A basketball fans perspective

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Buyer beware 

For anyone unfamiliar with Pablo Torre, he is a journalist who contributes to ESPN, MS Now, and other outlets. He’s one who I view with confidence in his reporting however I have a question on Sunday afternoon. There is a four minute video Torre is discussing the Kawhi Leonard trade and he uses the term “Buyer Beware.” He points to his belief the results of the NBA investigation is going to fall not where most of us believe it would. Torre indicates it’s the Raptors who will suffer the repercussions of the Aspiration investigation. Now keep in mind this is written from what I’ve read, the amount of documents Torre might have access to I’m unable to view.

Let’s briefly entertain a few facts, the Clippers have gone on record indicating Aspiration and Joseph Sandbern duped them. June 2026 witnessed Sandberg being sentenced to 14 years in prison for defrauding investors and lenders to the tune of $248 million for falsifying bank statements and financial documents. This “pay-for no work” scheme was hatched between Kawhi Leonard’s representatives and Aspiration in an effort to circumvent the salary cap as I attempted to explain to a co-worker. I don’t believe there is any provision prohibiting an athlete from outside income, this was a “pay for no work.” Back to Torre, my difficulty is understanding why he believes this matter falls in the lap of the Raptors. We should see how this eventually unfolds in the next few weeks and the NBA will okay the trade, what do you think?

Combo versus point

There are few point guards in the NBA in this age, even college and the international game we see more combo guards. Recently retired Chris Paul might be the only point guard remaining in the NBA, before him Rajon Rondo retired even earlier. These two and others always looked toward running their team’s offense, when called on they would score but that was not their primary intent. When did we began to see combo rather than pure point guards, that question is easily answered. I’m unsure who the second combo guard was its my contention the first was Oscar Robertson, The Big O. He arrived in the NBA in 1960 a time most teams contained point guards, how was The Big O different from those around him….he could score and distribute the basketball.

In his rookie year he dished out 9.7 assists a game and scored 30.5 ppg which placed his numbers alongside the high volume scorers of the period. During Robertson’s career most of it with the Cincinnati Royals (Kings) he was double digit in assists while scoring 30 plus points six times during his brilliant NBA career. We failed to use the term combo until recent years but nowadays NBA teams contain them over Bonafide point guards. They are named Melo Ball, Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson and a host of others who can score just as easily as setting up a teammate for a basket. The original combo guard Oscar Robertson is 87-years old currently, there is no requirement for me to detail the list of honors let’s just say they are quite extensive.

No. 1 Picks and the Hall of Fame: Part II

This second installment picks up with the first overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. The pick would be John Wall who spent the bulk of his career with the Wizards who drafted him, I believe he deserves consideration for the hall of fame. We now move into the group of players who are still active beginning with Kyrie Irving. In 2011 Irving was the choice of the Cavs, still active despite coming off an injury he too deserves consideration. Up next is Anthony Davis in 2012, the injury factor aside AD deserves to be given attention.

In 2013 Anthony Bennett was chosen by the Cavs and he was a bust so the answer is evident regarding his status. 2014 and 2015 would see Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns selected number one, this is a no and a maybe. Wiggins has been a steady player throughout his career however I’m unsure if he is hall of fame worthy. The maybe for Karl-Anthony, his NBA championship although recent places him in the conversation. I’m going to stop at this point, a number of the remaining draft picks have not played long enough to be considered. The disclaimer, those names mentioned in both portions represent my observation alone. I remember once being asked if a certain player would be selected for the hall of fame, I said “no way” he is too one-dimensional. Well needless to say those with voting power (not me) nominated this player for the Naismith Hall of Fame.

NBA Summer League

If you live or happen to be vacationing in Las Vegas NBA Summer League basketball might be on your must see list. As for others of us the games are television only and in most instances even that is limited viewing. As an example I always attempt to follow Laker action for several reasons, to witness the newly drafted players in action for the first time. Despite having a full roster there are only two Lakers who are slotted to be added to the fall lineup. They are Cameron Carr drafted last month and Adou Thiero who was a 2025 draft choice but only played 25 games due to injury.

The Lakers have high hopes for both, as for the balance of their summer roster that’s another matter. I’m always looking for that athlete who exhibits strong enough play to receive a training camp invitation. Headed into the season with the free agent moves and trades I’m always on the lookout for defenders. The Lakers can score baskets, just as critical is the ability to defend. Carr and Thiero can score baskets, each proved that ability at Baylor and Arkansas respectively, the more anticipated question can they defend? Who are the others, my guess those on the regular season roster, they will likely spend part of their season with the parent club. Peter Suder, a 6-foot 4 guard from Miami (OH), a 3-point specialist and OK Okereke a 6-foot 7 244 pound defensive forward who last played at Vanderbilt. Finally there is 6-foot 4 guard Chris Manon who spent G-League and time with the parent club last season.