BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Tennessee is good, or Mizzou is bad and maybe in this game Mizzou was plain ugly.  There is no excuse offered for competing against the number three team in the country.  The Mizzou managed to hang with Tennessee for about 10 minutes or so in the first half.  Truth is they had a double-digit lead early, Tennessee had shots but either missed them or turned the ball over. 

Toward the end of the first half Tennessee recovered it’s game and raced out to a 42-31 at the half.  The second half of the game was all Tennessee resulting in a final score of 87-63.  I told a friend I’m disappointed but not depressed, I guess I’m rationalizing having witnessed the number three team dismantle Mizzou and realizing one thing.  They were not rated that high playing average basketball, they came into Mizzou Arena and spanked some Mizzou behind.        

Diversity, can you say it with me
The NBA continues to hire and they ain’t all men.  Last month it was Kelly Krauskopf who became an assistant general manager with the Pacers.  The Sixers announced on Tuesday they hired Annelie Schmittel as vice president of player development.  She arrives from the NFL Oakland Raiders where she spent three seasons.  According to Libertyballers.com the Sixer website; “She will be responsible for creating, managing and overseeing the holistic development and implementation of programs that support the professional and personal growth of 76ers players, staff and families.”

The NBA has continued to demonstrate it’s not a boy’s club as NBA management and its teams have sought quality skilled talent.  The NFL, MLB, NHL and soccer are lined up behind the NBA in diversity hiring.  With the recent firing of black coaches in the NFL we were reminded of the Rooney Rule.  It simply states anytime an NFL head coaching position is open a minority person must be interviewed.  Guess which league never had to implement such a policy?  Am I stating the NBA is bias and gender free…. of course, not however it’s been a leader in hiring.  Don’t just take my word read Richard Lapchick, annually his group explores racial and diversity in sport and the NBA almost always receives A’s across the board.

Is this the year
Kansas has won the Big 12 championship outright for 30 or 40 consecutive years.  Okay I embellished that a bit, they have won or tied for 12 consecutive Big 12 titles.  Every year the question is asked, can anybody beat the Jayhawks?  The Jayhawk program has two clear advantages over the other 11 Big 12 schools, 1.  Reputation and 2.  Coach.  Kansas basketball can recruit with the Kentucky’s, Dukes and the North Carolina’s of the basketball world. 

Attracting talent from all over the nation and the world is a clear advantage over the other Big 12 competition in attracting top notch talent.  As for the coach Bill Self is one of the best, although he’s only won a single NCAA Championship Kansas basketball always earns a berth every year.  We are early in the conference race but could pose the question could 2019 be different from prior years?  The standings on January 8^th list Kansas in a strange and usual place.  The Jayhawks are in 5^th place after two conference games.    

He gets away with it!
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is quite passionate about his team, we’ve witnessed Ballmer seated in the front row of Staples wildly cheering for his team.  Some might remember the late Larry Miller owner of the Jazz, Miller could also be listed in a group of owners who were zealous regarding their team.  There is another owner to be profiled, Mavs owner Mark Cuban whose been a long-time thorn in the side of game officials.  Monday evening in the Mavs game against the Lakers we witnessed video of Cuban on the court or on the sideline “discussing” an official’s call. 

Even more interesting I checked the box score and saw no technical foul on Cuban.  At what point did it become okay to just saunter over to a game official to discuss anything?  If it is permissible as we witnessed can we do it too?  I’ll answer my own question; if Joe Fan had attempted to talk to an official, they would have been escorted out of the arena by security and law enforcement.  I appreciate the fact owners such as Cuban want the best for their team but there is a stop point.  At one time Cuban received numerous technical fouls and it was believed he’d calmed down, apparently not true. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Udoka Azubuike
If you are unfamiliar with his name, Udoka Azubuike is a big man (6-11 280 pound) center and plays for the Kansas Jayhawks.  Last Friday he injured his hand in practice, turns out it’s a torn tendon which requires season-ending surgery.  This injury is not career ending, he should be able to return in the fall and finish up.  If you’ve read Words eye view any length of time you know I hate these guys who go on the air talking about “what they think they know” rather than providing actual facts.  Our resident drive-time talk radio guy starts out by saying how much this injury will hurt Kansas basketball which I have no disagreement with. 

He then goes on to say Azubuike “might be the best big man in college basketball” which might be subject to debate.  I checked out NBADraft.net perusing it for centers who might be included in the 2019 NBA draft.  Zubuike’s name was certainly listed however he was not among the Top 10 centers, if Euro centers are added he falls even further down.  I know what you are thinking however I will address it.  My animosity toward Kansas basketball has never involved any player it’s their coach.  We have two issues, the Kansas City media even on the Missouri side is blinded by the aura of Kansas basketball.  The second issue is the one mentioned at the beginning, a talk radio guy providing an opinion he clearly was in error, talk fact rather than opiniont, mic drop. 

Triple-Double
It was news the first time around, that is Russell Westbrook recording a triple-double for the season.  Westbrook accomplished this feat for the first time since the days of Oscar Robertson.  Since that record-breaking season Westbrook’s accomplished a triple-double at least two seasons since then.  The latest was Sunday night as the Thunder lost a home game, A HOME GAME against the Wall-less Wizards 116-98.  For me the triple-double has lost its impact with this writer.  The other issue especially this season Westbrook’s field goal percentage has gone in the toilet.  In addition I find it questionable witnessing Thunder teammates “move” out of the way for Westbrook to snatch a rebound.  Just my thoughts you don’t have to agree with it.    

This is not nitpicking Luke Walton
After getting blown out yesterday by the Wolves we read these Walton notes.  Lakers “need more passion” from Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram.  Kawhi Leonard is the first player that comes to mind, I only read the headline is he referring to effort or something else?  One of the main complaints about Leonard was his “quietness”, he didn’t hang out with the media i.e. Jimmy Butler.  I believe you can play with passion at an NBA level without the coach emphasizing it. 

First, he won then he was fired
An unusual circumstance occurred Sunday afternoon, first the Wolves won their game by blowing out the Lakers.  Immediately after the win the Wolves fired president and coach Tom Thibodeau.  The Wolves two games below .500 were expected to compete for the Western Conference championship this season.  Thibodeau becomes the second coach to be fired this season, he joins former Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg.  I don’t know if this is immediately however Luke Walton’s got to be on the hot seat.  Laker performance less LeBron has been sad. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Times up
I’ve attempted to hold my commentary on Luke Walton.  A coach taking on the role of a rebuild must be given time to implement his program and establish a relationship with his team.  There must also be a meeting of the minds especially with a professional team.  I’ve been a long-time believer pro players more so than collegiate one’s sometimes reach a point where they “turn off” a coach.  No amount of direction, yelling, cursing and other antics by the coach work.  The Lakers were forced to fire Pat Riley, after years of playoff and championship success we read Riley had lost the clubhouse.  Laker players were no longer listening to his direction during team meetings and training.

In Kansas City former coach Marty Schoettenheimer was one of the most successful coaches in Chiefs history.  After the team began sliding downward Schoettenheimer resigned in 1998.  There was one game the Chiefs on the field appeared to self-destruct.  It was whispered, the coach had acquired free-agents of questionable character and lost the ear of those newly acquired players and others on the roster.  Where am I going, it’s time for the Lakers to make a change.  It appears Luke Walton has lost the clubhouse, I realize LeBron James is sidelined but it’s more than that.  Whose available, Brian Shaw (former Laker and head coach), ABC/ESPN analyst Mark Jackson also a former coach.  I believe a change at this point would be a breath of fresh air.

Can we say upset in unison?
If you tuned in on Saturday, you might have done what I did witnessed two top 10 teams lose.  I’m sure ranked teams have both lost on the same day however I’m unsure if it’s occurred this season.  Your memory might be better than mine, in this instance I had the opportunity to see both games.   Saturday evening number 4 Nevada undefeated at tipoff lost their game versus unranked New Mexico State.  Earlier in the day Iowa State also unranked at the time accomplished the same feat beating number 5 Kansas.  Although the home team won in both instances the games were not even close, Nevada winning 85-58 and Iowa State a 77-60 winner. 

Remember the name
Trayvon Reed is a 7-foot 2-inch 240-pound center, he plays for Texas Southern University.  I realize you might not have heard the name however don’t be shocked or surprised.  We could hear Reed’s name called in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, if not then he might just become some team’s free agent signee.  Reed while relatively unknown began his college career at Auburn but would transfer to Texas Southern University.  TSU is in the city of Houston Texas and is one of the many historically black universities in the south and southwest.  

Two mock draft sites contained Reed’s name, he’s been identified by scouts, whether he is drafted remains a question. The key might be the NBA Draft Combine should Reed be invited.  It’s been said few except those around Vanderbilt and later Mizzou knew the name DeMarre Carroll.  After distinguishing himself at the 2009 NBA Draft Combine he was made a late first round pick by the Hawks.  Carroll now a member of the Nets has managed an NBA career and is paid generously for it.  The same scenario could play out for Reed as well.  If he attends the combine and has a good showing he could be drafted or at the very least sign a free-agent Summer League contract.  Undrafted Allonzo Trier proved he could play, and the Knicks said “Yes he can” signing him. 

Bits n Pieces 
In the middle of December, the Pacers made NBA history, the team announced the hiring of Kelly Krauskopf as assistant general manager.  Krauskopf becomes the first woman in NBA history to hold a similar position.  She’s no window dressing hire, Krauskopf’s been in the forefront of major decisions having served 19-years as a top executive of the WNBA Fever.  In addition, she’s held other positions demonstrating her basketball capabilities.

You wanna know the Mavs Dirk Nowitzki’s age?  Consider this fact, shooting guard Jaylen Brown born in 1996 was 2-years old when Dirk began playing for the Mavs.  Dirk is unsure if this is his last year or not however many believe this is the end. 

Two guys who faced one another on the basketball court did it again.  This time it occurred as head coaches.  This past Saturday Chris Mullin at St. John’s faced Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas, Mullin’s team prevailed in OT 97-94. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Food for thought
While researching a story I came across this fact, don’t read anything into this, just sayin’.  Before conference play begins this week, we reported Mizzou was undefeated in the month of December.  Rock M Nation reported Mizzou’s 3 losses prior to Saturday's action, Iowa State 11-2 Kansas State 10-3, and Temple 10-3.  As indicated earlier they could have beaten Temple losing to them 79-77. 

Cancer
Personally, I don’t like to use the C word in reference to an athlete.  This discussion while serious doesn’t come close to death which cancer could in a late stage.  My terminology is an older one once heard, “Clubhouse Lawyer.”  That’s the name we might apply to the Sixers Jimmy Butler in early January.  Most of us have little clue with the move from the Bulls (who drafted him) to the Wolves.  We are familiar with that story, after the move was okay then it wasn’t.  He complained about teammates particularly Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, made it clear he wanted no part of coach Tibs and the Wolves. 

Presto, change a trade is worked out sending the disgruntled Butler to the Sixers, all is now was right in the world.  Peace and harmony prevailed and then the pillar of the team Joel Embiid mentioned he was concerned about the manner he was often placed on the floor.  Later he attempted to clean it up by saying everything was okay but was it?  We now read Butler is “testing” Brett Brown over his offensive scheme.  And to think we believed the on-going soap opera regarding Markelle Fultz was the only Sixer issue.  Standby we can be assured there is more to this story. 

Frustrated
I can rival Superman this morning, I might be able to bend steel.  Well that’s an exaggeration let’s just say I’m frustrated with the Lakers.  Friday night saw the Knicks arrive in Staples Center with a 9-28 record and an 8-game losing streak.  They departed with a win over the LeBron-less Lakers 119-12.  The injury to LeBron has impacted this Laker squad beyond what I believed.  One of the losses suffered was against the Thunder, that I understand.  The Thunder have a greater collection of talent but losing to the Knicks there is no excuse. 

Kyle Kuzma hinted prior to this loss it was time for the team to step up.  Well it didn’t help the forward was sidelined with an injury for this game.  I must remind you of an earlier conversation I held with a friend and Laker fan last August.  Jack said, “I don’t think Luke Walton is the coach for this team especially with LeBron.”  I took his comment in and stored in my memory, I’m revisiting it, was Jack correct?  Was this a precursor to what we are witnessing currently.  I haven’t given up I will remain a Laker for life let’s just say I’m extremely frustrated at this point. 

Decisions, decisions
This account relates to the one above, surgery and then termination.  I wonder what occurs with Shareef O’Neal?  You might remember the son of Shaquille O’Neal was all set to begin his freshman year and then a health issue arose.  Doctors discovered Shareef had a heart issue requiring surgery, this is not a reference to the surgery it was a success rather I’m referring to his school. From all indications he should be able to return to competitive basketball in the fall. You may have forgotten how the youngster arrived at UCLA in the first place.

Early on Shareef committed to Arizona and then disaster struck.  Sean Miller and Arizona were named in the Adidas “Pay for Play” trial, probably figuring on sanctions Shareef changed his mind and decided to remain close to home enrolling at UCLA.  With the recent firing of Steve Alford what he does now becomes the question, we can guess playing for Alford and UCLA were key to his decision.  He backed out after the school was one of the several mentioned in the adidas trial. I’ve not read anything, but we guess playing for Steve Alford impacted his decision, we shall see how this eventually plays out. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

I don’t think I’d go there
They can’t be serious, can they?  It’s being reported several UCLA alumni are pushing for the school to hire Rick Pitino.  You remember the Pitino story don’t you, Hall of Fame coach, NCAA Championship, he’s led Boston U., Providence, Kentucky and Louisville to 647 wins at these stops.  Those are the positives, the negatives…. you know them.  No need of detailing them here, are these alumni willing to accept the baggage in hiring a Pitino?   

“Houston Warriors we have a problem”
If your team scores 134 points in a game even OT you should win, you win unless you are the Warriors.  Kevin, Steph and company allowed the Rockets to score 135.  Sure, it was a last second shot by “The Beard” however it was more than that.  As for Harden, it was 44 points 15 assists and 10 rebounds, mixed in 10 3-point baskets scored.  You have a problem losing a game AT HOME, you once had a 20-point lead.  Perhaps this is an anomaly however these Warriors don’t appear the same as past Warrior teams.  I’m not playing taps for them, but they certainly appear mortal near the middle of January.  

The coach 
It was announced this morning UCLA had fired Steve Alford.  CBS Sports began the speculation portion “Who replaces Alford?”  I looked over the names several were more familiar than others however there is an issue.  Despite the fact UCLA has not won an NCAA Championship since 1995 a national search will be conducted for a replacement coach.   There are several prestige coaching positions Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke and UCLA.  A short history, after the legendary John Wooden retired Gene Bartow took over the program.  Bartow after tasting success at two other stops left UCLA after but two seasons for UAB. 

His two UCLA teams finished 28-4 and 24-5, they qualified for the NCAA Tournament both seasons but failed to advance past a third-place finish.  More recently Kevin Ollie replaced Jim Calhoun who led UConn to success and several NCAA Championships.  The first season for Ollie was successful his UConn team won an NCAA Championship.  After that it was all downhill for Ollie with UConn eventually firing him.  There are other examples those two are the first that come to mind, perhaps you might have another coaching change in mind.  As this was being completed came word from another corner.  Laker Lonzo Ball has an opinion that's about all. He's suggesting Earl Watson to replace Steve Alford as head coach at UCLA. Most basketball fans are aware Watson graduated from Washington HS in KCK and played at UCLA. Watson had a 13-year NBA career as a player and served as head coach for the Suns.

Is the race over?
For the second month in a row Luka Doncic has won NBA Rookie of the Month, is the race officially over in January?  In truth there is no requirement to have the trophy inscribed with his name in January.  With NBA rookies we always discuss “hitting the wall”.  Most often it is applied to former college rookies not accustom to playing over 40 games in a season.  Often in January their numbers slide downward as they adjust to the longer NBA season.  I haven’t check Doncic’s numbers but believe this, playing professionally in Europe he’s probably not going to be affected in the same manner of DeAndre Ayton as an example. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Bits n Pieces
At the time Marc Stein worked for ESPN he was a voice of reason.  Not always correct in all he reported however he met my personal criteria.  Stein covered basketball alone, he didn’t try and do NBA basketball and double up by covering NFL football.  I make that statement at least to my knowledge.  Stein covers the NBA now on NYTimes.com, check him out if you get a chance.   

You say you didn’t know 78-year old Larry Brown was still coaching?  Neither did I, he’s been serving as head coach of an Italian team Fiat Torino.  Notice “been serving” points out he’s no longer there.  Brown left with a 5-19 mark and there is no indication (at this point) if he just quit or was fired.    

Let’s just say the case of Kevin Ollie former UConn head coach is unusual to say the least.  Ollie was hired as the heir apparent to Jim Calhoun his long-time college coach.  There are too many moving parts to dissect at this point.  Read the details for yourself, draw your own conclusion of the events.  

You might remember the account on Mavs rookie Luka Doncic and his jersey number 77.  I failed to check NBA rosters before completing the story, it seems Jae Crowder of the Jazz is now sporting number 99.  I know for a fact he’s never worn that number previously, I believe it’s only occurred since he arrived in Salt Lake City, but I could be wrong.   

Not gonna do it
The last time this scenario occurred I weighed in on the subject.  See Kyrie Irvin was at Duke and 8 games into his freshman year he suffered an injury.  He would be sidelined for the balance of the season.  Much to my surprise (and others maybe) he declared for the 2011 NBA draft while rehabbing from injury.  I remember it well, I wrote “He’s (Irving) making a mistake placing his name in the draft. He’s not ready for NBA play”.  It’s good he wasn’t listening to me for advice, drafted by the Cavs at the end of the season Irving was named NBA Rookie of the Year.  Later Irving would go on to All-Star status and was a key in the City of Cleveland winning its first sports championship since well….in a long time. 

Where am I headed you ask, Oregon’s Bol Bol has been sidelined with a foot injury after distinguishing himself in the team's initial series of games.  It’s being reported Bol will sit out the remainder of the season and.  The and is rehabilitate, heal and prepare himself for the 2019 NBA draft.  Prior to the injury Bol was projected as a lottery pick so the fact he’s not remaining in school is not shocking.  The next move by me, I don’t wish to repeat the mistake I made in 2011 and declare he’s not ready.  This fan has no desire to repeat my previous stance, is Bol ready for the NBA I have no idea.  We must wait and see how this plays out. 

He wears a WHAT?

Sometimes those of us wearing even a large shoe can be stunned by the shoe size of athletes.  During half-time of the UCF-Temple game ESPN analyst Brooke Weisbrod interviewed Tacko Fall, the most interesting portion of the interview occurred when she placed the shoe on the floor and placed her foot shoe and all inside the shoe of Fall.  I have no idea what size shoe Weisbrod wears however the ability of placing her foot inside the size 22 of Fall was interesting.  Curious I decided to check the shoe size of several past and present day NBA players.  

Shaquille O’Neal also wears a size 22, Yao Ming who also stands 7 feet 6 inches the same as Fall has a “baby” foot, it’s an 18.  Speaking of little feet that was the case for the late Manute Bol, standing 7 feet 7 inches his basketball shoe was only a 16 ½.  At the time Bob Lanier arrived in the NBA (1970) his size 22 was supposed to have been the largest size ever manufactured by Converse.  As you can see now days Lanier has plenty of company regarding sizable basketball shoes.  As for present day NBA players Pelican center Anthony Davis wears a 17 as does Sixer Joel Embiid, the Wolves Karl-Anthony Towns wears a size 20.  We close with Steven Adams of the Thunder with his size 18 shoe.              

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

What do I know?
You might remember my statement, I said after watching Tacko Fall for the last three years I believed the NBA was not in his future.  The 7-foot 6-inch Fall certainly has progressed but not enough in my mind, I stated but maybe he could find employment in Europe.  Well Wednesday evening versus Temple Fall registered 16 points 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.  Analyst Brooke Weisbrod said at a point, “Fall will play at the next level” without further elaboration.  For the time being I will stick to my earlier assessment, despite standing 7 foot 6 inches and 310 pounds I will be surprised if it’s the NBA for Fall.      

Filling up the stat sheet
Tuesday evening witnessed two stat stuffing performances in the NBA.  The first occurred in a 113-108 Blazer victory over the Kings.  Blazer center Jusuf Nurkić shot .500 from the floor with 24 points, 23 rebounds 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.  He becomes only the 6^th player in NBA history to join the “5 X 5” club, outstanding.  Meanwhile in Denver Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets was also busy in his teams 115-108 victory over the Knicks. 

Jokic’s stat line read, 19 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds…he also managed to shoot .500 from the floor. Is there something going on unforeseen by the experts, they persist in discussing the evolution of “small-ball”, this has come about due to the success of the Warriors and to a degree the Cavs.  Winning successfully without a dominate big man however Nurkic and Jokic are both centers and stand over 7 feet tall.  Rudimentary basketball has evolved over time no argument regarding that, to point toward the Warriors and decide that is the only method to win is partially untrue from my perspective. 

Like father, like son…. not exactly 
In the past we’ve often covered a son or several off-spring who followed in the footsteps of the father.  Bill Walton, Michael Jordan, Rick Barry are just a few whose sons followed them into the sport of basketball.  This one is slightly different, we have a basketball coach whose dad is a well-known comic.  Who knows Luke Murray might have decided while growing up comedy wasn’t the field, he wanted to pursue, it was basketball.  His dad is Bill Murray as they might say star of stage, screen and television.

You are familiar with the movies, Ghostbusters, Caddy Shack, Stripes and Lost in Translation or the long-running television comedy program Saturday Night Live where Murray first became a star.  The elder Murray can often be seen rooting Luke’s teams especially during NCAA Tournament time.  Assistant Luke is now at Louisville after 3 seasons at Xavier, he’s now aiding head coach Chris Mack restore the luster to a tarnished basketball program.  Just in case there might be a question Luke Murray’s basketball background is almost as extensive as dad Bill’s is in the entertainment industry. 

Easy to embrace a winner
Did I mention the Sixers have become my second favorite NBA team to follow and watch on television?  No, it’s not the NBA champion Warriors nor the sharpshooting Rockets or any other team.  I’m unsure if I could make that statement 5-6 years ago, at that time it was a struggle.  Long departed GM Sam Hinkie may or may not be responsible for coining the phrase “Trust the Process.”  In my eyes that meant securing good players out of the draft, signing free-agents and making good trades. 

It took a while for the +.500 Sixers to arrive on the scene and I’m quite sure many fans became upset and perhaps refused to trust the process.  Jimmy Butler arrived after the season started, he now provides the Sixers a third option behind Embiid and Simmons.  At this point they must ensure the team’s reserve talent is adequate for a deep playoff run.  It’s easy now to be a Sixer fan but where you in the dark days?  Did you live and die with every missed shot or every errant pass?  I know a thing or two about suffering after all I’m a Laker fan.  I’ve had the mountain top experience but also dwelled in Death Valley with my Lakers. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

SEC Conference
I don’t wish to get ahead of myself however allow me to re-check once again.  Several sources were researched prior to compiling this information, Mizzou is predicted to finish 9^th in the 14 team SEC.  A few based their summation on Jontay Porter being available while others made no mention of Porter.  There were quality wins versus Xavier, UCF and Illinois but also disappointingly performed losses to Iowa State, Temple and Kansas State.  So where does that leave Mizzou in the conference race?  I’m pleased you ask prior to their January 8 conference
start the Tigers are in…you guessed it 9^th place. 

Will they remain in that position for the balance of the schedule, I don’t think so.  Barring injuries or academic issues I think they can finish in the top half of the conference.  Kentucky, Tennessee and Auburn are probably a lock for the top three slots in no order, Mizzou could finish anywhere from 4 through 7.  To end the season at 4 Mizzou must play outstanding basketball if they are to finish that high.  7^th place is a real possibility if they win 2-3 games that might be projected as a loss.  So, there you have it, I’m out with my bold prediction.  Bookmark this account and check back in March, allow yourself a laugh on me or offer me congratulations for being spot-on.

You make the call
After witnessing Luka Doncic amaze us I wanted to recheck a scouting report prior to the 2018 draft.  I’ve always believed those things you don’t do well you minimize, others you accentuate.  Consider this little jewel from a scouting report on Doncic.  “His biggest flaw is his lack of quickness and lateral speed, which affects his effectiveness in 1 on 1 defense against more explosive opponents ... Furthermore this also limits his offensive effectiveness in ISO situations when he has to rely on his body control and fakes to create the space for the shot or to draw contact.”  Most of us only can view the game with the eye of a fan.  Consider the fact there might be occasions a scout would profile a poor game by the individual.        

A basketball black-eye
You may have been mesmerized by the Adidas trial of the past 2 years however there is no comparison to 1960-61, a gambling scandal impacted college basketball and was more widespread than Adidas.  22 colleges and 37 players were implicated in point shaving.  We can state with conviction the events surrounding many of the athletes of the era could not occur in the 21^st Century.  This is not stating a person or persons wouldn’t be corrupted by the prospects of a financial reward.  Former NBA player and gambler Jack Molinas was the name most identified due to his connection to Connie Hawkins and Roger Brown. 

In both instances neither was ever convicted of any crime.  Hawkins and Brown both are enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame, Doug Moe former Nuggets coach was also implicated simply for not reporting a teammate who attempted to include him in point shaving.   

It should also be of note Paul Tagliabue former NFL commissioner was never charge with any criminal activity but played in one of the games point shaving occurred.  Hawkins, Brown and Moe were expelled from their respective schools and banned from play in the NBA.  Apart from Brown, the others would later find success in the NBA.  Hawkins through his attorneys would sue the NBA winning his case on the ban, Moe after ABA play would begin his coaching career in the league and later moved into the NBA as a coach.  The black-eye suffered by college basketball during this period is far too broad to cover in two paragraphs, research the scandal for yourself later.   

“I’m from Missouri…. Show Me”
I’ve used the age-old adage above several times, I live in Missouri so it’s okay for me to use it.  This time my response is aimed at Laker power forward Kyle Kuzma after losing two games in a row with no LeBron in the lineup.  Winning the third game with no LeBron and Rondo Kuzma said, “We are more than one player” and I can agree with his position. 

The problem Laker fans have not witnessed any consistency at times LeBron is out of the lineup.  Much earlier I mentioned Lonzo Ball, I could also add Brandon Ingram to the list as well.  As for Kuzma his play has been somewhat consistent with and without LeBron on the floor.  Question, is this Laker fan expecting too much improved play over last season?  The return of LeBron and Rondo is still up in the air, let’s see how the Lakers play over the next 5-7 games. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

“What in the wide, wide world of sports is a going on here?”  
The headline above reflect the words of cattle rustler and all-around bad guy Taggert played by character actor Slim Pickens in the 1974 movie classic “Blazing Saddles”.  What in the wide, wide world is going on UCLA losing to Liberty University?  Okay for students, fans and alumni of Liberty I’m not hating on your school rather UCLA.  The school of the legendary John Wooden, holder of numerous NCAA championships while coaching the program.  The school that’s produced a multitude of NBA players over the years which might read like a who’s who. 

How about Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jamal Wilkes, Marquis Johnson, Baron Davis, more recently guys like Russell Westbrook and Lonzo Ball among many.  How can UCLA lose a basketball game against Liberty, I’m not even sure how long Liberty has been a Division I program.  Coach Steve Alford is out after 5 seasons as head coach, we can rest assured those at the University of New Mexico are not shedding any tears over Alford’s termination.  Alford will be okay remember he signed a long-term contract, he still has 2 years remaining.       

I’m reserving my position
Lonzo Ball with no LeBron and no Rondo in sight is so much a better player.  I’m unsure if he’s looking over his shoulder when they are present or dominate the ball.  Lonzo appears to take a back seat when LeBron or Rondo are available.  Over the last 5 games Ball is averaging 12.4 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds a game.  His field goal percentage of .424 is considerably higher than then his .407 season average.  How do you blend this version of Lonzo with a healthy LeBron and Rondo?  I’m unsure if the Lakers trade Lonzo or not, I’m reserving my position. 

What do you think?    
On more than one occasion I’ve pronounced Joel Embiid the best center in the NBA, there is a disagreement with my position.  According to Slam.com that might not be the case at least in their view.  They profiled by position the élite player at each position, Embiid finished in second place.  According to the publication the top center plays in New Orleans and his name is Anthony Davis.  I have no argument with Davis’s talent it’s the position I have an issue. 

At the time he arrived in the NBA he was a power forward, since then not only has Davis grown an inch (6-10) he’s now a solid 253 pounds.  After Boogie Cousins went down last season Davis moved into the center position but most of us believed that was not a permanent move.  His numbers this season are outstanding, as this is written 28 points, 12.7 rebounds and nearly 3 blocked shots a game.  On Friday night against the Mavs Davis filled the stat line leading to a 114-112 victory.  48 points 17 rebounds 4 assists and 2 blocked shots.  Come on Embiid please defend me in defending you as the best big man in the NBA.   

He's not a Power Five athlete…but he can play
Over the years the NBA community has drafted fewer and fewer athletes from mid-major schools.  Now and again a potential talent is uncovered, and we witness their play in the NBA.  That occurred with Robert Covington, drafted by the Sixers he proved he was NBA ready, early this season he was traded to the Wolves in the Jimmy Butler deal.  Covington played his basketball at Tennessee State University in Nashville.  Moving up on mock draft sites is sophomore point guard Ja Morant, he plays at Murray State University in Murray Kentucky.  NBADraft.net’s moved Morant up to the number three position on their site, it’s not just them his stock has risen on several other sites as well.  In conclusion another name you might hear announced draft night, don’t be surprised.