A fans perspectives

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Hopefully, this is the last time

The last time I write about Darryn Peterson Kansas combo guard and likely top prospect in the June NBA draft. Everyone has decided and reported what’s going on with this young man. Although I certainly share the concerns of others I will always side with the athlete until proven wrong. I continue to believe without offering you a shred of evidence the money is the chief issue for most. Longtime readers will remember I once wrote money paid to sports individuals is a concern, at the same time from where I sit there is no control. With that out of the way I uncovered the fact Peterson’s NIL deal is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 million.

I will allow you to mull over that information while proceeding onward. As I indicated Peterson addressed the issue in this manner, this from SI.com. “Everybody’s got an opinion on it,” Peterson told ESPN between the Arizona and Oklahoma State games. “But basketball is my life. If I could have been out there every game this year, I would have.” “If you would have asked me last year, what were my goals for this year, I would never mention missing games,” Peterson said. “So all this stuff kind of just happened, but I’ve got to deal with it.” Okay that is the response he gave ESPN’s Myron Medcalf to the question of him being absent from games. You are certainly entitled to your opinion however I believe Peterson until he’s proven wrong. Hopefully, my next opportunity to write about Peterson will involve his exploits on the court and not off of it.

Front office changes

This is for the Rod Pelinka haters, you thought the change in Laker ownership would see the end of Pelinka. True, change has occurred but at least for now the president of basketball operations and general manager finds Pelinka remaining in place. Laker Nation I understand, you want brilliant “Jerry West” moves from the front office. After all West was able to acquire Bob McAdoo, Mychal Thompson and Shaquille O’Neal and others to help secure NBA championships. The truth is he managed to “steal” Kobe Bryant from under the nose of Charlotte.

The basketball landscape has changed a great deal and most of it working against the Lakers, don’t get me wrong teams remain committed to change. With the change they are willing to give up player(s) but in exchange they want the best deal for their club. This is likely the response from Pelinka, “This trade might work for you but it places my Lakers at a huge disadvantage.” In other words give up something for nothing, not only for the Lakers but any NBA team making moves of that type will soon find itself going out of business. Listen Pelinka haters, I’m not arguing he’s the best guy for the job but there might be instances where his hands are literally tied.

Missouri basketball

The conundrum that is Missouri basketball continued Tuesday evening, this time they faced number 22 Tennessee. Despite the fact it was a home game for the Tigers I was my usual uncomfortable self-prior to game time, which Tiger team shows up, would it be the one that beat then number 22 Florida or lose to Ole Miss? In any event the Tigers got off to a slow start and my thought, “Here we go again.” Coach Gates called a TO and play resumed once again, half-time would see the Vols hold a 29-26 lead however the second half would prove quite fruitful.

When the clock read 0.00 it was a 76-69 win for the Tigers which was a surprise to me and I’m sure others in Mizzou Nation. The Tigers must continue to play good basketball but the win somewhat guarantees an NCAA invitation. The game was the 9th SEC win and number 19 overall. In a surprise point guard T.O. Barrett lead the way in scoring with a career high 28 points, Mark Mitchell also chipped in with 23 points. The Tigers outshot the Vols from the field 47% to 43% and the usual poor shooting by the Tigers was not in evidence as they were 77% from the free-throw line. Next up is Mississippi State on Saturday at their house.

Team USA

I decided to revisit the issue of Team USA primarily due to recent statements I read. Kevin Durant went on the record indicating he wants to play again for Team USA, in addition Steph Curry is open to a return as well although he’s not confirmed. With these two NBA stars semi-confirmed let’s check potential team members. Now keep in mind none of the following names has said yes or no, this is strictly speculation on my part. The names listed below would be able to provide Team USA with all the firepower plus defense required to defend their previous Gold Medal.

Anthony Edwards

AJ Dybansta.

Kon Knueppel

Cooper Flag

Cade Cunningham

Jalen Duren

Devin Booker

Chet Holmgren

Tyrese Maxey

Jaylen Brown

Donovan Mitchell

De’Aaron Fox

VJ Edgecombe

Kevin Durant

Steph Curry

Karl-Anthony Towns

Mark Williams

Jayson Tatum