By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The shock waves are still reverberating over the blockbuster NBA trade featuring superstar players Luka Doncic, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis, a 2020 title winner with his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Two questions beg responses: why the trade and who won, simply put. Dallas management is of the opinion that they’re in position to compete for a title now, because of Davis’ presence with his inside skills as a scorer, rebounder and defender. The Lakers, I reasonably surmise, are looking toward the future with this 25 year old offensive scoring machine. At 40 Lebron is still a phenomenal player, but how many more years playing at an all star level are in the cards for him.
The why is just as plausible, especially from Dallas’ perspective. Two overt concerns were defensive deficiencies and physical conditioning. Perhaps they believe that James can influence his improvement in that area. Both players were out injured when the trade occurred but will be available to compete after the all-star weekend break. Both players have also accepted the trade positively and professionally. Known as a player’s league, could the NBA be experiencing a seismic shift with greater power and control returning to owners. If these two can be traded without prior knowledge or consent, then no one is untouchable. And by the way, Jimmy Butler is still a Miami Heat, but if you’re like me, it’s time to end this saga. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday.
Longtime FLorida State University basketball coach Leonard Hamilton will retire at the conclusion of the season after 23 years.
FSU All-American and 14 year NFL great Terrell Buckley joins a growing list of former pros to connect with HBCUS as the head football coach. A Mississippi native, he was recently named head football coach at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Jerry Rice’s alma mater. Although there were other hires before Deion at JSU, his success opened doors for those who followed such as Eddie George, Tennessee St.; Chris Goode, Miles; Desean Jackson, Delaware St.; Michael Vick, Norfolk St.; and Sam Shade, Alabama A&M. Perhaps and despite NIL, these coaches will attract better athletes to HBCUS.
Something of Note: Over 35 former HBCU alums are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
So much has happened since the 60s and the end of segregation; however, I still have reservations about whether integration was truly the best or most beneficial choice for African Americans. Hindsight is 20-20, I know, but…………….
