Adrian Wojnarowski has apparently decided that retirement was not for him. He is back to breaking news, which is a lot like when my uncle said he was done with lawn care but bought a new leaf blower three days later. It is a strange thing to witness, but it provides a sense of familiar stability in a world where everything else is falling apart.
As if on cue (the cue being Woj's return) the trade market for tall men is suddenly very active. The Philadelphia 76ers have made Andre Drummond available for trades. Drummond is a player who gathers rebounds the way a lint roller gathers things you did not know were on your jacket. He is a specialist, which I respect, even if he does not always put the ball back into the hoop.
Looking for a Center
The Raptors are reportedly looking at Yves Missi from New Orleans. Missi is young and possesses the kind of height that makes me feel very small and insignificant. New York is also interested, but they are always interested in everyone. It is a busy time for people who look at spreadsheets and decide which tall people should move to different cities.
Then there is Jusuf Nurkic, who recently recorded another triple double. He is a very physical presence, often moving people out of the way as if he is trying to find the last good loaf of bread at a bakery. Whether the Raptors actually want him or are just observing him like a rare bird is unclear. We have a lot of observations but very few centers.
Physical Ailments and Logistics
A fan mentioned being in a walking boot and on crutches for the upcoming Knicks game on Wednesday. This is a remarkably brave decision (or perhaps a very questionable one) given the amount of walking required at the arena. I once tripped over a loose floor mat at a sports bar and considered not watching basketball for a month.
The arena staff are usually very helpful with these things, but crutches and stairs are a difficult combination. It reminds me of the time the Raptors tried to play a game with only seven healthy players. Everyone was limping, but for different reasons. Basketball is a hard sport on the joints (both for the players and the people trying to find their seats).
The Trade Deadline Horizon
We are staring down the trade deadline once again. It is a time for hope, followed by the realization that we are probably just going to trade for a different backup guard. The Missi news suggests we are thinking about the future, which is where I prefer to live because the present involves too many missed free throws.
I hope the fan with the sprained ankle finds a good elevator. I hope Masai Ujiri finds a center who can catch a basketball. Mostly, I hope the return of Wojnarowski means we can finally stop guessing what is happening and just wait for the notification on our phones like civilized, tired people.