Last year at the trading deadline, GM Danny Ainge made a controversial move in trading Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. This trade was intended to help the Celtics for both the future and the present, yet it backfired horribly. Point guard Rajon Rondo went into a deep mental funk that he could not escape from, and the Celtics appeared to have lost their heart.
This offseason, Ainge attempted to make a major move for the Celtics, in his efforts to deal Rondo in a package deal for Chris Paul. This inevitably did not happen, and it was discovered that the rest of the NBA regards Rondo as some sort of head case, someone who, despite his obvious talent, will never reach his potential as a player. As such, the Celtics were stuck with an emotionally fragile Rondo, which may have ended up as an unmitigated disaster on all sides.
Ironically, Rondo is the one of the two players on the Celtics, along with Greg Stiemsma, who appear to care about this season. Kevin Garnett has emotionally and mentally checked out on this year, knowing that he is in the final year of his contract and is not coming back. Ray Allen just does not have the same quickness any longer, and would be better off as a bench scorer at this point in his career. Paul Pierce has been injured off and on all season, and just does not look the same. The Celtics have an aging roster, which does not bode well for playing 66 games in 120 days, especially when younger, more athletic teams will have the advantage with this type of schedule.
So, what should the Celtics do at this point? Presently, they sit at 5-9 in a weak Eastern Conference. With the talent on their roster, they should be able to make the playoffs, where the theory is that they would turn on the competitive juices. Yet, the Celtics have yet to defeat a good opponent, their victories coming against the Detroit, Washington twice, New Jersey, and Toronto. Not exactly the best teams the NBA has to offer.
Given the present mindset of future free agents, where they want to play in cities like New York, LA, or Dallas for endorsements and/or marketability, the Celtics would seem to be on the outside when it comes to signing marquee players. As such, the Celtics need to make trades to acquire players for the long term. Given the value of the expiring contract, the Celtics actually have two trade pieces in both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Both veterans would help a contending team that would be able to put talent around them. Garnett needs a change of scenery as of yesterday. Suppose, hypothetically, he ends up with the Clippers. Being matched up with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul would reignite the spark for him, as he would see the possibility of getting a second championship. Or picture Ray Allen on a team like the Bulls, where he would be an upgrade over Kyle Korver. Both teams mentioned have pieces that would allow the Celtics to build for the future, and possibly even make a run at this year’s playoffs.
At any rate, the Celtics need to make some moves, and they need to make them now. Find a couple of pieces that, with Rajon Rondo, they can form a legitimate nucleus for long-term success. Otherwise, they will find themselves perpetually stuck in mediocrity, which is the worst place to be in the NBA.
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Kris Humphries - NBA's Most Hated
Well, LeBron James has now lost another title – the coveted mantle of being the most hated player in the NBA.
Kris Humphries, he of the 78 day marriage to a Kardashian, was voted as the most heated player by the public, with a whopping 50% of people stating that they hate him. Perhaps this is due to the overexposure of the Kardashian family (Lamar Odom was 10th). Perhaps this is because he wasted an obscene amount of money on an engagement ring. Or perhaps this is because Kardashian fans are complete and utter morons.
The venom from fans of the Kardashian Show towards Kris Humphries has to do with him telling Kim Kardashian that she “has no talent and a fat ass.” Know what? He’s right! She does have a fat ass. Ever listen to her sing or try to act? She doesn’t have any talent, unless it involves that sex tape that made her famous. Even then, she really doesn’t seem that worthwhile. Seriously, why would anyone want to nail her, especially since they would have to listen to whatever inanity she babbled about afterwards? One can only listen to “I like shoes” and “I’m a spoiled rich bitch” for so long before wanting to throttle themselves with barbed wire.
So, the whole KarHump (what I think they should have been called, since she’s a whore and probably humped in many cars) thing got Kris Humphries a lot more than the multitude of venereal diseases that he now has. It also got him notoriety, as the NBA’s Most Hated Player. Enjoy those fifteen minutes of fame Kris. This time next year, no one will remember you.
Kris Humphries, he of the 78 day marriage to a Kardashian, was voted as the most heated player by the public, with a whopping 50% of people stating that they hate him. Perhaps this is due to the overexposure of the Kardashian family (Lamar Odom was 10th). Perhaps this is because he wasted an obscene amount of money on an engagement ring. Or perhaps this is because Kardashian fans are complete and utter morons.
The venom from fans of the Kardashian Show towards Kris Humphries has to do with him telling Kim Kardashian that she “has no talent and a fat ass.” Know what? He’s right! She does have a fat ass. Ever listen to her sing or try to act? She doesn’t have any talent, unless it involves that sex tape that made her famous. Even then, she really doesn’t seem that worthwhile. Seriously, why would anyone want to nail her, especially since they would have to listen to whatever inanity she babbled about afterwards? One can only listen to “I like shoes” and “I’m a spoiled rich bitch” for so long before wanting to throttle themselves with barbed wire.
So, the whole KarHump (what I think they should have been called, since she’s a whore and probably humped in many cars) thing got Kris Humphries a lot more than the multitude of venereal diseases that he now has. It also got him notoriety, as the NBA’s Most Hated Player. Enjoy those fifteen minutes of fame Kris. This time next year, no one will remember you.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Clippers As Contenders
David Stern has struck yet again, further emasculating Hornets GM Dell Demps as he overvalues the worth of Chris Paul. This time, he has squashed a trade that would have sent Paul to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, Chris Kaman, Al-Faroq Aminu, and Minnesota’s 2012 first round pick. And you know what? The Clippers should be glad that he did.
The Clippers right now have one of the best cores of talent in the NBA. Think about that for a moment – the CLIPPERS, a perennial joke of a franchise that could have the basketball version of Major Leagues made about them, might be the best basketball team in Los Angeles. This is without Chris Paul; in fact, getting Paul would actually hurt the Clippers’ nucleus. Eric Gordon is one of the best young shooting guards in the game, and can flat out score. Kaman is a solid center that can do all the little things needed to win. Eric Bledsoe is a good young point guard, and will now get to learn from the recently acquired Chauncey Billips. Blake Griffin is an absolute beast; and paired with DeAndre Jordan, may give the Clippers one of the best front courts in the NBA. Add Ryan Gomes, the recently signed Caron Butler, and role players like Randy Foye and Mo Williams, and the Clippers have quietly become contenders.
Notice what name is missing from the list? Chris Paul. The Clippers don’t need him, and would be better off not gutting their team to acquire him. In fact, given the demands by Das NBA Fuhrer, Paul is destined to spend the season languishing on a terrible Hornets team, then will end up bolting in free agency. The Clippers could always make a move to sign him then, and grow even stronger.
The LA Clippers could be a contender for years to come if they stay patient and do not overreach for the flashy name. Who would have ever thought that the best team in Los Angeles for years to come may not be the Lakers?
The Clippers right now have one of the best cores of talent in the NBA. Think about that for a moment – the CLIPPERS, a perennial joke of a franchise that could have the basketball version of Major Leagues made about them, might be the best basketball team in Los Angeles. This is without Chris Paul; in fact, getting Paul would actually hurt the Clippers’ nucleus. Eric Gordon is one of the best young shooting guards in the game, and can flat out score. Kaman is a solid center that can do all the little things needed to win. Eric Bledsoe is a good young point guard, and will now get to learn from the recently acquired Chauncey Billips. Blake Griffin is an absolute beast; and paired with DeAndre Jordan, may give the Clippers one of the best front courts in the NBA. Add Ryan Gomes, the recently signed Caron Butler, and role players like Randy Foye and Mo Williams, and the Clippers have quietly become contenders.
Notice what name is missing from the list? Chris Paul. The Clippers don’t need him, and would be better off not gutting their team to acquire him. In fact, given the demands by Das NBA Fuhrer, Paul is destined to spend the season languishing on a terrible Hornets team, then will end up bolting in free agency. The Clippers could always make a move to sign him then, and grow even stronger.
The LA Clippers could be a contender for years to come if they stay patient and do not overreach for the flashy name. Who would have ever thought that the best team in Los Angeles for years to come may not be the Lakers?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
David Stern Must Go
Mark December 8, 2011 as the date that the NBA officially lost it’s relevance in the professional sports world.
Not only did wanna-be mafia boss David Stern block a trade that he authorized the general manager of a team that is owned by the league to make, but he also has permitted a group of whining, petulant owners who have the forethought and reasoning skills of toddlers to determine league policy. The worst part in all of this is that the Hornets actually got the best end of the trade. Now, despite claiming that Chris Paul can still be traded, he has managed to emasculate his general manager on any and all future moves.
Yes, Chris Paul is the biggest name, but he is also the biggest risk. With the Lakers acquiring Paul, they would have based their foundation on Paul and his bad knee, Andrew Bynum’s immaturity, and Kobe Bryant’s two bad knees. Any front court depth would be eliminated. Any consistency from the low post in scoring would be eliminated. And what if Kobe did not want to share the spotlight with Chris Paul? This could have either been a great move for the Lakers, or a move that they would be regretting for years.
The Rockets, meanwhile, managed to get a player that is a top three center in Pau Gasol, and were closing in on signing Nene. Oh, and that three year plan they had where they acquired enough solid pieces to be able to make a move like this one? Well, that just got blown up. Now what are the Rockets to do? They specifically planned for this year, and when players of that caliber would become available. Now they’re destined to mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
The Hornets, meanwhile, managed to turn one petulant superstar into one of the better scoring shooting guards in the game with Kevin Martin, a good big man in Luis Scola, a proven forward who can play either the two or the three in Lamar Odom, a talented young point guard in Goran Dragic, and a first round draft pick. Not a bad haul considering that Paul was trying to dictate where he would end up.
Meanwhile, Dan Gilbert comes across as being a teenage girl. His affinity for the Comic Sans font aside, the e-mail he sent out read like a post ona fantasy league chat board complaining about the trade. His whining and overuse of punctuation made it feel like he posted his complaints on David Stern’s FaceBook wall. The only things that were missing were a couple of OMGs and a LMFAO. Seriously, who writes his e-mails, some emo teenaged brat? Pathetic.
Try to defend your decision all you want, David Stern. The truth is, the game has passed you by. Any authority and credibility you had is now irrevocably lost. Leave the game while you still have some dignity intact. What’s left of the NBA will be better for it.
Not only did wanna-be mafia boss David Stern block a trade that he authorized the general manager of a team that is owned by the league to make, but he also has permitted a group of whining, petulant owners who have the forethought and reasoning skills of toddlers to determine league policy. The worst part in all of this is that the Hornets actually got the best end of the trade. Now, despite claiming that Chris Paul can still be traded, he has managed to emasculate his general manager on any and all future moves.
Yes, Chris Paul is the biggest name, but he is also the biggest risk. With the Lakers acquiring Paul, they would have based their foundation on Paul and his bad knee, Andrew Bynum’s immaturity, and Kobe Bryant’s two bad knees. Any front court depth would be eliminated. Any consistency from the low post in scoring would be eliminated. And what if Kobe did not want to share the spotlight with Chris Paul? This could have either been a great move for the Lakers, or a move that they would be regretting for years.
The Rockets, meanwhile, managed to get a player that is a top three center in Pau Gasol, and were closing in on signing Nene. Oh, and that three year plan they had where they acquired enough solid pieces to be able to make a move like this one? Well, that just got blown up. Now what are the Rockets to do? They specifically planned for this year, and when players of that caliber would become available. Now they’re destined to mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
The Hornets, meanwhile, managed to turn one petulant superstar into one of the better scoring shooting guards in the game with Kevin Martin, a good big man in Luis Scola, a proven forward who can play either the two or the three in Lamar Odom, a talented young point guard in Goran Dragic, and a first round draft pick. Not a bad haul considering that Paul was trying to dictate where he would end up.
Meanwhile, Dan Gilbert comes across as being a teenage girl. His affinity for the Comic Sans font aside, the e-mail he sent out read like a post ona fantasy league chat board complaining about the trade. His whining and overuse of punctuation made it feel like he posted his complaints on David Stern’s FaceBook wall. The only things that were missing were a couple of OMGs and a LMFAO. Seriously, who writes his e-mails, some emo teenaged brat? Pathetic.
Try to defend your decision all you want, David Stern. The truth is, the game has passed you by. Any authority and credibility you had is now irrevocably lost. Leave the game while you still have some dignity intact. What’s left of the NBA will be better for it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Value Of A Point Guard
With the Celtics rumored to be open to moving Rajon Rondo, there has been some speculation as to why they would be willing to move such an up and coming star, especially when the Big Three are on their last ride. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are both in the final year of their contracts, and will not be returning unless they accept a lot less than they are currently making. Paul Pierce is a free agent in a couple of seasons, and exactly how much will he have left by that point? All signs point to Rondo being the guy that the Celtics try to build their future around.
But what value does a superstar point guard actually have? Over the past thirty years, only Isaiah Thomas and Magic Johnson have won championships while falling under the superstar classification. More often than not, the point guard is nothing more than a veteran presence who knows how to distribute the basketball, can hit the occasional shot, and can sink free throws. The point guard does not really need to be a scoring threat – just someone that knows how to play the game fundamentally well.
The point guard position, at least over the past thirty years, has thusly been grotesquely overvalued. Look at players like Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, and Chris Paul, or even John Stockton. What exactly have they won, aside from individual accolades? Meanwhile, such luminaries as a past his prime Jason Kidd, Derek Fisher, and Ron Harper have all won championships.
In fact, Tony Parker is the third best point guard to win over the last thirty years. However, he fits the concept of what winning teams need the point guard to do in terms of his passing ability, ability to hit free throws, and knowledge of the game. A ‘name’ point guard tries to take over. A solid point guard that plays the position correctly moves the ball to the best options, and puts the team in position to win. Rarely does a superstar point guard have the awareness to do just that; but when they do, you get an Isaiah Thomas or a Magic Johnson.
Trading Rajon Rondo to bring in another scoring option makes sense. Meanwhile, the Celtics will be able to replace him with a smart, court savvy veteran who will do what the superstar point guards cannot do – help a team win a championship.
But what value does a superstar point guard actually have? Over the past thirty years, only Isaiah Thomas and Magic Johnson have won championships while falling under the superstar classification. More often than not, the point guard is nothing more than a veteran presence who knows how to distribute the basketball, can hit the occasional shot, and can sink free throws. The point guard does not really need to be a scoring threat – just someone that knows how to play the game fundamentally well.
The point guard position, at least over the past thirty years, has thusly been grotesquely overvalued. Look at players like Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, and Chris Paul, or even John Stockton. What exactly have they won, aside from individual accolades? Meanwhile, such luminaries as a past his prime Jason Kidd, Derek Fisher, and Ron Harper have all won championships.
In fact, Tony Parker is the third best point guard to win over the last thirty years. However, he fits the concept of what winning teams need the point guard to do in terms of his passing ability, ability to hit free throws, and knowledge of the game. A ‘name’ point guard tries to take over. A solid point guard that plays the position correctly moves the ball to the best options, and puts the team in position to win. Rarely does a superstar point guard have the awareness to do just that; but when they do, you get an Isaiah Thomas or a Magic Johnson.
Trading Rajon Rondo to bring in another scoring option makes sense. Meanwhile, the Celtics will be able to replace him with a smart, court savvy veteran who will do what the superstar point guards cannot do – help a team win a championship.
Monday, November 7, 2011
If A Tree Falls In The Forest......
So, if the NBA season is really cancelled, will anyone truly care?
Coming off of what has been referred to as one of the five greatest seasons in NBA history, David Stern and the owners have done everything that they can conceive off, aside from hiring the corpse of Jack Kevorkian, to kill their momentum. After a season where the NBA could build exponentially off of the various storylines and events, they have instead made a determination to tear it all asunder and leave themselves with nothing.
And for what end? Basically, they are trying to save themselves from….themselves. In no other league is there such blatant stupidity when it comes time to negotiate contracts. Role players and people that are buried on the bench routinely receive millions more than they are worth. It has been so bad, that the owners needed the ‘Allan Houston Clause’ as a one time Get Out of Jail Free card for contracts during the last CBA. This time, since they obviously learned fiscal responsibility from a drunk Kardashian sister, they want another ‘We’re a group of morons clause’ and a hard salary cap.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this, and who can blame them? If someone was to offer you eight times what you were worth, are you going to turn it down? And let’s say that you barely needed to do anything for the length of that contract. It’s a pretty sweet deal, right? While the person making you the offer may be a certifiable cretin, what would you care? You’re just cashing the checks.
In the end, the owner’s stupidity is going to be the death blow to the NBA. The present lack of credibility with the officiating, the arrogance of David Stern to recognize the problems that the game has, and terrible play have brought it to the edge. Cancelling the 2011-12 season will only alienate the few fans it has left, and bury the NBA to a spot below Major League Lacrosse, curling, and figure skating in the American sports conscientiousness.
So David Stern, enjoy your 1/5 full arenas. Enjoy the fact that your sport is essentially nothing more than professional wrestling with a ball. And enjoy the knowledge that maybe five people care that your sport is dying from self-inflicted wounds because you are too short sighted and stubborn to actually recognize the problems. Hopefully, there will be a nice funeral.
Coming off of what has been referred to as one of the five greatest seasons in NBA history, David Stern and the owners have done everything that they can conceive off, aside from hiring the corpse of Jack Kevorkian, to kill their momentum. After a season where the NBA could build exponentially off of the various storylines and events, they have instead made a determination to tear it all asunder and leave themselves with nothing.
And for what end? Basically, they are trying to save themselves from….themselves. In no other league is there such blatant stupidity when it comes time to negotiate contracts. Role players and people that are buried on the bench routinely receive millions more than they are worth. It has been so bad, that the owners needed the ‘Allan Houston Clause’ as a one time Get Out of Jail Free card for contracts during the last CBA. This time, since they obviously learned fiscal responsibility from a drunk Kardashian sister, they want another ‘We’re a group of morons clause’ and a hard salary cap.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this, and who can blame them? If someone was to offer you eight times what you were worth, are you going to turn it down? And let’s say that you barely needed to do anything for the length of that contract. It’s a pretty sweet deal, right? While the person making you the offer may be a certifiable cretin, what would you care? You’re just cashing the checks.
In the end, the owner’s stupidity is going to be the death blow to the NBA. The present lack of credibility with the officiating, the arrogance of David Stern to recognize the problems that the game has, and terrible play have brought it to the edge. Cancelling the 2011-12 season will only alienate the few fans it has left, and bury the NBA to a spot below Major League Lacrosse, curling, and figure skating in the American sports conscientiousness.
So David Stern, enjoy your 1/5 full arenas. Enjoy the fact that your sport is essentially nothing more than professional wrestling with a ball. And enjoy the knowledge that maybe five people care that your sport is dying from self-inflicted wounds because you are too short sighted and stubborn to actually recognize the problems. Hopefully, there will be a nice funeral.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Kris Humphries $2Million Mistake - Part Three
Looks like a $2Million engagement ring gets one 72 days of marriage.
Apparently, Kim Kardashian claims that Kris Humphries is ‘not the man she thought he was’. Well, what exactly did she think she was getting? When she heard he was a basketball player on the Nets, did she really think that he would be any good? Did she confuse Kris Humphries and Deron Williams, the only Nets player with any appreciable talent? Did she think that since he was an athlete, that people would know who he was without a google search?
According to various media reports, the crux of their issues stem from Humphries partying without her during the NBA lockout. Well, since he is obviously the type of guy to be attracted to skanks, why would he want her around when picking up other gutter trash? Besides, she would probably be cramping his style by getting it on with various other people in the restroom. Or on the dance floor. Or in a cage above the dance floor. Or on the stage, with her reality show producers filming every second of it.
But this marriage was not a complete failure, especially not for Kris Humphries. He has gotten something out of that $2Million he spent and the 72 days spent having to disinfect areas that Kim Kardashian squatted in. He got some fame. People know who he is, outside of the five die-hard NBA fans that are still left. He also probably has herpes, syphillis, gonorrhea, crabs, and a future sex tape or five that he can sell.
So, while we make fun of this sham of a marriage, there is one truly important lesson to be learned here. Kim Kardashian may be a complete whore, but she’s a high priced whore. It cost Kris Humphries $27,777.78 per day just to get her in bed. That is not a good return on investment, when a Kardashian look-alive probably costs a whole lot less. And probably has fewer venereal diseases that one needs to be concerned about.
Apparently, Kim Kardashian claims that Kris Humphries is ‘not the man she thought he was’. Well, what exactly did she think she was getting? When she heard he was a basketball player on the Nets, did she really think that he would be any good? Did she confuse Kris Humphries and Deron Williams, the only Nets player with any appreciable talent? Did she think that since he was an athlete, that people would know who he was without a google search?
According to various media reports, the crux of their issues stem from Humphries partying without her during the NBA lockout. Well, since he is obviously the type of guy to be attracted to skanks, why would he want her around when picking up other gutter trash? Besides, she would probably be cramping his style by getting it on with various other people in the restroom. Or on the dance floor. Or in a cage above the dance floor. Or on the stage, with her reality show producers filming every second of it.
But this marriage was not a complete failure, especially not for Kris Humphries. He has gotten something out of that $2Million he spent and the 72 days spent having to disinfect areas that Kim Kardashian squatted in. He got some fame. People know who he is, outside of the five die-hard NBA fans that are still left. He also probably has herpes, syphillis, gonorrhea, crabs, and a future sex tape or five that he can sell.
So, while we make fun of this sham of a marriage, there is one truly important lesson to be learned here. Kim Kardashian may be a complete whore, but she’s a high priced whore. It cost Kris Humphries $27,777.78 per day just to get her in bed. That is not a good return on investment, when a Kardashian look-alive probably costs a whole lot less. And probably has fewer venereal diseases that one needs to be concerned about.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Legacy of Yao
Earlier today, reports surfaced that Yao Ming has decided to retire from the NBA, due to knee and ankle injuries that have robbed him of all but five games last season. Yao had been dealing with injuries over the past several years, having surgeries on his feet and ankles in an attempt to be able to keep playing.
Over his eight year career, Yao averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.89 blocks per game. However, his contribution to basketball, and the NBA, goes beyond the numbers. Yao, while not the first Chinese basketball export (that would be Wang Zhi Zhi), was the most prominent. His playing ability, as much as his size and presence, helped to further the international growth of the NBA. Yao was already a beloved figure in China prior to coming over the the US to play in the NBA; afterwards, he became legendary.
To some, Yao's career may be a bit of a disappointment due to his injury issues, but look at what he accomplished. He was an All-Star every year he was in the league. He made the All-Rookie team. Three times he was an All-NBA third team member, and twice made All-NBA second team. If anything, the most disappointing part of his career was that the Rockets did not truly take advantage of one skill that Ming had - his ability to pass the ball. Yao Ming was a great passer, perhaps even the best passing center since Arvydas Sabonis in his prime. The Sabonis that eventually came over to Portland was merely a shell - look him up on YouTube in his younger days and you will see a truly great player. His greatest asset was his ability to pass the ball, and Yao was almost as talented there as he was. Only Houston could never figure out a way to utilize that skill.
So, the question will inevitably be asked if Yao is a Hall of Fame player or not. He is fairly borderline as a player looking at the raw statistics. Yet Yao is bigger than the numbers. He helped bring the NBA into the Asian market. Roughly 200 million Chinese would watch the NBA on CCTV, their television network. 50 million of those were strictly for Rockets games, just to watch Yao. He essentially brought to Houston the equivalent of not one major market city, but FIVE. At a time when the NBA is claiming that 22 of their teams lost money, Yao helped bring major revenue to Houston. He helped further the globalization of the game that David Stern keeps promoting. Yao was one of, if not THE face, of international basketball.
Will Yao make the Hall? He should. If not as a player, he definitely deserves to as a contributor to the game. Furthering the appeal of the NBA overseas, and for being the driving force behind their ability to tap into the Asian market is more than enough for enshrinement in Springfield.
Over his eight year career, Yao averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.89 blocks per game. However, his contribution to basketball, and the NBA, goes beyond the numbers. Yao, while not the first Chinese basketball export (that would be Wang Zhi Zhi), was the most prominent. His playing ability, as much as his size and presence, helped to further the international growth of the NBA. Yao was already a beloved figure in China prior to coming over the the US to play in the NBA; afterwards, he became legendary.
To some, Yao's career may be a bit of a disappointment due to his injury issues, but look at what he accomplished. He was an All-Star every year he was in the league. He made the All-Rookie team. Three times he was an All-NBA third team member, and twice made All-NBA second team. If anything, the most disappointing part of his career was that the Rockets did not truly take advantage of one skill that Ming had - his ability to pass the ball. Yao Ming was a great passer, perhaps even the best passing center since Arvydas Sabonis in his prime. The Sabonis that eventually came over to Portland was merely a shell - look him up on YouTube in his younger days and you will see a truly great player. His greatest asset was his ability to pass the ball, and Yao was almost as talented there as he was. Only Houston could never figure out a way to utilize that skill.
So, the question will inevitably be asked if Yao is a Hall of Fame player or not. He is fairly borderline as a player looking at the raw statistics. Yet Yao is bigger than the numbers. He helped bring the NBA into the Asian market. Roughly 200 million Chinese would watch the NBA on CCTV, their television network. 50 million of those were strictly for Rockets games, just to watch Yao. He essentially brought to Houston the equivalent of not one major market city, but FIVE. At a time when the NBA is claiming that 22 of their teams lost money, Yao helped bring major revenue to Houston. He helped further the globalization of the game that David Stern keeps promoting. Yao was one of, if not THE face, of international basketball.
Will Yao make the Hall? He should. If not as a player, he definitely deserves to as a contributor to the game. Furthering the appeal of the NBA overseas, and for being the driving force behind their ability to tap into the Asian market is more than enough for enshrinement in Springfield.
Let The Exodus Begin!
And so it begins.
Deron Williams, a top 20 player in the NBA and one of the top point guards, has agreed to a contract with Besiktas in the Turkish Basketball League. The team also announced the signing of Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia. Both contracts are expected to be officially announced next week.
The Deron Williams contract is for one year at $5Million, and includes an immediate out in the event that the lockout is lifted. This signing, and the framework of the contract, are expected to be the pattern for other European and Asian teams looking to sign American players. In fact, Besiktas has stated that they are not done going after NBA players, and are going to reach out to Kobe Bryant to gauge his interest in playing over there.
Now, if Besiktas sounds somewhat familiar, it is because they have employed NBA talent in the past. This is the team that briefly signed Allen Iverson last year, before he left the team. So, they do have experience in dealing with NBA players, their egos, and everything that goes along with them.
Here is where this gets interesting. Some people are suggesting that Williams is signing this contract as an attempt to show that the NBPA is serious about not accepting a deal that would eliminate any of the progress they made over the past ten to fifteen years through the collective bargaining agreements. They are thinking that Williams is doing this only as a sign of solidarity with the union, and is not serious about playing overseas. Now, what happens when the lockout drags into the season, as David Stern and company seem intent on having happen? What happens when players overseas realize that the teams will provide them housing at no cost to the players, or that they are willing to play the taxes on the contracts? What happens when they realize that the Euro is a stronger monetary unit than the dollar? What then?
Deron Williams is the first domino to fall in the game of chicken that the NBA is intent on having with it's players. Doubtless, they figured that the players would never go overseas to play, as that would be a logical choice for them to make. After all, most of the owners seem to regard their players as trained animals that perform for their enjoyment.
Williams and Pachulia were the first, and they will not be the last. The NBA had better tread carefully, or they could be in a lot of trouble.
Deron Williams, a top 20 player in the NBA and one of the top point guards, has agreed to a contract with Besiktas in the Turkish Basketball League. The team also announced the signing of Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia. Both contracts are expected to be officially announced next week.
The Deron Williams contract is for one year at $5Million, and includes an immediate out in the event that the lockout is lifted. This signing, and the framework of the contract, are expected to be the pattern for other European and Asian teams looking to sign American players. In fact, Besiktas has stated that they are not done going after NBA players, and are going to reach out to Kobe Bryant to gauge his interest in playing over there.
Now, if Besiktas sounds somewhat familiar, it is because they have employed NBA talent in the past. This is the team that briefly signed Allen Iverson last year, before he left the team. So, they do have experience in dealing with NBA players, their egos, and everything that goes along with them.
Here is where this gets interesting. Some people are suggesting that Williams is signing this contract as an attempt to show that the NBPA is serious about not accepting a deal that would eliminate any of the progress they made over the past ten to fifteen years through the collective bargaining agreements. They are thinking that Williams is doing this only as a sign of solidarity with the union, and is not serious about playing overseas. Now, what happens when the lockout drags into the season, as David Stern and company seem intent on having happen? What happens when players overseas realize that the teams will provide them housing at no cost to the players, or that they are willing to play the taxes on the contracts? What happens when they realize that the Euro is a stronger monetary unit than the dollar? What then?
Deron Williams is the first domino to fall in the game of chicken that the NBA is intent on having with it's players. Doubtless, they figured that the players would never go overseas to play, as that would be a logical choice for them to make. After all, most of the owners seem to regard their players as trained animals that perform for their enjoyment.
Williams and Pachulia were the first, and they will not be the last. The NBA had better tread carefully, or they could be in a lot of trouble.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Start of a Future Trend?
One of the facets of the NBA lockout is the desire by the owners to have a hard salary cap. This cap number, which is thought to be around $60Million, would serve to lower the salaries of players across the NBA, which would make the ridiculous contracts given to role players seemingly a thing of the past.
As such, players, particularly those that would not be considered star caliber, may look to other avenues to maximize their income. One such way would be to play for a professional team overseas, where they do not have such guidelines. Previously, foreign leagues had been seen as a last resort for those not good enough for the NBA, or for those players whose peak had passed them by, yet they still thought they had something to offer (see Iverson, Allen).
However, this has begun to change. In hockey, Jaromir Jagr spent three seasons playing in the KHL for Avangard Omsk before returning this past week to the NHL. Evgeni Nabokov later joined him in the KHL, signing with SKA St. Petersburg. Even in basketball, Josh Childress played for Olympiacos Piraeus in the Euroleague, turning down a contract from the Atlanta Hawks for one that was worth the equivalent of $15Million per year in Greece.
Fast forward to yesterday, when Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB offered Rudy Fernandez a six year contract that would make him the highest paid player in the history of the league. The proposed contract would pay roughly $4.25Million per year, which is a million dollars more than the qualifying offer that he would receive next season as a free agent. Given the potential of a vastly altered financial landscape in the NBA, this contract may be better than what Fernandez could get in America.
Now, Fernandez is a decent player, but he is a role player. He is not, and will never be, a centerpiece for a championship team. He is a bench player who can come in and drain a three. That's all. In all likelihood, it would make sense for him to go overseas, where he could be a primary scorer and make more money there than to play for ten minutes a night here.
Now, this is just the possible tip of the iceberg. Role players going overseas won't matter a big deal to most teams, as a lot of players with a similar skill set can be found elsewhere. But what happens if a star player gets a Godfather offer from a foreign club once the hard cap is instituted? Let's say that Kevin Durant becomes a free agent, and a Euroleague team offers him $25Million a year. Does he take what would be much less to stay in the NBA, or does he jump overseas for the money?
Sports like basketball and hockey have to worry about foreign teams going after some of their players as it stands now. The NBA may need to worry a lot more about this in the near future.
As such, players, particularly those that would not be considered star caliber, may look to other avenues to maximize their income. One such way would be to play for a professional team overseas, where they do not have such guidelines. Previously, foreign leagues had been seen as a last resort for those not good enough for the NBA, or for those players whose peak had passed them by, yet they still thought they had something to offer (see Iverson, Allen).
However, this has begun to change. In hockey, Jaromir Jagr spent three seasons playing in the KHL for Avangard Omsk before returning this past week to the NHL. Evgeni Nabokov later joined him in the KHL, signing with SKA St. Petersburg. Even in basketball, Josh Childress played for Olympiacos Piraeus in the Euroleague, turning down a contract from the Atlanta Hawks for one that was worth the equivalent of $15Million per year in Greece.
Fast forward to yesterday, when Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB offered Rudy Fernandez a six year contract that would make him the highest paid player in the history of the league. The proposed contract would pay roughly $4.25Million per year, which is a million dollars more than the qualifying offer that he would receive next season as a free agent. Given the potential of a vastly altered financial landscape in the NBA, this contract may be better than what Fernandez could get in America.
Now, Fernandez is a decent player, but he is a role player. He is not, and will never be, a centerpiece for a championship team. He is a bench player who can come in and drain a three. That's all. In all likelihood, it would make sense for him to go overseas, where he could be a primary scorer and make more money there than to play for ten minutes a night here.
Now, this is just the possible tip of the iceberg. Role players going overseas won't matter a big deal to most teams, as a lot of players with a similar skill set can be found elsewhere. But what happens if a star player gets a Godfather offer from a foreign club once the hard cap is instituted? Let's say that Kevin Durant becomes a free agent, and a Euroleague team offers him $25Million a year. Does he take what would be much less to stay in the NBA, or does he jump overseas for the money?
Sports like basketball and hockey have to worry about foreign teams going after some of their players as it stands now. The NBA may need to worry a lot more about this in the near future.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The NBA Lockout
This is going to make the NFL lockout seem like a minor disagreement.
On one side, there are the owners and David Stern. They are claiming that 22 of the 30 teams lost money over the past season, and are looking to institute a hard salary cap, as opposed to the soft cap they presently have. The hard cap number they are looking at? Somewhere in the $40Million to $60Million range. The owners also want a 60-40 split on revenue, with ownership getting the 60%. Presently, the players get 57%.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this proposal. They feel that it is likely that only 10 teams lost money during the previous season. Also, they feel that it is not their fault that incompetent management and short-sighted owners gave them the ridiculous contracts that they presently have (looking at you, Gilbert Arenas, Josh Childress, and Desagano Diop, amongst others). The players also refuse to accept a proposed splitting of the revenue that has them losing that much money.
In other words, they are not even close to an agreement.
Around the league, it is fully expected that the NBA will not play this season. Owners lose less money when they do not have to open up the arenas and by not fielding teams. David Stern has stated that once the lockout actually started, the offers by the NBA will be lowered, which is not exactly conducive to getting an agreement in place. Nor does this seem like a fair bargaining tactic, especially if the NBA truly wants there to be a 2011-12 season.
The NBA was riding the high of a season of goodwill and momentum, where they had the opportunity to be the primary focus for the winter months. Now, they have thrown that all away. With the distinct possibility that the NFL labor dispute will be wrapped up in short order, the NBA faces the distinct possibility of losing it's hold on the American public. The season being lost may initially be met with outrage from the fans, but will settle down to complete apathy, as the viewing public moves on to the NHL or watches the English Premier League.
So, who wins in all of this? The NHL. On the heels of a great Stanley Cup Finals, they find themselves on the verge of being the only daily American winter league. You know Gary Bettman wants the NBA to take it's ball and go home for the year. And it looks like Gary is about to get his wish.
On one side, there are the owners and David Stern. They are claiming that 22 of the 30 teams lost money over the past season, and are looking to institute a hard salary cap, as opposed to the soft cap they presently have. The hard cap number they are looking at? Somewhere in the $40Million to $60Million range. The owners also want a 60-40 split on revenue, with ownership getting the 60%. Presently, the players get 57%.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this proposal. They feel that it is likely that only 10 teams lost money during the previous season. Also, they feel that it is not their fault that incompetent management and short-sighted owners gave them the ridiculous contracts that they presently have (looking at you, Gilbert Arenas, Josh Childress, and Desagano Diop, amongst others). The players also refuse to accept a proposed splitting of the revenue that has them losing that much money.
In other words, they are not even close to an agreement.
Around the league, it is fully expected that the NBA will not play this season. Owners lose less money when they do not have to open up the arenas and by not fielding teams. David Stern has stated that once the lockout actually started, the offers by the NBA will be lowered, which is not exactly conducive to getting an agreement in place. Nor does this seem like a fair bargaining tactic, especially if the NBA truly wants there to be a 2011-12 season.
The NBA was riding the high of a season of goodwill and momentum, where they had the opportunity to be the primary focus for the winter months. Now, they have thrown that all away. With the distinct possibility that the NFL labor dispute will be wrapped up in short order, the NBA faces the distinct possibility of losing it's hold on the American public. The season being lost may initially be met with outrage from the fans, but will settle down to complete apathy, as the viewing public moves on to the NHL or watches the English Premier League.
So, who wins in all of this? The NHL. On the heels of a great Stanley Cup Finals, they find themselves on the verge of being the only daily American winter league. You know Gary Bettman wants the NBA to take it's ball and go home for the year. And it looks like Gary is about to get his wish.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Ricky Rubio Hype Machine
In the continual quest to find the 'next big thing' in sports, front office personnel will scour the globe, trying to find someone that might become an integral part of their organization. Occasionally, one of these players becomes hyped to the point where they are considered an absolute lock, despite any limitations that casual fan would notice. The latest member of the hype machine - Ricky Rubio.
Rubio was the fifth pick overall two years ago by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This selection was part of the absolutely confusing draft conducted by David Kahn, where his first three selections were point guards (Rubio, Johnny Flynn, and Ty Lawson). Lawson was traded to Denver, and Flynn ended up being a 2009-10 All-Rookie Second Team player, who then missed all of last season with an injury. Rubio, however, was lauded as being able to process the game faster than anyone else, and was a truly elite talent.
Instead of proving this in over the past couple of years in the Spanish League, he essentially became a bench player. Over the past two years, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.4 assists. Yup, that's the production that you want out of the number 5 overall pick. While the Spanish league has produced a few legit NBA players, the brothers Gasol specifically, there were flashes that they would turn into something. Also, they were not languishing on the bench during the regular season and the postseason, as Rubio did.
The idea is that Rubio's game is tailored more for the American brand of basketball. This does not make any sense. In theory, the NBA is the upper echelon of basketball talent, where the best of the best in the entire world play. So, how is it possible that some 20 year old that was a bench player in Spain would be able to step in and dominate, as Rubio is expected to do? Pure madness.
Then there was Rubio's arrival in the United States, where 200 people - mainly Timberwolves employees - waited around to greet him. Why? Was this just a smokescreen to make Rubio think that the Minnesota area was excited to see him come? Does Rubio have an ego that requires this sort of messaging already? What was the point?
In all likelihood, this will not end well for the Minnesota Timberwolves or for Ricky Rubio. He would have been better served working on his game overseas, and having the Timberwolves trade his rights for a useful piece, like maybe a center. Rubio would be more valuable as an unknown entity than he will be on the court.
Rubio was the fifth pick overall two years ago by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This selection was part of the absolutely confusing draft conducted by David Kahn, where his first three selections were point guards (Rubio, Johnny Flynn, and Ty Lawson). Lawson was traded to Denver, and Flynn ended up being a 2009-10 All-Rookie Second Team player, who then missed all of last season with an injury. Rubio, however, was lauded as being able to process the game faster than anyone else, and was a truly elite talent.
Instead of proving this in over the past couple of years in the Spanish League, he essentially became a bench player. Over the past two years, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.4 assists. Yup, that's the production that you want out of the number 5 overall pick. While the Spanish league has produced a few legit NBA players, the brothers Gasol specifically, there were flashes that they would turn into something. Also, they were not languishing on the bench during the regular season and the postseason, as Rubio did.
The idea is that Rubio's game is tailored more for the American brand of basketball. This does not make any sense. In theory, the NBA is the upper echelon of basketball talent, where the best of the best in the entire world play. So, how is it possible that some 20 year old that was a bench player in Spain would be able to step in and dominate, as Rubio is expected to do? Pure madness.
Then there was Rubio's arrival in the United States, where 200 people - mainly Timberwolves employees - waited around to greet him. Why? Was this just a smokescreen to make Rubio think that the Minnesota area was excited to see him come? Does Rubio have an ego that requires this sort of messaging already? What was the point?
In all likelihood, this will not end well for the Minnesota Timberwolves or for Ricky Rubio. He would have been better served working on his game overseas, and having the Timberwolves trade his rights for a useful piece, like maybe a center. Rubio would be more valuable as an unknown entity than he will be on the court.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It's Back!
Like the horror movie villain that returns in every sequel, the WNBA has returned for it's fifteenth episode season. And like the horror movie franchise that has long since run it's course, virtually no one cares. For their pre-game festivities, they may as well have rolled a tumbleweed across half court.
Now, there may be people interested in what the WNBA has to offer. Of course, their audience is likely trying to find a cure for insomnia or would be looking for the most cost-effective way to torture prisoners now that waterboarding is passe. There is no truth to the rumor that North Korea is looking to gain a WNBA expansion franchise for that purpose.
Lost in the majesty of this benchmark is the actual truth. David Stern forces money into this league. In fact, this money would be better spent if he was to light it on fire or use it as toilet paper. Any time you have a league where half the original teams NO LONGER EXIST, where three teams have relocated, where teams have been forced to merge for financial stability, or where six teams overall have folded due to a lack of interest - the league is not viable. Take it off life support, pull the plug, and bring in a priest to give it Last Rites.
Maybe, at some point in time, there can be a viable professional women's sports league in this country. However, it is not the WNBA. Time to give it the shotgun like Ol' Yeller.
Now, there may be people interested in what the WNBA has to offer. Of course, their audience is likely trying to find a cure for insomnia or would be looking for the most cost-effective way to torture prisoners now that waterboarding is passe. There is no truth to the rumor that North Korea is looking to gain a WNBA expansion franchise for that purpose.
Lost in the majesty of this benchmark is the actual truth. David Stern forces money into this league. In fact, this money would be better spent if he was to light it on fire or use it as toilet paper. Any time you have a league where half the original teams NO LONGER EXIST, where three teams have relocated, where teams have been forced to merge for financial stability, or where six teams overall have folded due to a lack of interest - the league is not viable. Take it off life support, pull the plug, and bring in a priest to give it Last Rites.
Maybe, at some point in time, there can be a viable professional women's sports league in this country. However, it is not the WNBA. Time to give it the shotgun like Ol' Yeller.
Jimmer Fredette Sucks
Every year prior to the NBA Draft, there is a prospect that gets an inordinate amount of buzz despite the fact that they truly are not that good. Typically, this is because they do one thing really well - usually shooting the basketball. This year's overhyped player - none other than Jimmer Fredette.
First, let's look at the obvious reason as to why he will not be worth an early pick. Fredette is 6'2". He would be extremely undersized as a shooting guard, which would encompass his one skill. As such, he would need to be considered a point guard at the NBA level, which would fit about as well as Keanu Reeves would in the role of Hamlet. Fredette has minimal ball handling skills, cannot pass, and is nothing more than a spot up shooter. As a point guard, he would need to make plays and be able to distribute the basketball. That is not what he does. He simply does not fit in the NBA.
Second, all he can do is shoot a basketball. In fact, he shot a basketball so much that in his 1323 minutes played at BYU last year, he attempted 765 field goals - one every 1.7 minutes. This is a point guard? He cannot defend. He cannot pass. He cannot rebound. He is, quite simply, J.J. Redick. And we all can see that Redick is still nothing more than a five minute per game player, who might be able to hit a few threes if the team is down big.
Third, NCAA basketball scoring champions do not typically fair well in the NBA. For example, look at Adam Morrison. Morrison coming out of college had a lot of buzz like Fredette does - a guy who could shoot the ball, but had no other skills. Morrison, right now, is the twelfth man off the bench, waving the towel and being a glorified cheerleader. Yeah, he was worth that lottery pick.
Yet, despite the fact that Fredette should be nothing more than a second round draft choice based on his lack of an ability to do anything other than shoot a ball, he is being considered as a possible lottery pick. Specifically, the New York Knicks are rumored to be interested in moving up in the draft in order to select him. And people wonder why it is that the Knicks suck almost every year. Could it be personnel decisions such as this?
So, feel free to waste your pick on someone that is a draft mistake waiting to happen. At least if the Knicks get him in a game, that pick will still be better than drafting Frederic Weis.
First, let's look at the obvious reason as to why he will not be worth an early pick. Fredette is 6'2". He would be extremely undersized as a shooting guard, which would encompass his one skill. As such, he would need to be considered a point guard at the NBA level, which would fit about as well as Keanu Reeves would in the role of Hamlet. Fredette has minimal ball handling skills, cannot pass, and is nothing more than a spot up shooter. As a point guard, he would need to make plays and be able to distribute the basketball. That is not what he does. He simply does not fit in the NBA.
Second, all he can do is shoot a basketball. In fact, he shot a basketball so much that in his 1323 minutes played at BYU last year, he attempted 765 field goals - one every 1.7 minutes. This is a point guard? He cannot defend. He cannot pass. He cannot rebound. He is, quite simply, J.J. Redick. And we all can see that Redick is still nothing more than a five minute per game player, who might be able to hit a few threes if the team is down big.
Third, NCAA basketball scoring champions do not typically fair well in the NBA. For example, look at Adam Morrison. Morrison coming out of college had a lot of buzz like Fredette does - a guy who could shoot the ball, but had no other skills. Morrison, right now, is the twelfth man off the bench, waving the towel and being a glorified cheerleader. Yeah, he was worth that lottery pick.
Yet, despite the fact that Fredette should be nothing more than a second round draft choice based on his lack of an ability to do anything other than shoot a ball, he is being considered as a possible lottery pick. Specifically, the New York Knicks are rumored to be interested in moving up in the draft in order to select him. And people wonder why it is that the Knicks suck almost every year. Could it be personnel decisions such as this?
So, feel free to waste your pick on someone that is a draft mistake waiting to happen. At least if the Knicks get him in a game, that pick will still be better than drafting Frederic Weis.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Anyone Seen LeBron?
Remember the old television show/computer game entitled 'Where in the World is Carmen SanDeigo'? Well, it appears that a sequel has been made, and it stars LeBron James.
This recently completed NBA Finals was a matchup of two superstars that had a reputation for choking when it mattered in Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron. In what was supposed to be a coronation for the Heat, it was Dirk who shook off the mantle of being a choker, and turned into a cold-blooded crunch time assassin. LeBron, meanwhile, has an APB put out on him, since his fourth quarter whereabouts are completely unknown.
The playoffs are where legacies are made, and reputations confirmed. The Finals cemented LeBron's legacy alright - that he is a passive choke artist without the heart and determination to force his team to victory. No longer can he claim that he did not have the talent around him, and that it was the fault of the Cavaliers that he never won a title. Even with the talent the Heat surrounded him with, he still has the same amount of championships as the family pet.
Dirk, meanwhile, was surrounded with what could be considered a collection of role players and castoffs. If that description sounds familiar, that would be because LeBron thought that was what Cleveland put around him. The Mavericks, unlike the 'Champions-In-Waiting' Heat, understood the concept of being a team, that no one player was bigger than everyone else. They all played hard. They fought for everything they got in the series and in the playoffs. And, on Miami's home court, they slapped the crown off of the self-appointed 'King'.
And so, LeBron is left without a title yet again. Only this time, the only person he can blame is looking back at him in the mirror.
This recently completed NBA Finals was a matchup of two superstars that had a reputation for choking when it mattered in Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron. In what was supposed to be a coronation for the Heat, it was Dirk who shook off the mantle of being a choker, and turned into a cold-blooded crunch time assassin. LeBron, meanwhile, has an APB put out on him, since his fourth quarter whereabouts are completely unknown.
The playoffs are where legacies are made, and reputations confirmed. The Finals cemented LeBron's legacy alright - that he is a passive choke artist without the heart and determination to force his team to victory. No longer can he claim that he did not have the talent around him, and that it was the fault of the Cavaliers that he never won a title. Even with the talent the Heat surrounded him with, he still has the same amount of championships as the family pet.
Dirk, meanwhile, was surrounded with what could be considered a collection of role players and castoffs. If that description sounds familiar, that would be because LeBron thought that was what Cleveland put around him. The Mavericks, unlike the 'Champions-In-Waiting' Heat, understood the concept of being a team, that no one player was bigger than everyone else. They all played hard. They fought for everything they got in the series and in the playoffs. And, on Miami's home court, they slapped the crown off of the self-appointed 'King'.
And so, LeBron is left without a title yet again. Only this time, the only person he can blame is looking back at him in the mirror.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Kris Humprey's $2Million Mistake - Part 2
When all you know how to be is a skank, cheating is part of the equation. After all, it is what skanks do.
As such, it is no surprise that the darling of the reality television world and skank extraordinaire Kim Kardashian was discovered to have cheated on her fiance Kris Humphries. Keeping with the Kardashian family tradition of collecting athletes, naturally she cheated on him with.....another athlete. Only this one is, if anything, more obscure than Kris Humphries.
Congratulations to New England Patriots backup safety Bret Lockett. Lockett is a third year player who was on the injured reserve all of the 2010 season with a chest injury, presumably from having Kardashian's fat ass sitting on it. Now, Lockett has become a name in the sports and entertainment world, for the fifteen minutes of fame he will be allowed. In addition to his new-found fame, Lockett has also won several venereal diseases, a placard on the Kardashian Athlete Sex Wall, and a lifetime of envy from those people that find her attractive.
Meanwhile, what is Kris Humphries to do? He just blew 5/8th of his yearly salary, right before the inevitable NBA lockout, on an engagement ring for someone that has been around the block so often that Jenna Jameson thinks she's a slut. He could break up with her, but there is no way he gets that money back, and, while Kardashian is a cow, she's a cash cow at that. By staying with her, he forever forfeits his man card, and will probably have the other members of the Nets getting her phone number. At least banging Kim Kardashian is an incentive for Deron Williams to stay with the Nets, right?
Anyone who is surprised by this needs to get their heads examined. After all, Kim Kardashian is all about herself.
As such, it is no surprise that the darling of the reality television world and skank extraordinaire Kim Kardashian was discovered to have cheated on her fiance Kris Humphries. Keeping with the Kardashian family tradition of collecting athletes, naturally she cheated on him with.....another athlete. Only this one is, if anything, more obscure than Kris Humphries.
Congratulations to New England Patriots backup safety Bret Lockett. Lockett is a third year player who was on the injured reserve all of the 2010 season with a chest injury, presumably from having Kardashian's fat ass sitting on it. Now, Lockett has become a name in the sports and entertainment world, for the fifteen minutes of fame he will be allowed. In addition to his new-found fame, Lockett has also won several venereal diseases, a placard on the Kardashian Athlete Sex Wall, and a lifetime of envy from those people that find her attractive.
Meanwhile, what is Kris Humphries to do? He just blew 5/8th of his yearly salary, right before the inevitable NBA lockout, on an engagement ring for someone that has been around the block so often that Jenna Jameson thinks she's a slut. He could break up with her, but there is no way he gets that money back, and, while Kardashian is a cow, she's a cash cow at that. By staying with her, he forever forfeits his man card, and will probably have the other members of the Nets getting her phone number. At least banging Kim Kardashian is an incentive for Deron Williams to stay with the Nets, right?
Anyone who is surprised by this needs to get their heads examined. After all, Kim Kardashian is all about herself.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Isiah Thomas Returns - Part Five?
Imagine for a moment that you own a business. In the past, this business had been rather successful, ranking near the top in it's respective field. However, the business has fallen upon hard times recently, and needs help to achieve it's former level of greatness. As such, you are looking for someone to lead the business back.
Amongst your candidates, there are people that have been successful in the type of business that you own, there is someone that has learned the position by working his way through the ranks, and then there is someone that destroyed the last four companies he has been a part of over the last ten years. Obviously, that last person is not someone you would seriously consider, right?
Unless, apparently, you happen to be the Detroit Pistons. Their present head coaching search is down to four people - Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson, Bill Laimbeer, and......Isiah Thomas. Yes, that Isiah Thomas. The same Isiah Thomas that managed to bankrupt the Continental Basketball Association two years after purchasing it. The Isiah Thomas that took a talented Pacers team that had just come off an NBA Finals appearance, yet was unable to get them past the first round. The same Isiah Thomas that ran the New York Knicks into the ground, both in the front office and as a coach - yet was almost brought back last year as an advisor. And yes, the same Isiah Thomas that is presently attempting to coach in college basketball without anything resembling success.
All of this does not take into account the various scandals that have marked his career either. From his attempts to freeze out Michael Jordan during the All-Star game, to his being sued for sexual harassment while with the Knicks, to his being hospitalized for an overdose of Lunesta (and trying to cover it up by claiming his daughter was the one getting the medical attention), to the Knicks having illegal workouts with draft prospects while he was in the front office, Thomas is toxic. Stay away at all costs.
We here at Mr. Dave's Sports Blog are aware that making fun of Isiah Thomas is roughly akin to beating up Helen Keller - too easy. Yet, despite his long list of failures, Thomas continually returns in the ranks of basketball. Either he has pictures of someone in the NBA that allow him to continue getting employment, or he is David Stern's version of the retarded kid that works at McDonald's washing dishes for $3.00 per hour. Nice to know that the NBA's favorite charity involves watching Thomas pretend to be a competent basketball coach/executive/towel boy while not having the capabilities to manage my cat.
So, Detroit, bring Isiah Thomas back as your coach at your own peril. Just expect failure at an epic level.
Amongst your candidates, there are people that have been successful in the type of business that you own, there is someone that has learned the position by working his way through the ranks, and then there is someone that destroyed the last four companies he has been a part of over the last ten years. Obviously, that last person is not someone you would seriously consider, right?
Unless, apparently, you happen to be the Detroit Pistons. Their present head coaching search is down to four people - Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson, Bill Laimbeer, and......Isiah Thomas. Yes, that Isiah Thomas. The same Isiah Thomas that managed to bankrupt the Continental Basketball Association two years after purchasing it. The Isiah Thomas that took a talented Pacers team that had just come off an NBA Finals appearance, yet was unable to get them past the first round. The same Isiah Thomas that ran the New York Knicks into the ground, both in the front office and as a coach - yet was almost brought back last year as an advisor. And yes, the same Isiah Thomas that is presently attempting to coach in college basketball without anything resembling success.
All of this does not take into account the various scandals that have marked his career either. From his attempts to freeze out Michael Jordan during the All-Star game, to his being sued for sexual harassment while with the Knicks, to his being hospitalized for an overdose of Lunesta (and trying to cover it up by claiming his daughter was the one getting the medical attention), to the Knicks having illegal workouts with draft prospects while he was in the front office, Thomas is toxic. Stay away at all costs.
We here at Mr. Dave's Sports Blog are aware that making fun of Isiah Thomas is roughly akin to beating up Helen Keller - too easy. Yet, despite his long list of failures, Thomas continually returns in the ranks of basketball. Either he has pictures of someone in the NBA that allow him to continue getting employment, or he is David Stern's version of the retarded kid that works at McDonald's washing dishes for $3.00 per hour. Nice to know that the NBA's favorite charity involves watching Thomas pretend to be a competent basketball coach/executive/towel boy while not having the capabilities to manage my cat.
So, Detroit, bring Isiah Thomas back as your coach at your own peril. Just expect failure at an epic level.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Michael Jordan - LeBron James Comparison
Recently, a lot has been made of comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan as players. From the eyeball test, where one can see that LeBron is almost capable of scoring at will, this seems like a solid comparison. However, one must ask if they are truly that similar. With LeBron, he is the entire package - capable of scoring, rebounding, and having a great eye for the passing lane. Jordan, meanwhile, is remembered mainly as a high-flying scorer, capable of dominating a game with his sheer offensive talent alone.
Delving into the statistics, we see that Jordan for his career had per game averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. These show that while the mental image of Jordan involves gravity defying dunks, or pushing off of Byron Russell to hit that series clinching shot in the 1998 NBA Finals, is not entirely accurate. In the modern era of the NBA, he is the all time leading scorer in points per game, but he was more than that. He was able to come up with the occasional rebound, and find the open man when double teamed. Also, his defense was rather underrated as well, as Jordan finished with 2.3 steals per game, good enough for third all-time.
Now, looking at LeBron, the numbers are fairly similar. His per game averages are 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Looking at steals, LeBron has 1.7 per game. While Jordan was more of a scorer than LeBron, LeBron is a greater facilitator than Jordan was, and has a bit more well-rounded game. Keep in mind that Jordan had the luxury of having another top 50 player of all-time with him for most of his career in Scottie Pippen, while LeBron may as well have had four guys from a YMCA adult basketball league on the floor with him until this past season.
So, the comparison to Jordan is not entirely accurate. As such, who would best fit as a comparable player to LeBron? Given that LeBron plays a bit of the point-forward role, perhaps the best person to look at is someone who filled a very similar role himself, although he was considered a point guard for most of his career. Magic Johnson essentially invented the point-forward position, as a 6'9" point guard who had an uncanny ability to find passing lanes, could rebound, and had the ability to score. Like LeBron, there was no one close to being what he was at the time, and was a bit of a physical freak for his time. Magic, over his career, averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game. There is a gap between Magic and LeBron in terms of points per game and assists per game, but Magic was asked to be more of a facilitator than a scorer on a team that also included James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Looking strictly at the total package of LeBron, and of Jordan and Magic, it would appear that Magic Johnson is the best comparison for LeBron James. LeBron gets a lot of recognition for his ability to score, but his well-rounded game should not be forgotten when evaluating who he is on the floor.
Delving into the statistics, we see that Jordan for his career had per game averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. These show that while the mental image of Jordan involves gravity defying dunks, or pushing off of Byron Russell to hit that series clinching shot in the 1998 NBA Finals, is not entirely accurate. In the modern era of the NBA, he is the all time leading scorer in points per game, but he was more than that. He was able to come up with the occasional rebound, and find the open man when double teamed. Also, his defense was rather underrated as well, as Jordan finished with 2.3 steals per game, good enough for third all-time.
Now, looking at LeBron, the numbers are fairly similar. His per game averages are 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Looking at steals, LeBron has 1.7 per game. While Jordan was more of a scorer than LeBron, LeBron is a greater facilitator than Jordan was, and has a bit more well-rounded game. Keep in mind that Jordan had the luxury of having another top 50 player of all-time with him for most of his career in Scottie Pippen, while LeBron may as well have had four guys from a YMCA adult basketball league on the floor with him until this past season.
So, the comparison to Jordan is not entirely accurate. As such, who would best fit as a comparable player to LeBron? Given that LeBron plays a bit of the point-forward role, perhaps the best person to look at is someone who filled a very similar role himself, although he was considered a point guard for most of his career. Magic Johnson essentially invented the point-forward position, as a 6'9" point guard who had an uncanny ability to find passing lanes, could rebound, and had the ability to score. Like LeBron, there was no one close to being what he was at the time, and was a bit of a physical freak for his time. Magic, over his career, averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game. There is a gap between Magic and LeBron in terms of points per game and assists per game, but Magic was asked to be more of a facilitator than a scorer on a team that also included James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Looking strictly at the total package of LeBron, and of Jordan and Magic, it would appear that Magic Johnson is the best comparison for LeBron James. LeBron gets a lot of recognition for his ability to score, but his well-rounded game should not be forgotten when evaluating who he is on the floor.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Kris Humprey's $2Million Mistake
Kris Humphries just became a name.
Humphries, a backup center on the Nets, had been dating Kim Kardashian, who is essentially famous for being famous. Now, for a scrub on a terrible team, this would seem like a strange relationship, as she is well-known and people within his family probably were unaware the Humphries played professional basketball in the United States. Then, one takes a look at her dating career, and realizes that she collects professional athletes the way other women collect those creepy china dolls or knick knacks. Actually, this seems to be a family trait, as her fat ugly sister married Lamar Odom (which shows that he has HORRIBLE taste) and Bruce Jenner is her step-father.
So, realizing that he will never get a cash cow like this, Humphries gave her a $2Million engagement ring. Yes, that is a '2' with six zeros after it. Considering that he makes $3.2Million per year as a player, he just spent 5/8 of his salary on that ring. Giving her a ring of that caliber is the equivalent of hanging the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt in an apartment in the Central Parkway neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Now, this is not about Kim Kardashian....actually, yes it is. The only real difference between her and a hooker is that hookers get paid for what they do. Kardashian has ZERO redeeming social value, and exists mainly to give females the wrong idea as to what they should be when they grow up. She is proof that a not-so-accidentally leaked sex tape can launch your career and make you a star - unless you happen to be Dustin Diamond. But that is more about no one wanting to see Screech naked than anything else.
So Kris, enjoy being married to this waste of oxygen. Just don't expect it to last long, or to walk away without a venereal disease of five. That $2Million would have been better spent if you had lit it on fire.
Humphries, a backup center on the Nets, had been dating Kim Kardashian, who is essentially famous for being famous. Now, for a scrub on a terrible team, this would seem like a strange relationship, as she is well-known and people within his family probably were unaware the Humphries played professional basketball in the United States. Then, one takes a look at her dating career, and realizes that she collects professional athletes the way other women collect those creepy china dolls or knick knacks. Actually, this seems to be a family trait, as her fat ugly sister married Lamar Odom (which shows that he has HORRIBLE taste) and Bruce Jenner is her step-father.
So, realizing that he will never get a cash cow like this, Humphries gave her a $2Million engagement ring. Yes, that is a '2' with six zeros after it. Considering that he makes $3.2Million per year as a player, he just spent 5/8 of his salary on that ring. Giving her a ring of that caliber is the equivalent of hanging the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt in an apartment in the Central Parkway neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Now, this is not about Kim Kardashian....actually, yes it is. The only real difference between her and a hooker is that hookers get paid for what they do. Kardashian has ZERO redeeming social value, and exists mainly to give females the wrong idea as to what they should be when they grow up. She is proof that a not-so-accidentally leaked sex tape can launch your career and make you a star - unless you happen to be Dustin Diamond. But that is more about no one wanting to see Screech naked than anything else.
So Kris, enjoy being married to this waste of oxygen. Just don't expect it to last long, or to walk away without a venereal disease of five. That $2Million would have been better spent if you had lit it on fire.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
How To Fix The NBA
The NBA has a serious image problem, even if they refuse to admit it to themselves. There are questions about the officials. There are questions about whether or not personal agendas get in the way of the game. Interpretations of the rules change depending on which players are involved. And through it all, David Stern refuses to see an issue, being so deep in denial that he may as well be in Egypt.
Fixing the image problem that the NBA has would be relatively simple. Here are the five things that need to be done to bring the NBA back to what it once was:
1. Get rid of the lottery system for determining picks. The lottery was initially put in to keep teams from tanking their season in order to get the top pick in the draft. However, since the inception of the lottery system, there have been questions as to whether or not it is rigged. In fact, one of the league's own general managers, David Khan, recently suggested such a thing. While there is supposedly a system in place for the amount of ping pong balls each team has, it is a complex algebraic equation. For the sake of transparency, do what every other league does - the worst team gets the top pick. If the league is that concerned about teams tanking their season, fine teams that intentionally throw games, or bring in a relegation system, such as in the English Premier League. That will stop this from happening.
2. Make the referees accountable. Far too often, one can look at which referees are officiating a game, and find the likely outcome for that night. Certain referees have a personal agenda, which they bring to the court with them. For instance, who can forget Joey Crawford tossing Tim Duncan from a game because he was laughing on the bench? Create a committee designed to watch the referees, and make sure that the game is played with the actual players determining the outcome. On a related note....
3. Call the game the same way for all the players. What would be called a foul when committed by Steve Blake would not be on Kobe Bryant. Likewise, if Kobe drives the lane and someone sneezes near him, it is going to be called a foul. If Steve Blake gets hit going for a lay-up, not going to be called. The referees have a very loose interpretation as to what is a foul and what is not, and the determining factor is typically the name on the back of the jersey. Eliminate this by either fining or suspending referees that do not call the game equally. Should this be a recurring problem with certain referees, then fire them. The officials should know the rulebook, and call the game according to the actual rules, not by which ones they feel like enforcing at that particular moment.
4. Get rid of owners that are destroying their teams. Major League Baseball has a clause that allows the commissioner to take over another team, or block a trade, if it is in the best interests of baseball. This was recently used by Bud Selig when he took over the Los Angeles Dodgers, essentially forcing Frank McCourt to the curb. In the NBA, there are several owners who, through either gross imcompentance or a desire for financial gain, do nothing to improve their teams. Owners such as Donald Sterling, the Maloof brothers, and James Dolan should be forced to sell their teams to people that are interested in making them competitive, instead of pocketing a few extra dollars.
5. David Stern needs to resign as commissioner. This is the biggest one. Stern has, for years, run the NBA as though it is his personal fiefdom, where the owners and players ask for his blessing to say and do anything. There is a common belief that Stern determines who will win and lose in the playoffs, most notably the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat were seemingly given their title over the Dallas Mavericks. He has a way of watching his league create storylines that rival those in professional wrestling. He is presiding over a league that is basically becoming a joke, and this is not what the NBA should be. Stern needs to go.
With those five changes, the NBA can once again be what it was back in it's golden age in the mid 1980's. All that is needed is for the league to admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, this will never happen.
Fixing the image problem that the NBA has would be relatively simple. Here are the five things that need to be done to bring the NBA back to what it once was:
1. Get rid of the lottery system for determining picks. The lottery was initially put in to keep teams from tanking their season in order to get the top pick in the draft. However, since the inception of the lottery system, there have been questions as to whether or not it is rigged. In fact, one of the league's own general managers, David Khan, recently suggested such a thing. While there is supposedly a system in place for the amount of ping pong balls each team has, it is a complex algebraic equation. For the sake of transparency, do what every other league does - the worst team gets the top pick. If the league is that concerned about teams tanking their season, fine teams that intentionally throw games, or bring in a relegation system, such as in the English Premier League. That will stop this from happening.
2. Make the referees accountable. Far too often, one can look at which referees are officiating a game, and find the likely outcome for that night. Certain referees have a personal agenda, which they bring to the court with them. For instance, who can forget Joey Crawford tossing Tim Duncan from a game because he was laughing on the bench? Create a committee designed to watch the referees, and make sure that the game is played with the actual players determining the outcome. On a related note....
3. Call the game the same way for all the players. What would be called a foul when committed by Steve Blake would not be on Kobe Bryant. Likewise, if Kobe drives the lane and someone sneezes near him, it is going to be called a foul. If Steve Blake gets hit going for a lay-up, not going to be called. The referees have a very loose interpretation as to what is a foul and what is not, and the determining factor is typically the name on the back of the jersey. Eliminate this by either fining or suspending referees that do not call the game equally. Should this be a recurring problem with certain referees, then fire them. The officials should know the rulebook, and call the game according to the actual rules, not by which ones they feel like enforcing at that particular moment.
4. Get rid of owners that are destroying their teams. Major League Baseball has a clause that allows the commissioner to take over another team, or block a trade, if it is in the best interests of baseball. This was recently used by Bud Selig when he took over the Los Angeles Dodgers, essentially forcing Frank McCourt to the curb. In the NBA, there are several owners who, through either gross imcompentance or a desire for financial gain, do nothing to improve their teams. Owners such as Donald Sterling, the Maloof brothers, and James Dolan should be forced to sell their teams to people that are interested in making them competitive, instead of pocketing a few extra dollars.
5. David Stern needs to resign as commissioner. This is the biggest one. Stern has, for years, run the NBA as though it is his personal fiefdom, where the owners and players ask for his blessing to say and do anything. There is a common belief that Stern determines who will win and lose in the playoffs, most notably the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat were seemingly given their title over the Dallas Mavericks. He has a way of watching his league create storylines that rival those in professional wrestling. He is presiding over a league that is basically becoming a joke, and this is not what the NBA should be. Stern needs to go.
With those five changes, the NBA can once again be what it was back in it's golden age in the mid 1980's. All that is needed is for the league to admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, this will never happen.
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