Basketball from a fans perspective

I only read the headline

The resident entertainer (that’s what I now place in front of his name) Stephen A. Smith is at it again. He’s decided the U.S. should stop playing basketball at least for this Olympics. The headline read “Should the U.S. withdraw its Olympic team” or something quite similar. Question Mr. Smith why, because they are not playing at the level of previous teams or what you might have expected? Don’t you think that type of decision might rest with the head coach his staff or someone other than you offering an opinion? 

Oh, I forgot you are just exercising your right to free speech and have only voiced your opinion on the matter. You say you are not to be taken seriously despite a large portion of the nation and world have access to your daily rantings. By the way did you know Kris Middleton, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday are on the way to Tokyo. We have no idea if they have any gas left in the tank after a competitive championship however, they should help to a degree. As for the possibility of losing, I’m not a doom and gloom guy isn’t it better to compete and risk losing over withdrawing from competition? We are eagerly awaiting your answer Mr. Smith. 

It’s been quite a journey

Can we state Khris Middleton might be the second-best Bucks player? That’s not intended to be a put down on him or his talent, allow a further brief explanation. After he played at Texas A&M Middleton was made the 39^th pick in the second round by the Pistons in 2012, notice we said it was round two before he was chosen. Not able to earn a roster position with the Pistons Middleton was sent to play for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the G-League.

The Pistons would later recall him, in July 2013 Middleton was traded to the Bucks along with two other players. The balance of this story is known, he moved into the starting lineup. Since his arrival with the Bucks Middleton’s been an NBA All Star twice (2019, 2020) with the Bucks. Middleton is now an NBA champion having been a key to the Bucks championship run. What about this series of life events, second round draft pick spent time in the G-League and would become a twice NBA All Star and now champion? 

The landscape is liable to change

Wednesdays news contained a story indicating Texas and Oklahoma had “reached out” to the SEC. The sonic boom you heard was the reaction of the other Big XII schools. Our reading indicates the SEC generates the most revenue among all conferences in the nation. Just imagine what the Big XII might appear with no Texas and Oklahoma. What’s that you say, Kansas remains a conference member. Allow me to clue you in Kansas doesn’t count as much as you might believe. For universities its football, football and more football. The sport with the oblong ball rules supreme, we love basketball, but it is just not at the revenue generating level of football. Don’t get it twisted Jayhawk Nation, you have one of the most successful basketball programs in the nation.

On the other hand, Kansas football is pretty much pathetic, I would venture to say some of the high-profile high school programs in the metro such as Bishop Miege or Rockhurst might really give Kansas football a match on the gridiron. As for this potential move consider this, Texas in the SEC with the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro populations could prove a boon to SEC sports. We might find this next part interesting, its being reported if a vote is to be taken Texas A&M and Mizzou will vote against any measuring to allow the two Big XII schools in the conference. It’s said Texas A&M moved originally to get out from under the shadow of the University of Texas. Mizzou possibility for financial reasons, Mizzou left the Big XII originally due to revenue not divided equally. Texas received a larger share than other schools in the conference. Before the sunset, we heard from the Pac-12, apparently, they intend to enter this competition to add teams as well. We are no longer handicapped by geography everyone travels by air, so despite the distance it’s possible to see a UCLA-Oklahoma conference football or basketball game. Stay tuned for additional updates on this continuing developing story. NOTE: As this report was completed its being reported Texas intends an announcement on Monday.

Laker backcourt

The rumor mill is working overtime regarding the Laker back court next season. As you are aware the offense suffered with no AD or LeBron on the floor. This statement is made despite the two missing in action during February and March this past season when injured. Based on this fact and the word on the street at the time the season starts, we could find the following player(s) in the backcourt with LeBron.  These are just the names mentioned thus far as possible additions:

Russell Westbrook

Chris Paul

Dame Lillard

Lonzo Ball

Buddy Hield

Kyle Lowrey

CJ McCollum

That’s a total of 7 players, rest assured the Lakers certainly cannot add some to the roster. $$$ certainly, might affect Westbrook, Paul, Lillard and perhaps Ball. What occurs, my best guess is the Lakers add Ball, Hield or Lowrey. Keep in mind I am unable to see the bottom line for the team, the Lakers are still paying Luol Deng. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Only two

It’s apparent promises have been made to Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham regarding the draft. The 6-foot 8-inch point/shooting guard is projected to be the top pick in the 2021 NBA draft next week. Cunningham is working out for only two teams, the Pistons and Rockets. Certainly, makes sense if we think about it, the Pistons have the number one pick while the Rockets have number two. If for some reason he is passed by the Pistons surely the Rockets will select him is his belief.  Many will say he’s arrogant only working out for two teams, I see it as just the opposite. Cunningham is certain the maximum he might drop in the draft is to the number two pick.    

A return to 2013

There were numerous significant events occurring in 2013 in this instance our focus is the NBA draft. With pick 15 the Bucks selected international prospect Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece. Antetokounmpo stood 6 foot 9 and was a rather thin 196 pounds at the time. How about the top pick in 2013, that would be Anthony Bennett chosen by the Cavs? Three NBA teams later and two stints in the G-League he was found to be severely lacking in talent despite being the number one pick that year. What did the media grade the Antetokounmpo pick you might ask? USA Today awarded the Bucks a B grade and the same B grade was given by Bleacher Report?

We are not picking on Bennett alone there were several players drafted ahead of Antetokounmpo with less than stellar NBA careers. As an example, Cody Zeller was chosen with the 4^th pick and Trey Burke was the 9^th pick both still in the league however we could say their NBA careers have only been average. Oh, that Antetokounmpo guy, he grew another 2 inches (6 foot 11) and gained 46 pounds to 242. This is certainly proof scouting is not an exact science, it was believed in 2013 Bennett was a can’t miss prospect while Antetokounmpo was a borderline talent. I uncovered one source from that time containing a huge error, this .com site misspelled his last name. In fairness I double check my spelling every time I write his last name.

Is this a guess?

The NCAA landscape is ever changing however this is believed to still be correct. Prospective talent is limited to 5 official visits, we guess unofficial visits to a school might be unlimited. The question revolves around the ultimate destination, should the travel provide us a hint on this prospects range of possibilities? Currently I have no answer just a thought, what do you think?  Aidan Shaw a 4-star small forward from Branson (MO) is the number 56 prospect in Rivals Class of 2022. His 5 visits are complete among the schools he visited over the summer have been Mizzou and Kansas. The others he stopped at include Iowa, Maryland and Oklahoma State. While nothing is an exact science curious minds wonder how this all works out. 

This is written ahead of time

Members of Nets Nation might look at the 2021 NBA championship and say, “If only.” If only our trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Hardin had been healthy season long, Durant might have been the healthiest of the three. If only James Harden hadn’t suffered a hamstring injury at a crucial time. If only Kyrie Irving hadn’t sustained an ankle injury, we could go on, but this is a stopping point. The Nets acquiring Harden after the season had begun were clear favorites to come out of the east.

Most of the experts had the Nets facing the Lakers for the championship with many crowning the Nets 2021 NBA champions, that was then, this is now. It is interesting neither the Lakers nor Nets were the opponents. It’s too early as this is written to discuss the upcoming season in detail for at least two reasons. Item 1. The NBA draft is yet to be held and Item 2., free agency doesn’t begin until August 1. As for the draft it appears with both their first and second round picks the Nets should be able to draft a quality player. The statement is made because this draft on the surface appears quite lucrative. As for the issue of free agency signing Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving plus trading for James Hardin the Nets appear to be a potential destination for talent. The trio can score with the best of them, can they defend effectively?

Basketball from a fans perspective

You are the One

Remember in The Matrix, over and over early Morpheus had to convince Neo “You are the one.” No matter what was said or done Neo didn’t believe until near the end of the movie.  We also might have been skeptical, we knew Giannis Antetokounmpo was extraordinarily talented but only to a point. We must be convinced, we said, “He doesn’t shoot the 3 well”, or maybe this one “Giannis is poor from the line.” Perhaps worst of all this one, “I don’t think he’s capable of taking his team to the championship level.” All that commentary and others went down the drain on Tuesday night as Neo…Giannis prove to all “He is the one”. He went over, around and on top of the Suns defense.

We know basketball is a team game however it certainly helps with a Giannis in your lineup. You may have read or heard these numbers but one more time. In 4 of the 6 games Giannis shot over 60% from the floor while scoring 211 points, he shot 62% in the series. 62 rebounds (10.3 a game), 26 assists and 10 block shots during the series. Remember the mention of his poor free throw shooting, how about 17-19 from the line? A friend pointed out few of the shots taken by Giannis were from distance, which is true, but this is my point. When you are in a zone as Giannis was is it necessary to hoist up 3-point shots? As for my prediction of a Suns win, I missed this one big time but props to the Bucks in winning the championship. The Bucks are winners of their second NBA championship and the first since 1971. In closing don’t allow this to conclude he belongs in the conversation regarding all-time greats. He’s got to do this 3 or 4 more times to be included among that group of players. 

The Hawk & The Doctor

The headline is no reference to a movie old or new; in addition, it doesn’t relate to a television program. It’s what might be a connection between Connie Hawkins and Julius Irving. Hawk grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Dr. J. was born in East Meadow New York and from the age of 13 grew up in Roosevelt New York, these locations are roughly 25 miles apart depending on address to address. As for the physical part, Hawk stood 6 foot 8 inches while Dr. J. is the same height, both played at 210 pounds. With only 8 years age (1942 vs 1950) difference between the two did it occur? It’s my contention the pre-teen Erving might have witnessed Hawk play at Rucker Park in Harlem or perhaps at a Boys High School basketball game.

As pointed out earlier Hawk’s game was played in rarified air with his flights to the basket for a dunk or put back, wasn’t Dr. J.’s game somewhat similar? Both players had enormous hands allowing them to palm a basketball with their left or right hand. Hawk had already turned pro when he may have witnessed Dr. J. in action at Roosevelt High School or perhaps at UMass. The games of both players are so similar, due to circumstances of the time few of us had the opportunity to witness Hawk in action as we did with Dr. J. The question, did the good doctor pattern his game (to a degree) what he saw in the game of Hawk? Could it have been the other way around, could Dr. J. have influenced the game of the Hawk? This is all conjecture now, Connie Hawkins died in 2017 at the age of 75 from cancer. In numerous interviews we’ve never heard Dr. J. mention the Hawk but surely, he must have seen him play. The Hawk and the Doctor have been enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Bits n Pieces 

In addition to the Bucks win Tuesday also resulted in additional NBA news. Former Yankee Alex Rodriguez and business partner Mark Lore were approved by the NBA Board of Governors regarding the sale of the Wolves franchise. The new owners purchased 20% share of the team Wolves plus ownership state in the WNBA Lynx. According to the information provided Rodriguez and Lore will begin as minority owners of the franchise however they can purchase additional shares in the future should they desire. An additional 20% can be purchased in 2022 and another 20% in 2023, that would make them majority owners of the Wolves. It is unclear for now if they intend to purchase additional shares allowing them 100% ownership. 

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference might be making news in a different manner. The conference will require all players, coaches, officials, band members and cheerleading teams to be COVID-19 vaccinated at the start of the season. SIAC is a Division II conference, if you are unfamiliar with the conference most of the schools are in the southern region of the nation. Conference schools are Kentucky State, Albany State and Clark Atlanta to name just a few.

Not so fast Kansas Jayhawks it might not be quite that easy. Most are aware Kansas had somewhat of a down year competing last season. Those declaring for the NBA draft decided in favor of returning to school, that’s the good news. The not so good news is south of Lawrence Kansas in Austin Texas. Shaka Smart departed for Marquette but replaced by Chris Beard. Beard always adapt at recruiting at all stops appears to have used his recruiting skill to improve the respectable Texas roster. Transfers along with holdovers and newcomers will see Texas competitive with, you guessed it Kansas.

This is news

You remember Makur Maker don’t you, he was the 5-star prospect who decided to attend Howard University. This was news in the spring of 2020 because the last several years has witnessed few high-profile black athletes attending HBCU schools. Maker said at the time he hoped his enrollment would be a spark for other athletes, that was then this is now. Maker played but two games before an injury and then COVID-19 shut the Howard program down completely.

Fast forward to the spring of 2021, Maker announced he was declaring for the NBA draft. Just recently the 6-foot 11-inch forward announced he was withdrawing from the draft. On Wednesday came word from Maker, he wouldn’t be returning to Howard. The brief explanation his desire to be the top pick in the NBA draft and this would not occur due to no play this past season. Maker indicates if he remained in the draft, he would be a 2^nd round pick. At this point with no further word, we are unsure what the immediate future holds for Maker. Stand by we should receive an update on his intentions in the next few weeks.

Baloney

I listen to local sports talk radio in 5-minute segments, that’s about all I can handle, and this provides you an example why. Driving to work this I turned on the radio, one of the co-hosts was giving the listeners his reasons for believing Giannis Antetokounmpo was a better player than Chris Paul. This had nothing to do with athletic ability rather his perception. This is the manner he explained to listeners, “Paul has moved from team to team while Antetokounmpo has remained in Milwaukee and signed an extension.”

Everything this host stated is true however I beg to differ with his view and the following is my counterpoint(s). I conducted a quick count; it appears Paul has been traded three times in his career. Free agency is one thing being traded is something completely different, I seriously doubt Paul requested to be traded three times…however I could be wrong. As for Giannis with all the talk about him headed to a large market team he decided to remain in Milwaukee and that’s a good thing. If Giannis is this host favorite players that’s okay too but I take issue with the manner he concluded which is the better player.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Invited to the Green Room

All the years I’ve followed the NBA I have no idea how this works. On Tuesday, the NBA extended invitations to 20 athletes to attend the NBA draft on July 29 in the Barclays Center, they will be seated in the Green Room. This is done for television purposes, the commissioner or his deputy announce the draftees name and the athlete comes on stage to shake hands with them. Then photos are taken and generally but not always a television interview is conducted. This sequence of events doesn’t occur with all the draftees but certainly a segment go through this process. As for the statement made at the beginning, who gets invited? Most times those extended invitations are generally thought to be the top 30 or so prospects in the annual draft and we guess that still prevails.  

She’s added to the staff

In Tuesday’s other news Edniesha Curry was added to the Blazers coaching staff. Are you unfamiliar with her name, so was I until I read on, she’s a former WNBA player? She played for the Mercury and Sparks prior to her coaching career. Get this, she held two jobs while at the University of Maine. Her first job was woman’s coach at the school, she left for a period and when she returned moved over and became an assistant on the men’s side. Curry was the only woman to coach men’s Division I basketball in the nation. On Tuesday it was announced she will become part of Chauncey Billups coaching staff, she now becomes the 8^th female assistant coach in the NBA. 

Climate Pledge Arena

The former Key Arena in Seattle built in 1962 is reborn this fall, and it’s now Climate Pledge Arena. The arena is being refurbished for the NHL expansion Kraken beginning play for the 2021-22 season. It is designed as the first 21^st Century structure with the environment in mind when construction is complete. As an example, ice for the rink will be collected rainwater even the Zamboni to be used is electrically powered. Climate Pledge will hold 17,100 for NHL hockey and if (or when) the NBA returns the Sonics will play before 18,100 fans.

The part most confusing to most outsiders like me, why now? At the time Clay Bennett purchased the Sonics there were reports “he was interested in the team remaining in Seattle.” It seemed like at least two years Bennett and city officials went back and forth attempting to hash out an agreement. In fact, at one point, I believe Key was even in the discussion at a point. For several reasons neither he nor the city could ever come to a meeting of the minds. Here we are some years later and the city and private industry have managed to come together when they couldn’t in 2008. In any event Seattle is ready for the NHL in the fall of 2021 and the NBA at some future date. According to figures the entire project will come in around $1.1 billion, we can hardly wait for the expansion Sonics to begin play. 

What do you think?

Wunderkind Emoni Bates will enter his senior year of high school at Ypsi Prep Academy in Michigan next month. At this point we don’t know if its college or a professional start in the fall of 2022. That question aside you might deliberate the “What do you think” requiring your thought process? It appears (notice that) Bates stands 6 foot 9 inches, depending on your source he weighs as little as 185 pounds or a “hefty” 201. Most sites list Bates as a small forward which might present a problem when he begins play at the next level, we might witness Bates pushed all over the floor defending small forwards who could weigh up to 235 pounds.

It’s my belief (unless he gains weight) Bates might be a better fit at the shooting guard. It’s been pointed out previously Hall of Fame player George Gervin was 6 foot 7 but spent his time in the ABA/NBA at a slim trim 180 pounds. Gervin might have been one of those guys who couldn’t gain additional weight, that might be the case for Bates. Back to Gervin a moment, he spent a great deal of his play at the shooting guard although he did spend some time at small forward. I discussed the question with two co-workers, they believe given time Bates will “grow into his body.” Both indicate they see no need of my proposal. Okay, that’s your question…should coaches consider moving Bates to the shooting guard?

Hmmmmm

Just in case there might have been a question on the record, this reminder.

Lakers

17 NBA championships

19 Conference titles

33 Division Titles

Clippers

0 NBA championships

0 Conference titles

2 Division titles     

Basketball from a fans perspective

The International game

Despite Stephen A. Smith’s pompous commentary, apparently, he’s not reached the realization the world basketball game continues to grow over time. Curious I decided to check NBA.com, I was interested in the number of international athletes, and this is what I discovered. The 2019-20 information indicated there are 108 International players from 41 nations playing in the NBA. We could offer as evidence the dynamic play of Luka Doncic and 2021 NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

We could add the name Rudy Gobert to the discussion as well. As this is written we don’t know if the Bucks win the NBA championship. If they manage to accomplish the feat there is a principal reason, the play of power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Based on the statements it might appear I’ve thrown up my hands and ready to surrender to the world. Far from it my desire is for USA to win in international play including the Olympics. At the same time with the continuing influx of international players into the NBA we cannot or should not expect to dominate basketball as might have occurred in the past. Don’t believe I’ve given up on international play, especially the Olympics I am just being a realist.

Hold on there

We speculated Kawhi Leonard might be bound to the Clippers due to surgery. Despite what might have been stated this might not be reality. Entering the picture, the Dallas Mavs who are below the salary cap and anxious to spend in free agency. This change is based on a fansided.com story, the Mavs have a list of prospective free agent they are expressing interest. Of course, of the names mentioned Kawhi Leonard is the one that attracts the most attention. New Mavs GM Nico Harrison indicates he wants to create a culture that makes Dallas a player destination, no Texas state tax should certainly aid the cause of attracting players.

We don’t know

An account in Rock M Nation Mizzou’s fan website contained interesting information. If every player remains eligible plus no one transfers the cupboard is full. Mizzou has one scholarship remaining for 2021-22 and one for 2022-23. Coach Cuonzo Martin is non-committal whether an athlete is added prior to the start of school this fall. Despite a full roster we have no idea what the future holds for Mizzou in the SEC this fall and winter. The main reason for the question marks, Kobe Brown is the only returnee who played major minutes this past season.

The 6-foot 7 Brown averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds a game hardly eye-popping number. The hope Amari Davis Green Bay, Jarron Coleman Ball State, DaJuan Gordon Kansas State plus Ronnie DeGray UMass arrive and not miss a beat. All those named have experience playing basketball at the Division I level. The difficulty is molding this varied collection of talent into a cohesive unit. It’s possible we might not see this team play as a “team” until February. This Mizzou team will have plenty of practice prior to the first game but practice is just that. It reminds us of the former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson quote, ‘Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

Hopefully the “punch in the mouth will not be fatal for the program. The 2021-22 crop of Mizzou Tigers contains only one senior, with the prospect of losing only one player can a team possibly “over-recruit”? That is certainly a possibility, Rock M Nation indicates as much based on Mizzou’s roster. The Tigers could lose several players based on the lack of opportunity to play. Surely prospective talent must check the roster of Mizzou or any other destination prior to deciding that’s where I want to go. That prospect must determine in their head who the competition might be for their position and if they believe they can play major minutes.

Upset…yes, a number are 

The NBA in some instances is no different from other professional sports. We are often reminded, “Nobody is watching the NBA, they are not watching because of all the Black Lives Matter and other political and social stuff.” Yes, rest assured we’ve read the letters, there are a vast number of NBA fans turned off by the political and social stance taken by the NBA and many of its athletes. Despite that fact there is visible proof of the other, a larger number of fans either believe in the effort or frankly don’t care what the players do.

Remember there was a question prior to the championship beginning, “No major market teams competing for the championship, viewership would be down.” Well, that’s not exactly occurred according to the numbers released thus far. In addition, there are serious doubts if we could witness more rambunctious and vocal crowds than we’ve seen in both cities. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago might be able to turn out larger numbers however the crowds certainly wouldn’t be as demonstrative as we’ve witnessed. Do social and politics turned off fans, rest assured a percentage don’t agree with it or even like it. The issues outside of basketball certainly appears to have minimal impact on fans in Phoenix and Milwaukee especially those gathered outside the arenas.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

The Fat Lady  

I have followed the NBA for an untold number of years. I am continually amazed at times with the outcome of games especially once a team(s) begin a playoff run. Saturday evening was certainly an example of a classic Finals game. The Suns shot 55.2% from the floor, 68% from 3 and 90% from the line plus the game was on their home court. Those stats would indicate game winner Suns but not Saturday night as they lost 123-119. As my friend Kattie said; “So many other things come into play to nip statistics in the bud!!!” The Bucks now take a commanding 3 Games to 2 lead with Game 6 being played Tuesday in Milwaukee.

Can the Suns win Game 6, of course they can, I picked them to win the whole thing? That is not the situation currently the Suns face, as Kenny Loggins might sing, they are in the “Danger Zone.” And the other portion of the lyrics fit them to a tee, “Highway to the Danger Zone” and there is no one capable of flying in and rescuing them except them. The Suns have now lost 3 games in a row with the next one on the road, the Fat Lady is not singing yet but she certainly might be tuning up. A pause here, I didn’t pick the Suns because of a belief they were the outstanding team.  The pick was made strictly based on Chris Paul and my belief he wanted a championship ring prior to retirement. Unless something spectacular occurs, we’ll witness enshrinement in the Hall of Fame like Charles Barkley…ringless.

Sneakerheads

I am always asking questions, but I hope they are valid, here goes. As many are aware at the time Kobe Bryant arrived in the NBA, he signed with the Adidas brand. He wore the brand in several models over the course of the contract. Once the Adidas contract expired, he signed with the Nike brand and wore various models of it over the remainder of his NBA career. Adidas is back in the game again so to speak; they are offering the design shoes Kobe wore while he was under contract with them.

Rest assured sneakerheads who don’t have the Adidas by Kobe are probably excited about the possibility of acquiring them, as for the rest of us there are questions. Is this being done due to the death of Kobe Bryant in January 2020? Is there still a contract in place allowing Adidas the right to manufacture this shoe again? Finally, is the Bryant family to earn revenue from this re-issue or do all the funds return to the coffers of Adidas? Those are questions we hope are answered over the next few weeks and months.

Have they turned the corner? 

This is the Hawks of Atlanta, prior to a response there are two keys to continued first-rate play. Nate McMillian is retained as head coach of the team (this was written prior to his 4-year contract) and injuries don’t impact them as was evident this playoff season. Over the years the Hawks have been a good team however they never appeared capable of advancing in the playoff picture. This statement is made despite having Dominque Wilkins, Mookie Blaylock and Kevin Willis. This version of the Hawks have solid performers at every starting position, in addition the reserves are good.

Trae Young moved into a different realm in the 2020-21 season especially after McMillian took over. The agile point guard is primarily thought of as a shooter but he’s a ball distributor too. During the regular season Young finished in 4^th place with nearly 10 assists per game. He increased his per game scoring by 3+ points in the playoffs (28.8). As for the others Clint Capela is not much of an offensive threat but can be depended for lobs from Young, he also was a double man in rebounds. The others John Collins, Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic are quite capable in the offensive and defensive area. If I were a Hawks fan, I would be excited about the future of this team. 

Action rather than words

There was debate whether to write this, someone once said “Why must it all be about race or gender.” Well, it’s not all the time however significant events need to be mentioned. We acknowledge the NFL is the most popular sport especially in the U.S. that’s a fact. The NFL has gone on record numerous times attempting to point out its minority and gender hiring. Much was made about the female game official working the February Super Bowl.

Violent Palmer began officiating NBA games in 2006, although she’s now retired there are 7 female NBA game officials working currently. Besides the official working the Super Bowl are their others in the NFL, yes there are, two. How about head coaches, there are two (2) black head coaches in the NFL? With the recent hires and holdovers, the NBA now has 12 black head coaches and 2 other minority holdovers. The issue often evident is words and little action by the NFL. Example The Rooney Rule implemented by the NFL was intended to increase the number of head coach hires. Despite the rule as noted above the hiring process apparently has not been fruitful and it appears nothing more than lip service by the NFL.

The NBA’s future

There are several young NBA players who are the face of an exciting future. One of those faces belongs to Zion Williamson Pelicans power forward. There are two questions which continue to linger about him, will he remain in New Orleans and must he lose weight. First response, the Pelicans front office appears disjointed. They have managed to assemble a good team through the draft and trades but not a great deal of improvement reveals itself on the court. The problem they continue to change head coaches which leads to uneven play.

Unless the Pelicans began a move upward it is likely Williamson might be history. The weight issue, Williamson stands 6 foot 7 but weighs 284 pounds. No less an authority as Charles Barkley believes the youngster should lose several pounds. While he played Barkley was 6 foot 6 and 252 pounds. Barkley has gone on record indicating there might be knee problems in his future without losing weight. Williamson only played 24 games his rookie season due to injury, his second year was productive. He improved his scoring from 22.5 to 27 points per game and his .611 field goal percentage ranked high among NBA players. The two down areas which could stand improvement his 3-point shooting and his shot from the line. His 3-point and free throw shooting are areas that could improve in time. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Big Man returns to….

Early in the spring Illinois Big Man Kofi Cockburn announced he was declaring for the NBA draft. Then he changed his mind and decided he would return to school it just wasn’t going to be Illinois. It was believed Cockburn might be headed to Kentucky; it seems two Illinois assistants had gone to work for John Calipari. Finally in the middle of the week came word a decision would be made by Friday. True to his word Cockburn announced…drum roll please, he was returning to…. Illinois. The 7-foot 285-pound Cockburn might be somewhat lost in time, his game is a throwback to a young Shaquille O’Neal a game of power.

Cockburn is caught up in the same change that affected Udoka Azubuike of Kansas. Azubuike was drafted near the bottom of the first round in the 2020 draft but has played little. The Jazz sent him to their G-League affiliate for further development. The NBA of 2021 contains few true post men and perhaps that’s the issue few mock draft sites contain Cockburn’s name. This statement is made even though Cockburn’s numbers have shown improvement through his first two seasons of college basketball. Regardless of the apparent negatives Cockburn received honors being selected second team All American and First Team All-Big Ten. In the long run it might not be the NBA for Cockburn perhaps a pro career somewhere in Europe might be in his future.

Bits n Pieces

This is a plus/minus story, sources vary in number that’s why I intend to point that out early. Ever wonder which university or college has produced the most NBA players? This is no reference to NBA All Stars just guys who matriculated at a particular school and found their way into the NBA. This is only a Top five list:

Kentucky 122

UCLA 99

North Carolina 90

Duke 83

Kansas 79

There is an assertion in Mizzou Nation “He’s the one who got away.” The “he” in this instance is Suns guard Devin Booker, he was supposed to be headed to Mizzou or that was the hope. Many in the state held their breath while he decided to choose a school to attend, I didn’t hold much hope he would choose Mizzou. Unfortunately for Mizzou Kentucky was the winner while Mizzou was left with, if only. As for the belief by a few he might choose Mizzou has to do with family dynamics. His dad played briefly in the NBA but had an outstanding career at…. you guessed it Mizzou.  How good was Melvin Booker, he left Mizzou as the 7th all-time leading scorer in university basketball history?     

What occurs now?   

The world of Kawhi Leonard at present is all speculation on our part, the Clipper forward appears to say “look at my actions” rather than my talk. As for the conversation it’s not much from him in fact, it appears his uncle might be the driving force behind some of the moves the enigmatic Leonard’s made in the past. It was reported Leonard’s uncle operating in stealth mode was directly involved in the Clipper/Laker negotiations two plus years ago. With Leonard’s recent surgery and a 6 to 12-month recovery don’t be surprised at what might occur August 1 when free agency begins.

What might occur for Leonard in the future since we began this account by speculating? I’m glad you ask because a bunch of things might occur. The first and most likely he signs with the Clippers and plays with them through retirement. After all Southern California is home despite state taxes. Of course, Texas and Florida could come calling with the addition of no state tax, both the Mavs and Heat could allow him to sit and heal. The Mavs did something similar after they acquired Kristaps Porzingis and we know what occurred with the Nuggets and Michael Porter Jr. If you expected an answer, you are looking in the wrong place, like you I will be waiting for Leonard to decide his future.

The motor city 

Motoring on, after all Detroit remains the automotive capital of the nation. Most 2021 mock draft sites have listed Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham the top pick continuously since first releasing them. In fact, Cunningham was listed the top pick long prior to his declaration for the draft. Everything says the Pistons make him the top pick on July 29, on the other hand they could trade the pick. That’s the report we hear although it certainly isn’t confirmed. My thought, unless the Pistons gain a veteran who moves them into the playoffs a trade provides no incentive. It’s my belief they keep the pick and build around Cunningham for now and into the future. Expect to see the talented point/shooting guard in action at Little Caesars Arena in the fall. On the other hand, one website claims there are “Three NBA teams attempting to arrange a trade for the number one pick." 

More smoke than an actual fire

Any time the NCAA levels charges it is duck and cover time. Duck to avoid the charges levied at you and cover yourself for the abuse headed your way by the media. It’s been nearly two years since the NCAA charged Kansas basketball with Five Level 1 violations, level 1 being the most serious. We waited and waited for punishment to be dealt out to the program. At some point coach Bill Self tired of waiting announced he intended to file a countersuit against the NCAA. Whether he did or not is unknown at this point, moving onward the NCAA announced judgment would be rendered toward Kansas basketball within a year, a year as in 365 days?

We cannot begin to imagine why it takes this length of time to conclude, either Kansas is guilty or maybe they are not. One of the complaints made about the NCAA is the policy of punishment. It’s said they only issue strict penalties against mid major schools and on occasion a Power 5 Conference school. There is no method to prove the validity of the statement however don’t you think it’s strange? Perennial basketball power Kansas has charges against the program drag on for almost three years with no end in sight. If you’ve read this blog any length of time you realize I don’t value, the NCAA very highly. It’s always been my belief a governing body is required for hundreds of college programs but one run fairly and with as little politics involved as possible. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

The last one

Friday afternoon came word the Wizards intend to announce Wes Unseld Jr. as head coach. As mentioned previously Wes Unseld Sr. once served as head coach of the franchise when it was known as the Bullets. With this hire all head coaches are now in place, only the Pacers re-cycled a coach hiring Rick Carlisle and the Mavs did the same with Jason Kidd. Kidd has not served as head coach since 2018 when he was with the Bucks, below is the name of the new coach and their teams:

Celtics-Ime Udoka

Pacers-Rick Carlisle

Mavs-Jason Kidd

Blazers-Chauncey Billups

Pelicans-Willie Green

Wizards-Wes Unseld Jr.

Hawks-Nate McMillian-interim to head coach

Will each of these coaches be given ample time to implement their program? That is certainly no guarantee, Stan Van Gundy with the Pelicans and Nate Bjorkgren with the Pacers were fired after but one season at the helm. In any event congratulations to all the new coaches who will now enter the cauldron of fire as a coach in the NBA. 

Bet you didn’t know

Neither did I, just this week it was announced Dennis Murphy died at the age of 94. Over his lifetime Murphy was involved in several projects one he was one of the co-founders of the American Basketball Association. My curiosity was peaked, why in 1967 when the ABL had collapsed four years prior would someone attempt to start another league. My research uncovered interesting information. *“According to one of the owners of the Indiana Pacers, it’s goal was to force a merger with the more established league. Potential investors were told that they could get an ABA team for half of what it cost to get an NBA expansion team at the time. When the merger occurred, ABA officials said their investment would more than double.” This information is interesting if that was the desire back then to immediately force a merger.

These early owners might have watched the upstart American Football League battle the NFL for players and sports dominance. We know what occurred, a merger and all the AFL became part of the NFL. Perhaps the same mindset might have existed in basketball, in 1961 it was said Abe Saperstein then Globetrotters owner was upset with the NBA. He believed promises were made that did not come to fruition. His American Basketball League unlike the later ABA was severely under financed. The ABA was not exactly rolling in capital, with no national television contract after several years they too were in trouble. As most of you are aware the NBA did not include all the ABA teams, several franchises were dissolved. The Nets, Pacers, Nuggets and Spurs were absorbed into the NBA so technically it wasn’t a merger. Most, not all the remaining basketball talent was placed in a draft pool to be chosen by NBA teams. 1976 witnessed two drafts, the one most of us are accustomed in June and an August draft of former ABA players. 

*Wikipedia

Lightning rod of controversy

This is not a defense of Stephen A. Smith only an explanation. I don’t believe Smith is racist however he is incredibly tone death. The $$$ ESPN is paying him is a consideration for his tone however that’s not it totally. Smith is guilty of what I have often accused of Jeff Van Gundy, what comes out comes out. Is there thought process with his words..of course there is however it’s my belief he’s not going to change. He will continue his outrageous style of journalism. With that guys like me will continue to critique his words.

Expansion…. northward?

Anytime we discuss NBA expansion it centers around Seattle, Las Vegas and perhaps Kansas City. How about our northern neighbor Canada as a possibility? Toronto has proven to have become a basketball hotbed; the metro area has sent several youngsters south to American colleges and some into the NBA. Let’s explore these cities one at a time, the second largest in population is Montreal. The NHL Canadians and CFL Alouettes provide us proof of the cities interest in sports in the Quebec Province. How about basketball especially the NBA variety? The Canadian Elite Basketball League is expanding, and a franchise will be placed in Montreal in 2022.

How this Montreal basketball team manages to operate with multiple competing sports will be a true barometer for the NBA to contemplate. Calgary in the Province of Alberta is also a location to explore, the city has NHL and CFL teams like other cities in Canada. Basketball would likely take a backseat to other sports if the NBA were to locate here but that is all speculation on my part. We close this account with a peek at Vancouver, didn’t we do this once before? Yes, the Grizzlies now in Memphis were born in the Canadian city in 1995 but would move across the border in 2001 to the Tennessee city. Would the NBA look at Vancouver seriously for a second time? That is a question that will remain unanswered for now, the NBA is likely to only choose one of the three cities named if expansion into Canada is considered. 

I don’t like it

The rumor mill is moving overtime with possible acquisitions by the Lakers, one move has Lonzo Ball returning to the Lakers. This becomes a package deal because they would receive Lonzo and LaVar however that’s not the chief issue. Lonzo is a restricted free agent so the parties must agree to a trade, Yahoo Sports recently published one I don’t like. They have the Lakers picking up Ball in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker and the 2021 pick.

This trade must be revised for several reasons. If Horton-Tucker is the talent the Lakers claim, it seems difficult to imagine they would consider trading this 20-year-old budding talent for Ball? Now this sentence is based on information provided us. Trading the first-round pick at 22 is ludicrous, the Lakers must look ahead to the future and begin developing talent for the post-LeBron Lakers rather than instant gratification. From this member of Laker Nation, we hope if Ball is acquired again, he is now the vital piece needed to gain another championship. As for the other parts of this proposed trade I contend are okay.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

He was in the huddle

I’m sure you’ve seen video of an opposing player in the huddle during a timeout. From time to time this scenario has played out repeatedly but I bet you’ve never seen a celebrity do it. Back in the Showtime Laker days movie star Jack Nicholson made an appearance. In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s Nicholson was much more visible than in recent years. 

During a timeout Nicholson rose from his awfully expensive courtside seat at the Forum and strolled over to the opposition teams huddle. After apparently listening to the upcoming play prior to a return to his seat Nicholson approached Pat Riley then Laker coach. He described to Riley the play the opposition intended to run, there are two issues here. Number one the story cannot be authenticated and second to that, I have a couple of co-workers who voice this opinion. These two have informed me over and over if the occurrence is not on video it likely never happened.   

We are approaching the end

The NBA playoffs will soon end with a champion being crowned; the NBA draft will occur July 29. In addition, free agency is on the horizon. There is not much college and high school basketball activity during the months of August and September. At a point in early August Off the Dribble will become a Monday, Wednesday, Friday publication again. We must determine if this will be effective during this timeframe. 

What do you think?

There is no precise answer to this question however we ask it anyway. With no NBA within 400 miles of Kansas City this is what I heard recently on local sports talk radio. “The NBA has surpassed Major League Baseball in popularity” which caught me off guard. To hear this conversation on a Kansas City Sports Talk radio station was shocking. If you tune to either one of sports talk stations the conversation is a discussion of these teams. Chiefs football, Royals baseball Sporting Kansas City soccer or Kansas basketball, that’s about it.

As for as this discussion we first heard this conversation during the run of MJ and his Bulls however in recent years the conversation became a whisper. There are certainly contributing factors to this conversation the chief being the age gap. Youngsters continue to play baseball the game of their grandfathers, in addition some play it at a high skill level, but this is the question. The number of participants are going down as more and more American youth play other sports. Football or soccer in this nation has made vast inroads in the culture over the past 10-15 years with many young adults having played the game for a significant period of their life. The slower pace of baseball has been an issue as the gaming generation has matured.

There remains one

The Wizards are the last remaining NBA team with the HELP WANTED sign in the window. News reports indicate there are three assistants in the running to become head coach. One of the names has a connection to the team from the past. Wes Unseld Jr. is the son of a former Bullets (Wizards) coach, Wes Unseld. The son served as an assistant for the Wizards from 2005-11 currently he’s with the Nuggets. Darvin Ham and Charles Lee both serve on the staff of Mike Budenholzer Bucks. Unlike several other NBA job openings at this point none of the three appear to have a lead. 

High school teammates

Over the eons there have been several high-profile basketball teammates. Trey Burke and Jared Sullinger who played at Northland High School in Columbus Ohio, then we have Jerami Grant and Victor Oladipo who were teammates at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. We also have the Ball brothers, Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo at Chino Hills in California. Kevin Durant and Ty Lawson were teammates at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.

There have been others who are omitted but we believe none have been more prolific than the duo of Gus Johnson and Nate Thurmond. The two were teammates at Akron’s Central High School in Ohio prior to college and stellar NBA careers. In 1985 Thurmond was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame, Johnson was inducted in 2010 posthumously. By their induction into the hall, we recognize both players had outstanding college and NBA careers. Perhaps one day the high school teammates mentioned or not mentioned will duplicate the honor received by Gus Johnson and Nate Thurmond.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Now we know

We suspected something seriously was wrong, without official word all we could do is speculate.  On Tuesday came the official announcement, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard underwent surgery for a partial torn ACL in his right knee. This goes back to the fourth game against the Jazz, Kawhi was injured. Although injured the Clippers would beat the Jazz and advance with him on the sidelines. As for the balance of the playoffs the Suns were able to beat the Clippers in 6 games despite the best effort by Paul George. Could the Clippers have beaten the Suns with a healthy Kawhi Leonard in the lineup, that question will remain unanswered?

According to the medical staff there is no timetable given for his return to action, hopefully he can return at some point in the 2021-22 season. Earlier I expressed the belief pending free agent Kawhi might be headed to Dallas or South Beach, that’s out of the window now. There are serious doubts either team would be willing to sign Kawhi for large sums of money unsure of his physical future. Bottom line, he likely resigns with the Clippers. Beyond resigning what about the undefined mental aspects ahead for Kawhi? This is all speculation however mid-February is the earliest date we could see a return. He turns 31 at the end of July with a history of injuries, he’s certainly not going to retire but we might see him never return to the form he once exhibited in his first year with the Clippers. 

American Basketball League

We covered this start up pro league begun by the late Abe Saperstein then owner of the Globetrotters. There were additional details we failed to cover for this short-lived league which ran for one full season (1961-1962) and the fall of 1962 through December 31^st when they closed shop. The league was comprised of:

Chicago Majors

Cleveland Pipers

Kansas City Steers

Hawaii Chiefs (later moved to Long Beach)

Los Angeles Jets (disbanded during the season)

San Francisco Saints (later Oakland Oaks)

Tapers (Phil, Washington D.C. & New York)

Pittsburg Rens

The ABL contained several innovations, it had a 3-point basket a 30-second clock and a wider free throw lane over the NBA. The 1961-62 champion would see the Pipers knock off the Steers 3 games to 2 in the finals, the Steers finished the regular season with a 54-25 record. No championship was played in the following season, the league closed shop on December 31^st. With the league shut down the Steers with the best record (22-9) were declared champions. Once the league folded 5 Steers players would end up with NBA jobs, there were others ABL players as well.

The Hawk

Guilt by association managed to defer the dream of Connie Hawkins for several years. His odyssey would take him from the University of Iowa to the Globetrotters and finally the ABL, ABA and NBA. Hawk would make it to the NBA but only after this journey that began in the tough Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Growing up in the 1950’s and ‘60’s young Hawk was spotted playing basketball by Jack Molinas. In his day Molinas had been a good basketball player earning a stint in the NBA, but it was apparent he loved gambling especially placing bets as much as basketball.  Molinas would make himself “available” anytime players needed a loan and Hawk was one of them asking for a loan. The money he borrowed from Molinas would become his early downfall.

Despite the fact Hawk claimed to have paid the loan back he would become entangled in the point shaving scandal that broke in 1960, Molinas was one of the culprits named. Hawk wasn’t the only college player, but he is the foundation for this story. Hawk was expelled from school and denied the opportunity to play in the NBA having been banned. You read the story above of the American Basketball League founded in 1961; Hawk began play for the Pittsburgh Rens but the league lasted less than two years. From there it was the Globetrotters four years and finally the American Basketball Association. The ABA was a startup league too but appeared more financially solvent than the earlier ABL. Hawk would play in the ABA until 1969 which would prove momentous. Two attorneys had taken up his case several years earlier won a judgment in Hawks favor against the NBA.

The Suns won his rights and NBA fans became witness to the soaring exploits of the 6-foot 8-inch Hawk. NBA fans were only able to see his sky-high above the basket play a brief 7 years as knee problems begin to curtail his game. In 1992 Connie Hawkins was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame providing us proof of his greatness on the basketball court, in 2017 he died at the age of 75 from cancer. Hawk never appeared angry with the NBA for banning him from play those five years after his college class would have graduated. Connie Hawkins, the man who was the inspiration for much of the play we later witnessed in Dr. J. This is a condensed version of the life of Connie Hawkins, it you are curious in additional detail my recommendation is “Foul” by David Wolf which covers his life through 1971.

For the win 

Team USA won Gold in the recent FIBU U19 World Championship game 83-81. Despite the win most exciting for NBA scouts was a name which won’t be announced at the July 29 NBA draft, it will occur next season. If Victor Wembanyama continues to progress at this pace NBA teams will be falling over one another to scout his games with the possibility of drafting him. We profiled Wembanyama earlier this year however his play in the recent FIBA U19 World Games has excited NBA scouts once again. Wembanyama will be 18 years of age by the time the 2022 draft is held, this 7-foot 2 ½ inch prospect from France checks all the boxes.

He’s a slim trim 209 pounds currently but he likely gains weight over the next several years. Think of Kevin Durant at Texas, 6-foot 9 and 215 pounds, remember the stories about Durant’s inability to bench press 185 pounds. In any event back to Wembanyama, he’s got quite an arsenal of weapons, there is a bank shot and alley oop dunks plus shooting range out to the FIBA 3-point line. It’s not all offense for this youngster, his 7-foot 8-inch wingspan provides him the ability to block heaps of oppositions shots. Wembanyama glides easily up and down the court able to maintain with the pace of the game. We don’t know at this point if drafted he is sent to the G-League for additional work or worst of all for NBA fans he decides to remain in France.

This is so interesting (maybe only to me)

At this point it’s difficult to decide Penny Hardaway’s excitement, is he more thrilled about his defending NIT champion Memphis Tigers or the fact he managed to entice Larry Brown to join his staff. We wrote the 80-year-old Brown was joining Hardaway’s staff in Memphis. The only coach to win an NCAA championship and NBA title appears just as excited. It’s interesting in that Hardaway played for Brown at the time he coached the Knicks. Brown just returned from coaching in Italy so the octogenarian is anxious to assist Hardaway in teaching the Memphis bunch how the game should be played. Having played and coached basketball since 1972 it’s quite possible Brown could be instructing the grandsons of former teammates.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Only one job remains

The Magic affirmed the news several sources have been reporting since last Friday, former Mavs assistant Jamahl Mosley has officially been named head coach. It’s also being reported former NBA player and Pelicans assistant Willie Green will soon be moved up to the front seat for the Pelicans. As this is written there are only one NBA team requiring a head coach and that is the Wizards. Unless we are surprised there are only two “names” in circulation at present.

One of them is former NBA player Sam Cassell a Sixer assistant and the other name, Spurs assistant Becky Hammon. At this point it might appear Hammon is displeased with the process based on her statement, “If you don’t want to hire me, you’ll find that reason.” Is that the future for Hammon or will it change, it’s likely Hammon returns to the Spurs in her present role. Based on the publishing schedule of this blog you will have the information on the Wizards hire prior to reading it hear. As for the new hires including Nate McMillian it’s patience, patience and more patience. A coach must be allowed adequate time to implement his or her program. The Pacers replaced Nate Bjorkgren after but one season, 11 less wins caused him to be fired.

These are the names

The Lakers have brought in several players to work out or interview ahead of the July 29 draft, they are:

Chris Duarte 6-foot 6-inch SG Oregon

Cameron Thomas 6-foot 4-inch SG LSU

Jaden Springer 6-foot 4-inch SG Tennessee

Matthew Hurt 6-foot 9-inch SF Duke

Corey Kispert 6-foot 7-inch SF Gonzaga

Trey Murphy III 6-foot 9-inch SG/SF Virginia

Neemias Queta 7-foot center Utah State

As you can determine the Lakers have been all over the map with potential draft choices. Get this none of the names above might not be drafted based on choices ahead of the Lakers at pick 22. Although we have no idea who might be chosen this might provide us an insight to the thought process. It would appear from this list a shooting guard would be the priority and small forward the second choice. Queta would appear to be the odd man out since he’s the only center interviewed thus far.

The Bahamas

According to information uncovered there are 17 islands that form the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, this former British colony gained its independence in 1973. How near the U.S., flight time from Miami to Nassau the capital is only one hour so that gives you an idea how close most of the nation is to the United States. This South Atlantic nation has a tropical climate and contains scenic land and ocean locales. The latest figures indicate the islands are populated with about 400,000 people, despite this the islands produced 7 basketball players talented enough to earn time in the NBA, the most successful are profiled here. The first was Rick Fox, he played for the Celtics and later was on several championship Laker teams, Fox is now retired and has turned to Hollywood as an actor.

From Fox we move now to Buddy Hield from Freeport. This standout guard for the Kings has become a lights out shooter after playing at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita and later at the University of Oklahoma prior to being drafted in 2016 as the 6^th pick by the Pelicans. We have two active players from the Bahamas in Hield and DeAndre Ayton of the Suns. Ayton’s basketball journey after leaving home was San Diego and then Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, he played his college ball at the University of Arizona. Ayton was made the first pick in the 2018 draft by the Suns. It’s interesting we read the most popular sport in the nation is basketball with cricket coming in second. After several years as a British colony, it’s easy to understand cricket but the closeness to the United States plus Buddy Hield and DeAndre Ayton might have become inspiration for many island youth. 

Quite a lineage

Milt Wagner Jr. is rated the top prospect in the Class of 2023, this 6-foot 3-inch point attends Camden High School in Camden New Jersey. That lineage thing, his grandfather Lester Wagner played at Louisville and then had a pro career with the Lakers, Heat and several other teams in the U.S. and Europe. Lester had a son, Milt Wagner an outstanding high school player. Milt played his college basketball at Memphis and had the world in front of him when drafted 6 in the first round of the 2002 NBA draft.

Milt would become ill in his first year in the NBA and it was later discovered he suffered from ulcerative colitis. This is a condition where the individual suffers inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. Milt underwent surgery where his colon was removed but the basketball journey that began with so much promise was not over. Milt had a son, Milt Wagner Jr. a 6-foot 3-inch point guard from you guessed it Camden New Jersey. Junior just might turn out to be the best in the family, he’s rated the top prospect in the Class of 2023 and is certainly a talent to follow for the future. 

Money or For the Love of Money

We could be discussing the hit tunes by Pink Floyd (Money) or For the Love of Money by the O’Jays. We are discussing NBA players in this instance. Free agency is fast approaching, and several players will make astronomical demands of prospective teams. I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion I have difficulty in this area for several reasons. In the NBA and other professional sports most earn far more in income than most of us will ever see unless our name is Jeff Bezos or Warren Buffett.

Police, firefighters and the military place their life on the line sometimes every day without the prospect of earning giant sums of money. On the other hand, we must stop a moment and realize this is fact. Most athletes have or about to retire by the time they reach age 40, they could live another 50 years with “no income.” Most of us have nowhere near the amount to last the balance of our life if we retired at age 40, I know I didn’t.  Athletes, negotiate your large contract in private we don’t wish to hear you complain about Joe Smith earning more than you.  That ain’t gonna make any of us feel sorry for you, on the low end of the salary scale you are earning 20-30 times the salary of most of us. Again, conduct your business in private and then we have no reason to be upset with your earnings. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Only one source

So far only one source Basketball Network.com is providing us NBA Finals viewership information. Remember when skeptics claimed, “With no large market team in the finals television viewership will be down.” According to BN.com that is not the case, they claim viewership is up 13% over last season’s Lakers-Heat championship finals. They attribute a bunch of reasons why and I’m not going to bore you with all the details. In this day of streaming services and 300+ cable channels plus gaming and other distractions it would appear difficult to determine viewership. In this instance until someone proves this to not be factual, we should take it for what it is. 

It’s not the same

The NBA draft will occur on Thursday July 29, the 2021 NFL draft was held April 29 and concluded May 1. The baseball draft was held this past Sunday, the Royals had the 7^th pick, so I waited for their choice, but my viewing ended after less than 30 minutes. Why so soon, unlike the upcoming NBA draft and the recently completed NFL equivalent most of the names we hear called were known ahead of time. We have a vague idea who might be chosen but where is often an unknown. In baseball unless you follow the game closely (which I don’t) we only become acquainted with the names on draft day.

In addition, there is lag time, unlike the other sports these draftees are headed for a minor league station near you. It’s possible they earn a major league promotion of 3-5 years but that’s not a guarantee. After making the statement baseball people could say, “Every basketball or football player doesn’t make it either.” That is certainly true however we are bound to see NBA or NFL draftees in training camp immediately, we cannot make the same statement about baseball. If this appears to be a complaint about baseball that’s not the case it simply points out a difference. The NBA and NFL draft can keep you glued to the television set the baseball draft not so much.

This is different

The University of Hartford doesn’t play football, this proposed move applies to basketball, baseball and other sports. The school located in Hartford Connecticut is attempting to downgrade its sports teams from Division I to Division III. The school has played at the Division I level since the 1980’s, the move is strictly one of economics. The regents claim this will save the university $9 million annually but there is now push back. A group of athletes and student managers are protesting the move. They have filed a lawsuit indicating “they were promised Division I competition for up to five years.” This is a story which will be followed over the next few months. 

Good and Bad at the same time

19-year-old Jalen Lewis turned professional recently. No, he doesn’t play hockey nor tennis but he’s a pro anyway. He signed a contract with Overtime Elite a basketball league beginning play in the fall. The 6-foot 8-inch 215-pound Lewis had offers from 12 schools when his high school class graduates. All that’s out the window with this latest development. As for the details prospects can earn at least $100,000 to play, they will also receive health and disability insurance. Those unable to turn professional will have $100,000 of college tuition covered. That’s the good, as for the bad I know ahead of time what you are thinking.

16 is far too young an age to make such a life decision besides the fact players must quit high school and can never compete in college as an athlete. It’s hoped proper guidance will be given by the parent(s) or a guardian with such a decision. Overtime Elite is backed by Overtime Gaming a sports network esports and gaming related enterprise. Is this a risk for an athlete to play for this league, most certainly. Consider this, NHL great Wayne Gretzky signed his first hockey contract at age 18, former tennis star Nancy Evert began playing professionally at the age of 16. Venus and Serena Williams turned pro when they were 14-years old. There are other athletes who began earning large sums of money prior to their 21^st birthday. My chief concern, parents make sure your child receives guaranteed payment should the league fail at some future date. 

Air Jordan Ban

Don’t worry if you have one or more pair you are okay, there really is no ban now? That was then, this is now. We witness countless varieties of Air Jordans on basketball courts and in the NBA throughout America and the world. I’d be willing to bet few are aware of the history of the shoe. Air Jordan I was released in 1985 however there was another issue. The shoe was outlawed by David Stern and the NBA at the time it was released. The basis for the ban, “they had very little white on them.”

This was a violation of the 51% rule in the NBA which was later repealed. Up to that period shoes were either all white or all black, all black versions had white outer edges above the soles. If you are a certain age the wide variety in color seen on NBA courts didn’t exist prior to the Air Jordan brand. After a short retirement Michael Jordan returned to the game for the Wizards, he retired permanently in 2003. 18 years ago, and Air Jordans in all the numbers remain the top selling basketball shoe of all time. The Air Jordan XXXIII (33) were released in 2018 and its no telling how many more in the product line will be manufactured.