I have nothing against Jared Jeffries. Having never really spoken to the man, I have no feelings either way on him as a person. As an NBA player, he seems to be a more-than competent defender who can play pretty much anywhere on the floor (although, while he played five positions with the Wizards last year, he seems to be more of a 3-4-5). He's young, he's athletic, and while he hasn't been much of a scorer in his short NBA career, that doesn't mean he CAN'T score. His career average is a single-single—he's something of a poor man's Tyson Chandler, only shorter.
So of course the Knicks gave him their full mid-level exception. (How do they even have a mid-level to give? Didn't they give Jerome James a full mid-level contract last year? And aren't they already at roughly double the alleged salary cap? Shouldn't that matter? Especially when they're able to take a valuable player from a conference rival?) Now they can start a frontcourt of Jeffries, Channing Frye and Eddy Curry, who—if you believe Isiah Thomas, haha—should all be All-Stars before you know it. This moves Jalen Rose to the world's most expensive bench, alongside James, Jamal Crawford, Malik Rose, Maurice Taylor, Quentin Richardson and the ghost of Penny Hardaway. One must presume that the starting backcourt will be Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury, an arrangement that should work great for roughly a week.
Here's the thing that bothers me most about the Jeffries signing. (OK, the most for this instant, and besides the whole mangling of the salary cap and abuse of financial power.) Why sign him and let Jackie Butler go when Butler could have been had for a substantially lower price? At times Butler was the best center on the team last year, and with Curry and James both displaying a decided lack of interest in fitness, it's likely that both of them will be spending at least some time in ugly suits this season. Who's going to man the middle then? Jeffries? Frye? Both of them glued together?
Or maybe this bothers me the most. Who does Jeffries take the most minutes from? Most likely it's David Lee, who's a ridiculous athlete and energy guy. He's also probably the best locker room storyteller/conversationalist on the Knicks, along with Malik Rose, Frye and Jamal. And it's hard to imagine he'll still be a Knick once he gets the chance to go somewhere else. Especially if he finds himself behind Jeffries and Renaldo Balkman on the depth chart. Figure Jalen and Maurice Taylor get traded at the deadline for more veterans with absurd contracts. Maybe someone like Kenyon Martin, who should already be figuring out what number to wear in New York. Or perhaps Seattle's new ownership will decide to cut payroll and make Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis available.
It's pretty obvious that the Knicks don't think twice about adding salary—the last New Yorker to abuse a cap this badly was John Wetteland (and at least he won a World Series, and the MVP to boot). What with the 100 percent tax, Jeffries's deal is actually going to cost the Knicks $60 million over five years, which ain't bad for a guy who averaged 6.4 points and 4.9 rebounds last year. And he's been a starter for all but six games over the past two seasons—for a aplayoff team, no less—so it's hard to imagine him accepting any less than starter's minutes in New York. Sorry, David. And Malik. And Jalen. And Q.
Ironically, JJ seems like he would have been a good Larry Brown guy. Too late.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Friday, August 04, 2006
USA!
Watched the latest incarnation of Team USA beat the living crap out of Puerto Rico last night. With the exception of the first quarter, which was actually close, it wasn't much of a game. Just a long highlight montage of steals, dunks, threes and salutes (the latest celebration technique). Even without Kobe Bryant (knee) and Amare Stoudemire (knees) this wasn't any kind of contest.
PR opened strong enough, behind point guard Carlos Arroyo. They stayed even with the the American starters (LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, Bosh and Chris Paul) for the first quarter, pulling ahead by four early in the second. Then came the inevitable run. A 31-2 run, no less, fueled by the guys off the bench—Brad Miller, Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard. By the time the run was over, so was the game.
The biggest danger for Team USA now seems to be overconfidence. It's hard to stay focused while on either end of a blowout, but it's important that they keep playing the way they should instead of transforming into a swaggering, obnoxious bunch like the World Championship team of '94. Given the roster—and the presence of Coach K—it's unlikely that would happen, but you never know. Then again, if that's the only concern, things are looking pretty good.
PR opened strong enough, behind point guard Carlos Arroyo. They stayed even with the the American starters (LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, Bosh and Chris Paul) for the first quarter, pulling ahead by four early in the second. Then came the inevitable run. A 31-2 run, no less, fueled by the guys off the bench—Brad Miller, Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard. By the time the run was over, so was the game.
The biggest danger for Team USA now seems to be overconfidence. It's hard to stay focused while on either end of a blowout, but it's important that they keep playing the way they should instead of transforming into a swaggering, obnoxious bunch like the World Championship team of '94. Given the roster—and the presence of Coach K—it's unlikely that would happen, but you never know. Then again, if that's the only concern, things are looking pretty good.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Didn't See That One Coming.
Shawn Kemp busted for marijuana possession? Because he was driving around with a little bit burning in a car with no license plates? That doesn't sound like the Shawn Kemp I know.
So much for the comeback. Then again, forget basketball. Let's find a way to get him in next year's Nathan's hot dog eating contest. He'll break Kobayashi's record, then eat Kobayashi.
So much for the comeback. Then again, forget basketball. Let's find a way to get him in next year's Nathan's hot dog eating contest. He'll break Kobayashi's record, then eat Kobayashi.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Sonic Doom
So let me see if I have this right: The Seattle Supersonics, holders of (according to none other than Commissioner David Stern) the worst arena lease agreement in the League, were recently sold to a group led by an Oklahoma City businessman. The Sonics's previous owner, Howard Schultz—who turned a little coffee shop named Starbucks into a multi-zillion dollar worldwide juggernaut—was having trouble making things work in Seattle. And Oklahoma City showed their NBA readiness by welcoming the hurricane-displaced Hornets with open arms and wallets. About the only thing that seems certain now is that Oklahoma City will be getting an NBA franchise in the near future.
The question now, of course, is which one?
The Hornets would seem to have the edge. After all, they've already settled into the area (Chris Paul surely considers Oklahoma City home, not New Orleans), and the most logical thing to do would be to simply let them stay. New Orleans is still a disaster area, and expecting that fragile economy (and landscape) to support something as expensive—and frivolous—as an NBA team seems silly.
Then again, abandoning New Orleans wouldn't do any wonders for the NBA's reputation. Players should never lose their starting jobs to injury, and cities shouldn't lose their franchises due to natural disasters. The proper thing to do would be to allow the Hornets to play in OKC again next season, with the expectation of their returning to New Orleans full-time for the '07-08 season. If that appears to be unworkable, then other plans could be made.
But will the Sonics slip into OKC instead? That is, to paraphrase Biggie, what has Sonics fans's hearts pounding like Sasquatch feet. (I'm sure they'll miss the Storm too, but—well, no, they probably won't.) If that lease agreement doesn't get settled soon, you can count on the Sonics leaving the Pacific Northwest no matter what. If not OKC, maybe Nashville or hey, why not New Jersey when the Nets move to Brooklyn?
Of course, I have a better idea—a King Solomon sort of solution. Let the Hornets and Sonics BOTH move to Oklahoma City. Not as separate teams, because that would be ridiculous. But merge them (and compensate the owners for half each, or buy one out). Neither team made the playoffs last year, but maybe the Oklahoma City SuperHornets could. Chris Paul at the point, Ray Allen at the two, David West at the three, Rashard Lewis at the four and Tyson Chandler at the five? Kick all those young Sonics centers to the D-league for seasoning, send the Hornets's Euros back to Europe, and let the coaching staffs duke it out for superiority. And to make the East and West even, just fold the Raptors, or sell them as an entity to FIBA. Later on you could always expand back to Seattle and New Orleans if it's feasible (and return New Orleans to the East where they should be anyway).
The question now, of course, is which one?
The Hornets would seem to have the edge. After all, they've already settled into the area (Chris Paul surely considers Oklahoma City home, not New Orleans), and the most logical thing to do would be to simply let them stay. New Orleans is still a disaster area, and expecting that fragile economy (and landscape) to support something as expensive—and frivolous—as an NBA team seems silly.
Then again, abandoning New Orleans wouldn't do any wonders for the NBA's reputation. Players should never lose their starting jobs to injury, and cities shouldn't lose their franchises due to natural disasters. The proper thing to do would be to allow the Hornets to play in OKC again next season, with the expectation of their returning to New Orleans full-time for the '07-08 season. If that appears to be unworkable, then other plans could be made.
But will the Sonics slip into OKC instead? That is, to paraphrase Biggie, what has Sonics fans's hearts pounding like Sasquatch feet. (I'm sure they'll miss the Storm too, but—well, no, they probably won't.) If that lease agreement doesn't get settled soon, you can count on the Sonics leaving the Pacific Northwest no matter what. If not OKC, maybe Nashville or hey, why not New Jersey when the Nets move to Brooklyn?
Of course, I have a better idea—a King Solomon sort of solution. Let the Hornets and Sonics BOTH move to Oklahoma City. Not as separate teams, because that would be ridiculous. But merge them (and compensate the owners for half each, or buy one out). Neither team made the playoffs last year, but maybe the Oklahoma City SuperHornets could. Chris Paul at the point, Ray Allen at the two, David West at the three, Rashard Lewis at the four and Tyson Chandler at the five? Kick all those young Sonics centers to the D-league for seasoning, send the Hornets's Euros back to Europe, and let the coaching staffs duke it out for superiority. And to make the East and West even, just fold the Raptors, or sell them as an entity to FIBA. Later on you could always expand back to Seattle and New Orleans if it's feasible (and return New Orleans to the East where they should be anyway).
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Big Ben and the Bulls reloaded.
Funny I didn't think of this when I made the initial post. I was trying to think of the last time a mainstay player from a championship team signed with a division rival, and nothing was coming to mind. After all, it doesn't happen very often—imagine if Kevin McHale had signed with the Sixers, or if Kobe Bryant signed with the Clippers (which almost happened, but that's besides the point).
Then it hit me, the most obvious comparison of all: Dennis Rodman, who I even mentioned. Lockdown defender and voracious rebounder on Pistons championship teams, he (eventually) signs with the Bulls and accumulates a few more rings. It obviously would have been a lot more similar had he gone to the Bulls in '91, when the wounds were still fresh (and he was less crazy), but I couldn't come up with anything closer. Anyone?
Then it hit me, the most obvious comparison of all: Dennis Rodman, who I even mentioned. Lockdown defender and voracious rebounder on Pistons championship teams, he (eventually) signs with the Bulls and accumulates a few more rings. It obviously would have been a lot more similar had he gone to the Bulls in '91, when the wounds were still fresh (and he was less crazy), but I couldn't come up with anything closer. Anyone?
IVERSON TRADED TO KNICKS FOR CRAWFORD, CURRY
Not really. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Yes, you.
I actually wonder which team would refuse that trade? (Assuming that the salaries would work—and I'm sure they could be made to with some throw-ins either way.) In Iverson, the Knicks would be getting yet another undersized two who'd expect to start (obviously either Francis or Marbury would have to go next, preferably for a big like Jamal Magloire). But he's exactly the kind of player that New York fans are starving for, and his jersey would sell in RIDICULOUS numbers.
In Crawford, the Sixers would get a talented, young replacement for AI (at a reduced price) who showed flashes of brilliance last year. Unlike some of his teammates, Crawford accepted Larry Brown's criticisms, and became a better player for it. And Curry, while still questionable in conditioning and desire, is one of the few young bigs who can score productively in the post. He might never learn to rebound or defend, but he's still somewhat of a rare commodity in today's NBA.
Not that it's going to happen—or even be discussed.
I actually wonder which team would refuse that trade? (Assuming that the salaries would work—and I'm sure they could be made to with some throw-ins either way.) In Iverson, the Knicks would be getting yet another undersized two who'd expect to start (obviously either Francis or Marbury would have to go next, preferably for a big like Jamal Magloire). But he's exactly the kind of player that New York fans are starving for, and his jersey would sell in RIDICULOUS numbers.
In Crawford, the Sixers would get a talented, young replacement for AI (at a reduced price) who showed flashes of brilliance last year. Unlike some of his teammates, Crawford accepted Larry Brown's criticisms, and became a better player for it. And Curry, while still questionable in conditioning and desire, is one of the few young bigs who can score productively in the post. He might never learn to rebound or defend, but he's still somewhat of a rare commodity in today's NBA.
Not that it's going to happen—or even be discussed.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Big Ben and the Bulls.
So big, bad Ben Wallace is a Bull. And I'm torn.
Good: Ben Wallace is a championship-tested veteran who can lead.
Bad: Ben Wallace makes Shaquille O'Neal look like Rick Barry from the line.
Good: Ben Wallace is a defensive and rebounding machine who fits perfectly into Scott Skiles's system.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a one-way player who couldn't score in a roomful of drunken hookers on X.
Good: Ben Wallace is a premier free agent—the first to sign with the Bulls since, well, I don't even remember who.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a 32-year-old who will make $60 million over the next four seasons.
So yeah, I don't know. I like Big Ben, fear the 'fro as much as anyone. But don't the Bulls need scoring? And don't you reserve that sort of money for people who can play at both ends of the floor? Also, it's not going to be much fun if the Bulls win 55 games next season while averaging 75 points a game.
Still, I'll take it. It's not like they were going to land Allen Iverson or Kevin Garnett, and Tyrus Thomas probably won't be ready right away. Factor in the double whammy of taking the defensive linchpin (and symbolic hairstyle) from the best team in their own division, and it seems like a win-win.
Yes, there's the money. Four years, $60 million. A lot to pay for a slightly more sane version of Dennis Rodman (watch the tape of the Artest melee again and remember how much of a role Big Ben played), someone who can't shoot his way out of a wet paper bag. Then again, with Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler gone, the cash is there. May as well use it. I'd rather see the cash go to a proven commodity—and as much as I like Al Harrington, Wallace was the best choice. His championship pedigree being the deciding factor.
It would be nice if J.R. Smith works out too—but if he doesn't, at least he comes off the books. It's hard to believe that Tyson Chandler is going to develop into much more than he is now, and if he doesn't, the Hornets will be looking to unload his contract soon enough. Peja Stojakovic's too, most likely.
Other things from this summer:
• It's nice that the Knicks are all happy and lovey-dovey with Coach Isiah, but let's see what's happening around New Year's.
• J.R. Rider arrested for felony cocaine possession? Never woulda guessed.
• Kirk Hinrich in, J.J. Redick out. Team USA just got a lot more likeable. And, well, better.
• A lot of people saw the T.J. Ford for Charlie Villanueva deal as a decided win for the Bucks. I'm not so sure.
• Kevin Garnett isn't going anywhere—unless the Wolves are out of it around the trade deadline, in which case he's gone for sure.
• I still have trouble believing that Allen Iverson will get traded to the Celtics. The CELTICS? Who were the Sixers archrival for decades, who play in their own DIVISION? Besides the fact that he'd drop 50-plus on his old squad four times a year, I don't think they want to see him in the playoffs. Um, assuming either team gets back there anytime soon.
Denver makes a lot more sense—as does any other Western team—but does Philly really have interest in Marcus Camby or Kenyon Martin? Put one of those guys alongside Chris Webber and you've got an orthopedist's dream come true. And one hell of an expensive frontcourt.
• If Amare Stoudemire is 100 percent next year (or even 85 percent), the Suns are my pick to win it all.
• I can't take credit for this one (thanks, Jeff Pearlman), but if you're the Nets, wouldn't you make an offer to Keith Van Horn? Frontcourt scoring, three-point range, and he'd probably take a hell of a pay cut to play with Jason Kidd.
• WNBA All-Star game tonight! Uh, yeah.
Good: Ben Wallace is a championship-tested veteran who can lead.
Bad: Ben Wallace makes Shaquille O'Neal look like Rick Barry from the line.
Good: Ben Wallace is a defensive and rebounding machine who fits perfectly into Scott Skiles's system.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a one-way player who couldn't score in a roomful of drunken hookers on X.
Good: Ben Wallace is a premier free agent—the first to sign with the Bulls since, well, I don't even remember who.
Bad: Ben Wallace is a 32-year-old who will make $60 million over the next four seasons.
So yeah, I don't know. I like Big Ben, fear the 'fro as much as anyone. But don't the Bulls need scoring? And don't you reserve that sort of money for people who can play at both ends of the floor? Also, it's not going to be much fun if the Bulls win 55 games next season while averaging 75 points a game.
Still, I'll take it. It's not like they were going to land Allen Iverson or Kevin Garnett, and Tyrus Thomas probably won't be ready right away. Factor in the double whammy of taking the defensive linchpin (and symbolic hairstyle) from the best team in their own division, and it seems like a win-win.
Yes, there's the money. Four years, $60 million. A lot to pay for a slightly more sane version of Dennis Rodman (watch the tape of the Artest melee again and remember how much of a role Big Ben played), someone who can't shoot his way out of a wet paper bag. Then again, with Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler gone, the cash is there. May as well use it. I'd rather see the cash go to a proven commodity—and as much as I like Al Harrington, Wallace was the best choice. His championship pedigree being the deciding factor.
It would be nice if J.R. Smith works out too—but if he doesn't, at least he comes off the books. It's hard to believe that Tyson Chandler is going to develop into much more than he is now, and if he doesn't, the Hornets will be looking to unload his contract soon enough. Peja Stojakovic's too, most likely.
Other things from this summer:
• It's nice that the Knicks are all happy and lovey-dovey with Coach Isiah, but let's see what's happening around New Year's.
• J.R. Rider arrested for felony cocaine possession? Never woulda guessed.
• Kirk Hinrich in, J.J. Redick out. Team USA just got a lot more likeable. And, well, better.
• A lot of people saw the T.J. Ford for Charlie Villanueva deal as a decided win for the Bucks. I'm not so sure.
• Kevin Garnett isn't going anywhere—unless the Wolves are out of it around the trade deadline, in which case he's gone for sure.
• I still have trouble believing that Allen Iverson will get traded to the Celtics. The CELTICS? Who were the Sixers archrival for decades, who play in their own DIVISION? Besides the fact that he'd drop 50-plus on his old squad four times a year, I don't think they want to see him in the playoffs. Um, assuming either team gets back there anytime soon.
Denver makes a lot more sense—as does any other Western team—but does Philly really have interest in Marcus Camby or Kenyon Martin? Put one of those guys alongside Chris Webber and you've got an orthopedist's dream come true. And one hell of an expensive frontcourt.
• If Amare Stoudemire is 100 percent next year (or even 85 percent), the Suns are my pick to win it all.
• I can't take credit for this one (thanks, Jeff Pearlman), but if you're the Nets, wouldn't you make an offer to Keith Van Horn? Frontcourt scoring, three-point range, and he'd probably take a hell of a pay cut to play with Jason Kidd.
• WNBA All-Star game tonight! Uh, yeah.
Friday, June 30, 2006
You Tube
You probably saw that Bill Simmons AKA The Sports Guy posted his favorite 33 YouTube links on ESPN.com. I'm gonna give you one right here that I think is better than any of his.
Latrell Sprewell, The American Dream.
Latrell Sprewell, The American Dream.
2006 Draft
Yes, I went. I posted my notes on it from the Garden on slamonline.com. I'm sure you can find them.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Draftashamockery
It's the week of the '06 NBA Draft, and mock drafts are everywhere. I'd be remiss if I didn't join in, despite the fact that I have no idea what the hell is going to happen. Basically I don't know anything about the European players, none of the college guys seem like sure things, and with high-school players as ineligible as I am, it just doesn't promise to be all that interesting anyway (except, of course, for the anti-Dolan forces that are coalescing in New York at this very moment). Honestly, with the World Cup going on, I care about the NBA Draft less than I ever have before (and this with my Bulls having the second overall pick). But what the hell.
1. TORONTO RAPTORS
NEEDS: Well, if you have the No. 1 pick, and it wasn't given to you as an early Christmas present by Isiah Thomas, you probably need everything. This is pretty much true, as the only place the Raprots are set is at power forward, with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva. What the Raptors really need is a star to help at the gate, which they won't be finding in the Draft. (And, as Bosh gets closer to becoming that star, he's probably busy planning his exit strategy.) If the owners were smart, they wouldn't worry about attracting fans. That way the Raptors will become the Oklahoma City Drillers in no time.
THE PICK: BRANDON ROY, Washington
THE REASON: The alleged best players in this draft are power forwards, but none of them are proven. And the Raptors have a scout named Larry Siegfried, so Roy seems like the right choice.
2. CHICAGO BULLS
NEEDS: What the Bulls don't need is more youth, but when Isiah Thomas offers you a first-round pick, you take it. What they really need is solid frontcourt scoring (since Tyson Chandler is never gonna do it) and a star-quality veteran with playoff experience. What they should do is undo the Chandler deal and offer the No. 2 back to the Clippers and get back Elton Brand. Although even Donald Sterling isn't THAT dumb. Still, trading the pick would be wise if (as part of a package, obviously) it could bring in someone like Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal or even Vince Carter. That would get them further along in the playoffs—and they still have another potential lottery pick next year regardless. Thanks, Isiah!
THE PICK: TYRUS THOMAS, LSU
THE REASON: Everybody loves Tyrus, so if the Bulls decide not to keep him, they'll be plenty of takers. And if they keep him, he anc Chandler should prevent EVERYONE from scoring inside. Now, if they could only find a way to score themselves.
3. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
NEEDS: In just their third year, the Bobcats have roughly three locks: Raymond Felton, Sean May, and Emeka Okafor. Given their short draft history, they probably would have taken Joakim Noah if he came out, but he didn't, and there really aren't any Gators available worth considering this high. So they'll have to do without a college champion this year. What they should do is see who new employee Michael Jordan likes, then take virtually anyone else.
THE PICK: RUDY GAY, UConn
THE REASON: Bernie Bickerstaff may not be able to get a champ, but he can go with a proven player from a proven program. Also, apparently Jordan wasn't impressed by his workout. Unlike, uh, Kwame Brown's.
4. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
NEEDS: Someone without a police record. And who isn't a point guard.
THE PICK: ADAM MORRISON, Gonzaga
THE REASON: With Roy gone, take the next available somewhat local hero. Besides, the wispy mustache and long hair should evoke memories of the glory days of '78.
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
NEEDS: Another 6-8 athlete for Billy Knight's ongoing experiment.
THE PICK: LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE, Texas
THE REASON: At 6-10, Aldridge doesn't fit the height requirement, but even Billy Knight wouldn't pass on him here.
6. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
NEEDS: Latrell Sprewell's head on a stick.
THE PICK: ANDREA BARGNANI, Italy
THE REASON: ESPN's Chad Ford has him going first overall, but then again he liked Darko Milicic. Provided Bargnani isn't the next Nikoloz Tskitishvili, he can help make up for the absence of Kevin Garnett, either due to trade or homicidal rage.
7. BOSTON CELTICS
NEEDS: To figure out how to win before Paul Pierce is old and grey and not walking through that door. (Do you think Antoine Walker waited a day to call him and gloat, or did he ring him directly from the locker room?)
THE PICK: MARCUS WILLIAMS, UConn
THE REASON: A semi-local based point guard who knows how to win? Makes sense to me.
8. HOUSTON ROCKETS
NEEDS: A trip to Oz to get Yao a heart (all kidding aside, he's getting there) and T-Mac a back (can the Wizard do that for a brotha?). jeff Van Gundy could use some better hairplugs, too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
THE PICK: MOSES MALONE, Petersburg High School
THE REASON: Because I've stopped caring about this draft and there's still half of the lottery to go. Terrific.
I might get back to this later, but I doubt it.
1. TORONTO RAPTORS
NEEDS: Well, if you have the No. 1 pick, and it wasn't given to you as an early Christmas present by Isiah Thomas, you probably need everything. This is pretty much true, as the only place the Raprots are set is at power forward, with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva. What the Raptors really need is a star to help at the gate, which they won't be finding in the Draft. (And, as Bosh gets closer to becoming that star, he's probably busy planning his exit strategy.) If the owners were smart, they wouldn't worry about attracting fans. That way the Raptors will become the Oklahoma City Drillers in no time.
THE PICK: BRANDON ROY, Washington
THE REASON: The alleged best players in this draft are power forwards, but none of them are proven. And the Raptors have a scout named Larry Siegfried, so Roy seems like the right choice.
2. CHICAGO BULLS
NEEDS: What the Bulls don't need is more youth, but when Isiah Thomas offers you a first-round pick, you take it. What they really need is solid frontcourt scoring (since Tyson Chandler is never gonna do it) and a star-quality veteran with playoff experience. What they should do is undo the Chandler deal and offer the No. 2 back to the Clippers and get back Elton Brand. Although even Donald Sterling isn't THAT dumb. Still, trading the pick would be wise if (as part of a package, obviously) it could bring in someone like Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal or even Vince Carter. That would get them further along in the playoffs—and they still have another potential lottery pick next year regardless. Thanks, Isiah!
THE PICK: TYRUS THOMAS, LSU
THE REASON: Everybody loves Tyrus, so if the Bulls decide not to keep him, they'll be plenty of takers. And if they keep him, he anc Chandler should prevent EVERYONE from scoring inside. Now, if they could only find a way to score themselves.
3. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
NEEDS: In just their third year, the Bobcats have roughly three locks: Raymond Felton, Sean May, and Emeka Okafor. Given their short draft history, they probably would have taken Joakim Noah if he came out, but he didn't, and there really aren't any Gators available worth considering this high. So they'll have to do without a college champion this year. What they should do is see who new employee Michael Jordan likes, then take virtually anyone else.
THE PICK: RUDY GAY, UConn
THE REASON: Bernie Bickerstaff may not be able to get a champ, but he can go with a proven player from a proven program. Also, apparently Jordan wasn't impressed by his workout. Unlike, uh, Kwame Brown's.
4. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
NEEDS: Someone without a police record. And who isn't a point guard.
THE PICK: ADAM MORRISON, Gonzaga
THE REASON: With Roy gone, take the next available somewhat local hero. Besides, the wispy mustache and long hair should evoke memories of the glory days of '78.
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
NEEDS: Another 6-8 athlete for Billy Knight's ongoing experiment.
THE PICK: LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE, Texas
THE REASON: At 6-10, Aldridge doesn't fit the height requirement, but even Billy Knight wouldn't pass on him here.
6. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
NEEDS: Latrell Sprewell's head on a stick.
THE PICK: ANDREA BARGNANI, Italy
THE REASON: ESPN's Chad Ford has him going first overall, but then again he liked Darko Milicic. Provided Bargnani isn't the next Nikoloz Tskitishvili, he can help make up for the absence of Kevin Garnett, either due to trade or homicidal rage.
7. BOSTON CELTICS
NEEDS: To figure out how to win before Paul Pierce is old and grey and not walking through that door. (Do you think Antoine Walker waited a day to call him and gloat, or did he ring him directly from the locker room?)
THE PICK: MARCUS WILLIAMS, UConn
THE REASON: A semi-local based point guard who knows how to win? Makes sense to me.
8. HOUSTON ROCKETS
NEEDS: A trip to Oz to get Yao a heart (all kidding aside, he's getting there) and T-Mac a back (can the Wizard do that for a brotha?). jeff Van Gundy could use some better hairplugs, too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
THE PICK: MOSES MALONE, Petersburg High School
THE REASON: Because I've stopped caring about this draft and there's still half of the lottery to go. Terrific.
I might get back to this later, but I doubt it.
Heat
A short congratulations to the Miami Heat—the first team of absolute mercenaries to win the NBA Championship. I know, all NBA teams add players to help them towards titles. But the Heat are the first I can recall who added SO many ready-made pieces the same year they won it all. Jason Williams, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, James Posey. Even coach Pat Riley, who as team president replaced previous coach Stan Van Gundy...with himself.
It's funny. Mark Cuban gets a lot of press as a billionaire and free-spender, but as NBA owners go, he's not even all that rich. Heat owner and cruise ship magnate Mickey Arison is worth roughly $6 billion—three times more than Cuban. He's the kind of guy who can afford to have Shaquille O'Neal as a second option. Of course he's also the kind of guy that no one had really laid eyes on until he was accepting the trophy at center court. Cubes, not so shy.
Of course, Cuban makes up for his relative financial shortfalls by placing the team first—spending untold amounts on keeping the players happy, and hanging around the bench like a 12-year-old kid at his first game. He's genuinely taken in by the spectacle of pro sports, and it's safe to assume that he'll do his best to have the Mavericks right back in the Finals next year. That's not to say the Mavs will definitely be able to handle the Spurs and Suns again, but you can bet Cuban will give them all they need.
Will the Heat be as hungry next year? Dwyane Wade will be, but everyone else? Shaq, sure. As befitting someone who wants to be known as the greatest of all-time, he would love to add more rings to his collection (and separate himself further from Kobe Bryant in the process). But what of this year's additions? Payton, Williams, Walker, Posey. Do they want more? Or is the one year of work/reward enough? Will they be willing to do what it takes to stay ahead of the pack, to once again handle Detroit (and maybe a VERY hungry LeBron James?). I don't see it. In fact, the Heat seem to me to be the first championship team in recent memory who won't be the favorites going into next season. Who, in fact, were probably being written off for '07 before they even started celebrating '06.
Unless, that is, they get the same refs.
It's funny. Mark Cuban gets a lot of press as a billionaire and free-spender, but as NBA owners go, he's not even all that rich. Heat owner and cruise ship magnate Mickey Arison is worth roughly $6 billion—three times more than Cuban. He's the kind of guy who can afford to have Shaquille O'Neal as a second option. Of course he's also the kind of guy that no one had really laid eyes on until he was accepting the trophy at center court. Cubes, not so shy.
Of course, Cuban makes up for his relative financial shortfalls by placing the team first—spending untold amounts on keeping the players happy, and hanging around the bench like a 12-year-old kid at his first game. He's genuinely taken in by the spectacle of pro sports, and it's safe to assume that he'll do his best to have the Mavericks right back in the Finals next year. That's not to say the Mavs will definitely be able to handle the Spurs and Suns again, but you can bet Cuban will give them all they need.
Will the Heat be as hungry next year? Dwyane Wade will be, but everyone else? Shaq, sure. As befitting someone who wants to be known as the greatest of all-time, he would love to add more rings to his collection (and separate himself further from Kobe Bryant in the process). But what of this year's additions? Payton, Williams, Walker, Posey. Do they want more? Or is the one year of work/reward enough? Will they be willing to do what it takes to stay ahead of the pack, to once again handle Detroit (and maybe a VERY hungry LeBron James?). I don't see it. In fact, the Heat seem to me to be the first championship team in recent memory who won't be the favorites going into next season. Who, in fact, were probably being written off for '07 before they even started celebrating '06.
Unless, that is, they get the same refs.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Even-up out West
Well, despite the Suns's blowout win over the Mavs tonight (Raja Bell for MVP!), I still think the Mavs take the series. After two previous seven-game series for the Suns, I think the third time's the un-charm. Assuming Dallas takes the next game at home and holds court, the Suns will need to go seven again to make it to the next and final round, and I just don't think they have it in them. Of course, I could be wrong. Steve Nash seems to be making a habit of making liars out of people. And, um, we are all witnesses.
Meanwhile, out East, we are perhaps witnessing the death of an almost-dynasty. If the Pistons do lose, is it vindication for Larry Brown? Or would this have happened even if he had stayed, and he just knew when to bounce? (Then again, he went from the frying pan into the toilet, so maybe I'm giving him too much credit.)
I like to think that the Pistons just ran into the wrong team at the wrong time. Since last year at this time, when Dwyane Wade went down and the Heat fell to these same Pistons, everything has been building to this series. The re-match for the ages. Is it any wonder that Wade is shooting 60 percent from the floor, that Shaquille O'Neal is prancing like a brash rookie? Once again a legendary coach will reach the Finals from the East, only this time it will be Pat Riley instead of Larry Brown.
Assuming the Heat and the Mavericks make the Finals (which would be an entertaining matchup, to be sure), either one would make an intriguing NBA champion. If it's the Heat, Riles finally gets one for the thumb, Shaq goes one-up on Kobe (and leads a third team to the Finals), and GP gets his belated Diesel-powered ring (and I suppose Zo justifies, at least to himself, his escape from New Jersey). If it's the Mavs, it's all about Mark Cuban, NBA champion. Will he finally leave the officials alone? Will his blog take over the entire internet? Will he offer to trade franchises with James Dolan in order to take on a bigger challenge? (Dream, Knick fans, dream.) Will David Stern just toss him his ring from across the court? The thought of Keith Van Horn with a ring isn't exactly comforting—and the reality of it would probably give guys like Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley nightmares for decades. Could be worse, though. Could be Tim Thomas.
Meanwhile, out East, we are perhaps witnessing the death of an almost-dynasty. If the Pistons do lose, is it vindication for Larry Brown? Or would this have happened even if he had stayed, and he just knew when to bounce? (Then again, he went from the frying pan into the toilet, so maybe I'm giving him too much credit.)
I like to think that the Pistons just ran into the wrong team at the wrong time. Since last year at this time, when Dwyane Wade went down and the Heat fell to these same Pistons, everything has been building to this series. The re-match for the ages. Is it any wonder that Wade is shooting 60 percent from the floor, that Shaquille O'Neal is prancing like a brash rookie? Once again a legendary coach will reach the Finals from the East, only this time it will be Pat Riley instead of Larry Brown.
Assuming the Heat and the Mavericks make the Finals (which would be an entertaining matchup, to be sure), either one would make an intriguing NBA champion. If it's the Heat, Riles finally gets one for the thumb, Shaq goes one-up on Kobe (and leads a third team to the Finals), and GP gets his belated Diesel-powered ring (and I suppose Zo justifies, at least to himself, his escape from New Jersey). If it's the Mavs, it's all about Mark Cuban, NBA champion. Will he finally leave the officials alone? Will his blog take over the entire internet? Will he offer to trade franchises with James Dolan in order to take on a bigger challenge? (Dream, Knick fans, dream.) Will David Stern just toss him his ring from across the court? The thought of Keith Van Horn with a ring isn't exactly comforting—and the reality of it would probably give guys like Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley nightmares for decades. Could be worse, though. Could be Tim Thomas.
"I want to die a Knick."
We hear you, Steph. Better hope that Dolan and Co. don't take it as a suggestion, though.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Game 2, Western Conference Finals
It's round about 10 of 9, Eastern time, and TNT was just playing Fugazi's "Waiting Room" on the lead-in to Mavs/Suns. FUGAZI! Hard to believe. I wonder if Ian Mackaye is watching?
Joey Crawford is part of the officiating crew, and as much as he overreacts sometimes, I like the guy.
Keith Van Horn and Tim Thomas are both starters. Awesome. Not entirely sure about what kind of message that sends the kids, but hey, after being traded for each other twice they may as well have something else in common.
Somehow it seems doubtful there will be too many 24-second violations in this one.
It's highly unlikely that either Leandrinho or Devin Harris are on steroids, but has anyone tested either of them for nitrous?
Van Horn is the Mavs starting CENTER tonight, which is funny because he probably wouldn't get called for a three-second violation if they were cumulative.
Interesting that none of the playoff beard teams made the Final Four. Has ANY NBA team that's adopted a hair-related postseason unification theory EVER won a championship? John Hollinger should do the research.
If anyone offers Tim Thomas more than three years at the mid-level exception, they're insane. I don't care if he winds up the Finals MVP. In fact, he should probably offer to play his next three years for free for one of the teams he mailed it in for.
Doug Collins has gotten seriously creepy over the years.
If Phoenix can go home up 2-0...yikes.
Yes, I'd rather wear Cheryl Miller's clothes than Craig Sager's. And TNT is OK with this? Charles Barkley should go on wearing a half-shirt and a Speedo.
With every game, I'm becoming more and more convinced that Steve Nash is all good as MVP.
And doesn't the success of the Mavs and Suns cement the genius of Don Nelson? Enjoy retirement, Nellie, you earned it.
God, I hate David Hasselhof.
Joey Crawford is part of the officiating crew, and as much as he overreacts sometimes, I like the guy.
Keith Van Horn and Tim Thomas are both starters. Awesome. Not entirely sure about what kind of message that sends the kids, but hey, after being traded for each other twice they may as well have something else in common.
Somehow it seems doubtful there will be too many 24-second violations in this one.
It's highly unlikely that either Leandrinho or Devin Harris are on steroids, but has anyone tested either of them for nitrous?
Van Horn is the Mavs starting CENTER tonight, which is funny because he probably wouldn't get called for a three-second violation if they were cumulative.
Interesting that none of the playoff beard teams made the Final Four. Has ANY NBA team that's adopted a hair-related postseason unification theory EVER won a championship? John Hollinger should do the research.
If anyone offers Tim Thomas more than three years at the mid-level exception, they're insane. I don't care if he winds up the Finals MVP. In fact, he should probably offer to play his next three years for free for one of the teams he mailed it in for.
Doug Collins has gotten seriously creepy over the years.
If Phoenix can go home up 2-0...yikes.
Yes, I'd rather wear Cheryl Miller's clothes than Craig Sager's. And TNT is OK with this? Charles Barkley should go on wearing a half-shirt and a Speedo.
With every game, I'm becoming more and more convinced that Steve Nash is all good as MVP.
And doesn't the success of the Mavs and Suns cement the genius of Don Nelson? Enjoy retirement, Nellie, you earned it.
God, I hate David Hasselhof.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Lucky Sevens
Not for LeBron, I guess. He could have used some help from his teammates (Larry Hughes gave a decent effort, all things considered) and maybe in-their-prime versions of Mark Price. Brad Daugherty and Craig Ehlo. Well, maybe not Craig Ehlo.
But it's not like anyone thought the Cavs would beat the Pistons, let alone take them seven. It would have been almost disappointing had the Cavs won, like things were progressing too fast. It's bad enough that LeBron already looks 28, already has an alarmingly well-rounded game, let's take the time to savor his early struggles before he starts accumulating the big prizes, like rings and Finals MVPs. Before they have to amend the saying on that statue in Chicago.
I still think the Pistons are going to win the whole mess, by the way. Despite going seven with the Cavs, I don't think they're terribly tired. Rip Hamilton could probably play a 70-game series of triple-overtime games and be less tired than I am after updating this blog. Ditto for the darn near ethereal Tayshaun Prince, the Schwarzeneggerish Ben Wallace, and the utterly insane Rasheed Wallace (I love how he talks to the refs with an exasperated look on his face even when the calls are going his way). Chauncey Billups has been terrific as well—I just hope that Rick Pitino's been watching.
And their slow-down, defense-first style helps keep them fresh. They can score 75 points and still win by double-digits, while teams like Phoenix and Dallas score 130 in nailbiters. It's not that the Pistons exert much less effort, it's that less of it is spent running up and down the court like lunatics.
Which is exactly what I'll be looking for in the Western finals following tonight's pair of Sevens. San Antonio may still hold serve at home (they're clawing their way back as I type), but I think everybody would love to see a Phoenix/Dallas series. Nothing against the Clippers, whose presence this deep in the playoffs almost qualifies as a sign of the apocalypse (I believe Chris Kaman is either Pestilence or Death), but the idea of Nash running against his former mates is just too good.
I'm thinking it's Detroit vs. Dallas in the finals, with defense leading Detroit to another address change (FOUR Championship Way, or whatever). There's a chance that another D, Dirk, could decide things, but I'm thinking the Commish would let Ruth Riley, Bill Laimbeer and Joe Dumars ref a deciding game rather than deal with Mark Cuban, NBA Champion. Although the thought of Keith Van Horn with a ring does bring a tear to my eye (by the way, Keith, your playoff beard would be more intimidating if you stopped getting that grade-school haircut).
More later—seriously. I want to talk a little about L'Affaire Larry, which is all anyone could have wished for following the Knicks season of horrors.
But it's not like anyone thought the Cavs would beat the Pistons, let alone take them seven. It would have been almost disappointing had the Cavs won, like things were progressing too fast. It's bad enough that LeBron already looks 28, already has an alarmingly well-rounded game, let's take the time to savor his early struggles before he starts accumulating the big prizes, like rings and Finals MVPs. Before they have to amend the saying on that statue in Chicago.
I still think the Pistons are going to win the whole mess, by the way. Despite going seven with the Cavs, I don't think they're terribly tired. Rip Hamilton could probably play a 70-game series of triple-overtime games and be less tired than I am after updating this blog. Ditto for the darn near ethereal Tayshaun Prince, the Schwarzeneggerish Ben Wallace, and the utterly insane Rasheed Wallace (I love how he talks to the refs with an exasperated look on his face even when the calls are going his way). Chauncey Billups has been terrific as well—I just hope that Rick Pitino's been watching.
And their slow-down, defense-first style helps keep them fresh. They can score 75 points and still win by double-digits, while teams like Phoenix and Dallas score 130 in nailbiters. It's not that the Pistons exert much less effort, it's that less of it is spent running up and down the court like lunatics.
Which is exactly what I'll be looking for in the Western finals following tonight's pair of Sevens. San Antonio may still hold serve at home (they're clawing their way back as I type), but I think everybody would love to see a Phoenix/Dallas series. Nothing against the Clippers, whose presence this deep in the playoffs almost qualifies as a sign of the apocalypse (I believe Chris Kaman is either Pestilence or Death), but the idea of Nash running against his former mates is just too good.
I'm thinking it's Detroit vs. Dallas in the finals, with defense leading Detroit to another address change (FOUR Championship Way, or whatever). There's a chance that another D, Dirk, could decide things, but I'm thinking the Commish would let Ruth Riley, Bill Laimbeer and Joe Dumars ref a deciding game rather than deal with Mark Cuban, NBA Champion. Although the thought of Keith Van Horn with a ring does bring a tear to my eye (by the way, Keith, your playoff beard would be more intimidating if you stopped getting that grade-school haircut).
More later—seriously. I want to talk a little about L'Affaire Larry, which is all anyone could have wished for following the Knicks season of horrors.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Some random playoff thoughts...
....before everyone forgets about me.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas's beard is epic. He's like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn with a low-post game. And damn, that thing grew faster than LeBron James.
Speaking of beards, it's a damn shame we only got to see Pau Gasol's for four games when he took the trouble to grow it all year. Guy Ritchie needs to put them both in his next movie—and I will NOT be satisfied until Z gets cast as a Bond villain, dammit.
The most prominent players in the first round? The officials, of course. Then again, with all the clotheslines and ball-grabbing going on, I had to check a few times to make sure I wasn't watching the WWE by mistake. (Chris Kaman's hair was no help there, either.)
The Clippers are in the second round of the playoffs, while the Knicks and the Celtics missed the whole shebang by a country mile. There must be a lot of older NBA fans feeling REALLY old these days.
All in all, it seems like the Nuggets would have been better off not making the playoffs at all. But hey, I guess they've got five more seasons to learn how to deal with Kenyon Martin. Unless the Knicks want him.
LeBron IS growing up fast though, huh? He's already working that baseline fallaway that Jordan didn't pick up until he was in his mid-30s. At this rate Bron's going to quit to pursue a baseball career by the time he turns 24—and he'll bat .400, hit 80 home runs and go 28-2 as a starting pitcher.
I wish the Wizards/Cavs series would go 25 games.
Imagine if Peja Stojakovic misses half the Nets series AND doesn't re-sign with the Pacers? I guess the only consolation is that Ron Artest is still as crazy as—well, crazy.
Kobe probably won't be naming any of his kids Raja.
The disparity between the top-seeded teams and lowest-seeded teams is pretty far these days. Has it always been like this? I can't remember one way or the other.
Not sure if the Spurs are going to defend their title this year, assuming they survive the Kings. Especially with the Mavericks waiting for them.
Who DOESN'T want to see a Clippers/Lakers second-round series? Well, besides Steve Nash and company, of course.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas's beard is epic. He's like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn with a low-post game. And damn, that thing grew faster than LeBron James.
Speaking of beards, it's a damn shame we only got to see Pau Gasol's for four games when he took the trouble to grow it all year. Guy Ritchie needs to put them both in his next movie—and I will NOT be satisfied until Z gets cast as a Bond villain, dammit.
The most prominent players in the first round? The officials, of course. Then again, with all the clotheslines and ball-grabbing going on, I had to check a few times to make sure I wasn't watching the WWE by mistake. (Chris Kaman's hair was no help there, either.)
The Clippers are in the second round of the playoffs, while the Knicks and the Celtics missed the whole shebang by a country mile. There must be a lot of older NBA fans feeling REALLY old these days.
All in all, it seems like the Nuggets would have been better off not making the playoffs at all. But hey, I guess they've got five more seasons to learn how to deal with Kenyon Martin. Unless the Knicks want him.
LeBron IS growing up fast though, huh? He's already working that baseline fallaway that Jordan didn't pick up until he was in his mid-30s. At this rate Bron's going to quit to pursue a baseball career by the time he turns 24—and he'll bat .400, hit 80 home runs and go 28-2 as a starting pitcher.
I wish the Wizards/Cavs series would go 25 games.
Imagine if Peja Stojakovic misses half the Nets series AND doesn't re-sign with the Pacers? I guess the only consolation is that Ron Artest is still as crazy as—well, crazy.
Kobe probably won't be naming any of his kids Raja.
The disparity between the top-seeded teams and lowest-seeded teams is pretty far these days. Has it always been like this? I can't remember one way or the other.
Not sure if the Spurs are going to defend their title this year, assuming they survive the Kings. Especially with the Mavericks waiting for them.
Who DOESN'T want to see a Clippers/Lakers second-round series? Well, besides Steve Nash and company, of course.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Wild In The Streets?
The Knicks season isn't quite over—they should notch their 60th loss tonight in Jersey—but it sure seems like it is. Not only to the fans, but apparently to the players as well.
Because late yesterday afternoon at West Fourth Street, among the usual mix of hustlers and jeans-clad old-timers, there was Knicks rookie Nate Robinson, semi-incognito in grey wifebeater, baggy red shorts and pristine red suede Jordan XXIs, getting in runs. And this wasn't just a cameo. Nate ran for a good hour or more, pushing the ball upcourt, catching the occasional dunk putback, blocking a few shots.
Yet the crowd wasn't more than for the usual run. And Nate's the defending slam dunk champ! Imagine the crowds Jordan would have drawn in Chicago in the summer of '87, or Spud Webb in Atlanta in the summer of '86. Even Kenny "Sky" Walker on these same courts in the summer of '90. And this is before the season is even over! Not sure if it speaks more to the aloofness of New Yorkers, the waning interest in the Knicks (none of the daily papers had anything on Nate's outdoor exploits today) or simply the fact that, at 5-7, Nate doesn't exactly stand out in a crowd.
There was some buzz, for sure—people calling friends, pictures being taken on camera phones and Sidekicks—but not much. After it all ended (with Nate's team leaving the court winners) Nate ducked into the McDonald's across the street as one of his bopys warmed up his rimmed out (25s at least) champagne H2 parked right across from the court. (If the rims didn't give it away, the Washington state plates did.) As he pulled off a few minutes later, the crowd hadn't visibly changed from when he was playing, despite the fact that a ragged pick-up game had replaced the Knick rookie.
Guess that's just New York.
Because late yesterday afternoon at West Fourth Street, among the usual mix of hustlers and jeans-clad old-timers, there was Knicks rookie Nate Robinson, semi-incognito in grey wifebeater, baggy red shorts and pristine red suede Jordan XXIs, getting in runs. And this wasn't just a cameo. Nate ran for a good hour or more, pushing the ball upcourt, catching the occasional dunk putback, blocking a few shots.
Yet the crowd wasn't more than for the usual run. And Nate's the defending slam dunk champ! Imagine the crowds Jordan would have drawn in Chicago in the summer of '87, or Spud Webb in Atlanta in the summer of '86. Even Kenny "Sky" Walker on these same courts in the summer of '90. And this is before the season is even over! Not sure if it speaks more to the aloofness of New Yorkers, the waning interest in the Knicks (none of the daily papers had anything on Nate's outdoor exploits today) or simply the fact that, at 5-7, Nate doesn't exactly stand out in a crowd.
There was some buzz, for sure—people calling friends, pictures being taken on camera phones and Sidekicks—but not much. After it all ended (with Nate's team leaving the court winners) Nate ducked into the McDonald's across the street as one of his bopys warmed up his rimmed out (25s at least) champagne H2 parked right across from the court. (If the rims didn't give it away, the Washington state plates did.) As he pulled off a few minutes later, the crowd hadn't visibly changed from when he was playing, despite the fact that a ragged pick-up game had replaced the Knick rookie.
Guess that's just New York.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Just A Thought
...before everyone erases this URL from their bookmarks forever (I'm fully blaming my irregularity on the Knicks horrificness), I figured I'd post something I postulated a few days ago.
It hit me, while watching the Suns get killed by the Nets WITH Amare Stoudemire—and then watching them blow up the scoreboard in Toronto without him (140 points), that maybe they should go against all the usual rules and mortgage the future for the present.
Consider. The Suns are such a great team (again) despite the absence of Stoudemire and the trades of Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson for one reason: Steve Nash. Well, and the system that Mike D'Antoni put around him, and the unearthly athleticism of Shawn Marion, and the apparently until-now-untapped skill of Boris Diaw. Nash seems well on his way to earning his second straight MVP, which—if he gets it—will be well deserved. But he's also 32 years old. And even in the best-case scenarios, it's unlikely that his and Stoudemire's primes will overlap for very long. (Given his microfracture surgery and recent aborted comeback, that's assuming that Stoudemire's prime hasn't already passed.)
Which is why I think the Suns should make a concerted effort this offseason to acquire Kevin Garnett, even if it requires trading Stoudemire. Assuming he comes back full strength, Stoudemire will be a beast for years to come. But it seems that putting Garnett alongside Nash and Marion would give the Suns their best shot at a championship. And isn't that what it's supposed to be about?
An I insane? Probably. John Hollinger probably wouldn't agree with me. But at least I'm posting, right?
It hit me, while watching the Suns get killed by the Nets WITH Amare Stoudemire—and then watching them blow up the scoreboard in Toronto without him (140 points), that maybe they should go against all the usual rules and mortgage the future for the present.
Consider. The Suns are such a great team (again) despite the absence of Stoudemire and the trades of Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson for one reason: Steve Nash. Well, and the system that Mike D'Antoni put around him, and the unearthly athleticism of Shawn Marion, and the apparently until-now-untapped skill of Boris Diaw. Nash seems well on his way to earning his second straight MVP, which—if he gets it—will be well deserved. But he's also 32 years old. And even in the best-case scenarios, it's unlikely that his and Stoudemire's primes will overlap for very long. (Given his microfracture surgery and recent aborted comeback, that's assuming that Stoudemire's prime hasn't already passed.)
Which is why I think the Suns should make a concerted effort this offseason to acquire Kevin Garnett, even if it requires trading Stoudemire. Assuming he comes back full strength, Stoudemire will be a beast for years to come. But it seems that putting Garnett alongside Nash and Marion would give the Suns their best shot at a championship. And isn't that what it's supposed to be about?
An I insane? Probably. John Hollinger probably wouldn't agree with me. But at least I'm posting, right?
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Eight Is Enough
Well, I think the moon looked blue last night. And if it was, it's because it was so damn cold—25 degrees this morning, which is stupid for late March. March madness, indeed. And if you'd like another non-sequiter, I don't want to talk about my bracket (or North Carolina, for that matter). I'd also like to temporarily ignore the Knicks (although you can see my latest comments on that mess on SLAMonline.com today) and get to something I've been meaning to write about for quite some time.
That would be Kobe Bean Bryant.
Some of you are aware that I wrote the cover story on him for SLAM 97. Even less of you are probably aware that I wrote the cover stories on him for two issues of KICKS, interviewing him at length in two consecutive summers following the Lakers first two titles. One would think, based on all that, that I would have a pretty good grasp on who Kobe Bryant is, what he's really like. One would be wrong.
I had 3,000 words for this last story, and I feel like I couldn't have told the full story in 10,000. Since Kobe was good enough to speak at length, I felt his words needed to be printed, so that cut my own room for analysis in half. I got to most of my points, but there were a few things I didn't get to address. So I figured I'd do that here.
His tunnel vision, for instance. Or self-absorbtion, if you prefer. He seems to be able to put anything and everything aside in order to go out there and perform, which is equal parts admirable and creepy. It's how he could go directly from court in Colorado to the court in L.A. and score 40 and hit game-winning shots. Probably how he could co-exist with Shaq for so long despite their obvious lack of connection. But it's also how he can still be yelling at his teammates on the court for mistakes, rather than waiting until they were back in the locker room. Instead of correcting in private, he does it in front of the coaching staff, the opponents, the TV cameras. One gets the feeling that this isn't Phil Jackson approved behavior (although one also gets the feeling that Phil, like Larry Brown, may be content to just cash the checks at this point).
There's also the rather hard-to-ignore matter of his taking so many goddamn shots. It's obvious that he doesn't trust his teammates much, if at all, and feels as he's the best option every time down the floor. This may indeed be true. But it's not the way you win in the long run. Michael Jordan was certainly the best option every time down the floor for the Bulls, but he didn't start winning championships until he started to trust role guys like John Paxson and Steve Kerr (not to mention bigger cogs like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant).
I'm too distracted by "Team America: World Police" right now. More tomorrow or tonight.
That would be Kobe Bean Bryant.
Some of you are aware that I wrote the cover story on him for SLAM 97. Even less of you are probably aware that I wrote the cover stories on him for two issues of KICKS, interviewing him at length in two consecutive summers following the Lakers first two titles. One would think, based on all that, that I would have a pretty good grasp on who Kobe Bryant is, what he's really like. One would be wrong.
I had 3,000 words for this last story, and I feel like I couldn't have told the full story in 10,000. Since Kobe was good enough to speak at length, I felt his words needed to be printed, so that cut my own room for analysis in half. I got to most of my points, but there were a few things I didn't get to address. So I figured I'd do that here.
His tunnel vision, for instance. Or self-absorbtion, if you prefer. He seems to be able to put anything and everything aside in order to go out there and perform, which is equal parts admirable and creepy. It's how he could go directly from court in Colorado to the court in L.A. and score 40 and hit game-winning shots. Probably how he could co-exist with Shaq for so long despite their obvious lack of connection. But it's also how he can still be yelling at his teammates on the court for mistakes, rather than waiting until they were back in the locker room. Instead of correcting in private, he does it in front of the coaching staff, the opponents, the TV cameras. One gets the feeling that this isn't Phil Jackson approved behavior (although one also gets the feeling that Phil, like Larry Brown, may be content to just cash the checks at this point).
There's also the rather hard-to-ignore matter of his taking so many goddamn shots. It's obvious that he doesn't trust his teammates much, if at all, and feels as he's the best option every time down the floor. This may indeed be true. But it's not the way you win in the long run. Michael Jordan was certainly the best option every time down the floor for the Bulls, but he didn't start winning championships until he started to trust role guys like John Paxson and Steve Kerr (not to mention bigger cogs like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant).
I'm too distracted by "Team America: World Police" right now. More tomorrow or tonight.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Hell Freezes Over
Quick, what's more shocking—the fact that there's an update here, or the fact that the Knicks have won two straight? Take your time, I know it's a tough one.
OK, not that much time.
So this week I saw the second-most disgusting thing I've ever seen in an NBA locker room. The first-most disgusting thing I've ever seen in an NBA locker room—one that is likely never to be topped—was Anthony Mason conducting interviews buck-ass naked. What barely beat out Damon Jones's bare feet for second was this: Kings center Brad Miller with a pinch of mint Skoal (the blue can) in between his lip and gum, spitting tobacco juice into an empty Dasani bottle. Not the most flattering habit, as habits go.
More later—I just wanted to get something new up before Lang made fun of me.
OK, not that much time.
So this week I saw the second-most disgusting thing I've ever seen in an NBA locker room. The first-most disgusting thing I've ever seen in an NBA locker room—one that is likely never to be topped—was Anthony Mason conducting interviews buck-ass naked. What barely beat out Damon Jones's bare feet for second was this: Kings center Brad Miller with a pinch of mint Skoal (the blue can) in between his lip and gum, spitting tobacco juice into an empty Dasani bottle. Not the most flattering habit, as habits go.
More later—I just wanted to get something new up before Lang made fun of me.
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