BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Murray State and the NBA
Murray Kentucky is a city and metro of over 38,000 souls located in Western Kentucky, the city is also the home of the Murray State Racers.  Because the NCAA Tournament draws many who are not traditional basketball fans the nation was introduced to Murray State and Ja Morant on Thursday March 20th.  Don’t be surprised to hear commissioner Silver in June step to the podium and say, “With the ______ pick in the 2019 NBA draft the _______select Ja Morant of Murray State.”

 Murray State has sent several players into the NBA over the years, the most recent Cameron Payne Thunder guard drafted in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft.  Two years earlier guard Isaiah Canaan was selected in the second round by the Rockets.  Murray State’s Popeye Jones played 11 seasons for a few NBA teams.  Cinderella is still alive as the 12^th seed Murray State Racers defeated the 5^th seed Marquette Golden Eagles 83-64.  Morant was simply spectacular in leading the way to victory scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and 16 assists. Morant did commit 7 turnovers, He’s not careless but attempts several passes the ball should be on a string in order to pull it back.   

He’s back 
Jimmer Fredette is returning to the NBA, you remember him, don’t you?  Fredette was the 2011 Naismith College Player of the Year while at Brigham Young.  Fredette was the 10^th player chosen in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft, he was chosen by the Bucks however his rights were traded to the Kings where he made his NBA debut.  From that point in 2011 on Fredette bounced around the NBA playing for three NBA teams plus a stint in the G-League. 

Whether he was given the opportunity we don’t know however he was never able to duplicate the shooting prowess he exhibited at Brigham Young.  He’s been playing in the Chinese Basketball Association for the last three years.  The Suns must believe in him, they announced he’d signed a 2-year contract.  Fredette is 30-years old now and this certainly has got to be his last opportunity at an NBA career. 

The first wave
This is an early list of college players declared for the 2019 NBA draft.  One of the names excluded is Mizzou’s Jontay Porter.  Just this past weekend the coach indicated he was unsure if Porter was leaving so he will be mentioned but not included in the number.  The listing certainly is not intended to be complete, these are names verified on two or more sources.  It should note this early a player could change his mind. 

Kris Wilkes UCLA
Daniel Gafford Arkansas
Jimmy Whitt SMU
Derrik Smits Valparaiso*
Shamorie Ponds St John’s
Darius Garland Vanderbilt

*son of former NBA player Rik Smits

What I want and what I get are two different things 
This is part II, the first portion on March 13 dealt with the draft this one on trades or free-agent possibilities.  I once referred to myself as Captain Speculation, that’s going to be revised now.  I’m going to state only in certain instances, as an example my team the Lakers.  I see several players who will be available in the off-season either free-agency or via trade.  Since I don’t have a clue what the Laker brain-trust has in mind I will say these are players I’d like to see on the team. 

Although this account is on veteran NBA players this occurred earlier Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka scouted Ja Morant, from all indications unless there is a huge drop in Morant’s stock he’s liable to be off the board by the time the Lakers make their pick.  Back to the matter at hand these NBA players are not in any order, in addition there are several omitted from this search.  That fails to take into consideration they are quality players, its my belief those below would be the best fit and raise level of play. 

Kawhi Leonard
Boogie Cousins
Klay Thompson
Khris Middleton
Anthony Davis

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Precursor to the east
Wednesday evening those in Wells Fargo Center and an ESPN audience witnessed it.  They saw a game many might see as a precursor to the east championship.  In a tough hard fought battle Jimmy Butler sunk a 3-point basket sealing the fate of the Celtics, 118-115 Sixers win.   The Sixers balanced scoring was led by Joel Embiid with 37 points and 22 rebounds.  

Embiid managed to shoot 20-21 from the free-throw line.  Embiid had only one blocked shot but it was key.  Late in the game Kyrie Irving driving the lane did a dipsy-do attempting to lay up the ball.  Embiid matched him stride for stride blocking the shot as it was launched toward the basket.  In the middle of the country Bucks fans are unsettled with this account.  Don’t fret Bucks fans I’m not ignoring your team they could just as easily become the beast of the east. 

This is different
Many are aware of the international presence of the NBA begun under the leadership of David Stern.  The result in recent years has seen more and more international players in the NBA draft.  How about this one, international teams competing against NBA teams, its not the Olympics nor FIBA it’s NBA summer league.  China and Croatia will field teams in summer league play in Las Vegas, it was reported China had team play in the summer previously I sure don’t remember the year.      

Big Men
I need someone to convince me, they need to explain how small ball has eliminated the need for a traditional big man.  The basis for this latest discussion centers around my Mizzou Tigers.  As this is written Mizzou has a lack of quality front court depth, there is a big man in the Class of 2020 who might decide on Mizzou but what about right now.  I’m unsure if Cuonzo Martin intends to recruit him, a 7-foot 1-inch grad transfer center is available.  In addition to being ready to play in the fall he averaged 12 points a game at the D-I level, so we know he’s proficient.      

Today’s basketball is filled with interchangeable parts and it’s all Dirk Nowitzki’s fault.  Half joking here, don’t get upset there have always been big men shooting from distance.  The big difference Dirk was likely the first 7-footer who became proficient at the shot.  Others followed, Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid regularly jack up 3-4 3-point shots a game.  We no longer have the classic big man duos (Chamberlain-Russell or Chamberlain-Abdul Jabbar) but the big man still reigns supreme in my book.  No amount of convincing is going to prove otherwise. 

“Show Me I’m from Missouri”
I just read the other day, “The Lakers are playing so bad, missing the defense of Lonzo Ball.”  That might be true but consider this fact, the Magic Johnson and the Lakers took a pass on two-point guards in the 2017 draft to select Ball.  The Kings selected De’Aaron Fox with the 5^th pick in the first round, at 9 the Mavs chose Dennis Smith Jr.  In January Smith was traded to the Knicks however there were extenuating circumstances, it had nothing to do with his play.  Both Fox and Smith Jr. are experiencing better years than Ball plus the fact they are on the court as this is written. 

There are two issues impacting my thoughts on Lonzo Ball, shooting and health.  The Lakers don’t need Ball to score but check out the stats.  As a rookie he shot 36% from the floor, this season we saw a slight improvement to 41% but that’s too lowly in my view. Health might be even more critical, as mentioned previously Ball cannot remain healthy.  He’s yet to play a complete season, 50 games as a rookie and 47 when he was injured this season.  One issue he can improve (shooting) the other (injury) is beyond his or anyone’s capability.  I believe if the shooting was slightly better, I could adjust to missing games. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The revolving door
The “Help Wanted” sign is posted at several universities and colleges across the nation.  A few coaches either retired or resigned, the largest number have been fired.  There are at least two coaches on the hot seat (Arizona & LSU) who will likely be fired.  This is a partial list of open head coaching jobs:

UNLV
Texas A&M
St Joseph’s
UCLA
UMKC
Tulane
Montana State
Washington State

Will the new hires continue a revolving door or a hot-shot assistant we are unfamiliar with be hired?

Medical advancements or something else?
Do you remember when voices were pleading for Duke’s Zion Williamson to sit down.  These individuals expressed their opinions prior to Williamson’s knee injury related to his shoes.  There were others who were injured significantly before the Duke power forward.  Three high profile college players forced to sit out the season due to injury.  All were projected NBA talent and it might be interesting to check out their position now.  The first to be injured was power forward Jontay Porter at Mizzou, his injury occurred in practice before the season start.  I’m not sure of the order of injury for the next two but down went Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland and Oregon power forward Bol Bol. 

In late March Bol Bol is the only prospect we know his status.  It was reported at the time Bol would rehab and prepare for the NBA draft, the status of the other two is unknown at this point.  Once upon a time an ACL or MCL injury meant the end of a career but not anymore.  I’ve forgotten the name, Colorado had an outstanding player who could have been drafted as a junior if he left school.  He decided in favor of returning and sustained an injury which wrecked his aspirations.  With today’s medical advancements could surgery and rehab have changed the picture?   As for the NBA draft this is a mock draft reveal, you might note none of the three have dropped significantly.     

16 Darius Garland
18 Bol Bol
23 Jontay Porter

NBADraft.net

I missed this one by a wide margin
In 2015 Shaka Smart could have written his own ticket, perhaps he did.  He was fresh from his 6^th consecutive winning season at Virginia Commonwealth.  His previous five teams all made NCAA tournament appearances, that first team was CBI post-season champion.  He would be successful no matter where he coached…. we thought.  The University of Texas appeared always ready to remove Rick Barnes despite the fact he produced winning teams.  The AD for Texas looked eastward and lured Shaka Smart to Austin and it was hoped he would continue to coach winning basketball. 

I remember my thought, “Texas once thought of strictly as football had witnessed a revolution in high school basketball.”  The Dallas-Fort Worth metro plus Houston metro and other areas throughout the state would produce talent for Smart.  Well the fortunate have not been what many expected, now in his third year Texas is .500 (66-66) under Smart.  This fan will admit that he’s not followed the program as closely as others, but this is Texas, ripe for picking talent off the trees.  I’m surprised Smart is unable to duplicate the success he experienced earlier in his coaching career.   

Tortoise and the Hare 
Some of you might remember Aesop’s Fable the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.  Briefly a challenge race and naturally the rabbit was faster than the turtle.  The rabbit raced so far ahead of the turtle he decided to take a break.  While he was resting the turtle caught up with the rabbit and won the race.  This NBA story can be related to the Tortoise and Hare in a manner of speaking.  Trae Young and Luka Doncic will be forever tied, a draft night trade witnessed Young heading east to the Hawks and Doncic west to the Mavs.  The fast start by Doncic witnessed many (including me) declaring him Rookie of the Year in November and December. 

Early in his start Young struggled in order to gain his NBA legs, since the new year Young has accelerated his game.  The Hawks point guard says he should be given consideration for Rookie of the Year.  If we look strictly at the numbers, the two athletes are not that far apart.  Doncic is scoring at 21.1 ppg while Young is 18.4.  Young averages 7.7 assists and Doncic 5.8 per game, surely Doncic outshoots Young from the field, right?  Well that’s correct however it’s not what you might first perceive. Doncic is 42.9% from the floor versus 41.5 from Young.  It should be expected the 6 foot 7 Doncic out rebounds the 6 foot 2 Young 7.5 rebounds to 3.6 for Young.  What do you think, is Young correct should he be considered for 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year?

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The field is wide open…. well not quite
It's now complete, the NCAA committee has done its job, 68 teams have or will be selected by this Thursday.  Arguments reign supreme among fans and the talking heads on sports talk radio or television.  “The (fill in the blank) should have been a 3 seed rather than a 4” or “Why was (fill in the blank) placed in the South region rather than Midwest.”  Some of you might remember the days of all 20-win teams being extended invitations, those days are long gone. 

Selection Sunday I noted at least three 20-win teams who missed the cut.  Who wins the whole thing, I don’t know however it won’t be a 16 seed.  The 8-9 matches are always interesting too, the winner could be either team.  There will be upsets, it’s impossible before play begins to pick them out.  Who wins, how about providing you a Final Four and say all could possibly win. This is not in any order Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Villanova.  I could be wrong but surely two of the four make it to the final round…. I hope. 

The doctor is not in
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook received technical foul number 16 on Saturday against the Warriors.  16 is the magic number which the NBA established for a one game suspension.  As indicated in the headline I sometimes wonder what drives the volatile guard.  The attempt is not to psycho-analyze Westbrook I’m not skilled enough to do that.  Only the outer surface which is visible colors our perception of Westbrook.  Annually he’s near the top of the list in techs but has avoided missing games until now. 

There is no argument Westbrook is one of the most talented players in today’s NBA but there is something missing.  He cannot will his team to wins despite what he might hope.  As for the technical fouls he’s certainly not the only player to experience suspension due to accumulating the number requiring suspension.  If he should receive two additional technical fouls the balance of the season, he would be suspended another game, the rule does not extend into the playoffs. 

Have they lost their ever-loving minds?
Kansas City will serve as host for the Midwest Regional of the Sweet 16.  I believe most of the local media are living in the world of “I hope”.  I lost count the number who raised the possibility of KU playing in the Sprint Center.  Well anything is possible, KU could go on a winning streak and the play of the recent past will be but a memory.  As for these media folks I wonder if they stopped a moment to realize KU is a 4 seed or is this hype intended for the large number of KU alumni and fans in this area? 

Check this out, in order to play at Sprint, they must beat North Carolina or Kentucky and perhaps a Houston team.  You say upsets are conceivable, that is certainly a possibility therefore they could face either Auburn or Iowa State before heading here to play.  Iowa State has beaten them twice already.  Sorry fans of KU basketball they ain’t likely headed to Kansas City except to maybe land at the airport and then be bussed to Lawrence Kansas.  I say they don’t make the Sweet 16, you can laugh at me in a couple of weeks. 

He remained at a time he could have left
The name Kim English is probably unfamiliar to most, allow a little background on him.  English is a former college and NBA athlete.  He was recruited by Mizzou then led by Mike Anderson, the coach would later leave for the Arkansas job.  It’s likely English could have left but after meeting with new coach Frank Haith he remained, he became the essential key tying Anderson recruits with the incoming Haith group. 

The 6-foot 6-inch guard was drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft by the Pistons.  He would play in Europe and then in 2015 his former Mizzou coach Haith hired him as an assistant at Tulsa.  In 2017 he left Tulsa to become an assistant at Colorado, is he ready to become a head coach?  We cannot answer the question, we shall see what occurs over the next few months as head coaching positions are filled.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

A shoot out  
The Sixers beat the Bucks 130-125, Giannis Antetokounmpo did the best he could leading his Bucks teammates.  Antetokounmpo filled up the box score with 52 points and grabbing 16 rebounds along with 7 assists 1 blocked shot and 2 steals.  Joel Embiid had 40 points plus 15 rebounds and 6 assists 3 steals and 1 blocked shot for the winning Sixers.  If we simply checked the box score the Bucks appeared to have a more balanced attack although they came up short, oh well next time. 

No worry
Do you follow my thought process, the NBA season is too long?  I believe we all agree with that.  I believe the Warriors become “bored” during the regular season, they are waiting for the playoffs to begin.  Can they win another championship, it’s certainly possible if they remain healthy?  In closing I continue to believe Steph Curry has the quickest release of any shooter I’ve ever seen.      

Interesting
A former supervisor sent me an email recently.  He stated, “Some of my friends never watch the NBA they prefer the college game.  As for me it’s strictly the NBA.”  I smiled after I read his comment, I know some of those folks too not the same one’s but those with a similar view of the game.  There are quite a few who wouldn’t attend an NBA game if you gave them free tickets.  As for me if you’ve been reading Words eye view for any length of time you will see it’s almost evenly divided in coverage.  July to September there is less coverage of college because there is lesser activity during this time-period.  Words is written to illustrate various levels of basketball.  As mentioned at one-point coverage only extends down to high school.  Some middle school wiz might not earn a roster spot in high school.          

They might be the reason 
Recently we reported the NBA was forming a league comprised of African nations.  It was also reported former president Barack Obama would have a role although it was not clear at announcement time.  No place other than the nations representing the former Yugoslavia has basketball had such an impact as it’s had on the continent. A steady stream of talent has emergence from the continent over the last several decades.  Yes, soccer (or football) is still quite popular but so is basketball.  Hakeem Olajuwon wasn’t the first talent to arrive on these shores, but he might have been the basis for many who followed. 

Several players have come from European nations however their parents immigrated.  We can look at Giannis Antetokounmpo whose parents left Nigeria for Greece, he and siblings were born in Greece.  Victor Oladipo was born in Silver Spring Maryland, his mother from Nigeria and his father Sierra Leone.  Denis Schroeder is from Germany, his father a citizen his mother from Gambia originally.  Clint Capela’s parents are from Angola and the Congo, the son was born in Switzerland.  Others arrived in the U.S. directly from their former country, Hall of Fame player Dikembe Mutombo from the Congo.  Perhaps the two best players in the NBA not native to this soil are Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and the already mentioned Antetokounmpo. There are others we failed to mention however the hope is you begin your own exploration of talent from the continent.    

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Headed to Kentucky
6 foot 7 small forward Keion Brooks is headed to Kentucky.  The Fort Wayne Indiana senior made his intention known recently.  He’s a Rivals 5-star prospect and number 27 on their list.  The ESPN 100 ranks him number 39, in any event it appears John Calipari has landed another basketball stud.  

Pleeeessss
Long-time Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has been a very good college coach.  Despite the positive statement I don’t won’t 64-year old Izzo coaching the Lakers.  Izzo’s got more basketball knowledge in his head than my 5 feet 7 inches height.  Fan website Lakernation is reporting if Luke Walton is replaced Magic Johnson will reach out to Izzo.  The ship we refer as the S.S. Lakers is drifting dangerously close to the rocks.  Of course, if the hull is punctured it will sink, okay some of you believe sinking has already begun. 

I don’t believe that to be the case however there appears to be an issue when names are tossed about who is replacing who.  Walton is in a lose-lose situation, Magic want’s him gone but who do you replace him with.  Izzo certainly isn’t the answer, neither is Tyronn Lue despite the fact the coach once played for the Lakers.  That’s the chief issue, whenever we begin discussing a replacement the new hire must be able to hit the ground running.  I don’t believe there is anybody out there right now, Phil Jackson is in Montana probably fishing by now.  

YouTube
Jokingly I blame the video service for not providing us a true picture, we viewed numerous dunks of Zion Williamson on YouTube while he was in high school.  Video provided us a spectacular but sometimes inaccurate picture, that’s my belief regarding Williamson.  The thunderous dunks exhibited in high school are still there at Duke however there are numerous aspects of his game YouTube just didn’t feature.  On Friday evening he scored 3 more points versus North Carolina than he did Syracuse. 

Williamson filled up the box score in a tough 74-73 win for his Duke Blue Devil team.  31 points on 13 for 19 shooting, 11 rebounds and 3 for 3 from the line shooting .695 from the floor.  Williamson took the last shot of the game missed it grabbed his missed shot and went back up and scored what become the winning basket.  Syracuse and North Carolina Williamson scored 60 points pulled down 25 rebounds while shooting 81% from the floor, by the way only 4 turnovers despite playing 71 minutes.  His shot from the floor is still limited but in time he’ll enhance it.     

Bill Bridges, a player for all eras 
We have no method of providing the point, many believe Bill Bridges was the type of player who could have played in any era.  Bridges arrived at work every day prepared to battle opposing forwards defensively and on the boards.  On occasion his team would call on him to score although that wasn’t his primary task.  The 6-foot 6-inch Bridges first came to attention playing at KU, while there he was All-Big 8 three seasons and an All-American his senior year.  In 1961 he was drafted by the Chicago Packers (Wizards) but chose instead to sign with the Kansas City Steers of the American Basketball League.  This league should not be confused with the American Basketball Association which came into existence years later. 

Bridges was never an offensive threat but certainly fulfilled his role on the boards.  Could we say he preceded the role Dennis Rodman had with the Bulls and other teams?  Can you imagine an athlete his size pulling down 35 rebounds in a playoff game?  The ABL lasted less than 2 years at the time the league folded Bridges was out of a job but not for long.  The NBA knew him already from drafting him in 1961.  The St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks signed him in 1963 and he played for them until 1971. Later it was the Sixers and Lakers, Bridges concluded his career as a member of the Warriors.  Bridges certainly was undersized for his position but surrendered nothing to opposing players.  His final numbers are almost equal 11,012 points and 11,054 rebounds both 11.9 per game averages.  In September 2015 Bridges died of cancer at the age of 72. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The return 
Duke’s Zion Williamson returned to action on Thursday evening versus Syracuse.  The “shoe explosion” and resulting injury witnessed Williamson missing 5 consecutive games, there.  might be some rust in his game.  Williamson was only 2 for 9 from the free-throw line but that was the only negative on his game.  He was 13-13 from the field shooting a scorching 1,000% from the floor.  The 13-13 from the floor plus the two free-throws made for 29 points, in addition to his point total he snatched down 14 rebounds along with 5 steals.  Williamson’s outstanding play led the way to the Duke win 84-72 victory over Syracuse. 

As for his free-throw shooting that could stand improvement, he’s 67% from the line this season, this is the one area requiring work.  The NBA awaits this talented youngster, can he play at the next level?  We really have no idea however there is a belief he’s ready, one thing for sure at 285 pounds his body is certainly ready.  As for the shoe issue there as none, Nike took care of that.  According to Complex.com Nike was reported to have sent a team of specialists to Durham to meet with Williamson.  They designed a revamped Kyrie 4 and that’s what he wore Thursday evening.  Now that’s how you address a corporate negative, you fix it immediately. 

Bits n Pieces
By now I’m sure you read of the verbal altercation between Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and a Jazz fan recently.  Jazz owner Gail Miller addressed the issue with fans at half-court prior to Thursday night’s game, her thoughts communicated to the gathering was eloquent and timely.  “We’re not a racist community” was her statement to the home crowd, see the entire address for yourself    

I read an unconfirmed report on Thursday indicating “The Pelicans will never trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers.”  That might be a true statement however there are other considerations.  If they don’t re-sign Davis which appears remote, he’s history with the Pelicans.  It’s possible they trade him in order to avoid losing him in free-agency.

Chikezie “KZ” Okplala is a name unfamiliar to all except the NBA.  Stanford has a 15-16 record which is likely the reason he’s been somewhat hidden.  KZ is a 6-foot 8 inch forward who might be a 2 in the NBA.  Although he was born in the U.S. his parents immigrated to California from Nigeria.  His growth pattern was like Anthony Davis, KZ was 5 feet 10 when he enrolled in high school graduation saw him grow to 6 foot 8 inches in height.

“The right place and right time”
Depending on your age you might have heard or be familiar with the headline.  Then again you might not be acquainted with it, the explanation is quite simple.  An individual has an opportunity to succeed in the profession due to timing and placement.  They must be skilled in their craft however it aids the cause if no one is standing in their way.  No where is that more evident than the sports world, in this instance we speak of basketball.  The following is a recent example, Svi Mykhailiuk is his name.  He played at KU, I don’t remember reading any reports regarding his NBA prospects.  Last June the Lakers drafted him in the second round, maybe he can play at this level I thought. 

Then NBA Summer League began, and he was on fire especially from the 3-point line but then came the regular season.  That was Svi’s downfall the regular season, he was buried on the bench behind Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson and others.  Was it a talent issue or veteran issue as they moved in front of him in the rotation?  In February came a trade to the Pistons where he’s since remained.  Bottom line, can he play as a rotation player in the NBA?  I have no idea, Svi suffered the fate of others in the past, present and certainly the future.  He wasn’t in the right place at the right time.  Think about it a moment how many other NBA players can you name who might fit a similar story.  Several given the opportunity have blossomed while others, well I need not go any further you have a general idea. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

It’s over
There are approximately 3 weeks remaining in the college basketball season before an NCAA champion is crowned, for Mizzou Nation it ended March 14, 2019.  Mizzou lost its SEC tournament game to Auburn 81-71 and all the warts this team has suffered this season were exposed in the loss.  Poor shooting from the field, Auburn forced several turnovers while a number were self-inflicted.  All Mizzou Nation can do now is look forward toward next season.  A portion of the story is unknown but let’s check the portion we believe we know. 

Jontay Porter is likely headed to the NBA however if for some reason he decides to return that can only boost fortunes.  He would add depth and height (6-11) playing alongside 6-10 Jeremiah Tilmon.  Both Javon Pickett and Xavier Pinson played major minutes in their freshman seasons at shooting and point guard.  Both should be prepared for the rigors of SEC play as sophomores next season.  Although injured part way through the season guard Mark Smith proved to be quite a marksman from the field. 

Evansville transfer Dru Smith will be eligible in 2019-20 and its yet to be determined if he is able to add depth and play competitive basketball in the much tougher SEC.  I try to refrain from too much excitement regarding freshman, added in the fall are 6-8 forward Tray Jackson and 6-2 combo guard Mario McKinney.  The remainder of the roster didn’t play enough minutes to determine their status, it is quite difficult to determine where they might stand.  As for the remainder of the roster there might be one or two additions and subtractions, they will be noted as we move toward the 2019-20 season and a return to winning ways again.       

Dolan’s Knicks
The Knicks since 1999 under owner James Dolan has witnessed 7 team presidents and 12 head coaches.  The Knicks have missed the playoffs 5 consecutive years, during this period the Knicks have appeared in 7 playoff series.  This might provide you the reason for the fan questioning Dolan’s ownership of the team.  I shared this yesterday, Dolan could sell this team and make a huge profit.  This portion I cannot confirm, there is only one source for this portion of the account.  A report indicates the fan in question has been banned from Madison Square Garden for life.  

Just like a soap opera
Depending on the value of a stolen item it disappears nowhere to be seen.  Sometimes stolen merchandise appears somewhere eventually, in this instance the item in question made its way from the Philadelphia area 10,000 miles to China.  The short version, Kobe Bryant’s number 33 high school jersey was stolen two years ago.  It’s now been returned but in between the journey from Lower Merion High School to China might be a soap opera account.  A Kobe fan “purchased” the jersey for $2,000, later he discovered it look remarkably like photos of the jersey he’d seen.  Without asking for any compensation he’s returned the jersey to the school.  The jersey was authenticated to be the original and no copy.   

KU is good, but not that good! 
This is a down year for Kansas basketball that’s clear despite their record.  Sportscaster Neal Jones of KCTV5 came on the air Monday evening at 10:00 p.m.  He briefly discussed ESPN.com’s story “The 345 teams that will not win the national championship.”  The story is on their Insiders page a pay subscription, I didn’t read it, but Jones states: “ESPN doesn’t think much of Kansas.” 

Should I be the one to inform the guy who gets paid Kansas is not very good?  I’d love if my Mizzou Tigers had finished the season with a similar record (23-8), The record is certainly not shabby, but it fails to represent the results of a usual Kansas record.  The difficulty for many in this part of the country Kansas is the beginning, middle and end of college basketball. Now that’s out of the way as I often state don’t slay the messenger, the “experts” at ESPN believe as I do.  The Kansas Jayhawks this season are good but not that good.     

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

He needs to do a better job
If you read the Monday edition of Words, I reported the fan who confronted Knicks owner James Dolan.  I was half-joking about freedom of speech however there is an issue here.  Since the incident we read Dolan has gone on talk radio defending himself.  If I’m the Knick fan I wouldn’t have confronted the owner by shouting “Sell the team.”  At the same time, we don’t know this to be fact however if Dolan is the man behind the curtain, he needs to relinquish his role. 

Dolan needs to allow basketball people to run the team.  We can look at the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones who runs everything, he and others love to refer to the Cowboys as “America’s Team.”  When’s the last time America’s team has played in the Super Bowl?  In closing I echo the fans view, Dolan needs to sell the team.  According to Forbes the Knicks are the top team in the NBA worth a hefty $4 billion, Dolan purchased the Knicks and assorted holding companies in 1997.  The purchase price was $300 million, Dolan could sell the team and come out on the other side of a hefty profit. 

Lottery bound…. again
My Lakers are headed for the lottery for the....I've lost track ot the number.  I can state with conviction this season ending finish is certainly not what I anticipated.  Who do the Lakers choose if the season ended today, they would be drafting in the 14 position?  We can agree it’s often difficult to draft talent especially many of the one and done group of players.  Talent at the collegiate level can be misjudged the same can be said for Euro talent.  Drafting in the 14 position “you better have your ducks in a row.” 

We believe Zion Williamson of Duke is a stud, excluding him many of the others we think have NBA talent, but it must be developed.  This is what I believe will occur, Laker management will have a list of names on draft night.  As indicated the Lakers cannot hope to draft Ja Morant of Murray State or R.J. Barrett of Duke, those two and several others will be long gone by the time the Lakers pick is announced.  In my view this draft is critical, this is no time to choose someone who will sit for 3-4 years.  The clock is ticking Magic, Rob I hope you can hear me. 

Best of the best
The 3-point shot, and the ascent of the Warriors has witnessed center play in the NBA become less relevant than it was back in the day.  It’s generally conceded Joel Embiid is at the top of everyone’s list.  Although he slides over to the four position at times Anthony Davis is number two among NBA centers.  We have the one and two how about number three, a surprise many including NBA.com consider Denver’s Nicola Jokic to be that man. 

Jokic from Serbia is now in his 4^th year and has clearly established himself a stalwart in the Nuggets defense and offensive schemes.  The 7-foot 250-pound Jokic has 3-point range and is currently shooting 32% behind the line.  Unlike most big men his size he’s outstanding from the free-throw line shooting 83%.  Next time you get into a discussion on current big men in the NBA don’t leave out Nicola Jokic in the conversation. 

This is interesting on several levels
The financial magazine Forbes published a story many of us might find difficult to believe.  Forbes claims Louisville basketball was more profitable than three NBA teams.  In 2018 the school finished $23 million in profit more than the income of the Cavs, Thunder and Hornets.  That’s downright shocking, shock number two, the Louisville financial picture was above that of cross-state rival Kentucky.  Kentucky might lead the state in popularity however they are second to Louisville in profit.