Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Tuesday, Thursday plus Saturday & Sunday 

The “fix” is in place 

Many believe the NBA Draft is subject to manipulation. Despite revisions to the lottery system, conspiracy theories persist. The initial draft in 1985 saw multiple changes over the years, yet skepticism remains. This began with the Knicks acquiring Patrick Ewing, a top basketball player, during the first lottery-based draft. The commissioner, David Stern, reportedly drew the Knicks card from a barrel. One theory suggests the Knicks logo card was "frozen" while other cards being at room temperature would feel different. Another theory claims the Knicks card was bent and thus easily identifiable from a touch.

If we fast forward to 2025 similar suspicions have arisen concerning the Mavericks winning the lottery despite low odds (1.8%). Questions remain about recurring conspiracy stories each May. For unexplained reasons we never hear any complaints or conspiracy theory’s surrounding the NFL, WNBA or other drafts. This is my belief, the NBA always marketing would ensure prominent teams like the Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, and Bulls would always be in a position to draft the best. Why is Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio instead of New York or Los Angeles? Below is a YouTube video snippet from the 1985 NBA Draft. For those who support the conspiracy idea, it would indicate the NBA facilitated Cooper Flagg's selection by the Mavericks. Sorry if the headline fooled you into believing I too am a conspiracy theorist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEeXNxfQUc0

Meanwhile….

He was a great draft pick until he wasn’t, the developments were not his fault. The comment reflects my thoughts on Laker Dalton Knecht. Knecht had slid downward in the 2024 draft and the Lakers felt they were extremely fortunate to find him at 17. The Lakers needed a deep spot up shooter and early on he was just that and then changes occurred beyond his control. The first was the surprise acquisition of Luka Doncic, while he’s a point guard Doncic is that…a deep threat. The second move left Knecht bewildered, traded to the Hornets and then returned when the trade fell through. The last move was the Laker pickup of Jordan Goodwin, although not the scoring threat of Knecht he is a better defender. After beginning the season with so much promise in all likelihood this will be Knecht’s first and last season with the Lakers.

Can you imagine this lineup coming out on the floor for the Bucks, Kareem Abdul Jabbar in the post, Oscar Robertson at the point. Julius ‘Dr. J.’ Erving at small forward, as for shooting guard and power forward you could plug almost anyone into that starting lineup. Of course this Bucks lineup never materialized but this is how Dr. J. would be part of the Bucks history. Dr. J. left UMass for the ABA in 1971, this would be several years before the NBA changed its policy allowing underclassman in the draft. Once Bucks management witnessed his play in the ABA decided to draft him although he was obligated to the Virginia Squires. In the 1972 NBA Draft the Bucks made him the 12th pick in the first round. Why he only visited Milwaukee as an opposing player versus becoming one is a complex story, that story will be covered at a later date.

The 2025 draft is good for the NBA, it doesn’t matter whether Cooper Flagg plays in Dallas, Milwaukee or some unknown destination. Flagg will be a goldmine for the NBA provided he makes a successful transition to the NBA game. He can duplicate the accomplishment of Caitlin Clark in her first year, increased attendance around the NBA. Whichever team drafts the youngster they must play him, it will serve no purpose for Flagg, the NBA or it’s fans for him to occupy a seat next to the head coach. Personally, my hope he plays for the Mavs however that is no guarantee but this is my reading. Despite the injuries and no Luka when healthy the Mavs are a good team when all the pieces are healthy and they manage to play effectively and efficiently.

Musical introduction

In my youth I played the piano and trumpet, I never stuck with either instrument. Despite my lack of musical training I’ve always enjoyed listening to all varieties of music. Movies and television soundtracks have sometimes become more important than the production. I can think in some instances the themes have lasted longer than the television program. As for the NBA over the years we’ve heard a number of tunes depending on the network. You might close your eyes and hear the theme music and be aware NBA action is about to begin. Next season the NBA returns to NBC, you should be accustomed to hearing this theme which ran from 1991 to 2002.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pnl1ulaG5k

In an earlier time you heard the themes at the time NBA broadcast were on other networks. The following is the theme and broadcast partner, enjoy.

From CBS network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOPYxCgCrL0&t=19s

From TNT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFaWFKAIptA

From ESPN/ABC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-qpdCcUffs

From USA Network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Huq7jz7X3k

Fox Sports:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCzxxeYLcb4