Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Laker brain trust  
Who is in charge might be the question? After Magic Johnson abruptly quit and then went on ESPN blasting the organization Laker Nation had questions.  With the draft and free agency pending it appeared the word dysfunction clearly reflected the Laker front office.  After acquiring Anthony Davis, the team had no draft picks but swung a trade for a second-round shooting guard.  Then July and free agent time, all signs pointed to the Lakers in the driver’s seat to acquire Kawhi Leonard. 

Unbeknownst to the Lakers Kawhi was “recruiting” Paul George while planning on meeting with the Lakers.  It's apparent the Lakers had a Plan B in place, it should be of note how quickly they signed much of the roster after Kawhi Leonard said NO to them. Is the Laker brain trust Kurt and Linda Rambis, Rob Pelinka or maybe owner Jeanie Buss calling the shots?  Except for Boogie Cousins, most of these free agent acquisitions occurred over a 48-hour period after Kawhi announced his decision.   Has the apparent front office confusion at the end of the season been resolved?  Again, a question remaining unanswered for now. 

Who’s he?
His name, Ochai Agbaji and he’s a shooting guard for the Kansas Jayhawks.  This sophomore attended Oak Park High School in Kansas City; he certainly might be referred to as a late bloomer.  Agbaji was a Rivals 3-star prospect in the Class of 2018 and so was the Warriors Steph Curry in 2006.  Kansas had Agbaji on their radar however there were few others.  Once he arrived on campus the 6-foot 4-inch 200-pound shooting guard was intended to redshirt during his freshman season.  Kansas struggled early in the 2018-19 season causing coach Self to exchange Agbaji’s redshirt for a crimson and blue jersey. 

Agbaji had an up and down freshman performance however he proved he was talented.  At the end of the season as various roster members contemplated leaving for the NBA Agbaji remained in place.  If the mock sites are correct, he might have difficulty in 2020 saying no, three sites list him as a draft prospect.  One places him number 7 in the first round while the other pegs him as the 26^th pick and the third has him the 43^rd pick in the second round.  The disclaimer says this is no prediction of future NBA success it does state this, talent can present itself even though it might be late blooming.   

All is Love and Roses…. For now
The Clippers might eclipse the Lakers as Kings of Los Angeles.  The Sixers might emerge as the Beast of the East as many believe plus will Kyrie Irving blossom now that he’s had the opportunity to choose his team.  Those are just a few of the accounts that could play out in the 2019-20 NBA season but not the most intriguing.  The most interesting to this writer is the Westbrook-Hardin back court in Houston. 

Despite the apparent friendship in the State Farm commercials at the end Chris Paul and James Hardin had fallen out completely.  A similar situation existed in OKC; Russell Westbrook wanted out as well.  Hardin welcomes Westbrook to the Rockets, all is love and roses…. now.  Can two ball dominate guards share one basketball?  There is no attempt to place a negative spin on the story it appears on paper neither team really benefited from this landmark trade. 

Knick fans are fed up 
These fans might adopt the State of Missouri’s motto; Show Me, they are fed up reading and hearing reports, they continue to read and hear “The team will be better.”  That just might be the case for the 2019-20 NBA season, at the top the coach David Fizdale might have assembled a major portion of “his” roster.  If we look at the potential starters the oldest is 24-year old newly acquired Julius Randle.  We have two who are age 19 and two 21 years old, you know what that entails.  Young Knick players making mistakes during crucial periods but learning and growing NBA experience. 

Behind these starters is veterans Taj Gibson who just turned 34 in June plus Reggie Bullock.  Only one other player on the roster is over the age of 31 so youth must be served.  The Spurs pulled their offer to Marcus Morris and he will sign with the Knicks.  There is talent at the point with Dennis Smith Jr, the same could be said for Randle at power forward.  The balance of starters and reserves has the Knicks with perhaps the youngest roster in the NBA.  They say, “Patience is a virtue” and fans of the Knicks certainly have been patient.  Major injuries not withstanding fans should see an improvement in play (I hope).   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Depends on the school
Locally we don’t receive a great deal of NBA news, it’s probably based on no NBA team being located here.  With that statement in tow consider this report, free agent Kelley Oubre Jr. re-signed with the Suns which was not shocking.  Earlier free agent Willie Cauley-Stein signed a contract with his new team the Warriors.  One party earns a spot on the local sports news while coverage of the other was omitted. 

The local NBC affiliate during its 10:00 p.m. newscast mentioned the Oubre story but failed to mention Cauley-Stein which occurred a week or so earlier.  Oubre Jr. played his college basketball at Kansas, Cauley-Stein from Olathe Kansas in metro Kansas City played his college ball at Kentucky.  It could be me however there certainly appears to be bias in sports coverage here unless an athlete attends Kansas University.      

It might be more than talent
There is more than talent separating an NAIA athlete over one who plays Division I or II basketball.  I held a conversation with a friend who played NAIA basketball, and this is what he said.  “On one of our many road trips we played _______ and _______.  Our biggest adjustment was playing in a much larger arena.  We walked into the building and our eyes got really big” That makes sense in several instances, as an example his home arena had a seating capacity of only 1,800. 

Many teams in the conference played in similar size arenas throughout the conference.  As a visiting NAIA or Division II team walking into Rupp Arena seating almost 24,000 fans or the Dean Dome with almost 22,000, the surroundings could easily intimidate a visiting team.  As for the talent issue he shared this story with me; “They had the ball on a break, me and a teammate were prepared to take a charge from the guy dribbling down court toward us.  We are standing almost shoulder to shoulder ready to take a charge and somehow he elevated squeezing between us both and dunked the ball.”  We can conclude sometimes talent is an issue as well. 

Has anything like this occurred previously?    
The Russell Westbrook trade sent a seismic shock throughout the NBA world.  Chris Paul arrives in Oklahoma City however he’s 34 years old.  The trade has long term implications for a total re-build with the number of draft picks the Thunder retain.  Beginning in 2020 up through 2027 the NBA draft will become the “Thunder” draft rather than the NBA draft.  If Thunder GM Sam Presti remains in place his team will have 13 first round draft choices. 

In addition, the Thunder have 6 second round picks too.  We cannot peer into the future, it’s likely the Thunder will not retain all the draft choices, a few of these choices are likely traded for veteran talent.  This is a bold attempt on Presti’s part to re-build the Thunder over the next several years.  The question was asked in the headline, “Has anything like this occurred previously?”  NBA teams in the past have stockpiled draft picks but certainly nothing close to this number of picks.         

Does this role fit you?
The term chauvinist, does this resemble you?  I’ve read many of your letters those particularly related to basketball.  You offer critical remarks regarding the WNBA not for its play, but the fact women desire their level of pay be increased.  I'm willing to fact facts, it’s never going to be at the NBA level.  If pay were increased perhaps many of these women could stop playing year-round.  When the WNBA season is over many journey to their European “second job.”  I’ve heard you describe ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Doris Burk as unattractive, that’s rich as you sit in your Lazy Boy chair consuming large quantities of adult beverages while watching the game.  Whens the last time you could see your shoes over your ever protruding belly?

Every time an NBA team hires a female assistant coach generally the first words out of your mouth “I hope she’s good-looking.”  You never stop to consider the woman delivering or writing the sports news or coaching might be just as competent as any male fulfilling the same roles.  Many of you reading this will assume the female is hired due to a quota system.  Too a degree you are probably correct however consider this little tidbit.  For several years despite the talent level women were excluded from many professions sports and basketball included.  Keep your chauvinist beliefs if you view them important to your male status, this short account will certainly not change your mind. 

UMKC 
I wrote earlier this year I couldn’t understand the moves regarding the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  If the administration commits to play at the D-I level that’s forever (sometimes).  Since moving from the NAIA ranks the school has struggled to attract basketball talent, based on continuous losing records the athletic department continues to fire coaches believing the next one will turn the program around.  This is no knock at D-II or NAIA level, but I wrote UMKC should slide downward for a period.  Want an example, Oral Roberts did it moved from NAIA to D-I then back to NAIA.  Oral Roberts is D-I again playing in the same conference UMKC will return in 2020-2021. 

I’m unsure who’s idea it was for UMKC to move into the Western Athletic Conference, it was a loser in more ways than one.  UMKC continued to lose on the court and probably lose financially.  Conference foes in the Summit League were much closer than travel to Seattle and trips to play two different California foes.  The Summit League will be more accommodating if for nothing else travel.  UMKC has never come close to fulfilling the dream of a winning urban university basketball.   Hopefully this move to the Summit plus improved play will place the basketball program on a winning path. In addition, a name change takes place immediately, only UMKC applies to those in the metro.  The team will now be “Kansas City” similar to how Nebraska-Omaha is now “Omaha” and one other program. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Daryl Morey and Sam Presti
Morey is GM of the Rockets while Presti holds the same position with the Thunder.  Over the years the two have drafted, traded and signed several free agents for their respective teams.  In several instances we can point toward a successful conclusion or action while in other cases the moves could be considered questionable.  Thursday evening came word the Thunder had traded Russell Westbrook to the Rockets for Chris Paul, this move could certainly be considered a shock.  We’d heard rumors all last week about the Thunder moving Westbrook but most of us believed it was talk only.  Forget the draft choices included in the trade, we often forget them and sometimes they don’t even pan out. 

The trade is one for one, Westbrook for Paul and the future of both franchises.  This move can not be fully analyzed until the season concludes but how does it appear on the surface?  It’s certainly confusing here; the Rockets back court will now contain two ball-dominate teammates.  Can one yield to the other enough to provide a winning combination?  In Oklahoma City Chris Paul clearly has “gas” left in the tank but he just turned 34.  This cannot be considered a long-term move by the Thunder since Westbrook is four years younger.  The absence of Westbrook leaves the team with Paul as the only reliable scorer, this despite the addition of Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acquired from the Clippers earlier.  For further results stay tuned for the NBA season beginning in late October. 

Get the facts straight…. please
Information arrives at such a fast pace we often don’t have time to comprehend or decide if it’s correct.  That’s the case on Thursday afternoon, I’m not blaming Rachel Nichols someone conducting research provided her with incorrect information on a historic event.  Celtics legend Bill Russell received the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the ESPYs.  Nichols on her ESPN program The Jump acknowledged the award and provided viewers with a detailed history of Russell on and off the court. 

Then it occurred, Nichols said “At the time legendary coach Red Auerbach stepped down, he asked Bill Russell to become head coach thus becoming the first black head coach in any major U.S. sport.”  The statement is technically correct but somewhat misleading, Russell wasn’t the first black head coach in a major sport, that event belongs to the late John McClendon.  The 1961-62 season saw an upstart basketball league began play, 1962 witnessed the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League hired McClendon.  This predecessor to the American Basketball Association only lasted 1 and ½ seasons it was still major at the time.  As for Russell he took on the role of player-coach for the Celtics in 1966.  

Has the hammer dropped?
Remember the NCAA claiming a few schools would receive penalties after the NCAA championship was completed?  The statement was based on results from the Adidas trial last year and the widespread fallout it created.  A few assistants were terminated while others faced jail time, it’s believed the only head coach to lose his job was Rick Pitino at Louisville. 

As this is written we are unsure if the Pitino firing was tied into Adidas, his firing did occur around the time period of the trial.  The NCAA announced North Carolina State has been dinged for two level one violations.  This stems from the recruitment of Dennis Smith Jr. now in the NBA and former head coach Mark Gottfried.  Is this the beginning of a tidal wave of schools being identified as culprits?  We can only wait at this point for further announcements. 

Forget about it
A report circulated LeBron James would move to the point this upcoming season.  Coach Frank Vogel says in so many words, “Forget about it” there are no plans currently.  There is no argument with the passing skill, LeBron could play the position.  The issue might be on the defensive side, speedy point guards might provide the 34-year-old LeBron problems on occasion.  As for Boogie he’s happy to be re-united with Anthony Davis again, in addition he claims to be fully healed. 

Boogie must prove himself perhaps more than any other newly acquired Laker.  In a discussion of the Clippers I stated they look good on paper; I can make the same statement about the Lakers.  With Anthony Davis at the four, LeBron at the three and a fully healed Boogie at the five that’s a mighty impressive front line on paper.  I’m going to say it again; I cannot wait for this new and hopefully improved Laker team to walk onto the floor. 

Another father-son connection
The University of Virginia announced wing Jabri Abdul-Rahim in the Class of 2020 made his intentions known.  This 6-foot 6-inch 180-pound prospect is a 4-star prospect and ranked 41^st by Rivals.  As for the connection his father is Shareef Abdul-Rahim, his dad played in the NBA from 1996-2008.  After retirement dad completed his education which would later include a master’s degree, he then spent time as an assistant NBA coach for the Kings.  in 2018 the elder Abdul-Rahim was named president of the NBA's G-League. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

There he goes again
You can check other sources besides Rivals, their list contains 13 high school prospects in the Class of 2020 standing 6 foot 10 inches and taller.  Where am I going with this discussion you might ask?  I’m happy to provide you a response, I’m tired of big men standing at the 3-point line taking shots.  Big men are to play back to the basket down low. 

Drop steps and other offensive moves witness them shooting a hook (for heaven’s sake) or slam the ball.  I know what you are saying, “small ball is in, the traditional big man game is a thing of the past.”  Okay explain this to me if you can, a 3-point basket made is only one more point than a slam dunk.  This is between you and me, I’m quite sure it will change no minds.  Oh well, I got if off my chest once again.     

You didn't know his name
Guess what, neither did I prior to researching the subject a bit.  His name is Devontae Cacko and he's a former UNC-Wilmington power forward/center, he stands 6 foot 7 and weighs 240 pounds.  Despite being somewhat undersized for a center Cacok led the nation in rebounding (12.3 per game) this past season.  Despite this fact several NBA teams ignored him draft night last month.  It’s clear the Lakers were familiar with his play; he was signed to play for their summer league team. 

Cacok recently signed an Exhibition 10 contract which is no guarantee he makes the big club.  His numbers thus far have likely been the basis for the Lakers offering him a contract.  He’s averaging 13 points and 9 rebounds playing only 22 minutes a game, his field goal percentage is close to 60%.  Failing to be drafted once might have been a “death sentence” to a prospect, but no more.  If Cacok fails to earn a spot on the Lakers, its likely some other NBA team may find him a valuable addition. 

Football versus basketball
Depending on the school in question is college basketball king or football?  It likely depends on who is being discussed, if for example you mention Duke, Kentucky or North Carolina your first response is basketball.  All three universities compete on the football field, but basketball is this dominate sport on the campus among alumni and fans of the program.  On the other hand, if the discussion was held on Alabama, Texas, LSU or Ohio State your thought would immediately focus on the football rather than basketball program.     

These universities compete on the basketball court successfully on almost the same level of the football program.  It’s been said “Football revenue pays for all sports programs at major universities.”  We have no method to verify this, often we are not privileged to see accounting for state-supported schools.  As for Duke, Kentucky and the other programs sold out far into the future it’s difficult to believe.  It’s difficult to believe they require football revenue to support the basketball program.  This question is likely to remain unanswered because we’ll never have a true picture.

He was the best
Pau Gasol last played for the Lakers in 2014, he’s 38 years old now with several other NBA stops.  It’s my contention we could return to the days of Minneapolis up through 2019 and not find a better all-around Laker power forward in the team’s history.  Who were the others, Klay Thompson’s dad Mychal was pretty good so too was Bob McAdoo?  We could also include A.C. Green and in the Minneapolis days the late Vern Mickkelsen, the first Laker championship Hap Hairston filled the role of power forward. 

Gasol could score but he also could rebound the ball and play tough defense.  Most credit Kobe with those post-Shaq championships and he was however Gasol was just as much a key.  The back to back NBA Championships is proof of the valuable role he played while a member of the Lakers.  Gasol and Kobe Bryant formed a friendship bond that remains in place to this day.  What I believe should occur I hope someday, jersey number 16 hoisted to the top of Staples Center to denote the valuable role Paul Gasol played. 

Steve Fisher
The coach retired at the end of the 2017 college season; Steve Fisher had a distinguished coaching career.  His first head coaching job was at the University of Michigan, while there he headed a program that produced the Fab Five for the Wolverines.  A tandem of freshman and sophomores led by Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson almost won an NCAA championship. 

Can we state Fisher has seen and coached several basketball talents over his 38-year career?  Fisher spent his final years coaching San Diego State University.  While at the university he recruited and coach the Clippers Kawhi Leonard.  Fisher says he still maintains contact with Leonard to this day.  An interesting statement by the coach, “I wasn’t surprised he’s a pro he works hard what is surprising to me he’s so good.” 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces  
3-point basket maker Kyle Korver was waived by the Suns on Tuesday.  Can the Lakers be waiting for him and perhaps Andre Igoudala as well?  By my count there are 15 players on the roster, someone or at least two someone’s might be traded or released. 

Tacko Fall all 7 foot 6 inches of him continues to defy the current status quo.  Despite everybody and their brother playing small ball he’s playing limited minutes for the summer league team.  After shooting 23% from the line in college he even looked good going 2 for 2 from the line in the Monday evening contest.  Can Tacko earn a roster spot on the Celtics, only time will tell?

Again, does this make sense, Russell Westbrook traded anywhere?  First came the report he was headed to the Rockets.  Today we read he likes the Heat; I wonder if he’s surveyed the Heat roster?  The roster has Jimmy Butler who’s worn out his welcome in Chicago, Minnesota and Philly.  All is peace and love if Westbrook is traded to the Heat we should suppose. 

ESPN’s college basketball guru Joe Lunardi placed Kansas in the number one position on his NCAA bracketology.  Several others have the Jayhawks as the top team in college basketball.  As for Lunardi and company I’m certainly not here to claim they are wrong.  This I will say, Kansas was primed to win conference championship number, I forget but its double digit.  I’m going to wait until April 2020 before calling this one. 

Speaking of the college game I’m almost as excited to see Memphis as I am the new look Lakers.  Penny Hardaway has managed to recruit a great deal of talent to the school on the banks of the Mississippi River.  He’s even battling Rick Barnes at Tennessee for the state’s top talent.       

Clippers best team in Los Angeles (on paper)!   
Kawhi Leonard announced his intention to sign with the Clippers and the “earth shook.”  Vegas oddsmakers moved the Lakers out of first place to somewhere behind the Clippers as the best bet to win the NBA championship.  A closer inspection might prove the Clippers may not be as glittery as advertised, no argument Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are a dynamic duo.  What about the balance of the team and the reserves?  Can we state Patrick Beverly at the point is a bulldog on defense, yes, he most certainly however he’s going to score you few points?       

Kansas City guy Landry Shamet becomes the shooting guard, can he perform at a high skill level, only time as a starter will tell.  At center the Clippers have Ivica Zubac who’s demonstrated he’s got talent, is there enough skill to lead to a championship?  Lou Williams is instant offense off the bench and Montrezl Harrell is the energizer bunny with his scoring, rebounds and defense now as a reserve.   Besides the starters and the two top reserves do the Clippers have much behind those named?  They have veteran reserve players who must step up to the challenge if the Clippers are to contend for an NBA championship.  I’m sure Clipper fans will not be pleased reading this, I must call it as I see it.  Let’s not refer to the Laker bench as weak until you check out your own house first. 

Ahead of draft night
The Pelicans picked up the option of Jahlil Okafor, this is quite a change from roughly one year ago.  It was believed by many his NBA career might have concluded; after an outstanding rookie season his production had become less than stellar.  He was dealt by the Sixers to the Nets and prior to the 2018-19 season signed with the Pelicans as a free agent, the move plus personnel moves allowed him to move into the starting center position. 

As for the immediate future it looks quite bright, he’s got Zion Williamson on one side and Brandon Ingram on the other.  In addition, he’s got Lonzo Ball to toss lobs near the basket so you can see there’s optimism for the 7-foot center.  He attributes a portion of his re-birth as a player to a mostly vegan diet and I might add a change of scenery didn’t hurt either.  We don’t know for sure what occurred in Brooklyn as for the Sixers it’s easy to figure out.  Two high draft picks (He and Joel Embiid) competing for playing time someone had to go.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Free agent musings and other tidbits
Back from vacation, ready to dive into the news.  I’ve read two websites claiming the Lakers were “losers” for their failure to sign Kawhi Leonard.  I say *(&*^%+* to them, if reports are accurate for whatever his reasoning Kawhi chose to not sign with the Lakers.  As I indicated the other day I ain’t mad at him, but the Clippers don’t have a super team.  They have steady reliable Paul George and outstanding Kawhi Leonard.  Behind those two they are in the same shape as their rivals across the hall, more on that later. Besides the signing there was news of a bizarre nature (at least to me). 

This will never occur but how in the heck could someone even propose it.  I’m referring to the Westbrook to Rockets trade.  Ball dominate Westbrook sharing the ball with James Hardin and Chris Paul.  I fell out of my chair laughing when I heard that one.  Kyrie Irving…. surprise, Kevin Durant kinda surprise move on his part.  The two were supposed to be talking about teaming up so there goes.  Damian Lillard went on record saying he believed player contacts were more important to free agent signing than a front office.  Based on Anthony Davis “recruiting” Boogie Cousins or Kyrie recruiting KD or vice versa this could be the case, more news in the next few days as I attempt to catch up. 

He's proven the skeptics wrong
Have you noticed the number of varied products Shaquille O'Neal endorses? I remember this old statement and I’m going to paraphrase it, I’m unsure who to credit.  “Sports personalities endorse products however big guys are unsuccessful.  Most athletes are larger than the average person, however they are closer in height over a 7-foot basketball player.”  I’m not mentioning any product or service he’s part of however; I did find this interesting. 

I heard Shaq in an interview claim “all the products he endorses he uses.”  As this is written he’s considering a purchase, and this is certainly not a done deal yet.  Shaq indicates he’d like to purchase Reebok, if you remember that was the shoe, he first wore on his arrival in the NBA.  Several years later he developed and began marketing his own brand of shoe.  The article pointed out Adidas purchased Reebok 14 years ago for $3.8 billion.  The Big Aristotle must be able to leverage a deal to accomplish this task if he desires.       

The Beast of the East
With free agency behind us and looking ahead to the season, who emerges?  Are the champion Raptors “The Beast of the East” or someone else?   This statement is made with or without Kawhi Leonard, they were a playoff team the year prior to his acquisition.  The Sixers lost JJ Redick and Jimmy Butler plug in Josh Richardson and Al Horford and they remain formidable.  How about the Pacers, their best move might be the return of Victor Oladipo?  Adding Malcom Brogdon to a playoff team can be nothing but a positive. 

The Bucks lose Brogdon however the balance of the roster returns, and they remain a force in the east.  As for the Celtics Kyrie Irving is gone however Kemba Walker whose numbers were equal to Irving moves into the lineup.  The Celtics are not going to keep all their draft choices, Romeo Langford at pick 14 should provide help.  A potential gem, Gordon Hayward returns to the form displayed with the Jazz.  Orlando and Detroit both earned playoff berths, they should duplicate their prior effort.  No championship for either team, sorry Magic or Piston fans. 

That’s me (and several others)
I’m part of Laker Nation, many of the haters have attempted to shame me and other members.  They constantly point out the negatives that sometimes exist with the franchise as if we cannot see them.  They criticize every move that’s made to improve the Lakers yet if their team makes similar moves…. well.  They laugh regarding the distance between the last Laker playoff appearance.  While he played it was Kobe this and Kobe that never recognizing the greatness, he brought to the floor every night.  They laughed and snickered at the apparent dysfunction in the Laker front office that came to the forefront recently. 

They love to point this out as if this news wasn’t visible to most of Laker Nation. Yes, we too have second thoughts at times.  This writer even proposed at one-point Jeanie Buss sell the team, is that even close to occurring?  I seriously doubt it; she is in for the long run with the Laker franchise.  The word fan has an interesting definition, it’s derived from fanatic.  Fanatic to me is passionate about something or someone.  I believe that fits most in Laker Nation, we are fanatics about our team.  You can critique all you want, once you are finished, we’ll stand proudly in our Purple and Gold…. Laker Nation to the end. 

Change
We covered a few of the changes for the 2019-20 college season, there is a grand total of 56 new coaches who will debut this fall.  A few of the new coaches are assistants who moved up to the first chair while others made what are considered upward moves.  Steve Alford would be a lateral move discharged at UCLA hired at Nevada.  Mike Anderson dismissed at Arkansas is now employed by St. John’s an unusual move in our view.  A smaller number are ex NBA players with little if any prior coaching experience. 

Former NBA player Fred Hoiberg’s coached at Iowa State before he began coaching in the NBA.  He’s not counted in the number of new hires although he’s at Nebraska.  The ex-NBA players are Juwan Howard Michigan, Jerry Stackhouse Vanderbilt, Amir Abdur Rahim Kennesaw State along with Lindsey Hunter at Mississippi Valley State.  Aaron McKie at Temple is included in the count of former NBA players.  This is certainly not intended to be complete; it does provide you an idea of a few changes in the coaching ranks. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

It's done
I'm still on vacation however the breaking news forced me to place my thoughts before you.  The final free agent signing dropped a bomb on most of us.  After weeks of speculation Kawhi Leonard made it official, his choice was the Clippers rather than the Lakers or Raptors.  Even more interesting the various members of the media speculating on the decision.  For every 3 media members having Kawhi with the Lakers 2 others had him returning to the Raptors while 3 others claimed it was the Clippers.  How does this development impact the NBA and more important the Western Conference?  The Clippers, thought to be a playoff team only now become NBA championship contenders. 

The piece that allowed Kawhi comfort was the Clippers acquiring Paul George from the Thunder in a trade.  The Lakers remain in the mix for the conference and NBA championship but the outlook for the west changed dramatically.  Weeks ago the speculation was the Warriors and Thunder would earn playoff berths but not contend for a championship.  With KD now a member of the Nets and Klay Thompson sidelined until February the Warriors might miss the playoffs.  They are not the only team that might be M.I.A. in 2020 so might the Thunder.  With Paul George they had a reliable, steady option.  Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander must prove they are ready for the challenge.  Best guess without a trade the Thunder watch the playoffs in the same manner as many of us.....on television.  That's all for now, see you on Tuesday. 

PUBLICATION WILL RESUME JULY  9.  THANK YOU.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Haters be hatin’
Just a short time ago Laker haters were belly laughing at the dysfunction that appeared to exist in the team’s front office.  Magic Johnson’s sudden resignation followed up by him blasting Pelinka in an ESPN morning program.  There was laughter by all, after the acquisition of Anthony Davis the laughter ended.  As this is written we are on the cusp of a Kawhi Leonard decision, the following email response is most definitely a Laker hater.     

“What are they trying to do monopolize all the talent” which is probably funnier to me than the initiator of the letter.  I have no idea if Kawhi chooses the Lakers and neither does this writer.  The Lakers front office made/makes mistakes, I remain skeptical of Rob Pelinka however he’s in place and I’m not.  We don’t know if there is one person or several persons calling the shots now, all we in Laker Nation can do is relax and see what unfolds. 

“Mighty Casey has struck out”
A few might be unfamiliar with the headline; it refers to an old baseball poem however the “struck out” part might apply to the Knicks.  We now read Knicks owner James Dolan was unwilling to sign Kevin Durant due to the risk of the Achilles injury.  Fans of the franchise are bummed out however consider this.  KD will miss the 2019-20 season, when he does return will the old version be evident? 

Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan added to the Nets roster is good but a championship team, maybe with Durant in the lineup.  Knick fans are likely not impressed with the second-tier free agents signed.  Reggie Bullock, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson and Julius Randle are an interesting group of signees.  All might not be lost in the Battle of New York City; the Knicks will be a better team.  They will not earn a playoff berth and Knick fans will continue to be upset with the effort of this front office. 

UCLA dominance
From 1966 through 1975 UCLA won 8 NCAA championships, the most games lost during that period was 1974 when they were defeated for the NCAA championship in the semi-finals.  That year witnessed the Bruins lose a total of 4 games; teams might lose that number in a conference season.  College basketball will never witness domination like that again and the reasons are simple.  The college game has risen in popularity that many coaching legends of the past would wonder at the sight.  Many will claim UCLA had an advantage with businessman Sam Gilbert alleged to have paid several players under the table.  No proof ever existed only speculation of his misdeeds. 

It’s difficult for me to believe John Wooden was aware of improprieties and simply chose to ignore them.  Records inform us UCLA cornered the market on talent, Kentucky, North Carolina and others were competitive on the basketball court but always managed to come up short tournament time.  Was this domination by UCLA a good thing, depends on who is leading the discussion? 

As an example, one season Southern Cal had one of the best basketball programs in the nation.  The NCAA tournament was structured different back then, in 1971 Cal won 24 games and lost 2.  The 2 losses were against you know who, back then only champion teams played in the tournament meaning UCLA.  What about the NIT you ask, even that tournament was much smaller than now, and Cal received no invite?  There you have a team losing only 2 games all season forced to sit at home.  UCLA’s dominance was good and bad, it placed college basketball into the national spotlight, but the tournament would become passe. 

How deep…oh that deep! 
Mizzou’s 2019-20 roster is now complete, this will be coach Cuonzo Martin’s deepest teams since his arrival at Mizzou.  The coach in Rock M. Nation claims he could play up to 10 players this season.  The first area is that of the big men, starter Jeremiah Tilmon is 6 foot 10 and 261 pounds.  Backing Tilmon is Reed Nikko also 6-10 and 240 pounds, newcomer Axel Okongo is 7 feet tall and checks in at 240 as well. 

With Tilmon’s propensity to foul he’s got 10 fouls backing his 5.  The backcourt is likely to consist of the Smith’s (no relation). Dru 6-3 at the point and Mark 6-5 at the shooting guard.  Freshmen Tray Jackson or Kobe Brown will see playing time although at what forward position is undetermined at this point.  This account is certainly not complete there are additional parts to the 2019-20 roster.  With such a deep team much is expected of this seasons Mizzou team.   

NBA Summer
Free agent news aside the calendar turns from June to July, NBA Summer League play begins at Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Las Vegas.  The games in SLC are played at Vivint Smart Home Arena home of the Jazz.  The California Classic will be held at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.  The games in Sacramento will feature three California teams (Lakers, Warriors & Kings) plus the Heat. 

Las Vegas games will be the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.  Most athletes are rookies and second year players, for those who can’t get enough basketball we’ll have NBA basketball for the next two weeks.  If you are not in the areas mentioned television partners ESPN and NBA TV will feature games nightly and on weekends. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

   
Knicks fans
Knick fans were salivating with the prospect of acquiring Zion Williamson.  Then the lottery arrived and despite the hopes of fans they lost again, in the draft they were forced to settle for the 3rd pick which became RJ Barrett a talented prospect but clearly no Williamson.  I’m sure they said; “With free agency coming up our Knicks will be able to get either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving.” 

As this is written Sunday afternoon the news indicates both players are headed to the Nets.  What happened, the Nets did an end run around the Knicks, Durant will not play in 2019-20 however the following season could see him on the court.  Can you say Durant, Irving and DeAndre Jordan on the Nets?  That loud explosion we heard was actor, writer and Knicks fan Michael Rapaport followed by "Screaming" Stephen A. Smith after hearing the Durant/Irving news.     

It’s over
This is the final interpretation I’ll place before you regarding former broadcaster Kevin Keitzman.  Since his termination on Friday I began a search project on the web for stories relating to him. Feel free to conduct your own research if you care, I read several stories surrounding Keitzman occurring prior to the Andy Reid broadcast a week ago.  A few fan letters defended Keitzman which should be expected, they were counter balanced by those complaining about his broadcast prior to the Andy Reid is latest incident.  There were several letters written in Keitzman’s defense about being politically correct in this age which must be considered. 

As a public figure (and he was) you cannot say any and everything about someone or something without expecting repercussions.  I never considered myself a regular listener of 810 Sports Radio, the early morning and mid-day programming was me.  I could only take Keitzman in small doses, as indicated earlier six months ago I ceased listening period. 

This I believe, if not for his stake in the radio station I believe he would have been terminated long before now.  Keitzman had other targets beside the Chiefs, he would often target someone and cause you to wonder “why”?  As an example, I’m unsure what his issue was with Oklahoma basketball coach Lon Kruger.  On two occasions he blasted Kruger once claiming, “He no longer has an interest in turning out a winning basketball team, he’s looking toward retirement.”  In another instance he said; “All he’s (Kruger) interested in these days is playing golf.”  In simple terms does that even make sense, why would someone paid to coach not want to coach?

The Land down under

For those who might be geography challenged Australia is in the southern hemisphere, my home KC is in Missouri in the northern hemisphere.  Due to its location on the globe it’s been nicknamed “The Land down under.”  Several Australian basketball players have made their way to the NBA.  The nation has been in the news recently due to American high school prospects headed there rather than college in the fall, they will play in the National Basketball League which was founded in 1979. 

There are 8 teams on the Australian continent and 1 in New Zealand in this 9-team league.  The Breakers located in Auckland are the only team not located on the continent.  Sydney the largest populated city in Australia is represented by the Kings.  There are reports the league might expand to the Asian continent, the Singapore Slingers were members at one time in 2006-2008 but withdrew due to travel costs.  A brief history of the league that’s much in the basketball news recently.  

Clippers arena 
It’s been awhile since we’ve discussed the proposed Clippers arena.  NBA commissioner Adam Silver has now weighed in on the subject, he can’t do anything legally only voice his opinion.  Naturally he’s taken owner Steve Ballmer’s side citing the flexibility a separate arena will provide for scheduling.  The project has moved nowhere to date except in the courts, there are two lawsuits pending one by MSG. 

James Dolan’s MSG owns the Forum which is blocks from the proposed Inglewood site.  Allow a little speculation here, do we suppose if this location was anywhere else in the greater Los Angeles area this court fight would exist?  At the same time projects of this type are usually based on land availability and price.   It’s been mentioned previously the Clippers lease in Staples expires after the 2023-24 season, so time is in Ballmer’s favor for now.  Surely there’s got to be a go/no go timeline to correspond to the expiration of the Staples lease.