Tonight's view from the tailgate lot is of the NBA Draft. Watching the best basketball talent get selected is an annual June activity for us sports fans. We watch to see what our favorite NBA teams will do to help next season or we watch to see where our favorite college athletes get selected. With the addition of social media, watching the draft has taken on a whole new dimension. We see commentary from so called experts and fans. We often delight in the struggles of a particular team or that individual that seems to drop in the draft.
The 2015 NBA draft has been quite interesting so far. The Los Angeles Lakers may have made the best pick with selecting DeAngelo Russell. I felt for the 4th pick Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia, who was roundly booed by New York fans at the Barclay Center when he was selected. Welcome to America and the NBA kid.
My prediction: Philadelphia 76ers will be in the lottery again next year. They took the best available player but have a lot of big players in a time where the NBA is playing more small ball. Los Angeles makes a big free agent signing and is the 8th seed in the West next year.
Looking back at the last few years the NBA draft results are mixed. Usually there are several Lottery picks who pan out, but usually after a few years. The top few picks usually make an immediate impact. The top ten is often drafted on potential and has several one and done athletes. Some can play right away, while others must be developed. Outside the top 10 you find NBA teams that are in better shape roster wise and a few of these players make impacts sooner or turn out better. I believe this is because they go to better teams with better systems in place for development
Here are some takes on previous drafts
2014
lottery wins- Wiggins(1) Minnesota, Payton (10) Orlando, LaVine (13) Minnesota
lottery questions- Embid(3) Philadelphia, Vonleh(9) Charlotte, McDermott(11) Chicago
Outside lottery winner- Clarkson (46) Los Angeles
2013
lottery wins- Oladipo (2) Orlando,Carter-Williams (11) Philadelphia, Muhammed (14) Minn.
lottery questions- Bennett (1) Cleveland
Outside lottery winners- Antetokounmpo (15) Milwaukee, Dieng(21) Minnesota, Gobert (27) Utah
2012
lottery wins- Davis (1) New Orleans, Lillard (6) Portland , Beal (3) Washington
lottery questions- Robinson (5) Sacramento
Outside lottery winners- Green(35) Golden State, Sullinger (21) Boston
2011
Kyrie Irving (1), Klay Thompson (11), Kenneth Faried (22), Jimmy Butler (30), Chandler Parsons (38) are solid NBA players after that there is a bunch of questions at best in between. Maybe a couple solid players left out that can play
Golden State wins the championship this year and have made some excellent selections in the last few years, including Steph Curry in 2009. A 7th, 11th and 35th slotted selections ended up starting in the NBA finals. Oh yeah, Harrison Barnes was a 7th rounder in 2013. A good front office can create a winner in about 5 years. They only had one bust since 2009. Solid draft strategy is a must for a franchise to be a consistent winner.
So much hope each June that our teams will hit the jackpot. I appreciate the Golden State way better than the free agent group signings to win that we are seeing lately. Good luck to your favorite teams, may your guy be the next big thing.
That's my take from the tailgate lot....
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Summer Workouts
Social media allows those of us in the tailgate lot to view the inside activity of our favorite sports programs. Getting to watch summer workouts of the Hoosier basketball team is simply enjoyable. Seeing our team working hard to improve for the upcoming season creates excitement.
The new strength coach, Lyonel Anderson, seems to be a great hire. Watching him lead the team through the weight room and conditioning drills, one gets the sense that we will be physically and mentally ready for the season. He brings a great amount of energy and enthusiasm. He would be someone, I would love to work for as an athlete. Sad, but those days for me are long gone.
There are a few new techniques that the team are using this summer. The oxygen reducing masks are one of them. I believe that this is to help with endurance. The weight room is one place where winners are made. Athletes must have a love for competing in order to attack the weights and improve one's strength.
Coach Crean also has the guys working on basketball skills. I love the pace of practice. In the snapchat story from IndianaMBB we saw a line that said, "train fast, play faster" as the players were going through several offensive skill development drills.
We in the tailgate lots need to remember that our guys are working hard. I know, they need to win, but these young men are spending the summer improving. Also, we must appreciate the efforts of our coaches and the time they give to the program.
Summer 2015.... keep working guys.
That's my take from the tailgate lot.
The new strength coach, Lyonel Anderson, seems to be a great hire. Watching him lead the team through the weight room and conditioning drills, one gets the sense that we will be physically and mentally ready for the season. He brings a great amount of energy and enthusiasm. He would be someone, I would love to work for as an athlete. Sad, but those days for me are long gone.
There are a few new techniques that the team are using this summer. The oxygen reducing masks are one of them. I believe that this is to help with endurance. The weight room is one place where winners are made. Athletes must have a love for competing in order to attack the weights and improve one's strength.
Coach Crean also has the guys working on basketball skills. I love the pace of practice. In the snapchat story from IndianaMBB we saw a line that said, "train fast, play faster" as the players were going through several offensive skill development drills.
We in the tailgate lots need to remember that our guys are working hard. I know, they need to win, but these young men are spending the summer improving. Also, we must appreciate the efforts of our coaches and the time they give to the program.
Summer 2015.... keep working guys.
That's my take from the tailgate lot.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Player misconduct
From the tailgate lot, we see college athletes as members of our sports teams that will lead us to victories, we see college athletes as heroes that we want our picture with, we see college athletes as who we wanted to be or want to be dependent on our age. College athletes are held to such high esteem that when they make mistakes it shocks our system. The important factor in all this should be our response to the misconduct.
When we comment to other fans, write on message boards or discuss in local establishments, we often discuss the impact to the team. We also look to pass blame, by asking where was the coaching staff or teammates? We also fail to understand how an athlete can make such poor decisions. We argue the merits of certain legalization efforts or laws themselves. We hardly ever discuss the impact on the individual and their life.
Here is my take:
Athletes are human. They make bad choices. They number of athletes who run afoul of the law or university rules are such a small percentage. What athletes do on their own time is their own choice. I do believe that athletic department culture does help limit bad decisions, but to think any university will be 100% free from issues is not realistic. Coaches and athletic departments should act in a manner that is best for student athletes and not what will soothe the fan base. Sometimes this means a 2nd chance, sometimes it may mean immediate dismissal. What we from the tailgate lot must do is trust the people in charge because we do not know all of the facts of every issue. This does not dismiss those in charge of any accountability. Some universities look away from these issues and overprotect their athletes. However, until there is a pattern of poor decisions in holding student athletes accountable, we must withhold judgement on the penalties.
A much more important take is forgiveness. We immediately get angry at players putting themselves in jeopardy and possibly negatively impacting results. These incidents happen to young men and women. They must be held accountable by the university and the law, however, then they must be thought of (prayed for) that these tough lessons be taken to heart and that their lives can possibly move forward. A human life is important even in its failures. Winning and losing is important, but when young people get in trouble, their futures are even more important.
In light of recent news at my alma mater, Indiana University, I am saddened, crushed and devastated. I worry about my football Hoosiers, but I do hope that the young man has his day in court, can take responsibility for his actions, and can rehabilitate his life.
That's my take from the tailgate lot!
When we comment to other fans, write on message boards or discuss in local establishments, we often discuss the impact to the team. We also look to pass blame, by asking where was the coaching staff or teammates? We also fail to understand how an athlete can make such poor decisions. We argue the merits of certain legalization efforts or laws themselves. We hardly ever discuss the impact on the individual and their life.
Here is my take:
Athletes are human. They make bad choices. They number of athletes who run afoul of the law or university rules are such a small percentage. What athletes do on their own time is their own choice. I do believe that athletic department culture does help limit bad decisions, but to think any university will be 100% free from issues is not realistic. Coaches and athletic departments should act in a manner that is best for student athletes and not what will soothe the fan base. Sometimes this means a 2nd chance, sometimes it may mean immediate dismissal. What we from the tailgate lot must do is trust the people in charge because we do not know all of the facts of every issue. This does not dismiss those in charge of any accountability. Some universities look away from these issues and overprotect their athletes. However, until there is a pattern of poor decisions in holding student athletes accountable, we must withhold judgement on the penalties.
A much more important take is forgiveness. We immediately get angry at players putting themselves in jeopardy and possibly negatively impacting results. These incidents happen to young men and women. They must be held accountable by the university and the law, however, then they must be thought of (prayed for) that these tough lessons be taken to heart and that their lives can possibly move forward. A human life is important even in its failures. Winning and losing is important, but when young people get in trouble, their futures are even more important.
In light of recent news at my alma mater, Indiana University, I am saddened, crushed and devastated. I worry about my football Hoosiers, but I do hope that the young man has his day in court, can take responsibility for his actions, and can rehabilitate his life.
That's my take from the tailgate lot!
Friday, June 12, 2015
NBA finals
The NBA finals are tied at 2-2 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. There are a lot of story lines so far in these finals. Lebron James by far is the best player in the NBA. The first three games of the finals, Lebron was dominant and led a team of marginal players to two victories. Lebron can do some amazing things on the basketball court. No one can deny that he is a dominant force. With this in mind, I am not a fan of Lebron. There is a huge sense of drama in almost all that he does. I understand that this can be said of just about everything in the NBA.
Matthew Dellevadova had a great start to the series. The Cleveland Cavaliers have won two games and this man has played his heart out in those victories. This is a great example of understanding your role and doing what needs to be done to help your team. The problem is he may be exhausted from his efforts. Game four was a struggle for him.
Another Cleveland Cavalier that is having a good series is Tristan Thompson. That man is a beast on the offensive glass. Another player executing his role. He goes so hard after every rebound.
I am rooting for the Golden State Warriors because I appreciate ball movement and scoring the basketball. For those that knew me in my coaching days, you may be shocked to find that I am not rooting for the defensive minded Cavs. The Warriors simply all year have been fun to watch. My view from the tailgate lot, or for the finals Bdubs or the man cave, leads me to enjoy offensive basketball more these days.
Klay Thompson and Steph Curry can simply shoot the ball. They also can make plays. However, they have not had a good series so far. Credit the Cav defense for sure. Game 4 showed how powerful the Warrior offense can be. They spread the floor and attacked the lane. The inside out action was beneficial in the game 4 win. The real key though is making shots. I still believe that defense wins, but shots still need to go in.
My prediction for the rest of the series is Golden St in 6. If I am wrong, it will be because Lebron James is one of the greatest ever(possible GOAT) , but I believe that the Cavs may be out of gas.
That's it from the tailgate lot of the NBA finals.
Let me know what you think.
Matthew Dellevadova had a great start to the series. The Cleveland Cavaliers have won two games and this man has played his heart out in those victories. This is a great example of understanding your role and doing what needs to be done to help your team. The problem is he may be exhausted from his efforts. Game four was a struggle for him.
Another Cleveland Cavalier that is having a good series is Tristan Thompson. That man is a beast on the offensive glass. Another player executing his role. He goes so hard after every rebound.
I am rooting for the Golden State Warriors because I appreciate ball movement and scoring the basketball. For those that knew me in my coaching days, you may be shocked to find that I am not rooting for the defensive minded Cavs. The Warriors simply all year have been fun to watch. My view from the tailgate lot, or for the finals Bdubs or the man cave, leads me to enjoy offensive basketball more these days.
Klay Thompson and Steph Curry can simply shoot the ball. They also can make plays. However, they have not had a good series so far. Credit the Cav defense for sure. Game 4 showed how powerful the Warrior offense can be. They spread the floor and attacked the lane. The inside out action was beneficial in the game 4 win. The real key though is making shots. I still believe that defense wins, but shots still need to go in.
My prediction for the rest of the series is Golden St in 6. If I am wrong, it will be because Lebron James is one of the greatest ever(possible GOAT) , but I believe that the Cavs may be out of gas.
That's it from the tailgate lot of the NBA finals.
Let me know what you think.
Welcome
A View from the Tailgate Lot will be a blog that will discuss the latest sports topics and issues. I will mainly be discussing my passion for Indiana University athletics. I will also be commenting on Chicago Sports and major sports leagues in general.
I look forward to sharing thoughts from the perspective of the die hard fan. The tailgate lot is where us passionate fans begin each game with the hope that success will follow. It is the place where after the game we gather to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate on the happenings of that days game. The tailgate lot is the place of friends, games, refreshments and food. A place where we talk about offense, defense, special teams and of course coaching. We believe we have the answers. We believe in the team and we believe in our tailgate brethren. Relationships are formed, friends made and world problems are solved.
The tailgate lot is primarily used for football, however, the Tonsoni family has tailgated at basketball, baseball and football throughout the years. We have learned from the best.
We will be sharing all kinds of extra items in this blog. Recipes, tailgating products, and other ideas to use in your enjoyment of sports.
I hope you enjoy this blog!
I look forward to sharing thoughts from the perspective of the die hard fan. The tailgate lot is where us passionate fans begin each game with the hope that success will follow. It is the place where after the game we gather to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate on the happenings of that days game. The tailgate lot is the place of friends, games, refreshments and food. A place where we talk about offense, defense, special teams and of course coaching. We believe we have the answers. We believe in the team and we believe in our tailgate brethren. Relationships are formed, friends made and world problems are solved.
The tailgate lot is primarily used for football, however, the Tonsoni family has tailgated at basketball, baseball and football throughout the years. We have learned from the best.
We will be sharing all kinds of extra items in this blog. Recipes, tailgating products, and other ideas to use in your enjoyment of sports.
I hope you enjoy this blog!
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