@ZionW32: P.L.A.Y.

@ZionW32: Aye Zion, what’s happenin? This is Dariel King from D-UP! I’m not that important yet; however, I did write a sports feature about you and the other talented Duke freshmen comparing y’all to the Fantastic 4 a few months ago. I encourage you to check it out one day, but that’s not the purpose of me writing to you now.

After watching you for 30 seconds against North Carolina, I concluded that labeling you as a freak-of-nature is an insult. You forced Nike to address a quality issue all because you wanted to “Nutty Professor” through your shoes.

I think that even made Jesus scratch his head.
[Ok. Let me continue to my original point for real this time.]

I noticed on social media that a few NBA stars have made their voices heard in regards to your recent injury advising you to shut it down. Players like Demarcus Cousins & Isaiah Thomas believe that you have nothing left to prove, and it would be wise for you to start preparing for the NBA. And you know what….I agree.

You are already a #1 draft pick. If we’re being honest, you made your mark after your first game against Kentucky. But that shouldn’t stop you from your original mission, which is why I encourage you to P.L.A.Y.

P: This stands for program. You have the privilege of being a superstar for one of college basketball’s elite programs while playing for the winningest coach in NCAA history. Don’t take this phase of your basketball journey for granted.

L: The ‘l’ is for love. People can tell you to stop playing, but you know it’s not that simple. You love to hoop. You live for the sneaker squeaks, the poster jams, and the screams of the crowd. This is what you do. So keep doing it.

A: Attention. This is something you already get enough for the right reasons. However, if you decided to sit out, you would receive negative backlash for something that’s unlike your character. I could understand if you came to college basketball to make a statement promoting student-athlete freedom, but that’s not what you came for. You came to add a banner in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Y: Ok. I couldn’t come up with nothing that started with a ‘y’ so I’m going to end this by asking the question: Why? 
Why would you consider quitting mid-season? Putting on that Duke jersey is a dream come true for you, and you’ve reiterated in post-game interviews how much cutting the nets would mean to you.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t anticipate about your future in the NBA. But I would suggest to embrace the now.

To Bloom in a Dark Room

Poetic justice. Poetic justice. If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?

When Kendrick Lamar rapped these oxymoronic lines in 2012, he was proposing hope. He was asking if there was always light at the end of the tunnel regardless of the desperation of one’s circumstances.

2012, furthermore, is the same year the NBA saw the career of its youngest MVP in history collapse. Derrick Rose— The flower that blossomed from the rugged concrete of Chicago’s Southside withered into a ‘What if’ after tearing his ACL against the 76ers during Game 1 of the playoffs.

To be honest, I was in denial about the severity of his injury, and I know I wasn’t the only one.

Derrick Rose was one of the most electrifying point guards the world had ever seen, so a crucial knee injury was only going to add fuel to his fire—at least that’s what I thought.

There wasn’t a diagnosis in the sports medical field that would make me question D. Rose’s toughness or his tenacity to get back on the court: Not a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he did in 2013 and in 2015. Not even when he tore his meniscus in his left knee in 2017.

And I know I was crazy for believing that Rose would return back to his old self, but you have to keep something in mind. I still remember being a 12 year old kid watching him as a freshman carry Memphis to an NCAA title game. From his rookie year to his MVP season in 2011, I was glued to ESPN or TNT every night the Bulls played. (I couldn’t afford the NBA League Pass. That was for rich people.)

In other words, Derrick Rose’s impact on me at a young age is comparable to the idolization that Michael Jordan felt in the 90s.

However, I finally came to grips with Rose’s decline when he expressed last year that retirement was a reasonable option for him. He was about to hang up his Adidas, and I accepted the fact that his YouTube highlights were only flashes of what he could’ve been.

That was until this notification popped up on my phone.

I saw this and lost my damn mind. Not because he dropped 50, but because I missed it!

Like how in the hell does a player go from stardom to sixth man to scoring his career high? I could also go into how he set another personal record by knocking down 7 threes the following week, but he did it to my Lakers, so let’s move on.

Since his latest explosions, I’ve asked myself ‘Is D. Rose back?’ but I countered my own question by noticing that he never truly left. He just had to adapt to different phases of his career.

It’s like a real rose in nature. When they experience climate change, roses adjust by changing colors. Their thorns also help them survive.

And when you dissect D. Rose’s career, there’s one thing that remains consistent: he stayed true to his game. It didn’t matter if he was in Chicago, at Madison Square Garden, in a Cavs uniform, or reunited with Coach Thibs in Minnesota, Derrick Rose remained Derrick Rose.

So, in conclusion, I will rebut Kendrick Lamar’s question with another question. If the flower already did the impossible by growing from concrete, then what would placing it in darkness do; other than make it stronger.

 

Meet the Fantastic 4

I have a confession to make.

I, Dariel King, broke an unwritten ‘Carolina fan law’ by adding the Duke Blue Devils to my list of favorite teams on my Bleacher Report.

And guess what? I don’t feel bad about it. I mean… am I suppose to feel guilty for doing so? Because if you feel the opposite, then I’m going to assume that your eyes haven’t witnessed what mine have.

Duke is good. Naw. Scratch that.

Duke is elite. And the only thing that’s keeping me from calling them great is a championship banner.

In this era of one-and-done college athletes, we’ve seen players with superstar potential. We can even recall talented collective groups of talent like the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats that was two wins away from a perfect season.

[Praise God, Big Blue Nation didn’t get those bragging rights.]

But I don’t think in the history of college basketball, we’ve watched a squad that has 18 year-olds with super powers.

Super powers? You damn right. That wasn’t a typo. College basketball has given us the Fab Five and Phi Slamma Jamma. But basketball fans, it’s time to gear up for the Fantastic Four.

Meet Mister Fantastic: RJ Barrett

Mister Fantastic, if you remember, was considered the master because of his intellect and elasticity. He could change his body to any form and adjust to any situation, which reflects Barrett’s playing style. The lefty’s game is smoother than a Janet Jackson sample. He scores however he wants to. If I’m exaggerating, then I guess his 33 points in his debut against #2 Kentucky is a lie.

Meet the Human Torch: Cam Reddish

If Cam Reddish was on the NBA Jam video game, he would’ve caught on fire at tip-off. This 6’7 kid leaves the net smoking. In his second game as a Blue Devil, he set a freshman record for hitting 7 threes against Army. Any defender that leaves him open should be benched the next possession.

Meet Captain Universe: Tre Jones

Now this character is usually known as Invisible Girl, but I’m not going to diss the youngin like that. For the sake of this piece, I’m going to refer to him as the alias.

A sundae can have many different toppings, but it’s always served with a cherry on top. That’s Tre Jones. In the midst of Duke’s stardom, Tre is the floor general that holds it all together. He may not bring a lot of attention to himself, but he maintains the controls the pace of the game.

Meet Zion Williamson: The Thing

I think the name is self-explanatory. Zion is built like a lab experiment that went wrong. He’s almost 6’8 with a 45-inch vertical along with the strength of a defensive lineman. To be honest, I’m not sure if he was born naturally.

Zion is a force to be reckoned with. He has tallied 55 points in his first two games, while recording a double-double in one of them. Every one of his future match-ups should pray twice before game day.

These new Fluke Blue Devils (sorry, the jealous Carolina fan came out of me) are must-see TV. You don’t want to miss a single game of theirs this season, and honestly the games they’ve played thus far are proof that superheroes are no longer fictional.

**Side Note: I want to send a special shoutout to Rondo, one of my closest friends, for giving me the idea to write this.

Who’s the Mack?

“Macking is the game and everybody’s playing. And as long you believe what they saying; consider the M.A.C.K. and with no delay, they are gonna get all the play. But when it com—“

Okay. Let me begin this blog and grab your attention before I get carried away with the Ice Cube lyrics.

We’re three weeks into the NFL season, and I’m already annoyed. I know that doesn’t take much to do, but I have logical reasoning this year:

My fantasy team is 0-3. The Rams are revealed as a serious threat to my Eagles; and I’m about to vote in favor of allowing quarterbacks to wear red jerseys only since the officials are now their own personal security system.

But I’m not going to dive deep into any of those topics (yet) because there’s a team in northern California that has my mind frazzled.

Since the second Monday Night kickoff of the 2018 season, we have watched Oakland get raided. And I’m a little disappointed because I believed there was still hope for the black & silver squad.

Marshawn Lynch dusted off his cleats to rep for his hometown. Jon Gruden left the press box to lead his old team again, and Raider Nation’s dreams of bringing a Super Bowl to the Alameda Coliseum seemed like a possibility.

Nevertheless, dreams are just what they are.

My fantasy team isn’t the only team that hasn’t won a game yet. The Oakland Raiders’ performances have resembled a Pac-12 school, and I’m holding the franchise’s front office responsible for it, along with the ego of Jon Gruden.

For whatever insane reason, Gruden thinks his offensive schemes are so effective that he can outmuscle his opponent with a lackluster defense. In fact, he stays true to it because he was willing to trade away his star linebacker in Khalil Mack.

However, the 100 million-dollar coach showed he actually has no sense after he told the press following the loss to Denver in Week 2 that great pass rushers don’t grow on trees, and “it’s hard to find a good one.”

Uhhh…really Chucky? Ya don’t say?

I’m confused by the high value the Raiders organization has placed on Coach Gruden when he never brought them a title. I also find it painfully hilarious that Gruden noticed from the coziness of the press box that a high-powered offense is all that’s necessary to make a playoff push.

Now, he is left with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and a starting quarterback who apparently didn’t learn a thing in ‘Gruden’s QB Camp.’

Meanwhile, Khalil Mack has personally recorded more sacks than the entire Raiders defense, 13 combined tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and a pick 6. Proving that he’s worth the $141 million that Chicago is ungrudgingly paying him.

But I do applaud Jon Gruden for coming back on the gridiron with a smooth demeanor, and fooling the public into believing that Khalil is way over his head and that his talent wouldn’t be needed this season.

But you’ve read the blog, and I’ve given you the facts. Now ask yourself, “Who’s the Mack?”

Jump Ball

A ‘tie-up’ is resolved with it.

The clock doesn’t start without it.

It’s one of those rare moments in a game where the officials have all control.

Two opposing players face off with one hand slightly raised anticipating the ref to toss the basketball in the air; and for a split second it’s a fair game. The ball is up for grabs.

Welcome to the current state of the Eastern Conference.

Two weeks ago, The King decided to leave his throne in Cleveland, so he could begin a new quest out west. LeBron James since 2011 has been the most selfish player in the league refusing fans to enjoy an NBA Finals without his face. To put it in perspective, the last time I watched a LeBron-less team in the Finals was my freshman year of high school. (I’m a college graduate now.)

All eyes have been on the West since the start of free agency, but ironically, LeBron’s decision made the East more entertaining.

The King is now where he belongs. Unlike the East, the West doesn’t shatter merely because of LeBron’s presence. They play with a different edge. Mainly because they have to if they have any chance of taking down the Golden State All Stars.

However, LeBron’s exit did birth a new revolution. His greatness overshadowed the conference’s quality, so teams never received the appreciation they deserved. Those days are over now.

Speculations can come to a cease and mysteries are about to get solved: Will the Raptors reign with their nemesis out of the picture? Can Brad Stevens and a healthy Kyrie uphold Boston’s rich tradition? Can we really Trust The Process? Does the Greek Freak have a coach he can trust? Just how good are the Pacers? And will the Wizards ever play up to their potential?

I’m out of questions, but you get the point. The throne in the East is up for grabs. Everyone can either put up or shut up, and not look at LeBron as a scapegoat. Who’s willing to fight for it?

Kawhi’s Cry

Strange. Odd. Apathetic. Peculiar.

These are some of the adjectives I think of when Kawhi Leonard’s name is mentioned in conversation. This is not to antagonize or condemn him for staying true to his self, but one can’t deny that Kawhi is a little…different.

However, ‘The Klaw’ is a special talent. There’s not another player in this league that can frustrate players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant with suffocating defense, while managing to put up 30 points efficiently. He wasn’t expected to be a star; let alone the face of a franchise. But when Kawhi became the centerpiece in the Spurs’ championship run in 2014, the basketball world thought San Antonio had a new king ready to continue tradition.

Don’t skip past that word so quickly. Yes. We thought.

The Spurs this past season has been everything I described Kawhi as: strange, odd, apathetic, and peculiar. And the only question that remains unanswered is ‘Why?’

Why doesn’t anyone know the status of Kawhi’s lingering quad injury? Why did Tony Parker question the heart of San Antonio’s superstar? Why is the NBA’s most respected franchise in total disarray? Why isn’t Kawhi saying anything?

Okay. Excuse the last question because that one will remain a mystery unsolved.

But as you can see, this entire phenomenon is a paradox to everyone. All of us are confused—except for the focal point of this whole scenario.

“What are you saying, Dariel?”

I’m saying that Kawhi Leonard is very conscious of his situation. He understands that the San Antonio Spurs are a first class organization operated by a Hall of Fame coach. However, he’s very aware of the changing landscape of the NBA.

The days of teams being powered by a 1-2 combo are pretty much extinct. To win a title in 2018, it’s a requirement to have 3 superstars (and Jesus). San Antonio isn’t an attractive market, so the Spurs historically are forced to build through the draft. Kawhi rightfully doesn’t have the patience for that. He wants to win now.

The only resolution that stands for Kawhi is to get out. He has felt betrayed by the organization. Veterans have disrespected him in public. If he’s looking for a more perfect time to leave, he’ll miss it.

Is he out of line for ‘allegedly’ threatening to sit out a season? Maybe. But then again he’s ‘injured.’ No one really knows the truth.

Nevertheless, Players have the freedom to do what’s best for their careers, and Kawhi is in his prime.

At the end of the day, Kawhi is looking out for self. We don’t question franchises for being selfish, so why are we questioning the player? It’s business, right?

LeBron + L.A. = ?

I know what you’re thinking.

This writer has to be a Lakers fan. Only Lakers fans entertain random rumors about landing a star-caliber player every summer.

I’m willing to bet that you rolled your eyes and shook your head when you read the title.

Let me save you the trouble… I am.

But please proceed to read this article. This is not a piece coming from a selfish fan’s perspective. I’m too impartial for that. However, through three rational points, I’m going to explain to you why LeBron James in a Lakers uniform is not just perfect for the franchise—but for the NBA as a whole. (This is going to be good.)

1. The NBA is losing its excitement. I know that the NBA’s ratings are up, but credit that to the greatness of the Warriors. For the 3 of the last 4 seasons, we have watched Golden State tyrannize the Cavaliers. And if you believed in your heart that the Cavs were favored to win it all in the past few years, I would highly advise you to seek counseling.

It’s been fun watching the Warriors’ dynamic run, but the league has become too predictable. It’s time for a change.

2. The NBA is simply better when the Lakers are great. I know that sounds biased and arrogant. Do I care? No. But at least let me explain why I’m this way.

The foundation of the NBA is built off the Lakers’ and Celtics’ success. Do names like Bill Russell, Jerry West, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Paul Pierce ring a bell? I could go on, but I’m tired of typing.

Boston and Los Angeles own nearly half of the league’s championships, and have been in the Finals in every generation of basketball. It should be a no-brainer that these two organizations drive the NBA’s success.

3. Not that it needs any help, but LeBron in L.A. would elevate his legacy. The greatest player in the world with one of the greatest franchises ever is like the gift that keeps on giving. Not to mention the other stars that would hop on board to join The King, but today is not the day to have that conversation.

LeBron James, with the right counterparts, has a golden opportunity to dethrone the Warriors (no pun intended). He will also have the chance to make his mark in the West, and quiet the critics that assumed he could only reign in the East.

And after he advances to his ninth straight Finals, he plays the Eastern Conference favorite and faces his former partner-in-crime—Kyrie Irving. (I told you it was going to be good.)

Don’t be mistaken. I am not a LeBron fan. However, if the Lakers miss this opportunity, not only does the franchise not takes an L, but so does the league.

D-UP!’s Draft Attack

Another year, another wave of talent ready to take the league by storm.

It’s a beautiful thing watching potential stars have their dreams fulfilled. It’s even more exciting for the fans that formulate every prediction possible about how each rookie will stand out from the rest.

But even with all of the hype, it’s very important to remember one thing: They’re still kids in a men’s league. Although the NBA will display different faces next season, you’ll see that it’s the same routine.

Some of these youngins will turn into superstars. A couple ‘no-names’ may surprise us and show that they’re franchise players. A few of the draftees will never be talked about again. That’s the way it goes.

But that’s neither here-or-there. I’m not writing to talk about who is going to be an all-star in the future. I want to deal with the now. And right now, I anticipate 5 rookies making an immediate impact when they step on the hardwood.

Let’s take a look. (I’ll be quick.)

DeAndre Ayton~ This shouldn’t be a surprised. He’s been dubbed the #1 pick, since the Draft Lottery ended. He also made heads turn when he compared him and Devin Booker to Shaq & Kobe. People laughed. I didn’t.

If the first European coach in NBA history can get these two in one accord, there will be a new dynamic duo surging in the West. (Stat Prediction: 15 PPG, 10 REB)

Marvin Bagley III~ Marvin… Please believe me. This Duke forward is the most talented player in the draft, and he couldn’t have gotten picked by a better team. The Kings are young princes right now, but there potential couldn’t be higher. If the team’s rebuilding experiment fails, check the coaching staff and the front office—not the players. (Stat Prediction: 14 PPG, 9 REB)

Kevin Knox~ With Kristaps Porzingis coming back from injury, Knox will be forced to grow up quick. The Knicks don’t have a wingman that can create his own shot, so Knox has to embrace the challenge early on. Lucky for him, he was Coach Fizdale’s guy, and I expect to see Coach Fiz mold Knox into something great. (Stat Prediction: 11 PPG, 6 REB)

Donte Divincezo~ Thank you, Bucks. Not that I’m a fan, but I kept wondering when Milwaukee would snag somebody that could spread the floor. Donte is the missing link for the Bucks. He’s an athletic, knock-down shooter that will free up the Greek Freak’s game a lot. The Bucks will be a top 3 team in the East next year. (Stat Prediction: 8 PPG, 39% 3 PT)

Grayson Allen~ Hate him or love him, Grayson Allen can play, and pairing him with a killer like Donovan Mitchell is an upgrade. He’ll start off as a sixth man, but he’ll find ways to score. I can’t wait to see how Coach Snyder gets these two to gel. (He better leave his dirty playing style in college though.) Stat Prediction: 10 PPG, 36% 3PT

Alright, ladies and gents. Those are my guesses, and if I’m wrong I’m so glad you still let me waste 15 minutes of your time. Nevertheless, grab your popcorn for another year of Summer League, and let’s see who shows promise for the first jump ball in October.

Oracle’s Codes

‘D-UP!’ SPORTS
Somewhere in Kentucky
May 31, 2018

LeBroom James
Leader of the Cav Band/ General Manager
Cleveland Cavaliers
1 Center Court
Cleveland, Ohio, 44115

Mr. James,

Take heed of the following words you are about to dissect. I want you to CTRL + ALT + DEL everything you remember about last year’s Finals. It’s a new season. You have a new squad, which means it’s time to attack with a new approach.

Now what I want you to do is concentrate and note these codes I’m about reveal to you. These are the keys to your success. These codes are for you to exploit the Warriors’ weaknesses.

Why am I doing this you ask? Because I want to watch an entertaining series, regardless of the fact I expect a sweep. Nevertheless, pay attention so you can pick the lock to a 7-game series.

CODE: {DRAYDAY}

Draymond Green can’t shoot 3s. To be frank, he has sucked in the playoffs. Against the Rockets, he was 2 for 17 (12%) beyond the arc. In my opinion, you should guard him, and use it as an opportunity to double team certain players when necessary. You should be able to cause some turnovers and let loose in transition.

CODE: {BRNGDARUCKUS}

Set the tone defensively and play very physical. This is the last series of the season, so there’s no excuse why your team can’t amp up their effort. Golden State is known for their complacency at times, so make them as uncomfortable as possible. Doing so could make them take bad shots and limit their 3rd quarter runs.

CODE: {KARDASH}

Get your boy Tristan in order. If he’s focused, he can have a field day on the offensive glass. The Warriors are one of the worst teams in the league in defensive rebounding with a Defensive Rebounding Rate of 76.3 (25th). Create 2nd chance opportunities to prevent the Dubs from draining 3s on their fast breaks.

Mr. James, these are the codes. You now have access to Golden State’s vulnerability. Now go give us a Finals worth watching.

Signing off,

Dariel King

Creator of ‘D-UP!’

Donovan Simmons

I’ve seen enough.

After watching 6 months, 23 days, and 16 hours of NBA basketball this season, my mind is made up; my verdict is validated, and I have come to my conclusion: Donovan Mitchell should be crowned Rookie of the Year. If you don’t agree with me, you probably repeated the 3^rd grade.

Nevertheless, I will not use this time to slander Ben Simmons’ talent or skill set, because he’s the obvious alternative. The Fresh Prince (or so they call him) got game. He’s a 6’10” floor general with the IQ of a six-year veteran. Some will call it luck if he makes a shot outside of 7 feet without hitting glass, but hey, everybody sucks at something.

Now even though Ben Simmons stands out in his own right, I won’t use those compliments to counteract my original argument. Donovan Mitchell is the star of this blog; and I’m going to illustrate using the 3 R’s on why he’s the league’s best rookie.

The first R is Rookie. Sounds stupid, but it’s really not if you have common sense. Donovan Mitchell is a true rookie meaning he was drafted in June 2017, and played his first game in October. Simmons, who came in 2016, is what you call a redshirt. Due to injury, he was able to sit out a year to develop his body, study the game, and adjust to the NBA’s lifestyle at a slower pace. Mitchell didn’t have that luxury, which is why his performances are more monumental.

This brings me to my second R: Respect. I want you to observe the picture below.

Now, I’m not a genius (well, yeah I am.), but I don’t think teams fear Ben. He’s a valuable point guard, but also an abortive asset. This is the same “rookie” that scored only 1 point in Game 2 against the Celtics. Mitchell, however, has been receiving high honors from other superstars including LeBron James.

When you go to a job interview, there are two things you know for sure: what job you’re applying for and how presentable you need to be in order to make a good impression. But these things are only the foundation. You need something on paper for validation: A Resume.

Simmons put in work. Averaging nearly 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists for your first season is notable. I’m even more impressed with the fact he led the Sixers to a 50-win season.

But let’s face other facts.

Mitchell averaged 20-4-3, leading star-less Jazz team to a 5^th seed ranking in the Western Conference. He went up a notch in the playoffs increasing his numbers to 24-6-4. In the Jazz’s elimination game against the Rockets, he scored 22 points in the 3^rd quarter alone.

Donovan is that dude for them now.

Basketball has always been an “alpha-dog” type of sport, and it always will be, which is why Donovan Mitchell is my Rookie of the Year.