Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Rules 

1. Never match players from different eras against one another.

2. A nickname is given, a player cannot bestow a handle on himself.

3. Comparing draft choice ensure the player you use as the example is well known.

4. Become well acquainted with basketball abbreviations or phrase

5. Research high school prospect sites periodically, they are a valuable source.

6. NBA mock draft sites are a reference tool only, an analyst opinion.

7. Don’t attempt to invoke humor discussing a serious event or person.

Talk me down please

I saw another proposed trade that sends Trae Young to the Lakers. This one had the Lakers giving up Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in order to acquire the Hawks point guard. At the time, this trade was first proposed I said NO, NO what about this trade makes the Lakers better? Young’s scoring over D’Lo is better however it could be partially based on how he’s used in the offense, Young is better at passing the rock. The key area for me is always defense, how effective a defender are you?

These are not my words, I located them online; “Trae Young is one of the most dynamic and exciting offensive players in the NBA, but his defense has been a major weakness for him and the Atlanta Hawks.” Once upon a time I read Magic Johnson admitted he was not a good defender, at the same time indicated he’d committed to playing good team defense. At this point with no bench leadership in place the Lakers are waiting on that decision from the coach whoever that might be. The determination will ultimately rest with the coach over the desires of everyone including yours truly. If this is the final outcome I will accept it however its not the best move in my view. The connected portion is the search for a new Laker head coach.

We are reading and hearing a number of names, most of them don’t make a great deal of sense. As an example Jason Kidd, sure he was an assistant at one time under Frank Vogel but his Mavs team is in the middle of a playoff fight. The Lakers are his last consideration. Another reported connection is Tyronn Lue, he turn down the job prior to Darvin Ham being hired. I reported on JJ Redick who might be okay however he’s got 0 coaching experience. The one name that would appear to be viable is Kenny Atkinson an assistant with the Warriors, I know little about him except he does have experience as a head coach with the Nets 2016-20.

They just didn’t know

One of my social media feeds Saturday evening contained a photo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a Clippers jersey. Although he’s only 25 years of age most of us have forgotten his NBA career began in Los Angeles. In 2018 he was made pick 11 in the first round by the Hornets, later his draft rights were traded to the Clippers where he began his NBA career. How Gilgeous-Alexander found his way to the Thunder had nothing to do with his ability to play the game.

It was believed Paul George would provide them with a better path to an NBA Championship over a rookie point guard. A July 2019 trade saw George head west to the Clippers while Gilgeous-Alexander would travel east to Oklahoma City. Once he began play for the Thunder all his numbers would rise significantly over the next few years. Because Gilgeous-Alexander has a midrange game his FG average exceeds that of most other point guards. This recent season saw him shoot 535% from the floor and .535% from three, in addition he dished out 6.2 assists per game. His scoring average was 30.1% from the floor, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already an NBA All Star.

I hope it’s not me

There are story’s we read and hear that say, “please top I’ve heard enough.” I’ve heard enough regarding Bronny James, don’t misunderstand me I have no dislike for the youngster. The problem is the considerable number of words written and spoken, he is not ready for NBA play. Someone wrote “If he is drafted he will spend the year in the G-League,” that sounds like a reasonable statement. I’ve read critical remarks regarding the manner Bronny was utilized at Southern Cal but I also saw the numbers. Although health was a prime consideration emerging from the bench he demonstrated little for me to believe he’s got an NBA career in his future.

Keep in mind while at Southern Cal Bronny filled the role of a reserve player, despite that fact a player could have an NBA career of 6-10 years which bode well for financial success not much for a legacy. We’ve witnessed a considerable number of offspring following their father’s footsteps into the NBA, their rate of success has only been average in my view. This is being done from memory which can be fuzzy at times but it’s my belief the number has been somewhat limited. As for the headline until there is a move one way or another its worth reporting. If that is not the case I will attempt to refrain from publishing any further accounts on Bronny James until there is a firm development. In closing this might be shocking however he’s better off playing in Australia or the G-League

Can you see it    

This is one of those things, “Never say never” has become a catch phrase for me. The main reason for adopting the statement is just that. We are often forced (sometimes by circumstance) to travel a route we never intended. With that statement said, allow me to delve into the subject at hand. For the first time since forever the NBA playoffs will proceed without the trio of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry.

This from a media member who speculated “The window has closed on any future championship for the three unless….” The unless part was them willing to accept a reserve role on a team. Sorry friends, I cannot see that as a future for any of the three named players, they have been in the forefront of action their entire NBA careers. Although in truth I could see them coming on the bench during a crucial period of the game. They would take the game winning shot for their team, listen I can see it in my mind’s eye although it is highly unlikely to ever occur.