Basketball from a fans perspective

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Bits n Pieces 

I held a conversation with a friend recently, this member of Mizzou Nation is not pleased with Eli Drinkwitz Mizzou football coach. My friend said, “He (Drinkwitz) is now in year 3,” I agreed with his statement and then thought of new Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates. My response “Gates gets a pass in his first season.” Each situation has a separate set of circumstances plus it’s unfair to compare building a football team to basketball or even baseball for that matter. This is not a right-wrong answer, your view is exclusively yours. The only beginning point is just this, what kind of shape is the program or team in with the arrival of the new coach, in this instance it doesn’t matter if it’s a discussion on an NBA team or State University.

Someone has a great deal of disposable income and it sure ain’t me. We have been informed the jersey Michael Jordan wore in the 1998 NBA Finals against the Jazz has been sold by the auction house Sotheby’s. Are you ready for this, an unidentified person paid a record $10.1 million for the jersey. It’s claimed this exceeded the $9.28 million paid for the jersey of soccer star Diego Maradona. What makes this jersey so valuable, a couple of reasons. It’s the last Bulls jersey Jordan would wear as he retired later and this. You might have seen it live or on video, the push off Jordan administered to Byron Russell to take the winning shot in the finals…yes that shot in that jersey!  

I don't know a great deal about number 95. That would be Juan Toscano-Anderson who the Lakers signed in the off-season from the Warriors. He's a 6-foot 6 inch wing and played his college ball at Marquette University. Toscano-Anderson is from Oakland and his jersey number is a salute to 95th Avenue in Oakland where he grew up. He was undrafted in 2015, he spent time in Mexico and Venezuela before signing with the Warriors G-League team. What I remember most about his play, he's a high energy guy off the bench, hopefully he can continue that role for my Lakers. 

It remains unresolved

I guess it ain’t over till it’s over, the narrative of Robert Sarver and his Phoenix Suns team continues to be national and NBA news. There have been additional developments besides LeBron James and Chris Paul voicing their concern with the news. Minority shareholder and chairman Jahm Najafi has made his outrage known by calling for the owner Sarver to resign. Taking this matter one step further PayPal a major sponsor of the Suns claims it will sever its relationship with the Suns if Sarver returns at conclusion of his suspension. On Friday NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio speaking for NBA players called for a lifetime ban be placed on Sarver. The NBA is faced with a dilemma it’s not witnessed since 2014 and former owner Donald Sterling. I briefly covered former Clippers owner Sterling in Friday’s edition.  

I will provide updates as this story continues to unfold. One more bit of information on this subject. At the time reports circulated the NBA intended to remove Sterling as owner of the Clippers several fans wrote the NBA couldn’t do this. Each writer provided a different opinion why the NBA couldn't remove Sterling from ownership. Guess what, every single one of the writers were dead wrong. It’s highly likely there are rules or regulations in place existing for each owner. As fans their opinions are valid but only to a point.  The NBA likely has a Code of Conduct in place, in addition the NBA is unlike a Fortune 500 Company which often has stockholders and a Board of Directors. Donald Sterling did file a suit against the NBA, it lasted 2 ½ years before settlement. Sterling received an undisclosed amount of money from the NBA however he remains on the outside still banned for life.      

What to expect

That might be the case, I don’t know what to expect of my Lakers. Patrick Beverley (who I didn’t want) has been acquired in a trade, Russell Westbrook remains a member of the team. The news indicated Westbrook has placed a For Sale sign in front of his home. Brittle Anthony Davis has been working out all summer we have been informed, the same for LeBron James who continues to defy his age. The draft plus trades and free agency has witnessed the team’s average age being reduced significantly. One might ask do these new Lakers scare anyone especially teams in the Pacific Division?

Since I am a “glass half full rather than half empty” guy I will approach the 2022-23 NBA season full of optimism. The Lakers will be improved barring major injuries to key players. They should earn a playoff berth, is there an NBA championship in their future? If the stars align and a bunch of other stuff occurs the Lakers could become 2023 NBA champions. I will repeat an earlier statement, I’d rather lose with young guys than win with oldsters. It says to me with losing and adjustments a young team can become a better team and that’s always the hope.

A man for all seasons

You’ve read numerous accounts of multi-talented athletes, those players who played more than one sport well. The late Wayman Tisdale was that person, the 6-foot 9 power forward was a three time All American while enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and three time Big 8 (now Big 12) Player of the Year. He was the second pick in the 1985 draft by the Pacers. Tisdale would play for two more teams prior to retiring from the game in 1997. From that point he began his second career, we are familiar with former athletes who move into the business world.

We discovered Tisdale was a jazz musician, in fact he was an incredibly good bass player. He would record 8 outstanding albums prior to early death at the age of 44. Tisdale referred to music as “his first love”, which provides us proof basketball is not always first in the mind of some. In 2008 Tisdale had a portion of his right leg amputated due to bone cancer, he died in May 2009 suffering the effects of a ruptured esophagus due to radiation treatments for cancer. In the fall of the year he was elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame. This is but a brief look at Wayman Tisdale an outstanding college and NBA player and a great jazz artist.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

He returns

The Lakers announced Dennis Schroder was re-signed to a one-year contract. This move I consider quite strange if you remember the history. I applauded the Lakers when they traded for Schroder after the 2020-21 NBA season had begun. Although Schroder didn’t arrive from the Thunder that’s what my thoughts were on hearing his acquisition. A fast speedy combo guard who I believed at the time would return the team to the top. The numbers Schroder exhibited that season were not spectacular but steady yet there was a problem. LeBron James dominates the ball; Schroder needed the ball to effectively operate something that existed at his other NBA stops.

I remember the Lakers offered him a contract although the $$ figure escapes me. Several in the media believed Schroder had overpriced his value to the Lakers and that’s exactly what occurred. The Lakers preferred to look elsewhere for help and in the off season traded for Russell Westbrook. Free agent Schroder was not re-signed and in late summer signed with the Celtics. We in Laker Nation have questions as to why the Lakers believed they needed Schroder. This is another move I intend to monitor as the season progresses. Is this the “nail in the coffin” for Russell Westbrook and his time with the Lakers? As this account was being completed, I ran across another bit of information. Schroder indicates he could have signed with the Suns or Raptors but chose instead the Lakers.

We return again

I briefly discussed the changes the Jazz have undergone since the end of the season. I believe I pointed out the “new sheriff” in town Danny Ainge desired his own team. Late 2021 Ainge returned to Utah where he played collegiately to head the Jazz team. Rumors were circulating Jazz coach Quin Snyder would be replaced or fired, turns out there was a resignation after the season. All Star center Rudy Gobert was then traded to the Wolves, after hearing all possible destinations in his future another All Star Donovan Mitchell was also traded. Mitchell was traded to the Cavs. Last week Ainge went on record indicating “he didn’t believe the chemistry of the team” or similar words looked good to him.

I’m revisiting this because from Cleveland Mitchell is disputing the Ainge story. He didn’t blast Ainge but indicated he and other Jazz players were a cohesive bunch. The question becomes who we believe front office man Ainge or traded player Mitchell. My belief is simple, I think Ainge took over a Jazz team he wanted to re-mold in his image. He should be able to do that now, with the exception of two key players this is a new Jazz team. A month or so prior to training camp we are hearing these remaining two mentioned in trade rumors, they might not be in place opening night. Coach Snyder wasn’t his man, apparently neither was Gobert or Mitchell. A gigantic question mark hovers over the Jazz with 34-year-old head coach Will Hardy in place.

For you to decide

I wrote “Once upon a time if you mentioned SEC sports your thoughts travel immediately to football. I stated my belief that view is no longer relevant.” ESPN and others provide us a list of what it considers the ‘Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball teams.’ Naturally, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and others are included however SEC basketball is well represented. They have the Kentucky Wildcats listed in the third slot; Arkansas is ranked 9^th followed by Tennessee at 12. Those are not the only SEC teams however it details for us how competitive this once thought of football conference only has traveled with its basketball over the last several years.

We finished with Auburn at 13 and Alabama ranked 20 in their poll. Some of you reading this might say “That’s only five schools, what does that prove?” My response to them is quite simple, it doesn’t prove anything except the conference is no longer just Kentucky. We could make an argument for the Big XII however with the exception of Baylor is heavily weighted in favor of Kansas. In truth we can state John Calipari at Kentucky has competition within the conference. Except for an occasional bump in the road can we make a similar statement regarding the Big XII? The true test might be the title of that 1983 Elton John hit tune ‘I’m Still Standing.’ In this instance we are discussing the culmination of the NCAA Tournament…who is there at the end of the season.

Speaking of the Lakers

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time you are aware of this fact. I expressed my objection to the HBO production Winning Time, The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty telecast last spring. I read they have begun filming season two of this series but that’s not the story here. The story, many of the Lakers profiled in the HBO series journeyed to Maui Hawaii recently, in the Showtime era that was the location for their training camp.

Even more interesting to me former coach Pat Riley now president of the Heat was there as well. A team photo was taken however I have no permission to include it here, it is available online if you want to see the gathering. Finally, was it all love and happiness back then…of course not we had human beings in the equation. Doesn’t matter what is telecast in season two it will probably be written in this manner, 50% of the actual events as they occurred and 50% for dramatic purposes. I prefer the real thing, the Hulu streaming service production, Legacy The True Story of the LA Lakers.

Big Men

Despite what is believed there remains space for a quality Big Man. Yes, I’m bold enough to make the statement, regardless of small ball quality play at the center position is still desired. Who are some of the best out there, well the best might be Victor Wembanyama. He’s not enrolled in college however no argument the 7-foot 5-inch youngster is the best Big Man for the 2022-23 season. As for the others they are enrolled in college, some have demonstrated their skill earlier, some I believe will become noteworthy in this season. Who are they, the list contains those I believe are most visible:

Zach Edey Purdue 7-foot 5 295 pounds Purdue

Jamarion Sharp 7-foot 5 235 pounds Western Kentucky

Hunter Dickinson 7-foot 1 260 pounds Michigan

Dereck Lively II 7-foot 2 235 pounds Duke

Kel’el Ware 6-foot 11 210 pounds Oregon

JP Estrella 6-foot 11 210 pounds Tennessee

The latter three have yet to play their first collegiate game, they are included based on the talent displayed in high school and projections by coaches. One, two are all three could miss the mark, I will make a note to check their progress March 1. By that date this trio should have acclimated themselves to collegiate play.  

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

It's a different world now

If you are a sneaker head you noticed them, we speak of the Lilac Under Armour sneakers worn by Steph Curry in the NBA Finals Game. It wasn’t just Steph; did you happen to notice the vast number of varied colored sneakers worn by NBA players in this game and all season. Today’s players are able to wear whatever color sneaker they desire; they owe a huge debt of gratitude to Michael Jordan. Once upon a time NBA rules deemed teams only had a choice of two-color choices in sneakers, it was either all white or all black.

Up to MJ’s NBA debut it’s believed the Celtics were the only team to sport all black Converse sneakers, the other teams wore white. Along comes Michael Jordan into the NBA who changed the game and the shoe market. In 1985 the first Air Jordan’s were released; the iconic shoe was immediately banned by the NBA for a simple reason. The NBA rule at the time indicated 51% of league basketball shoes had to be white. Eventually the league relented and now we see a rainbow of colors on the court including the Lilac sneakers worn now by Steph.

Another Ted Stepien or Donald Sterling?

The Lakers LeBron James and the Suns Chris Paul both voiced complaints regarding the NBA’s decision. LeBron and Paul were not pleased with the NBA’s punishment regarding Suns owner Robert Sarver. Rather than detail Sarver again we can look back at history, there have been two owners suffering major punishment from the league. Stepien was likely asked to sell the Cavs, but Sterling with the Clippers was forced to sell the franchise. A brief look back, in 1980 Stepien would purchase the Cavs. The owner would soon fall into disfavor for hiring and firing multiple coaches and trading draft picks. It’s written the league passed the “Ted Stepien Rule” which restricted teams in trading draft choices. 

Rather than my spin I’m going to provide you line for line of a Stepien interview in December 1980. “No team should be all white and no team should be all black, either. That’s what bothers me about the NBA: You’ve got a situation here where blacks represent little more than 5 percent of the market, yet most teams are at least 75 percent black and the New York Knicks are 100 percent black.” It wasn’t this comment alone that caused the NBA headaches, the Cavs franchise in two words was a train wreck. For example, in one season alone Stepien fired three head coaches and hired four. Stepien would decide to sell the Cavs to the Gund brothers in 1983, I cannot confirm this be sure he may have been close to being forced out by the NBA. 

As for owner Donald Sterling other than purchasing the Clippers the first significant event might be his move of the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles without league permission. That NBA would fine Sterling for the move and he disputed the fine, a settlement was reached between the parties. Sterling did this in 1984, the Clippers would remain cellar dwellers for years despite playing in the larger Los Angeles metro. Fast forward a few years, an ESPN story ranked the Clippers the worst franchise in professional sports however just like Stepien his mouth sealed his fate. A TMZ tape caught Sterling making racist remarks, the NBA began an investigation and determined they were true. In April 2014 Sterling received a lifetime ban and was fined $2.5 million by the NBA. There are probably other instances of NBA owners being fined or suspended by the league besides Sarver the two named have probably been the most egregious.

More than an athlete

There are times we as fans tend to see them as athletes only, sometimes the goals are much higher than simply playing the game. We could say that would be the case for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, he was made the third pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Grizzlies. Later it was the Hawks, Blazers and he concluded his playing career with the Kings. Abdur-Rahim had a successful NBA playing career, but it was the front office which became his destination.

After his playing career concluded with the Kings, he became an assistant coach with the franchise in 2008. He would serve in that role until October of 2010 when he became the team’s assistant general manager. It was onward and upward, in 2013 Abdur-Rahim was named general manager of the Reno G-League franchise. A return to the NBA was next although it was at the executive level, he was named vice-president of basketball operations for the league. In December 2018 it was back to the G-League for Abdur-Rahim this time as president, as you note his desire for excellence was far beyond play on the basketball court. I wouldn’t be surprised if his name might be mentioned one day as Adam Silver’s replacement.

They stole it from me

The headline might be a little strong and at the same time misleading. I don’t own the name and it certainly wasn’t stolen it was just my thought one day. When Kansas City returns to the NBA the team will need a nickname, all are taken except maybe one…Monarchs. I know, the name is associated with Negro Leagues Baseball rather than basketball but allow an explanation. Often, we attempt to name something closely associated with a locale. What is Kansas City known for by its citizens and the general public, well it’s often been called the City of Fountains. The city has a wealth of fountains throughout the three-county area.

That might be appropriate for the Chamber of Commerce but hardly fit for an NBA team…the Kansas City Fountains. How about barbeque, we identify ourselves as the barbeque capital of the nation but that won’t work for a team name either? Charley Parker and his smooth Jazz stylings but that’s the nickname is in use already with the Utah Jazz. The same might be said for the Kansas City Blues…another musical enterprise we might claim but even that presents a problem. We can’t have the same nickname as the St. Louis Blues on the other side of the state. The only problem, the Negro Leagues Museum allowed the baseball team formerly known as the T-Bones use of the name Monarchs. I can only guess the museum must be compensated financially for the name which I certainly couldn’t do. So, I’m stuck with a name for the expansion or relocated team Kansas City will eventually have in place, oh well.

76 Place Arena

We have updated information on the Sixers planned arena to be opened in 2031. The $1.6 billion arena is to be privately financed which certainly is exciting news for the Philadelphia tax base. This follows the lead established by the Chase Center in San Francisco and the Intuit Dome in Inglewood both financed with private equity. This move would allow the Sixers to be the sole tenant of the arena unlike Wells Fargo which the basketball team shares with the NHL Flyers. According to the information provided the new arena will be located in an underused mall area in the Fashion District of Philadelphia.

Apparently, the venture will conflict with Chinatown businesses creating a traffic problem. Merchants representing these businesses have contacted the arena group expressing their concerns. I’ve never visited Philadelphia so we must be led to believe the issues raised by the merchants are valid. It seems even projects with no tax money still run into problems. Some of you might remember there were similar concerns expressed in San Francisco and Inglewood prior to the start of Chase Center and Intuit Dome. Hopefully these concerns can be addressed and rectified by the 76 Place group and those who would be affected by the arena.

 

Basketball from a fans perspective

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I chose to wait

Stories have circulated for several months something was amiss with the Suns organization especially the owner. The NBA announced it would begin an investigation and based on this I chose to wait on their report. On Tuesday the word arrived, Suns and WNBA Mercury owner Robert Sarver would be banned for a year plus fined $10 million. The league announced the suspension and fine was based on “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies.”  

An independent law firm hired by the NBA found Sarver “had a history of racist, misogynistic and hostile incidents over his nearly two-decade tenure overseeing the franchise.” We know the punishment but the after affects will only be determined by future action. That portion of the story is unknown at this time, will Sarver decide to sell the Suns and Mercury? That could be the next move although that’s just a projection on my part.

This is the hope

It doesn’t matter the sport; I’m always intrigued when a coach says, “We are going to do _______, and _______.” Use your imagination to fill in the blank, that’s my Lakers as this is written. Coach Ham claims his starting backcourt will be Westbrook and Beverley. Your first thought is the same as mine, ‘don’t these guy’s hate one another, surely a trade is in the works for Westbrook.’ That might not be the case, it appears nobody in the NBA wants Westbrook. Let’s rephrase the statement, they want him but in exchange for what they are willing to accept in trade i.e., draft choices.   

Back to this new backcourt, although Beverley is a point guard, he probably will not demand the basketball. When they are on the floor LeBron will command the ball 80% of the time while Westbrook’s number is 15% and Anthony Davis 5%. The only time the ball might be in Beverley’s grasp is when the others are seated on the bench. Those of you reading this keep in mind this is strictly my imagination, I have no further knowledge how coach Ham intends to operate his offense. Can it work, yes it can if Westbrook and Beverley clear the air between two volatile individuals. One thing for sure whether I like it or not the Lakers now have a pit bull equivalent in the backcourt in Patrick Beverley. I want this paring to work for several reasons…the chief one proving Stephen A. Smith wrong.  

Did you know?

Kansas basketball has a rich basketball history, the school is one of the all-time winningest programs in the nation. Despite this fact there are at least two negatives in the history. The school hired Dr. James A. Naismith as head basketball coach after he left Massachusetts. Did you know the man who invented basketball had a losing record? From 1898 to 1907 his Jayhawk team won 55 games while losing 60, his best season was his next to last. In 1905-06 Naismith’s team finished the season 12-7. In fairness to the doctor, he wasn’t hired as a basketball coach it was chapel director and physical-education instructor. At the time the schedule consisted of YMCA competition more than competition against other schools.

Ted Owens took over the Jayhawks in the 1964-65 season, he would leave with 348 wins and 182 losses. His teams were competitive in the former Big 8 Conference however Owens suffered an unusual fate…he was fired. Owens was fired after the 1982-83 season, the Jayhawks finished with a losing record two seasons in a row. Owens becomes the only head basketball coach in the school’s history to be fired. I’m sure some in Jayhawk Nation will consider this an attack on the program far from it. For me it details stability in the coaching ranks and winning coaches. Do you realize in 124 years of basketball there have only been 8 head coaches in the school’s history? We can state there are 7 coaches with winning programs and the 8th guy invented the game, that’s certainly a strong statement.

The Sonics 

If you talk to 100 residents of Seattle today its likely you will receive 100 different reasons why the Sonics franchise is now in Oklahoma City. Howard Schultz is in the middle of this story, yes that same Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO. He purchased the Sonics in 2001 and owned the team until he sold it in 2006. What occurred, It’s claimed Schultz would become upset with the city regarding a new arena however it could have been more to the story. As this is written I have no idea of the dollars expended but consider this fact. Attendance at Sonic games went down steadily from the 2004-05 season when the team won 52 games and finished first in the Pacific Division. The Sonics were a below .500 for three seasons in a row up to the departure for Oklahoma City.

There was a ‘promise’ at the time of purchase the team would remain in Seattle under new owner Clay Bennett but that’s a repeat of an earlier story. Sacramento’s Gregg Luckenbill purchased the Kansas City Kings in 1983 with the ‘promise’ the franchise would remain in Kansas City, the team moved in 1985 to Sacramento. It would appear owner Bennett faced the same obstacles as Schultz however it’s my belief (without offering any proof) he intended to move the team all along. As the NBA plans for a future return to Seattle who is the real bad guy? Is it Howard Schultz, Clay Bennett, the City of Seattle or fans who simply quit attending Sonics games? Perhaps we might conclude all parties share guilt as to why there is no NBA basketball in Seattle as this is written. The question becomes are the residents prepared this time around? It would appear the NBA wants to return to this Pacific Northwest city as soon as practical. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

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So much potential…but for the demons

Reggie Harding is dead now, he died much in the manner of his lifestyle choice. He was shot twice in the head in 1972 ending a life that only scratched the surface of basketball potential. Harding stood 7 feet tall and weighed 250 pounds and most are unaware of the potential some believed was untapped. Harding was the first player to ever play out of high school with no college, his grades wouldn’t have permitted him to enroll anyway. What can we say, drug addiction and enumerable problems with law enforcement. Harding was arrested almost a dozen times and we must include the times he was imprisoned are part of his life story too. As for the potential the legendary Celtic coach Red Auerbach made this statement.

“Say what they want to about all the fine, big fellows coming out of college in 1964, but the Pistons already have a guy who probably will outshine them all.” By this time Harding had three seasons in the defunct Eastern League and had begun play for the Pistons. Routinely he’d sleep through team meetings missed flights but that was mild compared to assault on a police officer. Can you imagine a teammate named him the 5^th best center in the NBA at one time. You begin with Wilt, Russell and others that’s pretty exclusive company. One of the stories while tragic is funny in a manner of speaking. Harding placed a ski mask on and attempted to rob a neighborhood store. The owner took one look at the giant Harding and immediately identified him mask and all. I guess if you stand 7 feet tall and live in the neighborhood it might be difficult to disguise yourself. Reggie Harding’s life was a tragedy, if only he’d gotten help perhaps his entire life could have turned around, we just don’t know.

Are you concerned?

We discover Stephen A. Smith is upset again, this time because the Knicks failed to land Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz. This makes for several questions the first do we really care if Smith’s upset. Let’s pretend we do care and suppose this occurred. The Knicks were able to swing a trade and acquire Mitchell. Based on who the Knicks might have to give up they might be left with a bare cupboard. This is where it gets interesting in my scenario, the Knicks are improved with Mitchell in the lineup but not good enough to earn a playoff berth. Who do we suppose would be at the front of the line claiming the Knicks are doing nothing to improve the team…you guessed it. Just what did the Knicks offer for Mitchell, this is the report.

Obi Topping

Evan Fournier

Mitchell Robinson

2 unprotected first-round draft picks   

In addition to the names above and additional draft choices the Jazz wanted RJ Barrett included in the trade, apparently the Knicks said thanks but no thanks. I’m certainly under no obligation to defend past front office moves of the Knicks but guess what, neither is Smith. I find it quite interesting Smith’s taken on the role of full time Knicks critic, now if he had some skin in the game, I believe we could all understand.

What do I mean by that reference, as far as we can determine he doesn’t spend any of his own money for tickets. It’s a guess on my part his attendance at Knicks games are in his capacity as a media member. If Smith is an owner of MSG stock, we could say ‘as an owner’ he’s got a say in operations however it’s highly unlikely he owns a great deal of stock. Where does this lead us, it points to a guy who is a card-carrying media member who is free to offer his opinion on the Knicks and other stuff? His opinion on the Knicks is no more important than yours or mine, I’m out. 

Play at home

Sports teams most likely prefer to play at home, is there an advantage to playing at home…of course however it might be more rewarding depending on the sport. In this instance our discussion centers on team sports, I can’t speak to soccer or hockey because I follow neither sport closely. As for other sports from the least difficult to the most challenging for the road team in order, baseball, NFL football, college football, the NBA and the most difficult…college basketball. I believe we can safely conclude college basketball is best for the home team most generally.

Don’t misunderstand my statement, visiting teams do win at Allen Fieldhouse (KU), Dean Dome (N. Carolina), Cameron Indoor (Duke), Rupp (UK) and a few others it’s just the fact few wins are registered by the visitor. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s been rough at Mizzou Arena the last two seasons, visiting teams probably felt little if any pressure playing the Tigers at home. As for the schools difficult to win fans are right on top of the action and the noise factor has got to rattle average to below average competition. Probably the nearest equivalent to a college atmosphere was Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City. Notice I used the term was, I’m not as sure now as fans of the Thunder have become adjusted to NBA play and are more laid back.

Timmy

The guy who gave himself a nickname Shaquille O’Neal hung ‘Timmy’ on Tim Duncan of the Spurs. I could say Spurs because that was the only NBA team, he played for over a brilliant career. After retirement we’d see him enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Technically he was a power forward during his 19-year tenure in the NBA. At 6 foot 11- and 250-pounds Duncan is rarely mentioned in any discussion of the best Big Men in the game. That might occur for two reasons, the number one reason…he was a quiet assassin. The second, at the time he arrived in the NBA the Spurs had The Admiral David Robinson at center. Duncan moved into the power forward position only playing center occasionally.

During his NBA career Duncan routinely help his Spurs team win and win big. He was five times NBA champion, three times finals MVP, two regular season MVP’s which represent just a few of the accolades bestowed on the native of Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I just uncovered this fact, early on it was swimming that drew his attention. It was pointed out Hurricane Hugo destroyed the Islands only Olympic pool and Duncan was forced to swim in the ocean. Sharks are responsible for Duncan to switch from swimming to basketball, it was fear of them that lead him from the water to the basketball court. As for the nickname it was a badge of honor by Shaq rather than a swipe at Duncan’s ability on the court. After retirement Duncan served as assistant coach working for coach Popovich one season, we are unsure at this writing the present pursuit of Tim Duncan.

Basketball from a fans perspective

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Family Feud

Many world readers of Off the Dribble might not be aware of this information so I am going to provide it for them. In America we have a long running television quiz program titled Family Feud, it’s been on the air 23 years on one of the networks or in syndication. The current host of the program is entertainer Steve Harvey, his job in moderating the program is to ask the contestants a series of questions matching the response from the studio audience. Two families compete to win prize money and generally speaking its entertaining because families often provide strange and unusual answers.

We have a real-life Family Feud occurring on the basketball court, it just might be 9-10 times worse than the television version. This one pits a son against his mother, the Mavs Luka Doncic is suing his mom Mirjam Poterbim over control of his brand. According to reports we read Doncic’s filed a petition with the United States Patent & Trademark Office cancelling the ‘LUKA DONCIC 7’ trademark. He gave his mother permission during his 2008 rookie year to file the patent, Doncic claims he’s contacted his mother in writing to give up the rights to no avail. The television quiz program one family is a loser hopefully Doncic and his mom can come to a successful resolution to this matter.

Please quit!

It’s not going to do any good but I’m asking anyway, please quit interviewing him. The him in this instance is disgraced former official Tim Donaghy, I’ve grown tired of reading headlines containing his name. For those who might be unfamiliar with him from 1997 until 2007 he was an NBA official. Why is he not working now, I’m glad you ask the question, he was caught in a gambling scandal and forced to resign. How serious was the charge, Donaghy would serve prison time for his part.

Donaghy was betting on NBA games some of which I believed he might have officiated. He was committed to prison for 15 months served 11 and then after violating parole was incarcerated again, he’s been out since 2009 but remains a convicted felon. If Donaghy was offering information regarding gamblers anonymous or some other like organization okay. All he’s offered to date are accounts of activities while he was an NBA official. On the surface he appears to be one of those guys who thinks he’s smarter than everyone else which might be the case. In closing I just hope the media would just stop talking to this guy. 

Everyone is not coaching material

Magic Johnson was a Hall of Fame player in college and the NBA. Despite the fact Magic knew the game backwards and forwards he was a terrible coach, Magic the coach failed to equal Magic the player. If you believe I’m only picking on Magic lets, check out others. Sticking with the Lakers how about the Logo Jerry West, an NBA success story on the court…as a head coach that was a different matter. Leaving the Lakers, we could look toward Isiah Thomas who spent his playing career as a member of the Pistons. The coaching record for Thomas, 187 wins and 223 losses. The jury remains sequestered in the case of The Nets v Steve Nash. Nash took on the role of head coach with no prior experience. As a two-time MVP I believe we can place superstar behind the name of Nash.

Of all the former coaches that moved into the coaching ranks Larry Joe Bird might have been the best of the bunch. Depending on who you read, many claim it was the Pacer assistants who allowed Bird great success, he finished coaching with 147 wins and only 67 losses. It’s been my belief for years superstar coaches have unreal expectations; they expect their teams to be a reflection of themselves. This is often not the case as most players rarely reach the expected level of the superstar coach. There are always exceptions, but as we proceed consider a couple of points. Lenny Wilkins is the all-time winner with over 1,300 wins but do we consider Wilkins a superstar player? Celtic K.C. Jones was vital to the success of the ’60 Celtics but certainly not a superior player, Jones was a very good coach. We could also include Kevin McHale in our count since he registered over 200 + wins, McHale was a good player but superstar player? Just our brief look at quality coaching wins which includes a limited number of superstar players of the past.

The number is 2009

2009 is the year the Lakers drafted Patrick Beverley; I don’t remember much because he was the 42^nd pick in the second round. I don’t even remember if he came to training camp that first year. He would play in Ukraine, Greece and Russia before signing with the NBA Rockets in 2013. Over the next few years Beverley would play for the Rockets, Clippers, Wolves and finally back to the Lakers. The guard had been traded to the Jazz but that’s not where he’d begin the 2022-23 NBA season, for Beverley it was starting over. The Lakers traded Talen-Horton Tucker and Stanley Johnson to acquire him, and the question might be why at age 34. Beverley is a defensive specialist who like Dennis Rodman and Bruce Bowman attempts to make life miserable for opposing players.

Okay, absolutely no one shuts down an NBA player but if you can force them to take more shots to hit their average you’ve, done your job. That’s the role Beverley has accepted, he’s embraced it to the point he might be the top name on most teams enemy list. What if he’s the top name on a teammate’s list, that’s what’s now occurred. In acquiring Beverley, it’s been documented he and Russell Westbrook had issues in the past. Can they manage to place aside their differences is the question in order to win? Someone pointed out to me at one time the late Billy Martin managed the Yankees he and star player Reggie Jackson often butted heads. This friend went on to point out once the game began the drama between the two was over, paramount to both was the Yankees winning. I certainly am not stating this match can work, remember I’m the guy who said Westbrook would adjust. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

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Silver Medals never awarded

It was 50 years ago, September 9, 1972, Team USA lost its first basketball game. Basketball was added to the Olympics in 1936, consider this fact every four years with the exception of World War II Team USA was victorious on the court. All that would change with the 1972 Olympics as Team USA lost to the Soviet Union 51-50 in the most controversial victory in history. It wasn’t the loss alone it was the manner the end was dictated by officials. The game was over ‘twice’ before officials ruled there was time remaining. The loss left a nasty taste in the mouth of Team USA believing the Soviet team had been given additional time to gain the victory. A day later at the medal presentation on the top pedestal stood the team from the Soviet Union, the Silver medal position was vacant as Team USA voted to boycott the ceremony.

The Silver medals of Team USA remain in the hands of the Olympic Committee where they have been held for the last 50 years. To date none of the members of Team USA have made any indication they desire the medals. In fact, at least two former players have instructions written in their wills the off spring are not to obtain the medals after their death. The basketball landscape had begun to change. It was pointed out several Soviet players were playing professional while Team USA was comprised of college players only. Indirectly this game might have brought about The Dream Team, 1992’s Team USA consisting of NBA players and a lone college player. Check out the YouTube video below, although its several years old the outcome of this highly controversial game remains the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh19IxFLk8Y

I’m gonna report it

Normally I refrain from reporting gab, but this is quite interesting. Let’s delve into the story behind the story, the NBA has exhibition games scheduled in Seattle and Las Vegas next month. Reports have circulated since forever the NBA intends to expand adding two franchises for a total of 32. The hot rumor, the NBA will announce future expansion plans in October. This makes sense on a number of levels primarily $$$, a new television contract will be in place by expansion time. In addition, each team owner will be compensated splendidly for $$$ lost during the pandemic, I'm just reporting the rumor...I have no way to authenticate the accuracy of this account.  

How about a friendship?

I wanted to make this clear, this is my opinion of a Stephen A. Smith story. You can locate it on the internet and come to a different conclusion than me. Smith claims he lost his friendship with Allen Iverson over a story he wrote and published. This is the period prior to Smith going to work for ESPN, he was working for a Philly newspaper at the time, and this is how it unfolds. Iverson was reported to have taken a leave of absence from games and practice with the Sixers to oversee illness with one of his children.

Later Smith reports his editor brought him video of Iverson at a club partying and the conversation went in this manner. ‘I thought he (Iverson) was a friend of yours? Write a story on this or I’ll have someone else do it.’ No place in the account did Smith mention he was threatened with being terminated or even suspended. Smith wrote the article, and it finished the friendship between Iverson and Smith for two years. There are several take-aways from this account, the first might be why now, Iverson’s been retired and out of the spotlight for several years. I have several issues with this story, and I will provide my view. Does this paint Smith in a better light, not in my view?

It might be worst because he was willing to betray a friend for a story. Why not let the other party write the story first and Smith writes the second one, he would not be giving away a confidence (and friendship) if this were to have occurred. The majority reading this are aware I’ve not been a fan of Smith for quite a while. He’s loud, abrasive and most times over the top with his world view. This is my opinion alone, you might read his account and arrive at a different conclusion, let’s just say this. It didn’t make me feel any worst about Smith, but it didn’t help me to feel any better about him either, that is all. As for Iverson if the story is true shame on him however, we never knew the story until Smith decided to report his part in it.

Isn’t he your dad?

He stands either 6 foot 7, 6-8 or 6-9 depending which dot.com site you might read. Because he’s in the class of 2025 he is likely still growing however Cameron Boozer has caught our attention. If the last name sounds familiar it should, his father is Carlos former Duke player who spent 15 seasons with several NBA teams including my Lakers. I haven't seen young Boozer in action although YouTube video of him exists. I am somewhat reluctant to report this information for one reason alone.   

Remember the rock band The Who and their hit tune ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’? That’s what I feel like now, we might want to refer to it as the ‘Emoni Bates effect’. Wunderkinds are reported to us by media sources, and we focus on them and sometimes they fail to reach the level projected. Let’s just hope young Boozer is cut out of the same mold of his father. On the other hand, he could be similar to the late Kobe Bryant. As most are aware Kobe was exceptional in all facets of the game and certainly more successful compared to his father Joe Bryant.

Basketball from a fans perspective

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Coming to America

No, this is not the Eddie Murphy classic it’s Victor Wembanyama Coming to America. The Metropolitans 92 from Paris France will play G-League Team Ignite and Scoot Henderson. The games are scheduled October 4th and 6 in Henderson Nevada. The games will be telecast on ESPN’s family of channels. We’ve seen YouTube video highlights of the 7-foot 5 French youngster in action, a complete game certainly would appear more noteworthy. It should be mentioned again most mock sites project Wembanyama the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and Henderson number two. As we get closer to the date a reminder will be posted, better yet if you are in the Las Vegas area you need to circle those dates on your planner or other device.  

1363

The number 1363 represents the airmiles between Los Angeles and Kansas City Missouri. It’s a 3 hour and 4-minute flight and two time zones away from us in the Midwest. Based on the travel distance and time zone one might tend to believe I’m the only Laker fan here in Kansas City. Not that is not the case, I can cite several examples for you providing otherwise. At my workplace (approximately 250-300 employees) including me there are 5 Laker fans in the building of which I am acquainted. Such a small number might seem insignificant compared to employees or the population of the metro. Consider this fact, I’ve yet to hear a fellow employee claim ‘I’m a Bulls fan’ or ‘I root for the Warriors’ or any other NBA team.

On occasion I have encountered some in the area who claim allegiance to teams other than the Lakers, the number I come in contact with is quite small. My employment is in the public arena and my job is in the reception area, I see a great deal of foot traffic on a daily basis. Few days pass when I don’t see a customer in a Laker cap, tee shirt, jersey, hoody or some other paraphernalia with the Laker logo visible. Even more interesting this list includes male and female customers. One might believe Oklahoma City a 4 and half to 5-hour drive from Kansas City there’d be a bunch of Thunder fans here, if they are here in the metro, they certainly haven’t made their presence known. In truth I can remember seeing Bulls jerseys but even that’s only occasionally. One last discussion point, I wonder should Kansas City ever return to the NBA what its impact might be on the ‘Kansas City’ branch of Laker Nation.

‘Why can’t you be like’….

I’m two years older than my brother which caused him an issue in a high school class. I was an average to good student in my sophomore English class as for my brother it was a different matter. It’s not the fact he wasn’t bright enough he just didn’t apply himself at times to his studies. When Ken reached his sophomore year, he had the misfortune of having the same teacher as me two years earlier. Whenever he failed to work on the assignment the teacher would tell him, ‘You are certainly not like your brother’. He told me later that continuing statement by her upset him because she did it all the time when his work was incomplete, or he evaluated poorly. By now you are asking yourself ‘Where is he going with this story of Sophomore English, how about the Buss family and running the Lakers.

I’ve read continuing complaints regarding Jeanie Buss and her effort in managing the team. It’s as if folks are stating ‘You sure are not succeeding with the Lakers in the same manner as your father.’ I’m going to give Jeanie a break for several reasons, the chief one this is not 1979 the year Dr. Buss purchased the Lakers. There are a great number of dynamics at work in the NBA of 2022 that didn’t exist back then. From what I’ve read there were few instances Dr. Buss was directly involved in managing the team. It’s been pointed out he was more responsible for the business side of the Lakers. His relationship with Magic Johnson and trading Shaquille O’Neal certainly cannot be discounted. As for Jeanie Buss, give her a break…I know some of you will refuse but consider this single fact. I am certainly more comfortable with her managing the team over brother Jim.

Throwback jerseys

You might remember reading a few weeks ago about 75^th NBA Anniversary jerseys. The Celtics, Knicks, and Warriors then in Philadelphia are the only Basketball Association of America teams active 75 years later. Even the celebrated Lakers were not part of the league, they were born in 1948 in the City of Minneapolis a National Basketball League team. The actual date the NBA was born was August 3, 1949, as the BAA and NBL merged to become the NBA we recognize today. Despite this history fact all NBA team intend to sport a jersey in honor of the 75^th Anniversary. The Rockets are one of those franchises not yet born, in fact their birth can be traced as recently as 1967 in San Diego and not Houston. 

The Rockets were an NBA expansion team born in San Diego California, in 1971 the Rockets would move to Houston Texas. As for the Rockets throwback jersey instead of the Red, Black, Gray or White combo most Rocket and NBA fans are accustomed to seeing they will wear the 1967 jerseys, those jerseys were a Green and Gold combination. In other Rocket news this was a little surprising to me, for unknown reasons the Rockets never got around to retirement of Elvin Hayes number 44. That oversight will be completed in the 2022-23 NBA season. As for the jerseys I don’t have ownership of the photos so they cannot be provided in although they exist on several dot.com

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Renovation imminent

Lately any news related to arenas in Los Angeles has involved Intuit Dome future home of the Clippers. A brand-new building under construction would naturally be the focus however there are plans for a ‘new’ arena at 1111 S. Figueroa Street. The address belongs to Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, NHL Kings, WNBA Sparks and other entertainment venues is receiving an upgrade. The arena first opened in 1999 as Staples Center will be renovated in three phases over the next two years.

The renovation is intended to be finished by 2024 the last season the arena serves as home for the Clippers. Prior to this account being published I viewed YouTube animation how the upgrade would look once it’s completed. In various areas detailed in the video the Lakers logo was quite visible, in other areas the logo of the NHL King was prominently displayed. Missing in the video was any reference to the Clippers. I guess that makes sense, Intuit Dome will be complete, the Clippers will no longer share the building with the other tenants the most well-known of course the Lakers.

Phase 1

Revamp of Chairman’s Club for courtside guests; new family room for players’ families; gutted and redesigned Impact Sports Bar & Grill, exclusive to season-ticket holders; new LED hustle boards (22 feet tall by 65 feet wide), as well as three new ribbon boards; completely renovated all three suite-level concourses; new VIP entrance; two new grad-and-go markets and two new concession stands on the main concourse; campus wide security upgrade; new event lighting system; begin work on replacing the arena’s roof; putting up final new Crypto.com signage.

Phase 2

Main concourse will be refreshed; roof replacement completed; new lights, ceilings, restrooms for clubs; top half of two-level tunnel club completed; expand Xbox Plaza (working with the city on permitting to permanently close off Chick Hearn Court).

Phase 3

Completion of the bottom half of the tunnel club, which claims space vacated by the Clippers’ departure; new main concourse suites; total redo of the tenant teams’ locker rooms, visiting teams; locker rooms, weight facilities, and performers’ dressing rooms; entire event level will be redone; Suite Level A-including the San Manuel Club, Lexus Club

Source AEG 

Thompson Twins   

Recently I was introduced to the Thompson Twins by a story in a dot com website. These basketball playing twins are from Ft. Lauderdale Florida and are named Amen and Asur Thompson. Both stand 6-foot 6-inch in height and weigh 200-pounds, they are shooting guards. The twins played basketball at Pine Crest High School a private institution in Ft. Lauderdale. As for their recent basketball past the duo bypassed their senior year of high school instead signing with Overtime Elite.

For those who might not be aware OTE allows athletes to begin play in the league, all are expected to graduate high school. A note for those reading this, I’ve expanded my list of mock draft sights and that’s what I find most interesting. The twins are listed as high draft picks in the first round of all 5 mock sites. Now for you (and me) hopefully these dot com sites are individually assessing athletes rather than copying off one another. In any event be on the alert for the Thompson twins to hear their names called in the 2023 NBA Draft.   

Starting at center for the Lakers……

If you check the ESPN NBA page and the Lakers depth chart you will see Anthony Davis listed as the starter at center. Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports.Com also have AD as the starting center, all these websites could be wrong by the end of training camp. Reason number one and in all honesty the only purpose, hatred…not aimed at an individual rather the position. AD has stated on more than one occasion he doesn’t like playing center but will do so if asked by the coach. It might be unnecessary for Darvin Ham to ask AD to play at the five because another occupant might become the starter.

Some matchups might see him at center however we could foresee 6-foot 11-inch Damian Jones occupying the position full time. Jones brings a dynamic to the team missing much of last season. He’s not much of an offensive threat except in the lob department, but one of the keys for Jones is his ability to shoot from three and play defense. This is the 21^st Century NBA where centers no matter their height are expected to have a distance game. Ham has indicated his desire for the offense to move through AD rather than LeBron. We must see how this works out, but it could be Jones rather than AD as the Laker starting center.

How do you avoid controversy…apparently not easy?

There is no effective method to avoid controversy anytime there is a big-ticket project under construction. That’s what entails in Philadelphia without a shovel full of dirt to be turnover. We mentioned 76 Place at Market East a few weeks ago, this is a project which will include an indoor arena in Center City Philadelphia. This 18,500-seat arena has a planned opening in 2031. Chase Center in San Francisco and the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles had their share of public issues which caused debate at the beginning of the projects. As for Philadelphia this is what we determined, the proposed location would be one block from Chinatown and a coalition of businesses and organizations are opposing the project.

The Sixers indicate they will meet with the organization to address the concerns voiced. From Wikipedia, ‘Some local residents criticized the plan as it would demolish a block of the Fashion District, which was one of the few local spots to hangout. Others believed that investors should have place more capital into poorer Philadelphia neighborhoods rather than Center City.’ I have no connection to Philadelphia so I can only attempt to report both sides of this issue. Do the Sixers need a new arena might be the first question? Wells Fargo Center opened in 1996 so the arena certainly is not old by any means. Perhaps the ultimate goal of the Sixers is to extricate themselves from a shared arena which is the case at present, I will attempt to follow this story as it continues to evolve.

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Attention KU Nation

After reading this account consider this an opinion and not fact, it is not necessarily a projection of the future. Late winter or early spring Kansas City native and KU athlete Ochai Agbaji was projected to be drafted, Agbaji had moved from undrafted to a possible 2^nd round draft choice into the first round. June 23 the Cavs made him the 14^th pick in the first round of the 2022 draft. While I was pleased, he was drafted there was a concern almost immediately regarding the Cavs who chose him. The Cavs looked young and deep especially in the position Agbaji would be projected to play. This past Thursday my concern may have become even more difficult due to the trade. 

Agbaji was included in the huge Donovan Mitchell trade which sent him and others to the Jazz. I decided to check the Jazz depth chart on ESPN’s NBA page, and it doesn’t look good in fact it might look worse than Agbaji’s place with the Cavs. He’s listed as 4^th on the chart at the small forward position, he could be buried at the end of the Jazz bench. What does the NBA future hold for Agbaji might be the question. His NBA career could begin on a high note, he arrives with the Jazz and supplants a veteran in the lineup. The unfortunate part Agbaji’s got far too many veterans and especially young vets in front of him with the Jazz. This might be a case of the two’s, 1. being drafted by the wrong team and then 2. being traded to the wrong team, I hope I’m wrong on this.

Generational athlete

It seems lately we’ve heard the term ‘generational athlete’ used to describe an individual. Hundreds of thousands play the game…few are able to play at an exceptional level or an improved method. For me this is an athlete who changes the game in some aspect, let’s check out a few. If we look at his career numbers, you might question Kenny Sailors being included in this account. Sailors only averaged 12.6 points a game during his Basketball Association of America career, but it was the jump shot. Reading this today it would appear difficult to believe but in the 1940’s and earlier everyone shot the ball with both hands and with their feet firmly planted on the floor. How did Sailors originate the jump shot, it began in his youth playing against an older brother. The 5 foot 10 Sailors had difficulty shooting the ball over his brother who stood 6 foot 4.

Basketball players have probably blocked opposition shots since the beginning, nobody accomplished it in the manner of Bill Russell. His ability to accomplish this task began at the University of San Francisco and continued on to a Hall of Fame career with the Celtics. In 1964 the NBA widen the lane from 12 to 16 feet due to Wilton Norman Chamberlain. One publication even claims Chamberlain was responsible for ‘Offensive goaltending, defensive goaltending, free throw shooting and inbounding the basketball’ The impact of Lew Alcindor’s been mentioned previously. The 7-foot 2-inch athlete was so dominate when dunking the ball, it caused the NCAA to ban the shot for 10 season. This is but a brief look at four basketball players who changed the game. Keep in mind thousands of outstanding basketball players have impacted the game since 1891, rest assured it is highly likely I missed including some. Think on this a bit, who is included in your number?    

Who says you can’t go home?

Those of us in Mizzou Nation are familiar with the name Isiaih Mosley, he was a local having attended Rock Bridge High School. Rock Bridge located in Columbia Missouri home of the university. Former coach Cuonzo Martin and his coaching staff probably had a short drive anywhere to witness Mosley in action. For reasons which remain unclear at this writing rather than remain home and play for Mizzou he journeyed down the road to attend Missouri State in Springfield. Once Dennis Gates was hired as head coach things changed quickly. 

Coach Gates would travel the length and breadth of the state recruiting when first hired. Mosley would answer the call after rejecting an offer when he graduated high school. Mizzou will only have Mosely for one season since he arrives as a graduate transfer. The 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard put up good number while competing in the Missouri Valley Conference. Mosley’s overall numbers, nearly 21 points a game shooting 50% from the floor and 43% from the three line. Mizzou Nation is fully aware one of the key problems last season was lack of effective shooting-scoring the ball at time. It’s hoped Mosley can bring a scoring mentality to a Mizzou squad that was totally lacking offensive capability at times this past season.  

Sport of choice 

The announcer mentioned to the television audience the Royals pitcher on our television screen played college basketball. This athlete must have been forced to make a decision, ‘do I pursue a baseball or basketball career?’ In this time, it’s difficult to find athletes playing multiple sports in college, as for high school that’s a different matter. Yankee outfielder Aaron Judge and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are outstanding athletes in their respective sports, both played three sports in high school. We don’t know about the basketball talent of Mahomes, but we do with Judge, he was a 17 point per game scorer in high school. Former All-Pro NFL player Antonio Gates had an outstanding career with the Chargers. The information is not clear however we know he played football in high school; at Kent State it was basketball only.

Despite this fact Gates would choose football although he went undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft. Probably the most amazing might be Dave Winfield the Baseball Hall of Fame athlete. Winfield holds a unique distinction, being drafted by teams in three sports. He played baseball and basketball at the University of Minnesota. In 1973 Winfield was drafted by the baseball Padres, the NBA Hawks the ABA Utah Stars, despite not playing football since high school the NFL Vikings also drafted Winfield. As mentioned previously Winfield is enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Aaron Judge and Patrick Mahomes remain active players. This is no statement indicating they will become Hall of Fame candidates but says they chose their best sport. Besides Judge and Mahomes there might be others who made the ‘correct sport of choice.’

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The Big Trade

At some point during the summer, we heard three names mentioned prominently in trades. Kyrie Irving was at the top of the list…he remains with the Nets at least for now. The second (or third) name mentioned was Russell Westbrook, despite all the talk he too remains with the Lakers at least for now. Next up we heard the name Donovan Mitchell Jazz shooting guard, just my view and it could be wrong. Since Danny Ainge’s taken over it appears he wants to remold this Jazz team in ‘his image.’ On Thursday he was able to consummate a trade involving Mitchell.

The Cavs must have wanted Mitchell badly giving away ‘half the franchise’ to obtain him. Check this out, the Jazz receive Lauri Markkanen, 2022 first Cavs draft pick Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three first round picks 2025, 2027, 2029 and two pick swaps 2026 and 2028. A few of the experts claim the Cavs will become immediate contenders for the Eastern Conference. Paint me in the corner of skeptical, they have acquired a talented player of ONE. The new look Cavs certainly are improved but it appears Mitchell is surrounded by a group of talented but young players. As for the Jazz they become an immediate contender to the Clippers for the Western Conference crown. 

Apparently, he’s no Dr. Jerry Buss!

Laker president Jeanie Buss made an interesting comment recently. We must return to the Shaquille O’Neal/Phil Jackson days with the Lakers. I had a different view of the trade over what Jeanie claims occurred, the decision to trade Shaq was made based on money over a Shaq-Kobe feud. The Laker owner claims her dad said he couldn’t afford to pay Shaq with the new collective bargaining agreement. He called Phil Jackson into his office and informed him of the decision. PJ was reported to have said, ‘You can’t trade him he’s the most dominant player in the NBA.’ Buss had an interesting retort, ‘I’m gonna trade him, but it won’t matter to me because you’re not coming back as coach either.’

If this is true as Jeanie claims this might be far from the Buss character John C. Reilly portrayed in the HBO series Winning Time to me. Trading Shaq still a force in the NBA and firing PJ at the same time clearly demonstrates to me Buss wasn’t hesitant in making a business decision. It should also be pointed out Shaq was 6 years older than Kobe and 32-years old. I was introduced to a term in marketing years ago, the law of diminishing returns. The book definition and not my words, ‘a principle stating that profits or benefits gained from something will represent a proportionally smaller gain as more money or energy is invested in it.’ This is thousands of miles down the road however it’s safe to suppose Dr. Buss was worried at the time about his investment.

Some will still be upset

Kyrie Irving and others will likely remain displeased with this latest act the NBA intends to implement. The NBA will require weekly tests for the unvaccinated in the upcoming season. Keep in mind the league is not stating players must be vaccinated in order to play but they will be assessed. Is this an infringement on their rights, you be the judge on this one however I see nothing out of order. Of course, the Canadian mandate remains in place, unless there is a change in policy covid vaccinations are required to enter the nation. So, Kyrie and others will be forced to miss Toronto road games in 2022-23. 

New team but perhaps a delayed start  

Danilo Gallinari suffered a torn left meniscus while playing for Italy in the FIBA World Cup Games. Although the 6 foot 10 Gallinari was expected to provide depth after signing a mid-level exception in July. First drafted by the Knicks in 2008 Gallinari has moved around the NBA but always putting up good numbers for whichever team he played. With today’s medical procedures athletes have returned from torn meniscus injury but there is always a question based on several factors.

That question caused me to seek out a medical study, this from Reuters news. ‘Recovery time from a meniscus tear depends on how extensive the injury is and whether it needs surgery, said Dr. Mark Drakos, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York ‘There are certain guys that have gotten back in a couple of weeks and there’s other people…that take more like three or four months,’ Drakos, who wasn’t involved in the new study, told Reuters Health. But he said that the findings were generally good news for both professional and recreational athletes who suffer a meniscus injury. “I would be encouraged in terms of the fact that a lot these guys return to play at a high level,’ Drakos said.’