now at least intends to stand in Coach Cal’s corner.

I’ve informed you on several occasions my confusion with this version of the Lakers, the Wednesday night victory over the Wiz gave them a 44-33 record. There are approximately two weeks remaining in the regular season. Their win total is the most the team’s experienced since the championship year of 2019-20 when they finished 52-19. We must return to the 2010-11 season to exceed that number, as you can see the Lakers have not had a great deal of success on the basketball court compared to past Laker teams, is this a championship year?

A Change of Mind

In February, the Warriors Draymond Green said Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama didn’t deserve to be named Defensive Player of the Year, in March Green’s now changed his mind. Recently the Nuggets played the Spurs and the Joker was matched against Wemby. He claims he told Wemby, “If you block one more shot, I’m gonna…but he blocked like four after that so I didn’t do anything about it.” To conclude this portion Wemby blocked a total of 9 shots in this game.

It’s a longshot if Wemby is named the winner I’ve said on more than one occasion Rudy Gobert will probably win it again for this reason alone. The Wolves have one of the best records in the NBA thanks in part to the defensive effort of Gobert. As for the Spurs after almost a full season of play are nowhere close to winning 30 games. Wemby will be named NBA Rookie of the Year, I’m unsure if there is an NBA Block Shot trophy. As for improving the Spurs I’m unsure of the direction management should take, is it an attempt to attract free agents a trade or the June draft?