A fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday

Meanwhile….

“He’s got no inside game,” what might appear to be negative was not intended in the manner it was expressed. A couple of veteran players were discussing the play of Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and this is what I heard. “He’s got no inside game, he’s really a guard and can shoot jump shots.” I remember early on Shaq was critical of the fact Wemby had no inside game even though he’s now changed his tune on that aspect. When you can effectively shoot jumpers is there really a requirement for an inside game. Besides the fact the NBA has changed to the degree Shaq and some of the others of his generation have disappeared from the NBA. In my opinion is there really a need in this day for a center to have an inside presence.

It’s difficult for me to remain entertained by college basketball based on a number of factors. A few G-League players have been ok’d to return to college and play again. Just the other day I mentioned the NCAA had given its blessing to Baylor adding a player to its roster in late December. This player was a 4 year veteran of Euro ball been drafted into the NBA even played Summer League. I guess because it a technical sense he’d never signed an NBA contract the NCAA approved him eligible to play. The other issue, some appearing to remain active forever it seems. An injury season is one thing players with 6 or 7 years eligibility is ludicrous. An old idiom says; “It’s difficult to close the barn door when the cow has already gotten out.” Change is always evident, however, its far easier in some instances to accept the new circumstance.    

Team USA

A few weeks back, I wondered aloud what Team USA might look like in the 2028 Olympics. I based the question on the fact that the majority of the 2024 team could be retired while others might not be interested in playing. Who are the roster members who could be gone, LeBron James most certainly retired by 2028 but there are others. Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Steph Curry and Joel Embiid are just a few of the names who could be missing. This is an early look but who replaces those named against an ever increasing number of talented Euro teams? From the perspective of people in this country, the situation may not seem as disastrous as it initially appears.

Certainly, there are questions regarding the return to action of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton however I am going to pencil them in for 2028 but there are others. Although not selected Donovan Mitchell-Cleveland Cavs expressed a desire to play in 2024, he should still have “enough gas in the tank” for 2028. Those named are pure speculation on my part, they include Paolo Banchero-Orlando Magic, Devin Booker-Phoenix Suns, AJ Dybansta-BYU, Cooper Flagg-Dallas Mavs. We could include Anthony Edwards-Minnesota Wolves, Cade Cunningham-Detroit Pistons. What position is missed, probably a legitimate Big Man however that might not be as critical a need as we might believe. Chet Holmgren-OKC Thunder or Bam Adebayo-Miami Heat are possibilities to play the position. This was a quick look and as I indicated this is strictly speculation, in addition perhaps this year or maybe the following year additional names could be projected as possibilities.

Who are they

The impact of a rookie in the NBA can differ greatly—some become starters start right away, while others need more time. For example, Kobe Bryant was drafted straight out of high school and, after his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, saw limited minutes initially. Although he may have had the occasional spot start, the Lakers were an experienced team in 1996, and Kobe didn’t become a regular starter until his third season. But what about other rookies? Looking at the 2025 NBA draft, several new players have stepped directly into starting roles.

Cooper Flagg, selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, is one such player. Dylan Harper went second to the San Antonio Spurs. The Philadelphia 76ers picked VJ Edgecombe at number three, while Kon Knueppel joined the Charlotte Hornets as the fourth pick. Tre Johnson landed with the Washington Wizards at six, and Jeremiah Fears was chosen seventh by the New Orleans Pelicans. Rounding out this list, Derek Queen, the thirteenth pick, was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks before his rights were traded to the Pelicans. This overview highlights those draft picks who have already become starters for their teams, although it’s possible that some rookies might follow a path similar to Kobe Bryant’s, waiting a bit longer before securing a starting spot.

A Changing NBA TV Landscape

The phrase "Who are those guys?"—I borrowed from the 1969 western classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—describes the current state of NBA TV. Just as the movie featured a group of lawmen relentlessly pursuing Butch and Sundance, the NBA season has ushered in a new era marked by a near-complete transformation of its television crew. While local broadcasts of games continue as usual, the overarching changes to studio personnel are notable. For longtime fans such as me, this shift can be jarring.

Many of the faces now appearing on NBA TV are unfamiliar, often labeled as "internet personalities" when searched online. The presence of a few seasoned figures, such as former player and coach Sam Mitchell, and veteran NBA reporter Frank Isola, provides a thread of continuity. However, the majority of studio members are new, reflecting the changing nature of sports media. This evolution may be a generational experience, as some viewers—me included—find comfort in absorbing content from recognized and trusted individuals. The rise of internet personalities, who are less easily identified, can feel unsettling to those accustomed to familiar voices and perspectives. Ultimately, the challenge lies in adapting to this new landscape, even when it means stepping outside one's comfort zone.