NBA Tidbits
Going forward.....
Ceilings
Yesterday I had a close friend, a sports aficionado pose this question to me. “What’s the ceiling here, Coach?” The question was in relation to basketball sensation Cooper Flagg. Cooper has secured partnerships with New Balance, Gatorade, AT&T, The NIL Store, and Fanatics to name a few. With a projected $62.7 million NBA deal, he is positioned very well for a lucrative professional career. Flagg is not only savvy on the court, but also in the business world as well. The 1st contract is set in stone as to draft position. The 2nd NBA contract is the big one. Tatum was eligible for Super Max because of All NBA 1st teams honors. Flagg made around $28 million in just endorsements at Duke from NIL. That figure will undoubtedly only go up. Flagg figures to be the 1st American born white Number 1 draft pick since 1977. Bonus points if you can name the last White American Number One draft pick.
2023 Number 1 pick Victor Wembanyama is projected to earn over $500 million in endorsements.
Kevin Durant said: “He looked like a [expletive] of a player. Like somebody that's just going to only get better with more experience. He's 17 years old (2024), coming in here playing like he's a vet almost. No emotion. Just going out there and doing his job. And that's a good sign.”
NBA analysts have been quick to weigh in. “This isn’t just a casual ‘welcome to the league’ text,” said ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “LeBron doesn’t do that for just anybody. He sees something in Cooper Flagg that reminds him of himself—the hunger, the IQ, the killer instinct. This is a deliberate signal that Flagg is next up.” Others have speculated that LeBron’s message may have included subtle hints about his own future. With the 39-year-old superstar still undecided on retirement, could this be his way of grooming his successor before stepping aside?
The NBA Head Coach Conundrum
Good bye Tom Thibs. Now what? It is known as The NBA Head Coach Conundrum.
The New York Knicks fired Head Coach Tom Thibodeau two days after the Knicks’ ouster in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. It was the first time the Knicks had advanced to the Finals in 25 years. Other coaches released not long after impressive jobs are Mike Malone from the Nuggets (2023 NBA Champions), Taylor Jenkins/Memphis Grizzlies (44-29 Record/2025) and Darvin Ham/ LA Lakers (NBA Cup Champion) to name a few.
The Knicks reportedly asked permission to speak with Jason Kidd, Quinn Snyder, Chris Finch and Ime Udoka to name a few. I'm amazed at the number of accomplished NBA head coaches that get let go but none of the teams would grant permission to the Knicks to negotiate with their head coaches. Get ready for next season but don’t get comfortable in your own skin.
Indiana: Hoosier Heartland
“In 49 states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana,” -Rick Carlisle
"Forget about the crowds, the size of the school, their fancy uniforms, and remember what got you here. Focus on the fundamentals that we've gone over time and time again."-Norman Dale
Impressive run being orchestrated by the 2024-2025 Indiana Pacers. Right now they stand at 2-3 in the Finals against a heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder team. Game 6will be Thursdaynight before a raucous home crowd. OKC exhibited an impressive 68-14 regular season, paced by NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers started the season at 10-15, but since New Years Day they have been the 2nd hottest team in the League behind these OKC Thunder. And they have won the hearts of fans with their aggressive play. Pressuring opponents all 94 feet of the court, advancing the ball via the pass and not the dribble. All five players touch the ball on almost every possession. Handoffs and basket cuts. Timely 3 point shots by Tyrese (Mr. Overrated) Haliburton and a never say die attitude.
And let's not forget Indiana Fever guard sensation Caitlin Clark of the WNBA. The team has sold out 16 home games, with a full capacity crowd of 17,27a at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After a leg injury, Clark returned to the line-up Saturday with 32 point in a win over the previously undefeated NY Liberty (9-1).