A fans perspective 

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

It’s not just LeBron

The world is aware there is a sciatic problem that’s sidelined LeBron James, latest word indicates it will be mid-November before he makes his season debut. Despite the fact the focus has been on LeBron there are others unavailable next week. Piston’s guard Jaden Ivey’s had right knee surgery, he will be out a minimum of four weeks. Sixer Paul George will miss the season opener after having off season knee surgery as well. Unlike Ivey who surgery was more recent George is expected in the Sixer lineup sooner, his arthroscopic procedure on his left knee occurred in July.

Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan will miss the season opener having suffered a sprain left wrist. Also missing at least the opener for the Spurs De’Aaron Fox with a strained hamstring. Out for an extended period is the Celtics Jayson Tatum plus Darius Garland and Max Strus of the Cavs. Kyrie Irving Mavs guard and Fred VanVleet of the Rockets, Tyler Hero Heat, TJ McConnell and Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers. This list should not be considered complete, there are a host of others out for an extended period of time.

I sure hope that is not the case

Whenever Joe Lunardi presents an update I always check it. You are familiar with Lunardi I hope, for those who might not be acquainted with him he is ESPN’s guru behind the NCAA Field of 68 teams for the tournament. Of course his approach is just that a projection however over time he’s been generally correct and that is a concern for this member of Mizzou Nation. I checked the field to locate Mizzou, he placed the Tigers in the South Regional. They could play Kansas which he also places in the regional.

Both teams might have a tough time because also in the regional is the pre-season number one team in the nation the Houston Cougars. Mizzou would play Southern Cal in Oklahoma City while Kansas would face McNeese, the downside at least for Mizzou would be playing Houston should they get pass Cal. It seems since the Tigers have been members of the SEC the pre-season estimate is always low, based on that fact alone it appears to the media they have exceeded when its more than that in my view. As an example they are predicted to finish in 7th place this upcoming season. Last season they finished in a 6th place tie with Kentucky and Ole Miss, the season ended with a 22 win record. They must prove it but I believe this Mizzou team is better than one they placed on the court last season.

Will this be the last game played

Mizzou and Kansas will renew their basketball rivalry on December 7, 2025. After Mizzou departed for the SEC these longtime rivals never played one another, you want to know how intense a rivalry existed? It was said legendary Mizzou coach Norm Stewart refused to spend a nickel in the State of Kansas. The Mizzou team would take a bus ride from Columbia the night before a game and would stay at a Kansas City MO hotel, they would then be bused to Lawrence the day of the game. That’s just one of many stories regarding this intense and longtime rivalry.

The question remains will this be the last based on an agreement made between the two schools, one game was played in Lawrence then one in Columbia. The series would be culminated by playing at the T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City. Some might not consider T-Mobile a neutral site, although the arena is on the Missouri side it is closer to Lawrence (Est 50 miles) than Columbia (Est 150 miles). In any event regardless of the outcome of the game I hope the rivalry will continue into the future. Rutgers had a rival school, I’m unsure if it was Rutgers or the opponent however this is what the schools decided. They would play a home and home game every basketball season, it would be great if Mizzou and Kansas could come to a similar type of agreement. I certainly hope this rivalry doesn’t end on December 7.  

Don’t worry he’s got a job

I’ve read more letters from fans over statements made by NBA teams. “Why doesn’t Russell Westbrook have a job” or “How could ________ be signed to a contract and Westbrook remains without a team.” Those are just two examples of the type of letter I read and continued to read until today. Late this afternoon came word the Kings of Sacramento have signed the veteran guard to a 1-year contract. I cannot be sure of anything, however, this has got to be his last trip around the association. I make the statement based on three factors, two of which can be proven.

Westbrook is 36 and will turn 37 before the season ends, you probably saying “LeBron is still playing and he will be 41 in December.” My response is simple, Westbrook ain’t LeBron which brings us to the second issue. Westbrook was never a prolific shooter but his range from deep doesn’t exist anymore. Teams back off from him daring him to shoot it and most of the time he misses. The last issue I will place in the category of “I heard” or “I read.” What you are about to read must be placed in the category of a rumor, it is reported he’s been a problem in the clubhouse. Some reading this will refer to me as a Westbrook hater, that is not the case. I just happen to believe his time as a productive player in the NBA is over, as they say, “Father Time remains undefeated.”