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March Madness is in full swing. The NBA regular season is winding down, headed for the playoffs. Baseball is also ready to get underway. While you watch the lack of underdogs in the Dance, notice the lack of parity in the NBA this year, and warm up to a long summer of scandal-ridden baseball here are some great links from around the web to keep you satisfied.
Alyssa Milano, Author and Scholar: Friend of the Cartel, Alyssa Milano, has decided to take her love of the game of baseball and her love of its stars and turn it into a book. [Moon Dog Sports]
Brilliant Speech, But To No Avail What if the coach from Hoosiers had spoken to the Boilermakers prior to Thursday's game against Connecticut? [Boiled Sports]
Bulls Finally Get Sidekick for Rose John Salmons hasn't been in Chicago long after being traded from the Kings, but he has made the most of it so far and is putting up some solid numbers. [Pippen Ain't Easy]
Durant is a Beast, Says He Likes Oklahoma Superstud Kevin Durant is pleased with the direction that the OKC franchise is taking. He sees a bright future, and as long as he wears one of those atrocious OKC unis, the Thunder could be dangerous.[The Boston Globe]
My beloved Boilermakers eked out a win today in Iowa City. With Play like that they'll likely be slaughtered by the Spartans on Tuesday. With that said, and in honor of how crazy the Big Ten season has been, I've decided to keep a Midwestern flavor in my recap of the web's best.
John Paxson ousted in the Windy City: With the Bulls being basement dwellers practically ever since His Airness left town, everybody saw this coming. Here we have a good recap of his stellar moves and signings. [Luol's Dong]
AL Central Preview Even though it's only February, diehard baseball fans are already looking towards the the upcoming season. I have to agree with picking the Twins, though the ChiSox may give them a run. With the AL East as stacked as ever, there will only be one playoff spot coming from the Central. [Midwest Sports Fans]
Tom Crean Continues to Bring Respectibality to Bloomington The Cartel has long been a fan of Crean. We loved what he did at Marquette and hoped that he might help heal IU after the disastorous exits of Knight, Sampson, and to a lesser extent Davis. It seems that he might be living up to this reformer hype. Though we will never be IU fans, we are glad to see this kind of action. [Larry Brown Sports]
Bears Make Roster Changes Long time Bears will be seen elsewhere next year. Mike Brown and Marty Booker were not offered new contracts. Also it appears that John Tait will retire. [Chicago Sun-Times]
The Siets will be wolfing down nachos and various other foodstuffs tomorrow at Weisolas' during the big game and not caring in the slightest who wins the game. For the rest of you who may or may not care about the contest in Tampa, here are some links to get you through the weekend. International Super Bowl Coverage: For all of our readers who are outside the states tomorrow, here's a list of broadcasters that will be airing SB XLIII. [Fang's Bites]
Holy European Point Guards, Batman! The Cartel's love of Ricky Rubio is well documented (here and here). The Kings have always been one of the more global NBA teams and one of their very global fans gives us Yanks a glimpse at two of Europe's best. [Sactown Royalty]
Will we ever get a break from TO? VH1, that bastion of fine programming, is creating a "reality" show starring Terrell Owens.[tonyblogs]
In honor of Detective Roc Hoover, please post your favorite Mark Schlereth quotes/moments in our forum.
When the Tony Kornheiser Pimp Cartel Cartel moved from PimpsLord to its own cyberspace in August, I decided to adopt a pen name. Why? I don't know. It doesn't make any damn sense. Especially since nine out of 10 people think my real name is made up or stolen from a comic book character, and the other 10% disclose after getting to know me that they couldn't believe my name when they first heard it. It happens every time. Look carefully around the site and you'll figure out what they're havin' a laugh about. Good times.
So, back to the redundant pen name... Did I mention no one can pronounce it? Oh, I'm sorry, I only assumed readers would be familiar with the best soccer/international football player this decade. You know who I'm talking about...
You have no idea do you? Seriously? Damn.
Ronaldinho!
Still nothing?
Really? (Sigh)
Okay, let me walk you through this.
Billynho is a play on the name of Ronaldinho, who is (was) like only the most amazing footie playing wizard of our time.
It's not pronounced Billy-N-ho or Billy-and-ho (like I'm some self-professed amalgamation of myself and Paris Hilton) or Billy No.
Bill-een-yo. Say it seven times so you never forget.
Onto The Siets. Not Sigh-etts. Or See-ets. It's mono-syllabic. Seats. The Seats. The Siets. You got it. 7 times... Go.
Finally, Orel Kornheiser. Free Kornheiser's Cartel shirt to whoever can first guess what his name is a play on. Orel Hershiser and Tony Kornheiser. Looks like I win this time. Pronunciation... Oral Corn-Hize-er. That's right, seven times. I'll wait.
And if you're wondering what happened to Barry Badrinath and dave-o... So am I. They had a few good pieces back a ways didn't they? Last I heard they were off working on Wilbon's Quintuple Squadoosh somewhere. Ever since Barry hooked up with Orel's roommate (that's what everyone is saying at least...), things got a little weird. If you ever come across him in person (or more likely in the virtual world of Call of Duty 5... his handle: Corn Nuzzler), don't bother engaging him in conversation. He's not nearly as funny in person as he is in writing. Despite what Orel tries to tell you.
Football season is over, Cartel fans, and Billynho won't miss it one bit. I don't want to hear anymore overrated and overpaid running backs in the Land of the Whale's Vagina pine for preferential pampering, I don't want to see anymore gormless 80's video game characters profess pure innocence about texting their profane posse to pop a poor club patron, I'm tired of all these old quarterbacks, and I~ er, what'd you say? Football season... isn't over? B-b-b-but I checked all the channels yesterday and there was nothi~ oohhh, there's a week off before the Super Bowl now... right...
Football season is almost over, Cartel fans, so let's take a peek at the bottom of the NBA standings and top of the NCAA standings to see if we can't spot some potential future Casual Encounters:
1) Oklahoma City- Ricky Rubio. I'll admit, I've been all over his nuts since first seeing him play, and I'm standing by my belief that he's a sure thing future All Star and fan favorite. Anyone who saw Rubio play against the Redeem Team knows this is a no-brainer. He picked Chris Paul's pocket clean multiple times, is quick enough to get into the lane at will (despite what many analysts say), is the most creative passer in competitive basketball since Jason Williams' Sacramento days, and seemed to possess the same innate basketball vision that all the greats have. He's a point guard Larry Bird. Oklahoma City needs a center, but really this pick comes down to Rubio and Blake Griffin. Griffin would add toughness and rebounding, but with Kevin Durant sliding to the frontcourt and becoming more effective this season, Rubio and Russell Westbrook could form one of the NBA's top backcourts in the future and give the Thunder an unrivaled young troika to build around. 2) Washington- Blake Griffin. Griffin is an explosive, dominant rebounder who can post-up on the offensive end whenever he feels like it. His back-to-the-basket game lacks polish, but he'll still be able to score with his Lebron-esque athletiscism. He's a good ballhandler and passer for his size and would fit in perfectly on a Wizards team in need of toughness and a stronger post presence.
3) Sacramento- Jeff Teague. When I watched Jeff Teague two years ago when he played Eric Gordon in a high school game in Indianapolis, I didn't see much. Going in, his team had a gaudy record and Teague was averaging a nice stat line. Teague flashed quickness, but played passively and passed up open looks on the perimeter that suggested to me a poor jumper. I can't believe he's the same player when I watch him today. His wiry build, explosive leaping ability and quickness, and 90's fade haircut remind me of Anfernee Hardaway. He's averaging over 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and shooting over 50% from beyond the arc. Sacramento is loaded with prospects at every position except point guard (where Beno Udrih is a sub-standard starter). Taking Teague could inject the same type of enthusiasm into the franchise that the aforementioned Williams brought 11 years ago.
4) Los Angeles Clippers- James Harden- The Clippers are a ship wreck. They're ridiculously thin with just six real NBA players (Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, and Marcus Camby), and are in the position to take the best player available. In this case, they need someone who can contribute right away also. Harden is shooting 54% from the field, 40% from three point range, and averages 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. He could be a star in the NBA down the road and will be a top notch scorer off the bench next season.
5) Memphis- Jordan Hill. The Grizzlies have to look for a big man as they've already got a slew of candidates to play point, shooting guard, and small forward. Hasheem Thabeet would provide size, but lacks the polish to provide an interior presence offensively in the near future. Jordan Hill, on the other hand, is a physically mature, rapidly improving big with the ability to establish position in the posts against anyone. Hill is also the draft's second best rebounder (behind Griffin) and would allow Marc Gasol to remain at center.
6) Golden State- Kyle Singler. Singler is a dream power forward for Don Nelson's offense. He can shoot, handle the ball, and battle for boards. He's being overlooked despite playing for the best team in the NCAA because Duke players under Coach K have a shaky history in the NBA, and he's white. But he has an advanced skill set and reminds me of Dirk Nowitzki more than anyone in recent memory (though that comparison is thrown at a lot of top prospects).
7) Minnesota- Hasheem Thabeet. Minnesota has to acquire something in the way of a center prospect, and Thabeet has as much potential as any in recent years outside of Dwight Howard and Greg Oden. Unfortunately, he's even more likely to end up an unequivocal bust. He's not a fluid athlete, his offensive game is coming along but still not resembling that of a legitimate starting NBA big man, and you have to wonder whether his length will matter considering opposing guards will be able to both outmuscle and zip around him. He'll be 22 on draft day and the Timberwolves will have a hard time looking at him and passing on the upper-end of his potential... Dikembe Mutombo.
8) Indiana- Stephen Curry. The Pacers also need to find a low-post talent if they're to progress, but Larry Bird has put an emphasis on improving the team immediately to curb fan disinterest. Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu has the look, but his rap sheet suggests the newly squeaky clean Pacers will look elsewhere. Earl Clark is a tempting option, but in the end they won't be able to pass on the next-Reggie Miller. Few need to be reminded of Curry's credentials. Indiana fans will watch him and be reminded of Reggie as they flock to Conseco next season and beyond and hope his career proves half as memorable. It's tough to peg Curry's NBA potential, but his newfound ballhandling and passing hint that he may be more than just a sharpshooter.
9) Toronto- Tyreke Evans. Evans is not showing up in other mock drafts (many seem to copy off each other), but his shot is coming around, and his stat line is looking more impressive as his freshman season continues. His athleticism, defense, and multi-varied skill set remind one of Gerald Wallace. Toronto is desperate for more punch from the wing, and a prospect to develop into the future. Evans has All Star potential that more will spot as Memphis moves into the national spotlight come Selection Sunday.
10) Chicago- Gerald Henderson. Henderson is strong, supremely athletic (his big frame belies incredible leaping ability), and has more go-to moves than one typical finds in a college player. He's carried Duke since the ACC season began and people are beginning to notice. Griffin and Henderson look most ready to start in the NBA next year, and neither will be in over their heads.
Under direct orders from a poor, misguided chickfriend who lives and breathes MTV and insists I do the same, I watched Bromance tonight.
And it was even worse than you're probably imagining... It was basically a bunch of twitchy little freak dudes doing things dudes should never do to gain the Broffection of another dude. One dude ran around in circles in a wrestling ring like a chick, two dudes wouldn't dude-up and go out in the sun, three dudes cried, most the dudes came across as extremely homoquestionable, and all the dudes batted their eyebrows seductively in the direction of the main dude, Brody Jenner.
There's nothing wrong with Brody Jenner, he's got the right idea. But he's got a convoluted screening process and a show full of weirdos (the best way to describe that troupe).
If I were going to be Bromanced, I wouldn't want twitchy little freaks competing to be my friend. I wouldn't care if they could catch fish, sleep in tents, or beg chicks to come to my party by bribing them with the fact that they may get to be on MTV.
No, my dude friends have to be funny (still waiting for you to live up to the hype Drew Brown), out of control (you always come through Andy), smooth with the birds (except you Matt), classy (the decanter was a nice move Zach) or smart (Ladies, have you met my friend The Siets? He's a nationally-ranked College Bowl player, you know? So am I... but you'll have to look a ways down the list.)... and most importantly, my dude friends have to like sports (no exceptions).
After a bit of thought, I've realized my ideal friends would not only like sports, they'd be involved in sports. I know a lot about sports. I spend a lot of time watching sports. And reading about sports. And talking about sports.
But I've met a lot of athletes and most don't impress me. Some definitely would.
If I were to be Bromanced by anyone of my choosing from the world of sports, I'd roll with:
5. Kobe Bryant- Firstly, finding girls would never be a problem with Kobe around. If they don't want to hang, he'll make them. Sure we might end up in the slammer for a few days... but that's a story right!? Additionally, it'd be too much fun to play H-O-R-S-E or beer pong or throw things in the trash with him around and yell, "KOBE!" as you do it.
3. Charles Barkley- Barkley is hilarious. How funny would it be to sit around with Chuck as he talks about how he is going to be governor someday!? Probably while wasted, too. Seriously? Governor? Him? Plus, as recent events have confirmed, he knows how to party. And you could get rich playing poker with him. I have to admit, though, it might be a little weird if he tattooed my name on his ass. But if it makes him happy...
2. Drew Brees- Ummm, let's see. He's a perfect person. He's the nicest guy in the world. He's the smartest guy in the NFL. He's a great teammate/friend. He's a winner. He shares. He just had a kid who will be the coolest kid in the world as he grows up. He's a living God. Like this guy. Yeah, we like him a lot on this site, okay?
NBA News - Eastern Conference Edition Danny Granger, Pleasant Surprise: New Mexico isn't usually known for producing superstars, nor is the 17th pick in the draft. However, Danny Granger has risen to be one of the premier players in the league and is in the top 5 in scoring. [Indy Cornrows]
Motown Math: A look at how Detroit's performance stacks up now that they've switched to "small ball". [Detroit Bad Boys]
Improved Magic Shooting: During the first 18 games of the year, the Magic couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Since then, their shooters have lit up and are complementing Superman. [Third Quarter Collapse]
Charles Oakley! Charles Oakley now has an internet cooking show. The fact that this is not the most shocking news I've heard this week just goes to show what a crazy world this is. [Posting and Toasting]
A sunset over the Pacific. Due to Indiana's crappy weather, The Siets & Billynho are both wishing we could go back to Cali.
NBA News - Western Conference Edition Spurs Mid-Seasonish Recap: Are the Spurs' roleplayers studs or simply playing out of their minds as of late? [Pounding the Rock]
Nuggets Not Done Trading: Denver made headlines with the AI for Chauncey trade, but they've continued to deal and might not be done. [Rocky Mountain News]
Oden's O-Fon: Our favorite Portland big man is releasing a special edition phone. [Blaze of Love]
Christmas Comes Late in Utah: A fan blew a loud whistle in Salt Lake City causing the Warriors to stop play... a Kyle Korver dunk ensued. [Ball Don't Lie]
Mutombo! Mutombo! Mutombo gives his take on the current state of the Rockets. [BallerBlogger]
(Read on for my take) Why exactly does Nike keep making these commercials? LeBron making 5 full courters in a row... I can see that. Larry Bird making a blindfolded off the scoreboard, off the moon, off the shot clock, nothing but net shot in a game of H-O-R-S-E... I've seen it done. Michael Jordan playing himself in a game of one-on-one... Who hasn't done that?
I don't have a fetish for international players, I'm not biased by the opinions of agents, and I actually watch basketball. As conference basketball begins, here's an early look at what may transpire in the 2009 NBA Draft.
Without further ado:
1) Oklahoma City- Ricky Rubio. Anyone who saw Rubio play against the Redeem Team knows this is a no-brainer. He picked Chris Paul's pocket clean multiple times, is quick enough to get into the lane at will (despite what many analysts say), is the most creative passer in competitive basketball since Jason Williams' Sacramento days, looks like an anime character, and seemed to possess the same innate basketball vision that all the greats have. Oklahoma City needs a center, but really this pick comes down to Rubio and Blake Griffin. Griffin would add toughness and rebounding, but with Kevin Durant sliding to the frontcourt and becoming more effective this season, Rubio and Russell Westbrook could form one of the NBA's top backcourts in the future and give the Thunder a troika to build around. 2) Minnesota- Blake Griffin. Griffin is an explosive, dominant rebounder who can post-up on the offensive end whenever he feels like it. His back-to-the-basket game lacks polish, but he'll still be able to score with his Lebron-esque athletiscism. He's a good ballhandler and passer for his size and would be tough for Minnesota to pass up despite their desperate need for guards. Perhaps the Timberwolves could trade Kevin Love for some backcourt help or another high draft pick if they end up with the second pick.
3) Washington- Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet is 7'3", he moves well, he's a uber-productive rebounder and shot blocker, he's a halfway decent free throw shooter which indicates touch on his shot, and his rate of improvement has been tremendous. Project bigs have a shaky track record in the NBA, but he might be good enough already to earn minutes as he'll surely alter shots and makes opposing guards think twice about driving to the hoop from day one in the League. A starting five of Gilbert Arenas, Nick Young, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and Hasheem Thabeet looks nice on paper. That's assuming Arenas is healthy, and Thabeet is giving them 30 minutes a game next season.
4) Sacramento- Jordan Hill- The Kings have an interesting roster in that they have young talent with long-term deals at every position. Beno Udrih and Francisco Garcia just re-upped before the 2008-09 season, and both see major minutes. Unfortunately, both rank in the bottom half of NBA starters at their respective positions. Kevin Martin and John Salmons are the team's leaders, and both are efficient, underrated scorers on the wing, though not quite All Stars. Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson are promising, productive young bigs that the Kings can build around. Their weakest position seems to be point guard, but the guess here is that they take Hill, who is quietly averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and almost three blocks at Arizona, to add toughness and replace Brad Miller in their froncourt rotation. Jrue Holliday and Brandon Jennings would also be good selections if they could move Udrih.
5) Los Angeles Clippers- James Harden. The Clippers are a ship wreck. They're ridiculously thin with just six real NBA players (Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, and Marcus Camby), and are in the position to take the best player available. Harden is shooting 58% from the field, 46% from three point range, and averages 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. He could be a star in the NBA down the road and will be a top notch scorer off the bench next season. He'd be great value for the fifth pick.
6) Golden State- Damion James. Don Nelson loves big men who can shoot, and James is a career 40% three point shooter. He's a lot like a guy the Warriors just traded away, Al Harrington, but it's hard to envisage BJ Mullens fitting in with Andris Biedrens, and Earl Clark mirrors Brandan Wright too closely. They could use a true point guard, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Nelson choose Holliday or Jennings. But a line-up of Jennings, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, and Biedrens would be the smallest in the NBA by far.
7) Memphis- BJ Mullens. The Grizzlies have to look for a big man as they've already got a slew of candidates to play point, shooting guard, and small forward. Mullens isn't NBA ready at all, but no one they select here would push them to the playoffs. Had last season's offer sheet to Josh Smith not been matched, they'd look like having a promising future. As it stands now, their success going forward will hinge on finding a rebounding, low-post threat. Mullens has the talent and size to provide that, but probably not until 2011. Keep an eye on Greg Monroe from Georgetown in the event that Mullens never improves.
8) Indiana- Stephen Curry. The Pacers also need to find a low-post talent if they're to progress, but Larry Bird has put an emphasis on improving the team immediately to curb fan disinterest. Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu has the look, but his rap sheet suggests the newly squeaky clean Pacers will look elsewhere. Earl Clark is a tempting option, but in the end they won't be able to pass on the next-Reggie Miller. Few need to be reminded of Curry's credentials, and Indiana fans will connect the two and flock to Conseco next season and beyond to see him play. It's tough to peg Curry's NBA potential, but his newfound ballhandling and passing hint that he may be more than a sharpshooter.
9) Charlotte- Tyreke Evans. Evans' shot has gone awry thus far this season, but his athleticism, defense, and multi-varied skill set remind one of Gerald Wallace. With an opening on the wing after the trade of Jason Richardson, Evans fills a need in the interim while looking like a future All Star at the same time.
10) New York- Earl Clark. Louisville. Analysts say this about everyone, but Clark would be a perfect fit in Mike D'Antoni's offense. He's a fluid 6'9" athlete that can handle the ball and make passes few his size would dream of attempting. The Knicks could take a point guard if Holliday and Jennings are around, but Duhon is doing a better job than anyone imagined. Clark would help the Knicks immediately and is versatile enough to play the three or four, a valuable trait to keep in mind depending on who the Knicks sign in 2010.
As I watched my Spurs play on Christmas Day, I was distraught as they were down by as many as 13 in the first quarter. Slowly the boys in black were able to battle their way back and found themselves with a lead early in the second half. However, with only 4.3 seconds left in the game, San Antonio was down by 2.
The Spurs had the luxury of being able to run a set play from half court. Sitting in my grandparents' basement, my family and I made various predictions as to who would take the last shot. Many in the room felt that future HOFer Tim Duncan would get the nod. Others felt that sporadic Manu Ginóbili would slash to the hoop. The most vocal opinion came from yours truly. Being the only actual Spurs fan in the room, I shouted "Anybody but Mason!"
Then as the play unfolded, I watched in amazement as Parker passed to a wide open Mason in the corner. The shot was up and in, and I shouted with excitement as the Spurs walked away with a 91-90 victory. Despite the victory for my favorite NBA franchise, I was left with a sour taste in my mouth.
Last season the defending champion San Antonio Spurs made it back to the Western Conference Finals, yet they were clearly overmatched in terms of youth and speed against the Lakers. Spurs fans eagerly looked forward to the offseason and hoped that the team would work towards getting younger and possibly signing another star to complement "The Big 3". Instead, R. C. Buford chose to retain older-than-dirt Michael Finley, keep hope in "World's Largest Ginger" Matt Bonner, and sign/draft Roger Mason and George Hill.
Although Brent Barry and Robert Horry departed (making the team a little younger), I had my reservations about Mason. George Hill looked to be a solid draft pick. He was a standout player at IUPUI and averaged over 21 ppg in his last year with the Jaguars. As a rookie, he is putting up solid numbers even on a team that usually values experience and rarely plays true rookies. Mason, on the other hand, has bothered me since he was signed. Many heralded him as the answer to the Spurs' quickness and shooting issues, but I was highly unimpressed with his stint in Washington. While with the Wiz he did put up 9.1 ppg in '07-'08, but this was the only season he played more than 62 games. Despite his limited résumé, analysts were quick to anoint him as the second coming of Sean Elliott.
Well, let me be the first to admit that Mason has in fact delivered as advertised. He is averaging 12.8 ppg (only 2 behind Manu) and has slid in well as the fourth leading contributor on the team. He also adds 3.4 rebounds and 2 assists a game. Coupled with Hill's 8.8 ppg and 2.7 apg, this duo could prove to be a solid addition to San Antonio's backcourt. They, along with like-clockwork stellar play from Duncan and Parker, have the Spurs in second place in the West. If these two, especially Mason, can continue to improve then the Spurs might be poised for another title run.
A giant man once said to me I cannot live so quietly So off he went to the NBA Getter bigger by the day Faking left, shooting high Breaking holes into the sky Or the ceiling, at the very least Truly this man is a beast ACL intact, not for long How could things ever go so wrong? From man to god and from god to man And still support from every fan A few felonies and a misdemeanor Can we make him any meaner? Steroids, cocaine and alcohol Such a long way left to fall Gravity does tend to overcome The magic talents of this one
[Editor's Note: In the interest of protecting the integrity of her writing, Iuns wants to make clear that this is a RHYME, NOT a poem. -Billynho]... Read on for why the distinction is important: I just want to make it clear to my readers that what they have just experienced is most certainly not a poem. It is a rhyme. But why might Iuns feel the distinct and urgent need to embellish upon her heart wrenching and artistic masterpiece? Alright, I'll bow to the intensive pressure of your curious natures and explain:
Example: a poem about a writer's favorite brown haired fowl Tends to mean : the writer recently lost her dearest and closest grandmother, sold her step children and their precious toys for collateral, moved into a picturesque mud-floored cottage off the coast of El Salvador, and bought an alligator as a pet.
As it happens, I hate deeper meanings, significance, and any other motives sneakily hiding in the lines of normally inane writing, waiting to pounce on you from the guerrilla battleground of literary analysis. I wish I could retaliate with expletives in the form of deadly and destructive bombs, erasing the unnecessary descriptions of waterfowl, beautiful scenery and writer's innermost feelings from the face of literature today. So please please please don't insult my little rhyme by bestowing upon it the title of poem in your minds!
Finally, to make this post clear the high standards of sports blogging and ensure Billynho posts this: football = Drew Brees = happiness
(Editor's Note: Troubled by my depiction of her, Iuns sweetly volunteered to offer a differing account of her sports watching experience and an explanation as to why she never embraced football. Read on to find out which sport she did grow to appreciate! Also, if you're not convinced she's a female by appearance alone, look closely and see shoe shopping going on. And yes, those are skinny arms. Crucial...)
The more inquisitive (Editor's Note: and sexist) of you readers may be asking yourselves, what is a woman with as little sports knowledge and enthusiasm such as myself doing guest writing for a sports blog sponsored by a sporting-obsessed aficionado such as Billynho? That, dear readers, is exactly the question I will be muttering and mulling over as I type out this piece.
All issues of personal knowledge aside, I have had the honor of witnessing Billynho pursue basketball, football, futbol, cycling, cross country, and basically every other sport man has been crazy enough to invent (with the sordid exceptions of cricket and wrestling) firsthand. This would be a convenient time to mention that I happen to be the crazy ex-girlfriend mentioned on occasion. Despite the slander on my sanity, I am Billynho’s greatest fan and love nothing better than to read his articles over breakfast. Since I will assume that you readers love to do the same, I’m going to divulge some insight into his character. Firstly, the issue of his extensive knowledge in practically every faction of the sporting world demands to be mentioned. Waking up in the morning the man immediately jumped out of bed and onto his computer chair, from where he purused European soccer results. Then he would pore over LetsRun, either deriding or lauding opinions, but engrossed all the same. Next Billynho would check Fox Sports, Deadspin, ESPN, and whatever other sites he could manage before the sound of my whining became too much for him, and he had to drag his attention back to me. The moment I let my guard down, however, Billynho would escape and cycle endlessly through sports sites once again. Thinking about it almost induces irritant twitching in my right and most sensitive eye. Luckily I have excellent motor control, and we can instead move onto other issues.
One to which all sporting aficionados (I'm sure) can relate is the attempt to convince your significant other that they would become even more significant to you if they would just become as enthused about soccer/track/hockey/arm wrestling as you are. In an attempt not to stereotype, because doubtless out there in this world are sporting-lusting women strong-arming their helpless boyfriend into watching their much revered favorite sport, I will assume that “you” can be male or female. In my case, Billynho was the one who pushed me towards watching more sports. His first attempt was college football. In an ironic and crushing twist of fate, the first football game I attended was the slaughter of our beloved Purdue by the dastardly devils at Ohio State. Clearly it did not provide a fortuitous start towards my long lasting love of football. Subsequent games were slightly more interesting as he took more care to describe player biographies to me and they did not involve the destruction of my alma mater. I am going to emphasize this point: everyone loves character development. Books include it. Television series depend upon it. Why oh why, therefore, would a man think a woman would enjoy watching a sport where she knows nothing about the players? She doesn’t. Therefore supplying your significant other with a brief history of some key players is going to be the MVP move in winning their interest. All the same and despite Billynho’s best efforts, I never really gained the deeper appreciation most men seem to have for football.
Basketball, however, is a very different story. A grand total of ten players are much easier to remember than eighty, and their roles on the court are more self explanatory. Surprising amounts of success from a young and untried team also helps to add to the excitement. As the Purdue “Baby Boilers” (inane name, but you still have to adore them) clawed their way skyward in college basketball rankings, my budding love hitched a ride. Who can argue with Hummel, Martin (recently departed but instantly replaced in my heart by lewjack), JaJuan J, and E’Twaun? Certainly not I. Instead I held my breath, gasped, cheered, screamed and cursed alongside the best of them (and arguably even more than Billynho) for the entire winter.
A few summers back, I worked in a fitness club where there was never enough to do. To fill time, we talked. A lot. So much in fact that we ran out of things to talk about... which led to debate about a hypothetical world where "Saved By the Bell" was cast from the employees at the club. Stupid and pointless no doubt, but it was fun and passionate. It raged for weeks; everyone wanted to be Zack. Luckily, I managed to forget those dark, boring days until I saw the show this afternoon. And it made me wonder...
What if the characters of "Saved by the Bell" were cast from NBA players? Who would be best for each role?...
Zack Morris: Allen Iverson- Just like Zack, he's late and causing trouble daily, but no one can stay mad at Iverson. Whether it's the fact that he's always smiling and his cornrows are perfectly aligned or the high-pitched scoffs he delivers in downplaying accusations of wrongdoing, we all love Iverson.
A.C. Slater: Dwight Howard- Overly masculine and perpetually posturing, Slater was a guy's guy. But he had an undeniable subconscious soft side, accentuated by those deep dimples. Howard has all of the above (he's a sweet, God-fearing man I hear) right down to the dimples and the same hulking pecs. An obvious choice.
Lisa Turtle: Shaquille O'Neal- Unattainable and sassy, but at the same time desperate for attention. Always too good for Screech, except when the nerd stopped stalking her. Their dynamic sounds a lot like Shaq's with every team he's played for, doesn't it? Bonus points for his equally gaudy fashion sense.
Samuel "Screech" Powers: Brian Scalabrine- Each elicit laughs at every appearance, have hilarious hair, and stick out like a sore thumb amongst those around them. Might we see Scalabrine in a sex tape soon? God I hope not.
Jessica "Jessie" Myrtle Spano: Isiah Thomas- Need I say more?:
Kelly Kapowski: Bron Bron- Kapowski was definitely the belle of the ball at Bayside... Zack skipped the prom to be with her because she was too poor to go, and he could've had any girl he wanted! LeBron James can expect to receive thousands of texts from every balding, middle-aged exec in the league as his impending free agency gets closer and closer. Since I hate the Lakers, I hope he doesn't take the time to Google this one.
Mr. Belding: Phil Jackson- Belding ruled with an iron fist and cocky attitude, but at the end of the day, he just wanted to be appreciated, he loved his kids, and he was the best principal EVVVEEERRRRRRRRRRRR...The original Zenmaster.
Sports blogging ain't all it's cracked up to be. I mean, sure, you can sit around in your underwear all day... if you can afford to pay the heating bill (not to mention still afford underwear!). And you've got time to watch the crock pot slow-cook your roast beef... if you didn't have to sell your crock pot to pay for your domain name and server. Lest I forget to mention that you can download illegal music to your computer because you've got no boss looking over your shoulder... of course, your 1995 Pentium Pro Processor and the four gigs of space on your hard drive make it nearly impossible to get more than 12 songs before your computer crashes and you'd love to buy a newonebutsportsbloGSDON'TMAKEJACK!
That's why I'm gonna have a baby. Well, not me. But Billynho is ready to spread his seed. But don't get me wrong. It's just business, baby. And pretty good business apparently.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have made roughly $20 million selling baby pictures to People Magazine. Jennifer Lopez sold pictures of her twins for over $6 million. I didn't even know these people had babies of their own! I thought they bought the babies for that much.
While I wait for my personal offspring photography business to take off nine months from now, I do possess a picture to sell in the meantime to the vulturous celebrity mags. I really EFFed up by posting the picture of myself and Greg Oden, but good news... I've got another never-before-seen publicly. Yes, Orel Kornheiser and FORMER No. 1 OVERALL PICK, WINNER OF 245 OF THE LAST 248 GAMES HE'S PLAYED, in 5.1 stunning megapixels.
The bidding begins at $4. I should be able to buy myself some underwear for $4, right?
Shout out! Weezy's back with another installment, and his Easter-pink Sprite is a little pinker this week.
Shout Out Count: Six, still none for Billynho The song to read to: Cool Kids ft/ Lil Wayne- Gettin' It
Nelly was a really good baseball player growing up, man. He could have gone to the league but he chose a different path. He's a diehard St. Louis fan and it's kind of crazy, actually. We bet on games sometimes and last year we bet a pretty large sum of money on the Hornets. Nelly didn't think they'd make it past the first round and I did, so we put money on it. When I beat him he had to pay me $19,000 dollars. That's the most I've ever bet on sports. I try not to get too crazy or bet anything too major that I would really miss. We have so much in common! You see, my brother was a really good wrestler (he claims) growing up. He could've gone to semi-state (he claims), but he chose to... well, I'm not sure he did anything else instead. But HEY, we bet sometimes, too! Last year, we bet $10 on how good of a basketball season Purdue would have. I won. Seems $10 was a little too rich; he couldn't pay up. Oh wait, you said $19,000? Never mind, I guess we don't have much in common after all... (sniff)
I had a bet with Shawty Lo on the Eagles and the Giants and I lost, so I owe him something but I won't say what.
And the best part about that fight was that Artest did not even move. He did not get involved. I felt bad when Steve Nash got knocked to the floor, that poor little guy. Rafer Alston's from the playground, so that's gonna happen. Shout out to him because that's my homie.
Note to self: Avoid at all costs the gang of fourth graders ballin' at Cheesman's Court every day.
D-Wade's a cool guy, but I've never really been invited to his games. I guess I need tickets. I guess we could play video games or something together when we're both home, but I don't know if he plays and I'm not so good. I like to play golf and soccer video games, anyway.
I know how you feel. That blonde who sat in front of me in Anthropology last spring seemed really nice. I probably should've gotten her number. My favorite board game is Monopoly. I mean, I maybe would've been willing to play Monopoly with her. I like to use the shoe, because I like shoes. If she doesn't like Monopoly, I'm really good at Clue, too.
I want to learn how to really play golf. I've only been to a driving range once, but I was too young to be interested. I know the game well and I always wonder how good I'd be if I really worked at it. It's a very strategic game and I'm kind of OK at things like that. I will do it one day, but of course I've got to get it right.
You know, I'm decent at chess (I know the POINT SYSTEM). But I've never been taught or anything. I'm smart (I am. I AM!), I could maybe be somewhat, kinda, sorta, possibly average at chess if I ever devoted myself to the game. Ahh, dreams.
I've totally, totally ignored Joe Flacco on the blog, and for that I apologize.
No one could have predicted that all the Los Angeles Clippers had to do to improve from an atrocious start was play Eric Gordon more. Oh wait, I did!?! In 30 minutes, he put up 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field, two assists, and two steals in the Clippers first win of the season. More importantly he added a lethal three-point threat from the outside, hitting 3-for-4 from beyond-the-arc. His +/- was +5, Cuttino Mobley's was -4.
Mike Dunleavy, keep checking back to the Kornheiser's Cartel for coaching tips all season long. My next advice: Cuttino Mobley, Brian Skinner, Ricky Davis, Tim Thomas, and Jason Hart for David Lee and Stephon Marbury's contract. Maybe it'd work? And I'm not even a big David Lee fan like, oh, every analyst in the country.
Imagine how good a basketball player your son would be if I raised him... Of course, he'd probably dance around and gloat over the simplest of glories, too. Sigh.
I just watched Games 5 and 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals on NBA TV, and this question is begging to be asked: How many MVP's would Derek Fisher have won had the Lakers been down one, with .8 seconds left in overtime every time he took a shot in his career?
He played 13 whole seasons going into this year, so I'm gonna say he'd have 12. No one was going to beat Steve Nash in 2005, just like no one was going to beat Barack Obama this year. Barack had the black vote (and Billynho's vote), Nash had the white vote. It's the counter-transitive property. Look it up. No WAIT, don't.
Oh yeah, Fisher. Clutch. It's just a matter of time til he ends up on the Spurs. He's still a little young right now. Read more to see Fisher go bo bo ski do. Do it: Takes down Tim Duncan with .4 seconds left:
Dunks on Shawn Bradley:
Emerges from locker room late after being with daughter in hospital to save Jazz:
Ties game on opening night for Lake Show vs. Rockets:
Takes 'bow to the dome from B-Diddy and lives to tell about it:
Shout out y'all. It's official, Lil Wayne's greatest contribution to mankind is no longer "Let The Beat Build," bitch. No, no, it'd be nigh impossible for him to top his literary gifts with music (though Tha Carter III is insane, Shout Out). Here's my breakdown of Part I. Read on as I give a shout out to the best of his latest blog offering where he touches on his sports watching schedule, the NBA, NFL players he wouldn't want to hit him, and gives shout outs to basically everyone in the sports world. Where's the love for Billynho, Lil Wayne? Can I get a shout out? "A lot of people on the blog were asking how much sports I watch each week, so this is pretty much what my typical week looks like:... Tuesday - I'm saved by the NBA. I try to check out Chris Paul and the Hornets as often as I can, then I like to start watching other games once they get to the fourth quarter. That's the best way to do it if you've got the package and you want to watch a bunch of games in one night. I watch Kobe a lot, too."
Yeah yeah, Paul and Kobe are okay. But he forgot to mention Brian Cardinal and Brian Scalabrine. They're fun, too... They are!
"The Lakers look wonderful. I think they won their first three games by 65 points combined. It's tough to predict how many wins they're gonna get this season. If they keep going like this and they reach 60 then I think they'll pass the Celtics 66 wins last year, which would be nothing short of amazing.
You gotta watch out for Trevor Ariza, man, he's the secret weapon. He's the David Price of the Lakers. That kid can flat-out play. I knew when the Lakers got him in that trade that he was gonna be great for them eventually. I've been keeping track of him. He's excellent on NBA2K9, too."
Ariza is a baller!!!
"The Knicks have been something else, man. You got Marbury and Eddy Curry not even part of the system? Damn. I hit Eddy up on the two-way last night asking what's up and he hasn't responded yet so we'll see."
Has he seen Marbury or Curry play since 2005?
Greg Oden is a bust. He's gotta show me something, man. I don't get it. At what point in time was he dominant? I've never seen it. You've never seen it. Maybe NBA officials know something we don't. That's all I can figure. Maybe somebody on that staff has seen something we haven't. But until he shows me something, I'm gonna declare him a bust. Damn shame, too.
T.O. still looks like he's about to cry. It's getting ugly in Dallas, man. They're in last place now in their division? This is a disaster.
Hahahahahaha! Shout out to you, Lil Wayne... I love your blog.
I would not want to get hit by Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu. Those would be the two guys I would definitely want to avoid. Hines Ward is a pretty excellent blocker downfield, too. I wouldn't wanna run into that.
A month and a half ago, I wrote that the Clippers were a good sleeper pick this NBA season. I take it back. I was wrong. My reasoning was right, I just failed to factor in that Mike Dunleavy was their head coach.
To be fair, they've been saddled with injuries in the early going. Baron Davis has finger and hip ailments, while Marcus Camby just appeared for the first time this season. It's excusable that they've gone 0-3 in the early going.
What's troubling is that the team looks thin, unorganized, and illogically led. Behind Baron Davis? Jason Hart/Mike Taylor; one of the worst back-up point guard tandems in the league, and yet one of the most likely to see major playing time due to how injury-prone B-Diddy has always been. Behind Cuttino Mobley? Ricky Davis, a career loser in the NBA. In the frontcourt? Paul Davis, Brian Skinner, Steve Novak, DeAndre Jordan. It's unlikely any of them would start for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The lack of organization can likely be attributed to the fact that their core has hardly played together before. Davis and Al Thornton never seem to be on the same page. Chris Kaman plays every game on an island while battling alone inside. And Davis is given pretty much free reign to do whatever he wants. He's a dynamic super-talent, but that's rarely a recipe for success (see: Stephon Marbury).
And the charge of illogical leadership is evidenced by the fact that Eric Gordon has barely seen the court in the early going, despite dominating in the preseason. On a team sorely outclassed on the wings in all three losses, one would think an intelligent coach would buck convention, see what was happening on the floor, and embrace the rookie for the good of the team. But it seems Dunleavy expects Gordon to somehow earn minutes with his play in garbage time cameos, a terrible environment for one to learn.
At least there will be garbage time aplenty if things don't change in Clipperland.
I was going to give my impression of the deal, then I saw Indy Cornrows's take. It's as if he read my mind:
"But wait! There's even more great news. Mike Wells reports the deal is for 5 years at $60-64 million. I was hoping the Pacers could sign Granger at 5 for $55 but I admit I'm real stingy so I was also REALLY hoping they wouldn't top 5 for $70. With the reported deal it appears both sides compromised and worked in the best interest of the franchise. Ahh, so refreshing. Congrats to Danny and the Pacers!"
All I'll say is that based off how good he looked the other night, I predict this deal will be an amazing bargain in retrospect. It's less per year than Andre Iguodala and similar to Luol Deng. I'd take Granger over both of them, without question.
Whatever, he'll be able to afford a Gulfstream V either way.
Wow. I caught all or part of every game tonight. Yes, a Friday. Yes, I'm a loser. Here are some quick thoughts/impressions/opinions/biases on everything I witnessed for my readers if you missed it. Unless I get a life (highly doubtful), check back as these should be regular:
- Anyone who thinks Mike D'Antoni can come in and turn the Knicks around with the current personnel is stupid retarded. Once you get past the fact that they can't guard point guards and have nothing in the way of post defense (Elton Brand looked like Wilt Chamberlain against the Knicks tonight), the current group is full of bad guys, too. They have horrendous body language and yell at each other after every bad play. - One bright spot for the Knicks is Nate Robinson. As many have stated before, he seems perfect D'Antoni's wide-open offense. He plays with pride, pushes the pace, pressures opposing guards. He's a keeper for what they're trying to build. MSG Network showed an exchange from practice between D'Antoni and Robinson in which D'Antoni insisted that Robinson should lead the NBA and average three steals a game. He needs to be starting.
- David Lee, on the other hand, is overrated. He rebounds at a high rate and shoots a high percentage, but that's all off hustle. He's not a good man-to-man defender--- Brand overpowered him at will--- not a great mid-range shooter, and can't create his own shot. He's a useful rotation big man, but not someone I'd pay $10 million per year to, which is the ballpark a prospective extension has been mooted.
- Outside of those two, Jamal Crawford is okay, and Wilson Chandler is athletic and plays hard. After them, Zach Randolph is terrible for a running offense, Chris Duhon leaves a lot to be desired from a starting point guard, and Quentin Richardson is a lazy ballhog who just wants to shoot threes.
- It may have been as a result of who they were playing, but the Philadelphia 76ers looks outstanding and deep. Elton Brand had his way, Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young are stud wings, and Louis Williams is going to be a star. They could use a shooter, but didn't display any weakness against the Knicks. They're better than people think.
- MSG Network analyst Brendan Brown's hair is hilarious, his facial expressions unnatural, and his constant movement in his chair distracting, but I like what he has to say at halftime and postgame.
- The Golden State Warriors will be an interesting group when Monta Ellis returns from injury/suspension, as they have an army of athletic, marauding battlers. They're a selfish group that would rather shoot than pass, but they'll be good with a top point running the show. Corey Maggette is perfectly suited for Don Nelson's system (I was really skeptical beforehand), and the whole team cares so much. They're a lot of fun to watch.
- Jose Calderon plays the game perfectly from a mental/positioning standpoint, and he's so fundamentally sound. He knows exactly where to go with the ball, can drive at will, is completely unselfish, but a great shooter when open. Ricky Rubio is all of the above, and a superior athlete and longer than Calderon.
- I know it's cute to say Jermaine O'Neal is back, but he isn't. He has to work extremely hard to score, he's not explosive, and he has trouble finishing around the hoop. Andrea Bargnani, on the other hand, looked like a new player for the better. He put the ball on the floor and attacked the hoop with power. He may not turn out to be a bust after all.
- OJ Mayo is a bit of a team killer. He holds the ball too long and shoots too many contested shots. He has talent, but, just like at the beginning of his time at USC, needs to change his style. He's responded to criticism in the past, so maybe if he reads this he'll look better later in the season.
- I watched Marc Gasol multiple times in the Olympics and thought he was active, a willing screener, and a tough rebounder; unfortunately, he also appeared slow and didn't have much skill with the ball. Little has changed, but it all adds up to a useful, fun-to-watch NBA player. He's great for the Grizzlies and sets the tone for the team along with Rudy Gay.
- Why is Brian Scalabrine in the NBA? How did he even make a college team?
- LaMarcus Aldridge is a classic NBA post. He's got a well-developed back-to-the-basket game for a 23-year-old. The Blazers are stacked with young studs; it's ridiculous... Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum (who is just 19, and better than you're thinking), Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Martell Webster... if Oden becomes an All-Star center, and they can package a few of their wings for a young point guard (Mike Conley Jr?), they'll be deep in the playoffs for a decade.
-Tony Parker just goes wherever he wants on the floor. Can anyone in the NBA stop him?
After rolling through the 1990's successful, carefree, and happy as an Ecstacy dealer at Bonnaroo, Billy Mitchell was at the top of the sporting world. Er, rather, near the top. That's because the Chicago Bulls dominated the decade like none other, boasting the best player in basketball history and a dedicated herd of fans across the country professing love through their purchases of black/red/white Zubaz and R Kelly CD's.
If, as the saying goes, true love never dies, one must question the ability of Americans to truly love as the United Center went quiet after the retirement of Michael Jordan (Further proof: King of Kong). And who could blame the world for jilting their former favorites? They were awful. From 1998-99 to 2001-2002, they won 66 total games, six fewer than they won in Jordan's first year back from retirement (1995-96). It's been a bit better since, the Bulls went as far as the Eastern Conference Semifinals two seasons ago, but a pitifully disappointing performance last year killed any enthusiasm threatening to return to Chicago.
Then the Bulls unexpectedly won the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery and took Derrick Rose number one overall... Conventional wisdom said the Bulls' most glaring weakness centered around a lack of interior scoring, which Michael Beasley could've helped. And it was. Still, anyone who has seen Rose at his best will attest that he was the most valuable of talents... an ultra-athletic point guard who can get anywhere on the floor, finish spectacularly in traffic, and decimate opposing floor generals defensively. Combine those traits with the fact that he grew up in the Windy City, and it's hard to deny that the Bulls had to take Rose.
After his performance in the preseason and the first two games, Rose has surely quelched all but the most biased of Bulls watchers and Beasley backers. There is once again a superstar in Chicago.
The problem is that the team, as currently constructed, cannot threaten to win an NBA Championship. So, the team must build around Rose just like the Cleveland Cavaliers built their team around LeBron James. Fortunately for Chicago, the Bulls have many more assets than Cleveland did after drafting LeBron. Unfortunately, they all have similar skill-sets or aren't ideal to play alongside Rose.
In the backcourt, the Bulls are deep with players of debatable quality. Kirk Hinrich was the unquestioned point guard before Rose came to town and has now been bumped off the ball. Not everyone liked Hinrich's ability to play point, and he appears even less fit (or enthused) to play at shooting guard. He's only 6'3", as is Rose, and the two would combine for an undersized backcourt duo.
The rap on Ben Gordon his whole career has been that he is too small to defend opposing shooting guards and not good enough with the ball or passing to play point. He is a first-rate shooter who could see more open looks off of Rose's penetration.
Behind those three, Larry Hughes and Thabo Sefolosha are big guards who can defend, but can't shoot. Hughes has a terrible contract that the Bulls would love to shed, while Sefolosha will have to improve to be anything more than a 20-minute per game rotation guard.
Luol Deng is entrenched as the starting small forward and signed a six-year contract extension in the offseason. He's an above-average defender, efficient mid-range shooter, and mobile athlete perfect for running the break alongside Rose.
Andres Nocioni sits behind Deng on the depth chart and has played about 25 minutes a game over his career. He can fill it up from the outside and is always a threat to go off for a big game. At $7.5 million a year though, he may not provide good value for a team with a stud small forward already in place. He'd make great and desireable trade bait.
In the frontcourt, the Bulls have three nearly identical athletic, tough defense-minded/offensively limited players in Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah, and Drew Gooden. Thomas is in his third year in the league after being drafted fourth overall and has yet to fulfill his promise. He's explosive, active, and hard-working, but lacks a post game, ball-handling skills, or jump-shot. He's just 22 years old, so there's time for him to develop, but he's no sure thing. Noah, 23, has a scouting report that reads similar to that of Thomas. Gooden is a bit older and a free agent-to-be, and is, if at all different, perhaps a slightly better shooter than his counterparts.
Not to be forgotten is Aaron Gray, a young developing back-up center. He's unlikely to ever be more than that, but could prove useful in years to come as a defensive foil to posts around the league.
So the Bulls have a number of quality parts in Gordon, Hinrich, the contract of Hughes, Sefolosha, Thomas, Noah, and Gooden that could be combined to bring back what they need. And what exactly do they need?
A few suggestions:
If Rose and Deng are the keepers, then a shooting guard with size, athleticism, and three-point shooting ability for starters. Vince Carter and Jason Richardson immediately come to mind as perfect fits, and both have large salaries that their team would like to move (the Nets to get under the cap before 2010, the Bobcats because they're struggling for revenue). A package of Hughes's shorter contract and either Thomas or Noah may be enough to secure either guard.
Up front, the Bulls desperately need a big with a back-to-the-basket game. Unfortunately, those are hard to come by in the NBA. A Brad Miller-for-Kirk Hinrich swap would make sense for both teams. Miller would give the Bulls an offense-minded center with passing ability and range out to 15-feet; their remaining bigs would be nice complements to Miller. Hinrich would be an upgrade over Beno Udrih in Sacramento and clearing Miller out would hasten the development of Spencer Hawes.
The deals would balance the squad and give the Bulls a core that could advance past the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs immediately. If Rose develops into an All-NBA point guard, the team could compete for the championship in a few years.
Here's how the team would look: PG- Rose, Sefolosha SG- Richardson, Gordon SF- Deng, Nocioni PF- Gooden, Thomas C- Miller, Gray
I've watched all or parts of seven games in the first two days and have a handful of earth-shattering observations to share about this young NBA season (Yes, that's good pals Billynho and Greg Oden pictured above... and yes, that is Argyle): - Danny Granger is a poor man's Kobe Bryant, and that's a good thing. His development has been rapid and stunning. He's a better shooter from the outside than Kobe and just as good driving to the hoop. Defenders don't know whether to respect his quickness, which allows him to get off mid-range shots, or guard him close, enabling Granger to get to the hoop. He is markedly better than last season; I expect him to average somewhere in the range of 26 points. What Kobe can do that he can't is make off-balance mid-range jumpers with hands in his face, finish acrobatically at the hoop, and post guys up 14 feet from the hoop for easy turnaround jumpers. Still, Granger gives you a lot for someone drafted 17th overall. Extremely impressive.
- Also impressing for the Pacers was Brandon Rush, who showed great ballhandling ability and played tough man-to-man defense in clutch situations late in the game. I've been unsure of the move all offseason, but he's definitely ready to play big minutes in the NBA, and I think his cieling is higher than most see it. Roy Hibbert played limited minutes, but flashed good mobility for someone his size and made a tough reverse shot a la Vlade Divac. TJ Ford defined inconsistency, while Jarrett Jack was consistently garbage. The Pacers are devoid of a big man with a post game and any real bangers. The Pistons' young bigs--- Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell--- remind me of Dale Davis and would be perfect for the team.
- Jeff Van Gundy is a true triple threat when it comes to annoying announcers... Nails-on-the-chalkboard voice, armed with a slew of horrible jokes, and comes off as a complete jerk. His analysis added little to the game, too. An example: After acting shockingly butthurt when Mike Breen confirmed Van Gundy's report that Stephon Marbury didn't play in the Knicks game (Van Gundy asked if he could switch seats with Mark Jackson), Van Gundy called out San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich (who is in his 13th season as head coach with four NBA Championships) for green-lighting three-point attempts by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in a three-point game. Immediately after saying that, Jackson disagreed with his opinion and tape was shown of Duncan hitting a three in the waning seconds against the same opponent, the Phoenix Suns, in last year's playoffs.
- Analysts love to take both sides of every issue, and there is no better example that I can remember than when they talk about Greg Oden's future. It's like they all got together on conference call after the Blazers vs. Lakers game on opening night and agreed that Oden a) will always have foot issues his whole career, b) looks 37 years old, which is HILARIOUS and must be mentioned five times a game, c) will hold the Blazers back this season, d) can be a good defender and rebounder, but will never be good on offense. Seriously? After just one game, one in which he suffered the first foot injury of his career on a rather nasty looking step, you all are ready to stop slobbering all over his nuts and call him a bust? No wait, you also he's gonna be good. But not that good. So what will you say when he is THAT good? I heard at least three people comment separately that he will never average 20 points in his career. He's 20, he's a physical freak, he's super efficient, he works hard, and he's a winner (He was something like 215-4 as an amateur at Lawrence North High School, in AAU, and at Ohio State). You know what, I'm gonna give him a pass on his injury-riddled opening performance (I was rational in the first place and didn't expect much, this is micro-fracture surgery after all...), and go ahead and project him to still become a perennial All-Star and win multiple NBA Championships, just like Gregg Popovich. I'm sure that won't stop the Jeff Van Gundy's of the NBA from doubting him the whole way, just like they do Pops.
Kornheiser's Cartel apologizes for being so late with its NBA predictions, dear fan, and hopes you won't refuse to click on our ads as punishment. :( To be honest, nothing has been getting done on time... not since I discovered It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. :(
Yes, I've just now gotten caught up with past seasons of Sunny and have now seen every episode. My favorite episode? "Mac Bangs the Waitress." But for the purposes of this piece, let's all pretend that I actually prefer "The Gang Solves the Gas Crisis."
What was so great about that episode? They taught us all that the ideal team has a Brain (Mac), Looks (Dennis), Wild Card (Charlie), and Muscle (Frank). So let's scientifically evaluate the NBA's contenders (Boston, LA Lakers, New Orleans, Cleveland) by looking at the quality of their Brain, Looks, Wild Card, and Muscle (ratings out of 10): Brain: Pretty self-explanatory. Steve Nash is the best in the NBA, but Michael Jordan and Larry Bird are the best all time. Celtics: Sam Cassell- Old, wizened, and chummy with the refs, Cassell knows the tendencies of every player in the league. But he's too slow to do anything about it anymore... 5. Lakers Derek Fisher- Clutch, always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and his career has far exceeded his physical gifts. One of the wisest players in the NBA... 6. Hornets Peja Stojakovic- This is a team of dummies outside of Chris Paul. Unfortunately, they're uglier than they are dumb. So Paul has to act as the looks... 4. Cavs LeBron James- The boy born with a basketball in his hands... 10.
Looks: I'm convinced the Utah Jazz were foiled by the ugly mug of Karl Malone. Celtics: Ray Allen- We all know the ladies love Jesus Shuttlesworth... 8. Lakers Kobe Bryant- The quintessential looks. Image is everything with Kobe. And he's also the cockiest player in NBA history, almost as cocky as Dennis... 10. Hornets Chris Paul- Fresh face, young, always smiling. Will probably date Kim Kardashian after Reggie Bush... 9. Cavs Ben Wallace- His head looks like the Statue of Liberty. Unless you're into that sort of thing than he is a... 2.
Wild Card: Definition- Charles Barkley. Celtics: Kevin Garnett- The Celtics are a nasty team loaded with crazy dudes. Garnett is the Omar of the NBA (my third TV show reference of this piece)... 10. Lakers Sun Yue- Eric Cartman's taught me that the Chinese are not to be trusted... 7. Hornets James Posey- You can tell he's one of the craziest people in the NBA just by looking at him... 9. Cavs Anderson Varejao- I feel like he has no skill, is a clumsy runner and jumper, and totally incompetent with the ball. Yet he makes $8 million a year, and everyone thinks he has value. Cause he's a wildcard... 9.
Muscle: Kermit Washington? That feels sort of wrong to say... Celtics: Bill Walker- I'd say Paul Pierce, but no true Muscle would fake an injury like he did in last year's finals. Bill Walker has already tried to fight Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and Garnett.... 6. Lakers Andrew Bynum- He's big, but his baby-face reminds me of the Pillsbury Doughboy... 4. Hornets Bonzi Wells- Would definitely waterboard Ray Allen to find out the Celtics game plan in the NBA Finals. Probably already plans to... 10. Cavs Delonte West- The Cavs have to hope his temper/mood prescription runs out before the playoffs. Otherwise, he seems like the nicest guy in the world... 2.
Predictions: NBA Champs: New Orleans Hornets Runners-Up: Boston Celtics Conference Finals: Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers
No, seriously. Take a look at this wonderblog! These deep observations are pretty dumb, but pretty genius at the same time: "I know the Rays got the Backstreet Boys to sing the national anthem before Game 1, and that's gonna be something. I thought Backstreet Road was closed for construction, but I guess not. Since I went to a postseason game in Tampa, I think they're gonna boo 'em. I really do. Those fans are wild. They were hardcore, trust me. More cowbell was serious and everybody has mohawks. I don't know how well the Backstreet Boys are going to do with the mohawk crew. It could get ugly."
Here Wayne takes an open shot at another artist (sic). You never see musicians do this. And yet what he says is so true. 12-year-old girls don't watch the World Series. Why ARE the Backstreet Boys going to play there?
"I still like the Rays to win the World Series. The Phillies' hitters are tough. They can shut your starting pitchers down fast and as for pitching, they've got Brad Lidge, and Cole Hamels is nice, but wow. I did not expect them to make the World Series. A lot of people are talking about Lidge and how he blew the save in the NLCS a few years ago but I guarantee he's not thinking about Albert Pujols right now. He's thinking about 46 saves in 46 tries. The number right there is scary. He's riding that wave. With that fact alone this should be a great World Series, but I still think the Rays are gonna come out on top. I'm basing that on the home field advantage."
Most convoluted logic I've ever read.
Honestly, I do not watch the Pro Bowl. I don't even watch the NBA All-Star Game even though I'm always involved in the NBA's All-Star weekend. I'm down there and I never watch the game 'cause it don't mean anything. In the Pro Bowl they wait till the fourth quarter to get serious, but in the NBA All-Star Game they never get serious, they just try to throw the ball off the backboard for 48 minutes. I don't want to sound like an old guy, but I remember NBA All-Star Games games with Jordan, Olajuwon, Ewing that were real games. They're out there f—ing with teammates, you hear about locker room fights, and this is the All-Star Game. That's what I love, but those years are long gone.
Who doesn't like thinking back about how competitive Jordan and Bird were back in the day? He's right; it is a joke today. Every year it seems like one team goes up 30, before the other team storms back, and the scores end up in the 120's.
"Poor Dallas. And poor T.O. He's gonna quit. He takes a loss differently than anyone on that team. I think he has nightmares about losing or something, because he looks like he's about to cry after every game they lose. You see him over there on the sidelines sitting by himself just pouting like a little kid. Remember last year? "That's my quarterback, man." I love when any sports channel just brings that clip back for no reason. They always bring it back for nothing, just out of the blue "That's my quarterback, man." T.O. is an amazing talent but he's definitely a situation. But that's another difference between the old days and now. Back then there's no way you play football and then go cry on TV."
Hilarious. And I never thought of T.O. like that, but I don't smoke weed (I don't), so I have to get this great insight from Lil' Wayne.
Did you see LenDale's touchdown this weekend? His little fat self ran 80 yards. They put the timer on SportsCenter and it took him like six seconds, but he made it and that's what matters. That guy is funny.
No, you're funny Lil' Wayne! LenDale White's "little fat self?" Hahahahaha. Then you say he ran an 80 yard touchdown in six seconds, over a second faster than Usain Bolt could run it in. I can't wait for the next installment.
In unrelated music news, I played this song four times while writing this piece... The song is pretty emo, but the video is really cool (kinda like Say Anything's "I called her on the phone, and she..." song and "Mushaboom"). While I go get some popcorn (I got the munchies REALLY bad!), take a look:
They (you, me, everyone who's honest) say, "If you're slow and white, you'll never make it in the NBA." Truer words have never been spoken. Yet we (I) always forget... we (I) always forget.
The most prominent example of the nation's short-term memory when it comes to the potential of white college superstars since Bryce Drew came just two years ago (though it seems like so much longer) when Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and Duke's J.J. Redick battled to lead the NCAA in scoring. The stached-out Morrison ended up being drafted third overall by the Charlotte Bobcats, while the sweet-shooting Redick fell to the Orlando Magic at number 11. Everyone (except me, I dig the three-ball) knew Redick was going to be a bust, but there was a great debate over how good Morrison could be in the NBA. Then he stepped on the court and silenced all discussion by proving to be the single-worst player in the NBA in the 2006-07 season. Seriously, the worst. He ranked last in the NBA among regulars in John Hollinger's Player Efficiency Ratings as a rookie.
That was before he tore his ACL and missed all of last season further cementing his status as one of the biggest draft busts in the league's history.
Even I came around and started to think, "Hey... maybe everyone else is right. Why doesn't that wannabe-hippie just take the $10 million dollars he's swindled off the Bobcats, retire now, and go find a Ben Harper/Jack Johnson tour to follow for the next 10 years."
Then I made the mistake of looking up his stats at Gonzaga. Now I'm going to waste some time and credibility trying to convince you all that there's still hope for Adam Morrison. Let's take a look at those Gonzaga numbers again: 28 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 3's made per game on 42.8% shooting from behind-the-arc, and 50% shooting from the field overall as a senior. He didn't just do his damage against mid-majors either. Morrison scored 25 against Maryland, 43 against Michigan State, 43 against Washington, 25 against Washington State, 25 against Oklahoma State, 27 against Virginia, 34 against Memphis, 34 against Stanford, 35 against Xavier, and 24 against UCLA, while making at least half of his shots in all but two of those games. He was the greatest pure scorer in the NCAA since Glenn Robinson in 1993-94 for Purdue.
Assuming his poor shooting wasn't a result of the strict drug-testing in the NBA (as I theorize, thus not allowing him to get high before games, his natural state), commonly accepted logic states that Morrison was not quick or strong enough to get his shot off against longer defenders in the NBA... end of story.
While that may be true, it's not uncommon for unathletic players with games centered around their shot to show steep improvement after disastrous rookie seasons--- Mike Dunleavy Jr., Steve Nash, and Chauncey Billups are all good examples of this--- and few players ever have had the legendary work ethic and passion for basketball of Morrison (Sports Illustrated seriously profiled him in every other issue when he was a Zag... there are only so many underfunded Texas 7-on-7 high school football teams around after all. And remember, he CRIED after losing his final college game.). Isn't it possible that someone as crafty and shrewd as Morrison could still figure out how to get his shot off? With increased range on an already top-class jumper, might he be able to drive more effectively as defenders are force to guard him even closer? Might he develop the court sense and awareness that he flashed at Gonzaga with more experience? Won't he reek so badly of patchouli that even Bruce Bowen won't dare touch him?
These are all fair questions that I think Morrison will answer affirmatively (with emphasis on the last one) this season. Will he be an All-Star? Not this season. But could he develop into an efficient 20-point scorer over the next few seasons? No one would have expected Michael Redd to after he played in just six games and shot 26% from the field as a rookie.
Already this preseason Morrison is showing signs of improvement (in an admittedly small sample size of games). He's shooting over 60% from the field and has hit two-thirds of his three-point field goals attempts.
I feel like I'm grasping at straws here, but I just can't help it. I believe in slow, white basketball players. I believe! And I think you will too when Morrison stuns the basketball world and breaks out.
According to BallHype, Cuzoogle is not just the top Toronto Raptors blog, but the number one rated NBA team blog. His season preview has been linked to 46 times in the last four days. Correction: 47 times!
Naturally Kornheiser's Cartel feels honored that its founder, Cuzzy, took time out to answer some questions about the Raptors upcoming season and future.
Check out The Siets's feelings on the Raptors written a few months back, then read the interview. Afterwards, make sure you head over to Cuzoogle.com.
Kornheiser's Cartel: In a trade that was billed as perhaps having the potential to shift the balance of power in the East, the Toronto Raptors acquired Jermaine O'Neal. The problem with the trade is not so much what they gave up, a back-up point guard (although a really good one in TJ Ford), a back-up center, and a mid-first round pick, but whether O'Neal can still be dominant. I'm skeptical. While attending a handful of games at Conseco Fieldhouse last season, I was stunned by his lack of effort, poor body language, and extra weight around his tum-tum. His statistics were very poor, too. He shot just 44% from the field, grabbed a miserly 6.7 rebounds (which projects to a few less rebounds per than his old average when he played 35 minutes+), and committed a shocking 2.52 turnovers per game. In short, he was as effective as a 33-year old Glenn Robinson. But he's about to turn 30, so he may be able to turn it around. What's your take on the trade three months later? Will the Raptors regret giving up TJ Ford? If O'Neal stays healthy and plays 75 games, will the Raptors advance to the Eastern Conference Finals this season?
Cuzoogle: First off I think I am in the minority when I say I am not sold on getting rid of T.J. Ford. I am a huge fan of his and he seemed to get locked into a very bad situation against a fan-friendly guy in Calderon. He is fast as lightning and was just starting to get his speed under control. He was one of the few Raptors that could create his own offense and he got blamed for being a hog due to it. I wish him well and I know he will light up the Raps when we play the Pacers. As for JON, yes if he stays healthy I think the Raps are a better overall team than the Sixers. But I don't see him staying healthy. Hopefully a new town and new teammates will light a fire under the guy and he will get back to being how he was a few seasons ago. The good news is he does not have to do everything. I will be happy if he just rebounds, blocks shots and acts a paint bully. Whatever he scores is a bonus. I am skeptical and find it hard to see the Raps going to the semis but a second round appearance is a must this year.
KC: Andrea Bargnani is becoming an enigma. Outside of not rebounding well, he showed a lot of promise as a rookie. Yet he took a step back in his second season and is about to turn 23 (which surprised me, I thought he was younger). It's looking sketchy as to whether he'll even receive 25 minutes a game this year since O'Neal entered the frontcourt mix. What does Bargnani need to improve? Will he ever be an NBA All Star? Does it hurt to imagine Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, or LaMarcus Aldridge in his place?
Cuzoogle: The guy is a true mystery. So few players can make me stare in amazement at both how good he can be and how bad he can be in the same week. The skills are there, it is all about confidence with him. When he is knocking down threes he has a swagger and it snow balls to other great things. When he is clanking shots of the rim he reverts to someone who looks like he has never played the game. He just has to fight harder and the rest will come. I still believe it can happen and to be honest I don't see the Raptors being any better with Roy, Gay or Aldridge. Now if we can go back and take Iggy instead of Hoffa, that I would like to see. I still have faith Bargs but this season is your last shot.
KC: There's a lot of talk around the league about the free agent class of 2010. One of the most coveted members of that class plays for Toronto, stud power forward Chris Bosh. Has he given any indication up to this point that he might not want to play in Canada for the rest of his career? And- I know this won't be popular with Raptors fans- but suppose the Raptors don't reach the Eastern Conference Finals before that offseason... would it really a good idea to give Bosh a six-year maximum dollars contract that will end when he is 32?
Cuzoogle: I have never read anything negative about Bosh not liking Toronto. That being said, he is from Texas so if one of those teams ever came calling, it would be shocking if he did not leave. Playing for the Raps (as VC could not handle) offers up a whole country that backs you. In a city that loves hockey, Toronto is embracing Bosh and loving his hardwork and personality. It would suck if he left and it would set the franchise back years. I say keep the guy as long as you can, he is young, an amazing person and someone you want to build a team around for years to come. Most players don't hit the best they can be until their late 20's.
KC: Three players, Hassan Adams, Will Solomon, Jamal Sampson, Nathan Jawai and Roko Ukic, were brought from overseas in the offseason, as per the team's custom as it seems. Bryan Colangelo, or maybe it's been Maurizio Gherardini, has had a lot of success signing unwanted, recycled players over the last few seasons. Still, is there any worry that maybe these players won't pan out and the Raptors will end up ridiculously thin... or do Raptors fans trust Colangelo's judgement completely now (judging by the performance of these players in the first preseason game... I trust Colangelo!)?
Cuzoogle: In Toronto we like to say "In BC we trust". The guy has given us no reason to doubt him and his overseas pickups. If even one pans out it is worth it because you are saving a lot of cash. The Spurs and Raps seem to have this Europe thing down and I have no doubts another surprise will surface this year or next year. Keep an eye on Ukic, he has some serious skills.
KC: Jose Calderon, with his insane percentages and league-leading assist-to-turnover ratio, is the next John Stockton. Agree completely, or just for the most part?
Cuzoogle: I won't call him John Stockton, that is hard to live up to but he can certainly be a Mark Price with better passing.
KC: More Valuable Former Raptor: Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady? Pass Damon Stoudamire or TJ Ford? T.J. Ford Muggsy Bogues or Oliver Miller? Bogues Rob Babcock or Rafael Araujo? Babcock did find Calderon, Hoffa found nothing.
With the Miami Heat's training camp officially in session, it's time to check back in with forward Shawn Marion. The Heat had a nice offseason highlighted by their selection of Michael Beasley in the draft. The press is talking about how the Heat will do with their 1-2 punch of Dwayne Wade and Beasley; seems that don't sit too well with Mr. Marion. A Day In The Life of Shawn Marion... ENJOY.
6:30 A.M.–"When one-on-one you can't hold me if your last name was Wade Only way you wear me out is stitch my name on your pants I.. am.. number one - no matter if you like it What does it take to be number one? Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers" Every morning, me rapping a song called "Number One" is what I wake up to when my gAlarm goes off. I love to rap, and I'm the best at it to be humble and honest. Some of my friends, I have sooo many (more than you), try to say I stole that song from Nelly, but my version is totally different and better. a) Nelly is not number one, I am and b) the first line of his song says "if your last name was Haynes." I remixed mine to Wade a few months back. It used to say Nash and Stoudamire.
7:30 A.M.– Dwyane Wade is still in bed when I arrive at the gym and videotape myself shooting 701 threes. Reggie Miller practiced 700 shots a day, and everyone said he was the best. Wrong. I'll watch them later to check out my form. Plus it's fun. I'll put the videos online for you all to buy at some point in the future. So check out my site. Everyday. It's awesome. Yesterday it got 34,238 page views, two IPs! Quite Frankly, Stephen A. loves it and Bill Walton get high and visits it all the time, hehe. 9:30 A.M.– Stopped by Riley's office for contract negotiations. He tried to lowball me with a "final offer" of $11 million per for 3 seasons. That pity shit wouldn't even cover my car insurance payments. Riles is smart, but I'm smarter. The smartest in fact. I called his bluff and demanded $35 million a year for 15 seasons. I know negotiations. When we meet in the middle, I'll end up getting $23 million for 9 seasons. Hopefully we won't have the cap room to resign D-Wade. We don't need him, we got Matrix. 11:15 A.M.– I get Frank Caliendo's number and pay him to call Steve Kerr pretending to be Riley and offer me to the Suns for Nash and Stoudamire. I'd have made the call myself, my impressions are better than Caliendo's (you should hear my Allen Iverson... PRACTISS PRACTISSSS PRACTISSSSSS MAN! WE TALKIN BOUT PRACTICE hahaha LOLZ, PRACTISSSSSSSS), but I'd have busted out laughing when Kerr accepted immediately. Which he didn't for some reason. He must've known it was a prank, because he replied, "Is this a fuckin' joke? and hung up."I didn't end up paying Caliendo. And John Paxson was better than Kerr on the Bulls. 12:30 P.M.– I go to lunch... alone... again... No one ever wants to go with me?!?!? Can you believe that? Me neither. Sigh. Probably cause I'm such a good eater. The best in fact. Anyways I go get some chicken wings and try to break my world record. Again. Joey Chestnut supposedly holds the record with 7.05 pounds in 12 minutes. I eat 15 pounds in 12 minutes. I did, I swear. And I'm still not full.
3:00 P.M.– Back to the Heat facilities. I keep my head low as I pull in so all the paparazzi can't get a photo of me. I don't see any around as I walk in, but you never know. Us stars can never be too careful.
3:30 P.M.– I walk into the gym and see Wade shooting. I tell him he should be practicing his passing, I'll do the scoring.
4:00 P.M.– I go find the rook and tell him I brought the wrong pair of socks to practice and make him drive to my house to get the ones I like. Fuckin' rookies. I tell him not to lock himself in my bathroom when he's there... LOLZ!
4:30 P.M.– Practice starts and Coach Spo wants to know where Beasley went. I don't say anything...
6:00 P.M.– Suicides to end practice. I beat Wade (OBVIOUSLY) which is weird, because I thought his nickname was Flash. How weak is that? I'm The Matrix. I'm sorry, I don't remember... Did Flash have two sequels? Did its trilogy gross over $1 billion? Did it single-handedly revive Keanu Reeves's career? Thought not. Merkin.
7:00 P.M.– I drive to dinner at the flashiest restaurant in town. No reservation, just walk in. They've never heard of me, tell me I can't have a table and ask me to never come back... That's cool, I doubt they'd have let Wade in the door.
8:00 P.M.– I start a Heat franchise on NBA Live. First, I sign myself to a max-level contract extension. Then, I trade Wade and Beasley for Tyson Chandler, so I have someone to rebound for me this year. Finally, I earn enough credits to unlock and sign John Stockton to pass to me.
3:30 A.M.– Still playing NBA Live. 60 games into the season, I'm averaging 74 points and 32 rebounds a game. My team is 13-47 because my teammates suck. But I'm finally and unquestionably THE ONE. Just like Neo in The Matrix. :)
(Entirely made-up. And fictional... as far as we know)
Built around a powerful, boring All-NBA and All-Defensive first team power forward, a quick, experienced, clutch point guard, a defensive stopper on the wing, a slew of veteran role players who ben der dun dat, and a curmudgeonly, cranky no-nonsense, never smiles old coach, they defined grind-it-out, boring success for a decade to the chagrin of beautiful basketball fiends.
That's not to suggest they didn't play the right way; they used the backboard, made the extra pass, crashed the boards, played tough-nosed defense, and reminded us that mind does matter in basketball. But then, they were done.
"Done? Not yet," you tell me.
"Donzo," I reply, because I'm talking about the 2001 Utah Jazz. But my answer would basically be the same if I was referring to the San Antonio Spurs today.
There's the (Big) fundamental franchise power forward in Tim Duncan (San Antonio's Karl Malone), who will turn 33 before the 2009 playoffs. Duncan's biological age is starting to catch up to him imperceptibly and obviously. He shot a career low 45% in the playoffs last season, perhaps due to burgeoning stamina issues. Still he's got the style and moxie to age well statistically. Merlin will uphold his reputation as one of the league's best for the next three years. But the fact that the Spurs may need to rest him for a few extra minutes a game during the regular season could cost them a few wins in a league where a point at either end can make all the difference.
Duncan's penetrating sidekicks, Manu Ginobili (Jeff Hornacek) and Tony Parker (John Stockton), are in their primes right now, but each also carry question marks. Ginobili, a sixth man in title only, attempted more shots than ever last season with impressive efficiency. There are concerns over his durability (he's yet to go a full season without missing a handful of games due to injury), and, fittingly, the Argentinian just had ankle surgery that could cause him to miss the beginning of the season. Parker, a playoff superstar throughout his career, lacks range on his jumper. As Duncan's presence in the middle diminishes with age, Parker may find it more difficult to find space to finish his oft-acrobatic drives.
That triumvirate, however, is not the reason to worry in San Antonio.
The one-time elite defensive stopper Bruce Bowen (Bryon Russell) is now 37, and evidence suggests that he may have lost the handcuffs he used to lock down opposing scorers the last seven years with the Spurs. Kobe Bryant averaged 29.2 points on 53.3% from the field when marked primarily by Bowen in the Western Conference Finals. He's enjoyed a long career by playing dirty, but you have to keep up with your opponent to kick and trip him up, something that's getting more difficult by the year.
Fellow role players past their prime include Robert Horry (38 when the 2009 playoffs begin and mulling retirement), Kurt Thomas (36), Michael Finley (36), Jacque Vaughn (34), Fabricio Oberto (34), and Ime Udoka (31). How they kept up with the Phoenix Suns in last year's playoffs never ceases to perplex me.
Roger Mason was signed to give the team a "young", "proven" "sharpshooter." At 28, it's debatable whether Mason should be termed young. Coming off the only season of his career when he's averaged more than four points, he can hardly be labeled proven. And a career 35% shooter before last season, there was nothing sharp about Mason before breaking out (sort of) in Gilbert Arenas' stead.
Draft pick George Hill looked good value at the 26th pick in this year's draft, but struggled with his shooting in the Summer League. I expect him to become a useful NBA player, but how often do late first round picks turn into stars? Parker was a late first rounder, and Ginobili a second rounder, though, so there may hope.
The lack of quality young support for Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker is worrisome, but more onerous may be the improving state of the West.
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers won one more game (57) than the Spurs (56) and should improve this year. The New Orleans Hornets won just as many and feature one of the NBA's youngest cores. The Houston Rockets won 55 games, and their acquisition of Ron Artest makes them a favorite for the championship this year. The Phoenix Suns (55) are fading like the Spurs, but their reassembled roster could have one last hurrah in it. And the Utah Jazz (54) are built in the mold of their predecessors.
Looking ahead, it's only a matter of time until the Portland Trailblazers assume a long-term position atop the West, possibly this season even, on the back of Greg Oden (who the Spurs were rumored to have offered Tim Duncan for in a trade before the 2007 draft). And the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers all seem likely to cause headaches before Duncan retires.
So it seems that even if the Spurs are as good as last season, they'll win a few less games in an improved West. And they're one serious injury to Duncan, Ginobili, or Parker away from having to worry about missing the playoffs this year for just the second time since the 1989-90 season. Don't bet against it.
If the 2010-11 season arrives with little retooling, good health may not be enough to get the Spurs in the postseason, let alone deep into it.
Final Verdict: 52 wins, sixth seed, first round playoff exit in May. No more conference finals until a major acquisition is made.
A long summer rife with rumors of a move to Europe and lingering knee issues from an over three-year-old ACL injury ended happily for Carl Landry and the Houston Rockets... sort of. The Rockets matched the three year, $9 million offer sheet that the Bobcats offered Landry this week.
This may sound odd considering he's making $3 million a year, but Carl Landry should fire his agent. When he wasn't occupied with finishing game-winning three-point plays, giving Tim Duncan a facial, or evoking shades of Tayshaun Prince with his shotblocking in the playoffs, Landry simply posted the highest player efficiency rating of any rookie that saw significant minutes. He shot 62% from the field, which would have placed him third in the NBA had he attempted more shots, and his numbers projected to 17 points, over 10 rebounds, and just over one turnover per 35 minutes. To put those numbers into perspective, Portland's 6'11" franchise cornerstone LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 turnovers, and shot .484 from the field last season. In other words, Landry puts up just as many points, but does it more efficiently, while grabbing more rebounds, and turning the ball over less than his anointed future All Star (and likely soon to be recipient of a contract exceeding $10 million per year) colleague.
Somehow all of this was overlooked by the league's general managers, and Houston retained Landry at the bargain price of $3 million per season... while Kwame Brown is making $4 million a year... and Darko Milicic is making $7 million per year... and Troy Murphy is making over $10 million per year.
He's a snip, the one bargain in an industry of price gouging. Hopefully hard-working Hot Carl stays healthy... and hires a new agent to negotiate the proper mega-contract that he deserves in three years.
3 Shades of Blue is it when it comes to Memphis Grizzlies coverage, and that's not just my opinion. Ball Don't Lie told me so.
Kornheiser's Cartel isn't it when it comes to anything yet, but it's trying. Or rather I'm trying, because no one else really posts on here anymore.
Hopefully Billynho will make inroads to finding our/my it with this informative interview with Joshua Coleman from 3 Shades of Blue (who I found to be unreasonably rational and logical in his answers... very impressed) where we talk all things grisly and Grizzly.
Kornheiser's Cartel: Memphis made what was one of the most puzzling draft day moves in turning two tangible assets, Mike Miller and Kevin Love (who was drafted at a position of extreme need), into a fruit juice condiment (bad joke #1). There was also a bunch of trash traded both ways, but the real treat for Memphis was obviously Mayo. How was Mayo a better fit for the team than Love when most of Memphis's production and prospects were already located in the backcourt and on the wings?
3 Shades of Blue: What Chris Wallace has been trying to do is accumulate talent, no matter what position that happens to be at.That’s why we have 2 PG’s, 3 combo guards, 1 true SF, 2 rookie C’s and a gigantic question mark at PF on the roster at this point.That’s what he has told us – and I believe it to be true.
Now, to be fair, I was firmly seated at the front of the Kevin Love bandwagon, dating back to December of last year.I wanted him on this team and that continued to be true…right up until we interviewed Marc Iavaroni last week, who told us that Love has bad knees that absolutely terrified some people within the organization.Kevin Love’s perceived upside is that of a poor man’s Elton Brand.O.J. Mayo’s upside is…what?Have we determined that yet?This is a league that is predominantly driven by star power.O.J. Mayo is a potential star, while Kevin Love is not.Mike Miller is a solid player and a fine human being.But he is also best served as the #3 option on a playoff team, doesn’t possess a killer instinct and would be in his 30’s when the Grizzlies are ready to return to the postseason.Also, don’t forget that the Grizzlies nabbed Darrell Arthur on draft night as a potential starting PF for the team in a year or two.
But to answer the actual question, there is no way you can say that Mayo is a better roster fit than Miller/Love were, given the team’s needs at the end of last season.
KC: A trade that has been bandied about for some time that may or may not have legs, but probably does considering Chris Wallace is involved, had Mike Conley Jr. being sent to Portland for Travis Outlaw. As a dissociated observer of the Grizzlies, I consider Mike Conley Jr. to be among the top point guard prospects in the game and could very easily see him developing into an All Star. Do Grizz fans not view him as highly? Would Outlaw even start in Memphis?Are you comfortable with Chris Wallace negotiating with Kevin Pritchard? Would you be comfortable with Wallace negotiating with Matt Millen (bad joke #2)?
3SOB: Many fans see Conley in the same light that you do, myself included.I think that he has the talent, potential and skillset to be one of the top PG’s in the game in a few years.Others think that Kyle Lowry outplayed him last year, with one of my co-bloggers included in that grouping.Still others think that O.J. Mayo’s real position in the NBA is at PG, so we should get something for Conley while he’s all stardust and potential – before the rest of the league figures out that he’s just an average point guard.I firmly believe that young PG’s need at least 3 years in the league before you truly know what you have.I point to Tony Parker, Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups as examples of that.
Travis Outlaw would back up Rudy Gay, which means that he’s only getting 10-14 mpg, unless he’s going to be playing PF for some reason.That’s an awful return for a potential starting PG.
I’m 100% comfortable with Chris Wallace negotiating with any GM in the NBA.Normally, I would have left the diabolical duo of R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich off that list, but after the Luis Scola debacle from last year, even they don’t scare me anymore.I would prefer that Chris stick to his strongest area, which is drafting, but trades and free agency are just as important, so he’d better be on the phone with other GM’s and agents quite a bit, too.
KC: In my look at Memphis, I actually painted a peachy picture of their future if they spend money next offseason. I've received some negative feedback to that piece (as you'll see in an email exchange I'll post between myself and the lead writer of Hardwood Paroxysm). My suggestion that they target BJ Mullens in the draft next offseason (assuming he comes in and goes Beast Mode all over the Big Ten with averages of something like 19, 11, and 3 blocks) received the most paroxysmic reaction. What do you see as Memphis's biggest need in the future? If you agree with me that it is a rebounding post force, how would you view the Grizzlies going after Carlos Boozer next offseason?
3SOB: I do see interior scoring and rebounding as the most pressing need for the future – unless Darrell Arthur really surprises me.It’s funny that you should mention Carlos Boozer, since we’ve been having discussion about him on the Grizzlies Official Message Boards for quite some time now.I think that he would be almost 100% perfect in filling that need – even though most of the pundits have him heading to Miami instead, which makes no sense to me given that Michael Beasley’s future is at PF.The only other player I would prefer next offseason would be the pipedream of a trade for Amare Stoudemire as he sits on the cusp of a potential contract year with a player option for 2010/11.As I said, that is probably just a fantasy, whereas we know that Boozer will go where the money is.
KC: Rudy Gay is a freak. Jay Mariotti wouldn't even argue that, and he argues everything (fact). How crushed were you when Atlanta matched the Grizzlies contract offer to fellow frontcourt freak Josh Smith? Assuming Gay's meteoric rise continues, does he deserve to be a max player?
3SOB: I wasn’t crushed because I fully expected it to be matched.I knew that we didn’t have enough room under the cap to sign him to a contract big enough to keep the Hawks from matching, so I didn’t set myself up for the disappointment that others felt.With that said, watching Marc Gasol or Darko throw an outlet pass to Conley who has Smith and Rudy cutting to the basket while Mayo camps out behind the 3-point line would have been a thing of absolute poetry.
I think Rudy is a fantastic talent who is going to continue to get better.If he raises his production from last year and plays better defense, then I believe that he will command a max level contract extension when the time comes.As for whether or not he deserves it, that’s a two part answer.
He deserves it in terms of market level compensation.
He doesn’t deserve it (yet) in terms of being a Superstar.
KC: Will the Grizzlies bench miss Brian Cardinal :( ?
3SOB: Not when they have Marko Jaric bringing his lovely fiancée and her Victoria’s Secret friends around, they won’t.;^)
KC: Suppose the Kings call tomorrow and offer Brad Miller for the European Sensation Darko Milicic and Crittenton. Deal or no deal?
3SOB: No deal!At this point, I don’t know that I would give either of them for a 32-year old PF/C who has been missing games left and right his entire career.I love Miller’s game and would have welcomed him with open arms prior to the Pau Gasol trade, but this team is too far away from being playoff competitive for him to make a marked difference.Of course, I’m one of the few suckers that thinks that Darko actually belongs in the league still.
KC: More Valuable (Sometimes Former) Grizzly:
KC: Mike Bibby or Jason Williams?
3SOB: Even though I think that Bibby is the better overall player, I have to give the nod to Whit E. Boy, given that he was there for two playoff seasons and Bibby topped out at 23 wins in his best season with the Grizzlies.
KC: Shareef Abdur-Rahim or Pau Gasol?
3SOB: In this one, I think that Gasol is both the better player and the more valuable, as he was the centerpiece for the 3 postseason appearances with the Grizzlies.‘Reef had better stats, but they were achieved in the midst of largely meaningless seasons, which is unfortunate.
KC: Jerry West or Mike Fratello?
3SOB: Mike Fratello’s success was built upon what Hubie Brown instilled in a young team when he taught them how to win.Jerry West made the decision to hire both of them, as well as acquiring Mike Miller, James Posey, Bonzi Wells, Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry during his tenure.West changed the entire demeanor of a downtrodden organization, so IMO, he was much more valuable.
KC: Grizz or Chris Wallace?
3SOB: This is a tough one – although not because Wallace is a bad GM, as you’d like to think.We got to see what life was like without a mascot last season, as Grizz underwent treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.When other teams sent their mascots in from time to time throughout the season, it made a noticeable difference in the attitude throughout the FedExForum.But, I have to give the nod to Chris Wallace, who has acquired Conley, Mayo, Crittenton, Marc Gasol, Darrell Arthur, Darko and an additional 2010 draft pick.This team needed to upgrade its talent level more than anything else and Wallace has worked hard to do that in the year that he has been on the job.
KC: Who would you rather have for the next ten years: OJ Mayo or Rudy Gay?
3SOB: Surprisingly, I’d probably rather have O.J. Mayo, even though I was down on him prior to the draft.O.J.’s maturity and leadership, coupled with his talent, drive to succeed and killer instinct push him ahead of Rudy in my mind, even though I have yet to see him play a single NBA game yet.To be honest, I’m as astounded by that admission as anyone.
KC: The Grizzlies 2009 1st round pick (3rd overall hypothetically), Kyle Lowry, and Hakim Warrick or BJ Mullens?
3SOB: Tough call.Mullens hasn’t really been a dominating presence thus far, and the knock on him is that he takes plays off on both ends of the court.Of course, that was the same negative that people threw out there about Rudy Gay before he got drafted too.If Mullens puts it all together, then he could be a force in the NBA for the next decade.If he doesn’t, then he could be another Kwame Brown or Michael Olowokandi.Who wants that decision, when you could select Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio or Demar DeRozan at the #3 spot?You take the best player available (always my position when assessing lottery picks) and if he doesn’t fit your roster needs, then you make trades to balance out the issue.So – one year out from the next draft – I’ll take the top 3 pick and two quality players over the questionable big man.
Cover your eyes Chris Wallace fans; this critique is going to burn!
Hey, no one is... covering... their eyes? Oh, there you are Chad Ford! I don't believe anything you say, though, so I'm gonna go ahead and begin.
Now let's take a look... Mike Conley Jr., good. Javaris Crittenton, nice potential. Kyle Lowry, solid. OJ Mayo, could be special. Marko Jaric, bad contract, worse game. Greg Buckner, pretty morbid.
Hang on... That can't be right... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Seriously? Five point/combo guards? (And Greg Buckner!) Damnet Chris.
Small forward... Rudy Gay. Freak. No depth, but he'll go 40 minutes a game.
Power forward... Hakim Warrick, Antoine Walker, Darrell Arthur. Can't board, can't diet, can blaze.
Center... Darko Milicic, Marc Gasol, Hamed Haddadi. Vintage Mr. Wallace. Well done.
Grizzlies fans, your team sucks. You've got a lot of potential in the backcourt and on the wings, but North Carolina has a better frontcourt; in fact, if Rudy Gay were to get hurt, it might not be hyperbole to say the Tar Heels would be superior to Memphis.
Luckily, after your team wins 15 games this season, your owner will likely cede to a fan intervention and fire Chris Wallace, and a rehab can begin.
And the next GM will have a nice framework to build on. Conley, Mayo, and Gay are a spectactular, exciting, marketable young trio. All three could be future All Stars. Cap room is plentiful, and Darko, Jaric, and Buckner all come off the cap in the next two years to boot. Plus, two more years of poor showing should position the Grizzlies near the top of the draft.
I'm optimistic that the team could see a quick turnaround and end up picking at the bottom of the draft pretty easily as soon as 2010.
For one thing, they'll have mega cap dollars to spend the next two offseasons. It's unfortunate that the Atlanta Hawks matched the offer sheet Josh Smith signed with the Grizzlies because he would have been a dynamic young addition at a position of need, and it was good value. Looking at the 2009 free agent class, the Grizzlies could offer Carlos Boozer a maximum contract and sign Lamar Odom for about $10 million per year.
Suppose Memphis ends 2009 with the worst record in the NBA, BJ Mullens pans out at Ohio State, and a hypothetitypical draft lottery occurs with Memphis ending up with the third pick in the 2009 NBA Draft (all very possible). Some mix of Crittenton, Warrick, Arthur and Darko's expiring contract combined with their pick should add up to enough to move up to number one overall (assuming they don't win it outright).
I think it's reasonable and facile to foresee a world where Memphis, just one year from now, begins the 2009-2010 season with a depth chart of: PG: Conley, Crittenton SG: Mayo, Lowry SF: Gay, Grant Hill (?) PF: Boozer, Odom C: Mullens, Gasol
Extremely young, but dare I say a championship contender from day one? I dare.
Of course, none of the above could occur with hapless Chris Wallace at the helm. So fans, grab your pitchforks and torches en masse!
Indy Cornrows has been rated the top Indiana Pacers blog as recently as last week by Yahoo's NBA blog Ball Don't Lie.
Kornheiser's Cartel, in an effort to spread baller ball insight to the web, jumped at the chance to pick the brain of the premier NBA blogger of their native state.
Here's the oft-rambling (my questions), oft-succinct (his replies) result of our discourse on the present and future of the Pacers.
Make sure to head over to www.IndyCornrows.com when you're done reading.
Kornheiser's Cartel: First things first, Indiana's offseason... I personally thought the signing of former Purdue guard David Teague to the Pacers Summer League squad was inspired by the ghost of Red Auerbach. Unfortunately, I'm drooling all over my keyboard at the mere thought of it and think it best to just move on while it's still functional.I also vaguely remember hearing that the Pacers parted with "franchise" player Jermaine O'Neal. The compensation: T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and a first-round pick that became Roy Hibbert. What did you think of the compensation? Did they have to trade Jermaine O'Neal? Was Hibbert the right pick at number 17?
Indy Cornrows: Honestly, the compensation for dealing J.O. was secondary so I'm pretty happy with the new players from Toronto. T.J. Ford was the critical piece and obviously a risk with his health history, but he will be fun to watch and keep the pace moving this year. The Pacers definitely had to trade J.O. since his salary was eating up a third of the salary cap, and he didn't want to be here, let alone play at a level worthy of the third highest paid play in the league. Plus, he didn't get along with Larry Bird, so you had the two strongest personalities in the franchise at odds which didn't help the atmosphere in the locker room.
I'm pretty optimistic about Hibbert and his ability to develop into a solid defensive presence for future Pacer teams. He's a mature player who's had access to some outstanding big man resources at Georgetown. Oh, and he's 7'2"!
KC: The other major trade involving the Pacers this offseason was the draft night deal of Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu for Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, and Josh McRoberts. A lot of people felt Indiana turned a Powerball Jackpot into a new car. They still came away with a nice package of players, but many views the fortunate freefall of Bayless akin to what happened when Danny Granger fell to the Pacers in the 2005 draft. Bayless went on to dominate the Summer League (not a certifiable projection of greatness, but a nice sign)... so, how do you view this deal now with three months hindsight?Brandon Rush's numbers actually fell a bit every year at Kansas; What do you see his potential being in the NBA?Do you see Josh McRoberts ever playing significant minutes for the Pacers?
IC: The thing that still bugs me about the Bayless deal is that I have never heard a definitive reason for why Bayless dropped in the draft. With Granger, he had knee issues. But for Bayless, it couldn't be just because he wasn't a true point guard because Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon are both combo guards and they went before Bayless. He has some sick game, no doubt, but is he a can't miss player? I see his upside falling somewhere between Dwyane Wade and Ben Gordon. Pretty nice neighborhood, but remember, the Pacers flipped him for two players..
Ike Diogu was not in Jim O'Brien's plans, so in essence the deal cleared some dead wood while adding a solid back up point guard along with a nice player in Brandon Rush. The key for Rush is knocking down shots and playing defense. He obviously showed he can come up big when the bright lights of the big stage on on him. But early in his career he'll have a role as a support player for the Pacers and his skill set seems perfect for JOB's system.
As for McRoberts, I don't expect him to contribute much at all for the Pacers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he was released. Actually I would be surprised because he's been doing so much work in the community for the Pacers this summer they almost have to at least keep him on the inactive roster. I'd love it if his game suddenly matured and he was able to earn some minutes, but I certainly don't expect that will happen.
With both deals this summer, the Pacers were able to jump start their effort to change the direction of the franchise. To overhaul a team you need assets in the form of draft picks, young talent and cap flexibility. The Pacers were able to gather some young talent and improved their cap situation. They're not where the want to be but they are moving in the right direction.
KC: As far as McRoberts is concerned, I watched him play Greg Oden his senior year of high school and felt it preposterous that people considered him the future number one overall pick in the draft. His time at Duke proved me right, but I think he can definitely be a good big man in the NBA. This despite me not being a fan at all. Remember, he'd still be a senior in college had he stayed with the Blue Devils. He's 6'10", 240 pounds, he can pass really well for a big, he has a high motor and battles for boards, and he can hit out to 15 feet. Another Jeff Foster? I thought picking him up as a throw-in in the draft day deal was good business. Time will tell if his presence ever matters. But if Brian Scalabrine can last in the League...
From reading your blog, I can tell that you're a big Danny Granger fan. You're on record urging Larry Bird to get a deal done before this season in the five year, $60 million range. I like the sound of that, he's great, let's lock him up. But I do have a few slight reservations both with his current lack of an extension and with him as the Pacers star. Assuming T.J. Ford comes in and pushes the pace this season, could Granger average 25 points a game? If so, how much extra would that cost the Pacers next offseason? Do you think that a team with Danny Granger as its best player could ever advance even as far as the second round of the playoffs?
IC: Well, I am a fan of Danny Granger the person. He's really emerged as a great personality this offseason and keeping track of his activities has been fun. As for his game, I acknowledge his game is not yet complete and any extension comes with a risk since he hasn't consistently produced for an 82 game season. With the current market, I think 5 years at $60 mil is reasonable, but it also comes with a risk for both sides. I don't think Granger could carry a team through the playoffs next year but with the right pieces around him he could certainly play a leading role in years to come.
After the J.O. debacle and the reality of attracting free agents to Indy, I can't see maxing out Granger after this initial extension. The team has to stay agile and avoid clogging up their cap.
KC: I was cruising around some NBA forums, and I've seen general fans not only don't believe the Pacers will make the playoffs this season, but think they could have the worst record in the NBA. Which would be more ideal this season... 45 wins, but first-round playoff exit or worst record and win the top pick overall? And how many wins do you think the team as currently aligned is prepared to win?
IC: Actually I would jump at the chance for 45 wins this year even if it meant a first round exit. With all the young talent in place, 45 wins would be a nice foundation to build upon. Just looking around the Eastern Conference and the improved depth of teams contending for the playoffs this year, I think hitting the 40 win mark would be a solid season for this team and somewhere between 35-38 is more reasonable. A player or two will have to step up out of nowhere and contribute big time to improve that outlook. That puts the Pacers on the edge of playoff contention which leads to your second scenario of going for the top pick. Next year's draft seems to be the Ricky Rubio sweepstakes and then a plateau of talent after him. The way the lottery dishes out luck it just isn't worth dumping a full season, in my opinion. Play hard, develop the young guys and let the wins fall where they may.
KC:As you know, I was enthused by the rumors of a trade between the Pacers and Warriors that would ship Jamaal Tinsley and Marquis Daniels out and bring back Al Harrington. Haven't heard much lately on that. Sigh. Will Tinsley ever suit up for the Pacers again? If not, do you see him being cut or traded?And how many stints will Harrington play with Indiana!?
IC: Sounds like Chris Mullen has come to his senses and decided not to reunite the Club Rio Trio. It's a shame, really. The suitors seem to be drying up for Tinsley at this point but I can't see him playing or even suiting up for the Pacers this year. He wants out as much as the Pacers want him out. I love Tinsley's game when he's in the right frame of mind so there are teams out there that could use him, but at this point he's a PR risk which woud require a GM with some stones to face down a fan backlash. As for Harrington, only under the above scenario could I imagine him in the blue and gold again. I love the guy, but his game just never developed to be as big time as I hoped or he thinks it is. I've always thought Al would've benefitted from playing a couple of years at a big time college where he would be put in pressure situations leading a team on TV with crazy fans yelling in the arena. After sitting for a few years waiting for a big role in the NBA he seemed to get a little hyper in those big moments.
KC:More Valuable Former Pacer: Mark Jackson or Rik Smits? Gotta go Smits, he was such a key cog once his offensive game developed. Antonio or Dale Davis? I'll stick with Dale for consistency, although I would've loved to have played the Lakers in the Finals with AD. Travis Best or Sam Perkins? Big Smooth for serving different roles off the bench, plus Best's dribble is still pounding in my head. Reggie Miller or Donnie Walsh? Reggie made Donnie Walsh a legendary GM and made Pacers basketball a must-see event. 31, no doubt.
"Yes no... maybe. I don't know. Can you repeat the question?"
Ahem, sure, I was just asking how lil' Frankie Muniz is doing as owner of the LA Clippers. I remember hearing Malcolm was a diehard Clips fan dead set on owning his favorite team.
What's that? He... didn't make enough money to buy the team?
No, that can't be right. Not Mr. Cody Banks, not the star of Miracle in Lane 2! He boasted affirmatively on MTV's Diary that he was going to buy the Clippers when he grew up.
No, he really didn't, huh? Well that explains everything! Malcolm would've tricked Elton Brand into staying and hilarity would've ensued.
Despite Brand bolting, though, and Muniz betraying the people of Los Angeles, the Clippers will be a lot better this season than people are anticipating. And they are set up well for the future.
In 2007-08, the Clippers averaged 93.8 points per game, shot 43.8% from the field, and shot 32.4% from three-point range, each second-worst in the NBA, on their way to a vintage Clippers 23-59 record. Their record with Brand: 1-7.
Still, their quick coup of Baron Davis at the start of free agency seemed to bode well. Teaming B Diddy up with stud rookie Eric Gordon, elite rebounding big man Chris Kaman, playmaking youngster Al Thornton and Brand made the Clips look like a dark horse NBA Championship contender.
Then Brand went all Carlos Boozer on LA, Corey Maggette filled the void left by Davis at Golden State, and all the positivity built up by the Davis signing went for naught.
What's left, position-by-position, and how does the team look compared to in 2007-08?
PG: The horrid quartet of Sam Cassell, Brevin Knight, Smush Parker, Dan Dickau has been dismantled in favor of 35+ minutes of Baron Davis, with Jason Williams getting the rest of the PT. Huge Upgrade
SG: Cuttino Mobley and Quinton Ross completed what may have been the worst backcourt in the NBA EVER. Adding the explosive Eric Gordon to the mix will ideally relegate Mobley to the bench where he's belonged the last five years. Ricky Davis basically sucks, but even he is an improvement over Ross off the bench. Upgrade, Potentially Huge Depending on Gordon
SF: Al Thornton and Corey Maggette each played big minutes last season, and both operate best at small forward. Maggette's leaving hurts a bit, but, if Thornton improves as expected, there shouldn't be much of a drop-off. Tim Thomas will be a solid rotation guy in support of Thornton. Slight Drop-off PF: What should have been a position of strength was a huge hole last season with Elton Brand out. Chris Kaman will likely slide to power forward as a result of the acquisition of Marcus Camby. He'll need to play big minutes, because there is little behind him at the position (Steve Novak, Paul Davis, Brian Skinner...). Definite Improvement
C: A guy who will certainly be counted on to improve the Clippers defensive percentages, how well Camby meshes with Kaman offensively will determine whether the Clippers can improve. The selection of DeAndre Jordan in the second round of the NBA Draft could pay huge dividends down the road and shouldn't be ignored. Improvement
When examining the Clippers roster compared to what was on the floor last season, they've essentially lost one palpable asset in Maggette and replaced him with three potential All-Star types in Davis, Gordon, and Camby.
This is being overlooked and could be enough to turn the Clippers into playoff contenders this season.
Looking down the road, the contracts of Camby, Mobley, and Thomas will all have expired in time for the 2010 offseason freeing up more than $25 million for the free agent frenzy.
By that time, the Clippers core of Davis, Gordon, Thornton, and Kaman could potentially rise up and surprise the league. The addition of stud, young free agent power forward Carl Landry for the mid-level exception in the meantime would ensure that LA is an attractive landing spot in that free agent window.
No matter what, this writer believes the Clippers will be the surprise team of the NBA this year and make the playoffs... and I can envision B Diddy running up to Muniz in the stands after advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2011 and shouting, "You're not the boss of me now."
The tide is turning, and the gods must have been angered. Five months late of the city's own commemoration of Pheidippides laststride there is an ominous feeling resonating throughout the hub.
Robert Cheruiyot may have won the world's oldest annual marathon for the fourth time (still no big J-Rex feat),but even he could not foresee the the tragedy about to befall upon a city of once thought champions.
The debate has waged long enough. Boston may have been the premiere sports city last year. But as we can see now, it is the beginning of the end. 2008-9 is the year of the Boston Suck Hole (to Mass-holes chagrin).
Since last September I have resided in the mecca of Boston, MA. In the past year I have observed two out of three professional teams achieve the pinnacle of success in their respective field of play. Although the cogs of destiny have been in motion for several months, it was Brady's injury yesterday which has solidified Boston's implosion of sports arrogance.
It may sound crazy, but the Celtics (currently Boston's best chance for a championship team) are on the cusp of heading back to the worst record in the league, and finally pulling the curtain back to reveal Doc Rivers's Wizard of Oz coaching credentials.
Rivers is riding more coattails than Michael Phelps did in the 4x100 relay. Outside of Phelps diet. . . he is worthless to me.
There's no surprise that Cassell is involved in the destruction of the entire city.
His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing the One Ring (NBA Championship Ring). His one desire was to possess the ring that had enslaved him. He pursued the ring for 13 years after having lost it to Rudy Tomjanovich after a strange three way celebratory kiss with Hakeem Olajuwon.
Kevin Garnett named the good point guard Cassell "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanor), and the bad point guard personality "Stinker" (for obvious reasons).
The only reason the Celtics don't suck as much as the Patriots and Red Sox, is because they are not currently playing right now. Therefore I cannot arbitrarily insult their poor performance which undoubtedly has already been prescribed by Zen Master Phil Jackson's latest bikini wax seance.
But here is why the C' boys are donzo. . .
Ray-Ray-Gun Allen got married. After years of free milk, Jesus Shuttlesworth finally got soft and did the right thing. Maybe he got confused and thought having cold feet was a reference to his sub zero playoff performance last season.
I know this sounds horrible, but maybe , just maybe some one should hurt Paul Pierce with something worse than a $25,000 gang symbol fine. I fully believe Pierce is one of the scrappiest, toughest players out there. But being carried off the main stage in the Finals like a Kerri Strug stunt double is not helping his street cred. If Pierce isn't stabbed by next season, you can look forward to Feathered Tickle Fights at Half Court, or until the first man calls Uncle Sternie'.
Finally, you have the most intimidating powerful NBA player transformed into a blubbering baby by merely being in the presence of Bill Russell. I've never seen a professional athlete cry so much outside of Lando Calrissian’s adoration of Brian Piccolo, or perhaps if Big Baby Perkins had relationship issues with Jessica Simpson.
My advice is to have Leon Powe throw a boot camp back in the hood. . . maybe then these boys could grow up and make amends to Boston in advance of their epic failure.
Reports of another possible trash exchange between the Indiana Pacers and the Golden State Warriors are emerging today.
While I'm one of the few people in the world who thought the last swap between the irrelevant teams was actually good for the Pacers, I think I won't be alone in thinking this one to be some sort of a make-up move by God who clearly feels bad for crippling Indy with the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl.
I'll be a believer if this one goes through!
Oh yeah, the deal. Jamaal Tinsley and Marquis Daniels for Al Harrington and cap filler.
Seriously!?!? That trade sounds worse than the Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown deal.
Why doesn't Larry Bird go ahead and ask for Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins while he's at it?
I find these reports too hard to believe. As a mild Pacers fan, I'd be in support of them buying out both Tinsley and Daniels. But to get something viable in return is difficult to fathom, too good to be true, and all that.
And what the hell is Chris Mullin thinking? Not the first time I've found myself asking that, so I shouldn't be surpised, but reuniting Stephen Jackson, Tinsley, and Daniels could have scary implications for anyone attending NBA games this coming season.
Larry Bird has done a fantastic job reshaping the Pacers- who you may not realize finished just one game out of the playoffs in 2008- this offseason, his first without Donnie Walsh's supposedly wise advice in his ear.
If the deal for Harrington happens, their rotation next year will look something like this: PG: TJ Ford, Jarrett Jack SG: Mike Dunleavy, Brandon Rush SF: Danny Granger, Shawne Williams PF: Al Harrington, Troy Murphy C: Rasho Nesterovic, Roy Hibbert
Yeah, that squad won't be challenging the Spurs next year. But it is young, built to run (which is what Head Coach Jim O'Brien's system dictates), and, if Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert can fulfill their potential and TJ Ford stays healthy, definitely a team to watch in the future.
Another idea: they still have their mid-level exception available, and there is a young, stud free agent power forward with local ties in former Purdue star Carl Landry.
A core of Ford, Dunleavy, Rush, Granger, Landry, and Hibbert would look pretty similar to what the Bulls had two years ago when they were considered to be the next NBA powerhouse, and would be enough to make this apathetic, agnostic fan visit Conseco and church once again.
When he’s not busy jamming to the Jonas Brothers, watching High School Musical 2 for the ninth time (he’s over it now… it’s unwatchable after the eighth viewing), or begging his parents to let him stay out until midnight justthisonce, Ricky Rubio be ballin’.
Why? Because ever since he was a kid (as recently as last week), his dream has been to be the best basketball player in the world.
And the (insert oh-so-clever Pete Maravich description such as “mop-topped” or “colorful,” but not “alcoholic,” not quite old enough yet… well, maybe in Europe?) point guard prodigy is well on his way to realizing that dream if his performance against the USA at the Beijing Olympics was any indication.
The kid looked unflappable handling the ball, was unfazed while playing aggressive defense against Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams, and didn’t hesitate to push it on the break with LeBron James nipping at his heels.
He’s also got style to go with that substance. He earned a dime by completing an insane twirling 35-foot bounce pass in transition to an open Rudy Fernandez spotting up for three and finished drives with acrobatic lay-ups.
Most impressive? At just 17, he already yaps at the refs more than Rasheed Wallace (not quite as much as John Terry yet, for soccer fans). Truly fearless.
The big knock on Rubio is people question whether he can shoot a basketball (he has no peer with a Nerf gun). The same doubt was cast over the aforementioned LeBron when he was Rubio’s age. As good as he is already, Rubio is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his potential. Again, he’s just 17, there’s plenty of time for his shot to develop.
In the meantime, he still finds ways to score despite an iffy jumper. In 2006, he scored 51 points (and grabbed 24 rebounds, made 12 steals, and dished out seven assists) in the finale of the European U-16 Championships.
If his jump shot doesn’t improve, expect him to still start from day one in the NBA and be a perennial All-Star. If it does (once more, he’d be entering his senior year of high school if he was in the USA, there’s time), with his long frame (sorry to sound like Jay Bilas), fundamentals, and quickness, he could be a lethal post-up player in the mold of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan.
Either way, he’ll be one of the most fun players in the NBA, and Zac Efron will be watching him.
EDIT: A very good question from an anonymous commentor...
"I see you love Derrick Rose. Who would you rather have??? Him or Rose?"
Hmmmm... Well shit...
I do love Derrick Rose... I hate qualifiers like "well if you're asking who I'd take next season... yada yada," where you don't pick a side, so I'm just going to answer literally.
If you draft either of these guys with the number one overall pick, you're doing so hoping and expecting them to spend their entire career with your team. So in regards to their career impact...
In terms of excitement, I think it's a wash. Both would bring fresh fan interest both in your own city and throughout the NBA. I'd be surprised if each didn't start in the All Star Game due to fan voting within their first couple seasons.
Each is a good defender, flashy passer/dribbler, excellent penetrator, and has an iffy shot. Each also has had a nice track record of leading good teams.
In the end I'd take Rubio, honestly. I can foresee him averaging 20+ points and 10+ assists in his prime, while also being the best defensive player in the NBA. Rose has high end potential, but I think Rubio has higher potential. Both will be great.
When Hater Commissioner David Stern put a limp in the step of NBA players by instituting a constricting dress code, some called it a racist effort to distance the NBA from being associated with hip hop culture. NBA players were done stuntin.
Despite Mr. Stern’s interventions, undeniable and eerie links between the NBA and hip hop continue to scream out.
It’s jaw-dropping just how similarly the careers of certain rappers and ballers have played out... almost dubious enough to make an atheist utter a prayer.
I’ll attempt to unravel the correct links between the parallel universe here and now:
Shaquille O’Neal / Nas
Each “Ruled the World” in the 90’s, elicit polar reactions of hate or love from fans, and feud with too many contemporaries to know who.
When Shaq was ripping up backboards and getting paid at LSU, Nas was creating buzz for himself with his featured fire on “Live at the Barbeque.”
I know, right.
In 1994, Shaq finally made his much anticipated playoff debut. That same year, Nas dropped his long awaited first album, one of the hottest in hip hop history, Illmatic.
Coincidence? I think not.
From there, they went on to be kings for the next decade, before falling off slightly.
Both have had resurgent 2008’s, though, with Shaq getting dealt to a contender and Nas killin’ it on Untitled.
I know, I know, can’t make this stuff up…
They’re two of the greatest of all-time, on the downside of their careers, but still the biggest names around.
With so much in common, it is little wonder Nas backed Shaq in the Kobe beef.
Kobe Bryant / Eminem
Speaking of Kobe, the Black Mamba and Slim Shady do their thing as well as anyone and have rightly earned every honor to be won in their professions. Their fans staunchly believe them to be the best ever.
On the other hand, they’re the two most hated players in the NBA and hip hop, respectively, their names always seem to be attached to ugliness, and we have to keep hearing about their relationships with their (not ugly and kinda ugly) on-and-off wives.
LeBron James / Kanye West
LeBron closed the book on his rookie season in 2004, the same year Kanye dropped his debut album The College Dropout. Since then, they’ve ascended to the point where they’re probably the most popular figures in basketball and hip hop, and certainly the highest paid due to meticulous marketing savvy.
Kevin Garnett / Jay Z
Seemingly been around forever, used to be hot names, now they’re just old and not that cool (but still good).
Steve Nash / Lil Wayne
Nash doesn’t go anywhere without his tennis and soccer ball. You’ll never find Lil Wayne without his Codeine Sizzurp. Each made a huge leap from stars to Monstars (see: Space Jam) at the same time in the last few years. Maybe Kwame Brown should get himself some Codeine Siz~ er, a soccer ball.
Tim Duncan / Common
Been around forever, overhyped, genuinely nice guys, kinda boring, but you gotta give them their respect and appreciate them. Yeah, they’re good, but only old school peeps get excited over them.
Yawn.
Anfernee Hardaway / AZ
After AZ laid it down on “Life’s a Bitch” with Nas, everyone expected his career to jump off to superstardom, but it never really did unfortunately. When Penny was teamed up with Shaq, everyone was all over his nuts, too. Like AZ, but literally, Hardaway couldn’t jump at all after a knee injury in the late 90’s. Shame too, because he could really get up in his day.
TJ Ford / Twista
Becausetheyarereallyfast.
Jake Tsakalidis / Mase
Because…they’re…ummm…reeeaaallllly…slow.
Tony Parker / Tony Parker
One’s a sick ass point guard with a slammin’ wife. The other is a solid rapper with a TOO SOLID wife.
I get an uncomfortable, awkward feeling inside every time I see PJ Brown clumsily stumble around on the basketball court. Ditto watching Refrigerator Perry rhyme on the Super Bowl Shuffle. Yet for some damn reason I’ll never understand, people appreciate the two.
Yuck.
Gerald Green / Aaron Carter
Yeah, they had a decent moment a few years back… Green with his Slam Dunk crown, Carter with his brilliant how-to on beating Shaq (O’Neal hasn’t been the same since), but let’s face it… They’re through. Chosen ones who wasted their talent. Makes me sick.
Gilbert Arenas / Nick Cannon
They’re soooo hilarious!!! LOLZ OMG
Ron Artest / Lil’ Kim
How long until these crackheads end up in prison? She’s already been in prison? Oh. Well, it’s just a matter of time for Ron Ron.
Darko Milicic / P. Diddy
Darko sucked on every team he’s been on and will continue to suck wherever he goes; Diddy sucked when he was Puff Daddy and will continue to suck whatever name he goes by.
Dwight Howard / Fred Durst
Because they both have “Faith.”
Minnesota Timberwolves / D-12
Nobody knows who the hell they are.
Am I missing any? Help me blow the top off this scoop in the comments section... I'll add any good suggestions.
EDIT: My Favorite Reader Suggestions Reader Loc offered up Baron Davis / Andre 3000 with good reason... "Driving force of groups that were effortlessly cool and adored by true fans, changed the face of the game for a few years. Became darlings of the mainstream, then figured it out and went Hollywood for dollars. Sucked but heavily hyped forever after (hopefully not for BD, but well it is the clips)"
CharmCityBoy410 convinced me on a Chris Bosh / Snoop Dogg comparison... "Both have that wirey G look to em with pimpin ass hair, both blew up on the scene at 19 and have been as smooth as butta and money in the bank since."
Morris reminds us that Shawn Kemp and D'Angelo both had a lot of sex in the 90's, among other things they have in common.
This just in... Finney has in fact confirmed he is old school with his hip hop tastes, but I like his Kobe / 50 Cent reasoning. Other than that, he's officially delusional.
Thanks for all the comments, I enjoyed reading them all. Keep them coming.
Just this summer as I was watching some of the cattle show at the Indiana State Fair, I made the comment to my dad, "Wouldn't it be cool if the Pacers would play a preseason game back here in Pepsi?".
Sure enough my prayer was answered by GodLarry Bird. It has been announced that the Pacers will play their first preseason game this year in the venue where it all began. Located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Pepsi Coliseum was the original home of the Pacers when they were still in the ABA. The building itself is almost 70 years old and has hosted concerts, livestock shows, and ice hockey. Aside from the livestock of the Indiana State Fair, the building's most famous tenants were the Pacers who were able to hang 3 ABA Titles from the rafters before moving across town to Market Square Arena.
The Pacers are making a wonderful gesture by playing this game in this venue. Not only are the proceeds from the tickets going to charity, but the Pacers are acknowledging their history and their fans who have followed the team since the ABA. This game will also give younger fans an appreciation for what stadiums were like years ago, before the ABA/NBA became a global entity.
Short of the Pacers finding a way to play at the state's historic college arenas (Mackey Arena, Assembly Hall, Hinkle Fieldhouse), this is absolutely the best way for this beleaguered franchise to try and win back some of the fans that poor management and even poorer play have scared away. Hopefully other teams will see this as an opportunity to honor either their own old stadiums (barring they haven't been demolished) or to reach out to other communities that might fall within their fan-base. Maybe the Pistons could come back to Fort Wayne for a game, the Timberwolves could play in Fargo, or the Warriors could don their "The City" jerseys, and play one last time in the Cow Palace before it's bulldozed. After all, there is no better mixture than NBA basketball and livestock venues.
For anyone that played NBA Tecmo 1992-93, this takes us back to a time where he was actually worth something to someone...other than his dealers.
Anyways, widespread speculation is that due to the declining power of the U.S. dollar, Kemp was forced to go to Europe to afford the addiction.
I can't say I'm not happy for him. I don't mean to say that this is awkward timing, but Sean Sutton seems to be missing a necklace...
EDIT:I apologize for any assumptions that I made in regards to Shawn Kemp needing money to afford his drugs. It turns out that he needs to money to support his colony of kids spread throughout the world.
It's been said that the sun never sets on the Kemp Family.
If other sports fans are anything like me, they waste about 10 hours a week watching YouTube clips of athletes.
And then send the most badass clips to their roommates and friends.
Who attempt to one-up them by showing them someone they like.
Doesn't everyone do this?
Here are the top-five NBA player compilations that I've come across in these exchanges. I give extra-credit if it surprised me.
5. Shawn Kemp - The "Reign Man" led the Sonics to the NBA Finals at age 27 in 1996 with a young Gary Payton as his sidekick. He was truly feared in the mid-90's, but weight gain caused a rapid decline in his game. It's crazy to see just how explosive and athletic he was while skinny. He was part-'Nique, part-LeBron, part-Dwight Howard. Still, he paled in comparison to...
4. Michael Jordan - What am I thinking? His are probably the most amazing if you look at it objectively, but I've seen the plays a million times so they seem believable now. Chicago hasn't had a star since Jordan retired, until now that is, with the arrival of…
3. Derrick Rose - If Bulls fans are worried after Summer League that Rose will be a bust while Beasley crushes, watch this to reassure yourself that they made the right decision. 360 lay-ups in traffic, a dunk from eight feet out over a guy, and ridiculous handles… He reminds me a lot of…
2. Anfernee Hardaway - I thought he was overrated back-in-the-day, now I hate myself for it. The knee injury destroyed an amazing talent. I had no idea he had that kind of athleticism. And his no look-passes are as impressive as Magic and…
1. Larry Bird - A maF'n genius. Scrappy as hell and smarter than he looked (huge understatement), he literally had "eyes in the back of his head." Had to. No other way to explain how he made the passes featured. He just knew exactly what to do in every situation. Too solid! Way too solid!
Living in Indiana, it hasn’t been a secret that for the last four or more years Jermaine O’Neal has been phoning in his play, and that the All-Star center wanted to relocate to L.A. or New York. Despite his lackluster and injury-shortened 2007-2008 season, Pacers fans do remember that J.O. was the best center in the East for several years. At only 30, it seems that O’Neal could bring that former excellence with him as he travels north of the border.
Jermaine may not have been sent to his ideal city, but the Raptors look to potentially have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. O’Neal will join All-Star Chris Bosh and former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani to complete a forward/center trio that includes no one shorter than 6′10″. While height isn’t everything (see Carl Landry or Charles Barkley), these players’ collective talents are. Bosh has developed into a near-clone of what O’Neal was in his Pacer prime and is considered by most to be one of the premier big men in the Eastern Conference behind Kevin Garnett and possibly Dwight Howard. His numbers from last year look a little something like this: 22.3 PPG (24.0 in playoffs), 8.7 RPG, and 2.6 APG. He’s been putting up these same numbers for the last 3 years, and he is at the top of his game physically and mentally.
Bargnani is somewhat of the wild-card here, aside from O’Neal’s passion for the game and his new city. He’s put up just 10.8 PPG/3.8 RPG in his two seasons. However, even with Bargnani as the weak spot, this starting trio could be churning out 50+/20+ nightly. This stacks up with league leaders. The Lakers’ frontcourt trio of Gasol, Odom, and Bynum only mustered 46.2/29.0 last season, and they won the stacked Western Conference (even with Bynum out for the playoffs).
These Raptors do have one glaring difference when compared with a team like the Lakers: Kobe Bean Bryant. If the Raptors aren’t going to acquire or develop a high scoring swingman, they are going to meet the same fate as other teams that “look good on paper.” Teams like the Nuggets and Kidd/Carter Nets had several All-Stars on the roster and should have won lots of games. However the balance of attack and deep rosters that contenders like Boston, San Antonio, and Detroit bring to the table were eerily absent for those two squads, just as they are for the Raptors.
Toronto, in an attempt to build this current team, has let go of strong supporting players and potential stars in the likes of T.J. Ford, Charlie Villanueva, and Roy Hibbert. Rather than adding another low post scorer, it seems the more logical approach would have been to seek out a high-scoring shooter (Michael Redd?) or deepen the reserves with role-players and attempt to shore up the Raptor’s abysmal defense. Without a stronger bench and an explosive guard, this squad will continue to make the playoffs (even the Washington Generals could make it in the East). They will also likely be contending for the Atlantic title with Boston, but they’ll continue to get pummeled in the playoffs when they match-up against the deeper teams that dominate that conference.
Surreptitious Paralogisms: The Search For The Next Jordan In The 2008 NBA Draft
After the Lakers won the Western Conference Finals and were declared World Champions by the media, and Kobe was pronounced the next-MJ*, I decided that I'd be better served getting ready for the NBA Draft than wasting my time watching L.A. inevitably crush Boston. I've spent weeks scouting players (on YouTube), scouring insider info about workouts (straight from the mouth of agents, sadly), and poring over mock drafts (most common insight… Danilo Gallinari= offensive genius**). In that time, as I'm sure you've heard, the Lakers shockingly fell to Boston, and well, we may yet still be looking for that elusive next-MJ*.
I'm ahead of the game on this one, and, without further ado, will help you anticipate who the media will prematurely crown in the coming years and tell you how this year's search for the next-MJ will play out:
1. Chicago- Derrick Rose's numbers aren't mind-blowing, but his athleticism is shocking. He decimated both DJ Augustin and Darren Collison (arguably the next two best points in college basketball this season) in back-to-back games. Michael Beasley offers an extremely productive potential post presence (something the Bulls have lacked for years), albeit at just 6'7". Both would fit Chicago.
The pick: Rose. He won't ever be the best player in the NBA, but he is the next-Anfernee Hardaway. Hardaway in his prime is way better than anyone remembers. The similarities are shocking (so is the finishing) when you watch highlights of the two. Try these bits of nastiness…
Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6G_RRGHzfA
Penny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vv4s5ZD3iM
Random Musings: If they take Rose, they've got a problem because they're already locked in long-term on Kirk Hinrich. Perhaps the Pacers (always looking for white players) would accept an offer of Hinrich, Nocioni, and Noah for Jermaine O'Neal? It's risky for the Bulls, but it'd leave them with a line-up of Rose, Gordon, Deng, Gooden, and O'Neal. That team would draft in the 20's next season if O'Neal plays 60+ games.
2. Miami- Shawn Marion looks to once again be the third-wheel no matter who they select here; he should probably go ahead and demand a trade to Memphis or New York. There are rumors abound that Riley likes O.J. Mayo. On paper it's puzzling because they have no marquee players inside. But neither did the Bulls in the 90's.
The pick: Beasley will be scoring 25 points a game within a few years. I read an interview with him where he talks about practicing 6-8 hours a day since he was a kid. I was impressed. I believe it because when you listen to him talk it sure doesn't sound like he's been studying.
Random Musings: They suck. Elton Brand would help in a trade; he's supposedly available, they have Marion to offer. A three-man core of Wade, Brand, and Beasley looks great. The Milwaukee Bucks went to game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001 with Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell as their three leading scorers. Which three would you rather have? Beasley actually reminds me a lot of the Big Dog. Yes, let's call him the next-Big Dog.
3. Minnesota- One look at the Timberwolves roster, and you can see why Kevin Garnett could never take them anywhere. The team is ugly, and I think they need someone who can inspire people to care.
The pick: After reading Kevin McHale's quotes about Kevin Love (a shorter Vlade Divac), I see him as the pick. This is way too high if you listen to all the doubts about his height, weight, quickness, lack of speed, dad, defense jumping ability, and weak performance against the bigs of Memphis. But at least he throws a nice outlet pass. And he's old-school and gritty. Just like McHale.
Random Musings: No matter who they take, they'll be back in the lottery next season. I hate to sound like every other sports follower in the country, but they need a new GM. McHale's the worst.
4. Seattle- It's taken for granted that the Sonics are on the way up, but they really only have a few pieces worth keeping. Kevin Durant will be an All-Star soon; it remains to be seen how Jeff Green progresses. Outside of those two, there's not much. A big or a guard will do.
The pick: The consensus seems to be that Jerryd Bayless is going here. He's quick, he's explosive, he can shoot, and he doesn't seem to have any baggage. I don't know about the talk of playing him or Mayo at the point, though. And Eric Gordon would definitely be a better choice.
Random Musings: If this pick turns out to be a star, the Sonics could be very good for the next 10 years. If not, Kevin Durant may look to escape a few summers from now. I wouldn't want to live in Oklahoma.
5. Memphis- I'm sorry, Chris Wallace, for calling McHale the worst GM. But you've all heard those tired jokes, no more. A quick peek at the team's roster reveals way too many guards… Conley, Navarro, Lowry, Crittenton. That's bad news with a few stud backcourt prospects still on the board.
The pick: Assuming they don't trade up into the top two (which actually makes a lot of sense), they'll take Brook Lopez (the next-Chris Mihm!). Taking a guard here would be like Matt Millen drafting another wide receiver in the first round next year. Lopez will be a bust, and the Grizzlies will be drafting in the top-5 again next year. And probably the year after that, too.
Random Musings: Something must be done to remove some of the point guards from the roster. Also, the idea of flipping Mike Miller while he has value is a good one. They aren't going to win in the next few years, why not send him off to a contender for picks and youngsters (but do better than the Pau Gasol package)? And I love Brian Cardinal, but he's not an NBA player.
6. New York- On paper, the Knicks have no (good) shooters. The Suns had a handful. The Knicks have no point guard. The Suns had one of the best ever. We'll find out just how smart D'Antoni is this season.
The pick: Gordon's got range out to 30 feet, but the Knicks can't pass on Mayo here. He's already a star in name, he fits a need, and it feels right.
Random Musings: I don't know what the Knicks will do about Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry. They can't play them both- everyone knows that- but who would trade anything for either of them? Have they tried calling Chris Wallace? I said I wouldn't make anymore Chris Wallace jokes?
7. The Clippers- The Clippers aren't bad, but they aren't good either. They're like a mid-table EPL team, say Blackburn. They're built to aim for .500 and shoot for No. 8 seeds. There are established above-average players in Brand, Maggette, and Kaman. There's quality youth in Thornton, this pick, and Shaun Livingston (maybe). But could they be NBA Champions five years down the road? I'd be shocked. Unless they take…
The pick: Eric Gordon. There's a reason he was projected as a top-3 pick most of the year. He's extremely powerful, he's fast, he's a great shooter, he's a high-flyer, but there are questions about his mentality. His stats were impressive until a late-season slide in a difficult situation. He can lock-down on defense when he tries; the trouble is he often looks disinterested on both ends of the court. If he had Tyler Hansbrough's heart and tenacity, he might just be the next-MJ. He will be good; he could be great.
Random Musings: Seven picks, six freshmen. Even if the draft doesn't play out like I've projected, the rule that kids must attend at least one year of college isn't changing much. Nine of the top 10 from the 2007 Rivals rankings turned pro after their freshmen year. Their draft status hasn't been impacted by their year in college. Rose, Beasley, Mayo, and Gordon would've all been top picks last year.
8. Milwaukee- The Bucks look decent at every position. The trouble is they have no real All-Star, even if Michael Redd has that reputation. Andrew Bogut can't carry a team, yet, but he is only 23. If they landed one of the top two picks, they'd look poised for a bright future. As is, they're not going anywhere soon.
The pick: Freak athlete Joe Alexander… Let's hope he doesn't kick and scream on the flight in like Yi. His handle is tight, he's fast and can jump, and he improved tremendously over the course of his junior season. It's hard to recall a white guy who played quite like him.
Random Musings: Sometimes it just makes sense to be really bad. The Bucks might want to try it out and aim for another top pick in the draft. Otherwise they'll be in play-off purgatory every year waiting to find out if they can get to 41 wins. If they traded Redd for future picks and a stud youngster, that would set them up nicely for the top of next year's draft.
9. Charlotte- I'm sure Michael Jordan has been working just as hard as I have breaking down prospects, but when all of the North Carolina guys dropped out, it was back to square one. At least they have Adam Morrison back next year?
The pick: He's tall, rangy, and fluid; sadly for MJ, he's not the next-Chris Bosh. Anthony Randolph is not what you think; he can't post-up, he's not a banger inside, but he is a much better dribbler and runner than you're probably picturing. He's Troy Murphy without three-point range. MJ will plug his lanky frame into the barrel-chested, beer-gut shaped frontcourt hole left by Sean May, then not notice when leaks emerge because he's never actually watched a Bobcats game.
Random Musings: This is yet another team treading water. The good news is that none of their core guys are over 27 years old. The bad news is that they're- at best- Shawn Marions, the third best player on a really good team. What could they do? Package up a few of them and this pick for Carmelo Anthony. Or hope Larry Brown can inspire a 15-20 game improvement like he did back-in-the-day.
10. New Jersey- If Hova can't entice LeBron (have you heard they're friends?) to do one to Brooklyn in his free-agent year, the Nets will be taking hard knocks on the scoreboard all next decade. You Can't Knock The Hustle of their young role players, but Can I Get A back-to-the-basket big down low? I have Reasonable Doubt that they'll find one at this spot.
The pick: They don't have a single mobile big man on their roster, so Danilo Gallinari makes sense in theory. The problem is that Gallinari looks hilariously slow in every clip I've seen, and that's against white players! He can finish awkwardly in traffic a la Manu Ginobili, and big guys with his skill level are rare. He's actually a lot like Joe Alexander, but slower.
Random Musings: Does anyone want Vince Carter? Anyone? Please?
*"Next-MJ" is a registered trademark of the overzealous, unoriginal MSM.
** Equation derived by sportswriters who have never actually seen Danilo Gallinari, let alone watched him play basketball.
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