That wasn't the best ending
April 20, 2007
The Bulls had a number 2 seed in their hands and dropped all the way to a 5. That was a miserable way to end their season. Now, they have the privelege of playing the reigning champs in the first series. Not that the Heat will just roll over the Bulls, I just think it would have been better to start off with a little more pliable opponent. The Bulls will have to play some of their best ball, and they are capable, to beat Miami in six or seven games.
The guards will have to have good shooting nights and they can't take a game off where they can't buy a bucket. Then the big guys will all get to play because they will all get to foul Shaq. I think that when Shaq finishes this series he will be right to think he has been mugged and beat like a punching bag. Expect to see each big Bull with five fouls a game and Shaq shooting 10 to 12 freethrows. Hopefully, he won't make any and the Bulls win a long fought series.
How did the NBA do it?
April 18, 2007
The NBA's final night actually has meaningful games, that is unbelievable. Most sports the final regular season game is a bore and there is no reason to pay money to go watch the game. Of course, that is usually true with the NBA. Especially if you are a Knick fan.
Tonight the Bulls and the Cavs are vying for 2nd or 5th seed and the only thing that would be better is if they played each other. But if the Bulls win or both lose, the Bulls finish second in the division. The Nets, the Bulls opponent, can either be the 6th or 7th seed depending on the outcome of theirs and Washington's game. And to top off the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers are playing to get into the playoffs.
Good to see a little competition at the end of the season, since a fan can't depend on the Celtics or the Knicks to put on a real effort.
The Bulls should say thank you
April 16, 2007
The Bulls just might get a decent first rounder this year and they have the idiot NY Knicks to thank. Isiah Thomas, the incompetent general manager, who thought he was stealing a great center gave the Bulls their first round pick this season if they want it. And since the Knicks can't figure out how to win and are in the lottery again, the Bulls want that pick.
Eddie Curry was picked out of high school and the Bulls foolishly thought he was going to be a great player. Finally they came to their senses and realized that Curry will be an average player who will need a lot of prodding and babying to get him to play decent. He will never be great, but that doesn't matter to the Bulls anymore. He is Thomas' problem.
The Knicks have a lackluster squad that think they are better then they are. And they have a coach who thinks he has the keys to make a playoff team. Isiah will have to lose for 6 straight seasons for the Knicks to get rid of him. And that is very likely to happen.
They are In
March 10, 2007
Illinois and Purdue are going to the big dance. Purdue has improved leaps and bounds since Gene Keady retired. I almost feel good for them. Not really. I can't stand Purdue, but I have to say that they are greatly improved in the last two years. They deserve their invitation to the big dance, no matter how they play against Ohio State today. Some will be surprised, when they see how good this team plays.
Illinois will be following Purdue even though they have had a lack luster year. No, they don't have that many quality wins away from home, but their OT win last night puts them in. Illinois has had to go through injuries, stupidity and drunken violations, but they are playing well at the right time of the year. People may start to understand that Weber is a great coach. He can get kids to play together and play tough defense. Yes, Illinois needs to pick their shots better and they should push harder in the middle. But don't be surprised if they get to the elite eight.
Is it over yet?
March 7, 2007
Is UConn's season over yet? Or are they bound for the NIT?
The are Nit bound. UCONN brings fans no matter how bad they are and this UConn team is awful. Just awful.
The NIT take teams that have a reputation and that can bring fans. This is a tournament that only works if the teams bring fans. That is why the lower Big East and Big Ten teams get so many invites. These schools will bring out fans even in their worse years. So at least UConn will be playing one more game.
This season can't end early enough for UConn fans.
'Cuse's big Win
February 27, 2007
Did the Hoyas read their own press or did the Orangemen finally learn how to play?
Doesn't really matter the answer, because with the win last night Syracuse assured themselves a place in the NCAA tournament. Even though they were at home, beating the Hoyas anywhere is a big win. Syracuse should now at least be only playing for their ranking, which should be between an 8 and an 11.
This Syracuse team is not a good team and if they lose in the first round in the Big East that may mean that some don't think they belong in the dance. However, they are at least the sixth or seventh best team in the Big East. That should be good enough for a bid. The Hoyas are the ones who should take something from this game. They can't just show up to win the games where they are better than the other guys.
Syracuse wins, but is this their biggest win of the year? Probably.
Why did it take so Long?
February 26, 2007
Why has it taken so long for the experts to finally decide that Georgetown is for real? Georgetown has improved the last 3 years and the juniors who showed flashes as freshmen have developed into good players. And you have to give alot of the credit to that coach Thompson.
Thompson Jr. has proven that he isn't just his dad's son. He has shown that he understands basketball and he can coach just as well as anyone else. He leads this team and is ready to take them very deep into the NCAA tournament. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the sweet sixteen. And they very possibly could be in the final four. They are that good and they have one of the top players in Roy Hibbert.
Watch out for the Hoyas. They are improving and they are priming themselves for a long run.
Michigan State upsets?
February 21, 2007
Wisconsin goes into Lansing and gets beat. Is that really a big upset? No. Simply put home teams have an advantage in college basketball, and the parity in the Big Ten make it not much of an upset when any home team wins.
Well, at least for one week the Big Ten had the top two rank teams in the nation. I am glad it won't be much longer. Wisconsin is a good team, but they are not a dominating team and they are not a top 5 team. They are close to being a top 10 and that is being kind.
At least the naysayers were right when Wisconsin was elevated to such a high rank, they didn't deserve it.
The Big Ten the top 2???
February 20, 2007
How in the name of Dick Vitale did the Big Ten end up with the top 2 ranked teams in the nation? The Big Ten is in a down year with a possibility of 3 to at the utmost 5 teams making the NCAA tournament. So, why are Wisconsin and Ohio State ranked so high?
The only way that Ohio State and Wisconsin got so high this weeks is by default. They had been ranked up and then Florida falls, so by default these two get to move higher. Who has Wisconsin and Ohio State beat lately, only the big ten teams and they haven't done that very convincingly. When Penn State can take one of them to the final ticks, I am not sure they really deserve to be ranked that high.
Yes, Ohio State has a big freshman that hasn't yet been healthy, but can still dominate the game. And yes Wisconsin has a couple of good players in Tucker and Taylor but they aren't dominate players. These are two good teams, but I don't think they are number one and number two in the nation. I would pick SIU or Florida or Georgetown before I would pick these two.
SIU beats Butler
February 19, 2007
The best baskeball game I saw over the weekend was the Salukis defeating Butler. I watched with my eyes closed the UCONN and Syracuse game. It was painful to watch the ineptness and pointless shot selection. I think that Indiana and Iowa was just as painful. And earlier in the year I thought that Indiana had a decent team. However, their threepoint shot selection on Saturday was embarassing. Shooting whenever and wherever they were on the floor. Iowa isn't a top quality team but they did look a little more in control than the Hoosiers. I was most disappointed by the Georgetown win over Villanova. The Hoyas are a very good team, however, on Saturday they looked very normal and very beatable.
The SIU game was the most enjoyable and best contested game of the whole day. SIU was not handed the game and neither did they luck into a win. Both teams played well and played smart and in control. These qualities are lacking in the Big East and Big Ten teams this year. And as for the supposed number one team, UCLA, they just looked awful and easily flustered. Presently there is no dominating team that will mop the mid majors, and it won't be surprising to see more mid majors in the sweet sixteen.
UConn beat Syracuse, so what
February 6, 2007
UConn got past Syracuse at home, but will that turn their season around. I doubt it, they have a long hill to climb. They have six conference games left and they could all be tough.
UConn plays Louisville, Villanova and Seton Hall all at home and only the Seton Hall game looks like a definite win. But when you consider that Rutgers took UConn to overtime at home, that may not be as easy as it looks. The three away games are all tough considering that Rutgers should have their star player back and they will not have to be on UConn's home court. That game may not be a win for UConn. And the other two away games are Syracuse and Georgetown, those will both be losses unless UConn can play flawless.
I can't believe that UConn who everyone touted for the champion last year has a high possibility of missing out on the big dance. I guess the NIT will just have to do.
The Big? East
February 2, 2007
It is February and time to actually start paying attention to college basketball. February is the time to start looking at who may have played themselves into a team and who have disentigrated and won't show up in March. The Big East is a fun conference to look at this year. And the question is what has happened to the old days?
Before the conference became 2 conferences, the powerhouses were Syracuse, UConn, Georgetown and St Johns. St Johns has fallen off the face of the earth in last few years, which is quite a shame. They were a fun team to watch and root against. Georgetown has had it down years, but last year was promising and this year they look good. They might be the best in the conference though West Virginia has the best record. Georgetown has a 2-3 record against top 25 teams while West Virginia is 0-3. Also, Georgetown is starting to play as a team and this is the time you can start to see whether a team will play together.
The biggest shock in the conference is UConn. Are they young or just not a team? Calhoun usually gets some of the best players considering the number of UConn players in the pros. But is he recruiting 4 year players or 1 year players? This year's team just hasn't played together enough and they just might not have enough talent, but it is quite a shock not to be in contention of anything. This team has been beaten 6 times already in the conference, that is not a usual occurrence.
Syracuse is not having an outstanding year either. Their saving grace is they are not as low as UConn. Syracuse should make it to the big dance but they won't be there very long.
This year's big east is a change in power.
The Suns and Knicks are miles away
January 25, 2007
The Phoenix Suns are the top of the NBA. They have talented players and they have team players. This team maybe the champs this year, they play better defense then they have in the past. Defense is always necessary to win the championship.
The NY Knicks have talented players but they still don't play together and I have no confidence that their coach is capable of getting them to play a consistent game. When your coach is unable to understand the basis of team play, it is impossible to instill team play in the team.
Yes, the Knicks have a better record than last year, but that wasn't hard. The question that Dolan should be asking is what will get them to play like the Suns. And can this team get there?
Was this a preview?
January 23, 2007
Was last night's Nuggets' game a sign of what is to come? If it is then fasten your seatbelts and watch as Carmelo and Iverson average 60 points a game between the two of them. This will make the NBA exciting.
Usually when you get two big scorers on a team one is either hurt most of the time or they can't stand to be on the floor together at the same time. These two might break that lie that two good players can't exsist together. Of course, this does not mean that all teams will be able to copy the Nuggets.
This does mean that the NBA may be a little more interesting before the finals.
Illini not great but not awful
January 18, 2007
Illinois beat Minnesota last night for the second win in the Big Ten, this is important if they are going to get an invitation to the big dance.
Though the Illini are not far removed from their run for the title, they are not a very good team. They need to win their home games against Minnesota, Michigan, and Northwestern and then win at Purdue, Northwestern and Penn State just to get to 8-8 in conference. That would possibly give them a bid and if they could beat Michigan State at home and Iowa at Iowa that would be all the better.
It is not that I am not rooting for them to beat Wisconsin this Saturday, I just think that Wisconsin is a better team.
Webber will be good for the Pistons
January 17, 2007
Chris Webber to the Pistons will prove good for both parties. Chris will get to go home and be a significant contributer to the Pistons run at another title. And the Pistons will mount a viable run to another title, however they will come up short.
The east is not as good as the west in the NBA, that is no secret. However, the Central is very competitve and there should be 4 teams come out of that division. And Detroit will need to be the top team to have the best advantage to make it to the finals.
Cleveland, Chicago and Indiana will push the Pistons to the limits and I don't think they will make it to the finals. But of course I still think that Webber will give them a great chance to make it.
Bravo to the Pistons.
The Knicks aren't any better
January 4, 2007
The Knicks aren't any better than last year, is anyone surprised? The problem isn't totally Thomas', though Isiah is not a good coach or general manager. The problem with the Knicks is they are not a good team.
The team that wins the championship plays basketball as a team. The team that wins exciting games usually has some hotshot who gets hot. The Knicks are a bunch of hotshots not a basketball team. This has been the Knicks' problem since Thomas took over putting the team together. He doesn't understand what makes a winning team. Isiah thinks he won the Pistons' championships.
So maybe I am wrong. Isiah is the problem. And the Knicks won't win more games than they lose until they get Thomas out of their building.
The games will begin
October 30, 2006
The beginning of the pro basketball season is not as exciting as the college season. Pro basketball is only exciting at the end of the season or if a streak is going. A streak I would love to see this year would be the Knicks losing 30 games in a row. Now that would be exciting, but I doubt it will happen. Yes, the Knicks will be better than last year, but they aren't making the playoffs, they will be boring.
The excitement this season should be the Cavs with Lebron and his mates and the Bulls led by Ben Wallace. I am looking forward to some of the season, but it is just too long to enjoy all of it.
No more fire arms
October 26, 2006
David Stern wants ballplayers to keep their guns at home when they go out for the night. I am glad to hear that, but how about when the go to the game. David it is dangerous for big ballplayers to go to some of these basketball venues. Detroit fans may smack them with popcorn. Or New York fans will insult them until they cry.
I think it is very important that these grown men don't let these fans beat them up. So there should be no fire arms when they go to the disco but when the go to the Palace they better be packing. Right?
Kobe to play
October 25, 2006
The NBA season is starting next week and Kobe may miss the first game. Why does this matter? The NBA season is a long run not a sprint like the NFL. If Kobe misses ten games in the season it doesn't matter and is better if he misses at the beginning.
The Lakers are a number 7 or 8 team whether Kobe plays the first game or not, so I say let the guy heal. Better he come back and stay, instead of going on and off the disable list.
This is a non issue, unless he is not playing in January. Then the Lakers have a problem.
Can Van Gundy's Rockets win?
October 23, 2006
The Rockets have alot of talent. Yao has developed into an NBA center. Will he be dominating? Probably not, but he is servicable. Tracy McGrady is one of the most exciting players to watch, when he is healthy. A big part of the Rockets record will depend on the health of their shooting guards. Shane Battier should help the scoring, he will make this a better team than last year.
Of course, Houston's biggest problem is that they play in the best conference and the division is very good with San Antonio and Dallas. Houston should be better than last year, but they may not be good enough to beat the elite teams in the Western Conference.
It is too early
October 20, 2006
The basketball season is really long. November games mean nothing in June. So, what can we expect in the season?
Though it is early there are a few things that should happen during the season. First the Knicks should have a better record. That is pretty easy to predict because they had a historically rotten season last year. Next look for the Central division should be very competitive this year. Detroit will still be good despite losing Ben Wallace and the Cavs are headed for a good year. Lebron is developing into a leader and he will propel his team into the elite of the Eastern Conference. And though the Bulls may not be as good as predicted they will win probably 50 games this season.
One last thing is that the West will again be very competitive. Though the Sonics and the Blazers play in the Western Conference, the other teams are all capable of winning. They all won't be in the playoffs, but they will all be competitive and will beat up on the East when they get a chance.
The injuries are starting
October 17, 2006
The Knicks already are hurt. Jared Jeffries has a broken wrist and will be out six to eight weeks. Remember that the wrist is one of the more important body parts that a basketball player needs to play effectively. Of course, Jefferies is a scorer, so he should be able to come back quickly. However, if he misses the first month which is 17 games, it could be a problem. Jalen Rose will probably get Jefferies minutes, and this will mean the Knicks will be extremely weak on defense. Rose doesn't consider defense a priority.
I don't think the Knicks are that good with Jefferies, and I think they are weaker without him. I am waiting for the first 6 game losing streak, it will be fun.
O'Neal in Chicago?
October 16, 2006
Could the Bulls get Jermaine O'Neal? If that is possible, that would be great. The rumor says the Bulls would have to give Deng, Sweetney and PJ Brown and maybe Duhon.
The Bulls would be better with the addition of O'Neal. These Bulls need to add some height and play Andres Nocioni more. This would be an interesting and helpful trade. I would like it.
No more Whining
October 11, 2006
The NBA is cracking down on players who complain about whistles. Yea, I will believe that when it happens.
I can believe that the NBA doesn't like the players to show the refs up and that they want to stop the Rasheed Wallaces from complaining. But I want to know what do they do when Kobe complains. Will Kobe get a quick technical like Wallace? Will Dirk be fined as quickly as Artest?
I don't trust the NBA when they start trying something like this. If they wanted to stop the complaining they should have done that years ago. Today it is part of the game as much as the dunk is.
This may be a good idea, but it only works if you shut up the stars first.
A better year?
October 5, 2006
Will the Knicks be the laughingstock of the NBA this season? Will they have a better year than last season?
Well, the Knicks have to have a better record than last year. Last year was a history setting bad year. No team can lose that many games two years in a row. So, as far as the record, yes the Knicks will have a better year. But there is nothing that the Knicks have done to make them not a laughingstock.
The characters are still in NY. Starbury, Isiah, Dolan, Eddie Curry, Jalen Rose, Jamal Crawford, Franchise and the other less opionated team members will all contribute to numerous stories this year. The stories will be funny and depressing to Knick fans. This cast don't belong together and don't know how to work together. These guys will self destruct before the new year. It will be all over the back pages.
Knick fans prepare for things to get worse before you get back to the finals.
A New Ball?
October 3, 2006
Shaq doesn't like the new ball. Isn't that too bad. What are all these complaints? Does Shaq own stock in the old leather basketballs?
Yes, for a moment the equipment makes a difference in the game. But once the players have gotten used to the equipment there is no difference, just babiness. These complaints are childish and they remind us that the NBA player is one of the most spoiled babies in sports today.
This is no problem for men. Just for boys.
How much should LB get?
September 29, 2006
I think that Larry Brown should get none of his remaining contract. He was awful at coaching the Knicks and he acted like a baby when he didn't get his way. I think he should pay back what he has already had been paid.
Also, I think the Knicks should pay Larry double what is left on his contract. The organization was totally inept in negotiations and gave Larry a blank check. Then when he lost they cried and now don't want to sign the check. James Dolan is such an imcompetent owner that he could destroy the Yankees in two years.
I realize that both of these scenarios are not going to happen. Actually Stern will make Dolan pay most of the remaining contract and then have them kiss and make up. Yuck. I want fire works.
Goodbye Toni
September 12, 2006
Toni Kukoc was a European star when he came to the Bulls in 1993. The Bulls had drafted him in 1990, but he stayed in Europe until after the Bulls had won their first three peat. He then got to play with the next three peat Chicago team.
Toni was probably best as the sixth man off the bench who could score 20 points in 20 minutes, but he preferred to be a starter. He was a major contributor to the second three peat team, though he was still considered by some as a bust. He didn't live up to the hype that preceded his arrival in the NBA, but he did make a statement that Europe had great talent.
Since Toni signed with the Bulls, there have been numerous players who have followed him to the NBA. Toni is retiring, but he opened the door for the new talent in the NBA.
Sir Charles welcome to the Hall
September 9, 2006
Charles Barkley along with some other dignitaries were welcomed into the basketball hall of fame yesterday. Of course, no one would ever suggest that Barkley is rolaty. We all know that Charles loves to be controversial and a foil to others. He is good tv.
When I heard his comments about cheese and filette, I laughed. Charles usually got the joke and has a sense of humor about himself. So, it also didn't surprise me when he lectured the little kids of today to hold onto their money. It is hard to find a role model in sports, because most of the people are wrapped up in themselves.
I wouldn't say that Charles is a perfect role model. However, in ten or twenty years he may be one that helped a couple of kids become good men.
What went wrong?
September 2, 2006
The experts and fans want to know what went wrong with the US team against Greece. They aren't capable of believing that US is not the most dominate basketball country in the world.
Of course, USA is the most dominate basketball country, we just are the most dominate team. Something that is lost on alot of fans and experts is that basketball is a team sport. If each player knows where they fit and what is expected of them, the team will succeed. And the only way for that to happen is time. That is time playing together as one team. Not playing on your respective pro teams and then coming together for a couple of weeks for some R and R.
The USA is still too arrogant to play as one team under one coach. The USA will never be dominate until they understand to listen to one coach. And quit blaming everyone else for their problems.
They won't be the champs
September 1, 2006
USA will not win the basketball world championship. How is that possible? US invented the game and we have all the stars. Why does the USA not dominate basketball anymore?
I don't know why, but I am one fan that appreciates the other countries stepping up their game. I do think the US doesn't play the best basketball consistently, but this team did appear to be a team not a collection of superstars. So, this Greece victory does validate other countries getting better.
If the USA wants to return to dominate international basketball they need to change the approach to playing these games. The major change is that they need a team that plays together all the time with one coach. International basketball is not a sideshow it is a profession. The USA needs to treat it that way.
A Retread
August 29, 2006
Why do professional teams bring back old coaches? Aren't there assistants out there that could lose just as easily? Don Nelson had a good run as a coach but he is not the answer to the Golden State Warriors.
This is a silly decision. Nelson was a good coach for the Bucks. He had a winning record as the Golden State coach after six years, but was 14-31 before he was fired. As the NY Knicks coach he had a winning record for 59 games. And then he went to the Mavericks and had success for six years. But he left the Mavericks, so a young assistant coach could get a chance to succeed as a head coach.
So why are the Warriors bringing back a warrior? Are the Warriors trying to repeat the golden years? I don't think that bringing back the past will help. Maybe the Warriors should be looking for new blood like the Mavericks did.
Give another assistant a try, throw out your retreads.
The 6 11 scenario
August 10, 2006
Isiah has a fetish for 6' 11" basketball players. He has three on his team, and he is dreaming they will be his starting five with his 6' 2" and 6' 3" guards. Hey now that sounds like a winner.
The bigger they are the harder they fall. And fall they will.
No matter how you stretch it the three 6' 11" guys won't fit together any better than those two self centered guards. The addition of Jared may give the Knicks some more defense, but more than anything it is going to give more headaches. These selfish players complained last year that they didn't get enough playing time. Does anyone really think the bench is going to be a happy one?
The only way the bench is going to be happy is if you get guys who will be role players. The Knicks have no role players with the exception of Jared, and he is being slotted to start. So, with the bench full of me guards and not 6' 11" forwards, I think that the honeymoon will be shortlived for the new yoga coach.
Chemistry makes a team
August 9, 2006
Isiah Thomas says that he got Jared Jeffries because he will add the right chemistry to the team. Now that is interesting. Two old, overpaid, egomaniac guards plus a underachieving, blase center plus a second year good guy forward plus Jefferies equals a winning lineup. I don't think I am convinced.
Isiah is reaching again. His comments remind me of his praises for Larry Brown last summer. Why do I have no faith that Thomas can turn this hapless group of guys into a playoff contender?
I watched Jefferies play at Indiana because I am a Big Ten fan. He was quite good during those two years, however I thought he should have stayed one more year to develop. Presently he is a serviceable reserve forward for the Knicks. He can play around 25 minutes a game, have 6 rebounds and score 6 points. Can anyone explain how that is the player the Knicks were missing?
The Knicks need more than chemistry. They need a new attitude and alot less ego. And the coach/gm should start with himself.
Indiana Knicks
August 8, 2006
I have figured out Isiah's strategy to make the Knicks winners, get Hoosier alum. He has started by adding Jared Jeffries to the lineup of stars. Of course, there aren't many IU alum in the NBA, the only one presently on a roster is Bracey Wright for the Timberwolves. There may be a small problem to Isiah's solution.
He would have had a better pool of players to pick from if he had chosen the other teams in the Big Ten. Or he could have chosen just Duke or just Connecticut former players. Now those schools produce winners. But of course remember Thomas knows best. I thought that was Danny, you know, "Daddy knows best".
Whatever Isiah's plans are for the Knicks, I only hope that they are short lived and the fans can get back a competitive team. Sans Thomas.
USA Basketball
August 4, 2006
The USA Basketball team destroyed Puerto Rico last night. Is this suppose to make me excited? I just don't really care to watch the pros play against the other countrys. I would be more excited to watch a college age team play.
I prefer to watch competitive basketball game. Even if the USA would be the underdog, I would root for them if it wasn't the pros.
Never liked watching the Dream Team. So, why should I like watching it again? Basketball is no fun if you already know who will win.
Lakers and Heat Redux
August 2, 2006
The NBA does do some things stupidly. They put the idiot Lakers and Heat on Christmas day, again. Who wants to see that? Not me. I want to see a team that could be in the finals. I don't want to see an eqotistical jerk against a nursing home team.
Can't the NBA see that the Heat hit their highlight last year and that the Lakers only highlight is how many points Kobe will score. The teams to watch next year are the Cavs, Suns, Mavericks, and Bulls. Those are the ones that will inject the most excitement in the season to come.
The NBA does some things correctly, they just can't figure out what is hot.
The USA team
July 26, 2006
Maybe the USA is figuring out how to play world competition basketeball. I actually like reading that the team will have no starters and no bench and hopefully no babies.
Since the pros started playing on the USA team, the team has been about stars. The team is always second to somebody's ego. When the team was made up of college players there was more of a team and less of "me". Since I like team basketball not me basketball, I am happy to see a change in this team.
The team that is headed to Asia is of course not the team that will play in the Olympics, but I do hope that the philosphy will be the same.
Van Horn to another team?
July 24, 2006
Why has Keith Van Horn never become a great player? I thought when Van Horn was in college that he had potential to be the kind of player that Dirk is today. What went wrong with Van Horn's development?
Why is Van Horn probably headed for his sixth team in ten years of playing? Why didn't he catch on? Attitude? Or desire?
Keith is 6'10" player with a good jump shot who has never got any better in the pros. He is just as good as he was in college and that is a problem for the teams who looked for him to help them win. Van Horn isn't any different then alot of players. He is just an example of why potential means so little in pro sports.
NBA in Oklahoma?
July 19, 2006
Why are people skeptical about NBA succeeding in Oklahoma? Basketball is actually a mid country sport more than a west or east sport. The middle of the country loves their basketball, because all of the people have played the sport. When you don't have enough kids to play football or baseball, kids always play basketball.
Yes, Oklahoma fans love their college football. However, they love basketball after football is done. And remember it is college football that these fans watch not always pro football. Since Oklahoma football fans have to root for a Texas or Arizona or Missouri pro football team, it only makes sense that they would embrace a pro basketball team of their own. Oklahoma fans really don't like Texas and they have no love for Arizona or Missouri.
Oklahoma would be a great home for the NBA. Maybe then we can see real basketball and not this phony stuff the Sonics have been playing for the last few years.
Isiah's goal
July 7, 2006
Isiah Thomas' goal is the playoffs. Huh? Isn't that to be every teams' goal?
A team needs forty wins to make the playoffs, that shouldn't be that hard? However, the Knicks only mustered 23 wins last season. Now that was hard.
Every team should be put together to compete for the playoffs or they should be sent to the WNBA. However, this is the first time that Isiah has found it necessary to say that a goal is to make the playoffs. I think every Knick fan wants the playoffs every year. Now Thomas wants that.
Too bad, Thomas wasn't thinking about the playoffs when he put his team together.
Rid of the kid
July 6, 2006
In the 2001 draft the Bulls picked a high schooler Eddie Curry. Then they traded Elton Brand to get another high schooler, Tyson Chandler. At that time the Bulls front office tried to convince everyone that this would be the new Jordan/Pippen combo. Were they ever wrong.
Chandler and Curry have never developed into intimidating players. Brand is starting to get some respect around the league. Why didn't this tandem work out for the Bulls? Everyone said they had talent.
Will Chandler and Curry prosper in other environments? NY hasn't been that great for Curry, but it has only been one year. They may blossom, but thankfully for Bull fans on someone else's dime.
It has been painful watching these kids try to learn to have the heart and drive to play pro ball. I am glad to see the high schoolers out of pro sports. There aren't alot of LeBrons or Kobes in the high school prospects, most of them are Kwame, Eddie and Tyson.
The Bulls will be better this season without those 2001 high schoolers.
Bulls being bullish
July 5, 2006
John Paxton is making moves that just might put the Bulls back on the NBA map. The signing of Big Ben is the first step to recovery. Now, if they can trade Tyson maybe they can mold into a team in contention.
Of course, the dream player for the Bulls would be Kevin Garnett. I am not holding my breath for that one. But I do think the Bulls will be exciting to watch.
The Knicks are all set????
June 30, 2006
I can barely believe it. Isiah says that the Knicks are all set and all that is left, is a little time to let them gel. What planet is Thomas on?
The Knicks have too many guards and no one who is willing to bang and do the dirty work of pro basketball. They don't play defense. But they love to shoot. How is that a team that can compete against Kobe, LeBron, Dirk or even the hobbled Shaq?
Yes, the Knicks are due to out shoot the Hawks and Blazers. They may give the Celtics and 76ers a scare. However, there are too many teams out there that you have to play a little defense or you will end up on the losing end.
Thomas may have some knowledge about running an offense, but he hasn't proven that on defense. And for those who remember that Thomas took the Pacers to 3 playoffs, please remember that was a very young and talented team. The Knicks are an old, talented, unproven team.
Isiah doesn't disappoint
June 29, 2006
Dolan should not wait a year and fire Thomas, for his arogance, right now. What was Isiah thinking when he decided 2 second round picks in the first round?
The picks aren't that horrendous. The problem is that he just gave two guys, who will have limited playing careers, a huge salary before they prove they can play. When you make a second rounder a first round pick their salary is inflated. These guys should be paid 2nd round money not first round.
If Thomas didn't want to pick anyone why didn't he just give the picks away, like he did with the number 2 pick. Don't expect either one of these to contribute to a NBA contender.
What is an Improvement?
June 28, 2006
Jimmy Dolan guarantees suffering Knick fans that he will fire Thomas if the Knicks don't show improvement next year. May I ask Dolan to please give us a few specifics on what guarantees improvement.
Is it an improvement if Starbury doesn't complain to the press that the coach is clueless? Is it an improvement if the Knicks actually try to win? Is it an improvement if Isiah doesn't have an harrassment suit filed against him? Is it an improvement if the Eddie Curry shows up to play? Is it an improvement if the old guys don't get hurt?
For the hapless Knicks they probably will win at least 35 games next season, simply because it is pretty hard to lose 50 games. But the Knicks are very capable of blowing up again next year unless they can get rid of half of their roster.
Nate, Jamal, Francis and Starbury are not going to have enough minutes each to make them all content. Francis and Starbury are old for basketball so start considering they will be injured or just plain tired for one third of the season. Jamal made a fuss in Chicago when he had to be a backup. Do you think he is going to change his attitude just because Francis and Starbury are more talented them him? Not a chance.
The way the Knicks are put together now, you have to wonder who is a bigger fool Scott Layden or Isiah Thomas. This roster doesn't make a team it makes a highlight.
Being a Bulls fan I love seeing the Knicks lose, but I do feel sorry for the fans who pay so much and get so little.
What is Dolan afraid of?
June 27, 2006
What is James Dolan afraid of? Is he afraid that someone will ask him a question that he doesn't have he a scripted answer.
Dolan is in more of a bubble than our president.
James finally admitted yesterday that yes it was a mistake to hire Larry. He just couldn't get Larry to focus on Larry's job. Larry wanted to do Isiah's.
Notice to James Dolan: Why do you think the Piston's showed Brown the door so easily? It wasn't because Brown was a bad coach. Larry Brown is an egotistical, maniac who has gotten too big for his breeches. He believes all the press that he and he alone can save a franchise.
This is not news, anyone and any fan could have told you that, if you would have taken the time to ask. Therefore, I don't feel sorry for the incompetent Knicks and think they need to pay Brown and start all over.
Of course, they still need to get rid of Thomas and Dolan.
Draft fiasco
June 26, 2006
One of my greatest interests in the NBA draft, is what silly choice will the NY Knicks make. I have no faith that Isiah will make a good choice. Does anyone?
The Knicks don't have their number one pick. They should be picking second in the draft, but they do have 2 other first round picks. Can Thomas make a sensible decision? Or will he go out on a limb and pick a big project? Or more to his liking will he trade both of those picks for "an overhype, overpaid veteran" that he will being paying until the end of this decade?
The watch is on. What inane choice will Isiah make that will make the Knicks an even bigger laughingstock?
It is over, or is it?
June 23, 2006
Larry Brown was fired yesterday, so ends the NY Knicks controversy. Wait a minute, there still maybe some fireworks.
Jimmy Dolan doesn't want to pay the savior of the Knicks the rest of his money. Though the contract was signed about a year ago, with complete confidence that this was the fix needed. Dolan is ready to call it a bad deal and say that LB broke the contract by being disrespectful. Don't you think that the Knicks should have actually asked Brown about his philosophy and ability to take orders from people he deems inferior? The complaints the NY management has about LB are not new. Any semi fan following LB for the past years knows his reputation. I think this would throw up some red flags before you hire the guy.
I guess not for Thomas and Dolan. Thomas and Dolan hired Larry because he was the greatest. These two are incapable of evaluating talent, so it is no wonder that they couldn't understand that Larry did not fit the puzzle in NY.
The NY Knicks will never improve until Thomas and Dolan are both gone.
Dwayne = Jordan??
June 22, 2006
After the championship win experts want to name Dwayne Wade the equal of Michael Jordan. What?
I like Dwayne Wade and he is a good offensive player. However, Jordan was one of the best defensive players ever. The Bulls won all of those titles because of their defense, not their offense. Pippen, Jordan and Nutjob were all about defense along with their wacky coach. Dwayne Wade lacks the intensity to play that type of defense. He needs all of his energy for the other side of the floor.
Wade is good. But the player of this era that is close to Jordan is not Wade but LeBron. LeBron is the best player and he is younger than Wade. So you have to wonder if LeBron will hit Jordan levels.
Okay, I am Surprised
June 21, 2006
Yes, I am shocked that the Mavericks lost last night. I did think the Mavericks were the better team. But Riley proved that he still was one of the best coaches ever.
I am glad to see Dwayne Wade get his first championship. Of course, I do wonder who he can team with for another one. This team is not one that will stay together, because of its age.
It is nice to see Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning and Jason Williams get a championship. And it is great to know that Shaq can win without Kobe. The question is how many of these guys will be on the team next season.
Now, that the finals are over, it is full time baseball.
A Stolen Series
June 20, 2006
What is all the crying about bad officiating? Is anyone surprised that the NBA finals will go to seven games? The NBA gets the tv rating one way or another, this year they just had to help Shaq a little more than in the past.
Yes, there have been some bad calls in this series. And yes some of those bad calls have helped the Heat. However, remember the Heat only won the games they are suppose to. A team is suppose to win at home. Of course, my Cubbies have never learned that lesson. The Mavericks have every possibility of blowing out the Heat tonight.
With the Mavericks win tonight, NBC and the NBA will get what they want and they will be celebrating all the way to the bank. And then in game seven the Mavericks will get that final win that will signfy that they are a good team.
Can anyone say "Script Committee"?
It's a three game series
June 16, 2006
Surprise, surprise, the NBA finals is now a three game series. How shocking.
There is no real surprise in the Heat tying the series. The Heat are a good basketball team and the Mavericks are a good team. Neither team has had overwhelming momentum. And neither is superior to the other. So, why be shocked that the series is tied.
Okay I could be a cynic and simply say that the script committee made it so. Of course, I won't and we can enjoy the next three games.
The Larry Saga continues
June 15, 2006
I can't believe that Larry Brown is still employed by the Knicks. Dolan is one poor owner.
The Knicks need good pr. They also need basketball players, but that isn't going to happen until Thomas is removed. For good pr to happen, the first thing the Knicks need is no Larry Brown. Dismiss the guy and take the hit. Then the media can talk about your great acquistions and potenial for the upcoming season.
Oh, I forgot, the Knicks' great acquistion last year was Larry Brown. So maybe they don't want to hear about any more acquistions.
Dwayne comes through
June 14, 2006
Will people stop jumping off the Heat's bandwagon? The Heat made the series 2-1, so the Heat can still win. Right?
The Heat are in it, and I think Shaq will have two really good games. Wade showed last night that he is definitely one of the top NBA players. And he isn't ready to go home.
Let the series continue.
Is Miami Done?
June 12, 2006
Miami got toasted last night. Shaq scored five points and played only 28 minutes. What is up with that? Is Shaq out of gas?
Don't jump off of the Heat's bandwagon, yet. Shaq will have a huge game in Miami. There has only been two games so far and both were in Dallas. When you play at home, you are suppose to win and the Mavericks did that. This series isn't over until the Heat loses at home.
So, let's see how the Heat does in the next game before declaring the Mavericks the champs.
Shaq can't hit a FT
June 9, 2006
Shaq had nine free throw attempts and made one. Dwayne went 6-10 at the line. Those were the only Heat players that went to the line. Was this the Mavericks' strategy?
Avery may not have drawn up that exact scenario, but it sounds like that was close to what he intends on doing. He says that the Mavericks are going to swarm O'Neal every time he gets the ball and not allow him to get an easy shot. Translation: foul Shaq before he shoots because he won't score. This is not a new strategy.
If the Mavericks can keep up the defense of last night, this will be a very short series. Of course, Shaq can always have a decent game at the line and the Heat can win. Don't expect a sweep.
Are the Knicks playing Chicken?
June 7, 2006
Larry Brown is still the coach for the Knicks. When will this madness end?
There is a story that says the Knicks are going to be patient and see if Larry breaks and then quits. Huh? That sounds like the game chicken. You know, where you run cars at each other until someone swerves. My money is on Brown.
Please note, the story says the Knicks are being patient. This Knicks' management group have never shown patience at anything. Now they will wait for Brown to leave, so they don't have to pay him 40 million. Why didn't they show patience in seeking a coach? They jumped and then ran to Coach Brown's side when he mentioned he would maybe want to coach the Knicks.
Dolan and Thomas have no idea on how to run a winning organization. They will blow this waiting game. Brown will win again. And the Knicks will lose until they rid themselves of this silly management team.
College ball is not NBA
June 6, 2006
Why are some college stars not NBA material? Supposedly JJ Redick and Adam Morrison were the best players this past year, but neither are a lock number one pick. And some don't think Redick will be a top ten pick. How can that be?
Kevin Pittsnogle is a 6'11" shooting center who averaged over 19 points a game with a .857 freethrow percentage. He is predicted to be either a late second round or go undrafted. I just don't see that. No he is not a rebounder or a shot blocker but do all 6'11" players have to be?
The knock on Pittsnogle is that he doesn't fit the mold for an NBA player.Wasn't the knock on Dirk when he came into the league that he didn't fit the mold. Maybe there is no set mold for an NBA player, perhaps it is evolving.
College players don't always make it in the NBA but things change. Maybe some of these guys will make it, I guess that is why there is a draft.
The Knicks a bad Drafter
June 5, 2006
In espn's rating the past 10 basketball drafts, that is 1995 to 2004, the Knicks were the team to have a negative rating. Does that surprise anyone?
It shouldn't. The Knicks management want to buy a team, they don't want to build a team. This mentality has destroyed the once proud franchise known as the NY Knicks.
The Knicks last really bonafide number one pick was 1985 when they drafted Patrick Ewing. Since that pick they have drafted just 2 first rounders who have averaged more than 10 points a game, one is Channing Frye and the other was Rod Strickland.
Most of the first round NY picks have usually had a very short career with very average statistics. Have you ever heard of Frederic Weis, John Thomas, Donnell Harvery, Frank Williams or Dontae Jones? Those were half of their last 10 first round picks. Now you know why the Knicks are so bad.
A Bad Year
June 3, 2006
The Pistons will not be in the finals. They had a lousey year. Yes, I know they won more games than any team, but going home now makes their year rotten.
What happened to this dominating team? At one point in the year they appeard they would come close to the Bulls record number of wins. However, their playoff series were lousy.
They should have dominated the Bucks, but it took five games. They let Milwaukee score 124 points one game. And the Pistons were the best defensive team. Then in the Cleveland series they almost let LeBron beat them by himself.
The Pistons need to look at what happend once they got in the playoffs, because this was not the outcome that should have occurred.
Dirk gets 50
June 2, 2006
Dirk Nowitzki went on a tear last night and scored fifty points. Is anyone really surprised?
Dirk has always been a player who could take a game over. He is seven feet tall and is a good shooter. Last night was one of those games where he showed that he is as good anybody else in the league. Don't you wonder what type of team Dallas would be if Nash still played for them?
I do like both of the teams in the west. They both have flashy players and that never die mentality. I just hope that the Suns comeback with another game as good as last nights.
The Brown Saga Continues
May 31, 2006
Larry Brown pulled over to the side of the road to talk to reporters! That tops all of the idiotic things about this Knick saga to date. I have to say that did surprise me.
The Knicks are keeping the press from Larry Brown. They have the police making sure that the press do not approach him when he is on Knick ground. Now, they may have to think of expanding that unapproachable area, considering what happened yesterday.
Larry pulled to the side of the road to talk to the press yesterday. He didn't say anything new, but that is funny. This only adds to the silliness of the Knick organization. Well, of course I didn't mention, that Stephon said he wants to be a Knick for life.
This is a silly, unbelievable story.
The Heat won again
May 30, 2006
Have the Pistons already given up? I cannot believe they are on the verge of losing to the Heat.
The Pistons were, and that is in past tense, the most dominating force since the Chicago Bulls this past season. People thought they would challenge for seventy wins, I didn't but could see why this was considered. The Pistons in the playoffs do not look like the Pistons of the regular season.
These Pistons look older and more fragile than Shaq. Where is the guts and heart of this team? I thought they were the champs. I guess they did too and decided they didn't have to play the games. Unless they can muster some semblance of a team, they are headed for a very long vacation in the next day or so.
Mavs on the verge?
May 29, 2006
The Mavs played defense and the Suns only scored 88 points last night. That is the only way the Mavs will beat the Suns.
If the Mavs run with the Suns and try to outscore them, the Suns will win this series. However, if the Mavs limit the number of times the Suns get the ball, the Mavs win. End of story.
I am rooting for the Mavs.
Mavs are not ready to go home
May 27, 2006
Dirk and the rest of the Mavs are not done playing, for anybody who was ready to give the Suns the title. The Mavs let down in the first game at the end of the game. And Nash won the game. Don't expect that to happen again.
The Mavericks are a good team and I really expect to see them in the final against the Pistons. But it will probably take seven games to get there.
The basketball playoffs have alot more excitement to come. I am looking forward to it.
Ho hum Pistons win
May 26, 2006
The Pistons bounced back and beat the Heat in game two of their series. Now, can everyone get back on the Pistons' bandwagon?
Yes, the playoffs have exposed the Pistons lacking focus. And they could get beat if they don't play their best. But I still contend that the Pistons are the best team.
Pistons just remember to play the entire game. Do not take the last 2 minutes off. Your lack of intensity at the end of the game was almost a disaster.
I guess Nash is the MVP
May 25, 2006
I never thought that Steve Nash belonged with the multiple MVP winners list. He just isn't the best player in the NBA. However, last night he proved why he is the "most valuable player" not the "best player".
The MVP award is usually confused with the best player, but once in awhile it is usually the most valuable and Nash is that. The Suns would not be in the playoffs, let alone be this far if Nash was not on their team. He takes control of the game and does whatever is needed to win. And win is all that matters.
Kobe and LeBron are better players. However, would they have taken the game over in the last three minutes and made a loss a win without taking the last shot? I say no.
But Nash knows how to get it done.
Bulls have 2nd pick
May 24, 2006
The Bulls made the Knicks give them a number one draft pick for Eddie Curry, and there could be no stipulations on that pick. Usually teams say you can have the pick, but if it is a lottery pick, I get to keep it. John Paxson wouldn't let the Knicks do that and for some unknown reason Isiah Thomas said that was fine by him.
Either John Paxson is a great general manager that is just really savvy or Isiah is one of the weakest GMs ever. I am of the opinion of the latter. Isiah is a joke. Maybe this won't be the greatest drafts, but considering who the Knicks have on their team, anyone would be an improvement.
The Bulls may get their muscle man out of the draft. And the Knicks will do something outstandingly dumb. I don't know what it will be, but I just don't trust Isiah to do anything that makes sense.
Mavericks overcome the Spurs
May 23, 2006
Since the middle of the basketball season, I have wanted to see who would survive between the Spurs and the Mavericks, everyone knew they would have to meet each other during one of the series. And now I know.
There were a few people who were saying these Mavericks were different and they could beat the Spurs. But of course until a team wins a series there are no believers. Is this a sign that Dirk may become a star and Cuban won't be just a big blowhard?
I hope so.
LeBron is the real deal
May 22, 2006
People want to compare LeBron to Michael, why? LeBron will never be Michael and Michael will never be Lew Alcindor.
Why do people think they have to say who is the greatest? Alcindor was a great center, one of the best. Not the greatest maybe, but it doesn't make him less great. Jordan was a great star. Maybe not the greatest, but he was a star in the nineties and everyone recognized him. So why does it matter if LeBron is the greatest?
LeBron is a great player and is playing now. The other two aren't. That is what matters.
NBA get 3 game 7s
May 20, 2006
The NBA got 3 game sevens. How lucky can they get?
You have to believe that David Stern the networks are happy. But of course instead of one of those games tonight, two of them will be on Monday night. That is lame.
The series have been competitive but I still would like to see these games played with a little more urgency. I loved it when they had to play back to back. That was exciting.
NBA schedule a joke
May 19, 2006
The NBA has two games tonight and no games on Saturday. And if Cleveland wins tonight there are no games on Sunday. But on Monday there will be the game seven for the Clippers and Phoenix. Why?
The Clippers and Phoenix played last night, so why can't they play on Saturday or at least Sunday. The NBA stretches things out to where they lose all momentum and interest. Is this so that they will get the best audiences? Fans want to watch the playoffs during the weekend not late on Monday night.
Cavs on the verge?
May 18, 2006
The Cavs won last night? They are now ahead 3-2 against the consensus favorite, Pistons. I can't believe it.
Are the Pistons just waiting to start playing? If so they better start no or they will have one of the worse years ever.
If, and that is a big if, the Cavs win this series; this will be one of the biggest upsets ever. The Pistons have already been crowned by many as the champs. If the Pistons lose there will be alot of finger pointing.
I just wanted a good series. LeBron and the Cavs have done more than that.
The Heat advance?
May 17, 2006
The Heat advancing is not really that surprising. What is surprising is the way the Nets played the last four games. What happened?
The Nets have had an up and down season, but in the last month they were playing very good basketball. They won their first series and then pounded the Heat in the first game. I can only think they either forgot how to play or they figured they had smacked the old guys around. But Shaq and Dwayne shoved those Nets around and made them look old and defeated.
I think the Nets need a little muscle. They need to be able to shove their opponents around or they will not get back to the finals.
Cavs even series?
May 16, 2006
LeBron's Cavs are tied with the Pistons. I am shocked.
Yes, I think LeBron is a star, but I really thought that the Pistons would have an easier time in this series. Why are the Pistons stalling? Are they just too over confident?
Actually the Cavs are over achieving. LeBron may have broken out during this series. However, it will be unbelievable if the Cavs win this series.
Rasheed's Guarantee
May 15, 2006
It is fun to see a player actually say what he means. Rasheed Wallace said the Pistons will win tonight and that will be the last game played in Cleveland for the season. There is no mistaking what that means.
That may sound a over confident, but from the way the Pistons have played this year, it sounds plausible. These Pistons should win everything they are just that good.
Yes, I think Rasheed is just telling it like it is.
Smashmouth doesn't work
May 13, 2006
The senario says if you smash your opponents in the mouth, they will play more tenative the rest of the game. Dwayne Wade forgot to read the script.
Wade got smacked in the mouth and had to leave the game. Then he came back in and scored 14 points in the final 5 minutes of a win. That is the way to respond to a smack down.
Maybe NJ should think twice before they smack Wade. They don't want him to go off like that again.
Weber is a good fit for U of I
May 12, 2006
I did like the choice of Lon Kruger for the Illini a few years ago. I thought he would be able to establish a good program and be there for years, so I was wrong. He left for the pros and hasn't been heard of since.
I was very happy with the Bill Self choice. I again thought, here was someone who would stay for years. Duh, how stupid was I. Self ran to Kansas, as soon as NC offered their job to Roy Williams. Self may have a long career there, if he wins.
So the U of I had to steal the Salukis' winning coach, Weber. This time I really do think this may be Weber's dream job and he will stay for years. Champaign is a small enough place that he isn't overwhelmed but he is in the Big Ten, so people will pay attention to him. As a head coach for the past eight years, Weber has been to the NCAA tourney the last five and to the NIT in one other year. His teams have a winning percentage of .733 for those 8 years and as an assistant coach he accumulated a percentage of .702.
I hope he stays at Illinois for a few more years.
Wade you played well
May 11, 2006
You have to love Dwayne Wade, if you like NBA basketball. He is great fun to watch and will be playing for a long time.
The Heat had a good game and the Nets had a bad game. If the Nets would have played better the game would have been more fun to watch. But Wade still was fun to watch.
This series will go the limits and there should be more Wade highlights. Thank you Dwayne for playing hard.
Mavs will make to 7
May 10, 2006
It is great to see the Mavs win a game in San Antonio. This may be a sign that this will be a seven game series, which is wonderful.
All season long the Mavs and the Spurs have been the two best teams in the west. I have enjoyed watching them and think this year the Mavs are a much better team than previous years. The Mavs have learned how to play as a team. This year they have a chance to challenge the Spurs, which makes for the excitement.
I still think the Spurs will win at home in seven. This series will be exciting.
Shaq is old, but he isn't done
May 9, 2006
Shaq had a routine game last night, however, for Miami to get rid of the Nets, he has to have at least 2 super games. Yes, Shaq is old and still hurt. Shaq has been a dominating player for the past 14 years. He makes opponents double team and play physical. Fans like to watch him play.
Miami has probably their best chance this year to get to the finals. But they need Shaq to be huge for a couple of games, if they are to get there. Yes, the Nets won last night but it is seven games, not one.
He gave up?
May 8, 2006
People think Kobe mailed in the 2nd half of the seventh game. Huh? This is supposed to be news.
Kobe Bryant is a very talented basketball player, however he has never been a team ballplayer. Everything Kobe does is for Kobe. He has won championships, but that was when he was on a team that had team players who were better than Kobe. And they made Kobe better.
Kobe is pouting about the lack of talent on "His Team". Duh? If Kobe is so concerned about having a team, he should have acted differently before he destroyed the championship Laker teams. He could still be on a team, if he would learn to play with others.
"Kobe's Team" has some very usable players who would all probably fare better on another team. The problem is not the others, it is Kobe. Until Kobe learns to play with everyone else, he will just be a star and never a great ballplayer.
Cavs move on
May 6, 2006
LeBron and his Cavs move on to play the Pistons. I am glad, though I didn't think they would beat the Wizards.
Now, LeBron will have four or five games to prove that he belongs in the playoffs every year. And that he can bring a team to compete with the very best. I don't expect the Cavs to give the Pistons much trouble, but I do hope that LeBron has a couple of good games.
Go cavs.
Is this a sign?
May 5, 2006
Channing Frye made the NBA All-Rookie first team. Now, that is either a good sign or maybe not. The Knicks haven't had a rookie on the all rookie team since 1989. The Knicks don't wait for a player to develop. The Knicks and Larry Brown want old, proven, at least old, players.
So, Frye better be ready to have a good year next year or he will find Brown wanting an old guy, like Mourning. I know that sounds impossible.
I guess I have no faith that the Knicks will let Frye grow into a professional all star.
Raja doesn't like Kobe
May 4, 2006
Raja Bell says that Kobe is an arrogant, self centered, basketball player. Is that really news? I don't think so.
NBA ballplayers are all arrogant, self centered atheletes. If they aren't, they will be devoured on the court. To play in professional sports, one of the most important character flaws needed to be successful, is arrogance.
Of course to be a star any profession, one has to have some arrogance to make it to the top. So, Kobe is arrogant. Yea, but everyone sees that.
Hard fouls or battery?
May 3, 2006
In the playoffs, there have already been suspensions to Ron Artest and James Posey for hard fouls. At least, the NBA labels them as that. But are some of these fouls more than just hard?
Raja Bell clotheslined Kobe last night and the foul looked dangerously close to assault. If Artest would have done this, wouldn't fans have wanted Ron thrown out of the series or in jail.
The NBA should clean up what is a hard foul and what is not acceptable. However, I figure they are going to wait for someone to be hospitalized, before they make any changes.
The other LA basketball team
May 2, 2006
I don't like the Lakers. I never have. I rooted for the Celtics in the eighties against Magic's team. And I rooted for anybody but the Lakers for the Shaq/Kobe teams.
I never thought I would root for a Los Angeles team, however, I can't help but root a little for this Clipper team. A perrenial loser to the Lakers, it is nice to see the Clippers winning. I didn't like the Bulls trading Elton Brand, but it is possible that Brand would have never produced in Chicago. I like watching him, now. Dunleavy has been a good NBA coach these past 13 years, so it is nice to see him have success with the other LA team.
It would be very exciting to see the Clippers beat the Lakers, but that would be jumping to conclusions. I don't think the Suns are done yet.
The Baby bulls are in vogue
May 1, 2006
People, now, want to pick the Baby bulls to upset the Heat. Huh? The Bulls have no defense against Shaq, except Shaq himself. Shaq has to get into foul trouble for the Bulls to beat Miami.
Yes, I think it is more fun to watch the Bulls run up and down the court, than to watch Shaq lumber in pain. But, I don't expect the Heat to lose.
Bulls taking the Heat to a seventh game will make a decent season for this under achieving team. And it would also be fun for this fan.
A Blowout????
April 30, 2006
Michael Redd lit up the Pistons' defense for 40, now that is astonishing. Yes Redd is a good shooter, however, I still am shocked that, against that defense, he was able to put in forty. The Pistons are not a western no defense team. They are the premiere defensive team of the NBA. Players, not even great shooters, score forty on this team.
I can only conclude that the Pistons are saving their energy and just let this one go as a loss. I would be totally shocked if the Bucks win another one from the Pistons. And even more shocked if anyone else scores forty on these Pistons.
Nets need to show up
April 29, 2006
The Nets played some of the best basketball in the last month of the season. They had finally gotten into a rhythm that allowed their talent to show through. They were winning all of their games. Vince is a star player and Jason Kidd is one of the best point guards, but these guys had never meshed as well as they did in the last month.
What happened? How can they possibly be down to the inconsistent Pacers? The Pacers played some of the worse basketball in the last month. They almost didn't make the playoffs.
The Nets need to show up today. Or they may find themselves playing golf with the Knicks.
Baby bulls play up to expectations
April 28, 2006
It was great to see the Bulls play well, last night. They left this fan with hope that maybe they can push the Heat to a game seven. That would be fun to watch.
No, I am not delusionaly and believe that the Bulls will beat the Heat. However, I like good basketball or at least competitive. And the Bulls are one of the more intriguing teams to watch. They are young and they run and they play with the tenacity of their coach. Skiles was never a great player, however, he played every minute he was on the floor.
NBA basketball is to be fast with alot of passing and shooting. The Bulls and Heat series is giving the fan alot of that. Just keep it up.
First round somewhat ho-hum
April 27, 2006
The only real problem with the NBA playoffs is the first round duds. No one thought that Detroit was going to have a problem. But could they please have a little competition? The Grizzlies aren't really bad, but the Mavericks are going to beat them.
It is the seven game series that make the playoffs interesting. And it is four games sweeps that make this fan say, "This is boring. I want competitive games."
Maybe the NBA could think of giving the top teams byes for the first round, so we wouldn't see such debacles. Just a thought.
LeBron shows his human side
April 26, 2006
LeBron will have better games. Tuesday night was just one of those growing pain days. He had ten turnovers with 26 points. However, after the smackdown in the first quarter, he looked tenative, passing more then a fan wants. It could have been the hit or it could be that he is just human.
For those fans that thought Jordan had returned, yes this is a setback but don't get too worried. LeBron will have much better days. Last night was just a bad night.
Don't burn the LeBron jerseys he will come back. This is a seven game series.
Close is not good enough
April 25, 2006
The baby bulls have played the Heat close but they are still down 0-2 in the series. I don't think the Bulls can beat the Heat in seven, but I do think they will get close enough to win a game or two.
This Chicago team is almost ready to break through and a few of their players will become stars. It might be two years from now, but they should be more competitive next season. I just hope that they remember to play as a team and not go in the direction of the Knicks.
Of course, no team wants to emulate the Knicks.
Playoffs are too long???
April 24, 2006
Why are people complaining about the length of the playoffs? I actually don't mind that basketball is still played in June. I like to watch good basketball, all of the time.
The stretching out of the games allows the fan to watch all of the series. Of course, not having back to back games does eliminate some upset potential, but it makes for better games. Older players can rest and hurt players can get a little recoup time.
So quit complaining and enjoy. The NBA playoffs are fun.
Go LeBron
April 23, 2006
The playoffs got started on the right foot with LeBron playing up to expectations. And the Clippers being pushed to the end. Of course, the Kings may not be in the playoffs for very long, if they play like they did last night. But it was the first game.
First game or not, playoffs are more fun than the season no matter who wins.
Isn't it nice not to have to watch the hapless Knicks run up and down the floor?
Can anyone beat the Pistons?
April 22, 2006
I don't like to jump on bandwagons. I don't like to be a front runner. I am a Cub Fan, and I usually root for the underdog. Note I am a Cub fan.
With that said, can anyone really beat the Pistons? I have watched them all season and they work like a well oiled machine. No, they didn't win 72 games but to be honest that isn't really necessary. These Pistons know how to win and will beat all of their opponents during the playoffs. They are just that good.
The only real competition will probably be the finals. But don't expect the Spurs or the Mavericks to beat these Pistons. The playoffs look like they might be fun, but the conclusion has already been decided.
Break up the Knicks
April 21, 2006
Why is Isiah still employed as a general manager? He has already bought all of the overpaid "stars that will never amount to anything" and traded away most of the Knicks that any other team would want. What is there left for him to do?
Isiah was a nice ballplayer. He is a lousy general manager. Get rid of him.
Why is Larry being brought back for another season? He has lost the attention of the players and acted like a two year old in his public spat with "starbury". Unless all players are traded, Larry will do nothing with the Knicks. He doesn't like rookies because they haven't yet developed and all of Knick vetrans don't want to play for him.
Larry is a good coach, but the Knick job is not for him.
Why is Stephon still a Knick?
I actually know the answer to that question, it is quite simple. Unless the Knicks want to eat his contract, Stephon will be a Knick until his contract is up. There is a reason why Stephon has been traded so much and that his former teams become better once he is gone. He may be a great point guard in his mind but he is just an average professional ballplayer.
The Knicks may not be good until 2010.
Playoffs should be fun
April 20, 2006
I will consider the first round of playoffs a success if there are at least two 7 game series. I would prefer that all went to seven, but I don't think the Pistons will be challenged until at least the third round. But I do think that the Cavs and Wizards should be challenging.
Cavs don't have to win the series but LeBron needs to have a good series. LeBron is fun to watch and gives a professional character to the NBA. It will be best for the NBA if he is in the playoffs for many years to come.
Of course the east may not have too many challenging the Pistons, but the west should be very competitive. The clippers and nuggets should be a good series. And it is always fun to root against Kobe. Let the games begin.
NBA is gradeschool
April 19, 2006
Why do ballplayers think they don't have to follow the business' rules?
Ballplayers like AI or Chris Weber who forget that they still have to show up for work on time have clearly lost touch with reality. Part of the reason they are paid so much, is fans want to see them; even if it is only in their "street clothes".
Rules let fans know what they are buying. So, when rules are not followed fans are the ones who lose.
Why go early to NBA?
April 18, 2006
Why do some of these guys declare so early to go to NBA? Most of them are not ready. They have never been taught basketball or how to listen to a coach. So, they will sit on the bench and watch others who are ready to play. They will whine: "I don't get enough playing time". Or they will go to a bad team and lose more than they have lost in their entire life. Then, they will whine: "I don't like to lose". Next step, they will get traded because they are a malcontent and the cycle begins again.
Most of the basketball players in top college teams do not belong in college and they don't intend to stay there for four years. Colleges tell themselves that these talented players are coming to their school to "get an education". Some are, but alot of them aren't. Professional basketball has made a college experience a prerequiste to get into the pros. Why????? There is no good answer except that the pros are in bed with the colleges and want to keep the money flowing into the colleges. This isn't in the best interest for the players.
Basketball players who don't want college, but want to try to be professionals would be better served by minor league basketball. Major teams would have their development programs that would teach the game and how to listen to a coach.
I think this would make better pro basketball and probably better college basketball, too. Of course this can't happen. There is too much money at stake for the two businesses and noone really cares about the athletes.
The worse team ever!!!
April 17,2006
Everyone has to admit that the 2005/06 Knicks are one of the worse pro teams to ever put on a uniform. I would like to nominate them for the "Worse".
Their qualifications are numerous: less than 25 wins in a 82 game schedule, no offense and no defense. They are truly a horrendous team. There is no shortage of stars but there is a shortage of basketball players.
The Garden, the Knicks, Isiah, Larry Brown, Stephon and the rest of the team should give the fans, who paid money to watch them, something tangible to say they are sorry for being so bad. However, I doubt that will happen since all of those people got paid for being bad. How many people get to keep their jobs when they have not completed one successful task the whole year.
What makes this team so bad is that they are talented and they have a good coach, but they don't have enough wins for that much talent. These hapless imposters have made even non Knick fans feel sorry for the Knick fans. I never felt sorry for the Knicks when the 'Jordan' Bulls were beating them. And it was kind of nice to see all the losses this year, but I have to draw a line when they started sniping at each other. It is painful to read about the Knicks.
If anyone is really paying attention in the Knicks organization, "dump the stars and keep the ones that want to play. That includes dumping your star coach". The Knicks are paying the price of trying to buy a team and not building a team. Basketball is a "total team" sport. Stars are not needed to win in the pros, but basketball players are.
Detroit is on their way to the finals and most fans are hard pressed to name their players. However, they play as a team and that is why they win. Dallas is much better this year, and actually have a chance to make it to the finals, because they are playing as a team not as a bunch of "American Idol Stars". Everyone knows that Jordan didn't win a championship until he had a team that was willing to play with him. And these Knicks will win nothing until they learn to play basketball not just do "a highlight show".
Basketball is a rural sport
April 16, 2006
I love basketball. I played it all the time growing up on an Illinois farm. Every kid had a basketball hoop somewhere in their yard during the '60s. There was never enough kids to play football or baseball, so by default, basketball became the rural sport. You can always play basketball by yourself.
It must be remembered that high school basketball was the rage at that time. Everyone by now realizes that the "True March Madness" was the Illinois High School Basketball Tournament. I remember watching Quinn Buckner help his "Chicago thorn school" to the championship year after year. I liked Buckner during his high school years. He made a big mistake by going over to that hated "IU" school and playing for that "Bobby Knight" coach. Of course, I still watched him. I just didn't want him to win.
As I think back on those years, I remember some people speculating that the University of Illinois basketball team couldn't beat the Illinois high school champ. Of course, those were the years when the tallest player for U of I was 6'4". By the time Illinois had a 6'8" player all the other teams had 7' players. I never understood why the great Illinois high school players didn't go to the U of I. Instead, I saw them play for Bobby and Michigan. It was sometimes unbelievable when the opposing big ten team had more "Illinois high school stars" than the Illini.
It didn't matter though, I grew up an Illinois fan. I watched most of their games on the black and white tv. Watching a team as a kid, turns one into their fan. I have lived through many years of bad U of I basketball to now see a team that is fun to watch. Of course, as a kid the best I could hope for was one win over "Indiana" if that happened that would make the year.