Quick Hitters

In this column, I’ll take a look at a few stories or point out a few things I’ve noticed over the last week or so in and around the basketball world.

I won’t be going in depth here – because these aren’t fully thought out “sets” – they’re just “quick hitters”.

So who had Julius Randle in their Rookie of the Year pool?

In the fourth quarter of the Laker’s season opener, Randle fractured his tibia.  He’s being reevaluated today, but the early thought is anywhere from 4 months to the entire season.  Looks like Laker fan is going to be getting heavy doses of the Booze Cruise and Special Ed Davis up front.

A story came out of Memphis yesterday that the New York Knicks plan on aggressively pursuing Marc Gasol this off season.

Allegedly, Knicks Prez Phil Jackson has stated that the Grizzlies big man is the "quintessential center to play in the triangle offense."

Umm.

Hello? Tampering?  Anyone?

What a game last night.  The battle of Texas re-kindled.  The Mavs looked dominant against the World Champions.  Monta Ellis was going off - Dirk being Dirk - Chandler Parsons was … present; then all of a sudden, POOF.  Bye bye lead, the Spurs explode in the 3rd and hang on for the impressive win – and doing it without their Finals MVP.

Speaking of Kawhi Leonard – Max dollars???  Kawhi, please.

At least Klay Thompson’s agent can ask for max dollars without sounding like a complete tool.

It’s still ludicrous, and it is the reason Thompson won’t be running with “The Dubs” next season.

You didn’t really expect the Splash Brothers to out-live the Oakland’s originals – the Bash Brothers did you?

If the Warriors are smart (and so far there’s no evidence to suggest they are) they’ll look to deal Thompson instead of watching him walk as an RFA.  A little front court help would make sense, yes?

For those who were wondering how Asik and the Brow would co-exist; pretty impressive debut!  17 boards a piece?  Holy hell!  They combined for more boards than Dwight Howard will have all week!

Pop quiz: What’s uglier: Michael Kidd Gilchrist’s jumper or Sam Cassell’s smile?

The Knicks traded Travis Outlaw to the Sixers this week to open up a roster spot.  The Sixers new media department responded by adding “Bo Outlaw” (who has been retired since 2008) to their team website.

Seriously.

Bo’s photo and all.

The Sixers upon realizing they didn’t acquire Bo Outlaw, promptly released Travis.

I hope that last part is a joke.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for episode 3 of The Bench!