Basketball from a fan’s perspective

What a weekend

The NBA championship’s not been resolved, despite that fact the weekend was quite decent for the Lakers.  On Friday they faced the Bucks and beat them in a tough match 113-103, they were led by LeBron James with 37 points and Anthony Davis scoring 30.  Sunday the Lakers faced their opponents from across the hall the Clippers.  This tough match also resulted in a win, 112-103. 

In this game they were led in victory by Anthony Davis with 30 points, LeBron James 28 points and a surprising 24 points and stiff defense by Avery Bradley.  No one can argue this, the Lakers faced the two best teams in the NBA Friday and Sunday.  As stated earlier nothing will be resolved until the playoffs, despite this it was nice to close the weekend out with a win.  This game certainly had a playoff atmosphere and we can bet the next match will too. 

Is there truly a concern?

The NBA blackout rules continue to confuse.  The Celtics-Thunder game on NBA TV is blacked out in the KC metro but available on Fox Sports Oklahoma, I’m watching the game.  Fox Sports Midwest cherry picks a portion of the Fox Sports Oklahoma lineup.  If this Thunder game was on ESPN/ABC/TNT those of us in Kansas City would have no issue viewing it.  Soon the playoffs begin, and the concern will be resolved, all games will be available. 

He’s the “Invisible Man” for now

Laker coach Frank Vogel says, “Don’t expect to see Dion Waiters in action immediately.”  He wasn’t in action on Friday against the Bucks, he was not in the lineup yesterday against the Clippers.  The statement sounds a little strange based on the production surrounding acquisition of the shooting guard.  The explanation is simple, during the season NBA teams have little time for practice. 

Vogel indicated the coaching staff had to find time to work with Waiters on the playbook and his conditioning plus sessions with teammates.  Like the recently released movie “The Invisible Man” Waiters is also unseen at least for now.  Hopefully this mercurial guard will be assistance to the Lakers championship aspirations.  The television camera spotted Waiters on the Laker bench Sunday in civilian clothes. 

He’s out

Kenny Atkinson leaving the Nets was supposed to be mutual although one .com site claimed he was fired.  Leaving this late in the season and bound for the playoffs this is different.  Assistant Jacque Vaughn takes over through the end of the season, the coaching search will commence immediately.  The usual suspects are mentioned including ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson. 

Jackson might have an advantage over any potential hire, he’s from Brooklyn.  David Fizdale’s name has also been mentioned, he was fired as head coach of the Knicks are 1 ½ seasons.  There are others however this veteran laden team is probably not seeking an assistant, its likely they want a coach with a track record.  This additional note, with Atkinson no longer employed both New York City teams are hiring at the same time. 

This trade might have worked out differently if…    

Last spring and summer AD made it known he it wanted a trade preferably to the Lakers.  Despite this stance there was at least one other team interested in AD and possibly could have made an offer.  That team was the Boston Celtics but wait, who would they trade to obtain the services of AD?  There would have been players added to the package plus draft choices, the player the Pelicans would have demanded was Jayson Tatum. 

We’ve been witnessed to Tatum’s game steadily rising since he left Duke.  Now in his third year the small forward is an NBA All Star, his 41-point scoring outburst came within a hair of willing his Celtic team to a win over the Lakers recently.  The Celtics would be in great shape anyway adding AD to their lineup and we could make the same statement regarding the Pelicans.  Adding Jayson Tatum to play alongside Zion Williamson…well the New Orleans team might have a better won-loss record than one we see currently.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Missing toughness

The ESPN.com NBA headline read exactly what I’ve been thinking, “This was not the season the 76ers expected.”  After last season many Sixer fans believed their team would successfully compete for an NBA championship.  After an up and down season, they might be unsure what to expect.  Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are both sidelined with injuries but its more, they are missing toughness. 

With all NBA teams there’s a difference in talent, as for toughness that’s a different matter.  Part of the “missing” might be in Miami in the form of Jimmy Butler.  He’s got to be part of the difference, subtract Butler and add Al Horford which says you should be better but they ain’t.  The Sixers will earn a playoff berth despite injuries, how far they advance is a question mark at this point. 

Could it work?

The Hawks CEO Steve Koonin has made a proposal almost radical.  Koonin wants the NBA season to begin in December rather than October.  He says “they can avoid baseball, NFL and college basketball” with this revised schedule.  Baseball has extended its season with playoffs; the World Series is often not concluded until early November. 

The NFL has played almost half its schedule in October, but the balance of the schedule is not concluded until after Christmas December 25.  College basketball in my view is not that great a distraction.  With playoffs and championship series all major sports have extended their seasons.  There will never be a point in time one sport alone occupies the spotlight.  I would hope the NBA might look at this proposal seriously. 

NBA championship

Despite the earlier statement by Charles Barkley this game between the Clippers and Lakers decides one thing,  One of the two teams will win, the NBA championship will not be decided today, for that we must wait till June.  Naturally being part of Laker Nation I’d prefer the Lakers win, I’d be lying if I didn’t desire that to be the outcome.  Barkley most of all should know the playoffs are the true test, first team to four games wins the series.  Until we reach that point we really don’t know if it will be the Lakers or Clippers.  The truth is there might be another team representing the west that’s not located in Los Angeles. 

$500,000 lighter in the wallet

Mark Cuban certainly loves to give his money away; history indicates in 2018 he was fined $600,000 which might be the largest in NBA history.  The chief complainer about NBA officiating and Mavs owner allowed his mouth and actions to conclude the league required a portion of his funds.  Not only did Cuban complain publicly about game officials but confronted them as well.  This action stemmed from action during the Mavs-Hawks game February 22. 

Cuban didn’t physically assault the officials only confront them, this issue between fans and officials has become quite serious.  Several states across the nation have passed legislation to protect middle and high school officials due to physical harm perpetrated on them by family members and fans.  It might be advisable for Cuban to take the issue of officiating to the Board of Governors rather than the court of public opinion.  The court of public opinion causes you to lose your money.    

This is difficult

I will remain a Mizzou basketball fan, the statement is made because it’s been extremely difficult at times to watch this season.  Unforced turnovers, poor shot selection, woeful defense you name it.  I’m quite sure Alabama fans won’t appreciate this statement, but they are a team Mizzou should be able to beat.  At the half Bama was shooting 28%, Mizzou was 33%, the score an unspectacular Mizzou 21 Bama 20. 

At one-point early in the second half on one play Mizzou took 5 shots had 5 offensive rebounds and didn’t score, this sequence ended with Mizzou committing a foul.  Fast forward to the end final score Mizzou 69 Bama 50 as the home team came to life in the second half.  How did this occur, Mizzou would conclude the game shooting 42% from the floor however Bama didn’t improve much ending at 30%.  I can state with conviction Mizzou basketball has been an enigma to me season long. 

Hopefully next season will see improvement, senior Reed Nikko will be gone replacing him on the roster 7-2 245-pound Jordan Wilmore, he arrives in Columbia as a 4-star prospect.  5-star shooting guard Joshua Christopher remains on Mizzou’s radar although he might be a longshot to sign.  6-3 shooting guard Coban Porter has also attracted Mizzou’s attention.  If the last name sounds familiar it should, he’s the son of Mizzou assistant coach Michael Porter Sr. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Seasons over, the Clippers are NBA champions

Those are not quite the words of TNT host Charles Barkley but close.  He’s declared in the middle of March the Clippers the “best team in the NBA.”  If that’s the case why wait till June, we can just halt the season at this point and declare them champions.  I’m not saying Barkley doesn’t have the right to his opinion, but the answer is more complex.  He might indeed be correct but why this Charles you’ve got more insight into the NBA than the average fan, give it to us straight without all the pontification, thanks in advance.  It’s not only me, ask the Warriors Draymond Green his thoughts on Barkley.   

What we know (or don’t know)

Larry Laker admits this upfront; I don’t know a great deal about Dion Waiters.  He’s 28-years old, he spent two years at Syracuse before declaring for the 2012 draft.  The Cavs made him the 4^th pick in the first round, Waiters made the All-Rookie NBA team in 2013.  From that point on his career has been on a roller coaster as he moved from Cleveland to Oklahoma City to Miami and now Los Angeles.  Last month Waiters was traded to the Grizzlies who waived him three days after picking him up. 

There were coaching/management issues at all three stops for Waiters.  The good, Waiters has been a lights-out 3-point shooter since his NBA career began.  J.R. Smith worked out for the Lakers too, the decision on the two likely came down to defense.  Both are about the same level shooting; Waiters is reported to be a better defender over Smith.  Did the Lakers make the correct decision in signing Waiters, this answer will only be provided through the balance of the season and into the playoffs? 

No way they escape punishment

The Kansas Athletic Department responded on Thursday to charges the NCAA leveled back in September.  As you are aware NCAA list violations in the following manner, I, II, III and IV.  A level I violation is considered the most serious while IV is a minor violation.  This portion is most revealing for us, the NCAA charged Kansas basketball with 5 Level I violations. 

Will the school face the “Death Penalty”, probably not it’s only been administered once in NCAA history?  It’s possible Kansas may not be found guilty on all 5 charges, that’s certainly conceivable.  If the NCAA is serious as they claim it’s my belief, there is no way the school escapes without punishment of some degree.  As for Jayhawk Nation forget about what was done by the NCAA regarding North Carolina, Duke and others this case rests strictly with Kansas basketball. 

Do what I do best

I was once asked, “Basketball season is over, why don’t you write about the NFL, baseball, college football or something else?”  On the surface I don’t believe there was an issue with Words eye view, they figured with no basketball other sports should be covered.  I attempted to explain to the inquiry in this manner, I do what I do best. 

First, it would be totally arrogant on my part if I attempted to convince anyone it’s my opinion only that counts.  I have a belief at the same time I can be convinced to change.  As most are aware, we have major league baseball and NFL football in Kansas City but no NBA.  One of the local stations telecasts a Chiefs program weekly 12 months a year.  If NFL football can be programmed weekly January through December why not basketball, just sayin.’

This is interesting if true

Can we anticipate a conclusion to the pending lawsuit?  Last summer we reported owner Steve Ballmer intended to move his Clippers from Staples Center to his own arena in Inglewood.  Designs were later released detailing an 18,000-seat arena, of course this metro Los Angeles city is the location of the Forum.  After the Lakers moved to Staples after the 1998-99 season the Forum was eventually sold and would become the site of a church at a point. 

The arena was later purchased by the MSG Corporation owners of the Gardens Knicks and NHL Rangers.  The Forum would serve as host for concert events and similar events, naturally the Clippers building an arena blocks from the would cause MSG to file a lawsuit.  On Sunday came an undocumented report Clippers owner Steve Ballmer entered negotiations to purchase the Forum.  There are far too many moving parts for us to speculate until the dust settles on this one. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Laker Nation can only hope

The Lakers worked out guards J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters intending to sign one.  Both veterans have baggage in their past and Laker Nation can only hope this move works out.  Thursday evening the team announced Waiters has been signed through the end of the season.  Now they have a backup at the power forward position (Markieff Morris) and shooting guard.  Hopefully LeBron and the gang had an enlightening conversation with Waiters.  They explained the possibility of a championship and the fact he wasn’t added to the team just because they “like” him.  Is there a clause in his contract similar to Dwight Howard, you cut up you are history?  

Is the time now?

Spike Lee’s problems with James Dolan and Knicks management made its way to Charles Oakley.  You might remember the former Knicks power forward Ohad his own run in with owner Dolan back in 2017, to take this one step further Oakley wants the NBA to force owner Dolan out.  t’s been the belief of many inside and outside the NBA the Knicks have been in a free fall for years. The Knicks have not finished above .500 since the 2012-13 season, there have been only two other winning seasons since 2000-01. 

Bad NBA ownership has occurred on at least two occasions in the past.  Former Cavs owner Ted Stepien might have been the first instance, in his case the NBA “suggested” it might be a good idea if he sold the team.  One publication wrote a piece titled Stepien “The worst owner in the NBA” little did the writer realize Stepien would eventually have company.  More recently Commissioner Silver first suspended Clippers owner Donald Sterling and then forced the sale of the franchise. 

Is Dolan enough of an embarrassment to the NBA to force a sale of the Knicks?  On Wednesday evening several fans were confronted by MSG security for chanting “Sell the team”, Knicks management denies this incident occurred.  This is a follow up to the teenage son of a season ticket holder a few weeks back, he was escorted out of MSG for the same chant.  It appears the time is now for action by the NBA, exactly what that entails are questionable at this point.  

Luka versus Zion

That’s the way ESPN advertised the game, we know games are not mano-a-mano it remains a team game.  The game had a playoff atmosphere as the Mavs and Pelicans battled back and forth throughout the evening.  The game went into OT with the Mavs prevailing 127-123, Luka and Zion played outstanding although early Zion had some issues. 

It appeared the height of Porzingis and Luka guarding him at times unsettled the 6-foot 6-inch Zion.  In the end Luka’s triple double (30 pts, 17 rebs and 10 assists) were key factors in the Mavs win.  As for Zion he was not the Pelicans top scorer, that was Brandon Ingram with 27 points and Lonzo Ball scoring 25.  Zion had 21 points along with 6 rebounds and 50% from the floor.  The Pelicans might have a tough reminder of the season to earn a playoff berth. 

Bits n Pieces

Troy Daniels released by the Lakers is working on a deal with the Nuggets.  Although he played little, he wore Purple and Gold and the hope is the best for him.  No need to do this for Boogie Cousins, its likely he comes back to the Lakers once he completes rehab.  

No surprise here, Kansas beat TCU 75-66, Udoka Azubuike played and after suffering an injury last week led the team to victory.  The Kansas Big Man had 31 points 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in the win.  This is the 15^th straight victory for the Jayhawks, perhaps they are peaking at the right time of the season. 

College coaches on the hot seat, at least one coach has already been fired.  Shaka Smart at Texas and Mizzou’s Cuonzo Martin probably lead the way.  There certainly are others but let’s check these two first.  Smart knows how to coach but since his arrival in Austin the program’s never risen to the level many expected.  In Columbia, despite the comments of KC media Martin appears to be safe for now. The 2020-21 season is the breaking point, if Mizzou plays at this same level his future is uncertain at the university. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Have you wondered why?

Other than Facebook Live, print media and Fox Sports you’ve not seen LaVar Ball on ESPN in ages.  I believe the answer is simple, he’s been barred for his misogynist statement regarding First Take co-host Molly Qerim-Rose.  Qerim-Rose has taken most of the criticism for Ball’s absence although it might be unfair.  I’m wasting your time reading this and mine writing it, all Ball manages to do is make outrageous unproven comments about his business, his family and former NBA players. 

The late Muhammad Ali was over the top with many of the statements he made regarding his boxing competition, that is until he won.  We could make the same declaration regarding Joe Namath, he said his Jets would win the Super Bowl, the world laughed at him until the game was over.  Ali, Namath and others had obstructions in front of them to overcome.  Anytime we hear Ball speak we are reminded of the old James Brown tune, “Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing,” two stanzas from the 1970 funk tune are below.

Like a dull knife
Just ain't cutting
Just talking loud
Then saying nothing

Just saying nothing
Just saying nothing
You can't tell me
How to run my life down
You can't tell me
How to keep my business sound

The Nets

The news crawl on ESPN indicated Julius “Dr. J.” Erving would attend the Wednesday evening game at Barclays Center his first time in the building.  Although the good doctor once played for the Nets, they were not his first professional team.  Dr. J’s first team the Virginia Squires no longer exist so they are probably an afterthought.  Although it was the ABA Nets, he came into prominence it was still “New York”.  It’s interesting, anytime we discuss Dr. J. his years with the Sixers is always at the top of the list.  Only knowledgeable basketball fans might reference the New York Nets, even fewer folks might say Virginia “who”? 

$123,000

Based on a 41-game home season director/actor Spike Lee will have spent $123,000 on Knick season tickets for 2019-20.  We cannot verify if the figure is accurate however it’s reported to be close to the amount Lee pays annually for   courtside seats at Madison Square Garden.  A kerfuffle with Knick management and now Lee’s announced he no longer will attend Knick games the balance of the season. 

The disagreement has come down to a “He said-they said” argument, who does the public believe?  Point 1., the Knicks will fail once again to earn a playoff berth.  There are few games remaining for Lee to attend, he claims he’s coming back next season.  Will next season be any better than this season, confusing response?  After Donald Sterling was forced out as owner of the Clippers the Knicks and James Dolan moved up and replaced him as the worst NBA owner.  Is this a “real” story or is it a New York one? 

The NCAA

We have questions regarding the NCAA, there’s never been an argument university require an administrative body capable of issuing punishment.  The problem, the NCAA rarely moves swiftly and, on most occasions, administers unequal penalties.  This is just one example; in the spring of 2019 the NCAA indicated several schools (including Kansas) would face punishment after the tournament.  Of course, the NCAA basketball tournament is a financial windfall for the NCAA. 

The tournament ended in April, five months later the NCAA Kansas basketball received a notice of allegations.  Kansas will suffer major penalties, naturally Bill Self and the university denied the charge and planned to appeal.  That was September 2019, this is written in late February 2020 with the 2020 tournament on the horizon.  Kansas is rated the number one basketball team in the nation as this is written.  I’m holding my breath waiting on the NCAA to issue punishment, don’t worry it won’t be long.  This statement is made because in several instances the NCAA m  o  v  e  s   r  e  a  l  l  y   s  l  o  w.   

I know you are tired of…

Zion Williamson stories but, how bout one more.  The Pelicans forward continues to impress with his all-around game.  Sunday evening versus my Lakers Zion scored 35 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, despite his outstanding game the Pelicans lost 122-114.  A media member stated the other day “He needs to improve his rebound totals.”  I’m no coach however the rebounds will improve, my concern is his free throw percentage. 

Zion’s currently at 63% from the line, raising his percentage a mere 10-12 points could increase his scoring average tremendously.  Back to back, the Lakers faced the best newcomers in the NBA.  Saturday evening it was the Grizzlies Ja Morant, he torched the Lakers for 27 points 14 assists and 6 rebounds.  Morant accomplished this feat shooting 68% from the floor leading the Grizzlies to victory over the Lakers.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This is funny

Kriel Ibarrola wrote two accounts of the same story for clutchpoints.com. One account read; “4 reasons the Lakers should avoid signing Dion Waiters”.  The other version “3 reasons the Lakers should avoid signing JR Smith.”  Should we believe Ibarrola claims the pick should be JR since he’s got one less shortcoming than Waiters?  As this is written Laker Nation has no clue which one will be signed, rest assured one of them likely will be signed.  On the other hand it could be a guard who failed to attract any media attention.  

Words to ponder

Analyst Greg Anthony made the statement while providing commentary Monday evening, it was mentioned despite the excellent record of the Bucks the Heat had beaten them twice this season.  “It’s easy to beat a time twice, in the playoffs that’s a different matter, are you capable of beating a team four times?”  These are certainly words to ponder, we don’t discount the NBA regular season it certainly counts.  During the season a team plays in Chicago one night, two nights later they are in Cleveland, once the playoffs begin that becomes your focus.  One key, travel is lessened because you play that same team until concluding a playoff series.         

The son of…

Dikembe Mutombo’s basketball expertise is rising, his name is Ryan.  Having a famous dad play the same sport naturally draws comparisons.  In addition, at this point we have no idea how much Dikembe is coaching his son.  As a high school junior, he stands 6 foot 11 near the same height of his famous dad who stood 7 feet 2.

At 210 pounds Ryan is rather thin for his height however he might eventually approach his dad in weight department (260 pounds) as well.  Rivals and 247 Sports both award Ryan four stars which is an indication he’s a high-profile prospect.  This is no guarantee of future success be in collegiately or possibly the NBA.  We realize it will take skill, work and the ability to rise above the crowd to ensure future achievement.  Ryan attends high school in Atlanta and is a Class of 2021 prospect. 

Speculation

This is the occurrence anytime you speculate on something, there is a 50-50 chance you are proven wrong.  I must confess this time it’s me, recently I suggested the Lakers have completed moves acquiring Markieff Morris to strengthen their front court.  I said the Lakers would win or lose with the present roster of guards. 

They still might win or lose however there will be another guard added to the roster.  On Sunday the Lakers announced they have released Troy Daniels, in addition there was a further report Dion Waiters would work out for them on Monday.  Should we believe Waiters becomes that “missing link” the Lakers have sought?  I have no idea how this turns out, I refuse to speculate on this one, in fact by the time you read this a decision might have been concluded. 

Geography

Spartanburg and Dalzell two South Carolina cities are not geographically close, depending on which highway you choose they could be only 123 road miles or as much as 144 miles apart.  The connection, Spartanburg is home base for Zion Williamson and Dalzell is home to Ja Morant.  Although its most likely Morant will be named 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year in second place will be Williamson.  The history of these two basketball talents is intertwined in other areas as well. 

A snippet of history, both were teammates for the South Carolina Hornets an AAU team based in Columbia South Carolina.  We know the history Williamson arrived at Duke with star stamped on his forehead.  For Morant the story was slightly different, not highly recruited he landed at Murray State (Kentucky).  Morant’s freshman year was good, but he really blossomed his sophomore year.  His outstanding collegiate play allowed him to become the second pick in the 2019 NBA draft behind guess who.     

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces

Despite the advice of Dr. Larry Laker the Warriors Steph Curry intends to return this season.  If the Warriors were a serious playoff contender, it would make sense.  Steph is working out with the Warriors G-League affiliate, we guess he just wants to play this season despite it not being beneficial to his Warriors.  

Say what, might be the response by Knick fans?  Sports agent and new Knick president Leon Rose asked Knick Nation to be patient.  That might be a slight bit difficult since it's been nearly a decade a team with Knicks on the front of their jersey finished above .500, we guess perhaps they can handle one more year…maybe.  I only read the headline, maybe Rose provided fans a timeframe. 

If you check out the AP Top 25 and the Coaches Poll you will note the first six teams are in the exact same position on both polls.  Although this is not the first time it’s occurred it is interesting. 

1. Kansas

2. Gonzaga

3. Dayton

4. Baylor

5. San Diego State

6. Kentucky

Boy, I’m at it once again

Until his retirement I felt compelled, I became the defender of Kobe Bryant from many of the ill-timed and asinine comments by Messrs. Whitlock, Smith and Bayless.  Now I’m doing the same thing this time its for LeBron James, perhaps it’s a Purple and Gold thing.  Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless work for ESPN and Fox Sports respectively but they must monitor one another’s program.  I never watch Whitlock so I’m unsure of his take on LeBron, as for the other two they always appear to be stuck on the same statement.  Point 1. “What did LeBron do against Kawhi Leonard” and “LeBron doesn’t want to guard Kawhi.” 

It’s clear the three of us have not been watching the same game, LeBron is almost exclusively at the point.  Rarely is he on the wing, in most instances he matched against the other teams point guard and not the forward.  Point 2. LeBron is 35-years old now, despite his age he is still very skillful and productive in fact he just might win another MVP award.  LeBron is 7 years older than Kawhi and 16 over Zion.  How about this impossible scenario, a 28-year old LeBron versus a 28-year old Kawhi or 19-year old Lebron versus 19-year old Zion Williamson.  This impossible method of comparison is the only one that’s legitimately accurate in my book.   

The rule sometimes makes little sense

The directive only allowing an 18-year old (or one year after high school) entry into the NBA has all sorts of variations.  Research on 2020 international players led us to an unusual place and another inconsistency in the age 18-rule.  His name is Killian Hayes, he’s a 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard for Ratiopharm Ulm a German team in the Federal Basketball League.  The bio for this youngster indicates he was born in Lakeland Florida in July 2001, an international player born in the U.S.?

This next portion provides us the explanation, his father played basketball professionally in France where the youngster grew up.  Is he an international player, technically that might be the case however you see the issue here?  There have been other instances the rule has been bent slightly; Hayes might be the first American at age 18 to be drafted into the NBA in quite a while.  Thon Maker was certainly an international player however a portion of his high school was spent in the U.S.  When it came time for the 2018 draft it was necessary to prove an “extra” year of high school made him eligible to be drafted.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Was he barred from the NBA?

Over the weekend LSU retired the jersey of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.  This is unusual considering he only played at the school two years.  A few might remember him as Chris Jackson a slender sharpshooting point guard.  Teammate Shaquille O’Neal claims he was the best player on the team.  After averaging 29 points a game during his freshman and sophomore years Jackson decided to leave for the NBA.  He would become the third pick in the 1990 draft by the Denver Nuggets. 

Once in the NBA Jackson would convert to Islam and change his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.  The conversion to Islam created no problem until he refused to stand for the National Anthem.  First, Jackson was suspended, later he would remain in the locker room until the game began.  Despite his sharp shooting and skill his fate would be sealed, he was traded to the Kings and would later play for the (Vancouver) Grizzlies where he ended his NBA career. 

Rauf played for several European teams before eventually retiring from the game.  Was Abdul-Rauf blackballed by the NBA, that question will probably never be fully answered?  This we do know he was Steph Curry before Curry arrived in the NBA.  No less a basketball mind than Phil Jackson made that statement.  Abdul-Rauf had a 9-year NBA career however its possible it would have lasted longer if not for his political stance.  I located two YouTube videos for your viewing pleasure. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6I8lTbs0jY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0_L5jlzu5w

Regular season only

Practically every conference in the nation plays a post-season tournament, I focus on regular season play.  As an example, a team could finish in last place get lucky and win its post-season tournament.  Don’t misunderstand, I don’t discount the win its play week to week throughout the season is more critical.  As for the 2019-20 season it appears Kansas will be crowned champion again.    

Baylor or some other team could knock off Kansas post season tournament but its unlikely.  The record compiled by Kansas basketball is amazing, UCLA back in the Wooden days might not have dominated the Pac 8 conference in a similar manner.  In the 2003-04 season Kansas finished in a tie for second, in 2018-19 it was third place, the other years witnessed Kansas solidly in first or tied for first in the conference. 

Lightning striking twice  

There’s an adage that claims lightning can’t strike twice in the same place.  That fact might be true if we are discussing the same day or perhaps a weeks’ time, how about 10 or 20 years?  I digress for a moment, I’m sure by now you are asking what’s the purpose of this account?  The Lakers probably look forward to Markieff Morris being the second time lightning will have struck twice for the Lakers.  To improve their championship aspirations the Lakers in February 1987 made a trade with the Spurs picking up Mychal Thompson, most of you only familiar with him as Klay’s dad.

Thompson was acquired to backup Kareem Abdul Jabbar and defend the Celtics Kevin McHale.  He would prove invaluable and a key contributor to the Lakers 1987 and 1988 NBA championships.  What’s the connection with the lightning bit, you read earlier Thompson was acquired in February 1987, the Lakers made a move picking up Markieff Morris in February 2020?  Will Morris become the valued contributor Thompson became, it’s far too early to determine however the history is interesting.  In closing it should be noted the elder Thompson is one of the radio voices for Laker broadcasts.      

I was wrong

Much as I hate to admit there are times, I’m wrong and this is one of them.  Unlike those media types who are paid huge sums of money I can admit the error of my ways.  The Thunder after trading their offense (Russell Westbrook) to the Rockets I was convinced the Thunder were bound for the basement of the Northwest Division. 

Chris Paul is 34-years old but offers us proof there remains life in that older body. 

The veteran point guard has led the way for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others to develop their game.  The Thunder are not a legitimate threat to win the NBA championship but will earn a playoff berth.  Making the playoffs is certainly a feat I believed was impossible just four short months ago.  If you are asking why a South-Central team is in the Northwest Division, it’s a history issue. 

At the time the NBA began dividing teams by geographical location the franchise was in Seattle, so it was natural to place them in the Pacific Northwest Division.  Once the team moved to Oklahoma City, they would remain in the Northwest Division for balance purposes.  When Seattle is awarded a franchise, the Thunder will likely move into the Southwest Division along with the Mavs, Rockets, Pelicans, Spurs and Grizzlies. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Did he, or didn’t he?

Since the 24^th of February we’ve been reading stories, “Did LeBron attend the Kobe Bryant Memorial Service?”  None of us can answer the question except for LeBron himself or those in his immediate circle.  The television cameras never caught sight of him, is this issue really that important?  We’ve read accounts LeBron was shaken by the death of Kobe, whether they were close or not is an unknown. 

I read an account the writer claimed, “The coverage surrounding LeBron has been out of bounds and disrespect to the legacy of Bryant.”  There are numerous instances we the public have a need to know, in my view this is once instance it’s not required.  Each of us grieves in a different manner, we cannot decide who grieves and when and how long it is to last.  Allow us to simply focus on Laker basketball and forget about the side noise.

Southeast Division

We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of NBA teams all the time.  If you check the Southeast Division it is certainly appears rather anemic compared to the other divisions, in fact it might be the frailest in NBA history.  The Heat lead the way with a 37-22 record and from that point it’s all downhill.  Sitting in second place 10 full games out of first place with a 27-32 record is the Magic. 

The Hawks with an 18-43 record are in last, if we look closely at each team it’s evident there is talent.  Can we state between management, coaching and talent “these teams are lacking something?” It would appear every season a team would begin a season with the mindset, “We gonna with this whole thing.”  That might not be the thought other than in Miami. 

They keep getting taller and taller

Hearing stories of the exploits of Laker great Jerry West you might tend to believe he stood 6 foot 6 or at least 6 foot 5.  In today’s NBA Jerry West would be a point guard, this prolific scorer and Hall of Fame guard stood a mere 6 foot 2.  The late Jim McMillian was one of the key contributors of that Laker team that won 33 games in a row.  McMillian drafted in 1970 played small forward at 6 foot 5 his entire NBA career. 

He wasn’t alone, former Senator Bill Bradley was placed in the Knicks backcourt. 

It was written he didn’t do so well; in his second year the 6-5 Bradley was moved to the small forward where he blossomed.  The same scenario existed at the center position; Wilt Chamberlain was 7 foot 1 but for the most part not all opponents were near his height.  The average center during that period stood about 6 foot 9, that was the height of Celtic great Bill Russell. 

Today we have power forwards some standing 7 feet tall, that was not the case back then.  The battle under the boards between Knicks power forward Dave DeBusschere and Gus Johnson of the Bullets was the stuff of legend.  Both weighed about 230 pounds, DeBusschere and Johnson stood 6 foot 6.  As you can see the average height of NBA players by position has continued an upward trend.  A recent NBA scouting report on a prospect read, “He’s a shooting guard in a point guard’s body,” translation he’s less than 6 foot 3 inches tall. 

NAIA basketball

The 83^rd Annual NAIA Basketball Championship Tournament will begin play March 18 in Kansas City.  Just in case you were unaware this tournament is older than the NCAA and NIT Tournament, the media spotlight regarding the NAIA has become dimmer and dimmer over the years.  The NAIA was once the bastion of basketball talent for the NBA and other professional leagues.  An increasing number of universities that once called the NAIA home are now NCAA Division I or II.  Missouri State in Springfield then known as Southeast Missouri State University won the 1952 and 1953 NAIA Championship, the school is now Division I. 

Tennessee State won the tournament 1957, 1958 and 1959, they now compete at the NCAA Division I level.  Kentucky State also won three consecutive NAIA Championships from 1970, 1971 and 1972, they are a now Division II.  Numerous others omitted in this account moved up and no longer are NAIA.  Basketball was quite competitive at one time but nowhere near the level and prestige it once held.  Most of the NBA names who played at NAIA schools is well known, Willis Reed and Dennis Rodman played at Grambling State and Southeastern Oklahoma State.  There are others who came into prominence playing for NAIA schools those named are just two.