NBA

Who Went Where?

Posted on by boom booms room staff

Did you watch the NBA draft last evening?  We did all the while channel surfing.  We suspect many others did while texting, or cooking, or talking, or surfing that internet that Al Gore invented.  With America’s attention span far shorter than the wing span of many of these new draft pics we wonder how many of us have any clue who went to whom?

The confusion we create, to follow who went were, is on us.  The confusion the NBA creates, on who went where, is on them.

What confusion you ask?  It’s how NBA draft day trades work for teams involved, and how they don’t work for the casual viewer.  Eight of the thirty first round picks were traded last evening, or just over 25 percent.  Except the picks weren’t really traded.  Got it?  Confused?

It seems complicated actually.  And, we researched it and can confirm, it’s complicated.

In short NBA teams trade the draft rights to a player that that NBA team has just selected.  In other words when team A agrees to trade draft rights of pick X to team B for draft rights to picks Y and Z, team B does so only when team A agrees to select player Q for team B.  A multiple choice quiz follows.  Just kidding.

Why does the NBA do it this way rather than allowing team B to make it’s own selection with the pick?  It’s all due to the collective bargaining agreement(CBA), the exclusive rights it gives the team for a year, the salary cap, the timing of the NBA year, it’s salary cap implications, and the two dates of July 6 and July 30.  A multiple choice quiz follows.  No, really, we are just kidding.

What does this do to the average fan?  It confuses them.  Eight times last evening a player walked onto the stage wearing a certain team’s hat having just been drafted by them.  Eight times in eight in thirty days from now that player won’t be with that team.  He’ll be with the team who has his rights.

So, ESPN interviews the player and cannot ask what it feels like to be headed eventually to the team that he will play for.  Sometimes the kid drafted doesn’t even know that he is moving.   So, ESPN interviews the player and doesn’t ask what it’s like to be drafted by the team whose hat sits right on top of his head.  So, TV shows us one thing, and tries to explain that it didn’t happen how you see it.  And, they attempt this all in five minutes.  If you just jumped, hypothetically, from Fox News (which, as you know, is fair and balanced) and see “Joe Blow” in a Lakers hat, don’t believe what your eyes just saw.  Thanks Kirk Gibson.   No, no.  Thank the NBA.

MLB draft presentations look and feel like dedications to libraries and the trusty Dewey Decimal System.  NFL draft presentations look and feel like three day rock concerts.  NBA draft presentations look and feel like something that is hard to look at, we feel.

Adam Silver is the most progressive commissioner when it comes to embracing gambling on games.  He should roll the dice on a new CBA agreement (or timing thereof) that allows us to see who goes where when we tune in.

Otherwise, it’s too easy to tune out.

 

 

Yes, here is your Great NBA Predraft Post

Posted on by boom booms room staff

It’s NBA Draft Day.  One staff member did great work compiling super in depth player profiles for your reading pleasure for today.  Unfortunately one other staff member had no idea how to get the file to download into a format that is compatible with the highly sophisticated security wall that BBR has.  Thankfully all has been resolved.  The complete rundown is below.

 

#1 Zion Williamson, Forward, Duke

A transcendent athlete with elite speed, quickness, power and agility, Zion can immediately help an NBA team on both ends of the floor. Aside from his athletic ability, he has great basketball instincts with a nose for the ball, particularly on the offensive glass. Zion is also a great passer in the open court and keeps his head up while handling the ball on the break. In a half court setting, expect Zion to have great impact off the ball with cutting and leaping plus ability. With the variety of types of players at the power forward position in the NBA, Zion will be able to blow by at least 20 NBA teams starting 4’s.  Although he will be playing with a ton of space because of defenders backing off of him in the half court, he will still be able to penetrate NBA defenses and get downhill because of his size and strength. Don’t expect him to be handling the ball much early in his career, but when he does he will be hard to stop no matter who is fronting him. His unique ability to have uncanny finishes at the rim compliments his game of attacking downhill and shooting floaters and layups.  Zion is a once in a generation athlete and player who is destined for superstardom.

 

#2 Ja Morant, Point Guard, Murray State 

A commanding point guard with great vision and decision making, Ja Morant is a future all-star in the NBA.  Ja has a natural feel for the position he plays and isn’t afraid to lead his team with the additional load of play making.  Ja Morant compares to the likes of De’Aaron Fox and even Russell Westbrook. Similar to Zion, he combines his speed, quickness and power with an ability to finish at the rim with either or both hands. Ja can shoot with range and break down defenses with dribble penetration and hesitation moves. He can also shoot in the midrange and make runners and floaters in the lane. Ja shows off his swagger and shifts the momentum of a game when he rises up and jams the ball through the hoop over a taller defender. He also has great defensive potential with length and wiry strength. Ja’s ability to make play after play and decision after decision at the point guard position will bode well for the modern NBA.

 

#3 RJ Barrett, Shooting Guard, Duke

As a left-handed assassin that takes long strides in the open court, RJ Barrett is a unique combo guard that is a sure-handed top three pick in this year’s draft.  RJ’s is a willing driver and finisher and rarely settles for jumpers. RJ is great in the pick and roll and can whip passes to cutters and open shooters with either hand. He is a streaky shooter at times, but with his pure form and consistent timing, he should develop into a go to shot maker. RJ shows a wide variety of ball handling moves and can slowly break down a defense by sifting through the lane and using his length to extend over smaller guards. He is lethal in the open court and can beat most of his competitors with quickness and athletic ability. RJ is also a willing defender and shows a competitive streak. If RJ gains muscle weight and improves his all-around shooting, he can be a perennial all-star.

 

#4 Cam Reddish, Small Forward, Duke

A versatile defender and great shooter, Cam Reddish fits into a premier position in the NBA. The “3 and D” player will never go out of style as the type of player that can shoot off-ball threes with efficiency and also defend multiple positions on the other end. Cam Reddish is more than that though, as he displays an ability to make sound fundamental entry passes into the post and can finish at the rim. Cam is a great athlete who has the quickest lateral movement in the draft. With all of this said, shooting may be his best attribute. He should seamlessly transition to NBA shooting with range as he has a tight and consistent shot form with an effortless release. He is so long and tall (6’9 with a 7 foot wing span) that he will figuratively be able to reach into the basket even from three point range like a hand reaching into a cookie jar. Cam has a high ceiling and fits into any NBA offense with his ability to fill into a premium position in the modern NBA.

 

#5 Darius Garland, Point Guard, Vanderbilt

Darius’ game compares to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.  He is the most refined shooter in this draft. His ball handling and pure shooting at all three levels of the half court make him an intriguing prospect for any team. He doesn’t mind pulling up for mid range shots around the top of the key which is a shot that presents itself quite often in the NBA, especially for point guards. Darius is slight of frame but uses his quickness and ability to get under defenders to his advantage. He sometimes struggles with decision making and often resorts to single-minded scoring when its time to make a play, but with time he will get better at orchestrating an offense. If Darius can physically mature into his frame and become a more consistent playmaker for his teammates, he can be a great NBA player.

 

#6 De’Andre Hunter, Forward, Virginia 

With a nice shooting touch and physical style of play, De’Andre Hunter’s game translates well to the next level.  Inclusive of his defensive capability, De’Andre can help a team in a variety of ways. From fade-aways, floaters and stand up threes, Hunter may be the most versatile player in the draft.  Hunter won the NCAA Championship, has great intangibles, and is willing to do the little things that win games. Whether it’s getting a tough rebound over a bigger defender or setting a solid screen, this is a team player that is locked in and focused all game long. If De’Andre improves his speed and ball handling in the open court, he can be a great rotation player in the NBA.

 

#7Jarrett Culver, Shooting Guard ,Texas Tech

A natural scorer who can shoot from anywhere on the floor, Culver makes for an intriguing prospect at the shooting guard position. When you consider that he has one of the best shooting forms in the draft coupled with the fact that his shot is almost impossible to block, you likely get a lottery pick. At 6’6, Jarrett already has NBA range from the 3 point line and can also finish with power at the rim. He should be able to guard three positions at the next level and is long enough to average a steal or two per game. His shot is so hard to contest because of his quick release as well as how he elevates on his pull-up mid range jumpers. If Jarrett commits to getting his upper body stronger, like Cam Reddish, he can be a versatile defender and potent scorer.

 

#8 Coby White, Combo Guard, North Carolina

One of the fastest players in the draft, White can blow by anyone in transition. Coby was lethal at the college level even after made baskets as he would sprint down the court with the ball and set the pace for the Tar Heels. White is also a great shooter and made 3.3 threes per 40 minutes last year. He has a certain burst and explosiveness that you don’t see much, and he uses it to his advantage in either the half court or open court setting. He compliments his athletic ability with being able to have unorthodox finishes at the rim with either hand. This is a very quick guard moving side to side so he definitely has the potential to be a great defender at his position. If Coby improves his passing and decision making, he can be an All Star guard at the NBA level.

 

#9  Rui Hachimura ,Forward, Gonzaga 

Rui might very well be the steal of this years’ draft. At 6’9 230 pounds, the Gonzaga forward plays a physical style of ball and loves to get to the rim. He has a great post up game and also a great face up game in the mid range, effectively using jab steps and pump fakes. This is a fundamentally sound big with a silky shooting stroke who has no chance to bust. He was Gonzaga’s emotional leader all year. What is really great about Hachimura is that he can play in virtually any system. He can take the ball into the post 20 times a game or he can stretch the court and then drive the lane. His post and mid range game goes well with his interior passing skills and he has a great feel for rebounding. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Rui get selected earlier than projected, as he has all of the tools a modern NBA scout is looking for in a combo forward.

 

#10 Jaxson Hayes, Center, Texas 

This guy is huge. At 7’0 feet tall with a 7’3 wingspan, Jaxson uses all of his length to dunk on other centers time and again. He usually follows up his dunks with a loud yell, imposing his will on the opposition. Hayes also has the biggest hand size in the draft, and is very coordinated with the ball in his hands. He had the best true shooting percentage in the college ranks at a strong 75%. Jaxson has a high ceiling and seems to have the want to get better.  According to ESPN stats, he was the second best rim protector in college basketball last year. If Hayes is committed, he can become one of the most dominant big men in the game, at least on the defensive end of the floor and maybe on the offensive end as well.

 

#11 Nassir Little, Forward, North Carolina 

Can you say “defensive versatility?”  This is the first thing that comes to mind when examining forward Nassir Little out of North Carolina. At 6’6 with a wing span of 7 feet, Nassir should be able to guard at least three positions and, depending on the matchup, four positions because of his mature physical frame. He can slide his feet as well as anyone in the draft and hard hedge off of a pick and roll while using his length for an effective double team. Nassir loves to get into the teeth of a defense and pick up some rebounds as well. He does have a nice shot form and can put the ball on the floor in the open court, but the next phase of development for him should be using a triple threat jab step on the wing while being able to create his own shot. He must focus on improving his ball handling in tight spaces. He is already a great finisher at the rim and uses his strength to get to the free throw line as well.  A good player to compare Nassir to would be Draymond Green.  But as a fluid finisher at the basket with a smooth shot form, he has a higher ceiling than Golden State’s forward.

 

#12 Romeo Langford, Guard, Indiana 

Langford compares well to Nets guard D’Angelo Russell. As a big guard that can create his own shot and get into the lane, Langford also has a soft touch around the rim. He changes speed especially with the ball in his hands, as he bends and breaks down defenses. A terrific ball handler combined with good athleticism goes a long way into becoming an NBA point guard. His upside suggests he could be a top 5 pick, but his play on the court this year will show you otherwise. Langford is often lackadaisical on defense and gets beat by his man on back door cuts. Although he was Indiana’s best player, he never truly showed leadership skills or carried his team verbally.  If his motor can change and he shows more hunger in the NBA, he has the talent to be an all star.

 

#13  Sekou Doumbouya, Forward, Limoges CSP

The Frenchman stands tall at 6’10 and impresses immediately when scouts lay eyes on him. With a huge wing span and big hands, Sekou is an intriguing prospect that has a high ceiling being the athlete that he is. He loves to run the lane in transition which compliments his game of finishing with dunks in space. He also likes to attack the paint in the half court, although his ball handling could use some work. Sekou runs at his own pace on his own time, and playing in the NBA will be a big adjustment coming from playing in the LNB Pro A in France. He did average over 1 block a game and 1.7 steals per game in his time over seas, but his footwork will have to improve to keep up with smaller NBA forwards. Sekou needs to gain muscle and improve his lateral quickness, if he can do that he can be a worthy rotation player.

 

#14 Bol Bol, Center, Oregon

Bol Bol has a certain fluidity to his game that you rarely see in players his size. As the tallest player in the draft, Bol is not afraid to shoot a three or penetrate the lane after a hard close out. He also has great hands and finishes above the rim with soft touch.  Bol’s defensive is impressive as well. In college, Bol averaged 2.7 blocks a game, and he will get better at protecting the rim once he makes it to the NBA.  He used his length at the collegiate level and didn’t have to move his feet much to interrupt players charging through the lane. He never had to move that fast in the condensed half court, so in the pros he will have to adjust to the speed. I expect Bol to adjust well as he has shown he can move his feet laterally with the best big men in the country. Similar to Sekou, if Bol can grow into his frame he can become one of the best rim protectors in the game.

 

#15 PJ Washington,Forward, Kentucky

As an undersized power forward at the collegiate level, PJ has the toughness necessary to maintain that position in the pros. It also helps that he’s got the best jump hook in the draft and made 55 percent of his mid range shots. He’s got everything scouts are looking for intangibly, as he lead Kentucky emotionally in his sophomore season as he was always getting his guys into a huddle. The scouts look at his tangible tools, and it’s virtually as good as the leadership skills. He can defend four positions as he moves his feet like a true wildcat, and he can drive the ball from the wing. There aren’t many, if any, holes in PJ’s game.  He shot 42 percent from three point range?  PJ’s natural talent promises an NBA career of possible All Star status.

 

#16  Bruno Fernando, Power Forward/Center, Maryland

Fernando averaged almost 11 rebounds a game and manned the center position for Maryland in his sophomore season with the Terrapins. He will play more power forward in the NBA, but the transition should be no problem for Bruno. He shows off a fluid offensive game as he is a knock down mid range shooter and one of the best post players in the draft. He’s also one of the best athletes in the draft and often soars for ally-oop jams as he sprints from the top of the key. Bruno has the physical tools to be a great defender but lacks the awareness and feel on that end of the floor. He’s is a less polished version on Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura but has more upside being a taller player with superior athletic ability. If Bruno can improve his awareness on the defensive end of the court, he will be a valuable two way player in the NBA.

 

#17 Goga Bitadze, Center, Georgia

Goga has a great feel for the game and drives hard to the rim coming off of pick and rolls. One of the best parts of his game is that he enjoys screening for his guards and embraces the physicality that comes with it.  He uses a wide stance in the post and then turns with a firm pivot into a face up with the threat of his deadly mid-range jumper. Offensively, this is a prototypical stretch power forward that can contribute immediately in the league. It’s not like his production falls off on the other end of the floor either. In fact, Goga averaged 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes.  Goga can be a great role player on an NBA team.

 

#18  Cameron Johnson, Forward, North Carolina

The next best “3 and D” player in the draft behind Cam Reddish, Cam Johnson can contribute for an NBA team right away. At 6’9, Johnson uses all of his length to get deflections and steals while corralling opponents until they lose handle of the ball. Johnson is also one of the best shooters in the draft as he shot 46% from three in his senior season. He can make cuts while playing off of the ball in a half court set, and adds in a nice post up game with a turnaround jumper over either shoulder.  As a great team player he is engaged all game long on the defensive end and shows a high motor. Johnson could get stronger and improve his driving and finishing, but once he does this he will help any NBA team that drafts him.

 

#19 Brandon Clarke,Forward, Gonzaga

Brandon is a brash competitor and enjoys playing physical down low. He is committed on the defensive end and not only blocks shots but also gets steals. Clarke had a 36 point game against Pac 12 competition. If he wants to be more than a rotation player in the pros, he will have to get better as a threat on the wing and improve his ball handing. Without much of a post game, it’s hard to have consistent impact in the NBA standing at 6’8 weighing 215. Brandon does have the athleticism.  He will have to evolve as a player, and mask a few shortcomings at the next level.

 

#20 Keldon Johnson, Guard, Kentucky

Keldon was Kentucky’s best shooter last year averaging over 13 points a game. With a great shooting stroke, Keldon will be able to stretch defenses out to the wing and then finish inside with his impressive touch at the basket. In fact, he was 2nd on is team in baskets made with an additional free throw.  This shows his ability to finish through contact and display concentration in the lane. Keldon is also a great ball handler and a good enough passer to play both guard positions. With his length he will be able to guard three positions, and given his competitive streak should do just fine on that end of the floor. If Keldon can improve his court vision and decision making to capitalize on his size at the guard position, he can be a dangerous two-way player with the threat of making a bunch of threes in a short period of time.

 

#21 Nickeil Alexander-Walker

An ambidextrous guard that shoots with his right hand and is terrific finishing in the lane with his left, Nickeil has the mind set to make himself a productive NBA wing. Being able to use both hands as a shooter and a passer makes Nickeil’s game so fun to watch as he carves up defenses utilizing whichever hand a defender is surrendering. Nickeil is also a fierce competitor with great intangibles who isn’t afraid to lead by example. He has the physical tools to guard multiple positions and get his hands in passing lanes as one of the longest players at his position. He averaged 2.2 steals per game and shot 38 percent from three, so he can become a very good “3 and D” player at the next level. Nickeil will help any team that drafts him as he will fill a valuable position in the modern game.

 

#22 Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard, Kentucky

This is one of the best shooters in the draft who isn’t afraid to let it fly from three even with a hand in his face. Tyler can also put the ball on the floor and distribute for his team especially in the open court. He is used best running off of screens and also taking handoffs into the mid range where he can rise up over the out-stretched arm of a switching defender. Tyler has the will to go guard deep out onto the perimeter and pick up the opposing teams ball handler from full court. This is a sure-fire shooter with a competitive fire who should have a long NBA career.

 

#23 Mfiondu Kabengele, Power Forward, Florida State

Mfiondu is a terror on the defensive end swarming for rebounds and blocking shots into the stands. He is one of the best defensive players in the draft, and was taught well under defense minded coach Leonard Hamilton. He not only covers ground with his feet, but also plays physical fronting in the post and getting his hand on the ball. He compares nicely to former Florida State player Jonathan Isaac as a player that can switch onto smaller guards in the pick and roll and defend multiple positions. Whats most impressive considering all of the tools Mfiondu has on the defensive side of the court is that he shot 37% from three and 76% from the free throw line!  If he keeps up these numbers in the pro game, he can play up to 35 minutes a night on an NBA court.

 

#24 Admiral Schofield, Forward, Tennessee

Schofield is a big, strong athlete that has a soft touch on his shot from all three levels of the half court. In college he often played out of the post against larger forwards, but in the NBA he will transition to posting up guards.  He improved his range as a shooter in four years at Tennessee and turned himself into one of the best three point shooters in college last year. He was nicknamed “the Admiral” because he truly played like a general on the court and was one of Tennessee’s emotional leaders. Admiral can guard up to four positions as he slides his feet on the perimeter well and has enough mass in his upper body to defend taller power forwards in the post. If Schofield can improve his ball handling and decision making he can become a traditional “3 and D,” but also possess power and strength not many at his position have.

 

#25 Naz Reid, Power Forward, LSU

Naz is a true power forward at both the collegiate and pro level and has a brute strength that he is willing to impose in game situations. He does not mind going to the free throw line and can shoot it well once he gets there. His ability to create contact and finish with arms wrapped on him will carry over to the pro level. He shot 73 percent from the line last year, and has a nice looking stroke. He embraces being in the post but has limited developed moves down low. He stretched his shot out to the three point line.  He only shot 33 percent out there without any hands in his face, however.  Naz is slow of foot on defense.  But considering his ability to get out and run on the break, it’s a matter of will and hard work for Naz to get it together on the defensive end.  If Reid commits to playing hard defense and refines his offensive game, he can be a serviceable post up player in the league.

 

#26 Kevin Porter, Shooting Guard, USC

Porter has supreme athletic ability and uses it to dunk on opponents often. The lefty has a silky release & is comfortable shooting from NBA range. As a big combo guard, Porter elevates in the lane for nifty finishes and can lay it up with either hand. Porter has a scoring mindset and will need to build play making habits. He’s a demon in transition and changes speed with the best guards in the country. Porter can also pull up with a clean shot form at any area of the half court. If Porter becomes a willing defender and learns how to make plays more often, he can be a multi year NBA guard.

 

#27 Darius Bazley, Various Positions

Darius, who chose to work with trainers in preparation for the draft instead of college last year demonstrated marketability earning $1 million with New Balance!  His path creates an interesting conversation for the future of basketball.  Darius is a long athlete with high defensive potential who can guard three positions. He moves his feet very well and is accomplished at running out near the sidelines in transition. Darius has a nice offensive package as he can pull up well in the mid range and shoot from deep off of the catch. Darius is slight of frame but uses his quickness effectively. If he can build onto his frame, Darius can turn into another needed “3 and D” player.

 

#28 Grant Williams, Forward, Tennessee

Grant looks like an SEC linebacker, and plays like one too. Williams go-to place on the floor is the post, and it’s for good reason if you watch his highlights. Williams won’t be able to be as effective from the post in the NBA game, but he has dimension in his game to make up for it. This is a great defender and terrific passer, and he has some abilities bullying opponents in the lane as well. Grant has a stoic personality and leads his team with composure. He was known for making critical baskets for his team last season. Grant loves to use the spin move and will be able to develop it in the pros with his massive frame. If Grant can get lighter on his feet and create a more complete perimeter game, he can be a valued rotation player at the next level.

 

#29 Tremont Waters ,Point Guard, LSU

The 5’10 guard makes up for his lack of height in every area of his game. He gets under defenders, has a quick release on his shot, and uses every part of the back board on his devastating floaters and layups. Tremont is, no doubt, an NBA point guard and only and point guard. He may very well be the best in the draft at manipulating defenses in the pick and roll.  With his change of pace by way of hesitation and stutter-stepping, Tremont is graceful while he moves downhill into the lane. He is an unbelievable finisher and makes layups from hard to fathom angles. He also shoots with range and has great court vision in either the half court or fast break setting. Tremont  led the Tigers in steals as a pesky and visionary defender.  Tremont  excels at most levels of his game.  But, give his stature, his defense is likely a liability.

 

#30 Carsen Edwards, Point Guard, Purdue

This is a thick, bruising point guard with deep range as he shot NBA level threes at Purdue. Carsen is an underrated athlete that possesses a signature left-handed jam that you don’t see in players his size. He shows off his anticipation skills on the defensive end of the floor as he racked up 1.3 steals a game. He averaged 24 points a game for the Boilermakers and shot 36% from three. He has skills as a passer but didn’t display them much as he only averaged 2.9 assists per game last year. Carsen has an array of dribble moves and spins through the lane effectively for reverse layups. If Carsen commits to distributing the ball more, he can be a rotation player at the next level.

 

Enjoy the draft and its many many twists, turns, and trades.

Hopefully Zion’s cheap Nike shoe will hold up better than our process did this AM when he takes center stage tonight shortly after the opening bell rings.

.

 

Gambling With Silver Risks No Coin.

Posted on by boom booms room staff

One day after the Boston Celtics received an Academy Award nomination for best portrayal of another team (the Washington Generals) in a five game NBA semifinal playoff series, the executive director of this long running reality TV show took to the microphone.  Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, answered questions at the Economic Club of Washington DC.

When asked about the current referees, the future of refereeing, and women in the sport he bellowed, “ … the goal is, going forward, it should be roughly 50-50 of new officials entering in the league, same for coaches by the way.  There’s no reason why women shouldn’t be coaching men’s basketball.”

Liz Roscher, Yahoo Sports writer, who we assumed covered the event, then wrote this, “Of course, words will only take Silver and the NBA so far. He can say he wants there to be a 50-50 gender split among coaches and referees, but it won’t happen by itself. Silver will have to work to make this happen with every team in the NBA. The sentiment is admirable, but it only matters if he backs it up with action.”

And she wrote this about San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon’s May 2018 interview for the then vacant Milwaukee Bucks head coaching job, “Even though she didn’t end up getting the job, it was progress.”

We have to wonder.  Is Silver, who has been at the forefront of embracing gambling getting cozy with the NBA, taking a no downside, calculated gamble with this position?  And if he “backs it up with action” against his goal as Roscher puts, is it really “progress” as she describes it?

After all, where would you stop the need for gender equity?   And is it progress, with progress defined as a better officiated league?  Or is it only different?  Or, is it only what sounds good in today’s environment?

All be it a bit dated, a search for WNBA referees discovered that only 12 of 34 were female as of 2017.  Silver told the group assembled at the Economic Club that he’s not sure why NBA officiating remained male-dominated for so long, since “certainly there’s no benefit to being a man, as opposed to a woman when it comes to refereeing.”  Hmmm.

Could it be that women have less interest than men in refereeing? Could it be that there are far less women refereeing, officiating, or umpiring from pee wee ball to the pros in every sport?

With the boys now able to join the girl scouts and the girls now able to join to the boy scouts, should there even be a WNBA and a NBA Mr. Commissioner?  Ah, perhaps that is where he would draw the line.

You see the WNBA total revenue for 2018 was estimated at 60 million.  The average salary for the 137 players in the High Post Hoops WNBA salary database was $77,878 this past season. Given this average, all the players in the WNBA were paid an estimated $12.3 million this past season, or roughly half of what Chris Paul is earning yearly to mail it in nightly for the Houston Rockets in the annual futile chase of the Golden State Warriors.  Forbes estimates that the 2017-2018 NBA season league revenue was 7.4 billion.  That’s billion, with a “B,” as opposed to the WNBA, with 60 million, with an “M.”

So, could it be that women (and men) have far less interest in watching women play basketball?  So, could it be that women have far less interest in refereeing  men’s basketball too?  And, finally, could it be that women have far less interest in coaching men’s basketball as well?

BBR has nothing whatsoever against women achieving the highest levels in any boardroom, profession, or sport.  We just want anyone of any gender to earn it.  But in certain areas, maybe they are perfectly happy with the old school phrase “that’s a man’s job.”

Adam Silver, are you are trying too hard on this one?  We’d bet that you are.

 

Shaq on the Attack

Posted on by boom booms room staff

Last week in our Ten Piece Nuggets we mentioned that Inside the NBA on TNT was hands down the best studio sports show around and second isn’t close.  Not only do we stand by the statement, we are doubling down.  The only negative about the show is that it runs after the second game of doubleheaders which puts it on as late as 1 AM Eastern.

If you missed Tuesday night you missed another run at comedic gold.  We’ve attached a five-minute and change clip that you can see by clicking here.  Yep, it’s pretty long but well worth your time today while on your union mandated break.  Like a fine wine it gets better and better.  It’s must see TV till it’s very end.

The chemistry of the four of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley is great.  It’s great until Charles goes off of the rails.  Then it looks like your 10th grade science lab gone wrong great.    Shaq had it with the Chuckster.  And, he let him know it.

If you’ve seen the clip it’s worth another look.  We’ve watched it more times than we care to admit and still laugh like it’s the first time.  Besides, your union contractually secured the time for you to do so.

Harden’s Safe Space

Posted on by boom booms room staff

James Harden just wants a fair chance.  In fact he said so himself after his Houston Rockets lost game one of the Western Conference Semifinals 104-100 to the Golden State Warriors.

“I mean, I just want a fair chance, man,” said Harden, who scored 35 points but was 9-of-28 from the floor and 4-of-16 from behind the 3-point line. “Call the game how it’s supposed to be called, and that’s it. And I’ll live with the results.”

Harden, who has led the league in free throws attempted and made in each of the past five seasons, gets fouled while shooting his three’s more, far more, than any other player.  It’s largely because his step-back jump shot is so difficult to contest.

Rockets head coach, Mike D’Antoni walked a fine line after the game.  He wanted the world to know that the referees told him that they missed some first half calls.  He faces a potential fine for criticizing officiating. “So, I mean, the response was they came in halftime and said they missed them. That’s what they told me. They missed four of them. That’s 12 foul shots. So be it. They’re trying to do the best they can do.”

Hopefully both Harden and D’Antoni realize that all of the calls that they are referencing above are “after the shot, safe landing space calls.”  The new foul rule is indeed a rule.  However, it doesn’t affect the accuracy of the shot.  The non calls certainly could have resulted in free throws for the career 86% free throw shooter.  Heck, maybe they would have been enough for the Rockets to win.

We wonder more, much more, about the 19 shots from the field that he missed.   And, 12 of those were either from or beyond the three-point line.  Make one more two point attempt and one more three point attempt and you win the game for sure, refs be damned.  Nine for 28 is 32% overall.  Four for 16 is 25% from three.  Phew.

So now the Rockets are down 1-0.  They’ve never beaten the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs during the Harden era.  Make no mistake about it, Harden feels the heat from that.  Now he feels like he needs to beat them and the referees.

And, its going to be tougher for him now.  After all, the refs are taking away his “safe space.”

 

One Win and 17,000 Losses Makes Them Winners

Posted on by boom booms room staff

Yesterday, the disappointing, no playoff Los Angeles Lakers lost team president Magic Johnson, as he abruptly resigned.  Meanwhile, the perennially disappointing New York Knicks won their 17th regular season game to insure that they won’t set a single season record for futility even if they lose tonight’s season ending game.  But, if you are really talking about losses and futility, look no further than the Washington Generals.

Also known as the Boston Shamrocks(1971–1972), New Jersey Reds(1971–1972), Baltimore Rockets(1971–1972), Atlantic City Seagulls(1971–1972), New York Nationals(1995–2006), International Elite(2011–2012),  Global Select(2011–2012) , and the World All-Stars (2013–2014), the Generals are the all time losers.  To give the illusion that the Globetrotters play different teams they changed names and uniforms to be the best foil that they can be.

Depending on which version of history you believe they have only won one, or three, or six games while losing over 17,000.  The Generals exist primarily as a part of the Harlem Globetrotters’ act, effectively being stooges for them. While the Globetrotters play tricks and spectacular displays of skill for the crowd, the Generals appear to attempt to play a “normal” game of basketball.

Below are ten fun facts (their history isn’t perfectly nor completely documented) about the multi decade traveling show.

  1.  The Washington Generals were named so to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  2. The Generals would rarely, but occasionally, play teams other than the Globetrotters. They beat the Taiwanese national team and a low-level Red Army team along the way.
  3. The Globetrotters official website only recognizes one loss.  That loss came in Tennessee at Tennessee Martin in 1971.  Even the date of the loss is disputed as either January 5th or 25th.
  4. The loss was mostly the result of an incorrect scoreboard that showed the Globetrotters winning by four with three minutes to play.  Thinking they had the game in hand, the Trotters were mostly running out the clock.  When they realized that they were behind, the clock operator stopped the clock to allow them one final shot as they now trailed by one.  The Generals allowed Meadowlark Lemon to dribble straight to redemption, but he missed the final shot.
  5. Some say that a pregame dispute between the two caused the Generals to play to win that evening vs “play along.”  Neither team has ever spoken in support or denial of that accusation.
  6. There have been a scant few, but still a few players who were once Generals that became Trotters and vice versa.
  7. One of the few was Paul Sturgess who made the opposite transition. The former Globetrotter, after a few seasons playing for other teams, transferred back into the setup as part of the arranged opposition. The 7 ft 8 in. Sturgess adopts the persona of “Cager”, a masked adversary who adopts a villainous role.
  8.  The Generals were created in 1952 by their owner, GM, coach, and player Red Klotz.  Klotz played into his fifties.  They were a part of the staged act until 2015 when the Globetrotters decided to end their long, long relationship.   Fans actually objected to not seeing the Generals.
  9. So, in 2017, Herschend Family Entertainment, the owners of the Harlem Globetrotters, bought the Washington Generals from the Klotz family and revived them as an active team with Kenny Smith as general manager.  Yep, that Kenny Smith.
  10. The night of the lone recognized loss it’s reported that many children in the crowd cried in disbelief.  Meadowlark Lemon, ever the showman, was furious about the loss.  It wasn’t the game loss that concerned him in all likelihood.  It was the loss of a cornerstone of the brand.  The brand never lost.

One game tears aside, the Generals have won for a long time by losing to the beloved Globetrotters.  Creating a winning show that has prospered for 65 years is no easy task.  Ask the Knicks who are way, way off-Broadway, thankfully.  Or, ask Magic who couldn’t work his magic where he was once the lead actor in the hit play Showtime.

I’ll Have a Cuban Sandwich Please.

Posted on by boom booms room staff

If you’re a foodie you love trying new restaurants, menus, dishes, or recipes.  The hard-working staff here at boomboomsroom.com loves to try out new takes on food as well.   Working well into last evening we decided to take a stab on Al Gore’s internet for just that.

What popped up in Google Search trending right there at the top?  Wow, a new take on an old favorite did-the Cuban Sandwich.

The prep went as follows.

  1. Toast bread till burned by your subordinates.  Ignore coworkers cries for a better toaster.  In fact, ignore them for 10 years or so.
  2. Pile on a bunch of baloney to cover up how poor your leadership is/was.  While layering on the baloney say things like….“I’m just sorry I didn’t see. I’m just sorry I didn’t recognize it. I just hope that out of this we’ll be better and we can avoid it and we can help make everybody just smarter about the whole thing.”
  3. Add a sliced ghost pepper.  “If I was in our business office five times in 15 years, that was a lot. It’s embarrassing to say there were people who I just hadn’t met and hadn’t talked to.”
  4.  Top generously with pungent cheese.  “Yeah, obviously that’s a huge mistake on my part. I was under the impression that, the first issue, the pornography was resolved. And obviously it wasn’t.”
  5.  Slather with the mustard that you cannot cut.  “I didn’t know and I don’t have an explanation. I can give you lots of reasons but they don’t matter. What matters is it was my responsibility, it didn’t happen and I have to be accountable for it.” 
  6. Season(tickets) to taste with salt extracted from alligator tears.

Cost of the sandwich is a mere 10 million dollars.  What a small price to pay for over a dozen years of creating a workplace that went unchecked on domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.

It’s good to know that money and a lot of “I’m really sorry(s)” can keep you in the NBA I guess.  Well, that is unless your name is Donald Sterling.  The food he served was sooooooooo bad that he paid 2.5 million and got a lifetime NBA ban.

Meanwhile, in NY, Adam Silver is in the drive through in his Rolls Royce.   Yes, sir, can I help you?   Yes, I would like to order that new Cuban sandwich.  Sure, is that all?  Yes.   Okay, your total is 10 million at the second window.

 

 

 

Lefty-The WNBA 2018 Final Was Last Night. Shorty-The What?

Posted on by boom booms room staff

In my best Al Pacino voice, ” let me introduce you to my two little friends, Lefty and Shorty.”  More on the WNBA finals that you didn’t know about in a minute.

Way way back in 1964, or 5, or 6, or 7 I frequently made a Sunday PM trip to the Gulf Gas Station a couple of miles from our house.  I did not know it then, but it was on that road and back that my father (Boom Boom) began teaching his lessons of life to me.

Lefty and Shorty were the amiable service station attendants.  Well, that’s what they were called back then as every pump was full serve. Sunday’s were slow.  We had their full attention.   Dad interacted with them as they checked the oil, washed the windshield, pumped the gas, and took the money.  He often tipped them as well.  They were the main characters in the first lesson I learned.  They were funny. They always had a back and forth to their banter.  And, they always had a kind word or three for me.

I’m gallantly attempting to write my first book.  Lefty and Shorty “star” in the first chapter.  What was the first lesson?  Sorry, you ‘ll have to wait for the book (my publicist, if I had one, would be SO proud).

If Lefty and Shorty were alive today their exchange might go something like the below.

Lefty–  The WNBA Finals were last night. Shorty- The what?  Lefty–The women’s professional basketball league, the WNBA.  Shorty- Oh.  Ok.  Lefty- The Seattle Storm beat the Washington Mystics 98-82.  Shorty– Who?  Lefty- The Storm swept them in the finals series three games to none.  Shorty- I heard about that storm named Florence that is about to hit the Carolinas.  Lefty- And that has exactly what to do with the basketball game?  Shorty– I think a lot more people are paying attention to that storm than the WNBA.  Lefty- You didn’t watch it?  Shorty- The storm coverage?  Lefty- NO.  The game.  Shorty- Fewer people? The final game last night or the Carolina beaches today?  Lefty- I’m going to fix a flat tire.

 

You’ll hear from Lefty and Shorty from time to time when a spirited debate is needed.

Lefty– Say bye for now Shorty.  Shorty– Bye for now Shorty.