Basketball from a fans perspective

A reminder

On Monday July 15 Off the Dribble changes again, pointed out previously the summer slowdown is in full effect. The Olympics is upcoming and there is a trickle of basketball news however publishing 7 days a week is no longer necessary. In addition this change allows me flexibility with my schedule. The blog will begin publishing 4 days a week, exactly how the schedule unfolds will be detailed on Monday. I hope you will continue to be a faithful reader, thanks in advance.  

The promise

Most of you remember Emoni Bates, he was the outstanding youth talent declared ready for the NBA as a 16-year-old. It turns out thus far at age 20 his future did not approach the early forecast for him, he played at Memphis and later Eastern Michigan before declaring for the 2023 NBA draft. The Cavs made a decision, they drafted him in the second round with the hope the promise of a basketball future still existed. At some point during that summer he signed a two-way contract with the Cavs. As you are aware these contracts allow a player to spend time with the primary team and its G-League affiliate.

It’s reported Bates demonstrated his skill playing for the Charge this past season but is he ready for the Cavs roster remains the question? Last season Bates was listed at 6 foot 10 and 170 pounds, it was indicated he was “pushed” around on the court by bigger forwards. Based on this outcome he decided to take on a weight program in the off season. Bates arrived for Summer League play gaining a reported 26 pounds and is now a reported 196 pounds. The only question remaining for basketball fans and more specifically those of the Cavs none of us can answer…is he ready to contribute at the NBA level? Summer League play should begin the decision process for the coaching staff.

Where in the world

The early reports on Ben Simmons boggled the mind, a 6-foot 10-inch 240-pound point guard. He was the tallest and heaviest point guard in the NBA since the days of Magic Johnson. Despite the weight Simmons was speedy up and down the court. The world knew he was a one and done at LSU, the statement could be made now why did he bother. He could have remained in Australia another year before submitting his name for the NBA draft. Fast forward in the story, after missing what amounted to his rookie season in 2018 he was named NBA Rookie of the Year while playing for the Sixers.

After demonstrating such promise injuries and other issues have placed Simmons in a precarious position. Simmons is now a member of the Nets having been acquired in the James Harden trade, despite this fact he’s rarely appeared on the court for them. After showing such early promise I wonder if the NBA remains ahead for Simmons or is this all we get? Simmons is no shooter from distance but even fans were aware of this negative, in addition he is/was poor from the free-throw line. If he’s able to return to his 2017-18 form the Nets would be able to highlight one more example of the attempt to improve this team.

You will know when I know…or maybe not

The NBA will soon be working under a new television contract, although there is yet to be an official announcement. The only issue we are sure of, it appears TNT has been eliminated as a broadcast partner or that’s what is rumored to occur. Unfortunately, I cannot become upset based on no official announcement. The upset part, folks who claim they don’t watch NBA basketball are unhappy Inside The NBA will go off the air. Two local host on sports talk radio in Kansas City were bemoaning the fact they would not be able to listen to Charles Barkley anymore.

Even stranger one of the radio host claimed he doesn’t watch the NBA game just Barkley. If I had him standing next to me I’d ask him what I consider a key question. How do you really know what Barkley is discussing if you don’t follow the NBA? Placing that aside the rumor is one of the new broadcast partners will be a streaming service. That appears to be the future of sports on television, the NFL and their tie in with broadcast partners Amazon and YouTube is here. The days of “free” sports on television will probably always exist but its my belief it will become smaller and smaller as streaming revenues increase. As for the headline it’s entirely possible you will have the makeup of the new television contract before me.

Can you say playoff

Are the Spurs headed for the playoffs after all they finished the season with only 22-wins. Since the draft and free agency plus a trade their fortunes have changed for the better. Most of the changes have been reported but there are additions. The latest move, adding Harrison Barnes in a trade from the Kings. Barnes is a steady presence, he’s got plenty of veteran NBA experience. From what I read he was eager to join the Spurs particularly playing with Wemby. The Spurs can plug Barnes in at small forward, they added another veteran Chris Paul who signed a 1-year contract he’s at the point. He’s not a new teammate having played last season at shooting guard, his name Devin Vassell. Vassell scored nearly 20 points a game this past season on 47% shooting from the floor.

For this purpose I’m going to consider the X factor being Stephon Castle, he arrived in San Antonio as the 4th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. Before the arrival of Paul he’d was reported to be the heir apparent at the point. It’s always been my belief there is no requirement for an NBA All Pro at each position, as you can see on paper the team has improved at several positions over the prior season.   There is no forecast on a finish for the Spurs there are other factors to consider chief among them injuries. There is no method in the world to determine how injuries might impact a team, as you might note despite his Hall of Fame credentials Paul has an injury history. If he goes down for an extended period most of this projection goes away. Reading between the lines it would appear Paul has plenty of gas left in the tank. He said as much indicating something like this, “I could have signed with a team chasing a ring, I just wanted to play.” Does a healthy Spurs team earn a playoff berth?