The Democratic Party has got to stop being so weeny and expose the Republicans for what the are: reactionary, frightened, homophobic, intellectually lazy, xenophobic, elitist, greedy, Putin puppet, lying white supremacists. Did I leave anything out? And if the Democratic Party doesn't have the gumption to stand up to the Trump crew, let me suggest that they take a crash course on toughness from Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors who has been playing David to Goliath his entire NBA career and winning.
Russell Westbrook has got to grow up. Doesn't he realize that if Kevin Durant was still on the Thunder, he (Westbrook) would have had no chance to surpass The Big O's triple-double NBA record. Zero chance! Westbrook should embrace Durant and thank him for helping him, by his absence, insure his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
I read two marvelous articles in today's Chronicle Sporting Green. The first was a short history of the life of Zaza Pachulia of Georgia and the Golden State Warriors. It is a story of family togetherness, how his father and mother worked together to give their son a chance at basketball greatness. The second story was about Patrick McCaw, the rookie combo guard of the Warriors. It too is about family, specifically about how influential Patrick's father has been in his life as a model to emulate.
It has been the case since the Warriors new ownership of Joe Lacob and Peter Guber that the idea of the team as family has been stressed. It was the case back in my day under the ownership of our beloved Franklin Mieuli. Zaza and Patrick have been great additions to the Dubs family.
Perhaps I'm not the first, but I haven't read or heard it said anywhere else, the King's 2016 first round draft choice George Papagiannis has a chance to turn into a fine NBA center. He is more athletic than critics think. He's got length and strength and toughness. He finishes at the rim. He has a nice jump hook. And like all European bigs, he can shoot from distance. Needs to work on his footwork and lateral movement this summer. And, don't forget, he is only 19 years old.
Recently, Skal Labisiere has been showing that he too was a good draft choice. He has the ability to be a solid power forward. Malachi Richardson, before he was injured, was coming along nicely as a two/three combo. Buddy Hield is the shooting guard the Kings have been looking for. Finally, Willy Cauley Stein, once he learns to control his tempo, has a chance to be an explosive interior force, either at the post or at the power forward. So, the Sacramento Kings' fans should not lament the absence of the gloomy talented, personality afflicted Cousins, and take a look at what they have in place - some damn good youngsters to build for the future. Young smart coach. Players having some fun. Things are looking up in River City.
And, Pleas, please, Management, don't go out and get a bunch of old worn out All Stars in free agency. Let's stay young. Let's grow our own All Stars.
I continue to be a huge Coach Pop fan. Here's a haiku I wrote for him. I think it says a lot about what it takes to be great at anything you do.
Pop
One thousand wins
And one loss keeps you awake
Staring into the abyss.
