A bit of a fake out to start as I want to say a few words first about the Sacramento Kings. I've lived in Sacramento for the last twelve years. Although I am a Warrior, both ex-player and resolute fan, even during those dreadful years of losses before Curry and the Dubs, I have adopted the Kings as my team of second choice. I have watched and shaken my head at their futile attempt to make the playoffs. If I were asked how futile has this season looked, for the first time in my memory, at least since the owner stupidly fired Mike Malone, I can say not that futile, in fact somewhat encouraging. Despite their record every single start has improved his game. And most importantly, the new GM Monte McNair managed to acquire through some nifty trades, three solid reserves, and in the case of Terrance Davis ii, a possible starter, to replace the previous weak bench.
Stability combined with smart leadership from the top is the best sign that the future can change. To be sure, there needs to be filled and questions about personnel and coaches that must be addressed and answered, but I see a number of key players that could make up a strong playoff ready core. I wish I felt better about Marvin Bagley's ability to stay healthy because his growth was very positive, and a speedy power forward with an inside and outside game is exactly what the Kings need to get to the next level.
Another huge encouraging sign is the instant production of rookie pt guard Tyreese Haliburton, a thoroughly mature presence coming in out of college. (Might this say something about one and done projects?) In the past, I've been very critical of Coach Luke Walton, but I've changed my mind, or perhaps Luke has changed it for me. Team growth has been there. Such growth is always the result of coaching decisions and effort. With that in mind, and with the caveat that I'm still not happy with individual defense, it seems the wisest choice is to keep Luke for one more season and see whet he can achieve with some roster stability. I will be the first guy to cheer for Bill Walton's son.
Today' headline online: "Norway and the United States had quick six-end wins in Monday evening's opening round-robin session for Group B in the World Mixed Doubles Championship being played in Aberdeen, Scotland. I love Scotland. My wife and I visited there during their three days of summer. A delightful country of Trump haters. I love curling. Turn on your TV and watch. I'll bet some of you will be hooked. It's bocce ball on ice played with stones and brooms. Tell me that doesn't peak your interest. Our two champs representing the United States are Tabitha Peterson and Joe Polo.
We pay so much attention to the so-called big three and a half sports, hockey representing the half - a Canadian sport really - that we forget so many other interesting sports. My apologies to golf and tennis; they are not exactly under appreciated sports and have a huge fan base. What I'm talking about are sports like badminton, curling, softball, fencing, gymnastics (other than in an Olympic year), bowling, etc. As a country we need to give a little more love in the way of viewership to these sports and their devoted athletes and coaches.
Curling by Tom Meschery
two brooms, like blockers in the NFL
(I'm thinking Packers, Green Bay in the snow.)
lead the running back, a guy names Stone
down the icy field; masked fans in parkas,
sipping from their flasks. They're watching curling
on local ice, while I'm enjoying building
this extended metaphor; thinking that Milton
had he a sense of humor, which there's no
evidence he possessed, might have appreciated.
My wife also enjoys curling,. "What's not to like
about a sport played with brooms?" she asks.
"The ice needs cleaning, and the players
are only doing what any good wife would do."
She's talking to me while dusting,
which comes before vacuuming, a rule
in her sport that must never be broken.
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