Basketball from a fans perspective

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“Don’t slay the messenger”

This is written for TNT analyst Charles Barkley and several others, in the recent past they have appeared on television or in print whining about the number of Laker games on television. This past week the NBA released its 2024-25 television schedule. Despite Barkley and several others complaining their opinion evidently fell on deaf ears, once again the Lakers will lead the NBA in television appearances. The schedule list 39 televised Laker games spread over ESPN/ABC, TNT and NBA TV.

Let’s delve into the reason why this exists once again. In all likelihood there is no single basis for the larger number of games but probably several.  Here are just a few thoughts of mine, if you don’t agree they are legitimate that’s okay too. As for these Lakers opening night of NBA play will see them serve as host for the Wolves on October 22 at Crypto.com Arena. By the way if you are in agreement with Barkley and company that’s okay. The headline represents an old expression, I’m just providing the news don’t become upset with me.

1. The continued elevated level of play by LeBron James who will turn 40 in December.

2. Bronny James being drafted and the opportunity to see him alongside his father.

3. They remain the NBA’s Gold Standard although last winning a championship in 2020.

4. The roster could exceed expectations.

5. The JJ Redick hire as head coach.

A similar story

In the spring of the year Jackson County voters rejected a bid for a Royals baseball park downtown and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium home of the Chiefs. Those who might be unfamiliar with the geography here a metro exists on both sides of State Line Road in Kansas and Missouri. The government in Kansas almost immediately seized on an opportunity to move the baseball Royals and football Chiefs across the line. The Kansas legislature would accomplish this without appealing to the people for a tax vote. The proposed stadiums would be constructed using bond money, locally we remain in the discussion stage nothing has been accomplished other than the vote for the bonds. Further developments will occur with another planned vote on the Missouri side of the line.

By now you are asking “This is baseball and football, what does that have to do with basketball?” I’ve attempted to make you aware of arena processes throughout the NBA, in this instance our focus is Philadelphia. The Sixers were attempting to extricate themselves from Wells Fargo Center by building their own arena. The site chosen in Philadelphia received a great deal of push back by a citizens group. What eventually occurred was a similar scenario to here, out of state elements entered the picture. It is being reported Camden New Jersey entered the picture eager for the arena to be constructed there. We have been informed the Sixers practice facility is located in Camden at the present time. We are only at the talking stage nothing’s been finalized I just thought it was an interesting story and contains some similarity to what’s occurred in Jackson County and Kansas City.

The U.S. Olympic Committee

We held the discussion at work, what occurs for Team USA men’s basketball in 2028? Several things, at the top of the list expect the Euro teams to be four years better…in addition several African nations might be in the mix as well. As for Team USA LeBron James will likely be retired, the same statement could be made regarding prolific shooting Steph Curry. With that said who is left, don’t tear up it’s not as gloomy as some might believe. I took a look at those on the 2024 Olympic team plus 2024 NBA All Stars to help the U.S. Olympic Committee to amass the 2028 Team USA roster:

Ja Morant                                 Anthony Davis

Tyrese Haliburton                      Anthony Edwards

Jaylin Brown                             Karl-Anthony Towns

Jason Tatum                             Scottie Barnes

Bam Adebayo                            Chet Holmgren

Paolo Banchero                         Devin Booker  

Tyrese Maxey                            Donovan Mitchell

Kevin Durant

There are two question marks, Paolo Banchero could play for Italy, his father is Italian. Durant might be retired by 2028 since he mentioned the possibility immediately after these Olympics. This roster is a good mix and match it contains two point guards, five shooting guards, three post players, two power forwards and three small forwards. Anthony Davis is listed as a center but could slide over to power forward, the same could be said for Karl-Anthony Towns. The portion I cannot answer as this is written what about that outstanding 2025 or 2026 rookie whose presence would aid this roster greatly. That’s the single question that cannot be answered at this time. In conclusion what do you think, is this a good mix in your view?

I couldn’t do it

After compiling a Top 10 list for Kansas, UCLA and Duke I prepared for Kentucky. After checking several names I concluded this is an almost impossible task, talent for the Wildcats goes back to the 1940’s. I’m sure fans of those programs above might be upset with my decision, I found it impossible to list 10 Kentucky players all-time. Keep in mind each of the school’s mentioned previously had players from that era but none were close to the number produced by Kentucky.

Some might considered the period and claim “those players were not as athletically talented as those of the last 20 or so years.” I can concur with that belief however I am not going to adopt it. I could start with Ralph Beard (1945-1949), then move to Bill Spivey (1949-1951) from there it was Cliff Hagen (1950-1954) later it was Cotton Nash (1961-1964). Kevin Grevey (1972-1975), Sam Bowie (1979-1984). How about DeMarcus Cousins, Mel Turpin, Rex Champman, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander. There is John Wall, Anthony Davis, Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn and Julius Randle. I am going to stop at this point for failing to list a particular player for I’ve missed quite a few. 

Tanking

I’m reading that ugly word again, a word I have begun to detest. The word is tanking or NBA teams losing on purpose to improve their draft prospects. Why are we hearing it again, two words (or names) Cooper Flagg. If you check every NBA mock draft site Flagg’s name is listed as the number one choice. The most interesting part of this equation he’s yet to play a competitive game for Duke, as they say, “His reputation precedes him.” It’s clear Flagg is a one and done athlete although no one is making that claim.

Flagg’s 18th birthday occurs on the 21st days before Christmas which ensures he will be draft eligible in 2005. At the college level it appears Flagg is a natural small forward at standing 6 foot 9 and 205 pounds. With his skill and savvy he could slide over to shooting guard.  As for the question raised about tanking rest assured the commissioner’s office will be closely monitoring those NBA teams near the bottom of the standings. Flagg’s got some mighty big shoes to fill as the next “great player to emerge from college.” The spotlight shining on him will only intensify over his freshman basketball season, it will increase exponentially once Flagg begins play in the NBA.