A basketball fans perspective

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I believe it’s safe

The Lakers won the game and this series against the Rockets 98-78. More on that follows after this brief rant, I have been told over and over some in the media love clickbait. Those statements be they printed or voiced that force guys like me to respond. As most are aware the Lakers raced out to a 3-0 lead in this series, some (not me) were talking about the need of a broom for the sweep. Not this writer, however, I did become discouraged when the Lakers lost two games in a row, especially Game Five at home.

A member of the media prior to Game Six said this; “LeBron might be destroying his legacy” indicating the Rockets come back and win this game and then a Game Seven and the series. My first thought, what an incredibly dumb statement to make, it doesn’t matter whether you like LeBron James or not his legacy is already established regardless of the outcome of this series against the Rockets. I then thought about what others had warned me over and over again….clickbait. Once that fact was established I moved on to an account of the game. Standouts, holding the Rockets to 18% shooting from three, who does that? The 15 points Austin Reaves scored in his second game back from the injury he suffered, in addition there were other contributors to this team effort.

The 21 points and 5 for 7 shooting from three by Rui Hachimura, the 16 rebounds by Deandre Ayton and the defense of Marcus Smart which I am unable to fully detail in the box score, he took by my count three charges giving the ball back to the Lakers. I almost forgot, the legacy guy, he led the scoring with 28 points plus his defense and leadership. These elements helped propel the Lakers to the series ending win 4 games to 2. Now they must prepare themselves to face the defending NBA champion Thunder, “the mountain has become even steeper.” Can they reach the peak of the mountain?

Meanwhile….

Victor Wembanyama must look up at this guy, I believe this because Olivier Rioux stands 7-feet 9 inches and is the tallest active basketball player in the world. You might remember this Canadian youngster decided to attend Florida but after arriving later discovered there were issues which he believes require a change. He is transferring to University of California-Irvine for a couple of reasons, although he was a raw freshman his time on the court for Florida was limited. He’s reported to claim that will not occur at his planned school, in addition he indicates the system Irvine utilizes will benefit his Big Man basketball plan. Irvine a mid-major school doesn’t have the profile of The University of Florida however I will do my best to follow him at his new school.

The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 10-17 at the Chicago Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis. 73 athletes have been invited to display their skills before a bevy of NBA scouts and front office officials. Don’t think the combine is important, consider this fact. A Missouri player was on the periphery and he managed to impress scouts to the point a month later he was drafted by an NBA team. From AI Overview: “Key aspects include anthropometric measurements (height, wingspan), athletic testing (vertical, sprint), shooting drills, and 5-on-5 scrimmages.”

Hakeem Olajuwon was the first athlete from the African continent to play in the NBA. He was extremely raw when he arrived on these shores from Nigeria but other than his budding talent there was help. I recently discovered the late Moses Malone worked with him the summer between his freshman and sophomore year. This resulted in an increase from 8 points a game to 13 and that was just his scoring average. It was said Malone worked the raw Olajuwon and aided his development in college and the NBA. 12-time NBA All-Star, twice NBA champion and in the FIBA and Naismith Hall of Fame. Talent was there all along however Malone aided in the development of Olajuwon’s game. 

He said it and they did it

It was gut-check time for the Wolves, missing for the game due to injuries and ailments were Anthony “Ant” Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu and Kyle Anderson. Playing at home with the large number of sidelined players it was surprising that the Wolves prevailed 110-98 over the Nuggets. For me I can only describe this series as a gut-check win for the home team. The Nuggets find themselves at a crossroads, they are not an old team however decisions must be made regarding key members on the roster. The chief one, Joker is due for an extension, does he re-sign with the Nuggets? As for the headline I watched a post-game interview with The Joker.

He was questioned by the media about the series loss by the Nuggets, this was his response to one of the questioners. “If this was Serbia (his home country) everyone would be fired.” Well it appears management was listening, before I could publish this account of the Thursday evening game came the news. The Nuggets have fired head coach David Adelman, was the implosion by the Nuggets on the shoulders of the coach? I am not in a position to answer the question however management must have believed a change was in order. After firing Mike Malone two years ago and Adelman on Friday morning there might be more than a coaching issue for these Nuggets. A search will begin immediately for a replacement, whether that’s an assistant coach or someone outside the organization. The draft will occur June 23-24 so there is time for the search to begin for a replacement head coach.