Now the reported three way is out of the window, so they say?
I will bet that Garnett is not traded by tomorrow..I'm sick of a new story everyday, that's why I'm not posting about it every single second. I want someone to stop rumoring and make the move!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Three Way dead?
Mock Draft Lottery.
There is really no reason for me to predict 30 picks so we will stick with the lottery, here's what I'm thinking....
[note: assuming no trades are made]
1. Portland Trail Blazers- Greg Oden (Center/Ohio State)
I think this is self-explanatory.
2. Seattle SuperSonics- Kevin Durant(Forward/Texas)
Repeat of what was said above for Oden.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Al Horford (F-C/Florida)
Supposedly the Hawks are just awed by him and are really set on bringing him on to the team, that team is going to be ages 20-26 for the next 20 seasons. I really think the Hawks should go with Conley and fix their point guard issues, but they're going to draft another big man, the 11th pick will be for the PG, I'm sure.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Mike Conley (PG/Ohio State)
Memphis hopefully can keep Gasol, keep him happy and have him healthy next year. They need a PG. Stoudamire is aging and missed so much time the past two seasons, and just isn't the same and they're not big on Atkins. Conley is a great fit for this team who I think if healthy will make a great push for the playoffs again.
5. Boston Celtics- Spencer Hawes (C/Washington)
This pick could be a risk, but what is for sure at this pick? Boston needs a big man-Delonte West is talented, Paul Pierce is a star, Al Jefferson is going to be one and Hawes would a great addition. The dude is a good passer, but he's not a great rebounder, luckily Pierece and Jefferson are. He gives them heigth and length in their frontcourt and a solid option in the middle.
6. Milwaukee Bucks- Jeff Green (F/Georgetown)
Assuming Mo Williams comes back, Michael Redd is healthy--Milwuakee could be the surprise team in the East. Bogut is solid, Villanueva hopefully will be healthy, along with Bobby Simmons--Jeff Green is a SF/PF that can come in and fill something they need--a guy to contribute now, a guy who is versatile and could probably start at the 3 spot if Ruben and Simmons don't, or even bring them off the bench.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jianlian Yi (PF/China)
If Garnett's gone, you need a new PF. The guy is also 7 feet, and is a perimiter big man, but is definitely not going to be the next Menk Bateer or Wang Zhi Zhi, so don't worry Minny, fill the new void, bring in a guy who can generate interest and fan fare with the fans.
8. Charlotte Bobcats- Corey Brewer (SF/Florida)
Brings some defense, but most importantly you have him in case Gerald Wallace bounces out of town. If Gerald stays plug in Gerald at the two spot and bring Brewer into this young, but talented group.
9. Chicago Bulls- Brandan Wright (PF/North Carolina)
Yes, I know it's a long shot he will fall this low, but I am riding my predictions out. The Bulls can't believe it, and fill an important void and place this guy down this with Wallace.
10. Sacramento Kings- Joakim Noah (F-C/Florida)
Brad Miller made Team USA and then decided to stop playing basketball, cause I don't think he existed last season. Whether you put Noah at Center or not, the Kings need a younger guy to step up at PF. Kenny Thomas and Rahim are good players, but they're starting to lose steps--and those guys aren't going to take you to the promise land at this point in their careers-as starters at least.
11. Atlanta Hawks- Acie Law (PG/Texas A&M)
The Hawks need a PG. Problem solved. 4 years of college too.
12. Philadelphia 76ers- Al Thornton (F/Florida State)
The new look 76ers need a SF--or a PF. This guy wants to score too, and they need that, Andre Igy can't do it all alone.
13. New Orleans Hornets- Nick Young (G-F/FUSC)
How bad do the Hornets need a SG/SF? Well let's just say Peja Stojakovic was a waste of money. Take this guy, get 60 more games played out of him and pay him 10 million less per season.
14. Los Angeles Clippers- Rodney Stuckey (G/E. Washington)
Shaun Livingston is still young, but he can't stay healthy. He also hasn't shown much promise yet. Cassell should still be the starter, but this is a great insurance policy for Livingston and maybe a better direction to move in.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Three Way Garnett/Stoudemire talks?
So the rumors are flying that talks are out for a three-way deal between Phoenix, Atlanta and Minnesota.
Atlanta would get Amare Stoudemire.
Phoenix would get Kevin Garnett
Minnesota would get #3, #11 picks in the draft and Zaza Pachullia and Anthony Johnson.
--------
WAIT!
So to get Kevin Garnett you give up a 3rd pick and an 11th pick and Pachullia and Johnson?
Yet McHale doesn't pull the deal on Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and #5?
This guy is a moron if he does this, absolute moron.
Atlanta and Phoenix both get better out of this deal, I really like what Atlanta does here. Minnesota doesn't get worse, but still they could do so much better than this, can't they?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Shaq is doing the right thing.
Shaquille O'Neal's television reality TV series debuted tonight. It isn't a show meant to showacase his whole family and turn his kid's into stars. It isn't a show to make his wife some big Hollywood beauty. This definitely isn't a show like most of these celebrities have.
This is Shaq helping obese kid's lose weight. Obesity is a dangerous killer and is so overlooked today in society, and just passed by. Shaq is doing the right thing. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the greatest NBA players of All-Time. Most importantly, he is also one of the more giving and caring celebrities we've ever seen.
Much respect Shaq Diesel, much respect.
Catch Shaq's Big Challenge at 9PM, Tuesdays on ABC
The Lakers really want Kevin Garnett...
After the rumored 4way blockbuster fell through yesterday the Lakers figured they would continue to try and get KG. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom are the two names being pushed for the Timberwolves superstar.
I honestly don't think that is enough to get KG, especially when the 5th pick, Gerald Green and Al Jefferson were on the table. I like Odom, but he's never reached his potential, he's injury prone and he's been in the league for 8 years now. Bynum is basically all potential filled at this point, and I think Mark Blount is better at this point.
Even if the Lakers go crazy and get KG somehow, do they even make Kobe happy? Even so, who else would even be on that team that is worth a damn?
Stay tuned....
Wallace, Boykins become Free Agents.
Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats and Earl Boykins of the Milwuakee Bucks have both officially become Free Agents.
Boykins will probably get a pretty solid contract, but Gerald Wallace is about to get PAID
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Whatever happened to...?
Menk Bateer as his NBA friends may have called him was the second Chinese player to ever be brought into the NBA, and like Wang Zhi Zhi, he faded and did so quickly! If anything, you have got to give Yao Ming some due, he has made it and lived up to his hype and beyond.
You can't just say it's a size thing either cause Bateer and Zhi Zhi were both 7 feet tall, and then some.
Bateer's last NBA season was 03-04 with Toronto. He played in the NBDL for 12 games in 2004-05. Regardless of his NBA career, the goofy lookin' guy is MVP of the Chinese Basketball League.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Kerr Confirms Garnett Talk
Paul Coro of THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC reports, "Suns General Manager Steve Kerr acknowledged that he has been talking this week with Minnesota about acquiring Kevin Garnett but labeled it as 'tough' to pull off."
I bet they will get it done before the draft, I have a feeling about this one.
I Gotta Give This Guy Props.
This video has been all over YouTube and MySpace, but if you haven't seen it, here it is:
PAUL BROGAN VIDEO LOG #1
Friday, June 22, 2007
Garnett to Phoenix?
This is from the front page of RealGM.com:
Minnesota is expected to demand Amare Stoudemire and a first-round pick from Atlanta in the 2008 draft in exchange for Kevin Garnett.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Who cares what Kevin Garnett wants?
Kevin Garnett as reported below is not interested in playing for the Boston Celtics.
"The Boston trade isn't happening," Miller (Garnett's agent) told ESPN.com. "If a trade were to happen, that's not a destination that we're interested in pursuing."
BIG DEAL!
What happened to the days where a player would get traded, shut the hell up and just go and play for the team? Now Kobe Bryant has a 'No Trade Clause' in his deal, so that's fine. What about KG though, I don't believe he does, so who is he to say where he plays?
Supposedly it might be 22-year-old forward Al Jefferson, high-flying swingman Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff's expiring contract and the No. 5 pick in the draft.
If I was McHale, the deal would already be done!
Kevin Garnett has one of the most lucrative deals in NBA history, he is the highest paid player in the game. He HASN'T made the playoffs in THREE SEASONS!
Obviously KG is looking out on what's best for him, but who cares! If the team wants to trade you and can better themselves, then shut your mouth, pack your bags and go where they send you. It's a part of the game, they have given you 11 years to get your act together and lead them to the promise land, you have failed them in that sense and they have upheld your contract and paid you ridiculously--so keep it hush and wait for the outcome.
KG to Boston? Not Happening.
Someone is about to get Kevin Garnett, these aren't just rumors. This stuff is heating up. Though it won't be the Boston Celtics.
Garnett and his agent have said a trade to the C's would not be welcomed. I guess it doesn't matter for Celtics fans anyways, even if they had Garnett, they'd get bounced in the first round anyway, that's KG's specialty-- besides of course, fantasy points.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
HANGTIME!
The Kings hired Theus yesterday, which means PJ Carlesimo did not get the job and is still available. The Sonics need to get themselves a coach quick.
Bruce Bowen gets some due.
Bruce was on The Tonight Show tonight with Jay Leno.
Really nice segment, nice to see a guy who isn't a big name get some credit. I can see him doing color in the next few years after he retires, he is pretty solid on camera.
If I can track it down online somewhere, I will post it for Spurs and Bowen fans alike.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Vin Baker arressted.
Vin Baker was arrested on drunk driving charges.
According to the report from the AP, the 35-year-old Baker was spotted driving erratically after leaving Foxwoods Resort Casino, according to a state police report. He failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired.
Baker played for the Minnesota Timberwolves this year before he was released six games into the season.
I really wish someone could help this guy, he needs it bad. He was a great player at one point and seemed like one of the really good guys in the NBA, depression and alcohol has gotten to him, but he needs someone to truly help him recover, as a person and not a basketball player.
So Who is #1?
Portland has a chance to finally bring their franchise out of this dark gutter it has been in.
In the late 90s they had some stacked teams, but remember that those teams could never compete for a title because they were just too stacked. Here is now a chance for the Trailblazers to really bring themselves away from this whole Jailblazer thing, and give their fans some actual winning basketball.
Two names are potential for that #1 pick: Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.
Who should Portland pick though?
If they pick Greg Oden then it means they must trade Zach Randolph. What can they get for Zach Randolph? The guy is 6'9" and a monster, he dropped in about 24 and 10 a night last season. He's getting better too, but he does have some personal problems and has had off the court issues.
If the Blazers go with Durrant, then they keep Randolph. They add this 6'10" genetic freak who will play small forward and can do so many different things with the ball. That means their front line is now, LaMarcus Aldridge (6-11), Zach Randolph (6-9) and Kevin Durant (6-11), talk about intimidating and plenty of size. Throw in Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy at the 2-spot and a young and talented Jarret Jack at the point, and you have a great starting lineup.
Drafting Oden and ditching Randolph now means you have a weakness at the SF position, unless Travis Outlaw or Ime Udoka can really get the job done for an up and coming ball club.
The draft is nine days away and Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard says he still doesn't honestly know who to take at #1, and to tell you the truth, I can't blame him.
Though I am going to look at it this way. The Jailblazers and the problems Portland has had in the past with image and of course winning on the side, and he fact that a dominant big man is so coveted in this league, you realize that one guy is the true choice.
I'm not saying Kevin Durant isn't a great player in the making, and isn't a good person or model citizen, but he is not Greg Oden. Greg Oden has this whole special vibe about him, he feels like Tim Duncan with more personality and flare, but he doesn't seem Hollywood. He isn't trying to be anything else but a great basketball player at this point. You draft Oden, you ditch Randolph and bring in a small forward to get the job done and you kill two birds with one stone.
1. Jailblazing is now done for.
2. Dominant big man of the future who WILL help your team instantly win basketball games.
After writing all of that, I'm going to get the name Kevin Durant out of my head, that way I won't flip flop.
So Portland your on the clock and please just remember the name Sam Bowie.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Kobe Trade before Jun 28?
GM's are saying that the Kobe trade could very likely be done before the NBA Draft, which is Wednesday the 28th.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
TRADE ME, No For Real This Time.
After meeting with Jerry Buss in Spain, Kobe has made it clear that he does not want to be a Laker anymore--again!
Well, this is going to be the story of the off-season, and now people have forgotten the San Antonio Spurs have won the NBA Championship.
Rumor has it Kobe has a list of three teams, two of which are the Bulls and the Knicks.
For my team's sake, I hope Joe Dumars is on the phone with that Kupchak goober as we speak.
Friday, June 15, 2007
This is from an Adrian Wojnarowski article on Tim Duncan....
In the sport's culture now, success is measured with shoe commercials and video game covers. Duncan doesn't have an entourage, nor wear sunglasses indoors like LeBron James. He walks around with a knapsack, looking like a grad student on the way to the library.
In the NBA, Duncan, 31, is chasing a legacy, chasing history, when so many of his peers mindlessly chase the vapor of fame.
"In terms of humility, he's a different animal in today's world," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "I'm not sure the systems that are in place now allow someone to grow up that untainted. In that way, you may never see another like him."
Mike James is outta there!
Juwan Howard is going to go team up with Kevin Garnett and hopefully bring some energy to the Timberwolves, who need anything they can get.
Here's the deal:
Mike James and Justin Reed to Houston for Juwan Howard, who goes to Minneosta
I think that means Rafer Alston's time is up in Houston, but maybe I'm wrong.
GAME OVER.
So the 2006-07 NBA Season is officially over.
The San Antonio Spurs are the best team in the league, I said that from the beginning. I had a feeling Detroit could pull out a title this year before the playoffs actually began and during the beginning of them. Though if you go back to day one, San Antonio was my choice. San Antonio was a lot of people's choice. San Antonio is the smart choice.
They're the best basketball team in the world, and over the course of this past decade, have been the most consistent.
People in San Antonio must never forget that '96-'97 season where David Robinson played all of six games, man did that work out for the best. #1 Pick equals Timmy D, and 10 years later, how can you complain?
Cleveland turned a lot of heads and I would say shocked many by making it to the NBA Finals. Their fans should be proud, they overachieved, and will continue to get better. They had a chance to compete with the Spurs, but since Bruce Bowen exsists, that can't happen (sorry LeBron, but Bruce Bowen owns you. He also owns 28 other top scorers in the league).
Team's like Phoenix, Detroit and Miami really took craps on themselves when it counted, some a little more premature than others.
Dallas is in a whole 'nother galaxy when it comes to taking a crap on themselves. Though if anything Dallas helped give us the best memory of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. We got to see a young team like Golden State play exciting basketball, and we got to see a team with rejuivnation. They should be proud, and hopefully they can build on this, and Snoop Dogg and others can continue to ride the bandwagon like a bunch of cornballs.
The Bulls got better, but still need more. Nobody knows how the Magic got into the playoffs! Nobody knows how the Nets made it to the second round of the playoffs! Kevin Garnett doesn't just not get out of the first round now, he just stopped making the playoffs all together.
The Nuggets have become the 1999 Portland Trailblazers, except they don't go to jail as much. Role players help, maybe you should quit loading up on massive contract players and junk, and add more Steve Blakes to your team.
Speaking of the Nuggets, Carmello's hit and run was obviously a highlight of the year. Jared Jeffries still is wondering if he really chased that grown man on a basketball court or not.
-------
All in all (and I don't have the numbers handy), but I do not ever remember a season where this many primary contributing players missed so much time, whether injuries or suspensions. There was a bundle of injuries this year, to a variety of major players in this league. It was weird. If you play fantasy basketball you definitely saw it, but if not, I bet you noticed too.
Regardless, the right team won the title in the end. Kobe had some amazing games, but his team still sucks. Yao Ming, if he can stay healthy is going to be great and how can people not love the fact that...THE UTAH JAZZ ARE BACK!
A good season all in all, but hopefully next year will be better.
On to the draft, and of course a bunch of summer trades and free agent signings.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Four Titles. Nine Years.
83-82 over Cleveland in the Game Four victory!
The Sweep is not much of a surprise, the Spurs are far too good of a team for the Cavs.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Finals MVP.
LeBron is averaging 21.3 PPG in the NBA Finals.
I Wonder Why?
Varejao
What was he thinking? That was such an awful move by him!
If I was Mike Brown, Big Z would be in the game this last possesion.
I guess will find out after these commercial....gotta use the bathroom! QUICK!
I bet on the Cavs tonight.
I decided to throw a little money on Cleveland tonight.
I felt good in the first quarter, I don't feel that way now.
How much is the Matrix worth?
The Celtics are going hard to get him, and the Suns are shopping. The C's are throwing out their 5th pick for Marion.
The other report has been one with the Detroit Pistons. Around The Horn is reporting Rasheed Wallace heading to Phoenix for the Matrix, but that is not completely correct. Joe Dumars confirmed on Detroit's 1270AM WXYT that Phoenix wants....
Two Starters AND the 15th and 27th picks!!!
Shawn Marion is great, but damn...Phoenix is out of their minds. They couldn't get two Pistons starters and two first round picks for Steve Nash and Kurt Thomas, let alone Shawn Marion by himself.
I wonder if this was a Steve Kerr idea, cause if so, this guy is a wreck!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chamique Holdsclaw retires....
Chamique Holdsclaw is a six-time WNBA All-Star, but had suffered depression in 2004 while with the Washington Mystics, leaving the team for a temporarily before being traded to Los Angeles.
Holdsclaw was named the WNBA's Rookie of the Year in 1999 and led the University of Tennessee's Lady Vols to three consecutive NCAA Championships. She is Tennessee's all-time leading scorer and rebounder (male or female) with 3,025 points and 1,295 rebounds. She was only the fifth women's basketball player in NCAA history to reach 3,000 points.
It's actually crazy to think that this was her 9th season in the WNBA, it seems like she was in college just yesterday. In her WNBA career she averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per night, including a 2002 WNBA scoring title.
A phenomenal player and talent, maybe she will come back like MJ did in a year, but if not, she will always be remembered as one of the greats.
Smith's Passenger Dies.
NEPTUNE, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey man who was thrown from Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith's sport utility vehicle when it overturned last weekend died Monday night in the hospital, state police said.
Andre Bell, 21, was sitting in the back seat of the vehicle Smith was driving when it went through a stop sign, collided with another car and flipped over at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Millstone Township.
Bell, who was in a coma, died from head injuries at 6 p.m. at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said state police spokesman Sgt. Stephen Jones.
Smith, 21, who was also thrown from the sport vehicle, remained at Jersey Shore on Monday with an injured left shoulder and numerous scratches, Jones said.
Neither Smith nor Bell were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, he said.
Nuggets spokesman Eric Sebastian said he did not know when Smith might be discharged.
"I think it's too early to say," Sebastian said. "From everything we hear, he's going to be OK."
Sad news that you know will linger with Smith going into next season, assuming he plays. My respects go out to Smith, but of course to Bell's family and friends.
People need to start wearing seatbelts! it's not hard! It takes two seconds to put it on, and who knows, MAYBE Bell would be alive right now and maybe Smith wouldn't still be in a hospital.
Dumars: Flip is staying.
Joe Dumars made it pretty clear today that Flip Saunders WILL be back next year in Detroit. Pretty crummy if you ask me.
Let's take a look at some things:
Since the resurgance of the Detroit Pistons they have had three coaches, Flip Saunders being the third.
1. Rick Carlisle: Rick came and took a team that was predicted to be one of the 5 worst in the league by many and made them division champs. The prior season the Pistons won 32 games. Carlisle's first year in Detroit and rookie season as a head coach--Detroit wins 50. They are bounced from the second round of the playoffs.
Next year, same result. Pistons win 50. They increase one what they did, made it to their first of five consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Swept by New Jersey, but played with a very injured Chauncey Billups.
Carlisle was fired within five days after his second season with the team.
2. Larry Brown: The Pistons made the right move probably in firing Carlisle for Brown. The team wins 54 games and makes an incredible and league shocking run to win the 2004 NBA Title.
The next season the Pistons win another 54 games. They make it to the finals. They go to seven games against San Antonio, and lose the game in the final 12 minutes.
Brown is then let go by the team, he never said he didn't want to come back and planned on coming back the next season
-------
So let me get this straight?
Carlisle has two seasons and he improves each year, but is fired?
Brown gets them to The Finals twice in two years, they lose in a thrilling game seven, and he is fired?
------
Flip Saunders leads them to (a very Minnesota-like) 64 wins in the regular season and a fizzle in the conference finals and complete total meltdown. The next season, they win 53 games--they also self-destruct and were upset by Cleveland in the conference finals in six games, but were outplayed in all six games!
Yet, this guy is the only of the three who isn't fired after two years?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Spurs cannot be stopped.
The Cavs put on a nice comeback in the last eight minutes of the game tonight, but you have to play 48 minutes to beat the Spurs.
The Spurs are way too good for the Cavs.
The Cavs have some good components, a great player and a solid coach.
The Spurs have the best coach in the league. The best player in the league not named Kobe. The best sixth man not named Barbosa and probably the deepest team in the league. Not to mention a great young point guard, the best defender in the league and the most clutch player in playoff history.
The Spurs aren't good. The Spurs aren't great. The Spurs are unbelievable.
They're a real basketball team. There is not a team like them, and they have played in this mold for nearly a decade. They've made changes where they needed to, they got a little more exciting as far as speed goes, and they've even become better defensively.
The Spurs put on a clinic tonight. They did stumble a bit in the last few minutes (which reminds me of Game 2 Semi-Finals Detroit vs. Cleveland in 2006), but they should be just fine. They cannot drop their level of intensity a bit. This series is not near over, but with one more win, you can say sweep.
Do I think the Cavs could possibly fight back? Yes. Anything can happen in the playoffs (I mean the Cavs are in the Finals, right?), and that Cleveland crowd is going to be bonkers! Though you can more than likely say this series is San Antonio's to lose at this point.
Because he doesn't still get the credit he deserves....Bruce Bowen is unreal. LeBron was not a factor for the second game in a row, until about 11 minutes left in the game.
A week and a half ago, I hated the Cavs.
I find myself rooting for them right now during this comeback....
93-84 with 5:25 left
Cleveland: Welcome to the NBA Finals.
Cleveland finally has to play a REAL basketball team! Sorry Pistons, but you guys did not show up.
The masacre has begun!
Live on ABC!
JR Smith is okay.
"J.R. is fine. There is nothing career- or life-threatening," Nuggets spokesman Eric Sebastian said Sunday. "I did not hear anything that would suggest he is going to be out any games. He is more concerned about the other people in the accident."
Good to hear, hopefully all the other passengers in the car are okay as well.
More bad news for the Nuggets.
The JR Smith stuff is more serious as we wait on more news on his condition, but....
From the AP:
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- Nuggets reserve forward DerMarr Johnson was charged with resisting arrest and interfering with police during a disturbance outside a nightclub. Police said they used a taser to calm the 6-foot-9 player.
"He apparently would not cooperate," police Lt. Randy Corbitt said.
Johnson and two women were arrested, booked and released early Saturday. The women were charged with disturbing the peace.
_____
Nice work moron!
Photo courtesey NBA.com
GAME TWO TONIGHT!
Game Two of the NBA Finals is tonight at 9PM. Hopefully we will see a better LeBron James performance and game overall.
Should be fun--more to come later.
Hibachi to opt out.
Agent 0 says it's all about business and nothing against the -Wizards or an attempt to leave.
All I know is that teams better save up, Gil is gonna be the best thing on the market in 2008.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Kobe Dilemma.
What do you do if you're the LA Lakers?
Jerry Buss has said his piece and that he has talked to Kobe and assured him they will get him what he needs to win. Phil Jackson was the mediator and used his Zen-like powers to change Kobe's mind. Kobe then takes back his ever so powerful trade request in the same day.
Kind of dissapointing since this was some really exciting news, but a problem still exsists in Laker Land.
Kobe is not happy right now, and that is known. Kobe is getting older, even though he isn't even 30 yet, but he is going into his 11th NBA season. Time is ticking and that team needs to get on the upswing now. Kobe still has a solid 7 years left in him, but he might be the guy that retires when he is 35 or 36. Especially if he can get some hardware post-Shaq.
You want to do everything you can to keep Kobe a Laker, and to make him happy. Though what if the Lakers want to move him and Kobe agrees? If you're the Lakers, who do you trade for and who do you get?
Personally if Kobe is on the trade block, which means he has the choice of where he goes, (because of a "No Trade Clause" in his contract) I can only see a handful of teams that would be able to acquire him.
Chicago
Detroit
Phoenix
Los Angeles Clippers
Dallas
San Antonio
Golden State
Houston
New York
Now those teams above, that's without even thinking about tradeable talent. Of the 29 other teams in the L, I would say those are the only teams that Kobe would even think about going to--New York is a long shot. The above teams are in no paticular order.
Which teams could actually put together a package worth trading for though? The media is right when the big name Chicago comes into play. Chicago in a sense is in the same situation Miami was in a couple years back when they got Shaq. They have a lot of young and talented players that they could put into a deal. Names like Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, Duhon, Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefelosha and a couple more make for a decent way to package a deal that would be attractive for LA.
New York has a whole lot of nothing and bad contracts.
Dallas would have to move Howard and Terry or Dirk (if I was them, I'd trade Dirk for Kobe in a heartbeat). I think that is a very plausable scenario too. Dallas would make themselves the frontrunner overnight.
Detroit has some good pieces and are the second most succesful team in the league the last 5 years. Tayshaun, Rasheed, Hamilton, Billups and some others--one or two of their starters and some picks could possibly do the trick.
Houston would trade McGrady for Kobe, and probably have to throw in a draft pick or something--this would possibly be the most interesting of all deals. See what Kobe can do with that team, and what he can do for Yao.
Phoenix would have to give up Barbosa and Marion and they could pull it off probably, but how would Kobe fit in there?
San Antonio is slim to do it, and would most likely have to give up Parker, Ginobili, some pics and more? I don't see how this would help them, nor the Lakers for that matter.
Golden State and the Clippers are both in California, Kobe wouldn't have to move a single box, and maybe even keep his locker if traded to the Clippers. It would really be another interesting occurance: same city, same building, different team. Say godbye to Elton Brand and draft picks. Or Magette, Shaun Livingston and some picks and maybe more. Golden State could ship Baron Davis and Jason Richardson--and I think that could possibly help both teams--IF Baron stays healthy.
Now you would have to trade check these deals and mix and match a million times to find the right deal, but odds are I have just wasted my time. Kobe made a fun story for half a day, but I think we all know--he is going absolutely nowhere. They just need to get a new GM, and get one quick.
J.R. Smith thrown from SUV in accident.
Smith and the unidentified passenger were ejected from the SUV in the crash, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Stagecoach Road in Millstone Township, said Sgt. Stephen Jones, a state police spokesman.
The passenger -- who had serious head wounds -- was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune, while Smith was taken there via ambulance.
Further details on their injuries were not immediately available Saturday night.
Smith's vehicle apparently went through a stop sign, Jones said, and collided with the other car. The driver of that vehicle and two other people in the SUV were injured and taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, but their injuries were not considered serious.
The 21-year-old Smith was a star player at Lakewood High School and St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey. He averaged 13.0 points in 63 games this season.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Photo courtesey NBA.com
---------
I hope that JR is okay and I wish him and all the passengers involved speedy and safe recoveries.
This was nearly 15 years ago...
It seems like yesterday since Shaq's rookie year, but it was 15 years ago this month. 4 NBA Titles, 1 MVP (should be more) later--Shaq is still one of the best, even on his decline. He is still the most important player on that team, no matter what you may think.
Craig Sager's outfits were a little more tame back then too, he interviews him near the end of the video.
NBA JAM for Super Nintendo
Man does this video bring back some great memories. This was my life in 5th grade.
Remember all the rumors about "The Shaq Code," and how to get him into the game, because he never made it to the console version!?
Watching NBA Access.
Mutumbo is a classic, and man, did he have a great year filling in for Yao Ming.
Remember that he is 40 years old!
It is weird to think he is now 40 years old, I remember going crazy trying to get his rookie card--it seems like yesterday. Shows how old I am getting.
Mutumbo is a class act and one of the best people in the NBA. There are not enough Dikembe Mutumbos in a league filled with egos and people who think they're ish don't stink.
So you weren't my first choice, but...
I'm sure many guys have heard this in their life, and didn't care. Even though they weren't the first choice at least they had the chance to get with that girl they were watching at the bar all night.
The same thing happened to Stan Van Gundy, obviously he didn't care either.
After Billy Donovan had that weird change of heart, AFTER signing a contract--Stan is now..THE MAN in Orlando.
Ratings.
Game One of the NBA Finals drew the lowest rating ever for an opening game since the Finals moved to prime time.
Is it the Spurs? Or is LeBron James really not the next big draw in the NBA?
LeBron, like I said has played fantastic during the playoffs for the most part, but obviously he isn't able to draw huge ratings whenever he plays, especially on a stage like the NBA Finals.
You know that deep down the NBA was thrilled Detroit didn't make it to the Finals, and the Cavs did. Though what would have had a bigger draw? Detroit and San Antonio, or the game that happened Thursday night?
It will be interesting to see how ratings play out, especially if the Cavs win the next game.
Hockey.
I like how in the NHL awards are not given until after the playoffs.
I honestly can't tell you whether the voting is done before, after or during the NHL playoffs, but its a good concept if after.
If right now I asked you; who is the 2007 NBA MVP based on Oct 31-Jun 3, who would you say?
Maybe Duncan? Solid choice if so, but odds are you wouldn't even think about Nowitzki and barely Nash. LeBron would be all on your mind, and at this point rightfully so.
Now that's what a Finals MVP is, I know, but still...an interesting way to evaluate the MVP award, especially after the job LeBron has done the past two months.
Friday, June 08, 2007
This dude was drafted before Michael Jordan.
1984 NBA Draft
1. Hakeem Olajuwon, HOU
2. Sam Bowie, POR
3. Michael Jordan, CHI
Bowie's best season was in 1989-90 where he dropped in right about 15 a game and grabbed 10 rebounds, while swating away 2 shots per game. He gave the New Jersey Nets 68 games that year. He never played more than 79 games in a season, and only played over 65 games five times in 10 seasons.
You have to feel bad for Bowie in ways, he's the butt of a lot of NBA jokes and even a Jay-Z rhyme. Injuries plagued this guy, he was never going to be as good as Michael regardless, but who is?
Portland has the #1 pick in this year's draft. They did a great job getting Brandon Roy last season, I wish them the best this year as well. Is it going to be Greg Oden or Kevin Durant? I would say, as we all would those are the only solid choices to make with that pick, unless they take the 'Bowie Route' again.
Sorry Sam, but it happens. At least in the above picture you were getting inducted into Kentucky's B-Ball Hall.
Photo courtesy of www.ukathletics.com.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
VS
The Spurs, yeah, they're an easy pick.
What about the Cavs? Are you serious? Kenny Smith called this at the beginning of the season he says, I don't remember, but I definitely take his word for it. I'm sure many Cleveland fans thought it was possible, but c'mon!
Being from Detroit, maybe I was a homer when I said, "The Pistons have this!" What do you expect, they should have won, based on talent. Though they slept on Cleveland and were ridiculously outcoached. Cleveland played with heart, something the Pistons didn't do. Cleveland wanted to be in the NBA Finals, so they deserve this.
I dog LeBron James an awful lot, but that guy proved something to lil' ole' me in the Eastern Conference Finals. He is a superstar, and he is going to be one of the best players of all-time. I'm not throwing his name with Jordan, Russell, Magic, Bird or Shaq yet--but in 15 years, I think we can say top 15, at least. Many people will think I'm being insulting saying top 15, as if he will be much higher--but there are some great players through the past near 60 years of NBA Basketball, and I'm not going to just hand that out, especially without any NBA ring and only 4 years experience.
Cleveland was taken the first game. LeBron wasn't the player many expect him to be. Credit jitters I'm sure, but credit Bruce Bowen too.
I think Game 2 will be different.
I think Cleveland can actually compete in this series, I would say it is possible they can win a title. I really do. They play great defense and with low scoring games like Game One, the Spurs benefit, but the Cavs can also take advantage of that.
The Spurs can easily go on and sweep this series, but if Cleveland plays out of their minds like they did against Detroit and uses each player on the court, whether scoring or as diversions for James--Cleveland can make this a good series.
Tomorrow is crucial, Game Two or not--Cleveland needs this game to give themselves some hope, to let the Spurs know they are for real and to have great momentum heading to Cleveland for three games. You cannot give the Spurs any chances, and letting them get up on you 2-0, is not a good move.
Should be a good one, Tim Duncan is definitely the man in the Finals and he proved that again on Thursday.
(side note: If LeBron averages under 22 ppg in this series, nobody but Bruce Bowen should be Finals MVP--that guy needs his due; of course that would have to mean a Spurs NBA Championship victory)
How do you take an absence during the playoffs?
That is a question I can never answer correctly, but I guess Shawn Marion's birthday was so good, that I just forgot I had a website.
Well, to be honest I doubt anybody has seen this page much to begin with, but I just got the domain and was figuring out some things during the most important part of the season.
No worries, we are back and officially back FOR GOOD.
www.outsidethenba.com
Yes, that's the URL. GET DOWN!
GET UP! If you prefer.
Either or, stick around as I work on making this site one of the best hoops perspective sites on the planet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
