Basketball from a fans perspective

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Who disappeared

Years ago I read the autobiography of former Celtic great Bill Russell, I remember several key portions of his book that stood out for me and this focus is on one area specifically. He indicated that even on some of those great Celtic teams a few of his teammates would sometimes complain about playing time or when on the court opportunities to shoot the ball. Russell said during the playoffs all that changed, many of those same players “didn’t want to go into the game or if they were on the floor afraid to take the shot.”

These players disappeared, fast forward to 2025, who are those vanishing today? Two keys, Keenan said “You shouldn’t use reserve players, fans expect this list would be star players.” Okay I can agree with that, in addition nowhere do I claim those named are not talented. They have average to above that regular season stats and then faded once the playoffs occur. There will be no explanation other than the name, check them out. My original list contained more than the number below, I reduced my list maybe you agree with some of the names and not others, that okay: 

James Harden Clippers

Anthony Edwards Wolves

Joel Embiid Sixers

Jason Tatum Celtics

Michael Porter Jr. Nuggets

Kristaps Porzingis Celtics

Kyle Kuzma Bucks

GOAT

In our discussion on who is the GOAT we tend to look at the athletes NBA career. It’s my contention this should take in all levels of the game. If you asked 10 people who is the GOAT 9 of them would probably name Michael Jordan. This is not intended to denigrate the brilliant career of MJ but he is in second place in my opinion if we look at the Big Picture. It’s my long held assertion no one can equal or come close to the brilliant basketball career of Kareem Abdul Jabbar…check this out. While enrolled at Power Memorial HS in NYC as Lew Alcindor his teams won 3 state championships, during that period freshman didn’t play varsity basketball, it could have been 4 won by Power Memorial.

We then move to UCLA, once again his championship pedigree led the way for 3 consecutive NCAA Championships. He was named National College player of the year 3 times and 3 times named an All American. Drafted by the Bucks he won their first NBA Championship, later he would begin play for the Lakers his basketball prowess continued. There would be 6 NBA Championships in total and twice he was named finals MVP, 6 times he was named the league’s MVP. After retirement Abdul Jabbar was enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. What you just read is only a partial list of the accomplishments of Kareem Abdul Jabbar who is the GOAT IMO!

Is there change forthcoming

Changeover is inevitable, those athletes who are considered the bulk of leadership change. Many while continuing to play there is evidence that portions of their game is no longer played at a high skill level. Are we at a point in time for the NBA? The question is posed based on checking out the NBA landscape. Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are still playing meaningful basketball. Cade Cunningham’s Pistons and Paolo Banchero’s Magic were in the playoffs but their teams were eliminated.

Victor Wembanyama is the only one of the new breed who’s team did not earn a play berth, I believe his Spurs are on that road, however. Guess what, all of the players mentioned and others represent “The New Guard” of the NBA, all are 25 years old and younger. Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic represent “The Old Guard” of the NBA. The last two players named are 30 years old, and for the others LeBron is 40, Steph 37 and Durant 37 in September. All the 30 something’s teams were playoff eliminated, Durant’s team failed to even make the playoffs. Once again the question is asked, have the youngsters taken over in the NBA?

SEC tough

There might be a few who disagree with my statement, the SEC was the toughest conference in the nation this past season. Myron Medcalf, who covers college basketball for ESPN awarded grades based on the team’s success. Naturally, NCAA Champion Florida received a letter grade A from Medcalf but there were others. Auburn based on an outstanding regular season also received an A along with Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Missouri.

7 teams awarded an A out of a 17 team conference, he included Missouri despite the flameout in the NCAA Tournament Missouri exceeded expectations. Picked by the media to finish 13 in the conference the Tigers finished in sixth place. In fairness to the media Missouri was coming off an 8 win 24 loss season and 0 conference wins. The 22 win 12 loss season was much better than expected. Although it’s too early to assess the upcoming season without reading anything I believe Missouri will fly beneath the media’s radar again. Although the letter grade A awarded Missouri by Medcalf really means nothing it details his belief that the Tigers had an outstanding season based on pre-season projections.