Basketball from a fans perspective

Congratulations

The Celtics are 2024 NBA champions, congratulations are due the team, coach Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens president of basketball operations. They took care of business on Monday evening beating the Mavs 106-88 to secure the championship. There were several keys to the Celtic victory but especially leading the way was Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown also secured the series MVP award and both are rewarding to him.

Immediately after the win he tweeted this out, a teacher said; “I’ll see you in the Cobb County Jail in 5 years.” Brown provided us no background on the tweet but it proves a fact, none of us are gifted enough to see the future in its entirety. I almost missed this one until a reminder came across my desk, congratulations are also due Al Horford of the Celtics. His play at the age of 38 and with 17 NBA seasons behind provided stuff that doesn’t always show up in the box score. This is his second tour with the Celtics having played with them from 2016-2019. Horford’s also played for the Hawks, Sixers and Thunder.

Okay with one but not the other

As this is written it appears JJ Redick will soon be named Lakers head coach. I’m not as excited this time around as I was at the time Darvin Ham was retired two years ago I felt differently. I was aware Ham had experience as a player, an assistant coach and an NBA championship winning assistant coach. Bottom line, although there was little basis for a positive outlook I felt differently than 2024. Redick played college ball for one of my favorite coaches, he learned the game from coach K.

As for the NBA that was a different matter as he played for good ones, some average and at least one I question his credibility as a good coach. Some have compared Redick to Pat Riley, he arrived at the helm with a limited coaching background yet Riley was the co-architect of Showtime on the court. The late Jerry West was the co-architect in the front office. Redick might be okay as a coach the only problem he’s got no track record. In conclusion I must remind you of my standard line, “I’m from Missouri, (Redick’s) Got to Show Me.”

The Philippines

The late Jerry West tells the story, he provided no time this event occurred. It surely must have been a period when NBA television coverage is not what it is today. West indicated he’d been invited to be a judge at the Miss Universe contest to be held in the Philippines. He stated NBA games were on television however they were delayed a month, West believed he could walk around as just another American tourist. That was not the case, he discovered as you will the NBA and basketball are quite popular in this southwest Pacific island nation. The sport was brought to the Philippines by Americans during its colonial period but unlike other games basketball rose to the top.

A Filipino writer claims “People in the Philippines love the game so much they are willing to play in bare flip-flops, with nothing to protect their feet and no ankle support to save their ligaments on hard concrete or dirt courts.” Can you say that’s a real love of basketball? Following the NBA in the Philippines today is much easier than the period West describes. Rest assured a time issue exists however live games are available on TV5, One Sports and NBA TV Philippines. There is a 12-hour time difference, as an example an 8:00 p.m. Friday game in New York would be live aired at 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning in the Philippines. I also discovered there are a number of basketball leagues in the nation in competition with one another. A small number of Filipino players those from the nation and others growing up in the U.S. have managed to play in the NBA. Jordan Clarkson who played at Mizzou is now with the Utah Jazz, he’s shares American and Filipino heritage.

Recruiting

This is interesting news, 247Sports.com’s Class of 2024 has arrived on campus at Columbia and comes in as the number 5 team in the nation. But wait there is more news, 247Sports has compiled its list for 2025 and they place Mizzou at number 10. The exciting portion of this latest news Mizzou has only one player verbally committed as this is written. I expect the rating to rise over the course of the next 9-12 months, we’ve discussed the transfer portal and its impact on college basketball. It’s become a vital part of recruiting but instead of one component there are now three keys to effective enticement.

The third component is Name, Image and Likeness or NIL, it’s become just as important to effective recruiting as the other two. Dennis Gates and staff is one of the exceptions, they must travel far and wide to attract talent to Columbia Missouri. There are other coaches able to do this by their name alone, I place John Calipari in this group. Some might state its “easy” to attract talent to storied basketball Kentucky, it’s not but we can say that. It’s yet to be proven however I believe this process will follow Cal to Arkansas. Other coaches able to recruit on their name, Bill Self at Kansas and certainly Dan Hurley UConn’s coach. Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Rick Barnes along with Bruce Pearl Auburn are also “name” coaches. There are others left off the list but you understand the premise I trust.

Question…how many is too many?

The NBA is talking expansion and Las Vegas is one of the locations mentioned. An NBA team needs an arena but you think four might be a little over the top? Let’s count them, we have Thomas & Mack Arena, it opened in 1983 so it’s the oldest arena in use. Thomas & Mack is home court for UNLV basketball, in addition it’s the site for NBA Summer League play, it becomes arena number one. In 2016 T-Mobile Arena opened, this building is home for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL, it’s arena number two.

There are two groups working on proposals for the NBA that will represent Las Vegas once the league expands, they are placed number three and number four. Keep in mind there is no guarantee either arena three or four comes to fruition. It appears the Golden Knights undoubtedly prefer to avoid sharing play dates with an NBA team. It also might be the case the NBA desires to avoid an arena opened in 1983 fearing it’s too old. What does the future hold for Las Vegas, the detail for both projects indicates no taxpayer financing will be involved so that becomes a non-issue. It’s common for a large metropolitan area to hold more than one arena but two new one’s is certainly a different matter.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Now he expresses concern

Shaquille O’Neal the basketball player has remained one of my favorites, as for the analyst Shaquille that’s another matter. Just yesterday I read an article on MSN’s NBA page, Shaq was discussing his dominance during his NBA career. No one dared stand in his path when the 300-pound behemoth was driving toward the basket for a thunderous dunk. He dubbed himself Superman during his playing days, just like the fictional Superman was stopped by Kryptonite so was Shaq.

Shaq’s Kryptonite was no rock it was the times he would trudge to the free throw line. In any event the article I read detailed his problems from the free-throw line and one sentence jumped off the page at me, his large hands being part of the difficulty. Reading that I decided to conduct a little research on my own to determine why Shaq was so poor from the line. He was also responsible for Hack-a-Shaq, opposing NBA teams would foul him on purpose with his mediocre performance from the line. While playing as a defense for his poor shooting he would say, “I make ‘em when they count,” The only problem the statement was far from the truth. I thought about Connie Hawkins and Dr. J., two players with huge hands, I decided to use these two for my experiment. According to my research the hand length of Hawkins was 10.5 inches and hand span was 11 inches.

Dr. J. was 9.5 inches and his hand length was 11 inches. As for Shaq his hand length was 10.5 inches and his hand span was also 12 inches. Are you ready for this, I looked at only his NBA numbers not those in the ABA. Hawkins career was 77.9%, Dr. J. was a career 77.7% free-throw shooter. As for Shaq it was 52.7%. So it may well appear hand size had nothing to do with Shaq being such a poor free-throw shooter. I find it amusing all these years later Shaq realizes how much more dominate he could have been with practice, practice and more practice.

The Eastern League

One writer said this, “The Eastern Professional Basketball League was the second-best pro basketball league in the country during the 1950’s and early ‘60’s when the NBA had 10 or fewer teams and only 100 players.” Games were often played in high school gyms although players received $100 a game, they had day jobs they played in the Eastern for the joy of playing professionally. League teams were located mostly in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York and in towns such as Scranton, Williamsport, Wilkes-Barre and Trenton. The league began play in the 1946 season about the same time the BAA began play.

Most of the players’ names are probably unfamiliar to you so I will note just one name you might be familiar with. Generally those reading this probably believe Phil Jackson’s coaching legacy began with the Bulls, that is not the case. After his playing career was over he began as an assistant coach with the Nets. From 1982-1987 Jackson was head coach of the Albany (NY) Patroons, his team won the 1984 championship. It should be noted that by this time the league had been re-branded and had become the Continental Basketball Association. As for Jackson you are aware he moved to the Bulls and later the Lakers winning NBA championships in both locales. In a manner of speaking we could say the league was the predecessor of the NBA G-League, the Eastern League a.k.a. Continental Basketball Association.

The best backcourt

Sports media is often guilty of seeing what’s in front of its face. That is the question for you, regardless of the outcome of this NBA Finals I’ve heard some in the media pronounce the Mavs backcourt “the best in the NBA.” I’m really not sure if I am ready for that, maybe in 2024 but for all time? Luka Doncic is skilled at passing the basketball and has an arsenal of shots. As for Kyrie Irving he too has a mix of offensive weapons to draw from. The one area I can pick at is their defense, however, keep in mind there is no requirement to be a great defensive backcourt

Who is at play now besides this duo and in the NBA’s past…. there are candidates. We could point to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the two who would become the Splash Brothers leading the team to several NBA championships. My initial thought might be Magic Johnson and Byron Scott, important keys to the success of the Showtime Lakers. They faced stiff competition at the time from Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars guard for the Bad Boy Pistons. One backcourt that might be overlooked or not receive the credit due in our search would be Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili these too were driving forces in the success attained by the Spurs during a time. Perhaps because of the start of Ginobili being a 6th man at first might be a factor. If we turned to the distant past how about Jerry West and Gail Goodrich of the Lakers, they had competition from Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe of the Knicks.

In an even earlier period Celtics Bob Cousy and Sam Jones were the backcourt of those Celtic championship teams. How do I omit the Jordan-Harper combo of the Bulls, Michael Jordan and Ron Harper. These combos and others were key to producing winning teams, some were certainly superior in the realm of offense, others such as the Bad Boy Pistons might have been better defenders. In conclusion your opinion is your own, as for me I have a great deal of difficulty declaring the Mavs backcourt of Doncic-Irving the best ever.

He certainly might be the expert

I haven’t dropped a bomb on Jason Whitlock for quite a while so here goes. He said Charles Barkley’s retirement is based on problems dealing with corporate broadcasters or something similar. Guess what, Whitlock could be correct, how many jobs is it now Jason? This is not in any order of hiring, part time at The Herald Times in Bloomington Indiana, Charlotte Observer, Ann Arbor News all newspapers. Also included is the Kansas City Star newspaper, WHB and KCSP both sports talk radio stations in Kansas City.

AOL Sports, ESPN (twice I believe) and Fox Sports (also twice). We must include Outkick a sports and political commentary website, it was later sold to Fox and with that came the departure of Whitlock. In June 2021 he partnered with Blaze Media where he presently resides. By my count that is 13-14 jobs he held or is holding at present. I’m sure his mail might have been forwarded to two addresses at near the same time based on all the moves he’s made. So I agree, Jason you certainly should know the ends and outs of corporate America based on the number of jobs you’ve held.

Basketball from a fans perspective

The NHL & NBA

If you check out the early history of the NBA you will discover several NBA owners also possessed NHL teams. My guess, both sports being of the winter variety and played in the same type of building. That’s what exists with this latest news regarding Seattle’s bid for an NBA franchise. Commissioner Silver has made news in recent months and weeks naming possible locations for expansion NBA teams, one of those locations being Seattle.

Samatha Holloway has become executive chair of the NHL Kraken hockey team. The Kraken play in Climate Pledge Arena which her group partially owns according to reports. In any event Holloway has a desire to become an NBA owner, it would appear her connection with TPG Inc. a private equity fund places her in exclusive company. Whether this NBA effort would be a single proprietorship or partnership it would look as if Holloway is thinking NBA at some future date. Preserve her name for future reference, you are likely to hear it once again near the time the NBA Sonic’s become active once again. 

Sit up and take notice

I listened to a critical discussion of the NBA recently. It wasn’t conducted by anyone connected with sports in general, the panel was a 20-something youngster and two 40-year-olds. One of the older adults said, “I don’t watch the NBA any longer, there is far too much player movement. I turned on a game recently and discovered _______ was playing for ______, my thought, when did this happen?” That certainly is the case, some NBA players change zip codes faster than USPS is able to forward mail. That might be exaggeration to a degree however we can use Kevin Durant as the example.

Nothing related to his talent but he’s moved from Seattle (drafted) to Oklahoma City (beginning play) to the Warriors to the Nets and now the Suns. This has nothing to do with the talent Durant possesses on the basketball court, all the moves of his career make me dizzy. Jerry West died recently, he spent his entire career with the Lakers as did Magic Johnson. There are others who accomplished the same longevity but the “Durant’s” of the NBA cause me to say why. It’s not only that it’s Load Management which has become interwoven in our brain. We realize the NBA season is long, there’s a great deal of travel but consider this fact. Ol skool players never sat because they were too tired, they sat down because they were injured or ill. I’m not sure who caused load management to come about there is a name who became the symbol and forced the NBA to adopt it league wide. How about this, I travel to Dallas expecting to see LeBron in the Laker lineup and he is in load management.

The NBA All Star game has become almost unwatchable, the 3-point shootout, the skill competition and other events likely draw more eyes than the game itself. The last point, elimination of the low post game. NBA teams no longer attempt to develop the next Abdul Jabbar, Shaq or Wilt. We all get it, Steph Curry has been a lights out 3-point shooter, everybody ain’t Steph. I hate…I detest guys 6 foot 11 and taller shooting 3’s. Finally the last issue social media, if you must ask why that’s been a detriment to the NBA you haven’t been paying attention, this and more is not the NBA I grew up loving.

I pledged to not do this

We are at the dawn of the NBA draft and I am reneging on something I promised myself. I said my intent was to leave acquisition of players for the Lakers in the hands of those with more knowledge than me. I’m doing this for a couple of reasons, I’m concerned about adding Bronny James. Don’t misunderstand he is a talent however based on the work of one season and playing part-time minutes…he’s not a number 1 pick, sorry LeBron. The player I believe is a number 1 and the Lakers could draft is Zach Edey and I’ll explain.

Anthony Davis has complained the last two seasons about playing center, if the Lakers make this move they can move AD to power forward. Adding the 7-foot 4 300-pound Edey could go a long way toward addressing two Laker issues, rebounding and defense. As for the second round the Lakers have the 55th pick in the second round, if Bronny is on the board at the time then I’d have no issue with him being the pick. My guess is likely it would be G-League for Bronny. Upon completion of this account a news story broke involving Edey. It’s was mentioned recently that the NBA invites a select number of prospects to the Green Room during the draft, Edey was invited but declined the offer.

He's the one

The last transfer added to Mizzou’s roster is Josh Gray who played at South Carolina. Gray is a traditional Big Man standing 7 feet and 265 pounds, it’s unlikely he drifts out to the 3 line to shoot. Whatever he accomplishes will be in the paint. What does coach Gates think, this from Rock M Nation; Josh is the final piece of the puzzle of our recruiting class and we’re excited to have him join the Mizzou family. With our last opening, we sought out a player with physical presence who can provide rim protection.

Not only is Gray capable of filling that role, but with his four years of SEC experience, he has proven to be a top rebounder in this league. He has immense size and is a prototypical SEC big that will complement our roster perfectly in 2024-25.” It would appear from the coach’s comment he’s ready to begin the season July 1 if asked to. It’s yet to be proven, Gray and the others must demonstrate they are ready to compete in the SEC and beyond. As for the Big Man it would appear the coach wants him to concentrate on those areas Mizzou was so lacking last season…defense and rim protection.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Celtics win…Celtics win!

No, I am okay and realize the Mavs actually won Game 5. The Mavs came out en Fuego and they took a page from their Celtic rivals. They played belly button to belly button defense on Jayson Tatum, Jaylin Brown and the rest of those guys in Green and White. The Mavs took the Celtics to the outhouse and spanked their fanny’s. And something amazing occurred besides the score, there was no whining I noticed from Luka Doncic. It was Mavs 92 Celtics 54 with less than three minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Doncic exited the game at this point, I have my doubts if he returns. So what occurs Monday when the teams return to Boston, I have no idea but I do have a guess. The Celtics return to the form we saw in Games, 1. 2 and 3. On the other hand the tandem of Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving could provide us proof they want to extend this series. The final score on this one Mavs 122 Celtics 84, the Mavs shoot a sizzling 50.5% from the floor and 40.5 from three. As for the Celtics it was 36.3% from the floor so we shall see what is yet to unfold in this series. Doncic led the way for the Mavs with 29 points, he was ably assisted by Kyrie Irving who totaled 21 points. Irving had 6 assists to the 5 registered by Doncic, those by Doncic were more of the spectacular type.

Expansion

Earlier this year April to be specific Pittsburg undertook a study to determine if the city could/would support an NBA or WNBA team. An unknown number of citizens probably have no idea the city once had a pro basketball team. This is not a reference to the ABL Rens who played but one season 1961-62 nor the ABA Pipers/Condors who played in mid ‘60’s to the early ‘70’s. This team goes back to the birth of the Basketball Association of America which later became the NBA.

I’m unsure if I could place a percentage, let’s just say a major portion of American steel was produced in the city at a point in time. Based on this fact alone the team name became the Ironmen. The Ironmen were charter members of the BAA having been founded in the 1946-47. They finished the season with 15 wins and 45 losses finishing in 5th place and last in the Western Division. The Ironmen did not play a second season, they went out of business and the basis is unclear 70+ years later. There are a number of citizens who believe with the baseball Pirates, NFL Steelers and NHL Penguins the city is oversaturated versus the metro population. There’s been no final report as far as I can determine.

Foundation

A portion of this account is based on social media but consider this fact. It was said Red Auerbach was a great coach and executive, he was in the forefront of significant moves by the Celtics while he was in charge. As an example Bill Russell and his arrival in 1956, its been mentioned they acquired him through a unique trade. The Celtics had Cliff Hagen (Naismith & College Basketball Hall of Fame) who was a valued talent, Hagen was from St. Louis the home of the Hawks at the time. The 1956 draft had witnessed the Hawks drafting Russell and Auerbach managed to make the trade that changed the NBA.

Russell could be considered the foundation but what about other "bricks" in building the franchise. This is the portion mentioned in social media, the acquisition of talent. Years later another series of events offered continued prosperity for the Celtics. They made a trade with the Warriors acquiring Robert Parrish and a 1980 draft choice. You are aware the value of Parrish but what about that draft pick. That pick would become Kevin McHale who was an indispensable "brick" propping up the franchise. Who went to the Warriors in this exchange, Joe Barry Carroll and Rickey Brown two names most of you have never heard. As you can see the Celtic front office led by Auerbach was quite shrewd in acquiring talent that would later be provided valuable.

Remember where you read it first

According to reports Dan Hurley received the predicted pay raise I wrote about. Oh, you don’t remember where you first read it. Check out the June 12 edition of Off the Dribble just in case you don’t wish to check back issues, here is the key sentence. “with the huge contract the Lakers offered him surely the regents are thinking “We’ve got to increase this guy’s salary.” Just wait and see if it doesn’t occur before summers over, UConn will announce an extension to Hurley’s existing contract.

According to figures provided by CBS Sports College Hurley was working under a 6-year contract paying him $32.1 million. The extension is reported to be a 6-year $50 million extension. This is where it is a little confusing, the Lakers were supposed to have offered Hurley a 6-year contract paying him $70 million a year. This new contract places Hurley a single rung below Bill Self at Kansas who earns in the neighborhood of $53 million. Isn’t that fitting, Self has two NCAA championships under his belt and so does Hurley now.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Can this be correct

The Lakers were set to hire JJ Redick as head coach, this was the account according to Shams Charania reporter for The Athletic and Stadium where he covers the NBA. At some point I’m not exactly sure of the timing Adrian Wojnarowski nicknamed Woj broke the news on his version. Woj an NBA Insider and ESPN reporter claimed the Lakers were attempting to hire Dan Hurley UConn coach. By now we are aware of the outcome, Hurley interviewed with Laker management but turned them down however the story doesn’t end there.

It’s now being reported Charania and Woj are feuding in print, Charania is claiming Hurley was not the Lakers first choice although that is assertion made by Woj. Even more interesting this is like a father-son feud, it’s also been reported Charania looks on Woj as his mentor. As this story is being written it’s being reported it’s now JJ Redicks turn, he will be interviewed by Laker management soon. This leaves me (and you maybe) smack in the middle on this one, who do we believe to be correct. Over time I have found both members of the media to be insightful, neither appears to delve in hyperbole so that leaves us with a gigantic question mark, which media member to believe.

The 2024 (French) NBA draft

Recently I profiled Alexandre Sarr and pointed to the fact he might be the top pick in the 2024 draft. At least two mock draft sites I utilize profiled the players listed below. We witnessed Victor Wembanyama but don’t expect every French import to duplicate his rookie season. As for Sarr it would appear he’s got several countryman who are likely to be drafted too. Zaccharie Risacher is liable to be a lottery pick as well, he’s a 6-foot 9 200-pound small forward, he’s also 19-years of age.

Much later we should hear the name Tidjane Saluan also 6 foot 9 and 210 pounds. We also have Pacome Dadiet a 6-foot 8 210-pound small forward, finally in the second round is Melvin Ajinca a 6-foot 8 200 pound forward. Five players who might be drafted out of 30 is certainly not a tidal wave as some might lead you to believe. I read what some of you have written, your concern regarding international players “taking over the NBA.” Guess what, I’m an individual whose desire is to see the best basketball played. If that measured improvement calls for adding international talent so be it.

Bits n Pieces 

Zach Edey is headed to the NBA, the 7-foot 4 300-pound Purdue center is going to fool some folks. While he’s headed off to the NBA who replaces him? I’m glad you ask the question because I have the answer, he is freshman Daniel Jacobsen. He’s almost as tall as Edey standing 7 foot 3 but is lighter in the pants at 235 pounds, 247Sports rates him a 4-star prospect. He played at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire about 40 miles from the state’s capitol at Concord. I hope the Purdue faithful will allow the youngster to gain traction, there is a gigantic leap from prep school to Division I basketball. In any event we intend to follow his collegiate progress over the next four years. For Purdue this becomes subtract one (Edey) while adding one (Jacobsen).

“I’m athletic” are the words of Mavs point guard Luka Doncic, the question for you is do you believe him? To take this one step further the entire quote is: “I’m athletic in different ways they don’t see…not everything is jumping and running fast.” I can agree with that statement everything is not jumping and running. Whatever your belief this is not intended to alter it, I once read Magic Johnson and believe he might agree with Luka on his statement. Let’s move this conversation to defending the opposition, Magic never claimed to be a great defender. He did say, “I played good team defense” which is about all you can ask of any basketball player. Can we agree Luka does a decent job without being super athletic as with some NBA players?

Recruiting players (college) versus recruiting free agents (NBA), both can be stressful so I am going to consider that a draw with neither position superior over the other. There is always off duty work however the NBA season is much longer than college…advantage college. As vocal as fans can become they are not the deciders of a coaches fate, the same could be said of a school’s administrative staff. In the NBA, its management in charge…they listen to the fans but it’s rare if an NBA coach is terminate without cause…advantage NBA.

El devolver, the NBA is headed to Mexico City again, we discussed expansion earlier but it’s not that. The game is a regular scheduled season game between the Heat and Wizards. The game is scheduled for Saturday November 2 and will be the 33rd NBA game played in Mexico since 1992. The date of the game is a tie in with traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities. Since the announcement by commissioner Silver I’ve read a number of complaints from a number of fans. As in all cases opinions are just that, they belong to the individual(s) expressing them.  

The Way of the World

In 1975 the musical group Earth Wind and Fire (look them up) released a song titled the Way of the World. We could make the same statement about basketball and much of what goes on, it’s the Way of much of the basketball World today. You may be familiar with the name Meleek Thomas, ESPN rates him the number 7 prospect in the Class of 2025. The news regarding him is quite interesting, not the fact he’s headed to Overtime Elite it’s the other part. This from ESPN, “I did everything I needed to do where I’m from,” Thomas said. “We won back-to-back state championships.

Now it’s time to be seen by NBA personnel, GMs, scouts, the people that you need to be in front of. At OTE they get your name out. Everything they do goes around the world. I want to be broadcasted more.” To provide additional background Thomas is a 6-foot 4 combo guard and is from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I hope this doesn’t appear negative on my part but my concern the youngster might be blinded by the bright lights. I hope if I’m here to write it hearing the commissioner announce his name in 2-3 years. I anticipate the adults surrounding Thomas are providing him sound advice without curtailing his dream.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

It’s over

There might be a letdown tonight by the Celtics, they may lose the game. Despite that statement I wouldn’t bank on it, the Celtics appear locked in on winning the 18th championship for the franchise. Before I proceed further it’s been pointed out the Celtics are yet to lose a road game, that’s outstanding in itself. The final score read Celtics 106 Mavs 99 but how they won might be a thing of beauty. The Mavs trailed by 21 points with 10 minutes remaining in the game, they would score 22 points to the Celtics 2 and the view by most watching the game we have a real contest.

Well in a manner of speaking we did have a factual challenge, the only problem the Mavs were unable to sustain their effort. After Luka Doncic fouled out the tide of the game changed, this time in the favor of the Celtics. Kyrie Irving literally absent for the first two games and led the way for the Mavs, he would lead the way scoring 35 points, Luka had 27 but it was too much Celtics defense which proved the Mavs downfall. For the Celtics it was Jayson Tatum with 31 points and Jaylen Brown 30 as the duo led the way. Can the Mavs win on Friday…of course they can however they must prove it after witnessing what occurred   Wednesday night. Finally up to this point I have ignored Luka complaining to game officials, he needs to stop the whining.

Bits n Pieces of information  

It’s been reported that the NBA invited 12 potential draft choices to the Green Room. Just in case you are unfamiliar with the process the league offers to serve as host to the player and his family on draft night. There are at least 12 more invitations to be issued, these are the names the NBA hopes will be announced in the first round although it doesn’t always work in that manner. In the past on more than one occasion players have remained in the Green Room when the first round is completed.

The name Tre Gomillion fails to register with a large number of folks, those at Cleveland State and Mizzou are acquainted with him. This 6-foot 4 guard played for coach Gates first at Cleveland State and migrated to Mizzou with the coach. A gritty work guy, to my knowledge he was never the high scorer nor the best at rebounding the ball, he did a bunch of stuff attempting to follow the game plan laid out by the coach. Gates once said, “Tre Gomillion one day is going to be on this staff,” that day is here presently. Patrolling the sidelines for the Mizzou Tigers this fall and winter will be a new assistant coach…his name Tre Gomillion. The school produced a video where Gomillion says “I’m back,” he certainly is, welcome coach.

Isn’t this news interesting, well on second thought maybe not so much for Doc Rivers he might be the exclusion. I had mentioned the Hulu/FX series titled ‘Clipped’ on former Clipper owner Donald Sterling and his banishment from the NBA. Actor Laurence Fishburne was on Dan Patrick’s program recently, he revealed he took the part of Rivers for the Hulu/FX production although he wasn’t aware who Rivers was. Fishburne claims he’s no sports fan which is certainly understandable, there are number of men who are not sports fans, if that is the case its clear why he had no prior knowledge of Rivers.

This is sad

The Wizards have floundered about certainly coming nowhere close to an NBA championship. If they managed to have kept a few of the players they traded there might have been a championship in their future. For the last 8 years a former Wizard has managed to win an NBA championship. This year will be no different as Kristaps Porzingis (Celtics), Daniel Gafford (Mavs) and Markieff Morris (Mavs) will have an opportunity to win a championship. As for the others check this out:

2017 & 2018 JaVale McGee & Shaun Livingston (Warriors)

2019 Jodie Meeks (Raptors)  

2020 Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee & Markieff Morris (Lakers)

2021 Bobby Portis (Bucks)

2022 Otto Porter Jr & Gary Payton II (Warriors)

2023 Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Jeff Green, Thomas Bryant & Is Smith (Nuggets)

Rest assured someone might say there is no foundational player among the names above. True, there is no Giannis, Jokic, LeBron or Steph among the names above but consider this fact. NBA championship teams are comprised of more than superstar talented players, those named blended with one or two outstanding contestants perhaps is able to win an NBA championship for the Wizards. It would appear on the surface the front office plus coaching staff over the last 8-10 years have little if any idea how to build a winning team.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Logo

Jerry West May 28, 1938-June 12, 2024, R.I.P. For a time he worked for the Grizzlies, after that it was the Warriors and finally the Clippers. Despite working in the front office for those three franchises the name Jerry West is intertwined forever with that of the Lakers. Despite the passage of time and front office moves by West it remained the Lakers. Allow me to provide some background, at the time the Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960 they had Elgin Baylor who was entering his 3rd year.   He’d established himself in the NBA a two years earlier as a member of the Minneapolis Lakers.

The ‘rookie’ season in Los Angeles was also the rookie season for a skinny sharpshooter named Jerry West. West was drafted after the 1959-60 season, although drafted by the team while in Minneapolis by the time the season began the team had moved to Southern California. In a manner of speaking one could say West “grew up” with the Lakers in their new home. His basketball prowess on and off the court would fill volumes, just a few legacy parts of the life of Jerry West that stand out for me. He was selected a member of the 35th, 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary teams. In addition he was enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Over the next few days you will read and hear a great deal about the man I believe is “Mr. Laker,” he almost by himself was responsible for Los Angeles becoming a Laker town. The Clippers in the same city since 1984 have never connected with the majority of the population because of the exploits and West and other Lakers over the years.

It was not all alone it helped with Elgin Baylor as a teammate but over the years as a player and executive the names of Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were added to the building of talent. As a player himself West won but one NBA championship (1972) but was indirectly responsible for so many more. He stood but 6 foot 2 however he was as tall as Wilt or Shaq in the eyes of many, after all he is THE LOGO. Several might not be aware of this, next time you see the NBA logo take into account that is the silhouette of Jerry West.

A few thoughts

Dan Hurley said no, that’s the end however I’d like to address some members of the media. Many approached the decision claiming the Lakers no longer have any clout. Another read they offered Hurley a low-ball number for the contract. There were other critical remarks but those two stand out for me. In both instances they leave Hurley out of the equation which I refuse to do. As for the money I pointed out Hurley is not the highest paid college basketball coach but soon will become just that. Money, always a factor in history making decisions probably didn’t affect the outcome as much as some in the media might believe.Legacy, that’s a word we read and hear periodically and Hurley has already established one.

Back-to-Back NCAA championship basketball teams, the opportunity for a 3-peat. I am king of the “polls are a beauty contest” yet I’m using them. One way too early Top 25 poll places UConn number 1 in the nation, Fox Sports places them 2nd while ESPN has the Huskies at 3. The interesting part these polls were all completed before last weekend when the Hurley news broke. There are other opinions expressed as an example one of KC’s local sports talk guys made the statement below. “There’s not much to do in Connecticut” implying Hurley had no legitimate reason to remain at UConn.

Oh but I happen to think differently, he does I surmised, a top-notch returning championship team, what’s not to like regarding a possible 3-peat? Do you realize the significance of winning three championships in a row? How about this, UCLA won the 1967, 1968, ’1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973 NCAA championship. I believe the possibility of UConn winning another championship outweighed the riches offered by the Lakers, what do you think? Just in case let’s add this to the account, two NAIA and HBCU schools were 3-peat champions. The Tennessee State Tigers 1957, 1958 and 1959 and the Kentucky State Thoroughbreds 1970, 1971 and 1972.

They keep telling me what he can’t do 

I’ve always believed you play the game at your skill level. You don’t expect the athlete to do something they are incapable of, at the same time I’ve listened to individuals pick apart Luka Doncic’s game. “He’s a little pudgy” or “His defense is suspect” or this one…” Doncic is always begging game officials for a foul to be called on someone guarding him.” Funny thing, I hardly ever hear these individuals praise his game but that’s another story. Let’s delve into the negatives one at a time, the first one…” He’s pudgy.” That would appear to be an attack serving no purpose, example some in media noticed Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes without a shirt.

Mahomes “dad bod” has been noted by several in the media, no need of going any further on that one. This one…” His defense sucks,” I remember reading this years ago, Magic Johnson said he was not a good defender but tried to play good team defense. I believe that’s all a team can ask of teammate. As for the appeal to game officials, find me one player that’s not always begging officials for a call. I’m sorry to say this but LeBron James might be at the top of this list. In closing I can say this with conviction, Doncic’ is one of the lights out shooters in the NBA. Is he Steph level on his shooting, naw but he’s mighty close to the diminutive Warriors guard. As for the passing skill of Doncic’ I can say Steph is nowhere near him in that area. In closing why is it necessary to pick apart and athletes game? I prefer to accentuate the positive of their game rather than what a player can’t do.

It appears he will be drafted

I wrote of this earlier, Purdue’s Zach Edey returned to school last year. He was found lacking at the NBA Draft Combine so he returned and worked on those areas needing improvement. Back in December mock draft sites ignored the 7-foot 4 300-pound Edey. This is written a few weeks ahead of the draft but it appears the Canadian youngster will be drafted…but where? It depends on who you read, three mock draft sites place him either 13, 19 or 23.

The other site places Edey early in the second round, I stopped researching at four. So what occurred between his junior and senior year at school? I have no way to verify what you are about to read but believe it occurred. Edey did a self-assessment, listened to the scouts and coaches advice he did all this because he wants the NBA. It’s clear at a point in time the NBA apparently didn’t want him but all that appears to have changed. Don’t be shocked or even surprised to hear the commissioner or deputy commissioner announce his name in the 2024 NBA draft. I have written for months and believe this, the NBA has indeed changed but so has Zach Edey.

“Clipped”

I indicated a while ago I had no intention to view Clipped an FX/Hulu production. I thought I might cover a portion of the Donald Sterling that might not have been detailed for you. According to Peter Keating there would be no Laker legacy without of all people…Donald Sterling. The story goes Jerry Buss was prepared to purchase the Lakers but came up a reported $2.7 million cash short. Buss and Sterling were acquainted with one another although there is no indication they were pals, maybe the purchase of the Lakers was strictly conducting business that portion of the story is unclear.

In any event Sterling came to the rescue for Buss, he purchased 11 Santa Monica apartments from providing the future Laker owner the cash infusion he needed. Buss was able to purchase the Lakers but the story doesn’t end at this point. The Clippers then located in San Diego were on the market to be sold. Buss was reported to have contacted Sterling suggesting he purchase the team. On the surface we have two individuals who view business dealings in a different manner. It seemed from the beginning Buss wanted a winning team no matter the cost. As for Sterling based on how inept the Clippers were for years he apparently had little if any interest of producing a winning team until much later in his ownership.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Show me the money”

The headline is the phrase receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) uttered in the movie Jerry Maguire. Tidwell wanted sports agent Maguire (Tom Cruise) to prove his worth. UConn’s Dan Hurley is making no such statement although he might as well based on developments. Reports are he turned down a 6-year $70 million contract from the Lakers, how much is he being paid by UConn. According to an article in USA Today from March 13, 2024, Hurley is number 7 on the list of highest paid college basketball coaches. Your question might be who can be ahead of Hurley at this point in time

Hurley is the 7th highest paid coach behind Scott Drew, Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, Tom Izzo, John Calipari and Bill Self at number 1. Don't agree with my take on this, how about this? Hurley's UConn team is coming off a Back-to-Back NCAA championship, the last time this occurred was 2006-07. Florida under Billy Donovan accomplished the deed. In addition with the huge contract the Lakers offered him surely the regents are thinking "We've got to increase this guy's salary." Just wait and see if it doesn't occur before summers over. UConn will announce an extension to Hurley's existing contract. According to figures provided by CBS Sports College Hurley was working under a 6-year contract paying him $32.1 million, as mentioned at the beginning the Laker offer was reported to be 6-years at $70 million.. 

She could play and talk the game

Unlike another ESPN co-worker Doris Burke could actually hoop. The other one claims an injury forced him from the game and ended his basketball trek. Now he can only concoct tales of his basketball exploits, that’s unnecessary for Burke because she played the game at a high skill level. While enrolled at Providence she averaged 17.6 ppg along with 7.2 assists, she finished as the school’s all-time assist leader and as of 2012 ranked second in that category.

Burke began her broadcast career in 1990 as an analyst for the woman’s team at her alma mater. She is now a play-by-play analyst for the NBA Finals, she becomes the first female in that capacity. I have read a few negative comments about Burke over the past few years and none have anything to do with her ability to analyze the game. For some men it becomes a beauty contest over anything else. Someone once made this statement, "How come we always hear the first this or the first that?" My response is one of straightforwardness, if the field had always been level in the first place Doris Burke and others would have been serving in roles now open to them years and years ago.

The NBA help build his business career

Junior Bridgeman was a valued basketball player, he played his college basketball at Louisville. He would be drafted by the Lakers with the 8th pick although he never played for them. Three weeks after the 1975 NBA draft Bridgeman was included in a package deal and a trade to the Bucks that sent the Lakers Kareem Abdul Jabbar. You are somewhat familiar with how the trade worked out for one team but not the other, how about the Bucks? Bridgeman had a 12-year NBA career most of it spent wearing a Bucks jersey. When his NBA career ended the Bucks honored him retiring jersey number 2. With his departure came a second successful career this time in the business sector.

The media has focused on the business prowess of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James but Bridgeman is largely overlooked. The others are billionaires, Bridgeman is not there yet, his net worth is projected to be $600 million. That’s a large number of zero’s considering the most he earned while playing was $350,000 a season. There was a post basketball plan in place which led to the purchase over time of 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s Restaurants. Much later Bridgman would purchase a Coca-Cola distributorship which has since been sold. Bridgeman’s portfolio contains a number of diverse types of businesses. This is just a brief look at former NBA player Junior Bridgeman, his resume details a rich life A.D., after basketball.

The college basketball season

We don’t know what to expect, the world of college basketball has been chaotic the past few years. Why should the 2024-25 season be any different? As for the NBA a number of players have chosen to return to college while others such as USC’s Bronny James and Johnny Furphy of Kansas have chosen to remain draft eligible. Not only the players the movement includes conference affiliation as well, the Pac-12 apparently will cease to operate. The Big XII conference will now include 45 teams (just kidding) although a conference name change might be appropriate.

We saw a large number of new coaches in new locations, probably the biggest name is John Calipari who left Kentucky for Arkansas. Eric Musselman left Arkansas for Southern Cal, Musselman is there because Andy Enfield departed for SMU, got all that? The transfer portal will also see a large number of players who decided they preferred to play another year. As for the number that is an unknown quantity, let’s say a large contingent exists. Despite the upheaval and turmoil of college basketball the excitement of college basketball continues to endure for me and others as I look forward to the season. Can number one prospect Cooper Flagg make the “Grand Canyon” leap from HS to Duke, what about Mizzou’s Annor Boateng, both are reported to ready to play at a high skill level on arrival.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Should I go or should I stay

The Yankees under the late George Steinbrenner were notorious for changing managers. The NFL Raiders have been conducting business in an equivalent manner with coaches. It’s been a revolving door with Laker head coaches over the last few years, no one hired seems to make it past year three. Could that issue have been in the mind of Dan Hurley despite the money apparently the Lakers were tossing in his direction? News not so surprising this time around involving Hurley, while working on the Monday edition came this announcement. “Dan Hurley turns down $70 million 6-year contract to remain with the Huskies. At the time this story broke it caught me off guard to the point I was shocked and surprised.

This time around I no longer feel that way for one reason alone. Hurley met with Laker owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rod Pelinka last Friday, we then receive word an announcement would be made on Monday. We read earlier a report indicating Hurley had met with his team (we guess the administration too). Why was it necessary to wait until Monday if a decision had been reached? I’m a little disappointed but understand why Hurley chose to remain at UConn. I have no idea who now moves up to the number one position, I wasn’t concerned as much when I heard the name Hurley as I am now. I’ve expressed my concern about JJ Redick’s lack of a coaching background. I truly hope he’s not hired for the inability to lockdown Hurley, I guess Phil Jackson might still be available…just kidding.

Lock down defender

The primary reason the Celtics are up 2 Games to none is not who you might believe. It’s not Jayson Tatum, Jaylin Brown or Derrick White…it’s Jrue Holiday. A few in the Celtic family thought the Celtics might suffer a bit on the defensive side, Marcus Smart had played that key role for years. Last June the Celtics traded Smart to the Grizzlies and later in October acquired Holiday. As they might say in one of those old Western movies, “There’s a brand-new sheriff in town.” Of course by now the Celtic faithful have become enamored with Holiday and the fact he is a lock down defender.

Guess what, don’t tell anyone he may be better playing defense over Smart. It’s a fact Holiday is certainly a better scorer, Sunday night it wasn’t Tatum or Brown leading the Celtics to the 105-98 victory. It was Jrue Holiday with 26 points, and at 6 foot 4 he led in rebounds with 11. It wasn’t Holiday alone I can say the Celtic backcourt mate Derrick White played a valued role as well. The teams now head for Dallas and Game 3 on Wednesday, the Mavs are definitely at a point facing elimination. One other opinion, Kyrie Irving’s game has been severely affected, allow me to say it one more time, it was lock down defender Jrue Holiday.

Are they from Missouri?

The question is asked for a single reason, it is easy to reserve an opinion rather than stick your foot in your mouth. I located a YouTube video prior to the start of the 2023-24 NBA season. Two former NBA All Stars questioned the ability of Victor Wembanyama, they didn’t say point blank he couldn’t play. They questioned his ability, that thought process lingered into the early days of NBA play. One Shaquille O’ Neal made a statement which remains for me in the recesses of my mind. “We’ve seen Wemby previously, his name is Bol Bol and he plays for the Suns.” Later Shaq would amend his statement claiming Bol didn’t get an opportunity to play enough minutes.

Much later it was “Bol is lazy” which didn’t rest well with the Suns player. By the end of the season and winning Rookie of the Year Shaq changed his tune on Wemby. Every word spoken by a broadcaster cannot be filtered, there are occasions when dumb statements are made. What’s always become a point of confusion is what’s the truth? There are occasions statements are made to register the number of clicks one can receive, I hope that was not the case for Shaq and his opinion of Wemby. As for the headline I remind you of the Missouri State motto, “I’m from Missouri you have to Show Me.” As for Shaq and others maybe that was issue although none are from here.

All these offers

This is one of those stories you say to yourself no-way, is that even possible? His name is Nolan Traore and he’s a 17-year-old from France (naturally). According to what we read there are offers on the table for the 6-foot 4-combo guard to play all over the world. To start there are offers from at least four U.S. colleges Duke and Arkansas among the number but wait there is more. He could head to Australia and the NBL if he desired but there is also the Euro League to consider too.

Traore’s decided to remain in France and has signed a two-year contract to play for Saint-Quentin in the French first division. As for the NBA there are three mock draft sites that list him as a first-round pick. So what does the future entail for the youngster…plenty, if he continues to develop his game he could head to the NBA in 2025 despite the contract, he would not be the first Euro player to buy out of a contract to head for the NBA. Traore is a name we should store away for the future and one we shouldn’t be surprised to hear announced in a future draft.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He fails to understand…maybe

I don't dislike Charles Barkley, that might appear to be the case sometimes. I am often critical of some things he says because it often appears there is not much thought in a position he might take. This is just the latest example that points out he doesn't get it. You may have read his complaint on the subject of ESPN "Taking away from Game one to do an hour report on Dan Hurley and the Lakers." Barkley's been on the broadcast side for 20+ years and fails to understand the news cycle and what drives it. There are news stories that take priority over other stuff, even the start of the NBA Finals.  

It would be the same if this story involved the Celtics or Knicks, we are discussing at this point celebrated NBA franchises. If this were the Cavs, Clippers or a dozen other teams the story would fail to generate this type of interest. This like anything else is an opinion, Barkley is certainly entitled to his but instead of “what comes up comes out (his mouth), why not discuss an issue of this magnitude before making it public, is this censoring yourself? I guess that might be true to a degree however what might have occurred if he checked with someone or maybe thought his statement out first. I take issue with Barkley’s opinion, in this instance we could debate who’s view is likely correct…Barkley or mine?

‘My’ draft

We are fast approaching the NBA draft, this year and into the future it will be conducted differently. The NBA draft will be a 2-night event, Wednesday June 26 and Thursday the 27. Which probable talent is going where is always vital information for me to have. The NFL draft, has been improved in recent years but is too long. I guess with a roster of 40 and more athletes it takes a while, in any event I pay attention to the first two picks of the Chiefs that’s it. Baseball is a far different manner, I have no idea who any of these guys are. The scouts are familiar with their play so I leave it there.

Back to the NBA draft, usually the lottery picks closely follow most of the major mock draft sites, beyond that it’s a roll of the dice. Because I live and breathe this draft stuff its usually the mid to the late second round before I must admit I am somewhat lost regarding the names of some prospects. You might remember reading I dubbed this the French NBA draft with several prospects likely to be drafted. This is the night we might see a Sonics team draft Scottie Pippen and then trade his draft rights for Olden Polynice, look it up. This could also occur the Hawks drafting Luka Doncic but trading his rights to the Mavs for Trae Young.

Sad news

The basketball world lost two names this past weekend, Chet Walker and Josh Maravich. Walker was drafted by the Syracuse Nats in 1962 and moved with the franchise to Philadelphia when they became the Sixers. In 1969 Walker moved on to the Bulls and was one of the initiators of the first successful Bulls teams prior to the MJ teams later. Walker was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2012, Walker turn 84-years old in February. The other death was in the Maravich family. Some might not be aware basketball legend Pete Maravich had two sons Josh and Jaseon, both sons took up the sport of their famous dad and played the game at the collegiate level. Over the weekend we learned Josh died, he was only 40-years old the same age as his father. 

No NBA for you

The NBA is never returning to Kansas City be it an expansion team or relocation of an existing one. My changed view is based on economics. This is not 1985, that was the year the Kings departed for California. Since then a considerable amount of population, however, there is an economic factor which is quite significant. I will provide you an example of the why, selling on eBay is a ticket stub from a Spurs-Kings game. This is a January 1985 game played at Kemper Arena and the price on the ticket reads $10.50, the seat location is lower-level section 104, row J seat 6. Although the arena still exists it’s been reconfigured and the area of that ticket no longer exists.

In addition Kemper’s been replaced by T-Mobile, with no basketball being played I had to look elsewhere for what might be equivalent for this comparison that became OKC. KC metro is slightly larger in population but my guess Paycom Center is equal to Kemper. According to my research the average Thunder ticket is somewhere between $50-$70 so I believe that would be close to a Kansas City price today. At the time the Kings departed for California the baseball Royals, NFL Chiefs and KC Comets indoor soccer existed. The Comets have been replaced by Sporting Kansas City playing outdoors, we have a women’s outdoor soccer team, the KC Current in existence. In addition there is also minor league hockey plus minor league baseball to add to this equation. If Patrick Mahomes and a partner decide they want an NBA team then all bets are off, it could occur Kansas City would return to the NBA again.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Au revoir South Beach

Jimmy Butler’s NBA career is winding down, he will turn 35 by the time the 2024-25 season begins. He’s accomplished a great deal during his time in the NBA. I’m not going to detail it for you he’s been there with the Bulls, Wolves, Sixers and now in his 5th year with the Heat. Everyone want’s to be paid but my guess he is driven by something other than folding money. I believe its his desire to win an NBA championship. What drives him might be a question, his start in life was rough if your not familiar with it. Raised in a single parent household, his mother told him to leave when he was 13 years old. Butler says he bounced around from house to house never remaining long anywhere.

Butler graduated from Tomball High School in the Houston (TX) metro area, he then attended Tyler Junior College for a year and then Marquette. In the 2011 NBA draft the Bulls selected him near the end of the first round. The balance of his NBA story can be described however I have a question. Butler claims he’s still in contact with his father and mother because they are still family. My question, who motivated him while he was homeless. Who provided him the ability to see the possible lucrative future that lay in front of him. It matters not where you begin because sometimes you can do nothing about that fact. It does matter where you end up in life and that would certainly appear to be a good place for Jimmy Butler a.k.a. Jimmy Buckets.

Mexico City

This is a recap of an earlier account, it is being covered again based on comments made by NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently. The commissioner was discussing NBA expansion and he mentioned Canada and Mexico. He noted the altitude of Mexico City being higher than that of Denver. He also cited this fact, a flight from New York City to Mexico City is less flying time than one from New York to Los Angeles. As for the clock, as this is written it is 10:24 p.m. in Kansas City and 9:24 p.m. in Mexico City. So as you can surmise time is a non-issue regarding NBA expansion unlike any attempt to expand in Europe.

As for a place to play games that would be Arena Ciudad de Mexico which opened in 2012, the arena seats 22,300 which makes it’s seating larger than every NBA arena. Since it’s opening a number of exhibition and regular season NBA games have been played in Arena Ciudad de Mexico. which may The economics say the city should be able to support and NBA team. It’s possible there are at least two issues that may prevent an NBA team in the near future. The first mentioned earlier is the altitude of the city the second might be the language barrier. Spanish is the language spoken by the vast majority of the population. According to a 2023 report I located only 5% of Mexico City’s population speaks English, could that be a hindrance to an NBA team in the city?

Basketball was the game of choice

If you watch NFL football the name James Brown is familiar to you. He’s been one of a host of personalities the CBS Network has used over time, he’s been host of The NFL Today since 2006 and Inside the NFL since 2008. Although Brown is associated with the oblong ball his sport of choice early was roundball. If we return briefly to the past we discover Brown became known playing basketball at DeMatha High School in Maryland. In 1967 and 1968 Brown was named a member of the All-Metropolitan boys basketball teams, it was stated 7 of his teammates went on to play Division I basketball.

Brown would later attend Harvard University where he further distinguished himself on the court, he was all Ivy League his last three years while at Harvard. In 1973 Brown was the 63rd draft pick by the Atlanta Hawks, although Brown went to training camp he failed to earn a roster spot. With an Ivy League degree he went to work for two Fortune 500 companies. In 1984 Brown went into sports broadcasting and you are aware after that he would become one of the voices of the NFL. Despite his close association with the NFL Brown didn’t divorce basketball all together. From 1984-1993 and briefly in 2007 Brown performed a number of duties for College Basketball and the NBA. Although Brown is mostly associated with the NFL it was basketball which came first.

Way above my pay grade

We have covered the ongoing issue regarding the Marc Lore-Alex Rodriguez struggle to purchase the Wolves. The latest report indicated a decision was in the hands of an arbitrator for a verdict. The question, did the Lore/Rodriguez team violate the agreement to purchase the Wolves. According to owner Glen Taylor they were unable to secure the final $600 million they needed by March 27. Along comes Michael Bloomberg former NYC mayor and one of the richest persons in the world. It seems the Lore/Rodriguez group was either unable to afford to purchase 100% of the team or possibly owner Taylor didn’t offer it.

In any event billionaire Bloomberg enters the picture and it is reported he will buy out the final 20% of Taylor’s stake, this would provide the Lore/Rodriguez team 100% ownership. Bloomberg is not expected to be an active owner, this sale is yet to be completed but it represents the latest development in this ongoing drama. It should be of note I cannot remember there ever being a problem with the sale of an NBA team except in the case of New Orleans and Detroit. If my memory serves me correctly both involved an owners death and there were probate issues. The Blazers remain unsold however the sister of Gary Allen is running the team and is yet to “officially” place the team on the market. Back to the Wolves in closing, it appears this pending sale should be finalized soon.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“I don’t do hockey”

As the headline indicates what I know about hockey and the NHL could fit inside a 2-ounce or 0.056699-kilogram container. Imagine this, the NBA and NHL championship being decided at nearly the same time. The roster for one of the NBA teams and one for the NHL team contain high school classmates. You say it can’t happen, well it is and at the present time. The NHL Florida Panthers are facing the Edmonton Oilers while in the NBA it’s the Boston Celtics matched against the Dallas Mavericks.

Matthew Tkachuk plays forward for the Panthers and Jayson Tatum is one of the forwards for the Celtics. The two athletes were in gym class together for three years while enrolled at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis (MO). Has something similar occurred in the past probably, without researching the matter it might be a challenging task. I thought this is an interesting bit of trivia and one could utilize for your friends and acquaintances.

UPDATE

There are times your research dude fails you…this is one of those occasions. Yesterday I mentioned names of NBA assistants and former players with no coaching experience hired and lasting less than three years. Omitted in the account was the success story of Brad Stevens. In 2013 Brad Stevens moved from the first chair at Butler University to head coach of the Celtics. There might be others but he was one I definitely missed.

Although Steven’s is no longer serving in that capacity I could state he was quite successful in leading the NBA Celtics with no prior experience as a former NBA player, assistant or head coach. I could check the roster at the time but I’m not, I can simply inform you the Celtics finished the 2013-14 season with a 25-57 record. The following year it was 40-42 and in year three Steven’s Celtic teams finished 48-34, they earned a playoff berth in year two and three. In 2021 he was named president of basketball operations for the Celtics after Danny Ainge retired. Stevens was the NBA’s All-Star coach in 2017 and the 2024 NBA Executive of the Year.

I had written earlier the lack of success of college or assistant coaches with little if any NBA experience. Brad Stevens is the polar opposite of what I wrote and published on Friday. That affirms a portion of yesterday’s article on Danny Hurley (JJ Redick) for that matter. Given the right set of circumstances one can be successful in the role of head coach in the NBA. As for the lead in sentence above you might have a question about my research guy…that would be me.

Mavs dug themselves a mighty deep hole

I must admit the final score surprised me…no not the fact the Celtics won. The game was played in Boston, the Celtics were well rested but it was the Mavs. I certainly didn’t expect them to begin the game so flat, that was the first surprise. The second, it’s got to be Kristaps Porzingis he’d not played in five weeks his impact in Game one will be. How about this, the tall one came in as the sixth man for the Celtics and seriously impacted the game in favor of the Celtics. We tend to view Porzingis for his offensive prowess but it might have been his defense which proved so beneficial. 6 rebounds and 3 blocked shots might not appear formidable however it was.

The 20 points Porzingis scored also aided his team to the 107-89 victory over the Mavs. It appeared Luka was his normal self, help in the form of Kyrie Irving didn’t occur as he was only able to score 12 points on 32% shooting. In defense of Irving the Celtics sent multiple defenders at him all game long. As for the Celtics Jayson Tatum played an average game, Jaylen Brown led the balanced scoring with 22 points. The teams meet on Sunday for Game two, the Mavs are hoping for a different outcome. As indicated by the headline the Mavs dug themselves a mighty deep hole at the beginning of the game, they were never able to fully recover. Are the Celtics a better team than the Mavs, one could make that claim Thursday evening beyond that might be a question.

He said it better

I wanted to expound on a statement commissioner Silver made recently. It was mentioned LeBron James and Steph Curry are in the twilight of their brilliant NBA careers…who replaces them. At that point, the mention of international athletes came into the conversation. The commissioner said something to this, “I’m glad to see Luka Doncic at 25 years of age in a Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo being named league MVP. It’s great the game continues to develop around the world but it’s also important the U.S. continues to produce NBA quality players.”

I agree with the commissioner, the other day I wrote something along these lines. The NBA game has grown internationally therefore significant players are arriving from all over the world. I believe the NBA of the future will be a mix, in 2024 it’s difficult for me to see the league in 10 years but this is what might occur. An increasing number of international athletes from Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia will arrive on these shores. The changing basketball landscape will likely see the NBA draft high school athletes again. This time around it will be conducted differently, some teams will be able to infuse these youngsters into their lineup immediately. As for others they will be farmed out to the G-League to continue their development, what is your view of the NBA in 2034?