"It's easier to get into the house of representatives than it is to get into the NBA" (Paul Shirley in Can I Keep my Jersey? 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond). This is so true and this book makes you believe it. For four years, Paul Shirley got bounced around between the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls and even Greece and Russia in an attempt to solidify a professional basketball career. The book, Can I Keep My Jersey? is written like a diary of sorts and with every entry you truly understand what it means to be a non-Kobe or non-LeBron trying to crack an NBA roster. I remember doing a radio show with the Dino Blogger way back when and we were discussing the "surface level interviews" a lot of professional athletes give and how the level of honesty in their pad answers can come across as suspect. Paul Shirley really bucks this trend and tells us how he really feels; especially, when it comes to religion, whites versus blacks in the NBA and the longevity of NBA as compared to the European League. When you read his one and only book, you feel as if he's your buddy writing home and keeping you up to date on his "life as a basketball vagabond" as he puts it. I think a lot of Shirley's honesty comes from the fact he is no longer pursuing a professional basketball career and can let loose so-to-speak. Regardless, he takes us inside a world the everyday fan will never be privy to. (Incidentally, the everyday fan may never want to write another fan letter after reading this book). Let's dig in.
The Lord is my Shepard and my 6th Man
"I have known many a basketball player who will rarely miss saying grace before a meal but who will give no second thought to cheating on his wife on a road trip". This is how Paul Shirley sees religion in the NBA according to the book. I both laughed and growled at this part. Laughed because of how ironic the statement is and because my father told me to never marry a professional hockey player for this reason (how funny that conversation was). I growled because it is for this very image some females have had a hard time making it in this business. I remember covering the OHL back in university and a high school friend of mine Steve Nimigon, played for the Niagara Falls Thunder. Well, since his Thunder were playing the Ottawa 67s, in the town I was living at the time, this became a special story to cover. I hadn't seen Steve in a while so my first reaction was to run up and give him a hug. Well, don't I get a sneer from the "puck bunnies" waiting outside (I'm sure they have another name for it in the NBA). Yeah ladies, I work my tail off to become an accredited member of the media just be compared to the likes of you bottom feeders. Whatever. It's the very situation Paul Shirley describes in the book but compares it to religion. I am sure not all religious NBA stars are unfaithful but the idea there are people making a living out of presenting opportunities of temptation, lets just say, make it difficult for everyone.
To Michael Jackson: It Matters If You're Black or White
This is the big elephant in the room no one likes to talk about but everyone wants to. Before seeing the front cover of the book or even googling his name, some people I have talked to assumed Paul Shirley was black when I told them he had various stints in the NBA. Here's his take on the race issue. According to Shirley, he was a white player in a predominantly black player league and he felt they needed more white players to cater to the majority of NBA fans who are white: "Every person in history, regardless of comments to the contrary, has an easier time rooting for someone who looks likes him". There is some truth to this statement, I'll admit. However, I cheer for Ron Artest because I think he's an entertaining basketball player -both on and off the court. It's not because he's black or he looks like me because clearly he doesn't have the right plumbing for that. But Shirley claims on his travels he's been treated differently because he's a white player trying to make it in a black player's game. Some coaches and team management have given him this feeling: "We [white players] are viewed as physically inferior and so should be thankful that we are allowed to set foot on the court". Food for thought.
It's a Money Game
It's so funny how many similarities there are across the board in professional sports. Paul Shirley makes an interesting argument in the book about the viability of the NBA compared to the European Professional Basketball model. He has a unique perspective since he's played in both the NBA and in Europe: "[European] Leagues embrace sponsors, which finance teams and their coaches and, in turn, develop multitalented basketball players". He compares it to a factory churning out players. Shirley says in the book, he worries if the NBA doesn't take on this economic model, "the NBA might have to move to Europe". This is a bit of a stretch but I see where he is coming from. The same challenge exists in the NHL. The Russian League complains they spend all their time and money developing a player so they would stay in Russia for their professional hockey career. Yet some fly to the NHL on first opportunity. I can see where the Russian League is coming from in that they don't want to be seen as a farm or development league for the NHL. But a player should really be able to choose where to play. Unfortunately, unless you are the LeBrons or Kobes of the NBA, you are not afforded this luxury. The exact picture Can I Keep My Jersey paints.
Flick Pick of the Week
I know my boss will be shaking his head, but this week I want you to watch Kazaam staring Shaquille O'Neil. I haven't even watched it yet but I have always wanted to see why I've heard this is one of the worst movies ever. I have been watching the TV show Shaq vs. and it's been growing on me. He's not a great actor by any stretch of the imagination, but Shaq is entertaining nonetheless.
Next week we will be discussing Red and Me by Bill Russell with Alan Steinberg. After last week and my new appreciation for the Russell and Auerbach era of the Celtics, I wanted to read a book along these lines. I will see you on Thursday for another serving of Jiggly Bits but until then, happy reading.
9/1/10
Mello A Raptor? Really?
First Amir Johnson was talking (well tweeting) then Reggie Evans was too about Carmelo Anthony being a Raptor? Is this possible and does it make any real sense. First part of this puzzle if you want to believe in this would be the Nuggets G.M who is from the Raptors Organization. Masai Ujiri took the job with the Nuggets and is in a situation that was not unlike the one Rob Babcock faced in Toronto with Vince Carter. An unhappy star that clearly wants out. Unlike Carter though Mello finds himself in the position of Bosh, James and Wade from last season with one year to go on his contract. While Ujiri is saying the right things about wanting to keep Anthony, Coming from the Raptors and watching how the Bosh situation unfolded with a front row seat. It seems hard to imagine he can honestly believe that? Almost as hard to believe that Mello would come to Toronto?
I am pretty confident in saying if 2 Raptors were not openly talking about it, I am pretty confident we would not be here in the Dino Nation Blog. So how does this happen if we dare to dream? Acutually there is a pretty simplistic trade that would make it happen. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon for Carmelo Anthony. Obviously Ujiri would have a strong opinion on Andrea good or bad. It would at least in theory allow Denver to save some face in bring back a former 1st overall pick for Anthony. You may say that is insanity and I am not here to tell you it isn't. However think about what teams have got for players in similar circumstances. The answer is not a heck of a lot. The Vince Carter trade, Pau Gasol and others you could mention.
That at least sheds some light on why the Nuggets might consider doing this. At least a logical theory anyways. Why would the Raptors though? Sure Mello is fantastic and would have a huge impact. However does anyone see him staying in Toronto? I mean we do have different laws in this country that might appeal to Mr.Anthony but it just seems odd to imagine he would want to be here long term and not Denver. Not to mention the number of free agent homes he could have a chance to play with the Knicks at the top of that list. So is this just a 1 year rent a player situation? If it is, then seems hard to imagine Raps would trade Bargnani for that. In fact the idea of Bryan trading Bargnani at all seems hard to imagine.
I think most had just given up on Colangelo being able to pull of anything major at this point. However the fact players are talking about this makes you wonder. Were they just talking or do they know something we don't? Amir and Reggie are welcome to provide an answer to that. However if that is not coming you are just left to wonder. If you were told last year that Raptors could trade Bosh , Bargnani and Calderon for Anthony would you have done it? Probably not but that being said Anthony is very talented.
If there is any truth to this at all, and the Raptors do not get Anthony signed to an extension it seems like a desperate move to me. However, would anyone honestly say the Raptors are not somewhat that desperate team? Is Colangelo not that desperate G.M? Is MLSE not desperate to have a team in the post season? Still this seems way to bizarre to ever be true. It sounds like a move a kid makes on his X-Box or PS3 not a trade in the NBA.
the one thing that is for sure if this does happen Raptor Fans will be ANYTHING BUT MELLO!!!
I am pretty confident in saying if 2 Raptors were not openly talking about it, I am pretty confident we would not be here in the Dino Nation Blog. So how does this happen if we dare to dream? Acutually there is a pretty simplistic trade that would make it happen. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon for Carmelo Anthony. Obviously Ujiri would have a strong opinion on Andrea good or bad. It would at least in theory allow Denver to save some face in bring back a former 1st overall pick for Anthony. You may say that is insanity and I am not here to tell you it isn't. However think about what teams have got for players in similar circumstances. The answer is not a heck of a lot. The Vince Carter trade, Pau Gasol and others you could mention.
That at least sheds some light on why the Nuggets might consider doing this. At least a logical theory anyways. Why would the Raptors though? Sure Mello is fantastic and would have a huge impact. However does anyone see him staying in Toronto? I mean we do have different laws in this country that might appeal to Mr.Anthony but it just seems odd to imagine he would want to be here long term and not Denver. Not to mention the number of free agent homes he could have a chance to play with the Knicks at the top of that list. So is this just a 1 year rent a player situation? If it is, then seems hard to imagine Raps would trade Bargnani for that. In fact the idea of Bryan trading Bargnani at all seems hard to imagine.
I think most had just given up on Colangelo being able to pull of anything major at this point. However the fact players are talking about this makes you wonder. Were they just talking or do they know something we don't? Amir and Reggie are welcome to provide an answer to that. However if that is not coming you are just left to wonder. If you were told last year that Raptors could trade Bosh , Bargnani and Calderon for Anthony would you have done it? Probably not but that being said Anthony is very talented.
If there is any truth to this at all, and the Raptors do not get Anthony signed to an extension it seems like a desperate move to me. However, would anyone honestly say the Raptors are not somewhat that desperate team? Is Colangelo not that desperate G.M? Is MLSE not desperate to have a team in the post season? Still this seems way to bizarre to ever be true. It sounds like a move a kid makes on his X-Box or PS3 not a trade in the NBA.
the one thing that is for sure if this does happen Raptor Fans will be ANYTHING BUT MELLO!!!
8/31/10
Jack is Back in The Starting 5
It is still always a thrill to talk with Jack Armstrong here in the Dino Nation Blog. He has been a guest here now on many occasions, but it never gets old talking ball with him. Today we talk about Canada Basketball and the program and it's future. Obviously it has been disappointing in terms of results in Turkey, as Canada lost today late in the 4th quarter coming unglued in a loss to France. Andy Rautins was not able to go for Canada in that one. We also dive head first into the Raptors off-season, and what is to come for the Raptors in this upcoming NBA season. Thoughts on some of the new faces and some of the old ones as the season draws near. All of that and some thoughts on what this summer will mean for the NBA as a whole. Has this summer helped or hurt the NBA? Jack says it will come down to one thing. To find out what that thing is and a lot more have a listen to our conversation.It is always a pleasure to talk with Jack and he is always great to add some insight and opinion on all things basketball. He may never end up on Twitter, but some how I don't think it matters much. I am grateful to have got to know Jack through the Dino Nation Blog and he has always been supportive to me and helpful. What lies ahead for this season still remains to be seen. The one constant we have with the Raptors is great people covering the team like Jack. We are very fortunate in that regard as fans. You only need to listen to broadcasts from other NBA markets to know that. If you are missing Jack you can catch him covering Canada's final 2 games at the worlds on TSN 2 if you are able to get that network. He does just as great a job breaking down Canada B-Ball as he does with the Raps. Hope you enjoyed his latest visit to the DNB and look forward to him being back in the future as I do.
"Jiggly Bits"
It has been 16 years since the United States have won a World Championship in Basketball. Kevin Durant, Chancey Billups and Derrick Rose, members of this year's US squad, are being compared to the 2008 US Olympic team which brought home a gold medal. Durant and Rose are no Kobe and LeBron but they are much better for this team and selling the sport at the this level. Don't get me wrong, I respect Bryant and James but I don't think Kevin Durant is given enough credit for his leadership skills. During this tournament, Durant has been given a chance to play aggressively and put points up on the scoreboard- in some very close games, I might add. I think it is good the US are not dealing Brazil and other clubs blow-outs. It shows there is more talent out there beyond the NBA which will only help the game grow. Right now, Durant and company have 4 days off before meeting the number 4 seed from Group A on September 6th. As for Canada, they sit at number 5 in Group D and are taking on France later today at 6:30pm. I would have expected Canada to at least squeak out a win in their first game against Lebanon - not loose by 10 (final score 81-71 Lebanon). I had my reservations considering the injuries and illnesses Team Canada had been suffering leading up to this tournament. However, the fan in me hopes they turn things around. I am really looking forward to Jack Armstrong's take on the Worlds so far. He'll be visiting the DNB tomorrow chatting with James about everything basketball. Jack is one of a handful of broadcasters out there who is honest and credible and keeps things real. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's interview. As a coach, I would love to ask him his take on charging students to play basketball at the gradeschool and high school level. That's a proposal on the table in Charlotte, believe it or not. Let's chat about this, a restructured NBA this year and Patrick Ewing back with the Knicks.
Paying to Play
Hmmmm. Use my allowance or part-time job earnings to have fun this summer and enjoy my youth or save it to play basketball? What to do, what to do. This is what gradeschoolers and high schoolers in Charlotte, North Carolina are being forced to think about right now. Charlotte schools cut $125 million from athletic programs this year. So now school officials have announced a plan to actually charge elementary school students $50 to play basketball while their friends in high school may have to pay $100. This is crazy. One of the attractions of playing for your school is not having a fee to pay like in Rep or House League outside of school. This is supposed to be a chance for students to be active and participate in sports without the monetary obstacle. Getting an education doesn't only mean going to school, listening to your teacher and coming home to tackle homework. It means broadening your horizons and getting involved in your school. The option to play basketball or any other sport for that matter should be there without question. Putting a fee on it may mean the difference of a student becoming active or involved. Lucky for Charlotte area students, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats are in town. According to the Charlotte Observer, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats organization will donate $250, 000 to Charlotte area schools to help boost their athletic programs. This is a part of the commitment MJ made when he took over the Bobcats earlier this year - to be involved in the Charlotte community. Wonder how MJ would look in a Santa suit? What a gift to give.
Talk about Pressure
Forget about the big three in Miami trying to win a championship this year or the Lakers and a three-peat. This is nothing compared to the pressure Patrick Ewing Jr. will be playing under this season. This is because he will be playing for the New York Knicks as a free agent - the same team his father played 15 seasons for and 11 All-star games with. Talk about playing under someone's shadow. Patrick Ewing Jr. was the 43rd pick of the 2008 NBA Draft by Sacramento and ended up with the Knicks after some shuffling. In 2008-2009, he spent some time honing his skills in the NBA Development League and missed last season because of a series of injuries. My goodness. I hope for his son's sake, Patrick Ewing Sr. stays away from Madison Square Garden for the first few games - Junior will have enough on his plate.
This is going to be an interesting year. Not just for the Knicks, but for the entire league. It seems like the NBA is getting nipped and tucked across the board. There are new coaches in Cleveland, Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, New Jersey and with the L.A. Clippers. New General Managers are in the mix as well and we don't need to discuss the amount of player movement (or the drama involved) to prove change is on the horizon. All in all, I am really looking forward to this season and I hope you are, too. The DNB will be the place to be to get your Raptors-and-everything-basketball fix.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be discussing Can I Keep My Jersey? Until then, happy reading.
Paying to Play
Hmmmm. Use my allowance or part-time job earnings to have fun this summer and enjoy my youth or save it to play basketball? What to do, what to do. This is what gradeschoolers and high schoolers in Charlotte, North Carolina are being forced to think about right now. Charlotte schools cut $125 million from athletic programs this year. So now school officials have announced a plan to actually charge elementary school students $50 to play basketball while their friends in high school may have to pay $100. This is crazy. One of the attractions of playing for your school is not having a fee to pay like in Rep or House League outside of school. This is supposed to be a chance for students to be active and participate in sports without the monetary obstacle. Getting an education doesn't only mean going to school, listening to your teacher and coming home to tackle homework. It means broadening your horizons and getting involved in your school. The option to play basketball or any other sport for that matter should be there without question. Putting a fee on it may mean the difference of a student becoming active or involved. Lucky for Charlotte area students, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats are in town. According to the Charlotte Observer, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats organization will donate $250, 000 to Charlotte area schools to help boost their athletic programs. This is a part of the commitment MJ made when he took over the Bobcats earlier this year - to be involved in the Charlotte community. Wonder how MJ would look in a Santa suit? What a gift to give.
Talk about Pressure
Forget about the big three in Miami trying to win a championship this year or the Lakers and a three-peat. This is nothing compared to the pressure Patrick Ewing Jr. will be playing under this season. This is because he will be playing for the New York Knicks as a free agent - the same team his father played 15 seasons for and 11 All-star games with. Talk about playing under someone's shadow. Patrick Ewing Jr. was the 43rd pick of the 2008 NBA Draft by Sacramento and ended up with the Knicks after some shuffling. In 2008-2009, he spent some time honing his skills in the NBA Development League and missed last season because of a series of injuries. My goodness. I hope for his son's sake, Patrick Ewing Sr. stays away from Madison Square Garden for the first few games - Junior will have enough on his plate.
This is going to be an interesting year. Not just for the Knicks, but for the entire league. It seems like the NBA is getting nipped and tucked across the board. There are new coaches in Cleveland, Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, New Jersey and with the L.A. Clippers. New General Managers are in the mix as well and we don't need to discuss the amount of player movement (or the drama involved) to prove change is on the horizon. All in all, I am really looking forward to this season and I hope you are, too. The DNB will be the place to be to get your Raptors-and-everything-basketball fix.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be discussing Can I Keep My Jersey? Until then, happy reading.
8/30/10
Myck Kabongo in The Starting 5
While Canada is not off to a great start in Turkey, they as mentioned already have 2 bronze medals this summer. The one on junior men's side had a lot to do with Myck Kabongo. He was a big part of the team that brought home a bronze medal. He is already heading to Texas next fall to play for the Longhorns. He would be joining potentially two other Canadians down there who will be starting there this season in Tristan Thompson and Corey Joseph. These three young players are all highly thought of and have bright futures that could include NBA careers. I was so impressed by Myck's performance in those championships... he is very talented. I had heard his name before but this was my first time watching him play beyond clips here and there. I reached out to him and asked if he would like to come talk to basketball fans and Raptor Fans here in The Starting 5. He was more than happy to do so. I really enjoyed talking with him about a number of subjects and it turned out to be a pretty fun and enjoyable interview. He is a nice young man that has big goals for himself and a work ethic to match. Who knows what the future holds but Myck Kabongo starting point guard for the Toronto Raptors has a nice ring to it. It does for him as well as you will hear in the interview. Have a listen and enjoy. Hope you enjoyed that and I look forward to having him back in the future. While Canada is not having success at the moment know the future is bright still, with a lot of young talented kids coming up. Who knows maybe some day Canadian kids will be growing up saying I want to be like Mike...make that Myck. The Raptors being part of the landscape has had an impact on a generation of kids in this country. Myck, Corey and Tristan are some of the products of that. It is no longer unrealistic to think of Canadians playing in top level U.S programs. While they are excited about 3 guys down in Miami, Canada should be excited about 3 guys in Texas and what they can become in a few years. Here is hoping Myck and others in this country can help make us proud to be fans of basketball and have some pride in the players we produce for the sport we invented.
Doh!! Canada
I have a great deal of passion and love for the Toronto Raptors. That being said, my passion for Canada to succeed internationally is likely more. There are lots of great folks that work hard to cover Canadians in B-Ball. Ray Bala at Raptors HQ does a fantastic job at it. From time to time I try to do some Canada Basketball talk here as well. Today is one of those days. Raptors wise I will be talking with Jack Armstrong tomorrow and that interview should be out late Tuesday or Wednesday.
I will start on the positive in that it sure was nice to see on Twitter that a lot of people were watching Canada playing in their first 2 games at the worlds. It did not turn into lots of people in the stands in exhibition games at the ACC which Canada won over France. But when the lights came on for the Worlds it was Canada losing to Lebanon 81-71. The next day against a much more talented team from Lituania who won 70-68. For Raptor fans Linas Keliza had 18 points and 10 rebounds in that game by the way.
Now granted this is a banged up group for Canada. That is what we are going to hear and it is fact. That being said Canada was life and death to make this tournament in the first place. While the program as a whole is having success, the senior Men's team has had limited success. Both Jr. programs won bronze medals earlier this summer. In terms of the men's team if they make it out of group play some would call that a success.
Canada has some real talent coming in the next few years and it is important that this team has a solid foundation to be ready for that. Andy Rautins no question belongs on team Canada. In fact you can say that he is the best offensive player they have and it would be hard to argue that point. That being said I am pretty sure he plays even if his dad is not the coach. Leo Rautins is just not the guy to lead this program to the next level. I give him a ton of credit for his efforts and his passion for the program. However his lack of ability to get top players into the fold is a concern. Why has he not been able to convince Canada's greatest basketball player to suit up for Canada? Why was he not able to come to a better conclusion with Sam Dalembert? Why did he even bother trying to recruit Jamal Maglorie?
Leo's lack of coaching experience is a concern and it shows in the lack of execution on both ends of the floor. Canada seems doomed to not make it out of group play now with the 2 losses on the weekend. It is time for a change, and a new coach to take this team to the next level and to try to floor a team in the Olympics in England.
Canada needs to get this right and start to produce in basketball. If you want to have the money to succeed you need to win. But the talent is there to produce and it is time to have the coaching match this level of talent.
So, I am back after a mini-break and back with Jack tomorrow or Wednesday.
I will start on the positive in that it sure was nice to see on Twitter that a lot of people were watching Canada playing in their first 2 games at the worlds. It did not turn into lots of people in the stands in exhibition games at the ACC which Canada won over France. But when the lights came on for the Worlds it was Canada losing to Lebanon 81-71. The next day against a much more talented team from Lituania who won 70-68. For Raptor fans Linas Keliza had 18 points and 10 rebounds in that game by the way.
Now granted this is a banged up group for Canada. That is what we are going to hear and it is fact. That being said Canada was life and death to make this tournament in the first place. While the program as a whole is having success, the senior Men's team has had limited success. Both Jr. programs won bronze medals earlier this summer. In terms of the men's team if they make it out of group play some would call that a success.
Canada has some real talent coming in the next few years and it is important that this team has a solid foundation to be ready for that. Andy Rautins no question belongs on team Canada. In fact you can say that he is the best offensive player they have and it would be hard to argue that point. That being said I am pretty sure he plays even if his dad is not the coach. Leo Rautins is just not the guy to lead this program to the next level. I give him a ton of credit for his efforts and his passion for the program. However his lack of ability to get top players into the fold is a concern. Why has he not been able to convince Canada's greatest basketball player to suit up for Canada? Why was he not able to come to a better conclusion with Sam Dalembert? Why did he even bother trying to recruit Jamal Maglorie?
Leo's lack of coaching experience is a concern and it shows in the lack of execution on both ends of the floor. Canada seems doomed to not make it out of group play now with the 2 losses on the weekend. It is time for a change, and a new coach to take this team to the next level and to try to floor a team in the Olympics in England.
Canada needs to get this right and start to produce in basketball. If you want to have the money to succeed you need to win. But the talent is there to produce and it is time to have the coaching match this level of talent.
So, I am back after a mini-break and back with Jack tomorrow or Wednesday.
8/26/10
"Basketball Beyond the Floor"
"I came into the league making $5, 200 and left making $15,000 - that's after 10 years. I was afraid to hold out and ask for a real raise...If I ask for too much, they might just tell me to stay home" Al Bianchi, a former guard turned NBA Scout on money and having no agent. Things were different back then. Tall Tales: the Glory Years of the NBA, in the Words of the Men Who Played, Coached and Built Pro Basketball by Terry Pluto touches on the very real and important events which have shaped the pro game we know today. I will have to admit, I was a little skeptical going into this one because the market is so saturated with basketball history books claiming the last one missed something. Plus, I bought this book in the same bargain bin as A View From Above by Wilt Chamberlain as discussed last week. Since that book was a colossal disappointment, I was a little hesitant about Tall Tales but as always, kept an open mind. It is by far the best historical account of the pro game in its infancy to the creation of the National Basketball Association. It comes from the same author as Loose Balls about the ABA (American Basketball Association). Each section begins with the background of each stage in history (including why the pro game was created - believe it or not, it came from hockey roots) and ends with commentary from the players, coaches, scouts, owners and even referees of the that time period. Let's dive in and look at the book's main highlights: where the game came from (not the James Naismith connection), the rule change which revolutionized the game and the trade which changed the course of the NBA.
We're going to shove it down their throats
The book starts off by explaining the NBA was formed for three reasons: (1) Young men were making money from hockey and owning arenas. But hockey couldn't fill every gap in the schedule, so they needed something else; (2) College ball was super popular at the time and (3) World War Two was over, the men were home and had money to spend on sports. They weren't exactly demonstrating in the streets to bring in a pro basketball league "but they were going to give it to them whether they liked it or not". So really, it was all about making some more money from the owner's standpoint. And since some of these players were former soldiers or rough-housers, fighting was huge for the game in the late 40s, early fifties until they created the 'fouling out' rules, according to the book. In 1953-1954, players were allowed only two fouls in a quarter. Anymore and they were turfed from the game. I think it was funny because of all the fighting, the league actually considered creating a penalty box like in hockey and make them play 4 on 5 or whatever the situation called for. This never happened. After reading this book, I really wish I had a basketball time machine so I could go back and see players like Jerry West, George Mikan and especially Bill Russell because before he came into the game, nobody was really blocking shots. And it's interesting to watch some of the old tape because you wouldn't see a Steve Nash bringing the ball down court and conducting the play by going in 1-on-1, trying to drive it up the middle to one of your teammates. They spread out all over the place and ran.
Canadian Roots but an Italian Influence
This part I loved. Before the invention of the 24 second clock, if a team was up, they would just hang onto the ball until their opponent fouled them in an attempt to gain possession. They actually played for 9 whole seasons without a shot clock until Danny Biasone's idea changed the game. I think this is the most important rule considering where the game started and how it changed the game: "The amazing thing about the 24 second clock is that it started at 24 seconds and is still 24 seconds today. No one has seriously considered changing it" (Play-by-Play guy Chick Hearn). It was all so simple, too. Danny Biasone had owned a semi-pro football team before World War Two and since there were not enough players after the war, he decided to get into pro basketball. He owned a pro basketball team from 1946-1947 and according to the book, became frustrated with the game and the number of fouls. So get this. Danny Biasone figured out each team took 60 shots, totalling 120 over the course of the game. He divided the length of the game which was 48 minutes at the time (2, 880 seconds) by 120 shots to get 24 seconds per shot. Before this rule was created, there was actually a score of 19-18 between Fort Wayne and the Minneapolis Lakers. Unbelievable.
Trading for draft rights..what?
"Before the start of the [1965-1966] season, I said I was quitting. I told the Lakers, The Sixers and anyone else that this was their last shot at me. I didn't want to be accused of going out while I was still ahead. They had one more chance to knock me off" (Red Auerbach in his last year of coaching the Celtics). Red Auerbach wanted to win and so did everyone else. Trades were made all over the map but the one that changed how things were done in the NBA, according to the book, was when St. Louis agreed to trade the draft rights of Bill Russell to Boston for Cliff Hagan and Ed McCauley. No one had a clue the impact Bill Russell would have on the Celtics but they took a chance. Some people in NHL circles think the Toronto Maple Leafs don't have a clue for this reason because of making trades and taking a chance on the wrong people. (Let's hope that this year is different because Toronto sports fans need to get excited about something). But the Boston Celtics had a history of making good decisions. I still can't even imagine one single team winning 8 consecutive championships - the longest championship streak in North American sports. But that is was the Celtics did under Auerbach as their coach. My god, that guy was brilliant both on and off the court. Breaking down colour barriers and the opposition with defence and fast breaks - this book made me really appreciate Red Auerbach and Bill Russell a little more and what they did for the game.
Flick Pick of the Week
I know you are going to think I am outside my mind with this pick because I know some of you have told me this before with previous picks. I guess I should be used to it. I love Whoopi Goldberg so I want you to watch 'EDDIE' starring Miss Whoopi. This flick also includes other appearances by Rick Fox, Greg Ostertag, John Salley, Mark Jackson and Marv Albert as himself. Whoopi plays the newest coach of the New York Knicks. I think it's funny and entertaining. Apparently, home games were actually filmed at the Charlotte Coliseum, home to the Charlotte Hornets at the time the movie was made.
For next week, I picked up an interesting read from my local library: Can I Keep My Jersey? 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond by Paul Shirley. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a friend who played in the NBA? This book attempts to answer this question. Unbelievable really, how he did it. I will see you on Tuesday for another serving of Jiggly Bits. So until then, happy reading.
We're going to shove it down their throats
The book starts off by explaining the NBA was formed for three reasons: (1) Young men were making money from hockey and owning arenas. But hockey couldn't fill every gap in the schedule, so they needed something else; (2) College ball was super popular at the time and (3) World War Two was over, the men were home and had money to spend on sports. They weren't exactly demonstrating in the streets to bring in a pro basketball league "but they were going to give it to them whether they liked it or not". So really, it was all about making some more money from the owner's standpoint. And since some of these players were former soldiers or rough-housers, fighting was huge for the game in the late 40s, early fifties until they created the 'fouling out' rules, according to the book. In 1953-1954, players were allowed only two fouls in a quarter. Anymore and they were turfed from the game. I think it was funny because of all the fighting, the league actually considered creating a penalty box like in hockey and make them play 4 on 5 or whatever the situation called for. This never happened. After reading this book, I really wish I had a basketball time machine so I could go back and see players like Jerry West, George Mikan and especially Bill Russell because before he came into the game, nobody was really blocking shots. And it's interesting to watch some of the old tape because you wouldn't see a Steve Nash bringing the ball down court and conducting the play by going in 1-on-1, trying to drive it up the middle to one of your teammates. They spread out all over the place and ran.
Canadian Roots but an Italian Influence
This part I loved. Before the invention of the 24 second clock, if a team was up, they would just hang onto the ball until their opponent fouled them in an attempt to gain possession. They actually played for 9 whole seasons without a shot clock until Danny Biasone's idea changed the game. I think this is the most important rule considering where the game started and how it changed the game: "The amazing thing about the 24 second clock is that it started at 24 seconds and is still 24 seconds today. No one has seriously considered changing it" (Play-by-Play guy Chick Hearn). It was all so simple, too. Danny Biasone had owned a semi-pro football team before World War Two and since there were not enough players after the war, he decided to get into pro basketball. He owned a pro basketball team from 1946-1947 and according to the book, became frustrated with the game and the number of fouls. So get this. Danny Biasone figured out each team took 60 shots, totalling 120 over the course of the game. He divided the length of the game which was 48 minutes at the time (2, 880 seconds) by 120 shots to get 24 seconds per shot. Before this rule was created, there was actually a score of 19-18 between Fort Wayne and the Minneapolis Lakers. Unbelievable.
Trading for draft rights..what?
"Before the start of the [1965-1966] season, I said I was quitting. I told the Lakers, The Sixers and anyone else that this was their last shot at me. I didn't want to be accused of going out while I was still ahead. They had one more chance to knock me off" (Red Auerbach in his last year of coaching the Celtics). Red Auerbach wanted to win and so did everyone else. Trades were made all over the map but the one that changed how things were done in the NBA, according to the book, was when St. Louis agreed to trade the draft rights of Bill Russell to Boston for Cliff Hagan and Ed McCauley. No one had a clue the impact Bill Russell would have on the Celtics but they took a chance. Some people in NHL circles think the Toronto Maple Leafs don't have a clue for this reason because of making trades and taking a chance on the wrong people. (Let's hope that this year is different because Toronto sports fans need to get excited about something). But the Boston Celtics had a history of making good decisions. I still can't even imagine one single team winning 8 consecutive championships - the longest championship streak in North American sports. But that is was the Celtics did under Auerbach as their coach. My god, that guy was brilliant both on and off the court. Breaking down colour barriers and the opposition with defence and fast breaks - this book made me really appreciate Red Auerbach and Bill Russell a little more and what they did for the game.
Flick Pick of the Week
I know you are going to think I am outside my mind with this pick because I know some of you have told me this before with previous picks. I guess I should be used to it. I love Whoopi Goldberg so I want you to watch 'EDDIE' starring Miss Whoopi. This flick also includes other appearances by Rick Fox, Greg Ostertag, John Salley, Mark Jackson and Marv Albert as himself. Whoopi plays the newest coach of the New York Knicks. I think it's funny and entertaining. Apparently, home games were actually filmed at the Charlotte Coliseum, home to the Charlotte Hornets at the time the movie was made.
For next week, I picked up an interesting read from my local library: Can I Keep My Jersey? 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond by Paul Shirley. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a friend who played in the NBA? This book attempts to answer this question. Unbelievable really, how he did it. I will see you on Tuesday for another serving of Jiggly Bits. So until then, happy reading.
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