Basketball from a fan perspective

“Timing is everything”

You might have heard the adage above, that might be the case for Words eye view.  You may have read in yesterday’s edition a look at Mavs guard Luka Doncic.  The timing could not have been better, on Saturday Doncic had in our estimation one of the best games in the NBA re-start.  The second-year man led the way in a double OT victory over the Bucks 136-132.  Doncic filled up the box score with his 36 points, 14 rebounds and 19 assists.  If you did not have an opportunity to witness the game this was not a case of Doncic just chunking up shots. 

He was 50% from the floor, 33% from the 3-point line and 90% from the free-throw line, that my friends certainly provides proof of Doncic’s outstanding game.  We might hesitate to consider him superstar because as mentioned this is only year two.  Might we just state he is on the road to that level of play.  What does the competition think this from Giannis Antekonopumo, “One of the most talented guys I’ve played against.”  Mavs Coach Rick Carlisle takes it one step further, “Doncic has the court vision of Larry Bird.”  Carlisle should know he was a teammate of Bird from 1984-1987 and had plenty of opportunity to witness Bird in action.  

He will do what serves him best

Aminu Mohammed is a Rivals 5-star prospect in the Class of 2021, Mohammed’s a 6-foot 4-inch 175-pound shooting guard out of Springfield Missouri.  Columbia is a little more than a 2-hour drive northeast from Springfield, in Columbia is the University of Missouri or Mizzou.  As this is written the list fails to indicate if one school is rated higher than another in Mohammed’s eyes.  He could easily remain at home; his high school Greenwood Laboratory Academy is located on the campus of Missouri State University.  The Bears are members of the Missouri Valley Conference a Division I school, Mizzou faces competition from his hometown.    

This next statement we could say might apply wherever he chose to attend school but let us do Mizzou for now.  There are occasions a program has one or two athletes who become catalyst in turning a program from run of the mill to exceptional.  That might have been the belief when Michael Porter Jr. first arrived at Mizzou, of course an injury prevented him from displaying the talent many believed he had.  As for Mohammed I have never witnessed his play however if he is good as advertised, he could just be that athlete.  In the end Mohammed will do what serves him best we can rest assured of that fact. 

New York City basketball

The city has no monopoly on basketball talent, despite this fact over time several of the best first honed their skills in one of the boroughs or the immediate surrounding area.  How far back in time do we travel, let us begin in 1950 and move forward.  Several names mentioned we must consult the history books having little opportunity to witness their play.  Keep in mind this is high school only, we omit college and any professional career.

*Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) Power Memorial 1961-1965

*Kenny Anderson Archbishop Molloy 1985-1989

*Connie Hawkins Boys HS 1956-1960

*Felipe Lopez Rice HS 1990-1994

*Stephon Marbury Lincoln HS 1991-1995

*Chris Mullen Power Memorial & Xaverian 1978-1982

*Tiny Archibald DeWitt Clinton HS 1962-1966

*Roger Brown George Wingate HS 1956-1960

*Bernard King Fort Hamilton HS 1970-1974

*Billy Cunningham Erasmus Hall 1957-1961

As with any list there are always missing names, several outstanding high school athletes we could include in the list.  Just a few we might mention Sebastian Telfair, Ron Artest, Walter Berry and Lloyd B. Free outstanding high school talent who just missed making the cut on my list.

We are in the now

The season remains unclear for the Lakers but a brief look into the future.  We cannot factor in certain aspects; the NBA Draft is yet to be held.  Free agency also might impact the team, so we are in the now, that is our starting point.  Can they play, we speak of Giannis’s younger brother Kostas Antetokounmpo.  He is nearly the same height of his brother (6-10) however the skill set is still under development, at this point his future is an unknown.  Next up is Devontae Cacok, he is listed as a 6-foot 8-inch 240-pound center. 

At the collegiate level Cacok was a rebounding phenom however there are serious doubts he remains a center in the NBA.  We end this assessment with a look at Talen Horton-Tucker a 6-foot 4-inch 235-pound shooting guard late of Iowa State.  The Lakers are high on his ability, with little playing time available at Staples he is spent the greater portion of the season with the teams G-League affiliate.  We do not know if all three eventually earn major minutes in the future, this we know it will take more than three athletes to champion a winning team.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Who the heck are these guys?

There must be a bunch of guys in Laker jerseys masquerading as the real team.  These phonies sure do not look like MY LAKERS, can we state the restart of the season has not been good for them.  Sure, they have clinched the number one seed in the west but that is not going to do much based on playing in “neutral” Orlando.  The Saturday afternoon loss to the Pacers left the Lakers with a 3-game losing streak, they are 5-5 in their last 10 games.    

Wow, bad news

It appears Sixers point guard Ben Simmons is done for the season; he will undergo orthoscopic surgery on his left knee.  Simmons suffered the injury in Wednesday’s game versus the Wizards.  We have no method to determine how the Sixers might have finished the season, with no Simmons available it is a shame.  On the other hand, the belief is if the Sixers can advance deep into the playoffs Simmons might be available, hopefully that might be the case.   

The trade

Mavs guard Luka Doncic is even better in his second NBA season.  The big guard (6 foot 7 and 230 pounds) raised all his numbers over his rookie year.  Watching him sometimes it is difficult to believe he is only 21-years old; his game resembles that of a veteran athlete.  You know the story, in the 2018 NBA Draft Doncic was made the 3^rd pick by the Hawks.  With the 5^th pick the Mavs would choose point guard Trae Young. 

The draft rights were exchanged with Doncic headed to Dallas and Young to Atlanta.  Doncic was named Rookie of the Year although many stated they believed the honor belonged to Young.  Doncic is third in the NBA in assists with an 8.8 per game average, as for scoring he is nearly 30 points a game.  Think the Mavs made the better trade acquiring Doncic, wait for a profile of the mercurial Trae Young in a later edition of Words eye view?   

Smooth as silk

Jamaal Wilkes is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Wilkes was nicknamed silk because he was so smooth, did not matter if it was shooting or defending.  The problem, Wilkes played for the Lakers at a point they were loaded with stars.  Surrounded by Kareem, Magic, Michael Cooper, and others it is easy to see why his name is lost in the annals of NBA and Laker history.  Wilkes was a 4X NBA Champion and 2X All Defensive Second Team, where did it begin?  As a youngster Wilkes then known as Keith took up the game at a young age.  On the playground he often found himself matched against taller older players. 

Due to his shot often being blocked Wilkes began positioning the ball above his head and taking the shot.  Like Kareem and his patented sky-hook Wilkes shot although unorthodox was impossible to be blocked.  At UCLA he joined Bill Walton continuing winning basketball by the Bruins.  In 1974 the Warriors made Wilkes the 11th pick in the first round, he would play for the Warriors from 1974-1977.  In 1977 Wilkes signed a free-agent contract with his hometown Lakers were his career continued to excel.  As for retirement Wilkes has served in a variety of fields after he left in 1986.  Below is a video of smooth as silk Wilkes in action and that strange looking jump shot.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o37f1cgL0Zo

Basketball from a fan perspective

Picture me still confused

NBA blackout rules remain unclear, here we sit in the middle of the nation.  We cannot view Thunder or Nuggets games on NBA TV.  As for ESPN and TNT that is a different matter the games are always available.  I found a blackout map on the web and though I do not agree it is understandable why Thunder games are not able to be viewed in Kansas City.  As for Denver that is another matter, that city is 600 road miles from us, Oklahoma City is less than 400 miles.  I am going to contact the NBA again for clarification, stay tuned.   

The momentum continues….

Top 25 prospect Makur Maker created a sonic boom with his announcement this summer he would be attending HBCU Howard University.  Several high-profile programs such as Kentucky, Memphis, others throughout the nation were attempting to persuade 7-foot Maker to their program.  Maker’s announcement may have influenced this latest move, Friday Nojel Howard indicated he was transferring from Purdue to attend Howard in the fall. 

Howard’s numbers are rather “pedestrian” however consider the fact he is got 104 Big 10 games under his belt.  That would indicate Howard provides an experienced presence; the only question is his eligibility.  Would he be immediately eligible, as this is written that question remains just that a question?  Athletes transfer all the time this one is significant in that he is leaving the Big 10 for the MEAC.   

We are not there yet

Several know the old kids’ tale on long auto trips, “Are we there yet” is the refrain heard by parents often.  As for the NBA Draft, we are not there yet but close enough to speculate on a few picks. We are guessing the Warriors receive the top pick based on their record.  Given the choice between LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards who do the Warriors choose?  For once I agree with LaVar Ball his son likely could play anywhere Golden State is not that place, it has nothing to do with talent it is a potential chemistry issue. 

James Wiseman is a conceivable budding talent, 7 feet tall runs like a gazelle with shooting range.  Next up is Anthony Edwards a big (6-foot 5 225 pound) shooting guard, we also add the name of Deni Advija, he is a 6-foot 8 inch small forward from Israel.  Finally, we close with a relative unknown name, Onyeka Okongwu small forward from USC.  With the projected talent available who do the Warriors choose, drum roll please.  Imagine Adam Silver’s voice, “With the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft the Golden State Warriors pick _________.”  You didn't really think I was going to make the pick for the Warriors did you?   

The MPJ we missed! 

Mizzou Nation never saw the “real” Michael Porter Jr. in action, he arrived on campus as the pre-eminent number one NBA draft choice for 2018.  An injury curtailed his play at Mizzou, MPJ would see in action in a total of 3 games averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds.  Although his freshman season was impacted by injury most in Mizzou Nation hoped he would return for his sophomore year but that would not be the case.  MPJ declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, due to injury instead of being the top pick he lasted until the 14^th pick in the first round and chosen by the Nuggets. 

The Nuggets had enough depth in the front court they could allow him to sit out the year, the 2019-20 season would become his rookie year.  Emerging from the bench MPJ exhibited much of the promise Mizzou fans hoped to see but were never able to witness.  The July restart   witnessed MPJ inserted into the lineup as a regular and boy has it worked out.  Over the course of the Nuggets last 3 games MPJ has scored 94 points and pulled down 39 rebounds, that averages out to 39 points and 13 rebounds a game.  Can MPJ keep up this torrid pace, only time will tell?   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Who's number one?  

You can argue almost anything except fact and the historical ramifications of that history.   Ever wondered which school has produced the most NBA talent?  Does not matter if that

player had a hall of fame career or a brief stop either in the draft or free agency.  You might be surprised I certainly was, below are the Top 10 according to SI.com.  The surprises for me, I thought Kansas would rank higher on the list, in addition I would not have placed Notre Dame in the Top 10.  The school is more known for football rather than basketball in my opinion.  Another surprise St. John’s earning a spot, certainly the New York City school has produced a wealth of NBA talent however I did not realize it was as large as the number listed. 

  1.Kentucky–107

  2.UCLA-97

  3.North Carolina-90

  4.Duke-83

  5.Kansas-72

  6.Indiana-66

  7.Louisville-58

  8.Notre Dame-56

  8.Arizona-56

10.St. John’s-52

SI.com

Cleveland basketball  

If I said Cleveland professional basketball your first thought might be the Cavs.  That is a natural thought however the Cavs were not the first.  I was surprised there were other professional teams with Cleveland on the front of their jersey.  There were several incarnations prior to 1946, that was the year the Cleveland Rebels began their only season of play. 

The Rebels were a Basketball Association of America team forerunner to today’s NBA.  They would only play the 1946-1947 season; the history indicates the Rebels “went out of business.”  In 1961 the Cleveland Pipers had their inaugural season in the American Basketball League, as the ABA was about to go out of business their owners were negotiating with the NBA to move the Pipers into that league.  The deal fell through and Cleveland would remain without a professional team until 1970 when the expansion Cavaliers were born. 

Freedom of speech…maybe 

There are fans who believe “I paid my money for this seat I have freedom of speech.”  This is another case of wacky fans; two Sixer season ticket holders have been banned from Wells Fargo Center.  They were yelling obscenities at Wizard guard Isaiah Thomas.  This is in line with the Jazz fan and his girlfriend expelled from Vivint Smart Home Arena last season in a similar incident involving Russell Westbrook. 

As reported, this “fan” is suing the Jazz and Westbrook.  Finally, we arrive at the Warriors part owner prohibited from attending games due to a similar issue last season.  I could be wrong but am willing to bet all three instances were fueled by alcohol, in addition the distance from the floor to courtside seats is but a few feet.  How else to explain why a grown man would attempt to get into a verbal battle with a player from an opposing team?  This issue appears to be getting worse instead of better.

Denver in the NBA

Hopefully, your NBA knowledge of history is superior to mine, I did not realize Denver had an NBA team prior to the Nuggets.  The earlier incarnation of a pro team in the city began play earlier than 1946 however it was not NBA it was AAU.  The Nuggets joined the National Basketball League in 1948-49 season, in 1949 with the merger of the two leagues Denver moved into the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

The Nuggets compiled a 11-51 record and in 1950 they along with six other NBA teams went out of business. Denver was to remain without professional basketball until 1967 when the ABA came into existence and the Rockets were born.  The history indicates the anticipation of moving into the NBA the team held a contest to replace the Rocket name.  The Houston Rockets already in existence was the driving force behind the name change.  With a nod to its basketball past they reached back to 1949, the Rockets name would be replaced by Nuggets which it remains to this day.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Generally, I avoid politics

Thunder players have upset an Oklahoma legislative member, he is upset with the players and the management for allowing them to kneel during the National Anthem.  This member has threatened to remove tax incentives the team received when they arrived from Seattle.  This in my opinion is strictly a play for publicity by this legislator however KC’s mayor made his own news. 

He invited the Thunder to move to Kansas City should the Oklahoma legislative effort become valid.  Of course, the mayor was not serious although it should be of note T-Mobile Arena opened in 2007 is NBA ready.  KC’s mayor was invited to see a Thunder game and the effort was reciprocated; OKC’s mayor extended an invitation to a Chiefs football game.  Generally, I avoid politics in Words eye view because our opinions are so varied.  This is one time I am making an exception; I am out.   

Lakers

The Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960, over that time several exceptionally talented athletes have played at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, The Forum and now Staples Center.  Many of those athletes are in the Naismith and College Basketball Halls of Fame.  Most of these athletes played point or shooting guard while others were small forwards and centers.  Missing from the list are power forwards, we can count on one hand the number who played the position for the Lakers exceptionally.  We might begin with the late Harold “Hap” Hairston, the 6-foot 7-inch Hairston was really a tweener, he played the position by default but certainly did an admirable job. 

Next up is AC Green, he was the power forward on the Showtime Laker teams.  Green was no scorer but played tough defense and could score when called on, those Laker teams did not need him for that.  Pau Gasol was acquired in a trade with the Grizzlies, many said the 7-foot Gasol was not tough enough.  That statement is far from the truth, The Spaniard could score and rebound the basketball with the best of them.  Gasol was one of the keys in helping the Lakers win two consecutive NBA Championships.  Finally, we arrive at the present and Anthony Davis, AD might combine the best elements of all the athletes mentioned.  AD is in his first season with the Lakers there is no guarantee he resigns with the Lakers but if he does?   

We do not know

Much news was made when Makur Maker chose Howard University an HBCU school over Kentucky and others.  It is highly likely he is a one and done athlete we do not know if his choice will change recruiting.  HBCU’s or Historically Black Colleges and Universities once provided 90% of the black athletes in the NBA and NFL.  Enrollment opportunities began changing in the middle ‘60’s as schools especially in the Deep South began recruiting black players.

As an example, the University of Texas began recruiting athletes who would have attended Texas Southern or Prairie View, Auburn and Alabama managed to corral athletes who might have attended Alabama A&M.  Many of the names have been mentioned in the past, they read like a who is who.  Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, Sam Jones, Travis Grant, Elmore Smith are but a

few names mentioned here.  HBCU schools once the bastion of talent might be that one day again, Maker certainly is shining the light in that direction. 

His vocabulary  
If you lived in the New York Metro you have been listening to Knicks broadcaster Walt Frazier since 1980.  If you are a certain age you might not realize Frazier played 10 seasons for the Knicks and is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, he received the honor in 1987.  How good was Frazier, he was selected a member of the Top 50 Players in its first 50 year’s? 

Those outside the metro able to view Knick games on NBA League Pass or NBA TV might be   unfamiliar with his broadcast stylings. During a portion of a Knicks game Frazier used the word sagacious in a description of the games action. I had no idea of the definition nor do I remember hearing the word in the past. For dummies like me I decided to check the dictionary for a

definition; “having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense; shrewd”.  Thus, ends today’s teaching moment from Walt Frazier courtesy of Larry Laker.

dictionary.com

Basketball from a fan perspective

It ain’t over until the…. you know the rest of it

Is Laker Nation pleased, I have no idea but I am.  The Monday evening win (116-108) versus the Jazz clinched the number one seed for the Lakers.  It ain’t over till it’s over, the Lakers with a short window (LeBron) must make hay while the sun shines.  Okay no more cliches from me, let me just say we are yet to determine the NBA Champion...stay tuned.   

Did the NBA get it right?

We are entering the second week of NBA re-start and the question...did the NBA get it right?  It is certainly early however the “Bubble” the league created appears to work.  Baseball had to cancel a game due to the virus, so far, the issue has not risen in Orlando.  Several questioned why the NBA was even attempting to complete the season.  That question cannot be answered by a few simple thoughts and it will not be attempted.  We are yet to see how the virus impacts the NFL however for now let us just say the NBA may have gotten it right.  The only loser to this point are the fans unable to view their favorites in person.  They must satisfy themselves with watching the game unfold on our television sets the same as those in Dayton, Albuquerque, and Kansas City.   

Winners

It is funny Kansas and Kentucky fans are constantly arguing with one another which program is most successful.  If we just check out won loss records the winner is Kentucky with 2,293 wins, Kansas has 2,274.  As for several others there are a likely a few surprises for many of you, North Carolina wins total 2,261.  We must factor in one consideration the dates these schools began competing on the court. 

As an example, Kentucky first began play in 1903, Kansas in 1899 and North Carolina 1911.  Norfolk State an HBCU institution has registered 1,223 wins, then we have Missouri State.  The Springfield school which began play in 1909 have moved from the NAIA, to NCAA Division II and finally NCAA Division I.  Weber State in Ogdon Utah has over 1,000 wins but only began play in 1963, wow what a winner.   If you check out the history you will discover Weber State’s only suffered 11 losing seasons in 57 years of Division I basketball, that is outstanding. 

Late bloomer

We often use the term late bloomer to describe an athlete with a late developing career, that would be an apt description of the Pelicans J.J. Redick.  If we checked his high school and Duke honors, we might conclude Redick was on his way to the hall of fame.  National Player of the Year, 2X All-American First Team are just a few of the honors when the Magic in 2006 made him the 11^th pick in the first round.  

After 7 seasons in Orlando Redick was traded to the Bucks and from there the Clippers. 

If we look at the numbers, it will appear the Clippers were the location Redick became grounded.  His shooting especially from the 3-point line made him that guy “you can’t leave open.”  Free agency witnessed Redick moving to the Sixers for two seasons and last year to the Pelicans.  He is 36-years old now and nearing the end of his NBA career.  If we look at Redick 2010, we might believe this guy might not make it, little did most of us realize he was just a late bloomer.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Broadcast partner

Chick Hearn and Stu Lantz were the voice of Laker broadcasts.  Hearn was behind the mic for 3,338 consecutive games beginning in 1965, the streak ended in December of 2001.  Hearn had to undergo a medical procedure which caused him to miss the game.  Hearn’s final game was the 2002 NBA Finals where the Lakers defeated the New Jersey Nets.  In August of that year Hearn died at the age of 85, the broadcast legend was gone. 

We can state a portion of the combo was gone, color analyst Stu Lantz on the job since 1987 continues in the role Laker Nation is accustomed.  Since the death of his long-time broadcast partner Bill McDonald becomes his third associate.  Lantz, a guard played competitively at the University of Nebraska and later briefly in the NBA.  This is background on the Lakers color analyst Stu Lantz whose voice has been heard first on radio and later television since he began in 1987.   

Teammates

This is written prior to Ja Morant and Zion Williamson facing one another in the Grizzlies-Pelican game.  The Rookie of the Year (Morant) versus the runner up, the former AAU teammates will meet once again.  Although both grew up in South Carolina it was in different towns, AAU basketball brought the two together as teammates.  This was AAU basketball however there have been high school teammates who were talented enough to play in the NBA. 

Probably the most famous high school teammates were Nate Thurmond and Gus Johnson who played at Akron’s Central High School.  After high school, the two traveled separate paths to the NBA, Thurmond and Johnson are enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.  As for the present we have Jerami Grant and Victor Oladipo from DeMatha High School in Maryland, Thon Maker and Jamal Murray were teammates at Orangeville Prep in Canada.  Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell from Monverde Academy in Florida, there are others these are but a few.   

Small ball

The NBA is in restart mode so we have no answer to the question, will small ball for the Houston Rockets?  Robert Covington is the tallest Rocket in the starting lineup, and he stands 6 foot 7.  The middle of the season the Rockets chose to make a change getting rid of all their Big Men and resorting to a small ball lineup.  We must keep in mind the Warriors making this change allowed them to win three NBA Championships plus contend for several others. 

There were skeptics (including me) in the audience that did not believe an NBA team could win with a small lineup.  Keep in mind the Warriors did have Big Men however they were not the focus of the offense, the Rockets have no Big Men since the middle of the season.  Mike D’Antoni teams have always contained plenty of scoring and limited defense.  The next few months should prove interesting.   

The return

Coach Brad Underwood, the student body, alumni, and fans of Illinois basketball are excited.  Illinois number 21 or 22 depending on which poll you read received the good news regarding two players. Illinois finished last season in 4^th place in the Big 10 with a 13-7 conference record and 21-10 overall, many hoped they might compete for the conference championship.  The renewed effort would be dependent on two key contributors to last season returning. 

Earlier 6-foot 5 guard Ayo Dosunmu and 7-foot center Kofi Cockburn both submitted their names for NBA early entry.  Relax Illini fans change is in the air, in this instance it becomes almost celebratory.  On Friday Dosunmu announced he was returning to Illinois, that declaration was followed by Cockburn indicating he too was headed back to Champaign.  Both should lead the way as Illinois battles for Big 10 supremacy in 2020-21.   

Records are records

At the time the Sonic franchise moved to OKC there was a key provision.  As a condition of the move all records would remain in Seattle.  Where am I going with this story…straight to the Forum and Staples Center.  A fan claimed, “The Lakers only won 11 championships 5 of them were won in Minneapolis.”  We are unsure if it was an effort to negate the total however, he is correct. 

In 1960 it is likely records were not even considered at the time this move was made.  We have a few more examples for that fan to consider that exists throughout the NBA.  The Sacramento Kings have Oscar Robertson and Tiny Archibald’s jersey hanging in the rafters, neither played for the franchise in Sacramento.  Bob Pettit’s jersey hangs in Atlanta although he played for the St. Louis Hawks.  Unless there is a “Seattle” provision does it really matter where a team’s record or athlete may have first existed.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

No excuse corner

What…. you were expecting an excuse for the Lakers poor game against the Raptors Saturday night?  You read the byline correctly, this is the no excuse corner.  I am not going to critique every Laker game from now throughout the playoffs.  Let us just say I was extremely disappointed in the loss and hopefully they will play better in the future.  It should be of note the Raptors have no Kawhi Leonard, yet their won-loss record is better than last season.  You might remember the Raptors are defending NBA Champions, okay, there is the excuse you were waiting for.   

Could it be?   

There is a story circulating which is just a rumor at this point but might be worth reporting, it relates to Michigan State recruiting.  5-star prospect Max Christie arrives on campus in the fall of 2021, the story has All-Everything Emoni Bates and Big Man Enoch Boake reclassifying and arriving at the same time of Christie.  This is rumor at best, and we must await the decision.  In this day of prospects graduating a year early it is not beyond the realm of possibility. 

The three all arriving at the same time on campus could effectively change the basketball landscape for Michigan State in a positive manner.  The University of Michigan fielded a lineup of five freshman starters, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.  This group of freshmen was talented enough to contend for the 1992 NCAA Championship, this incoming Michigan State crew could send a similar group of talented athletes on the court.  I hope it is not placing undue pressure on the trio if they should all arrive at the same time.   

Free Throws 

The emphasis is on “free” and nobody receives a pass on shooting them. Hall of Fame athlete Rick Barry once said; “Nobody is guarding you; it should be the easiest shot in basketball.” I think we might conclude Barry knew the subject matter well. He shot .893 over the course of his 14-year career; separately it was .880 in the ABA and .900 in the NBA. Consider this, court length the 3-point line and other variables exist depending on the level of competition. Did you realize standing at the free throw line the distance to the basket is 15 feet. It does not matter if we are discussing junior high basketball, high school, college, or the NBA.

The only difference is FIBA which measures at 15.9 feet. It is my belief a portion of the difficulty shooting free throws kids do not practice it enough. A long-time metro Kansas City basketball coach affirmed the view of most youngsters with this account.  He claimed once he ran all the drills and allowed the players to free-lance, he discovered most headed for the 3-point line.  The coach did not indicate whether any of his players ever practice shooting free-throws.  We could make the following claim, it is not exciting for the shooter; they grow up with the mind set of scoring a 3-point basket in the waning seconds of a game. Shooting free-throws is just not cool, sexy whatever adjective you wish to use.

The hardest working man in broadcasting   

Kevin Harlan might be the hardest working man in sports broadcasting.  He is one of the lead play by play announcers for the NBA on TNT broadcasts.  Perhaps April to September might be the only time we might find him at home.  The reason is clear, in addition to the NBA he also broadcast NFL Football.  As an example, several years ago, Harlan provided play by play for a Saturday afternoon telecast of the Mizzou-UCLA basketball. 

The Mizzou-UCLA game was played in Columbia, so Harlan boarded a flight at the regional airport and flew to Washington D.C.  A little under 24-hours later he was the voice behind the NFL telecast of the Chiefs game against Washington.  Harlan must lead all broadcasters of all sports in airline miles traveled.  We have no idea if Harlan owns a dog however if he does there might be a problem.  With so little time at home we should not be surprised if his dog might attack him believing he was an intruder.  

I love it

History has always been a subject that fascinates me, I cannot speak for the world, but I have an American opinion.  According to studies many Americans are not fond of the subject no matter if it is a discussion on politics or history of the nation.  The chronicle of basketball has always been interesting in this fact, “You don’t know where you are going until you realize where you have been.”  Hopefully, the look back in Words eye view proves interesting to you as it is me.  Researching the history has been a learning experience for me as I am able to gain additional knowledge on basketball.  On the other hand, if history is not your thing feel comfortable skipping it and check out the next story. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

We know your name

The Thursday evening Laker-Clipper game was close, only a put back shot by LeBron prevented an OT.  We mentioned the players missing in action but its more than that.  We know your name, media folks who were on the Laker bandwagon until this tight win.  We heard you, “They (Clippers) barely lost and (Montrez) Harrell and (Lou) Williams didn’t play.”  The statement is certainly true, no argument here.  We have no idea what unfolds for the balance of the season and into the playoffs. 

This we know, the Lakers will miss Avery Bradley no doubt, they will miss Rajon Rondo.  Can these bandwagon media types say with certainty that Markieff Morris, J.R. Smith or Dion Waiters might be able to offset Harrell and Williams?  We do not know at this point; we must wait for the championship to be completed.  We know your name, media members extolling the virtues of the Lakers one minute and changing your tune the next all based on a close win.  Question, it wasn't a loss was it?   

Should the name be changed?

For those reading this in foreign lands or Americans unclear on the history of the nation.  Removal of Confederate statues, monuments, symbols, and name changes have been in the news.  These symbols represent the American Civil War concluded 155 years ago.  What about more recent times, those which include the nation’s segregation past?  That is where our portion of the story begins, Adolph Rupp and Kentucky basketball. 

From 1930-1972 Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats dominated college basketball like UCLA in the late 1960’s through the middle of the 1970’s.  Kentucky like Missouri was a slave state but failed to succeed from the union however the state and many of its residents held on to its segregationist past.  An arena was opened in 1972 in downtown Lexington and Adolph Rupp’s name was placed on the building.  Fast forward to 2020, a group of the University of Kentucky faculty are desiring a name change for the arena.  They claim Rupp was racist and that is the basis for their request. 

Sidebar here, the SEC was the last major conference to begin recruiting black athletes. 

Prior to his 1972 retirement Rupp did recruit and add one black player to the roster.  A recording made prior to Rupp’s death in 1977 he makes the claim he tried to recruit Wes Unseld and Butch Beard two outstanding black Kentucky talents at the time.  Do you view the request for a name change to the arena valid or do you take the position Rupp reflected the segregationist south of the period?      

I wonder why

Former point guard and coach Mark Jackson and his family are likely not suffering financially, we guess he is compensated adequately by ABC/ESPN working as a color analyst.  If he saved just a portion of his NBA salary as a player money should not be a question.  Most reading this might have forgotten or maybe did not realize he once served as head coach of the Warriors.  Jackson was fired in 2014 after leading the Warriors to three consecutive playoff appearances, this was something not experienced by the team in 20 years. 

As for the present it seems every time an NBA head coaching job opens, we hear several names mentioned, we are accustomed to Jackson’s name to be among the missing.  Assistant coaches, previously fired coaches are always given an opportunity to coach…not Jackson.  I happen to believe Tom Thibodeau is a good coach, but the guy was hired by the Knicks after being fired by the Bulls and Wolves.  He is not the only example, how about Luke Walton.  Fired by the Lakers without missing a beat Walton was hired as head coach by the Kings.  Whatever Jackson did while at Golden State must be serious or is, he being blackballed for some reason? 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Cream City?

The number of jersey changes in the NBA is staggering, I am unable to keep up with them.  Yesterday afternoon I turned on the Bucks-Celtics game.  The team from Boston was decked out in their usual green jerseys, the jerseys worn by the Bucks had me confused.  One of the Bucks players standing at the free throw line across the front of the gold colored jersey were the words “Cream City.” 

My first thought, Wisconsin has farming including cows, maybe it represents the state. 

Then I thought that does not make sense, no livestock in downtown Milwaukee.  A search on the internet provided the answer.  “It has nothing to do with the dairy industry. "Milwaukee's known as the Cream City because of the yellow, cream-colored bricks that were first discovered and made here in the 19th century," says Historic Milwaukee tour and membership coordinator, Josh Ballew. Dec 27, 2019”   

Forbes speaks

Any time Forbes speak people sit up and pay attention, they are the go-to resource whenever finances or wealth is part of the discussion.  You want a list of the wealthiest individuals in the world, check Forbes, roll of wealthiest corporations Forbes is your source. What about sports teams in 2019, would you believe three of the top six most valuable sports franchises in the U.S. are in the NBA. 

*Dallas Cowboys $5 billion

*New York Yankees $4.6 billion

*New York Knicks $4 billion

*New England Patriots $3.8 billion

*Los Angeles Lakers $3.7 billion

*Golden State Warriors 3.5 billion 

Owner, GM & coach

Allow me to introduce the new owner, gm and coach of the Pelicans, Stephen A. Smith.  Mr. Bravado went off on the Pelicans for only playing Zion Williamson 15 minutes in their loss to the Jazz 106-104.  There are numerous occasions we might question why an athlete is not in the lineup, this is not one of them in my view.  Although Zion started the season late due to injury almost four months have elapsed since he last sat foot on a court competitively.  Every time I make the claim, I am going to ignore Smith he does it to me again. 

Smith questioning the decision making of an athlete or organization, I am often forced to question, “Does he (Smith) have all the information are is he just like us?”  We have no idea why Zion only played 15 minutes however Coach Gentry, General Manager Trajan Landon or David Griffin vice-president of Basketball Operations might have knowledge why.  It might be a good idea to include Smith in a Zoom conference call, this method would provide the reporter all the updated information he needs.   

Battle: Los Angeles

This is no reference to the 2011 Sci-Fi movie rather it was a Thursday evening game between the two Los Angeles NBA teams.  This Battle Los Angeles took place not on a studio lot it was in Orlando rather than Southern California, the teams would meet for the fourth time.  Players were missing on both sides however the Clippers might have been impacted more than the Lakers.  The Lakers were winners 103-101 in a highly contested heavyweight type championship bout. 

The season series between the teams is now tied 2-2.  Paul George and Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers while it was Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Kyle Kuzma off the bench for the Lakers.  LeBron did not shoot the ball well but managed to score the winning basket.  He took the shot with seconds remaining missed and followed his shot sinking the basket.  The Lakers now have an 8.5 game lead in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference however the playoffs await.  The playoffs are the determining factor in an NBA Championship despite Thursday night's game.