BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Fab 5
The Duke freshman trio of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish is very good.  It is unfair to compare these talented freshmen to Michigan’s Fab 5.  Who was the Fab 5 you ask, they were Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.  This team of freshman played far beyond what many believed possible.  John Calipari much later would start a nearly all-freshman team at Kentucky. 

Coach Steve Fisher did this in 1991 and his Fab 5 would come within an eyelash of winning the 1991 NCAA Championship.  They were unconventional and unorthodox, their swagger including baggy shorts and black socks upset a great number of folks.  Before we begin making comparisons the crop of Duke freshman must at least play for the NCAA Championship, although they didn’t win it, they managed to reach the final round.  It should be noted this team had a reserve guard Rob Pelinka who would go on to become a sports agent and today is general manager of the Lakers. 

Pushing the envelope
It’s been awhile, we haven’t covered the remaining Ball brothers and their PR dad.  LeMelo Ball has returned from Lithuania and enrolled at the Spire Institute near Cleveland to finish high school.  He can be applauded for that move as for the other moves they are questionable at this point.  He wants to play college ball at a major university.  LaVar claims his sons received no financial compensation playing in Lithuania so LeMelo should be eligible for college with a gigantic question mark on my part.

The other issue the NCAA might not take kindly to according to reports is the shoe deal. You remember LeMelo had a signature shoe released by the Big Baller Brand.  In today’s “amateur basketball” he might get by on the “I wasn’t paid plea”, the shoe might be another matter.  I believe I’ve made it known several of my concerns regarding the archaic rules of the NCAA.  Let’s see how they rule on this matter once LeMelo graduates from high school.

Grey’s Anatomy or Chicago Med
This is not a critique of medical television programs however it is medically related.  In Philadelphia the Sixers trainer is claiming Markelle Fultz is “still not healthy.”  He makes this claim after the off-season shoulder surgery Fultz underwent last season.  On the other end of the spectrum Fultz is disputing the trainers claim.  Whose word should we take as valid, I have no idea your guess is as good as mine. 

96 road miles east in New York City medical questions exist there as well.  The Knicks Kristaps Porzingis is sidelined from last winter’s ACL surgery.  Recently coach David Fizdale questioned about his status said, “He’s not made much progress.”  What is the response from Porzingis, he decided to post two Instagram photos of him sprinting up and down the court.  You figure this one out too, that completes today’s medical report.    

He committed
At this point commitments are verbal, next week prospects can begin signing letters of intent if they desire.  Most times they wait till the spring signing period before making it official.  Texas and Shaka Smart received a commitment from Rivals 5-star prospect Will Baker.  Baker is a 7-foot 240-pound center and get this he will remain at home.  Remaining home in a technical sense, the university is located in Austin and Baker is also from Austin.  He could have left the State of Texas if he desired several schools had offers on the table. Duke, UCLA, Kansas and North Carolina were just a few of the number seeking his services for their program. 

My story
I tuned into an Indiana game desiring to see their standout player Cody Zeller.  At the end of the game I found myself more impressed with a teammate.  I had not heard the name Victor Oladipo until this game, by the end I said to myself “I’ve got to keep an eye on him.”  In 2013 the Magic made him the second pick in the draft after a few honors while in college.  He made the NBA Rookie Team in 2014 and played great basketball for the Magic until 2016 when he was traded to the Thunder.  All I can do is look at his numbers while a member of the team which appeared good, but he was on the move once again. 

The Thunder traded him to the Pacers in 2017, Oladipo returned to Indiana where he first distinguished himself on the court.  Whether it was just a scenery change or something else Oladipo made the NBA All-Star team for the first time in his career.  The dawn of the 2018-19 season witnessed Oladipo continue his upward all-around play.  He’s one of those glue guys especially good on the defensive side of the ball.  He was the steals leader and made the NBA All-Defensive First Team.  Funny how this turned out for me, wanting to see one player and being more impressed with another.    

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

M.I.A.
The question might be “Are some big men head cases?”  We need look no further than Boogie Cousins, a talented big man but sometimes contemptuous.  We could make the same statement about Hassan Whiteside of the Heat.  Two years ago, we witnessed him on the road to superstar status, last season I wasn’t sure where he was headed.  After two seasons of rising numbers he fell back to earth last season.  He missed games with injuries as for the other portion of missing games…well. 

Will the 2018-19 season see Whiteside return to form?  If we check out Wednesday evenings action that might indeed be the case.  In a 95-88 win over the Spurs Whiteside displayed why many believed (including me) he was on his way to superstar status.  Whiteside filled the box score 29 points 20 rebounds along with 9 BLOCKED SHOTS.  In 32 minutes of action Whiteside was .552 from the floor.  A second-round pick in 2010 it took him time to grow his game plus he left Marshall University after one year. 

Not his former self  
I saw a video featuring Derrick Rose and thought “He’s only 30 years old but we’ve got to believe his best years are behind him.”  Rose was on his way to superstar status and then the crippling series of injuries that sidelined him for parts of several season.  The Rose 2010-11 season with the Bulls led to him being voted the leagues MVP the youngest in history.  As mentioned Rose returned to the Bulls but never played a full season for them thereafter.  Since that time, he’s moved from the Knicks to the Cavs and now the Wolves hoping to re-capture his former self.  Rose must face facts he will never return to his days of glory. 

He could check former Cavs, Clippers, Bulls and Laker Ron Harper’s bio for an answer.  Harper was also on the road to superstardom till an injury sidelined him.  With the 1994-95 season Harper would assume a role with the Bulls as a reserve player, a devastating injury had curtailed him and his career too.  From that point, on to his retirement Harper became a role player helping first the Bulls and later the Lakers win NBA championships.  NOTE: Since this was written Rose had a 50-point game and Wednesday night against the Lakers.  Wednesday, he played like the 2011 Rose, he might be back. 

Illinois Wesleyan University
The school located in Bloomington Illinois competes at the Division III level.  Jack Sikma was made the 7^th pick in the first round of the 1977 NBA draft by the Seattle Sonics.  It’s very rare indeed for a Division III athlete to be drafted into the NBA and it might be even less likely they would achieve the success of Sikma.  You ask how many NBA players from Illinois Wesleyan have graced NBA rosters?  Well a quick count indicates one (1) but he was a good one. 

This 1979 NBA champion was a 7X NBA All-Star and that’s just a glimpse of Sikma’s exploits.  He would spend the bulk of his career as a member of the Sonics and his final five seasons were spent as a member of the Bucks.  The 6-foot 11-inch Sikma had his number 43 retired by the Sonics one of six Sonic players to have their number retired.  Since retirement he’s served as an assistant coach at a couple of stops.  The information I uncovered indicates he’s currently working for the Raptors working with center Jonas Valanciunas.  Jack Sikma, a name from the past NBA fans should be familiar with. 

She’s in charge
If I said SHE is an NBA owner, the Lakers Jeanie Buss might be the first name that comes to mind and rightly so.  The daughter of the late Dr. Jerry Buss has been involved in the day to day operations of the franchise all her life.  After the death of her father Jim Buss managed the franchise until he ran it into the ground.  Jeanie fired her brother and now is 100% in charge as owner.  Family members and shareholders continue to hold stakes in the team, this we can state with conviction the buck stops at Jeanie’s desk.  Less known is Gail Miller widow of Larry Miller Jazz owner who died in 2009.  How involved in the day to day operations of the Jazz is unknown however all indications are she too has owner behind her name.

This could be a cosmetic move however Ann Walton Kroenke is listed as the owner of the NBA Nuggets.  Ann’s husband Stan had to transfer ownership to his wife in order to attain full ownership of the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.  Son Josh serves as president of the Denver Nuggets.  Gayle Benson assumed ownership of the NBA Pelicans on the death of her husband.  Her role is unknown as to the day to day operations of the team.  Artist Jada Pinkett Smith is a minority shareholder in the Sixer franchise along with husband Will.  Like the Smith’s Valerie Daniels-Carter is a minority shareholder with the Bucks.  So, there you have it the number might not be significant however it certainly represents the progress many women have made as owners and shareholders of NBA teams. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Bits n Pieces
I am unable to provide any detail on the Duke-Kentucky game, election night coverage took up the time I would have been viewing the game.  I did check the box score for the results, Duke 118 Kentucky 84.  Duke’s McDonalds All-Americans and top NBA prospects stepped up in their first regular season collegiate game. 

RJ Barrett 33 points 
Cam Reddish 22 points
Zion Williamson 28 points 

Sometimes I believe I’m offering excuses but here goes, Mizzou open its season on Tuesday against Central Arkansas.  The Tigers won 68-55, then the complaints.  One letter, “They should have beaten Central Arkansas by 40 points.”  This statement   without offering any kind of explanation.  How about this (excuse), two new starters a revamped team from last season?  Is that short enough for you?

My layperson architectural mind is always interested in building construction be it new or renovated, the planned makeover of Seattle’s Key Arena fits the picture.  It’s neat to me how seating is increased in the same space, yet it appears no outside expansion is done.  Currently Key Arena seats 17,072 for basketball once renovation is completed that number becomes 18,600.  The same goes for hockey today it’s 15,177 at completion seating will increase to 17,400.  For those curious souls like mine I’ll try and keep you updated on the progress of construction. 

Rookie of the Year versus MVP 
There is a difference between the two awards, an athlete can win Rookie of the Year honors on a bad NBA team, MVP must always play for a playoff contender.  We must look at baseball to discover the only non-playoff athlete to win MVP, in fact he did it back to back years and that was the Cubs Ernie Banks.  I researched NBA MVP’s and not a last place team finisher among the lot, on the other hand ROY is a different matter.     

We could check out these examples, Bob McAdoo was the 1973 ROY for the Buffalo Braves (Clippers), that team finished with 21 wins and 61 losses.  In 1983 Terry Cummings was ROY for the San Diego Clippers who finished the season 25-57.  There might be others however those are only the two profiled.  One noteworthy tidbit of news, Wes Unseld playing for the Baltimore Bullets in 1969 was a double winner.  He won ROY and MVP the only time to date the feat has ever been accomplished. 

The dinosaur in the room
I’m not referring to a Tyrannosaurus Rex or Velociraptor I’m talking about the NCAA.  You know the organization given the task of policing college athletics.  We’ve heard over the years the organizations standards are outdated and antiquated.  I’ve taken the NCAA to task on issues at a time I believe judgement was either improper or no judgement was rendered.  With a vote of 400+ universities the multi-million-dollar organization goes out of business.  My chief question, should the NCAA cease to exist what replaces it? 

Don’t think policing is necessary, we need look no further than the trial in New York regarding the apparel companies.  These companies spent vast sums of money to lure top basketball talent to a campus which had their apparel on display.  The NCAA has often been late to the party in adapting to change, in addition when punishment has been dealt its often not done across the board.  It’s often been said (whether true or not) a North Carolina violation might be dealt with differently than if it occurred at Mankato State.  Paying athletes will never occur in my view, this issue is more than simply being paid.  It’s fair and equal judgement, something that’s often not existed in today’s college basketball. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

New Laker
No, I’m not referring to the rumor Kobe Bryant was coming out of retirement.  There is a new Laker on the roster.  Tyson Chandler all 7 feet 1 inch of him was signed to back up JaVale McGee.  Chandler is 36-years old now and certainly past his prime however this is what the Lakers hope.  They can relieve McGee from playing heavy minutes plus I mentioned the “small lineup” with Kuzma/LeBron at center has been less than successful. 

As for Tyson he never wowed anyone with his offense even when young, he’s adept at the pick and roll, LeBron, Ball and Rondo will soon discover this fact.  Chandlers made playing lock-down defense his forte throughout his NBA career.  The question might be does he change the Lakers into playoff contenders…..not exactly however I believe he makes them a better team. 

On the hot seat
You think the Lakers Luke Walton is on the hot seat?  Well he’s got company with the likes of Scott Brooks and Tom Thibodeau.  We’ll begin the last name mentioned first, Thibs this veteran coach spent several years with the Bulls and is now head coach of the Wolves.  As this is written the Wolves stand 4-6 plus, they have disgruntled Jimmy Butler playing every other game. 

Butler is not hurt he’s just resting, he’s tired after but 10 games…..trouble with a capital T in the Twin Cities.  As for Brooks I’m not sure what to say, I’ve not been a fan since his days with the Thunder.  It was suspect to me fired at OKC and hired in Washington almost immediately, April 2015 terminated, and April 2016 hired.  One short year while Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and others sit and sit and sit waiting for the phone to ring.  

Essential knowledge
Several might question why the story of Sherman White yesterday.  They said after all he died in 2011, this story is dated why was it necessary?  I’m glad you asked the question, over the course of time there have been several judgments issued in society and basketball that were wrong.  I’m no apologist White was guilty; did he deserve a life-time ban by the NBA might be the first question.  The second, was White jailed unjustly because 1951 America saw a young black male and failed to adequately punish those white players involved? White was arrested along with several others, all were sentenced to jail but received suspended sentences apart from White. 

He indicated in an interview his attitude might have contributed to being incarcerated.  My research indicates White would have likely been drafted by the Knicks in 1951 and as indicated yesterday would have been a territorial pick by that team.  It would be cosmetic at this stage however this is what I’d like to see occur.  Adam Silver could issue a notice of some sort acknowledging the travesty of justice along with an apology for the actions of the NBA in 1951.  You say why now, our nation has admitted errors of the time and attempted to correct them.  An example might be those minority military personnel awarded honors they should have received in earlier times. 

I omitted him…. not intentionally
Last week at one point I wrote the candidates for Rookie of the Year in the NBA were Luka Doncic Mavs and Tray Young Hawks.  Forgotten in my discussion was Suns rookie DeAndre Ayton, I omitted him not intentionally.  For the 2018-19 season the NBA appears deep in rookie talent and that’s my excuse for missing Ayton.  His early season numbers are comparable to Doncic and Young who were profiled earlier.   He’s averaging almost 17 points and 11 rebounds a game shooting .625 from the floor.  Again, I might be overlooking a candidate, let’s just say it appears there are three contenders for ROY in 2019.       

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Lost in the annals of college basketball history
Probably the most tragic figure from the 1951 college betting scandal was the late Sherman White.  This is a condensed version of the events, there is more detailed history available from several other sources.  As for White he stood 6 feet 8 inches and checked in at 210 pounds, although records are incomplete its apparent he was a POWER forward before the term came into common usage.  The sad part, he was the first player to receive a life-time ban from the NBA, White would serve an 8-month jail sentence the only player among the guilty to be incarcerated.  It appears White was extremely naive leading to his involvement in point shaving.  Despite his athletic prowess many colleges at the time failed to offer him a scholarship due to his poor academics.  On the advice of his high school coach White enrolled at Villanova, in 1947 he was the only African-American student at the school and it’s reported he felt extremely uncomfortable and out of place. 

White left Villanova and returned to Englewood New Jersey, once home the basketball coach at Long Island University contacted him offering a scholarship.  It’s likely much closer to home White felt more comfortable, he   would blossom in his junior and senior years averaging 22 and 27 points a game, then the roof caved in.  He was named along with several others in the 1951 college basketball point shaving scandal.  It was later reported the Knicks planned on making him a territorial pick, he says the offer would have been for $12,000-$13,000 a year, George Mikan was making $22,000 a year as the league’s highest paid player.  The NBA at that time and until 1966 had a policy of territorial picks, 1. “before the draft, a team could forfeit its first-round draft pick and then select any player from within a 50-mile radius of its home arena.  Although the territorial picks were selected before the draft, these picks were not factored into the overall selection count of the draft; therefore, the first non-territorial pick of the draft was considered the first overall.”  

White claims of all the players involved he was the only one sent to prison, they claimed at the time it was due to a juvenile record which White denies.  As for him being the only one to serve jail time he attributed it to racism of that era.  He was sentenced to 1-year at Rikers Island but was released after serving 8 months and 24 days.  What would he do, basketball had become such an integral part of his life.  He couldn’t return to college, in addition he was banned from NBA play for life.  White would go on to play in the defunct Eastern Professional Basketball League on weekends, he did this for the next 9 years.  Weekdays he sold storm windows, automobiles and liquor, he would coach YMCA basketball in Newark and East Orange New Jersey after his playing days had concluded.  White married twice, he and his second wife would raise a total of six children, White died in 2011 of congestive heart failure, a once bright shining star that dimmed before its time.  White admitted his guilt, whether it was just being naive or an effort to help his family we don’t know the full story. 

1. Wikipedia

A new Laker
I listen more than talk in the barber shop, sometimes I gain knowledge other times well let’s just say I leave some of the opinions in the building.  Most of the regulars know (or at least I’ve made it known) I’m part of Laker Nation.  Naturally the team becomes part of the conversation when haircut time is at hand.  First the news, it appears Tyson Chandler will join the Lakers.  The 36-year old center will be released by the Suns and head for Los Angeles. 

His defensive presence should be a plus in relief of JaVale McGee, I’m reading this Kuzma/LeBron at center doesn’t appear successful.  As for the barber shop crew they told me in unison “The Lakers need to trade some of those youngsters for a veteran.”  I didn’t argue but I’m not exactly sure if that’s the best move, Julius Randle is gone is it Kuzma, Ball or Ingram up next?  I want to keep the trio as for any other youngsters left, I could see trading them for a veteran.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.    

Headed for the NBA?
Jalen Lecque is a 6-foot 4-inch 180-pound point guard.  He’s the Rivals number 28 prospect in the Class of 2019 and attends Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.  Lecque is from the Bronx in New York, earlier he verbally committed to North Carolina State however there is more.  Lecque is a 5^th year senior, he will turn 19 before the June 2019 draft.  Lecque indicates he might be a candidate for the draft, is the young man “NBA-ready” might be the next question and one I'm unable to answer?  

It appears he received what he wanted
After the Cavs fired Ty Lue it was assumed assistant coach Larry Drew would take the reins of the team.  Drew said, “Hold on a moment, don’t assume I want this job without adequate compensation.”  We must guess the Cavs believed Drew would say okay based on a couple of factors.  Cavs players relate to Drew and he is (it’s reported) the highest paid assistant in the association. 

Despite these circumstances the deal was not secured until Monday.  The Kansas City Kansas native will remain interim coach for the balance of the season.  In addition, he will receive a partially guaranteed deal for 2019-20.  This appears to be a win-win for all parties concerned, now coach about that basketball team.  Other than being compensated I wonder if Drew wants the job for the long-haul?

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

8 points and 9 rebounds
“I own a great deal of real estate in his head” said Sixer center Joel Embiid.  Saturday evening, he proved to all that statement to be true.  Embiid’s 39 points 17 rebounds and 2 blocked shots led the way to a 109 to 99 victory over the Pistons.  As for Piston center Andre Drummond his line read 8 points and 9 rebounds.  Drummond talented as I believe he is does not match up well against Embiid on the court.   

Bits n Pieces  
Guess what, I don’t care do you?  I speak of the comment made by Kawhi Leonard and his view of the Lakers.  He stated, growing up in Los Angeles he wasn’t a fan of the Lakers.  He said, “I was a fan of A.I.” (Allen Iverson).  Is this really an important consideration for joining a team? 

Tomorrow night Duke and Kentucky face off against one another.  Two legendary programs and two of the game’s all-time great coaches.  Did I forget Duke and Kentucky appear to annually monopolize a abundant amount of the basketball talent out there? 

“Coaches decision” 
If we check out NBA box scores often players uninjured but seeing no action behind their name, we read: DNP-Coaches Decision.  That might not quite be the case here because the player in question is in action although the events surrounding his continued presence in Knick games is a little confusing.  Okay let me see if I understand this, the guy scoring 14.1 ppg and 10.3 rpg’s Enes Kanter was replaced in the team’s starting lineup. 

Kanter’s replacement is averaging 5.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg, the numbers you are reading is not a misprint.  Knicks coach Fizdale moved rookie Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup replacing Enes Kanter.  Kanter’s numbers are identical to last season so it must be an age issue.  Kanter is 26-years old and Robinson turned 20 last April, well certainly that can’t be the reason for the change they are close in age.  Kanter is now the back-up center we must simply state Coaches Decision.

It’s a mistake  
Some of us tend to believe Bill Russell was a cut above Wilt Chamberlain on the basketball court…. that statement is far from the truth.  The 6-foot 10-inch 220-pound Russell led Celtics were simply better than the teammates surrounding the 7-foot 1 inch 275-pound Chamberlain.  Don’t believe me, listen to Russell’s statement in Basketball: A Love Story the ESPN series.  The argument has been “The NBA contained fewer number of teams at the time these two faced one another.”  That statement is certainly fact but consider this tidbit wouldn’t expansion make for less talented players being added to the league many at the center position. 

12-14 teams guaranteed Chamberlain faced a quality center more frequently than he would late in his career.  For the record Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds a game for his 14-year NBA career, he now is in 5^th place among the leagues all-time scorers.  His 31,419 points scored led career scorers for several years.  The one negative it was said Chamberlain was concerned with records while Russell was more concerned with winning.  Imagine this bit of information, he played 1,045 games without ever fouling out playing 40+ minutes.  Was he that good to have never fouled out of a game, better yet were officials more lenient in calling fouls on him during this streak.  One area certainly overlooked was his skill at passing the basketball.  Chamberlain averaged 4.4 assists for the course of his his career and in 1967-68 season he led the NBA in assists at 8.6 assists per game. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

No nonsense by me

As I was preparing the Sunday edition of Words eye view the news broke.  Depending on your source we have a mixed picture of the meeting between Magic Johnson and Luke Walton.  There will be no nonsense by me the chief Laker fan in KC.  This is written Saturday morning however the Lakers are 3-5, by the time you read this either one more loss or win.  In any event it’s being reported Magic was “upset” with the slow start by the Lakers.  We have no idea of the meeting content but this we do know, Walton is not Magic’s hire. 

It’s was detailed at the time Magic-Pelinka were hired in the spring they met with most front office personnel.  Guess who they failed to meet with….Luke Walton.  You might remember my comment in early August, I met with a fellow Laker fan.  I hadn’t visited with John in a couple of months, so we began to conversation about our families eventually focusing on the Lakers.  We expressed satisfaction with the arrival of LeBron James however John had a concern, “I don’t think Walton’s the coach to lead this team.”  He went on to explain his reasoning, I’m not going to bore you with his view.  I can state this, maybe Magic has a similar view to that of my friend.  The significant difference, as a fan John can only voice his opinion Magic can make changes.  

Jersey numbers

Have you noticed Mavs rookie Luka Doncic wears jersey number 77?  I’m not sure of the significance of the number for the youngster, if I discover the why I certainly will inform you.  Unlike NFL players jersey numbers for NBA players are usually 50 and below although there are exceptions.  Hall of Fame center George Mikan wore 99 while playing for the Minneapolis Lakers but there have been others.  Ron Artest a.k.a. Metta World Peace wore 91 with the Pacers, 93 with the Kings and 96 while a member of the Rockets.  Dennis Rodman didn’t arrive in the NBA with a high number, later he wore 70, 73 and 91 as well.  Former center Jason Collins donned number 98 and with that I ceased my search.  I concluded there are likely more former players wearing large numbers than I first realized.  

High school teammates     

You might remember an account regarding Nate Thurmond and Gus Johnson two high school teammates in the Naismith Hall of Fame based on outstanding NBA careers.  While it seemed unusual at the time I discovered it’s not that uncommon.  I’m not stating any of the combos are headed for the Hall of Fame, they do share a common thread.  This list should not be considered complete there are others.  Doug McDermott and Harrison Barnes played for Ames High School in Ames Iowa.

Barnes drafted by the Warriors now plays for the Mavs.   As for McDermott he was drafted by the Nuggets and his rights were traded to the Bulls, he now plays for the Pacers.  Ben Simmons of the Sixers and D’Angelo Russell of the Nets were teammates at Montverde Academy in Florida.  Celtic Kyrie Irving and the Hornets Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth New Jersey.  Ty Lawson of the Wizards and Kevin Durant were teammates at Oak Hill Academy.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Kansas centers

Joel Embiid continues to prove the wait has been worth it, I’m talking about the injury riddled start of his NBA career.  I’ve stated this previously and will repeat it again, Embiid is the best center in the NBA, I didn’t stutter making the statement.  His game Thursday night against the Clippers and Marcin Gortat was a thing of beauty.  Embiid was 16-32 from the floor (.500) with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.  Forgive me, I’m old school I don’t wish to take anything away from Steph, Klay or Kevin but I love dominate center play.  Before the rise of the Warriors there was Shaquille O’Neal who controlled the paint and dared anyone to stand in the way of his 350-pound body. 

Embiid dominates the game but in a slightly different manner than a Shaq or even Dwight Howard at one time.  JaVale McGee must be included in this discussion due to his break-out year.  It could be an apparition however this career reserve center has doubled his scoring and rebounds over last season.  Checking the records his best season was 2011-12 playing for the Wizards with an 11.9 point per game average.  Warrior fans calm down as I attempt to explain, McGee is playing more minutes plus the addition of LeBron James has enhanced his game.  Back to Embiid a moment, if he’s not the best currently at the position you name someone better.      

Bits n Pieces

I believe it was Duke’s Coach K. with the statement regarding the one and done rule.  “If the NBA begins allowing high school players in the draft it won’t change one and done.”  I believe the coach to be correct, as an example some future prospect will have a standout season, this freshman will decide he’s ready for the NBA and will not return for his sophomore year.   

Ever wonder why the Thunder are in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference?   Sure, you do, remember this is the former Seattle franchise now located in Oklahoma City.  In 2008 when the franchise moved the NBA wanting balance decided in favor of leaving the Thunder (Sonics) in the Northwest Division.  The other members Portland, Minnesota, Utah, Denver and Oklahoma City.

Friday November 2, 2018 we have a decision in front of us, do we watch any of the plethora of college games or the NBA double-header?  Several college teams have already played ahead of Friday evenings schedule of exhibitions.  Most colleges begin non-conference play upcoming Tuesday. 

Mayor’s race

I figured to check on the progress of the Clippers proposed arena in Inglewood.  To my amazement I discovered whoever is elected mayor of Inglewood might impact the proposition.  Current Mayor James Butts supports building the arena, his opponent Mark Little represents the opposition.  The opposition is Madison Square Garden or simply MSG, owners of the Forum former home of the Lakers. 

The planned arena is less than a mile from the Forum and naturally the concern is the two arenas will be competing for concerts and other events.  Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has donated money to Butts campaign while MSG is supporting Little.  To top it off Ballmer said in August “We’re moving to Inglewood come hell or high water,” the Clippers Staples Center lease expires in 2024.  I’m sure there are other city service issues on the ballot they usually are, this one has an added matter…an arena. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Somebody somewhere 

I’m sure this event has occurred someplace in time somewhere.  On Wednesday evening the Mavs and Luka Doncic faced the Lakers in Staples Center.  It’s being reported probably during a stoppage of play Mavs rookie Doncic ask Lebron James for an autographed jersey.  I can’t remember a similar story however as indicated I’m sure this is not the first time for this happening.  Players are just like fans, once in the presence of someone they admire they are awe struck in their presence, that certainly was the case for Doncic.  Don’t be surprised if you hear of Doncic repeating this again say with a Kobe Bryant or some other past or present NBA All-Star. 

You don’t know Tom Keegan

Neither do I, he is a writer for the Lawrence Journal-World in Lawrence Kansas.  Over the course of time I’m quite sure he’s seen plenty of Kansas basketball talent.  We have an afternoon drive-time sports person who knows EVERYTHING.  The Keegan interview became a point-counterpoint discussion, below is a paraphrase of the interview.

Radio guy:  Don’t you think _________is the best Self’s ever had?

Keegan:  No that would be ___________

Radio guy:  You think the Jayhawks might be able to lure ________from__________

Keegan:  No, ___________is the number one recruiter in that city.

Radio guy: _________ has not signed with anybody however his revised list excluded Kansas. 

Keegan: Prospects might be uncomfortable signing with Kansas based of the Adidas New York trial. 

On and on it went with Keegan shooting down all this guy’s basketball questions.  The point I’m attempting to make, this writer has not been distracted by the “flashing lights and noise.”  It appears he looks at Kansas basketball in the same manner as other highly successful programs.  For me it was refreshing to hear the radio guy politely shut down. 

It had to be a double
Wednesday night one of the Wolves players looked remarkably like Derrick Rose.  It couldn’t have been Rose; this imitator led the way to victory scoring 50 points.  He even played defense blocking a key shot that would lead to the 128-125 victory over the Jazz.  Along with the astounding point total this cloned version of Rose also pulled down 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.  The lookalike wasn’t just jacking up shots, he managed to shoot .613 from the floor.  I checked ESPN.com’s NBA page and they indicate this replica of Derrick Rose just turned 30 years of age, if this game is not an anomaly maybe some of his old game remains. 

Surgery
We heard the news earlier, Shareef O’Neal would miss the 2018-19 season for UCLA.  The son of Shaquille and Shaunie O’Neal committed first to Arizona and later changed his mind.  It was never clear why he changed his mind; the belief might have been Arizona was facing possible sanctions regarding the Adidas trial and its connection to Sean Miller.  The 6-foot 9-inch 209-pound O’Neal was prepared to begin play and then BAM.  A routine health check uncovered a heart issue which is serious enough to require surgery, he would sit out this season prepared to begin play in 2019-20.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Is he ready to move to the next level?
Point guard Magic Johnson arrived in the NBA with the Lakers in 1979, the 6-foot 9-inch Johnson was the same height as several centers at that period.  You know the remainder of the story NBA champion, Hall of Fame career and now president of basketball operations for the Lakers.  The old saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” certainly applies.  Taller high school players believed they could do the same thing, they began handling the basketball in the manner of a point guard.  We saw guys like Penny Hardaway and Shaun Livingston both 6 foot 7 being drafted by NBA teams, there are others who played and or playing at 6 foot 6 inches.  Along comes 6-foot 10-inch Ben Simmons, he left LSU for the NBA and the Sixers. 

Last season Simmons was named Rookie of the Year, his jump shot range remains a work in progress.  Seems as though another tall point guard once played in the NBA with a similar game.  He would become quite adept at distributing the basketball and running the offense, he would finally assume the role of leader on that team and lead them to championships.  What was his name, his name was………Magic Johnson that’s it, it was Magic?  Magic worked on his jump shot eventually becoming a skilled 3-point shooter.  Don’t confuse this account, I’m not saying Simmons is the second coming of Magic or anyone else.  Give the youngster time and an injury free career and he just might have Springfield calling when he retires. 

He wants to be paid
The Cavs won a game on Tuesday evening their first after Ty Lue was fired.  As this is written I’m unsure who coached the team I guess it was Larry Drew.  The former player and NBA coach is not sliding into the “interim” status easily without more money.  Can we really blame Drew, the past actions of owner Dan Gilbert regarding his coaches and general managers, let’s just say he changes them like his socks?  To be fair Drew is among the highest paid assistants in the NBA, his agent certainly didn’t twist anyone’s arm in negotiating the contract. 

“Houston we’ve had a problem here”
The emergency experienced by the Apollo 13 crew resulted in this famous quote in April 1970.  These are the words of Astronaut Jack Swigert and it would be discovered this crew would be unable to land successfully on the moon as the crews of Apollo 11 and 12 had done successfully.  This quote once again could be Mike D’Antoni speaking the words, folks are looking at the slow start of the Lakers how about the 1-5 Rockets?  

Adding LeBron James to the Laker lineup has resulted in a slow start, adding Carmelo Anthony and others also has been challenging.  How valuable was Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute to last season’s on-court success?  They came within a Chris Paul injury of beating the Warriors in the playoffs.  I must remind Rocket Nation (and Laker fans too) adjustments must be made.  The difference between the two the team from Houston returned a veteran lineup to the floor. 

Did you feel the slight earthquake? 
It wasn’t really an earthquake more like a seismic shock felt only in Lawrence Kansas and Chapel Hill North Carolina.  5-star and Rivals number 10 prospect in the Class of 2019 Jeremiah Robinson-Earl would sign with either Kansas or North Carolina.  The correlation, dad Lester Earl played at Kansas under Roy Williams.  Williams of course is now at Carolina and it was believed both coaches likely had the inside edge to recruitment of this talented young man. 

That turn out to not be the case, Villanova’s Jay Wright (best dressed coach in college basketball) apparently made the connection with Robinson-Earl.  At this point it’s a verbal commitment and he could renege on his promise if he desired prior to a spring signing period.  The 6-foot 9-inch 235-pound Robinson-Earl is enrolled at IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida for his senior year.  His first three years of high school basketball was played at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park (KS)
a Kansas City (MO) suburb.