A fans perspective 

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Is it fair

I have no intention to attack Charles Barkley in this instance for speaking his belief. The former NBA player and current television analyst is concerned regarding the manner NBA fans are being treated. According to Barkley the new television package that goes into effect in October will leave a portion of the audience unable to view games. The “old” partner is ESPN/ABC, the “new” partner is actually an old one, games were once broadcast on the NBC Network which will occur again. In addition games will also be broadcast on Peacock, the streaming service of NBC. The “new” partner will be Amazon Prime Video, gone is the partnership with TNT.

A closer look is Barkley correct in his observation, sort of but the history says something quite different. TNT begin broadcasting the NBA during the 1989-90 season unless one was a cable or satellite customer you missed seeing those games. ESPN began broadcasting the NBA in 1982 and held the rights until 1984. Beginning with the 2002-03 season ESPN began broadcasting once again if you were not a cable or satellite customer you missed those games. Does the consumer always lose…pretty much that might be the case. I’m unsure if this is correct however in addition to the networks NFL games are available on Fubo, DirecTV, and Prime Video in addition to YouTube. In closing as I mentioned earlier the consumer is forced to pick and choose what he or she wishes to pay based on the level of service they desire. Is the Barkley complaint valid, yes it is however there is absolutely nothing NBA fans can do about this development.

Confused

The headline might be a slight bit misleading, I will explain near the close. Duke basketball and Jon Scheyer continue to attract talent to the Durham North Carolina school, in May 2025 he committed. He is an international prospect named Elhadji Dame Sarr although he’s more easily identified by his middle name, Sarr, he’s from Italy, his parents immigrated to the country from Senegal. The line between pro and amateur, especially regarding international players, has become even more confusing to me. In any event Sarr played for FC Barcelona of the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. This 19-year old stands 6-foot 8 and weighs 190 pounds, he is listed as a guard/forward on Duke’s roster, I mentioned earlier the pro/amateur designation.

There is another area of confusion for me, Sarr like other international players is given the same rating as if he attended an American high school. As an example 247Sports rated him a 5-star prospect however his name is not included in the Class of 2025 in any other sites other than the one listed above, you might understand my confusion now. He’s not there yet however Aziz Olajuwon a Class of 2026 prospect committed to Stanford. If the last name sounds familiar it should. He is one of the son’s of former Rockets center Hakeem, Aziz stands 6-foot 7 and is projected as a small forward. Young Olajuwon ha offers from Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, and his father’s alma mater Houston. In addition Virginia, Xavier, TCU and Virginia Tech had offers. Aziz is rated a 4-star prospect, closing this out I wonder if dad worked on the Dream Shake with Aziz.   

I don’t have all the details

The Lakers acquiring Luka Doncic in the middle of last season caught me (and I am sure most others) completely off guard. At the time of the Anthony Davis trade it wasn’t as much of a shock at all, most in Laker Nation were aware a quality Big Man was required. This time it’s different and based on that fact alone I am unsure, I try to refrain from commenting on pending trades until they are consummated but this time it’s different. Practically all summer and today being the first day of fall I’ve listened to plenty of conversation regarding the Lakers acquiring Andrew Wiggins.

This veteran wing could provide depth for the Lakers and ensure they are able to compete, however, at what cost? Reports indicate the Heat want Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura plus a first round draft choice. As the headline reads I don’t have all the details but it would appear the Heat are attempting a robbery on a huge scale. If I sit in Rod Pelinka’s chair this is my statement to the Heat, “We can trade you Knecht, Vincent and Hachimura and a second round draft pick for Wiggins.” I would hesitate including Rui in any type of deal based on what he brings to the table for the Lakers when on the floor. Should the deal go through and include Rui the Heat must give up another player besides Wiggins. The Heat and Lakers continue to talk whether there is progress is another story altogether.  

We didn’t know

Shaquille O’ Neal is recognized for his prestigious basketball career in college and the NBA, he’s honored by his enshrinement in the FIBA, Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Shaq is often recognized for his powerful playing style, he might be comparable to Wilt Chamberlain in strength. During his NBA career from 1992 to 2011, he faced numerous skilled centers and forwards in the paint. In a recent interview with Matt Barnes on his podcast O’Neal listed opponents who he considered particularly challenging. The names on O’Neal’s list surprised me to a point, Malik Rose, primarily known for his defensive capabilities, played many of his best seasons with the Spurs, Despite being 6-foot-7 compared to O’Neal’s 7-foot-1, his 250 pound frame and defense stood out to O’Neal. Bryant Reeves, known as “Big Country,” spent six seasons with the Grizzlies when they played in Vancouver.

Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 290 pounds, Reeves was able to physically match up with O’Neal until injuries led to his premature retirement in 2001. Rik Smits, who was 7-foot 4 and 265 pounds, played his entire career with the Pacers from 1988 to 2000, contributing significantly to the team’s achievements during that time. Kevin Duckworth, another prominent center during that time played for the Blazers and matched up against O’Neal and other centers with his 7-foot, 300 pound stature. Bill Wennington, remember by many as the center for the Bulls during much of their championship seasons, he played several roles for various other NBA teams but it was his time with the Bulls that stands out. At 7-feet tall and 265 pounds, Wennington provided necessary support for his teams. Much of O’Neal’s offensive arsenal was power play basketball, driving the lane an opposing player’s life was in danger if he dare chose to take a charge near the basket. According to O’Neal, each the players’ presented here provided distinctive challenges for him defensively throughout his career.