I'm on the road today(lol I've always wanted to say that) at a coffee shop downtown...be surprised..
Well..starting off...Phoenix loses to San Antonio 4-1....again...I was sending a few feelers out last time about the Suns having a mental block..I mean with the 1st 2 games they have been up 10+ at half,only to get busted down with execution...but last night solidifies what I have been saying:
The Suns are the Boston Red Sox
and
The Spurs are the New York Yankees
of a few years back
It doesnt matter what the Sox or Suns did in the 3 qtrs or 7 innings...if it was close..they have a block on them to just mess it up..and the Spurs or Yankees just will capitalize like they should and they win..I mean how many times did Nash turn the ball over in the last 5 minutes?...heck in the last 2?...it was very very choke like..and anytime I hear "You should go to Boris Diaw and run the offense through him"....you should already be thinking offseason...to his credit he did have 22pts,8 rebs and 8 asts..but really...he's too flaky right now.
Big changes in the offseason....already..Mike D'Antoni has been reported that he wont be back next year...which guarantees the end of the "run and gun" era in Phoenix...well..Shaq kinda did that..hm..I guess this closes the book..much like the Nellie-led Mavericks and Warriors and old Kings..everyone loved to watch them...but the success was never there.
Really it was a match for both Mike and Nash..I cant think of anyone who would take on the challenge of getting Shaq to play hard on both ends,getting Boris to be aggressive alllllll the time and get Nash/Amare to use a tad more commitment on defense...tough task..
For D'Antoni I could see him getting a job in Toronto(International style ball already)..but Chicago could be interesting as well..they have athletic players that could much benefit from the slow,plotting style of Skiles.
Avery Johnson has to be fired...something has to happen...something..oh wait...everything I've read so far...its already happened...they traded pieces to "push" them towards a title and it backfired....and the question you have to ask now is....Uh..now what?...They only have a few assets(Howard,Terry,Stackhouse and Bass) so a combo of those guys has to go get something else...but what exactly..ask the Tin Man of the Wizard of Oz
Pat Riley steps down...finally...names another no name(for now) coach...so if something should happen(like...hm..they get good) he can easily push him aside and win another one...I dont understand why he doesnt catch heat(no pun) all the time..
Larry Brown is hired again!...goodness...why?...no one understands what "the right way" is when he says it...most people hear "my way"...and thats what it is...I think that they will stunt the growth of the younger players...which he doesnt like to play btw..remember Darko and Nate Robinson when he was there?...neither do I..but thats all he has to work with...everyone in Charlotte should be rolling their eyes as they say collectively...thanks MJ
Barry Zito moves his $126 million contract to the bullpen...something had to happen..he was 0-6..but after some research...I found out that in his contract he has a "No Surfing" clause...really...let the man surf!....its killing his zen...I understand you have to protect your environment..but at 0-6...you are hurting your investment..I still think he can turn it around(much like last year)...but he's going to have to change it up(figuratively)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Where Down 0-2 Happens
Well the playoffs are underway...and as of presstime 5 of the 8 series are 2-0...most exciting race in a while right?...not really because the gap of certain matchups are as wide as any other year.
Take the Suns/Spurs series...
I've finally figured out what the issue is with the Suns.......they cant beat the Spurs...its like a mental block,similar to what the Red Sox went through with the Yankees(before the super 3-0 comeback) you can honestly see the Suns getting up by almost 20 in the 1st quarter and snap your fingers and say "well....here's a comeback,just wait" just like you could with the Red Sox...just wait around and make your move..and thats what has been happening. For every matchup advantage you can list for Phoenix -Amare -Nash -Barbosa...there are equal amount of disadvantages...cant stop Duncan...or Ginobli....or Parker...wild really..
With the Raptors/Magic series
Toronto cant start a quarter..at one point it was 20-8..and Orlando didnt even have a hot start like they did in game 1.It was almost unwatchable and then literally all of a sudden Toronto woke up and started to claw back into the game. Defensively there isnt much the Raptors can do because Dwight will command a double-team(small mention:Rasho only played 5 mins..but dont have another center on the team....weird) and when you double him...they have 4 shooters on the floor at all times it seems...even people like Bogans and Evans can hit...and they can look like Ray Allen when they are super wide open...but Toronto was with them the entire time both games so that is an issue Orlando will have to deal with...giving games away...But I cant get behind the last play for Bosh.Jumpers for big men arent very good unless they are open..having Dwight in your face is the complete opposite of open...I think Calderon should have drove instead of kicking it out...if Bargnani can realize he's a taller version of Hedo on offense..I expect this series to get better for Toronto.
There isnt a soul on Dallas that can stay with Chris Paul...I think thats a good breakdown of that series...and technically Dallas has been on the slide since the finals...so..yeah..Avery could be on the cutting block...or 12 of the 15 players...maybe 13.
Now this irks me to no end...Kevin Garnett winning the defensive player of the year...now I'm a KG guy,i've stuck up for him countless times but I think that he shouldnt be the DPY..here's why.
18.8pts 9.2 rebs 3.4 asts 1.4 stls 1.3 blks this year.
nice solid numbers...but you know what?...all the defensive "numbers" are down for him blocks by .4 and steals are up .2 but thats so marginal...anyways the main argument I've heard is this
"Its Kevin Garnett's impact man..he resurrected the Celtics!"
Oh..so its impact now right?...when all the years that Ben Wallace was winning this award he was leading the league in rebounds and up there with blocks with a decent amount of steals... as was Ron Artest with steals...the lack of critera is draining the validity right out of the NBA's awards every year...or maybe I'm missing the point of keeping track of statistics and throwing them in people's faces all the time.
This playoffs I've been a little irritated with a few things...lets go through the list thus far.
-Overly physical play...look...cheap shots are not playoff basketball!...ie Haywood on Lebron,Turkoglu on Bosh..even since the 80s Pistons and the 80s Lakers/Celtics series have set the heads on all basketball networks to say that this acceptable and encouraged...meanwhile I'm sure there is a kid out somewhere trashing another kid because its okay on tv..good plays and bad plays are on the highlights all the same people...you can give someone a hard foul without making it look like the WWE.
-Bad calls...okay not so much the bad calls..it happens in every game..but the announcers(with the beauty of instant replay) not identifying a bad call...I can think atleast 2 times where I saw a play that was a clearly a foul and the announcer would say "Such and such with the....good defense".....huh?...look..just say that the ref blew the call..or I would disagree with the no call.
-Every game being a "Must win"...you would think that being down 1-0 would be enough...nope...the Wizards were in a must win in game 2...uh oh...blowout...well..that means game 3 is a must must win....correct?
-Tracy's 1st round resume'...oh he hasnt been out of the 1st round?..really?..I think the verdict is out that he hasnt been out in a while(or ever)...will he this year?...doubt it...but you know who else has never been out of the 1st round?....Grant Hill....yep...thats right...wheres the bashing for him?....oh..thats right...this is a double standard situation..
-Oh yeah...Barry Zito..lost again...::sigh::...0-5 so far...this hurts..
-Thanks for Shaun Alexander..the memories that is...he was the reason I became a Seahawk fan...he was just so ineffective this past season and he had to go...well...we have TJ Duckett now...so I guess there was only room for one ineffective running back..even though I'd stay with Shaun...but anyways I havent agreed with one single move we've made this offseason...I hope they trade for Jeremy Shockey..just to make one good move to me.
Take the Suns/Spurs series...
I've finally figured out what the issue is with the Suns.......they cant beat the Spurs...its like a mental block,similar to what the Red Sox went through with the Yankees(before the super 3-0 comeback) you can honestly see the Suns getting up by almost 20 in the 1st quarter and snap your fingers and say "well....here's a comeback,just wait" just like you could with the Red Sox...just wait around and make your move..and thats what has been happening. For every matchup advantage you can list for Phoenix -Amare -Nash -Barbosa...there are equal amount of disadvantages...cant stop Duncan...or Ginobli....or Parker...wild really..
With the Raptors/Magic series
Toronto cant start a quarter..at one point it was 20-8..and Orlando didnt even have a hot start like they did in game 1.It was almost unwatchable and then literally all of a sudden Toronto woke up and started to claw back into the game. Defensively there isnt much the Raptors can do because Dwight will command a double-team(small mention:Rasho only played 5 mins..but dont have another center on the team....weird) and when you double him...they have 4 shooters on the floor at all times it seems...even people like Bogans and Evans can hit...and they can look like Ray Allen when they are super wide open...but Toronto was with them the entire time both games so that is an issue Orlando will have to deal with...giving games away...But I cant get behind the last play for Bosh.Jumpers for big men arent very good unless they are open..having Dwight in your face is the complete opposite of open...I think Calderon should have drove instead of kicking it out...if Bargnani can realize he's a taller version of Hedo on offense..I expect this series to get better for Toronto.
There isnt a soul on Dallas that can stay with Chris Paul...I think thats a good breakdown of that series...and technically Dallas has been on the slide since the finals...so..yeah..Avery could be on the cutting block...or 12 of the 15 players...maybe 13.
Now this irks me to no end...Kevin Garnett winning the defensive player of the year...now I'm a KG guy,i've stuck up for him countless times but I think that he shouldnt be the DPY..here's why.
18.8pts 9.2 rebs 3.4 asts 1.4 stls 1.3 blks this year.
nice solid numbers...but you know what?...all the defensive "numbers" are down for him blocks by .4 and steals are up .2 but thats so marginal...anyways the main argument I've heard is this
"Its Kevin Garnett's impact man..he resurrected the Celtics!"
Oh..so its impact now right?...when all the years that Ben Wallace was winning this award he was leading the league in rebounds and up there with blocks with a decent amount of steals... as was Ron Artest with steals...the lack of critera is draining the validity right out of the NBA's awards every year...or maybe I'm missing the point of keeping track of statistics and throwing them in people's faces all the time.
This playoffs I've been a little irritated with a few things...lets go through the list thus far.
-Overly physical play...look...cheap shots are not playoff basketball!...ie Haywood on Lebron,Turkoglu on Bosh..even since the 80s Pistons and the 80s Lakers/Celtics series have set the heads on all basketball networks to say that this acceptable and encouraged...meanwhile I'm sure there is a kid out somewhere trashing another kid because its okay on tv..good plays and bad plays are on the highlights all the same people...you can give someone a hard foul without making it look like the WWE.
-Bad calls...okay not so much the bad calls..it happens in every game..but the announcers(with the beauty of instant replay) not identifying a bad call...I can think atleast 2 times where I saw a play that was a clearly a foul and the announcer would say "Such and such with the....good defense".....huh?...look..just say that the ref blew the call..or I would disagree with the no call.
-Every game being a "Must win"...you would think that being down 1-0 would be enough...nope...the Wizards were in a must win in game 2...uh oh...blowout...well..that means game 3 is a must must win....correct?
-Tracy's 1st round resume'...oh he hasnt been out of the 1st round?..really?..I think the verdict is out that he hasnt been out in a while(or ever)...will he this year?...doubt it...but you know who else has never been out of the 1st round?....Grant Hill....yep...thats right...wheres the bashing for him?....oh..thats right...this is a double standard situation..
-Oh yeah...Barry Zito..lost again...::sigh::...0-5 so far...this hurts..
-Thanks for Shaun Alexander..the memories that is...he was the reason I became a Seahawk fan...he was just so ineffective this past season and he had to go...well...we have TJ Duckett now...so I guess there was only room for one ineffective running back..even though I'd stay with Shaun...but anyways I havent agreed with one single move we've made this offseason...I hope they trade for Jeremy Shockey..just to make one good move to me.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Out West
#1 Los Angeles(57-25) vs #8 Denver(50-32)
Um...the one glaring question I have coming into this series was this...who is guarding Kobe Bryant?....and then after a second or two..I realize you can ask that for any team when playing the Lakers...so I cant really solve the league's problem...but anyways...this is what I see as the combos to go opposite Kobe(6-6,220lbs)
-Anthony Carter(6-2,195lbs)
-JR Smith(6-6,220lbs)
-Linas Kleiza(6-8,245lbs)
-Eduardo Najera(6-8,235lbs)
oh boy...they are either too small,cant play defense or too slow...but when you really think about it....Camby is the only player on the team who can play actual on ball defense..so expect alot of scoring in this one....alot....I think the duo of Carmelo and Iverson can get you atleast one game...maybe more if other people are contributing and have an actual effort for getting the ball inside(Gasol eh as a defender,lack of frontcourt depth) and one of those guys(AI or Melo) go for 40 or more(which is completely possible)
My pick...LA over Denver 4-1
#2 New Orleans (56-26) vs #7 Dallas(51-31)
This one is a little harder to throw stats at..but a couple things I go back and forth on
-New Orleans doesnt really have much playoff experience in their best players(Mike James,Bonzi Wells and Peja are really it)
-Dallas lost to Golden State last year....redemption this year?
But I do believe great players are effective in their 1st time's out..and I think Chris Paul fits the bill...the matchup with Kidd will be nice as will David West vs Dirk....and Paul really needs to stay in the game and never come out...they are a scary different team when he isnt in the game(in a bad way)but I still dont a solid stance on a pick on this series so I'll go
Dallas over NO 4-2
#3 San Antonio Spurs(56-26) vs #6 Phoenix Suns(55-27)
This is the best 1st round of the bunch...Amare/Duncan..Nash/Parker...Bell/Bowen lol...the addition of Shaq and the subtraction of Marion doesnt have the true rivalry feel to it..but the series will be good.I think the 2 X-Factors for San Antonio to move on pass Phoenix are Tony Parker and the bench...if he can be his speedy aggressive self(which he has lately) and make Nash work on the defensive end and if the bench of Ginobili,whoever plays the other guard spot
and Oberto can be the glue guys...Phoenix will be in trouble....the easy X-factor for Phoenix is Shaq....its why they brought him in here...he can single handedly change everything..if he gets double teams Amare and the shooters will get very easy looks...but he must stay out of foul trouble..this series I can say that I have no problem being wrong with but I think Phoenix exercises their demons(like Dallas did 2yrs ago) and gets by them
My pick Phoenix over San Antonio 4-3
#4 Utah(54-28) vs Houston(55-27)
This is the eh series..while Utah is hyde on the road...Houston doesnt have Yao...and Utah beat them last year with Yao....and oh yeah...T-Mac still hasnt been out of the 1st round yet...I dont have alot of analysis for this so I'll go with Utah
My Pick Utah over Houston 4-1
Um...the one glaring question I have coming into this series was this...who is guarding Kobe Bryant?....and then after a second or two..I realize you can ask that for any team when playing the Lakers...so I cant really solve the league's problem...but anyways...this is what I see as the combos to go opposite Kobe(6-6,220lbs)
-Anthony Carter(6-2,195lbs)
-JR Smith(6-6,220lbs)
-Linas Kleiza(6-8,245lbs)
-Eduardo Najera(6-8,235lbs)
oh boy...they are either too small,cant play defense or too slow...but when you really think about it....Camby is the only player on the team who can play actual on ball defense..so expect alot of scoring in this one....alot....I think the duo of Carmelo and Iverson can get you atleast one game...maybe more if other people are contributing and have an actual effort for getting the ball inside(Gasol eh as a defender,lack of frontcourt depth) and one of those guys(AI or Melo) go for 40 or more(which is completely possible)
My pick...LA over Denver 4-1
#2 New Orleans (56-26) vs #7 Dallas(51-31)
This one is a little harder to throw stats at..but a couple things I go back and forth on
-New Orleans doesnt really have much playoff experience in their best players(Mike James,Bonzi Wells and Peja are really it)
-Dallas lost to Golden State last year....redemption this year?
But I do believe great players are effective in their 1st time's out..and I think Chris Paul fits the bill...the matchup with Kidd will be nice as will David West vs Dirk....and Paul really needs to stay in the game and never come out...they are a scary different team when he isnt in the game(in a bad way)but I still dont a solid stance on a pick on this series so I'll go
Dallas over NO 4-2
#3 San Antonio Spurs(56-26) vs #6 Phoenix Suns(55-27)
This is the best 1st round of the bunch...Amare/Duncan..Nash/Parker...Bell/Bowen lol...the addition of Shaq and the subtraction of Marion doesnt have the true rivalry feel to it..but the series will be good.I think the 2 X-Factors for San Antonio to move on pass Phoenix are Tony Parker and the bench...if he can be his speedy aggressive self(which he has lately) and make Nash work on the defensive end and if the bench of Ginobili,whoever plays the other guard spot
and Oberto can be the glue guys...Phoenix will be in trouble....the easy X-factor for Phoenix is Shaq....its why they brought him in here...he can single handedly change everything..if he gets double teams Amare and the shooters will get very easy looks...but he must stay out of foul trouble..this series I can say that I have no problem being wrong with but I think Phoenix exercises their demons(like Dallas did 2yrs ago) and gets by them
My pick Phoenix over San Antonio 4-3
#4 Utah(54-28) vs Houston(55-27)
This is the eh series..while Utah is hyde on the road...Houston doesnt have Yao...and Utah beat them last year with Yao....and oh yeah...T-Mac still hasnt been out of the 1st round yet...I dont have alot of analysis for this so I'll go with Utah
My Pick Utah over Houston 4-1
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
There is only one....
One more day left in the NBA season...which means Playoff basketball this weekend?...excited yet?...guess it has to start first....surprisingly there are games that mean something tonight and determine ultimately the seeds of Phoenix,Utah,San Antonio,Houston,Denver and Dallas...kind of alot right?....just make sure you pay attention....I cant give the Western breakdown(because of the reason prior to this flowing sentence) so I'll give you the East....
-#1 Boston(65-16) vs #8 Atlanta(37-44)
Playoff basketball is back in Atlanta!....and you're welcome back gift is facing the Kevin Garnett led Boston Celtics....sadly if you are a big fan of underdogs...you may want to go to the next series...there isnt a bigger gap in experience and win/loss record in the playoffs so I'll take it light here...Boston plays defense....alot....Atlanta's scoring sources have been in question all year really(to me)..having Bibby helps in close situations but defender he is not...and Joe Johnson would need to play like a number 1 scorer early and often..but...he hasnt done that consistently....so why now?....best case scenario is 4-1 Boston...but dont be surprised if the brooms are brought out..
#4 Cleveland(45-36) vs #5 Washington(43-38)
This has become a bit of a rivalry(but not really,since Washington hasnt won yet) in the East....Lebron vs Agent Zero....ding!....but I think this year Washington gets the upper hand because of..........defense?....the last few years Lebron got his(given) and then people like Damon Jones,Donyell Marshall got off because of the "defensive" attention....it was weird to see people who shouldnt be factors......be factors!..well this year Wally,Joe Smith,Ben Wallace,Varejao and Big Z are the "non-factors " and I really only expect one or 2 of these guys be factors on offense..somehow without Larry Hughes sucking on the team they have less help(read that again and see if that can be possible)..but with Gilbert playing the 3rd role could help Jamison and Butler get involved more because Cleveland doesnt really have a stopper to contend with both of them....Lebron would be the list really...and you cant expect someone to do alllllllll the scoring and defend Butler....James would die...but that might be the best case scenario...
My pick 4-2 Washington
#3 Orlando(51-30) vs #6 Toronto(41-40)
I think Orlando isnt a 50 win team....and I think Toronto is better than a 1 win above 500 team....the matchup(which means on the floor together,not guarding) of Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh is nice....the future of big men in the East(disregarding free agency of course)...both are young,good and having hit their primes yet(*gulp*) but it will depend on a few things
-What will the ratio of jumpers to drive attempts for Bosh be?
-Will Orlando's backcourt regain a pulse?
-Can the combo of Anthony Parker,TJ Ford,Jose Calderon and Carlos Delfino take advantage of the combo of Jameer Nelson,Mo Evans,Keith Bogans and Kenyon Dooling?
-Assuming Rasho guards Dwight...who does Bosh guard?...Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis?...
-Assuming Dwight guards Rasho....who does Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis guard?
All of that considered...(fandom alert!) I'm going with Toronto 4-3
#2 Detroit(58-23) vs Philly(40-41)
This is the matchup that should scare some people....everyone knows about Detroit...really good defense...really really solid starting 5..bench has improved to one of(if not the) best in the league...but in the last 2 years...have....well to put it frankly given away playoff series to Miami and Cleveland(remember?) team wise...they should have one...but that one man team thing is something else for Detroit...but this one is a little different...this is a real team's team...everyone contributes in some way...and it works..now given Detroit's sometime lazy nature with Philly's opportunistic tendency's....there is a way for Philly to win this series...but Andre Iguodala has to be the key...has to be...I just dont know if it is this year
Detroit 4-2
I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not....Barry Bonds needs a job playing again.....and Seattle is a nice place to help that cause....I could regret saying this later but I think he could help us offensively....after a little thought this is how it could work
-No one pays attention to the Pacific Northwest(in anything but Starbucks) so that could help Bonds deflect the overblown attention he got in San Fran(where the Giants are the only team)
-He can hit still....last year 28 HRs 66 RBIs and 132 walks...if that doesnt generate offense...I think you're in the wrong line of business
-Other than Ichiro and Ibanez we lack solid hitting from the left side...Wilkerson and Vidro are decent...but both are playing everyday...decent is good off the bench if you can help it
Now I'm aware he could be a locker room cancer(has been mentioned in Pitt and SF) and the attention could be very bad but I think it couldnt hurt if you are trying to overtake Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...pull out the stops..
By reading and hearing all of the "acclaimed experts" I realize that MVP in the NBA stands for Lifetime achievement award....make sense?.....of course not..I think that if anyone mentions the fact that Kobe Bryant hasnt won an MVP yet...you should cut them off immediately...whatever..
I forgot the NFL is a year round sport now....I guess the schedules were sooooo important that we needed to have an hour show on who has the toughest schedules...before the draft.....also makes sense.....
-#1 Boston(65-16) vs #8 Atlanta(37-44)
Playoff basketball is back in Atlanta!....and you're welcome back gift is facing the Kevin Garnett led Boston Celtics....sadly if you are a big fan of underdogs...you may want to go to the next series...there isnt a bigger gap in experience and win/loss record in the playoffs so I'll take it light here...Boston plays defense....alot....Atlanta's scoring sources have been in question all year really(to me)..having Bibby helps in close situations but defender he is not...and Joe Johnson would need to play like a number 1 scorer early and often..but...he hasnt done that consistently....so why now?....best case scenario is 4-1 Boston...but dont be surprised if the brooms are brought out..
#4 Cleveland(45-36) vs #5 Washington(43-38)
This has become a bit of a rivalry(but not really,since Washington hasnt won yet) in the East....Lebron vs Agent Zero....ding!....but I think this year Washington gets the upper hand because of..........defense?....the last few years Lebron got his(given) and then people like Damon Jones,Donyell Marshall got off because of the "defensive" attention....it was weird to see people who shouldnt be factors......be factors!..well this year Wally,Joe Smith,Ben Wallace,Varejao and Big Z are the "non-factors " and I really only expect one or 2 of these guys be factors on offense..somehow without Larry Hughes sucking on the team they have less help(read that again and see if that can be possible)..but with Gilbert playing the 3rd role could help Jamison and Butler get involved more because Cleveland doesnt really have a stopper to contend with both of them....Lebron would be the list really...and you cant expect someone to do alllllllll the scoring and defend Butler....James would die...but that might be the best case scenario...
My pick 4-2 Washington
#3 Orlando(51-30) vs #6 Toronto(41-40)
I think Orlando isnt a 50 win team....and I think Toronto is better than a 1 win above 500 team....the matchup(which means on the floor together,not guarding) of Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh is nice....the future of big men in the East(disregarding free agency of course)...both are young,good and having hit their primes yet(*gulp*) but it will depend on a few things
-What will the ratio of jumpers to drive attempts for Bosh be?
-Will Orlando's backcourt regain a pulse?
-Can the combo of Anthony Parker,TJ Ford,Jose Calderon and Carlos Delfino take advantage of the combo of Jameer Nelson,Mo Evans,Keith Bogans and Kenyon Dooling?
-Assuming Rasho guards Dwight...who does Bosh guard?...Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis?...
-Assuming Dwight guards Rasho....who does Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis guard?
All of that considered...(fandom alert!) I'm going with Toronto 4-3
#2 Detroit(58-23) vs Philly(40-41)
This is the matchup that should scare some people....everyone knows about Detroit...really good defense...really really solid starting 5..bench has improved to one of(if not the) best in the league...but in the last 2 years...have....well to put it frankly given away playoff series to Miami and Cleveland(remember?) team wise...they should have one...but that one man team thing is something else for Detroit...but this one is a little different...this is a real team's team...everyone contributes in some way...and it works..now given Detroit's sometime lazy nature with Philly's opportunistic tendency's....there is a way for Philly to win this series...but Andre Iguodala has to be the key...has to be...I just dont know if it is this year
Detroit 4-2
I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not....Barry Bonds needs a job playing again.....and Seattle is a nice place to help that cause....I could regret saying this later but I think he could help us offensively....after a little thought this is how it could work
-No one pays attention to the Pacific Northwest(in anything but Starbucks) so that could help Bonds deflect the overblown attention he got in San Fran(where the Giants are the only team)
-He can hit still....last year 28 HRs 66 RBIs and 132 walks...if that doesnt generate offense...I think you're in the wrong line of business
-Other than Ichiro and Ibanez we lack solid hitting from the left side...Wilkerson and Vidro are decent...but both are playing everyday...decent is good off the bench if you can help it
Now I'm aware he could be a locker room cancer(has been mentioned in Pitt and SF) and the attention could be very bad but I think it couldnt hurt if you are trying to overtake Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...pull out the stops..
By reading and hearing all of the "acclaimed experts" I realize that MVP in the NBA stands for Lifetime achievement award....make sense?.....of course not..I think that if anyone mentions the fact that Kobe Bryant hasnt won an MVP yet...you should cut them off immediately...whatever..
I forgot the NFL is a year round sport now....I guess the schedules were sooooo important that we needed to have an hour show on who has the toughest schedules...before the draft.....also makes sense.....
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Really?
HyperDunk....the newest,lightest and most durable shoe ever(says Nike) is coming out this summer...dont believe how light they are?...ask Kobe...
Crazy....want a pair yet?
I know I do...
Crazy....want a pair yet?
I know I do...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Home Stretch
This is the part of the NBA season where it gets boring...most of the teams who have made it in the playoffs have clinched already and have gone into "Rest Mode" while some of the losing teams have gone into "Undisclosed Injury land and/or evaluating young talent mode"...so like there isnt really alot to be interested in...and you can sell me on the race for the 8th seed thing...other than last year 8 seeds get bounced early..so you can argue you'd rather have a better draft spot...you could argue...
Since its the end of the year(basically) I'll hand out the typical awards for the year
MVP-Chris Paul-Hornets...he makes that roster go...and if they stay as the 1st seed he would get the Steve Nash,Makes his team go addition...so clear choice...no one else fits the bill like Paul does..KG and Kobe have alot of help,Lebron is a 4 seed...eh.
Rookie of the Year-Kevin Durant-Sonics er Seattle...my stance on this was if Atlanta made the playoffs....the vote goes to Al Horford..he's averaging basically a double double (10.1 pts and 9.7 rebs,2.3 asts,1 blk) and having a big man and getting to the playoffs is a big deal in Atlanta(scratch what I said about getting the pick over the 8 seed,this city needs this)...anyways...the other day I watched the Sonics...er..Seattle vs Denver and I saw Kevin Durant just...go off...him and Jeff Green are finally getting it and will be a very nice duo..the question still remains that both of them play the same position(small forward) but I think that may be able to sneak Green at the 4...but there are problems with the rest of the players...oops..sorry..tangent..anyways...Durant had 37 pts 9 asts and 8 rebs and hit a very very deep 3 for the tie...it was crazy....and then I look at the numbers...20 pts 4.2 rebs 2.3 asts and a blk as well...and he's playing out of position...so I give him the nod...
Defensive Player of the Year-Marcus Camby-Nuggets...he leads the league in blocks....blocks are defense...easy...my trusted colleague Brad over at http://bradsportsfix.blogspot.com/ told me this in a conversation"Denver's defense is a layup line..so Camby's blocks are coming to him either way".....he's right...
6th Man of the Year-Josh Childress-Hawks...I initially went with Kyle Korver...his impact since his trade to Utah is big in stretching the defense because Okur was the only threat they had...and you just cant have your only center out there shooting the bulk of the 3's...but he really doesnt do anything else..his defense is underrated,but its not reflected in stats...so I went with Childress...he's constantly passed over when you mention the Hawks(which hardly ever happens depending where you live...see?) but his value cant be doubted...he can guard 3 positions(well mind you) shoots a great % from the field(57.8) and gives you about 5 rebounds a game...I tried my hardest to not do this...but....how can you go against a guy with a afro?....seriously?
Coach of the Year-Mo Cheeks-76ers....I think I went the other way on this one...but there isnt a soul who had Philly in the playoffs let alone in the 6th seed as of press time(!)...that lineup,heck that roster was semi bombed because of the Iverson trade...too many young players who had the "Throw it to your star and watch" syndrome going...and since then Iguodala has taken over by averaging 20 pts a game and Andre Miller has gotten back to his Cleveland Cavs years(assists are waaaay down,scoring up but he's the leader of the team and is playing headsup ball,very needed)..you add in other young,athletic,slashing wings and Dalembert playing very effective as a under the radar center in the league...you will have a problem in the playoffs and for the future..and its because of Mo.
Most Improved Player-Jose Calderon-Raptors...went the homer route here..there arent alot of options that stood out to me...but I went with Jose...when TJ Ford went out with his neck injury Jose stepped in and almost didnt loose a step..he stepped up his scoring(8 ish to 11 ish ) and assists(5 to 8) and has elevated his status as one of the most effective point guards in the league...while he isnt a top tier point yet...he is very much in the 2nd batch,watch for him..Monta Ellis is someone who could be considered here too..but he won it last year..and I dont think I could say someone was the most improved..2 years in a row?
If you follow Baseball....what was on Padres pitcher Jake Peavy hand?....nothing is what i've heard...and you know what?...it was nothing....just like Steroids wasnt anything...and when Kenny Rogers did the same thing not to long ago wasnt anything...I've come to the conclusion..that Baseball is a cheating game...stealing signs...all that..its a part of the game...fans dont seem to be outraged about anything....anything at all...its baffling really...i've accepted it...
I bash George Karl anytime he comes up...never really liked him....but I will give him credit for this...alot of credit
Space Needle for those who cant make it out....very nice touch I saw during Sunday's game at Seattle...
Since its the end of the year(basically) I'll hand out the typical awards for the year
MVP-Chris Paul-Hornets...he makes that roster go...and if they stay as the 1st seed he would get the Steve Nash,Makes his team go addition...so clear choice...no one else fits the bill like Paul does..KG and Kobe have alot of help,Lebron is a 4 seed...eh.
Rookie of the Year-Kevin Durant-Sonics er Seattle...my stance on this was if Atlanta made the playoffs....the vote goes to Al Horford..he's averaging basically a double double (10.1 pts and 9.7 rebs,2.3 asts,1 blk) and having a big man and getting to the playoffs is a big deal in Atlanta(scratch what I said about getting the pick over the 8 seed,this city needs this)...anyways...the other day I watched the Sonics...er..Seattle vs Denver and I saw Kevin Durant just...go off...him and Jeff Green are finally getting it and will be a very nice duo..the question still remains that both of them play the same position(small forward) but I think that may be able to sneak Green at the 4...but there are problems with the rest of the players...oops..sorry..tangent..anyways...Durant had 37 pts 9 asts and 8 rebs and hit a very very deep 3 for the tie...it was crazy....and then I look at the numbers...20 pts 4.2 rebs 2.3 asts and a blk as well...and he's playing out of position...so I give him the nod...
Defensive Player of the Year-Marcus Camby-Nuggets...he leads the league in blocks....blocks are defense...easy...my trusted colleague Brad over at http://bradsportsfix.blogspot.com/ told me this in a conversation"Denver's defense is a layup line..so Camby's blocks are coming to him either way".....he's right...
6th Man of the Year-Josh Childress-Hawks...I initially went with Kyle Korver...his impact since his trade to Utah is big in stretching the defense because Okur was the only threat they had...and you just cant have your only center out there shooting the bulk of the 3's...but he really doesnt do anything else..his defense is underrated,but its not reflected in stats...so I went with Childress...he's constantly passed over when you mention the Hawks(which hardly ever happens depending where you live...see?) but his value cant be doubted...he can guard 3 positions(well mind you) shoots a great % from the field(57.8) and gives you about 5 rebounds a game...I tried my hardest to not do this...but....how can you go against a guy with a afro?....seriously?
Coach of the Year-Mo Cheeks-76ers....I think I went the other way on this one...but there isnt a soul who had Philly in the playoffs let alone in the 6th seed as of press time(!)...that lineup,heck that roster was semi bombed because of the Iverson trade...too many young players who had the "Throw it to your star and watch" syndrome going...and since then Iguodala has taken over by averaging 20 pts a game and Andre Miller has gotten back to his Cleveland Cavs years(assists are waaaay down,scoring up but he's the leader of the team and is playing headsup ball,very needed)..you add in other young,athletic,slashing wings and Dalembert playing very effective as a under the radar center in the league...you will have a problem in the playoffs and for the future..and its because of Mo.
Most Improved Player-Jose Calderon-Raptors...went the homer route here..there arent alot of options that stood out to me...but I went with Jose...when TJ Ford went out with his neck injury Jose stepped in and almost didnt loose a step..he stepped up his scoring(8 ish to 11 ish ) and assists(5 to 8) and has elevated his status as one of the most effective point guards in the league...while he isnt a top tier point yet...he is very much in the 2nd batch,watch for him..Monta Ellis is someone who could be considered here too..but he won it last year..and I dont think I could say someone was the most improved..2 years in a row?
If you follow Baseball....what was on Padres pitcher Jake Peavy hand?....nothing is what i've heard...and you know what?...it was nothing....just like Steroids wasnt anything...and when Kenny Rogers did the same thing not to long ago wasnt anything...I've come to the conclusion..that Baseball is a cheating game...stealing signs...all that..its a part of the game...fans dont seem to be outraged about anything....anything at all...its baffling really...i've accepted it...
I bash George Karl anytime he comes up...never really liked him....but I will give him credit for this...alot of credit
Space Needle for those who cant make it out....very nice touch I saw during Sunday's game at Seattle...
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Where Clock Management Happens
How long is a half a second?....in real life situations...around a blink...maybe quicker....in sports?...forever?...unless you are in Atlanta...in which its however long you want it to be
Long story short, .5 left on the clock, tie game(Bibby had just hit a 3 to tie the game) and Carlos Delfino is inbounding.....he throws a great lob to TJ Ford(Great play call btw,kid had bounce) and he lays it in for the win....
But wait....
After "Further review" they waved it off saying he didnt get it off in time...
Really?
Which comes back to this play(as always)
If you can get this done in .4.....you would think that a guard already in the air when he caught the ball...and just laying it in could be .5 as well...someone is at fault here...
Its either the Hawks infamous clock "staff" who has blown a game earlier this year against the Heat and last year vs the Raptors in which TJ Ford wasnt given a basket in the 4th quarter...maybe TJ kicked their puppy or something.....but I believe the fault may lie at the feet of the refs...I think they are the ones who start the clock on these situations..and they did "review" it...
and you thought the it was just the management in Atlanta that was incompetent
All I want to know is this...what is the NBA going to do about it?
Long story short, .5 left on the clock, tie game(Bibby had just hit a 3 to tie the game) and Carlos Delfino is inbounding.....he throws a great lob to TJ Ford(Great play call btw,kid had bounce) and he lays it in for the win....
But wait....
After "Further review" they waved it off saying he didnt get it off in time...
Really?
Which comes back to this play(as always)
If you can get this done in .4.....you would think that a guard already in the air when he caught the ball...and just laying it in could be .5 as well...someone is at fault here...
Its either the Hawks infamous clock "staff" who has blown a game earlier this year against the Heat and last year vs the Raptors in which TJ Ford wasnt given a basket in the 4th quarter...maybe TJ kicked their puppy or something.....but I believe the fault may lie at the feet of the refs...I think they are the ones who start the clock on these situations..and they did "review" it...
and you thought the it was just the management in Atlanta that was incompetent
All I want to know is this...what is the NBA going to do about it?
Venturing Out
College basketball has fallin off the map for me...I think I can count on one hand how many games I've caught in recent weekends..Davidson/Kansas was the game that I watched heavily...Texas getting creamed wasnt a high priority..getting your bracket killed live wasnt something I wanted to be apart of....like I've said earlier, having 4 #1 seeds has its goods and bads...goods are mainly for the purists who feel that the field of 64(sorry 65) isnt always the "best 65" just the most recent teams on a hot streak...which sometimes is why alot of the upsets happen,yada,yada yada. But that upset appeal is what makes the tournament the best "post season" in sports(not football,because its the sport,not the setup that makes it really good)....what other post season can people who hadnt watched a game all year discuss with the junkies and tell them what they should know?...but anyways...who do you root for since its past midnight(small cinderella reference) for the underdogs?...the team who is most likely to lose?....so either Kansas or Memphis would be the choice,but tradition is valued in this country so UCLA and UNC would be the picks...I dont know
Someone needs to tell Kobe to chill out a little bit...every game that i've seen him play he's constantly bickering with the ref after he shoots layups or jumpers...like everytime...next game I will keep a running count of how many times he is either talking or looking at the ref in a non-nice way...he's no Rasheed(who has never fouled anyone,ever if you let him tell it) but leading the league in T's does get you a watered down version.
Wanted to mention this early....Stanford's Candice Wiggins had 41pts vs #1 seed Maryland the other night...she shot 10-22 from the field but it was surprisingly in the flow of the game...go figure
Oh yeah...you know you want to see the final 4 of Tennessee vs UConn,UNC vs LSU....you know you do..
I know the MLB season has started(awesome) but I'll give my rankings..not in the business of picking World Series yet
AL East
Red Sox
Yankees
Blue Jays
Orioles
Rays
NL East
Mets
Braves
Phillies
Nationals
Marlins
AL Central
Tigers
Indians
Twins
White Sox
Royals
NL Central
Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
Astros
Reds
Pirates
AL West
Mariners
Angels
A's
Rangers
NL West
Dodgers
Padres
Diamondbacks
Rockies
Giants
that wasnt so hard....(hint sarcastic tone)
Can anyone watch the Miami Heat play and name 4 or more players that are playing right now?...I cant
TJ Ford is steadily finding his way out of Toronto....Jose gave up his starting spot for the "good of the team"...it may be for the best....
Its cool that everyone is dancing in the streets about Isiah being replaced by Pacer GM Donnie Walsh...but...there are alot other GMs out there that need replacing...but I'll make that list for another time..
Someone needs to tell Kobe to chill out a little bit...every game that i've seen him play he's constantly bickering with the ref after he shoots layups or jumpers...like everytime...next game I will keep a running count of how many times he is either talking or looking at the ref in a non-nice way...he's no Rasheed(who has never fouled anyone,ever if you let him tell it) but leading the league in T's does get you a watered down version.
Wanted to mention this early....Stanford's Candice Wiggins had 41pts vs #1 seed Maryland the other night...she shot 10-22 from the field but it was surprisingly in the flow of the game...go figure
Oh yeah...you know you want to see the final 4 of Tennessee vs UConn,UNC vs LSU....you know you do..
I know the MLB season has started(awesome) but I'll give my rankings..not in the business of picking World Series yet
AL East
Red Sox
Yankees
Blue Jays
Orioles
Rays
NL East
Mets
Braves
Phillies
Nationals
Marlins
AL Central
Tigers
Indians
Twins
White Sox
Royals
NL Central
Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
Astros
Reds
Pirates
AL West
Mariners
Angels
A's
Rangers
NL West
Dodgers
Padres
Diamondbacks
Rockies
Giants
that wasnt so hard....(hint sarcastic tone)
Can anyone watch the Miami Heat play and name 4 or more players that are playing right now?...I cant
TJ Ford is steadily finding his way out of Toronto....Jose gave up his starting spot for the "good of the team"...it may be for the best....
Its cool that everyone is dancing in the streets about Isiah being replaced by Pacer GM Donnie Walsh...but...there are alot other GMs out there that need replacing...but I'll make that list for another time..
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