A basketball fans perspective

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I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me

The 2026 NBA draft progressed smoothly until pick number 24….at least for me. Pick 24 was the Lakers choice late in the first round. A few of the names I hope the Lakers would take were chosen, as the draft began moving toward the pick the concern level would slowly rise for me. Then the confusion, the Lakers were picking 23 with a pending trade. The commissioner announced the name Cameron Carr, a name familiar to me and one I’d seen him in action for Baylor, the State of Missouri sits smack dab in the middle of Big 12 country. Carr is a 6-foot 5 184 pound guard who can play, the problem, this was not the choice I expected based on the needs I believe the Lakers were required to address. Well it really doesn’t matter what I think, several .com sites rate the pickup of Carr as excellent.

The main reason I write so highly is what was uncovered. The grading system for these sites gave the Lakers two A’s, two A minuses and two B pluses is what I discovered on six .com sites. Let’s conduct a further look at Carr and his potential, his height and weight were mentioned earlier how about the other aspects. “According to scouting platforms like Bleacher Report and ESPN, Carr projects cleanly as an off-ball, microwave-scoring threat. However, his passing limitations and physical frame mean he will likely start his rookie season in a lower-usage role while building muscle.” According to reports the NBA comparison for Carr is veterans Zach LaVine and Devin Vassell. I have presented the good and bad of Cameron Carr, only time will tell if he is the answer the Lakers are seeking, in the meantime my hope remains for a quality Big Man.

Meanwhile….

As its often been stated, “Timing is everything,” so is it fair as basketballnetwork.com has done. Recently they profiled Karl-Anthony Towns, they said; “He becomes the 4th former Wolves player to win a championship after leaving Minnesota.” KAT joins Kevin Love, Andrew Wiggins and The Big Ticket Kevin Garnett. I happen to believe it was more than timing, it was also “right place and right time” as well. KAT didn’t win right away, this was his second year with the Knicks. In my view he was in the right place last season as a member of the Knicks. The timing part was the Knicks hiring a new coach in Mike Brown and the right time became 2026. It’s your privilege to disagree with my assessment but this is what I believe. As for the others named perhaps there were additional elements at work that might have contributed to these former Wolves players becoming NBA champions.

It’s time to move on from Spurs guard DeAaron Fox, this has little to do with his subpar Finals performance although that certainly is a consideration. Before I delve into the why….a bit more detail is provided. I believe Fox is an above average NBA guard, despite my statement I am unsure if he’s valuable enough to pay him max money. That’s the path the Spurs must take if they intend to re-sign him….but wait there is more. Waiting anxiously to replace him is Dylan Harper, you remember him don’t you? Harper had an outstanding playoff series even in the Finals providing us proof that the bright lights didn’t faze this rookie performer. Pay careful attention to the Spurs front office over the summer for movement of some type.

Several years ago it was someone’s decision (I’m unsure who) to change the team sports name from University of MO-Kansas City to Kansas City. It was said those around the nation would be able to better identify with the basketball played here. Well that subject can be debated however the coach hired back in February provides proof that change is in the air. The administration by signing veteran coach Mark Turgeon detailed the intent to turn toward a new direction. Now before someone might be confused by my statement winning games has always been the goal, the lack of success became difficult for alumni, students and boosters to comprehend. As for Turgeon it appears his desire is to raise the level of play in the Summit League going forward. The coach has hit the ground running, I’m unsure what to expect this upcoming season although I believe play will show improvement.

Where does he go from here

The Spurs’ Finals loss raised plenty of questions for both the team and Victor Wembanyama. I don’t believe the sky is falling for San Antonio or Wemby, but changes are needed if they expect to compete at a higher level into the future. Some of that improvement must come from Wemby himself, while the rest must come from the Spurs’ front office. For Wemby, continued strength training is essential to his further development. He has already worked in that area, but there were moments when his 235-pound frame made it difficult for him to hold position on the block. In the Finals he appeared to labor in the middle of the third quarter on in several of the games.

The Spurs also need a physical presence alongside him. Luke Kornet is a solid backup center, but he does not fill the role of a heavyweight protector. Wemby will continue to face tough matchups throughout his career, and he needs a bruiser to aid his cause. Finally, Wemby must develop a stronger low-post game, his three-point shot is adequate for a Big Man, but depending on the defense, a 10- to 15-foot shot is usually more reliable than one from 20 to 23 feet. I’m not suggesting he become Shaq in the paint or Kareem with the skyhook; I’m thinking more along the lines of Hakeem Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake.” Wemby had a strong overall playoff series, in 22 games it was shooting nearly 49% from the floor with 34% of it from three and 85% from the free throw line. There were 11 rebounds, nearly 4 blocks along with a 24 ppg average in those games played. “I found myself rooting for Wemby, who reminds me a little of myself at that age”….Kareem Abdul Jabbar. NOTE: It appears based on the draft moves the Spurs are seeking “protection” for Wemby and to dish out some punishment.