The Dream (Shake) is still alive

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

PRODIGY TO PROJECT: One year ago, Cliff Alexander was one of the hottest basketball prospects in the country and a big piece of Bill Self’s Kansas recruiting class. He went undrafted in June. How the hell did that happen? Our Ricky O’Donnell talked to everyone around Cliff, and Cliff himself, to unravel the tale with a look ahead at what comes next. This is a cautionary tale for sure.

THE DREAM IS STILL ALIVE: The first-ever NBA Africa game was Sunday in Johannesburg. Hakeem Olajuwon, who is 52, caught Nikola Vucevic with the shake. And he stuffed Trey Burke. The Dream will never die.

SPEAKING OF WHICH ... Andrew Feinstein of Denver Stiffs attended. He talks about witnessing history and the opportunity for growth of the sport in Africa.

ROOM TO GROW: The Bucks may be ready to win now, but there’s still going to need to be lots of player development in Milwaukee, writes Tim Cato.

PACING THEMSELVES: Liam Boylan-Pett writes about Indiana’s expectations heading into 2015-16.

HUNGRY LIKE WOLF: Jesus Gomez makes a case that the Timberwolves could be better than expected soon.

ANOTHER DOMINO: The Kings hired Nancy Lieberman as an assistant coach, giving the NBA its second full-time female coach in as many years. Jeff Zillgitt talked to the legend about how it all came together.

CLASS ACT: David Lee got traded so he bought Chipotle for everyone! (Everyone who works for the Warriors, that is. Not like EVERYONE everyone.)

LET’S TALK BASKETBALL: I had a very good time talking offseason with Danny Leroux on RealGM’s NBA podcast.

LLLLLLLLAKERS: The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their first loss of the 2015-16 season when they accidentally tweeted disparaging remarks about a t-shirt giveaway at Dodger Stadium. Or they are just that cool. I can’t decide.

LET’S CHECK IN ON LANCE STEPHENSON: Oh, he’s rapping about chicken and waffles. Carry on.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING: Ian Begley has a nice piece on Becky Hammon’s pre-stardom WNBA history. I hadn’t realized she was undrafted out of college.

THREEPEAT: Drake is feeling cocky, says he can defeat LeBron at kickball.

WELP: In July, the Kings had signed Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to a small deal, and then voided the contract on account of a failed physical. The players’ union is now filing a grievance on Mbah a Moute’s behalf. He was medically cleared to play in the NBA Africa game by league docs. It’s unclear what recourse Mbah a Moute will have if it’s found that the Kings acted improperly.

Happy Monday. Let’s get after it! See you next time.