ForumsThe Halfcourt Trap Vol. I, No. 37
As I am busy cleansing my system ahead of next weekend’s celebration of debauchery, otherwise known as the Kentucky Derby, here are the hoop happenings that have my attention.
1. You Can Go Home Again. Derek Kellogg has taken over at UMASS. In five years, the Minutemen fans will look back on Wednesday as the moment their return to national relevance began. Kellogg will succeed in spectacular fashion.
2. Where’s Larry? Larry Brown resigned from the Sixer front office earlier today. He’ll be coaching again much sooner than later. Rumors have linked him to Stanford, but the NBA seems like a far more likely destination. Charlotte, Chicago, and Atlanta seem to be the most likely destinations. Avery Johnson also has to be a bit uncomfortable about Brown being on the market as his team is collapsing in the postseason yet again.
3. Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Tyler Smith staying at Tennessee makes the Volunteers a Final Four threat. DJ Augustin departing Austin probably ends the Longhorn dream of a trip to Detroit. The strangest phenomenon to watch is the continued crawl of guys declaring for the Draft simply to get their names out there for scouts and get an evaluation. The list of early entries will be much smaller by the time we get to the deadline to pull one’s name out of consideration.
4. Saint Paul. With his disemboweling of Jason Kidd, Chris Paul is signaling a new era at point guard in the NBA. Kidd and Steve Nash are fading stars while Paul and Deron Williams are just beginning their decade of dominance at lead guard.
5. Motor City Madmen. Is there a more thoroughly maddening and intriguing team in all of sports than the Detroit Pistons? Arrogant. Occasionally indifferent. Often excellent. Never predictable. Herschel Walker thinks the Pistons have issues.
6. Boston Glee Party. I must admit I detest the Boston Celtics. With that disclosure out of the way, I must now admit the NBA is a much, much healthier league when the most dominant franchise in the history of major American professional sports is good. It’s also fun to watch Kevin Garnett finally having a team around him befitting his grandiose skills.
Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.
