This is long overdue but I been busy as a mug trying to make sure I never wake up from living the dream. Yeah right. I'm unemployed. And I'm not spell checking this joint so deal wit it.
Ok, where shall we begin? Let's start with the obvious choice and the team that everyone really wants to talk about. The Cot-damn Los Angeles Lakers. Holy shit, being a Laker fan is like the first time you tried to go two slot on a girl. It's frustrating and exhilerating all at the same time. Except afterwards you don't feel like a deviant...or do you Laker fan?
So what's with the Lakers? Just in case you haven't been following the playoffs, here's a recap of the Lakers...Steamrolled Utah...As they should seeing how Utah can't win on the road. After Utah, the Lakers were who we thought they were. And then they faced Houston. Correction, they faced a depleted Houston Rockets team. It took the Lakers seven games to dispose of a Houston Rockets team that was without T-Mac, and Yao Ming. A Houston Rocket team with Scola as their main inside threat, and Aaron Brooks as their go to guy.
I had a friend (P.Bains) so sure that the Lakers would advance he's willing to go 100 to 1 odds and pay 10G's. Im not an idiot or a betting man or I'd be out a G right now, but his sentiments echo the rest of the world, this was supposed to be an easy series...Or was it?
Why did it take the Lakers 7 games to take care of a team with lineup that probably wouldnt have even made the playoffs in the West?
Of course the Laker haters and doubters want to say it's because the Lakers aren't a championship caliber team. A true championship team would have taken care of business in game 4, instead of getting blown out, and a true championship team would have wrapped up this series in five games max.
I'm not on that tip. But the critizisms are warranted.
But I believe there's more to it than that.
Let's look at it closely. First off, Shane Battier and Ron Artest are the two best defensive guards,small forwards in the game. And Shane Battier might be the most intelligent player in the game right now. Next, excluding Brooks, the rest of the Rockets, Lowry, Landry, Scola and Hayes are some of the most tough and hardnosed players in the game. We're talking about guys that are in the NBA and have made their careers based on their toughness, their game is toughness. What am I getting at? Well, you put Pau Gasol in a fight against any of those guys and he get's one punched. I can say that about most of the Lakers up against those guys.
Point being, in the NBA Playoffs, in a seven game series, toughness is a factor.
Following along so far, because this is where I put it together...
You put Battier on Bryant, a guy who studies Kobe's tendancies and habits and might know Kobe's game better than Kobe does himself. All Battier does is make Kobe take the shots that percentage wise "don't go in as often". He doesn't try to stop Kobe, he uses Kobe's arrogance to his advantage. He knows Kobe feels every shot he takes is going in...the bottom line is that is just not true unless he's having one of those games.
Ok next, you just make sure you keep one of those tough guys all over Pau, because we all know he doesn't like the physical play. Next you put Artest on Odom...Odom has trouble getting into a the flow if he cant get his offense going, everyone knows that. Lamar needs to feed off something, that's why he plays so well at home, he feeds off the crowd, the lights and Laker girls.
The result is Lakers being out of sync. Battier did such a good job on Kobe that he made him a jump shooter for a large majority of the series. The result of that is no penetration, no double team, no open kickouts to shooters like Ariza and D-Fish...who by the way had his hands full with Brooks on D. And much like last year, the rest of the Lakers just don't always show up on the road. Why because, they don't all know their roles...It's tough to play in a hostile environment when you you don't have a set role, too many variables. A little more on that later...
Basically, the Rockets depleted or not, are inherently a really bad match up for the Lakers and for Phil Jackson. Check the history...Adleman's teams have always given Phil a little trouble, but Phil has always had the players to overcome it.
A bad matchup does many things, but what it really does it expose weaknesses. We learned that the Lakers have trouble matching a team's intensity on the road and we learned that physical play bothers the Lakers. The problem with knowing all of this is that it doesnt mean anything because the Lakers still advanced. Bottom line is that they faced adversity and found a way to overcome it. Despite their weaknesses, there is no guarantee that another team can exploit them. Ask yourself this, do any of the remaining teams have defenders like Ron Artest and Shane Battier who can guard Kobe WITHOUT FOULING HIM. That's the key...the Rockets didnt' foul the Lakers, they kept them off the line, that's clean, hard defense.
Next up is Denver, my team, and despite how their rolling, I think it's actually a better matchup for the Lakers.
I see other problems with the makeup of the Lakers though...Like their lack of true role players.
For instance....Vuijic, are you a shooter or what? Make some 3's already. And Bynum, why doesn't he play big all the time? Why is he in and out of the starting lineup if he's the missing piece of the puzzle? Farhmar, when are you going to show up and take ownership of a role? Are you the back up pg or is Shannon Brown? There's so much more, but I'll save it for next time, let's move out East.
Orlando and Cleveland. Damn, I almost forgot the Cavs were in the playoffs. They havent played anyone yet, but the result of their easy comp is that they are firing on all four...I don't think Orlando is going to slow them, not after how they struggled against a Boston team that had nothing left in the tank and had Scalabraine playing major minutes. Show me anyone who if they saw SCAL in a bar, with his front porch hanging out of his shirt would believe this guys played for the Celtics and was D'ing up Dwight Howard. You might even fight him for his blasphemy. But what we saw in Boston was just the heart of a champion fighting, they really didnt have a shot at beating that Orlando team with the scoring and depth they had.
The problem with Orlando is they just don't know who they are yet. Are they a team that works inside out or what? Everyone wants Howard to get more touches and while that makes appears to make sense, the bottom line is despite how much he's worked out with Patrick Ewing, he can't score like the Big E. He's not going off for forty, you'll be lucky if he ever gives you thirty. His game right now is cleanup and defense. They dont throw him nearly enough lobs and he's terrible at passing out of double teams. In fact, he doesn't even warrant a double team unless he's in the paint. I actually think Cleveland might take this one in 5, maybe six.
Both series will be great to watch, but the bottom line is this...The performance that Boston showed has told me one thing, whoever wins the championship this year is only winning it because KG was absent and Boston wasn't at full strength. I know that's a hard pill to swallow but it's true. You throw KG and Powe back on that team and Boston is probably the best team in the playoffs again. Bynum certainly hasnt made the Lakers unbeatable, if anything, they are the same team as last year, except D Fish is a little less spry, and Ariza is a wildcard.
BEST MOMENTS OF THE PLAYOFFS SO FAR:
1. The entire Boston and Chicago Series
2. Anything involving a Ron Artest interview on how he grew up on courts where guys were getting stabbed in the heart. Wow Ron.
3. The return of Mr Bigshot Chauncey Billups and the maturing of Carmelo Anthony's game.
4. Big Baby's game winner--best part was how he shoved the kid with the courtside seats out of the way during the celebration.
5. Kobe's rant in game 2 on how "HE CAN'T GUARD ME" Best part is when he yelled at Adleman--Get him off me, HE CANT GUARD ME. Go ahead Kobe.
6. Lebron's step back buzzer beating trey piece from two steps inside half. Prediction: Lebron is going to change the game. He'll start shooting threes from there consistenly and maybe beyond half. And he'll make them. You heard it here first.
I might have missed some stuff, but this is long enough. If you got some noise, put it down or comment.
That's my word. Im out.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hoops: Real Talk
Up in the studio getting blowed, to realest shhh I ever wrote....
Is the Nba softer than college? I'm throwing that out there. I see cats in the NCAA putting real Defense on guys. What's real defense you ask?
Real defense is not letting a guy cut where he wants to cut without feeling a forearm or a body on him. Real defense is getting so tight on your man with the ball that you are not just inside his jersey, but your knuckles are under his underarmour. Real defense is knocking a scorer to the hardwood for no other reason than ...just cause he's a scorer.
I watched a classic game today, game 3, Spurs vs Sonics in the 2005 NBA playoffs. The NBA sure has changed. I saw Danny Fortson knock a longhaired Manu Ginobili to the ground with a foul so hard I cringed a bit. Nowadays, that's a flagrant 2, and your tossed, back then, it's just a hard foul. Did Manu complain? Nope, he got up and knocked down two from the line. Why? Because it's a man's game! That's why. Basketball is a man's game. It's a full contact man's game.
And back in the day when men played, you earned everything you got. Look at Jordan's Bulls against the Knicks. I may be alone in this, but I want to see the NBA officials let a little more go.
I don't like the rule that you can't impede a player on his cut, how the hell are you supposed to play defense on these ridiculous scorers if you have to let them go wherever they want?
Back to college. All I see in the college game is guys putting up huge numbers. Guys dropping 40 plus regularly and guys averaging over 20 like it's nobodies business. How is this happening in two 20 minute halves? Well, they moved the three point line back just enough to extend defenses. It's still college, so that means the athletes just aren't quick or long enough to get out there in time to get a decent challenge. Which means defenses are little late, which means a field day for scorers. Couple that with NBA caliber players ineligible to enter the draft till their nineteen and you got a deeper talent pool in the college game. I'm on the tip that the age limit for the NBA should be 20. Let these guys spend two years in college, all that will happen is that college basketball will be even better and when these guys get to the league they will be more complete and better players.
Back to the NBA. Is anyone watching what my man D Wade is doing? Is there a better closer in the game right now? Im just asking cuz Flash just dropped 24 in the fourth quater against the Knicks in a dazzling performance that reminded everyone why this guy already has a ring and an NBA finals MVP on his resume.
While we are at it, who is rookie of the year? Derrik Rose? Michael Beasley? OJ Mayo? Who am I missing?
One more thing....Did anyone catch Shaq's performance against the Craptors? 20-25, for 45 in just 35 minutes. Sorry Dwight, but the original Superman, the true son of Jerrel hasn't done that since 2003. Shaq was wheeling and dealing, crossing guys, and dunking everrrrrrrrything!
Hey, all of us right now who grew up watching this guy should feel blessed. There will never be another Shaq, never be another footer that powerful that nimble and that entertaining. On the same tip, Colangelo should be fired. I know that's sacrilidge in the basketball community, but someone tell me how the Raptors have gotten better since he's been at the helm? He tried to create a run and gun style team with a bunch of Euro shooters but the game changed on him. The Raptors have no inside presence and no defense. You can't run and gun if you always have to take the ball out of the nylon. Free up all the cap space you want, but Bosh would be a fool to come back in 2010. Firing Sam Mitchell did nothing but piss me off. No offense to Jay, but that wasn't the problem.
Back to SHaq.....Did anyone see how he went into the stands!? He damned near took the head off a bombshell blond. Bet when she copped those courtside seats she didnt think she'd get a shoulder in the face from the Diesel. Ha! Classic.
Closing remarks:
Kobe is MVP. King James might be the greatest athlete ever, a shame he can't be like BO and play two sports, because he should be playing football too. D Wade is the best fourth quater performer and Chris Paul and Tony Parker are the best at the pg, with D williams a close third.
That's my word. Go nuggets!
Is the Nba softer than college? I'm throwing that out there. I see cats in the NCAA putting real Defense on guys. What's real defense you ask?
Real defense is not letting a guy cut where he wants to cut without feeling a forearm or a body on him. Real defense is getting so tight on your man with the ball that you are not just inside his jersey, but your knuckles are under his underarmour. Real defense is knocking a scorer to the hardwood for no other reason than ...just cause he's a scorer.
I watched a classic game today, game 3, Spurs vs Sonics in the 2005 NBA playoffs. The NBA sure has changed. I saw Danny Fortson knock a longhaired Manu Ginobili to the ground with a foul so hard I cringed a bit. Nowadays, that's a flagrant 2, and your tossed, back then, it's just a hard foul. Did Manu complain? Nope, he got up and knocked down two from the line. Why? Because it's a man's game! That's why. Basketball is a man's game. It's a full contact man's game.
And back in the day when men played, you earned everything you got. Look at Jordan's Bulls against the Knicks. I may be alone in this, but I want to see the NBA officials let a little more go.
I don't like the rule that you can't impede a player on his cut, how the hell are you supposed to play defense on these ridiculous scorers if you have to let them go wherever they want?
Back to college. All I see in the college game is guys putting up huge numbers. Guys dropping 40 plus regularly and guys averaging over 20 like it's nobodies business. How is this happening in two 20 minute halves? Well, they moved the three point line back just enough to extend defenses. It's still college, so that means the athletes just aren't quick or long enough to get out there in time to get a decent challenge. Which means defenses are little late, which means a field day for scorers. Couple that with NBA caliber players ineligible to enter the draft till their nineteen and you got a deeper talent pool in the college game. I'm on the tip that the age limit for the NBA should be 20. Let these guys spend two years in college, all that will happen is that college basketball will be even better and when these guys get to the league they will be more complete and better players.
Back to the NBA. Is anyone watching what my man D Wade is doing? Is there a better closer in the game right now? Im just asking cuz Flash just dropped 24 in the fourth quater against the Knicks in a dazzling performance that reminded everyone why this guy already has a ring and an NBA finals MVP on his resume.
While we are at it, who is rookie of the year? Derrik Rose? Michael Beasley? OJ Mayo? Who am I missing?
One more thing....Did anyone catch Shaq's performance against the Craptors? 20-25, for 45 in just 35 minutes. Sorry Dwight, but the original Superman, the true son of Jerrel hasn't done that since 2003. Shaq was wheeling and dealing, crossing guys, and dunking everrrrrrrrything!
Hey, all of us right now who grew up watching this guy should feel blessed. There will never be another Shaq, never be another footer that powerful that nimble and that entertaining. On the same tip, Colangelo should be fired. I know that's sacrilidge in the basketball community, but someone tell me how the Raptors have gotten better since he's been at the helm? He tried to create a run and gun style team with a bunch of Euro shooters but the game changed on him. The Raptors have no inside presence and no defense. You can't run and gun if you always have to take the ball out of the nylon. Free up all the cap space you want, but Bosh would be a fool to come back in 2010. Firing Sam Mitchell did nothing but piss me off. No offense to Jay, but that wasn't the problem.
Back to SHaq.....Did anyone see how he went into the stands!? He damned near took the head off a bombshell blond. Bet when she copped those courtside seats she didnt think she'd get a shoulder in the face from the Diesel. Ha! Classic.
Closing remarks:
Kobe is MVP. King James might be the greatest athlete ever, a shame he can't be like BO and play two sports, because he should be playing football too. D Wade is the best fourth quater performer and Chris Paul and Tony Parker are the best at the pg, with D williams a close third.
That's my word. Go nuggets!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
NBA: Younger, Faster, Stronger
"I have the technology. I can rebuild you... Make you younger... faster...stronger, better dressed.
Picture David Stern saying that to all of the owners in a private NBA meeting held 1000 ft below the Earth in an abandoned mine shaft...
After watching the 2009 Allstar Weekend in it's entireity one thing is for sure, David Stern is the best commissoner in professional sports. Prior to last weekend I would have given that honor to Roger Goodell, but Stern has taken the NBA to new heights, the man is a magician.
Let's just run through some of the things the sorcerer Stern has made disappear....
1. Jordan's alleged gambling problems leading to the death of his father---This story broke a long time ago but was squashed and dismissed promptly. (In my opinion..rightly so. Anyone who says anything inflammatory about MJ should be beaten with a twig, stripped naked and knee capped in public. )
2. The 98-99 Lockout---Somehow the NBA recovered to schedule at least 50 games and even have a Finals, which San Antonio won...And yes contrary to the biased beliefs of a certain UBC Thunderbird...There should be an asterix Casey.
3. Tim Donaghy---Most people don't even know who this guy is. Now that's amazing. How Stern was able to sweep this mess under the rug is simply astonishing, I mean who really knows how deep that thing went and how many officials were really involved? This single incident would have probably been enough to collapse the NHL! Stern damn near handled it on speaker phone.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, that just proves my point.
4. Shaq and Kobe feud---These two should have went down like Jordan and Pippen. Right now they look more like Zeke and Laimbeer...Okay a little harsh, but they wrecked a dynasty over egos. Or did they? Apparently it was all a show... Puhleeeeeze! The real show was at the allstar game when these two looked like they were childhood buddies back on the Showtime Lakers. Im sure it's all squashed now, Shaq's way too cool to hold grudges I'm sure. Co Mvp's...Nice touch Stern. The last memory anyone will have is Shaq and Kobe smiling together holding the Co MVP trophy... That and Shaq's Jabowakee dance. In one word. Amazing.
5. NBA's thug image---A dress code and age restriction later and now you got guys dressed to impress, classy, stylish and your superstar Le Bron James on the cover of GQ. Shit, even AI cut his locks!
The list goes on and on. Stern has the NBA looking like a non-profit philanthropists club with the amount of work and promotion that the NBA CARES does. But perhaps Stern's biggest accomplishment in moving the game forward is the NBA's global expansion. Just looking at the International representation in the allstar game this year compared to just a decade ago and the difference is huge. With plans to expand and market in India and other international venues the sport might just be hitting it's stride.
Of course Stern can't take all the credit. The players deserve alot. For one, the league is finally as talented as it's ever been since the Magic, Jordan, Bird and late Dr. J era. It's a younger league too, which allows rookies to make major contributions and become stars early if not right away.
There's are so many good young players, guys that the phrase "future Hall of Famer" is a sneeze away from being uttered. It's great, it's refreshing and it's good for the youth.
I've always said that I feel sorry for the youth that didn't get to watch Isaiah, MJ, Magic and Bird...I always felt like they missed a major piece of how the game was and is supposed to be played. Well, I honestly believe now, with guys like LBJ, Wade, Kobe, Chris Paul and others the game is once again in great hands...or should I say... in the hands of Greatness.
Now, if David Stern could only figure out how to get the NBA back on NBC... Just let me hear that music one more time!
Picture David Stern saying that to all of the owners in a private NBA meeting held 1000 ft below the Earth in an abandoned mine shaft...
After watching the 2009 Allstar Weekend in it's entireity one thing is for sure, David Stern is the best commissoner in professional sports. Prior to last weekend I would have given that honor to Roger Goodell, but Stern has taken the NBA to new heights, the man is a magician.
Let's just run through some of the things the sorcerer Stern has made disappear....
1. Jordan's alleged gambling problems leading to the death of his father---This story broke a long time ago but was squashed and dismissed promptly. (In my opinion..rightly so. Anyone who says anything inflammatory about MJ should be beaten with a twig, stripped naked and knee capped in public. )
2. The 98-99 Lockout---Somehow the NBA recovered to schedule at least 50 games and even have a Finals, which San Antonio won...And yes contrary to the biased beliefs of a certain UBC Thunderbird...There should be an asterix Casey.
3. Tim Donaghy---Most people don't even know who this guy is. Now that's amazing. How Stern was able to sweep this mess under the rug is simply astonishing, I mean who really knows how deep that thing went and how many officials were really involved? This single incident would have probably been enough to collapse the NHL! Stern damn near handled it on speaker phone.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, that just proves my point.
4. Shaq and Kobe feud---These two should have went down like Jordan and Pippen. Right now they look more like Zeke and Laimbeer...Okay a little harsh, but they wrecked a dynasty over egos. Or did they? Apparently it was all a show... Puhleeeeeze! The real show was at the allstar game when these two looked like they were childhood buddies back on the Showtime Lakers. Im sure it's all squashed now, Shaq's way too cool to hold grudges I'm sure. Co Mvp's...Nice touch Stern. The last memory anyone will have is Shaq and Kobe smiling together holding the Co MVP trophy... That and Shaq's Jabowakee dance. In one word. Amazing.
5. NBA's thug image---A dress code and age restriction later and now you got guys dressed to impress, classy, stylish and your superstar Le Bron James on the cover of GQ. Shit, even AI cut his locks!
The list goes on and on. Stern has the NBA looking like a non-profit philanthropists club with the amount of work and promotion that the NBA CARES does. But perhaps Stern's biggest accomplishment in moving the game forward is the NBA's global expansion. Just looking at the International representation in the allstar game this year compared to just a decade ago and the difference is huge. With plans to expand and market in India and other international venues the sport might just be hitting it's stride.
Of course Stern can't take all the credit. The players deserve alot. For one, the league is finally as talented as it's ever been since the Magic, Jordan, Bird and late Dr. J era. It's a younger league too, which allows rookies to make major contributions and become stars early if not right away.
There's are so many good young players, guys that the phrase "future Hall of Famer" is a sneeze away from being uttered. It's great, it's refreshing and it's good for the youth.
I've always said that I feel sorry for the youth that didn't get to watch Isaiah, MJ, Magic and Bird...I always felt like they missed a major piece of how the game was and is supposed to be played. Well, I honestly believe now, with guys like LBJ, Wade, Kobe, Chris Paul and others the game is once again in great hands...or should I say... in the hands of Greatness.
Now, if David Stern could only figure out how to get the NBA back on NBC... Just let me hear that music one more time!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ok. Kobe. Respeck.
The Cleveland Cavaliers took on the Los Angeles Lakers on MLK day and on the eve of the historical inaugoration of President - elect Barak Obama.
I too had a historical event take place for me as I watched the game. While my experience pales in magnitude to the swearing of the first Black American president, it was significant nonetheless.
I have talked to enough people and haters to know that there is a certain resentment among many basketball fans towards Kobe Bryant. Some people love him and others hate him. I myself was on the fence, with my feet dangling over hate side. Who am I kidding? I often jumped off the fence onto the hate side, the grass was always greener there. And I, like other Kobe doubters have my reasons.
Tonight, that all changed. Not because he had an excellent game, not because his team won and certainly not because I felt like he showed LeBron up. No...it was something else. I'll come back to that.
The game itself didn't really live up to its billing. Both Lebron and Kobe had off nights, a few highlight reel moves here and there, but otherwise sloppy play by both teams. The Lakers ended up shelling the Cavs by about 18 en route to a relatively easy win.
It was clear that Kobe has a much deeper and talented supporting cast than Lebron and the Lakers certainly match up well against the Cavs, albeit, the Cavs, were without Delonte West and Ilgaga. Also, for a man that's leading the race in MVP voting, Lebron James gets the least amount of superstar calls than anyone else in the league. Even Sasha V gets more love from the officials and he's gay so what gives? Not that a man's sexuality should have any bearing on how many times he goes to the stripe...but I'm just saying, the man's getting hacked and he's the first black man to be on the cover of GQ....Give him some calls.
I did see a Laker team that played with alot more physicality than usual and an emerging star in Trevor Ariza who may just be the missing piece the Lakers championship puzzle.
Back to Kobe.
In the first few minutes of the game Kobe dislocated his ring finger on his shooting hand, popped it back in, and resumed play in significant amounts of pain. There was something about the way he played from that point on that brought about a change in my attitude towards Kobe.
For one thing he played the whole game. For another thing, he guarded Lebron for a majority of the game. I have to admit, the man impressed me. As I watched him battling with Lebron and doing everything to get his teamates involved I saw something else.... I saw a warrior. I saw a leader. I saw a mature, unselfish Kobe who just wanted to win. I saw the best player on the planet...
SIDEBAR:
In Superman III, the one where Superman gets a piece of incomplete Kryptonite and it turns him into bad Superman...And he says to the blond chick on top of the statue of liberty " I hope you don't expect me to save you, cause I don't do that anymore" one of my favorite lines in the movie. Anyways, an epic battle takes place between the good Superman and the bad Superman
with the good Superman emerging victorious to save the world.
Something similar to that happened to me as I began to acknowledge Kobe's superiority.
The hater in me jumped out and started pointing at the TV.
" He hasn't changed"
"He's still the soft bastard that wouldn't drive to the hoop on the Celtics"
" He ran Shaq out of town and ruined the last dynasty in professional sports"
"He raped a chick"
Like superman, I grabbed my hater self by the neck and choked him out.
"Go to sleep."
Kobe deserves respect. My respect. And to all the Kobe haters out there, kill that hater inside you and open your eyes. You might just be able to catch and enjoy the rest of the career of one of the most talented and competitive basketball players ever to lace up a pair.
Kobe, much Respeck.
I'll do myself one better and add....I pray he wins it all this year.
I too had a historical event take place for me as I watched the game. While my experience pales in magnitude to the swearing of the first Black American president, it was significant nonetheless.
I have talked to enough people and haters to know that there is a certain resentment among many basketball fans towards Kobe Bryant. Some people love him and others hate him. I myself was on the fence, with my feet dangling over hate side. Who am I kidding? I often jumped off the fence onto the hate side, the grass was always greener there. And I, like other Kobe doubters have my reasons.
Tonight, that all changed. Not because he had an excellent game, not because his team won and certainly not because I felt like he showed LeBron up. No...it was something else. I'll come back to that.
The game itself didn't really live up to its billing. Both Lebron and Kobe had off nights, a few highlight reel moves here and there, but otherwise sloppy play by both teams. The Lakers ended up shelling the Cavs by about 18 en route to a relatively easy win.
It was clear that Kobe has a much deeper and talented supporting cast than Lebron and the Lakers certainly match up well against the Cavs, albeit, the Cavs, were without Delonte West and Ilgaga. Also, for a man that's leading the race in MVP voting, Lebron James gets the least amount of superstar calls than anyone else in the league. Even Sasha V gets more love from the officials and he's gay so what gives? Not that a man's sexuality should have any bearing on how many times he goes to the stripe...but I'm just saying, the man's getting hacked and he's the first black man to be on the cover of GQ....Give him some calls.
I did see a Laker team that played with alot more physicality than usual and an emerging star in Trevor Ariza who may just be the missing piece the Lakers championship puzzle.
Back to Kobe.
In the first few minutes of the game Kobe dislocated his ring finger on his shooting hand, popped it back in, and resumed play in significant amounts of pain. There was something about the way he played from that point on that brought about a change in my attitude towards Kobe.
For one thing he played the whole game. For another thing, he guarded Lebron for a majority of the game. I have to admit, the man impressed me. As I watched him battling with Lebron and doing everything to get his teamates involved I saw something else.... I saw a warrior. I saw a leader. I saw a mature, unselfish Kobe who just wanted to win. I saw the best player on the planet...
SIDEBAR:
In Superman III, the one where Superman gets a piece of incomplete Kryptonite and it turns him into bad Superman...And he says to the blond chick on top of the statue of liberty " I hope you don't expect me to save you, cause I don't do that anymore" one of my favorite lines in the movie. Anyways, an epic battle takes place between the good Superman and the bad Superman
with the good Superman emerging victorious to save the world.
Something similar to that happened to me as I began to acknowledge Kobe's superiority.
The hater in me jumped out and started pointing at the TV.
" He hasn't changed"
"He's still the soft bastard that wouldn't drive to the hoop on the Celtics"
" He ran Shaq out of town and ruined the last dynasty in professional sports"
"He raped a chick"
Like superman, I grabbed my hater self by the neck and choked him out.
"Go to sleep."
Kobe deserves respect. My respect. And to all the Kobe haters out there, kill that hater inside you and open your eyes. You might just be able to catch and enjoy the rest of the career of one of the most talented and competitive basketball players ever to lace up a pair.
Kobe, much Respeck.
I'll do myself one better and add....I pray he wins it all this year.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sports Woodshed: Detroit Worst Ever
Welcoming the Detroit Lions to the Sports Woodshed doesn't really do their pitiful performance in 08 justice. The Wooshed Hall of Shame is more appropriate.
Granted, there is a significant amount of clowning that needs to be done, so this moment of futility can truly be appreciated, but I'm above that. Who am I kidding? That statement is about as trustworthy as having Romo catching a snap for a winnng field goal in the playoffs. Or betting on Romo or the Cowboys in any game in December.
Seriously though. I really just have one question for the 08 Detroit Lions.
How?
How do you manage that?
How do you go bagel for sixteen in the NFL? I guess they also didn't know they could tie.
Because shit, everyone knows you play to win the game but at some point maybe they should have just been playing for the tie, not to lose. I'm grasping because I just dont get it.
I don't get how men with pride can drop 16 straight games. I dont know how men can accept the label as the worst team of all time. Because that's what they are. The 08 Lions are the worst team in the history of the NFL. They are the only team to ever run the table...in reverse, in the history of the league.
Here's one:
If your're an NFL stud... And you play for the 0-16 Detroit Lions. After completing the worst season of all time and having your manhood abused like a roofied freshman girl at Frat party... Does this now mean that when you go home tonight it's your spouse's turn to kick you down the stairs? Or maybe it's the call girls turn to snort bam bam off your nipples... It's all in reverse right? I'm just saying. Your 0-16. What?
Times sure are tough in Detroit. Damn. First the Pistons start looking shaky, then the economy, now this? Well at least they got Slim Shady.
Everyone on the 08 Lions should have to get a tattoo on their forehead that says 0-16 so that they will be marked for the rest of time as an example to all who see them that this is what can happen when you just can't get your shit together. They should be marked men like how God did Cain when he killed Able.
I'll take it one step further and ask that these men refrain from reproducing any offspring at the risk that this atrocity may somehow repeat itself.
Quick question: How do you spell suck ass?
D.E.T.R.O.I.T L.I.O.N.S
Welcome to the Woodshed Hall of Shame.
Granted, there is a significant amount of clowning that needs to be done, so this moment of futility can truly be appreciated, but I'm above that. Who am I kidding? That statement is about as trustworthy as having Romo catching a snap for a winnng field goal in the playoffs. Or betting on Romo or the Cowboys in any game in December.
Seriously though. I really just have one question for the 08 Detroit Lions.
How?
How do you manage that?
How do you go bagel for sixteen in the NFL? I guess they also didn't know they could tie.
Because shit, everyone knows you play to win the game but at some point maybe they should have just been playing for the tie, not to lose. I'm grasping because I just dont get it.
I don't get how men with pride can drop 16 straight games. I dont know how men can accept the label as the worst team of all time. Because that's what they are. The 08 Lions are the worst team in the history of the NFL. They are the only team to ever run the table...in reverse, in the history of the league.
Here's one:
If your're an NFL stud... And you play for the 0-16 Detroit Lions. After completing the worst season of all time and having your manhood abused like a roofied freshman girl at Frat party... Does this now mean that when you go home tonight it's your spouse's turn to kick you down the stairs? Or maybe it's the call girls turn to snort bam bam off your nipples... It's all in reverse right? I'm just saying. Your 0-16. What?
Times sure are tough in Detroit. Damn. First the Pistons start looking shaky, then the economy, now this? Well at least they got Slim Shady.
Everyone on the 08 Lions should have to get a tattoo on their forehead that says 0-16 so that they will be marked for the rest of time as an example to all who see them that this is what can happen when you just can't get your shit together. They should be marked men like how God did Cain when he killed Able.
I'll take it one step further and ask that these men refrain from reproducing any offspring at the risk that this atrocity may somehow repeat itself.
Quick question: How do you spell suck ass?
D.E.T.R.O.I.T L.I.O.N.S
Welcome to the Woodshed Hall of Shame.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sports Woodshed: Plax Shoots himself in the Foot...Again.
The Woodshed has always been known as that dark place where people are taken to receive their cummuppins, where mercy and compassion are optional and punishment is swift and un-relenting. The Sports Woodshed is no different. It's where the buffoons of the sporting universe end up when they cross the line.
Plaxico Burress, welcome to the Woodshed.
Normally I like to put at least five sport figures in the Woodshed to be efficient. Had to take Shaq there after the freestyle incident, Chad Johnson paid a visit after the Ocho Cinco fiasco and Stephon Marbury is a permanent resident.
Today, there is room for only one. Plaxico Burress. Plax allegedly shot himself in the leg with a gun and had to be hospitalized for the injuries he sustained. You hate to laugh at this stuff because he could have seriously been injured, but.... Come on Plax!
This is beyond dumb. In fact, this has to be the one of the dumbest things anyone in sports has ever done. You feel for the guy, but at some point you just have to shake your head. He doesn't want to practice, he doesn't want attend team meetings, he's already been suspended earlier this season for poor conduct, is Plax trying to ruin his career?
The thing is... The Giants right now are the best team in football. They are favored to win the Superbowl and they look unstoppable. They even managed to put a 23-7 beatdown on the Redskins without Buress. So if you are the Giants what do you do with Plax?
Today he turned himself into the police and to add insult to injury he will be facing criminal charges on gun possession. I can't see how the league won't give him a lengthy suspension. This might be Plax's swan song in NY, I mean enough is enough.
Just imagine the conversation between teamates when the news broke.....
Toomer: Yo, Eli, did you hear about Plax?
Eli: What is it this time?
Toomer: You won't believe me even if I told you.
Eli: Did he get caught beating up a hooker? I told him to stop doing that.
Toomer: No. Worse. He shot himself in the foot.
Eli: What else is new. What did he do?
Toomer: I'm saying, he shot himself in the foot.
Eli: Yeah, he always does. What did he do?
Toomer: No dawg, you're not hearing me. He literally shot himself in the foot. He took a gun. Loaded it. And straight up busted a cap into his leg piece.
Eli: Cocaine is one hell of a drug.
I'd really like to take this to a whole different level of clowning on Plax, but I actually feel bad for the guy. He's clearly disturbed.
Why he can't just kill dogs, make it rain on strippers, beat his girlfriend, sell drugs out the back of his trunk and indecently expose himself on cruise ships like everyone else is beyond me.
Welcome to the Woodshed Plax. Make room for the Lions.
Plaxico Burress, welcome to the Woodshed.
Normally I like to put at least five sport figures in the Woodshed to be efficient. Had to take Shaq there after the freestyle incident, Chad Johnson paid a visit after the Ocho Cinco fiasco and Stephon Marbury is a permanent resident.
Today, there is room for only one. Plaxico Burress. Plax allegedly shot himself in the leg with a gun and had to be hospitalized for the injuries he sustained. You hate to laugh at this stuff because he could have seriously been injured, but.... Come on Plax!
This is beyond dumb. In fact, this has to be the one of the dumbest things anyone in sports has ever done. You feel for the guy, but at some point you just have to shake your head. He doesn't want to practice, he doesn't want attend team meetings, he's already been suspended earlier this season for poor conduct, is Plax trying to ruin his career?
The thing is... The Giants right now are the best team in football. They are favored to win the Superbowl and they look unstoppable. They even managed to put a 23-7 beatdown on the Redskins without Buress. So if you are the Giants what do you do with Plax?
Today he turned himself into the police and to add insult to injury he will be facing criminal charges on gun possession. I can't see how the league won't give him a lengthy suspension. This might be Plax's swan song in NY, I mean enough is enough.
Just imagine the conversation between teamates when the news broke.....
Toomer: Yo, Eli, did you hear about Plax?
Eli: What is it this time?
Toomer: You won't believe me even if I told you.
Eli: Did he get caught beating up a hooker? I told him to stop doing that.
Toomer: No. Worse. He shot himself in the foot.
Eli: What else is new. What did he do?
Toomer: I'm saying, he shot himself in the foot.
Eli: Yeah, he always does. What did he do?
Toomer: No dawg, you're not hearing me. He literally shot himself in the foot. He took a gun. Loaded it. And straight up busted a cap into his leg piece.
Eli: Cocaine is one hell of a drug.
I'd really like to take this to a whole different level of clowning on Plax, but I actually feel bad for the guy. He's clearly disturbed.
Why he can't just kill dogs, make it rain on strippers, beat his girlfriend, sell drugs out the back of his trunk and indecently expose himself on cruise ships like everyone else is beyond me.
Welcome to the Woodshed Plax. Make room for the Lions.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Who is Anthony Morrow?
If you haven't seen this kid in action lately you need to peep this.
The un-drafted free agent and 23-year old Anthony Morrow has dazzled NBA fans since Nelly decided to start his 6'5 wiry ass at shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors. In his debut start he set the record for the most points scored by an un-drafted rookie when he dropped a 37 spot on the Clippers, he followed that up with a dirty 25 points on the Trailblazers in his second career start. Morrow has been an inferno since he got the nod. In his first two career starts he has shot 23-32 (71%) from the field and 7-9 from behind the arc. Can you say lighting it? And I have to admit, he looks good doing it.
Who is he? Where did he come from? Don't worry, I decided to find out.
A-Mo, as he's known on the streets, is a North Carolina kid, who played his college ball for Georgia Tech. In college the most points he averaged was 16 in his sophomore year, he averaged 14.3 in 32 games as a senior and went un-drafted. He balled out in the summer leagues and showed unbelievable range leading to him getting picked up by the floundering Warriors after the Baron Davis fiasco. It was thought that he would make a decent back up at the shooting guard position and critics questioned his athleticism and one-on-one prowess. He was deemed as a poor leaper and a good shooter that lacked explosiveness.
So far he's proving everyone wrong.
Now the true test for Morrow begins. Teams are actually going to have him on the scouting report and they will be keying on trying to slow him down and expose his weaknesses. Now we get to see what he's really made of.
Flash in the pan? Or are we about to add another superstar to the ever growing list of NBA human highlight reels?
The un-drafted free agent and 23-year old Anthony Morrow has dazzled NBA fans since Nelly decided to start his 6'5 wiry ass at shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors. In his debut start he set the record for the most points scored by an un-drafted rookie when he dropped a 37 spot on the Clippers, he followed that up with a dirty 25 points on the Trailblazers in his second career start. Morrow has been an inferno since he got the nod. In his first two career starts he has shot 23-32 (71%) from the field and 7-9 from behind the arc. Can you say lighting it? And I have to admit, he looks good doing it.
Who is he? Where did he come from? Don't worry, I decided to find out.
A-Mo, as he's known on the streets, is a North Carolina kid, who played his college ball for Georgia Tech. In college the most points he averaged was 16 in his sophomore year, he averaged 14.3 in 32 games as a senior and went un-drafted. He balled out in the summer leagues and showed unbelievable range leading to him getting picked up by the floundering Warriors after the Baron Davis fiasco. It was thought that he would make a decent back up at the shooting guard position and critics questioned his athleticism and one-on-one prowess. He was deemed as a poor leaper and a good shooter that lacked explosiveness.
So far he's proving everyone wrong.
Now the true test for Morrow begins. Teams are actually going to have him on the scouting report and they will be keying on trying to slow him down and expose his weaknesses. Now we get to see what he's really made of.
Flash in the pan? Or are we about to add another superstar to the ever growing list of NBA human highlight reels?
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