Are the Blazers arriving sooner than expected?
Steve Blake's three with eight seconds to go in Toronto gave Portland the win, there 7th out of the last 8.
They currently hold the number four spot in both the Hollinger and ESPN power rankings and lead the northwest division by a half game over the Billups lead Nuggets.
Everybody knew Portland would be good eventually, GM Kevin Pritchard is doing an amazing job of spending Paul Allen's money, their remarkably young and talented core of Roy, Oden , Aldgridge and Fernandez is the envy of the league, but not many were predicting or expecting these kind of results so quick.
Is this just a hot start for a young team or are they serving notice to the rest of the league they're for real?
All I know is the West looks to be in good hands for the next 5 to 6 years.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
NBA All Day
This is the place for insight and updates on everything that's going on in the association.
The best league in the world for basketball always has something going on and I'll be here to give it to you.
Round ball fan's, you've found your oasis.
The best league in the world for basketball always has something going on and I'll be here to give it to you.
Round ball fan's, you've found your oasis.
Tough at the Top
This year the association has three clear cut contenders (four if we give the Spurs the benefit of the doubt) and it's not even close. The Cav's, Celtics and Lakers are a standing on a pedestal with a good look at everybody else.
If one of these three don't win the title I'll be shocked. Even more surprising than the time Seth choose Anna over Summer in the OC's first season.
The Celtics have the "Big 3" and their role players are only getting better. Rondo's emerging as a legit point (even being ranked the best in the East by a number of different scouts this week) and Powe is the prototype scoring big every coach loves to bring off the bench. Everyone knows their roles and the success they can have by doing them well. Nobody gets out of line because the threat of being the target of KG's wrath is worse than being beaten with a baseball bat (did you see him make Big Baby cry!? And that was with a 17 point lead in the 4th quarter!!).
Plus, they're the champs. They know this is their time. There is an overwhelming sense of urgency with this team. They know they have a window to dominate and repeat as champs. Another title would do wonders for the reputations of Garnett, Pierce and Allen, you know they're not going to let anybody slip.
The Cavs have the best player in the world and that matters a whole lot come playoff time. Lets face it, Lebron is Karl Malone with range, handles and Isiah Thomas' quickness. He is an absolute freak. In Friday's game, I watched him take 4 steps after half court and finish with a dunk from just outside the free throw line!
With him at the helm and having his best supporting cast (and the assets to improve) to date, he might just drag his team to the finals like 2006.
The Lakers have the deepest roster in league. Every night it can be someone else and to this point it has. They beat teams by exploiting their weaknesses.
There unbelievably gifted and skilled front line hammers people down low. Bynum and Gasol look like they're figuring out how to play with each other and have been complementing one another nicely these last few weeks.
Odom's given a huge lift to the bench. When he's in, he's the alpha dog. He has the ball in his hands, something he's always been comfortable with and sought, and runs the show. He's making plays for the other guys and seemed to taken the reduction of minutes in stride.
Ariza and Farmar are light years ahead of where they were this time last year. Farmar's showing the balls that made him so special in college and Ariza does one thing every game that makes you stand up and shake your head. Ariza is like Tayshaun Prince before all the hype.
Oh and they still have that number 24 guy. So whenever they do fall in a crunch or freeze up Kobe's there to bail them out.
If one of these three don't win the title I'll be shocked. Even more surprising than the time Seth choose Anna over Summer in the OC's first season.
The Celtics have the "Big 3" and their role players are only getting better. Rondo's emerging as a legit point (even being ranked the best in the East by a number of different scouts this week) and Powe is the prototype scoring big every coach loves to bring off the bench. Everyone knows their roles and the success they can have by doing them well. Nobody gets out of line because the threat of being the target of KG's wrath is worse than being beaten with a baseball bat (did you see him make Big Baby cry!? And that was with a 17 point lead in the 4th quarter!!).
Plus, they're the champs. They know this is their time. There is an overwhelming sense of urgency with this team. They know they have a window to dominate and repeat as champs. Another title would do wonders for the reputations of Garnett, Pierce and Allen, you know they're not going to let anybody slip.
The Cavs have the best player in the world and that matters a whole lot come playoff time. Lets face it, Lebron is Karl Malone with range, handles and Isiah Thomas' quickness. He is an absolute freak. In Friday's game, I watched him take 4 steps after half court and finish with a dunk from just outside the free throw line!
With him at the helm and having his best supporting cast (and the assets to improve) to date, he might just drag his team to the finals like 2006.
The Lakers have the deepest roster in league. Every night it can be someone else and to this point it has. They beat teams by exploiting their weaknesses.
There unbelievably gifted and skilled front line hammers people down low. Bynum and Gasol look like they're figuring out how to play with each other and have been complementing one another nicely these last few weeks.
Odom's given a huge lift to the bench. When he's in, he's the alpha dog. He has the ball in his hands, something he's always been comfortable with and sought, and runs the show. He's making plays for the other guys and seemed to taken the reduction of minutes in stride.
Ariza and Farmar are light years ahead of where they were this time last year. Farmar's showing the balls that made him so special in college and Ariza does one thing every game that makes you stand up and shake your head. Ariza is like Tayshaun Prince before all the hype.
Oh and they still have that number 24 guy. So whenever they do fall in a crunch or freeze up Kobe's there to bail them out.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Got to Love Sir Charles
Mr. Barkley made some noise Wednesday.
What's new?
On 790 the Ticket in Miami Big Mound of Rebound said 'He's Michael Jackson playing with a bunch of Tito Jacksons, but he's balling anyway.' when asked about his pal Dwayne Wade, his play so far and about his teammates.
It's not like he get's paid to say these things on TNT. It's not like he hasn't been speaking his mind since his rookie year in '84.
What did people in Miami or the men in the Heat locker room expect to hear?
"They're a bunch of great guys, they're just not much of basketball players."
"Well those guys around him are trying there best."
"He definetly has what he needs to get back in the Finals."
This is Charles. He speaks his mind, no matter whom it might rub the wrong way.
And what part of what he said is untrue?
Who on this team is anything more than a role player?
Marion? Think he regrets leaving Phoenix yet? He's talents only fit that system. We've seen the Matrix try to fit in a defensive, slow down, half-court meticulous game. Results? Not Pretty. Why else do you hear his name in every trade rumor?
Haslem? Role player. A damn good fourth or fifth man on a contending team. But that's it. That's his ceiling.
Beasley? Too young. He's going to get there, but not this season. Right now he's a scorer and a good one. Don't think I'm the only one who notices he plays better with D-Wade on the bench.
Chalmers? Back up point guard mascaraeding as a starter. Better defender than I expected though.
Quinn? A mini-Jason Kapono. I think that's a compliment? Maybe. Most likely not.
Cook? At least he's better than Mike Conley.
James Jones? This isn't college. He just plays in the same city.
I agree with Charles.
Let's just hope (for Flashe's sake) that the dissed Heat roster have the pride to disagree and prove our (Barkley and ME!) expert opinions wrong.
What's new?
On 790 the Ticket in Miami Big Mound of Rebound said 'He's Michael Jackson playing with a bunch of Tito Jacksons, but he's balling anyway.' when asked about his pal Dwayne Wade, his play so far and about his teammates.
It's not like he get's paid to say these things on TNT. It's not like he hasn't been speaking his mind since his rookie year in '84.
What did people in Miami or the men in the Heat locker room expect to hear?
"They're a bunch of great guys, they're just not much of basketball players."
"Well those guys around him are trying there best."
"He definetly has what he needs to get back in the Finals."
This is Charles. He speaks his mind, no matter whom it might rub the wrong way.
And what part of what he said is untrue?
Who on this team is anything more than a role player?
Marion? Think he regrets leaving Phoenix yet? He's talents only fit that system. We've seen the Matrix try to fit in a defensive, slow down, half-court meticulous game. Results? Not Pretty. Why else do you hear his name in every trade rumor?
Haslem? Role player. A damn good fourth or fifth man on a contending team. But that's it. That's his ceiling.
Beasley? Too young. He's going to get there, but not this season. Right now he's a scorer and a good one. Don't think I'm the only one who notices he plays better with D-Wade on the bench.
Chalmers? Back up point guard mascaraeding as a starter. Better defender than I expected though.
Quinn? A mini-Jason Kapono. I think that's a compliment? Maybe. Most likely not.
Cook? At least he's better than Mike Conley.
James Jones? This isn't college. He just plays in the same city.
I agree with Charles.
Let's just hope (for Flashe's sake) that the dissed Heat roster have the pride to disagree and prove our (Barkley and ME!) expert opinions wrong.
Coaching From the Press Box
The NBA (along with every other professional sports) has a short life cycle.
Every one involved with the league knows this when they sign up.
Your here today, gone tomorrow.
General managers and coaches know one day, no matter what they've brought to the organization in the past, they won't be wanted.
Sam Mitchell knew the day he was shown the door would come. He probably just never thought it come so soon.
Today the 2006-2007 NBA coach of the year was relieved from his duties and not an eye-brow was raised around the league.
It must be good Bryan Colangelo.
Lets face it, his release from Toronto had more to do with a difference in philosophy than his teams disappointing 8-9 start.
Toronto wants a solider who follows the orders of wunder-kid / executiveColangelo, not one who clashes with the GM / president's style.
Ever since the USA basketball directors son stepped foot in the maple leaf country his word has been it------. He's had free reign to do whatever he's pleased. And why not? He's the one who's credited with creating the most entertaining team since the Showtime Lakers (Phoenix Sun's circa 2nd Nash era.)
He came in and made 3 trades immediately. Trading away the fans favorite player (Matt Boner) and the runner up for the rookie of the year award (Charlie Villanueva) for a perimeter center (Rasho Nesterovic) and a point guard who just missed a whole year with a spinal injury (Tj Ford).
Did anyone bat an eye? Of course not. Just like they didn't with the Bargani #1 pick or the Jermaine Oneal signing.
This is Bryan Colangelo! Raptor "truthers" knew to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He's the one with the map to the promise land.
Since Colangelo has been in charge in Toronto he's been building what most media members call Phoenix 2.0 or the Euro-Raptors.
He's built a team around superstar (and soon to be gone via free agency) Chris Bosh. He's put well rounded basketball players, who can run and shoot around the Snoop Dogg look-a-like.
His team consists of more international players than the whole western conference. Their team oriented and well cultured. They run the floor, fill the lane, share the rock and shoot 3's .Their your definition of a finesse team.
Which was exactly the opposite of Sam's strength.
GM's have their philosophy but coaches can only teach and preach what they now.
And what Sam knows is defense and rebounding. His specialty when he was a scrapper in the league for 11 years.
The Tuna said it best, "They want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries."
The writing has been on the wall since Colangelo was made the man.
The first three years of their marriage had their problems covered up like a teenage girls acne because of the miraculous turn-around the franchise was going through.
No longer door-mats, the Raptors were postseason regulars for each year! Who cares if they went home after 4 or 5 games each season. They were playing in the summer. Something not a lot of teams could say.
But after last seasons extended stay as a top-tier East team, the off-season acquisition of Oneal and Bosh's dominating play on the Re-deem team in Bejing the expectations (unrealistically and unfortunately) went through the roof.
Too bad.
This team isn't ready to be placed in the Cav's, Celtics and Piston's conversation.And the season's poor start proves that.
Somebody had to take the blame for Toronto's face plant. And we knew 3 years ago who that would be.
Every one involved with the league knows this when they sign up.
Your here today, gone tomorrow.
General managers and coaches know one day, no matter what they've brought to the organization in the past, they won't be wanted.
Sam Mitchell knew the day he was shown the door would come. He probably just never thought it come so soon.
Today the 2006-2007 NBA coach of the year was relieved from his duties and not an eye-brow was raised around the league.
It must be good Bryan Colangelo.
Lets face it, his release from Toronto had more to do with a difference in philosophy than his teams disappointing 8-9 start.
Toronto wants a solider who follows the orders of wunder-kid / executiveColangelo, not one who clashes with the GM / president's style.
Ever since the USA basketball directors son stepped foot in the maple leaf country his word has been it------. He's had free reign to do whatever he's pleased. And why not? He's the one who's credited with creating the most entertaining team since the Showtime Lakers (Phoenix Sun's circa 2nd Nash era.)
He came in and made 3 trades immediately. Trading away the fans favorite player (Matt Boner) and the runner up for the rookie of the year award (Charlie Villanueva) for a perimeter center (Rasho Nesterovic) and a point guard who just missed a whole year with a spinal injury (Tj Ford).
Did anyone bat an eye? Of course not. Just like they didn't with the Bargani #1 pick or the Jermaine Oneal signing.
This is Bryan Colangelo! Raptor "truthers" knew to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He's the one with the map to the promise land.
Since Colangelo has been in charge in Toronto he's been building what most media members call Phoenix 2.0 or the Euro-Raptors.
He's built a team around superstar (and soon to be gone via free agency) Chris Bosh. He's put well rounded basketball players, who can run and shoot around the Snoop Dogg look-a-like.
His team consists of more international players than the whole western conference. Their team oriented and well cultured. They run the floor, fill the lane, share the rock and shoot 3's .Their your definition of a finesse team.
Which was exactly the opposite of Sam's strength.
GM's have their philosophy but coaches can only teach and preach what they now.
And what Sam knows is defense and rebounding. His specialty when he was a scrapper in the league for 11 years.
The Tuna said it best, "They want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries."
The writing has been on the wall since Colangelo was made the man.
The first three years of their marriage had their problems covered up like a teenage girls acne because of the miraculous turn-around the franchise was going through.
No longer door-mats, the Raptors were postseason regulars for each year! Who cares if they went home after 4 or 5 games each season. They were playing in the summer. Something not a lot of teams could say.
But after last seasons extended stay as a top-tier East team, the off-season acquisition of Oneal and Bosh's dominating play on the Re-deem team in Bejing the expectations (unrealistically and unfortunately) went through the roof.
Too bad.
This team isn't ready to be placed in the Cav's, Celtics and Piston's conversation.And the season's poor start proves that.
Somebody had to take the blame for Toronto's face plant. And we knew 3 years ago who that would be.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Point Taken
Got to hand it to the lil people. No not you wee man (you do make me roll over laughing on Jackass.) I'm not talking to you either Vern Troy.(A porno!!? Really? You need the money that badly?!) I'm giving my props to the dudes who dominate the NBA. A tradition usually reserved for most talented of big men, the Shaq's, Olajuwon's and Timmy's of the world. The aforementioned have each respectfully dominated their fair share of basketball games. More than most, truthfully. During their primes, their power, strength and coordination was unmatched, well except for each other.
However, how many of us can truly relate to them? The average American is 5'8".
That stat makes them (along with a majority of the NBA) seem a out of touch with a common fan.
This is one of the reasons I find it more appealing (and fascinating) to watch a person of smaller stature not only control but mainly determine the outcome of a typical NBA game.
With the average NBA baller being about 6'7" (according to Elia Sports Bureau) and the game being as much of vertical one as horizontal, anyone 6'3" should not do the things that these 3 do.
They run their teams, are the vocal leaders on the court and the ones who there teammates look to in big spots. Basically they're the Big Men in a Big Man's game.
1. Chris Paul- Hornets 6'0"
And that might be a generous listing. He is with out a doubt the premier point guard in the league today. Everything (and i mean everything) New Orleans does runs through him. From the offense to the ball boy's at home games nothing in the Hornets organization goes without CP3's approval.
2. Derrick Rose- Bulls 6'3"
What truly sets him apart is his jaw dropping quickness. He's blowing by people who are giving him 5 feet of cushion already, in his first year of the league! As soon as he develops a reliable jump shot, oh my god! If I had to choose one point to build my franchise around my list would go 1.Paul 2. Rose. My apologies to the next on the list.
3. Deron Williams - Jazz 6'3"
He's actually considered rather large for his position (it has more to do with the fact he's built like a full back than his actually height) D-Will just beats up smaller guards and wears them down during the duration of the game. In the 4th his opponents feel like they've been beat up by one of those expensive bondage hookers while Deron looks like the twin brother ready for his turn in the girls dorm room.
Fact is there's a bunch of dynamic points in the league. I'd feel ashamed if I didn't mention Nash, Parker or Baron. But it's my opinion that none of them do it like my top 3.
And it's our pleasure we get to witness them go at each other for the next ten or 12 years
Friday, October 24, 2008
post secret
Just found this amazing new site.
It 's really interesting.
Very cool dynamic of irony.
It's anonymous confessions in a unique contemporary art / stylistic way.
check it out
It 's really interesting.
Very cool dynamic of irony.
It's anonymous confessions in a unique contemporary art / stylistic way.
check it out
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