Basketball from a fans perspective

They need a change as well

I pointed out recently being a 16-team conference the Big 12 required a name change. Several names have been mentioned some of which I believe are kinda strange, more on that at a future date. That’s not the only conference requiring a name change, there is one more at the present time. Before I cover that fact with all the movement over the past 2 years I’m unsure if these are the only two requiring change. The ACC or Atlantic Coast Conference takes its name from the fact most of its members until recently were located on the east coast in somewhat proximity to the ocean.

Of course that went away with the addition of Notre Dame in Indiana and Louisville in Kentucky both Midwest locales. The latest conference additions to the ACC scream loudly for a required name change, the conference adds SMU in Texas along with Cal and Stanford both California schools located on the west coast. According to Goggle Maps a hike of 22 miles from the campus of Stanford and you arrive at the Pacific Ocean. If you were at Cal and decided to travel to the Pacific Ocean the distance is even shorter, it’s about an 18-minute walk or 3.9 miles. On the other hand the expanse between these schools to the Atlantic Ocean requires an airline flight of 4 hours and 57 minutes. We shall see what eventually prevails for both conferences re-naming them.

I’d be careful

Former Kansas basketball star Frank Mason expresses doubt about Zaccharie Risacher. “Played this young guy in France this past season; no way he’s the number one pick in the NBA draft lol, but I guess! My question for Mason, who really knows in advance the capabilities of any player? Scouts and coaches analyze what is in front of them prior to making a decision. I don’t know if this to be a fact but guess this check is done on more than one occasion. With that statement allow me to say this about the view he expressed.

Mason could well be correct in his statement however we must take into consideration the recent history of draft picks. In 2023 there were doubters (Barkley, Shaq those two in particular) who expressed similar opinions regarding Victor Wembanyama…wonder how that turned out? What are the expectations for Risacher, is he expected to immediately replace someone in the Hawks lineup? There is a belief he’s ‘plug in and play,’ it might be an astute idea for Mason and others to wait until the player arrives and begins play to determine their skill level. Risacher might not be at the top of this draft in Mason’s eyes but how do we know for sure he’s not a talent?

Free Agency

Unlike other professional sports the NBA has the largest player movement of all. Naturally, these moves prove rewarding to the players whether they move to a new team or remain with their present team. As for names it’s difficult to list all, I will attempt to update names when practical. My hope is to keep you informed on as many as possible. Leading off is a signing mentioned yesterday, Chris Paul moving to the Spurs on a reported 1-year deal. Early Monday morning news reports indicate Paul George is leaving for the Sixers, it’s a reported 5-year agreement for him.

His former teammate James Harden will remain with the Clippers for a 2-year agreement. A player vital to the Lakers championship was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, he moved to the Nuggets providing them shooting and defense. Caldwell-Pope is finalizing an agreement with the Magic on a 3-year deal. It was reported the Lakers were seeking the services of Big Man Jonas Valanciunas, that will not occur now since he’s headed to the Wizards for the next 3-years. Andre Drummond will sign with the Sixers, now it appears Isaiah Hartenstein will be headed to the Thunder. It look as if the Lakers will not acquire the Big Man they so desperately require.

I can be influenced

The 2024 Laker draft was displeasing to me initially, days later I have calmed down. This draft might be the best for the Lakers in a number of years. I’m unsure if ‘John is copying from Brad’s page’ however the draft grade by all has been rated outstanding, check this out:

The Sporting News A+

Yahoo Sports A

USA Today A+

CBS Sports A+

Bleacher Report B

The Ringer A

The Score A

The Lakers failed to draft a Big Man as I wanted however choosing Dalton Knecht with pick 17 and Bronny James with the 55th pick still offers the hope of improved play in the upcoming season. Several sites indicate Knecht could be inserted in the lineup immediately. Bronny is a different matter however there are certain factors to consider. Number 1 the health issue which forced him into a reserve role once the medical staff okayed him to play. 

Secondly his Southern Cal team was not particularly good, this issue certainly didn’t aid Bronny’s game to grow. Until the season begins we are unclear how all this will play out but this is my belief. He will spend the majority of the 2024-25 season playing for the G-League South Bay Lakers, the reason is clear. The Laker backcourt is loaded with players which says minutes might be scarce. The Lakers contending for a playoff position are not likely to provide Bronny an opportunity for a great deal of playing time.