Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Is it Taps?
It’s not unusual for websites to be out of service, companies routinely take them off-line for maintenance and other labor efforts.  Where am I going with this you ask, while researching Big Baller Brand two days ago we discovered the website was down.  It’s still down as this is written on Monday.  Is it taps for Big Baller Brand, have we seen the last of the flamboyant LaVar Ball?  I seriously doubt that although we cannot be sure of the future.  Recently LaVar expressed a desire once again for all three brothers to play on the same NBA team. 

Could it occur, well it could however the larger question might be will it?  LiAngelo appears to be the least talented of the trio, LeMelo while more talented is Bill Murray’s character in “Space Jam.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIV_9--awCI

Can you imagine general managers for the 29 other teams seeing LaVar in action, their thought “That’s what we get with all 4 of them.”  Notice I said four because you cannot separate LaVar from his three sons.  I must establish guidelines at this point, there is no desire on my part to want failure for BBB.  Call me crazy however it’s my belief a more moderately priced line of shoes could compete with Nike, Adidas and others. 

Early entry
It seems there is an inordinate number of underclassmen declaring for the draft.   I didn’t bother to check to see if they hired agents.  Pure speculation on my part, I wonder if the proposed change in the NBA draft might be a factor. 

A helicopter ride
Recently The Undefeated contained an article on Kevin Durant, among the topics discussed was his living arrangements.  It was pointed out the Warriors are moving from Oakland to San Francisco next season, but it appears he’s okay.  From his description Durant must live in an apartment complex not too far from Chase Center so he anticipates no problem arriving at the arena.  As for sharpshooter Steph Curry it’s a slightly different matter.  Again, no location specified however he said, “I might have to do like Kobe.”  A number might not remember the story and it might not have occurred every single game.  Kobe leased a chopper to fly him from Orange County to Staples Center.  The traffic was that bad in his attempt to drive to the arena, it appears Curry might be forced to take the same measures. 

Who is that guy?
The Lakers lost the last game facing the Warriors this season.  The highlight for the Lakers in the loss might have been Alex Caruso and his put back dunk.  An errant Laker shot, and Caruso went high in the air for the miss slamming the ball through the net for the score.  He’s not the guy on CSI Miami his name is David Caruso, in any event the basketball Caruso proving it was no fluke erupted 32 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.  The 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard has bounced back and forth between the South Bay Lakers and the big club.  The 25-year old played his college basketball at Texas A&M, he was an undrafted free-agent in 2016 who’s managed a career to date if only as a backup shooting guard. 

Did you hear this?
It’s being reported a shoe deal for Zion Williamson will be about $10 million.  The story I read didn’t indicate one company had priority over another however Nike must have the inside track.  Everyone wants to be paid which was affirmed by Charles Barkley, I’ve not read (maybe I missed it) any mention of BBB endorsed by current NBA players.  Of course, according to Barkley Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and other shoe companies are paying NBA players.  This calls into question why the BBB brand has not signed any athletes, I wanted to double-check to see if I was correct.  I couldn’t check the websight, its closed due to maintenance. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Over the top
I hope the 2000 song by reggae artist Shaggy “It Wasn’t Me” applies to yours truly.  As I write this, I think over the sometimes-critical remarks I’ve made of players, coaches, the media and fans.  My hope is it’s just an opinion, doesn’t make it anymore correct than yours, it’s my view but I hold no power to persuade you to my side.  We are all aware the world has an entirely different perspective and it even boils down to local sports.  Nothing wrong with critical remarks regarding any public figure but you must be sure your argument is valid and makes sense.   . 

This is an example of my statement, our local drive-time sports guy has an issue with Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger.  I’m not sure what it is but I’m going to speculate.  Both player and radio guy are Kansas State grads, Kruger the player later became Kruger the coach at K-State.  If you check his resume you will note several coaching stops.  Last season radio guy said, “All Kruger is doing is cashing checks (coaching Oklahoma basketball), he’s got no desire to turn out a winner he’d rather be golfing.” 

My first thought what coach is unconcerned with winning, doesn’t make a great deal of sense.  Kruger’s won-loss record determines whether he remains on the job and continues to receive those fat paychecks as my radio friend points out.  As for many of his other views he tends to say, “once a cheater always a cheater.”  He mentions Kelvin Sampson, Bruce Pearl, John Calipari and others in the same breath.  In the instance of Sampson, it’s been pointed out he was fired for something no longer an NCAA violation in 2019.  We are all subject to judgment however better ensure your argument is valid. 

Who wins tonight?
You might call it a Texas Tech championship, there are five or more reasons why Virginia wins.  On the other hand, it could just as easily be the team from Texas, no one has a clue who wins the 2019 NCAA championship.  Think back to last November, did you have either of these teams playing in April?  Both have come to the forefront anchored by outstanding play good coaching and do I say it, pure luck. 

The Auburn Tigers should be preparing for the game instead most of them and their fans are suffering a heart-breaking loss.  Auburn came roaring back from a deficit and took a 1-point lead with seconds remaining in the game.  By now the world is aware of the blown double-dribble call by the referee.  It would lead to an Auburn foul and a contested 3-point shot and a foul on the defender. 

The Virginia player went to the line and sank all three free throws, final Virginia 63 Auburn 62.  Missing in action all night for Texas Tech was Jarrett Culver.  The NBA lottery pick was 3-10 from the floor, his 3-point shot near the end secured the win for the Red Raiders.  Culver finished the night with but 10 points however his teammates had his back as they battled the Michigan State Spartans all evening long.  Final read Texas Tech 61 Michigan State 51.  See you Monday evening. 

Figures do lie!
I offer proof of the above headline; it was noted by the sports world Russell Westbrook will end the season for the third straight year averaging a triple-double.  For the third straight year the Thunder will be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.  I know you’re saying the playoffs haven’t begun yet, see if this scenario doesn’t eventually play out over the next few weeks.  I know you say no one player is responsible for a championship team.  That’s a true statement however the point guard should lead the way.  Despite the high number of assists there is something missing, eventually I’ll figure it out. 

Suppose they listen to him?
Kareem Abdul Jabbar thinks the Lakers need a defensive big man.  I believe that to be a valid statement however should we suppose they listen to him.  We’ve touched on the fact the game has changed since Kareem patrolled the paint but is, he off base with his assessment?  NBA teams with quality centers still require similar duties carried out by Kareem and others of the era.   

Team offenses don’t run through the center position as they once did but some responsibilities never change.  A center must block shots when possible, clog the lane, rebound the ball and defend the pick and roll.  In 2018 the Lakers brought Mitchell Robinson in for a pre-draft workout.  They chose to draft Moe Wagner from the University of Michigan rather than defensive minded Robinson.  We must look down the road three years to determine if the 2018 draft was a hit or miss. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I.O.U. 
Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti claimed on Saturday Nike paid Zion Williamson (Duke), Bol Bol (Oregon), DeAndre Ayton (NBA Suns) and a great number of athletes to attend Nike affiliated schools.  Avenatti has been charged with attempting to extort more than $20 million from the shoe and apparel company.  

Naismith
Recently we covered the inductees to the College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Today those going into the Naismith Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts include players, former coaches and contributors.  They will be enshrined in early September 2019 they are:

Sidney Moncrief
Paul Westphal
Bobby Jones
Vlade Divac
Chuck Cooper
Al Attles
Teresa Weatherspoon
Carl Braun
Jack Sikma  

In addition to the individual’s above entire teams from an earlier period in history will also be enshrined. 

Bits n Pieces
Connected by Coach K. however this is a separate story.  I was asked recently how much longer the coach coaches?  Well I just checked the record, he just turned 72-years of age.  We don’t know if Duke has a mandatory retirement age however this is what we know.  The health of the coach appears to be good so there are no issues there.  This coach continues to reach out to Generation Y and when they play for him, he’s able to coach them successfully. 

Have you checked the anatomy of the Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo?  He stands 6 feet 11 inches and weighs 242 pounds, he plays power forward.  The Mavs Kristaps Porzingis is 7 foot 3 and 240 pounds, he also plays the same position. If we look back in NBA history former Knick great Willis Reed was a standout at 6 foot 9 and a solid 240 pounds.  Much earlier the legendary Bill Russell played at 6 foot 10 inches and 220 pounds.  Do you see where I’m headed with this thought?  The change in the game is evident, Antetokounmpo and Porzingis and others would be centers in the 1960-1990 NBA. 

The talk of Doc Rivers moving across the hall to take over the Lakers is mind-boggling.  It might not be to anyone else, but it is to me.  This has nothing to do with his ability to coach, his record says he’s good at what he does despite my reservations.  The other issue, the world is aware Luke Walton will be fired after the season.  Why name his replacement before his seat is even cold. 

We cannot return to the Wooden days
It’s clear to most of us the glory days of UCLA basketball are in the rear-view mirror.  The basketball program cannot dominate the college scene as it did at one point in time.  Winning an NCAA championship as the school did in the 60’s and ‘70’s is certainly out of the question.  It would appear a high-profile coach is hired to run things, we look down and then up.  By the time we look up the coach has been fired and often moved on to another school. 

There have been 9 coaches at the school since the Wizard of Westwood retired.  You might discover this portion shocking every single one of those coaches had a winning record while at the helm.  I’m not going to go into detail it would take far too much time.  Let’s state it in this manner, John Wooden ain’t walking through the door and this job no longer holds the prestige it once did. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He’s got a new job
The numbers of coaches leaving college for the NBA is an unknown number without research.  It’s likely a larger number than pro to college, not many have gone that route.  Larry Brown might be the first in recent memory, moving from coaching at the pro level to the college ranks.  Lon Kruger now at Oklahoma left the NBA Hawks for UNLV, we could add Avery Johnson and Patrick Ewing to the list.      

There are likely others, those mentioned are the names that readily come to mind in preparation for this story.  On Friday Vanderbilt University announced the hiring of former NBA player Jerry Stackhouse.  The resume for Stackhouse includes no college coaching experience although he’s served as an assistant for the Raptors and head coach for their G-league team.  How did Stackhouse perform as a head coach, in 2017 he was named NBA D-League Coach of the Year? 

1974
Has it been that long, 1974 was the year the Bucks finished with the best record in the NBA?  That Bucks team was anchored by Kareem Abdul Jabbar at center and Oscar Robertson at the point.  The 2018-19 Bucks team has Giannis Antetokounmpo at power forward and Eric Bledsoe at point guard.  Is it just me, this Bucks team has been overlooked all season long by the media and NBA fans? 

Steph Curry and his 3-point shooting plus the fact his team is the defending NBA champs.  Trust the process was the word in Philly as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and others have played competitive basketball all season.  Our eyes were engaged in the sharpshooting James Harden and his Rocket team, even LeBron was our focus not the Bucks Well it’s time to wake up this is not your fathers Milwaukee Bucks team, they may not win it all this season, but they are here to stay. 

Bully Ball 
Exactly what is Bully Ball, Charles Barkley played it so did Shaq and Chris Webber.  Current day players include LeBron, but we might also add the names of DeMarcus Cousins and Joel Embiid in the group as well.  The players named and maybe others I’ve overlooked say; “I’m gonna drive to the basket and I dare you to stand in the way and try to take a charge or stop me.” 

Few souls are capable (or perhaps willing) to take the full impact of one of these large bodies on their person.  There may have been others who played Bully Ball the names mentioned stand out in my memory.  Zion Williamson of Duke plays in a similar manner he also says, “I will run over you if you are willing to take the punishment.”  At 6 foot 6 and 285 pounds it’s easy for Williamson to intimidate many of the opposition.  Will his style carry over into the NBA, you better bet it will? 

NIT
The National Invitation Tournament is a year older than the NCAA tournament, NIT was begun in 1938 and the NCAA one year later.  The NIT does not hold the luster it once held, over the years the NCAA began expanding the number of participating teams.  This left the NIT with lesser and lesser teams to invite.  Despite what might appear to be a negative you must continue play in order to win the championship.  That’s just what Shaka Smart and his Texas Longhorns did on Thursday evening.  They won over Lipscomb 81-66-win number six in securing the championship trophy.  Texas finishes the season 21-16, congratulations to the coach and the University of Texas. 

WIP
Just in case you might be unfamiliar with the term WIP it stands for Work In Progress.  That certainly can be applied to the Knicks Mitchell Robinson a student who is a WIP.  Technically the 7-foot center left high school for the NBA, no one and done here.  Remember he enrolled at Western Kentucky but left school without playing a single minute.  The Knicks drafting him in the second round were aware he was extremely raw. 

Robinson’s playing a back-up center for the Knicks however those occasions he was able to play major minutes he blossomed.  His scoring numbers have been adequate however he’s excelled rebounding and blocking opposition shots. On the Knicks depth chart, he’s now DeAndre Jordan’s backup.  The status of Jordan is unclear, it appears he will become a free-agent July 1.  Should Jordan decide to leave 21-year old Robinson will move into the starting lineup.  This was written prior to Robinson moving into the Knicks starting lineup. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Tick, tock, tick, tock
It’s clear Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had plans other than coaching the Spurs Wednesday night.  Pop was sent to the locker room 63 seconds into their game with the Nuggets.  That’s got to be a record for a player or member of a coaching staff.  Pop was trying to protect LaMarcus Aldridge who he believed Paul Milsap had fouled.  We can say one thing for sure the coach certainly protects his players. 

Building through the draft
Apparently, the number is growing smaller and smaller, those few souls who believe the NBA draft remains vital to the growth of the league.  With few exceptions if we look back over the years an increasing number of teams have won NBA championships with someone else’s players i.e. free-agents.  This is not true in all cases however it’s become more and more common.  The Sixers have made several key trades however the glue, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were draft picks. 

Other than Markelle Fultz the Sixers have been quite diligent in their effort to rebuild the team.  The injuries that sidelined Embiid and Simmons were incidental.  We could make the same statement regarding the Warriors, excepting Kevin Durant the bulk of front-line talent was acquired in the draft.  We could look at the Suns too, Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton were draft picks.  The Lakers less the 2018 free-agents was also draft rich.  Julius Randle (no longer with the team), Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball all arrived via the draft.  At the barber shop recently, I ask a fellow Laker fan who they should draft.  “I don’t pay attention to the draft I’m waiting to see which free-agents they sign.” 

It’s been a bit longer   
St. Louis once served as home to the NBA too, the Hawks departed the city for Atlanta in 1968 where they have remained.  A combination of factors might have contributed to the Hawks leaving most prominent might have been the NHL Blues.  The St. Louis metro is highly populated but maybe not large enough to support two pro teams playing a winter schedule.  The Hawks were not born in the city, they moved to St. Louis in 1955 from Milwaukee. 

In 1956 a series of events would unfold which may have sealed the Hawks fate in the city.  Bill Russell was an All-American at the University of San Francisco.  Red Auerbach wanted him for his defensive prowess but there was a problem the Celtics finished too high to draft him.  The Celtics had a player at the time the Hawks desperately wanted…. a trade was made, and the rest is history.  The Hawks drafted Russell but traded his rights to the Celtics. 

Many believe racism was a contributing factor in the decision, Russell being traded for a white player.  Although the Hawks failed to see the potential of Russell, they did win the 1958 NBA championship.  History indicates the lack of an adequate arena was also a contributing factor to the eventual move to Atlanta.  The Hawks played in tiny Kiel Arena which seated only 10,000 inadequate even in the 1960’s.  The owner sold the Hawks to an Atlanta combo and the team moved to Atlanta.  Will the NBA ever return to St. Louis the question remains open.  Anytime NBA expansion or a move is mentioned the city is hardly mentioned.   

There’s been a Tacko sighting
No, not that kind of Taco I speak of UCF’s Tacko Fall.  I have debated with myself, ask others who follow the college game.  Does 7-foot 6-inch 310-pound Tacko Fall have the capability to play at the NBA level?  Over the last past four years I’ve pointed out all the deficiencies I could see in his game.  In the middle of the 2018-19 season I remained unsure and then it occurred.  Tacko had two break-out games during the NCAA tournament and that was it. 

Presto change his name pops up on two mock draft sites.  To clarify this issue a name appearing on a mock draft site is no basis for assurance, it does point out the fact the folks who put these together recognize potential.  One source indicates, “Fall would be the biggest player in the NBA.  He’s a long shot but he’ll get a look.  Could develop into a back-up center in time.”  If he should be drafted in the second round or just signs a free-agent contract he’ll provide proof once again, “you cannot teach height.” 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He said everything is okay, actions speak otherwise    
LaVar Ball makes an inordinate amount of ridiculous statements, most of them don’t bare repeating.  If we listen (and believe) LaVar Ball everything is “okay” with Big Baller Brand.  “Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball filed suit late Tuesday night against the former co-founder and manager of Big Baller Brand, Alan Foster, for damages of more than $2 million plus interest.” 

That’s a tidbit of information ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote about Lonzo Ball and his effort to extricate himself from BBB.  Lonzo is not talking much he leads that up to his over the top father, he does pursue legal action in the courts to attempt to recover his money.  Is Lonzo finished with BBB or is daddy still in charge of his life?  LaVar has a strange explanation for his son covering his BBB tattoo, you need to read it for yourself.  His response to his son’s action is comical in tone. 

The SEC just got stronger better
Once upon a time there was a common theme in the Southeastern Conference.  It was stated and partially true there were two seasons in the SEC, fall-winter football and spring football.  That’s changed over the last few years as basketball has been upward bound.  The SEC will always be football but recognizes the importance of competitive basketball.  We know this by the coaches the league has added over the last few years. 

John Calipari at Kentucky has been joined by Rick Barnes (Tennessee) Bruce Pearl (Auburn) Ben Howland (Mississippi State) and a few others.  Want further proof, Texas A&M will announce the hiring of Brent Landon Williams who goes by the nickname of “Buzz”.  He’s been a winning head coach first at Marquette and later at Virginia Tech, in 12-years only two losing seasons appear on his resume. 

Luv em
NBA teams and the league office loves brand new arenas.  You are aware by now this is the Warriors last season in Oakland playing at Oracle.  Next fall they move across the bay to San Francisco and the Chase Center.  The capacity of the arena will be slightly smaller with 18,000 capacity than Oracle.  Chase holds another distinction being privately financed. 

In 2017 the Pistons began play at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, this arena seats 20,000 for basketball.  In 2016 the Kings moved into Golden 1 Center a 17,000-capacity building in downtown Sacramento. In Los Angeles owner Steve Ballmer is attempting to distance his Clippers from the Lakers.  He plans on his own arena in Inglewood, no architectural designs exist currently, but we are likely to see drawings in the next few months.  Just a brief check on current new or planned arenas. 

“Big House” 
His given name was Clarence Gaines however “Big House” was the life-long nickname.  He attended Morgan State University on a football scholarship.  A teammate one day said; “Your as big as a house”, he stood 6 foot 3 and 265 pounds.  Of course, this was 1941 and the average height and weight of Americans was much less than it is today.  Although it was football that provided him an education, he would be forever linked to college basketball.  Gaines first served as head coach at Morgan State from 1941 through 1945. 

In 1946 he moved to Winston-Salem State and remained at the North Carolina school until 1993.  Gaines retired with 828 wins and 447 losses second only to Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp.  Gaines coached the legendary Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Cleo Hill the first player drafted from a historically black college played at Winston-Salem.  This short account can only provide you a glimpse of the accolades of this coach who became a legend as well.  He died in 2005 at the age of 81 one year short of his induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.      

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Hall of Fame, there is more than one
If we mention the Hall of Fame in connection with basketball, there is only one thought.  The reader believes the Naismith Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts is the one mentioned.  In Kansas City Missouri the National Association of Basketball Coaches Association was responsible for construction of the College Basketball Hall of Fame which opened in 2006.  Every season a nominating committee enshrines a class like the one in Springfield with one key difference.  Springfield has college, NBA and international players, coaches and contributors enshrined, only those who impacted the college game are enshrined in Kansas City.  The 2019 Class to be enshrined:

Lute Olson-former Arizona coach
The late Rick Majerus-coach
Calbert Cheaney-Indiana 
Shane Battier-Duke
Terry Dischinger-Purdue
Ernie DiGregorio-Providence  
Larry Johnson-UNLV
Todd Lichti-Stanford
Homer Drew-coach

This is different
This account as they might say is not written in stone, it certainly is subject to change.  A story is reported number one draft pick Zion Williamson is staying, he intends to return to school for his sophomore year.  I remain skeptical due to the potential financial reward in becoming the top pick in the 2019 draft.  Stay tuned, in fact this story might change before its even published.  Allow us to speculate for a moment, if this should play out who becomes the top pick?  Murray State’s Jae Morant has been projected as the number two pick most of this college season.  Since 2000 only four guards have been drafted at the top, prior to that it was 1996 and the Sixers choosing Allen Iverson.  In related news ESPN.com is reporting as many as six shoe companies will be vying for Williamson to sign with them. 

I have no idea
An acquaintance writes a column for a local weekly newspaper.  He’s asking for opinions who wins the NCAA championship for his Friday edition.  I have no idea; this tournament has been so confusing as to who might win.  In fact, believe it or not I could see Auburn, Texas Tech, Michigan State or Virginia winning the whole thing. 

Wonder why
Across State Line Road (in Kansas) there is a mistaken belief, unless KU plays in Sprint Center the place is not sold out.  I saw the final attendance figure from Sunday’s game indicating the Sweet 16 game had over 17,000 in the stands.  For those who might be thinking Rupp Arena or Wells Fargo Center the above figure represents the maximum capacity for the building.  

This is connected to the top story Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame Classic scheduled November 25 and 26 features Mizzou, Oklahoma, Butler and Stanford.  A fan wrote; “They’re going to have a tough time selling out the place.”  Why not get there first and then make the decision before pronouncing it a failure in advance.  Kansas City is full of Mizzou graduates and Norman Oklahoma is 5-hour drive and less than an hour flight time.  Butler and Stanford located a greater distance might not have a like number of fans. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Vanderbilt

Two names reported to be on Vanderbilt’s short list to replace Bryce Drew are John Thompson III and Jerry Stackhouse.  Thompson’s coaching resume includes a 13-year stint as head coach at Georgetown.  As for Stackhouse the NBA veteran player has never held a head coaching position at the collegiate level but has G-League experience being in charge. 

He can’t play

At least he can’t play at the NBA level, that’s the view of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.  His description is that of Zion Williamson, he even goes so far as to refer to him as a possible NBA bust.  Well now, Agent 0 as he was nicknamed had an extensive NBA career.  We can rest assured he knows the NBA but is he correct?  Several players arrive in the NBA with “holes” in their game, realist like me understand Williamson is not going to dominate in the NBA in a similar manner to the collegiate game

I’ve mentioned this in the past I’ve witnessed several athletes I thought would have solid NBA careers and were in Europe or the G-League in a short period.  In the case of Williamson, I’m not quite as brave as Agent 0, I cannot pronounce Williamson a bust until he is matched against NBA competition.  Even then the question might not be fully answered we need look no further than ROY race this season.  Luka Doncic left the starting blocks early and was 20 meters ahead of everyone until January, after the first of the year Trae Young was right on his heels.  Can you say everyone needs an adjustment period Agent O?

Hot property

Few folks in the basketball world are familiar with the name Ben McCollum.  With the number of coaching vacancies, we might not hear his name mentioned but we should.  McCollum is head coach of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.  His team won it’s second NCAA Division II tournament in three years finishing 38-0 perhaps that’s the issue.  It seems moving up in the coaching ranks requires a McCollum to intern at the Division I level prior to assuming head coaching duties.  Is that really a requirement or do we believe that to be the case?  Certainly, recruiting is far different at the Division I level. 

McCollum can check with Kim Anderson who tasted much success at the University of Central Missouri but gained no traction while head coach at Mizzou.  As for McCollum his resume is excellent, in 10 years as head coach his NMS teams have won 241 games while losing only 75 (.763).  He’s experienced only two losing seasons and those occurred in his first two years.  His teams have played in the post-season every year of the 10 except 3.  Perhaps that’s the rub, he’s a Division II coach, I cannot imagine UCLA or some other blue blood program hiring him.  I could see a mid-major school desiring a fresh-face (he’s 37-years old) to run their program might check him out. 

History is sometimes unkind  

The statement is made because some believe the best of anything occurs right now.  They downgrade the sports accomplishments of the past stating, “They were few teams and fewer athletes.”  Part of their belief is correct; today’s athletes are far superior to those of the past.  At the same time do we simply toss out the accomplishment of past athletes?  Bleacher Report mentioned Wilt Chamberlain’s record setting 1961-62 season.  Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds and nearly 40 minutes a game.  It’s difficult in 2019 to imagine domination to that degree in the NBA.    

Just as sure as I read it, I knew I would see “The Letter”. you know the one I’m referring too.  The fan attempting to point out the NBA was different back then.  He is correct, Chamberlain’s first year the NBA consisted of 8 teams, by the time he retired in the 1972-73 season there were 17 teams.  This is where the fan and I part ways, he wants to look simply at the era and decide the game was no good because there were fewer teams.  There is a good bet on my part if the NBA was reduced suddenly from 30 teams to 17 several players would be without a job.  Not because they can’t play but fewer teams demands you take the best of the best.  Guys who are the 14^th or 15^th player on today’s NBA teams would find themselves playing in the NBA G-League or somewhere in Europe.   

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

A change at the 5
Knicks coach David Fizdale announced center Mitchell Robinson would become  the starter for the remainder of the season.  By all indications there was no issue with DeAndre Jordan perhaps the coach wanted to see Robinson in action as a starter rather than as a reserve.  His first start didn’t result in a win however his numbers continue to tell the story.  Robinson was 100% from the floor but only took 3 shoots, he snatched down 14 rebounds had 4 blocked shots and 3 steals. 

I thought for a moment
Yesterday a story was published on the Mavs Kristaps Porzingis.  Often subjects are chosen and written a week or two ahead of the date they appear.  That was the case with the story on Porzingis, Saturday a report came across all news services indicating the New York City Police were investigating Porzingis regarding a sexual assault claim.  I hesitated to publish the account but decided in favor of it. 

We don’t know at this point if Porzingis is guilty of anything however, I did not want to appear as though I ignored the controversy surrounding Porzingis.  In the day of #metoo we must face the fact similar accounts might be reported in the future on several public figures.  I feel a responsibility to report as accurately as possible the news of the day and this is that.  Until proven guilty Kristaps is innocent in the eyes of the law, it should be the same in the court of public opinion.      

New coach
This news is likely only of interest in the Kansas City metro, after firing Kareem Richardson the administration began a search to replace him.  42-year old Billy Donlon will be named head coach by the time you read this.  Donlon was an assistant at Northwestern and the University of Michigan, he spent 10-years as the head coach at Wright State.  We must applaud Donlon taking over a program that requires a great deal of work. 

We understand it usually requires a 3-4 year turn around before a new coach can claim success, all that goes out the window if he manages to sign a couple of high-profile athletes.  Kansas City is not Chicago, LA or Texas, talent exists in the metro if Donlon can manage to tap into the stream.  Former coach Rich Zvosec (2001-07) appears to be the only one able to gain traction locally.  Good luck coach Donlon you have quite a task in front of you. 

A good move
I believe I’ve made it clear most of the front-office moves made by the Lakers failed to pan out in my view.  Can you say Michael Beasley, how about trading Ivica Zubac for Mike Muscala?  There were other moves that leave me scratching my head trying to figure out the thought processes of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.  Two player acquisitions which did work in favor of the Lakers, signing JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo.  Of the two there were serious concerns on my part regarding Rondo, nothing to do with his play.  

After bouncing around the NBA, the word around the league he was not a good teammate.  That apparently is not true, all indications are quite contrary. He can’t shoot, but that was never his strong suit anyway it was his ability to run a team as a point guard.  His recent 17 assist 5 steal game was a throwback to Magic Johnson in the Laker backcourt.  Injuries plus a suspension cost Rondo a significant portion of the season however there remains a question for many.  If Lonzo Ball is not traded in the off-season where does that leave Rondo?  It’s been my belief Rondo is not a back-up despite his poor shooting, he’s a fair defender but at 33 maybe he’s become a reserve player near the end of a career.  

I’m confused
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a talent he’s listed on several mock draft sites, that’s not the issue causing my confusion.  What position does the Virginia Tech athlete play?  This is the basis for my confusion, nbadraftroom.com list him as a point guard while nbadraft.net indicates he’s a shooting guard.  This combo guard (maybe) is from Toronto Ontario Canada.  He’s also the cousin of Clipper rookie point guard Shay Gilgeous-Alexander. Why the question, well both sites have the Lakers picking Alexander-Walker.