A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Meanwhile….

There’s been a downturn in the fortunes of the Clippers this season, we need look no further than the won loss record of the team as this is written. Although there is an age difference the Clippers have added another Kansas City area connection, the first of course is Tyronn Lue head coach. In the June draft they added combo guard Keaton Wagler in the first round who’s been proven to be at least one bright prospect for the Clippers. For some allow the introduction, Wagler from Illinois was a relative unknown prospect in his freshman year but came on strong enough to become a first round pick. The only negative for Wagler is his shooting from the floor which could be improved. This is not offering an excuse only an explanation, there is an adjustment required serving in a reserve role so that might be a partial explanation for his shooting percentage being subpar.  

Several of you reading this might remember the good old days. Only special circumstances allowed an athlete an additional year of eligibility. We now have five and in some cases six year athletes returning to school, several are old enough for an AARP membership. One of the issues facing this crop of athletes was the pandemic covid, athletic programs were curtailed which is certainly understandable. The portion that is most confusing for me athletes signing professional contracts and then returning to colleges and universities with the intent to compete. I hope no one believes this indicates I’m taking sides with the NCAA because I ain’t. It’s my belief without offering you a shred of evidence, NCAA rulings of the past have been the basis for a portion of what we see today. Has college basketball (or football) been ruined, technically NO however it certainly is on the road to ruination IMO.

We are just a little over three weeks into the NBA season, the MVP race is already heating up. The Kia MVP Ladder ranks Lakers point guard Luka Doncic first, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama second, and Thunder guard Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, a two-time MVP, third. All three have started the 2026-27 season hotter than the asphalt on California State Route 190 (SR 190) that runs through Death Valley. There is no doubt there will be others who will move into the race while the top three may move downward. The Joker, Ant Man and Jalen Brunson are just three names that could become part of the conversation regarding who becomes MVP. As for the MVP leaders there numbers follow; Luka is 40.1 ppg, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists, Wemby 29.1 ppg, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks. As for SGA he’s 29.9 ppg, 3.9 rebounds along with 4.9 assists.

NBA Rookie of the Year

There is no name inscribed on the trophy as this is written, the truth is his numbers might go down. In addition to that he might not be named ROTY. What will be inscribed behind his name is NBA player who was first thought to be too old. The NBA values youth, Yaxel Lendeborg was considered “old” because he turned 24 prior to the season beginning. With one and done and Euro players in the draft every year usually teams are looking at players 19-22, Lendeborg is ancient. The 6-foot 9 247 pound Lendeborg spent three seasons at Arizona Western College a junior college, then it was onto St. John’s for the New Jersey native.

After Lendeborg signed a letter of intent with St. John’s the school hired Rick Pitino who decided against retaining him. From there it was UAB for two seasons and then a transfer to Michigan where he helped the Wolverines win the NCAA championship. On June 23 Lendeborg was selected by the Warriors with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft. As a starter for the Warriors his numbers have been impressive, in addition he plays tough hard-nose defense. Lendeborg is scoring at a 21 point 7 rebound 4 assist clip (November 6), he’s shooting 49.2% from the floor and 39% from three. It appears the Warriors have struck gold in the form of Axel Lendeborg. 

The GOAT debate once again

MJ versus LeBron debate occurred once again at my place of employment. I was not a participant in the conversation only listening keenly as my co-workers went back and forth on the issue. I’m convinced of this fact, the GOAT debate can only be resolved in this manner. This is how I propose to resolve this impasse, 63-year old Michael Jordan must face 41-year old LeBron James in a one on one match. Three games and scoring first one to 20 will be declared the GOAT. A co-worker showed me video of 16-year old LeBron James dunking the ball on 38-year old MJ.

Despite the passage of time I’d never seen the video previously. You might ask the question, having seen this video did it change my mind as to who might be the GOAT? I can say this did not occur. Of course you are aware LeBron holds practically every offensive record there is, of course having an extended playing career has allowed this. I said earlier a one on one match would settle the debate. That is highly unlikely to ever occur so here’s my belief. The GOAT is whoever you choose it to be if you are in the LeBron camp its him. On the other hand if you are in the MJ crowd he’s the GOAT.

I’m confused

The headline read: “Top 12 Atmospheres in College Basketball 2026-27.” On the list I see Rupp Arena (Kentucky) and Allen Fieldhouse (Kansas) two arenas visiting teams don’t win very often.  Also on the list is GCU Arena, unfamiliar with the name I conducted a quick search. Turns out it’s the home arena for the Grand Canyon Antelopes. Before alumni, students and anyone else becomes upset with me I wasn’t familiar with the name but that makes for another question. Was the purpose of the list to detail the most difficult college arenas for a visiting team or the atmosphere i.e., ambiance or tone of the building?

Because there was nothing to identify we are left with our own descriptions of the WHY. Bud Walton Arena (Arkansas) along with the McHale Center (Arizona) were also in this Top 12 list of buildings. I have no idea of the intent or purpose of the account, despite my negative tone I can agree for the most part with a single issue. Every one of the arenas named (with the exception of GCU) is difficult for a visitor to win and the single reason I’m questioning GCU. I have no point of reference, the arena might have the greatest atmosphere ever but is it a tough place to play for the opposition.