Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A change is forthcoming 
Beginning Monday July 22 Words eye view will be published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Basketball news exist 12 months of the year, for the most part July through the end of September is usually slow.  Please continue to read in the revised format, thank you in advance.   

I didn’t read any further
The headline read; “The Lakers might leave the roster spot open.”  The Lakers last roster position remains open as this is written.  I wrote no JR Smith, but I could see Chris Paul if the contract circumstances could be worked out, Paul for his ability to orchestrate a team’s offense.  There is at least one other name to consider adding to the roster, sharpshooter Kyle Korver.  Korver is 38 years old however there are no expectations for him to spend a great deal of time on the court.  He is instant offense personified, yes, I think I will stick with Rondo at the point but I’d sure like that last spot to become Korver.   

He reduced the count
Small forward Cam’Ron Fletcher is the number 37 rated prospect in the Class of 2020.  This four-star prospect has attracted national attention with his potential talent.  He’s received 21 scholarship offers and has begun reducing the number of possible destinations to five.  Eliminated for consideration were Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio State, Marquette and Kansas State and several others. 

The five remaining schools under consideration are North Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan State and Mizzou.  The 6-foot 6-inch Fletcher is entering his senior year at Vashon High School in St. Louis, in addition he and Mario McKinney were teammates.  McKinney is now an incoming freshman at Mizzou, it’s certainly likely Mizzou Nation hopes McKinney “talks” to his former teammate over the course of next season. 

This might not be good
You might remember earlier I predicted the 2019-20 Knicks would be improved over this past season?  Along come Damon Jones former NBA player turned analyst to mess with my prediction.  He claims RJ Barrett might be under more pressure to succeed than former teammate Zion Williamson.  I’d mentioned the youthful Knicks might be mistake prone, then we contrast that with the Pelicans. 

Zion will join a cast which includes Brandon Ingram, Jahlil Okafor and Jrue Holiday.  We could add Lonzo Ball to that mix of talent and see the picture Jones paints.  Barrett will likely be under more pressure than Zion since he’s playing at Madison Square Garden.  Hopefully Barrett will be prepared to play with the pressure of New York City basketball. 

Is it ………?
We discuss the universities to be sanctioned by the NCAA, one’s already been named; North Carolina State was that school.  There is enough speculation to allow me to venture out on the limb and name the second school.  It’s not official yet, if I’m wrong, I’ll apologize to the university its students, alumni and fans of Auburn University.  Yes, I believe the NCAA will aim its next dart at the Auburn Tigers.  This is based on former NBA player and assistant coach Chuck Person being caught up in the scandal.

Greg Oden
He left the NBA in 2014, retired in 2016 the narrative for Greg Oden.  The 7-foot 250-pound center arrived with “star” written on his forehead as the number 1 pick in 2007.  Although primarily the second scoring option at Ohio State he was a shot-blocker extraordinaire and he could rebound.  We read prior to the draft a scout stated; “He’s the second coming of Bill Russell” that’s how much we believed.  Then the injuries, the first in September 2007 when microfracture surgery on his right knee caused him to miss the entire season.  From that point on through 2012 it was one injury then another surgery after another.

In March the Blazers waived Oden, in 2013 he signed a one-year contract with the Heat.  After attempting tryouts with a couple of NBA teams Oden headed to China for 1-year.  After he returned what was once hope for a promising NBA career would end with his retirement from the game.  Despite the setback on the court there were personal issues which saw him arrested and placed on probation.  Oden became a father and later married his fiancé; in the spring of 2019 he received his undergraduate degree.  The bright NBA future projected for Greg Oden never materialized due to the series of injuries he suffered.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

You thought the Battle of Los Angeles was two teams

There is a third party involved in the Battle of Los Angeles, you assumed it was only the Clippers and Lakers.  The Knicks are the third team or rather the owner is the perpetrator.  Madison Square Garden Company and James Dolan own the Forum once home to the Lakers.  Larry Ballmer owner of the Clippers is attempting to move from Staples Center to Inglewood in an arena he builds. 

This cannot be confirmed however its reported Dolan contacted Laker owner Jeanie Buss on two separate occasions about a Laker return to the Forum.  The ramifications of a Laker move might impact the Clippers. Ballmer would likely not move his Clipper team to Inglewood with the Lakers in such proximity.  The winner would be the city with the new Rams Stadium and the Forum blocks apart. 

He is the Jazz
Former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is very ill, the once fiery coach has been slowed. It’s being reported Parkinson’s Disease and dementia have left him in a weakened state.  It might be appropriate to look back on his sterling basketball career for those unfamiliar with him.  Sloan was made the number 4 pick in the first round of the 1965 draft by the Baltimore Bullets (Wizards).  He was traded one year later to the Bulls where he demonstrated his defensive prowess, he became The Original Bull.  1976 would be his last season as a player and from there he moved into the coaching ranks. 

He was first a Bulls assistant and then becoming head coach of the team. Although Sloan had led the team into the playoffs the Bulls fired him, he moved to Salt Lake City as a Jazz assistant.  In 1988 he became the Jazz head coach a position he held until resigning in 2011. Although Sloan left the NBA, he continued to attend Jazz games until his health began to fail.  In 2009 Sloan was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame, the basketball accolades are quite extensive.  1,000 wins as Jazz coach, 9x coach of the month, 4^th winningest coach in NBA history represent a portion of his career highlights.      

All-time winners D-I 
At the end of the 2019 season there’s been no change.  Kentucky remains the leader with 2,293 wins, Kansas is second 2,274 followed by North Carolina with 2,261.  Duke with 2,176 wins and Temple with 1,926 rounds out the Top five winning programs.  Surprising for this fan, the Missouri State Bears are 34^th on the list with 1,670 wins while the Mizzou Tigers sit at 48, 1,615 wins.   Also surprising a few schools in the Top 20 proved interesting BYU, Western Kentucky and Texas. 

We think Texas its usually football apparently not as much as first perceived.  Ja Morant’s Murray State Racers are 44^th along with Illinois State, Pitt and Akron completing the Top 50 list.  Louisville has played competitive basketball since 1912 and we might have thought their win total would place them higher than 26.  The university’s played at the NAIA and D-II level prior to D-I.  Louisville wins at NAIA and D-II are likely not counted in their win total.  I didn’t research to determine if that was the case, the same statement could be made regarding Missouri State. 

Yes, on one maybe on the second
The Lakers have an open roster spot as this is written, what should they do?  The Cavs waived JR Smith recently, thanks but no thanks I’ll pass on him.  Chris Paul’s status is up in the air, reports are the Thunder are seeking a trade.  The Lakers have no warm bodies to offer in exchange for Paul.  There is a possibility, what occurs should Paul seek a buyout from the Thunder?

Should the Lakers consider signing him, even at 34 he’s remains at least a couple of notches above Rondo at the point.  In addition, there is the mindset issue to consider, reports exist Paul was disrupted in the Clippers locker room.  This pattern is supposed to have continued during his time in Houston especially with former teammate James Hardin.  Will the positives outweigh the negatives should Paul be waived?  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

You know
I’m ready for the NBA season to begin again and we are in the middle of July.  Free agency plus the draft leaves me excited about teams that don’t have L A K E R S on the front of their jersey.  In the east the Sixers lost Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick, plug in Al Horford and Josh Richardson as replacements.  As for the Celtics Kemba Walker moves into the vacated point guard shoes of Kyrie Irving.  Walker cannot be expected to replace the departed Irving and Horford.  As for Irving and his Nets they added DeAndre Jordan, but Kevin Durant won’t play until the fall of 2020.  The Nets will play on the same level as this past season but no Durant no championship.  The Hawks will have Trae Young tossing lobs to former Duke forward Cam Reddish.  Don’t go to sleep on the Pacers, Bucks or Raptors they will compete. 

In the west we’ve already discussed the Lakers and Clippers, how about the others.  The Thunder have got to take a step back, Russell Westbrook is gone replaced by a steadier but older Chris Paul.  If the Thunder don’t trade Paul, he represents the only effective scorer in Oklahoma.  Other than the two LA teams the Pelicans have got to be must see basketball, Zion Williamson and company should be quite competitive.  The Mavs will be improved with ROY Luka Doncic teaming with Kristaps Porzingis.  The Jazz, Blazers remain a mystery, they will be good but good enough to win it all?  That becomes the question for these franchises.  Perhaps on the outside for the first time might be the Spurs, looks as though they might miss the playoffs, can you imagine a Gregg Popovich team failing to earn a playoff berth.  

Tournament winners 
The 2019 Peach Jam Tournament in North Augusta South Carolina was won by MOKAN elite this past Sunday.  MOKAN is an AAU team comprised of Missouri and Kansas athletes.  N’Faly Dante is a 6-11 225-pound center from Sunrise Academy was the MVP for the tournament in the 85-84 win, he led the way scoring 22 points and pulling down 18 rebounds. 

This shouldn’t be surprising Dante is a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2020, he attends Sunrise Academy in Bel Aire located in metro Wichita Kansas.  Dante’s received offers from several of the usual universities among them Kentucky, Kansas, LSU and Michigan State.  The youngster becomes one of the many on the African continent becoming enamored with the game of basketball, Dante is from the west African nation of Mali.    

We discover who really oversees the NBA   
The number is 3 was the announcement by Laker LeBron James.  He was relinquishing jersey number 23 to new teammate Anthony Davis.  Davis had worn number 23 all seven years as a member of the Pelicans franchise.  You know that old saying, “The best laid plans of mice and men”, well this certainly didn’t turn out as LeBron hoped. 

The NBA indicated the March 15 deadline had passed for this change to be implemented but was willing to accommodate the request.  The NBA would waive the requirement if Nike was willing to sign off on the request.  Well the “real’ boss Nike stated an emphatic NO on this possible change!  It was simple, $$$ were the deciding factor they claimed a large inventory of LeBron 23 jerseys.  Any attempt at this late stage would significantly impact their bottom line.  For those who thought commissioner Silver was in charge, others said it was LeBron.  Truth is its Nike the ultimate CEO. 

“You dropped a bomb on me”
This is no reference to the 1982 hit by the R&B group The Gap Band although it certainly might apply.  In this instance there is no aircraft dropping bombs it’s the NCAA with a bomb or mallet if you prefer hanging over the head of several programs.  It’s believed the first ordinance was dropped with North Carolina State being named a party by the NCAA. 

The university was accused of major violations of NCAA policy.  There are other schools who will be named according to the governing body of collegiate sports.  There are no news leaks up to this point however based on the earlier NCAA statement NC State doesn’t stand alone.  Who are they, we could speculate all day long and still be incorrect?  There are times I refuse to speculate; this is one of those occasions.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The best of the best
In the Kansas City Metro anytime a discussion is held regarding the top high school basketball players the same names are always at the top of the list.  Jaron Rush Pembroke Hill, earlier in time was Paseo High’s Anthony Peeler.  Preceding both was Warren Jabali who played at KC’s Central High in the mid 1960’s and later at Wichita State, he would become ABA Rookie of the Year in the 1968-69 season. 

David Thomas PhD will present his book JABALI-A Kansas City Legend.  The book launch and presentation will be held July 28 at KC’s Plaza Library Auditorium, 4801 Main Street KCMO 64112 the time 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  For those outside the metro you can still participate in this event, Thomas’s book will be available for you to purchase either at a bookstore or online.  As additional details are available, they will be shared with you. 

A departure
I once wrote I don’t do salaries, and there is a clear explanation.  No matter my love for sports especially basketball every professional athlete I believe is OVERPAID.  I make the statement in consideration of those who educate our children, those first responders and others who often fail to receive adequate pay.  This is where I’m coming from, for weeks it was mentioned the Sixers were to sign Ben Simmons to a max contract.  We heard from several in sports media pointing to the negatives, “He’s got no jump shot, he doesn’t do _____well or he could improve _____.” 

Your employer decides in favor of a pay raise for you.  Another department head in another area who may or may not be acquainted with you says no raise is due you.  The statement is made despite the fact this person has little if any direct knowledge of your job performance.  The same holds true for us, I wonder how Skip Bayless or Stephen A. Smith would imagine if we had input on pay raises for them.  Despite objections by those in the media the Sixers decided to reward their point guard with a 5-year contract. 

Conundrum
Dwight Howard indicates he’s open to a Laker return in free agency, amazing.  He took it one step further by stating a return he includes the Clippers in the conversation.  In 2012 when he arrived and joined forces with Kobe Bryant Laker Nation saw another championship.  I’m not going to discuss why he left the Lakers in 2013 after but one season that ship has sailed.  Since leaving the Lakers there have been numerous moves on his NBA journey. 

It’s been an incredible five teams in five years, seven teams in nine years is the total number. Many of us believe based on his play with the Magic early Howard was headed for a Hall of Fame career.  If we look at the numbers throughout his career, they have been above average (17.4 ppg & 12.7 rebounds).  He’s only 33 years old but his best years may be in the rear-view mirror.  As for the Lakers hopefully they say no, as for the Clippers that’s a different story. 

“The World is your oyster”
I cannot provide you any idea when I first heard the phrase.  Rather than my definition let’s check out the net.  It says; “You are in a position to take the opportunities that life has to offer” or “If you have lots of money you can have anything you want.”  The first definition appeals to me personally, accumulating wealth can sometimes be a difficult task.  The initial definition says to me you are Ja Morant, you play basketball at Murray State.  You maximize your potential while enrolled leading to you becoming the second draft pick in the 2019 NBA draft.  We could make the same statement regarding Steph Curry, 3-star prospect in high school. 

Who knew except Steph how good he could become eventually as an NBA player?  If we look back in time several NBA players exceeded Morant in a sense.  They were not drafted yet managed long and, in some instances, distinguished NBA careers.  Ask older Knick fans about guard John Starks or mention the name Ben Wallace to any member of Piston Nation.  These two and several others went un-drafted however that failed to deter their dreams.  They and others were eventually placed in a position where they could take advantage of a lifetime opportunity.  Don’t misunderstand, an athlete must have a degree of talent.  The simple fact on occasion it’s difficult for someone to see the “fire” to succeed burning in you. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces
The trade of Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul sent a seismic wave throughout the NBA.  Now we are hearing Paul might not be long for OKC, he might be on the move to Miami or elsewhere.  If you read the same account as me one of the considerations for the Paul trade was the Rockets wanted relief from his huge contract.  It might be extremely difficult to move Paul; on the other hand, I try to never say never.

Few of us have seen James Wiseman in action, even fewer might be familiar with his name.  He’s a 7-foot 1-inch power forward/center and an incoming freshman at Memphis.  How good is he, well nbadraftroom.com projects him as the number one draft choice in 2020?  Is he ready for the rigors of the NBA, his freshman season will certainly determine that fact?

I admit I’ve been disappointed with NBA Summer League basketball.  In all honesty it was hoped Ja Morant and Zion Williamson would be in action.  Morant never suited up period due to injury, Zion played a single game before he too sat down.  We guess it’s just as well, they both can began preparations for the rigorous NBA season.  I can state I’ve been impressed with two Celtics the diminutive Carsen Edwards and the colossus that is Tacko Fall. 

Nerlens Noel and Marcus Morris fired agent Rich Paul; this is news why?  The question is posed because athletes change representation occasionally this is certainly nothing new.  As they might say, “nothing to see here, move on might be the next statement.”  Oh, we figured it out, Paul is the agent for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and we guess this makes the story news. 

Trust me
Anytime someone you don’t know says “trust me” you immediately become suspicious.  Well that’s the case here, 99 and ¾% of you have no idea who I am but I too say it…. trust me.  My first visit to the barber shop after free agency was not particularly noteworthy.  The shop was empty except for the two barbers and three patrons when I arrived.  I took my seat waiting for my barber to finish the man in his chair. 

One older patron finally spoke up and began a discussion on the Lakers.  He made a comical remark indicating he’d heard the Lakers had signed Patrick Mahomes.  I chimed in, “Did you see the video of him tossing a football out of Arrowhead Stadium?  What an arm, I’m sure he could play the point with accuracy.”  Finally, the customer said it, “The Clippers ain’t gonna win anything, (laughing) they are the Clippers.  Kawhi Leonard is going to miss games and Paul George is recovering from shoulder surgery right now.” 

Silver and Black
The Spurs garb is the same as the NFL Raiders, the football team’s image never corresponded to that of the Spurs.  The football team once a prime contender has sunk considerably in recent years, the NBA Spurs move through the waters of the NBA smoothly.  They are like ducks, on top of the water they appear navigating choppy waters, beneath water level they are paddling like mad.  One constant during the last 23 years of Spurs play is the head coach Gregg Popovich.  Over the years we’ve seen David Robinson depart, Tim Duncan leave and Manu Ginobili finish careers, yet the 70-year old “Pop” continues at the helm. 

Although Pop often appears passive, he’s passionate about the game which has meant so much to him and Spurs Nation.  Last season’s team won 48 games and earned a playoff berth not an unusual finish for a Spurs team.  What about the upcoming NBA season you might ask?  The franchise due to its winning record never drafts lottery prospects, they have drafted wisely in the mid to late first round every season.  The Spurs have always scouted extensively in Europe and discovered a “Tony Parker” or other prospects.  The same for the two first round and single second round choice in 2019.  Can they play, we don’t know however I wouldn’t count on them contributing. 

Is it time for a change?
He must not be having much fun anymore, that might be Thunder coach Billy Donovan.  We’ve read two different websites with the same story “Is it time for him to return to the collegiate game.”  Donovan is the only one to answer the question, but it is interesting.  

He tasted success from 1996-2015 while head coach at Florida guiding the program to 467 wins and two NCAA championships.  His last Florida team compiled a losing record the first for him since his second season at the helm.  Was that a basis for Donovan leaving for the NBA, April 13, 2015 he agreed to take over the reins of the Thunder.  His Thunder team has certainly been successful although not advancing very far in the playoffs.  Will Donovan return to the college game, only he can answer that question?

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Laker brain trust  
Who is in charge might be the question? After Magic Johnson abruptly quit and then went on ESPN blasting the organization Laker Nation had questions.  With the draft and free agency pending it appeared the word dysfunction clearly reflected the Laker front office.  After acquiring Anthony Davis, the team had no draft picks but swung a trade for a second-round shooting guard.  Then July and free agent time, all signs pointed to the Lakers in the driver’s seat to acquire Kawhi Leonard. 

Unbeknownst to the Lakers Kawhi was “recruiting” Paul George while planning on meeting with the Lakers.  It's apparent the Lakers had a Plan B in place, it should be of note how quickly they signed much of the roster after Kawhi Leonard said NO to them. Is the Laker brain trust Kurt and Linda Rambis, Rob Pelinka or maybe owner Jeanie Buss calling the shots?  Except for Boogie Cousins, most of these free agent acquisitions occurred over a 48-hour period after Kawhi announced his decision.   Has the apparent front office confusion at the end of the season been resolved?  Again, a question remaining unanswered for now. 

Who’s he?
His name, Ochai Agbaji and he’s a shooting guard for the Kansas Jayhawks.  This sophomore attended Oak Park High School in Kansas City; he certainly might be referred to as a late bloomer.  Agbaji was a Rivals 3-star prospect in the Class of 2018 and so was the Warriors Steph Curry in 2006.  Kansas had Agbaji on their radar however there were few others.  Once he arrived on campus the 6-foot 4-inch 200-pound shooting guard was intended to redshirt during his freshman season.  Kansas struggled early in the 2018-19 season causing coach Self to exchange Agbaji’s redshirt for a crimson and blue jersey. 

Agbaji had an up and down freshman performance however he proved he was talented.  At the end of the season as various roster members contemplated leaving for the NBA Agbaji remained in place.  If the mock sites are correct, he might have difficulty in 2020 saying no, three sites list him as a draft prospect.  One places him number 7 in the first round while the other pegs him as the 26^th pick and the third has him the 43^rd pick in the second round.  The disclaimer says this is no prediction of future NBA success it does state this, talent can present itself even though it might be late blooming.   

All is Love and Roses…. For now
The Clippers might eclipse the Lakers as Kings of Los Angeles.  The Sixers might emerge as the Beast of the East as many believe plus will Kyrie Irving blossom now that he’s had the opportunity to choose his team.  Those are just a few of the accounts that could play out in the 2019-20 NBA season but not the most intriguing.  The most interesting to this writer is the Westbrook-Hardin back court in Houston. 

Despite the apparent friendship in the State Farm commercials at the end Chris Paul and James Hardin had fallen out completely.  A similar situation existed in OKC; Russell Westbrook wanted out as well.  Hardin welcomes Westbrook to the Rockets, all is love and roses…. now.  Can two ball dominate guards share one basketball?  There is no attempt to place a negative spin on the story it appears on paper neither team really benefited from this landmark trade. 

Knick fans are fed up 
These fans might adopt the State of Missouri’s motto; Show Me, they are fed up reading and hearing reports, they continue to read and hear “The team will be better.”  That just might be the case for the 2019-20 NBA season, at the top the coach David Fizdale might have assembled a major portion of “his” roster.  If we look at the potential starters the oldest is 24-year old newly acquired Julius Randle.  We have two who are age 19 and two 21 years old, you know what that entails.  Young Knick players making mistakes during crucial periods but learning and growing NBA experience. 

Behind these starters is veterans Taj Gibson who just turned 34 in June plus Reggie Bullock.  Only one other player on the roster is over the age of 31 so youth must be served.  The Spurs pulled their offer to Marcus Morris and he will sign with the Knicks.  There is talent at the point with Dennis Smith Jr, the same could be said for Randle at power forward.  The balance of starters and reserves has the Knicks with perhaps the youngest roster in the NBA.  They say, “Patience is a virtue” and fans of the Knicks certainly have been patient.  Major injuries not withstanding fans should see an improvement in play (I hope).   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Depends on the school
Locally we don’t receive a great deal of NBA news, it’s probably based on no NBA team being located here.  With that statement in tow consider this report, free agent Kelley Oubre Jr. re-signed with the Suns which was not shocking.  Earlier free agent Willie Cauley-Stein signed a contract with his new team the Warriors.  One party earns a spot on the local sports news while coverage of the other was omitted. 

The local NBC affiliate during its 10:00 p.m. newscast mentioned the Oubre story but failed to mention Cauley-Stein which occurred a week or so earlier.  Oubre Jr. played his college basketball at Kansas, Cauley-Stein from Olathe Kansas in metro Kansas City played his college ball at Kentucky.  It could be me however there certainly appears to be bias in sports coverage here unless an athlete attends Kansas University.      

It might be more than talent
There is more than talent separating an NAIA athlete over one who plays Division I or II basketball.  I held a conversation with a friend who played NAIA basketball, and this is what he said.  “On one of our many road trips we played _______ and _______.  Our biggest adjustment was playing in a much larger arena.  We walked into the building and our eyes got really big” That makes sense in several instances, as an example his home arena had a seating capacity of only 1,800. 

Many teams in the conference played in similar size arenas throughout the conference.  As a visiting NAIA or Division II team walking into Rupp Arena seating almost 24,000 fans or the Dean Dome with almost 22,000, the surroundings could easily intimidate a visiting team.  As for the talent issue he shared this story with me; “They had the ball on a break, me and a teammate were prepared to take a charge from the guy dribbling down court toward us.  We are standing almost shoulder to shoulder ready to take a charge and somehow he elevated squeezing between us both and dunked the ball.”  We can conclude sometimes talent is an issue as well. 

Has anything like this occurred previously?    
The Russell Westbrook trade sent a seismic shock throughout the NBA world.  Chris Paul arrives in Oklahoma City however he’s 34 years old.  The trade has long term implications for a total re-build with the number of draft picks the Thunder retain.  Beginning in 2020 up through 2027 the NBA draft will become the “Thunder” draft rather than the NBA draft.  If Thunder GM Sam Presti remains in place his team will have 13 first round draft choices. 

In addition, the Thunder have 6 second round picks too.  We cannot peer into the future, it’s likely the Thunder will not retain all the draft choices, a few of these choices are likely traded for veteran talent.  This is a bold attempt on Presti’s part to re-build the Thunder over the next several years.  The question was asked in the headline, “Has anything like this occurred previously?”  NBA teams in the past have stockpiled draft picks but certainly nothing close to this number of picks.         

Does this role fit you?
The term chauvinist, does this resemble you?  I’ve read many of your letters those particularly related to basketball.  You offer critical remarks regarding the WNBA not for its play, but the fact women desire their level of pay be increased.  I'm willing to fact facts, it’s never going to be at the NBA level.  If pay were increased perhaps many of these women could stop playing year-round.  When the WNBA season is over many journey to their European “second job.”  I’ve heard you describe ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Doris Burk as unattractive, that’s rich as you sit in your Lazy Boy chair consuming large quantities of adult beverages while watching the game.  Whens the last time you could see your shoes over your ever protruding belly?

Every time an NBA team hires a female assistant coach generally the first words out of your mouth “I hope she’s good-looking.”  You never stop to consider the woman delivering or writing the sports news or coaching might be just as competent as any male fulfilling the same roles.  Many of you reading this will assume the female is hired due to a quota system.  Too a degree you are probably correct however consider this little tidbit.  For several years despite the talent level women were excluded from many professions sports and basketball included.  Keep your chauvinist beliefs if you view them important to your male status, this short account will certainly not change your mind. 

UMKC 
I wrote earlier this year I couldn’t understand the moves regarding the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  If the administration commits to play at the D-I level that’s forever (sometimes).  Since moving from the NAIA ranks the school has struggled to attract basketball talent, based on continuous losing records the athletic department continues to fire coaches believing the next one will turn the program around.  This is no knock at D-II or NAIA level, but I wrote UMKC should slide downward for a period.  Want an example, Oral Roberts did it moved from NAIA to D-I then back to NAIA.  Oral Roberts is D-I again playing in the same conference UMKC will return in 2020-2021. 

I’m unsure who’s idea it was for UMKC to move into the Western Athletic Conference, it was a loser in more ways than one.  UMKC continued to lose on the court and probably lose financially.  Conference foes in the Summit League were much closer than travel to Seattle and trips to play two different California foes.  The Summit League will be more accommodating if for nothing else travel.  UMKC has never come close to fulfilling the dream of a winning urban university basketball.   Hopefully this move to the Summit plus improved play will place the basketball program on a winning path. In addition, a name change takes place immediately, only UMKC applies to those in the metro.  The team will now be “Kansas City” similar to how Nebraska-Omaha is now “Omaha” and one other program. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Daryl Morey and Sam Presti
Morey is GM of the Rockets while Presti holds the same position with the Thunder.  Over the years the two have drafted, traded and signed several free agents for their respective teams.  In several instances we can point toward a successful conclusion or action while in other cases the moves could be considered questionable.  Thursday evening came word the Thunder had traded Russell Westbrook to the Rockets for Chris Paul, this move could certainly be considered a shock.  We’d heard rumors all last week about the Thunder moving Westbrook but most of us believed it was talk only.  Forget the draft choices included in the trade, we often forget them and sometimes they don’t even pan out. 

The trade is one for one, Westbrook for Paul and the future of both franchises.  This move can not be fully analyzed until the season concludes but how does it appear on the surface?  It’s certainly confusing here; the Rockets back court will now contain two ball-dominate teammates.  Can one yield to the other enough to provide a winning combination?  In Oklahoma City Chris Paul clearly has “gas” left in the tank but he just turned 34.  This cannot be considered a long-term move by the Thunder since Westbrook is four years younger.  The absence of Westbrook leaves the team with Paul as the only reliable scorer, this despite the addition of Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acquired from the Clippers earlier.  For further results stay tuned for the NBA season beginning in late October. 

Get the facts straight…. please
Information arrives at such a fast pace we often don’t have time to comprehend or decide if it’s correct.  That’s the case on Thursday afternoon, I’m not blaming Rachel Nichols someone conducting research provided her with incorrect information on a historic event.  Celtics legend Bill Russell received the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the ESPYs.  Nichols on her ESPN program The Jump acknowledged the award and provided viewers with a detailed history of Russell on and off the court. 

Then it occurred, Nichols said “At the time legendary coach Red Auerbach stepped down, he asked Bill Russell to become head coach thus becoming the first black head coach in any major U.S. sport.”  The statement is technically correct but somewhat misleading, Russell wasn’t the first black head coach in a major sport, that event belongs to the late John McClendon.  The 1961-62 season saw an upstart basketball league began play, 1962 witnessed the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League hired McClendon.  This predecessor to the American Basketball Association only lasted 1 and ½ seasons it was still major at the time.  As for Russell he took on the role of player-coach for the Celtics in 1966.  

Has the hammer dropped?
Remember the NCAA claiming a few schools would receive penalties after the NCAA championship was completed?  The statement was based on results from the Adidas trial last year and the widespread fallout it created.  A few assistants were terminated while others faced jail time, it’s believed the only head coach to lose his job was Rick Pitino at Louisville. 

As this is written we are unsure if the Pitino firing was tied into Adidas, his firing did occur around the time period of the trial.  The NCAA announced North Carolina State has been dinged for two level one violations.  This stems from the recruitment of Dennis Smith Jr. now in the NBA and former head coach Mark Gottfried.  Is this the beginning of a tidal wave of schools being identified as culprits?  We can only wait at this point for further announcements. 

Forget about it
A report circulated LeBron James would move to the point this upcoming season.  Coach Frank Vogel says in so many words, “Forget about it” there are no plans currently.  There is no argument with the passing skill, LeBron could play the position.  The issue might be on the defensive side, speedy point guards might provide the 34-year-old LeBron problems on occasion.  As for Boogie he’s happy to be re-united with Anthony Davis again, in addition he claims to be fully healed. 

Boogie must prove himself perhaps more than any other newly acquired Laker.  In a discussion of the Clippers I stated they look good on paper; I can make the same statement about the Lakers.  With Anthony Davis at the four, LeBron at the three and a fully healed Boogie at the five that’s a mighty impressive front line on paper.  I’m going to say it again; I cannot wait for this new and hopefully improved Laker team to walk onto the floor. 

Another father-son connection
The University of Virginia announced wing Jabri Abdul-Rahim in the Class of 2020 made his intentions known.  This 6-foot 6-inch 180-pound prospect is a 4-star prospect and ranked 41^st by Rivals.  As for the connection his father is Shareef Abdul-Rahim, his dad played in the NBA from 1996-2008.  After retirement dad completed his education which would later include a master’s degree, he then spent time as an assistant NBA coach for the Kings.  in 2018 the elder Abdul-Rahim was named president of the NBA's G-League. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

There he goes again
You can check other sources besides Rivals, their list contains 13 high school prospects in the Class of 2020 standing 6 foot 10 inches and taller.  Where am I going with this discussion you might ask?  I’m happy to provide you a response, I’m tired of big men standing at the 3-point line taking shots.  Big men are to play back to the basket down low. 

Drop steps and other offensive moves witness them shooting a hook (for heaven’s sake) or slam the ball.  I know what you are saying, “small ball is in, the traditional big man game is a thing of the past.”  Okay explain this to me if you can, a 3-point basket made is only one more point than a slam dunk.  This is between you and me, I’m quite sure it will change no minds.  Oh well, I got if off my chest once again.     

You didn't know his name
Guess what, neither did I prior to researching the subject a bit.  His name is Devontae Cacko and he's a former UNC-Wilmington power forward/center, he stands 6 foot 7 and weighs 240 pounds.  Despite being somewhat undersized for a center Cacok led the nation in rebounding (12.3 per game) this past season.  Despite this fact several NBA teams ignored him draft night last month.  It’s clear the Lakers were familiar with his play; he was signed to play for their summer league team. 

Cacok recently signed an Exhibition 10 contract which is no guarantee he makes the big club.  His numbers thus far have likely been the basis for the Lakers offering him a contract.  He’s averaging 13 points and 9 rebounds playing only 22 minutes a game, his field goal percentage is close to 60%.  Failing to be drafted once might have been a “death sentence” to a prospect, but no more.  If Cacok fails to earn a spot on the Lakers, its likely some other NBA team may find him a valuable addition. 

Football versus basketball
Depending on the school in question is college basketball king or football?  It likely depends on who is being discussed, if for example you mention Duke, Kentucky or North Carolina your first response is basketball.  All three universities compete on the football field, but basketball is this dominate sport on the campus among alumni and fans of the program.  On the other hand, if the discussion was held on Alabama, Texas, LSU or Ohio State your thought would immediately focus on the football rather than basketball program.     

These universities compete on the basketball court successfully on almost the same level of the football program.  It’s been said “Football revenue pays for all sports programs at major universities.”  We have no method to verify this, often we are not privileged to see accounting for state-supported schools.  As for Duke, Kentucky and the other programs sold out far into the future it’s difficult to believe.  It’s difficult to believe they require football revenue to support the basketball program.  This question is likely to remain unanswered because we’ll never have a true picture.

He was the best
Pau Gasol last played for the Lakers in 2014, he’s 38 years old now with several other NBA stops.  It’s my contention we could return to the days of Minneapolis up through 2019 and not find a better all-around Laker power forward in the team’s history.  Who were the others, Klay Thompson’s dad Mychal was pretty good so too was Bob McAdoo?  We could also include A.C. Green and in the Minneapolis days the late Vern Mickkelsen, the first Laker championship Hap Hairston filled the role of power forward. 

Gasol could score but he also could rebound the ball and play tough defense.  Most credit Kobe with those post-Shaq championships and he was however Gasol was just as much a key.  The back to back NBA Championships is proof of the valuable role he played while a member of the Lakers.  Gasol and Kobe Bryant formed a friendship bond that remains in place to this day.  What I believe should occur I hope someday, jersey number 16 hoisted to the top of Staples Center to denote the valuable role Paul Gasol played. 

Steve Fisher
The coach retired at the end of the 2017 college season; Steve Fisher had a distinguished coaching career.  His first head coaching job was at the University of Michigan, while there he headed a program that produced the Fab Five for the Wolverines.  A tandem of freshman and sophomores led by Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson almost won an NCAA championship. 

Can we state Fisher has seen and coached several basketball talents over his 38-year career?  Fisher spent his final years coaching San Diego State University.  While at the university he recruited and coach the Clippers Kawhi Leonard.  Fisher says he still maintains contact with Leonard to this day.  An interesting statement by the coach, “I wasn’t surprised he’s a pro he works hard what is surprising to me he’s so good.”