I have to admit I was pretty upset to learn that Chris Paul wanted out of New Orleans after one disappointing year and gave his personal wish list of places he would like to play. Honestly, it couldn't have made me more mad because I am old school in terms of loyalty, I like it when it happens but I also understand that it's a business more than I like to believe.
So today when I heard from ESPN and others that Paul seemed extremely positive after the meeting with the management after he acted as if he didn't want to be apart of the Nola, he had this to say...
"I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come."
I am glad Paul went that route because even though New Orleans doesn't clutch on him as much as they did before the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl victory, they still need Paul. That arena and the team will die faster than anything going on in Cleveland right now and once again, kill professional basketball in the state of Louisiana.
Paul worried that New Orleans couldn't win with the team they have and honestly, I don't see it. I think the Western Conference isn't as strong as it's been in years past. If Paul can stay healthy, the Hornets will find themselves in the playoffs. They have good veterans like Peja Stojakovic, David West, Emeka Okafor and James Posey. Not to mention, two talented young guys who came on strong last season-Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison. The lineup of Paul-Thornton-Peja-West-Okafor would not be a bad one to make a playoff run with a couple guys contributing off their bench.
In my opinion, Paul wanted what his buddy LeBron James just got. All the attention in the world and a great, not a good team around him so he could win right now. I have no idea if Paul realized that leaving New Orleans isn't a good move right now or that he just isn't ready to move on from the team who drafted him.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
2. LeBron's Legacy Doesn't Exist
A reader, Green Bay asked me to comment on LeBron James' legacy and since I am a whore to my readers, I absolutely will do this for him. I have had a long time to look at it and I have come to my conclusion. He is never going to compared with Michael Jordan/Henry Aaron/Joe Montana/Wayne Gretzky any of 'the greatest of all time.'
He will be in the category of Bo Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Julius Erving, Deion Sanders, Eric Lindros, and Ken Griffey Jr. Also you wonder why I put Deion in there is because he is in the freak athlete category of guys we will probably not see for another fifteen to twenty years. These guys are all uber athletes who could have been the greatest of all time at their sport but they never lived up to the potential that everybody wanted them to be.
LeBron will never be the greatest of all time. I cannot call the guy the greatest who wanted to play with his buddy instead of kicking his ass. Would Jordan had wanted to come to Phoenix to play with Charles Barkley? Hell no, he wanted to kicks Chuck's ass every time they played and we would have never seen Magic Johnson/Larry Bird together. There is no hate in the NBA anymore, Kobe is so old school compared to these other jokers in the league because he is the only one with the serial killer look in his eyes. Dwyane Wade doesn't have that look nor does LeBron.
He latched on to the Heat because LeBron did not want to be Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, or Dan Marino of great players who never win a title. LeBron couldn't deal with that so he jettisoned to a place where he and his tremendous PR team believed that would happen. If LeBron was like Kobe, he would have said, "You know what who cares about Donald Sterling, I am joining the Clippers and battling Kobe Bryant out for the Staples Center for six months." Honestly had he decided to join the Clips, I would have been a LeBron fan. As Vince McMahon says, "LeBron doesn't have the grapefruits to do anything like that."
The one thing that told me LeBron hated pressure like A-Rod and others before him was the comment "It will be really nice to not have to score 30 points a game." I think Kobe goes on a Mel Gibson-like rant when he doesn't get his 30 so for Bron to tell people he doesn't want to score like that makes absolutely no sense. To me, that is the quote that I will point out and tell you that he doesn't want it as much as others before.
He is like the kids we all knew in high school who had all the talents in the world but never worked hard enough to reach their full potential. They let everybody tell them how good they were and they never tried to be better than what they were. Nobody ever told them they were wrong or that is a bad idea. LeBron needs that person and sadly, he will never get that.
-Charlie.
He will be in the category of Bo Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Julius Erving, Deion Sanders, Eric Lindros, and Ken Griffey Jr. Also you wonder why I put Deion in there is because he is in the freak athlete category of guys we will probably not see for another fifteen to twenty years. These guys are all uber athletes who could have been the greatest of all time at their sport but they never lived up to the potential that everybody wanted them to be.
LeBron will never be the greatest of all time. I cannot call the guy the greatest who wanted to play with his buddy instead of kicking his ass. Would Jordan had wanted to come to Phoenix to play with Charles Barkley? Hell no, he wanted to kicks Chuck's ass every time they played and we would have never seen Magic Johnson/Larry Bird together. There is no hate in the NBA anymore, Kobe is so old school compared to these other jokers in the league because he is the only one with the serial killer look in his eyes. Dwyane Wade doesn't have that look nor does LeBron.
He latched on to the Heat because LeBron did not want to be Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, or Dan Marino of great players who never win a title. LeBron couldn't deal with that so he jettisoned to a place where he and his tremendous PR team believed that would happen. If LeBron was like Kobe, he would have said, "You know what who cares about Donald Sterling, I am joining the Clippers and battling Kobe Bryant out for the Staples Center for six months." Honestly had he decided to join the Clips, I would have been a LeBron fan. As Vince McMahon says, "LeBron doesn't have the grapefruits to do anything like that."
The one thing that told me LeBron hated pressure like A-Rod and others before him was the comment "It will be really nice to not have to score 30 points a game." I think Kobe goes on a Mel Gibson-like rant when he doesn't get his 30 so for Bron to tell people he doesn't want to score like that makes absolutely no sense. To me, that is the quote that I will point out and tell you that he doesn't want it as much as others before.
He is like the kids we all knew in high school who had all the talents in the world but never worked hard enough to reach their full potential. They let everybody tell them how good they were and they never tried to be better than what they were. Nobody ever told them they were wrong or that is a bad idea. LeBron needs that person and sadly, he will never get that.
-Charlie.
4. The Michael Myers of the NBA
One of the bigger questions going on right now is bringing three of the bigger names of the NBA to one team a good thing? I have wonder the same thing, and honestly it is good for one big time reason... we finally have a villain in the NBA.
If you think about the NFL, NHL, College Football/Basketball, and MLB have hated teams that nobody can stand (Cowboys, Red Wings, Fightin' Irish, Wildcats, Yankees). The NBA hasn't had that since Detroit's Bad Boys teams who did some classless things throughout their years. It could be argued the 90s New York Knicks also were a hated team, and that the Los Angles Lakers have always been hated. As much as when LeBron James signed, I thought many people would begin their jump to the bandwagon because of James. I do not think that is happening like I thought it would.
People who didn't mind James really do not like him anymore. Everyone talks about how much of a 'douche' he was about the whole process and that they cannot stand the Heat. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the backlash for a team who just brought back Dwyane Wade, and brought in Chris Bosh/James. This team had to well-liked but they vaulted the Lakers as the number hated team.
This will be a team that when they go to opposing arenas, the chorus of boos will rain down on them like if it was a monsoon. I couldn't imagine some of the people who supported James through the years will be on his side this year. In addition, can someone clarify if James does his powder toss on the road? If so, fans should ask their management to not allow James to do that as another big FU.
People love to say "God I am really glad the Yankees/Cowboys/Fightin Irish are sucking, it just puts a smile on my face when they lose." A lot of people including myself will be happy when the Heat lose even though they have a Marquette graduate on the team, no one wants see a super team succeed. Finally, DWade has his ring, why does LeBron need one too?
-Charlie.
If you think about the NFL, NHL, College Football/Basketball, and MLB have hated teams that nobody can stand (Cowboys, Red Wings, Fightin' Irish, Wildcats, Yankees). The NBA hasn't had that since Detroit's Bad Boys teams who did some classless things throughout their years. It could be argued the 90s New York Knicks also were a hated team, and that the Los Angles Lakers have always been hated. As much as when LeBron James signed, I thought many people would begin their jump to the bandwagon because of James. I do not think that is happening like I thought it would.
People who didn't mind James really do not like him anymore. Everyone talks about how much of a 'douche' he was about the whole process and that they cannot stand the Heat. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the backlash for a team who just brought back Dwyane Wade, and brought in Chris Bosh/James. This team had to well-liked but they vaulted the Lakers as the number hated team.
This will be a team that when they go to opposing arenas, the chorus of boos will rain down on them like if it was a monsoon. I couldn't imagine some of the people who supported James through the years will be on his side this year. In addition, can someone clarify if James does his powder toss on the road? If so, fans should ask their management to not allow James to do that as another big FU.
People love to say "God I am really glad the Yankees/Cowboys/Fightin Irish are sucking, it just puts a smile on my face when they lose." A lot of people including myself will be happy when the Heat lose even though they have a Marquette graduate on the team, no one wants see a super team succeed. Finally, DWade has his ring, why does LeBron need one too?
-Charlie.
5. Cleveland Still Hungover From The Decision
I realize this is a few days late but I already explained my situation. I cannot help but think that Cleveland is still hurting from Thursday night even though they signed Kyle Lowry today. I can understand somewhat Cavs fans of what you are going through right now. I don't believe I am on your level of grieving but I truly do get what is going on. It's an uber reality where you believe it's a sports nightmare where you might have been the only one happy for 12 hour coverage of George Steinbrenner today because you didn't have to see LeBron.
The wheels began to turn on this when your friend Eric asked the Sports Guy on Twitter, what is a bigger slap in the face: LBJ leaving Cleveland or Brett Favre leaving Green Bay for Minnesota. I thought about this for awhile because I knew Simmons probably wouldn't tweet Eric back. I had trouble coming with a decision and had to remind myself how mad I was about the Brett Favre to Minnesota thing last season.
What's funny is I told people that LeBron was much worse but then looking back on the Favre thing, I couldn't have been more mad. I really had so much hate in my stomach that week, that first game the Minnesota Viking plays, and the first game against Favre. Then when the Packers got swept, and lost the division, I felt like I needed to drink 50 beers to swallow the pain.
But what I haven't dealt with it is none of my three local teams never winning a championship for the city. Since 1948, there hasn't been a victory parade in the city of Cleveland. At least I have the Packers 97' Super Bowl to go off and I can be content knowing I saw one championship in my lifetime while some fans have never seen one. It's not just that Cleveland has a bunch of shitty teams for years upon years (right now all three are awful). The Fumble, The Drive, Jose Mesa, and the two LeBron choke jobs are all examples of the pain this city has felt without winning one championship.
The LeBron's choice to leave for Miami hurt more than Favre because this dealt blow for the Cleveland fan base to win championship or even have a competitive team. The Packers went to the playoffs when Favre went to Minnesota and we had a star in Aaron Rodgers. The Cavs have none of that, I mean who they look to... Antwan Jamison? That is about it for the Cavs and let's not forget, LeBron is from Ohio. I wrote two weeks ago that LeBron didn't care about the city for the franchises he adored in other sports. I think that point made it clear when LeBron decide to announce on national television that he would leave Cleveland for South Beach.
An Ohio kid basically told the state that it was too small for him and he needed to move on to create new memories. He didn't care about the history of Cleveland ever and for that I am sorry to the fans who believed that. I am sorry that you had a selfish basketball player even though your ownership should shoulder more blame than they actually have. Cleveland weeps again and hopefully they will find a championship in something before I turn 50.
-Charlie.
The wheels began to turn on this when your friend Eric asked the Sports Guy on Twitter, what is a bigger slap in the face: LBJ leaving Cleveland or Brett Favre leaving Green Bay for Minnesota. I thought about this for awhile because I knew Simmons probably wouldn't tweet Eric back. I had trouble coming with a decision and had to remind myself how mad I was about the Brett Favre to Minnesota thing last season.
What's funny is I told people that LeBron was much worse but then looking back on the Favre thing, I couldn't have been more mad. I really had so much hate in my stomach that week, that first game the Minnesota Viking plays, and the first game against Favre. Then when the Packers got swept, and lost the division, I felt like I needed to drink 50 beers to swallow the pain.
But what I haven't dealt with it is none of my three local teams never winning a championship for the city. Since 1948, there hasn't been a victory parade in the city of Cleveland. At least I have the Packers 97' Super Bowl to go off and I can be content knowing I saw one championship in my lifetime while some fans have never seen one. It's not just that Cleveland has a bunch of shitty teams for years upon years (right now all three are awful). The Fumble, The Drive, Jose Mesa, and the two LeBron choke jobs are all examples of the pain this city has felt without winning one championship.
The LeBron's choice to leave for Miami hurt more than Favre because this dealt blow for the Cleveland fan base to win championship or even have a competitive team. The Packers went to the playoffs when Favre went to Minnesota and we had a star in Aaron Rodgers. The Cavs have none of that, I mean who they look to... Antwan Jamison? That is about it for the Cavs and let's not forget, LeBron is from Ohio. I wrote two weeks ago that LeBron didn't care about the city for the franchises he adored in other sports. I think that point made it clear when LeBron decide to announce on national television that he would leave Cleveland for South Beach.
An Ohio kid basically told the state that it was too small for him and he needed to move on to create new memories. He didn't care about the history of Cleveland ever and for that I am sorry to the fans who believed that. I am sorry that you had a selfish basketball player even though your ownership should shoulder more blame than they actually have. Cleveland weeps again and hopefully they will find a championship in something before I turn 50.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
7. Boozer Doesn't Scare Me
All weekend I was around a couple Bulls fans who were depressed about losing out on LeBron James and I tried to lighten the mood by saying "HEY, at least you got Boozer!"
They liked the deal and still believe they can be the third or fourth best team in the NBA. I also liked the deal because Boozer is a double-double machine that is a tough nose defender and they have a formidable front line. Not to mention, they also added Kyle Korver for some three-point shooting and with the Cavs probably out of the picture, people are penciling them into the Central Division. But what about the Milwaukee Bucks?
I think this year will be the first year of a long going rivalry between the Bulls-Bucks, much in the way we as Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites hate the Chicago Cubs. The reason why some people do not have the same animosity for the Bulls is Michael Jordan. So many 18-25 year olds growing up were huge Jordan supporters therefore they jumped on the Bulls bandwagon and I have heard guys tell me "Still have something in my heart for the Bulls due to the Jordan years." This goes out the window this year.
The Bulls now have two of the biggest whiners in the middle with Joakim Noah/Carlos Boozer. Both of those guys bitch more than any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo. They complain about calls and they're over-the-top emotional when they do well. Granted, I would love them both if they played for the Bucks but that's not the point. Chicago will be a playoff team and a top 5 team in the East, although in my opinion, they will probably play Milwaukee in the first round.
I think these two teams are the fourth and fifth best teams in the Eastern Conference. Both have key role players that will be big parts of the team. In addition,the Bulls probably have the only star with Derrick Rose (can't s say Brandon Jennings yet but he could be there during this season) will probably be a time and a half better than last season. It's tough for me to say which team is better right now, maybe the Bulls due to the Rose factor. Still the Deer needs to feared.
-Charlie.
They liked the deal and still believe they can be the third or fourth best team in the NBA. I also liked the deal because Boozer is a double-double machine that is a tough nose defender and they have a formidable front line. Not to mention, they also added Kyle Korver for some three-point shooting and with the Cavs probably out of the picture, people are penciling them into the Central Division. But what about the Milwaukee Bucks?
I think this year will be the first year of a long going rivalry between the Bulls-Bucks, much in the way we as Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites hate the Chicago Cubs. The reason why some people do not have the same animosity for the Bulls is Michael Jordan. So many 18-25 year olds growing up were huge Jordan supporters therefore they jumped on the Bulls bandwagon and I have heard guys tell me "Still have something in my heart for the Bulls due to the Jordan years." This goes out the window this year.
The Bulls now have two of the biggest whiners in the middle with Joakim Noah/Carlos Boozer. Both of those guys bitch more than any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo. They complain about calls and they're over-the-top emotional when they do well. Granted, I would love them both if they played for the Bucks but that's not the point. Chicago will be a playoff team and a top 5 team in the East, although in my opinion, they will probably play Milwaukee in the first round.
I think these two teams are the fourth and fifth best teams in the Eastern Conference. Both have key role players that will be big parts of the team. In addition,the Bulls probably have the only star with Derrick Rose (can't s say Brandon Jennings yet but he could be there during this season) will probably be a time and a half better than last season. It's tough for me to say which team is better right now, maybe the Bulls due to the Rose factor. Still the Deer needs to feared.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I Got 99 Problems, But LeBron Aint One.
If you read this blog consistently, you learn a couple things... I make obscure pop culture references, I really suck at grammar, and I am not the biggest LeBron fan like most 18-25 year olds. I cannot believe I came to his defense after people made it the cool thing to hate LeBron James after Game 2 of the Boston Celtics series because after the shit he pulled today, he deserves to be booed around America for whatever franchise he plays for.
It went something like this... "Hi, LeBron would like to announce his decision on ESPN like he is a high school player and going to put on the hat of the lucky team." And you are going to watch like little minions because everybody loves LeBron James outside of Los Angeles where anally-denied guy still plays."
I really wish I could have a 60 minute argument with the guy who loves LeBron James like an eleven year old girl who loves Justin Bieber about this chaos my roommate Bert aka Debbie Downer. I wonder what he would say when I would tell him that once again I was right. I told him in February that LeBron James will become Tiger Woods where everybody bows down on their knees loving everything he does and blowing his ego like Pam did Tommy Lee. But you know what the difference is between these two people...
Tiger Woods was the man because he won every tournament in sight, nobody wanted to be in the final group with him, and railed anything in sight. Has anyone ever been scared to face LeBron in a Game 7? Nope. Has LeBron won an NBA Final Game? Nope. Did he have his best performance of the playoffs against an aging Detroit Piston team? Yup. Is he the best regular season player we've seen since Karl Malone? Yup Does this dime piece have more rings than LeBrick? Yup. People cannot keep giving this guy credit for his regular season accomplishments can they? I have asked way too many questions about the topic but you get my point by now.
This guy is a self-absorbed egomanic who lives for seeing his name as a trending topic on Twitter. A guy whose Twitter handle is King James and of course I follow him because I just want to see what kind of shit he will say about the oil spill, Iraq, Arizona immigration, and other things that are important.As Jason Whitlock put it today, "Did Jordan ever call himself "Air Jordan" or did he allow us 2 call him Air? LeBron calling himself King James is a joke. We created monster." Alot of people hate Whitlock but goddamnit, he was dead on today about James. Same goes for Buzz Bissinger the guy who wrote a book with LBJ and he didn't shy away from calling LeBron 'douche juice.' I couldn't of said it better than myself.
I really hope that even the truest LeBron supporters will stop buying what he sells. I respect the fact the man plays basketball unlike anyone else ever has. I think he might be the best dunker of all time (yet won't join the Dunk Contest, go figure) but I still think he is a shitty teammate. But Chuck, he gets 8 assists a game thats amazing!!!! OMFG... Well little Berty when you have the ball 80 percent of the time, you are able to fill up a stat book.
LeBron is the definition of what's wrong with most of the media today... Make a person into some kind of superhero who cannot be stopped or does nothing wrong in his life therefore he never gets called out on his bullshit. Then when the shit hits the fan (it always does with these types), the media has no idea who to spin the story in favor of the ego-riddled superstar leading to them looking like big time assholes.
I will finish our lesson with Kanye West, a guy who owns up to his ego and acknowledges it with this one.. "I wanna act ballerific like it's all terrific. I got a couple past due bills, I won't get specific. I got a problem with spending before I get it. We all self conscious I'm just the first to admit it".
-Charlie.
It went something like this... "Hi, LeBron would like to announce his decision on ESPN like he is a high school player and going to put on the hat of the lucky team." And you are going to watch like little minions because everybody loves LeBron James outside of Los Angeles where anally-denied guy still plays."
I really wish I could have a 60 minute argument with the guy who loves LeBron James like an eleven year old girl who loves Justin Bieber about this chaos my roommate Bert aka Debbie Downer. I wonder what he would say when I would tell him that once again I was right. I told him in February that LeBron James will become Tiger Woods where everybody bows down on their knees loving everything he does and blowing his ego like Pam did Tommy Lee. But you know what the difference is between these two people...
Tiger Woods was the man because he won every tournament in sight, nobody wanted to be in the final group with him, and railed anything in sight. Has anyone ever been scared to face LeBron in a Game 7? Nope. Has LeBron won an NBA Final Game? Nope. Did he have his best performance of the playoffs against an aging Detroit Piston team? Yup. Is he the best regular season player we've seen since Karl Malone? Yup Does this dime piece have more rings than LeBrick? Yup. People cannot keep giving this guy credit for his regular season accomplishments can they? I have asked way too many questions about the topic but you get my point by now.
This guy is a self-absorbed egomanic who lives for seeing his name as a trending topic on Twitter. A guy whose Twitter handle is King James and of course I follow him because I just want to see what kind of shit he will say about the oil spill, Iraq, Arizona immigration, and other things that are important.As Jason Whitlock put it today, "Did Jordan ever call himself "Air Jordan" or did he allow us 2 call him Air? LeBron calling himself King James is a joke. We created monster." Alot of people hate Whitlock but goddamnit, he was dead on today about James. Same goes for Buzz Bissinger the guy who wrote a book with LBJ and he didn't shy away from calling LeBron 'douche juice.' I couldn't of said it better than myself.
I really hope that even the truest LeBron supporters will stop buying what he sells. I respect the fact the man plays basketball unlike anyone else ever has. I think he might be the best dunker of all time (yet won't join the Dunk Contest, go figure) but I still think he is a shitty teammate. But Chuck, he gets 8 assists a game thats amazing!!!! OMFG... Well little Berty when you have the ball 80 percent of the time, you are able to fill up a stat book.
LeBron is the definition of what's wrong with most of the media today... Make a person into some kind of superhero who cannot be stopped or does nothing wrong in his life therefore he never gets called out on his bullshit. Then when the shit hits the fan (it always does with these types), the media has no idea who to spin the story in favor of the ego-riddled superstar leading to them looking like big time assholes.
I will finish our lesson with Kanye West, a guy who owns up to his ego and acknowledges it with this one.. "I wanna act ballerific like it's all terrific. I got a couple past due bills, I won't get specific. I got a problem with spending before I get it. We all self conscious I'm just the first to admit it".
-Charlie.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Big Rotten Apple
The Knicks finally made their splash after long years of dealing with Isiah Thomas' awesome signings throughout the years, James Dolan being a part of the Batshit Owners Union, and the movie Eddie. But I think the signing of Amar'e Stoudemire might not help the cause of bringing a title back to Madison Square Garden or even the playoffs.
People seem to forget a couple things about Stoudemire... like the fact he has mircofracture surgery and that he mailed in the season until the team floated his name around in trade talks then all the sudden, Amar'e looks inspired. Not to mention, he doesn't play defense whatsoever which is perfect for the Knicks system who allows about 110 points a game.
I will give you guys the bright side of Stoudemire and why the Knicks could prove me wrong by signing him. Except for the year he tore up his knee, he has averaged above 20 a game and almost 9 rebounds a game. He also has been developing a 'KG'-like shot from the elbow. Stoudemire has shown a great ability to run the court with a great point guard. Wait.. the Knicks don't have a point guard?
Steve Nash will not be there for Stoudemire and that is another big problem for him. He will not get the same amount of paint touches and the fast break dunks/alley oops that he was so use to throughout the years in the Valley of the Sun. A lot like in the NFL where some players are only as good as their quarterback, I believe you can say the same thing about post players in NBA with good point guards.
Stoudemire is a young player with bad knees already and yes if he gets LeBron James, it will be a different story. But I do not think he is that much of a game changer for the Knicks if he is the only piece of the puzzle they will add. He has never shown flashes of being an MVP-caliber player so why should think any differently?
-Charlie.
People seem to forget a couple things about Stoudemire... like the fact he has mircofracture surgery and that he mailed in the season until the team floated his name around in trade talks then all the sudden, Amar'e looks inspired. Not to mention, he doesn't play defense whatsoever which is perfect for the Knicks system who allows about 110 points a game.
I will give you guys the bright side of Stoudemire and why the Knicks could prove me wrong by signing him. Except for the year he tore up his knee, he has averaged above 20 a game and almost 9 rebounds a game. He also has been developing a 'KG'-like shot from the elbow. Stoudemire has shown a great ability to run the court with a great point guard. Wait.. the Knicks don't have a point guard?
Steve Nash will not be there for Stoudemire and that is another big problem for him. He will not get the same amount of paint touches and the fast break dunks/alley oops that he was so use to throughout the years in the Valley of the Sun. A lot like in the NFL where some players are only as good as their quarterback, I believe you can say the same thing about post players in NBA with good point guards.
Stoudemire is a young player with bad knees already and yes if he gets LeBron James, it will be a different story. But I do not think he is that much of a game changer for the Knicks if he is the only piece of the puzzle they will add. He has never shown flashes of being an MVP-caliber player so why should think any differently?
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Need for Sheed
I know a couple of guys who really having a dying love for Rasheed Wallace. My love for Sheed isn't at their level so I had to have one of those guys, Minkley do a post honoring Rasheed.
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
Monday, June 28, 2010
Ramblings From The NBA Draft
I am trying to get caught up to the best of my abilities, two jobs and other things to worry about in the summer tend to keep me away from the blog. I will do a NBA Draft post, USA Soccer, and Brewer post plus later this week an odds makers on LeBron James (think I know that one already). For this, I will give my thoughts on the top 15 and Lazar Hayward.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Transforming Head Cases in Milwaukee
I hate getting headcases. Simply put, it's something I would rather not see my teams do and since the Milwaukee Bucks picked up one in the past couple of days, I had a lot of mixed feelings about what a headcase would bring to this team. I think I have a handle on it and I think Corey Maggette will relish his time in Milwaukee.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
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.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rondo Amazes Me Again.
My man-crush for Rajon Rondo is probably one of the biggest ones I have had in awhile for a player in any professional sport but c'mon his legend is growing by the game. Rondo last night went off for 18 pts 12 rbs 10 assts, as Bill "The Rock" Schroeder says on a nightly basis, "Are you kiddin' me?" Seriously, it's time to reevaluate the not only is Rondo the best point guard in the NBA, but is he in the top 10 of best right now.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Take It Easy LeBrett
I had a couple conversations with people about LeBron James and his free agency especially the day after he got ousted from the playoffs. Some told me how sick they were of all of the coverage, I personally thought that it was fascinating because I consider this the most important story of 2010, the free agency that is not LeBron James himself. But to me, the Larry King interview he did on Friday was the definition of 'over-the-top.'
First of all, this is all happening during the NBA Finals and even with the biggest rivalry in their sport, the focus still remains on LeBron James. People want to know everything that is going on or is about to happen. Like this piece from Adrian Wojnarowski who writes that the Chicago Bulls are making a down payment by getting Tom Thibodeau who just signed an agent from Worldwide Wes' agency. Hmm interesting developments right here, but it doesn't seal it because every team who has a chance will make their pitch at LeBron for why he should come here. Reading and listening to all the different approaches reminds me so much of what it would have been like had James had to go to school for a year. Every school who had a shot would pull out their biggest guns to try to get LBJ for one year.
I think this summer is comparable if not worse than the Brett Favre drama that unfolded in the past couple of years because LeBron is going to do interviews with major news networks, he is going to do things that will keep himself in the news for the sole fact of... he loves the attention. Rumor has it, according to ESPN's Bill Simmons and Ric Bucher that LeBron was going to sit courtside last night, but cancelled 90 minutes before the game started. Thank God his PR people prevented him from sitting courtside, I couldn't even imagine the media outcry if he was there. Finally, someone got in his head last night and said "Look man you can't keep pulling this shit without your fans starting to get mad." Personally, I think it would be embarrassing for him to sit courtside to watch a team that kicked his ass in the playoffs and the Lakers play. I would have no problem if he sat in the press box or something, but to be right in the middle of the action seems a bit contrived.
As excited as I am for July 1st, I think the media's focus should remain on the NBA Finals and talentless hacks like me should be also be held to that standard. But, it's so damn fascinating that you cannot help but talk about LeBron James, maybe that what he desires.
-Charlie.
First of all, this is all happening during the NBA Finals and even with the biggest rivalry in their sport, the focus still remains on LeBron James. People want to know everything that is going on or is about to happen. Like this piece from Adrian Wojnarowski who writes that the Chicago Bulls are making a down payment by getting Tom Thibodeau who just signed an agent from Worldwide Wes' agency. Hmm interesting developments right here, but it doesn't seal it because every team who has a chance will make their pitch at LeBron for why he should come here. Reading and listening to all the different approaches reminds me so much of what it would have been like had James had to go to school for a year. Every school who had a shot would pull out their biggest guns to try to get LBJ for one year.
I think this summer is comparable if not worse than the Brett Favre drama that unfolded in the past couple of years because LeBron is going to do interviews with major news networks, he is going to do things that will keep himself in the news for the sole fact of... he loves the attention. Rumor has it, according to ESPN's Bill Simmons and Ric Bucher that LeBron was going to sit courtside last night, but cancelled 90 minutes before the game started. Thank God his PR people prevented him from sitting courtside, I couldn't even imagine the media outcry if he was there. Finally, someone got in his head last night and said "Look man you can't keep pulling this shit without your fans starting to get mad." Personally, I think it would be embarrassing for him to sit courtside to watch a team that kicked his ass in the playoffs and the Lakers play. I would have no problem if he sat in the press box or something, but to be right in the middle of the action seems a bit contrived.
As excited as I am for July 1st, I think the media's focus should remain on the NBA Finals and talentless hacks like me should be also be held to that standard. But, it's so damn fascinating that you cannot help but talk about LeBron James, maybe that what he desires.
-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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
David Stern Will Fine Me For This
If you have ever had a conversation with my dad about sports, you would realize two things if you brought up the Milwaukee Brewers, you are there for another hour talking and if the NBA were discussed he would give you two simple words: "Who Cares." He is one of those guys who once the lockout happened, he left the NBA game pretty much all together. Sure like any Milwaukee resident he cared about the Bucks playoff run this spring but it didn't really affect him when they bowed out. But one of the main reasons he left was due to the poor officiating that seems to take over games like we saw last night in Orlando's defeat of Boston.
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The NBA... One Big Chess Game
If anything the NBA has proven to me in the last couple of weeks now is that it is completely dominated by the players and most NBA coaches are really just pawns for the most part making little to none significant impact on a team. Mike Brown is the ultimate pawn in the NBA and he was shown the door yesterday evening as the Cleveland Cavaliers fired him in hopes that they could bring back LeBron James.
Do I think that is highly unfair that players dictate what happens in the coaching realm? Yeah a bit, but I think basketball is a sport where the players can cover up your mistakes better than any professional sport. The decision making that is made in professional football and baseball is much more coach-oriented than in professional basketball. I have said many times that LeBron single-handily kept Brown employed for all these years because if he didn't have him, Brown would be still looking for a job.
To me, Brown looks clueless out there most of the time and I really feel like LeBron is more of a coach out there running things his way. Brown agrees with him and let's things happen James' way. That is fine and dandy in the regular season because sadly, the NBA teams give lackluster efforts from time to time and the intensity really isn't there until playoff time. The Cavs were a great regular season team due to getting to feast on the likes of the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and so on. Those teams had no answer for LeBron and company, it was only when the good teams who get upwards to seven games against the Cavs where Brown became exposed.
The playoffs forced Brown to coach and that was something he frankly didn't excel at in the top spot. It seemed like he made too many quick decisions and wanted to appease the players more than he actually wanted to do things. The perfect example is J.J. Hickson. He started 43 games for the Cavs where they went 39-4, which to me shows a good chemistry when Hickson is on the floor. Then when Shaq comes back, Hickson's minutes fell faster than Snooki's dress after meeting a juicehead. It didn't make any sense to me and others, why get rid of the things Hickson did all year?
As for the Cavs, this doesn't do much for LeBron in my estimate. They will tell him "LBJ, you get 30 million more and you can pick your coach, is that something you might be interested in?" This is an awful idea because Cleveland will get another pawn that LeBron and the Cavs will be able to control with what they want to do and not someone who will put their foot down to LeBron and others. I believe there are about 5 coaches who will demand respect... Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, and Scott Skiles (I know it seems rash to put Skiles in a category with legends but the man is a hard ass).
In Brown's case, he will get a job somewhere else this year and I will be interested to see how well he does. I think the Clippers (assuming they do not partake in the LBJ sweepstakes), Nets, and Hornets are all places that Brown could land a job in because his resume looks the best compared to the other candidates out there. Some team will say they just want to get the playoffs and they could care less about the NBA Finals, therefore they bring in Brown. Even though his in-game coaching isn't great, he still can will a team to low seed in the playoffs.
Every team in the LeBron Sweepstakes is trying to find that perfect coach that will woo LeBron there and everybody is looking to make Mr. James, the happiest NBA player. I think LeBron wants a guy he respects and not some cheeseball like Terry Stotts running things but in all honesty, I think whoever the coach will have little to none impact on LBJ's decision.
-Charlie.
Do I think that is highly unfair that players dictate what happens in the coaching realm? Yeah a bit, but I think basketball is a sport where the players can cover up your mistakes better than any professional sport. The decision making that is made in professional football and baseball is much more coach-oriented than in professional basketball. I have said many times that LeBron single-handily kept Brown employed for all these years because if he didn't have him, Brown would be still looking for a job.
To me, Brown looks clueless out there most of the time and I really feel like LeBron is more of a coach out there running things his way. Brown agrees with him and let's things happen James' way. That is fine and dandy in the regular season because sadly, the NBA teams give lackluster efforts from time to time and the intensity really isn't there until playoff time. The Cavs were a great regular season team due to getting to feast on the likes of the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and so on. Those teams had no answer for LeBron and company, it was only when the good teams who get upwards to seven games against the Cavs where Brown became exposed.
The playoffs forced Brown to coach and that was something he frankly didn't excel at in the top spot. It seemed like he made too many quick decisions and wanted to appease the players more than he actually wanted to do things. The perfect example is J.J. Hickson. He started 43 games for the Cavs where they went 39-4, which to me shows a good chemistry when Hickson is on the floor. Then when Shaq comes back, Hickson's minutes fell faster than Snooki's dress after meeting a juicehead. It didn't make any sense to me and others, why get rid of the things Hickson did all year?
As for the Cavs, this doesn't do much for LeBron in my estimate. They will tell him "LBJ, you get 30 million more and you can pick your coach, is that something you might be interested in?" This is an awful idea because Cleveland will get another pawn that LeBron and the Cavs will be able to control with what they want to do and not someone who will put their foot down to LeBron and others. I believe there are about 5 coaches who will demand respect... Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, and Scott Skiles (I know it seems rash to put Skiles in a category with legends but the man is a hard ass).
In Brown's case, he will get a job somewhere else this year and I will be interested to see how well he does. I think the Clippers (assuming they do not partake in the LBJ sweepstakes), Nets, and Hornets are all places that Brown could land a job in because his resume looks the best compared to the other candidates out there. Some team will say they just want to get the playoffs and they could care less about the NBA Finals, therefore they bring in Brown. Even though his in-game coaching isn't great, he still can will a team to low seed in the playoffs.
Every team in the LeBron Sweepstakes is trying to find that perfect coach that will woo LeBron there and everybody is looking to make Mr. James, the happiest NBA player. I think LeBron wants a guy he respects and not some cheeseball like Terry Stotts running things but in all honesty, I think whoever the coach will have little to none impact on LBJ's decision.
-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.
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