While I was just musing, Mr. Abbott at truehoop put in some serious thought about Josh Childress, so I present you with
Truehoop's view on how Euro basketball will help the NBA
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Allure of Overseas Basketball
I think the sudden impact that overseas teams are having on Free Agency is going to drastically alter the face of the NBA game for years to come. While it's only medium level players at the moment, the fact that club teams in europe are financially viable for big contracts to players indicates that the wind might be blowing differently soon.
Yes, players like Bostjan Nachbar, Carlos Delfino, and Anthony Parker are expected to get european offers due to their heritage or previous euro experience. However, Josh Childress getting a 3 year 20 million dollar offer from Olympiakos has to be seen as a new attempt to show they are as attractive a target as any NBA destination.
I think the main effect for the forseeable future is altering the way the mid level exception is handled. Sure NBA gm's continually screw up their MLE signees, but with teams like Olympiakos and Dynamo Moscow able to easily throw an offer out that's 10-20% more than the MLE, they are likely to take the players that might have originally gone for the MLE.
It's going to be very interested to see how this develops over the next few seasons and see if this trend continues. We'll see if they continue to target restricted free agents, since NBA teams can't just match the contract and keep their player in this situation. This might also have more teams offering extensions before it comes to restricted Free Agency.
Yes, players like Bostjan Nachbar, Carlos Delfino, and Anthony Parker are expected to get european offers due to their heritage or previous euro experience. However, Josh Childress getting a 3 year 20 million dollar offer from Olympiakos has to be seen as a new attempt to show they are as attractive a target as any NBA destination.
I think the main effect for the forseeable future is altering the way the mid level exception is handled. Sure NBA gm's continually screw up their MLE signees, but with teams like Olympiakos and Dynamo Moscow able to easily throw an offer out that's 10-20% more than the MLE, they are likely to take the players that might have originally gone for the MLE.
It's going to be very interested to see how this develops over the next few seasons and see if this trend continues. We'll see if they continue to target restricted free agents, since NBA teams can't just match the contract and keep their player in this situation. This might also have more teams offering extensions before it comes to restricted Free Agency.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Clippers Respond
By making the best trade of the Off-Season. How could the Nuggets not get more then this for a guy who's a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate?
You can argue that Brand is a better player, but for the money they make, you've gotta admit you're getting more bang for your buck with Camby (Camby makes about 7.5 million this season while Brand makes around 14). The Clipps should still have enough cap to go after another free agent.
The offense - defense combo of Camby & Kaman should be formidable. The Clippers may actually be better off in the long run for this one since you could argue Brand is now more of an injury risk then Camby.
It's going to be next to impossible for the Nuggets to make the playoffs next year. I don't see why they would possibly keep Melo after this, there's no way they can hang with the rest of the West with Nene as their banger.
You can argue that Brand is a better player, but for the money they make, you've gotta admit you're getting more bang for your buck with Camby (Camby makes about 7.5 million this season while Brand makes around 14). The Clipps should still have enough cap to go after another free agent.
The offense - defense combo of Camby & Kaman should be formidable. The Clippers may actually be better off in the long run for this one since you could argue Brand is now more of an injury risk then Camby.
It's going to be next to impossible for the Nuggets to make the playoffs next year. I don't see why they would possibly keep Melo after this, there's no way they can hang with the rest of the West with Nene as their banger.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Free Agents for the Prudent GM
Since thus far I've preached fiscal responsibility, I thought I'd provide some examples of free agents who I think are affordable, while being useful at the same time. We're not talking about stars here. We're talking about guys who can help out teams that are already in the hunt.
Conceivably, these are the guys who will give you a boost off the bench or at least keep you in the game. All you need them for is 15-20mpg, so why break the bank? For example, I like Michael Pietrus, but I don't 25 million for 4 years like him.
Here's the list,
Eddie House
Tony Allen
Yakhouba Diawara
Eduardo Najera
Juan Dixon
Walter Herrmann
Lindsey Hunter
Kelenna Azubuike
Matt Barnes
Shaun Livingston
Quinton Ross
Jason Williams
Ryan Gomes
Bostjan Nachbar
Bonzi Wells
Chris Andersen
Carlos Delfino
Roger Mason
Gordan Giricek
Darius Miles
P.S. It's not my fault if Gullible GM X overpays one of these guys.
Conceivably, these are the guys who will give you a boost off the bench or at least keep you in the game. All you need them for is 15-20mpg, so why break the bank? For example, I like Michael Pietrus, but I don't 25 million for 4 years like him.
Here's the list,
Eddie House
Tony Allen
Yakhouba Diawara
Eduardo Najera
Juan Dixon
Walter Herrmann
Lindsey Hunter
Kelenna Azubuike
Matt Barnes
Shaun Livingston
Quinton Ross
Jason Williams
Ryan Gomes
Bostjan Nachbar
Bonzi Wells
Chris Andersen
Carlos Delfino
Roger Mason
Gordan Giricek
Darius Miles
P.S. It's not my fault if Gullible GM X overpays one of these guys.
The Elton Brand Deal
Beyond the fact that he may or may not be a scumbag, the common perception is that the 76ers are now a contender in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers are certainly a player and as great as they should be defensively (few teams can trot out 2 guys who can protect the rim like Brand and Dalembert) the fact remains, they do not have a single player who can get them an easy shot in the half court set.
I think Brand is a very good player, but he's a guy who makes an impact defensively and is effective as a 2nd or 3rd option. His bread and butter is his jumper, but without Chris Kaman, defenders should be in his face more often. Andre Miller will help alleviate this situation, but the rumors are that he wants out.
Can the Sixers be better then a 3 seat in the East? I just don't see how this team scores more against the Boston, Detroit & San Antonios of the world. Thad Young could well be the most important player on this team next year.
If anything, at least this now makes things infinitely more interesting in the East. The Clipshow seem screwed, but if the Josh Smith/Okafor rumors are true, they could still end up in the playoffs.
I think Brand is a very good player, but he's a guy who makes an impact defensively and is effective as a 2nd or 3rd option. His bread and butter is his jumper, but without Chris Kaman, defenders should be in his face more often. Andre Miller will help alleviate this situation, but the rumors are that he wants out.
Can the Sixers be better then a 3 seat in the East? I just don't see how this team scores more against the Boston, Detroit & San Antonios of the world. Thad Young could well be the most important player on this team next year.
If anything, at least this now makes things infinitely more interesting in the East. The Clipshow seem screwed, but if the Josh Smith/Okafor rumors are true, they could still end up in the playoffs.
Wow that escalated quickly...
5 years 72.5 million for Andrew Bogut??? Really??? You're sure??? You've seen him play, right John Hammond?
I guess the Bucks had do attempt the dumbest thing possible to counteract stealing Richard Jefferson from the Nets. Has any team overpaid for mediocrity like the Bucks over the last couple years? Mo Williams 6 years 52 million, Charlie Bell 5 years 18.5 million, Bobby Simmons 5 years 47 million & Dan Gadzuric 6 years 36 million (well maybe the Warriors).
To say that Bogut is even a top 10 Center is a stretch. When someone signs a ridiculous contract, the "common logic" seems to be "well someone was going to give that money to him." I disagree in a lot of instances, including this one, but lets just pretend that a team was going to give this money to Bogut, couldn't you replace 80-90% of his numbers for 1/3 the price?
As much as I love James Posey, if someone gives him the full MLE for 5 years, I won't blame the Celtics for not matching the offer. I had really thought the league had started to curb the horrendous contracts and then Andrew Bogut blows the lid off the joint.
I guess the Bucks had do attempt the dumbest thing possible to counteract stealing Richard Jefferson from the Nets. Has any team overpaid for mediocrity like the Bucks over the last couple years? Mo Williams 6 years 52 million, Charlie Bell 5 years 18.5 million, Bobby Simmons 5 years 47 million & Dan Gadzuric 6 years 36 million (well maybe the Warriors).
To say that Bogut is even a top 10 Center is a stretch. When someone signs a ridiculous contract, the "common logic" seems to be "well someone was going to give that money to him." I disagree in a lot of instances, including this one, but lets just pretend that a team was going to give this money to Bogut, couldn't you replace 80-90% of his numbers for 1/3 the price?
As much as I love James Posey, if someone gives him the full MLE for 5 years, I won't blame the Celtics for not matching the offer. I had really thought the league had started to curb the horrendous contracts and then Andrew Bogut blows the lid off the joint.
Spite Part 2
Reports are in that Elton Brand will sign the the Philadelphia 76'ers.
To be perfectly honest, I never saw this one coming. I thought the move made by the Sixers to make a little bit more cap room was not that big of a deal. I thought it was a desperation move by Ed Stefanski that had little chance of success. Of course, this is the reason I am writing a blog, and not making moves for an NBA franchise. I am starting to love the roulette wheel that is this free agency period.
The Clips, Sixers, Hawks, and Warriors sent the four best free agents into the pool, and it is seriously going to affect the future of each of these franchises. Without Elton Brand, Baron Davis just signed into his own personal hell. I expect him to be moved by the end of the year for cap space.
Elton going to the Sixers may seem like a godsend to the Hawks, since the Sixers seemed to be the team most interested in making Josh Smith a very rich man. However, it seems obvious that the Clippers will now be using most of the money they intended for Brand to go to Josh Smith. Personally, I think Josh Smith playing for the Clippers with Baron Davis would most likely give Mike Dunleavy a stroke of epic proportions. Young lanky forwards do not thrive in clipperland. (Just ask Mr. Miles and Mr. Odom)
Maggette heading to the Warriors seems like Golden State is just trying to not come away with nothing. That being said, Maggette has made the playoffs once in 9 years. He's a great scorer, but he doesn't create shots for anyone else and he doesn't play defense. Come to think of it, maybe he's perfect in Golden States. Reportedly 5 years, 50 million.... god bless you Warriors, you sure know how you compete against yourself for free agents.
To be perfectly honest, I never saw this one coming. I thought the move made by the Sixers to make a little bit more cap room was not that big of a deal. I thought it was a desperation move by Ed Stefanski that had little chance of success. Of course, this is the reason I am writing a blog, and not making moves for an NBA franchise. I am starting to love the roulette wheel that is this free agency period.
The Clips, Sixers, Hawks, and Warriors sent the four best free agents into the pool, and it is seriously going to affect the future of each of these franchises. Without Elton Brand, Baron Davis just signed into his own personal hell. I expect him to be moved by the end of the year for cap space.
Elton going to the Sixers may seem like a godsend to the Hawks, since the Sixers seemed to be the team most interested in making Josh Smith a very rich man. However, it seems obvious that the Clippers will now be using most of the money they intended for Brand to go to Josh Smith. Personally, I think Josh Smith playing for the Clippers with Baron Davis would most likely give Mike Dunleavy a stroke of epic proportions. Young lanky forwards do not thrive in clipperland. (Just ask Mr. Miles and Mr. Odom)
Maggette heading to the Warriors seems like Golden State is just trying to not come away with nothing. That being said, Maggette has made the playoffs once in 9 years. He's a great scorer, but he doesn't create shots for anyone else and he doesn't play defense. Come to think of it, maybe he's perfect in Golden States. Reportedly 5 years, 50 million.... god bless you Warriors, you sure know how you compete against yourself for free agents.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A shot at spite
So Elton Brand doesn't seem likely to take the offer from the Warriors. Fine. If you're the Warriors you have to still try and spite the Clippers. They may not be able to do it through themselves, but they could become the best enablers.
Philadelphia has decided they want Brand. Trading Carney, Calvin Booth, and some draft pick compensation to the Wolves for that trade exception that the Wolves picked up in the Mark Blount trade means that suddenly Philly can match or exceed the offer that the Clips are making for Mr. Brand.
Now, if you're Golden State, how do you not try and pick up one of Philly's contracts so that they can offer MORE than the Clippers. If you can't get Brand, at least make sure your enemy doesn't get him.
95% of basketball fans at some point dream of being a GM at some point. But for me, it would be so that I could spite my enemies as much as build a championship team.
Philadelphia has decided they want Brand. Trading Carney, Calvin Booth, and some draft pick compensation to the Wolves for that trade exception that the Wolves picked up in the Mark Blount trade means that suddenly Philly can match or exceed the offer that the Clips are making for Mr. Brand.
Now, if you're Golden State, how do you not try and pick up one of Philly's contracts so that they can offer MORE than the Clippers. If you can't get Brand, at least make sure your enemy doesn't get him.
95% of basketball fans at some point dream of being a GM at some point. But for me, it would be so that I could spite my enemies as much as build a championship team.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Paralels of Shaq & LeBron
I don't mean to Harp on the LeBron thing (OK, maybe just a little), but I was looking around the phenomenal time killer that is the SI Vault and stumbled on some articles from 1996 about Shaquille O'Neal. When you think about it Shaq is the best comparison for what is about to happen with LeBron James.
I was only 12 at the time, so I had no idea that most people were convinced that Shaq was staying in Orlando. It wasn't until after the Bulls swept the Magic in the playoffs that people started to believe Shaq was heading for LA.
Shaquille O'Neal is among a host of Free Agents who could vanish from their teams
Gored By The Bulls
It Would Be Fabulous at Forum, but Don't Count On Shaquille
All that we can hope for is that LeBron starts freestyling in the next 2 years.
I was only 12 at the time, so I had no idea that most people were convinced that Shaq was staying in Orlando. It wasn't until after the Bulls swept the Magic in the playoffs that people started to believe Shaq was heading for LA.
Shaquille O'Neal is among a host of Free Agents who could vanish from their teams
Gored By The Bulls
It Would Be Fabulous at Forum, but Don't Count On Shaquille
All that we can hope for is that LeBron starts freestyling in the next 2 years.
The Recent History of the Mid-Level Exception
With Beno Udrih & Desagana Diop signing for the Mid-Level exception, let's take a look at the recent history (going back to 2004) of players who've signed for the MLE (or close to it).
Group 1: Great signings
Raja Bell, to the Suns in 2005, 5 years 24 million
James Posey, to the Celtics in 2007, 1 year 4 million (there was a player option for a 2nd that Posey did not exercise)
Antonio McDyess, to the Pistons in 2004, 4 years 23 million
Hedo Turkoglu, to the Magic in 2004, 6 years 38 million (though this probably would have been looked at as a bad signing as recently as last year)
Group 2: Useful Pieces
Luke Walton resigns the Lakers in 2007 for 5 years 30 million (they were basically matching the MLE offers he was receiving)
Jason Kapono, to the Raptors in 2007 for 4 years 24 million
Kyle Korver resigns with the 76ers for 6 years 27 million (similar situation as Walton)
Morris Peterson, to the Hornets in 2007 for 4 years 23 million
Group 3: Not bad, but not good either
Brent Barry, to the Spurs in 2004 for 4 years 22 million
Etan Thomas resigns with the 76ers for 6 years 38 million
Reggie Evans resigns with the Nuggets for 5 years 24 million (would have been terrible up until he helped the sixers in their playoff run)
Group 4: Absolute Disasters
Mikki Moore, to the Kings in 2007, 3 years 18 million
Matt Carroll, resigns with the Bobcats in 2006, 6 years 27 million
Mike James, to the T'Wolves in 2006, 4 years 25 million
Nazr Mohammed, to the Pistons in 2006, 5 years 25 million
Vladimir Radmanovic, to the Lakers in 2006, 5 years 30 million
Tim Thomas, to the Clippers in 2006, 4 years 24 million
Donyell Marshall, to the Cavs in 2004, 4 years 22 million
Shareef Abdur Rahim, to the Kings in 2005, 4 years 23 million
Stromile Swift, to the Rockets in 2005, 4 years 22 million
Earl Watson, to the Nuggets in 2005, 5 years 29 million
Brian Cardinal, to the Grizzlies in 2004, 6 years 39 million
Mark Blount resigns with the Celtics in 2004 6 years 40 million
Adonal Foyle resigns with the Warriors in 2004, 6 years 42 million
(If I've missed anyone, please let me know, NBA salary information in shockingly difficult to come by)
The lesson would seemingly be, that it is much wiser to spend your MLE on 2 or more players. Players who typically get the full MLE are players who are coming off a good year, playoff run or even just potential.
I'm not saying these are all bad players, GMs either got in a bidding war (sometimes with themselves) and ended up overpaying for the players services.
So the question this off-season is are guys like James Posey, Josh Childress, Corey Magette & Sasha Vujacic worth your teams full MLE?
Group 1: Great signings
Raja Bell, to the Suns in 2005, 5 years 24 million
James Posey, to the Celtics in 2007, 1 year 4 million (there was a player option for a 2nd that Posey did not exercise)
Antonio McDyess, to the Pistons in 2004, 4 years 23 million
Hedo Turkoglu, to the Magic in 2004, 6 years 38 million (though this probably would have been looked at as a bad signing as recently as last year)
Group 2: Useful Pieces
Luke Walton resigns the Lakers in 2007 for 5 years 30 million (they were basically matching the MLE offers he was receiving)
Jason Kapono, to the Raptors in 2007 for 4 years 24 million
Kyle Korver resigns with the 76ers for 6 years 27 million (similar situation as Walton)
Morris Peterson, to the Hornets in 2007 for 4 years 23 million
Group 3: Not bad, but not good either
Brent Barry, to the Spurs in 2004 for 4 years 22 million
Etan Thomas resigns with the 76ers for 6 years 38 million
Reggie Evans resigns with the Nuggets for 5 years 24 million (would have been terrible up until he helped the sixers in their playoff run)
Group 4: Absolute Disasters
Mikki Moore, to the Kings in 2007, 3 years 18 million
Matt Carroll, resigns with the Bobcats in 2006, 6 years 27 million
Mike James, to the T'Wolves in 2006, 4 years 25 million
Nazr Mohammed, to the Pistons in 2006, 5 years 25 million
Vladimir Radmanovic, to the Lakers in 2006, 5 years 30 million
Tim Thomas, to the Clippers in 2006, 4 years 24 million
Donyell Marshall, to the Cavs in 2004, 4 years 22 million
Shareef Abdur Rahim, to the Kings in 2005, 4 years 23 million
Stromile Swift, to the Rockets in 2005, 4 years 22 million
Earl Watson, to the Nuggets in 2005, 5 years 29 million
Brian Cardinal, to the Grizzlies in 2004, 6 years 39 million
Mark Blount resigns with the Celtics in 2004 6 years 40 million
Adonal Foyle resigns with the Warriors in 2004, 6 years 42 million
(If I've missed anyone, please let me know, NBA salary information in shockingly difficult to come by)
The lesson would seemingly be, that it is much wiser to spend your MLE on 2 or more players. Players who typically get the full MLE are players who are coming off a good year, playoff run or even just potential.
I'm not saying these are all bad players, GMs either got in a bidding war (sometimes with themselves) and ended up overpaying for the players services.
So the question this off-season is are guys like James Posey, Josh Childress, Corey Magette & Sasha Vujacic worth your teams full MLE?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
R.I.P. Seattle Supersonics
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008030229_sonitrial02.html
Not sure who's the biggest D-Bag in this situation, David Stern, Clay Bennett or the city officials who took this deal.
Not sure who's the biggest D-Bag in this situation, David Stern, Clay Bennett or the city officials who took this deal.
FA Day 1: Thoughts
It's now been slightly more than 24 hours since teams were allowed to speak with Free Agents. While next years cap is not yet set, and official contracts can't be signed until the 9'th, there are still verbal agreements that we can analyze.
1. Baron Davis - Clippers 5 years/65 million
Well, I have to give Donald Sterling credit for a change. By letting Maggette go he's going to be able to sign the Baron, and then resign Brand. I have to admit it's a bold move for a team that was absolutely atrocious last year.
2. Jose Calderon - Raptors unknown/unknown
If I was guessing, I am expecting Calderon to get a deal very similar to what Ford had in a 4 year, 32 million contract. As a raps fan, I couldn't be happier. Well, unless I get lucky and it's actually 5 years 40 million! The Calderon era is going to be a golden time. Getting a verbal agreement with Roko Ukic to come back up Jose is fantastic too.
3. Beno Udrih - Kings 5 years/33 million
This sum is not fully known as of now, since the MLE has not been determined. That being said, HAHAHAHAHAAHAH! The Maloofs have this compulsion to spend their full Mid Level Exception every year on a fringe starter. Mikki Moore, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, John Salmons and now Udrih make this the ultimate MLE team. I'd just like to point out a few recent point guard signings with similar contracts. Marko Jaric, Marcus Banks, Earl Watson. Good luck Kings fans. This has not been a great offseason for you so far. (and that was before Artest said he wished he had opted out)
4. Chris Paul - Hornets 3-5 years/max
No kidding. Shocked!
5. Josh Smith - Sixers 5 years/55 million
Being restricted, obviously there's the chance that mess in Atlanta will do the right thing and match the supposed offer that will come from the Sixers. Personally, I like the thought of Philly doing this, then when Atlanta matches, making a solid offer to Childress. Atlanta can't match both.
1. Baron Davis - Clippers 5 years/65 million
Well, I have to give Donald Sterling credit for a change. By letting Maggette go he's going to be able to sign the Baron, and then resign Brand. I have to admit it's a bold move for a team that was absolutely atrocious last year.
2. Jose Calderon - Raptors unknown/unknown
If I was guessing, I am expecting Calderon to get a deal very similar to what Ford had in a 4 year, 32 million contract. As a raps fan, I couldn't be happier. Well, unless I get lucky and it's actually 5 years 40 million! The Calderon era is going to be a golden time. Getting a verbal agreement with Roko Ukic to come back up Jose is fantastic too.
3. Beno Udrih - Kings 5 years/33 million
This sum is not fully known as of now, since the MLE has not been determined. That being said, HAHAHAHAHAAHAH! The Maloofs have this compulsion to spend their full Mid Level Exception every year on a fringe starter. Mikki Moore, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, John Salmons and now Udrih make this the ultimate MLE team. I'd just like to point out a few recent point guard signings with similar contracts. Marko Jaric, Marcus Banks, Earl Watson. Good luck Kings fans. This has not been a great offseason for you so far. (and that was before Artest said he wished he had opted out)
4. Chris Paul - Hornets 3-5 years/max
No kidding. Shocked!
5. Josh Smith - Sixers 5 years/55 million
Being restricted, obviously there's the chance that mess in Atlanta will do the right thing and match the supposed offer that will come from the Sixers. Personally, I like the thought of Philly doing this, then when Atlanta matches, making a solid offer to Childress. Atlanta can't match both.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The 5 Stages of Grief for Cavaliers Fans
Stage 1: Denial
No way LeBron is leaving in 2010. So what if his endorsement deals double if he goes to New York. He's from Akron! He loves it here!
He has the privilege of playing with Ben Wallace, Anderson Varejao, Wally Szcerbiak, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Daniel Gibson, Sasha Pavlovic & Joe Smith (provided we haven't had a game the night before). No way the Knicks or Nets can do better then that. It doesn't matter that he's friends with Jay-Z or that he could open himself up to a global market by being Yi's teammate, he's FROM Cleveland. So just drop it, NEVER going to happen. I mentioned he's FROM Cleveland right?
Stage 2: Anger
I can't believe these uneducated idiots on ESPN are saying LeBron is going to leave his hometown and go to shitsville NYC or Brooklyn.
Why would he say that New York is his favorite city in the country? I bet he's just leading the incompetent gullible media on, thats all.
The only time ESPN even mentions him is to talk out of their asses and say he's going to leave. Why don't they ever show highlights of Cavs games? Why don't they ever show his super cool and completely original pre-game routine when he throws the powder on his hands!
The Media gives LeBron no love, and he doesn't get any calls from those corrupt officials either. I'm going to go post on the ESPN comment pages how stupid everyone is for not giving King James his due respect even if the original article has absolutely nothing to do with the Cavaliers or LeBron, that'll show those fucktards.
Stage 3: Bargaining
Listen God, I'll do anything, just tell me what I have to do. Take C.C. Sabathia from us, go ahead, we don't even need anything in return. The Browns can miss the playoffs again, so long as they finish in front of the Bengals.
Maybe if I kill Jay-Z that'll end all of this. That's probably too far... There's gotta be an easier way. Wait, wait....I got it! We can kidnap Beyonce and send Jay-Z her nipple or something. We've just gotta find a place to stash her for the rest of LeBron's career. We'll put her in downtown Cleveland, there's nothing there anyway.
Alright fine, just let us win a championship before he goes God. HAVE YOU NO MERCY??? I CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE OF THIS. I CAN'T TAKE THE WAITING GOD, I CAN'T GO THROUGH ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF THIS. FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST PLEASE JUST END MY SUFFERING.
Stage 4: Depression
Why do I even bother being a sports fan. No matter where I turn in this god forsaken city all I see is another soul sucking pathetic excuse for a professional sports team.
Who am I kidding there's nothing to do here other then watch television, why would LeBron want to stay. The Cavs are going to leave town and theres nothing we can do about it. They'll probably win a championship within a couple years like the Browns did. This city is cursed. If there were any tall buildings here, I'd jump off one.
Stage 5: Acceptance
We were lucky to get LeBron in the first place. We survived Byner's fumble, the 97 World Series and MJ's shot on Ehlo, we can get through this.
Maybe LeBron will leave via a sign and trade and we'll get some nice assets out of this. Not to mention, we have a ton of cap space in 2010, so maybe we can sign Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade. Plus, the Indians have a bunch of young guys and will definitely have pulled one out by then.
Best of all with LeBron gone, I'll have all the hotties in Cleveland all to myself again.
No way LeBron is leaving in 2010. So what if his endorsement deals double if he goes to New York. He's from Akron! He loves it here!
He has the privilege of playing with Ben Wallace, Anderson Varejao, Wally Szcerbiak, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Daniel Gibson, Sasha Pavlovic & Joe Smith (provided we haven't had a game the night before). No way the Knicks or Nets can do better then that. It doesn't matter that he's friends with Jay-Z or that he could open himself up to a global market by being Yi's teammate, he's FROM Cleveland. So just drop it, NEVER going to happen. I mentioned he's FROM Cleveland right?
Stage 2: Anger
I can't believe these uneducated idiots on ESPN are saying LeBron is going to leave his hometown and go to shitsville NYC or Brooklyn.
Why would he say that New York is his favorite city in the country? I bet he's just leading the incompetent gullible media on, thats all.
The only time ESPN even mentions him is to talk out of their asses and say he's going to leave. Why don't they ever show highlights of Cavs games? Why don't they ever show his super cool and completely original pre-game routine when he throws the powder on his hands!
The Media gives LeBron no love, and he doesn't get any calls from those corrupt officials either. I'm going to go post on the ESPN comment pages how stupid everyone is for not giving King James his due respect even if the original article has absolutely nothing to do with the Cavaliers or LeBron, that'll show those fucktards.
Stage 3: Bargaining
Listen God, I'll do anything, just tell me what I have to do. Take C.C. Sabathia from us, go ahead, we don't even need anything in return. The Browns can miss the playoffs again, so long as they finish in front of the Bengals.
Maybe if I kill Jay-Z that'll end all of this. That's probably too far... There's gotta be an easier way. Wait, wait....I got it! We can kidnap Beyonce and send Jay-Z her nipple or something. We've just gotta find a place to stash her for the rest of LeBron's career. We'll put her in downtown Cleveland, there's nothing there anyway.
Alright fine, just let us win a championship before he goes God. HAVE YOU NO MERCY??? I CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE OF THIS. I CAN'T TAKE THE WAITING GOD, I CAN'T GO THROUGH ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF THIS. FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST PLEASE JUST END MY SUFFERING.
Stage 4: Depression
Why do I even bother being a sports fan. No matter where I turn in this god forsaken city all I see is another soul sucking pathetic excuse for a professional sports team.
Who am I kidding there's nothing to do here other then watch television, why would LeBron want to stay. The Cavs are going to leave town and theres nothing we can do about it. They'll probably win a championship within a couple years like the Browns did. This city is cursed. If there were any tall buildings here, I'd jump off one.
Stage 5: Acceptance
We were lucky to get LeBron in the first place. We survived Byner's fumble, the 97 World Series and MJ's shot on Ehlo, we can get through this.
Maybe LeBron will leave via a sign and trade and we'll get some nice assets out of this. Not to mention, we have a ton of cap space in 2010, so maybe we can sign Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade. Plus, the Indians have a bunch of young guys and will definitely have pulled one out by then.
Best of all with LeBron gone, I'll have all the hotties in Cleveland all to myself again.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
We Are All Witnesses....
...To a complete jackass.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/200a8/06/29/bryant_isnt_flagging/
To be fair, figuring out how you're going to spin murdering basketball in Cleveland has got to be time consuming.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/200a8/06/29/bryant_isnt_flagging/
To be fair, figuring out how you're going to spin murdering basketball in Cleveland has got to be time consuming.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Looking at the Draft Day Deals
What separates the NBA from the other professional sports is the perception that anyone can be traded at any time. You could argue that the same occurs in Baseball, but oftentimes when a star is traded, prospects are going the other way. You have to be a pretty dedicated fan to know what prospects are within your favorite team's system, let alone in every other teams. It takes too much work to evaluate a baseball trade, but then again I am really lazy.
After the flurry of trades from last off-season and this past season, there could be a good amount of trades coming at us this off-season. Before I speculate about trades that will never happen, lets take a look at the trades that did go down on Thursday.
The Bucks send Yi Jianlian & Bobby Simmons to the Nets for Richard Jefferson.
I'm still clueless as to how the Nets couldn't secure a the #8 pick in this deal, or a future 1st, or at least the right to swap picks at some point with the Bucks. RJ was one of the better players in the league last year, and you've got to think the Nets undersold him. I'm also disappointed Mike D'Antoni isn't the coach of the Bucks, they'd be obscenely fun to watch now.
On the other side, I only watched Yi a handful of times last year, but looking at his splits he severely declined as the season progressed and its not as if he was going nuts in the first place. I suppose that he may have been miserable in Milwaukee and now that he's playing in one of his "preferred markets" that he could take steps in the right direction.
Along with the cap room angle, I feel like the Nets now have another major selling point to lure LeBron in 2010. Being Yi Jianlian's teammate from a financial standpoint can't be a bad thing. Just look back to how McGrady's jersey sold once he became Yao's teammate. If LeBron really wants to be the richest man in the world, getting his foot in the door in the Chinese market is a step in the right direction.
The Biggest loser in all of this is Cleveland (even beyond the LeBron angle). If the rumors that were being tossed around are correct, they were relatively close to getting Michael Redd from the Bucks and I don't see how that could possibly happen now that the Bucks could conceivably make a run at the playoffs.
Advantage: Bucks (unless LeBron signs with the Nets in 2 years)
The Grizzlies send Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal & Jason Collins to the Timberwolves for OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker & Greg Buckner.
Yesterday I posted a link that had comments from T'Wolves fans that were livid over this trade. They have just got to be used to complaining at this point, because I love this deal for the Wolves. No way in hell that OJ Mayo was excited to play in Minnesota. Even if he did show up, Foye, McCants & Jaric all are similar players anyway.
Not only did the wolves pick up an underrated player in Mike Miller, but they also ditch Jaric's terrible contract. Outside of Corey Brewer, the Wolves are horrific defensively, but they should be entertaining offensively. So long as Love doesn't put on weight in preparation for a cold winter, I don't see how they loose in this deal.
Outside of using Mayo to bait Pat Reily into dealing Beasley, I don't get this at all for the Grizzlies. They're a team who's trying to cut costs, but talking Jaric isn't helping. Mayo isn't that much more talented then Love to justify this. I'm just glad Chris Wallace isn't screwing up some other team now.
Advantage: Wolves
The Blazers send Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts to the Pacers for Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu.
TJ Ford has got to be excited to play with another Point Guard who he may or may not be better then. Brandon Rush is going to be a fantastic 4rth/5th wheel for a good team. I don't understand some teams rationale for drafting projects with a 5% chance of turning out well over solid rotation guys like Rush (I'm looking in the Bobcats & Kings general direction).
The Blazers probably could have gotten more for Zach Randolph last year, but other then that any other move they've made is seemingly favorable. The typical rookie struggles that a Point Guard goes through should be lessened for Bayless since Brandon Roy can bring the ball up the floor. While he learns to run the offense, he can just concentrate on being a shooter as Roy sets up the offense (at least thats the route I'd go). Diogu should also be a nice lift off the bench as well.
Advantage: Blazers
The Pacers send Jermaine O'Neal & Nathan Jawai to the Raptors for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Roy Hibbert & Maceo Baston.
Knowing that they could have gotten Gerald Wallace for Ford, I'd think the Raptors would have gone for that deal before this one and then had Rasho's contract to move at the deadline, but this is still a decent deal for them. O'Neal was obviously miserable and should come back and play well for the Raptors, so long as he's not injured.
The problem with the deal is that O'Neal is an overrated rebounder. I used to watch Antoine freaking Walker muscle him around under the hoop for rebounds. Either O'Neal or Bosh have to step up on the glass and given both of their demeanors, I'm less then optimistic.
It's hard to evaluate this for the Pacers because they're so hopelessly screwed right now. Ford is one of the few legit Point Guards in the league, but he's also shown he can be a malcontent. I'd be hard pressed to tell you that they could have gotten more for JO though, so this has got to be seen as at least a partial win for them. The fact that they got a 1st round pick in addition to Ford is amazing.
Advantage: Raptors (addition by subtraction)
After the flurry of trades from last off-season and this past season, there could be a good amount of trades coming at us this off-season. Before I speculate about trades that will never happen, lets take a look at the trades that did go down on Thursday.
The Bucks send Yi Jianlian & Bobby Simmons to the Nets for Richard Jefferson.
I'm still clueless as to how the Nets couldn't secure a the #8 pick in this deal, or a future 1st, or at least the right to swap picks at some point with the Bucks. RJ was one of the better players in the league last year, and you've got to think the Nets undersold him. I'm also disappointed Mike D'Antoni isn't the coach of the Bucks, they'd be obscenely fun to watch now.
On the other side, I only watched Yi a handful of times last year, but looking at his splits he severely declined as the season progressed and its not as if he was going nuts in the first place. I suppose that he may have been miserable in Milwaukee and now that he's playing in one of his "preferred markets" that he could take steps in the right direction.
Along with the cap room angle, I feel like the Nets now have another major selling point to lure LeBron in 2010. Being Yi Jianlian's teammate from a financial standpoint can't be a bad thing. Just look back to how McGrady's jersey sold once he became Yao's teammate. If LeBron really wants to be the richest man in the world, getting his foot in the door in the Chinese market is a step in the right direction.
The Biggest loser in all of this is Cleveland (even beyond the LeBron angle). If the rumors that were being tossed around are correct, they were relatively close to getting Michael Redd from the Bucks and I don't see how that could possibly happen now that the Bucks could conceivably make a run at the playoffs.
Advantage: Bucks (unless LeBron signs with the Nets in 2 years)
The Grizzlies send Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal & Jason Collins to the Timberwolves for OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker & Greg Buckner.
Yesterday I posted a link that had comments from T'Wolves fans that were livid over this trade. They have just got to be used to complaining at this point, because I love this deal for the Wolves. No way in hell that OJ Mayo was excited to play in Minnesota. Even if he did show up, Foye, McCants & Jaric all are similar players anyway.
Not only did the wolves pick up an underrated player in Mike Miller, but they also ditch Jaric's terrible contract. Outside of Corey Brewer, the Wolves are horrific defensively, but they should be entertaining offensively. So long as Love doesn't put on weight in preparation for a cold winter, I don't see how they loose in this deal.
Outside of using Mayo to bait Pat Reily into dealing Beasley, I don't get this at all for the Grizzlies. They're a team who's trying to cut costs, but talking Jaric isn't helping. Mayo isn't that much more talented then Love to justify this. I'm just glad Chris Wallace isn't screwing up some other team now.
Advantage: Wolves
The Blazers send Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts to the Pacers for Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu.
TJ Ford has got to be excited to play with another Point Guard who he may or may not be better then. Brandon Rush is going to be a fantastic 4rth/5th wheel for a good team. I don't understand some teams rationale for drafting projects with a 5% chance of turning out well over solid rotation guys like Rush (I'm looking in the Bobcats & Kings general direction).
The Blazers probably could have gotten more for Zach Randolph last year, but other then that any other move they've made is seemingly favorable. The typical rookie struggles that a Point Guard goes through should be lessened for Bayless since Brandon Roy can bring the ball up the floor. While he learns to run the offense, he can just concentrate on being a shooter as Roy sets up the offense (at least thats the route I'd go). Diogu should also be a nice lift off the bench as well.
Advantage: Blazers
The Pacers send Jermaine O'Neal & Nathan Jawai to the Raptors for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Roy Hibbert & Maceo Baston.
Knowing that they could have gotten Gerald Wallace for Ford, I'd think the Raptors would have gone for that deal before this one and then had Rasho's contract to move at the deadline, but this is still a decent deal for them. O'Neal was obviously miserable and should come back and play well for the Raptors, so long as he's not injured.
The problem with the deal is that O'Neal is an overrated rebounder. I used to watch Antoine freaking Walker muscle him around under the hoop for rebounds. Either O'Neal or Bosh have to step up on the glass and given both of their demeanors, I'm less then optimistic.
It's hard to evaluate this for the Pacers because they're so hopelessly screwed right now. Ford is one of the few legit Point Guards in the league, but he's also shown he can be a malcontent. I'd be hard pressed to tell you that they could have gotten more for JO though, so this has got to be seen as at least a partial win for them. The fact that they got a 1st round pick in addition to Ford is amazing.
Advantage: Raptors (addition by subtraction)
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Day After Yesterday Links
- The T'Wolves fans are less than psyched today. Apparently T'Wolves fans call Kevin McHale, "McFail." I'm eternally greatful to Mr. McHale, but I'll now be incorporating this nickname into my daily life whenever talking about the GM stage of his life.
- Kings fans love Jason Thompson.
- The Charlotte Bobcats have a blog???
- The six Asians in Milwaukee are bummed.
- Heat fans are diving headfirst into the Mike Beasley era.
- Sam Presti is not a fan of 2nd rounders.
- Blazers fans are going to be insufferable in about 3 years.
- Kings fans love Jason Thompson.
- The Charlotte Bobcats have a blog???
- The six Asians in Milwaukee are bummed.
- Heat fans are diving headfirst into the Mike Beasley era.
- Sam Presti is not a fan of 2nd rounders.
- Blazers fans are going to be insufferable in about 3 years.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
ALLRIGHT
We get it Portland, you're going to be really really good.
C- Oden
PF - Aldridge
SF- Outlaw
SG- Roy
PG- Blake
C- Pryzbilla
PF- Frye
PF- Diogu
SF- Webster
SG- Fernadez
PG- Bayless
PG- Rodriguez
F/C- Dorsey
Along with 10+ million in expiring in the form of Raef LaFrentz and whatever other foreigners Paul Allen bought. Re-fucking-diculous.
Note to Laker Laker fans who are penciling yourselves in for the next 5 championships, look at that freaking roster, know that they can make a major move for a star PG or wing with Raef's expiring or just sit on it and have more then enough for a max contract next off-season. 3 months is more then enough for the rest of Kobe's teammates to remember he's a total prick.
C- Oden
PF - Aldridge
SF- Outlaw
SG- Roy
PG- Blake
C- Pryzbilla
PF- Frye
PF- Diogu
SF- Webster
SG- Fernadez
PG- Bayless
PG- Rodriguez
F/C- Dorsey
Along with 10+ million in expiring in the form of Raef LaFrentz and whatever other foreigners Paul Allen bought. Re-fucking-diculous.
Note to Laker Laker fans who are penciling yourselves in for the next 5 championships, look at that freaking roster, know that they can make a major move for a star PG or wing with Raef's expiring or just sit on it and have more then enough for a max contract next off-season. 3 months is more then enough for the rest of Kobe's teammates to remember he's a total prick.
Draft Thoughts (11-20)
Pick # 11, the Pacers select Jerryd Bayless
The Ginn: Man, this is AWESOME, because TJ is gonna be angry because Bayless will be stealing his minutes. Does Stephen A have to ask every guard if he's really a point guard?
Pick # 12, the Kings select Jason Thompson
The Mighty Horse: What what in the what what?
TG: I think Bilas just tied the record for the most times saying the word "Solid"
Pick # 13, the Blazers select Brandon Rush
TG: Just what they need, another Brandon.
Pick # 14, the Warriors select Anthony Randolph
TMH: He looks like he should be wearing suspenders with a trapper keeper under his arm.
TG: I love that the Warriors have every single freaking player up for FA. The last time the Warriors went with potential, it was Patrick O'Bryant how'd that work out?
TMH: He's still hoping Nellie decides to dress him. Chris Mullin is hilarious, I think he's drunk through the 1st round and sobers up in time for the 2nd round. Thats the only explanation.
TMH: I just realized something, GS has now drafted guys who are 6'10 and under 200lbs in consecutive years, well played Mullin, well played.
Pick # 15, the Suns select Robin Lopez
TMH: Best. Shaq sidekick. EVER.
Pick # 16, the 76ers select Marresse Speights
TG: He reminds me of the college player who can dominate someone smaller than him because he's bored, but put him up against real competition and he's going to cave.
Pick # 17, the Pacers select Roy Hibbert
TMH: The Wizards had better take Arthur, we don't need LeBron having any talented teammates.
Pick # 18, the Wizards select JaVale McGee
TG: I really like JaVale except for his eyebrows... he needs to clean those up
TMH: Has espn hit the quota of WNBA mentions yet?
TG: No, you need 1/13.4 minutes
Pick # 19, the Cavs select, JJ Hickson
TMH: Thank God.
TG: I love how much Vitale hates Euro players.
TMH: Vitale hearts diversity. I think he just said "Darko" 30 times in that rant.
Pick #20, the Bobcats selects, Alexis Ajinca
TMH: Michael Jordan remembers that he hired Larry Brown right?
TMH: I'm smart enough to know when I can't make anymore comments on the rest of the players in the first round. On the plus side, I'm 90% sure I studied more tape on this draft then Michael Jordan did.
The Ginn: Man, this is AWESOME, because TJ is gonna be angry because Bayless will be stealing his minutes. Does Stephen A have to ask every guard if he's really a point guard?
Pick # 12, the Kings select Jason Thompson
The Mighty Horse: What what in the what what?
TG: I think Bilas just tied the record for the most times saying the word "Solid"
Pick # 13, the Blazers select Brandon Rush
TG: Just what they need, another Brandon.
Pick # 14, the Warriors select Anthony Randolph
TMH: He looks like he should be wearing suspenders with a trapper keeper under his arm.
TG: I love that the Warriors have every single freaking player up for FA. The last time the Warriors went with potential, it was Patrick O'Bryant how'd that work out?
TMH: He's still hoping Nellie decides to dress him. Chris Mullin is hilarious, I think he's drunk through the 1st round and sobers up in time for the 2nd round. Thats the only explanation.
TMH: I just realized something, GS has now drafted guys who are 6'10 and under 200lbs in consecutive years, well played Mullin, well played.
Pick # 15, the Suns select Robin Lopez
TMH: Best. Shaq sidekick. EVER.
Pick # 16, the 76ers select Marresse Speights
TG: He reminds me of the college player who can dominate someone smaller than him because he's bored, but put him up against real competition and he's going to cave.
Pick # 17, the Pacers select Roy Hibbert
TMH: The Wizards had better take Arthur, we don't need LeBron having any talented teammates.
Pick # 18, the Wizards select JaVale McGee
TG: I really like JaVale except for his eyebrows... he needs to clean those up
TMH: Has espn hit the quota of WNBA mentions yet?
TG: No, you need 1/13.4 minutes
Pick # 19, the Cavs select, JJ Hickson
TMH: Thank God.
TG: I love how much Vitale hates Euro players.
TMH: Vitale hearts diversity. I think he just said "Darko" 30 times in that rant.
Pick #20, the Bobcats selects, Alexis Ajinca
TMH: Michael Jordan remembers that he hired Larry Brown right?
TMH: I'm smart enough to know when I can't make anymore comments on the rest of the players in the first round. On the plus side, I'm 90% sure I studied more tape on this draft then Michael Jordan did.
Draft Thoughts (6-10)
Ginn decided not to big time me and we're talking via MSN, here's the transcript,
Pick # 6 by the Knicks: F Danilo Gallinari
The Ginn: Gallinari's atrocious English is clearly winning them over.
The Mighty Horse: Ouch, he didn't even get a cheer out of the hack "New York is the best city in the world" crack
TG: I like when they panned to the guys making fun of his english
TMH: New York City: Where Xenophobia Happens
Pick # 7 by the Clippers: G Eric Gordon
TG: Why is it that off the bench combo guards are inevitably named Gordon? Here's the biggest question to me... now that the Bucks filled their SF spot, Alexander seems like a poor pick. Do the Bucks dare go Lopez here?
TMH: I suppose if they really have adopted Scott Skiles "survival of the fittest" mentality could make him and Bogut fight to the death for a roster spot.
TG: Jesus Christ, White Coat with Black pants/Tie.... sorry Eric, doesn't work.
TMH: tsk, tsk.
TMH: Jeff Van Gundy clearly hates Mike D'antoni, he's trying to convince him Stephon Marbury is a great NBA point guard
Pick # 8 by the Bucks: F Joe Alexander
TG: If Joe Alexander's nickname is Vanilla Sky, he's completely boned
Pick # 9 by the Bobcats: G D.J. Augustin
TG: ... REALLY, D.J. Augustin??? Geez Lopez, cry it out. I've just decided that Lopez does not deserve to be an NBA player.
TMH: Not that it matters since whoever they take will play a collected 17 minutes next year since Larry Brown hates rookies
TG: now.. HOW do YOU look FORWARD to PLAYING for LARRY Brown.
TG: Stephen needs to either build up to his crescendo, or keep it even, he's just too fucking insane.
TMH: He's from the STREETS.
Pick # 10 by the Nets: C Brook Lopez
TMH: If the Bobcats had drafted him, his & Morrison's "flow" would've synced up, so its for the best that they didn't end up on the same roster.
Pick # 6 by the Knicks: F Danilo Gallinari
The Ginn: Gallinari's atrocious English is clearly winning them over.
The Mighty Horse: Ouch, he didn't even get a cheer out of the hack "New York is the best city in the world" crack
TG: I like when they panned to the guys making fun of his english
TMH: New York City: Where Xenophobia Happens
Pick # 7 by the Clippers: G Eric Gordon
TG: Why is it that off the bench combo guards are inevitably named Gordon? Here's the biggest question to me... now that the Bucks filled their SF spot, Alexander seems like a poor pick. Do the Bucks dare go Lopez here?
TMH: I suppose if they really have adopted Scott Skiles "survival of the fittest" mentality could make him and Bogut fight to the death for a roster spot.
TG: Jesus Christ, White Coat with Black pants/Tie.... sorry Eric, doesn't work.
TMH: tsk, tsk.
TMH: Jeff Van Gundy clearly hates Mike D'antoni, he's trying to convince him Stephon Marbury is a great NBA point guard
Pick # 8 by the Bucks: F Joe Alexander
TG: If Joe Alexander's nickname is Vanilla Sky, he's completely boned
Pick # 9 by the Bobcats: G D.J. Augustin
TG: ... REALLY, D.J. Augustin??? Geez Lopez, cry it out. I've just decided that Lopez does not deserve to be an NBA player.
TMH: Not that it matters since whoever they take will play a collected 17 minutes next year since Larry Brown hates rookies
TG: now.. HOW do YOU look FORWARD to PLAYING for LARRY Brown.
TG: Stephen needs to either build up to his crescendo, or keep it even, he's just too fucking insane.
TMH: He's from the STREETS.
Pick # 10 by the Nets: C Brook Lopez
TMH: If the Bobcats had drafted him, his & Morrison's "flow" would've synced up, so its for the best that they didn't end up on the same roster.
Draft Thoughts (picks 1-5)
- How cute, Derrick Rose's senile Grandmother calls him “Pooh” because he likes sweets. Her rationale for calling him this is that Winnie the Pooh loves Honey. Hey Grandma Rose, here's an idea, start making sense. Sweets are candies or confections. The only way honey is involved is if its baked in one of the confections, so unless your grandson hangs around with a fidgety rabbit, an annoying pig or a prick donkey, Pooh isn't applicable. I could throw in any number of horrific racial comments here, but since classy is in the title of our blog, I'll be the bigger man and avoid any of these comments.
- Hopefully the picks of Michael Beasley & Brook Lopez are spread out as much as possible. I think if Jay Bilas has to talk about each of their wing spans within 15 minutes of each other, he'll whip it out and start openly masturbating. Poor Stu Scott's glass eye will even prohibit him from looking away.
- OJ Mayo's devious glasses plan backfired, it quelled any reservations Kevin McHale had about him not wanting to play in Minnesota. The “emotional” embrace between him and his mother was about as believable as anytime ABC/ESPN/TNT showed one of those pre-taped segments showing how much Kobe loved his teammates.
- Someone should tell Russell Westbrook that there's a good chance he'll be playing in Oklahoma City within the next two years. That someone should also then point out to Russell where Oklahoma City is on a map. That'll be sure to end the smile he's “had since yesterday.”
- Oh no, Love goes to the Grizz and I've been told by my friend who lived in Memphis that there are amazing barbecue restaurants throughout the city. This could end poorly.
- Hopefully the picks of Michael Beasley & Brook Lopez are spread out as much as possible. I think if Jay Bilas has to talk about each of their wing spans within 15 minutes of each other, he'll whip it out and start openly masturbating. Poor Stu Scott's glass eye will even prohibit him from looking away.
- OJ Mayo's devious glasses plan backfired, it quelled any reservations Kevin McHale had about him not wanting to play in Minnesota. The “emotional” embrace between him and his mother was about as believable as anytime ABC/ESPN/TNT showed one of those pre-taped segments showing how much Kobe loved his teammates.
- Someone should tell Russell Westbrook that there's a good chance he'll be playing in Oklahoma City within the next two years. That someone should also then point out to Russell where Oklahoma City is on a map. That'll be sure to end the smile he's “had since yesterday.”
- Oh no, Love goes to the Grizz and I've been told by my friend who lived in Memphis that there are amazing barbecue restaurants throughout the city. This could end poorly.
Pre-Draft Show Thoughts
- It seems an intern with a sense of humor has placed a Nick Collison jersey behind Colleen Dominguez.
- I hope the Knicks trade David Lee, I always wanted to watch someone kill Stu Scott with their bare hands. Wouldn't it be in Mark Jackson's best intrest to facilitate this riot, as a giant “fuck you” to his hometown team who didn't want him even though he basically said he'd work for free?
- The New York Liberty just got a bigger cheer then the Knicks and I couldn't be happier.
- I hope the Knicks trade David Lee, I always wanted to watch someone kill Stu Scott with their bare hands. Wouldn't it be in Mark Jackson's best intrest to facilitate this riot, as a giant “fuck you” to his hometown team who didn't want him even though he basically said he'd work for free?
- The New York Liberty just got a bigger cheer then the Knicks and I couldn't be happier.
It's (usually) The Most Wonderful Day of The Year
For the first time I can remember, I haven't been rocking back and forth in anticipation all day today. The giddiness of watching the Celtics win the Championship first hand still lingers.
I'm hoping my lowered expectations will translate into a 2005-like draft experience for me (the Celts drafted Gerald Green, who had been projected in the top 5. Little did I know there was good reason for a free-fall. Other then being a throw in for KG, his greatest contribution was his phenomenal natural shocker). We'll call this the Matrix corollary, where lowered expectations lead to a 10x better experience in the long run. By the way, this corollary refers to the motion picture, not Shawn Marion.
Anyway, here's my quick criminally uniformed opinion on various draft issues,
- I like Rose, more then Beasley, but the way the Heat are treating Beasley is ridiculous. I feel like Riley is doing Beasley a favor by acting like he raped an entire group of boy scouts. He might be completely immature, but in the long run, hearing about how terrible of a person he is because he liked to party is a good thing...maybe.
- Just so we're clear Pat Riley, Michael Beasley is a terrible person, but you're in love with OJ Mayo? Were you so entrenched in researching Beasley's past that you're just assuming OJ is a swell guy? Do yourself a favor and call Tim Floyd.
- Kevin Love should be at worst a good bench player, and I really believe he'll be a really nice 4rth or 5th banana, but god help him if he goes to Milwaukee. Watching his fast ascent to 375 lbs would probably sell Comcast's NBA package for me.
- I hope to god ESPN.com has made a mistake, because if I'm reading this correctly Anthony Randolph is 6'10 197 lbs and he's still a top 10 pick? People were making jokes about Durant being a stick figure last year and he had 20 lbs on this guy.
That's it for now, I've gotta go. It seems OJ Mayo has gone with the ingenious idea of getting a pair of reading glasses from Wallgreens to make himself look more upstanding. I'm now compelled to listen to every word he says.
I'm hoping my lowered expectations will translate into a 2005-like draft experience for me (the Celts drafted Gerald Green, who had been projected in the top 5. Little did I know there was good reason for a free-fall. Other then being a throw in for KG, his greatest contribution was his phenomenal natural shocker). We'll call this the Matrix corollary, where lowered expectations lead to a 10x better experience in the long run. By the way, this corollary refers to the motion picture, not Shawn Marion.
Anyway, here's my quick criminally uniformed opinion on various draft issues,
- I like Rose, more then Beasley, but the way the Heat are treating Beasley is ridiculous. I feel like Riley is doing Beasley a favor by acting like he raped an entire group of boy scouts. He might be completely immature, but in the long run, hearing about how terrible of a person he is because he liked to party is a good thing...maybe.
- Just so we're clear Pat Riley, Michael Beasley is a terrible person, but you're in love with OJ Mayo? Were you so entrenched in researching Beasley's past that you're just assuming OJ is a swell guy? Do yourself a favor and call Tim Floyd.
- Kevin Love should be at worst a good bench player, and I really believe he'll be a really nice 4rth or 5th banana, but god help him if he goes to Milwaukee. Watching his fast ascent to 375 lbs would probably sell Comcast's NBA package for me.
- I hope to god ESPN.com has made a mistake, because if I'm reading this correctly Anthony Randolph is 6'10 197 lbs and he's still a top 10 pick? People were making jokes about Durant being a stick figure last year and he had 20 lbs on this guy.
That's it for now, I've gotta go. It seems OJ Mayo has gone with the ingenious idea of getting a pair of reading glasses from Wallgreens to make himself look more upstanding. I'm now compelled to listen to every word he says.
The O'Neal Raptors Era
As a Raptors fan, I need to analyze this from my side. My initial reaction was one of pain and suffering. Obviously this is not because of TJ Ford being gone. The anti-TJ bandwagon began when I was swimming in a lake one long weekend to see Benjamin running out having just heard the latest news on the radio.
Now, let me try and talk myself into Jermaine O'Neal. I will completely omit every negative aspect of this deal to help my delusional mind accept him.
1. Defense:
J.O. can at least play man to man defense against a Center and is a good shot blocker. God bless Bosh and his hops, but he doesn't block any shots. JO may be an average rebounder, but that's a step up from Rasho and Bargnani. His creeky knees affecting his defense and rebounding does not worry me.
2. Offense:
J.O. Did average 20/10 for his prime. His low shooting percentage does not worry me.
3. Intangibles:
J.O. was miserable in Indiana with how terrible that team was. A change of scenery should revitalize him to the player he was in his prime. Even then he doesn't have to be the star of this team, but just a strong second fiddle. I'm not worried about the palace incident, his love of strippers or that he pouted through an injury a lot like Vince Carter used to do for us.
4. Economics:
J.O. may be making 47 million over the next two years, but it's only two years! And it's not like we can't use that expiring contract next year should we need to. He can't imagine he'll get an extension anywhere near his current contract. I'm not worried that he ate up all the cap we had for this year to make a move on another big name.
See, I'm not worried at all! I don't know why I ever doubted this trade. O'Neal's not washed up.... well, maybe he is, but it's not like we gave up a lot.
Now, let me try and talk myself into Jermaine O'Neal. I will completely omit every negative aspect of this deal to help my delusional mind accept him.
1. Defense:
J.O. can at least play man to man defense against a Center and is a good shot blocker. God bless Bosh and his hops, but he doesn't block any shots. JO may be an average rebounder, but that's a step up from Rasho and Bargnani. His creeky knees affecting his defense and rebounding does not worry me.
2. Offense:
J.O. Did average 20/10 for his prime. His low shooting percentage does not worry me.
3. Intangibles:
J.O. was miserable in Indiana with how terrible that team was. A change of scenery should revitalize him to the player he was in his prime. Even then he doesn't have to be the star of this team, but just a strong second fiddle. I'm not worried about the palace incident, his love of strippers or that he pouted through an injury a lot like Vince Carter used to do for us.
4. Economics:
J.O. may be making 47 million over the next two years, but it's only two years! And it's not like we can't use that expiring contract next year should we need to. He can't imagine he'll get an extension anywhere near his current contract. I'm not worried that he ate up all the cap we had for this year to make a move on another big name.
See, I'm not worried at all! I don't know why I ever doubted this trade. O'Neal's not washed up.... well, maybe he is, but it's not like we gave up a lot.
What is Classy
Classy is a perfectly executed fast break.
Classy is picking your opponent up after a hard foul.
Classy is the oh so boring Gregg Poppovitch.
Classy is the loud home building.
Classy is a nicely polished championship ring.
The purpose of this blog is to add yet another NBA based blog to the internet world. Two intelligent fans from different countries with different perspectives. Why did we launch it today? Because the draft is like Christmas morning. I never sleep well the night before, and I am constantly dreaming about it.
Was that pretentious? I think it came off a little pretentious for a first posting.
Classy is picking your opponent up after a hard foul.
Classy is the oh so boring Gregg Poppovitch.
Classy is the loud home building.
Classy is a nicely polished championship ring.
The purpose of this blog is to add yet another NBA based blog to the internet world. Two intelligent fans from different countries with different perspectives. Why did we launch it today? Because the draft is like Christmas morning. I never sleep well the night before, and I am constantly dreaming about it.
Was that pretentious? I think it came off a little pretentious for a first posting.
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