SHANE SHACKLEFORD: Deep Thoughts From A Shallow Sports Mind
By Shane Shackleford
Just some random thoughts from a retired teacher/coach from his recliner.
It’s official. I'm COMPLETELY over LaVar Ball. Look. I get it. He’s the ultimate attention seeker. If anyone is riding their child’s coattails, it’s this man. But the debacle on WWE Monday Night Raw with him and two of his sons was ridiculous at best and just sad at most. His son Lonzo needs to make the decision to get away or at least separate from his dad. LaVar is digging Lonzo a hole he might not get out of.
Man I enjoy the College World Series. These kids lay it all on the line every pitch. Plus the two finalists Florida and LSU were beaten and led by Kentucky in SEC play this year.
I’m glad the Indiana Pacers went ahead and traded all-star Paul George finally. He made it clear he doesn’t want to be there. I don’t think they got equal value from Oklahoma City in Victor Oladipo and Domates Sabonis, but they did get something. The ideal trade would have been with Boston (3 No. 1 draft picks and Jae Crowder) in my opinion. And I don’t think PG-13 stays in OKC. He really wants to go to LA.
I was okay actually with the inaugural NBA Awards show. Had some really good moments and some silly ones, but was enjoyable overall. The highlights for me were the Sager Strong award speech by Monty Williams (a must see) and Russell Westbrook’s MVP acceptance speech. Very nice.
I’m looking forward to the MLB All-Star festivities in Miami, especially the Home Run Derby if Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton and Yankees rookie Aaron Judge participate. Did anyone see the 500-foot blast Judge hit the other day? C’mon man.
There’s a lot of similarities between NBA Summer League basketball and high school summer basketball, including a) very little defense, b) tons of one on one play, c) guys trying to do to much on he floor, and d) guys you know will not be playing for that team when the season comes playing.
The NBA is changing the name of its development league from the D-League to the G-League (sponsored by Gatorade). Don’t know how I feel about this.
Shane Shackleford is a retired teacher/coach living in Speedwell, Tenn.
