Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Tuesday, Thursday plus Saturday & Sunday 

Duke basketball

Under the guidance of Coach K. and now Jon Scheyer, numerous talented players have passed through the doors of Cameron Indoor Stadium. In this discussion, we focus solely on their college basketball achievements and not their professional careers. The question posed is: Who stands out as the greatest player in Duke's history? Coach K. has publicly stated his belief that Grant Hill was the best basketball player ever at Duke. Hill attended Duke from 1991 to 1994, a time when most athletes completed four years of college. During his tenure, he helped the Blue Devils secure two national championships. Hill was named a Second Team All-American in 1993, a First Team All-American in 1994, and the ACC Player of the Year in 1994. Coach K. also mentioned that Christian Laettner was the most accomplished player, and he highlighted Cooper Flagg as the best freshman player in the school’s history.

Thibs

This news caught the NBA world off guard, the Knicks after being eliminated in the playoffs decided a change was needed. Coach Tom Thibodeau was fired after five seasons at the helm, despite the termination Thibs has been one of the best coaches in the team’s history despite being fired on Tuesday. The Knicks made the playoffs four of the five years he coached the team, the 2024-25 season was the best at the helm. In addition Thibs led the Knicks to their deepest playoff run in 25 years. At times like this I remember the old quote; “Coaches receive too much credit when their team wins and too much blame when they lose.” I would say the latter fits Thibs, after leading the Knicks to one of their best won-loss record in decades his reward…termination.

As for Thibs replacement there are several candidates, Mike Malone late of the Nuggets and Frank Vogel both of them NBA Championship coaches but there are others. Last season Dan Hurley was almost ready to leave UConn for the Lakers…could he be persuaded to take the helm of the Knicks? Might Jay Wright former Villanova coach be under consideration too? How about Bill Self, is he ready to take on the role of NBA coach, he would acquire a ready made playoff team? Taylor Jenkins, while at Memphis certainly was proven to be a capable head coach, in addition there is Mike Brown, Sam Cassell and Terry Stotts to name a few. This is a New York/MSG hire so expect the level of coaching possibilities will be a coast to coast search. Who replaces Thibs at the helm is truly an unknown.

Am I making a difference

On Tuesday when discussing the Pacers-Thunder championship effort I wrote this regarding the Thunder: “Based on my belief I’m going to state the Thunder franchise played for its lone championship in 2012, that season found the team located in Oklahoma City. I cannot count a championship won in Seattle (1979) belonging to Oklahoma City.” Okay Larry Laker, are you making a difference regarding the Lakers because they are your favorite team? That is not the case, allow a brief explanation of the history.

NBA records indicate the Lakers have won 17 NBA Championships yet 5 of them came during the period Minneapolis was home base and not Los Angeles. So what makes the difference, when the Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960 the name Lakers moved with the team. The team that left Seattle was required by an agreement with the City of Seattle to change the team name.  There is nothing connecting the Thunder with the Sonics except the jumbled history. I realize a number of readers of this account will not agree with my reasoning but that’s the way I see it.

Where is Paul George

Tonight the Pacers and Thunder began their championship quest, the Thunder are heavily favored however they shouldn’t become too comfortable. We have an interesting case here, forward Paul George. George In 2019 a member of the Thunder was traded to the Clippers for among others recently named NBA MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander. Prior to that, 2017 to be exact George was traded by the Pacers to the Thunder. George had indicated he intended to leave once he became a free agent.

The Pacers not desiring to lose him in free agency for nothing decided in favor of trading George. He might be one of the few players in NBA history who’s played for two teams in the championship series in the same season. The question might be asked where is Paul George, he’s not on the Pacers roster, he’s not with the Thunder? For those who might believe I’m hatin’ on the player I never stated he wasn’t talented. His NBA career has been quite interesting to say the least, finally this question. I wonder if George will be rooting for either of his former teams. As for his location, my first thought, he might be in Cancun.