Lowry trade buzz misses the point
This isn’t a “Should they trade Kyle Lowry?” question, but more of an “if they trade him ...” I know the NBA is a cold-blooded business, but am I right in assuming that due to his stature with the team and city, Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster wouldn’t trade Kyle to a team that he doesn’t want to play for? This scenario seems very different from say, DeMar DeRozan’s, where he was traded in the belief that the team would improve. I would think the possibility of trading Kyle would only be caused by his desire to be traded, or the front office reaching the conclusion that this isn’t our year and wanting to give Kyle another chance at a ring. — Phil
It’s a tough business and Kyle would have no say in where he’s going. Masai and Bobby wouldn’t ask him or consult him on any mid-season move. They would operate solely on finding a move they think improves their team. Now in the summer with something like a sign-and-trade, they’d work together because Kyle will be a free agent, but not in the middle of the season. However, I think we need to get past this. I can’t see a move out there now or in March.
Say you’re magically granted the power to ask anybody connected to the NBA, from any time period. one question and are guaranteed a thorough and unvarnished answer. What do you ask, and of whom? — Bruce
Man, that’s a good one. My quick reaction, given the history and the current climate, would be to sit down with Bill Russell and ask him what it was really like to be a Black man winning all those titles in Boston. He’s spoken about the racial issues of the day, but I’d love to hear the stories and how he felt in his heart firsthand. I bet others come to mind now that you’ve got me thinking about it.
Watching Jonas Valanciunas dominate the Raps (last Monday) reinforces my thoughts on the centre position. The number of games in which they have been outplayed at this spot has really cost them ... I’m not saying that Aron Baynes can’t play, or Chris Boucher, but they are not starters. It has affected the entire way they play. The sooner this is addressed the better.
— D.G.P.
I agree there can be an upgrade at the starting centre spot, but I think you might be oversimplifying things to suggest they are solely responsible for losses. That’s simply not true. And addressing it sure sounds easy when you’re typing on a computer screen. I can assure you management is trying, but it takes two.
I wonder if you have noticed the digital ads placed on the floor of play? They have been a bit distracting for me lately, especially when they show over the players! I get the need for revenue and looking for it wherever it can be found ... but if you can’t get the technology right, DON’T do it! — Jon D.
It’s funny, I haven’t seen or noticed any extra advertising on the court at all. There’s more ads on empty seats and perhaps the baselines, but the court is the same throughout the league as far as I can see.