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Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons troubles in the playoffs and his lack of development. Ben Simmons was the number one pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a season at LSU. Over the years his play, more importantly his shooting has come under scrutiny because of his lack of a three point shot and poor free throw shooting. After losing to the Atlanta Hawks many have began to wonder if Ben can ever be the PG to lead the 76ers to the promised land like so many other great point guards (Magic, Zeke, Steph etc.).

Ben needs development in a league that is now a shooters league. Ben could have pulled this off in the “old NBA” but not in today’s game.

NBA minority Coaching has changed

The lack of minority coaches in the NBA is troubling. Given the large number of minority players that have played in the NBA, it would seem plausible that some of these same players would be able to become head coaches but that is not the case. Take for example for players and NBA Champions, Rick Barry, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Clifford Ray. All three of these former NBA Champions, would make great coaches however, they have never and will never have that opportunity. The NBA must be better at ensuring their former players have these opportunities. It now seems as if college coaches, many of whom never played in the NBA have a better chance at coaching then those who have given so much to the pro game. Some argue that former big men are not “smart” enough to coach but that is simply a smokescreen for a larger issue that many do not want to discuss.

Chris Paul brink of a title

Chris Paul better known as CP3 is on the brink of winning his first NBA Championship ring which would put him in an elite class as a player. He would also bring the Suns their first championship in the history of the franchise. On the other side, if he were to lose this finals he would go down as a player who was never able to close the big games. With the Suns up 2-1 heading into Game 4 in Milwaukee who has more pressure, CP3 or Giannis?

CP3 Legacy

What is Chris Paul’s legacy after a loss in the finals after going up 2-0? Some say that he will end up being John Stockton, Gary Payton, Karl Malone or Charles Barkley. Though he is a top 5 PG of all time how does this finals loss impact his legacy?

Free Agency

NBA free agency was a a whirlwind as it started this week. Melo and Westbrook join Lebron in LA, Lonzo and DeMar join forces in Chicago, Lowry joins buckets in Miami. There weren’t a lot of big names and the landscape did shift too much but the Lakers got older and the Heat got better by picking up PJ Tucker and Kyle Lowry. We will see how these signings impact the up coming season.

Conference Alignment

How will the Big 10, PAC 12 and ACC alliance impact college football and basketball? Only time will tell. This has the look of a future super conference in the making to counter the move of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. The traditional college sports model is officially dead.

Valanciunas honoring contract or not?

The Nuggets have informed Jonas Valanciunas’ representatives that the franchise fully expects the center to honor his contract per ESPN.

Does Ace want to be in Utah?

Ace Bailey’s debut in an Utah Jazz uniform featured defensive and dirty work potential instead of his scoring potential, which was great for his coaches to see.