National Basketball Association

A (fake) discussion with skater Jamal Smith about the NBA's hottest topics

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The 2016-17 NBA Season is still 29 some days away, but the preseason starts this weekend and between media day and training camps, the first week of the NBA news cycle is in the books. A lot has changed in just five days of “basketball” — James Harden is now a point guard, Steph Curry invented a new basketball move and Anthony Davis grew an inch. To help me process the ever changing world of the NBA, I (sort-of-not-really) spoke with professional skateboarder and hoops-head, Jamal Smith.

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Jamal, thank you for speaking with me today. It’s an honor to speak with a skate legend such as yourself. But I want to jump right into it. This week, ESPN reported that Mike D’Antoni, the new head coach of the Houston Rockets, was moving James Harden to the point guard position. Harden has had two consecutive seasons with 820+ free throw attempts and 2,200+ points at a usage level above 30 percent. What do you think about the change?

Interesting. I mean, I see where you are coming from. Harden has usage stats consistent with some of the better shooting guards in the game — Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade — and yet he is now being trusted to run D’Antoni’s gone in seven seconds offense. D’Antoni may need to add a few seconds to his schemes if he plans to use Harden’s token head fakes. It is year eight for Harden, so what do you think about his prospects to change so far into his NBA career?

OK. Understood. Moving on, the big news out of the Warriors camp was of course the arrival of Kevin Durant. The former league MVP announced his decision sign with Golden State after nine years with the Thunder franchise. What did you make of the move and how he handled the announcement?

I think there are a lot of fans that would agree with that assessment. Although, when his Hamptons weekend and Player’s Tribune post are compared with the likes of Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James free agencies, it wasn’t that bad. At the Thunder media day, Durant’s former teammate, Russell Westbrook, mentioned he has not spoken with Durant. It’s a fairly abrupt and sad ending to the duo’s days in Oklahoma City. If you were Durant, what might you say to reach out to a former teammate?

I think that’d be a clear message. Back to Durant in Golden State. Hoping for some quick takes. What’d you think of his new look besides Curry in the Warriors unis?

I see. And I wanted to be sure to call attention to Durant’s shoes. He was sporting the Nike KD 9s in the blue and gold Warriors colorways. Any chance you might be caught sporting a pair? Hot take on the KD9s?

All right. One last take I want from you. The Warriors also debuted a new “move” from Steph Curry this week. It’s a carry up from a left-handed dribble that switches hands with a behind the back and quickly transitions to right-leaning shot. His trainer teased that Curry almost broke this move out last year in the regular season and has been working to perfect it for two years. What was your first reaction?

I tend to agree with you on this. To me, it looked like a clear travel. Curry slides his feet a bit before hitting the dribble on the left, and appears to take a step and a half back as he carries the ball behind his back and jumps to land on both feet to set up his shot. I could see the move working if he found a way to dribble one more time behind the back before he sets his feet for the shot — but he looks ready to earn double miles on step he takes in the video. What do you make of it? Is this a real “move” light years ahead or just another reminder that the unanimous MVP blew a 3-1 lead in the Finals?

Really says it all. Let’s go to the speed round and get the hot takes going — a few more stories to cover here. Pelicans forward Anthony Davis reportedly grew another inch. The 23-year-old wasn’t quite a fan of the sound of 6-11. Others were skeptical of the NBA’s ability to accurately report out the height of its players. How does 6-11 sound to you?

Durant wasn’t the only player switching uniforms this summer. Dwight Howard headed home to Atlanta. How’d you like him in the red, white and highlighter yellow?

Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade made his homecoming to Chicago with new teammate Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler. Think Wade can make this three guard offense connect (four)?

Cavaliers training camp seems to be hitting a slightly familiar rough patch with Klutch Sports as J.R. Smith remains unsigned. Last year, Rich Paul kept Tristan Thompson out of training camp until mid-October. And similar strategies for Eric Bledsoe. How do see this tactic from Paul and Klutch Sports?

Your one word opinion on Boston’s chances to win the East with the addition of Al Horford?

On the triangle offense?

On the hype around the Utah Jazz this season?

On Paul Pierce’s retirement announcement?

On Duncan’s job title in San Antonio?

And last question: Sacramento had a whole new look on media day with the rebranding effort they launched in the offseason. What do you make of Sac-Town’s new vibe?

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