I am pulling double duty today with covering the game and hosting the MGDDNBVIP Contest winners. So I thought instead of your normal preview, I would ask the guys from the Round Ball Review to handle it. See how they made out?
There was actually a valid point mixed in with all that comedy. The Raptors have indeed been playing better against good teams. It would be easy to over look the Bobcats and think this has an easy win written all over it. Raptors have made it "Fan Night" as well. On Fan Night it is usually against a bad team as some way to draw some interest. Having Naughty By Nature in to perform at halftime is all part of that. It is without saying it, a game on the schedule that both has little interest, and looks like an easy win. To prove my point when Vanilla Ice started this strange tradition of novelty Rap performers at halftime; Do you remember who the Raptors played? The Answer is the New Jersey Nets. I honestly can't remember who was here for Rob Base but I will bet it wasn't anyone good.
While they suggest in the video we cancel the season if the Raptors lose might be a tad extreme. It is worth noting the Bobcats are 1-15 on the road and only have 3 wins on the season. They are on a huge losing streak of 16 in a row. The Raptors need to make it 17 and move along to the next one. If they don't it will wipe away to an extent all the good basketball they have played of late.
Also, be honest how many of you could have named 5 Bobcats? I also wonder what those people that had the draft Kemba Walker sign in their condo window think today? Maybe they will be out at this game to see the guy they wanted the Raptors to draft? Honestly they were not alone though. He has been hot of late with 21 points in his last two games. But as the old expression goes, someone has to score on a bad team. Kemba on the season is averaging 13.1 ppg and is shooting just 36.8% from the field while averaging just 3.6 assists. That doesn't exactly sound like the successor to Jose Calderon does it?
Showing posts with label Michael Jordan.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Jordan.. Show all posts
2/17/12
12/28/10
"NBAz in 7 Dayz"
My Christmas was pure bananas. Every year, try as I may to be organized, this year I forget gifts and my famous apple pie for Christmas dinner. My solice? Five NBA games on Christmas day. Ahhhh. The best part? Dinner was at my sister's place this year and her husband Brian is a huge basketball fan so it was two against my Dad and my brother-in-law Aaron. If they polled for stress-level ratings of Christmas past, this year would take the cake. Alas, TV ratings make the grade and based on fast national ratings, NBA games airing on ABC and ESPN delivered the highest growing audience ever. The much anticipated match-up (and eventual smack-down) of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat increased its viewing audience by 45% over last year's game (Cleveland vs Los Angeles) in the same broadcast window. At the end of the day, ratings gage the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into the same program. So these stats show basketball and turkey consumption go hand in hand. Let's consume some serious news makers over the past week, including: LeBron James 'water and Love' comments, Larry Brown being fired as Head Coach of the Charlotte Bobcats and Shaquille O'Neal's fine for speaking his mind.
All is fair in Love and war
Let's clear this up. After Heat practice on Monday, LeBron James said he "didn't mean to upset anybody" when he called the NBA "watered down" last week. He also said his comments regarding the league being more popular in the 1980s due to fewer teams and more stars on top squads were not meant to hurt anyone either. He claims he is not saying leave the Nets or Timberwolves high and dry but for the need to see players like Kevin Love playing somewhere other than in Minnesota. He does have a point. Look at Kevin Love's stats. He leads the league in rebounding with 15.6 and is averaging 20 points. Plus, he also leads the league with 25 double-doubles. Pretty impressive, right? Let's face it. LeBron James is not the first person to think this or say it out loud for that matter. Fans and officials across all professional leagues have thought it, too. Don't kid yourself. NBA Commissioner David Stern is not counting out this argument but continues to subscribe to the theory expansion, no matter how financially viable, makes the league more attractive. Look at what is happening to the Hornets. The owners step down without real investors to take over, are all smile and giggles about the Hornets being such a great investment opportunity and yet they throw their hands up and walk away from what is clearly a mess. Forget the fact LeBron James has a target on his back already for "taking his talents to Miami". His argument about the league's talent being spread out makes some sense. Take a look at some of today's bottom benchers who are making mad dough and have the privilege of calling themselves professional athletes. Insert these guys into the game 20 or 30 years ago and the words "professional basketball player" would not be on their resume. These are the guys most upset at LeBron's 'watered down' comments. They should be. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement is on the horizon and they are wondering where they fit in.
Michael Jordan goes back on his word
Think back to when Larry Brown was hired as Head Coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. Michael Jordan (Bobcats owner) said he wanted Larry Brown to coach this team as long as Larry wanted to coach it. Then a few weeks ago, Michael and Larry met on 'how to improve the team' and 'how to play better basketball'. They met again recently and apparently decided the team could be playing better basketball and a change was needed. So since they were in a soft schedule according to them, now was a good time to make the transition to interim Head Coach Paul Silas. Sure, when you are loosing games by 30 points or more, a change is definitely in order. But to argue Larry Brown stepped down on his own free will is a complete fabrication. "Yes, Michael. Our Bobcats could be playing better. Why don't I just step down as Head Coach and let someone else give it a try?" Who are we trying to kid? This is Michael Jordan - an intense athlete in his playing days and proving to be just as ruthless in his quest to win as an owner. My only question is: does he have enough pocket change to buy the Maple Leafs?
Shaq on the Attack
This is just laughable. Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $35, 000 by the NBA for his public comments about the officiating. On Christmas, Boston played Orlando and got beat 86-78. He criticized the referees in this game after picking up his sixth foul when Magic center Dwight Howard fell to the ground wrestling for position. Shaq said, "I just wonder why I have never gotten that call in 20 years. Don't pick and choose when you are going to make the call...That's what happens when you get control freaks". No, that's what happens when you try to change the game abruptly after players are used to being the control freaks. Everyone just needs to settle down and take a time-out. Inconsistency in officiating issues are also plaguing professional soccer where they are considering having an official parked at the goal. Not sure if this would work in the NBA but when the dust settles, we all need to move on. The moving on part is harder for some than others.
Thanks for joining me this week. I will see you on Thursday for more "Behind Enemy Lines".
All is fair in Love and war
Let's clear this up. After Heat practice on Monday, LeBron James said he "didn't mean to upset anybody" when he called the NBA "watered down" last week. He also said his comments regarding the league being more popular in the 1980s due to fewer teams and more stars on top squads were not meant to hurt anyone either. He claims he is not saying leave the Nets or Timberwolves high and dry but for the need to see players like Kevin Love playing somewhere other than in Minnesota. He does have a point. Look at Kevin Love's stats. He leads the league in rebounding with 15.6 and is averaging 20 points. Plus, he also leads the league with 25 double-doubles. Pretty impressive, right? Let's face it. LeBron James is not the first person to think this or say it out loud for that matter. Fans and officials across all professional leagues have thought it, too. Don't kid yourself. NBA Commissioner David Stern is not counting out this argument but continues to subscribe to the theory expansion, no matter how financially viable, makes the league more attractive. Look at what is happening to the Hornets. The owners step down without real investors to take over, are all smile and giggles about the Hornets being such a great investment opportunity and yet they throw their hands up and walk away from what is clearly a mess. Forget the fact LeBron James has a target on his back already for "taking his talents to Miami". His argument about the league's talent being spread out makes some sense. Take a look at some of today's bottom benchers who are making mad dough and have the privilege of calling themselves professional athletes. Insert these guys into the game 20 or 30 years ago and the words "professional basketball player" would not be on their resume. These are the guys most upset at LeBron's 'watered down' comments. They should be. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement is on the horizon and they are wondering where they fit in.
Michael Jordan goes back on his word
Think back to when Larry Brown was hired as Head Coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. Michael Jordan (Bobcats owner) said he wanted Larry Brown to coach this team as long as Larry wanted to coach it. Then a few weeks ago, Michael and Larry met on 'how to improve the team' and 'how to play better basketball'. They met again recently and apparently decided the team could be playing better basketball and a change was needed. So since they were in a soft schedule according to them, now was a good time to make the transition to interim Head Coach Paul Silas. Sure, when you are loosing games by 30 points or more, a change is definitely in order. But to argue Larry Brown stepped down on his own free will is a complete fabrication. "Yes, Michael. Our Bobcats could be playing better. Why don't I just step down as Head Coach and let someone else give it a try?" Who are we trying to kid? This is Michael Jordan - an intense athlete in his playing days and proving to be just as ruthless in his quest to win as an owner. My only question is: does he have enough pocket change to buy the Maple Leafs?
Shaq on the Attack
This is just laughable. Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $35, 000 by the NBA for his public comments about the officiating. On Christmas, Boston played Orlando and got beat 86-78. He criticized the referees in this game after picking up his sixth foul when Magic center Dwight Howard fell to the ground wrestling for position. Shaq said, "I just wonder why I have never gotten that call in 20 years. Don't pick and choose when you are going to make the call...That's what happens when you get control freaks". No, that's what happens when you try to change the game abruptly after players are used to being the control freaks. Everyone just needs to settle down and take a time-out. Inconsistency in officiating issues are also plaguing professional soccer where they are considering having an official parked at the goal. Not sure if this would work in the NBA but when the dust settles, we all need to move on. The moving on part is harder for some than others.
Thanks for joining me this week. I will see you on Thursday for more "Behind Enemy Lines".
8/24/10
"Jiggly Bits"
The 2010 World Basketball Championships are upon us and starting August 28th, teams from all over the world will be competing for the title. So why is it when I try to strike up a conversation with someone about the tournament, I get a "What tournament?" or a "Who cares?" Look at the World Cup of Soccer. I knew people who couldn't tell you what an offside was or never really followed soccer much less played it, but they still cheered for their favourite team. Why? It was mostly a cultural affiliation kind of thing but it was highly promoted as THE tournament to watch. The second reason? They had the sponsors to back it up. This is where FIFA has done a better job than FIBA in promoting the game internationally. It was really sad to see the juxtaposition of the Canadian National Basketball Team asking us to text in donations to send them to the Worlds at the same time Haiti was asking for monetary donations to save them from disaster. Not a good situation to be in. I really hope people take notice and put all the hoopla aside and pay attention to this tournament. The Canadian National Basketball team has some great talent on its squad and if they overcome injuries and a team-affected stomach bug, they can do really well. Let's talk about the tournament with it's own share of controversies, Jordan reuniting with Kwame Brown and LeBron finally responding to Gilbert Brown without the smoke and mirrors.
The Worlds - An Uphill Battle
From August 28th to September 12th in Turkey, national basketball teams from around the world will be competing in the World Championships. Most see Spain as favoured to win and Team U.S.A doesn't seem to mind the focus is put on Spain to repeat so as to take the pressure off the Americans to produce something. Team U.S.A hasn't won at the Worlds in 16 years. Plus, no one from the gold medal team will be returning for the Americans. Pau Gasol will not playing for Spain because he thought after helping the Lakers win an NBA Championship, he needed a break. And rightfully so. The same argument James made in his comments about the Curse of Calderon could be made in any professional sport, including the NHL. Gary Bettman and other NHL officials have contemplated not allowing NHL players to compete in the Olympics. Sidney Crosby was criticized for not playing in an event right after the season ended and after winning gold for Canada in the 2010 Olympics. He was just thinking like Gasol: not wanting to injure himself and rest up for the coming season. Something I bet Brian Colangelo wishes Jose Calderon should have done.
With all he is doing to promote the NBA, even as far as India, I highly doubt NBA Commissioner David Stern would prevent the league's players from participating in the World Championships. It's not like in the NHL where they have to shut down the league for two weeks to accommodate its players competing in the Olympics. As long as the World Basketball Championships continue to be held in the summer, in the off season, it really should be the up to the player to compete in the Worlds as long as it doesn't interfere with training camp with the NBA team which employs him. Now, let's insert Jose Calderon. He was supposed to play for Spain but now out with a leg injury and expected to take 4 weeks to recover. Not a good situation for Brian Colangelo who was looking to unload Jose Calderon before training camp. I can see the attraction to compete in the Worlds, especially for players like Calderon who have not garnered the attention of other NBA stars either in the league or this tournament. The Worlds are a chance for these players to shine and get some exposure or media attention they normally wouldn't because of the A-players so-to-speak stealing the limelight. However, I would have to side with James and the Calderon Curse argument if this continues to happen. At least in Calderon's case, it proves participation in the tournament affects the team he is employed by.
Incidentally, Canada will play Lebanon to open the tournament on August 28th. Lebanon is ranked 24th and has most of its players actually playing with clubs in Lebanon. They actually have a Canadian-born player on the roster in Ali Mahmoud. Canada is ranked 19th and has players in clubs spread out over the world. This is the same thing that has plagued the Canadian National Soccer Team because when you have players in all parts of the world, it makes it harder to gel as a team and have access to practice. Plus, the Canadians have been battling injuries and a stomach bug that has gone through the entire team. Head Coach Leo Rautins has his work cut out for him when two NBA players on his squad Joel Anthony (Miami Heat) and Andy Rautins (New York Knicks) are not 100% yet due to injury or illness but he has until Friday to figure it out - that's when rosters are due. I'd like to say Canada is a sure thing but with Lebanon as a wild card they are hungry to win, too. They had a chance to qualify for the Worlds against China in the Semi's of the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship but fell to Jordan. I hope the Canadians don't go into this Saturday's contest overly confident or things might not end in their favour. Spain (ranked #3), Lithuania (6th), New Zealand (13th) and France (15th) are also in this pool (Group D).
Jordan and Kwame Together Again
I know most people are shaking their heads at this move but think about the man behind the decision. Michael Jordan the player was an intense guy who would rather have a million root canals without anesthetic than loose a basketball game. So nine years after he picked Kwame Brown number one in the NBA draft when he was with the Washington Wizards, he picks him again. Kwame Brown has been bounced around the league with little success in any particular club. He was drafted right out of high school when most thought he wasn't ready for the NBA. So when Jordan picked him then he was labelled as another superstar who can make a Head Office type of decision. So I think the decision to bring Kwame Brown into the Charlotte Bobcats family was more of a righting past wrongs kind of thing. Brown was only offered a one year contract worth $1.3 million, the minimum given to NBA veterans. So while Jordan seems to be at least attempting to redeem himself with Kwame, he also knows Kwame needs to prove himself. If he doesn't, Jordan will not be able to come out from under that cloud.
A Summer of Love and Hate
I know his jersey was burned by Cleveland fans in protest of his departure and I know he was labelled the ultimate 'douche' for the TV special 'The Decision-2010'. I still believe those who believe in these two scenarios are not seeing the big picture. In a recent interview with GQ magazine, LeBron James said he isn't sure Cleveland Cavs owner Dan Gilbert ever cared about him: "My mother always told me: you will see the light of people when they hit adversity. You'll get a good sense of their character". Considering the nastiness of his reaction to LeBron leaving to Miami, some might agree with LeBron's statement. In the same GQ article, he responded to comments made about 'The Decision-2010" which questioned his motivations. When LeBron James found out the $2.5 million dollars made from the tv special would be given to Boys and Girls Clubs, he felt it was a "no brainer". If you really, truly support someone without the facade of a happy face, you will have the ability to take a step back and see a particular decision was made from a good place and not meant to offend. Sure be upset, but don't lie and say you supported someone from the beginning because really, you only supported them when they fit into your ideal. I really hope when the season starts, we can all move on from this.
"Basketball Beyond the Floor"
Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be discussing Tall Tales by Terry Pluto. Until then, happy reading.
The Worlds - An Uphill Battle
From August 28th to September 12th in Turkey, national basketball teams from around the world will be competing in the World Championships. Most see Spain as favoured to win and Team U.S.A doesn't seem to mind the focus is put on Spain to repeat so as to take the pressure off the Americans to produce something. Team U.S.A hasn't won at the Worlds in 16 years. Plus, no one from the gold medal team will be returning for the Americans. Pau Gasol will not playing for Spain because he thought after helping the Lakers win an NBA Championship, he needed a break. And rightfully so. The same argument James made in his comments about the Curse of Calderon could be made in any professional sport, including the NHL. Gary Bettman and other NHL officials have contemplated not allowing NHL players to compete in the Olympics. Sidney Crosby was criticized for not playing in an event right after the season ended and after winning gold for Canada in the 2010 Olympics. He was just thinking like Gasol: not wanting to injure himself and rest up for the coming season. Something I bet Brian Colangelo wishes Jose Calderon should have done.
With all he is doing to promote the NBA, even as far as India, I highly doubt NBA Commissioner David Stern would prevent the league's players from participating in the World Championships. It's not like in the NHL where they have to shut down the league for two weeks to accommodate its players competing in the Olympics. As long as the World Basketball Championships continue to be held in the summer, in the off season, it really should be the up to the player to compete in the Worlds as long as it doesn't interfere with training camp with the NBA team which employs him. Now, let's insert Jose Calderon. He was supposed to play for Spain but now out with a leg injury and expected to take 4 weeks to recover. Not a good situation for Brian Colangelo who was looking to unload Jose Calderon before training camp. I can see the attraction to compete in the Worlds, especially for players like Calderon who have not garnered the attention of other NBA stars either in the league or this tournament. The Worlds are a chance for these players to shine and get some exposure or media attention they normally wouldn't because of the A-players so-to-speak stealing the limelight. However, I would have to side with James and the Calderon Curse argument if this continues to happen. At least in Calderon's case, it proves participation in the tournament affects the team he is employed by.
Incidentally, Canada will play Lebanon to open the tournament on August 28th. Lebanon is ranked 24th and has most of its players actually playing with clubs in Lebanon. They actually have a Canadian-born player on the roster in Ali Mahmoud. Canada is ranked 19th and has players in clubs spread out over the world. This is the same thing that has plagued the Canadian National Soccer Team because when you have players in all parts of the world, it makes it harder to gel as a team and have access to practice. Plus, the Canadians have been battling injuries and a stomach bug that has gone through the entire team. Head Coach Leo Rautins has his work cut out for him when two NBA players on his squad Joel Anthony (Miami Heat) and Andy Rautins (New York Knicks) are not 100% yet due to injury or illness but he has until Friday to figure it out - that's when rosters are due. I'd like to say Canada is a sure thing but with Lebanon as a wild card they are hungry to win, too. They had a chance to qualify for the Worlds against China in the Semi's of the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship but fell to Jordan. I hope the Canadians don't go into this Saturday's contest overly confident or things might not end in their favour. Spain (ranked #3), Lithuania (6th), New Zealand (13th) and France (15th) are also in this pool (Group D).
Jordan and Kwame Together Again
I know most people are shaking their heads at this move but think about the man behind the decision. Michael Jordan the player was an intense guy who would rather have a million root canals without anesthetic than loose a basketball game. So nine years after he picked Kwame Brown number one in the NBA draft when he was with the Washington Wizards, he picks him again. Kwame Brown has been bounced around the league with little success in any particular club. He was drafted right out of high school when most thought he wasn't ready for the NBA. So when Jordan picked him then he was labelled as another superstar who can make a Head Office type of decision. So I think the decision to bring Kwame Brown into the Charlotte Bobcats family was more of a righting past wrongs kind of thing. Brown was only offered a one year contract worth $1.3 million, the minimum given to NBA veterans. So while Jordan seems to be at least attempting to redeem himself with Kwame, he also knows Kwame needs to prove himself. If he doesn't, Jordan will not be able to come out from under that cloud.
A Summer of Love and Hate
I know his jersey was burned by Cleveland fans in protest of his departure and I know he was labelled the ultimate 'douche' for the TV special 'The Decision-2010'. I still believe those who believe in these two scenarios are not seeing the big picture. In a recent interview with GQ magazine, LeBron James said he isn't sure Cleveland Cavs owner Dan Gilbert ever cared about him: "My mother always told me: you will see the light of people when they hit adversity. You'll get a good sense of their character". Considering the nastiness of his reaction to LeBron leaving to Miami, some might agree with LeBron's statement. In the same GQ article, he responded to comments made about 'The Decision-2010" which questioned his motivations. When LeBron James found out the $2.5 million dollars made from the tv special would be given to Boys and Girls Clubs, he felt it was a "no brainer". If you really, truly support someone without the facade of a happy face, you will have the ability to take a step back and see a particular decision was made from a good place and not meant to offend. Sure be upset, but don't lie and say you supported someone from the beginning because really, you only supported them when they fit into your ideal. I really hope when the season starts, we can all move on from this.
"Basketball Beyond the Floor"
Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be discussing Tall Tales by Terry Pluto. Until then, happy reading.
8/5/10
"Basketball Beyond the Floor"
Michael Jordan is a legend. There is no question about that. Is he a saint? That remains to be seen. The Chicago Bulls of the '90s has often been called 'his' team. But in painting this picture, some people forget about the drive and attitude it takes one to get there. Some blame the break-up of his Chicago Bulls on Michael Jordan's larger-than-life attitude and others blame it on Jerry Reinsdorf or Jerry Krause. For what ever reason the disassembling happened, one thing is true: Michael Jordan made the Bulls into a great team during his time there and so did a few other key players. Blood on the Horns by Roland Lazenby explores the power struggle the Chicago Bulls were caught up in during the 1997-1998 season. This book is not just a chronicle of experiences or books read, either. Roland Lazenby gained insight through personal interviews specifically for this book with Michael Jordan and other key players. With a market so saturated with books detailing the trial and tribulations of MJ, this one has the most credibility so far for me since it goes that extra mile and for its attention to detail. It's a great book to debate with friends and get into heated discussions over since it presents so many options as to why '97-'98 season was such a tumultuous one for the Chicago Bulls. For now, let's discuss a few key areas.
Just thinking about the Future
The first red flag that went up was when Jerry Krause started putting out feelers for a Scottie Pippen trade. The Bulls were already paying Michael Jordan $33 million per season and at the close of the 1998 playoffs, Scottie Pippen's contract was up. According to the book, the going rate for Pippen at the time was $45 million over 3 years. So naturally, if you are Scottie Pippen and you find out through the rumour mill your boss is looking to unload your services, you are not going to be happy. I see what Bulls management was trying to do in that they didn't want to end up like the Celtics in 1992. According to Roland Lazenby, some people thought the Celtics were too busy giving kudos to Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale to plan for the future. The Bulls (in NBA years) were aging and Jerry Krause was fully within his rights to look to the future. The way it was handled and the way Pippen found out? Not so nice. Riff number one.
Riff number two: Phil Jackson. Jerry Krause found Phil Jackson in the CBA and gets no real credit. Think about it. In 1985, Jerry Krause calls Jackson in to interview for the Assistant Coach position and Chicago Bulls Head Coach at the time, Stan Albeck says no way ho say. So two years later, Albeck gets fired and Doug Collins takes over as Head Coach and Phil Jackson is brought on to assist. In 1989, Doug is fired and Phil Jackson is now the Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls. It took a few years, but he got there. There is always the constant debate over who gets credit for the success of a team. Is it the coaching staff and players on the front lines every night? Or is it management pulling the strings? I would say both deserve credit but the bulk of it should go to the coaching staff and players. Think of this analogy. You create opportunities and pay for your son or daughter to play basketball. Their team wins the championship. Was it your skills, hard work and determination that got them there? No. The opportunities you created for them and lessons learned by your support certainly helped along the way but they were the ones practicing, shooting baskets and winning games. I think this is where Krause can take some blame. He tried way to hard to be "one of the boys" and he didn't know his place sometimes, didn't know when to sit back and give credit where credit is due. And the fact he told Phil at the beginning of the season it would be his last and still expected him to be all smiles and giggles, leaves nothing to the imagination.
Riff number three: Michael Jordan. Remember during the 1985-1986 season when Michael Jordan broke a bone in his left foot and missed 64 games? An injury like this has ended some NBA careers but not for Jordan. He was determined to come back. This is where author Roland Lazenby gets real credit for providing a look at both sides by getting personal interviews from key individuals to gage reaction. So, in March of '86, Jordan comes back and says he's ready to play. Jerry Kraus informs him they have consulted 3 doctors and says no to Jordan about playing. Krause says he was protecting Joran's career and MJ felt like a piece of property. Again, control becomes the source of conflict.
Dennis Rodman is a Misunderstood Individual
This was the fun part of the book. Sometimes when you read a book about everyone arguing it can get you a little edgy, too. One chapter in this book is dedicated to Dennis Rodman and his exploits. Sure, he left one girl hanging to go hang with Madonna, tried out wrestling and gambled a lot, but he was a good basketball player. No one really expected a guy with Rodman's image to be bugging Assistant Coach Tex winter for game tape to study. He does make an interesting analogy between the Bulls driven by Jordan's will and his former Pistons (he's referring to the Pistons here): "It wasn't just one person who had the heart of a lion. I think everyone on that team had the heart of a lion and the heart of a tiger and the demeanor of an elephant. We'd just run right over you". That's the problem with putting all your eggs in one basket/ player.
The one thing I love about Dennis Rodman is how he speaks in the moment, like an open book. It would have been interesting if this book was written now and not twelve years ago. Look at what he says to Roland Lazenby when asked about the pressure to play knowing Phil Jackson was on his way out: "There ain't no pressure...Who gives a shit really? I'd like to say take me, Scottie and Michael and Phil to another team. Let's go play for the minimum and win a championship". Remind you of anything? Incidentally, NBA minimum wage at the time was about $260,000 a year. Peanuts, right?
Flick Pick of the Week
The movie I want you to watch this weekend is The Air Up There. It's about this American coach who travels to Africa to recruit this kid he sees on a home video. Parts of the movie were actually shot in Toronto and Hamilton with Copps Coliseum as the fill -in for the University arena shots. I watched it a while ago - not a top ten movie of all time but definitely worth watching.
Next week we will be reading Raise the Roof by Pat Summit (with Sally Jenkins). Pat Summit is a legend in women's college basketball. She is known for winning more national championships than any of her colleagues (man or woman) during her time since John Wooden. I picked this one since it describes another important moment in basketball history which also took place during the 1997-1998 season. It gives you the inside scoop to the Tennessee Lady Vols and is a great read. As always, happy reading and see you on Tuesday for another serving of "Jiggly Bits".
Just thinking about the Future
The first red flag that went up was when Jerry Krause started putting out feelers for a Scottie Pippen trade. The Bulls were already paying Michael Jordan $33 million per season and at the close of the 1998 playoffs, Scottie Pippen's contract was up. According to the book, the going rate for Pippen at the time was $45 million over 3 years. So naturally, if you are Scottie Pippen and you find out through the rumour mill your boss is looking to unload your services, you are not going to be happy. I see what Bulls management was trying to do in that they didn't want to end up like the Celtics in 1992. According to Roland Lazenby, some people thought the Celtics were too busy giving kudos to Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale to plan for the future. The Bulls (in NBA years) were aging and Jerry Krause was fully within his rights to look to the future. The way it was handled and the way Pippen found out? Not so nice. Riff number one.
Riff number two: Phil Jackson. Jerry Krause found Phil Jackson in the CBA and gets no real credit. Think about it. In 1985, Jerry Krause calls Jackson in to interview for the Assistant Coach position and Chicago Bulls Head Coach at the time, Stan Albeck says no way ho say. So two years later, Albeck gets fired and Doug Collins takes over as Head Coach and Phil Jackson is brought on to assist. In 1989, Doug is fired and Phil Jackson is now the Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls. It took a few years, but he got there. There is always the constant debate over who gets credit for the success of a team. Is it the coaching staff and players on the front lines every night? Or is it management pulling the strings? I would say both deserve credit but the bulk of it should go to the coaching staff and players. Think of this analogy. You create opportunities and pay for your son or daughter to play basketball. Their team wins the championship. Was it your skills, hard work and determination that got them there? No. The opportunities you created for them and lessons learned by your support certainly helped along the way but they were the ones practicing, shooting baskets and winning games. I think this is where Krause can take some blame. He tried way to hard to be "one of the boys" and he didn't know his place sometimes, didn't know when to sit back and give credit where credit is due. And the fact he told Phil at the beginning of the season it would be his last and still expected him to be all smiles and giggles, leaves nothing to the imagination.
Riff number three: Michael Jordan. Remember during the 1985-1986 season when Michael Jordan broke a bone in his left foot and missed 64 games? An injury like this has ended some NBA careers but not for Jordan. He was determined to come back. This is where author Roland Lazenby gets real credit for providing a look at both sides by getting personal interviews from key individuals to gage reaction. So, in March of '86, Jordan comes back and says he's ready to play. Jerry Kraus informs him they have consulted 3 doctors and says no to Jordan about playing. Krause says he was protecting Joran's career and MJ felt like a piece of property. Again, control becomes the source of conflict.
Dennis Rodman is a Misunderstood Individual
This was the fun part of the book. Sometimes when you read a book about everyone arguing it can get you a little edgy, too. One chapter in this book is dedicated to Dennis Rodman and his exploits. Sure, he left one girl hanging to go hang with Madonna, tried out wrestling and gambled a lot, but he was a good basketball player. No one really expected a guy with Rodman's image to be bugging Assistant Coach Tex winter for game tape to study. He does make an interesting analogy between the Bulls driven by Jordan's will and his former Pistons (he's referring to the Pistons here): "It wasn't just one person who had the heart of a lion. I think everyone on that team had the heart of a lion and the heart of a tiger and the demeanor of an elephant. We'd just run right over you". That's the problem with putting all your eggs in one basket/ player.
The one thing I love about Dennis Rodman is how he speaks in the moment, like an open book. It would have been interesting if this book was written now and not twelve years ago. Look at what he says to Roland Lazenby when asked about the pressure to play knowing Phil Jackson was on his way out: "There ain't no pressure...Who gives a shit really? I'd like to say take me, Scottie and Michael and Phil to another team. Let's go play for the minimum and win a championship". Remind you of anything? Incidentally, NBA minimum wage at the time was about $260,000 a year. Peanuts, right?
Flick Pick of the Week
The movie I want you to watch this weekend is The Air Up There. It's about this American coach who travels to Africa to recruit this kid he sees on a home video. Parts of the movie were actually shot in Toronto and Hamilton with Copps Coliseum as the fill -in for the University arena shots. I watched it a while ago - not a top ten movie of all time but definitely worth watching.
Next week we will be reading Raise the Roof by Pat Summit (with Sally Jenkins). Pat Summit is a legend in women's college basketball. She is known for winning more national championships than any of her colleagues (man or woman) during her time since John Wooden. I picked this one since it describes another important moment in basketball history which also took place during the 1997-1998 season. It gives you the inside scoop to the Tennessee Lady Vols and is a great read. As always, happy reading and see you on Tuesday for another serving of "Jiggly Bits".
7/13/10
Update- Dead Bobcat.
Well which do you want first? Good news? Hedo is still gone and that deal will be finalized today for Barbosa. Bad news the Bobcats part of the deal is dead. The whole deal is dead. Not just the Tyson Chandler part. The Toronto Star's Doug Smith is reporting that this deal has died. This is all despite Chandler and Evans public acknowledgments that they were heading to each others cities.How the Raptors could bring back Calderon now seems unlikely. They have clearly tipped their hand on who they have chosen. But it is not impossible, as Alvin Williams was once traded to Boston and that traded was pulled back for a failed medical. This is a different case. In any case for fans that were happy to have Jose gone....not so fast. Still it looks like Hedo is off to the Suns. He will not be missed. If you expected anyone to get cold feet, the Suns would have been my bet.
So THANKS M.J....Still bitter about losing to an expansion team? I wonder how bitter Washington fans are about your playing days there or drafting Kwame Brown. Same as Bobcats fans are about Adam Morrison?
According to Michael Grange it is actually Larry Brown that was the killer of the deal not wanting to part with Chandler. But that is just a matter of blame. Safe to say the Bobcats get booed in Toronto now? Maybe.
So THANKS M.J....Still bitter about losing to an expansion team? I wonder how bitter Washington fans are about your playing days there or drafting Kwame Brown. Same as Bobcats fans are about Adam Morrison?
According to Michael Grange it is actually Larry Brown that was the killer of the deal not wanting to part with Chandler. But that is just a matter of blame. Safe to say the Bobcats get booed in Toronto now? Maybe.
No Trade Yet- Blame Jordan
So still no deal and now according to Yahoo we know why. Michael Jordan. The Bobcats owner suddenly has second thoughts about the trade that was widely report and was as good as done. It is more proof that a deal is never done until the trade call goes through. It is thought Jordan is having second thoughts about trading Tyson Chandler. This despite all the players being involved had been told this was a done deal. Raptors and Bobcats are in talks to try to get this trade done. It is thought if the Raptors added the first they got from Miami this could be a done deal. I say do it, what are you going to get with a pick from 25-30. The answer is not much. Jordan has been a failure as an executive and his biggest blunder was drafting Kwame Brown.
Obviously will keep on top of this and let you know if things change or get done. Hedo Turkoglu was lazy in his time here and his trade to leave is moving even slower than him. That part of the deal remains in tact regardless. It is the whole Charlotte part of the deal up in the air. Even if this fell apart hard to think Jose Calderon is back next year after all this.
Obviously will keep on top of this and let you know if things change or get done. Hedo Turkoglu was lazy in his time here and his trade to leave is moving even slower than him. That part of the deal remains in tact regardless. It is the whole Charlotte part of the deal up in the air. Even if this fell apart hard to think Jose Calderon is back next year after all this.
6/22/10
"Jiggly Bits"
Thursday was hard. In fact, the whole series was hard. No one expected the Boston Celtics to be there but they were. No one expected the Lakers to need game 7 to win a championship but they did. The 2010 NBA Finals were won by a team who wanted it more. Both teams were talented, both had stamina but the Lakers had more fire in the end. With a game 7 score of 93-89 you know it could have gone the other way. Kobe Bryant said this series was the sweetest of the now 5 titles he has with the Lakers because it was against the Celtics and it was the hardest one to get. A well-deserved parade followed on Monday. We'll touch on this and talk about a possible Celtic retirement and I'll give you my top five drama-induced reasons why this is going to be the craziest summer in the NBA. Hold onto your hats.
Back to back without Shaq
I love post season parade celebrations. A chance for fans to connect and celebrate with the team they have pumped their time and money into. The only real complaint from fans concerning the Lake Show parade was for the floats to drive slower so as to catch a longer glimpse of their favourite player. Phil Jackson was not there to enjoy the festivities because according to team spokesman John Black, Phil was at a previously scheduled health check-up. Really? Unless he has some terminal illness we don't know about, blood work and other tests can wait, can't they? I am a little suspicious since doctors' appointments can be rescheduled especially if you are Phil Jackson and your team just won an NBA championship. Speaking for the team, John Black said Phil Jackson's health is the highest priority for them and for Phil and a big reason in deciding if Phil stays or goes. The only thing I can think of that is remotely similar was way back in university when I was Vice President of the student's association and the VP who was replacing me asked me to be a part of the celebrations afterward. He was a good friend (and still is) so I stayed to hear his name announced but left directly after. I wanted to be there for him but since I had made the decision to not to come back the following year, the celebrating part would not have been much fun. This is what my gut is telling me about Phil Jackson. He's made the decision to leave already and may play the health card as a part of his exit strategy.
Speaking of exits, Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers told some media types about Rasheed Wallace and his probable retirement. According to Coach Rivers, Rasheed told him before game 7 that he believed it would be the last game of his career. If this is all true, he must have made this decision mid-season since he has 2 years left on the contract he signed with the Celtics last summer. Retiring at 35 years old? At least he won an NBA championship with Detroit in 2004. Will he be remembered for the 15, 860 points and 7, 321 rebounds he amassed over a 15 year career in the NBA? Or, will it be the 30 game ejections he's had since 1994 when the stat started being kept - the most any player has had since. We'll just have to wait and see.
The Summer of Crazy Fun in the NBA
The 2010 NBA draft and free-agency signing period will be about 10 days apart. Then the real show begins. The x-factor in how high the drama will climb is Lebron James. If he leaves, we jump on the drama train. If he stays, it may be an anti-climatic summer. Who knows what is waiting for us come July 1st but here are my top 5 drama-induced story lines to make this a crazy fun summer in the NBA.
#1 - Lebron James. He is the one everyone is waiting on. I really think too much weight is being put on this guy. I am kinda getting "Lebroned out". With all these spots he's doing to try and promote himself, not really sure how Cleveland fits into his plans. He's made up his mind already and just isn't telling anybody.
#2 - The City of Cleveland. This is getting ridiculous. As if a few parties and parks named in his honour is really going to sway him either way. It's about the money now since there are other clubs showing him the love. Even in minor league baseball. Get this: the Lake Erie Crushers plan to offer James a maximum contract worth $1, 600 a month, including a host family and a luxury suite. To make the absurd even more absurd, the team is renaming its park 'Lebron James Field' on June 30th at All Pro Freight Stadium for that night. And if your name is Lebron, you get in free. Puleeze.
#3 - Teams with money to spend and how they spend it. The New Jersey Nets have both money to spend on the juiciest free agency class in a long time and a high pick in the draft. They will be the team to do the most signing, spending and trading. Watch them closely. One team I'm a little concerned about is the New York Knicks. They have been trying to get on Lebron's good side for a while and if he doesn't set up shop in New York, they may just do something silly like overpay a third or fourth choice if they don't grab someone in the event Lebron doesn't change addresses.
#4 - The Raptors without Bosh. Raptors fans deserve more. Chris Bosh is a good guy and also deserves more. But how do you fix this problem? Raptors President and General Manager Brian Colangelo needs to pull out all the stops - his legacy is at stake. So is the the faith of Raptors fans in the club he leads.
#5 - Where Chris Bosh ends up. It's either Chicago or Los Angeles. These are the two biggest cities I see Bosh fitting into. Chicago has Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah but it's downfall is Michael Jordan used to play there. Bosh would be pressured to live up to that legacy. If he joined the Lakers he may be second fiddle to Kobe but may be just as happy to be surrounded by talent and support.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
I am loving this feature and so are you just from the feedback I have been getting. Tune in this Thursday when we'll be discussing Soul Influence: Basketball, Corporate Greed and the Corruption of America's Youth. This book will make your head spin and open your eyes. I have a flick pick for you along the same theme as this book. I also welcome suggestions for future reads and flick picks. Thank-you for all your feedback and support so far - it is very much appreciated. Happy reading and see you Thursday.
Back to back without Shaq
I love post season parade celebrations. A chance for fans to connect and celebrate with the team they have pumped their time and money into. The only real complaint from fans concerning the Lake Show parade was for the floats to drive slower so as to catch a longer glimpse of their favourite player. Phil Jackson was not there to enjoy the festivities because according to team spokesman John Black, Phil was at a previously scheduled health check-up. Really? Unless he has some terminal illness we don't know about, blood work and other tests can wait, can't they? I am a little suspicious since doctors' appointments can be rescheduled especially if you are Phil Jackson and your team just won an NBA championship. Speaking for the team, John Black said Phil Jackson's health is the highest priority for them and for Phil and a big reason in deciding if Phil stays or goes. The only thing I can think of that is remotely similar was way back in university when I was Vice President of the student's association and the VP who was replacing me asked me to be a part of the celebrations afterward. He was a good friend (and still is) so I stayed to hear his name announced but left directly after. I wanted to be there for him but since I had made the decision to not to come back the following year, the celebrating part would not have been much fun. This is what my gut is telling me about Phil Jackson. He's made the decision to leave already and may play the health card as a part of his exit strategy.
Speaking of exits, Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers told some media types about Rasheed Wallace and his probable retirement. According to Coach Rivers, Rasheed told him before game 7 that he believed it would be the last game of his career. If this is all true, he must have made this decision mid-season since he has 2 years left on the contract he signed with the Celtics last summer. Retiring at 35 years old? At least he won an NBA championship with Detroit in 2004. Will he be remembered for the 15, 860 points and 7, 321 rebounds he amassed over a 15 year career in the NBA? Or, will it be the 30 game ejections he's had since 1994 when the stat started being kept - the most any player has had since. We'll just have to wait and see.
The Summer of Crazy Fun in the NBA
The 2010 NBA draft and free-agency signing period will be about 10 days apart. Then the real show begins. The x-factor in how high the drama will climb is Lebron James. If he leaves, we jump on the drama train. If he stays, it may be an anti-climatic summer. Who knows what is waiting for us come July 1st but here are my top 5 drama-induced story lines to make this a crazy fun summer in the NBA.
#1 - Lebron James. He is the one everyone is waiting on. I really think too much weight is being put on this guy. I am kinda getting "Lebroned out". With all these spots he's doing to try and promote himself, not really sure how Cleveland fits into his plans. He's made up his mind already and just isn't telling anybody.
#2 - The City of Cleveland. This is getting ridiculous. As if a few parties and parks named in his honour is really going to sway him either way. It's about the money now since there are other clubs showing him the love. Even in minor league baseball. Get this: the Lake Erie Crushers plan to offer James a maximum contract worth $1, 600 a month, including a host family and a luxury suite. To make the absurd even more absurd, the team is renaming its park 'Lebron James Field' on June 30th at All Pro Freight Stadium for that night. And if your name is Lebron, you get in free. Puleeze.
#3 - Teams with money to spend and how they spend it. The New Jersey Nets have both money to spend on the juiciest free agency class in a long time and a high pick in the draft. They will be the team to do the most signing, spending and trading. Watch them closely. One team I'm a little concerned about is the New York Knicks. They have been trying to get on Lebron's good side for a while and if he doesn't set up shop in New York, they may just do something silly like overpay a third or fourth choice if they don't grab someone in the event Lebron doesn't change addresses.
#4 - The Raptors without Bosh. Raptors fans deserve more. Chris Bosh is a good guy and also deserves more. But how do you fix this problem? Raptors President and General Manager Brian Colangelo needs to pull out all the stops - his legacy is at stake. So is the the faith of Raptors fans in the club he leads.
#5 - Where Chris Bosh ends up. It's either Chicago or Los Angeles. These are the two biggest cities I see Bosh fitting into. Chicago has Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah but it's downfall is Michael Jordan used to play there. Bosh would be pressured to live up to that legacy. If he joined the Lakers he may be second fiddle to Kobe but may be just as happy to be surrounded by talent and support.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
I am loving this feature and so are you just from the feedback I have been getting. Tune in this Thursday when we'll be discussing Soul Influence: Basketball, Corporate Greed and the Corruption of America's Youth. This book will make your head spin and open your eyes. I have a flick pick for you along the same theme as this book. I also welcome suggestions for future reads and flick picks. Thank-you for all your feedback and support so far - it is very much appreciated. Happy reading and see you Thursday.
4/27/10
"Jiggly Bits"
I am done. Done with this emotional roller coaster the Lakers are putting me on. It's funny how James and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to these things. Being a fan and becoming emotionally attached to a team is like being in a relationship. If a team doesn't keep up their end of the bargain by playing well and being entertaining at the very least, do we start the slippery slope of the "break-up" check off list? All I am saying is I am having doubts and I am wondering if it would just be easier if I was a "single" fan of the game. Then I would be free to cheer for Lebron or Nash or even Durant without feeling guilty. In any other professional sport, I'm single. No ties to any team, just a love and admiration of the game, free to follow and support any player I choose. Much easier and stress free. Let's check in with my Fab Four match-ups to see how things are going and talk about some NBA headlines.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Series tied at 2-2)
The first thing I noticed in this game and I am not sure if this was a conscious coaching decision or not, but Kobe wasn't always taking on the offensive leadership position during this game. Alvin - a friend of mine and the Dinonation - posted on my facebook page that Kobe needed to sport a cape and come out flying like the superhero of this series or else the Thunder might roll on through to the next round. He's got a point. The Lakers were trying to play from the inside out and it obviously didn't work. They weren't paying attention to detail and lost a game that was pretty much decided in the first quarter. The final score (110-89 for Oklahoma) did not reflect that a multi-NBA Championship powerhouse was present. The Thunder are becoming a serious threat for the Lakers. Even Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said they had a meltdown. Take a look at the stats for this game and it becomes clear. In the transition, the Thunder just out ran the Lakers 24-2. They were good on the fast break and held the Lakers to a 29-17 lead after the first quarter. Most of the starting Lakers were on the bench in the fourth quarter and Kobe left the game (not to return) to begin treatment on his knee. Are they giving up? Are they getting old? Not sure. But whatever it is, they need to step out of it before there is thunder and lighting in Los Angeles.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Phoenix leads the series 3-2)
This game made be happy. It's funny. The playoffs are generally a time when coaches tell their reserves, "No offence but you may not see a lot of playing time". The stars of the club take over and conduct the business of winning games. With their starters on the floor, Phoenix allowed Portland to take an 18-4 lead to begin with Monday night but dug deep into their proverbial bench pockets to pull out a remarkable 107-88 win. Two notables? Channing Frye and Jared Dudley. Channing had a career playoff high 20 points and 8 rebounds on the night with Jared at 19 points. Nice to see players step up and get to contribute coming off the bench. But let's not forget Brandon Roy. He had no real impact on this particular game but to come back so early from knee surgery - EIGHT days after. You might have heard this sort of thing happening in the NFL but in the NBA? Basketball players take a special kind of pounding on those knees and need them to be in tip top shape. A testament to Roy's character and work ethic.
Speaking of character, the Suns' Grant Hill picked up his third Joe Dumars Trophy as announced Monday. This award is given to players in each division who deserve to be recognized for their sportsmanship qualities and is voted on by the players. Hill joins Atlanta's Al Horford, Boston's Ray Allen, Cleveland's Antawn Jamison, Denver's Chauncey Billups and Houston's Luis Scola. This has to be the best piece of NBA hardware to have in your collection. It means people think you are cool to play with and against and admire for your character and not just your basketball skills. The MVP or any of the other accolades you can receive as an NBA player means you are good at what you do but it also means you are hard to defend or shut down and that might mean you are not as fun to play against. It means a lot more to receive recognition for something when it comes from your peers and especially when the talent being recognized is sportsmanship.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls (Cavs lead the series 3-1)
They are done. Chicago - that is. I hate to say it, too because Chicago has so much going for them. But it was certainly a Lebron show, giving Chicago fans a new image for the number 23. On Sunday, Lebron James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists - a nice triple double. And that third quarter buzzer-beater bomb from just inside the half? Unbelievable. It seemed as effortless as if it was made from 2 feet away instead of 34 feet. Even Joakim Noah described James as the best player in the world. It's no wonder that Cavs fans at the game started chanting "M-V-P! M-V-P!" I think that one game that Chicago took gave their head a shake and made the Cavs realize this wouldn't be a series sweep. Derrick Rose rolled his ankle on Shaq Sunday - a nagging, on going injury that may or may not prevent him from playing in game five. Chicago needs all the help they can get. I hope they do everything to challenge the Cavs and not just participate in the Bron Bron show. Would love to be a fly in the wall in the Bulls pre-game chat.
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats (4-0 Series Win for Orland0)
Our first series sweep of the playoffs. The Orlando Magic is the first team making it to the next round and are anxiously awaiting who their opponents will be: the Hawks or the Bucks. I will give credit to Charlotte. This was their first trip to the playoffs and kept themselves in the game. The 99-90 win for the Magic could have gone the other way. Charlotte cut the lead to a single point at 77-76, one point in the game, but two drained 3's by Mickael Pietrus kind of killed any momentum the Bobcats had. The Bobcats are still learning how to play playoff basketball. And it is certainly a different game. It's no sprint to the finish. It's a full-out marathon and only the mentally and physically fit will survive.
On that note, let's touch on the rumours I have been hearing about Bobcats Coach Brown. You may have heard too, that he's toying with the idea of a front office job with Philly or the Clippers. He says he's not coaching anywhere else but in Charlotte but that doesn't quash possibilities of taking another position somewhere else. He's almost 70 and he could just be weighing options. I think based on his close relationship with Michael Jordan, an offer to leave Charlotte would have to be pretty darn good.
Kevin Restani and Franklin Mieuli - R.I.P.
Whether they were an architect of the game or just contributed whatever they had, it is always sad to see someone from leave the game permanently. Kevin Restani died in San Francisco after returning from Milwaukee where he was at game three between his former Bucks and their opponents, the Atlanta Hawks. Restani was a power forward with the bucks in the mid to late 1970s. He was nicknamed "Big Bird" by then Bucks play-by-play announcer Eddie Doucette. The Bucks aren't saying how he died Saturday night, but nonetheless will be sadly missed.
Franklin Mieuli was on of the most colourful figures in the NBA. He owned the Golden State Warriors for 24 years until he sold them in 1986. He won an NBA title with the team the year I was born (look it up..ahem 1975) and was the club's only championship in almost fifty years in California. This is one guy I would have loved to have a chat with about the game. He had such a passion for the game of basketball and just threw his heart into it. Fans loved him mostly I think because it stuck with a struggling team for so long. He died of natural causes on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 89.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Series tied at 2-2)
The first thing I noticed in this game and I am not sure if this was a conscious coaching decision or not, but Kobe wasn't always taking on the offensive leadership position during this game. Alvin - a friend of mine and the Dinonation - posted on my facebook page that Kobe needed to sport a cape and come out flying like the superhero of this series or else the Thunder might roll on through to the next round. He's got a point. The Lakers were trying to play from the inside out and it obviously didn't work. They weren't paying attention to detail and lost a game that was pretty much decided in the first quarter. The final score (110-89 for Oklahoma) did not reflect that a multi-NBA Championship powerhouse was present. The Thunder are becoming a serious threat for the Lakers. Even Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said they had a meltdown. Take a look at the stats for this game and it becomes clear. In the transition, the Thunder just out ran the Lakers 24-2. They were good on the fast break and held the Lakers to a 29-17 lead after the first quarter. Most of the starting Lakers were on the bench in the fourth quarter and Kobe left the game (not to return) to begin treatment on his knee. Are they giving up? Are they getting old? Not sure. But whatever it is, they need to step out of it before there is thunder and lighting in Los Angeles.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Phoenix leads the series 3-2)
This game made be happy. It's funny. The playoffs are generally a time when coaches tell their reserves, "No offence but you may not see a lot of playing time". The stars of the club take over and conduct the business of winning games. With their starters on the floor, Phoenix allowed Portland to take an 18-4 lead to begin with Monday night but dug deep into their proverbial bench pockets to pull out a remarkable 107-88 win. Two notables? Channing Frye and Jared Dudley. Channing had a career playoff high 20 points and 8 rebounds on the night with Jared at 19 points. Nice to see players step up and get to contribute coming off the bench. But let's not forget Brandon Roy. He had no real impact on this particular game but to come back so early from knee surgery - EIGHT days after. You might have heard this sort of thing happening in the NFL but in the NBA? Basketball players take a special kind of pounding on those knees and need them to be in tip top shape. A testament to Roy's character and work ethic.
Speaking of character, the Suns' Grant Hill picked up his third Joe Dumars Trophy as announced Monday. This award is given to players in each division who deserve to be recognized for their sportsmanship qualities and is voted on by the players. Hill joins Atlanta's Al Horford, Boston's Ray Allen, Cleveland's Antawn Jamison, Denver's Chauncey Billups and Houston's Luis Scola. This has to be the best piece of NBA hardware to have in your collection. It means people think you are cool to play with and against and admire for your character and not just your basketball skills. The MVP or any of the other accolades you can receive as an NBA player means you are good at what you do but it also means you are hard to defend or shut down and that might mean you are not as fun to play against. It means a lot more to receive recognition for something when it comes from your peers and especially when the talent being recognized is sportsmanship.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls (Cavs lead the series 3-1)
They are done. Chicago - that is. I hate to say it, too because Chicago has so much going for them. But it was certainly a Lebron show, giving Chicago fans a new image for the number 23. On Sunday, Lebron James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists - a nice triple double. And that third quarter buzzer-beater bomb from just inside the half? Unbelievable. It seemed as effortless as if it was made from 2 feet away instead of 34 feet. Even Joakim Noah described James as the best player in the world. It's no wonder that Cavs fans at the game started chanting "M-V-P! M-V-P!" I think that one game that Chicago took gave their head a shake and made the Cavs realize this wouldn't be a series sweep. Derrick Rose rolled his ankle on Shaq Sunday - a nagging, on going injury that may or may not prevent him from playing in game five. Chicago needs all the help they can get. I hope they do everything to challenge the Cavs and not just participate in the Bron Bron show. Would love to be a fly in the wall in the Bulls pre-game chat.
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats (4-0 Series Win for Orland0)
Our first series sweep of the playoffs. The Orlando Magic is the first team making it to the next round and are anxiously awaiting who their opponents will be: the Hawks or the Bucks. I will give credit to Charlotte. This was their first trip to the playoffs and kept themselves in the game. The 99-90 win for the Magic could have gone the other way. Charlotte cut the lead to a single point at 77-76, one point in the game, but two drained 3's by Mickael Pietrus kind of killed any momentum the Bobcats had. The Bobcats are still learning how to play playoff basketball. And it is certainly a different game. It's no sprint to the finish. It's a full-out marathon and only the mentally and physically fit will survive.
On that note, let's touch on the rumours I have been hearing about Bobcats Coach Brown. You may have heard too, that he's toying with the idea of a front office job with Philly or the Clippers. He says he's not coaching anywhere else but in Charlotte but that doesn't quash possibilities of taking another position somewhere else. He's almost 70 and he could just be weighing options. I think based on his close relationship with Michael Jordan, an offer to leave Charlotte would have to be pretty darn good.
Kevin Restani and Franklin Mieuli - R.I.P.
Whether they were an architect of the game or just contributed whatever they had, it is always sad to see someone from leave the game permanently. Kevin Restani died in San Francisco after returning from Milwaukee where he was at game three between his former Bucks and their opponents, the Atlanta Hawks. Restani was a power forward with the bucks in the mid to late 1970s. He was nicknamed "Big Bird" by then Bucks play-by-play announcer Eddie Doucette. The Bucks aren't saying how he died Saturday night, but nonetheless will be sadly missed.
Franklin Mieuli was on of the most colourful figures in the NBA. He owned the Golden State Warriors for 24 years until he sold them in 1986. He won an NBA title with the team the year I was born (look it up..ahem 1975) and was the club's only championship in almost fifty years in California. This is one guy I would have loved to have a chat with about the game. He had such a passion for the game of basketball and just threw his heart into it. Fans loved him mostly I think because it stuck with a struggling team for so long. He died of natural causes on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 89.
3/23/10
"Jiggly Bits" - Danielle de Graauw
It is definitely madness in the world of basketball right now. Whether you are talking NCAA hoops or impending free agency and play offs in the NBA, the month of March boggles the mind. We're going to talk about all of this including Michael Jordan getting the official nod to be the big boss man in Charlotte, recapping last night's Raptors game and the raging debate over NBA ball versus NCAA madness. I'll wait here while you go get a snack since we might be here a while.
Raptors now tied for seventh in the East
I am glad the Raptors won last night but I am not too excited about it. I think it just bought them a little more time to tinker with what has been going wrong lately. They walked away with a 106-100 score over the Timberwolves but it was the 13 straight loss for Minnesota. So really, in the grand scheme of things, it was not a huge deal. Chris Bosh had 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Andrea Bargnani racked up 19 points and 7 rebounds. Not bad but even Jay Triano was pressed for positives after last night's game saying the Raptors are not playing great basketball but they are starting to share the ball better. This sounded more to me like a description of playtime in Junior Kindergarten. I know Jay's job is to be positive since Raptors wins and losses make or break his job but its crunch time now and these guys are getting paid mega bucks to get past the crunch. If they don't, I am not so sure Chris Bosh will be willing to stay and defend this team anymore.
Free Angency Free-for-All
Picture this: Chris Bosh, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Amare Stoudemire are sipping Pina Colodas by the pool. It's the summer and they have every reason to kick back and relax because as free agents, they have no worries on the employment front. Every team in the NBA are trying to get on the guest list and only the select few will get the chance to clink glasses with these guys. Amare Stoudemire must be feeling good since he seems to be back to 100% after season-ending eye surgery to repair an injury over a year ago. When you are off that long, the pressure is on to step it up a little more than your teammates since you don't want to be seen as damaged goods. But he isn't and he's in top shape which means he has the upper hand. Also, he's hinted at opting out of the final season of his Suns contract to become a free agent. Nothing has been made official yet but when you throw out a public tease like that, it only means one thing: he's fishing to see who wants a piece of the Amare action, so-to-speak.
This is a crazy month, too since this is the time when NBA franchises are asking season ticket holders to sign on for another season. How can some clubs honestly do this when they don't know if their stars will be back in the line-up next season? If you are a Raptors season ticket holder, would you willingly plop down a couple thousand for the chance to sorta-kinda-maybe enjoy the CB4 show? I don't think so. This is why it would be catastrophically bad if Chris Bosh left the Raptors. The fans, players and front office staff would become really disconnected and in order for a franchise to succeed, even when the team isn't doing well, you need a committed fan base because they are they ones buying tickets, they are the ones buying merchandise and much to the surprise of some club presidents, the fans are running the show. No fans means no revenue and no money to keep the franchise competitive and sustainable. Every franchise needs fans like my brother-in-law. He's a 'Box-J-Boy' and you'll see him at every Ti-cat game, rain or shine. Mind you this is football but the revenue game is the same. I just hope the Raptors have a few "Joes" in the stands if Chris Bosh decides to leave. It would be the glue holding this team together.
MJ stopping to smell the roses
I am really and truly impressed by Michael Jordan. If any of you watched the same press conference I did a few days ago, you might feel the same way. As you know, I am a little leary when it comes to players moving beyond their athletic prowess on the court, but I am really thinking about sharing my NBA allegiance this year (shhh...don't tell Kobe). This is the kind of excitement MJ is cooking up in Charlotte. So he gets his 275 million dollar purchase of the bobcats officially approved and he's really proving himself to be on top of his game now as an owner. We all know he knows how to market himself and play the money game, but now he is presenting himself as approachable and passionate about the game and is trying to make you forget that he was once one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Sorry, but I don't think anyone can forget that. This is where I think he is setting himself apart from other owners. He has said publicly the free agency hype as of late is just that - hype. He wants to give the town of Charlotte and the Bobcats time to gel and figure things out. Remember, the 2009-2010 Bobcats haven't been together for over a year yet. They have made 7 trades involving 21 players since the start of last season and I don't think anyone is expecting much post-season action. Would Chris Bosh move to Charlotte? Who knows, not even MJ has set up shop there yet due to family commitments in Chicago currently. The Bobcats could sure use a marque player but not all NBA Championship winning teams have a star player on their roster. Look at Detroit. The true NBA fan knows there is no clear cut ingredient to win a championship. However, with MJ baking the proverbial pie, everyone will want a slice.
NCAA vs. NBA - Two very different playgrounds
O.K. - I didn't think I would have bring my boxing gloves to work but now it is a must. With all the madness in March, debate is swirling over NBA ball versus the NCAA. Arguments on both sides attack style of play saying NCAA players waste the shot clock and NBA players are not consistent. There are no grey areas out there and most are taking a side. From the outside looking in, there are two very different games being played here. Sometimes people get too caught up in the process and rules of the game and don't look at the true story - the athletes themselves. NBA players and NCAA players have completely separate motivations when on the court. It's do or die when trying to make it to the Final Four in the NCAA and with this comes a certain pressure and attitude toward the game. Especially, when you consider some of those kids will never play basketball at that level ever again. On the other hand, the NBA may not have that kind of pressure; however, playing for your job, family and livelihood brings another set of considerations. I know many of us will never know what it is like to make millions and have the media documenting our every move, but when you take time to see the forest through the trees, basketball is all about the people involved in the game. Take the time between now and April 4th to make the same analogies and you will see what I mean.
5/4/09
And There Off In Round 2
So were get started with Round 2. But before we talk basketball a little horse racing. If you didn't know Rashard Lewis was one of the owners of the #9 horse in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. His horse "Join In The Dance" led the race only to get blown away down the stretch. But Lewis and his Magic will hope for a better fate vs the Celtics. Also if you have not seen the outfit Michael Jordan had on at the race it is something to see and not in a good way. That may be on of the ugliest suits I have ever seen. M.J has been a fixture at the race for the last 4 years or so. It is the place to be seen and we all know M.J is a guy that is someone who enjoys a good wager. The NBA will not be making the ad where ex-player gamble happens anytime soon but Barkley and Jordan to of the games greatest players in their era are big time players not just on the court but off it.
So it is a good thing I am not a gambler. My first round picks were not exactly great. The only series I hit the nail on the head was Lakers and Jazz. I was right in saying Lakers in 5. Beyond that all my picks were a mess. I did get Orlando, Boston and Cleveland right. Actually I did call the Cavs sweep as well maybe I am being to hard on myself. However Hornets in 7, Portland in 7, Miami in 6 and Spurs in 5 all were far from right. Some more glaring mistakes than others. The Hornets would top that list with a lose of 50+ points in the playoffs. You thought the Raptors had problems think how they are feeling in New Orleans. Spurs are also a team that may need a major overhaul. Portland and Miami were young teams and they will learn and grow from the experience. 4-4 is not that good but hey it happens. I will try to make up for it going perfect in round 2. So away we go with round 2 picks.
Cavs vs Hawks
Lebron James is going to be named the MVP according to the associated press. He has had a season for the ages. It makes his comments on his 60 minutes interview all the more scary when he says he is at about 85% of his max potential. The rest of the league should be afraid. The Hawks were able to destroy Miami in game 7. It was a shock to me as I almost guaranteed a Miami win in my radio appearance on the weekend in Montreal. I may be the last person on earth that will give the Hawks credit. But even if I am bias against the Hawks. Even if I hope Lebron James does a between the legs dunk in this series. No matter what bias I may have, I am confident that everyone believes the Cavs will take this series in short order. I am saying this one will not last long and it is not hard to see why. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are not even in the same conversation with a Lebron James. Mike Bibby is not playing at the same level Mo Williams has this year although that is a closer debate. Zsa Zsa is not as good as Big Z and we could go on and on. But let's bottom line this baby.
Dino Blogger Says Cavs in 4
Celtics vs Magic
All year long I have stuck behind the Orlando Magic. They never get respect and they never are given a chance in big games by the main stream media. While the Celtics and Bulls were taking part in what some are calling the greatest series ever. The Magic with no Dwight Howard who was suspended and no Courtney Lee who was taken out by Howard, the Magic rolled over Sixers in game 6. Celtics meanwhile have been lead by Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo and had to battle tooth and nail to beat the Bulls. It may not have been the greatest series in history. I mean the fact people are saying that makes me kinda chuckle a bit. Don't get me wrong it was very entertaining but the best ever? That to me is an insult to the history of this game. As for this series it will be interesting. K.G is not expected to play and despite rumours of possible comebacks that is all they are. No Leon Powe as well it is a weak front court, no offence intended to Perkins and Big Baby. However D-12 is a tough cover for a front court at full strength. Magic also have a ton of shooters that can get hot. If the Celtics are going to win they need great performances from Pierce, Rondo and Allen. One thing may be that could be key is that Rafer Alston does not get caught up in a battle with Rajon Rondo. Alston has matured a lot since his days in Toronto. I think he can do it and keep his composure. Rondo will out play him but that is ok. Also Dwight Howard is well rested as the Magic may have taken 6 to beat the Sixers but Superman only played 5. Prior to the season I actually picked the Magic to make it to the finals to play against the Lakers. I Believe in Orlando.
Dino Blogger says Orlando in 6.
Lakers and Rockets
That is from the Basketball Jones and their funny take on Ron Artest and Kobe incident from earlier in the year. Since than you might have heard Ron Artest has said Brandon Roy, Some guy He knows in NYC and a guy he meet at IHop this morning are all better than Kobe Bryant. But what is nice to see is after being total pissed about the Rockets signing Ron Artest in the summer. Yao Ming is now a fan of the insanity that is Ron Ron. When Artest was making jokes about going into the stands saying he had been in the stands before, Yao was laughing harder than I have ever seen him laugh. But seriously has Ron Ron lost his mind finally? Calling out Kobe Bryant? That does not seem like a wise thing to do. However their may be method to the Madness that is Ron Artest. He would like nothing better than to see Kobe forget about his team and turn this into a 1 on 1 battle. However Kobe is smarter than to get drawn into that kind of thing right? There is a bigger goal and more important goal for Kobe. If he can shut up Artest along the way great but it is not about that. Beyond the Kobe and Ron Ron show it will be about stopping Yao and having Andrew Bynum back this year will be helpful in that. Brooks could have a bit of an advantage over Fisher. But the Rockets will need more than that and even if Houston plays a perfect series the still could lose. That is how deep and good the Lakers are.
Dino Blogger says sorry Ron Ron, Lakers in 5.
Denver vs Dallas
This series has already started yesterday with a Denver win. I never believed in Denver or Dallas. Yeah dumb I was. But we all make mistakes and move on. Chris " The Birdman" Anderson has done that. Gerry one of the hosts on the Radio Show "Off The Bench", that I appear on weekly on Saturday mornings, He made a good point comparing the Birdman to Rodzilla. He is very Rodman like. He is a key contributor for the Nuggets. But the guy that makes it all happen is Chancey Biullups. He has taken this team to a whole new level. The Mavericks have Dirk and Jason Kidd along with their own cast around them. But I think Denver is far to deep for the Mavs. Spurs with a health Manu likely get by the Mavs. But I have been wrong about the Mavs before. But this time I am confident they are out matched. Nuggets can really score the basketball and Mavs eventually ran out of steam in game 1 and Denver went to town. I swear it had nothing to do with my pick. Just wanted to have a weekend off so I was not going to rush and get this done on a lazy Sunday.
Dino Blogger Says Denver in 5
So it is a good thing I am not a gambler. My first round picks were not exactly great. The only series I hit the nail on the head was Lakers and Jazz. I was right in saying Lakers in 5. Beyond that all my picks were a mess. I did get Orlando, Boston and Cleveland right. Actually I did call the Cavs sweep as well maybe I am being to hard on myself. However Hornets in 7, Portland in 7, Miami in 6 and Spurs in 5 all were far from right. Some more glaring mistakes than others. The Hornets would top that list with a lose of 50+ points in the playoffs. You thought the Raptors had problems think how they are feeling in New Orleans. Spurs are also a team that may need a major overhaul. Portland and Miami were young teams and they will learn and grow from the experience. 4-4 is not that good but hey it happens. I will try to make up for it going perfect in round 2. So away we go with round 2 picks.
Cavs vs Hawks
Lebron James is going to be named the MVP according to the associated press. He has had a season for the ages. It makes his comments on his 60 minutes interview all the more scary when he says he is at about 85% of his max potential. The rest of the league should be afraid. The Hawks were able to destroy Miami in game 7. It was a shock to me as I almost guaranteed a Miami win in my radio appearance on the weekend in Montreal. I may be the last person on earth that will give the Hawks credit. But even if I am bias against the Hawks. Even if I hope Lebron James does a between the legs dunk in this series. No matter what bias I may have, I am confident that everyone believes the Cavs will take this series in short order. I am saying this one will not last long and it is not hard to see why. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are not even in the same conversation with a Lebron James. Mike Bibby is not playing at the same level Mo Williams has this year although that is a closer debate. Zsa Zsa is not as good as Big Z and we could go on and on. But let's bottom line this baby.
Dino Blogger Says Cavs in 4
Celtics vs Magic
All year long I have stuck behind the Orlando Magic. They never get respect and they never are given a chance in big games by the main stream media. While the Celtics and Bulls were taking part in what some are calling the greatest series ever. The Magic with no Dwight Howard who was suspended and no Courtney Lee who was taken out by Howard, the Magic rolled over Sixers in game 6. Celtics meanwhile have been lead by Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo and had to battle tooth and nail to beat the Bulls. It may not have been the greatest series in history. I mean the fact people are saying that makes me kinda chuckle a bit. Don't get me wrong it was very entertaining but the best ever? That to me is an insult to the history of this game. As for this series it will be interesting. K.G is not expected to play and despite rumours of possible comebacks that is all they are. No Leon Powe as well it is a weak front court, no offence intended to Perkins and Big Baby. However D-12 is a tough cover for a front court at full strength. Magic also have a ton of shooters that can get hot. If the Celtics are going to win they need great performances from Pierce, Rondo and Allen. One thing may be that could be key is that Rafer Alston does not get caught up in a battle with Rajon Rondo. Alston has matured a lot since his days in Toronto. I think he can do it and keep his composure. Rondo will out play him but that is ok. Also Dwight Howard is well rested as the Magic may have taken 6 to beat the Sixers but Superman only played 5. Prior to the season I actually picked the Magic to make it to the finals to play against the Lakers. I Believe in Orlando.
Dino Blogger says Orlando in 6.
Lakers and Rockets
That is from the Basketball Jones and their funny take on Ron Artest and Kobe incident from earlier in the year. Since than you might have heard Ron Artest has said Brandon Roy, Some guy He knows in NYC and a guy he meet at IHop this morning are all better than Kobe Bryant. But what is nice to see is after being total pissed about the Rockets signing Ron Artest in the summer. Yao Ming is now a fan of the insanity that is Ron Ron. When Artest was making jokes about going into the stands saying he had been in the stands before, Yao was laughing harder than I have ever seen him laugh. But seriously has Ron Ron lost his mind finally? Calling out Kobe Bryant? That does not seem like a wise thing to do. However their may be method to the Madness that is Ron Artest. He would like nothing better than to see Kobe forget about his team and turn this into a 1 on 1 battle. However Kobe is smarter than to get drawn into that kind of thing right? There is a bigger goal and more important goal for Kobe. If he can shut up Artest along the way great but it is not about that. Beyond the Kobe and Ron Ron show it will be about stopping Yao and having Andrew Bynum back this year will be helpful in that. Brooks could have a bit of an advantage over Fisher. But the Rockets will need more than that and even if Houston plays a perfect series the still could lose. That is how deep and good the Lakers are.
Dino Blogger says sorry Ron Ron, Lakers in 5.
Denver vs Dallas
This series has already started yesterday with a Denver win. I never believed in Denver or Dallas. Yeah dumb I was. But we all make mistakes and move on. Chris " The Birdman" Anderson has done that. Gerry one of the hosts on the Radio Show "Off The Bench", that I appear on weekly on Saturday mornings, He made a good point comparing the Birdman to Rodzilla. He is very Rodman like. He is a key contributor for the Nuggets. But the guy that makes it all happen is Chancey Biullups. He has taken this team to a whole new level. The Mavericks have Dirk and Jason Kidd along with their own cast around them. But I think Denver is far to deep for the Mavs. Spurs with a health Manu likely get by the Mavs. But I have been wrong about the Mavs before. But this time I am confident they are out matched. Nuggets can really score the basketball and Mavs eventually ran out of steam in game 1 and Denver went to town. I swear it had nothing to do with my pick. Just wanted to have a weekend off so I was not going to rush and get this done on a lazy Sunday.
Dino Blogger Says Denver in 5
Crown For The King In Reality and On The Net
Lebron James it has been leaked the the Associated Press that Lebron James is the M.V.P. It is not often that the main stream media and the Internet and bloggers are on the same page. But everyone agrees that Lebron James is a Super Freak of Nature and was the best player in the sport of basketball on the planet Earth in this least year. I participated in a Blogger M.V.P and R.O.Y poll all year long and here are the final results.
M.V.P Final Voting
R.O.Y Final Voting
So down the stretch they come King James and Kobster are neck and neck they are heading for the line and it is a photo finish. That is where with is heading folks, Lakers and Cavs and Kobe and Lebron. But enjoy the ride to get there it should be fun.
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