Basketball from a fans perspective

The Dead Period

In college the term used to describe no activity allowed is referred to as “The Dead Period.”  This might apply to the NBA as well; the NBA draft was held in June and we discovered the destination of many of the best college players.  As for the association the major free agents have made their objective known whether they remained at home (Paul George) or chose a new one (LeBron James).  There have also been a few trade proposals although just a handful were consummated.     

The summer league concluded with the Blazers being crowned champion of the Las Vegas portion.  Kawhi Leonard is now a Raptor while DeRozen will be wearing cowboy boots this winter and spring.  From late July until early September the basketball word is slow, slower and slowest.  September 7 comes the Naismith Hall of Fame induction and from that point on we begin ramping up for the college and NBA season.  Unless you breathe basketball 24/7 365 you have permission to hibernate for the next 40 or so days. 

Making the transition

As this is written ESPN is reporting the Spurs and Raptors are finalizing a deal for Kawhi  Leonard.  The Raptors are reported to be sending DeMar DeRozen and Jakob Poeltl to the Spurs for Kawhi and Danny Green.  Will Kawhi repeat the actions of Paul George in Oklahoma City, after a year with the Thunder George signed an extension to remain in Oklahoma.  As for the Spurs the departure of Tony Parker leaves Manu the only remaining champion Spurs player. 

DeMar DeRozen is a talent, I don’t know a great deal about Poeltl however they must have approved him being been included in the trade.  As for the balance of the Spurs roster it contains a few veteran names Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, LeMarcus Aldridge and Manu Ginobili mentioned previously.  The Spurs will be competitive in the tough Western Division, they will earn a playoff berth beyond that it’s difficult to see in the middle of August.  

Trivia
Dave Winfield spent 22 years playing major league baseball, apparently, he could have played pro basketball or NFL football.  He remains the only athlete drafted in three professional sports.  The baseball Padres drafted him with the number four pick, the NBA Hawks made him their 3^rd pick and he was the 4^th pick by the ABA Utah Stars.  The NFL Vikings selected Winfield in the 17^th round although he never played college football.  The 6-foot 6-inch 220-pound Winfield would likely have played small forward in basketball and wide receiver in football. 

The last time
LeBron James left the Cavs in 2010 for South Beach, in 2011 the team drafted point guard Kyrie Irving. The former Duke guard was a key building block in returning the Cavs to a winning team.  It’s 2018 now, LeBron has left again this time for the Lakers.  Two weeks prior to the LeBron announcement the Cavs with the 8^th pick in the first round drafted point guard Collin Sexton.  The speedy Sexton is only 6 feet 2 inches tall but has a 6-foot 6-inch wingspan, this allows him to play tough hard nose defense on the opposition. Sexton impressed in Las Vegas during summer league play, as for the upcoming season George Hill is ahead of him on the depth chart.  We shall see how that plays out once the season begins.  

Okay, you didn’t sign him
Coach Alvin Gentry expressed his desire for the Pelicans to re-sign Boogie Cousins.  It didn’t happen, Boogie signed with the Warriors.  All is not lost in the Crescent City however, they were able to sign one of the best prospects out there not named LeBron or George.  Julius Randle arrives from the Lakers fresh off his best season in the NBA.  After playing starter minutes most of his early career for a period he became the team’s sixth man. 

From all reports Randle went to the bench with no apparent complaints yet still contributed.  This 6-foot 9-inch 250-pound power forward is among the best in the NBA, we are not exactly sure what caused him to fall out of favor with Laker management.  The Pelicans will continue their two-prong attack from their front court, erase the name Boogie and replace it with Julius.  Randle was certainly one Laker I enjoyed play and like Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson I wish nothing but the best for all parties....except when they face the Lakers.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

All will soon be right with the world
The NBA age restriction is about to end, it won’t be next season, but the 2020 draft could include high school players.  I believe all understood why the rule was implemented, if not just a quick refresher.  Several high school players arrived in the NBA unable to play.  They were not injured they just were not NBA material, okay we could make that same statement about one and done and Euro players too.  While some of them arrived with limited skills it seemed the high school numbers were even worst. 

Part of the problem can be blamed on NBA teams and inadequate scouting.  Example, Kobe Bryant would become the 13^th pick in the first round of the 1996 draft.  Jerry West after running him through drills wanted him for the Lakers, the Hornets drafted Kobe traded his rights to the Lakers and the rest is history.  In the years that followed various NBA teams fearing they might overlook another for fear of overlooking another “Kobe” failed adequately assessing high school talent.  This time around it will be much smoother, athletes will continue to leave college for the NBA but nowhere near the number we’ve experienced over the past several years.  

Laker Summer League report
This is written prior to the Lakers-Blazers championship game tonight.  I continue to say to myself this is summer basketball; the big boys don’t play until later this year.  Despite this view a few rookies have stood out with sharp shooting and strong defense. 

Isaac Bonga-the 18-year old from Germany arrived late but exhibited athleticism and demonstrated potential talent.  More than likely the 6-foot 9-inch point guard plays for the South Bay Lakers this upcoming season. 

Svi Mykhailiuk-I’m sure my KU fans will say I missed the bus on this one.  Svi demonstrated long-range shooting and accuracy beyond the 3-point line.  Even more interesting when closely guarded he managed to drive around a defender for a layup or dunk.

Moe Wagner-the 7-foot Wagner was shut down due to injury late but his long-range shooting impressed early.  Wagner snatched an adequate number of rebounds and played defense.  

There were other rookies and G-League players however they are not likely to earn a roster spot.  Not included in this assessment are Josh Hart and Alex Caruso who both played last season on the Laker roster.   

Year two, and change
The Kansas City Tornadoes will begin year two in January 2019.  There have been several changes from last season beginning with coaching.  The team has a new head coach, Eddie Corporal an assistant takes over for Calvin Thompson.  Corporal has an interesting connection to Kansas City basketball, he once served as a ball boy for the Kings when they were located here.  The team hopes to play in Hy-Vee Arena (former Kemper Arena), they bounced from Municipal Auditorium to Avila University. 

There is an additional connection to the Kings in Kansas City, Kevin Loder.  Loder is the COO for the team but was a first round pick for the Kings in 1981.  There is no kidding anyone this is minor league basketball however for Kansas City currently it’s all we have.  I did attend one game last season and was pleased with ticket pricing and the team’s performance.  The 8-team league will add 4 franchises, the new teams will be Bellevue, Washington, Raleigh, North Carolina, San Diego, California and Tampa, Florida.  The last change is the league name, no longer the North American Premier League it’s now TBL…. The Basketball League. 

What if?   
I’ve said over and over “What if’s” will drive your bananas, but here goes.  The history says, “If there had been a suitable arena the Denver Nuggets might never exist.”  Sure, Denver might have an NBA team today, but they wouldn’t be that name emblazoned on their jersey.  The American Basketball Association began play in the fall of 1967, Kansas City was awarded a franchise however the arena issue caused the team to leave for Denver without ever playing a game here.  The Larks began play in 1967, later they would become the Rockets and finally the Nuggets.  Let’s return to Kansas City in 1967, the only arena in the city at that time was Municipal Auditorium (still in use today). 

The Municipal would seat 10,500 before a 2007 and 2013 renovation reduced the number of available seats.  I've got to believe the issue was play dates rather than an arena, several years later the Kings would play games in Municipal until the larger capacity Kemper Arena was opened.  The basketball history of Kansas City might have changed completely if the ABA team had remained here.  The Cincinnati Royals might have moved but not to Kansas City.  Would the ABA have been a success here and moved into the NBA with the merger?  That question and perhaps many others will never have an answer.  Kansas City Larks....sounds different but I guess I could have gotten use to the name.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

Time’s up
It is time for the Lakers to trade Lonzo Ball!  The youngster remains a talent however his father has become an overwhelming presence which is quite difficult to tolerate.  It’s not LaVar Ball alone 90% of the finger pointing is aimed at the media be it print or television.  Whatever financial endeavor he undertakes is fine it’s his mouth that has become increasingly difficult for many of us.  Last Thursday evening a serious incident occurred with one of the team’s in his Junior Baller Association.  LaVar who loves the microphone has been strangely silent regarding the act of violence perpetrated by one of his leagues coaches.  LaVar has no problem discussing himself his family or his future action but has been quiet. 

Normally we might attempt to avoid all mention of LaVar Ball, in this instance we are anxious for a response.  LaVar is all talk, remember his claim “I could beat Michael Jordan one on one” or “Lonzo will make LeBron a better player.”  Check this out from Wikipedia, “Ball first began playing college basketball at West Los Angeles College in the low-tier Western State Conference despite having little experience at the prep level. In the season opener in 1986, he recorded 33 points and 18 rebounds against Porterville College.  Ball then transferred to NCAA Division I Washington State and became a starting forward.  In 26 games for the Cougars, however; he averaged only 2.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.  After one season, Ball transferred again to Cal State Los Angeles, which competed in the NCAA Division II, playing alongside three of his four brothers.” 

Wikipedia

A great deal taller now
They are not sure at what age they first met, it was either kindergarten or perhaps the second grade.  E.J. Liddell and Mario McKinney are the two friends, one thing for sure both are a great deal taller now as Class of 2019 basketball prospects.  It’s been reported Liddell and McKinney want to attend the same college and Cuonzo Martin and Mizzou certainly hope this plan is in Mizzou’s favor.  The St. Louis area youngsters play distinct positions, Liddell is a 6-foot 7-inch 220 pound forward while McKinney is a 6-foot 2-inch 180-pound point guard.  Stay tuned for further developments on the two during their upcoming senior year of high school.   

Saga of Kawhi
The only action is there’s no action, no movement regarding Kawhi Leonard.  There is certainly plenty of speculation in media circles on what might eventually transpire.  As for this Laker fan I’d welcome him if A. He’s fully healthy.  B. We don’t empty the cupboard to acquire him.  Allow further discussion, it’s been mentioned on more than one occasion Kawhi was concerned about the medical report he received from Spurs management. 

It’s reported he sought a second opinion which contradicted the earlier report.  The Lakers must ensure Kawhi is healed before any trade is undertaken.  This you might have learned earlier too; the Lakers have said NO on including Brandon Ingram in any trade.  If the Spurs are talking future Kyle Kuzma plus Lonzo Ball and maybe a third player and cash could be a start.  The only issue at this point the Spurs are reported to be uninterested in Lonzo, where does that leave the Lakers?  Sub Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Lonzo might work, it could at least begin dialogue. 

The greatness of Shaq
I believe there may be quite a few, some who believe the stories.  “Shaq wasn’t a complete player all he could do was dunk and bully his way to the basket.”  He might have been the best big man passer ever, sure he played a power game.  When you stand 7-foot 1 inch and check in at 350 pounds wouldn’t one utilize those dimensions to dominate the game.  In any event allow the video to prove my point, enjoy. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDRHOZ6Gs3k

Basketball from a fans perspective

Short summer wasn’t it?
71 days from today the college basketball officially kicks off.  Don’t get too excited, games are not played quite that soon we are talking late September and early October.  Start dates are not the same all over however teams can begin official basketball practice, they have been practicing unofficially anyway since?

I believe I’m correct
Several publications present an All-American high school team annually.  USA Today, Max Preps and others we omitted.  It’s likely the McDonalds and Jordan Brand Classic are the only two games All-American teams compete against one another, an East squad versus a West squad.  The Nike Hoop Summit is somewhat different, it’s Team USA versus the world.  How did we arrive at this point, the growth of basketball over the last 40 years is the principle reason?  Although a team was selected in 1977 the first game for high school seniors wasn’t played until the following season.  The West beat the East 94-86 and the McDonalds game has been played every year since then. 

Chicago has served as host most often although the game has been played throughout the nation.  The Jordan Brand Classic is young by comparison only in it’s 17^th season.  This All-Star game like the older McDonalds game reads like a who’s who of high school basketball for boys and girls in its history.  The last game is the Nike Hoop Summit just completed its 21^st year, it’s held in Portland Oregon every season and the game is unlike the others.  A world team comprised of youth basketball players around the world faces a team comprised of American high school talent.  This international game was first played in 1995 has seen its share of youth players many who eventually had NBA careers.

Gate City Virginia
Trust me on this one please, you might read a similar account on ESPN’s college page.  This was written ahead but is just now being published.  You are probably asking yourself where in the world is Gate City?  Don’t worry I never heard of Gate City either, it’s a town with a little more than 2,000 souls.  The town is in Scott County near the southwest corner of the state neighboring the Virginia-Tennessee border.  One of the town’s 2,000 citizens is headed off to Georgetown in the fall to play basketball for Patrick Ewing.  Mac McClung is proof no matter where you play if you are perceived to be talented college coaches will beat a path to your door. 

Well it didn’t quite occur in that manner however the 6-foot 2-inch McClung received a great deal of publicity and then played for a Washington D.C. AAU team.  Later he was to break Allen Iverson’s Virginia High School scoring record.  In today’s basketball he’s a combo guard with hops, video is available on YouTube with all sorts of dunks.  Will he be able to take his basketball skill to the next level, we’ll see in the fall?  Mac McClung a name to retain in your memory bank for this fall and winter.  McClung is reported to have a 47-inch vertical, did I mention the athlete breaking Iverson’s scoring record is white.  I know, going back to the days of Big John Thompson Georgetown has recruited few white athletes.  McClung is a budding talent and not concerned about the spotlight that likely is to shine brightly on him.                  

We don’t know
We can only speculate Mizzou basketball for 2018-19, we just don’t know.  Michael Porter Jr. is history, he’s headed for the NBA, but we saw little of him.  Kassius Robertson and Jordan Barnett provided much of the offense, but they are gone as well.  Earlier I’d mentioned the transfers coming in for the 2019-20 season appear talented but the Mizzou faithful wants to know about right now.  Mizzou received late commitments from two athletes neither on scholarship.  We don’t know if freshman Evan Yerkes and Parker Braun can play along with the other incoming crop of athletes, but we’ll soon find out.  

It’s interesting these late additions could have attended other schools offering scholarships but preferred to walk-on.  A little background on both players for you, Yerkes is a 6-foot 4-inch combo guard from Andrew High School in Tinley Park (ILL) in metro Chicago.  Yerkes is reported to be a 3-point specialist and the combo guard Cuonzo Martin desires for his offense.  Braun is a 6-9 wing who attended Blue Valley Northwest High School in metro Kansas City (MO).  He checks in at slim 205 pounds, so we can imagine he’ll spend time in the weight room.  In a manner of speaking Mizzou basketball is in the same position in June of 2018 as it was in June 2017.  We don’t know but in the same manner as last season the Mizzou faithful is optimistic regarding the season. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

What season is it?
I was once asked, “Basketball season is over why not write about another sport?”  I’ve concluded there really is no off-season, locally the baseball Royals are prime topic which they probably should be.  This is the other part of the discussion; the NFL Chiefs are always worthy of a discussion.  In addition to this bit of information one of the local television stations telecast Sunday evening Chiefs program 12 months of the year. 

Professional teams still maintain a schedule of competition, but they must now share space with other sports.  I guess we might say they are no longer the only game in town.  Baseball and playoff NBA games have occurred on the same calendar day.  The same goes for NFL football, NBA basketball and NHL hockey.  In years past the lines were clearly drawn, that was before sports talk radio and the proliferation of sports cable television networks.  

Going home
Former McDonald's All-American Jabari Parker headed for Duke, he would only be there one season leaving for the NBA.  The Bucks made this talented forward the number two choice in the 2014 NBA draft.  Stardom was predicted for this Chicago native if only he could remain healthy.  Parker would play only 25 games in his rookie year sidelined by injury.  The following season he would appear in 76 games improve all his numbers and he was on his way…. until. 

Although Parker managed to raise his scoring average once again he was only healthy enough to play in 50 games, last season he played in 31 games starting only 3.  It appears the Bucks have given up on him remaining healthy.  On Saturday he signed a 2-year agreement and play for his home town Bulls and the Bucks chose to not match the offer.  After a series of devastating injuries, its hoped he can remain healthy and demonstrate the promise many saw in him several years ago.  

Where is he?
Chances are good the name Lucius Mitchell is unfamiliar to 99% of you reading this, during his 15-year coaching career his teams won 325 of the 428 games played.  Mitchell served as head coach at Kentucky State, Alabama State and Norfolk State however it’s his Kentucky State teams most basketball aficionados are probably familiar with.  Kentucky State then a NAIA Division One member won three consecutive national championships from 1970-1972.  Those teams produced Elmore Smith drafted by the NBA Buffalo Braves in 1971 and Travis Grant by the Lakers in 1972.  Smith still holds the NBA single game block shot record with 17 collected in a 1973 game. 

As for Grant he was nicknamed “Machine Gun” for his scoring prowess.  Grant holds the all-time college scoring record with 4,045 points averaging 33.4 points per game in three years of action.  Ponder this, those points were scored without benefit of a 3-point line.  Smith and Grant have been enshrined in the Kentucky State Hall of Fame along with their coach.  In 2009 Grant was inducted in the College Basketball Hall of Fame.  I could locate no record of Lucius Mitchell in the Naismith or College Hall….my guess is no one bothered to nominate this basketball pioneer.  In February 2010 Mitchell died in his sleep at the age of 74.  

Bronny in action
We guess Bronny is his nickname, his given name is LeBron James Jr.  Video of this 13-year old in action on the AAU circuit clearly demonstrates his talent.  As he grows and continues his basketball development I hope he’s not trapped.  Trapped along the lines many will unfairly compare him to his celebrated dad.  It’s been pointed out previously it’s difficult for a son to follow the same sport of the father, a number dealt with the celebrity of their fathers successfully. 

Two names that first come to mind are Klay Thompson and Kobe Bryant, both are superior players to their fathers.  Those two might be the exception others such as Jeffrey and Marcus Jordan had the specter of Michael circling above them.  The same could be said for Gary Payton II, he plays but will always be compared to The Glove.  None of the Barry brothers now retired was close to their Hall of Fame dad Rick.  Perhaps the truth is none of these sons plus other were not as talented as their dads.  The truth is none of these sons plus others unnamed were just not as talented as their dads.     

Basketball from a fans perspective

They are in the mix
This doesn’t apply across the board however a notable change has occurred in Mizzou recruiting.  No longer sitting on the sidelines Mizzou is chasing the same athletes of Duke, Kansas and North Carolina to name a few.  This is a definite change, Cuonzo Martin has affected the basketball culture at Mizzou.  

No prediction of the future
Coban Porter is a 6-foot 3-inch 170-pound point guard, he’ll be a junior at Father Tolton High School in Columbia Missouri in August.  The last name should sound familiar if you were not already aware, he’s the younger brother of Michael Jr. and Jontay Porter.  I refuse to become excited about AAU video for reasons too numerous to list.  This I did note, his moves around the basket look remarkedly like Michael Jr. and Jontay.  I guess he’s probably watched them enough to know all their moves.  If he continues to develop his game, he should be able to secure a scholarship at Mizzou or some other school.     

This is interesting
Friday July 6 NBA TV analyst and former player Caron Butler provided us his playoff view.  Butler’s playoff projection for the 2019 Western Conference picture was interesting.  This is his power projection.    

Warriors
Rockets
Wolves
Thunder
Lakers

Asked about the balance of teams Butler indicated the Jazz, Nuggets and Spurs could flip-flop on positions but they too should make the playoffs.  Did you notice the Clippers are missing from his list of playoff teams?   

Whose job is it?
Clippers point guard Patrick Beverly missed the entire 2017-18 season.  Beverly is healthy now, but he faces an additional challenge whose job is it?  The Clippers have Milos Teodsic, Jawun Evans both point guards currently on the roster.  With the 11^th pick in the 2018 draft they chose Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Kentucky and at 13 picked Jerome Robinson from USC.  A quick count indicates the Clippers now have 5-point guards on the team. 

I certainly don’t have any intention of being a decider here but somebody or several somebodies are likely to become history.  Perhaps the clearing has begun, prior to the completion of this report Austin Rivers was traded to the Wizards.  Question, does Beverly return to his role as a starter or do one of the rookies or someone else move into the position?  All I can say it’s quite interesting in that the Clippers chose to draft two-point guards back to back.         

The Bahamas 
For those unfamiliar with the geography the island nation of the Bahamas is located about 200 air miles from Miami Florida.  Although an independent nation now the history was tied to Great Britain during colonial times, with this history as for sports cricket, rugby and soccer have likely been the dominate sports played in the Bahamas.  In recent years basketball has begun making inroads with the populace of the island nation.  Klay Thompson’s dad Mychal was the first Bahamian to play in the NBA.  Mychal played his college ball at Minnesota and later in the NBA. 

Rick Fox would arrive in the NBA by way of Canada and the University of North Carolina.  There have been others, Shaquille Cleare who played at Texas and Tavario Miller, Texas A&M along with Lourawls Naim at Michigan State and Magum Rolle Louisiana Tech.  In 2016 Buddy Hield was drafted by the Pelicans from the University of Oklahoma, he now plays for the Kings.  On June 21, DeAndre Ayton was drafted number one by the Suns and becomes the latest player from the Bahamas to begin play in the NBA.  Although the number of Bahamians is small by comparison to other nations we can surely expect several more in the next few years.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Play on words
At times play by play announcers and even analysts make statements during broadcast that are funny, sometimes for just that moment in time.  Others such as Dick Vitale or Mark Jackson provide us with sentences that become classic.  This is certainly not to become classic although it is funny. This was applied to the Hornets Dwayne Bacon with a particularly good summer league game.  I don’t know who to give credit because I’ve watched quite a few games over ESPN and NBA TV.  This play by play man describing Bacon’s outstanding shooting game said, “Bacon is really sizzling.”   

I hate(ed) Danny Ainge
Ainge played for the Celtics, me being a Laker fan was enough to inspire my loathing for the man.  My hatred had nothing to do with his play on the court, he played for those hated Celtics back in the day.  Everything must end at a point in time, so does my hatred toward Ainge.  Since his retirement I’ve gained an appreciation for the feisty former Celtic guard.  As president and general manager of the Celtics he’s been a keen evaluator of collegiate talent.  In addition, he’s been quite skillful in trades and acquiring free-agents for the Celtics.     

It was Ainge who brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce.  The trio beat my Lakers in 2009 for the NBA championship however we managed to return the favor the following season.  He “stole” Brad Stevens from Butler, the track record for college coaches in the NBA was not good.  Ainge managed to prove his critics wrong here, Stevens has arrived as one of the best in the NBA at his craft.  As for Ainge I’ve mellowed, wish nothing but the best for him and his Celtics……. unless they are matched against my Lakers. 

Tournament play
The 2018-19 college basketball season kicks off with tournament play, I didn’t see the Hall of Fame Classic listed so I decided to check the website.  The scheduled date is November 19-20, with the championship game played on the evening of the 20^th.  The field is quite a mix of conferences, we have Missouri State of the Missouri Valley, Big 10 Nebraska, Texas Tech of the Big 12 and from the Pac-12 Southern Cal.  The tournament will commence the evening after the College Hall of Fame inductions.  The location is the Sprint Center in Kansas City Missouri.       

The First Family
The McGee family rather than LaVar Ball and his off-spring is the first family of basketball. With the Ball’s it appears to this point Lonzo might be the only family member to play professional basketball.  I don’t count the few months the younger brothers played in Lithuania.  How about the McGee family father, wife and the two children all played the game?  Dad George Montgomery played in college and overseas, mom Pamela McGee once played in the WNBA. Son JaVale is now a member of the NBA Lakers, his half-sister Imani plays for the WNBA Dream.

They laughed at his movies

They laughed at Kazaam and Steel, they especially laughed at Shaquille O'Neal's acting skills.  Nobody is laughing any longer at the big man.  These days he's laughing on his way to the bank to deposit large sums of money.  This account is prompted by a Shaq commercial one of the many products he can be seen endorsing daily on television.  Shaq's hands are in so many projects it's totally amazing.  Although he claims to frugal now that's not always been the case.  Shaq once spent $70,000 in a single Walmart visit.  He said, "I'd been traded from Miami to Phoenix and my apartment had nothing in it."  What did Shaq do, he went shopping at a close by Walmart and made a $70,000 purchase in a single visit.  At the check-out counter American Express would not approve the purchase.  It's not every day the store witnessed a single sale totaling $70,000.  

AmEx refused to approve the sale, Shaq talked to the rep and was informed "Mr. O'Neal someone must have stolen your card."  He cleared up the issue verifying it was his purchase.  Shaq claims (unproven) his purchase is the largest single done day purchase in Walmart history.  This larger than life character had his mind on the day he'd no longer be able to play basketball.  He began building his portfolio in several areas outside of basketball.  These business investments have provided him and family a lucrative lifestyle, how much is he worth you ask?  It's estimated in May 2018 his net worth was $400 million.  Before you get the impression he's self absorbed please note this.  Shaq's philanthropy is well known throughout the nation especially his connection with the Boys and Girls club and his Shaq-a-Claus during the Christmas season.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

I confess
This is going to be shocking to many of you, I watch summer basketball but not with the same interest of the regular season or playoff basketball.  The reason is simple, many teams’ rosters are packed with names unfamiliar to me.  Yes, I check out the Lakers from start to finish excepting the 10:30 p.m. start time of a few games.  I cannot stay up till 12:30 or near 1:00 a.m. to the games conclusion. 

As for others I’ve seen the Knicks Kevin Knox, Trae Young of the Hawks and guard Collin Sexton of the Cavs.  I almost forgot I’ve seen DeAndre Ayton and Mo Bamba a couple of times since summer league play began.  The one disappointment is Luka Doncic will not play, I was certainly looking forward to seeing the youngsters game.  Summer league is not a true test, that begins in late October.  At the same time, it does allow us to see many of the newly drafted players in a different environment.  

He might miss the cut
I have no ability to peer into the future, at the same time I’ve mentioned this previously.  We must wait until January or February to determine a rookies ability, even one year might not be enough time to fully evaluate talent.  What am I talking about you ask?  Trae Young is the athlete in question, how does one decide he’s not NBA ready without seeing him in action.  I’m going to return to the statement made by a scout. 

He said, “They (other NBA teams) want be able to throw those junk defenses at him.”  The secondary issue, Oklahoma basketball other than Trae Young was not very good, a local radio host even accused Lon Kruger of “Just collecting checks and not doing much coaching.”  I find that statement appalling and one thing for sure, he’d never make a similar statement regarding Bill Self.  If fact the cloud hovering over Kansas basketball this host has been critical of the administration but hardly a peep about Self. 

She laughed at me 
In between bowling I asked our resident Bulls fan if she was satisfied with the Bulls draft choice.  She shook her head yes and then offered this tidbit.  “Looks as though Carmelo might be headed to the Rockets.”  I said, “That’s okay I don’t want him on the Lakers.”  She laughed at me, “Didn’t you say the same thing about LeBron James.”  She was correct, I did make the statement about LeBron, for the 99^th time it was not a talent issue.  I believe Carmelo to be a very talented player however unlike LeBron his skill level has diminished in my opinion.  The Laker youngsters might defer to LeBron and hinder their development.  My hope is this change will not hinder their NBA growth

I will reserve my thoughts and judgement for awhile
This will be published after the NBA Championship is complete, its written May 29^th.  After the playoff series versus the Celtics a local sports talk radio host decided, “In my eyes LeBron has surpassed Michael Jordan.”  Only in one instance did he attempt to prove his point by commenting on skill.  His commentary became a point-counterpoint argument.  “Michael’s not a nice guy, coaches teammates and opponents will testify to that, LeBron walks off the court picks up his kids he’s a family man.  What’s not to like about LeBron James is the question?” 

I could go on, but I hope you get the point, I’ve grown so tired of these types of discussions.  This host is probably in his late 40’s or early 50’s so he never witnessed Oscar Robertson.  He inferred watching games of Robertson on ESPN Classic his teams “were on the level of Sue Bird’s WNBA teams.”  First, these types of arguments (or discussions if you prefer) are never decided.  If you have 10 friends who claim LeBron is the greatest ever I can locate 10 of mine who will argue the opposite.  I guess these make for a radio audience but frankly they fail to impress me. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

I can still see it
Remember the shot of LeBron James and Lance Stephenson lined up next to each other on the free-throw line a few years ago?  Stephenson had been assigned to guard LeBron, we suppose Stephenson unable to limit LeBron’s scoring figured about another method to annoy him, he would blow in his ear.  Don't know what type of strategy he attempted to employ however it didn't work.  Hopefully all is forgiven now since they are now teammates, LOL.  

The return
We could foresee the return to the days of Chamberlain-Russell or Kareem and Parish.  Those battles at the center position that were once a staple of NBA play.  Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself this might not come to fruition, the hope is the two rookies will face each other throughout what is hoped for good and exciting NBA careers.  Big men 7-foot 1-inch DeAndre Ayton of the Suns and the Magic’s Mohamed Bamba also 7 feet 1 were matched against the other in summer league action on Monday.  The Suns won the game 71-53 over the Magic, Ayton lead the way for the Suns with 17 points and 13 rebounds, Bamba was held to 4 points and 5 rebounds.  

He said no 
Recently while standing at the Burger King counter waiting for my order another customer came in.  I glanced at the guy and began a conversation something I don't often do with a total stranger, “How tall are you?”  He responded “6 foot 8 inches.”  I then said “I betcha you played ball”, he said “I tried playing it but really didn’t like it.”  I’m sure somewhere a person or persons has made a similar statement.  It just caught me off guard considering the height of this guy.  I wondered if he’d faced a talent issue and just wasn’t good enough to play.  Oh well, the associate behind the counter handed me my order and I departed.  

Disappointing news
It’s been reported Mavs rookie Luka Doncic signed his NBA contract, despite the legal entanglements delaying his NBA start we must wait awhile longer.  It appears he’s likely to not make an appearance this summer, it’s NBA training camp and the exhibition portion before we might see him in action.  Despite this issue immediately after the Mavs latest game the television cameras highlighted Doncic besieged by a bevy of kids (and maybe some adults) wanting his autograph.

He’s signed, sealed and delivered
The title above has nothing to do with the 1970 hit by Stevie Wonder, it refers to the Lakers draft pick Isaac Bonga.  Bonga arrived in Los Angeles via trade, drafted by the Sixers as the 39^th pick in the second round the 6-foot 9-inch point guard rights were later traded to the Lakers.  It was mentioned previously Bonga is a lean 203 pounds.  His fit with the Lakers is yet to be determined, after signing he joined the Lakers Summer League team in Las Vegas. 

It was first believed Bonga might remain in Europe continuing to develop his game since he is only 18-years old.  It now appears he might play for the South Bay Lakers of the G-League.  The 2018 draft for the Lakers certainly has been international, Moe Wagner played at Michigan and Svi Mykhailiuk at Kansas.  Home for Wagner is Germany and Mykhailiuk is from the Ukraine, Bonga is from Germany.  

Did you hear?
They broke the law in their rush to be first, late Sunday afternoon July 1 it was announced by LeBron James agent his client intended to sign with the Lakers.  That same evening an apparel website contained a photo displaying a Laker jersey with James on the back and the numbers 00, Monday morning the jersey was shown with the addition of 23 being added LeBron's number.  You ask, what was the issue since LeBron announced he was signing with the Lakers?  LeBron was yet to sign a Laker contract, truth is he didn't sign on the dotted line until July 9.  It was noted this is forbidden to market a product representing an athlete who was not a member of the team.  Okay it's a technicality however rules are rules, we presume an oversight of this type would only occur with a LeBron, Kobe or MJ.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

No explanation required
I am guilty of making an explanation at a time none is required.  Example, word came late Sunday afternoon on July 1 LeBron James had decided to join the Lakers.  On Monday I dressed put on a Laker polo shirt which is sometimes my habit, a stranger in the store I was shopping spotted me.  “You must be a Laker fan” I smiled and said yes.  I added, “I’ve been a Laker fan longer than yesterday.”  I thought afterwards I didn’t owe him an explanation yet I offered one anyway LOL.      

Shocked
These are a few events I could state I’d be shocked if they were to occur.  Mercedes-Benz reducing their top of the line model to $20,000, me or a family member winning the lottery would be shocking.  Finally, the NBA returning to Kansas City, yes, I would be shocked.  LeBron James leaving the Clippers, well that’s not exactly a shock. 

I stated my belief before the decision was made by LeBron I believed there was a 60% chance LeBron would re-sign with the Cavs.  Yes, I can admit I was surprised but I’d hardly use the word shocked.  Guess who was shocked or at least that’s what he indicated in an interview, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue.  I was surprised to hear the coach use the word to describe his thoughts.  I don’t imagine LeBron would have discussed his future intentions with Lue but the word he used to describe the series of events is a mystery to me. 

Laker update
Brook Lopez signed a 1-year contract with the Bucks, this SoCal native is headed to Milwaukee after but one year.  I’m sure somebody somewhere will miss Lopez I won’t.  I will miss Julius Randle, he was tough plus he scored and rebounded the basketball.  Rebounding the ball was not a strong suit for Lopez (4 a game) despite standing 7 feet tall and 268 pounds. 

I’ve said it previously I wasn’t a big LeBron fan although I’ve always acknowledged his talent.  Rajon Rondo is talented too however it’s reported he’s been a cancer at several stops.  Rondo must prove to me he’s turned over a new leaf.  It’s only summer league basketball so I will not get too excited, if Moe Wagner and Svi Mykhailiuk can shoot half as good as exhibited thus far they should prove valuable additions to the team.     

This is a one-sided discussion
For those outside the Big 12/SEC/KC market Udoka Azubuike at Kansas is 7 feet 1 inch tall and checks in at 280 pounds.  Mizzou’s Jontay Porter is 6 feet 11 inches and weighs 240 pounds, why the comparison you ask?  Both players “dipped” their toes into NBA waters but decided in favor of returning to Kansas and Mizzou.  Although both are near the same height they play separate positions, Azubuike is a center while Porter is a power forward.  This account is based on one of the local radio hosts who decided to break-down each players game.  If you’ve not seen either player Uzubuike is strictly a power player, I doubt he can shot much beyond 10 feet.  On the other hand, Porter will drift out to the 3-point line and managed to shoot a fair percentage. 

How this host can conclude one player has more an upset than another is beyond me.  The game is not new but consider sophomore Azubuike is from Lagos Nigeria with just a few years played.  Porter might have played the game longer however Porter is headed into his sophomore year technically he’s a freshman having re-classified in high school.  We are discussing a starter (Azubuike) versus a sixth-man (Porter), how’s that fair to compare the two?  I’m disappointed in this host, I thought he knew basketball and was aware of the difference in positions each played.  It’s clear NBADraft.net doesn’t concur with the view of this radio host.  In the 2019 mock draft they have Jontay at 15 in the first round and Azubuike number 46 in the second round.