Basketball from a fans perspective
1997
Just read this, the last time the Warriors won a game in San Antonio Steph Curry was 8-years old. I figured to research some other stuff of note. Bill Clinton was President of the United States, best movie that year was Titanic with Leonardo DeCaprio and Kate Winslet. Friends was the top choice of television viewers in 1997.
Elton John’s Candle in the Wind spent the most period number one that year. The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl and the Florida Marlins were World Series winners that year. Michael Jordan would lead the Bulls to the NBA Championship 4 games to 2 over the Utah Jazz. Earlier Arizona defeated Kentucky in OT to win the NCAA Championship. Even more ironic the Spurs chose Tim Duncan with the number one pick in the NBA Draft of 1997.
Hall of Fame bound
There are magic numbers in sports, most consecutive major league games played or most career home runs. In the NFL it could be the most touchdown passes thrown by a quarterback or passes caught by a wide receiver. In the NBA points scored is often a barometer used in denoting the success of a player. Last Saturday Dwayne Wade of the Heat reached a milestone few have accomplished, he scored his 20,000th point.
In all Wade becomes the 41st player in the history of the NFL to accomplish the feat. There is no guarantee he will win another NBA Championship however there is a guarantee. He is guaranteed to be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame and the Collegiate Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible, congratulations Dwayne Tyrone Wade.
Free agency
Who comes and who goes is the question regarding free-agency. If I projected the Lakers and other teams next season I might be able to dial in whom they might draft. We are less likely to determine rookie free-agent signings and impossible to determine veteran free-agency. The landscape has changed tremendously as an example we don’t know if it was Kobe or something else. It’s no loss at this point however Dwight Howard could have re-signed with the Lakers for more money than the Rockets.
The advantage no state income tax in Texas, California might have one of the highest in the nation. Financially Howard may have benefited more heading to Texas. This factor alone makes free agency difficult to determine. The Lakers have even more money than last year to sign free agents, last season a number of free-agents passed on signing with them. We have the strange and unusual case of DeAndre Jordan, he announced he was headed to Texas and changed his mind re-signing with the Clippers.
Isn’t that Special?
I offer my apologies to Dana Carvey, Carvey a former member of the Saturday Night Live crew often portrayed a character referred to as the “church lady.” No matter the topic at some point Carvey would look directly into the television camera and state; “Isn’t that special.” Much has been written regarding Kobe Bryant and its likely Kobe should have retired two or three years ago. Injuries and time have caught up with Kobe and he’s retiring at the conclusion of the 2016 season.
Kobe turned 37 last August, robbed of his athleticism plus age being a factor he's gone. Point guard Baron Davis last played in the NBA in 2012 with the Knicks, injuries forced him to the sidelines. Davis will turn 37 years old in April however he intends on playing. Davis signed a contract with the Delaware 87ers of the NBA Developmental League and he‘s begun play with his new team. At the age of 36 Davis has decided he wants to play professional basketball again and provides us no indication if he intends to play in the NBA once again. All I can say about his effort; “Isn’t that special.”
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Will anybody be a winner?
Is your bracket busted? I’m sure with the amount of upsets Thursday and Friday is anybody gonna win is the question? Don’t you find it interesting the so-called little schools have done a beat down on the Goliath’s of college basketball. I realize number one’s are still alive however the number of upsets in Thursday and Fridays game surely wrecked most everyone’s bracket.
Only in basketball
Calvin Hill played football at Yale and for a number of years with the NFL Cowboys. Calvin and Janet would marry and have son whom they named Grant. The youngster would depart from his dad by choosing basketball rather than the football. Grant at Duke and later in the NBA would distinguish himself on the court in a manner his dad had playing in the NFL.
Yesterday afternoon Duke and Yale faced off against one another in the NCAA Basketball tournament. This match up would never occur in football Yale in the Ivy League is FCS Division I-AA while Duke in the ACC is FBS Division I-A. Football is unlike basketball in this manner both schools are Division I. Duke was able to defeat Yale 71-64.
Who plays center?
I just read a story on Joel Embiid, you remember him don’t you? Embiid 7 foot and 250 pounds arrived in the NBA with all the potential in the world. He was a virtual unknown and played his way into the starting lineup while at Kansas. Embiid would leave after his freshman year for the NBA and became the third pick in the 2014 NBA draft and then disaster struck. An injury had sidelined near the end of the season at Kansas but that was just the beginning. Continued rehab then surgery another rehab and there are questions if he will ever play at the level once envisioned. Embiid is thought to be ready for action next season but questions remain if that is actually the case.
In between time the 76ers have continued to stockpile players. They drafted 6-11 Nerlens Noel a center in college who was moved to the power forward position. Last season the Lakers passed on Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers would chose him, although there have been “bumps in the road” the former Dukee has adapted to the NBA. The 6-11 275 pound Okafor has scored at 17.5 points per game along with 7 rebounds, a clear demonstration of his future talent. I don’t believe any move will be immediate however the 76ers must come to a decision. If Embiid is healthy and ready to play who stays, who goes? They have the known (Okafor ) versus the unknown (Embiid) who remains a question mark if healthy.
Rivalries
Kentucky and Indiana played one another in the NCAA Tournament. Once upon a time this was an annual basketball event for this SEC and Big 10 rivals. The two schools are located less than 200 miles apart, this rivalry begin in 1924 the first time they played. The last time they played was 2012 after then the series was not renewed. Kentucky leads all-time with 32 wins versus the 24 of Indiana.
I heard a local sports radio guy get this wrong, he claimed Rick Pitino was responsible for the series end when he coached Kentucky. The present coach John Calipari is the guilty party. We can address complaints to the present coach who believed a four game series was too difficult to accomplish in this day and age. The Indiana proposal was two games to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium one at Indiana’s Assembly Hall and one at Rupp Arena, Calipari rejected this.
Will anybody be a winner?
Is your bracket busted? I’m sure with the amount of upsets Thursday and Friday is anybody gonna win is the question? Don’t you find it interesting the so-called little schools have done a beat down on the Goliath’s of college basketball. I realize number one’s are still alive however the number of upsets in Thursday and Fridays game surely wrecked most everyone’s bracket.
Only in basketball
Calvin Hill played football at Yale and for a number of years with the NFL Cowboys. Calvin and Janet would marry and have son whom they named Grant. The youngster would depart from his dad by choosing basketball rather than the football. Grant at Duke and later in the NBA would distinguish himself on the court in a manner his dad had playing in the NFL.
Yesterday afternoon Duke and Yale faced off against one another in the NCAA Basketball tournament. This match up would never occur in football Yale in the Ivy League is FCS Division I-AA while Duke in the ACC is FBS Division I-A. Football is unlike basketball in this manner both schools are Division I. Duke was able to defeat Yale 71-64.
Who plays center?
I just read a story on Joel Embiid, you remember him don’t you? Embiid 7 foot and 250 pounds arrived in the NBA with all the potential in the world. He was a virtual unknown and played his way into the starting lineup while at Kansas. Embiid would leave after his freshman year for the NBA and became the third pick in the 2014 NBA draft and then disaster struck. An injury had sidelined near the end of the season at Kansas but that was just the beginning. Continued rehab then surgery another rehab and there are questions if he will ever play at the level once envisioned. Embiid is thought to be ready for action next season but questions remain if that is actually the case.
In between time the 76ers have continued to stockpile players. They drafted 6-11 Nerlens Noel a center in college who was moved to the power forward position. Last season the Lakers passed on Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers would chose him, although there have been “bumps in the road” the former Dukee has adapted to the NBA. The 6-11 275 pound Okafor has scored at 17.5 points per game along with 7 rebounds, a clear demonstration of his future talent. I don’t believe any move will be immediate however the 76ers must come to a decision. If Embiid is healthy and ready to play who stays, who goes? They have the known (Okafor ) versus the unknown (Embiid) who remains a question mark if healthy.
Rivalries
Kentucky and Indiana played one another in the NCAA Tournament. Once upon a time this was an annual basketball event for this SEC and Big 10 rivals. The two schools are located less than 200 miles apart, this rivalry begin in 1924 the first time they played. The last time they played was 2012 after then the series was not renewed. Kentucky leads all-time with 32 wins versus the 24 of Indiana.
I heard a local sports radio guy get this wrong, he claimed Rick Pitino was responsible for the series end when he coached Kentucky. The present coach John Calipari is the guilty party. We can address complaints to the present coach who believed a four game series was too difficult to accomplish in this day and age. The Indiana proposal was two games to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium one at Indiana’s Assembly Hall and one at Rupp Arena, Calipari rejected this.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
The (true) first day
I know the play in games actually start the tournament however Thursday is actually the first game day. Arkansas-Little Rock beating Purdue and Yale over Baylor certainly upsets. I’m unsure if a Wichita State (11) and Gonzaga (11) beating Arizona (6) and Seton Hall (6) respectively is a true upset. There were three 9’s beating 8’s which I don’t really believe is an upset. The NCAA Tournament is a seeding process and not a guarantee but the results can prove interesting. Lets see what occurs on Friday however the up and down 2015-16 college basketball season continues. It should be of note did you see the Baylor post-game press conference and hear Baylor’s Tauren Prince response to a question.
Reporter: “How does Yale out rebound Baylor?”
Prince: “You go up and grab the ball off the rim when it comes off. And then you grab it with two hands and then you come down with it and that‘s considered a rebound. So they got more of those than we did.”
“The beat goes on”
The above title was a song by the duo Sonny and Cher, released in 1967. How about 2016 and the NCAA Tournament. Day two continued with stunning upsets, Middle Tennessee (15) upset highly favored Michigan State (2). Hawaii (13) pointed the direction of the door to California (4). Oregon State (7) lost to VCU (10) Stephen F. Austin (14) performed a beat down West Virginia (3) while Syracuse (10) was able to overcome Dayton (7). Texas (6) was unable to overcome Northern Iowa (11) and Notre Dame (6) slipped past Michigan (11). .
We have been captivated
We have fallen for “the banana in the tail pipe,” just a reference to the Eddie Murphy line from “Beverly Hills Cop.” We have been so busy gazing on the amazing shooting of Steph Curry and the rest of the Warriors we have “overlooked” the Spurs. The last time the teams met the Warriors blew the Spurs out of the building but it wasn’t at home. As this is written the Spurs are 34-0 at home 58-10 overall. What happens tonight night when the two met again, this time it’s in San Antonio?
The game has changed
I head a columnist discuss an issue which rings true for me. The issue is rivalry whether its teams or players. The statement was made; “Fans of today identify with the player rather than the team. They are willing to follow the player from team to team.” As strange as that sounds I believe with a number of fans this rings true. I have two friends who claimed the Heat as “their” team. Once LeBron left Miami for Cleveland they changed their tune and became Cavs fans. How about teams can you think of any rivals? At one time there was a Celtic-Laker and Bulls-Knicks rivalry but they no longer exist.
It would seem in Texas a natural rivalry would have developed between the Spurs, Mavs and Rockets, I’m unsure if there is one. After years of play particularly in New Jersey the Nets moving into Brooklyn should have created more of a rivalry with the Knicks, has it occurred I don’t know? The Clippers have dominated the Lakers on the court in recent years however they still trail in the all-time won loss record, Lakers 98 Clippers 42. The two teams even share Staples Center but not the same fan base. It’s not just teams it’s the players too, we haven’t any Bird-Jordan or Bird-Magic rivalries anymore?
The (true) first day
I know the play in games actually start the tournament however Thursday is actually the first game day. Arkansas-Little Rock beating Purdue and Yale over Baylor certainly upsets. I’m unsure if a Wichita State (11) and Gonzaga (11) beating Arizona (6) and Seton Hall (6) respectively is a true upset. There were three 9’s beating 8’s which I don’t really believe is an upset. The NCAA Tournament is a seeding process and not a guarantee but the results can prove interesting. Lets see what occurs on Friday however the up and down 2015-16 college basketball season continues. It should be of note did you see the Baylor post-game press conference and hear Baylor’s Tauren Prince response to a question.
Reporter: “How does Yale out rebound Baylor?”
Prince: “You go up and grab the ball off the rim when it comes off. And then you grab it with two hands and then you come down with it and that‘s considered a rebound. So they got more of those than we did.”
“The beat goes on”
The above title was a song by the duo Sonny and Cher, released in 1967. How about 2016 and the NCAA Tournament. Day two continued with stunning upsets, Middle Tennessee (15) upset highly favored Michigan State (2). Hawaii (13) pointed the direction of the door to California (4). Oregon State (7) lost to VCU (10) Stephen F. Austin (14) performed a beat down West Virginia (3) while Syracuse (10) was able to overcome Dayton (7). Texas (6) was unable to overcome Northern Iowa (11) and Notre Dame (6) slipped past Michigan (11). .
We have been captivated
We have fallen for “the banana in the tail pipe,” just a reference to the Eddie Murphy line from “Beverly Hills Cop.” We have been so busy gazing on the amazing shooting of Steph Curry and the rest of the Warriors we have “overlooked” the Spurs. The last time the teams met the Warriors blew the Spurs out of the building but it wasn’t at home. As this is written the Spurs are 34-0 at home 58-10 overall. What happens tonight night when the two met again, this time it’s in San Antonio?
The game has changed
I head a columnist discuss an issue which rings true for me. The issue is rivalry whether its teams or players. The statement was made; “Fans of today identify with the player rather than the team. They are willing to follow the player from team to team.” As strange as that sounds I believe with a number of fans this rings true. I have two friends who claimed the Heat as “their” team. Once LeBron left Miami for Cleveland they changed their tune and became Cavs fans. How about teams can you think of any rivals? At one time there was a Celtic-Laker and Bulls-Knicks rivalry but they no longer exist.
It would seem in Texas a natural rivalry would have developed between the Spurs, Mavs and Rockets, I’m unsure if there is one. After years of play particularly in New Jersey the Nets moving into Brooklyn should have created more of a rivalry with the Knicks, has it occurred I don’t know? The Clippers have dominated the Lakers on the court in recent years however they still trail in the all-time won loss record, Lakers 98 Clippers 42. The two teams even share Staples Center but not the same fan base. It’s not just teams it’s the players too, we haven’t any Bird-Jordan or Bird-Magic rivalries anymore?
Friday, March 18, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Further
I wanted to clarify the comment by ESPN’s Jay Bilas I mentioned in yesterdays Words eye view. Bilas said; “Simmons would have been better off at Kentucky rather than LSU.” I attempted to look between the lines on the Bilas comment. At the beginning of the college season Skal Labissiere was talked about in the conversation with Ben Simmons. The Kentucky youngster had an up and down freshmen season but nobody is yelling about him underachieving. Second point Kentucky reigns supreme in basketball at LSU its football. Do to a personal relationship Simmons choice was a “football” school. Just my thoughts they might not be correct.
And your point is?
I watch an abundance of ESPN and CBSSports Network; I cannot speak to Fox Sports. I don’t check enough of the Fox Sports Network enough to make a comparison with the other two. When not telecasting sports talk programs dominate the airwaves I’ve noticed a trend I’d like to call to your attention. Both networks do a great job contacting the “basketball experts” whether it’s in studio a telephone or a satellite interview. After questioning these experts and closing out the discussion the hosts take up the issue once again.
This is the key for me it often appears the hosts haven’t changed their position one bit. I formulate my own opinions but I solicit advance hoping someone sees the issue differently than me. In addition these experts are often former coaches or basketball players; they know the sport at a different level than fans or journalist. The ridiculousness reaches its zenith when you devote 20 minutes or so to a 16 seed beating a 1 seed. We could care less what analytics say, the upset could occur however it hasn’t to date. Why is necessary to continue another 20-30 minute discussion on the subject again?
Few accomplish the feat
Kobe Bryant will soon retire and will accomplish something few have done. I’m not talking MVP’s, NBA Championships or scoring titles. Those issues and others fall short of his 20 years with one team the Lakers. In this day of free agency and trades few players manage to play for one team their entire career. If the Spurs Tim Duncan ever retires he will also hold the same distinction as his former teammate David Robinson. Larry Bird retired wearing only the green of the Celtics, as for today’s players it’s likely Dirk Nowitzki will retire a Maverick the same for Dwayne Wade with the Heat.
There are others I’ve omitted this is strictly from memory. In this age it’s just rare for a player to play his entire career with one team. Some of the giants of the game played for more than one team, Wilt, Dr. J., Hakeem Olajuwon and Dominique Wilkins to name just a few. I hear and read stories stating teams don’t have any loyalty anymore however we could make the same statement regarding the players. There are a number of present day players who are too young to consider for this story.
Dome’s forever into the future
I read so much basketball related stuff I often don’t remember my source. I guess I’m making this up, I read the “NCAA was moving out of domes”. The location of the 2016 NCAA Championship escaped me so I decided to look it up. NRG Stadium where the NFL Houston Texans call home, How about 2017? I discovered it would be held in the University of Phoenix Stadium home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals. Do you understand the direction we are headed? I ceased my search with the 2018 game; it’s to be held in San Antonio, the Alamodome is being refurbished for the event.
The Alamodome served as home for the NBA Spurs until 2002 when they moved into the AT&T Center. Oh yes I forgot no NFL team plays in the Alamodome however the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners play in the building. Did I mention the Roadrunners are a football team? Oh well I guess I have the best seat in the house in front of my television set. Feet elevated, no waiting in line for the restroom. An unlimited amount of snacks I’m not forced to pay astronomical prices, life is good after all.
Further
I wanted to clarify the comment by ESPN’s Jay Bilas I mentioned in yesterdays Words eye view. Bilas said; “Simmons would have been better off at Kentucky rather than LSU.” I attempted to look between the lines on the Bilas comment. At the beginning of the college season Skal Labissiere was talked about in the conversation with Ben Simmons. The Kentucky youngster had an up and down freshmen season but nobody is yelling about him underachieving. Second point Kentucky reigns supreme in basketball at LSU its football. Do to a personal relationship Simmons choice was a “football” school. Just my thoughts they might not be correct.
And your point is?
I watch an abundance of ESPN and CBSSports Network; I cannot speak to Fox Sports. I don’t check enough of the Fox Sports Network enough to make a comparison with the other two. When not telecasting sports talk programs dominate the airwaves I’ve noticed a trend I’d like to call to your attention. Both networks do a great job contacting the “basketball experts” whether it’s in studio a telephone or a satellite interview. After questioning these experts and closing out the discussion the hosts take up the issue once again.
This is the key for me it often appears the hosts haven’t changed their position one bit. I formulate my own opinions but I solicit advance hoping someone sees the issue differently than me. In addition these experts are often former coaches or basketball players; they know the sport at a different level than fans or journalist. The ridiculousness reaches its zenith when you devote 20 minutes or so to a 16 seed beating a 1 seed. We could care less what analytics say, the upset could occur however it hasn’t to date. Why is necessary to continue another 20-30 minute discussion on the subject again?
Few accomplish the feat
Kobe Bryant will soon retire and will accomplish something few have done. I’m not talking MVP’s, NBA Championships or scoring titles. Those issues and others fall short of his 20 years with one team the Lakers. In this day of free agency and trades few players manage to play for one team their entire career. If the Spurs Tim Duncan ever retires he will also hold the same distinction as his former teammate David Robinson. Larry Bird retired wearing only the green of the Celtics, as for today’s players it’s likely Dirk Nowitzki will retire a Maverick the same for Dwayne Wade with the Heat.
There are others I’ve omitted this is strictly from memory. In this age it’s just rare for a player to play his entire career with one team. Some of the giants of the game played for more than one team, Wilt, Dr. J., Hakeem Olajuwon and Dominique Wilkins to name just a few. I hear and read stories stating teams don’t have any loyalty anymore however we could make the same statement regarding the players. There are a number of present day players who are too young to consider for this story.
Dome’s forever into the future
I read so much basketball related stuff I often don’t remember my source. I guess I’m making this up, I read the “NCAA was moving out of domes”. The location of the 2016 NCAA Championship escaped me so I decided to look it up. NRG Stadium where the NFL Houston Texans call home, How about 2017? I discovered it would be held in the University of Phoenix Stadium home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals. Do you understand the direction we are headed? I ceased my search with the 2018 game; it’s to be held in San Antonio, the Alamodome is being refurbished for the event.
The Alamodome served as home for the NBA Spurs until 2002 when they moved into the AT&T Center. Oh yes I forgot no NFL team plays in the Alamodome however the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners play in the building. Did I mention the Roadrunners are a football team? Oh well I guess I have the best seat in the house in front of my television set. Feet elevated, no waiting in line for the restroom. An unlimited amount of snacks I’m not forced to pay astronomical prices, life is good after all.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Welcome aboard
The welcome is for all the folks second guessing LSU’s decision to cease play. Coach Johnny Jones consulted with his coaching staff and came to the conclusion the season was over. LSU was beaten soundly in its last game and finished the season 19-14 okay but certainly not outstanding. The prevailing thought LSU should be in the NIT; in addition Ben Simmons is gone. It’s not official but why would Simmons return with all the potential NBA money on the table. As for him I said I wasn’t going to write on this again and I going back on my word.
The last time I checked basketball was still a team game, although I was sitting in front of my television in Kansas City I witnessed a number of LSU games. The win against Kentucky was probably the high point of the season, at the same time I saw plenty of “dog” games. I would include the tourney game a 71-38 beat down by Texas A&M. Fans and alum of LSU are disappointed in the season finale nothing can make up for that. Part of the issue was the LSU team minus Simmon and the other portion rest on the shoulders of Johnny Jones. Jay Bilas says; "He (Simmons) would have been better off at Kentucky."
I’m more concerned about……..
The other thing, the Lakers losing their first round pick due to an earlier trade. As a reminder the Lakers won-loss record affects whether they maintain it or lose it to the 76ers. My expectation either Simmons or Duke’s Brandon Ingram could help them. Don’t misunderstand I am not stating playoffs I’m saying continued “building blocks” on the road to re-building or re-branding this Kobe-less team.
There’s been a change in a number of mock draft sites and it’s my fault, just when I wrote there was little if any movement in the 2016 NBA mock I was proven wrong. DraftExpress.com was the first one I noticed that made a change. They now have Duke Freshman Brandon Ingram rated number one in their mock 2016 NBA draft Simmons is now number two. You can read www.draftexpress.com for an explanation why the two changed draft positions.
On the subject
As for the top free-agent Kevin Durant there are plenty of questions. Will Durant re-sign with the Thunder or somebody else? Among the teams mentioned the Warriors, Wizards or Lakers. Those are just the names that have been discussed or published, what do I think? I really have no idea however of Durant’s ultimate destination. Although I hesitate on that portion I believe he’s on his way out of Oklahoma. No problem with the city or state I continue to look in the direction of Russell Westbrook.
For Westbrook fans I’m not trying to denigrate your man but there is clearly a problem. Publicly both Durant and Westbrook state there is no problem between the two but is that really the truth? I skipped school the day the teacher taught us “mind-reading” so I’m certainly not going to begin now. The duo is “water and oil” no matter what’s said by coaches, teammates and analyst there is a problem. A problem that will remain unsolved until one is no longer in the picture at this point that would appear to be Durant.
Trio of 7-footers
Most teams are fortunate to have one 7 foot player on their roster the Le Mans Sarthe Basket roster contains three. Technically that’s not correct, one of the trio is 6-11 however his two teammates stand 7-3 and 7-2 in their stocking feet. According to DraftExpress it’s likely Petr Cornelie and Youssoufa Fall will submit their names for the 2016 NBA Draft.
Fall is the tallest and is the heaviest at 7-3 and 271 pounds. He‘s 20 years old and hails from Senegal in West Africa. Cornelie packs 220 pounds on his 6-11 frame and he’s from Calais France. Jonathan Jeanne stands 7-2 however a slender 195 pounds; Jeanne is from the island of Guadeloupe in the southern Caribbean Sea.
Welcome aboard
The welcome is for all the folks second guessing LSU’s decision to cease play. Coach Johnny Jones consulted with his coaching staff and came to the conclusion the season was over. LSU was beaten soundly in its last game and finished the season 19-14 okay but certainly not outstanding. The prevailing thought LSU should be in the NIT; in addition Ben Simmons is gone. It’s not official but why would Simmons return with all the potential NBA money on the table. As for him I said I wasn’t going to write on this again and I going back on my word.
The last time I checked basketball was still a team game, although I was sitting in front of my television in Kansas City I witnessed a number of LSU games. The win against Kentucky was probably the high point of the season, at the same time I saw plenty of “dog” games. I would include the tourney game a 71-38 beat down by Texas A&M. Fans and alum of LSU are disappointed in the season finale nothing can make up for that. Part of the issue was the LSU team minus Simmon and the other portion rest on the shoulders of Johnny Jones. Jay Bilas says; "He (Simmons) would have been better off at Kentucky."
I’m more concerned about……..
The other thing, the Lakers losing their first round pick due to an earlier trade. As a reminder the Lakers won-loss record affects whether they maintain it or lose it to the 76ers. My expectation either Simmons or Duke’s Brandon Ingram could help them. Don’t misunderstand I am not stating playoffs I’m saying continued “building blocks” on the road to re-building or re-branding this Kobe-less team.
There’s been a change in a number of mock draft sites and it’s my fault, just when I wrote there was little if any movement in the 2016 NBA mock I was proven wrong. DraftExpress.com was the first one I noticed that made a change. They now have Duke Freshman Brandon Ingram rated number one in their mock 2016 NBA draft Simmons is now number two. You can read www.draftexpress.com for an explanation why the two changed draft positions.
On the subject
As for the top free-agent Kevin Durant there are plenty of questions. Will Durant re-sign with the Thunder or somebody else? Among the teams mentioned the Warriors, Wizards or Lakers. Those are just the names that have been discussed or published, what do I think? I really have no idea however of Durant’s ultimate destination. Although I hesitate on that portion I believe he’s on his way out of Oklahoma. No problem with the city or state I continue to look in the direction of Russell Westbrook.
For Westbrook fans I’m not trying to denigrate your man but there is clearly a problem. Publicly both Durant and Westbrook state there is no problem between the two but is that really the truth? I skipped school the day the teacher taught us “mind-reading” so I’m certainly not going to begin now. The duo is “water and oil” no matter what’s said by coaches, teammates and analyst there is a problem. A problem that will remain unsolved until one is no longer in the picture at this point that would appear to be Durant.
Trio of 7-footers
Most teams are fortunate to have one 7 foot player on their roster the Le Mans Sarthe Basket roster contains three. Technically that’s not correct, one of the trio is 6-11 however his two teammates stand 7-3 and 7-2 in their stocking feet. According to DraftExpress it’s likely Petr Cornelie and Youssoufa Fall will submit their names for the 2016 NBA Draft.
Fall is the tallest and is the heaviest at 7-3 and 271 pounds. He‘s 20 years old and hails from Senegal in West Africa. Cornelie packs 220 pounds on his 6-11 frame and he’s from Calais France. Jonathan Jeanne stands 7-2 however a slender 195 pounds; Jeanne is from the island of Guadeloupe in the southern Caribbean Sea.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
He’s honest
This time of the year everybody and their brother is filling out a bracket sheet. We peruse all the information we can gather to make our “accurate” picks. On Monday I listened to a local sports talk radio guy who I believe was being very honest. He said; “Most of those in the media pretend to know all there is to know about college basketball.
I spend most of my evenings here on the night shift on the weekends I’m watching football. Many in the sports media provide us tidbits of information regarding each team giving us the indication they know college basketball.” The bottom line from my perspective these guys are hired to entertain so be it. Take the information provided with skepticism it’s not always “something regarded as true and implicitly believed. “
I don‘t know about you
It was no surprise to me Kobe Bryant defended Phil Jackson to the NYC media. That’s not always been the case with Kobe the coaching change from Del Harris caused problems for Kobe the first time around. Most of it I believe was based on Kobe being stubborn (triangle offense) and his youth. Phil’s second tour with the Lakers I don’t remember any issues, there may have been don’t remember them.
Remember when
Just winning 20 games was almost always a guarantee a team would receive an NCAA invitation, that’s not the case anymore. We could ask the question of Monmouth (27-7), Saint Mary’s 27-5, San Diego State 25-9 and Valparaiso (26-6). All these teams have received an NIT invitation, in my view for for the first time in quite a number of years the field will have several top-notch teams. As the NCAA Tournament has expanded a teams won-loss record is scrutinized more thoroughly than in past years.
“I Love L.A.” (maybe)
Songwriter Randy Newman wrote “I Love L.A.” and released the song in 1983. The tune extolled the advantages of living in Los Angeles over other portions of the nation. A significant number of players will become free agents this summer; one of the more intriguing players possibly searching for a new home is center Hassan Whiteside. Its possible Hassan Whiteside could be singing that tune later this year. According to Hoopshype Dwayne Wade must take a significant pay cut in order for the team to sign both players. The possible downside to this story might be Whiteside himself.
The 7-foot Whiteside has added a stellar year to his breakout of last season and he’s routinely been a double-double man. Despite leading the lead in block shots and near the top in rebounds maturity issues still exist. After he returned from an NBA mandated suspension he’s been coming off the bench. He was suspended for throwing an elbow at an opposing player; despite not starting his numbers have not dipped at all. Do NBA teams (including the Heat) pay Whiteside on his potential believing he’s not reached his ceiling and he‘s matured?
He’s honest
This time of the year everybody and their brother is filling out a bracket sheet. We peruse all the information we can gather to make our “accurate” picks. On Monday I listened to a local sports talk radio guy who I believe was being very honest. He said; “Most of those in the media pretend to know all there is to know about college basketball.
I spend most of my evenings here on the night shift on the weekends I’m watching football. Many in the sports media provide us tidbits of information regarding each team giving us the indication they know college basketball.” The bottom line from my perspective these guys are hired to entertain so be it. Take the information provided with skepticism it’s not always “something regarded as true and implicitly believed. “
I don‘t know about you
It was no surprise to me Kobe Bryant defended Phil Jackson to the NYC media. That’s not always been the case with Kobe the coaching change from Del Harris caused problems for Kobe the first time around. Most of it I believe was based on Kobe being stubborn (triangle offense) and his youth. Phil’s second tour with the Lakers I don’t remember any issues, there may have been don’t remember them.
Remember when
Just winning 20 games was almost always a guarantee a team would receive an NCAA invitation, that’s not the case anymore. We could ask the question of Monmouth (27-7), Saint Mary’s 27-5, San Diego State 25-9 and Valparaiso (26-6). All these teams have received an NIT invitation, in my view for for the first time in quite a number of years the field will have several top-notch teams. As the NCAA Tournament has expanded a teams won-loss record is scrutinized more thoroughly than in past years.
“I Love L.A.” (maybe)
Songwriter Randy Newman wrote “I Love L.A.” and released the song in 1983. The tune extolled the advantages of living in Los Angeles over other portions of the nation. A significant number of players will become free agents this summer; one of the more intriguing players possibly searching for a new home is center Hassan Whiteside. Its possible Hassan Whiteside could be singing that tune later this year. According to Hoopshype Dwayne Wade must take a significant pay cut in order for the team to sign both players. The possible downside to this story might be Whiteside himself.
The 7-foot Whiteside has added a stellar year to his breakout of last season and he’s routinely been a double-double man. Despite leading the lead in block shots and near the top in rebounds maturity issues still exist. After he returned from an NBA mandated suspension he’s been coming off the bench. He was suspended for throwing an elbow at an opposing player; despite not starting his numbers have not dipped at all. Do NBA teams (including the Heat) pay Whiteside on his potential believing he’s not reached his ceiling and he‘s matured?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
“One thing I could do…was finger roll”
George “Iceman” Gervin could do more than finger roll but the line became standard for him. He attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti but left school early, at the time the NBA was not drafting underclassmen. Off to the Virginia Squires of the ABA where he first gained a national reputation in 1972.
The ABA team strapped for cash sold Gervin’s contract to the Spurs. The Iceman would have his most productive years with the Spurs as they would be one of the few ABA teams absorbed into the NBA. 26,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 2,700 assists for the 6-7 185 pound shooting guard. Gervin would be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame and the College Hall of Fame.
Bits n Pieces
Tubby Smith has been coaching big time basketball since 1991, in this period he’s served as head coach for a number of schools. Texas Tech team made the 2016 NCAA Tourney and becomes the 5th team he‘s taken to the “Big Dance.” Let’s count the schools; the first was Tulsa, then Georgia followed by Kentucky. He led Minnesota into the tourney and now Texas Tech.
Kanye West and his tweets have become outrageous lately. Normally I would refrain from writing anything connecting with West but I couldn’t pass this one up. You might be aware a few weeks back the Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor was introduced to a Staples crowd. As for West he sent this tweet out; “Steve Ballmer (Clippers owner) can I redesign the Clippers mascot” Interesting in that the return tweet was under the name Chuck the Condor. It read; “I miss the old Kanye”; I cannot or should not add anything to this story.
Doc Rivers proved to be Doc Rivers once again. In their game against the Clippers the play is right in front of the coach; Chris Paul is dribbling the ball he appears to step on LeBron James foot and slips to the floor. He tosses the ball toward the back court and is intercepted fast break Cavs score. Rivers began yelling at the official and received a technical foul. The Clippers are not league leaders in technicals the Rockets have 65 to date. As for Rivers team they are in second place with 64, coach has 5.
Jordan Clarkson has provided a nickname for the back court of Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell; he wants the combo to be known as The Swag Brothers. A writer questions if anyone has bothered to mention this to Swaggy P.? I don’t believe that should be a huge concern I have serious doubts Nick Young will be a Laker next season. If I’m wrong I’ll return and admit my mistake.
Outside the Lines
ESPN ran a story on the Louisville basketball scandal last Sunday on Outside the Lines. Louisville may have earned a trip to the post-season tourney this year but is on a self-imposed ban. After early discussion of the story I’ve decided to sit back and wait for all the smoke to clear. Coach Pitino is yet to be interviewed by the NCAA which will occur in April. Andre McGee has not talked to the NCAA and its unclear if that will ever occur. An attorney interviewed says “He’s (McGee) not in coaching and the NCAA has no authority over him.” Along with others I must wait for a final judgment.
“One thing I could do…was finger roll”
George “Iceman” Gervin could do more than finger roll but the line became standard for him. He attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti but left school early, at the time the NBA was not drafting underclassmen. Off to the Virginia Squires of the ABA where he first gained a national reputation in 1972.
The ABA team strapped for cash sold Gervin’s contract to the Spurs. The Iceman would have his most productive years with the Spurs as they would be one of the few ABA teams absorbed into the NBA. 26,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 2,700 assists for the 6-7 185 pound shooting guard. Gervin would be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame and the College Hall of Fame.
Bits n Pieces
Tubby Smith has been coaching big time basketball since 1991, in this period he’s served as head coach for a number of schools. Texas Tech team made the 2016 NCAA Tourney and becomes the 5th team he‘s taken to the “Big Dance.” Let’s count the schools; the first was Tulsa, then Georgia followed by Kentucky. He led Minnesota into the tourney and now Texas Tech.
Kanye West and his tweets have become outrageous lately. Normally I would refrain from writing anything connecting with West but I couldn’t pass this one up. You might be aware a few weeks back the Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor was introduced to a Staples crowd. As for West he sent this tweet out; “Steve Ballmer (Clippers owner) can I redesign the Clippers mascot” Interesting in that the return tweet was under the name Chuck the Condor. It read; “I miss the old Kanye”; I cannot or should not add anything to this story.
Doc Rivers proved to be Doc Rivers once again. In their game against the Clippers the play is right in front of the coach; Chris Paul is dribbling the ball he appears to step on LeBron James foot and slips to the floor. He tosses the ball toward the back court and is intercepted fast break Cavs score. Rivers began yelling at the official and received a technical foul. The Clippers are not league leaders in technicals the Rockets have 65 to date. As for Rivers team they are in second place with 64, coach has 5.
Jordan Clarkson has provided a nickname for the back court of Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell; he wants the combo to be known as The Swag Brothers. A writer questions if anyone has bothered to mention this to Swaggy P.? I don’t believe that should be a huge concern I have serious doubts Nick Young will be a Laker next season. If I’m wrong I’ll return and admit my mistake.
Outside the Lines
ESPN ran a story on the Louisville basketball scandal last Sunday on Outside the Lines. Louisville may have earned a trip to the post-season tourney this year but is on a self-imposed ban. After early discussion of the story I’ve decided to sit back and wait for all the smoke to clear. Coach Pitino is yet to be interviewed by the NCAA which will occur in April. Andre McGee has not talked to the NCAA and its unclear if that will ever occur. An attorney interviewed says “He’s (McGee) not in coaching and the NCAA has no authority over him.” Along with others I must wait for a final judgment.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Double winner
6-5 point guard Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills (CA) is headed to UCLA in August. The 5-star athlete was recently named the Morgan Wooten Player of the Year and Naismith High School Player of the Year. The Naismith name requires no explanation James A. Naismith invented the game of basketball but many might be unfamiliar with the Wooten name. Morgan Wooten was the coach for DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville (MD); he was at the helm of the high school from 1956 through 2002. Wooten’s team was 5X National High School Champions and he‘s been enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Those are but a few of the successes he and his teams have earned in the past. Back to the discussion of Ball again this is no barometer of future success but consider the number of youngsters playing basketball across the nation. We couldn’t begin to compile the numbers but it certainly is noteworthy and places Ball in the company of several NBA players. The Naismith award is fairly new having been first awarded in 1987. Past winners of the Naismith award include Jason Kidd, Chris Webber, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Little movement
There has been little movement in the two primary mock draft sites I regularly check. DraftExpress.com and NBADraft.net reflect one another almost line for line in the first five picks, check it out below.
DraftExpress.com NBADraft.net
1. Ben Simmons 1. Ben Simmons
2. Brandon Ingram 2. Brandon Ingram
3. Jaylen Brown 3. Dragen Bender
4. Dragen Bender 4. Jaylen Brown
5. Kris Dunn 5. Kris Dunn
Us versus them
I’m going to refrain from getting into those us versus them debates. You know the ones where a former player from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s or ‘70’s comments on today’s players. This is the problem as I see it the vast majority of writers and television hosts are products of now. They were likely born in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s which impacts their argument. First it was Oscar Robertson commenting on Steph Curry then Kareem Abdul Jabbar weighed in agreeing with his former one-time teammate. Both were attacked by just by expressing their views, a week or so later the mouth that roared Charles Barkley tossed his hat into the middle of this skirmish.
“The NBA is full of very awful basketball this year” stated Sir Charles. I don’t subscribe to the Barkley view all though I can agree there are several bad teams including my Lakers. Back to the Robertson hornets nest there were fewer teams in the NBA when Robertson first arrived, there were only 18 teams when he retired. This is a double-edged sword, if we just look at expansion its likely there are guys in the NBA now that may have been cut from the 1960 Cincinnati Royals. They may have been cut because they were not good enough to earn a spot on an 8-team NBA. In any event I hope this is the last time you catch me writing this type of article.
Blocked shots
NBA players have been blocking shots since the beginning of time; we can credit one player for it to become noteworthy and that is Celtic legend Bill Russell. Russell arrived in the NBA in 1956-57 however for unknown reasons the NBA didn’t track blocked shots as they did points, rebounds and assists. We have no clear idea of the number of shots Russell or Wilt Chamberlain blocked. In the 1973-74 season the NBA begin first tracking blocked shots. Russell retired at the end of the 1969 season while Chamberlain retired the year prior to adoption of the blocked shot.
The shot-block leaders this season to date are Hassan Whiteside with 3.92, DeAndre Jordan at 2.26 and Anthony Davis 2.19. The NBA’s top three all-time block shot leaders in order are Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Consider this bit of information Abdul Jabbar is listed in third place however he began his NBA career four years before the league began tracking blocked shots. Just like Russell and Wilt who entered the NBA earlier we have no idea how many blocked shots Abdul Jabbar registered.
Double winner
6-5 point guard Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills (CA) is headed to UCLA in August. The 5-star athlete was recently named the Morgan Wooten Player of the Year and Naismith High School Player of the Year. The Naismith name requires no explanation James A. Naismith invented the game of basketball but many might be unfamiliar with the Wooten name. Morgan Wooten was the coach for DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville (MD); he was at the helm of the high school from 1956 through 2002. Wooten’s team was 5X National High School Champions and he‘s been enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Those are but a few of the successes he and his teams have earned in the past. Back to the discussion of Ball again this is no barometer of future success but consider the number of youngsters playing basketball across the nation. We couldn’t begin to compile the numbers but it certainly is noteworthy and places Ball in the company of several NBA players. The Naismith award is fairly new having been first awarded in 1987. Past winners of the Naismith award include Jason Kidd, Chris Webber, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Little movement
There has been little movement in the two primary mock draft sites I regularly check. DraftExpress.com and NBADraft.net reflect one another almost line for line in the first five picks, check it out below.
DraftExpress.com NBADraft.net
1. Ben Simmons 1. Ben Simmons
2. Brandon Ingram 2. Brandon Ingram
3. Jaylen Brown 3. Dragen Bender
4. Dragen Bender 4. Jaylen Brown
5. Kris Dunn 5. Kris Dunn
Us versus them
I’m going to refrain from getting into those us versus them debates. You know the ones where a former player from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s or ‘70’s comments on today’s players. This is the problem as I see it the vast majority of writers and television hosts are products of now. They were likely born in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s which impacts their argument. First it was Oscar Robertson commenting on Steph Curry then Kareem Abdul Jabbar weighed in agreeing with his former one-time teammate. Both were attacked by just by expressing their views, a week or so later the mouth that roared Charles Barkley tossed his hat into the middle of this skirmish.
“The NBA is full of very awful basketball this year” stated Sir Charles. I don’t subscribe to the Barkley view all though I can agree there are several bad teams including my Lakers. Back to the Robertson hornets nest there were fewer teams in the NBA when Robertson first arrived, there were only 18 teams when he retired. This is a double-edged sword, if we just look at expansion its likely there are guys in the NBA now that may have been cut from the 1960 Cincinnati Royals. They may have been cut because they were not good enough to earn a spot on an 8-team NBA. In any event I hope this is the last time you catch me writing this type of article.
Blocked shots
NBA players have been blocking shots since the beginning of time; we can credit one player for it to become noteworthy and that is Celtic legend Bill Russell. Russell arrived in the NBA in 1956-57 however for unknown reasons the NBA didn’t track blocked shots as they did points, rebounds and assists. We have no clear idea of the number of shots Russell or Wilt Chamberlain blocked. In the 1973-74 season the NBA begin first tracking blocked shots. Russell retired at the end of the 1969 season while Chamberlain retired the year prior to adoption of the blocked shot.
The shot-block leaders this season to date are Hassan Whiteside with 3.92, DeAndre Jordan at 2.26 and Anthony Davis 2.19. The NBA’s top three all-time block shot leaders in order are Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Consider this bit of information Abdul Jabbar is listed in third place however he began his NBA career four years before the league began tracking blocked shots. Just like Russell and Wilt who entered the NBA earlier we have no idea how many blocked shots Abdul Jabbar registered.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
He said it
Phil Jackson is fully prepared for the voices of criticism that will follow. He provided the media a “State of the Knicks” address the other day. This is a snap shot of his comments and not intended to be a word for word statement. “The Knicks don’t need a point guard; the triangle offense doesn’t require one. We were successful in Chicago and Los Angeles without a true point guard. Kurt Rambis is capable of coaching the Knicks on a permanent basis; Finally I intend to fulfill my contract with the Knicks I am not headed to Los Angeles.” I’m sure not one portion of Phil Jackson’s statement is satisfactory to Knick fans or folks in general. Is this Phil being Phil who revels in teasing the media, all I can say is I’m glad I’m not Phil Jackson.
The NFL?
Nate Robinson all 5-9 185 pounds of him wants to play in the NFL despite no previous experience. This veteran NBA guard last played in 2015 and had a 10-year career with several teams. As for the football question he played defensive back one year at the University of Washington; think he’s too short to play DB? Robinson was twice NBA Slam Dunk Champ so he certainly has leaping ability to go up against wide receivers. The only question at age 31 does he have any gas left in the tank.
A second chance
We guess Derek Fisher is financially secure for the time being. We might assume at some point the former Knicks coach will interview for a coaching job. After a less than impressive year and a half at the helm of the Knicks will any NBA team be willing to offer him a job? He wanted to clear the air regarding his altercation with Matt Barnes earlier this year so he responded to questions about the incident.
Fisher claims the altercation had nothing to do with him being fired and I’m willing to accept his statement. Fisher will not be working for me so I can accept his explanation it might be more difficult for a potential employer to accept. I believe everyone deserves a second chance or maybe a third so here’s hoping Fisher is hired somewhere in the future.
Little change
Rutgers decided to fire alum Eddie Jordan after three years. He leaves after a 22-67 record which includes a 7-24 (1-17 conference) in 2015-16. You remember the story why Jordan was hired don’t you? He replaced the fired Mike Rice; Rice had been accused of abusing several members of the Rutgers basketball team. Video surfaced detailed the former coach firing a basketball at one of his players, it wasn‘t just the one issue there were other reports of abuse. As for Jordan his team win total decreased each of his three years at the helm.
Okay
I don’t remember which Rams player made the statement recently. It’s likely you are aware the NFL Rams are moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles for the upcoming football season. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to be a Clippers fan or Laker fan” was the players’ remark. That’s interesting however my difficulty is there really a decision required? The Clippers are winning right now so the inclination would be to join their fan base. The Lakers are losers but have NBA Championships and tradition in their history, which is more important?
He said it
Phil Jackson is fully prepared for the voices of criticism that will follow. He provided the media a “State of the Knicks” address the other day. This is a snap shot of his comments and not intended to be a word for word statement. “The Knicks don’t need a point guard; the triangle offense doesn’t require one. We were successful in Chicago and Los Angeles without a true point guard. Kurt Rambis is capable of coaching the Knicks on a permanent basis; Finally I intend to fulfill my contract with the Knicks I am not headed to Los Angeles.” I’m sure not one portion of Phil Jackson’s statement is satisfactory to Knick fans or folks in general. Is this Phil being Phil who revels in teasing the media, all I can say is I’m glad I’m not Phil Jackson.
The NFL?
Nate Robinson all 5-9 185 pounds of him wants to play in the NFL despite no previous experience. This veteran NBA guard last played in 2015 and had a 10-year career with several teams. As for the football question he played defensive back one year at the University of Washington; think he’s too short to play DB? Robinson was twice NBA Slam Dunk Champ so he certainly has leaping ability to go up against wide receivers. The only question at age 31 does he have any gas left in the tank.
A second chance
We guess Derek Fisher is financially secure for the time being. We might assume at some point the former Knicks coach will interview for a coaching job. After a less than impressive year and a half at the helm of the Knicks will any NBA team be willing to offer him a job? He wanted to clear the air regarding his altercation with Matt Barnes earlier this year so he responded to questions about the incident.
Fisher claims the altercation had nothing to do with him being fired and I’m willing to accept his statement. Fisher will not be working for me so I can accept his explanation it might be more difficult for a potential employer to accept. I believe everyone deserves a second chance or maybe a third so here’s hoping Fisher is hired somewhere in the future.
Little change
Rutgers decided to fire alum Eddie Jordan after three years. He leaves after a 22-67 record which includes a 7-24 (1-17 conference) in 2015-16. You remember the story why Jordan was hired don’t you? He replaced the fired Mike Rice; Rice had been accused of abusing several members of the Rutgers basketball team. Video surfaced detailed the former coach firing a basketball at one of his players, it wasn‘t just the one issue there were other reports of abuse. As for Jordan his team win total decreased each of his three years at the helm.
Okay
I don’t remember which Rams player made the statement recently. It’s likely you are aware the NFL Rams are moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles for the upcoming football season. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to be a Clippers fan or Laker fan” was the players’ remark. That’s interesting however my difficulty is there really a decision required? The Clippers are winning right now so the inclination would be to join their fan base. The Lakers are losers but have NBA Championships and tradition in their history, which is more important?
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Trading Places
Eddie Murphy made a movie released in 1983 titled “Trading Places”, two wealthy brothers made a bet with one another they could take a man off the street and turn him into a sophisticated gentleman. That was fiction this is real life, NBA teams trading players hope this will prove beneficial for them. The downside of a trade sometimes one team gains an advantage. There are circumstances, often a veteran player forces a trade in the instance of Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the Lakers. Sometimes a trade is simply swapping the draft rights (Scottie Pippen) for another teams draft rights.
In other instances a team is owed a draft pick from a prior trade which occurred with the Lakers. With the Cavs pick acquired in a trade they drafted James Worthy. In fairness a number of the players exchanged went on to successful careers Vlade Divac as an example however we must state Kobe Bryant had the more successful career. It should be noted the Hawks traded Bill Russell to the Celtics and he led the Celtics to multiple NBA Championships. Russell would be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as were Cliff Hagen and Ed Macauley who came in the trade. The players in bold are in the Hall of Fame except Kobe and Dirk, they will be enshrined at a future date.
Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant
Olden Polynice for *Scottie Pippen
Don Ford traded for James Worthy
Robert “Tractor” for *Dirk Nowitzki
Jack Marin for Elvin Hayes
Charlie Paulk & Flynn Robinson for Oscar Robertson
Connie Dierking, Paul Neumann & Lee Shaffer plus cash for Wilt Chamberlain
*draft rights traded
Bits n Pieces
Po-ten-tial, that’s the word for Robert Upshaw Los Angeles D-Fenders center. The 7 footer had issues at Fresno State and the University of Washington. He left Washington expecting to be drafted in 2015 which didn’t occur. The Lakers signed him to their Summer League team and later to the D-Fenders. Upshaw’s game is raw after playing a limited number of at two different colleges. Upshaw may turn into another Hassan Whiteside just sayin’ don’t mean it’s gonna happen. He says; “I Want To Prove I Should’ve Been Drafted.”
The Bulls Derrick Rose is mere shadow of himself; the Rose we witnessed in 2010-11 is long gone. Injuries have robbed the point guard of much of his explosiveness. Please don’t construe this as an obituary Rose is only 27 years old and likely has another five or six years remaining in the NBA. The guy wearing Bulls jersey number one is a silhouette of his former self.
The feud continues to rage once again, Superman versus Superman. Shaquille O’Neal long considered one of his alter egos Superman, along comes this kid out of high school and he said “I’m Superman.” My reference is Dwight Howard back in the Orlando days. I’ve got to believe this is Shaq more than Howard when he tweeted; “There can be only 1 Superman !!! #ME”
Interesting Kansas has signed a home and home series with former Big 12 rival Kansas. Kansas has already played former Colorado which also left the Big 12 several years ago. Kansas will have played or scheduled two former conference members, left to play are Texas A&M and Mizzou. The date for Kansas to play A&M is yet to be scheduled however Kansas will face Mizzou when Hell freezes over!
East coast bias in the Midwest kinda
Allow me to clear up the confusing headline. In this portion of the nation there are a number of complaints about teams in this area overlooked. The baseball Royals win the World Series and the Mets are more discussed in the off season. In fact the Cubs who didn’t make it to the series have been more discussed than the Royals. How about the NFL, after losing their first few games of the season the Chiefs proceeded to win something like 11 games in a row.
Only fans in the Kansas City area were excited, the Cowboys going nowhere were a prime topic on the talk shows. Now that I’ve got that out of the way the Midwest bias talk of the Big 12 being the best basketball conference in the nation. Sorry fans not so, the conference is very good but we can debate its strength. Other than Kansas when is the last time a team advanced to the Sweet 16? The local sports media has blinders on whenever Big 12 basketball is discussed.
Practically nobody saw the game
Speaking of Big Men we held a discussion the other day on Wilt Chamberlain scoring. I said; “Did you know there is no video or tape of Wilt’s 100 point game?” The three guys with me could not believe the words that came out of my mouth. March 2, 1962 Warriors 169 Knicks 147 the game was played in Hershey (PA) before a massive crowd of 4,124 hearty souls. This was the “dark-ages” for the NBA years prior to the advent of cable/satellite coverage. Even broadcast television was limited in 1962; there is a radio broadcast of the game that remains. I would guess tape of the game must be included in the Naismith Hall of Fame in addition there is a photo of Wilt holding up a piece of player with 100 on it.
Trading Places
Eddie Murphy made a movie released in 1983 titled “Trading Places”, two wealthy brothers made a bet with one another they could take a man off the street and turn him into a sophisticated gentleman. That was fiction this is real life, NBA teams trading players hope this will prove beneficial for them. The downside of a trade sometimes one team gains an advantage. There are circumstances, often a veteran player forces a trade in the instance of Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the Lakers. Sometimes a trade is simply swapping the draft rights (Scottie Pippen) for another teams draft rights.
In other instances a team is owed a draft pick from a prior trade which occurred with the Lakers. With the Cavs pick acquired in a trade they drafted James Worthy. In fairness a number of the players exchanged went on to successful careers Vlade Divac as an example however we must state Kobe Bryant had the more successful career. It should be noted the Hawks traded Bill Russell to the Celtics and he led the Celtics to multiple NBA Championships. Russell would be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as were Cliff Hagen and Ed Macauley who came in the trade. The players in bold are in the Hall of Fame except Kobe and Dirk, they will be enshrined at a future date.
Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant
Olden Polynice for *Scottie Pippen
Don Ford traded for James Worthy
Robert “Tractor” for *Dirk Nowitzki
Jack Marin for Elvin Hayes
Charlie Paulk & Flynn Robinson for Oscar Robertson
Connie Dierking, Paul Neumann & Lee Shaffer plus cash for Wilt Chamberlain
*draft rights traded
Bits n Pieces
Po-ten-tial, that’s the word for Robert Upshaw Los Angeles D-Fenders center. The 7 footer had issues at Fresno State and the University of Washington. He left Washington expecting to be drafted in 2015 which didn’t occur. The Lakers signed him to their Summer League team and later to the D-Fenders. Upshaw’s game is raw after playing a limited number of at two different colleges. Upshaw may turn into another Hassan Whiteside just sayin’ don’t mean it’s gonna happen. He says; “I Want To Prove I Should’ve Been Drafted.”
The Bulls Derrick Rose is mere shadow of himself; the Rose we witnessed in 2010-11 is long gone. Injuries have robbed the point guard of much of his explosiveness. Please don’t construe this as an obituary Rose is only 27 years old and likely has another five or six years remaining in the NBA. The guy wearing Bulls jersey number one is a silhouette of his former self.
The feud continues to rage once again, Superman versus Superman. Shaquille O’Neal long considered one of his alter egos Superman, along comes this kid out of high school and he said “I’m Superman.” My reference is Dwight Howard back in the Orlando days. I’ve got to believe this is Shaq more than Howard when he tweeted; “There can be only 1 Superman !!! #ME”
Interesting Kansas has signed a home and home series with former Big 12 rival Kansas. Kansas has already played former Colorado which also left the Big 12 several years ago. Kansas will have played or scheduled two former conference members, left to play are Texas A&M and Mizzou. The date for Kansas to play A&M is yet to be scheduled however Kansas will face Mizzou when Hell freezes over!
East coast bias in the Midwest kinda
Allow me to clear up the confusing headline. In this portion of the nation there are a number of complaints about teams in this area overlooked. The baseball Royals win the World Series and the Mets are more discussed in the off season. In fact the Cubs who didn’t make it to the series have been more discussed than the Royals. How about the NFL, after losing their first few games of the season the Chiefs proceeded to win something like 11 games in a row.
Only fans in the Kansas City area were excited, the Cowboys going nowhere were a prime topic on the talk shows. Now that I’ve got that out of the way the Midwest bias talk of the Big 12 being the best basketball conference in the nation. Sorry fans not so, the conference is very good but we can debate its strength. Other than Kansas when is the last time a team advanced to the Sweet 16? The local sports media has blinders on whenever Big 12 basketball is discussed.
Practically nobody saw the game
Speaking of Big Men we held a discussion the other day on Wilt Chamberlain scoring. I said; “Did you know there is no video or tape of Wilt’s 100 point game?” The three guys with me could not believe the words that came out of my mouth. March 2, 1962 Warriors 169 Knicks 147 the game was played in Hershey (PA) before a massive crowd of 4,124 hearty souls. This was the “dark-ages” for the NBA years prior to the advent of cable/satellite coverage. Even broadcast television was limited in 1962; there is a radio broadcast of the game that remains. I would guess tape of the game must be included in the Naismith Hall of Fame in addition there is a photo of Wilt holding up a piece of player with 100 on it.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Is he a dirty player?
Does Chris Paul become frustrated at times during games? You better bet the same as any other player in the NBA. Does he attempt to gain an advantage by questionable tactics? Wednesday night against the Thunder he hit Durant in the zone referred to as the groin, if you’ve ever been hit there you know. Paul had the same issue with Marc Gasol in a playoff game issuing a blow a little higher to the Grizzlie center. Last year against the Blazers Chris Kaman he hit the center in the same region which prompted both benches to empty. There was an earlier incident at Wake Forest which caused him to be suspended for one game. NBA players are always complaining to officials about being fouled so it was no surprise Durant complained. Is Paul a dirty player cannot be answered by me only the NBA? Let’s wait and see if he suffers any repercussions from the NBA office.
You must face the consequences of your actions
Remember the story I told about the Lakers-Warriors game on Sunday? A friend indicated he was going home to watch it and I said why? “The final score Warriors 130 Lakers 90 maybe 100.” As you are aware the final score and the winning team was opposite of my prediction. I saw George on Wednesday and informed him I’d taken a nap and hadn’t bothered with watching the game. I told him I‘d said to myself on Sunday night; “I sure hope he doesn’t call me tonight.”
How much time to allow?
King Rice serves as head basketball coach at Monmouth University (NJ); the Hawks lead the MAAC standings and will likely represent in the NCAA base of the conference post season tournament. Rice is in his fourth year at the helm and Monmouth is experiencing its first winning season under his watch. Rice is under consideration in some circles for Coach of the Year. Circumstances all are not the same with every program; the question is how much time should a college coach be allowed to turn a program around? I pose this question because there is grumbling around Tigerville regarding Mizzou’s Kim Anderson. Anderson is in the process of completing his second year at the helm. A number of the reports indicate Anderson should be terminated. Before this was completed Mizzou’s AD announced the coach would return for this third year.
The University of San Francisco decided eight years was enough as they chose to fire Rex Walters, his record at USF 126-125 (.502). In this microwave/internet/instagram/twitter world we live in we expect instant results. Hit click and send, toss your food in the microwave and its ready in 5 minutes. Duke basketball is one of the most successful programs in the nation but that’s not always been the case. At the time Coach K. took over the program his first three years his teams were 38-47 wonder if alum and fans were happy. Billy Donovan was hired at “football” Florida but changed the culture there, his first two years the Gators were 27-32. Frank Martin’s team has a winning record this year; the first three South Carolina was 45-54. My point is a coach inheriting a program must be given adequate time to implement his program and recruit his players. NOTE: As this was being completed St. Louis University fired Jim Crews after four years on the job.
An enigma
Russell Westbrook had a game for the ages against the Clippers, 25 points 20 assists and 11 rebounds. One of the most talented players in the NBA provided us proof once again. That’s the problem, for me there is something with Westbrook that says “he still doesn’t get it.” Remember the Clint Eastwood movie classic “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”? That’s Westbrook for me, Wednesday’s game was outstanding then we’ve witnessed those poor shooting games and then the self destruct games we’ve also witnessed. Those critical turnovers or the game where he takes shot after shot and misses while overlooking teammates for a pass.
Is he a dirty player?
Does Chris Paul become frustrated at times during games? You better bet the same as any other player in the NBA. Does he attempt to gain an advantage by questionable tactics? Wednesday night against the Thunder he hit Durant in the zone referred to as the groin, if you’ve ever been hit there you know. Paul had the same issue with Marc Gasol in a playoff game issuing a blow a little higher to the Grizzlie center. Last year against the Blazers Chris Kaman he hit the center in the same region which prompted both benches to empty. There was an earlier incident at Wake Forest which caused him to be suspended for one game. NBA players are always complaining to officials about being fouled so it was no surprise Durant complained. Is Paul a dirty player cannot be answered by me only the NBA? Let’s wait and see if he suffers any repercussions from the NBA office.
You must face the consequences of your actions
Remember the story I told about the Lakers-Warriors game on Sunday? A friend indicated he was going home to watch it and I said why? “The final score Warriors 130 Lakers 90 maybe 100.” As you are aware the final score and the winning team was opposite of my prediction. I saw George on Wednesday and informed him I’d taken a nap and hadn’t bothered with watching the game. I told him I‘d said to myself on Sunday night; “I sure hope he doesn’t call me tonight.”
How much time to allow?
King Rice serves as head basketball coach at Monmouth University (NJ); the Hawks lead the MAAC standings and will likely represent in the NCAA base of the conference post season tournament. Rice is in his fourth year at the helm and Monmouth is experiencing its first winning season under his watch. Rice is under consideration in some circles for Coach of the Year. Circumstances all are not the same with every program; the question is how much time should a college coach be allowed to turn a program around? I pose this question because there is grumbling around Tigerville regarding Mizzou’s Kim Anderson. Anderson is in the process of completing his second year at the helm. A number of the reports indicate Anderson should be terminated. Before this was completed Mizzou’s AD announced the coach would return for this third year.
The University of San Francisco decided eight years was enough as they chose to fire Rex Walters, his record at USF 126-125 (.502). In this microwave/internet/instagram/twitter world we live in we expect instant results. Hit click and send, toss your food in the microwave and its ready in 5 minutes. Duke basketball is one of the most successful programs in the nation but that’s not always been the case. At the time Coach K. took over the program his first three years his teams were 38-47 wonder if alum and fans were happy. Billy Donovan was hired at “football” Florida but changed the culture there, his first two years the Gators were 27-32. Frank Martin’s team has a winning record this year; the first three South Carolina was 45-54. My point is a coach inheriting a program must be given adequate time to implement his program and recruit his players. NOTE: As this was being completed St. Louis University fired Jim Crews after four years on the job.
An enigma
Russell Westbrook had a game for the ages against the Clippers, 25 points 20 assists and 11 rebounds. One of the most talented players in the NBA provided us proof once again. That’s the problem, for me there is something with Westbrook that says “he still doesn’t get it.” Remember the Clint Eastwood movie classic “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”? That’s Westbrook for me, Wednesday’s game was outstanding then we’ve witnessed those poor shooting games and then the self destruct games we’ve also witnessed. Those critical turnovers or the game where he takes shot after shot and misses while overlooking teammates for a pass.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
He said what?
Long ago I realized sports talk is often unscripted; on the other hand it’s not rocket science either. With those two observations I wonder how a football player turned broadcaster could ask such a stupid question. Mike Golic of Mike & Mike had basketball analyst Jay Williams as a guest on their program. Golic focused on one of the issues of Ben Simmons and his grade issues. This matter caused Simmons to sit out portion of a game; in addition he was declared ineligible for the Wooden award.
Golic said something similar to this; “I understand he (Simmons) is likely a one and done player but should the class issue reflect on his draft status?” I could have answered the question for Golic, “The NBA doesn’t care about his academics they care if he can be coached and if he can play at this level.” Needless to say the NBA along with other pro sports desires players of high character, missing a class is not likely to set off any alarms. I certainly could think of more serious issues which might cause the NBA to hesitate on drafting Simmons. This is a none issue for the NBA me and I’m sure several others.
Stop if you’ve heard this previously
Dwight Howard wants to play for ________. You can fill in the blank with the team you believe might be the best fit. Reports are circulating Howard wants to go to New York and play for the Knicks. Let’s see if we can begin a count once again, he fell out with his coach in Orlando and forced a trade. After a year playing with the Lakers he left in free-agency pointing a finger at Kobe. We cannot be certain but this might be accurate, Kobe may have questioned the seriousness of his conditioning and effort.
Free agent Howard departed Los Angeles for the Rockets with James Harden already dominating the basketball. After three years in Houston he is ready to move once again. Howard is now 30 with 11 years of wear and tear on his body, is he worth the amount of money the Knicks would be forced to pay? He still a talent when motivated but that’s the question, it’s likely when we compile a list of all-time centers his name will be there but no place toward the top of the list.
The game
Pau Gasol did not shoot particularly well from the floor (4-14), the balance of his game made up for his poor shooting. 12 points, 17 rebounds, 13 assists, 1 steal and 5 block shots as the Bulls beat the Bucks 100 to 90.
He’s every where
It seems every time I turn on my television to a sports event Kevin Harlin is conducting the play by play. I tune to the NBA on TNT and hear his voice; later in the week I check in with CBS Sports for a college game and hear his voice once again. Often this can occur two or three times a week, “Is the guy ever at home I wonder.” We claim him as a local guy; he was born in Wisconsin although suburban Kansas City is now his home. After graduation from Kansas University Harlin began his radio-television broadcast career for the Kansas City Kings in 1982. He would later become the radio voice of the NFL Chiefs where he remained for a number of years.
Next Harlin would move north to Minnesota were he became the voice for Wolves basketball. The rest is history as he moved into all phases of sports broadcasting. Harlan broadcast NFL football for a time but appears most comfortable covering college and NBA basketball. Down time for Harlin is the end of the NBA/College Basketball season up to the beginning of pre-season NFL. Marv Albert has always been the number one broadcaster due to his long association with NBA basketball, there is now tie Albert is 1A and Harlin is 1B. Harlin has now leaped ahead of the late Chick Hearn legendary Laker broadcaster in my view.
Tournament time
It’s that time of the year and it’s appropriate to establish some historical facts on the post-season tournaments. The NCAA Division One Tournament commands the most attention but it’s not always been in the forefront. Two other tournaments pre-date it but now play second banana to the more prestigious NCAA Tournament. The initial start date for the first NCAA Division One tourney dates back to 1939. The tourney is rotated annually once upon a time Kansas City (MO) served as host for the most number of tournament held. A year earlier (1938) the National Invitation Tournament was first played in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The second oldest post-season tournament has suffered in recent years in national fan interest. As the NCAA expanded the number of teams less and less quality teams would appear in the NIT. Finally we arrive at the oldest basketball tournament in the nation the NAIA which represented smaller schools throughout the nation. The tournament has been held continuously since 1937 (1944 being the exception) in Kansas City (MO) except for an eight year period. In 2002 the NAIA Tournament returned to Kansas City and has remained in place since that time.
He said what?
Long ago I realized sports talk is often unscripted; on the other hand it’s not rocket science either. With those two observations I wonder how a football player turned broadcaster could ask such a stupid question. Mike Golic of Mike & Mike had basketball analyst Jay Williams as a guest on their program. Golic focused on one of the issues of Ben Simmons and his grade issues. This matter caused Simmons to sit out portion of a game; in addition he was declared ineligible for the Wooden award.
Golic said something similar to this; “I understand he (Simmons) is likely a one and done player but should the class issue reflect on his draft status?” I could have answered the question for Golic, “The NBA doesn’t care about his academics they care if he can be coached and if he can play at this level.” Needless to say the NBA along with other pro sports desires players of high character, missing a class is not likely to set off any alarms. I certainly could think of more serious issues which might cause the NBA to hesitate on drafting Simmons. This is a none issue for the NBA me and I’m sure several others.
Stop if you’ve heard this previously
Dwight Howard wants to play for ________. You can fill in the blank with the team you believe might be the best fit. Reports are circulating Howard wants to go to New York and play for the Knicks. Let’s see if we can begin a count once again, he fell out with his coach in Orlando and forced a trade. After a year playing with the Lakers he left in free-agency pointing a finger at Kobe. We cannot be certain but this might be accurate, Kobe may have questioned the seriousness of his conditioning and effort.
Free agent Howard departed Los Angeles for the Rockets with James Harden already dominating the basketball. After three years in Houston he is ready to move once again. Howard is now 30 with 11 years of wear and tear on his body, is he worth the amount of money the Knicks would be forced to pay? He still a talent when motivated but that’s the question, it’s likely when we compile a list of all-time centers his name will be there but no place toward the top of the list.
The game
Pau Gasol did not shoot particularly well from the floor (4-14), the balance of his game made up for his poor shooting. 12 points, 17 rebounds, 13 assists, 1 steal and 5 block shots as the Bulls beat the Bucks 100 to 90.
He’s every where
It seems every time I turn on my television to a sports event Kevin Harlin is conducting the play by play. I tune to the NBA on TNT and hear his voice; later in the week I check in with CBS Sports for a college game and hear his voice once again. Often this can occur two or three times a week, “Is the guy ever at home I wonder.” We claim him as a local guy; he was born in Wisconsin although suburban Kansas City is now his home. After graduation from Kansas University Harlin began his radio-television broadcast career for the Kansas City Kings in 1982. He would later become the radio voice of the NFL Chiefs where he remained for a number of years.
Next Harlin would move north to Minnesota were he became the voice for Wolves basketball. The rest is history as he moved into all phases of sports broadcasting. Harlan broadcast NFL football for a time but appears most comfortable covering college and NBA basketball. Down time for Harlin is the end of the NBA/College Basketball season up to the beginning of pre-season NFL. Marv Albert has always been the number one broadcaster due to his long association with NBA basketball, there is now tie Albert is 1A and Harlin is 1B. Harlin has now leaped ahead of the late Chick Hearn legendary Laker broadcaster in my view.
Tournament time
It’s that time of the year and it’s appropriate to establish some historical facts on the post-season tournaments. The NCAA Division One Tournament commands the most attention but it’s not always been in the forefront. Two other tournaments pre-date it but now play second banana to the more prestigious NCAA Tournament. The initial start date for the first NCAA Division One tourney dates back to 1939. The tourney is rotated annually once upon a time Kansas City (MO) served as host for the most number of tournament held. A year earlier (1938) the National Invitation Tournament was first played in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The second oldest post-season tournament has suffered in recent years in national fan interest. As the NCAA expanded the number of teams less and less quality teams would appear in the NIT. Finally we arrive at the oldest basketball tournament in the nation the NAIA which represented smaller schools throughout the nation. The tournament has been held continuously since 1937 (1944 being the exception) in Kansas City (MO) except for an eight year period. In 2002 the NAIA Tournament returned to Kansas City and has remained in place since that time.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
“A stopped clock is correct twice a day”
The connection to the above title most of the time I disagree with the basketball opinions of Stephen A. Smith. On occasion he makes a statement I can agree with. He says; “The Warriors are playing at a level to disprove the skeptics. Last season with no Kyrie (Irving) and Kevin Love people believed the Warriors win was confounded by Cavs injuries.”
From my perspective if a team wins they win regardless of my feelings. I can see Smith’s point I’m sure there are a few probably Cavs fans who adopt a wouda, shouda, couda approach to the 2015 NBA Championship. By the way Smith’s predicted the Thunder to beat the Warriors in their February 27th game. This is written prior to the game so we shall witness the outcome together. NOTE: The Warriors beat the Thunder so much for Smith’s prediction.
Euro contingent plus one
Kristaps Porzingis was a surprise pick being drafted so high, his name was not unknown. A number of mock draft sites listed him, I don’t believe anyone had an idea he would adjust to the NBA so quickly but he was not an unknown. I peruse the mock draft sites so I’m not caught “off-guard” with any first round through the middle of the second round. This should not be considered complete there are players who were missed however my hope was to list those with the most upside.
Dragan Bender playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv has already been mentioned because he’s likely to be a lottery pick. Jakob Poelti from Austria is playing at Utah he might not be lottery but is likely to be an early first round pick. Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis 6-10 power forward from Lithuania might be a middle first round choice. There are other nations represented on college campuses but this list is not intended to be complete. In addition you might not hear all the names called because some may withdraw their names.
Timothe Luwawu 6-7 guard France
Furkan Korkmaz 6-7 guard Turkey
Zhou Qi 7-1 center China
Isiaia Cordinier 6-5 guard France
Juan Hernangomez 6-9 forward Spain
Petr Cornelie 6-11 forward France
Ivica Zubac 7-0 center Bosina and Herzegovina
Paul Zipser 6-8 forward Germany
Guerschon Yabusele 6-8 forward France
Am I excited?
Not yet, wait for it wait for it is the dialogue of most Laker fans. The 112-95 win over the Warriors was certainly noteworthy; they haven’t beaten a good team in a long, long time. I’m not going to fool myself the Warriors miss a tremendous number of shots something not likely to occur again. The youthful team’s strength is concentrated in the backcourt as evidenced by Jordan Clarkson’s 25 points and D’Angelo Russell’s 21. Julius Randle at power forward is also a keeper as he continues to enhance his game. In a technical sense Randle is a rookie having missed all of last season with an injury. His current 11.5 ppg and 10 rebounds a game bodes well for him. The 6-9 250 pound former Kentucky Wildcat has laid claim to the power forward position.
This trio along with Larry Nance Jr. represents the Laker future. Am I excited, not yet however I believe the team is better prepared for the future with a few moves? 1. Finish the season to secure at least the number three draft pick. This is not a done deal there are factors that could affect how the team completes the season. 2. Securing the draft position draft wisely. 3. Move Jim Buss out of his decision making position. 4. I have gone back and forth on Byron Scott as coach I’m making no call on him leaving or remaining. This is the problem as I see it, Popovich chews out the Spurs and they might say; “Well he’s won umpteenth NBA Championships so he must know what he’s talking about. “ Scott does the same and the players might say; “What has he won as a coach? “
“A stopped clock is correct twice a day”
The connection to the above title most of the time I disagree with the basketball opinions of Stephen A. Smith. On occasion he makes a statement I can agree with. He says; “The Warriors are playing at a level to disprove the skeptics. Last season with no Kyrie (Irving) and Kevin Love people believed the Warriors win was confounded by Cavs injuries.”
From my perspective if a team wins they win regardless of my feelings. I can see Smith’s point I’m sure there are a few probably Cavs fans who adopt a wouda, shouda, couda approach to the 2015 NBA Championship. By the way Smith’s predicted the Thunder to beat the Warriors in their February 27th game. This is written prior to the game so we shall witness the outcome together. NOTE: The Warriors beat the Thunder so much for Smith’s prediction.
Euro contingent plus one
Kristaps Porzingis was a surprise pick being drafted so high, his name was not unknown. A number of mock draft sites listed him, I don’t believe anyone had an idea he would adjust to the NBA so quickly but he was not an unknown. I peruse the mock draft sites so I’m not caught “off-guard” with any first round through the middle of the second round. This should not be considered complete there are players who were missed however my hope was to list those with the most upside.
Dragan Bender playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv has already been mentioned because he’s likely to be a lottery pick. Jakob Poelti from Austria is playing at Utah he might not be lottery but is likely to be an early first round pick. Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis 6-10 power forward from Lithuania might be a middle first round choice. There are other nations represented on college campuses but this list is not intended to be complete. In addition you might not hear all the names called because some may withdraw their names.
Timothe Luwawu 6-7 guard France
Furkan Korkmaz 6-7 guard Turkey
Zhou Qi 7-1 center China
Isiaia Cordinier 6-5 guard France
Juan Hernangomez 6-9 forward Spain
Petr Cornelie 6-11 forward France
Ivica Zubac 7-0 center Bosina and Herzegovina
Paul Zipser 6-8 forward Germany
Guerschon Yabusele 6-8 forward France
Am I excited?
Not yet, wait for it wait for it is the dialogue of most Laker fans. The 112-95 win over the Warriors was certainly noteworthy; they haven’t beaten a good team in a long, long time. I’m not going to fool myself the Warriors miss a tremendous number of shots something not likely to occur again. The youthful team’s strength is concentrated in the backcourt as evidenced by Jordan Clarkson’s 25 points and D’Angelo Russell’s 21. Julius Randle at power forward is also a keeper as he continues to enhance his game. In a technical sense Randle is a rookie having missed all of last season with an injury. His current 11.5 ppg and 10 rebounds a game bodes well for him. The 6-9 250 pound former Kentucky Wildcat has laid claim to the power forward position.
This trio along with Larry Nance Jr. represents the Laker future. Am I excited, not yet however I believe the team is better prepared for the future with a few moves? 1. Finish the season to secure at least the number three draft pick. This is not a done deal there are factors that could affect how the team completes the season. 2. Securing the draft position draft wisely. 3. Move Jim Buss out of his decision making position. 4. I have gone back and forth on Byron Scott as coach I’m making no call on him leaving or remaining. This is the problem as I see it, Popovich chews out the Spurs and they might say; “Well he’s won umpteenth NBA Championships so he must know what he’s talking about. “ Scott does the same and the players might say; “What has he won as a coach? “
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Is there an issue?
Over the weekend a story broke concerning LSU’s Ben Simmons, he was declared ineligible for the John Wooden award due to academics. I believe a student attends an institution of higher education with the intent to graduate. In this sports-driven society that view is not reality, a significant number of athletes attend college with the intent of an NFL or NBA career. If I read or hear stories similar to Simmons they don’t upset me. That’s not to say I don’t expect decent behavior I do no drinking, drugs or misbehaving, that outlook applies to non-athletes as well.
I heard one respondent state; “They need to change the rules.” My question is why; the rules clearly state an athlete must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to be eligible for the award. Why should we even be concerned about this exclusion, the grade issue and the Wooden award are just blips on Simmons bio. If Simmons should go on to a successful NBA career this time next year no one (including me) will remember the Wooden award issue.
Is he worth it?
This is an admission up front I haven’t seen a great number of Hassan Whiteside’s games. If we just check the numbers they are outstanding for a Big Man in this day of “small-ball.” SI.com’s Rob Mahoney (whom I respect) questions the validity of paying Whiteside $20 million dollars this summer when he becomes a free agent. Mahoney claims Whiteside has a number of defensive decencies and questions if teams will overlook them. With Wade and Bosh (out now) Whiteside has become the third option offensively but they don’t require him to score (13.2 ppg).
As for the balance of his numbers, .614 field goal percentage, 11.7 rebounds and the league leader in blocked shots 3.90 per game. Whiteside has set the Heat single game block shot record with 12 blocked shots. He is an average free-throw (.607) shooter who could stand improvement at the line. The defensive short-comings Mahoney points out are most likely legitimate. As a general manager I would sign him realizing his game might not be as complete as I’d like, a good “Big Man” coach could tutor him in the areas of his shortcomings.
Please people
Bill Self wins the Big 12 every season; Self is a very successful coach. Generally speaking Coach of the Year is awarded when your team exceeds expectations. The Kansas Jayhawks were “stuck” in the middle of the season but were still winners. The Texas Tech Red Raiders were 14-18 (6-12), 13-19 (3-15) and this year 19-11 (9-9) with one conference game remaining. Tubby Smith inherited a team which had lost 20 games the year prior to his arrival; I believe he deserved to win the award. I take this stand despite the commentary from much of the Kansas City sports media and fans. Kansas City Star reporter Blair Kerkhoff didn’t agree with the masses stating the vote was correct from his position.
Next door
Former Mizzou coach Norm Stewart once asked about his team. “We don’t get McDonald’s All-Americans but we eat at McDonald’s.” Mizzou is never going to attract players to its program in a manner similar to next door neighbor Kansas. The Jayhawks have a national and international footprint freshmen sometimes recruit themselves. Mizzou has three players on the way this fall and they are awarded three stars by Rivals, can they become winners? At this point I have no idea however two of the three have height which Mizzou downright needs. A little interior defense wouldn’t hurt either.
There is 6-10 Mitchell Smith a skinny 195 pounds (can you say weight room). Smith is from Van Buren Arkansas so he “escaped” from Mike Richardson and his Arkansas Razorbacks. Also arriving is Reed Nikko 6-9 and also light at 210 pounds, he’s from Maple Grove a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul. From the Buckeye State Cleveland to be precise is Willie Jackson a 6-6 215 pound small forward. I once held an argument with a Mizzou fan who was upset with the recruiting. Jack’s view Mizzou should be recruiting more inside the state. My counter point; “It’s six one way and ½ dozen another” the bottom line for me was and is winning.
Is there an issue?
Over the weekend a story broke concerning LSU’s Ben Simmons, he was declared ineligible for the John Wooden award due to academics. I believe a student attends an institution of higher education with the intent to graduate. In this sports-driven society that view is not reality, a significant number of athletes attend college with the intent of an NFL or NBA career. If I read or hear stories similar to Simmons they don’t upset me. That’s not to say I don’t expect decent behavior I do no drinking, drugs or misbehaving, that outlook applies to non-athletes as well.
I heard one respondent state; “They need to change the rules.” My question is why; the rules clearly state an athlete must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to be eligible for the award. Why should we even be concerned about this exclusion, the grade issue and the Wooden award are just blips on Simmons bio. If Simmons should go on to a successful NBA career this time next year no one (including me) will remember the Wooden award issue.
Is he worth it?
This is an admission up front I haven’t seen a great number of Hassan Whiteside’s games. If we just check the numbers they are outstanding for a Big Man in this day of “small-ball.” SI.com’s Rob Mahoney (whom I respect) questions the validity of paying Whiteside $20 million dollars this summer when he becomes a free agent. Mahoney claims Whiteside has a number of defensive decencies and questions if teams will overlook them. With Wade and Bosh (out now) Whiteside has become the third option offensively but they don’t require him to score (13.2 ppg).
As for the balance of his numbers, .614 field goal percentage, 11.7 rebounds and the league leader in blocked shots 3.90 per game. Whiteside has set the Heat single game block shot record with 12 blocked shots. He is an average free-throw (.607) shooter who could stand improvement at the line. The defensive short-comings Mahoney points out are most likely legitimate. As a general manager I would sign him realizing his game might not be as complete as I’d like, a good “Big Man” coach could tutor him in the areas of his shortcomings.
Please people
Bill Self wins the Big 12 every season; Self is a very successful coach. Generally speaking Coach of the Year is awarded when your team exceeds expectations. The Kansas Jayhawks were “stuck” in the middle of the season but were still winners. The Texas Tech Red Raiders were 14-18 (6-12), 13-19 (3-15) and this year 19-11 (9-9) with one conference game remaining. Tubby Smith inherited a team which had lost 20 games the year prior to his arrival; I believe he deserved to win the award. I take this stand despite the commentary from much of the Kansas City sports media and fans. Kansas City Star reporter Blair Kerkhoff didn’t agree with the masses stating the vote was correct from his position.
Next door
Former Mizzou coach Norm Stewart once asked about his team. “We don’t get McDonald’s All-Americans but we eat at McDonald’s.” Mizzou is never going to attract players to its program in a manner similar to next door neighbor Kansas. The Jayhawks have a national and international footprint freshmen sometimes recruit themselves. Mizzou has three players on the way this fall and they are awarded three stars by Rivals, can they become winners? At this point I have no idea however two of the three have height which Mizzou downright needs. A little interior defense wouldn’t hurt either.
There is 6-10 Mitchell Smith a skinny 195 pounds (can you say weight room). Smith is from Van Buren Arkansas so he “escaped” from Mike Richardson and his Arkansas Razorbacks. Also arriving is Reed Nikko 6-9 and also light at 210 pounds, he’s from Maple Grove a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul. From the Buckeye State Cleveland to be precise is Willie Jackson a 6-6 215 pound small forward. I once held an argument with a Mizzou fan who was upset with the recruiting. Jack’s view Mizzou should be recruiting more inside the state. My counter point; “It’s six one way and ½ dozen another” the bottom line for me was and is winning.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
I'm shocked
A friend informed me this morning; "I'm going home and watch the Lakers and Warriors." I said; "Why bother I can give you the score ahead of time, the Warriors will score 130 points and the Lakers will score 90 maybe 100." As I returned home I watched the
pre-game portion and then said to myself; "Why waste my time watching my team lose again." I woke up turned the television on and almost fell out of bed, Lakers 112 Warriors 95. I've got to watch it tomorrow on NBA TV since I didn't see one minute of the game. I sure hope George doesn't remember our conversation from earlier today and calls me tonight.
Okay we believe you
I’ve mentioned on several occasions I believe the Blazers Damian Lillard plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ignored when he was drafted out of Weber State, snubbed as an All-Star this year I could go on and on. His team lost against the Raptors but Lillard’s game was certainly worth note. Lillard scored 50 points shooting .571 from floor and .462 from the 3-point line; did I forget his .923 from the free-throw line and 5 assists?
Forbes
The financial magazine listed the top 50 sports teams’ net worth. It included all the worlds’ sports franchises for 2015 NFL, MLB, NHL, soccer and others. Real Madrid was number one however the others were surprising. Would you believe the list contained 10 NBA franchises? This certainly was surprising news to me. The Lakers were the highest tied for sixth place, the Knicks were eight. Chicago’s Bulls were tied for 14 and the others were ranked down to the Mavs tied for 49th place.
A Kansas (City) connection
Ishmail Wainwright is not a well known name he’s a junior at Baylor University. Wainwright played a portion of his high school basketball at Raytown South in Raytown (MO) a Kansas City suburb. He left here to complete high school at Montrose Christian Academy in Rockville (MD) believing this move would raise his game. He would commit to Baylor and the rest is history, as for the connection. On the eve of the Kansas-Baylor game Wainwright announced “I have a Kansas connection.”
His grandfather Maurice King played on the same Kansas team with the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.” Wainwright’s grandfather had a brief NBA career playing for the Celtics and Chicago Zephyrs. He also played for the Kansas City Steers of the ABL. After King’s basketball career was complete he went to work in the private sector working for Hallmark Cards, King died in 2007 at age 72. NOTE: The Zephyrs would later move to Baltimore and be re-named the Bullets and is today’s Wizards franchise.
He was special
The parents must have loved the Pistons Isiah Thomas or maybe it was just accidental. In any event the Celtics Isaiah (note the difference in spelling) is a 2016 All-Star despite being the number 60 (and last pick) in the 2011 draft. Thomas faced the same questions about his game as under players under 6 feet. The 5-9 point guard proved immediately he could play at the NBA level. Thomas in his sixth year his lowest ppg average was his rookie year with the Kings at 11.5, in addition he’s not just a scoring machine.
His assist average has continued to rise and this year so far he’s at 6.8 assists per game. Thomas left the Kings in a sign and trade deal to the Suns. The Celtics would acquire the diminutive point guard in a trade which provided questions. The Celtics would appear overloaded with point guards, it’s likely one or more will be moving on. I doubt seriously if Isaiah Thomas is the player moving.
Is this really an issue?
There are times our expectations are beyond the ability of the player based on circumstances. I’ve mentioned on several occasions the concerns express by the media and basketball fans the Lakers had made a mistake drafting D’Angelo Russell. “He wasn’t adjusting to like in the NBA” was among the more tame comments made about his ability. Nobody bothered to point out Russell was a teenager with one year of experience at Ohio State.
We could make the same statement regarding Ben Simmons, this time it’s not his shooting or lack of aggressiveness. LSU will miss the NCAA Tournament and it was pointed out; “This will be the first time an NBA number one draft pick will have not played in the NCAA Tournament.” No matter how good Simmons is or for that matter anyone else it’s still a team game. LSU teammates must bare a portion of the blame alone with Coach Johnny Jones for the Tigers failure to reach the NCAA.
I'm shocked
A friend informed me this morning; "I'm going home and watch the Lakers and Warriors." I said; "Why bother I can give you the score ahead of time, the Warriors will score 130 points and the Lakers will score 90 maybe 100." As I returned home I watched the
pre-game portion and then said to myself; "Why waste my time watching my team lose again." I woke up turned the television on and almost fell out of bed, Lakers 112 Warriors 95. I've got to watch it tomorrow on NBA TV since I didn't see one minute of the game. I sure hope George doesn't remember our conversation from earlier today and calls me tonight.
Okay we believe you
I’ve mentioned on several occasions I believe the Blazers Damian Lillard plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ignored when he was drafted out of Weber State, snubbed as an All-Star this year I could go on and on. His team lost against the Raptors but Lillard’s game was certainly worth note. Lillard scored 50 points shooting .571 from floor and .462 from the 3-point line; did I forget his .923 from the free-throw line and 5 assists?
Forbes
The financial magazine listed the top 50 sports teams’ net worth. It included all the worlds’ sports franchises for 2015 NFL, MLB, NHL, soccer and others. Real Madrid was number one however the others were surprising. Would you believe the list contained 10 NBA franchises? This certainly was surprising news to me. The Lakers were the highest tied for sixth place, the Knicks were eight. Chicago’s Bulls were tied for 14 and the others were ranked down to the Mavs tied for 49th place.
A Kansas (City) connection
Ishmail Wainwright is not a well known name he’s a junior at Baylor University. Wainwright played a portion of his high school basketball at Raytown South in Raytown (MO) a Kansas City suburb. He left here to complete high school at Montrose Christian Academy in Rockville (MD) believing this move would raise his game. He would commit to Baylor and the rest is history, as for the connection. On the eve of the Kansas-Baylor game Wainwright announced “I have a Kansas connection.”
His grandfather Maurice King played on the same Kansas team with the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.” Wainwright’s grandfather had a brief NBA career playing for the Celtics and Chicago Zephyrs. He also played for the Kansas City Steers of the ABL. After King’s basketball career was complete he went to work in the private sector working for Hallmark Cards, King died in 2007 at age 72. NOTE: The Zephyrs would later move to Baltimore and be re-named the Bullets and is today’s Wizards franchise.
He was special
The parents must have loved the Pistons Isiah Thomas or maybe it was just accidental. In any event the Celtics Isaiah (note the difference in spelling) is a 2016 All-Star despite being the number 60 (and last pick) in the 2011 draft. Thomas faced the same questions about his game as under players under 6 feet. The 5-9 point guard proved immediately he could play at the NBA level. Thomas in his sixth year his lowest ppg average was his rookie year with the Kings at 11.5, in addition he’s not just a scoring machine.
His assist average has continued to rise and this year so far he’s at 6.8 assists per game. Thomas left the Kings in a sign and trade deal to the Suns. The Celtics would acquire the diminutive point guard in a trade which provided questions. The Celtics would appear overloaded with point guards, it’s likely one or more will be moving on. I doubt seriously if Isaiah Thomas is the player moving.
Is this really an issue?
There are times our expectations are beyond the ability of the player based on circumstances. I’ve mentioned on several occasions the concerns express by the media and basketball fans the Lakers had made a mistake drafting D’Angelo Russell. “He wasn’t adjusting to like in the NBA” was among the more tame comments made about his ability. Nobody bothered to point out Russell was a teenager with one year of experience at Ohio State.
We could make the same statement regarding Ben Simmons, this time it’s not his shooting or lack of aggressiveness. LSU will miss the NCAA Tournament and it was pointed out; “This will be the first time an NBA number one draft pick will have not played in the NCAA Tournament.” No matter how good Simmons is or for that matter anyone else it’s still a team game. LSU teammates must bare a portion of the blame alone with Coach Johnny Jones for the Tigers failure to reach the NCAA.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Bits n Pieces
Unofficially he is the number one prospect in the Class of 2016. 7 foot Thon Maker is attending high school in Canada and Rivals plus other prospect sites don’t list his name, no matter he’s still a 5-star prospect. Maker reduced his list of prospective schools to six and will begin today with a visit to Kansas. The other schools on his list and in no order of visits are: UNLV, Indiana, Arizona State, St. John’s and Notre Dame.
I’ve mentioned Oklahoma City is only 5 hours drive-time from Kansas City, MOKAN Elite is one of the larger AAU teams in the local area. Big news today as it was announced Thunder forward Kevin Durant has signed on to become an official sponsor of MOKAN Elite. The AAU team is comprised of players from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Josh Jackson is down to three schools, Michigan State, Arizona and Kansas. The 6-7 guard from Napa (CA) is rated the number one prospect in the Class of 2016. He indicates he will make a decision by the end of March. Jackson is originally from Detroit but moved to California to play for Prolific Prep. My best guess it’s probably going to be Kansas however it could be Michigan State.
Sonny Vaccaro states the shoe deal for Ben Simmons will be higher than any in history. Just in case the name Vaccaro is unfamiliar a brief account, he was the marketing guy for Nike who signed Michael Jordan to the brand. Vaccaro might be responsible (or blame) for the large shoe contract explosion for players, coaches and AAU teams.
Kansas City basketball
The city had pro basketball before the ABA and prior to the arrival of the NBA Kings. The Kansas City Steers were a member of the American Basketball League from 1961 through December 31, 1963. It should not be confused with the American Basketball Association which came into existence in 1967. The ABL was founded by the late Abe Saperstein the original owner of the Harlem Globetrotters. A brief detailed history in connection with the Steers franchise. In the 1950’s up through the late ‘60’s the NBA was not the draw it is today, there was a nationally telecast Game of the Week on Sunday but few other occasions the NBA was on television. In order to draw fans to many NBA games Saperstein would have his Globetrotters play a preliminary game prior to the NBA event. This arrangement was made between the NBA and Saperstein based on a promise.
The promise once the NBA expanded Saperstein would be awarded a franchise which never came about. The Globetrotter owner upset decided to start his own league. The ABL had 8 times which was about the same number of teams in the 1961 NBA. The ABL had a number of firsts; the late John McClendon not Bill Russell was the first African American coach of a major pro team. McClendon would coach the Cleveland Pipers the 1961 and 1962 seasons. The Piper owner was the late George Steinbrenner who would later gain fame as the owner of the baseball Yankees. The 3-point basket originated with the ABL not the ABA four years later. As for the Steers they would play for the 1962 championship but lose to the Pipers. There was no championship the following year the Steers were declared 1963 ABL Champions finishing in first place.
Conspiracy theory
This is a Laker quietly hoping the team fails to secure the top draft choice. Allow me to briefly explain my madness, LSU’s Ben Simmons will be the pick and then the howling will begin. “They (NBA) fixed the draft to make the Lakers relevant again!” Think I’m crazy, a number of you might not remember the 1985 NBA Draft. The Knicks were terrible (sorta like now) when they were awarded the number one pick; stories begin circulating almost immediately the Knicks had an advantage.
As the draft lottery was being hailed that afternoon the late Dave DeBusschere then vice-president of the Knicks reached into the hopper which contained a “bent” card. The same scenario took place in 2003 although there was not as much hoopla; do you remember the top choice that year? I’ll save you it was LeBron James and yes the Cavs were a bad team too. LeBron the consensus top choice that year was from the neighboring city of Akron about 45 minutes or so drive-time from Cleveland.
Bits n Pieces
Unofficially he is the number one prospect in the Class of 2016. 7 foot Thon Maker is attending high school in Canada and Rivals plus other prospect sites don’t list his name, no matter he’s still a 5-star prospect. Maker reduced his list of prospective schools to six and will begin today with a visit to Kansas. The other schools on his list and in no order of visits are: UNLV, Indiana, Arizona State, St. John’s and Notre Dame.
I’ve mentioned Oklahoma City is only 5 hours drive-time from Kansas City, MOKAN Elite is one of the larger AAU teams in the local area. Big news today as it was announced Thunder forward Kevin Durant has signed on to become an official sponsor of MOKAN Elite. The AAU team is comprised of players from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Josh Jackson is down to three schools, Michigan State, Arizona and Kansas. The 6-7 guard from Napa (CA) is rated the number one prospect in the Class of 2016. He indicates he will make a decision by the end of March. Jackson is originally from Detroit but moved to California to play for Prolific Prep. My best guess it’s probably going to be Kansas however it could be Michigan State.
Sonny Vaccaro states the shoe deal for Ben Simmons will be higher than any in history. Just in case the name Vaccaro is unfamiliar a brief account, he was the marketing guy for Nike who signed Michael Jordan to the brand. Vaccaro might be responsible (or blame) for the large shoe contract explosion for players, coaches and AAU teams.
Kansas City basketball
The city had pro basketball before the ABA and prior to the arrival of the NBA Kings. The Kansas City Steers were a member of the American Basketball League from 1961 through December 31, 1963. It should not be confused with the American Basketball Association which came into existence in 1967. The ABL was founded by the late Abe Saperstein the original owner of the Harlem Globetrotters. A brief detailed history in connection with the Steers franchise. In the 1950’s up through the late ‘60’s the NBA was not the draw it is today, there was a nationally telecast Game of the Week on Sunday but few other occasions the NBA was on television. In order to draw fans to many NBA games Saperstein would have his Globetrotters play a preliminary game prior to the NBA event. This arrangement was made between the NBA and Saperstein based on a promise.
The promise once the NBA expanded Saperstein would be awarded a franchise which never came about. The Globetrotter owner upset decided to start his own league. The ABL had 8 times which was about the same number of teams in the 1961 NBA. The ABL had a number of firsts; the late John McClendon not Bill Russell was the first African American coach of a major pro team. McClendon would coach the Cleveland Pipers the 1961 and 1962 seasons. The Piper owner was the late George Steinbrenner who would later gain fame as the owner of the baseball Yankees. The 3-point basket originated with the ABL not the ABA four years later. As for the Steers they would play for the 1962 championship but lose to the Pipers. There was no championship the following year the Steers were declared 1963 ABL Champions finishing in first place.
Conspiracy theory
This is a Laker quietly hoping the team fails to secure the top draft choice. Allow me to briefly explain my madness, LSU’s Ben Simmons will be the pick and then the howling will begin. “They (NBA) fixed the draft to make the Lakers relevant again!” Think I’m crazy, a number of you might not remember the 1985 NBA Draft. The Knicks were terrible (sorta like now) when they were awarded the number one pick; stories begin circulating almost immediately the Knicks had an advantage.
As the draft lottery was being hailed that afternoon the late Dave DeBusschere then vice-president of the Knicks reached into the hopper which contained a “bent” card. The same scenario took place in 2003 although there was not as much hoopla; do you remember the top choice that year? I’ll save you it was LeBron James and yes the Cavs were a bad team too. LeBron the consensus top choice that year was from the neighboring city of Akron about 45 minutes or so drive-time from Cleveland.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
“I’m from Missouri”
Doc Rivers assessment of the Clippers in the Yahoo Sports piece was interesting; I’m not going to critique the piece. I will simply remind you of the headline above part of the motto for the State of Missouri. The complete motto reads; I’m from Missouri you’ll have to show me states; “I’m extremely skeptical you’ll have to prove it.” I would expect a sitting coach to defend his or her team I would expect Rivers to do that. If I had Doc sitting next to me I’d simply say okay prove it.
Dictionary.COM
Your legacy
Our past efforts become part of our legacy be it good or bad, we hope well. It was pointed out this is Carmelo Anthony year five in New York City. What is his legacy as a member of the Knicks? It will not matter if LeBron James never wins another NBA Championship his legacy will state he won two NBA Championships. In addition it will state he is one of the all-time great NBA players. Kobe Bryant love him or hate him he’s a five time NBA Champion, its funny I read letters from fans giving every Laker on the team credit for the championships except Kobe.
Sorry buddy it doesn’t work that way you might hate Kobe but you cannot ignore the championships. How about others, Patrick Ewing was never able to lead the Knicks to a championship yet will go down in history as one of the all-time great NBA centers. The same might be stated for Charles Barkley who never won a championship. Barkley the “mouth that roared” stood 6-4 and ½ but was one of the greats at rebounding for his height. Barkley averaged nearly 12 rebounds a season for his 16 year NBA career. Those are but a few of the players that stand out but there are numerous others omitted or overlooked in this short account.
What to do?
The 2016 NBA Draft might be the most critical in Laker history; at the rate they are losing they should finish with the third worst record. Simply stated they maintain the draft choice rather than surrendering it. Kobe Bryant will be in the rear-view mirror as the Laker sedan speeds down the road. I cannot determine the depth of the team until it’s complete. Jordan Clarkson is established at the shooting guard, D’Angelo Russell is likely the starter at the point and Julius Randle is the power forward. Small forward and the center position are unfilled however at least one could possible be finalized.
The experts indicate the Lakers will chose Duke small forward Brandon Ingram, then again they could fool us similar to last year. The NBA Combine and individual workouts will be the deciding factor but just pretend both have occurred. There is thin 7-1 Dragan Bender playing at Maccabi Tel Aviv or 7 foot Jacob Poelti at Utah, another large body to consider is Maryland’s Diamond Stone also 7 feet tall but even a larger body at 255 pounds. I have no idea if any of the prospects mentioned has an NBA future, see the confusion on my part? In addition all will have an adjustment period to NBA play.
No question for me
Steph Curry is having one of those historical years in the NBA. There is mention of him being named most improved player. I say that’s foolish, Steph was remarkable last season as his Warrior team won the NBA Championship. To say he’s “improved” over last season that’s debatable. Blazer C.J. McCollum would be a much better choice, in case you are not familiar with him a brief update. McCollum is a 6-4 shooting guard and he was drafted in the first round from Lehigh University in 2013.
His first year in the NBA he scored 5.3 ppg, last season he raised his shooting a bit to 6.8 ppg. This season he and Damian Lillard have formed one of the most dangerous scoring backcourts in the NBA. McCollum at this writing is scoring at a 20.9 per game clip with a PER of 17.75. I’m going to attempt to include PER (Player Efficiency Rating) going forward. As a reminder this is a measurement devised by John Hollinger to determine a players value to his team, the NBA average PER is 15.0.
“I’m from Missouri”
Doc Rivers assessment of the Clippers in the Yahoo Sports piece was interesting; I’m not going to critique the piece. I will simply remind you of the headline above part of the motto for the State of Missouri. The complete motto reads; I’m from Missouri you’ll have to show me states; “I’m extremely skeptical you’ll have to prove it.” I would expect a sitting coach to defend his or her team I would expect Rivers to do that. If I had Doc sitting next to me I’d simply say okay prove it.
Dictionary.COM
Your legacy
Our past efforts become part of our legacy be it good or bad, we hope well. It was pointed out this is Carmelo Anthony year five in New York City. What is his legacy as a member of the Knicks? It will not matter if LeBron James never wins another NBA Championship his legacy will state he won two NBA Championships. In addition it will state he is one of the all-time great NBA players. Kobe Bryant love him or hate him he’s a five time NBA Champion, its funny I read letters from fans giving every Laker on the team credit for the championships except Kobe.
Sorry buddy it doesn’t work that way you might hate Kobe but you cannot ignore the championships. How about others, Patrick Ewing was never able to lead the Knicks to a championship yet will go down in history as one of the all-time great NBA centers. The same might be stated for Charles Barkley who never won a championship. Barkley the “mouth that roared” stood 6-4 and ½ but was one of the greats at rebounding for his height. Barkley averaged nearly 12 rebounds a season for his 16 year NBA career. Those are but a few of the players that stand out but there are numerous others omitted or overlooked in this short account.
What to do?
The 2016 NBA Draft might be the most critical in Laker history; at the rate they are losing they should finish with the third worst record. Simply stated they maintain the draft choice rather than surrendering it. Kobe Bryant will be in the rear-view mirror as the Laker sedan speeds down the road. I cannot determine the depth of the team until it’s complete. Jordan Clarkson is established at the shooting guard, D’Angelo Russell is likely the starter at the point and Julius Randle is the power forward. Small forward and the center position are unfilled however at least one could possible be finalized.
The experts indicate the Lakers will chose Duke small forward Brandon Ingram, then again they could fool us similar to last year. The NBA Combine and individual workouts will be the deciding factor but just pretend both have occurred. There is thin 7-1 Dragan Bender playing at Maccabi Tel Aviv or 7 foot Jacob Poelti at Utah, another large body to consider is Maryland’s Diamond Stone also 7 feet tall but even a larger body at 255 pounds. I have no idea if any of the prospects mentioned has an NBA future, see the confusion on my part? In addition all will have an adjustment period to NBA play.
No question for me
Steph Curry is having one of those historical years in the NBA. There is mention of him being named most improved player. I say that’s foolish, Steph was remarkable last season as his Warrior team won the NBA Championship. To say he’s “improved” over last season that’s debatable. Blazer C.J. McCollum would be a much better choice, in case you are not familiar with him a brief update. McCollum is a 6-4 shooting guard and he was drafted in the first round from Lehigh University in 2013.
His first year in the NBA he scored 5.3 ppg, last season he raised his shooting a bit to 6.8 ppg. This season he and Damian Lillard have formed one of the most dangerous scoring backcourts in the NBA. McCollum at this writing is scoring at a 20.9 per game clip with a PER of 17.75. I’m going to attempt to include PER (Player Efficiency Rating) going forward. As a reminder this is a measurement devised by John Hollinger to determine a players value to his team, the NBA average PER is 15.0.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
“Ice water in his veins”
You may be unfamiliar with the headline above the explanation is simple. No matter the time left in the game the player is willing to take a difficult or clutch shot. We can certainly make that statement about Steph Curry especially this season. By the time you read this he may have accomplished the task again but his winning shot against the Thunder was a thing of beauty. I’ve watched it over and over again, Mike Breen during the play by play said; “They (Warriors) do have a time-out remaining decide not to use it Curry way downtown bang bang oh what a shot by Curry with .6 of second remaining.”
There is debate on the distance of the shot it continues to creep slowly upward it’s been reported as anywhere from 28 to 32 feet away from the basket. Let’s just say it was nearer than the distance from Chesapeake Arena to Dell City Oklahoma via I-40E (6.3 miles). If you witnessed it in person or saw it on television the shot was all net. No high bounce and then drop no rolling around the basket in a manner similar to a whirlpool. The shot went in cleanly and my only thought the guy has “ice water in his veins.” He’s unfazed with taking a critical shot to end the overtime game.
Straight outta Compton---I meant college!
With the exception of Larry Brown the success of college coaches in the past has been checkered. We shouldn’t really count Brown as a college coach because he’s coached in the ABA, NBA and college. Based on past history I was skeptical when the Celtics hired Brad Stevens with no past NBA experience, I waited to see how the former Butler coach would adapt. There is no NBA Championship banner hanging in the TD Garden yet but Stevens has adapted and is on his way to re-building the Celtic brand. Last spring the Bulls hired Fred Hoiberg from Iowa State and the Thunder hired Billy Donovan from Florida.
I adopted a wait and see attitude regarding both, I said to myself; “Both have long time experience as college coaches.” Hoiberg and Donovan played in the NBA however Hoiberg’s career was slightly longer than Donovan. Both would later surface as college coaches and successful ones with Billy the Kid winning two NCAA Championships at Florida. The NBA season is almost complete and I’m not sure what to believe about the Bulls or the Thunder. In fairness to both coaches Injuries have impacted their respective teams however it appears Donovan’s Thunder might be the only one to reach the playoffs. If I were issuing grades Donavan receives a C+ and Hoiberg a C.
?????
Two of the most talented but puzzling teams in the NBA met on Wednesday night. The Thunder faced the Clippers in Los Angeles; the game appeared to be well in hand for the home team. With a 20 point lead at stages into the 3rd quarter I had to go to bed the clock was creeping toward 12:00 a.m. in the Midwest. This morning I was surprised to discover the Thunder had blown a 22-point lead, they held the lead into the fourth quarter. I didn’t check the record but believe its source, it’s reported the 76ers lead the NBA in losses after a fourth quarter lead. The second place team is the Thunder, surprised I was.
A second chance?
Michael Beasley was chosen foreign MVP in the Chinese Basketball Association. It figures a call might be coming from the NBA, it came from the Rockets. This transaction may be a good move-bad move development for the Rockets. There is no doubt Beasley has talent and motivated could help the team, on the other hand adding him to the Harden-Howard mix could prove interesting.
He saved the program
Scott Drew saved Baylor basketball; the program had run off a cliff under former Coach Dave Bliss. Drew took over in 2003 and the program was on probation until 2010. Scholarships and recruiting visits were restricted until the year 2007. Somebody might ask did Drew have a screw lose why take over a program in such a mess, I‘ve never read why maybe he wanted the challenge. The first three years of Drew’s tenure Baylor won a total of 21 games while losing 63.
Year four began the turn-around for the program as they finished 15-16. Since the 2007-08 season Baylor has never won less than 21 games the exception was 2010-11 finishing 18-13. That was the only season the team failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. As this is written Baylor is 17-4 and will likely have their ticket punched once again for the “Big Dance.” A salute to Scott Drew a coach who is successful but travels beneath the radar.
“Ice water in his veins”
You may be unfamiliar with the headline above the explanation is simple. No matter the time left in the game the player is willing to take a difficult or clutch shot. We can certainly make that statement about Steph Curry especially this season. By the time you read this he may have accomplished the task again but his winning shot against the Thunder was a thing of beauty. I’ve watched it over and over again, Mike Breen during the play by play said; “They (Warriors) do have a time-out remaining decide not to use it Curry way downtown bang bang oh what a shot by Curry with .6 of second remaining.”
There is debate on the distance of the shot it continues to creep slowly upward it’s been reported as anywhere from 28 to 32 feet away from the basket. Let’s just say it was nearer than the distance from Chesapeake Arena to Dell City Oklahoma via I-40E (6.3 miles). If you witnessed it in person or saw it on television the shot was all net. No high bounce and then drop no rolling around the basket in a manner similar to a whirlpool. The shot went in cleanly and my only thought the guy has “ice water in his veins.” He’s unfazed with taking a critical shot to end the overtime game.
Straight outta Compton---I meant college!
With the exception of Larry Brown the success of college coaches in the past has been checkered. We shouldn’t really count Brown as a college coach because he’s coached in the ABA, NBA and college. Based on past history I was skeptical when the Celtics hired Brad Stevens with no past NBA experience, I waited to see how the former Butler coach would adapt. There is no NBA Championship banner hanging in the TD Garden yet but Stevens has adapted and is on his way to re-building the Celtic brand. Last spring the Bulls hired Fred Hoiberg from Iowa State and the Thunder hired Billy Donovan from Florida.
I adopted a wait and see attitude regarding both, I said to myself; “Both have long time experience as college coaches.” Hoiberg and Donovan played in the NBA however Hoiberg’s career was slightly longer than Donovan. Both would later surface as college coaches and successful ones with Billy the Kid winning two NCAA Championships at Florida. The NBA season is almost complete and I’m not sure what to believe about the Bulls or the Thunder. In fairness to both coaches Injuries have impacted their respective teams however it appears Donovan’s Thunder might be the only one to reach the playoffs. If I were issuing grades Donavan receives a C+ and Hoiberg a C.
?????
Two of the most talented but puzzling teams in the NBA met on Wednesday night. The Thunder faced the Clippers in Los Angeles; the game appeared to be well in hand for the home team. With a 20 point lead at stages into the 3rd quarter I had to go to bed the clock was creeping toward 12:00 a.m. in the Midwest. This morning I was surprised to discover the Thunder had blown a 22-point lead, they held the lead into the fourth quarter. I didn’t check the record but believe its source, it’s reported the 76ers lead the NBA in losses after a fourth quarter lead. The second place team is the Thunder, surprised I was.
A second chance?
Michael Beasley was chosen foreign MVP in the Chinese Basketball Association. It figures a call might be coming from the NBA, it came from the Rockets. This transaction may be a good move-bad move development for the Rockets. There is no doubt Beasley has talent and motivated could help the team, on the other hand adding him to the Harden-Howard mix could prove interesting.
He saved the program
Scott Drew saved Baylor basketball; the program had run off a cliff under former Coach Dave Bliss. Drew took over in 2003 and the program was on probation until 2010. Scholarships and recruiting visits were restricted until the year 2007. Somebody might ask did Drew have a screw lose why take over a program in such a mess, I‘ve never read why maybe he wanted the challenge. The first three years of Drew’s tenure Baylor won a total of 21 games while losing 63.
Year four began the turn-around for the program as they finished 15-16. Since the 2007-08 season Baylor has never won less than 21 games the exception was 2010-11 finishing 18-13. That was the only season the team failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. As this is written Baylor is 17-4 and will likely have their ticket punched once again for the “Big Dance.” A salute to Scott Drew a coach who is successful but travels beneath the radar.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
Wow
Several outstanding and serviceable rookies have begun their NBA careers with the Lakers. Without research there have been two Hall of Fame inductees and a third is waiting to be enshrined (Kobe). You know most of the names, Kobe, James Worthy, Magic Johnson and several others who would become key players; Byron Scott, Nick Van Exel, Andrew Bynum and Eddie Jones to name just a few. I once heard someone state; “You can’t term ____ a rookie when he’s played ¾’s of the season.”
In any event point guard D’Angelo Russell now a starter scored 39 points against the Nets leading the Lakers to victory. His point total was the highest total scored by a Laker rookie since 1959 when Elgin Baylor scored 55 for the Minneapolis Lakers. Before it appears I’m rushing to judgment Russell still has much to improve his stock as an NBA player but the youngster definitely has talent. This game was for all the naysayer’s who claimed the Lakers made a mistake drafting him.
NBA back courts
Last week I wrote “The Blazers might have the second best back court in the NBA.” I didn’t name the top back court however I believe that to be the Warrior combo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. After careful consideration there might be a 2a and 2b team. I’ve been critical of the Clippers all year but I’m not going to make a negative statement regarding their back court. Point guard Chris Paul and shooting guard J.J. Redick might be right up there with the Blazer court, just an opinion doesn’t make it correct.
They missed the tourney too
LSU and Ben Simmons might miss the NCAA Tournament this season. Much discussion has centered on the fact the potential number one pick in the 2016 draft would be missing. According to ESPN this wouldn’t be the first time a number one pick failed to appear in the tournament. Doug Collins and Mychal Thompson also missed the tourney; Collins playing at Illinois State would become the first choice of the 76ers in 1973.
Klay Thompson’s dad was the number one pick from the University of Minnesota by the Blazers in 1987. Both Collins and Thompson went on to successful NBA careers despite their teams’ failure to appear in the NCAA Tournament. The truth is the networks are probably looking at the ratings picture, they are hoping LSU and Simmons make an appearance to enhance television viewer ship. Despite his teams so-so record the hype surrounding Simmons remains at a high level
Can he be saved?
I loved Byron Scott the Laker guard, Byron Scott the Laker coach is another story. Losses by the Lakers continue to mount as we move from January into February and now March. The balance of this month two weeks in April and the 2015-16 concludes for the Lakers. Last season with no Kobe from December through the end of the season the Lakers managed a 21-61 record. A good draft, a couple of free-agent signings and the return of Kobe expectations were high this season.
I don’t believe any Laker fan expected them to be playoff contenders but the team would be improved over the previous season. Expectations did not become reality as the team has stumbled throughout the season. This is written prior to tonight’s game, the Lakers stand 11-49. With 22 games remaining can they win 10 of them to tie last year’s record? As for Scott I believe he’s a “Dead man walking.” I would be shocked if Laker management retains him next season on the other hand.
Wow
Several outstanding and serviceable rookies have begun their NBA careers with the Lakers. Without research there have been two Hall of Fame inductees and a third is waiting to be enshrined (Kobe). You know most of the names, Kobe, James Worthy, Magic Johnson and several others who would become key players; Byron Scott, Nick Van Exel, Andrew Bynum and Eddie Jones to name just a few. I once heard someone state; “You can’t term ____ a rookie when he’s played ¾’s of the season.”
In any event point guard D’Angelo Russell now a starter scored 39 points against the Nets leading the Lakers to victory. His point total was the highest total scored by a Laker rookie since 1959 when Elgin Baylor scored 55 for the Minneapolis Lakers. Before it appears I’m rushing to judgment Russell still has much to improve his stock as an NBA player but the youngster definitely has talent. This game was for all the naysayer’s who claimed the Lakers made a mistake drafting him.
NBA back courts
Last week I wrote “The Blazers might have the second best back court in the NBA.” I didn’t name the top back court however I believe that to be the Warrior combo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. After careful consideration there might be a 2a and 2b team. I’ve been critical of the Clippers all year but I’m not going to make a negative statement regarding their back court. Point guard Chris Paul and shooting guard J.J. Redick might be right up there with the Blazer court, just an opinion doesn’t make it correct.
They missed the tourney too
LSU and Ben Simmons might miss the NCAA Tournament this season. Much discussion has centered on the fact the potential number one pick in the 2016 draft would be missing. According to ESPN this wouldn’t be the first time a number one pick failed to appear in the tournament. Doug Collins and Mychal Thompson also missed the tourney; Collins playing at Illinois State would become the first choice of the 76ers in 1973.
Klay Thompson’s dad was the number one pick from the University of Minnesota by the Blazers in 1987. Both Collins and Thompson went on to successful NBA careers despite their teams’ failure to appear in the NCAA Tournament. The truth is the networks are probably looking at the ratings picture, they are hoping LSU and Simmons make an appearance to enhance television viewer ship. Despite his teams so-so record the hype surrounding Simmons remains at a high level
Can he be saved?
I loved Byron Scott the Laker guard, Byron Scott the Laker coach is another story. Losses by the Lakers continue to mount as we move from January into February and now March. The balance of this month two weeks in April and the 2015-16 concludes for the Lakers. Last season with no Kobe from December through the end of the season the Lakers managed a 21-61 record. A good draft, a couple of free-agent signings and the return of Kobe expectations were high this season.
I don’t believe any Laker fan expected them to be playoff contenders but the team would be improved over the previous season. Expectations did not become reality as the team has stumbled throughout the season. This is written prior to tonight’s game, the Lakers stand 11-49. With 22 games remaining can they win 10 of them to tie last year’s record? As for Scott I believe he’s a “Dead man walking.” I would be shocked if Laker management retains him next season on the other hand.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
The Big O
The 1961-62 NBA season Oscar Robertson was 30.8 ppg, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists for 79 games. He shot .478 from the floor, 80% from the free-throw line. Career numbers 25.7 ppg, 7.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists. 26,710 points, 7,804 rebounds and 9,887 assists. As for the 3-point basket it was not adopted by the NBA until the 1979-80 season.
The NFL
The 2016 Super Bowl was played February 7 it’s officially the last football of the season. Hold on there buckaroo not so quick, just because we are not playing the game doesn‘t mean it doesn‘t dominate conversation. Example during portions the NFL was a topic of discussion on ESPN’s Mike & Mike later on The Dan Patrick Show on NBCSN. This was continued on ESPN’s First Take and likely the rest of the day.
Where am I going with this rant to my favorite topic basketball in all its incantations? I’ve mentioned over and over an acquaintance questioned why I was writing about basketball 12 months of the year. The last NFL game was played over a month ago and we are still talking about football. I don’t dislike the NFL however it’s not my sport, I certainly wouldn’t consider myself an expert on basketball by any stretch of the imagination. With that said you; “Dance with the one that brung ya.”
The calendar has turned
It’s now March and you know what that involves, wild and crazy college basketball for the next month. I guess it can‘t really be any wilder than it has to date, they don’t call it “March Madness” for nothing.
Were does he stand?
One of the local sports stations posed the question; “Where does Bill Self rank with other coaches.” Self has been one of the most successful college coaches in recent memory however there is a question. In his 13 years at the helm his Kansas teams have won 30 or more games 6 times, his winning percentage as this is written is 373-82 (.820) in the Big 12 its 173-39 (.816). Outstanding numbers except that is the upside, out of that sterling record the 2008 NCAA Championship is it there are no multiple championships to date.
Coach K. at Duke is several years ahead of Self in the length of time he’s coached; there are five NCAA Championships on his resume. Roy Williams at North Carolina has two. Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Tom Izzo and Tubby Smith all have one championship. A number of former coaches also won a single championship. As for the others the NCAA win total is listed behind their name:
John Wooden 10---UCLA
Adolph Rupp four---Kentucky
Bobby Knight three---Indiana
Jim Calhoun three---UConn
Henry Iba two--- Oklahoma State
Denny Crum two---Louisville
This will sound as if it’s I hate Bill Self but that is not the case. The intent is to point out given time and wins his name is likely to be a better fit when discussing the legion of great coaches.
The Big O
The 1961-62 NBA season Oscar Robertson was 30.8 ppg, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists for 79 games. He shot .478 from the floor, 80% from the free-throw line. Career numbers 25.7 ppg, 7.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists. 26,710 points, 7,804 rebounds and 9,887 assists. As for the 3-point basket it was not adopted by the NBA until the 1979-80 season.
The NFL
The 2016 Super Bowl was played February 7 it’s officially the last football of the season. Hold on there buckaroo not so quick, just because we are not playing the game doesn‘t mean it doesn‘t dominate conversation. Example during portions the NFL was a topic of discussion on ESPN’s Mike & Mike later on The Dan Patrick Show on NBCSN. This was continued on ESPN’s First Take and likely the rest of the day.
Where am I going with this rant to my favorite topic basketball in all its incantations? I’ve mentioned over and over an acquaintance questioned why I was writing about basketball 12 months of the year. The last NFL game was played over a month ago and we are still talking about football. I don’t dislike the NFL however it’s not my sport, I certainly wouldn’t consider myself an expert on basketball by any stretch of the imagination. With that said you; “Dance with the one that brung ya.”
The calendar has turned
It’s now March and you know what that involves, wild and crazy college basketball for the next month. I guess it can‘t really be any wilder than it has to date, they don’t call it “March Madness” for nothing.
Were does he stand?
One of the local sports stations posed the question; “Where does Bill Self rank with other coaches.” Self has been one of the most successful college coaches in recent memory however there is a question. In his 13 years at the helm his Kansas teams have won 30 or more games 6 times, his winning percentage as this is written is 373-82 (.820) in the Big 12 its 173-39 (.816). Outstanding numbers except that is the upside, out of that sterling record the 2008 NCAA Championship is it there are no multiple championships to date.
Coach K. at Duke is several years ahead of Self in the length of time he’s coached; there are five NCAA Championships on his resume. Roy Williams at North Carolina has two. Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Tom Izzo and Tubby Smith all have one championship. A number of former coaches also won a single championship. As for the others the NCAA win total is listed behind their name:
John Wooden 10---UCLA
Adolph Rupp four---Kentucky
Bobby Knight three---Indiana
Jim Calhoun three---UConn
Henry Iba two--- Oklahoma State
Denny Crum two---Louisville
This will sound as if it’s I hate Bill Self but that is not the case. The intent is to point out given time and wins his name is likely to be a better fit when discussing the legion of great coaches.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Basketball from a fans perspective
“The Right Stuff”
Adapted from a Tom Wolfe novel “The Right Stuff” acquaints the reader with the early years of America’s space program. The book was adapted for a movie of the same name released in 1983. The challenge for the astronauts of that time did they have “The Right Stuff” to challenge the unknown. There are two NBA teams talented as they are I question if they have “The Right Stuff.” Both teams are Western Conference foes so I could be wrong one could possibly fool me advancing to play for the NBA Championship. The Clippers and Thunder are the teams in question and can either manage to play for an NBA Championship in 2016?
Bits n Pieces
I checked my usual mock draft sites, in addition I checked at least 10 other sites. All of them have the Lakers choosing Duke Freshman Brandon Ingram with the second pick in the 2016 draft. What do we know about Ingram, we can state he’s a McDonalds All-American and Rivals 5-star prospect? He’s 6-9 but a thin 195 pounds so can you say “weight room.” As this is written we can also say; 17.3 ppg and 6.8 rebounds a game.
This is guaranteed to create an argument; I believe the Blazers backcourt might be the second best in the NBA. The only backcourt that may be superior is the Golden State Warriors. Point guard Damian Lillard (25.0 and 7.3 assists) in his third year, shooting guard C.J. McCollum (20.9 and 4.3 assists) is in his second year. I was curious the number of NBA players from both schools. The information from basketball-reference.com indicates Lillard is the 9th NBA player from Weber State while McCollum is the first from Lehigh.
The drip of international players into the NBA has become a steady stream over the years. NBA.com indicates at the start of the 2015-16 NBA rosters contain 100 international players. Historically our northern neighbor Canada has produced the most over time with 32, Serbia is second with 24 and France third with 23. I was surprised to discover Australia tied with Brazil in fourth place with 17 players.
Turning the corner
The Thunder might be affected by this phenomena, I don’t know if it’s even valid just a belief on my part. A team strives to climb that mountain to success, their draft proves fruitful in addition they are able to secure able players in trades and free-agency. Sometimes these efforts prove successful and the team is able win a championship(s) other times they fall backward and never again play at a premium level. The Blazers are ascending now but they suffered this fate and fell back in 2012. This might be the case for the Thunder; they made the playoffs in Oklahoma for the first time in 2010.
They would lose in the first round to the Lakers. The next year the Thunder made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Mavericks. In 2012 they would finally make it too the top they would play for the NBA Championship. Facing the Heat the Thunder lost the series 4-1 but optimism remained. Since 2012 they have never made it past the conference finals, last season although they once again had a winning record missed the playoffs all-together. They will make the playoffs this year currently in third place in the Western Conference, how far will they advance this season?
Recommend to read
I wrote of the NBA in Canada on February 18 and Vancouver losing the franchise to Memphis. Gerald Narciso SI.com wrote an insightful piece on the NBA in the city. “Forgotten franchise: The demise of the Vancouver Grizzlies” Narciso provided facts for those too young to remember once upon a time there were two Canadian teams. Toronto and Vancouver came into the NBA as expansion teams one became a success the other. In any event Narciso provides valuable reading in my estimation.
“The Right Stuff”
Adapted from a Tom Wolfe novel “The Right Stuff” acquaints the reader with the early years of America’s space program. The book was adapted for a movie of the same name released in 1983. The challenge for the astronauts of that time did they have “The Right Stuff” to challenge the unknown. There are two NBA teams talented as they are I question if they have “The Right Stuff.” Both teams are Western Conference foes so I could be wrong one could possibly fool me advancing to play for the NBA Championship. The Clippers and Thunder are the teams in question and can either manage to play for an NBA Championship in 2016?
Bits n Pieces
I checked my usual mock draft sites, in addition I checked at least 10 other sites. All of them have the Lakers choosing Duke Freshman Brandon Ingram with the second pick in the 2016 draft. What do we know about Ingram, we can state he’s a McDonalds All-American and Rivals 5-star prospect? He’s 6-9 but a thin 195 pounds so can you say “weight room.” As this is written we can also say; 17.3 ppg and 6.8 rebounds a game.
This is guaranteed to create an argument; I believe the Blazers backcourt might be the second best in the NBA. The only backcourt that may be superior is the Golden State Warriors. Point guard Damian Lillard (25.0 and 7.3 assists) in his third year, shooting guard C.J. McCollum (20.9 and 4.3 assists) is in his second year. I was curious the number of NBA players from both schools. The information from basketball-reference.com indicates Lillard is the 9th NBA player from Weber State while McCollum is the first from Lehigh.
The drip of international players into the NBA has become a steady stream over the years. NBA.com indicates at the start of the 2015-16 NBA rosters contain 100 international players. Historically our northern neighbor Canada has produced the most over time with 32, Serbia is second with 24 and France third with 23. I was surprised to discover Australia tied with Brazil in fourth place with 17 players.
Turning the corner
The Thunder might be affected by this phenomena, I don’t know if it’s even valid just a belief on my part. A team strives to climb that mountain to success, their draft proves fruitful in addition they are able to secure able players in trades and free-agency. Sometimes these efforts prove successful and the team is able win a championship(s) other times they fall backward and never again play at a premium level. The Blazers are ascending now but they suffered this fate and fell back in 2012. This might be the case for the Thunder; they made the playoffs in Oklahoma for the first time in 2010.
They would lose in the first round to the Lakers. The next year the Thunder made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Mavericks. In 2012 they would finally make it too the top they would play for the NBA Championship. Facing the Heat the Thunder lost the series 4-1 but optimism remained. Since 2012 they have never made it past the conference finals, last season although they once again had a winning record missed the playoffs all-together. They will make the playoffs this year currently in third place in the Western Conference, how far will they advance this season?
Recommend to read
I wrote of the NBA in Canada on February 18 and Vancouver losing the franchise to Memphis. Gerald Narciso SI.com wrote an insightful piece on the NBA in the city. “Forgotten franchise: The demise of the Vancouver Grizzlies” Narciso provided facts for those too young to remember once upon a time there were two Canadian teams. Toronto and Vancouver came into the NBA as expansion teams one became a success the other. In any event Narciso provides valuable reading in my estimation.
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