Basketball from a fans perspective

This is the last
Larry Laker is taking a break; Words eye view will return on Wednesday, August 22.  Thank you for your continued support in this endeavor, we celebrated our 7^th anniversary this past April.  From a Monday, Wednesday, Friday publishing schedule Words eye view has expanded and is now published daily. This could not have been accomplished unless I believed you the reader desired it.  Your interest in all levels of basketball has been the driving force behind the effort made here.  At the formation the blogs intent was to cover my favorite NBA team the Lakers.  More and more I began to see the need for basketball coverage beyond may favorite NBA team.  Thanks again and continue to bounce or shoot that basketball or grab the rebound. 

I almost fell out of my chair
If you read Words eye view I’m quite sure I’ve written something in the past you disagreed with.  I’m sure most of us don’t intend start to be controversial however it does often occur.  What caused me to almost fall out of my chair with laughter.  The title of the article was “The mistake the Lakers made in not signing Boogie Cousins.”  Curious I read the first few lines of the piece, the author claims the prospect of waiting till January was the basis for the Lakers failure to sign Cousins.  Whoever wrote this must have been joking, the Lakers added LeBron James to their roster.  They were unwilling to wait two months for Cousins to fully heal?  Where do these guys come up with this storyline?  Oh well I guess it served it’s purpose it got me riled up

“I’m from Missouri etc. etc.”
You’ve heard the statement over and over from me.  I’ve adopted the motto of my home state, “I’m from Missouri you’ve got to show me.”  That certainly applies to Duke phenom Zion Williamson, the 6-7 285-pound Williamson has continued to demonstrate his dunking skill at Duke.  I first expressed a concern in late 2017, for his size he sprints up and down the court swiftly for dunks.  Does Williamson have an outside shot, I’m not referring to 3-point skill does he have a mid-range game?  I hope he’s fully developing all aspects of what deep seated talent is, we shall see later this fall and winter. 

The rich keep getting richer 
We’ve heard in the past “You must have money in order to make money.”  That statement certainly applies to Kobe Bryant and others of wealth, consider this story which broke on Thursday.  I was unfamiliar with BodyArmor, I discovered it’s a sport drink like Gatorade.  Bryant purchased a 10% interest in the sports drink in 2014 a $6 million-dollar investment.  On Tuesday Coca-Cola purchased a share in the company, the investment Bryant made just four years ago has increased his investment to a net worth of $200 million.   

The Second City
Several entertainers received their initial beginning with Second City an improvisational comedy theatre.  Founded in 1959 a few alumni would move to television’s Saturday Night Live, SCTV (no longer aired) and other entertainment venues.  Bulls fans desire a Second City revival on the basketball court  After Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson left Chicago winning teams were no longer as evident as they once were.  During the Tom Thibodeau years the Bulls were winners and playoff bound every year, they never managed to play for an NBA championship. 

For two of the last three seasons the Bulls were a .500 team, last year it was even worst (27-55).  Has Fred Hoiberg managed to turn this team around and placed them on an upward bound position?  I admit I haven’t followed the Bulls very closely however I read critical remarks for the Bulls in re-signing Zach LaVine.  Kris Dunn, Lauri Markannen and Bobby Portis have been glimmers of light in the fog of play by the team.  It’s hoped Wendall Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchinson will demonstrate performance alike that exhibited at Duke and Boise State respectively.  All this is pending on the view of the chief Bull’s fan in Kansas City. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

2019 Free Agency

It appears the Knicks might be the winner in next year’s sweepstakes or free-agency.  An ESPN panel has Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler headed to Gotham next year.  I browsed the article, what you are about to read is strictly my perspective.  After being drafted by the Bulls and becoming a star quality player Butler was obtained by the Wolves in a trade.  A report circulated Butler is not pleased with the work ethic of at least one Wolves teammate rumored to be Andrew Wiggins.  Becoming a free-agent would allow him the destination of his choice and it’s possible it could be the Knicks.  As for Irving his story is a little more difficult to dissect. 

You might have read what I did, Irving wanted out of Cleveland for the opportunity to lead “his own” team.  Would he leave Boston for the Knicks this one really has me confused?  Let’s just say they both leave; Butler at the SG or SF would be an upgrade over Courtney Lee or Tim Hardaway Jr.  Irving would be a huge upgrade over Trey Burke or whomever the Knicks might start at the point.  I hope fans of Lee, Hardaway Jr. or Burke are not upset with this projection.  I’m certainly not stating the trio mentioned cannot play, plugging Butler and Irving in front of them is a no-brainer.  So, there you have it, what do you think, if we look at the recent past the Knicks have little success in free-agency.  Maybe all this changed in 2019 and they acquire quality free-agent(s).      

Trivia
The oldest on-campus arena still in use might not be the one you believe.  It’s 3,200 seat Rose Hill Gym on the campus of Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.  The building opened in 1925 is still in use by the school’s basketball team.  Next up is Palestra located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.  The arena in Philadelphia is home to Penn, St Joseph’s Temple and Villanova.  Palestra opened its doors in 1927, it should be noted the arena also host the Philadelphia Big 5 championship.  Area schools compete for the city championship. 

Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis opened in 1928, home to Butler University.  Seating has been reduced from the original figure of 15,000 down to the present day 9,100.  Payne Whitney Gym is on the campus of Yale University, home of the Bulldogs opened its doors in 1932.  Municipal Auditorium is in downtown Kansas City and first opened in 1935, presently it serves as home to University of Missouri-Kansas City.  In the auditorium’s past it served as host for NCAA regional and championship games, in addition to UMKC it also hosts the NAIA championship tournament.  The five oldest arenas in the nation that continue to serve as home for college basketball. 

Dr. James A. Naismith invited the game we love.  He invited the game, unlike baseball, football and hockey basketball didn’t evolve from another sport.  In Springfield Massachusetts one frigid winter at the Springfield YMCA his students first played the game.  Although given credit for the game Dr. Naismith wasn’t very successful coaching it.  In 9 seasons at Kansas his Jayhawk team only registered two winning seasons.  1898-99 the Jayhawks finished with a 7-4 record, 1905-06 they had 12 wins and 7 losses.  Naismith’s coaching tenure produced a total of 55-wins and 64 losses.      

I ain’t mad at him
By the time this is read it will be old news.  “I don’t need no big city or big lights” were the words uttered by Thunder forward Paul George.  He was referring to him spurning the Lakers and remaining in Oklahoma City.  These types of decisions by athletes belong to them alone, would I like him on the wing opposite LeBron?  It would be ridiculous for me or anyone else to come to any other conclusion.  George appears to like the area and his Thunder teammates which is okay with me.  My hope is Kawhi Leonard sticks to his statement and he wants to be a L

Mizzou
We are four months away from the calendar turning to 2019.  Mizzou has two transfers who become eligible in 2019, the school is yet to sign or receive a verbal commitment from a Class of 2019 prospect.  Rock M Nation Mizzou’s fan website indicates Mizzou has offers on the table for 13 high school seniors.  Previously it was mentioned E.J. Liddell 6-foot 7 inch forward and 6-foot 2-inch combo guard Mario McKinney will likely be a package whether it’s Mizzou or another school.  6-foot 8-inch Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is one of the two prospects Kansas and Mizzou are competing for his services. 

In a manner of speaking it’s a little difficult to discuss prospects, there are so many other schools with offers but I guess this might be a good thing in a sense.  Under former coaches Kim Anderson, Frank Haith Mizzou was hardly a blip on the radar of most prospects.  Continuous winning seasons on the court earns a school points and Mizzou is yet to reach that level.  If and that’s a mighty big If, Mizzou manages to acquire enough talent to compete the future will continue shining brightly.  Michael Porter Jr. might place a school on the map, but I rather have one or two steady talented players on my roster.  Don’t misunderstand I appreciated MPJ on the roster however you can't depend on one player to lead a team to the promised land.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

Ben Simmons 2.0
Make no mistake about the comparison, Josh Green is 5 inches shorter and a great number of pounds smaller than Ben Simmons.  It’s yet to be determined if he will equal Simmons skill level on the basketball court.  Here’s the connection, Ben’s dad is an American who traveled to Australia to play professional basketball.  While living in Australia he met and married a resident, Ben and other siblings were born of this union.  Josh Green is a 6-foot 5-inch 185-pound shooting guard attending IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida. 

Rivals awards Green 5-stars and rates him the number 10 prospect in the nation.  The connection between Green and Simmons, Green’s dad an American also left for Australia to play professional basketball.  Green’s dad met his mom an Australian, they later married and Josh was born of this union.  The Big Boy programs have offered Josh scholarships, they are Arizona, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova to name a few.  Josh Green is another name we need to follow-up later once he decides on a college. 

You are beholding to the team 
Radio and television personalities get paid to whoop it up for the home team.  They are allowed the freedom to criticize the home team, but those remarks can only go so far. Marv Albert was the long-time radio-television voice of the Knicks.  It was said the Knicks decided in favor of a change when his remarks were deemed too critical.  Of course, Albert went to work for TNT and NBC and hasn’t missed a beat.  That’s not the case for former NBA player Bruce Bowen turn analyst, he no longer has a job. 

His firing as analyst for the Clippers took a circuitous path, who to blame Fox Sports West or the Clippers?  Right or wrong Bowen has been very critical of the Kawhi Leonard circus this summer and made his feelings known.  Was this former Spurs player loyalty to his former team cost him a job?  It’s believed Leonard wants Los Angeles doesn’t matter if it’s the Lakers or Clippers.  The Clippers looking at free-agency next season might not have appreciated Bowen’s remarks regarding Leonard. All and all it still remains a strange move, a very strange from my viewpoint.  

The worst trade in NBA history
In 1975 the Lakers drafted a 6-9 power forward named Don Ford.  Although not a spectacular player Ford lent himself well to the Lakers over the next few years.  In 1980 Ford was traded to the Cavs for back-up point guard Butch Lee and the Cavs first pick in the 1982 NBA draft.  The 1981-82 Lakers won 57 games while losing 25, they would reach the championship round of the finals and face the Sixers.  The Lakers beat Dr. J’s Sixers 4 games to 2 becoming the 1982 NBA champions. 

Meanwhile on the eastern side of the nation the NBA season had not been very kind to the Cleveland team.  The Cavs would finish the regular season with a 23-59 record and last place in the Eastern Conference.  Last place and no first-round draft choice to be had. Keep in mind the draft lottery was yet to be implemented, 1985 would be the first year of the lottery.  In any event the June draft witnessed the Lakers coming off a championship year having the rights to the first pick.  They chose North Carolina 6-9 forward James Worthy.  Who would have believed “Big Game” James would become a vital member of the Showtime Lakers? 

Worthy’s outstanding play for the Lakers would lead to enshrinement in the Naismith Hall of Fame after his playing career concluded.  You ask what ever happened to Ford and his NBA career, he would play two seasons for the Cavs and they would release him.  The steady Ford would conclude his professional basketball career with an Italian team.  The question, did the Lakers realize they were drafting a HOF player in 1982?  Of course, they didn’t, there were circumstances unforeseen at the time, this must qualify for the worst trade in NBA history. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits n Pieces
The State of Kansas might contain two of the best basketball programs in the nation.  The vast majority of basketball fans and media are more familiar with Bill Self and Kansas basketball while smaller numbers know Gregg Marshall and his Wichita State Shockers program.  Marshall’s been on the job since 2007 in all those years he’s only had one losing record and that occurred in his first year at the helm.  For 68 years Wichita State was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, last season Wichita State moved into the American Athletic Conference.  If we conducted a poll of college coaches and asked you to name the top 10 Marshall’s name would not be on anyone’s list.  All he does is win and win and win.

Emoni Bates has begun his freshman year at Ypsilanti Michigan’s Lincoln High School.  Bates is already on the national radar, according to the Detroit News Bates has an offer on the table from DePaul.  This should provide proof this Class of 2022 is a budding prospect.  Bates stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and a slender 175 pounds who but will certainly add weight over the next four years of high school.  Those in the State of Michigan should be aware of Bates and see if his basketball growth continues over that time. 

After Mizzou finished the 2017-18 season with 8 wins and 24 losses what did we expect?  Almost anything would be an improvement and the 20-win 13 loss season and 4^th place in the SEC was an improvement.  An NCAA invite might have been the topping on the cake.  Although highly touted Michael Porter Jr. missed practically all last season it was still good in Mizzou country.  In a manner of speaking we are at the same period in July 2018 as July 2017, what do we expect from Mizzou basketball?  Barring major injuries or academic issues I expect another 20+ win season and another NCAA invite. 

Before there was Ben Simmons it was Dante Exum, his life story almost parallels that of Simmons.  His family left for Australia where he played professionally.  Dante was born in 1995 and picked up the game of his father.  He was a 6-foot 6-inch point guard with “star” stamped on his forehead.  Drafted by the Jazz with the 5^th pick in the first round in 2014 has been dogged by injuries since his arrival.  Exum’s played 67 out of 246 Jazz games thus far, can he play continues to be the question.  He signed a 3-year extension in early July which gives us the impression the Jazz haven’t given up on him. 

Is he correct?
Michael Beasley signing his Laker contract said essentially to focus on the positive.  He was responding to the question of his signing and his history of changing teams.  I’ve got words of wisdom for Beasley prove it, you are 29-years old now.  It’s time for you to demonstrate the maturity you should have by now.  Beasley has never been talent, he’s never been a great defensive player and at this point never will.  I stated one and still believe it, he could walk into a gym cold and sink 9 out 12 shots he’s just that talented. 

The Dennis Rodman we see today has become a cartoon character, the Rodman who played for the Bulls was a heavy contributor to their success.  He arrived in Chicago with a reputation, we cannot be sure was it Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan or someone else.  The flamboyant behavior Rodman exhibited elsewhere only occurred once in my memory.  For Beasley he’s always been quiet it’s always been the other things, hopefully he’s ready to contribute.  LeBron likes you and that goes a long way in him remaining a Laker.    

Larry Laker, party of one
This re-visit of an old subject we’ve discussed in the past, a team name.  From 1962 to 1971 the Warriors had the words San Francisco inscribed on their road jerseys.  It made sense, they played home games in several locations throughout San Francisco.  In 1971 the Warriors moved across the bay to Oakland and began play in the Oakland Coliseum (Oracle) from 1971 through the 2018-19 season. 

At that point they became the Golden State Warriors which is easy to understand however change is coming.  In the fall of 2019 the team will move back across the bay to the 18,000 seat Chase Center in San Francisco.  This is personal I admit I never liked “Golden State” as a name, Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Wolves I understand.  The Texas Rangers, Arizona Cardinals and others I’m omitting serve a true purpose, they represent municipalities within a metro. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Inaugural Jr. NBA World Championship games
Team Central (USA) girls team beat Team Europe 68-38 for the first annual 14-U world championship.  Central out-quicked and out-shot Europe in this thrilling match which became one-sided in the second half of the match.  I stop counting after a graphic indicated Europe had 24 turnovers.  The Central team is comprised of girls from Kansas and Missouri who play for KC Prodigy. 

Team Central (USA) boys team beat Team Africa & Middle East in a hard-fought game leading to a 60-50 victory.  Team Central was led by Cooper Jackson from Overland Park (KS) and Taj Manning from Grandview (MO).  Manning scored 20 points along with 15 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.  Metro Kansas City should be right proud of the girls and boy’s teams both Jr. NBA Champions, who says we don’t play basketball here?    

He can only do one thing
Stan Van Gundy admits he’s lost for the present time, see the Pistons fired Van Gundy after four seasons, there are no coaching jobs available.  As this is written Van Gundy is yet to secure a television job.  He’s 59 years old and could retire if he wanted to, that’s what his wife wants.  Van Gundy is a winner, in 12 years of coaching with stops at the Heat, Magic and Pistons his teams have won 523 games while losing 384.  It’s got to be television for now and maybe a coaching job at some future date.     

“The left hand not informing the right hand”
The NCAA decided to make a change, as per usual the NBA was not consulted.  This is not the NBA’s alone, but they could have been given a heads up.  There is more detail however athletes will be allowed to participate in the Draft Combine and be eligible for the draft.  If not selected in the draft they can return to college.  The next portion is a little difficult to determine but here goes.  “Elite” players be they in high school or college will be allowed to hire agents and it not affect their amateur status.  The question might be who defines elite, that’s not been answered to this point.  This change would only take affect should the NBA and its player association agree to allowing high school players in the draft again.  There were additional changes proposed however these two covered are the major objectives.  

I’m glad the decision is not mine
All eyes are on LeBron James and how the Lakers and he mesh this season, my eyes are on the anticipated duel at shooting guard.  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope returns having signed a 1-year contract.   Although he was a 4-year veteran playing for the Pistons I hadn’t seen much of his play during this time.  In a Lakers jersey Caldwell-Pope was certainly adequate, a big guard who could shoot and was acceptable on the defensive side of the ball. 

Villanova’s Jason Hart was the 30^th pick in the first round of the 2017 draft, he played rookie minutes last season and toward the end was a starter in some games.  All that’s changed now, after his MVP Summer League play I believe he’s ready to challenge Caldwell-Pope for starter minutes.  Both players are the same height (6 foot 5 inches), age really isn’t a factor since Caldwell-Pope is 25 and Hart 23.  This should be an interesting battle to determine who plays shooting guard opposite Lonzo Ball and backup Rajon Rondo. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Caught me off guard
The inaugural Jr. NBA Championship is being held in Orlando.  The top 32-team 14-U tournament will crown a boys and girls champion when complete.  Since I’m late with this report expect to see an additional update on Monday's edition.  

Geography
I read somewhere a large percentage of the American population is geography challenged now.  The question might be do educational establishments no longer see the value in locating points and countries on a map or globe?  I claim no expertise in the history you are about to read, this is my perspective, if you lived in or had relatives from any of these nation’s your view is far more valuable than mine.  This is a historical fact, the European nation of Yugoslavia was created after World War I concluded (1918), it would exist as a single nation until 1980.  The nation was disbanded, and six countries were formed consisting of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. 

Ethnic conflict caused war to break-out in portions of the former Yugoslavia that raged for years. Although at war basketball interest and talent continued to be developed among the youth of these nations. The June 2018 NBA draft saw Luka Doncic from Slovenia and Dzanan Musa from Bosnia and Herzegovina were chosen in the first round.  These two represent the latest basketball talent from that portion of the world attempting an NBA career.  Much earlier in history NBA fans witnessed the play of Vladic Divac, Toni Kukoc and the late Drazen Petrovic.  Check NBA rosters today, they contained several players from the nations mentioned, based on the 2018 NBA draft there are more likely to arrive on these shores in the future.  

John Wooden
We know the sparkling record of UCLA basketball under the legendary John Wooden, no need to re-visit the number of NCAA Final Four championships and NCAA appearances.  That’s not the story here this account is from his first coaching job at Indiana State.  In the 1946-47 season the Sycamores finished 17-8 and 5-2 in the Indiana Athletic Conference.  The team was invited to the NAIB Tournament which later was re-branded as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics or NAIA for short. 

The NAIB had a standing rule at the time, the Kansas City tournament banned black players, Indiana State had one black player at the time.  Wooden refused to allow his Sycamore team to travel to Kansas City, the following year Indiana State won its conference and was invited to the tournament once again.  The rule banning black players was repealed and this time Wooden allowed his Indiana State team to travel to Kansas City.  The Sycamores would advance in the tournament before losing to Louisville in the championship game.  Bet you didn’t know this story about the Wizard of Westwood.  

Moving on
Washed up at the age of 22, that could be the issue facing Jahlil Okafor.  After one season at Duke the nearly 7-foot center became the third pick in the 2015 draft by the Sixers.  Although Okafor was raw his rookie numbers (17.5 ppg and 7.0 rebounds) appeared to demonstrate his blossoming talent.  Somewhere his star which shone brightly began to take on a dull tone.  It might have been Joel Embiid or Nerlens Noel (since traded) or something else. 

Okafor moved to the Nets becoming invisible although quite difficult for someone of his height.  After one season Okafor moved to New Orleans where he signed a two-year contract with the Pelicans in early August.  It’s easy for coaches, management and fans to see injuries.  That appears to not be the case for Okafor, it’s mighty difficult to look inside his mind.  His actions on the court are a truer demonstration of his talent and intent.   

Colorado gold rush
Anytime you say “gold rush” most connect it to the 1848 California gold rush.  Several years later Colorado also experienced a similar influx of folks hoping to locate gold and strike it rich.  Today the only gold is likely to be found in jewelry stores or at 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver.  That address is the location of the Pepsi Center home to the Denver Nuggets.   The Nuggets concluded last season with a 46-36 record and barely missed the playoffs.  What does 2018-19 appear to play out, the early word is the Nuggets might have acquired the steal of the draft in small forward Michael Porter Jr. The initial word is they may sit him down for the season to ensure his back is fully healed. 

The names of most Nuggets might not be household however they got game, Garry Harris shooting guard and Jamal Murray at the point.  The front court has the veteran Paul Milsap at power forward, Nikola Jokic at center along with Will Barton at small forward.  Reserves include Mason Plumlee, Juan Hernangomez along with newly acquired Isaiah Thomas who should provide instant offense off the bench.  The question was posed “Why would LeBron want to go to the tough Western Conference?”  We might ask the same question considering the Nuggets along with several other teams will make for a very competitive race in 2018-19.  If Porter Jr. plays the sky is the limit for these Nuggets.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

It’s here
Once the NBA releases it’s schedule the start date for the season cannot be that far away.  That’s what occurred on August 10, it was announced.  October 16 is the start date with Philadelphia at Boston followed by Oklahoma City at Golden State, both games will be telecast on TNT.  On Wednesday October 17 a large portion of NBA teams are in action.  The following evening will see the Lakers in Portland versus the Blazers.       

Laker for life 
Former Lakers who will always remain Lakers to me, this is a continuation from yesterday.  Briefly they were either later traded or left in free-agency and ended their careers wearing other teams’ colors.  Most of the names provided were from memory, below are several who should be included. These three ended their careers elsewhere but fans loved them in purple and gold:

Robert “Big Shot” Horry-what Laker fan can forget how many Big Shots he made.  No shot was more important than his 2002 game-winner against the Kings in the playoffs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hcE6H1LpaQ

Nick “At Night” Van Exel-Nicky led the Lakers back to respectability (’93-’98) after several down years.

Byron Scott-Magic’s running mate at guard during the Showtime era.  Who can forget Magic locating Scott on the wing for a one-handed dunk. 

Combing both lists I’m sure I missed several all-time Laker greats (for me).  That’s all for now you can return to your previous undertaking.         

I’d lost track of him
Terry Nooner was a backcourt mate to Tyronn Lue at the time they played at Raytown High School in metro Kansas City.  The paring of these two 6-foot 1-inch guards might have been the shortest starting backcourt in the metro but perhaps among the best.  We are familiar with the path of Lue, University of Nebraska and then it was the Lakers, Wizards and several more stops before he retired as an active player in the NBA. 

Lue moved into the coaching ranks serving as a Celtics, Clippers and Cavs assistant before succeeding as head coach.  On the other hand, whatever occurred with his backcourt mate Nooner?  After high school Nooner went on to play at Kansas and became an assistant coach too, his most recent stop assistant at Maryland for the women’s team.  Recently it was announced the Cavs would fill an assistant coaching position, Terry Nooner would be the hire.  Nooner and Lue re-united again just like high school but as coaches.           

Sell them please
Countless Knick fans have wanted owner James Dolan gone for years.  The chief complaint, the team has lacked forward progress for several years now.  In June Dolan announced his intention to separate the Knicks and Rangers from the Madison Square Garden Company.  The next question, “Do you intend to sell the Knicks?”, Dolan’s response was an emphatic no.  History says there is a problem with this franchise, 10 men have served as head coach over the last 13 years including newly hired David Fizdale.  The only person whose been in place during those same number of years is James Dolan.  Has the owner been the puppet master in the background leading to much of the change? 

Some of you are familiar with the old saying “The fish is rotten from the head down.”  The owner or his underlings have continued a pattern of changing coaches, switching players and the beat continues with no visible improvement.  I refuse to believe all 9 of the former coaches had no clue of how to alter the course.  We can look at the Lakers, they were headed nowhere until management decided to clean house.  They brought in a new front office, we don’t know if this will work however it appears the Lakers are headed upward.  Laker owner Jeanie Buss didn’t step down she simply changed the front office.  Maybe the new management team of President Steve Mills, General Manager Scott Perry and coach Fizdale will work given adequate time. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

Once a Laker, it’s for life (usually) 
I informed you earlier an acquaintance of mine has been giving me the blues over LeBron James.  He claims as much static as I once gave LeBron I don’t have permission to root for him now just because he’s a Laker.  John doesn’t realize I now have a connection to LeBron James, once you wear purple and gold if you are an exceptional player you are a Laker for life with me with rare exception.  The rare exception is the Dennis Rodman experiment occurring in 1999, I believed beforehand Rodman had become a cartoon character. 

Despite my concern I cheered every rebound and every field goal Rodman made that season.  After Rodman was released at the end of the season I returned to my dislike of Rodman, part of it was easy since he only played the one season, he becomes the exception.  Norm Nixon, Anthony Peeler, Shaq, Pau Gasol and more recently Julius Randle will always remain Lakers for life.  There are several names missing but just wanted to provide my thought, when I’m cut I bleed purple and gold.    

They are primed and ready
I’m unsure if we covered the Celtics previously if so we’ll do it again.  The Celtics look primed and ready for the season.  Gordon Hayward is healed and ready to demonstrate the talent we witnessed in Utah.  Kyrie Irving has nothing to prove, until he went down with an injury Celtic Nation was likely pleased in what they saw.  Kobe Bryant created a degree of controversy when he suggested the Lakers should have drafted Jason Tatum rather than the other guy.  Clearly Kobe is impressed with Tatum. 

Al Horford and Jalen Brown were both steady last season, the team finished with a 55-27 regular season record.  3^rd year man Terry Rozier stepped up in the playoffs attempting to fill the void left by the injured Irvin.  The Celtics looked outstanding at every position plus the bench looks formidable.  With LeBron now wearing purple and gold barring injury there is no reason to expect the Celtics compete for the Eastern Conference championship.  If they manage to play for the NBA championship that would be icing on the cake. 

International talent
We’ve covered the increase in international talent in the NBA previously.  With few exceptions the bulk of talent arriving on our shores is often unknown.  The time difference between the U.S. and Europe plus limited television coverage we in the U.S. have incomplete knowledge on most Euro talent.  Sure, we knew Luka Doncic (or we thought we did) however this was based on a vast amount of media coverage.  As for the balance of the 2018 draft class most are mysteries.  In addition to the talent mystery we are unsure if they plan on appearing in NBA training camps or remaining in Europe.  In any event just to remind you we have the numbered pick, the NBA team the prospect and their home country.  

1^st round
29^th pick by the Nets-Dzanan Musa-Bosina 
31^st pick by the Suns Elie Okobo-France 
2^nd round
39^th pick by the Sixers & traded to the Lakers Isaac Bonga-Germany
40^th pick by the Nuggets Rodions Kurucs-Lativa  
44^th pick by the Wizards Issuf Sanon-Ukraine  
47^th pick by the Lakers Svi Mykhailiuk-Ukraine  
55^th pick by the Hornets Arnoldas Kulboka-Lithuania

Should have done this yesterday
Provided you the times and networks of the Christmas Day games:

Bucks @ Knicks 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time ESPN
Thunder @ Rockets 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time ABC
Sixers @ Celtics 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time ABC
Lakers @ Warriors 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time ABC
Blazers @ Jazz 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time ESPN

Basketball from a fans perspective

Remember this?

Hmmmm!
Athletes rarely leave Lexington Kentucky except for graduation or the NBA.  The earth shaking, we experienced on Monday was not an earthquake it was John Calipari losing a player.  D.J. Jefferies a 6-foot 7-inch 210-pound small forward Class of 2019 was first headed to Kentucky.  This 5-star prospect has now decided to withdraw his verbal commit.  Jefferies played for Penny Hardaway’s AAU team and made his commitment prior to Hardaway becoming head coach at Memphis.  Understand this Jefferies home town Olive Branch Mississippi is located less than 40 miles from Memphis.  I ain’t sayin’ Jefferies is headed to play for Penny, we shall see how this story plays out.

The story above was printed August 1, the account following is written August 8.  Anytime you are John Calipari you probably never worry about losing a player whether it’s to the NBA, graduation or that player simply leaving.  That was the case above with Jefferies, technically he left before he arrived.  The statement is made since he was a Class of 2019 prospect who was yet to sign, he’d verbally agreed to come to Lexington. 

An event such as losing a player might appear “cloudy and overcast but sunshine almost always looms ahead for Kentucky basketball.”  Jahlil Whitney a 6-foot 6-inch small forward announced he was headed to Lexington.  Whitney is a number 23 Rivals prospect in the Class of 2019.  Young Mr. Whitney verbally committed, you lose one 5-star prospect and gain another.  That Calipari, I just don’t know what to say about him.  The saga at Kentucky reminds me of the Mel Brooks line in his movie The History of the World, Part I.  “It’s good to be the King.”

Non-con games
I don’t know about you but it’s difficult for me to analyze a team’s non-conference schedule.  There so many variables to consider the main one we often have no idea of returning starters for a team.  In this instance I’m addressing Mizzou basketball and it’s recently released schedule.  Mizzou will play Xavier; the Musketeers annually turn out competitive teams no matter who serves as head coach. 

Mizzou could also face a tough Kansas State team in the Paradise Jam Tournament; the Wildcats are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory.  There is also the possibility of facing Northern Iowa in this same tournament, Northern Iowa will forever be remembered for beating Kansas in the NCAA tournament several years ago.  Temple, Illinois and several other schools remain on the schedule which could cause headaches for Mizzou.  In addition Mizzou fans have questions too regarding the Tigers as we prepare for season two under coach Cuonzo Martin. 

Christmas Games in the NBA
The NBA announced its schedule for the Christmas Day games for 2018.  The history I discovered is most fascinating, every season I can remember the NBA scheduled a game on Christmas Day.  The record indicates the Christmas game dates clear back to 1947 a year after the NBA’s founding.  The games have been played every season apart from 1998, the NBA experienced a league shut-down.  At the beginning the games were regional with limited television coverage. 

The networks and later cable plus NBA expansion witnessed an increase in the number of games televised, the NBA was no longer limited by network broadcast coverage.  This change witnessed a single game being expanded to include five games spread throughout these venues.  Other than the work-stoppage the only controversy was voiced by consumer advocate Ralph Nader.  His complaint revolved around playing the games themselves.  He voiced his opinion players, coaches and others wanted to be home with their families on the holiday.  Nader never filed a lawsuit and his voice on the matter subsided with no action.  The list below does not reflect the time schedule rather the games themselves

Sixers at Celtics
Blazers at Jazz
Bucks at Knicks
Thunder at Rocket
Lakers at Golden State 

He’s a sophomore
After an outstanding freshman season Zion Harmon’s star is shining brightly.  Harmon is 5-foot 11-inch point guard, he’s from Benton Kentucky about 200 miles south and east of Louisville.  ESPN Recruiting rates Harmon a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2021.  Keep an ear to the ground for this talented prospect, there are college offers on the table already.  Interesting in that Louisville and Kentucky are two of those schools after this gifted guard.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

You might ask to be traded
If the Sixers are considering their top pick in 2019 I’m sure the athlete they might have in mind is praying they pick someone else.  The team has a problem with top draft picks suffering injury and it some instances missing the entire what might be their rookie season in the NBA.  Example, the 2018 draft witnessed the Sixers drafting local guy Mikal Bridges of Villanova.  They would later trade the draft rights to Bridges to obtain Zhaire Smith a 6-foot 6-inch shooting guard from Texas Tech.  On Monday Smith suffered a fractured foot injury which is referred to as a Jones fracture.  Jones fracture, Jones fracture where did we hear that medical term previously? 

That’s right Sixer point guard Ben Simmons also suffered a Jones fracture causing him to miss the 2017-18 season.  In 2017 the Sixers made Markelle Fultz their top choice, you guessed it already he missed the season with an injury too.  Wait there’s more Jahlil Okafor suffered a meniscus tear in March of his rookie season.  No need to discuss the 2014 draft choice Joel Embiid we are aware of his injury status.  It might appear a black cloud hangs over this proud franchise but that is simply not the case, Sixer rookies have experienced unusual occurrences during their NBA debut.

The history
We often talk of history repeating itself, we can see evidence of it in the NBA. The Grizzlies moved from Vancouver British Columbia to Memphis but the move while not popular wasn’t covert by the owner.  There are parallels between the Kings history in Kansas City and the Sonics in Seattle.  In Kansas City Gregg Luckenbill’s group purchased the Kings and almost the first words out of his mouth the Kings would remain in Kansas City.  The sale was finalized in 1983 by 1985 the Kings were on the road to Sacramento.  Did I mention Luckenbill was a resident of Sacramento? 

Meantime in the Pacific Northwest Howard Schultz of CEO of Starbucks sold his Sonics to a group headed by Clay Bennett in 2006.  After rounds of finagling over an arena deal the Sonics were headed out of town.  By 2008 the Sonics were on the road headed to Oklahoma City the team not the name, Sonics would be retained by the city.  Once the team arrived in OKC they would be re-branded the Thunder.  Did I mention Bennett and his group were from Oklahoma?  I indicated this was a condensed version of historical events however much of the events occurred along the line described.           

Utah Ute
Matt Van Komen stands 7 feet 4 inches and 225 pounds.  Komen is entering his senior year at Pleasant Grove High School in Lehi Utah.  Komen’s verbally committed to attend the University of Utah for the 2019-20 season.  Video of him in action indicates he moves well for a big man and has an offensive game.  The issue always with players of his height he all most always is matched against the opposition much shorter in stature. 

Was he correct? 
An apparel firm advertised tee shirts containing the words, Lakers 16 Clippers 0.  For those who might not be clear on the meaning it pointed to 16 NBA championships won by the Lakers to none for the Clippers.  The first letter I read gave us no indication if the writer was he a Clipper fan or just an NBA fan, we know for a fact he’s certainly not a Laker fan.  He wrote, “Why are Laker fans so arrogant?  It’s clear the Lakers have been more successful than the Clippers, many of them are so shallow.” 

You think this writer was correct, does the haughty tag apply to significant numbers of Laker fans?  I might be guilty of arrogance however the reasons are clear for me.  It began at a time former owner Donald Sterling decided to move his Clipper team to Los Angeles.  It’s reported he never asked the NBA for permission, he simply followed a court ruling involving the NFL Raiders believing the league would not fight him.  It turns out Sterling was correct the NBA never challenged him.  Once settled in Los Angeles the Clippers became a revolving door with a succession of coaches, players and front office always being fired or replaced.