NBA Takes…with Teresa Powe – Trail Blazers COVID, Harden, and More
Teresa Powe
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In this weekly piece, I will be sharing my thoughts on some of the things going on around the NBA.
Please know that these are my opinions and not those of Pacific Northwest Sports or their contributing writers.
I so appreciate that I’ve been granted this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on what’s going on in the League. From the fact that the Houston Rockets traded Russell Westbrook for John Wall to James Harden hanging out in Las Vegas instead of showing up to training camp, I will let you know what I think. Feel free to comment on my opinions by expressing your own.
Portland Trail Blazers
First off, I want to extend well wishes to those on the Portland Trail Blazers affected by the coronavirus. After three members of the organization, including one player, tested positive for COVID-19, the Blazers couldn’t start their training camp on time. Thankfully they were able to return on Tuesday.
I think that’s a shame. With new players and old injuries, this team will need some time to gel. They’re all professionals, so they can play the game, but they haven’t all played together. Portland had a pretty good offseason, so they should be practicing, getting themselves together for a great season. Now the players have to wonder who was affected. They wonder if they came into contact with whoever it was, on the court or in the locker room. Wonder if they might take something home. If players are not going to practice safety in regard to themselves and their teammates, they may as well stay home.
James Harden
According to James Harden’s mother/manager Monja Wills, “He is doing what is best for his career. Please pay attention and understand.” She went on to say, “He ask(ed) for a chance to get a ring, that’s it. Anyone in their right mind in this business wants that.”
Hanging out in Vegas and missing training camp is good for his career? I guess a player like Damian Lillard is crazy and deranged for staying with the Blazers.
Harden went to the Western Conference Finals and the Western Conference Semifinals, and twice he choked. He must think that if he’s with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (and Mike D’Antoni), he won’t choke.
Or is it that when he chokes, they’ll pick up the slack. If I ran the Rockets, I’d sue him if he doesn’t play, or trade him. Not where he wants to go, but somewhere like Detroit or Atlanta.
The New York Knicks, a.k.a University of Kentucky, Post-Calipari Finishing School
I am a diehard Knicks fan. I know what they are, and I still love them. Make your comments or laugh. I’m tough.
What’s up with all the Kentucky players? And if they want a team full of former UK players, why not Karl Anthony Towns and/or Rajon Rondo. Don’t get me wrong. I think the Knicks should swallow that pill and rebuild from the ground up. Take the young players, keep their draft picks, and wait on Jalen Suggs. (Please, please, please, it’s time for us to get a break).
NBA this and that
- I can’t believe the Rockets traded Russell Westbrook for John Wall. John Wall? I would have asked for Bradley Beal.
- Brandon Ingram got a max contract? I’m confused. I thought it was Zion Williamson‘s team.
- Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Yeah right.
I’ve enjoyed this and hope you have too. Laugh with me, disagree with me (nicely), it’s all good. The entire NBA is back. Let’s send them, and all of our athletes best wishes during this time. Until next Wednesday…
Editor’s Note: This is a first for Pacific Northwest Sports. We are very fortunate to have someone as passionate about the game, as our Teresa Powe, to share her unique point of view about the sport she loves.