Wes Unseld, NBA Rookie of Year and MVP in 1969, dies at 74
By Associated Press Washington, D.C.
PUBLISHED 10:56 AM ET Jun. 02, 2020
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wes Unseld, the workmanlike Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74.
Unseld’s family announced his death via a statement released by the Washington Wizards, the franchise he was with throughout his entire 13-season playing career and also worked for as a coach and general manager.
“Those of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with Wes knew him as a generous and thoughtful man whose strong will was matched only by his passion and drive for uplifting others,” current Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said. “His physical prowess, undeniable talent and on-court demeanor may have struck fear in opponents throughout the NBA, but he will be remembered best as a mentor, leader and friend.”
"Too little, too late, too unbothered."
- Phoenix Suns 2023-2024 season motto.
Sad to hear about Unseld. I wonder about his pneumonia. Many COVID-19 deaths are being classified as pneumonia when they are not carefully diagnosed. I wonder if he had it? Regardless, sad to see him go; he was an all-timer.
Yeah, 74 is just too young. I want to get at least an additional 26 years than that. I probably need more if I want to live through a Suns championship.
"Too little, too late, too unbothered."
- Phoenix Suns 2023-2024 season motto.
Unseld won both the Rookie of the Year and regular season Most Valuable Player awards, becoming only the second NBA player after Wilt Chamberlain to capture both awards in the same season.
He was short even for his time -- listed at 6-8 initially, he was actually not quite 6-7. He was a solid 250, with great lateral movement and strong as an ox. His outlet passing ability triggered a dangerous Bullets (now Wizards) offense that included Earl Monroe, Gus Johnson, Jack Marin and Phil Chenier.
I thought this was interesting. So this means it isn't inevitable that the Suns are in the playoffs. They would have to jump ahead of the 4 teams in front of them, to the 9th spot & be within 4 games of the 8th spot. Did I interpret that correctly or did anyone else read that differently?
"When we all think alike, nobody is thinking" - Walter Lippmann "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them." ~ Frederick Douglass
Ok, I clearly didn't read the last part correctly or at all. If there is a ninth seed, then they will be in the tournament. So the tournament is probably going to be the 22 teams somehow, is my guess.
"When we all think alike, nobody is thinking" - Walter Lippmann "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them." ~ Frederick Douglass
"When we all think alike, nobody is thinking" - Walter Lippmann "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them." ~ Frederick Douglass
So, here's the deal. There would by an 8 game finish to the regular season for the 22 teams. Suns would need to get within 4 games of 8th in order to get in the play-in tournament which is double elimination for the 8th place team and single elimination for the 9th place team.
"Too little, too late, too unbothered."
- Phoenix Suns 2023-2024 season motto.
Hey sup guys
Crawling out from under this Covid rock (well boulder)
Came on here to see if u guys making sense of these Woj tweets as I was also confused lol. That's a good question Carey
There are gonna be questions/asterisks around this whole thing right down to the crowning of a champion but I just want some Ball to watch and hope everyone stays safe.
Teams 1-7 are in the playoffs no matter what, without participating in a play-in tourney.
Team 8 avoids play-in tourney if they are 4 games ahead of 9th place. If not, they enter the play-in tourney with the rest of the teams invited to Orlando.
Not sure if the tourney will be by conference or not.