by E. Spencer Kyte, Bugs and Cranks
There is no point in denying that any of this is going to happen. Everything is lining up just right.
While they staved off elimination for one more game with a victory over San Antonio yesterday, the Phoenix Suns aren't going win four straight and advance in the playoffs. Not happening, regardless of how much I love Steve Nash.
Meanwhile, Toronto has lost 11 straight road playoff games heading into Orlando tonight. I have a greater chance of dating one of the Bundchen's (and I don't care which one!) than Toronto does of making it out of the first round.
And then, the fun will begin.
Phoenix owner Robert Sarver and GM Steve Kerr didn't put D'Antoni in the position he currently occupies roaming the Suns sidelines.
Kerr made a move that pretty much kicked D'Antoni's 7 Seconds or Less offense in the junk by bringing in The Big Cactus while sending The Matrix to Miami.
Add a first round exit to the list and that'll be three strikes for the one-time Coach of the Year.
But his stay on the unemployment line won't be long. The man who put him on the NBA sidelines in the first place is sure to call. He's been doing his Phoenix thing north of the border the last couple years and there is potential there.
First, Toronto will have to fire Sam Mitchell. That may happen whether D'Antoni becomes available or not, as Mitchell showed this season that last season was more about a weak East and a bunch of guys having solid years than his coaching acumen.
Should all of this happen - and I believe 100% that it will - Toronto could be a real interesting team next season, recast as Phoenix North. Think about it:
No real center to speak of - check.
Freakishly athletic dude who needs to just use those talents to be pretty damn good - check.
Assist machine with a knack for knocking down the three ball - check.
A couple random big bodies to collect fouls and the occasional rebound - check.
Some assets than can be shipped out without anyone knowing or caring - check.
Phoenix Architect Bryan Colangelo at the helm - check.
Bosh plays the Amare centerpiece position, with Jose Calderon doing his best Steve Nash, Jamario Moon being a strange cross between Shawn Marion and Raja Bell and there is 3/5 of a starting line up.
It took Disco Dirk a couple years to find his footing in the Association, so I'll predict year three is when we see the blossoming of "Charmin Ultra Soft" Andrea Bargnani. Not that Dirk has anything to do with Phoenix, but still.
Mix in Rasho, a returning Jorge Garbajosa, Hump, AP doing his best Grant Hill impersonation and whoever they get for TJ Ford when they trade him this summer and you're set.
Phoenix North. Run and gun in the ACC.
You heard it all here.
Monday, April 28, 2008
WELCOME TO PHOENIX NORTH, UM... I MEAN TORONTO
Thursday, March 27, 2008
TOP 10 SHAQ CRITICISMS ABOUT THE MIAMI HEAT
by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool
10. Pat Riley stopped being a genius
9. Had to play with no-defense teammates like Ricky Davis and Chris Quinn, rather than no-defense teammates like Antoine Walker and Jason Williams
8. Dwayne Wade stopped getting 20 calls a game, rather than 30
7. Teammates' kids were fat
6. Heat insisted on playing overrated big men who were long past their prime... like that Alfonzo Mourning guy
5. Unlike when he trashed old organizations in Los Angeles and Orlando, this time's it is completely warranted
4. Heat pursued a dubious strategy of making him become older and slower
3. Over time, club started making him shoulder more of the load by actually showing up and playing during the regular season
2. Heat did nothing about all of these mean fantasy league types who refused to own him anymore
1. Didn't take his second career as the world's largest police officer seriously
Monday, March 10, 2008
CALLING YOU OUT! - THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS & PHOENIX SUNS
by WCT, The Ship of Fools
“Calling You Out!” is a periodic segment where WCT takes people to task for irresponsible journalism, foolhardy activities, or just general douchebaggery. Nothing is sacred, no one is spared, watch your ass mister! You could be next!
This time, a good sentiment becomes a bad idea executed poorly
Yesterday, The Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs decided to take their nationally televised game and use it to celebrate the heritage of the Latino communities in both cities. Seems like a good idea, right? Sure.
How, you may ask, did they honor Latino heritage? Both teams wore jerseys like this:
There are so many things wrong with this, I don't even know where to start. Lets hit the two major ones:
1- "Los Spurs" and "Los Suns" are presumably supposed to mean "The Spurs" and "The Suns" (more on that in a minute), but the jerseys normally just say "Spurs" and "Suns" not "The Spurs" and "The Suns." No jersey in major professional sports has a definite article on it, because it is understood and not needed.
2- "Los Spurs" in Spanish is totally non-sensical. "Spurs" in an English word. Slapping "Los" in front of it does not make it Spanish. Its like saying that "El Nino" is Spanish for "The Nino." When the San Fransisco Giants celebrated cinco de Mayo they wore these jerseys, not something that actually amounts to the Spanish equivalent to gibberish. To put it another way, there is a Dominican League baseball team called Las Aguilas Cibaenas. If they were to honor the United States one day by calling the team The Aguilas Cibaenas, would that make you proud to be an American?
It is a great sentiment, to honor the Latino community, but why do a half-assed job of it?
Monday, March 3, 2008
48 HOURS OF HARDWOOD 3.2.08
by HP, Hardwood ParoxysmHere's what you missed over the weekend in the NBA...
That's Your MVP, Folks.: Kobe had 52, the Lakers shot 25 more free throws, and the Mavs still found a way to drive it to overtime. Which, of course, inevitably ended when Dirk Nowitski, after a fantastic fourth quarter and beginning of overtime, AIRBALLED a game-tying three pointer at the buzzer. That's the Mavericks for you. Also, after getting reamed by media for taking Kidd out in the crunch, Avery Johnson left Kidd in. And he managed to make a layup and draw the foul that would tie the game late. And then he missed the free throw. Damned if you do, Avery. Damned if you don't.
We'll Keep What We Got, Thanks: LeBron had 37, including a dunk that will make your balls shrink to the size of raisins, and the Cavs polished off the Bulls on Sunday. The Cavs came back from 8 down in the fourth to pull away late. Tyrus Thomas still did not play a lot. Pack your bags, Boylan. Pack 'em.
You Can't Keep A Doomed-To-Be-Swept-In-The-First-Round-Team Down: The Rockets apparently hate the idea of a better draft pick. Instead of surrendering (like they always tend to do when they actually HAVE a shot at a championship), the Rockets have decided to keep the win streak going, this time a 103-89 win over the Denver Nuggets. First round elimination, here we come (again)!
Elsewhere: The Suns now suck. That is all.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
24 HOURS ON HARDWOOD 2.28.08
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
Other Than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was The Suns Game?: That clicking noise you hear is Steve Kerr feverishly trying to hit the reset button. Sadly for him, what's done is done. And what's done is the death of the Phoenix Suns. Barring a dramatic reversal, the Suns four year run at a championship is over, and Steve Kerr gets to fit the bill. The latest signal of their doom? A 120-103 demolition at the hands of the Hornets. Chris Paul had 25 points and 15 assists. Which ain't bad, if you like that sort of thing. Amare Stoudemire has been questioned a lot in his career, but at this point, he's the only one left on the Suns leaving everything out there. He had 32 and 14. That should be enough to win. But not when the Suns have no perimeter defense whatsoever.
Okay, So Maybe The Trade Wasn't THAT Good: LeBron got his 10,000th career point (earlier than anyone in NBA history), but his new merry men couldn't overtake the cerebus. The Celtics got 18, 11, and 5 from Kevin Garnett who looks like KG again, and cruised to a 92-87 victory. His Highness actually left in the first half with an ankle injury before returning to lead his team to... absolutely nothing. Ben Wallace had 6 points and 6 rebounds. That's a smart investment, right there.
Basketball Porn: Utah won 103-95. Deron Williams had 14 and 14, and Okur had 24. None of this tells you how great of a game this was. After being down by 15 late in the third, the Jazz stormed back to pull within range, and then Mehmet Okur took over against his old team. Memo hit 3 three-pointers in the final three minutes, scoring 11 in the fourth quarter. It was a back and forth barn burner in the end, punctuated by Paul Millsap's beasty 19 points and Rip Hamilton's clutch shooting. We wish the NBA would go to a no-conference playoff system so we could see a 7 game series between the Jazz and Pistons.
Elsewhere: Bibby celebrated his first home game with the Hawks by beating his old team by 6. Jason Richardson scratched his cornea (OW) and joined Gerald Wallace on the shelf, which was the only way the Knicks were able to get a win. The Bull pulled off a win against the Pacers thanks to the hot shooting of Larry Hughes. Yes, you read that correctly.
24 HOURS ON HARDWOOD 2.27.08
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
Sorry for the missing days, couldn't be helped. But I'm back like Jamiroquai. Or something that's actually back.
Well, This Is Just Embarrassing: In a win that made Pat Riley feel, and I quote, "like a mosquito in a nudist colony," the Heat finally got off the snide and beat someone. Who was wretched enough to get beat by this sub-D-League team? The Sacramento Kings. Their leading scorer? Rookie Spencer Hawes with 16. Marion had 24 and 8 to lead the Heat who have now one 1 in a row.
Oooh, I Saw Redd: Yeah, so about that new Cleveland lineup that was supposed to be unstoppable. Ben Wallace was a hot hot hot -14 on the floor, Wally went 5 for 18 (!) and Michael Redd drained a three at the buzzer to lift the Bucks over the Cavs, 105-102. Mo Williams had 37 points for the Bucks, while LeBron led the Cavs (shocker!) with 35. He didn't get close to his near-triple-double numbers, though, and the Bucks got solid contributions from all their starters.
Good For What Ails You: You know what picks me up when I feel blue? Beating the crap out of the Memphis Grizzlies' leftover crap. Even if Rudy Gay springs for 36 and we still don't look overpowering. Who am I? If you guessed the Phoenix Suns, you win... NOTHING! Just like the Suns.
In An Amazing Twist, They're Really Good: The Lakers jerked around for a half, then remembered how bloody good they are these days and beat the Blazers by 13 behind Kobe's 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. That Kobe, he's good. Real good. You might even say valuable. Heck, you could even say that he's the most valuable...too early.
Elsewhere: Jazz feel bad for Houston, and lose to the Wolves to give them false sense of hope. Rockets say, no Yao, no giant 7 footer that can lead us to a championship, but we can still kick the crap out of the Wizards without Zero or Caron.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
IS SHAQ FRUSTRATED ALREADY?
by Isaac, The World of Isaac
Being past your prime is one thing, but being well-past your prime is something Shaq is going to have to get used to.
In 3 games with the Suns, Shaq's numbers resemble not that of a hall of famer, but that of a big man on his last legs.
I'm sure Steve Kerr did not envision Shaq going for 30 and 20 but I'm pretty sure he also didn't envision him getting 7 pts and 11 boards on national TV against a big time opponent.
But that's exactly what O'Neal did Sunday. His 1-8 from the FT line didnt help his cause either.
In fact, Shaq's best contribution thus far was his extremely awkward hard foul on Piston Amir Johnson. Honestly, it looked like something he stole right out of Bill Laimbeer's play book.
3 games in and Shaq's frustration already starting to show? Not good if you're a Suns fan.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
24 HOURS ON HARDWOOD 2.21.08
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
Your Word Of The Day? Trade. As in, "I'd trade everything in my possession not to have to hear anything more about trade rumors or how the Lakers made the only good trade of the season." Here's what happened in the last 24 Hours in the NBA...
Kobe Bryant Is Very Good At The Game Of Basketball: I could tell you how the Suns killed them on the offensive glass, 16-7. I could tell you how in the playoffs, it's highly unlikely that the Lakers will shoot 57% from the field in a seven game series. I could even tell you about how Sasha Vujacic probably won't be averaging 15 points per game come April. But none of that would be fair to the greatness that is Kobe Bryant. There was absolutely nothing Bryant didn't do last night in the Lakers' 130-124 win over the Suns in their first game with Shaquille O'Neal. Bryant scored 41 points to go with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. That is, as the kids say, fucking amazing. The Big Fella had 15 and 9 in the loss. There's a lot to take from the win for the Lakers and a lot of questions for the Suns. Starting with, "How do you let the Lakers' shoot 57% from the field?"
This Did Not Work Out As We Planned: Jason Kidd debuted with the Mavs tonight. And after 8 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 turnovers, the Mavs lost to the Hornets 104-93. That's a little disappointing. Chris Paul had 31, 5, and 11, because he's what's considered "awesome". Dirk had 31 and 8 in the loss that dropped the Mavs to 6th in the West. You sneeze in the Western Conference and you're out of the playoffs. Which is funny, because saying "Nowitzki" sounds a lot like sneezing.
Maybe They Should Trade For New Identities And A Lot Of Drugs: Every now and then, I start to wonder if God loves any of us, or if he cares at all. I wonder if he ever gets angry or vengeful towards us or if he's just apathetic towards the lot of us. Then things like the Sixers beating the Knicks by forty (40!) happen. Isiah said after the game that the trade deadline may have been the culprit. Which is kind of like blaming global warming on Puff the Magic freaking Dragon. Philadelphia is currently in the playoffs. May God have mercy on your soul, Eastern Conference.
We Know Who To Blame. That Garnett Fella: The Celtics are now 0-2 since KG got back. Everyone, panic! Boom Dizzle nailed a jumper with .3 to play to give the Warriors a 119-117 win over the Celtics in the Roaracle. Dizzle had 29, Ellis had 26, and Harrington had 22 points in 28 minutes. Because, you know, Chris Webber (5 points and 2 turnovers in 20 minutes) was totally worth the dough. Ray Allen had 32, KG had 17 and 15, and Rajon Rondo had no rebounds for the Celtics who all of a sudden look very mortal. Did I mention the Warriors were without Stephen Jackson? Because that's not a good sign for the Green.
Elsewhere: Yawn. LeBron had another triple double in a win over an inferior Eastern team (Pacers). Yawn. In an awesome matchup of young big men, Bosh outdid Howard with 40 points and the Raps whupped the Magic. Ron Artest led Bibby's old team over Bibby's new team. Milwaukee beat Detroit. I know. I'm scared, too.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
24 HOURS ON HARDWOOD: 2.14.08
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
Perhaps Next Time You Will Respect His Proud, Argentinian Heritage, Mr. James: Every now and again, when he's not randomly falling on his ass like he's got vertigo, Manu Ginobili has one of those nights where he's simply beyond words. Last night was such a night. The Argentinian Athenian poured in 46 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Spurs to a 112-105 victory over the LeBronites. Later, Ginobili was quoted as saying "Suck it, Trebek. Suck it hard, and suck it long. And by 'Trebek' I mean, whatever dumbass didn't vote me to the All-Star Game." The King had 39 in the loss.
Five Card Monte, Captain Jacks Are Wild: If you ever wanted to watch the most fun possible in an NBA game, you should have caught Suns-Warriors on the WWL last night. A wild, 120-118 shootout ended when Amare Stoudemire missed a tying free throw inside 30 seconds and Leandro Barbosa missed a game winning 3 with no time left on the clock. Monte Ellis, the most underrated of all Warriors, led the game with 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. That's good, if you were wondering. Grant Hill had 26 and 15 in a "Matrix"-esque performance. Shaq will not play until after the All-Star break. Oh, who are they playing after the break? Let's see.. hmm... the L...A... La-Lakers. The LA Lakers. Oh. well, as long as there won't be much media hype for that.
Novak? No Problem!: The Rockets were up by 18. It was an easy game. They were probably thinking about NOLA, or wherever they're going on vacation. Probably thinking about beads and boobies and whatnot. Unfortunately, Crazy Pills Artest decided to storm his team back to tie the game. That's when Steve Novak happened. Novak hit a game winning 3 with two seconds left to lead the Rockets to an 89-87 win over the Kings in H-Town. Artest had 30 points, 15 in the fourth, but it wasn't enough. Oh, and Tracy McGrady passed up two shots at the game-winner. You know. Just sayin'.
This Is Certainly Awkward: Okay, you're probably waking up to read this, so just a little FYI. Jason Kidd is not a Mav, and Diop, Stackhouse, and especially Devean George still are. Turns out that due to an Early-Bird clause in George's contract, he's granted a no-trade clause (don't ask). And he decided to use it. After asking to be traded. Do you hear me, Vince Carter? A dude that's buried on the bench and wanted to be traded, he doesn't want to play with you. You douchebag. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitski decided not to give a rat's ass about the trade stuff and just beat the crap out of a smaller Portland squad, 96-76. Dirk had 37 and 12 to lead the Mavs. Oh, and the Nets lost to the Raptors, 109-91, because there is justice in this land.
Elsewhere: No one wants the eight spot in the East. At all. Atlanta lost to the Bobcats without Gerald Wallace, the Nets lost to the Raptors, and the Pacers lost to Detroit. Hey, if you guys aren't doing anything, you want to get some of the guys together, and maybe your sister, and we can go play in the Eastern Conference playoffs? Just sayin'. Just an idea. Oh, and the UNSTOPPABLE UNBEATABLE FORCE known as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Minnesota. Kobe Bryant shot a lot. He made most of them. The other team was bad. The end.
Monday, February 11, 2008
48 HOURS ON HARDWOOD: WEEKEND EDITION
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
Here's what went on this weekend in the NBA. Yes. That basketball league. No. Not the one with the big tournament in March. Yes. The one with the guns and drugs and Lithuanian dudes.
Yello "Hello!", Melo!: So what did you do with your weekend? Put up some drywall? Fix that leaky faucet upstairs? Go see a startling off-Broadway show? Jerk off into a gymsock? Well, here's what Carmelo Anthony did. Two games, 70:59 of playing time, 76pts, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocked shots, 2 wins. Kind of puts changing the oil in the car to shame, don't it? Melo was redonkulous this weekend with wins over the Wiz and the banged-up LeBronite-less LeBronites. People scoffed when Melo was selected for the All-Star game. Well, who's laughing now, bitch? Who's laughing now?
Surging Into The Break On A Win Streak Of...One.: The Knicks toppled the mighty Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, and Jamal Crawford, after scoring 30 points on 11-23 shooting, said "It almost felt like we won the championship." I'm not sure who's that sadder for, Jamal Crawford, the Knicks, the Bucks, or Spike Lee. People are all aflutter that the Knicks are playing better. They've won 2 of their last 8.
The Big Fundamentally Not Fundamental To Victories: Paul Pierce would like to invite all of you to suck his right nut. Not both of them, just his right one. It's saltier, and he's named it "Why No One Should Have Forgotten I'm Still Kickass." He calls it "Herman" for short. After escaping "rival" Minnesota on Friday with a last second layup from Leon Powe, Pierce helped the Celtics brush the Spurs off their shoulders on Sunday with 35 points. The Celtics improved to 5-2 without Garnett in the lineup and 39-9 overall. Yowzers. The Celtics are 16-0 against the Western Conference this season. Yowzer-Bowzers and Zoinks.
YOU CAN'T STOP PAU GASOL (Unless You're The Hawks): The greatest team ever assembled was 1-1 over the weekend, with a disappointing loss to the Hawks on Friday that surely was caused by some sort of massive EMP, shorting out Pau Gasol's cybernetic functions. Thankfully, America's Team broke through on Sunday against a very tough Miami squad (no, really), who seem rejuvenated by Shawn Marion's presence. They might have made it a game,too, if Ricky Davis did not play basketball professionally. Pau Gasol, in all seriousness, is simply amazing with this Laker offense.
It's Like Waiting For Prom, If Your Date Was A 300LB, 34 Year-Old Center/Genie/Superhero/Police Officer: Shaq's in Phoenix, raring to go, but he's not going to see court time until Wednesday at the earliest. In the meantime, Phoenix almost lost to Seattle with Kevin Durant only scoring 9 points, and then let the Wizards hang around all game before eeking out a one-point win last night. The good news is that Amare Stoudemire looks like he's ready to get back to doing what he does best. Dunking, screaming, and missing free-throws.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
24 HOURS OF HARDWOOD: 2.7.08
by HP, Hardwood Paroxysm
The Death Of Fun Has Been Greatly Exaggerated: The Suns came out without Shawn Marion on their roster for the first time last night. They still scored 130 points (granted, in double OT). They still ran. And they still lost. The Hornets, led by Chris Paul's redonkulous 42 points and 8 steals, fought off the Suns time and time again, before Peja landed an improbable turnaround, fadeaway bucket with time expiring to lead the Hornets to a 132-130 win. They have swept the Suns. Clearly, the Shaq trade has made Phoenix completely unable to score points, run the break, or succeed in an basketball related matters.
Okay, They May Lose A Game Or Two. Maybe: In a shocking turn of events, Pau Gasol's trade to the Lakers has not resulted in the Lakers winning every contest to infinite. Experts are shocked by this, as the combination of Gasol's touch and passing ability and Kobe Bryant's uncanny ability to score all the freaking time was expected to create a maelstrom of greatness never before seen on this Earth. However, last night, Josh Smith did what he does, fill a stat sheet so full the numbers are leaking out the edges like a dead hooker in a mattress, and Joe Johnson created a crucial turnover on Kobe Bryant with 8 seconds left to lead the Hawks to a 98-95 win over the Lakers. But seriously. They won't lose again. 4 Real.
You Can't Stop The Jazz Hands, Man: So, get this. The most important trade of the NBA Season? May turn out to be Kyle Freaking Korver going to the Jazz. Korver's been insane for Utah so far, and last night was no exception. Scoring 27 points, including the game winning 4 free throws, Korver lead the Jazz to a 118-115 win in overtime over the Nuggets. The Jazz have won 16 of 18 since Korver was traded from Philly. Utah now sits above all in the Northwest Division and have claimed the vaunted "hottest team in the league" status, which will inevitably lead to their destruction in the second round of the playoffs. But still, Kyle Korver!
Elsewhere Around The Lizzy: Dirk popped his triple-double cherry against Milwaukee in a big win. San Antonio annihilated the Wiz without Caron Butler. New York lost. Again. This time they got beat by Kareem Rush, who wasn't in the league last year, and who I used to buy Chick-Fil-A after in college. Seattle beat Sacramento, because the whole world's gone mad.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
SUNS TO RUN ON DIESEL POWER
by Don, With Malice...
Shaquille O'Neal to the Suns for Shawn Marion/Marcus Banks...
Absolutely goddamn insane.
And it became official as Shaq just cleared his medical exam. Phoenix Suns, welcome your new center.
What the hell is Steve Kerr thinking? This move is far more akin to something a fantasy league manager would attempt - and even if the owner of Marion/Banks didn't laugh and reject the deal, it would be vetoed by the league commish.
It's amazing how in one week, one GM thought to be a chump looks like a champ (Kupchak), and one thought to be a champ looks like a chump.
Whatever the reasonings behind this deal... or rather 'theft', Pat Riley must be beside himself in rapturous joy. Someone's willing to take on Shaq with two years left on his contract at $40 mil a piece??? Hell, Riley probably would've taken Eric Dampier, a cut lunch and some Village People vinyl for O'Neal at this point in time.
Guy's done. Finito. O'Neal logged out 2 years ago post winning the title at South Beach.
Yes, he was a great player. And as a Laker fan, I thank him for the best years in his career. But you don't rest on your laurels, and given what the Lakers ended up getting for O'Neal in the long term, Kupchak actually did quite well out of that trade.
And I read many, many commenters/writers/bloggers declaring that this is being done to improve the Phoenix defense - which currently leaks like a sieve, and has no rebounding whatsoever. Shaq won't be expected to run, this will allow Amare to run at power forward, Shaq's only going to be there to get rebounds, Shaq is there for defense, Shaq'll play with a chip on his shoulder, Shaq's back...
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH...
Have you been watching? Shaq doesn't do defense these days - and he's been complaining about touches at Miami - you think he's going to settle for being - at best - the 4th scoring option on the Suns? And whilst he's a big body that can maybe defend Timmy & Yao, do you really think he's a defensive upgrade from Shawn Marion? Rebounding? Don't make me laugh, he hasn't averaged 10 rebounds a game for years, and this season/last season he's averaging less than 8 a game.
It's also been said that Phoenix acted so precipitously because they'd heard that Dallas was looking to add O'Neal... so? Do what the rest of the league is doing now (over the Suns) - let the Mavs take him, sit back and laugh.
Additionally this is thought to be a reaction to the Lakers acquisition of Gasol. Does anyone truly believe that Shaq can guard Pau Gasol? A guy who has range, is fleet of foot, and is a finesse player? Historically that type of player has always provided O'Neal with the most trouble. Shaq's going to struggle with Andrew Bynum, let alone Pau Gasol.
Word is Nash is worried, Amare is ecstatic, Mike D'Antoni perplexed... it's definitely a slap in D'Antoni's face. He's long said that he believes the Suns' high-octane offense can work in winning a title. Kerr's acquisition of Shaq definitely slows them down.
To be fair, reports are of the tension between Marion and Amare Stoudemire being at an all-time high. But there's no doubt that Phoenix could've done better than an aging, broken down, out-of-shape, over-weight, over-the-hill center.
Bulls fans must be conflicted over this - it removes yet another destination for Ben Wallace, but at the same time makes their acquisition of Wallace not look so bad. Suns fans are simply angry.
This amounts to a knee-jerk reaction by a guy (Kerr) who should know better. Bodes well for the rest of the West.
BEST USE OF PHOTOSHOP AWARD FOR FEBRUARY 6
Bravo, Hardwood Paroxysm.
If you do or see some great photoshopping in the future, send it to us and you might win ...
... a seatbelt for your beer!
Friday, January 11, 2008
THROWING KNIVES: SINCE WHEN...
by BD, Staff Writer
Over the last few weeks the talk of the NBA seems to have become the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Everyone and their cousin has anointed the Pistons and Celtics as the league's top two teams. All the while forgetting about the Dallas' and San Antonio's of the world. The two teams out west with more than a legitimate shot of hoisting the trophy on the seasons final day.
I know, I know Boston has the league's best record, but in watching them beat up on the rest of the leastern conference I'm far from a believer. Sure they've gotten contributions from guys outside of the big three, but not consistently. Most nights it's the big three or bust for the C's. And while they've gotten in done far more often than not their's one guy on that roster I don't trust come playoff time. His name? Paul Pierce. The guy who consistently takes bad shots, yet for some reason gets the ball when it matters most. Paul Pierce is their kryptonite and come playoff time he'll be the one to blow it for the other two "superstars."
The Pistons are a completely different animal. A team that relies on a balanced attack offensively and an in-your-jersey defensive toughness that can make Greg Popovich blush. A team working with a competent bench for the first time since they knocked off Kobe and Shaq in 2004. This Pistons team is the closest they've looked to the title team since Okur and others left town that off-season. The problem? Rasheed Wallace. I love the guy, but he's a ticking time-bomb. His lack of control is alarming and it was evident in the team's loss to the Celtics at home as 'Sheed walked from the court to his car and left. He didn't change, he didn't talk to anyone he just left. Just another example of 'Sheeds instability and it often seems that his energy fuels this team. On a bad night for him, they're not winning. But when he's on they're virtually unbeatable.
Then you have the West, where San Antonio and Dallas both reside. The Spurs are still the best team in the league for my money and Dallas is in the same breath as Detroit and Boston. The baffling thing for me is how the Mavericks especially have been overlooked after last years first round flame out. With Jason Terry playing as probably the best six man in the league and the addition of Brandon Bass Dallas is even better than last year. And they sent a stern message last week when they dismantled the Warriors by 22 points. This is an improved team and barring a rash of injuries they'll meet San Antonio in the West finals this May.
For those of you wondering why I haven't mentioned the Suns, here you go: Their system just doesn't win in the playoffs and I don't think it ever will. Amare Stoudamire, (rather than Shawn Marion) is quickly becoming a distraction as he whines over what amounts to spilled milk. Grant Hill is out, though it's not his fault he'll probably go down again once he returns from his appendectomy. Phoenix is a team as well that can't afford many injuries as they lack the bench depth of a true contender.
All in all I point to the West for the best teams as they're playing better competition night in and night out. While the East's elite beat up on teams that are average at best. I stand by my preseason projection of a Detroit championship, but when you start the to overlook the Western giants it's unlikely to shake out well. As they've gotten it done as favorites, I can only imagine them as the underdogs.
Weekend NFL Picks
Seattle @ Green Bay (-7.5)
Pick: Seattle ATS, but GB wins it.
Jacksonville @ New England (-13.5)
Pick: New England on both counts. Barring the worst passing conditions of all-time.
San Diego @ Indy (-9)
Pick: Indy on both.
NY Giants @ Dallas (-7.5)
Pick: The Giants on both.
Highlight O' The Day: Not Supposed To Do That
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
NBA POTPOURRI
by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool
Just to show that I still cover more than the NFL, and the Patriots (and do more than lists)... here's where we are after two weeks in the NBA.
1) The Celtics own November. I kind of expected that the team would get off to a good start from the talent infusion, but they are also doing something that they have to do, given their short bench and star reliance -- they are blowing people out. With a point differential of 16.6 points per game, they're leading the NBA, and should be able to keep the heavy stress down... but note, please, that Pierce, Allen and Garnett are averaging over 39 minutes per game. Doc Rivers isn't, um, smart, and that's going to cost them in the long run.
2) Detroit's back with a vengeance. When we last saw the Pistons, they were looking old and spent in gagging up a playoff series to LeBron James and the Cavs. They've answered the bell with a 5-1 start and a 10-point differential. They are getting great production out of their second unit, with Hayes, Maxiell, and Murray giving them solid minutes and defense. Here's another positive: Sheed doesn't have a technical yet, but he does have 15 points a game, with efficient three-point shooting (44%). Plus, when your big man is doing that, it opens up lots of things for other players. (This is one of the reasons why the Mavs have won so many games with Dirk.)
3) The Southeast is horrible right now. With Washington and Miami combining to go 2-10, and the Hawks squandering big early wins en route to a 2-4 start, it's Orlando or nothing... and the Magic really aren't that good, either. With Boston, New Jersey and Toronto all looking competent or better, the torch of Worst Division in the NBA has clearly passed.
4) Kevin Durant will not win the Rookie of the Year. Simply because the voters will not pull the trigger for a low percentage gunner on a 20-win team that's going to spend the entire season doing the Lame Duck Wiggle, even if he's the only one with 20 points per game. There's some talent here, but with Durant shooting 39% from the forward position and the team dropping 5 points every game from no one getting to the free throw line, don't expect this to get better soon. Welcome back to the big boy seat, PJ Carlesimo!
5) Phoenix should be fine... but while I made fun of this idea in preseason, they really might miss Kurt Thomas, of all people. Boris Diaw has shown no signs of being the supremely useful player he was in 2005, Amare Stoudemire has been banged up, and Brian Skinner fits in here about as well as, well, he fits in anywhere. Any team that's giving Sean Marks minutes has issues with its big men, and it's all leading to too many minutes for Grant Hill... and we all know what happens next, right?
6) Houston (shh!) may be better than the Spurs. Not by the numbers (both teams are 5-1, and the Spurs have a higher point differential), but consider this -- the Rockets are doing this with a new coach (Rick Adelman, who is already making Yao Ming look like a good passing big man again), new frontcourt rotation (Luis Scola gives them quality minutes and a non-Dikembe option for when Yao sits), and a dramatically different situation at point guard, where Mikes James and Rafer Alston are giving them 17.5 points, 6.6 assists and nearly 3 three-pointers a game.
The ceiling might be higher here, assuming, of course, that McGrady and Ming finally stay healthy -- and if both teams are at full strength in a playoff, Gregg Popovich will get them past Adelman. I'm just not thinking the Spurs will be healthy.
7) Does Don Nelson does know that the year started and he hasn't retired? Last year's fun-time first-round playoff story, your Golden State Warriors, are 0-5 after a brutal stretch against the Jazz, Cavs and Mavs. They'll get back gun-toting captain Stephen Jackson soon, and they've been fighting flu and other maladies... but if they don't start winning soon, they could be out of this early, with a big long East Coast road trip coming up at the end of the month.
They give up 12 more rebounds than they get per game, shoot a lot worse than the opposition (.506 to .463), don't defend (um, see .506) and are giving up an incredible 46% on three-pointers. Andris Biedrins may be the only decent big man on the roster, which you kind of expect from Nellie Ball, but this is ridiculous. Also telling: they shoot 67% from the line, with nobody on the team over 76%. So if you're behind, foul 'em with impunity, really. Last year's playoff run could be fool's gold (en state), especially if Jackson decides to exercise his Second Amendment rights again...
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