Basketball from a fans perspective

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Has he been blackballed by the NBA

Mark Jackson’s television career lasted longer than his coaching tenure. The former point guard turned coach turned broadcaster has wanted to return to the coaching ranks for a number of years. The problem it seemed whenever a job opening came up his name was mentioned as a candidate. The media finally ceased mentioning his name and that’s where this account begins with the question. Has he been blackballed by the NBA, many give him credit for laying the foundation for what the Warriors eventually became. This is no knock at Steve Kerr, in my opinion he’s an excellent coach however much of the team was in place at the time he took over from Jackson.

There have been rumors circulating for years why no one is willing to hire him, I don’t intend to entertain the questions simply ask is it time for the NBA to make amends? I cannot take credit for first mentioning Jackson’s name, it was Shaq who I read indicating that the Knicks should consider hiring him. The Brooklyn born Jackson played his college basketball remaining at home and St. John’s University. He’s got a connection to the Knicks having been their point guard doing a portion of the Patrick Ewing era. Perhaps Jackson no longer has a desire to coach but it would be interesting if the Knicks at least reached out to him. What do you think, am I off base on this matter? It certainly would make amends for what many (including me) consider an injustice.

It was a little misleading

The game wasn’t close, the Thunder won by 16 points (123-107). If you had no opportunity to witness the game and all you had was the box score you might have been unsure of the outcome. The overall numbers for both teams was much closer than the Game One victory by the Pacers. The Thunder were led by SGA again with 34 points along with 8 assists and 4 steals. Chet Holmgren (15 pts) and Jalen Williams (19 pts) aided the cause. Mr. All Everything Alex Caruso came off the bench and contributed 20 points along with his usual tough defense and hustle.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Pacers however not one had a high scoring game, Myles Turner led the way with 16 points. As for the box score check this out, it was Pacers 45.1% Thunder 48.8%. Shooting from three had the Pacers at 35% and the Thunder with 38.9. The Pacers had 27 assists and 35 rebounds while the Thunder were 25 and 43. The teams now head for Indianapolis for Game Three on Wednesday evening. If the Pacers expect to win this championship series a tangible Tyrese Haliburton game is required versus what we viewed on Sunday evening. The game was somewhat even up till about the middle of the second quarter when the Thunder went on a run.  

No…not a good move…maybe

DeAndre Ayton must prove to me he is ready to play at a high skill level. Of all the reported Big Men headed to the Lakers him being named concerns me more than many of the others. On the surface he appears to have all the tools he’s big (7-foot 252 pounds) with a 7-foot 6 inch wingspan. He presents a lob threat for opposing teams, Ayton is not a three-point threat which is not a concern for me. I believe he would fit perfectly for Luka and LeBron except! Questions continue to plague him for his “inconsistent defensive effort and occasional lack of physicality.”

He sometimes plays poorly and lacks effort while capable of putting up big numbers, for me those are Red Flags. Ayton certainly is more talented than Jaxson Hayes however the questions remain. Is it possible for him to raise his level of play if he should become a Laker? That question can only be answered should the Lakers make the trade. Speaking of trades I’ve changed my mind on Dalton Knecht. The Lakers continue to say positive things regarding Austin Reaves as well they should, he’s good. Reaves has become a valuable asset for the team. However, given a choice between the two, I will prefer to retain Knecht due to his potential over Reaves if it comes to that decision. Regarding Ayton, although he is a veteran, he is still only 26 years old. His age is an intriguing factor that suggest making the deal. 

What happened here

I offer you no proof of what you are about to read, there is not one shred of evidence to prove these events caused a change in the mind of the hierarchy of the NBA. It’s clear to me (and maybe others) Las Vegas leaped in front of Kansas City for an NBA franchise and it was accomplished rather quickly. Back when NBA expansion was being discussed most believed Seattle would be first in line, that continues to be the case. In some circles Kansas City was in second maybe third place in the mind of most others.

As for Las Vegas, if it was under consideration it was at the back of the line, then a number of circumstances moved it past Kansas City into second place. Gambling has long been associated with Las Vegas and the NBA didn’t wish to be associated with it but that changed. Las Vegas has always been a tourist destination over Kansas City. There might have been additional events which caused my hometown to slide downward but those detailed below appear to be the main culprits. In closing you might ask the question, am I upset, of course not? I believe looking at the Big Picture Las Vegas deserves an NBA team over Kansas City based on the facts laid out. 

*The NBA changed its view on sports book and anything associated with sports gambling.

*NHL expansion saw the Golden Knights arrive and tasted success at the turnstile.

*More recently the NFL Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas.

*The growth of the NBA Summer League.

*Las Vegas hosting an increasing number of youth basketball tournaments. 

*A’s baseball has moved from Oakland intending to eventually relocate to Las Vegas.