Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A Kid from Coney Island

Stephon Marbury arrived in the NBA from Coney Island New York, he would attend Georgia Tech and then declare for the 1996 NBA Draft.  He was made the 4^th pick by the Bucks and a draft night trade sent him to Minnesota rather than Milwaukee.  The Wolves should have been a perfect landing spot with his buddy Kevin Garnett in place.  After gaining success two factors appeared to cause a rift, money, and snow.  Garnett was able to sign a max contract, the following season the NBA Labor Relations changed, Marbury was paid but nowhere near what he thought he should have been paid. 

It snows in New York City as well as Minnesota but with no family in the Twin Cities it became a place of dread.  After a series of trades Marbury found himself without an NBA job, next stop China and a revival of his basketball career.  From 2010-2018 he would play successfully for several teams in China, he now serves as head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters.  Stephon Marbury, one of the most talented players to emerge from New York City.  It was not the NBA, but his basketball career was renewed while planning in China, if you have Netflix check it out for yourself.  

“Every fit is not a good fit” 

We might ask the question what occurred at Kansas for Quentin Grimes?  The former Texas Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All American in 2019 headed to Kansas to further develop his basketball talent.  Grimes freshman year proved uneventful in that he averaged a mere 8.4 points while shooting .384 from the floor.  Near the end of his freshman season Grimes would submit his name for the 2019 NBA Draft but withdraw his name later.

Grimes would transfer to the University of Houston to play for Coach Kelvin Sampson. Rather than sit out the season Grimes was granted eligibility immediately and was inserted into the Cougars lineup by the coach.  The 6-5 shooting guard finished the season scoring 12.1 points while raising his shooting to .443 while being praised as the best defender on the team.  The elder Grimes said this about his son, “Every fit is not a good fit”, without registering any complaints about Bill Self and the Kansas coaching staff.   

They share a border too
I have lamented the loss of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry with the SEC move by the Tigers. For those who might be unfamiliar with the geography Kansas and Missouri share a common border, the rivalry has been renewed beginning this winter.  Missouri also shares a border with several others including the State of Arkansas. Arkansas and Mizzou have played one another over the years in football and basketball however until recently not in the same conference. 

Arkansas was a member of the defunct Southwest Conference for 76 years the only non-Texas school, in 1990 Arkansas became a member of the Southeastern Conference. Mizzou had been a founding member of the conference which would eventually become the Big 12, Mizzou made its move to the SEC in 2012. The “Battle Line Trophy” has been implemented; this is a traveling trophy in football awarded to the winning school.  As for basketball there might not yet be a basketball equivalent of the Battle Line Trophy however a natural rivalry is already in existence between the two border schools.  The border, Missouri’s southern and Arkansas’s northern border which should be a natural rivalry.   

“Where in the world is Carmen San Diego”?

This ‘90’s PBS television program was initiated due to America’s limited knowledge of geography.  It was said at the time “one in four could not locate the Soviet Union or the Pacific Ocean.”  Our title is rephrased to “Where in the world is Markieff Morris.”  The twin was signed February 23 but saw limited action due to the season shut down early.  Avery Bradley was missing but Laker Nation was aware of his decision, as for Morris that might be a slightly different story.  He is not in Orlando as this is written but it appears Laker management is not upset, perhaps they know something we do not.

Bells

Walt Bellamy has been profiled in the past; I read a recent account reminding us of his basketball prowess.  Bells as he was nicknamed stood 6 foot 11 and weighed 225 pounds and was an imposing figure on both offense and defense.  Bells was an All-American at Indiana at the time he was drafted as the first pick in the 1961 NBA Draft.  His team the Chicago Packers who became the Zephyrs, in year three the team moved to Baltimore (Bullets). 

The numbers prove why he was rookie of the year, 31 points and 19 rebounds a game placed Bells among NBA best of that era.  Despite experiencing a Hall of Fame career, he was never able to duplicate his rookie of the year numbers.  Despite hidden in the background so to speak Bells was honored twice by the Naismith Hall of Fame.  He was inducted for his NBA career and 1960 Olympic team membership.  Once the College Basketball Hall of Fame opened, he was honored once again with a 2006 selection.  Bells died in 2013 at the age of 74, Walt Bellamy a name from basketballs rich past we all should know. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The earth is moving beneath our feet

Jonathan Kuminga is rated the number three prospect in the Class of 2020 by Rivals.com.  Duke, Kentucky, LSU, and others were on Kuminga’s list of school choices, this 6-foot 8 inch small forward decided instead to head for the G-League and a pro career.  As this is written we are unsure if Kuminga will be a member of the Elite Team.  “I see my potential as an NBA player, and with the G League, they'll help me a lot more than college," Kuminga told The Athletic. "They'll help me off and on the court and to reach my goal to be the No. 1 draft [pick] in 2021. The G League will help me more than how college was going to help me on being the player I want to be right now and going pro."”  Rest assured college coaches are not pleased with this continuing drip, drip, drip as high profile talent continue to go pro rather than one and done in college. 

*The Athletic

His name is likely missing 

You and your friends are discussing the best college coaches of the day.  The list is compiled, Coach K.’s name is mentioned so is John Calipari.  Others might name Roy Williams or Bill Self, oh do not forget Jay Wright.  There are several others we might add but few mention the name Mark Few.  We could venture a time zone issue; Gonzaga is in Washington Pacific Standard Time.  Gonzaga weeknight games begin at 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. on the east coast.  Depending on your work schedule you could be into REM sleep before the game is over. 

All that is needed is to check out the coaches won-loss record.  Few’s been head man at the school since 1999, in that time his Bulldog teams have won 599 games losing only 124 for a sparkling .828 winning percentage.  In the NCAA Tournament his teams have won 31 and lost 20, he is 45-5 in WCC Tournament.  Few has not won an NCAA Championship, perhaps that has been the reason most fans (outside of Gonzaga) would mention his name.  Despite this fact Few belongs in any conversation regarding the best active college coaches. 

Exit stage left, enter stage right

James Wiseman played few minutes for Penny Hardaway at Memphis.  You remember the story; the NCAA suspended the 7-foot prospect 12-games and Wiseman decided, he would leave school and enter the NBA Draft rather than sit out a suspension.  Likely Wiseman was going to be a one and done commit anyway.  Memphis did not see much of him in action so exit stage left for Wiseman and enter stage right Moussa Cisse.  Cisse’s measurements are almost comparable to those of Wiseman, 7 feet tall 210 pounds.  He is a Rivals 5-star prospect and the number 13 prospect in the Class of 2020.  Memphis basketball should continue to play exciting and winning basketball under Coach Penny.

It is not even close   

Michael Jordan’s been retired since 2003, despite this fact his $130 million shoe earnings exceed those of LeBron James in second place with $32 million annually in sales.  As for the others 3 through 10 are listed below:     

Kevin Durant $25 million

Steph Curry $20 million

Kobe Bryant $16 million

Zion Williamson $15 million

James Harden $14 million

Dwyane Wade $12 million

Russell Westbrook $12 million

Kyrie Irving $11 million

*thesource.com Feb 26, 2020

How to….
Be informative in describing the game but do not talk too much.  I do not have the answer however the shorten version of this account is the role of a basketball television analyst.  They are hired due to their expertise and ability to communicate the game to the viewer.  It has always been my belief a radio analyst requires far more verbal skills than video, it is obvious the picture.  You might not see the nuances of the game however an untrained eye can see the shot or the pass, blocked shot or TO.  It was said the late Chick Hearn simulcasting Laker games on radio and television was much more descriptive than required for television. 

It was done on purpose the action on the court had to be communicated to those in his audience listening on radio.  We have reached a stage now especially with television, the picture quality is so clear and concise we now see plays our grandfathers and fathers never witnessed.  I believe it is important for that analyst to highlight areas which they believe are critical for the viewer.  At the same time, its unimportant to talk incessantly as Jeff Van Gundy often does during games.  Do not get me wrong, I have no doubt of Van Gundy’s basketball knowledge.  For me it appears he often is on a tangent which usually has nothing to do with the game in front of us.  Now you ask, could I perform the role of an analyst?  Currently no, with training and coaching an emphatic yes.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Not that unusual

Kansas City’s Sprint Arena recently became T-Mobile Arena, I learned there is also a T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas too.  There also exists T-Mobile Park which is home for the baseball Mariners.  As for the multi name arenas and stadiums I thought this highly unusual until a friend reminded me of Dallas and Miami.  The Mavs building is American Airlines Center, in Miami we have the Heat playing in American Airlines Arena.  So, in the age of corporate naming rights its probably going to become more and more unusual for a corporation to have its name on a single stadium or arena.  

The Knicks need a coach

Knick fans are accustomed to waiting, they have waited for years for the Knicks to become competitive again.  What are a few more months delay in the search for a head coach?  Perhaps management is hoping to avoid what have become a revolving door as coach after coach has been fired.  As for the list of perspective coaches most are veteran names along with Mike Miller who served as interim head coach.

Kenny Atkinson

Tom Thibodeau

Mike Miller

Jeff Van Gundy

Mike Woodson

Although this list is complete there could be a surprise, a name not listed above might be the one hired. 

It’s not over until the fat lady sings

The desire was wait for a jury verdict before proceeding with the Zion Williamson story.  The short version, the Pelicans forward has been sued by his former agents.  During the proceeding this jumps out from the account the agent claimed he paid “someone” who was supposed to be part of Williamson’s family.  Williamson’s attorneys claim the documents provided the court are fake and the agent.  He now claims he was conned, he never spoke to or met Williamson or any member of the family.  This line from Alice in Wonderland certainly fits, this saga has become “Curiouser and curiouser."  

Why Florida

Your view might be different from mine and that is okay.  My wife asked me the other day, “Why is the NBA in Florida and not playing home games, covid is spiking in the state.”  I informed her the NBA was making a valiant effort to complete the 2019-20 season.  The fact Florida and more specially Orlando was chosen had to do with facilities to accommodate the number of teams.  In addition, if the games were played in Los Angeles or Las Vegas fans would be clambering for tickets.  It is planned for NBA players to remain in a “bubble” from fans.  The question if this plan works is still up in the air at this point.  

No such thing
I do not honestly believe them when it is said, "they are jinxed!" You have heard it too, earlier I mentioned the Sports Illustrated curse or jinx. Well this is a story you take at its face value. What in the world is the problem in Portland? Star guard Brandon Roy at 27 is a medical retiree, we can make the same statement about Big Man Greg Oden he never reached the heights projected for him as the 1st player picked in the 2007 draft.  Injuries kept Oden off the court for the bulk of his brief NBA career. 

The franchise has a history of drafting centers who cannot play or who are injury prone. Number one pick LaRue Martin in 1972 failed and Sam Bowie number two pick in 1984 was injury prone. It has not been all doom and gloom for this Pacific Northwest team, there were the Clyde Drexler/Kevin Porter teams of the '90's. Those Blazer teams were extraordinarily successful although never winning a championship.

Earlier with Bill Walton at center and the late Maurice Lucas at power forward they won their one and only NBA Championship in 1977. That year they faced a talented 76er team of Dr. J. and George McGinnis but won the series 4-2. The "jail blazer" era came into prominence, they went downhill after much success in the late '90's. Various Blazer players were sometimes more visible in court as much as on the court, a house cleaning was required. Once this was completed the team began turning the corner toward success, the drafting of Roy and others made the Blazers become competitive again.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This ain’t your father’s NBA (or NFL) 

Good luck with that, finding something else to spend your time pursuing. I read a letter the other day from an NBA fan, he was upset with the social and political stance taken by many of the players. My first thought, "This ain't your father's NBA (or NFL) for that matter." Athletes of today will continue to address political and social issues as they see a need. I have got two suggestions for my friend, ignore the stance taken and focus on the games or take up bird watching or stamp collecting.  Today’s athletes are informing Laura Ingraham she’s the one who needs to “Shut up.” 

Municipal Auditorium

Kansas City’s basketball arena opened in 1936, once Kemper (HyVee) and Sprint (T-Mobile) Arena opened the Muni witnessed fewer and fewer basketball games being played.  The venerable building has seen many giants of the game both college and NBA grace the court over those years.  At present the arena is home court for the University of MO-Kansas City.  Beginning in 1937 the arena served as host site for the NAIA since its inception, the only years missing were 1994 through 2001 when the tournament was held in Oklahoma. 

Tennessee State won 3 consecutive NAIA Championships 1957-59 in the Muni and was duplicated later by Kentucky State 1970 through 1972.  The American Basketball League Kansas City Steers called the Muni home the 1 ½ years the league was in existence.  At the time the Cincinnati Royals arrived in town and rebranded as the Kings their games were in the Muni until Sprint Center was later opened in 1974.  Prior to the NCAA moving championship games to football stadiums the Muni held the record for the most championships played in a one building. 

The triple overtime championship game in 1957 won by North Carolina over Kansas was played at the Muni.  The list of Hall of Fame players on the floor over the years read like a who’s who of college and NBA talent.  Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Tiny Archibald, Jerry Lucas, Elvin Hayes, and John Havlicek are just a few of the hundreds of names written in the annals of history of Municipal Auditorium or the Muni.  This brief look back in time omits the number of high school games played in the building over the years. 

Once upon a time

In the 1960's and '70's the Missouri Valley Conference was one of the toughest basketball conferences in the nation, it is still tough today however it is somewhat unrecognized by the national sports media. It is unrecognized until one of its schools’ "upsets" a national power team.  Valley schools of that long-ago period were the equivalent of the ACC or Big East today, the conference is now considered a mid-major conference.  Mid-major number 9 seed Northern Iowa took out the mighty Kansas Jayhawks a number 1 in the 2010 NCAA tourney? In addition to successful teams the conference has turned out several outstanding NBA players.

Yahoo Sports compiled a complete list, but I will profile just a few. Larry Bird of Indiana State, anybody ever heard of him? How about Walt "Clyde" Frazier New York Knicks legend, he would earn his defensive spurs at Southern Illinois University. Former Chicago Bulls forward Chet Walker was a 2X first team All-American at Bradley University and member of the 1963 NBA Rookie Team. Doug Collins, former NBA player and coach honed his basketball skill at Illinois State University.  These are just a few of the outstanding players produced by the Valley over its history.  Great NBA players do not all come from Power 5 conference schools.    

Help Wanted (no longer)  

Craig Robinson former Oregon State head coach and brother of Michelle Obama has a new job, he will lead the National Association of Basketball Coaches as executive director. What does the NABC do, from the website of the organization “The National Association of Basketball Coaches Foundation, Inc., was organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, and to support the charitable and education purposes of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), a Kansas non-profit corporation.  The NABC Foundation operates the NABC Foundation Benevolent Fund, the College Basketball Experience (CBE), the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, and the annual Court of Honor Gala.”*  With its headquarters in Kansas City we guess the Robinson family would be moving to the metro area, congratulations coach. 

*nabc.com 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective  

A replacement

First it was Avery Bradley and now its Rajon Rondo, the Laker guard roster is shrinking rapidly.  Earlier Bradley announced he was remaining at home but provided no detail and would not be in Orlando to complete the season.  Then came news regarding Rondo, in practice he broke his right thumb, the Laker medical staff indicates the thumb will require surgery.   

There is a 6-8-week time frame before Rondo can return to action.  Worst case scenario Rodman would be sidelined until the first week of September.  The question becomes do the Lakers replace Rodman or attempt to make do with the remaining roster?  We shall await further developments regarding this account.  As this was being completed late word arrived from Orlando in the words of head coach Frank Vogel.  The coach stated, “I expect Rondo back for the playoffs.”         

Specialist
I have told this story previously; a friend asked me if Dennis Rodman would be elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame. I did not hesitate to answer him with an emphatic NO. I believed his value as a rebound/defender might not be Hall of Fame worthy. Of course, I was wrong Rodman was elected in the Class of 2011. There are other specialists who may be HOF material. How about Robert Horry, many are unaware Horry’s won more championship than Michael Jordan with his total of seven. He won NBA Championships with the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs.

One of the most effective 3-point clutch shooters in championship history. Derek Fisher won three NBA Championships with the Lakers he too proved clutch at crucial times and won more than one game with a crucial 3-point basketball. Neither Horry nor Fisher scored much during their careers, Horry a reserve was never in the lineup as a starter. Fisher the starter always deferred his game to other scorers on his Laker, Warrior, Jazz and Thunder teams. In conclusion does either of these specialists or somebody I have missed become Hall of Fame candidates?

Reason #5 why I love college basketball
I love Dick Vitale, Dickey V.’s enthusiasm for the game in legendary. I know a few folk’s claim he refuses to discuss problems that exist in the sport. When questioned I have not heard him refuse to answer a question. He and Jay Bilas (whom I also like) are from different generations. Bilas will take on all comers when discussing the evils that exist within the game and especially the NCAA.
As for Vitale he claims he is going to cut-back on the number of games this season. “Diaper dandy,” “baby” and “aircraft carrier” are just a few of the terms he is personally responsible. An example of his enthusiasm, years ago I am watching a game in the family room. My wife walks through on the way to the kitchen, on hearing the animated Vitale for the first time she said; “what’s wrong with that guy?” Vitale is 75-years old now so we can understand why he might want to reduce his broadcast schedule.

The view from 30,000 feet

Makur Maker caused a seismic shock when he decided in favor of Howard University over Kentucky and several blue blood programs.  A top high school prospect choosing to attend an HBCU school, the landscape could still change in the future.  Consider this tidbit of information, it is quite a bit easier to produce a winning basketball program over football.  You could have Patrick Mahomes at quarterback but with no offensive line and decent backs and receivers well…you get the picture. 

Basketball is completely different, if a coach manages to recruit one or two talented players a team can become a juggernaut depending on the balance of starters and reserve talent.  Howard, Jackson State, Texas Southern, Alcorn State and others must recruit in the same manner as Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas.  No concession to the blue blood programs of the nation, one or two talented players and your program is national news. 

They were still Kings

It has been discussed the Kings were not particularly good during the 13 seasons Kansas City was home.  They finished above .500 only four times while here and the of those most games they won in any one season was 48.  Despite the poor team record and even poorer draft choices the Kansas City edition of the Kings had several outstanding players, this is my Top Five best of the best.  Leading the way is Nate ‘Tiny’ Archibald, he is in the Naismith Hall of Fame, need I say anymore.  Talking about records that will never be tied or eclipsed Archibald holds one of the records.  In the 1973 season he led the NBA in scoring (34.0) and assists (11.38).  It just so happens he might have been the first combo guard in the NBA. 

No doubt center Sam Lacey is the second best to wear a Kansas City Kings jersey. The 6-10 Lacey played tough defense on the best of centers of that period which include Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Dave Cowens and Nate Thurmond to name just a few.  Lacey was quite skillful at passing the basketball, in one season he averaged 5.7 assists leading NBA centers in that category.  Scott Wedman arrived in the NBA from Colorado, Wedman would go on to play a significant role with the Kings.  What happened, with free agency pending the Kings could not afford to keep both Wedman and Otis Birdsong so what did they do?  They allowed Wedman to leave in free agency and traded Birdsong. 

Otis Birdsong was probably the best shooting guard the University of Houston had produced up to that time.  The Kings taking Birdsong in the first round he would have four outstanding seasons prior to his trade to the Nets.  Finally, we arrive at Phil Ford an All-American point guard at North Carolina, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1979.  For reasons unknown Ford (now in the College Basketball Hall of Fame) was traded to the Nets for Ray Williams.  Williams would play all of one season in a Kings jersey.  There you have it the best of the best, most left Kansas City due to managements inability to pay them. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I’m back

No, not Michael Jordan we are referring to Jamal Crawford.  When I was a kid there was a term often used in baseball to describe a reliable hitter.  It went something like this, “_____ could get out of bed in the middle of winter take no batting practice and still lay wood on the ball.”  The guy could plain hit the ball, we might make the same statement about Jamal Crawford.  Although he is now 40-years old it is believed he can still sink buckets. 

Crawford has been sidelined, maybe it was age or something else, but he went home to Seattle and waited, he waited and waited.  The 2019-20 season started although several teams could utilize his shooting nobody called, the break in the season witnessed a return by Crawford.  It is being reported the Nets intend to sign Crawford through the end of the 2020 season.  His age and other factors considered this likely his last NBA stop however many believe you should never say never.  Crawford says, "I'm not 40 I'm 20 twice."  

Different path

Mizzou’s recruiting net for 2021 is quite extensive.  One of the prospects on Mizzou’s radar is Rivals 3-star prospect Hercy Miller, Miller is a 6-3-inch point guard.  No guarantee he signs with Mizzou however he is choosing a path different from his father.  Hercy’s father is Percy Miller better known as Master P., for those who might be unfamiliar with his name.  Master P. is a rapper, actor, record producer, philanthropist.  Much later you will read an account on several sons who followed their fathers into the world of basketball.  Although Hercy's father did play competitive basketball at a point his success was earned in a different pursuit.   

Thanks, but no thanks

I have a former co-worker originally from the Bronx New York, Dave has lived in Kansas City for several years.  Despite this fact he remains a fan of the Yankees, as for basketball his allegiance still lies with the Knicks and not the Nets.  As for this account I continue to read stories surrounding LaMelo Ball and his 2020 draft status.  Although LaMelo’s name shows up on several mock draft site his father does not like the idea of the Warriors being his son's destination.  

This from the father, “Melo ain’t no follower” believing his son would not be the leader he believes playing for the Warriors.  More than one mock draft indicates the youngest Ball offspring likes the idea of playing for the Knicks, this also appears pleasing to father LaVar.  Almost every time I read an account regarding the draft and Ball, I send a link to the story and the response from Dave is usually snappy.  I have a laugh out loud because Dave has indicated to me, he wants no part of LaVar Ball for his Knicks.  My guess, Atlanta, Detroit or Minnesota could possibly be the landing spot for LaMelo on October 16.   

In-state rivals

Manhattan home of Kansas State is a 2-hour drive on US-77 to Wichita State.  Despite the closeness these two in-state universities have not met since 2003.  A decision was made by the two universities to begin a play series.  They will play a charity game this fall and in 2021 a four-year regular alternating series will begin, Big 12 Kansas State versus American Conference Wichita State. At this point the University of Kansas has made no commitment to sign a similar type of agreement, in my view it is always good when in-state rivals play one another. As for my side of state line road this type of effort fails to generate much interest except for Mizzou-Kansas being renewed.  SEC Mizzou will not schedule Mo Valley Missouri State, Atlantic 10 St. Louis University, or Ohio Valley Southeast Missouri State.      

Are we forever haunted by our past?
We make a misstep in life and some will never forget it. Allow me to explain, when it was announced Chris Webber was interested in purchasing the Hawks outcome the boo-birds. In 1993 near the end of the NCAA Championship game Webber called a timeout for his Michigan team. Michigan had no timeouts remaining which allowed North Carolina to shoot a technical foul shot. Am I missing something, why did the writer choose to make that a point of concern in 2014? We all make crucial mistakes in life, unless there is a pattern of repeated misbehavior why is it necessary for some to mention shortcomings we all have skeletons in our closets.

Coach Kelvin Sampson left Oklahoma under a cloud of suspension; he was forced to resign at his next stop Indiana. NCAA violations in the past sidelined him for several years. Sampson is now head coach for the Houston Cougars. Bruce Pearl was a winner at Tennessee before an NCAA violation sidelined him as well; he is now the head coach for Auburn men’s basketball team. Errors in judgment were made, in the case of the coaches the errors caused them to lose their jobs. In the case of Sampson and Pearl they should be forbidden from ever coaching again in life----right? Just kidding, until you error repeatedly everyone deserves a second chance---maybe a third.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A piece of NBA History

The Palace of Auburn Hills former home of the Pistons was demolished by an implosion on Saturday.  The 23,000-seat arena some 30+ miles from downtown Detroit served as home to the NBA Pistons from 1988-2017.  The Pistons moved in 2017 and share space in Little Caesars Arena with the NHL Red Wings in downtown Detroit. Three championship banners were won by the Pistons in the Palace of Auburn Hills.

The arena will long be remembered for one of the worst incidents in modern NBA history.  During a Piston-Pacer game a fight would breakout between the teams, several fans came out of the stands and became participants in the melee.  Sport media dubbed the incident “The Malice in the Palace.”  The building and land were sold in 2019 and will be developed into mix use property. 

The NBA on TV

Pandemic aside the re-start of the NBA season is great for fans, except maybe those in NBA cities.  If you live in Dallas or New Orleans, you will have no opportunity to see your Mavs or Pelicans in person.  As for the balance of us it is a different story, with only 22 of the 30 teams playing there is a game afternoon and evening with playoff implications.  Checking out the schedule with little exception most games will be available for us to see on the various platforms, NBA TV, TNT, ABC and ESPN. 

Just a view

Laker guard Avery Bradley can score the ball, he is probably looked at more as a defensive stopper.  There are plenty of guys in the NBA who can score, there are fewer numbers who can effectively defend.  Sometimes we confuse the term defensive stopper, at the NBA level the hope is to limit the number of shots taken by the opponent.  If for example it takes player A. 30 shots to score 20 points versus 20 shots that is 10 missed shots.  Missed shots of course are an opportunity for your team to rebound the ball and score. 

Beginning in elementary through high school and into the NBA scoring the ball has always “looked” more important than playing effective defense.  The ideal athlete is one who is a capable scorer and adequate defender.  As for the Lakers perhaps, it will be defense by committee.  Rajon Rondo, Alex Caruso, Dion Waiters, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JR Smith, or Quinn Cook might be called on to step into the shoes of Bradley.  I hear you, “With the exception of Rondo, Caruso and Cook the others are shooting guards.”  That is an affirmative however in a series based on match ups one or more could play the point for brief periods. 

Satch   

Checking out NBA history I came across the name Tom “Satch” Sanders.  Sanders played for the Celtics from 1960-1973, he was just as much a key to Celtic success as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and others.  Sanders was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2011, if you check out his stats you might question why.  Over the course of his Celtic career (he only played for them) his scoring average was 9.6 points along with 6.6 rebounds a game. 

It was not the fact Sanders could not score he was willing to sacrifice his scoring to play tough hard-nose defense.  Although his rebound numbers were no place close to Dennis Rodman consider this fact, Sanders game could be compared favorably to him.  After retirement Sanders became the first black coach hired in the Ivy League while coaching Harvard.  He was an assistant and served briefly as head coach of the Celtics.  At the age of 81 we believe he is simply retired and enjoying the balance of his life.    

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Zion

I decided to delve into the Zion Williamson case versus the agent he terminated.  This is presented without drawing any conclusions, you certainly should feel free to check my evaluation of the account.  The incident, the former agent of Williamson claims the former Duke player was ineligible to play due to payment which impacted his amateur status. 

In trial testimony Williamson’s former agency indicates the players stepfather secured a $400,000 loan prior to his son’s enrollment at Duke.  Of course, if this is true it would indicate Williamson was ineligible to play his freshman season at Duke.  To counter this evidence attorneys for Williamson, claim the documents including a photo ID of the stepfather are forged.  What do you think, whose side are you on?     

Divided loyalties 
Once upon a time NYC had three major league baseball teams. The Yankees, the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants. The Dodgers and Giants would leave for Los Angeles and San Francisco respectfully in 1957. Expansion brought the National League Mets to the city thus an American and National League presence existed once again. Chicago has the baseball White Sox and Cubs and Los Angeles also has two the Dodgers and Angels.  In the NBA, the Knicks have a rival in Brooklyn with the arrival of the Nets move from New Jersey in 2012.

The only other city with dual franchises is Los Angeles with the Lakers and Clippers. A rumor circulated several years ago there might be another team added in Chicago however nothing ever came of it. Whether we are talking baseball, or the NBA fans are loyal to that one alone. Ask Brooklyn born Spike Lee which team he favors? It is not just him I have never heard a Knick fan say, “I root for the Nets” and vice-versa. It might even be worse in Los Angeles since the Clippers and Lakers share Staples Center.

Earl “The Pearl” Monroe
I thought I knew all there was to know about Monroe but found out something brand new. According to Wikipedia he was given a nickname I was unaware. “His high school teammates at John Bartram High School called him "Thomas Edison” because of the many moves he invented.” Monroe a Philly legend in high school headed to Winston-Salem then a D-II school. In 1967 his senior year he averaged 41.5 points per game and was named NCAA College Division Player of the Year.

In the May 1967 NBA Draft Monroe would become the 2^nd pick of the first round by the Baltimore Bullets (Washington Wizards). No question Monroe could score however NBA opponents were to discover the nickname applied to him in high school was true. Monroe would be 1968 NBA Rookie of the Year an NBA Champion later (1973) with the Knicks. Perhaps chief honors were being selected to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and selection to the Naismith Hall of Fame.   

NBA Training Camp

Thursday July 9 the NBA’s “second season” officially kicked off.  Many players not in Orlando earlier began arriving on Thursday.  We have no idea if the NBA can maintain the bubble its instituted to ensure the safety of its players.  Are you ready for some football, opps sorry I meant ready for some basketball?   

Testing the waters

Kofi Cockburn Illinois Big Man submitted his name for the NBA Draft.  In his case it is believed he wants to gauge his NBA potential, who could blame him.  Despite the change in the NBA game 7 feet and 300 pounds is an imposing figure in and around the basket.  Cockburn was born in Kingston Jamaica but moved to Queens New York at the age of 15, first it was Christ the King High School and later Oak Hill Academy. 

Cockburn was a 4-star prospect in high school however several colleges were offering scholarships; he would decide in favor of Illinois.  His freshman season was a mix, he scored at a 13.3 per game clip along with 8.8 rebounds.  From the floor he was 53% from the floor in 27 minutes a game.  In the Annual Braggin’ Rights Game versus Mizzou the Tigers managed to bottle Cockburn into a poor performance (13 points) from the floor.  His highs were 26 point points, 18 rebounds registered it two separate games, the talent is there it just needs to be developed.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The continued leader

I am quite sure many of you might believe the NBA pays me for promoting it’s hiring practices.  I have good reason to extol the virtues of the NBA in its diversity and gender hires.  Every year when grades are assigned by the Center for the Study of Sport in Society founded by Richard Lapchick, I expect the NBA to receive all A’s and the league usually does. 

The announcement on Thursday is not a surprise and is par for the NBA.  The Atlanta Hawks announced the hire of Tori Miller as general manager of their G-League affiliate, Miller becomes the first woman to serve in that role.  Katie Sowers with the NFL 49ers is a noteworthy hire, but it comes in second place.  The NBA hired its first female assistant coach several years prior to the the Sowers hire.   

We knew it was coming

The official announcement on Thursday was not shocking; Sprint Center in Kansas City underwent a name change.  We knew it would arrive after the merger of the two telecommunication companies Sprint and T-Mobile.  The surviving company in the name change is T-Mobile. The arena first opened in 2007 as the Sprint Center effective on Thursday the building was re-branded as the T-Mobile Center.   

The Decision

No, this is not a re-visit of the LeBron South Beach decision.  This is Avery Bradley’s deciding to remain at home rather than join the Lakers in Orlando.  At the time I believed and still do it is his call, later the Lakers announced their decision.  Bradley would receive a championship ring should the Lakers win it all.  I am okay with this as well, but it appears many Laker fans and other NBA fans are displeased with the Bradley decision. 

This is certainly not going to make for change but consider this scenario.  We have no idea of the details; we just do not know.  Does Bradley have an underlying health issue, do members of his family and immediate family have health risks we are not privy too?  There is an old saying, “Walk a mile in my shoes.”  We don't not know and must honor the players request no matter how much we might dislike the decision.   

Where are they now?  

He returned to Texas-El Paso to complete his undergraduate degree shortly before retiring from the NBA. He then went on to earn a master’s degree and began work on a PhD. In addition to sitting in a classroom as a student he has also been upfront teaching school too. He holds a unique distinction; he remains the only NBA player to lead the league in scoring and assists in the same season. In the 1972-73 season Nate “Tiny” Archibald averaged 34.0 ppg and 11.4 assists for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings.

Without checking the records this diminutive point guard may have been responsible for 75-80% with his scoring and distribution of the ball.  The woeful Kings had little offense at that time apart from Archibald. How good was Archibald he was voted to the Top 50 All Time NBA time, in 1991 he was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Did I forget to mention he contributed mightily to the 1981 NBA Championship won by the Celtics? All this accomplished by an athlete listed at 6-1 (many believe he was 5-10) and 150 pounds. I am sure there is no argument he may have been the best baller to ever come from the Bronx Borough of New York City.