Basketball from a fan’s perspective

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NBA Global Games
Teams participating in the Global Games open training camp September 28.  They will journey overseas to play in the NBA Global Games.  This is a continuing effort on the part of the NBA to expand the game throughout the world.  The teams and dates are listed below.

Pacers vs Kings in Mumbai India Oct 4 and 5
Rockets vs Raptors in Saitama City Japan Oct 8 and 10    
Nets vs Lakers in China, Shanghai on Oct 10 and Shenzhen on Oct 12     

Cade Cunningham
Is a 6-foot 7-inch point guard, he attends Montverde Academy in Florida.  Cunningham is a Rivals 5-star prospect and number two in the Class of 2020.  All the Big Boy programs are recruiting him, Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and Michigan to name just a few.  In June Oklahoma State hired Cannen Cunningham as an assistant coach.  No, if you were thinking he’s Cade’s father your wrong…. he’s an older brother. 

There is no guarantee the brother is headed to Oklahoma too but once again reminds me of a story.  I’ve told it previously, at the time Mizzou hired Michael Porter Sr. All American Michael Porter Jr. arrived soon after.  A respondent pointed out the hire of the father was simply an attempt to lure the All-American son to Mizzou.  That might indeed have been the case however the hire of the Porters was not the first time a relative was a staff member.

He’s got a job
Joe Johnson was named Big3 MVP, the 38-year old Johnson last played in the NBA in the 2017-18 season.  If you are unfamiliar the league was started by entertainer Ice Cube.  It’s half-court basketball with 3-man teams on the court at any one time.  It’s clear someone must have been impressed, the Pistons signed Johnson so he will be in training camp next month.  So many might have believed his NBA career was over, evidently that is not the case.

Research
In the 1960’s television world broadcaster Curt Gowdy at some point would mention the name.  Behind the mic during UCLA’s glory days he’d mention Kenny Sailors name.  It left much of the viewing audience scratching their heads, who the heck was he talking about?  Sailors died in 2016 at the age of 95, he is generally credited with being the first to use the one-handed jump shot.  In the early 1940’s at Wyoming and throughout the nation and world the two-handed set shot was utilized by most players. 

Sailors stood a mere 5 foot 10 inches; it’s said he developed the shot playing against his older brother who was 6 feet 4 inches tall.  Sailors was an All-American at Wyoming; he would go on to a pro career in the Basketball Association of America and the NBA playing for several teams.  Sailors retired from the game in 1951 after playing for the Baltimore Bullets, in 2012 he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.  It must be clear the late Curt Gowdy also from Wyoming had witnessed the play of Sailors.    

Everyone else
The media experts are discussing everyone else in the SEC basketball race except Mizzou.  A number in Mizzou Nation might consider that a slap in the face, not me.  We expect accounts regarding John Calipari and Kentucky to prevail, we could include Auburn and Tennessee as well.  A good sign and we’ve yet to begin the season the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.  It was mentioned previously coming off a 20-win record we half expected Mizzou to be in the number last season and they were omitted. 

This year despite the fact they finished below .500 they are among the chosen.  What exactly does that involve, conference folks must believe Mizzou has the capability to step up?  Those in Mizzou Nation certainly expect this Cuonzo Martin team to play at a higher level than last season.  Key to a successful season is few injuries, if health becomes an issue all bets are off.  Will Mizzou win the SEC, probably not?  Will the Tigers compete, they certainly will, the holdovers plus new talent should aid growth? 

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Bits n Pieces 
Warriors backup point guard Shaun Livingston announced his retirement.  If we just looked at his career numbers one might say “What makes him so special?”  You’ve heard the term Warrior mentality, that’s Livingston.  Drafted with promise in 2004 he suffered a devastating injury which most would have failed to attempt a comeback.  “Along with a dislocated left kneecap and broken left leg, Livingston tore his anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus.  He also badly sprained his medial collateral ligament.”  Think about it, he returned to the game and played a total of 15 years.

Kentucky is noted for bluegrass, horse racing and basketball.  There are probably other noteworthy areas however the basketball is interesting.  Kentucky is the 26^th most populated state in the nation yet contains 7 Division I basketball programs.  Contrast that with Missouri which is the 18^th most populated state.  We have four Division I programs in the state yet have only 4 Division I teams.   

Even Kings don’t always receive the desires of their heart, that’s the case for LeBron James.  You realize recently he’s been much about “Taco Tuesday,” it seems James has announced Taco Tuesday on a weekly basis.  How serious, James attempted to patent the phrase with the US Patent Office however his request failed to gain acceptance.  James was turned down because the term is one of common usage. 

Are you in the number, the folks who hate the one and done rule?  You talk to yourself and others and say, “As soon as the NBA allows high school players in the draft again basketball will return to the good ol days.”  I’ve got news for you and others we ain’t never returning to those days again.  Rest assured those choosing college over the NBA will increase but it won’t increase significantly.  Consider this possibility, a Ja Morant of the future graduates high school unsure of his ability.  He experiences a breakout year as a freshman, you think he’s going to return to college. 

I guess I’m the only one
I thought “Thunder” was a stupid name for a team, years later I still hold on to that belief.  My feelings aside now the dust has settled let’s check out Oklahoma City’s NBA team.  They will not win the NBA championship in 2020, it’s possible they could earn a playoff berth.  That’s a feat I believed a month ago might not be possible.  It’s apparent Chris Paul will not be dealt so it would appear he starts the season at the point.  Cantankerous, injury prone when healthy at 34 he still possesses vast amounts of skill. 

Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a point guard with the Clippers he moves into the vacated Russell Westbrook slot which is shooting guard.  I know technically Westbrook was the point guard, but you understand.  Danilo Gallinari managed to play 68 games for the Clippers, he scored at nearly a 20 point a game clip.  Terrance Ferguson is the starter at small forward and replaces Paul George, steady dependable Steven Adams remains at center.  After a capable starting five the reserves are okay but are not probably likely to strike fear in the opposition.  So, there it is, the Thunder, with 55 future draft choices (okay I exaggerate a bit) but you get the general idea.   

McDonald’s All American
The list of former and current NBA players named McDonald’s All Americans is extensive.  What’s behind this showcase of high school talent by the restaurant corporation you ask?  Proceeds from the game are donated to the Ronald McDonald House to provide lodging for the families of children suffering illness.  Often the parents don’t reside in the city the child might be receiving medical attention, Ronald McDonald House becomes that sanctuary.  As for the game, it was first played in 1977, that year the All American’s played a team from Washington D.C. 

The following year the East-West lineups were implemented.  The game has no permanent home although Chicago and Atlanta have served as host cities more than any other.  In 2002 McDonalds began honoring high school girls adding an East-West game.  In the spring of 2020, the list of All Americans’ will be announced, other than named a Rivals 5-star prospect being honored by McDonald’s is likely on the same level perhaps a step above.  As for past All American’s the list reads like a who’s who of basketball.  Just a few of those names:

Magic Johnson 1977
Michael Jordan 1981
Shaquille O’Neal 1989
Kevin Garnett 1995
Kobe Bryant 1996
LeBron James 2003

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No psychic ability
I’ve never claimed the ability to see the future.  At the same time, I believe we can see trends that might not have positive outcomes, that is the case with Team USA.  Several prominent NBA players either were injured or decided to pass on the opportunity to play.  I forecasted my belief Team USA might lose a game in the FIBA World Cup, France led by Rudy Gobert won 89-79.  This was followed by a 94-89 loss to Serbia so the US cannot place higher than 7^th place in the World Cup.  As for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that’s a far different matter, we must wait till next July for that outcome. 

Who Do you Trust?
The late Johnny Carson is associated with The Tonight Show.  From October 1962 to May 1992 he served as host of the late-night variety program.  Prior to this long running duty Carson’s first television duties were host of a game show titled Who do You Trust.  Below is information from Wikipedia providing us detail of the format.  If the point of the program appears chauvinistic consider the timeframe, it was 1957 American television.

“Three couples competed on each show, nearly always a man and a woman chosen for the unique backgrounds; the announcer would introduce couples one at a time, and Carson spent more time interviewing the contestants than quizzing them.  In the quiz portion, Carson would tell the male contestant the category of the upcoming question; the man would then have to decide whether to answer the question himself or “trust” the woman to do so.”

Remember the Michael Avenatti claim?  The attorney-maintained Duke “paid” Zion Williamson to attend the school.  Duke asserts it’s investigated the story but could find no proof to validate the account of Avenatti.  Naturally Avenatti questions who conducted the investigation.  So, we are left with both proclaiming innocence, Who Do you Trust?  An attorney under indictment for attempted bribery or Duke University.         

The legend
The late Phog Allen might have been a legend prior to retirement, certainly with his passing his status has grown.  Kansas basketball is played where…. Allen Fieldhouse.  Although Richard Clare “Phog” Allen is associated with Kansas basketball it was next door in Missouri where life began.  He was born in November 1885 in Jamesport Missouri less than 100 miles north-east of Kansas City.  Allen began his coaching career at the high school level first as head coach of William Chrisman in Independence.  

In 1905 he took over the reins of Baker University (NAIA now) and later at Kansas (Missouri Valley) from 1907-1909.  Allen then became head coach at Haskell Indian Nations University 1908-1909. From 1912-1919 Allen served at Warrensburg Teachers College (University of Central Missouri).  He returned to Kansas in 1919 and would remain for the next 37 years.  

Prior to the NCAA Tournament the top basketball team in the nation was declared national champion by the Helms Foundation.  Kansas won in 1922 and 1923, in 1952 the school would win its only NCAA championship under coach Allen.  Wilt Chamberlain might have been lured from Philadelphia with the prospect of playing for the coach, but that would not be the case.  At 71 years of age the coach was forced to retire, he likely only witnessed Chamberlain play on the freshman team.  Allen who lettered under Dr. James A. Naismith died at the age of 88 in 1974.

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Trivia 
How about this bit of trivia, the Lakers traded Vlade Divac drafted in 1989 for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant in 1996? If we check the numbers Divac registered while a member of the Lakers they were certainly respectable, don’t believe for one minute the trade was made because Divac was a below average player.  The result was a Hall of Fame career with the Lakers and Kings,

This past Friday Divac was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, next year Kobe Bryant will be nominated and there is no doubt he will be elected. This will become an interesting trivia question, two players traded for one another and both in the HOF. This event might have occurred in another major sport I seriously doubt if it’s occurred in basketball.  😁

Dates
The National Football League is observing season 100, the KC Chiefs are 60 years old.  Professional basketball has been played since the 1920’s although we could state it was much later in time prior to a assuming a lasting structure. The official beginning is considered 1946-47 when the Basketball Association of America began play, the National Basketball League had actually begun play much earlier in 1937.  It's unclear however players from both leagues must have switched leagues as would occur later with the formation of the ABA.   

Several National Basketball League teams jumped to the BAA, in 1949 the leagues merged becoming the NBA we know today. The early days of the NBA was really a minor league disguised as “major-league.”  Other than the New York, Boston and Philadelphia franchises most teams were in smaller cities throughout the nation.  In 1967 the start up American Basketball Association began play; this league would last until 1976.  The ABA Spurs, Pacer, Rockets and Nets would be included in an NBA merger, the balance of ABA teams would cease to exist.

“You big dummy!”
From 1972 to 1977 the NBC Television network ran a comedy series titled Sanford and Son.  The story line focused on a junk dealer and his son; re-runs of the series continue to be telecast to this day on a variety of cable channels.  Fred Sanford would utter a classic line in every episode.  His son or one of the characters would do or state something offensive to him. 

Fred would utter these words, “You big dummy!”  In a few weeks you might refer to yours truly in that vein because I believe.  If you state an intention to change or do something different, I’m going to trust you.  Who do I trust, how about Dwight Howard, he claims this second Laker journey will be different than the first one?  No requirement to repeat the deeds of the past, let’s just say Howard indicates he is ready for the challenge.  Guess what, I believe him.  

What might have been
We can say with justification we are near the sunset of Chris Paul’s career, he’s 34-years old now.  The talented Thunder point guard just might retire with no championship ring.  If that should occur, we can’t state with a degree of certainty it’s not been all his fault.  His regular season and playoff injuries plus those of his teammates have been contributing factors, we can still pose what might have been.  

December 8, 2011 Paul became a Laker in a trade, but it would last less than a week.  Imagine this he would have joined a roster including Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol still in their prime.  The Lakers also had improving Andrew Bynum at center plus Derek Fisher.  Paul would have tossed lobs to a streaking Kobe and found Bynum and Pau around the basket for easy shots.  Paul would take his share as well, the future as Laker fans envisioned it never occurred.  

The Hornets (Pelicans) at this period were owned by the NBA at the time.  Commissioner Stern stepped in and voided the trade, he claimed “It was not in the best interest of the NBA.”  With Paul returned to their roster on December 12, 2011 the Hornets would trade Paul to the Clippers.  Some might claim that’s sour grapes for Laker Nation, my response so what.  Who knows Paul might have been a cornerstone in maintaining a winning Laker franchise? 

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Hall of Fame
Folks always get excited about offense, rarely do we focus on the defensive side of the game.  Last night two defensive stalwarts were enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.  Al Attles spent 60 years of his life in some capacity with the Warriors.  He began play with the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 and played guard till 1971, Attles was noted as a defensive specialist.  Later he would become head coach and led the team to an NBA championship in 1975. 

Bobby Jones began his basketball career in the ABA and later moved to the NBA and the Sixers.  Jones a Carolina Tarheel could have demanded the ball and could score.  That was not his forte, he would play tough hard-nose defense and score when called on.  Attles lifetime scoring average 8.9, as for Jones it was 12.1 providing us proof the game is as much offense as it is defense. Congratulations to both Attles and Jones and the other who were enshrined last night. 

Charley Lau 
The late Charley Lau was a catcher and later became a hitting coach.  I know you are asking the question what does a baseball coach have to do with basketball?  I’m pleased you asked, allow a brief explanation, the Lau was a reserve catcher most of his baseball career.  His lifetime batting average was .255, you might think the guy couldn’t hit.  That’s not where he became an expert, it was coaching batters.  Hall of Fame player George Brett might be his most prized pupil, a lifetime .305 average, 3,000 hits and three batting championships. 

In 1980 Brett batted .390 the highest average since Ted Williams .406 registered in the 1941 season.  Over the summer the Lakers hired Mike Penberthy as a shooting coach, the former guard was a reserve guard for the Lakers in 2000-2001.  Penberthy shot nearly 40% from the 3-point line when he was on the floor for the team.  This is not his first job, Penberthy’s served as shooting coach for the Wolves and Pelicans before the Laker hire.  A fan letter read, “How can this guy be a shooting coach when he only averaged 5 points a game?”  All I can say is “Charley Lau”, I think that will suffice.   

He belongs in the Hall of Fame
I must admit David Thomas was the driving force for me to begin this personal crusade, a campaign on my part to honor the late basketball great and human being Warren Jabali.  In July I’d mentioned Thomas had written a book, Jabali A Kansas City Legend which was published this summer.  I’m mailing letters to the CEO’s of the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame regarding Jabali.  I believe he is overdue for selection to one maybe both halls.

The former Wichita State guard was elected to the school’s HOF in 1985.  I’m simply asking for the committees to explore the possibility of adding his name alongside their list of basketball greats.  With the passage of time memories fade, several individuals who witnessed Jabali play have died.  In addition to the Thomas book below are several links to sources I believe prove my point.  Cut and paste the links and determine if you agree Jabali is due this honor.  These sources should provide proof of what I believe is an enshrinement oversight.

https://www.complex.com/sports/2014/02/best-aba-players-history/warren-jabali

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/860209-all-time-aba-all-star-team

https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/aba_all_time_team.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA_All-Time_Team

http://www.remembertheaba.com/TributeMaterial/Jabali.html

https://www.kansas.com/sports/article231006743.html

The Answer
That was the nickname for Allen Iverson, he might have been the predecessor to the combo guard in the NBA.  At 6 feet (or 5-11) he was a scoring machine; he defied the NBA expectations of 1996 when drafted by the Sixers.  Players his size were to play the point and occasionally score they were not to be the focus of the offense.  For 10 years Iverson was the Sixers, eventually the love affair began to wane, it was reported he wanted a trade (which he later denied). 

In 2006 Iverson was traded to the Nuggets and a new journey would begin for him in the NBA.  From there it was Detroit, Memphis and back to the Sixers, Iverson kept his suitcase packed as he moved from team to team.  October 2013 Iverson announced his official retirement from the game.  Many say Tim Hardaway brought the crossover to the NBA.  That might be the case but nobody, I mean no one had the “Killer crossover.” 

If you are too young to remember Iverson at his best check out YouTube.  In 2016 this 24,000+ point athlete was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.  Many will say his tenure in Philadelphia may have been longer if he’d been more accommodating, that may well be true.  Despite the negatives existing before during and after his NBA career we end this by borrowing a few stanzas from a song recorded by Frank Sinatra titled My Way.  … “I've lived a life that's full I've traveled each and every highway but more, much more than this I did it my way…”  In response Allen “The Answer Iverson” would say “I did it my way.”

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NBA training camps about to open
The collective bargaining agreement might confuse fans (like me).  We understand guaranteed contracts but how about the others.  Just in case you are like me hopefully this information I located should clarify the issue.  

Two-Way Contract- “Beginning in the 2017 offseason, NBA rosters expanded from 15 to 17 players with the addition of two spots for players under “Two-Way Contracts.” NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team.” 

Exhibit 10 Contract- “There are 50 players who have signed a contract with the Exhibit 10, a new type of deal in the most recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A player who is signed to a contract with an Exhibit 10 will receive a bonus up to $50,000 if he signs a contract with the team's G League affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. However, there is a catch.

A player waived by Oct. 17 must report to his G League affiliate by Oct. 20 and remain there for at least 60 days to receive the bonus (in addition to the G League salary). Unlike last season, when a team would incur a salary-cap hit for players with partially guaranteed money who were eventually waived at the end of training camp, an NBA team will not have a cap charge for the bonus money awarded. A player signed with an Exhibit 10 can also be converted to a two-way contract by the first day of the regular season. The bonus would then be rescinded, and the two-way contract would apply.”

Bits n Pieces
Mizzou Big Man Jeremiah Tilmon is “listed” as 6 feet 10 inches tall.  Notice listed is in parenthesis, video exists of him standing next to newcomer Axel Okongo who is 7 feet tall…maybe.  The two Mizzou Big Men “appear” to be the same height so what’s correct, is Tilmon taller than listed or is Okongo shorter?  Since the beginning of time publicist and coaching staffs have sometimes indicated players are taller than listed.  As an example, Nate “Tiny” Archibald former Kings and Celtic point guard was listed as 6-foot 1 inch, I once had an opportunity to stand next to him.  Let’s just say Tiny was 5 feet 10 or 11 at the most. 

Bol Bol signed a Two-Way Contract with the Nuggets recently.  Reading the explanation on these types of contracts determines Bol will spend a portion of the season in the G-League.  Although he stands 7-2 its reported, he only weighs 205 pounds which certainly is a question in the minds of many. 

Basketball has become an international thing, more and more of the world has begun to develop talent.  That talent finds its way to these shores in several college programs and the NBA.  Due to the growth of the game it’s difficult for me to imagine the U.S. will continue to dominate play internationally.  The U.S. cannot lead without sending its best NBA players to compete in FIBA and Olympic play.  I hope this is not seen as sour grapes on my part that’s not the intent, its simply meant to reflect 21^st Century basketball. 

The hopes of a nation
We discussed Kai Sotto back in February, you might remember Sotto is a 17-year old basketball prospect from the Pacific Island nation of the Philippines. The youngster stands 7 feet 2 inches and 225 pounds, his growth is far from complete according to his father, he could add another 2 inches. Sotto journeyed to Atlanta this past spring to begin a training routine hopefully leading to the NBA. In the FIBU19 games Sotto didn’t perform at the level he planned so its apparent more work is forthcoming. 

As for the future there are indications, he might be headed to play in Europe in order to boost his basketball skill.  Sotto carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, many see him as the first native born Filipino in the NBA.  Raymond Townsend was drafted by the Warriors in 1973 and played for the Pacers as well.  In 2014 Jordan Clarkson was drafted by the Wizards but now plays for the Cavs.  Both athletes have Filipino heritage but were born in this country.     

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Kansas City Kings?
There is an explanation for the question mark behind Kansas City Kings, this is revisionist history the Kings never left for Sacramento.  The ABA dispersal draft proved to be the winning formula for success and would lay the groundwork for a successful franchise.  In 1976 the overhauled ABA merged with the NBA leaving more talent than teams, several ABA teams were dissolved.  The Kings with their poor won-loss record would have the 3^rd pick in the first round, they choose 6-foot 10-inch Moses Malone rather than guard Ron Boone. 

The actual events would see the Blazers select Moses Malone with the 5^th pick, although he didn’t remain with them his budding talent would eventually lead to a Naismith Hall of Fame selection.  Why did the Kings select Boone rather than 6-foot 10-inch Malone?  In the opinion of many by this time the top ABA talent was near the same level at or in some instances exceeded that of the NBA.   In his rookie year with the Utah Stars Malone scored nearly 19 points and snatched down 15 rebounds a game. 

The Stars folded and Malone’s contract was sold to the Spirits of St. Louis, his numbers in St. Louis, 14.3 points and 9.6 rebounds a game.  Malone’s numbers were clearly superior to those of Boone, it’s my belief it came down to $$$.  It’s likely Malone would command a larger salary than Boone who was a good player but certainly had no career numbers approaching those of Malone.  So, there you have it, the Kings add complimentary players around Malone and presto-change-o the successful Kings never shuffle off to Sacramento.  It might have occurred if only management had been so tight-fisted with money.  

All we’ve heard
If the Sixers, no longer want Ben Simmons I hope the Lakers can somehow acquire him.  Relax Sixer Nation there is no indication he’s headed anywhere for now, the caw-caw we hear is over whelming.  All we’ve heard since the end of the NBA season, “He’s got no jump shot” or “He can’t shoot free-throws.”  NBA TV conducted a poll to select an all-time Sixer team, several questioned why Simmons name was included on the list. 

ESPN’s Bomani Jones decided to weigh in on the subject saying, “He’s not impressed with Simmons new jumper.”  Hey Bomani I’d like to see your jumper, “Wah Wa Wa Wah Wa Wa” (the adult talk in the Peanuts cartoons).  Oh, I thought so, I’m willing to wait until you get in player shape Bomani.  Over the course of Simmons two-year career, the numbers are 16.4 points nearly 8 assists and almost 9 rebounds a game.  This while shooting 55% from the floor, as I said I will take it.

Looking toward the future 
This re-build of the Lakers is intended for the team to win right now not in three years not even two but now.  Adding Anthony Davis, Boogie Cousins (before the injury) and the attempt to sign Kawhi Leonard indicates how serious management was intent on championship basketball.  Adding the above names and others to a roster which includes LeBron James gives us the impression the effort is now, but what about the future?  For NBA teams re-tooling has become signing that free agent, teams no longer look toward the draft to build a team. 

Despite this fact adding rookie talent in spots can prove significant for a team while awaiting that free agent.  Despite the heavy emphasis on veteran talent as this is written there are four rookies hoping to make an impact on this Laker team.  It’s likely they will receive little play during the season except for the South Bay Lakers of the G-League. It’s noteworthy to introduce them and provide a description of their background.  Perhaps one or more lays the foundation for future success, or maybe it’s some rookie yet unseen. 

Devontae Cacok 6-foot 7 240-pound forward UNC-Wilmington

Zach Norvell Jr, 6-foot 5 206-pound shooting guard Gonzaga

Talen Horton-Tucker, 6-foot 4 235-pound shooting guard Iowa State

Aric Holman, 6-foot 10 225-pound forward (Waived after D Howard signed)

“You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred”
In the middle ‘60’s a Saturday morning cartoon program aired titled Super Chicken.  As with all hero’s Super Chicken had a sidekick named Fred.  Anytime Fred was injured performing a daring rescue Super Chicken would remind him, “You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred.”  We could make the same statement for those college coaches who might not be replacing the legend but hired into a rich heritage program.  You know their names, Mick Cronin at UCLA and the John Wooden legacy.  How about anyone at Indiana overwhelmed by the presence of Bobby Knight which likely might not be evident in all cases.  Georgetown’s had John Thompson III as head coach, John Thompson the father looms over the program having built the program and won an NCAA championship.  

At St. John’s legendary coach Lou Carnesecca looms over the program no matter who is seated in the first chair.  UConn competed on the basketball court before and after Jim Calhoun however his name is forever associated with the program.  At Arizona it’s the name of Lute Olsen who sat the standard at the school.  Roy Williams might be the only coach who eclipses the shadow that was Dean Smith.  Others remain coaching but Bill Self’s eventual replacement at Kansas and Jim Boeheim at Syracuse will face the same pressures.  We must include the John Calipari replacement at Kentucky in the discussion too.  There are others, these are but the first few that come to mind.  You might compile a list of those omitted here. 

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Youth will be served
There are a number of instances we read “Youth will be served”, it’s even the title of a 1940’s comedy/musical.  My interpretation it’s meant to point out young people are always the future and it’s just a matter of time before they takeover.  Nowhere is that statement truer than in the NBA.  Recently NBA on ClutchPoints identified 10 players that point to the fact the future is bright for the league.  In 5 years, none of the 10 names will have turned 30 years of age, that’s a bold but fact-based statement:

Ben Simmons
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Zion Williamson
Trae Young
Luka Doncic
Nikola Jokic
De’Aaron Fox
Devin Booker
Donovan Mitchell
Jayson Tatum

I doubt if anyone cares to argue with the assembly of talent represented here.  One more point, we don’t know if there might be others, we could add to the list with the 2020 NBA draft.  They may have gotten off to a slow start in the NBA but might blossom at some future date.       

This is not what it might appear
The deal to acquire Dwight Howard is conditional is what we read, there is no guarantee he makes the Laker roster which is a good thing.  No need of him arriving in training camp believing “he’s made it,” he will have a non-guaranteed 1-year contract.  As mentioned earlier at age 33 portions of his game are superior to Joakim Noah who was my choice.  We read in conversation he made an impression on many of the Laker veterans.  Now comes an even taller task, the one convincing me and other fans he’s changed his attitude.  Howard claims he’s not the same whiny individual who left the Lakers after the 2012-13 season.     

If it appears, I’m being tough on him that’s my intent.  Howard is still playing, and Kobe is retired, if only Howard could have the maturity to understand he would have been the leader of the team someday.  It’s possible the Lakers might not have fallen into the abyss if Howard had remained and vital pieces were added to the team.  Oh well that’s all water under the bridge now as they might say.  Let’s just say I have no problem rooting for him he’s in Purple and Gold.  If there is the least bit of talk indicating there are problems…. cut him loose.  In a perfect world Howard plays so well he forces the coaching staff to replace JaVale McGee in the starting lineup, it’s time for Dwight Howard to put on his Big Boy pants. 

The new home 
If you are a certain age you might not even realize San Francisco once served as home for the Warriors.  From 1962 basically through 1966 the team played in several locations throughout the San Francisco metro.  As you can see the move across the bay is not new in a sense.  Very soon the Warriors will play their first game in Chase Center, the team has moved back across the bay.  The Warriors franchise was founded in 1946 in the City of Philadelphia, in 1962 the team moved to San Francisco in 1962. 

For several unclear reasons San Francisco was home base although they never had a permanent arena.  The Cow Palace in Daly City was home from 1962-1964, San Francisco Civic Auditorium 1964-1966 although games were farmed out to Oakland and San Jose during this period.  1966 witnessed the team moving across the bay to Oakland and Oracle Arena where they remained until the end of the 2019 playoffs.  As this account was being finalized came this word.  Warrior management indicates the season ticket renewal is 70% after the move from Oracle to Chase, so much for a drop off in interest.  

He did what Magic did
Junior Bridgeman was drafted in the first round in 1975 by the Lakers.  He was traded to the Bucks prior to wearing a Laker jersey, he would spend the bulk of his 12-year career in Milwaukee.  Bridgeman a 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard registered career numbers of 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.  Although Bridgeman tasted success in the NBA he began plans for his retirement before the event occurred. He parlayed a portion of his salary into several business opportunities. 

We’ve read stories of an uncountable number of athletes in all sports who become insolvent after retirement.  Wild uncontrolled spending often leads to little if any money, that wouldn’t be the case for Bridgeman.  His financial wealth today a cool $600 million thanks to business investments.  Bridgeman owns 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s Restaurants; in addition, he owns a Coca-Cola plant which dispenses the product to 18 distribution centers (also owned by Bridgeman).  Junior Bridgeman did what Magic did, he prepared well for life after his basketball career was over. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Saturday’s Quiz answers
How many athletes were you able to match with their school?  Maybe a better question how many forced you to cheat....never mind I don't want to know.  Were some of the names unfamiliar to you?  

Steve Nash                                 Santa Clara

Nate Thurmond                           Bowling Green

CJ McCollum                               Lehigh

Dame Lillard                               Weber State

Walt Frazier                                Southern Illinois

Jack Sikma                                 Illinois Wesleyan

Robert Covington                        Tennessee State 

Steve Nash, Nate Thurmond, Walt Frazier and Jack Sikma are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, in addition to enshrinement in Springfield Thurmond and Frazier are also in the College Basketball Hall of Fame.  The question was posed yesterday will a similar quiz in the future contain the name of 2019 draft pick Jae Morant (Murray State), Dylan Windler (Belmont) or Justin Wright-Foreman (Hofstra)?