Basketball from a fan perspective

Ball versus Ball

The Friday evening match featuring Lonzo and LaMelo Ball was only historic in one instance, it was the first meeting on an NBA court for the brothers.  Brother combos are not an unusual occurrence in the NBA.  There have been several brother combos matched against one another in the NBA in years past.  Hall of Fame player Rick Barry had three sons who played in the NBA at one time, Jon, Brent, and Drew. 

In the present-day NBA in addition to the Ball brothers we have Steph and Seth Curry.  The Holiday brothers Aaron, Jrue and Justin, we also have the Lopez twins Brook and Robin.  The Morris twins Marcus who plays for the Clippers and Markieff for the Lakers, and the Antetkounmpo brothers, Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas.  We also have the Zeller brothers, Tyler, Cody, and Luke who is no longer in the NBA.  There are likely other brother combinations omitted but this was to inform several of you Lonzo and LaMelo are not exclusive. 

Seattle in the NBA

We’ve explored on more than one occasion NBA expansion, at the top of all proposed expansion plans is Seattle however is the NBA ready to return because they failed the city?  Several believe besides me the city was betrayed, does those the area really desire the NBA to return?  Without repeating the entire history, Clay Bennett played a similar game to that of Gregg Luckenbill.  Who is Luckenbill you might ask, he once was the majority owner of the Kings? Luckenbill purchased the team while the franchise called Kansas City home. 

Lukenbill made a promise he would remain in the city and less than two years later they were headed to Sacramento.  A similar account developed in Seattle and finally the owner petitioned the NBA to move to his hometown Oklahoma City.  Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan announced she’d had a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver on a possible return to Seattle.  There is no timetable on expansion or even a return.  Consider this fact, the last time the NBA expanded was 2004 but there is a driving force to expand…. finance.  It is being reported the present group of owners could divide $1 billion should the NBA expand. 

“They’re here!”

The line was uttered by little Carol Ann in the 1982 movie Poltergeist when the spirits first made contact.  If you saw the movie at the theatre or on cable a family home was visited by ghostly spirits.  The spirits in this discussion are earthly in nature, they are the “Laker Haters”.  Like those portrayed in the movie these spirits have risen from the grave too.  Consider this fact from the 2013-14 season through 2018-19 the Lakers won 163 games while losing 329 for a .495 winning percentage. 

During these years we heard more complaints from Laker Nation as to why their favorite team’s play was so poor than Laker Haters.  In the 2018-19 season much was expected as LeBron James decided to cast his fate with the team, a devastating injury would sideline him for several games which all but dashed their playoff hopes.  The Lakers would finish the season with 37 wins and 45 losses but that was then, this is now.  Although the 2019-20 was broken up into part 1 and part 2 the Lakers managed to win the Pacific Division eclipsing everyone’s pre-season pick the Clippers.  After tough battles with several NBA teams, they finally were able to beat the Heat 4 games to 2 winning the 2019-20 NBA Championship. 

The dust had hardly settled on the championship trophy and the haters began to voice their opinions.  You name the excuse those in Laker Nation have heard it since October.  Personally, this Laker fan is not offended I find it quite funny, they must search and search to downplay any success the franchise experiences.  It’s now carried over to free agency with questions of “LeBron is pulling strings” and other far-fetched stories. 

Left out

Recently we profiled my Top 10 list of NYC high school players in history, naturally in compiling this someone always is omitted.  A friend who grew up there indicated Rod Strickland and Dewayne ‘Pearl’ Washington should have been included.  Let’s look back at the two, Strickland grew up in the Bronx and played at Truman where the 6-foot 3-point guard led them to a state championship.  Later he would transfer to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia and be ranked one of the Top 10 players in the nation. 

Strickland would become an All-American at DePaul University and 1988 saw him drafted by his hometown Knicks.  Point guard Pearl Washington grew up in Brooklyn and played his high school basketball at Boys and Girls High School.  In 1983 he was rated the number one player in the nation, later at Syracuse he would also become an All-American.  Pearl was drafted by the Nets in 1986, in 2016 he would die of cancer at the age of 52.  So, there you have the names, Strickland, and Washington two NYC high school basketball legends.  It should be of note both were point guards but could score baskets when needed. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

???

Often, I don’t pay attention to the location of an NBA game, the team(s) playing are more important over the locality.  Thursday evening, I turned on the Mavs-Nuggets game and prominently displayed near the 3-point line on both sides of half court was “Ball Arena.”  My first thought, “The Nuggets have a new arena and I missed it.”  Well, that’s not quite the case, the short answer its simply a name change. 

The Pepsi Center opened in 1999 and operated under that name until last fall.  In October 2020 Ball Corporation secured naming rights to the former Pepsi Center.  In addition to the Nuggets the NHL Avalanche also play in the building. A name change occurred here as well but for a different reason.  Sprint Center which opened in 2007 has also undergone a name change, the arena has been rebranded as the T-Mobile Center; a buyout caused this name change. 

You should be proud

LaVar Ball should be proud, he’s got two sons in the NBA.  There are few families able to make a claim of that magnitude.  At this point we are unsure if Lonzo or LaMelo will become great NBA players but they getting’ paid.  The oldest and baby son are in the NBA but left out of this account is middle son LiAngelo.  The talent level of the middle son apparently fails to reach that of his brothers.  He’s apparently headed for the G-League which certainly isn’t terrible, he too is gettin’ paid.  LaVar has voiced his complaint at the Pistons for dropping his son but he needs to get over it. 

Bits n Pieces

Don’t think a quality point guard is still required, consider this fact?  When’s the last time you’ve heard the name Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan mentioned.  In fairness Griffin traded to the Pistons has suffered injuries but I hope you get the point.  A similar statement could be made regarding Jordan with the Nets less the injury issue.  At the time, the two along with Chris Paul played for the Clippers all we heard was Lob City and Paul’s ability to effectively distribute the basketball to the duo.  In the age of position-less basketball do you still believe a quality point guard is not essential. 

We discover former Sonics broadcaster Kevin Calabro was responsible for the nickname, the nickname of “The Reign Man.”  That was the nickname hung on Shawn Kemp at the time he played for the Sonics from 1989-1997.  Kemp claimed he objected to the nickname at first believing it was Rain Man, after the spelling was explained it was ok’d by Kemp. 

Who is tallest, Anthony Davis or his twin sister, awhile back we discovered Laker power forward Davis is a twin?  Most of you are aware AD is 6 foot 10 inches tall but what about sister Antoinette? His sister is a foot shorter than her brother standing 5 feet 8 inches.  As for the growth factor AD says he stood 6 foot 3 at the beginning of his junior year in high school.  He grew to 6-5 and ended that school year standing 6-8, he went from a size 14 shoe to 17.  Get this last part, AD claims he is “still growing.”

Is he the top pick?

If we said the top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is from _________, what school or nation would you settle on.  Would it be Gonzaga, Duke, maybe Kentucky or North Carolina.  If the top pick is foreign born, he could be from Serbia or France or maybe another Euro nation.  We narrow the number and state he’s likely to be an American but from none of the school’s above hopefully that helps?  Of course, it doesn’t help you would never guess the school is Oklahoma State and the player is Cade Cunningham who arrived from Arlington Texas.   

Cunningham is a 6-foot 8-inch 220-pound point guard, it is entirely possible at the next level he becomes a shooting guard or small forward.  Whatever the case Cunningham will be in the NBA next season and it is highly likely he’s the top pick in the NBA.  His case is somewhat like Michael Porter Jr. a few years ago at Mizzou, the Tigers never attract the top talent in the nation but that’s what they did.  Cunningham had his choice of schools but his association with head coach Mike Boynton sealed the deal.  Oklahoma State on probation many believed Cunningham might opt out of his commitment, there was slight lag time however he affirmed his intention to remain at OSU.  As for his sophomore year don’t count on him walking through those doors, he is NBA bound. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

What to expect

That is the question, Mizzou faces LSU on Saturday at home, what to expect.  We don’t know what to expect after watching the Tigers implode in the second half of the Mississippi State game.  We could point fingers at the team for their poor shot selection and the lack of effort at times on the boards.  As indicated earlier the turnover total wasn’t the cause although they certainly occurred at inappropriate times. 

I like Cuonzo Martin as a coach, but he’s got to shoulder a portion of the blame for the loss.  Despite his overall record we read he was not a good X and O coach and the game versus State might offer us proof.  Despite the win against Arkansas January 2, we’ve seen Mizzou blown out in two conference games Tennessee and Mississippi State.  That's not going to get it done in the tough SEC, Mizzou Nation must witness a complete game not one half of a game.   

Hello, my name is…

Hassan Whiteside, I play center for the Sacramento Kings although I rarely play.  Why I don’t play I’m unsure if you check my history.  I’ve led the NBA in blocked shots twice in my career and have earned a spot on the NBA All Defensive Second Team.  In 2017 I was the NBA’s leader in rebounds.  Although these accomplishments are on my resume my coach has me playing behind Richaun Holmes. 

This is no attempt to downplay the contributions of a teammate however I believe the Kings are not using my talents effectively.  My scoring has been slightly above average however my defensive efforts are known, and I have one question.  Why am I seeing little playing time, I’m only 31 years old and believe there is plenty of basketball skill remaining?  My resume indicates I can play, here’s hoping a team is willing to take a chance on me.  Thank you for taking time to read my letter.

Sincerely,

Hassan Whiteside

He said that

Nick Van Exel was the Lakers point guard when the late Kobe Bryant arrived in 1996.  Nick was a wily left-handed shooter who might have been a forerunner to the combo guards of today.  Maybe because he played in Los Angeles and won several games in the waning seconds, he was given a nickname.  Because most Laker games were played at night he became “Nick at Night” a tie in with nighttime programming on the Nickelodeon Channel.  The former Laker made this following statement about his former teammate. 

“Kobe told us, coming after the time out Del (Harris) drew up a play to give him an ISO at the top of the key.  Kobe told us I’m about to cross this fool up and dunk on him.  That was his exact words leaving the huddle.  So, our reaction’s like “This dude just said, he like…and he did it!  At 18 years old, dog!  Everyone on the roster knew who the best player was real quick.” This probably provides ammunition for those who believe Kobe Bryant was arrogant.  On the other hand, this will also allow others to realize how confident the young Kobe was of his ability to play at the NBA level. 

Euro prospect

Anytime I come across a highly touted Euro prospect his name will usually appear in this blog.  This report is on a Big Man from Germany, his name is Ariel Hukporti he stands 6-foot 11-inches and weighs 250-pounds.  Hukporti is only 18-years of age so it is possible his future path might travel in two different directions.  Hukporti places his name in the 2021 NBA Draft and begins play in the fall for one of 30 teams.  On the other hand, he could be drafted but decides in favor of remaining in Germany continuing to develop his game further.  The NBA is in his future at some point, he’s proclaimed as much on a video interview the association is his long sought-after goal. 

Politics sometimes creep in

My attempt to curtail politics in Words eye view occasionally runs into a brick wall, that is the case here.  The subject matter is the WNBA Atlanta Dream and owner Kelly Loeffler.  This businesswoman was appointed to fill a U.S. Senate seat vacancy, on Tuesday she was defeated in a runoff election.  Anyone reading this account outside this nation might be unaware Loeffler has been a lightning rod of controversy for her team. 

Much of the team have expressed an opinion she no longer own the franchise; the WNBA is not going to force her to sell the team however ownership could be in question.  It’s being reported LeBron James is interested in assembling a group to purchase the Dream.  Whether Loeffler decides to sell the team is an unknown at this point.  It’s evident a gesture of some sort is required to lower the temperature among many of the Dream players. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Jekyll-Hyde performance

Basketball games are comprised of two halves, it does a team no good to play an outstanding 1^st half and go to sleep in the second.  That’s what Mizzou Nation witnessed in the second half of the game versus Mississippi State.  Mizzou held a 39-27 lead in the first half of the game, and it could have been a much larger lead.  State scored 51 points while holding Mizzou to 24 points in the second half leading to a 78-63 win for the Bulldogs. 

This loss hurts worse than Tennessee, in that game Mizzou was taken out early, this one was totally different.  It certainly wasn’t turnovers because State registered 11 to Mizzou’s 8.  Shots Mizzou made in the first half were misses in the second half, that was the reverse as well for State as they sank shot after shot after shot.  The one obvious difference Mizzou was savagely beaten on the boards 37-22.  Coach can take as much blame for this one as the players, Cuonzo was out coached in this one.   

The statement is not if it is when

Glen Taylor intends to sell the Wolves, at this point we have no idea of the time or the potential owner.  The question is not if it becomes when because Taylor has made it known he desires to sell the team.  This is pure speculation on my part, but I believe he wants the owner to keep the team in the Twin Cities.  There are always names we become familiar with as owners, but one potential is well known.  The name is Kevin Garnett who holds most of the franchise scoring, rebounding and assorted numbers as a Wolves player.  Once upon a time Garnett spoke of assembling a group to purchase the Wolves but that was prior to his falling out with Taylor. 

Is there NBA expansion in the future

We cannot provide the date or day but it’s coming, the NBA will expand at some future date.  One writer makes the claim NBA owners could gain $2 billion which could be distributed among them, no players would receive any compensation.  Tod Leiweke is president of the NHL Seattle Kraken but has previous ties to the NBA.  In addition, the former Key Arena now dubbed Climate Pledge Arena is being refurbished and would be available by the time the Sonics return. 

With 30 teams surely the NBA would expand by adding two franchises to balance things, if Seattle is number one on the expansion list who finishes in second place?  Well, there are plenty of candidates vying for that position.  Despite negative comments by several local civil rights and community groups the NBA eye remains on Kansas City, the real downside we are likely in third place now.  The new Sonics of Seattle remain solidly in first place and that is understandable but why the drop from second to third my home?  My belief Sin City better known as Las Vegas has moved into second place, for years the issue of gambling was the primary reason no professional sports existed in the city. 

The sports landscape regarding sports betting and Las Vegas has changed.   NHL expansion witnessed the Las Vegas Golden Knights an expansion team began play in the 2017-18 season, they have been extraordinarily successful on the ice and at the box office.  The NFL Raiders moved anticipating play in the 2020 after moving from Oakland, they play in a brand-new stadium.  It’s difficult to gauge attendance since the pandemic witnessed the Raiders playing before a virtually empty house.  Based on the success of the NHL and we believe the NFL Las Vegas has probably moved in front of Kansas City in the minds of NBA Board of Governors.       

Halls of Fame

At the time the Naismith Hall of Fame opened in 1968 it contained tributes to basketball players, coaches and contributors to the game be they professional, college or amateur.   As an example, the NFL Hall of Fame which opened in 1960 reflects only those connected with football, the same applies to Major League Baseball in Cooperstown NY with its opening in 1936.  In 2006 the College Basketball Hall of Fame was opened in Kansas City MO; it honors only those individuals and teams associated with the college game. 

In basketball we have individuals enshrined in Springfield MA as well as Kansas City.  “The hall is meant as a complement to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with a focus strictly on those who have contributed greatly to college basketball.” * That statement represents the belief there was a requirement to separate professional aspects of the game versus those considered amateur.  The pandemic has closed these facilities temporarily, as soon as practical if you are in either city plan a visit to the Halls of Fame.  It is certainly worthwhile for fans of basketball no matter the level. 

*Wikipedia   

Basketball from a fan perspective

Eye candy     

For quite a while I’ve held the belief Top 25 polls that show the position of your favorite school are only eye candy.  They are phony in my view, you want to know how I’ve come to this conclusion?  I’m glad you asked me, this is the example for you to ponder.  Mizzou went into Fayetteville on Saturday and beat Arkansas 81-68.  I rarely look at point spreads but based on history and the fact Arkansas was undefeated going into the game they had to have been favored. 

In Lawrence Kansas, the Longhorns of Texas went into Phog Allen Fieldhouse and managed to spank the Jayhawks bottom by 25 points.  They beat the Jayhawks 84-59; did I mention Kansas rarely loses games at home?  Week 6 Kansas was ranked 3^rd in the nation, in the Week 7 poll they dropped to 6 with the loss, the Week 6 poll had Mizzou at 14 and they moved one position up to 13 despite a convincing win over Arkansas.  Figure that one out for me if care, going forward Top 25 polls only represent eye candy for me.         

La segunda parte or Zweiter Teil

Based on yesterday a few of you might believe I hate Jeff Van Gundy.  Far from it, he’s certainly got more knowledge of basketball than me.  My issue with him is the usual one, why are we discussing the outcome of a football game when it’s clear the focus of the telecast is NBA basketball.  Better yet how about movies, I believe commentary of that nature belongs with an entertainment reporter not an NBA basketball analyst.  The decisions made by an NBA team are just that, THEIR decision not yours Mr. Van Gundy.  As LaVar Ball is so fond of stating, “Stay in your lane.” 

He checked both boxes

Anytime an NBA player has an outstanding game like Steph Curry there are always two questions.  1.  Did his team win the game, the answer is yes and 2. Was his shooting percentage good, again the answer is yes.  So, there you have it 62 points scored by Curry in a win against the Blazers.  As for the game itself his 62 points led to a 137-122 win for the Warriors.  The Warriors have gotten off to a slow start in the 2020-21 NBA season, back to Curry for a moment he shot 58.1% from the floor and 50% from 3, it was 94.7% from the free throw line.  So, there you have it Curry checked both boxes for a Warriors win and a career night from the floor.  Most amazing several of the shots caused you to say, “How in the world did he sink that!.” 

Chris Broussard

I found myself often in disagreement with Broussard at the time he worked for ESPN.  Moving over to Fox Sports I haven’t seen him as much, it’s not by choice.  When it comes to sports especially basketball ESPN/ABC still contains the best lineup in my view.  In any event back to Broussard a moment, his recent interview had both of us on the same page.  I cannot do him justice this sort of paraphrases his comments regarding Kawhi Leonard.  “Load management must be reduced he’s got to play more games when healthy for continuity purposes. 

The primary problem with the Clippers there is no leader it certainly isn’t Leonard.  He wasn’t the leader in San Antonio that was Tim Duncan’s team he managed to excel, last season in Toronto everything was in place all that was required for him was to blend in.  Once again, his natural talent witnessed him exhibiting outstanding play especially in the playoffs, last season with the Clippers it was a totally different matter.”  For me Broussard addressed some very key issues surrounding Kawhi Leonard and his future efforts with the Clippers.  Leonard is who he is, it is highly improbable he changes his personality at the age of 29 and becomes that leader many expect of him. 

No longer a requirement

Have you noticed the stylings of NBA coaches thus far this season?  In the bubble the dress code for the coaching staff was very relaxed compared to the regular season.  The NBA regular season and playoffs has always been suit/sports coat and tie by each team.  Guess what, the return to home arenas with little if any fans the NBA has continued with its revised dress code policy.  It is funny in a manner of speaking if we return to the days of Mr. GQ Pat Riley. 

Riley would set the standard for dress with the Lakers, Knicks, and Heat while head coach. In fact, did you know Riley had a series of custom dress shirts with his name on them.  In any event I have no issue with the relaxed dress code, the only question is the NBA willing to continue this mandate into a post-pandemic NBA.  All might not be pleased with the change, it’s interesting we later read Laker Coach Vogel indicated he was comfortable wearing a suit and tie. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Shut up Jeff Van Gundy

We are entitled to our opinions but only to a point, I have mentioned on more than one occasion how upset I become with ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy at times.  His drifting mind during NBA telecast causes him to string together things which have no connection to what we are viewing.  Once during a game, he commented on the number of championships won by the Lakers.  “The only championships by the Lakers that should be counted are those won in Los Angeles.”  

I thought it was a silly comment at the time however consider this fact.  I’m watching the Warriors-Blazers game from Chase Center in San Francisco Sunday night, while shooting free throws the television camera catches sight of Warriors Championship banners.  The 2015, 2017 and 2018 championships are prominently displayed along with the 1975 championship.  There are two other banners, 1947 and 1956, what’s that all about?  They were won by the Philadelphia Warriors when the franchise was located in that city, what did you say Jeff, I can’t hear you?    

This remains funny to me after all these years

Sometimes there are incidents in sports that are downright funny, this is an example of one from four years ago.  Tauren Prince now with the Nets arrived in the NBA from Baylor, they had just lost their NCAA match versus Ivy League Yale.  Players must attend post-game press conferences, often the questions asked by reporters are plain dumb.  Listen and view the response by Prince to the reporter’s question, check the link below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atr60tR7Emottps://www.youtube.com/watch?

Howard basketball

There was a seismic shock last summer in the basketball world, Makur Maker 6-11 power forward chose HBCU Howard University over Kentucky and several other blue blood programs.  It was mentioned Maker became the first 5-star prospect to attend an HBCU school in 20 years, fast forward to the season start.  Maker appeared in two games and averaged 11.5 ppg in two losses and then the announcement. 

Howard Head Coach Blakeney announced Maker would be “shut down”, he’s got a groin injury which he sustained in practice earlier.  That was November 28, since then Howard’s played three additional games with Maker remaining sidelined.  So much was hoped for Maker, Howard and other HBCU schools, the hope has come crashing down with him sidelined.  Prior to this account being written a search was made for an update on Maker’s status and there was no updated information.       

The ‘Goat’

NYC has certainly turned out its share of playground legends.  A name most familiar with is Earl Manigault nicknamed the ‘Goat.’ He died in 1998 at the age of 53 but his name lives on especially in famed Rucker Park in the city.  How did he get the nickname, he claimed a teacher in high school couldn’t pronounce his name?  The teacher kept pronouncing his last name as Mani-goat, back then before Rivals and all those other scouting sites the Goat would have been a 5-star prospect.  There were overriding factors in his life which caused him to never reach the level many expected.  Standing 6 foot 1 it was said Goat had a 42-inch vertical however that statement and another account are the stuff of legend. 

It’s claimed there was a quarter placed on top of a basketball backboard, it’s said Goat was able to rise to the level allowing him to pick off the quarter.  Considering the top of a backboard is 13 feet off the ground that would be an amazing feat.  Despite his basketball prowess drugs and grades would impact his life to the point he was never able to attend college for any length of time.  After a semester at Johnson C. Smith College in North Carolina he returned home where his drug problem led to a prison sentence.  In and out of trouble with law enforcement the Goat was finally able to kick the drug habit.  The balance of his life was committed to aiding community kids in efforts to remain on the straight and narrow.  This but a brief look at the life of a NYC playground legend nicknamed ‘The Goat.’

Basketball from a fan perspective

I only have two eyes

Watching the Mizzou-Arkansas game I couldn’t watch the Kansas-Texas game.  I was shocked when I located the score on the internet, 84-59 with Texas being the winner.  The win was a surprise as much as the spread…a 25-point win by Texas in Lawrence Kansas no less.  No report on the game since I didn’t see it let’s just say I’m surprised on several levels.  Texas (in my estimation) has under achieved under Shaka Smart. 

Smart is likely on the hot seat this year so we must believe his team had to show improvement, beating Kansas has got to be quite an accomplishment.  As for Mizzou they went into hostile Bud Walton Arena and took it to the Arkansas Razorbacks 81-68.  Many in Mizzou Nation wondered how the team would play after being bounced about by the Tennessee Vols on Wednesday.  Arkansas was sporting a 9-0 record coming into the game so we didn’t know what to expect. 

Star of the game must be the 6-foot 10-inch 260-pound Jeremiah Tilmon.  Tilmon’s been in the doghouse with Mizzou Fans for quite a while, it seems he’s displayed talent the four years he’s been in Columbia.  Generally, he could be counted on to get into early foul trouble and occupy a spot on the Tiger bench.  On Saturday he put it all together scoring 25 points along with 11 rebounds, he certainly answered the call.  A side note which I thought interesting to share.  My son-in-law called me at half-time, “I had to go to work and just got it, what channel is the game on, I checked ESPN, SECNetwork I can’t find it.”  I informed him the game was on CBS Broadcast Network local channel 5 in our area. 

We knew

Depending on your age the name Paul Westphal might be unknown to many of you.  Westphal died on Saturday, what do you need to know about the man.  He was a successful basketball player first in the college ranks and later in the NBA.  He won an NBA Championship while playing for the Celtics in 1974, this list of honors he received is far too numerous to list here.  After retirement Westphal took up coaching and he was good at that as well, was there anything Westphal was incapable of accomplishing?  He was honored being selected by the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  In August 2020 it was announced Westphal had been diagnosed with brain cancer, on January 2, 2021 Westphal died at the age of 70.  Another basketball light has now become dim here on earth, R.I.P. Paul Westphal. 

An unusual season thus far

We have a question for you to ponder, when’s the last time you read a Top 25 list with no Duke or Kentucky basketball?  That research belongs to someone other than me, this I do know It’s certainly rare.  Both programs represent the crème da crème of college basketball as the calendar turned to 2021 neither program is visible at least in the Top 25.  Both programs are not playing at the level they might have reached in prior years.  This brief account is not intended to provide a critique of each team because I’ve witnessed neither team play to date.  Our only intent is to point out how unusual this season is thus far. 

Can you be a fan of the Clippers and Lakers?

Viewing Lakers Nation post game program, the question was asked, can someone be a fan of the Clippers and Lakers?  The question caused a rash of responses by Laker fans, but the answer is simple.  The reply is an emphatic NO, root for both teams hardly.  Part of the problem is history, neither team can trace its history as an original resident.  The Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960 from Minneapolis, the Clippers located from San Diego in 1984. 

How about championships won as a barometer of comparison.  The Lakers franchise has won 17 championships 12 of them in Los Angeles, as for the Clippers they are still waiting on the first.  The last several years has witnessed the Clippers drafting or acquiring in trade several outstanding players.  The Lakers have 10 players enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame; Kobe Bryant will make the count total 11 as for the Clippers they are awaiting their first honor. 

Those 11 players jersey numbers are hanging in the rafters at Staples Center the Clippers have none.  We must wait to witness how the city would react to a Clipper Championship; it’s the belief of many Los Angeles will always remain a Laker town even with a championship by the Clippers.  It’s not a west coast thing consider this fact; Cubs fans don’t root for the White Sox.  We could make the same statement for Yankees-Mets fans or Jets-Giants, you root for the Lakers and hate the Clippers or vice versa.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

It was a historic evening

Wednesday evening the NBA and Becky Hammon made history again, the former WNBA star became a head coach.  Well, she’s not exactly the head coach, see Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich had been ejected in the first half of the Spurs-Lakers game for protesting an official’s call.  Hammon the associate head coach would take over as Popovich headed to the locker room to watch the game on television. 

Despite her first opportunity to lead the team in a game the Lakers were able to win 121-107.  Hammon has shattered the glass ceiling twice, in 2014 she made history becoming the first female hired as an assistant coach in the NBA.  A year later Hammon did it again, she became head coach of the Spurs Summer League team.  One day in the not-too-distant future a woman will be hired as a head coach in the NBA.  Will that first hire be Hammon, we can only guess at this point? 

Tick, tick, tick 

That is the clock ticking on a penalty judgement regarding Kansas basketball.  I’ve had issues in the past with the NCAA regarding policies plus how and when they are implemented.  Despite this view on my part, I heard the word “crooked” used in a description of the governing body for college athletics.  The description is one I refuse to use, there are other adjectives which better fit the organization in my view.  The first word is archaic, it generally refers to an ancient age and that description certainly applies to many of the decisions of the NCAA. 

We could say unequal justice as the next description, keep in mind the public is often unaware of all the information regarding how the decision is reached.  Here’s an example, Podunk University self-reports and the NCAA places them on a 3-year probation while Big Time University is determined to be guilty of the same subject.  Big Time U. loses two scholarships but is eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament in spite of their guilt.  Despite referring to the NCAA as crooked what about Kansas basketball, it’s been a little over two years since the organization leveled charges at the school.  More than likely an individual charged with a crime might have received judgement of some source by now, this is written January 1, 2020. 

Another Aristotle maybe

No, this is not a second coming of the Greek philosopher, it’s a reference to Shaquille O’Neal. The Aristotle tag is a nickname Shaq hung on himself.  At LSU he formed a twin tower combo with Stanley Roberts who stood 7 feet and 285 pounds.  Shaquille O’ Neal was 7 foot 1 and 325 pounds, the two of them formed quite an imposing force around the basket.  As for O’Neal, Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf) a teammate claims Roberts was the better athlete.  In the NBA that all changed, Roberts never established himself in the NBA and Shaq would become dominate. 

Young Shaq at the Magic and early in his career with the Lakers was a force throughout the NBA.  Most believe his game was mostly slams and to a degree it was, Shaq had a bank shot he managed to shoot successfully during his career.  Despite the statement “I make em when they count” referring to free-throw shooting was not quite correct.  Free throw accuracy was his Achilles Heel, ever heard of Hack a Shaq?  The question would another giant like Shaq ever appear in the game again?  Probably not however the game has changed so much who really knows. 

Rim protection

The Lakers are still adjusting to new teammates as this is written.  Dennis Schroeder has moved into the starting lineup, whether he remains is a question.  Montrezl Harrell has arrived and done his usual thing off the bench and Wesley Matthews came alive recently in a game versus the Spurs.  That leaves one newcomer added, Marc Gasol.  Many in Laker Nation are beginning to complain about lack of rim protection, they mention JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard how they effectively clogged the middle.  Gasol all 6 foot 11 inches and 255 pounds probably has a 3-inch vertical but it’s the other things he effectively brings to the game. 

Gasol is a superior passer to both McGee and Howard, he makes up for his lack of verticality with his skill at passing the basketball.  Although there is no requirement for him to score, he possesses a reliable 3-point shot something neither of his predecessors had in their arsenal.  Perhaps the problem if there is one is minimal, allow a further explanation.  As this is written the Lakers game closing lineup might contain Anthony Davis at the center position.  Then again, there is always the possibility of picking up a Dewayne Dedmon to back up Gasol.  On the other hand Gasol needs to shoot more, his offense is not required but it makes him a threat.  I don’t see Gasol a serious problem as some in Laker Nation might believe. 

 Basketball from a fan perspective

The fear

Sometimes a loss is disappointing but not devastating, that’s what occurred Wednesday evening I believe.  Have you ever had the feeling you want your favorite team to win but dreaded the game?  That was me all day Wednesday as I waited the start of the Mizzou-Tennessee game that evening.  Sure, enough the game turned out to be bad as I feared.  There is a reason why Tennessee is number 7 in the nation they are good, are they Gonzaga or Kansas good?  That’s yet to be determined but the blistering shooting plus the defense of Tennessee completely took Mizzou out of their game. 

The final score read Tennessee 73 Mizzou 53, the Vols shot 50% from the field and a sizzling 71.4% from the 3-point line.  As for Mizzou the tough defense by Tennessee forced the Tigers into 36.4% shooting from the floor and a paltry 18.8% from 3, Mizzou turned the ball over 21 times much of it caused by the defense of the Vols.  I thought Tennessee’s Yves Pons must be 7 feet tall based on the number of blocks and intimidations he registered during the game.  Surprise, surprise, I check his bio, he stands 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 215 pounds.  This game should serve as a teaching lesson for Mizzou, they must use Tennessee as a barometer to move their game up a couple of notches.  Disappointed but not broken hearted, Tennessee proved to me and others they are good.    

This won’t change your mind

The late Len Bias who played at Maryland will be enshrined in the college basketball hall of fame in the fall of 2021.  In 1986 Bias was made the second pick in that year’s draft, celebrating the honor friends convinced him to try cocaine which led to an overdose and his death.  A life tragically lost at the age of 23 years, he never suited up for the Celtics who chose him. 

In May 2021, the Naismith Hall of Fame will honor the late Kobe Bryant with enshrinement as well.  In 2003 Kobe was charged with rape while in Colorado, he claimed the sex was consensual the accuser said it was rape.  The case never went to trial as a monetary settlement was agreed upon between the two parties. 

In both instances we have two outstanding basketball players who will be honored with selections to the hall of fame.  What occurred outside the basketball court should not be a basis for these two and perhaps others to be excluded, despite this view my commentary won’t change your mind.  Days after the death of Kobe a nationally known news person brought up the rape charge, news grows old but some of us never leave the past in the past. 

COVID sports

NBA play just stopped in the spring; the NCAA cancelled March Madness.  Just like that we witnessed the end of basketball in 2020 or at least we believed at the time.  The NBA wanted to conclude the 2019-20 season so through a great deal of work and effort the NBA Bubble came into existence.  We witnessed a re-start in Orlando and although there were complaints the season concluded successfully with the Lakers winning the championship. 

In late November college basketball resumed as well, as this is written there are mixed messages at this point.  With no NBA type bubble many players and teams were forced to cancel games as teams were compromised forcing cancellation of some games.  As for the spring of 2021 the NCAA has no plans for missing the tournament two years in a row, all games will be played in Indianapolis.  By this undertaking, it is hoped this will prevent a large scale shut down.  The health and safety of the athletes is at the top of the list, this is the reason I stated being double-minded.  I relish the ability to see athletic competition however the safety of the participants is a key consideration.     

Bits n Pieces

In addition to American players in the NBL the Australian league a group are owners, the South East Melbourne Phoenix are owned by Romie Chaudhari a California entrepreneur.  Owning a stake in the team are John Wall Rockets, Dante Exum, Cavs along with former players Zach Randolph, Al Harrington and Josh Childress. 

Please explain the difference between LeBron James “recruiting” free agents and Danny Ainge or Magic Johnson performing the same task?  This belief regarding LeBron has followed him from Cleveland to Miami back to Cleveland and now Los Angeles.  In the instance of Ainge and Magic they are attempting to aid the Celtics and Lakers in maintaining a competitive team.  Isn’t LeBron performing the same task except he’s on the court?

This is not important to my friend; he informed me quite a while ago he is not impressed with McDonald All-Americans or how many stars a youth might compile.  That’s him not me, 7-foot Chet Holmgren has moved into first place in the Class of 2021 by ESPN.  Holmgren dislodges Emoni Bates who’s been the number one prospect in the nation since his freshman year of high school.  After witnessing Holmgren in action especially in a game versus Bates there is no argument from this corner. 

I hope you see the humor in this next basketball inspired story.  Manu Ginobili spent several successful seasons playing for the Spurs, he was certainly one of the keys to NBA Championships for the team.  Ginobili is generally credited with introducing the “Euro Step” to the NBA.  Although Ginobili played in Europe for a time that’s not his home, he was born and grew up in Bahia Blanca a province in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  It was Argentina where he first took up the game and begin developing his skill.