Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Tuesday, Thursday plus Saturday & Sunday 

This was unexpected

I anticipated that Luka Doncic would be warmly welcomed upon his return to Dallas; however, the reception was far more enthusiastic than I had expected. The cheers at the end of the game were so overwhelming that, if I had been listening on the radio, I might have been uncertain about which team had won. It became evident that Luka was quite emotional when a video tribute was presented. The television broadcast clearly showed tears in his eyes, as reminiscing about his joyful years with the Mavericks proved to be overwhelming for him. It is likely that he envisioned Dallas as his home for the entirety of his NBA career. Throughout the evening, amid Luka's impressive performance of scoring 45 points, the crowd repeatedly chanted “Fire Nico,” referring to Nico Harrison, the president and general manager of the Mavericks.

Despite the emotional undertones of the game, the Mavericks, with a roster returning to full health, contested the Lakers fiercely until the end. Anthony Davis had a relatively average performance, scoring 13 points and securing 11 rebounds. Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington contributed significantly to keeping the game competitive. LeBron James, who did not score much in the first three quarters, came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Regarding Luka, his performance was not merely about taking shots; he achieved a shooting percentage of 57.1% from the floor and 70% from three-point range. The only potential negative aspect was his 66.7% free throw shooting, but this can be overlooked considering his overall performance. The final score was Lakers 112, Mavericks 97. The Lakers now return home to face the always challenging Rockets tonight and will close out their 2024-25 NBA season on Sunday against the Blazers. 

1964

The metro population of Kansas City is about 1.6 million folks, of course in 19’64 it was a great deal smaller. Despite that fact the best high school basketball player ever was the late Warren Jabali. Back then he was known as Warren Armstrong, while enrolled at Kansas City’s Central High School he was a member of the All City, All-District and All-State team. He stood 6 foot 2 and a rock-solid 205 pounds, his leaping ability was beyond compare. Many witnessed his play while others are acquainted with him by reputation.

This is difficult to imagine today however all four years at Wichita State he was in double figures in rebounding except for one year. He averaged 8.6 rebounds a game his junior year at Wichita State, understand these numbers as a freshman. Keep in mind that in the middle 1960’s freshman were ineligible for varsity play. In 14 games for the freshman team Armstrong shot 48% from the floor (no three line back then), 17.6 rebounds and 29.1 points a game. In the 1968 NBA Draft he was selected 44th in the 4th round of that year’s draft. The Knicks had drafted Walt Frazier two years previously so it’s my contention without offering you any proof he chose the American Basketball Association over the Knicks. Playing for the Oakland Oaks Warren Jabali was named Rookie of the Year and was 7th in voting for the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Injury would curtail his basketball career after 7 years of play, the question remains could Jabali have played in the NBA? Since his passing I have no method to prove my statement, from what I read there is no doubt in my mind. One other story unverified is Red Holtzman then Knicks coach didn’t want Jabali on the Knicks. Over time a small number of NBA players have come into the league from the Kansas City Metro. Despite the passage of time there has been no other basketball player of his stature produced to date.

Meanwhile….

He might be drafted but be unable to play, ESPN indicates at least 6 Dukee’s will be drafted in the June 2025 draft. Naturally, Cooper Flagg is at the top of the list however one of his teammates might not be able to play and it has nothing to do with his potential. ESPN indicates Khaman Maluach might be the 7th pick in the draft but that’s the easy part. As reported the other day all visa’s from South Sudan citizens have been voided by the U.S. State Department. The issue has nothing to do with Maluach, it’s the business of his home country. Citizens of South Sudan have not been processed and returned in the swift manner the State Department believes should have occurred, based on this fact visa’s off all South Sudan visitors have been voided, I will follow this story as it continues to unfold.

He’s wrong but just doesn’t realize it, it’s Shaquille O’Neal I speak of. I love me some ol skool Shaq but this statement was a little off base, allow me to explain. As you might be aware while not denying the talent he’s no fan of Victor Wembanyama or Chet Holmgren, they are too skinny in his view. Shaq claims he would bully them around the basket so much it would take away their game. I have no doubt that would occur however the Big Aristotle is forgetting one maybe two points. Wemby and Holmgren can stand at the 3-point line sinking basket after basket and Shaq could do nothing about it. If he did attempt to contest the shot they would out quick him on drives to the basket for dunks, don’t be so quick to decide you have an advantage Mr. O’Neal.

Despite the length of time Charles Barkley has been associated with the NBA he still doesn’t get it. He’s complaining about ESPN going “overboard” covering the Lakers and the Warriors. He claims they have ignored the Cavs and Thunder in their praise of the others. No argument from me the Cavs and Thunder have excellent records this season but here is the problem, neither is the Lakers nor Steph Curry. The Lakers are an NBA institution even during their down years, I believe 16 NBA Championships might demand that plus they play in Los Angeles. As for the Warriors they have Steph Curry one of the best lights out shooter in the leagues history. They might win this year but with one (1) championship for the Cavs and zero for the Thunder the pitcher becomes a little clearer. Sorry Charley you missed on this one in my view, wanna try for another?  

It’s always easy to spend money belonging to others…it’s just a fact of life. Second, this rant is aimed at the media’s Bill Simmons. Before I delve into his comment allow me to state Simmons has long made it known he’s a Celtic fan. Based on the history between the Lakers and Celtics I’m unsure I’d take anything he said about the Lakers in a serious tone. Recently he wrote an account about the “Worst deadline trade.”  He then mentions the trade the Lakers would have acquired Hornets center Mark Williams. I wasn’t familiar with Williams however the Lakers had just acquired Luka Doncic, Williams was supposed to be a lob threat. The trade was later rescinded due to concerns from Laker management about the health of Williams. Let’s just say Bill Simmons is certainly entitled to his own opinion.