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Thanks to you

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the reader, for your ongoing support of Off the Dribble. Whether you engage with this publication daily, weekly, or monthly, your readership is sincerely appreciated. Creating this content is a genuine passion, and I recognize that over time, I may have shared perspectives that differ from your own. Despite this, I have never claimed infallibility, and constructive dialogue is always welcome. It is particularly rewarding to know that Off the Dribble reaches audiences not only in the U.S. but around the globe as well, including readers in:

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If your country is not listed, it was not included in the most recent report I received. Regardless of your location, please know that your loyalty and support are greatly valued. I look forward to continuing this endeavor for as long as possible.

Larry Laker  

I just love it!

Over the weekend the Lakers announced they would sign Marcus Smart as soon as he cleared waivers. Smart will take a buy-out from the Grizzlies and intends to sign a 2 year contract with the Lakers. For those unfamiliar with the veteran point guard a little background on Smart, he’s a 6-foot 3 220 pound combo guard with a 6-foot 9 wingspan. He is 31 years old and was drafted in 2014 by the Celtics. Smart’s been named to the NBA All Defensive First Team three times and in 2022 was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The last few seasons a series of injuries have limited his play but he is reported to be healthy now.

As for the headline letters from a few cynics who focused on two issues, Smart’s injury history and flopping. I'll leave any flopping concerns to NBA officials. As for questions about Smart's injuries, it seems people forget quickly. They have forgotten what occurred earlier this year, the Lakers believed a deal was in place to acquire Mark Williams from the Hornets. The Lakers backed away from a trade for Williams and we received word “He’d failed his physical.” The public is unsure of exactly why the trade was rejected but the point was made, for whatever reason the Lakers believed the move would not be beneficial to the team. I can make the same statement concerning Smart, I’m sure this will not placate those who believe their outlook is correct. As for this member of Laker Nation I’m pleased, however Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent both might be history, in the case of Vincent its more about money. As for Bronny James he will spend time in the G-League again, when called up by the parent club he will be mentored by Smart since it appears Bronny has become more a defensive specialist. I cannot see either Knecht or Vincent remaining with the Lakers for the long haul.

Also possibly gone is Alex Len although Maxi Kleber obtained in the Luka Doncic trade might earn a spot, Christian Koloko (7-foot 225 pounds) is signed to a second two way contract. An NBA team can never have enough Big Men on the roster, as for the question do they have enough depth for a deep run in the though Western Conference that remains a question until next April and May. After this was completed came word the team had released Shake Milton which was no surprise however word Jordan Goodwin was also let go upset some in Laker Nation. We tend to forget as much as we love the sport the bottom line the NBA similar to any other sport remains a business first.

Taps

For readers outside the United States, a brief explanation of “Taps” is provided. Traditionally, “Taps” is a bugle call played at military funerals for the U.S. Military. In this particular instance, however, it is being reference in the context of a basketball tournament rather than a military ceremony. The tournament is the National Invitation Tournament or NIT. This is what I’m reading, the NCAA will soon vote on expansion of the men’s basketball tournament. The proposal would increase the number of teams from its present 64 to either 72 or 76. Some of you are like me, you remember the days when a 20 win season almost always guaranteed an invite to the tournament, that no longer exists.

When this proposal is adopted (notice I said WHEN), the prestigious NIT now on life support will cease to exist. What I find most interesting the tournament actually pre-dates the NCAA Tournament yet the NIT will become a memorial thanks to the money-grabbing NCAA. I’m sure some reading this have an opposing view and that’s okay, it appears to be no stopping point. An acquaintance of mine claims “Soon they (NCAA) will invite entire conferences into the tournament.” I’m unsure if that occurs however check this out, this past season in the SEC 13 of the 16 teams won 20 or more games. In the Big XII 7 of the 16 team conference won over 20 games so you can see where I’m going with this latest rant.

The NBA on television

We have witnessed the conclusion of the NBA regular season on television, as most are aware beginning in the 2025-26 season a number of new partners will begin coverage. The old becomes new as the NBA returns to the NBC Network, from 1954-1962 the network held the broadcast rights to the NBA. Several reading this will probably be more familiar with the period from 1990-2002, that saw NBC along with Michael Jordan and the Jordanaires rise to prominence in the NBA.

Most are aware TNT is no longer a broadcast partner, added in its place is the streaming service Amazon Prime. As we move nearer to the season start a few of the names might change. Inside the NBA a staple of TNT’s coverage will move to ESPN. Ernie Johnson will continue to moderate the program assisted by co-hosts Kenny “The Jet” Smith, Shaq and Charles Barkley. In addition to this change there is this, NBA TV is produced by the TNT crew, beginning October 1 that will no longer occur. My guess is NBA TV remains on the air but who will be responsible for production after that date is an unknown.

NBC Network  

Lead Studio Host: Maria Taylor

Play-by-Play: Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle

Studio Analysts: Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter

Game Analysts: Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, and Grant Hill

Special contributor: Michael Jordan 

Games will be broadcast Sunday and Tuesday evenings

Amazon Prime

Lead Studio Host: Taylor Rooks

Play-by-Play: Ian Eagle and Kevin Harlan

Studio Analysts: Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Udonis Haslem

Game Analysts: Steve Nash and Dwayne Wade

ESPN

Lead Studio Host: Malika Andrews

Play-by-Play: Mike Breen

Studio Analysts: Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins

Brian Windhorst and Tim Legler will contribute to coverage

Game Analysts: Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson 

Sideline Reporter: Lisa Salter

ESPN Radio

Marc Kestecher and P.J. Carlesimo will lead ESPN Radio’s coverage