Bits and pieces

We’re nearing the final countdown for resumption of the world’s most popular and expensive basketball league.  Teams were issued a 113-page rule book that outlines health and safety protocols inside the NBA bubble. Florida’s positive cases are at an alarming rate and with a recorded one-day high of CoVid infections at 11,400, the league most likely would be closely and strictly monitoring players and team staff.  

League commissioner Adam Silver is confident that everyone inside the bubble will follow procedures, but these highly paid athletes are so used to having their own way that being restricted inside a campus-like environment and follow rules on health and safety for three months would be challenging, to say the least. As Washington’s Bradley Beal said, “There’s a lot of s*** we can’t do.”  Well, if they insist in doing their thing, Silver just might request those retired generals in Cebu City to come to Florida and flex their muscles.

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I will have Portland as a dark horse in this restart because two important frontline players will be back in action. Jusuf Norkic and Zach Collins, both 7-footers, had recovered well from their injuries and could be starting along with Hassan Whiteside. Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard could man the backcourt. CJ McCollum, Rodney Hood and Anfernee Simmons will complete the rotation. e could be seeing more of Mario Hezonja and rookie Nassir Little in the absence of Trevor Ariza and Caleb Swanigan who both opted out.

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The three-month lay-off had given players with health issues enough time to heal and recover. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had a minor knee sprain when the season was suspended while Miami’s Myers Leonard and rookie Tyler Herro had ankle injuries. Dallas big man Kristaps Porzingis is finally feeling confident with his surgically repaired knee. With an off-and-on soreness on his left foot, Boston’s Gordon Hayward had benefited much from the unexpected rest.

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Expect JaVale McGee to start at center for the LA Lakers as Coach Frank Vogel wants Anthony Davis at his natural 4 spot.  Dwight Howard is still not sure of playing, and this will have Markieff Morris, Kostas Antetokounmpo and Devontae Cacok rotating at the 5. If Howard won’t play, it would be possible for DeMarcus Cousins to suit up. It’s a wait-and-see situation for new Laker additions Dion Waiters and JR Smith. Waiters had played a total of 3 games for Miami this season before being signed by the Lakers while Smith last played basketball in November 2018. There’s no guarantee that AD will be back next season considering his coming free agency and the Lakers must win it all now as #3 might take his talents elsewhere.LeBron is on his 17th season and 35-years old, not enough time really, to add more rings to his collection.