Basketball from a fans perspective

“You knew the job was dangerous when you took it!”

At some date in the middle ‘70’s Saturday morning cartoons contained a character known as Super Chicken. He was an ordinary chicken until he took a potion that turned him into a crime fighting hero. Generally there is a partner or sidekick, Super Chicken had a lion named Fred. Whenever the two found themselves in a precarious position Fred would always express concern. Super Chicken would then respond to Fred saying, “You knew the job was dangerous when you took it” There is a connection between Super Chicken and JJ Redick bear with me a moment.

It was made clear my preference to be the next Laker coach was Dan Hurley or at the very least someone with previous coaching experience. From my reading of the sports news since Thursday or Friday it seems the vast majority of media members have questioned the hire of Redick. This is written in June, Redick is yet to be officially announced as the Lakers coach. This is what I believe Redick will not walk into this job with blinders on, he is a smart guy, he was fully aware of the pressure and pitfalls of becoming head coach of the Lakers. The Lakers are an NBA institution and the world’s eyes are always on this franchise. Afterall just like Super Chicken this yet to be officially hired coach “knew the job was dangerous when he took it.”  (Look him up on YouTube, no not Redick...Super Chicken)

Retirement 

I’m unsure if it’s the TNT television issue or he’s only plain tired. Charles Barkley’s announced his retirement one year ahead of the supposed final year of TNT broadcast. He indicates he’s been on television now 25 years which certainly is a lifetime. Other than Ernie Johnson, who says he’s not going anywhere, the rest of the crew’s been somewhat silent. As this is written I’ve read or heard nothing from Kenny Smith or Shaquille O’Neal.

There are others such as Draymond Green, Grant Hill and Jamal Crawford sitting in from time to time. I’m speaking of the regular crew and you know who I mean. In my mind Barkley’s drawn a line in the sand indicating he ain’t never returning after the 2024-25 season. This is strictly my opinion however its early to be making such a bold statement. If Barkley is tired as I indicated early that’s a different matter if it’s the network change…well. I can make this statement for him, Charles don’t back yourself into a corner on a change that is yet to officially take place.

Thank you

I must stop and take time periodically to thank those of you who are loyal readers of Off the Dribble. Years ago when I first envisioned attempting this I had no idea where it was going. I wanted to reach as many of you who are basketball fans, my world view was small. I have friends in California, Texas and other parts of the U.S. I would be able to provide basketball news and notes. 

Never in my wildest imagination realize Off the Dribble would reach an audience in parts of the world I never thought of. I’m unsure of the number of readers in each of these United States, the figures are not tabulated in that manner. As for the world the tracking information fails to identify all nations, the following represent just a few of those I am able to detail. If your nation is not mentioned it’s not intentional, for this only the nations that continue to pop up on my feed, the U.S. is excluded from the count:

Hong Kong

Israel

Ireland

Poland

Russia

Sweden

Germany

France

Canada

Ukraine

China

Singapore

Team Canada

Our northern neighbor Canada has assembled an imposing basketball team for the Paris Olympics. Amassing a basketball team by simply tossing names into a hat is not beneficial unless they truly are able to mold into a single functioning entity. That’s certainly the case for Team Canada, on paper they appear quite imposing. They have shooters, defenders and ball distributors, and the overwhelming majority have veteran NBA experience.

The rules for play in the Olympics is unlike the NBA however it certainly helps the cause having a veteran presence with the exception of Zach Edey late of Purdue. The question is asked who these guys are, well I can inform you 9 members of Team Canada are veteran NBA players. The balance of the roster consists of Canadian players with international experience. Team USA and other nations will present competitive teams in Paris too. Be prepared to see outstanding basketball no matter who wins gold in July.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Andrew Wiggins

Jamal Murray

RJ Barrett

Kelly Olynyk

Dwight Powell

Luge Dort

Dillion Brooks

Zach Edey

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Where are they now

You remember Tacko Fall don’t you? He is the 7- foot 6 311-pound basketball player who burst on the scene in 2015. Fall began play at the University of Central Florida, his skills appeared limited however that would change in year four. No, he didn’t get drafted but he did manage to be signed as a free agent by the Celtics. Fall would move back and forth between the big club and the Maine Red Claws the G-League affiliate.

From there it was a move to the Cavs but like the Celtics he spent a considerable amount of time with their G-League team too. He’s played in China for two different Chinese teams and now Fall plays for Piratas de Quebradillas translated Pirates from Quebradillas in Puerto Rico. Fall’s numbers are, CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) block shot leader (2023), 2X NBA G-League All Defensive Team (2020, 2022), G-League blocks leaders (2022). The question might be does the NBA remain in his future? I cannot answer the question, only an NBA GM can respond adequately. It’s clear Fall is limited offensively but it is evident he’s got the ability, especially with his height, to block shots.