Basketball from a fans perspective

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Wemby is built differently

There is no doubt in my mind, sometimes my eyes betray me. I see things that didn’t occur or at least I don’t think they happened. This account is not borrowed from the 1999 movie The Sixth Sense, you remember the line from Haley Joel Osment “I see dead people.” It’s nothing close to that issue this is strictly basketball related. During Friday evenings Spurs-Lakers game I saw a play occur I remain unsure if it took place, in addition I don’t remember if it was replayed or if anyone saw it besides me. A Spurs player took a shot which bounced off the basket and then this transpired.

Victor Wembanyama 7 foot 4 (223.519 cm) went over the top of two Laker players who appeared to be boxing him out however Wemby was able to snag the rebound. Over the course of my basketball years I’ve seen this occur but never over two players. Did this play actually occur or did my eyes mislead me? I conducted a YouTube search and located that portion of the game. The truth of the matter both Laker players were in box out positions, the manner in which the ball bounced off the rim one of the Laker players was nearer Wemby than the other, despite this fact both Lakers could have possibly secured the ball. With his height of 7-4 I believe Wemby might be the only player capable of this achievement.  

No doubt

I’ve read the hate mail over the years, some of it even coming from Laker fans. For reasons of their own these individuals have decided they don’t like LeBron James, I would guess 98% of it has nothing to do with off the court issues. At this late stage of his career I can admit he was never my personal choice as the best player ever, that belonged to the late Kobe Bryant. Despite my feelings toward LeBron I certainly have respected him over time and especially since he’s been a Laker. Writing from memory there is no other NBA player without any college with a career close to him, I say that after admitting he is behind Kobe for me.

On Friday night LeBron recorded his 4th consecutive triple double in the Lakers 120-115 victory over the Spurs. Also on that date you might have read Rick Barry’s view of Russell Westbrook’s streak of triple doubles, Barry indicated how “easy” they came to Oscar Robertson where he believed Westbrook was trying to get triple doubles. As for LeBron I had the opportunity to witness 2 of the 4 triple doubles and they appeared routine in a sense. All were accomplished within the flow of the game, I realize that statement might sound a little strange but that’s my view. LeBron has been in the twilight of his brilliant career for a time and the end is approaching. What is so amazing to me is seeing this 39-year old play as if he’s age 29. His next stop might not be an NBA championship however it certainly will be the Naismith Hall of Fame.

Surprising news…not

Kiyan Anthony, son of Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, commits to Syracuse. Young Anthony had Southern Cal, Arizona State, Auburn and several other schools in addition to his father’s school vying for his services. Kiyan is a 4-star prospect in the Class of 2025 and attends Long Island Lutheran HS in Brookville NY. If you wondered where Brookville is located I checked Google Maps, it’s a village on Long Island which makes it part of the greater NYC metro. Kiyan is 6 foot 5 (195.58 cm) in height and checks in at 177 pounds (80.2858 kg), he is a shooting guard. With that we have another son of an NBA player playing the same sport and in this instance attending the same school. As for the headline I never made the statement to you the reader but believe this all along. Despite the coaching change (Jim Boeheim retirement) I believed all along young Anthony would choose Syracuse.

No clue

Eyes of the NBA might be focused on Bronny James for obvious reasons. Despite this fact there is another son who solidified his position, I speak of Scotty Pippen Jr., you remember his father don’t you? Scottie Pippen might object to this but he might be characterized as Robin to Michael Jordan’s Batman. Pippen Jr. went undrafted in 2022 after three seasons at Vanderbilt. The 6 foot 1 170 pound point guard began his NBA with the Lakers with the South Bay Lakers. In January 2024 Pippen Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies and played with them through the balance of the season.

Playing limited minutes even with Jae Morant sidelined for the season he must have impressed. Last week his two-way contract was converted to a regular NBA contract. As I always warned this is no indication of future NBA success however it appears at least for now he’s going to stick with the Grizzlies on their roster. I’m unsure if it’s fair however Pippen Jr. has placed former coach Darvin Ham on blast. Did the Lakers make a mistake allowing him to simply walk away? As indicated Morant is in front of him on the depth chart, if it’s not the Grizzlies perhaps he will receive an opportunity to play major minutes for another NBA franchise.