Basketball from a fans perspective

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Bits n Pieces of info

Former NBA player and head coach George Karl is suffering. His illness is…well it’s a little difficult to describe. Allow this brief explanation, from time to time Karl believes it’s his responsibility to inform all within earshot how much he HATES the Lakers. Recently I wrote of the television schedule and the fact the Lakers would appear 39 times during the 2024-25 NBA season. This from Karl, “They might not win 39 games all season.” It appears the Lakers have permanent space in the mind of the former coach, honestly I think it’s funny.

One of the high profile players in the Class of 2025 made his intention known on Friday. Malachi Moreno 7 foot 1 220 pound power forward will remain “at home.” The Rivals number 22 prospect is from Georgetown Kentucky about 16 miles north of Lexington and Rupp Arena. I’m sure a few of you question whether the “NBA” pipeline would continue to roll through Kentucky with no John Calipari. We have no idea if Mark Pope can keep the line moving but this is one of the Blue Blood basketball programs in the nation. What is most interesting Moreno says Pope (a former Big Man at Kentucky and the NBA) was the source for him deciding on Kentucky.

Don’t squander the opportunity it might be over sooner than you hoped. One of the NBA sites contained a question, who is the better point guard Ja Morant of the Grizzlies or the Knicks Jalen Brunson. I have no intention of answering the question, rather this is a pensive view of Ja Morant. I was young once, I did some stupid things (certainly not as stupid as Morant). 

In my view the incredibly talented Morant is at that point, he can continue to raise the level of his game so he’s recognized as one of the best. My opening statement, after suspension Morant was prepared to exhibit his budding talent and then BAM. An injury shut him down for the season, it could have been career ending injury. He would leave the game while others say, “If only he had __________________.” Ja focus on the court and not off it while continuing to maintain who you are.

Late yesterday afternoon came word of a Laker signing. His name, Armel Traore and he’s a 6 foot 8 215 pound forward. Traore who is from France went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, this past season he played for ADA Blois located in Blois France. It’s a two-way contract signing so he’s likely to divide time between the South Bay Lakers and the parent club. Despite the fact Traore is only 21 years old his pro career extends back to the 2018-2019 season in France, a trivia note can be added. Traore was a teammate of Victor Wembanyama on Metropolitans 92 in the 2022-23 season. Welcome to the NBA and the Lakers in whatever capacity it turns out to be.  

1984 vs 1996

We’ve held discussions in the past, was a particular year a good NBA draft or poor. Maybe it was only average with a number of serviceable players arriving but none that might be considered outstanding. Dating back to 1947 the first BAA draft there are two that stand out, 1984 and 1996. Both contain players enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame, in addition there are perennial All-Stars who missed the cut and possibly could still be elected. Who are these players, we’ll begin with 1984 and behind their name an N will follow indicating they are in the HOF.

Class of 1984 was Michael Jordan (H), John Stockton (H), Charles Barkley (H) and Hakeem Olajuwon (H). There is star power behind the names listed in Sam Perkins, Kevin Willis and Jerome Kersey. How about 1996, that would be Kobe Bryant (H), Ray Allen (H), Steve Nash (H) and Allen Iverson (H). The class also had star power less HOF honors, Derek Fisher, Stephon Marbury, Peja Stojakovic and Jermaine O’Neal. Several names were omitted in both classes but you see where I’m going with this. I would have a great deal of difficulty stating one of these drafts is better than the other…truth is they might be on the same level in my opinion.

No introduction required

It’s the time of year when college athletes become acquainted with their new teammates. What if you knew a teammate previously going back to elementary school? Mizzou players Tamar Bates and Mark Mitchell became acquainted with one another at the time they played for opposing teams while in the 5th grade. As far as I am able to determine neither attended the same elementary school. Years later Bates would attend Piper High School in Kansas City Kansas, for Mitchell it was Bishop Miege in Roeland Park Kansas.

The two schools are located about 20 miles from each other, neither school is in the same conference. Bates and Mitchell may have played against one another in high school although that is unclear. After high school shooting guard Bates would attend the University of Indiana before transferring to Mizzou this past season. In the transfer portal forward Mitchell arrives at Mizzou after first attending Duke. Can you say CHEMISTRY, I’m sure coach Gates hopes there is a degree of that between the two. I wonder if Bates might have played a part in recruiting Mitchell to Mizzou. In any event I sure hope these new teammates manage to mesh on the basketball court.