I buried the Lakers, I thought that after Game 5 they appeared uninspired and a lack of willingness to play. But like many other things written on this blog, it was wrong. Kobe Bryant's ferocity somehow fed into the rest of his teammates and he made them be better. The Lakers fought like warriors to win this series and now they have back-to-back crowns.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Los Angeles Lakers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Lakers. Show all posts
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Epitome of Kobe.
After LeBron's collapse, I made a big deal about Game 5's of series especially when they were knotted at 2-2 and proclaimed that Kobe Bryant really hasn't cost a team a game five defeat. Honestly, he played a great game Sunday but this sums up Kobe's career without Shaq.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
How Game 4 Changed My Opinion on Big Baby
I have told people that I like the Boston Celtics but I really do hate Glen 'Big Baby' Davis. The reasons were multiple, one he decided that he needed a nickname change because he grew out of Big Baby, which earned a child please from all of us here at Chuck's Corner. Two, he always tried to start shit with Brandon Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks therefore making him the number one enemy on the squad. But last night proved to me that Davis can play with anyone in the league.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Fish That Saved L.A.
In a game where the refs decided to make their presence felt and KG rose from the crypt, it was one of those games where a role player stepped up when they needed him the most and that guy was Derek Fisher whose 13 points in the fourth quarter propelled the Lakers to a 91-84 and took a commanding 2-1 lead.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Celtics. Lakers. No Clever Title Needed.
After a pretty lackluster NBA Playoffs, we have arrived at the NBA Finals which begin tonight and we are blessed with the best rivalry in all of professional basketball, the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Many people are excited for this series because even though, the Lakers have home court, many believe this series is up in the air. I thought of 10 things to consider when watching Game 1 and I think they all will be big factors.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Opinion on Kobe and Quick Laker Tangent
I should have never opened my mouth when it came to the argument of whose better Kobe or LeBron. I had always been an ardent Kobe guy and probably hurting my credibility even by making some ridiculous cases in defense of Kobe. Finally, I gave into all of the LeBron fans and said earlier this month, that LeBron was indeed the best player in the game hands down. Sadly after these playoffs, we have to tweak that statement a little bit.
LeBron James: The player I would draft first in a fantasy draft if I had to start a franchise from scratch and a guy I would want on my team throughout the regular season because he would make our team that much better. In addition, he is a great teammate so he will keep the guys together during the season.
Kobe Bryant: The player I want from the fourth quarter and on, a true warrior who hasn't missed a clutch shot in ages (look at the one he sank last night with Grant Hill in his jock, drilled it.). He might be an asshole but that's a quality you need in the playoffs. No nice guy has really ever won a title, even Magic Johnson got a bit nasty in his later years.
With all that being said, Kobe Bryant finds himself in the NBA Finals for a seventh time and in search of his fifth title. Everybody rode off Kobe in the Oklahoma City series claiming he was tired and the hype around LeBron James grew to mammoth proportions before the Boston series. What did Kobe do? He took his game to a second gear and started dropping 30 points a game like it was nobody business. Then after LeBron exited in the semifinals and everybody talked about the off season when the Mamba was still in there, he goes off for 40 to throw the focus back on him.
I think we cannot make an argument for either player right now because they are so valuable in different ways and both players are the best right now. One is number 1 and the other is 1a. So let's put this discussion to rest and then when we look at it in ten years we can then form our opinion.
Real quick about the Lakers, I said earlier I think they are in big trouble with Derek Fisher trying to guard Rajon Rondo and I doubt they throw Kobe on Rondo because they have to keep Ray Allen in check. Ron Artest versus Paul Pierce will be a great battle plus can we get odds makers on a Ron vs. Rasheed Wallace fight? I would bet this happens but I have been asking for a good ole NBA brawl for the last two weeks. The uncertainty of Andrew Bynum could be the difference because no matter what, he will get beat up even more by the front line of the Celts.
More on the NBA Finals later this week on Chuck's Corner, gotta love it. Boston and Los Angeles, like it should be.
LeBron James: The player I would draft first in a fantasy draft if I had to start a franchise from scratch and a guy I would want on my team throughout the regular season because he would make our team that much better. In addition, he is a great teammate so he will keep the guys together during the season.
Kobe Bryant: The player I want from the fourth quarter and on, a true warrior who hasn't missed a clutch shot in ages (look at the one he sank last night with Grant Hill in his jock, drilled it.). He might be an asshole but that's a quality you need in the playoffs. No nice guy has really ever won a title, even Magic Johnson got a bit nasty in his later years.
With all that being said, Kobe Bryant finds himself in the NBA Finals for a seventh time and in search of his fifth title. Everybody rode off Kobe in the Oklahoma City series claiming he was tired and the hype around LeBron James grew to mammoth proportions before the Boston series. What did Kobe do? He took his game to a second gear and started dropping 30 points a game like it was nobody business. Then after LeBron exited in the semifinals and everybody talked about the off season when the Mamba was still in there, he goes off for 40 to throw the focus back on him.
I think we cannot make an argument for either player right now because they are so valuable in different ways and both players are the best right now. One is number 1 and the other is 1a. So let's put this discussion to rest and then when we look at it in ten years we can then form our opinion.
Real quick about the Lakers, I said earlier I think they are in big trouble with Derek Fisher trying to guard Rajon Rondo and I doubt they throw Kobe on Rondo because they have to keep Ray Allen in check. Ron Artest versus Paul Pierce will be a great battle plus can we get odds makers on a Ron vs. Rasheed Wallace fight? I would bet this happens but I have been asking for a good ole NBA brawl for the last two weeks. The uncertainty of Andrew Bynum could be the difference because no matter what, he will get beat up even more by the front line of the Celts.
More on the NBA Finals later this week on Chuck's Corner, gotta love it. Boston and Los Angeles, like it should be.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Ron-Ron Really?
One thing that is great about sports is that a player can go from being the biggest goat of the game and somebody everybody will blame the defeat on, then hit the game-winning shot and be portrayed as this clutch player. I nearly threw my drink at the TV when I saw SportsCenter headline of "Big Shot Ron." I understand he hit the game winner but seriously, does a guy who goes 1 for 9 really deserve the credit?
A guy who deserves big time props is Derek Fisher, a guy I have ragged on during these playoffs came up huge once again in a big game dropping 22 points and hit a couple of big shots down the stretch. Fisher should have been the guy that everybody talked about on Friday. He was the reason the Lakers won on Thursday night picking up the slack for the 'supposed' twin towers of Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol. Fisher did his thing and I wonder if he factors into tonight's game. This one is an obvious but another guy who stepped his game up was the Black Mamba himself.
Remember about two weeks ago when we discussed how the great ones handled critical 2-2 Game 5s? Once again, Kobe pulled it out with a ridiculous 30 pts 9 rbs 11 assts. While the LeBron James fan club will tell me that's a normal night for LBJ, my counter is he is a monster inside and has great vision, two different styles relax. For whatever reason in the playoffs, Kobe has figured out how to pass the ball to his teammates at a high rate and still get his points. I haven't seen this type of Kobe and it's really makes you wonder, is this guy unlike any other player? I don't believe you can compare him to anyone because he played so many roles in his career, you could call him chameleon more so than a mamba.
I think the Lakers end the Suns run tonight, I just think the Ron Artest Queensbridge Knockout might be too much for them to come back from but I could see a very close battle to the very end. Not to be John Madden, but the key for the Suns really how good their bench plays. When the bench is successful, it results in good things.
-Charlie.
A guy who deserves big time props is Derek Fisher, a guy I have ragged on during these playoffs came up huge once again in a big game dropping 22 points and hit a couple of big shots down the stretch. Fisher should have been the guy that everybody talked about on Friday. He was the reason the Lakers won on Thursday night picking up the slack for the 'supposed' twin towers of Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol. Fisher did his thing and I wonder if he factors into tonight's game. This one is an obvious but another guy who stepped his game up was the Black Mamba himself.
Remember about two weeks ago when we discussed how the great ones handled critical 2-2 Game 5s? Once again, Kobe pulled it out with a ridiculous 30 pts 9 rbs 11 assts. While the LeBron James fan club will tell me that's a normal night for LBJ, my counter is he is a monster inside and has great vision, two different styles relax. For whatever reason in the playoffs, Kobe has figured out how to pass the ball to his teammates at a high rate and still get his points. I haven't seen this type of Kobe and it's really makes you wonder, is this guy unlike any other player? I don't believe you can compare him to anyone because he played so many roles in his career, you could call him chameleon more so than a mamba.
I think the Lakers end the Suns run tonight, I just think the Ron Artest Queensbridge Knockout might be too much for them to come back from but I could see a very close battle to the very end. Not to be John Madden, but the key for the Suns really how good their bench plays. When the bench is successful, it results in good things.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Game 2 Ramblings
Seriously right now, I realize that my writing is slacking but really I had finals and I didn't feel like writing for awhile. Anyways, you will get basically NBA playoffs posts and the Milwaukee Brewers, maybe I should give you another baseball post about overall thoughts of the season so we will do three for you guys today. NBA, MLB, Brewers... I do this because I love all my readers, also I am officially putting pictures on every blog post.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Kobe Bryant seems to be doing everything for the Lakers and unlike Nash, I said it before he is getting better and better with all of the games. I mean he drops 21 5 rebs 13 asst which is an awesome game and a career high for Kobe. Do I think that Kobe gets it that the Suns cannot keep up with the scary front line of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum? Yes, yes i do... I think Bryant will be passing the ball more in the next couple of games and B-squared asked me if surprised me that Kobe's career high in assists was last night? Nope, he never needed to pass the ball because Derk Fisher and others made sure they got the ball to Shaq and let's face Kobe thought about himself more than usual in the last ten years ago plus no way he gets 13 dishes with the likes of Kwame Brown and Smush Parker.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-I think the one thing we love about playoffs in professional sports is that players will make a complete name for themselves in a mere two months. Rajon Rondo is doing that and no one would have had Rondo is his top five point guards list before the playoff started, now he is top 3 or... maybe the best? I haven't seen Rondo's arsenal be stopped by any one in the league even LeBron James. Yes, LBJ shut him down scoring wise, but he still made things happen by creating space in the floor. In addition, Rondo is definitely a guy I would pay to see at Bradley Center and on my list of jerseys I would love to own. Also because the Celtic green is awesome.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thoughts From Game 1: Kobe's Rest, Look out for LO, Gasol's Respect
I think everyone I have talked to you enjoys the NBA were pretty excited for the series between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. I know that I am pumped for that one for a variety of reasons and it's one of those series where I am torn. I enjoy the Los Angeles Lakers because I consider myself someone who stands in Kobe's corner even though I would put LBJ ahead of him as best overall and who I probably built my team around (age reasons) but he is the best closer in the game, no one better. But I like Steve Nash plus a variety of others on the Suns. There are only a few teams I actually don't like which is the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz (except for Wes!), Chicago Bulls (sorta), and Cleveland Cavaliers
Anyways here are a few thoughts about last night blow out where the Lakers dominated 128-107 and if things continue this could be another quick series for the Lakers, which I think is a big reason L.A. is playing that much better. The Lakers have a variety of old and young players but I think they are a team who needs rest to regroup and it makes the team that much better.
Whose benefits the most out of this? Kobe Bryant, he looked tired against Oklahoma City, and then things seemed to get better against Utah, then last night Bryant dropped 40 pts (13/23) 5 5. He only shot 23 times, got to the line twelve times and basically lived up to the ill-advised Spike Lee documentary because Bryant did work. There is no one on the Suns who can keep up with a rested Kobe and that is a big fat rut-roh for the Suns.
Another rut-roh for the Suns is the play of Lamar Odom. We saw this last year in the Western Conference Championship and the NBA Finals. I devoted an entire post to him last year because LO was that damn good deep in the playoffs and he came up with a 19 and 19, abused Amar'e Stoudamire on the glass in Game 1 today. Odom is a type of guy who needs one good game and he appears to take off for the next couple of games. I expect some big things out of Odom in the coming weeks and the fact you can have a front line of 6'11 7'0 7'1 is just plain scary and no one in the NBA can stop that combination when they are playing like they did in Game 1.
When are we going to all agree that Pau Gasol is a top three power forward right now in the NBA? He plays pretty good defense and I believe he has washed off the reputation of being softer than Charmin inside the lane. I personally would love him on my team and I can only think of a couple big men that I would rather have on my team. I believe people don't like him because he yells alot, complains about calls, and looks like he lives outside of the Staples Center. I can't blame those people but you gotta give respect when it's due.
Finally, a quick thought on the Suns. They cannot have Steve Nash only shooting the ball twelve times and getting to the line only twice in a game. They need more out of Nash and he can exploit the Lakers in the lane with Derek Fisher inside. They can win the second game but they will need ten times a better defensive performance.
-Charlie.
Anyways here are a few thoughts about last night blow out where the Lakers dominated 128-107 and if things continue this could be another quick series for the Lakers, which I think is a big reason L.A. is playing that much better. The Lakers have a variety of old and young players but I think they are a team who needs rest to regroup and it makes the team that much better.
Whose benefits the most out of this? Kobe Bryant, he looked tired against Oklahoma City, and then things seemed to get better against Utah, then last night Bryant dropped 40 pts (13/23) 5 5. He only shot 23 times, got to the line twelve times and basically lived up to the ill-advised Spike Lee documentary because Bryant did work. There is no one on the Suns who can keep up with a rested Kobe and that is a big fat rut-roh for the Suns.
Another rut-roh for the Suns is the play of Lamar Odom. We saw this last year in the Western Conference Championship and the NBA Finals. I devoted an entire post to him last year because LO was that damn good deep in the playoffs and he came up with a 19 and 19, abused Amar'e Stoudamire on the glass in Game 1 today. Odom is a type of guy who needs one good game and he appears to take off for the next couple of games. I expect some big things out of Odom in the coming weeks and the fact you can have a front line of 6'11 7'0 7'1 is just plain scary and no one in the NBA can stop that combination when they are playing like they did in Game 1.
When are we going to all agree that Pau Gasol is a top three power forward right now in the NBA? He plays pretty good defense and I believe he has washed off the reputation of being softer than Charmin inside the lane. I personally would love him on my team and I can only think of a couple big men that I would rather have on my team. I believe people don't like him because he yells alot, complains about calls, and looks like he lives outside of the Staples Center. I can't blame those people but you gotta give respect when it's due.
Finally, a quick thought on the Suns. They cannot have Steve Nash only shooting the ball twelve times and getting to the line only twice in a game. They need more out of Nash and he can exploit the Lakers in the lane with Derek Fisher inside. They can win the second game but they will need ten times a better defensive performance.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not So Fast KD & Laker/Jazz Discussion
Everybody got very exciting including myself of what the Oklahoma City Thunder could do in the NBA Playoffs because of the play of Kevin Durant throughout the season. Then that all came crashing down to earth when their team had to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Western Conference NBA Playoff Picks
I am a bit late but still that doesn't matter. Honestly, pretty exciting times for me because I really have got myself into the NBA this season, the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the 16 teams in there, and I think the playoffs are WIIIIIDE OOOPENN. I think this will as unpredictable as ever.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Other than the Bucks, I am pretty pumped for this series because of the Durant-Kobe matchup and the youth of the Thunder could be a preview of things to come. I think the Thunder could push this series to the sixth or seventh game of this series but I do think they need to get one win in L.A. to really believe they can actually do it. The difference maker will be Russell Westbrook because he will be facing a washed-up Derek Fisher therefore he could run him all over the court throughout the series. I think the Lakers win but this will be a bloodbath for sure. LA in 7
4. Denver vs. 5. Utah- A series that could have been a lot better if the Jazz had Andrei Kirinlinko and you have to worry about Carlos Boozer's rib injury. The Jazz do have Deron Williams who has been playing out of this world lately and they have a mismatch with Chauncey Billups which they could expose. I hate to bet against Carmelo Anthony because I think he is one of the best late-game closer and continues to not get enough love by the national media. I think this will be a dogfight but the injuries of Utah pull me towards the Nugs. DEN in 7
3. Phoenix vs. 6.Portland- Once again, a better series if Brandon Roy was healthy. The Suns have arguably been the best team since the All-Star Break. I hate to bring it up like everyone else but Amar'e Stoudamire decided to play basketball again. He looks like a tyrant out there and will create problems for the Trailblazers. I will give Portland a game at home due to their rabid homecourt advantage but Steve Nash will take control of this one. PHX in 5
2. Dallas vs. 7. San Antonio- Two teams that have had some epic series in the past couple of years and I think this will be the proving point that the Spurs are indeed washed-up. I haven't seen anything from them that makes me think they can beat a much-improved Maverick team with the additions of Caron Butler and Brenden Haywood. BUT remember when I wrote how Butler/Haywood have not delivered results in the playoffs? Just keep that in mind if the Spurs find a way to win on in the Big D. I think both teams win at home then the Mavs get knocked out in the final two. DAL in 6
-Charlie.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Other than the Bucks, I am pretty pumped for this series because of the Durant-Kobe matchup and the youth of the Thunder could be a preview of things to come. I think the Thunder could push this series to the sixth or seventh game of this series but I do think they need to get one win in L.A. to really believe they can actually do it. The difference maker will be Russell Westbrook because he will be facing a washed-up Derek Fisher therefore he could run him all over the court throughout the series. I think the Lakers win but this will be a bloodbath for sure. LA in 7
4. Denver vs. 5. Utah- A series that could have been a lot better if the Jazz had Andrei Kirinlinko and you have to worry about Carlos Boozer's rib injury. The Jazz do have Deron Williams who has been playing out of this world lately and they have a mismatch with Chauncey Billups which they could expose. I hate to bet against Carmelo Anthony because I think he is one of the best late-game closer and continues to not get enough love by the national media. I think this will be a dogfight but the injuries of Utah pull me towards the Nugs. DEN in 7
3. Phoenix vs. 6.Portland- Once again, a better series if Brandon Roy was healthy. The Suns have arguably been the best team since the All-Star Break. I hate to bring it up like everyone else but Amar'e Stoudamire decided to play basketball again. He looks like a tyrant out there and will create problems for the Trailblazers. I will give Portland a game at home due to their rabid homecourt advantage but Steve Nash will take control of this one. PHX in 5
2. Dallas vs. 7. San Antonio- Two teams that have had some epic series in the past couple of years and I think this will be the proving point that the Spurs are indeed washed-up. I haven't seen anything from them that makes me think they can beat a much-improved Maverick team with the additions of Caron Butler and Brenden Haywood. BUT remember when I wrote how Butler/Haywood have not delivered results in the playoffs? Just keep that in mind if the Spurs find a way to win on in the Big D. I think both teams win at home then the Mavs get knocked out in the final two. DAL in 6
-Charlie.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Ramblings From an Average NBA Fan
I decided since we are two weeks away from the NBA Playoffs that I might as well write about something other than Major League Baseball getting going. I would consider myself average because I do not watch a random game who aren't the Milwaukee Buck so these are just a bunch of random thoughts about the season.
-I was impressed with the Bucks performance in a defeat against Cleveland. Take away that they lost, they showed the heart it will take to win on the road. This team can win in the first round and push a team in the second round. John Salmons is a complete game changer for the Bucks and if Brandon Jennings can shine in the playoffs... look out.
- I would like to buy stock in the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship but there is something about them that worries me. I can't explain yet and maybe I need to watch more of them to really form an opinion. The one thing I do know is LeBron James is playing head and shoulders above almost anyone in the league.
-Almost wrote about the Lakers' struggles this week, I do not think it's a good thing heading into the playoffs. I know teams especially in the NBA can turn it on whenever they want but still there appears to be a disconnect that wasn't there last year. Maybe Ron Artest who knows?
-I wonder when the national media will realize that Vince Carter will do the magic act of disappearing. I give 2 to 1 odds that happen, a notorious choke in the playoffs. The Magic could be saved by Matt Barnes, helluva a defender and a scrappy player.
-Does it bother anyone else that Robin Lopez and Joakim Noah are both intricate parts of their teams? Two of the most hated guys when in college, now needed parts on Chicago and Phoenix. In addition, the Suns will be in trouble come playoffs if Lopez isn't there.
-I do not want the Bucks to play Atlanta. I think they are as dangerous as any team in the Eastern Conference because they have bounds athleticism and they have Joe Johnson who seemingly hits every clutch shot possible.
-Another team I wouldn't want to play if I were an Eastern Conference team is the Bobcats. Larry Brown might not have many championships but he is known for deep runs. I think he has a nucleus of players that work for his system making them very dangerous. Even though most of the nation wouldn't be intrigued, I would love to see Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
-My vote for Rookie of the Year is Tyreke Evans. I would love to give it to Brandon Jennings because he is leading a playoff team right now but inconsistent nights do not garner an award. Evans has come with it, night in and night one.
-A subset of this, I love that Jennings has said publicly that basically he doesn't give a shit about the award and wants to lead this team in the playoffs a la Derrick Rose.
-Despite having former Marquette guard Wes Matthews, I just cannot pull for Utah. Wes is the only guy I liked straight out of college, couldn't stand Deron Williams or Carlos Boozer plus I never liked the Jazz when they were good in the nineties, cannot explain why.
-Now both guys haven't came out but there will be discussions about John Wall or Evan Turner. I think most in the lottery will take Wall but I feel if New Orleans/Utah (via New York) get that pick, they select Turner.
-Last thought I love the Russian Billionaire that is ready to own the New Jersey Nets. He seems like an awesome guy and I am submitting my resume to him so I can work for him plus get loads of Eastern European women.
-Charlie.
-I was impressed with the Bucks performance in a defeat against Cleveland. Take away that they lost, they showed the heart it will take to win on the road. This team can win in the first round and push a team in the second round. John Salmons is a complete game changer for the Bucks and if Brandon Jennings can shine in the playoffs... look out.
- I would like to buy stock in the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship but there is something about them that worries me. I can't explain yet and maybe I need to watch more of them to really form an opinion. The one thing I do know is LeBron James is playing head and shoulders above almost anyone in the league.
-Almost wrote about the Lakers' struggles this week, I do not think it's a good thing heading into the playoffs. I know teams especially in the NBA can turn it on whenever they want but still there appears to be a disconnect that wasn't there last year. Maybe Ron Artest who knows?
-I wonder when the national media will realize that Vince Carter will do the magic act of disappearing. I give 2 to 1 odds that happen, a notorious choke in the playoffs. The Magic could be saved by Matt Barnes, helluva a defender and a scrappy player.
-Does it bother anyone else that Robin Lopez and Joakim Noah are both intricate parts of their teams? Two of the most hated guys when in college, now needed parts on Chicago and Phoenix. In addition, the Suns will be in trouble come playoffs if Lopez isn't there.
-I do not want the Bucks to play Atlanta. I think they are as dangerous as any team in the Eastern Conference because they have bounds athleticism and they have Joe Johnson who seemingly hits every clutch shot possible.
-Another team I wouldn't want to play if I were an Eastern Conference team is the Bobcats. Larry Brown might not have many championships but he is known for deep runs. I think he has a nucleus of players that work for his system making them very dangerous. Even though most of the nation wouldn't be intrigued, I would love to see Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
-My vote for Rookie of the Year is Tyreke Evans. I would love to give it to Brandon Jennings because he is leading a playoff team right now but inconsistent nights do not garner an award. Evans has come with it, night in and night one.
-A subset of this, I love that Jennings has said publicly that basically he doesn't give a shit about the award and wants to lead this team in the playoffs a la Derrick Rose.
-Despite having former Marquette guard Wes Matthews, I just cannot pull for Utah. Wes is the only guy I liked straight out of college, couldn't stand Deron Williams or Carlos Boozer plus I never liked the Jazz when they were good in the nineties, cannot explain why.
-Now both guys haven't came out but there will be discussions about John Wall or Evan Turner. I think most in the lottery will take Wall but I feel if New Orleans/Utah (via New York) get that pick, they select Turner.
-Last thought I love the Russian Billionaire that is ready to own the New Jersey Nets. He seems like an awesome guy and I am submitting my resume to him so I can work for him plus get loads of Eastern European women.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
NBA Weekly: Ivo Back to Philly and Ron-Ron Loves Hennessy
Here is one of our favorite posts, which is the NBA Weekly. We usually take two NBA topics make them into one column to get to my readers faster. If you follow me on Twitter (/chuckscorner), a fan of Facebook (Chuck's Corner), or just like to read my stuff, thank you for it.
The Return of the Answer: For some reason everyone seems to be excited that Allen Iverson is returning to Philadelphia 76ers to relive the glory days where he once screamed about practice! We talkin' bout' practice!!! Sorry I had to do it one more time, always good to bring back. This isn't a good move for the team chemistry and once again, the Sixers are overrated. Elton Brand isn't playing well and the only real thing they have going for them is Andre Iguodala. Iverson will disrupt team chemistry... why? Because he always does, since Philly he hasn't gone to a team and not caused problems. Coming back to the City of Brotherly Love will make no difference. The Sixers realized they were losing money and decided they need more ticket money therefore bring back the hero of the early 2000s for the town. After the honeymoon is over in a couple weeks, people will realize that he is a shell of his former self.
Bless your Heart Ron: In my opinion, this tops the Tiger Woods scandal going on right now. Ron Artest admitted to drinking Hennessey during halftime of games while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Now most would be outraged but you know why I cannot? It's Ron Artest! Nothing this guy does surprises me anymore especially after the Michael Jackson Tribute and the Jimmy Kimmel Show. I probably should be more upset, but in all honesty, I think after the Malice in the Palace he truly turned his life around somewhat, still batshit crazy. Although a couple things I wonder about is how the hell does he play basketball after taking sips of Hennessey at halftime? I would love to see the splits from those years. "Oh look at those second-half numbers, Ron must have drunk a half a bottle!" It cannot be good and I do wonder if the drinking increases when the Bulls were getting blown out or winning big. Maybe Jamie Foxx was right.. Blame it on the Henny.
-Charlie.
The Return of the Answer: For some reason everyone seems to be excited that Allen Iverson is returning to Philadelphia 76ers to relive the glory days where he once screamed about practice! We talkin' bout' practice!!! Sorry I had to do it one more time, always good to bring back. This isn't a good move for the team chemistry and once again, the Sixers are overrated. Elton Brand isn't playing well and the only real thing they have going for them is Andre Iguodala. Iverson will disrupt team chemistry... why? Because he always does, since Philly he hasn't gone to a team and not caused problems. Coming back to the City of Brotherly Love will make no difference. The Sixers realized they were losing money and decided they need more ticket money therefore bring back the hero of the early 2000s for the town. After the honeymoon is over in a couple weeks, people will realize that he is a shell of his former self.
Bless your Heart Ron: In my opinion, this tops the Tiger Woods scandal going on right now. Ron Artest admitted to drinking Hennessey during halftime of games while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Now most would be outraged but you know why I cannot? It's Ron Artest! Nothing this guy does surprises me anymore especially after the Michael Jackson Tribute and the Jimmy Kimmel Show. I probably should be more upset, but in all honesty, I think after the Malice in the Palace he truly turned his life around somewhat, still batshit crazy. Although a couple things I wonder about is how the hell does he play basketball after taking sips of Hennessey at halftime? I would love to see the splits from those years. "Oh look at those second-half numbers, Ron must have drunk a half a bottle!" It cannot be good and I do wonder if the drinking increases when the Bulls were getting blown out or winning big. Maybe Jamie Foxx was right.. Blame it on the Henny.
-Charlie.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NBA Pacific Preview
Here the deal I am not going to give you another post on playoff predictions because its too early first off and second of all, I just am done with the NBA for awhile in terms of writing. I like it will be the Lakers-Celts again, I trust in KG's knee to stay healthy and I like the aggressiveness that Boston will play with all year. The Lakers just seem way too deep to be stopped in the postseason. In addition, watch out for the Spurs and Magic to make some noise though.
1. Los Angeles Lakers: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kobe Bryant, SF Ron Artest, PF Pau Gasol: OUTLOOK: You could added Lamar Odom, or Andrew Bynum to that list as well because like I said up top, they are so deep. It can be any of those five guys on a given night and I am beginning to really like the comparison of Dennis Rodman-Ron Artest with Phil Jackson. PREDICTION: 1st in the Western Conference.
2. Phoenix Suns: KEY PLAYERS: PG Steve Nash, PF Amare Stoudamire, SG Jason Richardson OUTLOOK: I love that this team can run again with guys listed above and I think Earl Clark will be a hell of a rookie for them too. I think they have a rebound year back in the playoffs. PREDICTION: 7th in the Western Conference.
3. Los Angeles Clippers: KEY PLAYERS: PG Baron Davis, PF Blake Griffin, SG Eric Gordon OUTLOOK: The Clips let me down last year playing like complete dogshit but Davis looks much more trim than last year plus when Griffin returns from injury, they will have a nice inside-outside game. PREDICTION: 8th in the Western Conference.
4. Golden State Warriors: KEY PLAYERS: SF Stephen Jackson, SG Monta Ellis, F Anthony Randolph OUTLOOK: People are real high on Randolph becoming an absolute stud and I think Jackson will be out of Golden State before November is over letting him take control of the team. They are a mess though and will continue to be all year. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
5. Sacramento Kings: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kevin Martin, PF Jason Thompson, PG Tyreke Evans OUTLOOK: Could be a very ugly season for the Kings and shooting for that top spot in the draft seems very likely. Martin is their only scorer and the rest do not do much for me. OUTLOOK: 14th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
1. Los Angeles Lakers: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kobe Bryant, SF Ron Artest, PF Pau Gasol: OUTLOOK: You could added Lamar Odom, or Andrew Bynum to that list as well because like I said up top, they are so deep. It can be any of those five guys on a given night and I am beginning to really like the comparison of Dennis Rodman-Ron Artest with Phil Jackson. PREDICTION: 1st in the Western Conference.
2. Phoenix Suns: KEY PLAYERS: PG Steve Nash, PF Amare Stoudamire, SG Jason Richardson OUTLOOK: I love that this team can run again with guys listed above and I think Earl Clark will be a hell of a rookie for them too. I think they have a rebound year back in the playoffs. PREDICTION: 7th in the Western Conference.
3. Los Angeles Clippers: KEY PLAYERS: PG Baron Davis, PF Blake Griffin, SG Eric Gordon OUTLOOK: The Clips let me down last year playing like complete dogshit but Davis looks much more trim than last year plus when Griffin returns from injury, they will have a nice inside-outside game. PREDICTION: 8th in the Western Conference.
4. Golden State Warriors: KEY PLAYERS: SF Stephen Jackson, SG Monta Ellis, F Anthony Randolph OUTLOOK: People are real high on Randolph becoming an absolute stud and I think Jackson will be out of Golden State before November is over letting him take control of the team. They are a mess though and will continue to be all year. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
5. Sacramento Kings: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kevin Martin, PF Jason Thompson, PG Tyreke Evans OUTLOOK: Could be a very ugly season for the Kings and shooting for that top spot in the draft seems very likely. Martin is their only scorer and the rest do not do much for me. OUTLOOK: 14th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Lamar Lands in LA
One of the biggest things in the NBA off season has came to end with the Los Angeles Lakers agreeing to a deal with Lamar Odom after it appeared that he was headed back with the Miami Heat. This for the Lakers was probably the biggest achievement of the off season.
We have talked about Odom a couple times on the blog and take away all the things that Kobe Bryant does... LO is the glue of the team. Despite what you think about Odom's antics with his love of the beach and gummy worms, LO does some great things on the boards, defense, and somewhat scoring wise. It also appears to me that Odom is one of the veteran leaders (Derek Fisher too) who will talk to you and explain to you whats going on in the Laker world. The big reason is I really dont believe that Kobe does all that shit therefore you have Odom.
Los Angeles has to breathe a sigh of a relief too because if they were lose Odom and Trevor Ariza would have been disastrous. The Lakers would have to find someone to fill the hole of Odom would have left and it wouldnt been anyone to Lamar's level.
The Lakers now look ready to make a title defense with their new acquisition Ron Artest who is high school friends with Odom leading to having a strong relationship on the court. I think you will see Artest-Odom combination on many parts of the floor.
-Charlie.
We have talked about Odom a couple times on the blog and take away all the things that Kobe Bryant does... LO is the glue of the team. Despite what you think about Odom's antics with his love of the beach and gummy worms, LO does some great things on the boards, defense, and somewhat scoring wise. It also appears to me that Odom is one of the veteran leaders (Derek Fisher too) who will talk to you and explain to you whats going on in the Laker world. The big reason is I really dont believe that Kobe does all that shit therefore you have Odom.
Los Angeles has to breathe a sigh of a relief too because if they were lose Odom and Trevor Ariza would have been disastrous. The Lakers would have to find someone to fill the hole of Odom would have left and it wouldnt been anyone to Lamar's level.
The Lakers now look ready to make a title defense with their new acquisition Ron Artest who is high school friends with Odom leading to having a strong relationship on the court. I think you will see Artest-Odom combination on many parts of the floor.
-Charlie.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
500 Post!!! and Big Trouble in La La Land with LO
First off this is the big 500 which means we are have way to 1000. Like I said in the BDay post we are trying to improve the blog in any way we can and I can only hope this takes off like I want it do. Lets go down to the story...
This is once again a big fat rut-roh for the city of Los Angeles (two in one week that some sort of a record especially that it is for two different teams in the same area yet same sport). The Lakers decided to pull their contract for Lamar Odom because neither side can come to a deal to agree on. That is big time trouble for the Lakers and I have no idea why Odom thinks he will get more money elsewhere.
We have joked a bunch about Odom's comment about loving being by a beach and the fact of the matter is he will not find that unless he goes to the Clippers or back to Miami where he got in a ton of trouble in South Beach. Therefore every other team in basketball believes he will be unhappy if goes to their team. He basically screwed himself the opportunity of a team taking a chance on him giving him for money then the Lakeshow.
The other thing that doesnt make sense about Odom is the fact of the matter that he seems to the suddle leader of the team. Yes Kobe Bryant is first in command but I think many of the guys on the team enjoy Odom's light humor. In addition, much was made about Ron Artest and him playing in the playgrounds in New York City and the fact they are good buddies. Why would you want to leave this city Lamar?
With all this being said, I cant really blame the Lakers for low-balling Odom. They dont have the money to pay what Odom wants although they expect him to understand in order to get back-to-back titles. If the Lakers dont have Odom next year, I think they become lower on the totem pole in the Western Conference with the Spurs being the best team there.
-Charlie.
This is once again a big fat rut-roh for the city of Los Angeles (two in one week that some sort of a record especially that it is for two different teams in the same area yet same sport). The Lakers decided to pull their contract for Lamar Odom because neither side can come to a deal to agree on. That is big time trouble for the Lakers and I have no idea why Odom thinks he will get more money elsewhere.
We have joked a bunch about Odom's comment about loving being by a beach and the fact of the matter is he will not find that unless he goes to the Clippers or back to Miami where he got in a ton of trouble in South Beach. Therefore every other team in basketball believes he will be unhappy if goes to their team. He basically screwed himself the opportunity of a team taking a chance on him giving him for money then the Lakeshow.
The other thing that doesnt make sense about Odom is the fact of the matter that he seems to the suddle leader of the team. Yes Kobe Bryant is first in command but I think many of the guys on the team enjoy Odom's light humor. In addition, much was made about Ron Artest and him playing in the playgrounds in New York City and the fact they are good buddies. Why would you want to leave this city Lamar?
With all this being said, I cant really blame the Lakers for low-balling Odom. They dont have the money to pay what Odom wants although they expect him to understand in order to get back-to-back titles. If the Lakers dont have Odom next year, I think they become lower on the totem pole in the Western Conference with the Spurs being the best team there.
-Charlie.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Ariza and Artest Trade Places
So earlier in the week I decided to blog the rumors that were going around the NBA and I myself thought that it was a sure thing that Ron Artest was going to Cleveland as did everyone else. I had a bunch of teams listed for Trevor Ariza but I loved the idea of him going to the Houston Rockets. Now we see Artest deciding to play in Los Angeles for the Lakers in where Ariza would play and Ariza will be playing in the place that Artest held court last year.
I think that Artest once again is a great fit for the Lakers because of the versatility that he brings to any team really. I said about Artest with LeBron James that because of his defense he will free up James to do a ton of things on offense and I feel the exact same way with Kobe Bryant. Artest will likely guard the top guy on the wing and Kobe will now guard the second best which would make Kobe's defense that much better. The Lakers have bolted back to the top of the charts with Artest/Kobe combination and now I feel that is inevitable that Lamar Odom will stay a Laker. The lineup of Fisher-Kobe-Artest-Odom-Gasol becomes the best lineup in the NBA right now. In addition, I think Los Angeles' chemistry will not be ruined by Artest because I think he is about right up there with intensity with Kobe which will bring a ton of fire to the Lakers. I really dont think Artest-Bryant will have in-house problems and think it will be a solid relationship.
Now on to Ariza, I said before that I was in favor of the Lakers keeping Ariza and letting Odom go play for someone else personally because of Ariza's young age. I also thought that Houston out of the five that were interested was the best spot for him. He will be the star of the show if Tracy McGrady isnt back in the beginning of the season (I think he should but who knows). The combo of T-Mac and Ariza on the wing isnt a bad 1-2 at all plus having Luis Scola in the middle will help out a ton. Not to forget that Aaron Brooks will be a year older where he is likely to have a break out year. I like the Rockets just as much as last year with those pieces.
-Charlie.
I think that Artest once again is a great fit for the Lakers because of the versatility that he brings to any team really. I said about Artest with LeBron James that because of his defense he will free up James to do a ton of things on offense and I feel the exact same way with Kobe Bryant. Artest will likely guard the top guy on the wing and Kobe will now guard the second best which would make Kobe's defense that much better. The Lakers have bolted back to the top of the charts with Artest/Kobe combination and now I feel that is inevitable that Lamar Odom will stay a Laker. The lineup of Fisher-Kobe-Artest-Odom-Gasol becomes the best lineup in the NBA right now. In addition, I think Los Angeles' chemistry will not be ruined by Artest because I think he is about right up there with intensity with Kobe which will bring a ton of fire to the Lakers. I really dont think Artest-Bryant will have in-house problems and think it will be a solid relationship.
Now on to Ariza, I said before that I was in favor of the Lakers keeping Ariza and letting Odom go play for someone else personally because of Ariza's young age. I also thought that Houston out of the five that were interested was the best spot for him. He will be the star of the show if Tracy McGrady isnt back in the beginning of the season (I think he should but who knows). The combo of T-Mac and Ariza on the wing isnt a bad 1-2 at all plus having Luis Scola in the middle will help out a ton. Not to forget that Aaron Brooks will be a year older where he is likely to have a break out year. I like the Rockets just as much as last year with those pieces.
-Charlie.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ariza Leaving LA?
I am sure I will have to update the next two posts tomorrow if news comes that either of these players left. But the Los Angeles Lakers wing Trevor Ariza is rumored to be done with Lakers because they are refusing to give him more than the mid-level salary which begins at 5.6 million dollars. I cannot say I disagree with Ariza looking at the suitors he has going for him but I will say this to the Lakers, you could be making a big mistake.
I was on the fence with the question of resigning Ariza or Lamar Odom for the most part although I reminded the Laker fans that Ariza is only twenty-four which means the sky is the limit. While Odom is thirty and a six-year deal means more cavities from the gummy bears plus an aging veteran when he is done. The other interesting aspect is there are rumors flying that the Lakers are interested in Rasheed Wallace which would spell the end of Odom's run in LA (I hate that idea for the Lakers, I couldnt picture Kobe-Sheed working out that well)
In the ESPN article they listed the potential buyers being Cleveland Caviliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers. I think Ariza would fit fine anywhere with the great combination of skills he has but he could really be a threat in Houston where according to what I'm hearing Ron Artest is done there (more to come on that). The other place I like for Ariza is Portland as he immerses into a young talent pool that is on the cusp of winning big and he brings some leadership despite his young age.
We will update Ariza's progress as the day goes on.
-Charlie.
I was on the fence with the question of resigning Ariza or Lamar Odom for the most part although I reminded the Laker fans that Ariza is only twenty-four which means the sky is the limit. While Odom is thirty and a six-year deal means more cavities from the gummy bears plus an aging veteran when he is done. The other interesting aspect is there are rumors flying that the Lakers are interested in Rasheed Wallace which would spell the end of Odom's run in LA (I hate that idea for the Lakers, I couldnt picture Kobe-Sheed working out that well)
In the ESPN article they listed the potential buyers being Cleveland Caviliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers. I think Ariza would fit fine anywhere with the great combination of skills he has but he could really be a threat in Houston where according to what I'm hearing Ron Artest is done there (more to come on that). The other place I like for Ariza is Portland as he immerses into a young talent pool that is on the cusp of winning big and he brings some leadership despite his young age.
We will update Ariza's progress as the day goes on.
-Charlie.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Kobe Bryant: Best Player of the Decade
Of course this argument was going to come up but that other than Shaquille O'Neal no one can agrue that Kobe Bryant isnt the best player of the last decade. He has done things that have seemed to amaze us time in and time out again. Now people would deny that he is the best because of the adultery that Bryant committed on his wife although his actions off the court shouldnt be taken away from what he does on the court.
Only in the 2003-04 season, Kobe didnt average over twenty-five points a game where he missed seventeen games with injury and when his team needed to be carried by only Bryant he was averaging over thirty points a game. To think that Kobe made the playoffs with his top five scorers in 2005-06 being Smush Parker and Chris Mihm is simply phenomenal. I compare Kobe to when the Packers had Brett Favre in the 90s. Favre didnt always have the best players to work with but somehow they made their way into the playoffs. I would agrue that Favre accomplishments were much better because only six teams get into the playoffs in a given year. Many people have do not see him as a leader but I personally think he is your typical hard-ass captain that doesnt take anyone's crap expecting the most out of everyone even if your name is Slava Medvadenko. He takes care of the all little things that his teammates fail to see.
To throw out some more stats that would give Kobe the title as the best in the past decade would be his stellar free-throw shooting that never went under eighty percent. The three point shooting went under 30% only once in (2001-02). People make a big deal about how Kobe never passes the ball but the stats would show that he only has slipped below five per game in two seasons being this year and 2005-06. In addition even though he was down this year, only in game five Kobe didnt have eight assists in the NBA Finals.
The final big thing about Kobe is his big-game clutch moments. I wish when the fourth quarter began, Enter Sandman by Metalica would come on because Kobe reminds me of a closer in MLB ready to shut down any team he is playing. Carry on the Favre comparison when the fourt quarter happens that was when we had our vintage Favre highlights and I think we get that with Kobe Bryant as well. No one in the game is better in the fourth quarter than Kobe.
I know there are alot you reading this who cannot stand Kobe and wished he would go away for a long time. I just hope that you all respect what he has done in the past ten years and has made the NBA much stronger by his play in the regular/post season.
-Charlie.
Only in the 2003-04 season, Kobe didnt average over twenty-five points a game where he missed seventeen games with injury and when his team needed to be carried by only Bryant he was averaging over thirty points a game. To think that Kobe made the playoffs with his top five scorers in 2005-06 being Smush Parker and Chris Mihm is simply phenomenal. I compare Kobe to when the Packers had Brett Favre in the 90s. Favre didnt always have the best players to work with but somehow they made their way into the playoffs. I would agrue that Favre accomplishments were much better because only six teams get into the playoffs in a given year. Many people have do not see him as a leader but I personally think he is your typical hard-ass captain that doesnt take anyone's crap expecting the most out of everyone even if your name is Slava Medvadenko. He takes care of the all little things that his teammates fail to see.
To throw out some more stats that would give Kobe the title as the best in the past decade would be his stellar free-throw shooting that never went under eighty percent. The three point shooting went under 30% only once in (2001-02). People make a big deal about how Kobe never passes the ball but the stats would show that he only has slipped below five per game in two seasons being this year and 2005-06. In addition even though he was down this year, only in game five Kobe didnt have eight assists in the NBA Finals.
The final big thing about Kobe is his big-game clutch moments. I wish when the fourth quarter began, Enter Sandman by Metalica would come on because Kobe reminds me of a closer in MLB ready to shut down any team he is playing. Carry on the Favre comparison when the fourt quarter happens that was when we had our vintage Favre highlights and I think we get that with Kobe Bryant as well. No one in the game is better in the fourth quarter than Kobe.
I know there are alot you reading this who cannot stand Kobe and wished he would go away for a long time. I just hope that you all respect what he has done in the past ten years and has made the NBA much stronger by his play in the regular/post season.
-Charlie.
Lakers Take Home #15
When we started this playoff journey, everyone argue mercifully whether it would be the Los Angeles Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs ended up folding more than origami in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Lakers seemed like a team who wanted to turn it on every once in awhile during the first two playoff series. Then when game five rolled around against the Denver Nuggets, it seemed like the Lakers were destined to win this NBA Finals.
We are devoting another article to Kobe Bryant so we will not mention much on Bryant in this one although his performance was awesome. The one thing that everyone said needed to happen was the presence of Lamar Odom. He played great starting with that pivotal game five I mentioned already. He was doing everything for the Lakers with strong offensive rebounds and creates mismatches for every team. The Magic looked absolutely lost trying to guard Odom.
The other guy that deserves a ton of credit, Trevor Ariza. To think that the Magic traded Ariza for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. It seems like he is going to be a player that is ready to take off only being twenty-three years old who can play defense better than most players in the NBA. In addition, he can shoot the three and take it to rim which is something that not all can do.
Now the big question is who do the Lakers resign with both Ariza and Odom being free agents... Some people feel that Kobe will opt-out of his contract to take lesser money therefore Ariza and Odom can both sign for the money that they deserve. If they had to go with one player it should be Ariza because he only twenty-three years old ready to have a blow up season. Even though Odom is only twenty-nine years old, he will probably want six years leading to by the last year of his deal Odom is the ripe age of thirty-five. I think its a complete no-brainer but if they have the opportunity to keep both, they should.
On to America's heart breakers Orlando Magic, I think that we all agree that a sweet combination of Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard's inability to play offense that cost the Magic getting at least two games. SVG got off to a horrible start by destroying chemistry by deciding to play Jameer Nelson and sending Rafer Alston in a complete tailspin for the rest of the series possibly next year figuring how much of a headcase Alston is. Also playing JJ Redick twenty-seven minutes and only play Courtney Lee twelve minutes makes no sense at all when Redick has been lost the entire NBA Playoffs.
Now on to Superman, Howard proved to the world why he still isnt there on the offense end all throughout the series. Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol babied Howard throughout these Finals. This was proven by Howard utter frustration by having five plus turnovers during most of the Finals. He needs a jump-hook or a turn-around jumper something that will make a difference on the offense end. My buddy Seth feels that Patrick Ewing as a coach for the Magic will help out Howard although I am starting wonder if Ewing is that good of a coach. It has proven many times that a great player doesnt make a good coach.
The final word congratulations to Phil Jackson who won his 10th title where yes he has had great players but still he created one of the best offense creations in the triangle. Congrats Phil.
-Charlie.
We are devoting another article to Kobe Bryant so we will not mention much on Bryant in this one although his performance was awesome. The one thing that everyone said needed to happen was the presence of Lamar Odom. He played great starting with that pivotal game five I mentioned already. He was doing everything for the Lakers with strong offensive rebounds and creates mismatches for every team. The Magic looked absolutely lost trying to guard Odom.
The other guy that deserves a ton of credit, Trevor Ariza. To think that the Magic traded Ariza for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. It seems like he is going to be a player that is ready to take off only being twenty-three years old who can play defense better than most players in the NBA. In addition, he can shoot the three and take it to rim which is something that not all can do.
Now the big question is who do the Lakers resign with both Ariza and Odom being free agents... Some people feel that Kobe will opt-out of his contract to take lesser money therefore Ariza and Odom can both sign for the money that they deserve. If they had to go with one player it should be Ariza because he only twenty-three years old ready to have a blow up season. Even though Odom is only twenty-nine years old, he will probably want six years leading to by the last year of his deal Odom is the ripe age of thirty-five. I think its a complete no-brainer but if they have the opportunity to keep both, they should.
On to America's heart breakers Orlando Magic, I think that we all agree that a sweet combination of Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard's inability to play offense that cost the Magic getting at least two games. SVG got off to a horrible start by destroying chemistry by deciding to play Jameer Nelson and sending Rafer Alston in a complete tailspin for the rest of the series possibly next year figuring how much of a headcase Alston is. Also playing JJ Redick twenty-seven minutes and only play Courtney Lee twelve minutes makes no sense at all when Redick has been lost the entire NBA Playoffs.
Now on to Superman, Howard proved to the world why he still isnt there on the offense end all throughout the series. Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol babied Howard throughout these Finals. This was proven by Howard utter frustration by having five plus turnovers during most of the Finals. He needs a jump-hook or a turn-around jumper something that will make a difference on the offense end. My buddy Seth feels that Patrick Ewing as a coach for the Magic will help out Howard although I am starting wonder if Ewing is that good of a coach. It has proven many times that a great player doesnt make a good coach.
The final word congratulations to Phil Jackson who won his 10th title where yes he has had great players but still he created one of the best offense creations in the triangle. Congrats Phil.
-Charlie.
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