Basketball from a fans perspective

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A slight bit confusing

A story released regarding Seattle’s NBA prospects is a slight bit confusing. This from ESPN, “Sources said if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the Supersonics—just as the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte switched from being the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014.” All that might be well and good but I thought this was already in place, allow a further explanation.

I remember reading at the time there were a number of conditions Thunder ownership had to agree, one of those was the team name. Supersonics or Sonics belonged exclusively to Seattle, unlike moves of the past (Lakers, Warriors) the team would travel but the name wouldn’t accompany the team to Oklahoma City. I might have misunderstood the conditions however I thought that was the intent. In any case the NBA has no current plans for expansion prior to the 2027-28 season, by then all of us including me will have forgotten this bump.

Bits n Pieces of information 

By now you might be aware I don’t obsess over polls…they are interesting depending on the subject. In addition they are often the topic of discussion as we gather at work and other locations. In this instance the subject we are discussing are the Top 100 Players in the NBA. This is provided to us by a panel of 10 CBS Sports media people, I can say the ranking they provided us was quite interesting. This is what I noted, they place The Joker as the top player in the NBA, last season they ranked LeBron James at 12 he’s at 8 for this upcoming season. They ranked Wemby the number 12 player in the NBA going into his second year, is that too high in your view? Consider this fact alone according to the panel Wemby is placed above Kawhi Leonard (18), Paul George (20) and Kyrie Irving (25). Check out the balance of the list on the CBS NBA page if you have an opportunity.

You might have read this report circulating on Ja Morant, it seems the Grizzly combo guard wants out of Memphis. These are my words based on reports “Memphis inhibits my growth in a number of areas.” I have a huge degree of skepticism regarding the story because of the requirements. What can the Lakers possibly offer the Grizzlies…AD and three other members of their starting lineup? In other words they would be forced to break up the team in order to acquire Morant. Don’t misunderstand, despite Morant’s off the court issues I consider him a talented combo guard, he could boost the level of play for whatever team for which he might play. I just happen to believe whatever team Morant might eventually play for it ain’t gonna be my Lakers.

I’m truly going to miss him, Adrian Wojnarowski or Woj is one of the ESPN voices I listen intently. Woj has always been insightful and knowledgeable regarding the NBA and basketball in general. On Wednesday morning came the announcement he will be leaving the network to become GM for the basketball program at St. Bonaventure his alma mater. I don’t know this to be a fact at all institutions of higher education however among his duties at St. Bonaventure will be administering the NIL program for the university. He’d worked at ESPN since 2017, prior to that it was Yahoo Sports and the Record at Bergen County (New Jersey). There is no indication if ESPN intends to replace him or his duties divided between others, I can say this with the sincere form of appreciation…I will miss Woj’s reporting.

You remember the story, the Sixers wanted a new arena. Almost immediately they ran into a roadblock from residents, the area designated for the arena was to be located in the Chinatown portion of Philadelphia. Seeing the turmoil on the other side of the Delaware River Camden NJ made a move. They proposed the Sixers build their arena in Camden, incentives were included in an attempt to lure the Sixers across the river. Well that has now changed, the mayor of Philadelphia called a press conference on Wednesday announcing the Sixers would build their arena in Philadelphia. The announcement was made with few details other than the arena would be built in Center City. What I don’t know, is this proposed area near or adjacent to the Chinatown area of the city? The mayor indicated additional detail on the arena would be provided later. Of course I will attempt to update you as soon as additional news is forthcoming.

In the spotlight

This spring and summer Kansas City and Jackson County have been a news item due to its two sports teams. Royals owner John Sherman desires a downtown baseball stadium, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has been a little more guarded in his words surrounding the Chiefs and GEHA Arrowhead Stadium. I’m providing a little history based on developments next door in the State of Kansas. Star Bonds were voted in the Kansas legislature to finance a new stadium(s). Prior to the vote a legislator detailed the number of sports teams leaving the State of Missouri over time. Of those teams named the Kings stood out for me because of their struggles here.

The Kings moved to Kansas City from Cincinnati in 1972, they would move to Sacramento in 1985. In between those years citizens were witness to mostly subpar NBA play, there is no other manner to describe it. There were 5 playoff appearances in 13 years and only once did the Kings advance past the first round…can you say it loudly pathetic. Based on the poor play for the most part the team suffered at the gate, the other part which cannot be documented by me is sponsorship money. It was a different NBA back then so that cannot be documented. I guess in an attempt to promote the effort of the Star Bonds this Kansas legislator told the account of his version why sports teams including the Kings departed the State of Missouri and Kansas City.