The preliminary numbers for NBA All-Star balloting were released this week and NBA fans, once again, made themselves look like idiots.  There were, of course, some minor, yet forgivable, sins, such as Kevin Garnett starting at forward over Chris Bosh.  However, the real incompetence of the fans came when voting for guards in the Western Conference, as Tracy McGrady, who has yet to play a game all year, is set to start alongside Kobe Bryant.  What makes this choice so egregious is the number of quality guards that play in the West: Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Tony Parker, Tyreke Evans.  I could go on all day.  Furthermore, when locking in his All-Star selections, a fan is given the option to click an “info” button next to the player’s name, to sneak a quick peek at the stats of the player.  For once, I just wish fans would put in the effort to vote intelligently.  Having said that, here are my All-Star selections, up to this point of the season.  There is a good chance these rosters will change, and I will keep you updated as I change the list.  Let’s start with the East.

The Voting : Currently, Vince Carter is ahead of Joe Johnson, and Garnett leads Bosh in the voting totals, but since they both belong on the squad, there’s no harm done.  Where the ideal situation can, potentially, be destroyed is if Ray Allen or Gilbert Arenas sneak ahead of Carter on the ballot.  That would most likely knock either Rondo or Lopez off the team (assuming Garnett wins a starting spot, Bosh would most likely slide in as a backup center).

My Outlook: For me, the East was pretty simple.  The starting five all belong on the team, without any question, and the current voting situation isn’t terribly offensive.  Wade and LeBron are having a MVP-type seasons, and Johnson has suddenly turned Atlanta into a contender.  Howard continues to be the premier center in the NBA, and Bosh puts up ridiculous numbers on a mediocre Toronto team.  The Celtics get three reserve spots, and while none of them have impressive scoring totals, the team is winning and playing a very solid brand of team basketball, led by assist-leader, Rajon Rondo.  Brandon Jennings is having a shockingly successful rookie campaign and seems impossible to leave off the team and Josh Smith is the most underrated player in the game.

Players in Jeopardy: As I mentioned before, Lopez and Rondo may be the most likely to be squeezed off the team.  If Garnett continues beat out Bosh in the fan voting, Lopez will be shoved out of the way, as it’s difficult to include a player from the NBA’s worst team.  However, he has been the second best center in the East this year, so his spot is warranted.  Rondo may suffer from lack of fan recognition and low point totals, but he leads the conference in assists, and continues to evenly distribute the ball amongst the Celt’s many stars.

Hardest Players to Exclude: Danny Granger would unquestionably be on the team, if not for his recent injury.  Granger will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, and it’s difficult to include a player who will have missed that much time.  Luol Deng is having a very good year in Chicago, and, while I don’t see him bypassing Smith for the second forward spot, he could make a run at one of the wild card slots.  Gilbert Arenas has made a nice comeback to the league, and his scoring numbers warrant inclusion, but he turns the ball over 3.6 times per game, to only 6.6 assists.  Rondo, on the other hand, averages 9.3 assists to only 2.3 turnovers.  One can also make a case for the Pistons’ Ben Gordon, but he’s a bit too one dimensional in my book.

The West

The Voting: The voting in the West is pretty much right on, with the exception of T-Mac, who needs to play at least a few games to make his votes justifiable.  The good news is that Nash and Chris Paul are right on his heels, and will likely overtake him once voters realize their mistakes.  Other than that, everything is as it should be in the West.

My Outlook: All the starters were an open and shut case for me, with the exception of the point guard position, as Nash, Williams, and Paul all made convincing cases for the starting spot.  In the end, when all things are equal, I’ll take the veteran on the better team over the young guns.  Kobe, Melo, Dirk, and Amar’e are all no-brainers in their respective positions, as their stats are superior to most of the competition.  The bench was also relatively simple.  Tim Duncan started slowly, but has regained his form lately.  Williams and Paul are putting up amazing numbers in both scoring and assists, and can’t be ignored for their overall contributions to their respective teams.  Roy and Durant are blossoming into the players everyone expected them to be, and Boozer has done a good job of shutting up all the people that were calling for more Paul Millsap.  Andrew Bynum is looking to finally have season without a serious injury and is putting up the type of numbers everyone expected a few years back.

Players in Jeopardy: The only player on this list I see being in real trouble is Bynum, as he is injury prone and could go down at any minute.  Furthermore, the return of teammate Pau Gasol will limit Bynum’s potency in the offense, and lead to a decline in numbers for the youngster.  If that happens, Marcus Camby or Chris Kaman can take over that spot.  However, it seems more likely that Duncan might slide into the backup center role, and allow one of any number of players to steal a spot on the team.

Hardest Players to Exclude: Camby and Kaman are both having great years for the Clippers, and could easily sneak onto the roster.  For me, Camby is the toughest to leave off, as he’s probably the best player, since the invention of the All-Star Game, to not make an appearance at the event.  Tony Parker, Rudy Gay, and Trevor Ariza are all also playing exceptional basketball and could make a late run for roster spots.  King’s guard Tyreke Evans is having a phenomenal rookie year, and it would be great to see Evans and Jennings square off in the game, but, as far as I’m concerned, Evans will need to earn his stripes before leapfrogging the more experienced stars in the West.  Overall, though I think most of the players I named above are relatively safe, with the exception of Bynum.

As I said earlier, I’ll keep this updated as the season progresses, leading up to the selection of the NBA All-Stars.

David Stern no se anda con mari…neros cibernéticos. Quiero decir, que el supercomisionado de la NBA no navega por la red o no le gusta que sus indisciplinados chicos lo hagan. El pasado curso hubo revuelos por varios casos de jugadores (entre ellos Shaquille O’Neal) que publicaron mensajes en esta página (en twitter, no en Puertatras, que aquí solo le dejamos ese honor a Roger Esteller) mientras estaban en el banquillo durante un partido, además del incidente que protagonizó Ron Artest al publicar su número en esta red social o de la exclusiva que dio Allen Iverson por este medio de su futuro fichaje por Detroit hace unos meses (¿por qué siempre salen los mismos tipos en este blog?). Ahora le ha tocado el turno a otras dos estrellas de la Liga, el señor Amare Stoudamire y el Knick Tyson Chandler. Ambos han sido multados por twittear durante (en el caso del de Phoenix) o en la misma noche de un partido, algo prohibido por el nuevo reglamento de conducta que Stern reescribe tras cada pilleria de sus gamberros y millonarios juguetes. 7.500 dolares por estar a la última.

Antonio Graves pensando qué escribirá en Twitter cuando llegue a casa

En Europa la cosa ha ido más lejos y Antonio Graves ha sido despedido de forma fulminante por la Cibona de Zagreb después de sacudirle un par de twitters a Vladimir Perasovic. Sus comentarios abiertos (hasta ayer, no intenten llegar a la página, está cerrada) sobre su entrenador solo son interpretados como un harakiri voluntario o consciente o por la soberana estupidez de pensar que no se iba a enterar nadie de sus jocosas afirmaciones, dignas de denuncia por otra parte al comentar sus deseos de agredir al técnico: “basura de entrenador” 0 “Hombre, él me gritaba mientras yo me moría de risa por dentro”, al referirse a un incidente con ‘Peras’ tras llegar tarde a un entrenamiento. Aunque el problema de Graves puede ser más de bolsillo vacío, ya que hace unas semanas se negó a viajar con el equipo croata en un desplazamiento de la Euroliga por impago. A este le coge Stern y lo pone recto.

Otras multas

Si recuerdan o, más fácil, si barren hacia abajo en esta misma página, encontrarán a Sheed Wallace berreando contra las malas maneras de Hedo Turkoglu y el piscinazo del turco que le costó su sexta técnica de la temporada y una rajada calentita por la falta de sanción de estos engaños por parte de la NBA. En el mismo encuentro Paul Pierce recibió otra técnica por mirar a Chris Bosh tras hacer un mate ‘in your face’. Pues le han caído a Etiqueta Negra unos 30.000 dólares de penalización por sus jugosas declaraciones, en las que decía que si la acción con la que penalizaron a Pierce la hace Lebron James, todo hubiera sido idílico para la Liga.

Parecida cifra recibió hace unos días el tatuado (como si eso fuera un carácter diferenciador en la NBA) alero de los Magic, Matt Barnes. El curtido sexto hombre fue sancionado por lanzar el balón a la grada después de que los árbitros dieran por válida una acción sobre el aro con la que Michael Beasley convirtió el mate que consumó la victoria de los Miami Heat en el derbi de Florida a 1,6 segundos del final. 20.000 dólares por su rabieta. Stan Van Gundy, su coach, bromeó sobre el asunto y dijo que ese lanzamiento fue más o menos “como lanzar esos 20.000 dólares al público. Pero su lo hubiera hecho ahora sería mucho más popular”. De guasa y pensando en los 35.000 machacantes que le tocó pagar a él tras rajar en pretemporada en relación a la huelga de los árbitros. Ojalá Stern tome nota y contemple esa posibilidad. Quizá algunas franquicias ganarían un puñado de adeptos a sus malnutridos pabellones por si les cae algún ‘buck’ sobre su cabeza.

Phoenix Suns es eso, un circo, puro espectáculo. Steve Nash es la estrella principal (17.2 puntos y 11.9 asistencias). No tiene parangón como domador de leones, leones que hasta su llegada eran meros gatitos y que ha conseguido que ahora sean fieros. El base diseña a su antojo el juego del equipo, y cuando los contrarios piensan que son capaces de parar el show, sale Nash mete algún que otro latigazo desde lejos y solucionado.

Shaquille O'neal, ahora pívot de los Cavs, no cuajó en los Suns.

El circo se ha vuelto a reinventar después de un par de campañas complicadas. Ahora ya no tienen los viejos elefantes como Shaquille O’neal (Pívot de Cleveland Cavaliers) que eran más una lastra que una ayuda, y es que la gente de hoy en día no le gustan las atracciones de circo que chirrían. Ahora el circo vuelve a brillar como antaño y ha conseguido derrotar a grandes producciones de otros géneros como las viejas películas irlandesas de Boston Celtics (Phoenix 110-103 Boston), el dramático teatro de Toronto Raptors (Phoenix 101-100 Toronto), las aventuras de los jóvenes Los Ángeles Clippers (Phoenix 109-107 Clippers), el despegue espacial de Houston Rockets (Phoenix 111-105), Los fuegos artificiales de Golden State Warriors (Phoenix 123-101 Warriors) o el espectáculo de otro domador de primera como Chris Paul, base de New Orleans Hornets, que no puedo competir con Nash (Phoenix 124-104 Hornets). Esas han sido entre otras las víctimas del auge del renacido circo en Phoenix.

La diversión en Arizona está asegurada, los Suns cuentan con todo tipo de artistas. El plato principal es Nash, pero no esta solo. El león Amare Stoudamire gusta mucho al público, toda una bestia de la naturaleza, este león salvaje sólo Nash es capaz de domarlo y su furia parece que da frutos con 19.5 puntos y 7.8 rebotes en el tiempo que lo sacan de la jaula. Después del león a los aficionados les encanta ver a Grant Hill, el viejo payaso que todavía consigue hacer disfrutar a los niños y a los no tan niños, como si de una reliquia se tratara lo utilizan no mucho, lo justo para que aún haga sentir esas sensaciones de antaño.

A continuación, entran a escena dos de los más queridos por la juventud: Jason Richardson, el hombre bala, que deleita al público con sus vuelos sin motor y Channing Frye, la mujer barbuda, un pívot que tira más de tres que de dos. Ambos dan al espectáculo un equilibrio constante que hace que la gente no pueda dejar sus asientos ni un solo momento.

La lesión de Robin López no le ha permitido debutar esta temporada todavía.

Y si parece poco esto, desde el banquillo secundarios de lujo, el show no para en ningún momento. Leandro Barbosa (11 puntos de media desde el banco) es el mago que maravilla al público con sus trucos y no deja de sorprender sacando en cualquier situación algún que otro conejo de su chistera; Goran Dragic, es el malabarista que entretiene a la audiencia cuando Nash descansa, su tarea es complicada pero sus locuras mientras está en su monociclo hacen que no se note tanto la ausencia de la gran estrella; Louis Admunson, que oposita para ser “El hombre más fuerte del mundo”, es un luchador incansable de la vieja escuela y Robin López, la nota exótica de la actuación, este tigre de bengala todavía tiene que aprender el ABC del show pero progresa adecuadamente.

Esta campaña el circo vuelve por sus fueros y recuerda tiempos felices del pasado, cuando el espectáculo estaba dirigida por la batuta de Mike D’Antoni (entrenador de New York Knicks), ahora en “La Gran Manzana” intentando enderezar el rumbo de un circo añejo, que huele a rancio y donde los enanos crecieron antes que él llegara y ahora tienen un tamaño similar al de las jirafas. El nuevo director del circo en Phoenix, Alvin Gentry, ha conseguido revivir ese espíritu festivo que poseía en esos tiempos lejanos y además les ha dotado de un instinto ganador que antes no ostentaba en aquella época. Quizás sea la última vez para que un circo sea pueda estar al nivel de las grandes superproducciones de Hollywood así que habrá que estar pendiente de hasta dónde pueden llegar estos Suns.

A very exciting game ends with a bitter pill to swallow for Raps fans.  Nash and Hedo went at it in the fourth quarter like a Spy vs. Spy episode and the team came within one shot of beating a very good scoring team. That my friends was offence at it’s finest. And what’s not to love about that. I felt like I was watching NBA Jam.

The Zan for Three

Kid Canada

Steve Nash drives to the basket for two on his way to another dominating performance

Nevermind which country he calls his home, people should be checking Nash’s passport to make sure he’s from the planet Earth.  He was unstoppable tonight.  Angry Raptor fans might point the blame at Calderon, but in Jose’s defense, Nash has been making everyone in the league look like Wile E. Coyote chasing the Roadrunner.  He is playing at another level right now – probably on his way to MVP contention once again.

Turkish Delight

Turkoglu is becoming such a joy to watch. He’s a smart player the Raptors can depend on for leadership late in games.  Yes, he missed two jump shots to potentially win the game, but we were only in it becaue he took us there.

He shoots when it makes sense, he made a couple of unreal passes and a few of his pull up jump shots were unstoppable.  If this is “just hitting your stride” then watch out.  He was almost a scratch tonight too.

Late Game Braincramps

It’s the 4th quarter, your best player is shooting 50%,, tell me again why you are taking ill-advised 3pt shots at the beginning of the clock?  Get the ball inside!  It really isn’t rocket science.  Chris Bosh was hitting his shots and was dominating the game.  Why not give Bosh the ball and see what happens?  A few better choices during the 4th quarter and this one goes to the visitors.

(Plus one)  The New Agent Zero

He looks a little like the villain in the Pink Panther cartoons but he is playing the part of the good guy on Jay Triano’s bench right now.  Marco Bellinelli has become a reliable player off the bench.  He shoots the ball well, makes smart passes and plays good defense.  For the second game in a row Belinelli provided key minutes off the bench and provided some mismatch problems on the offensive end.

Zan of the Game

Steve Nash

The guy is probably the best player in the NBA right now.  No offense to Lebron, but Nash is making everyone on the Suns look like a Hall of Fame candidates.  And that’s with hair in his face.

Not Zan of the Game

Jarrett Jack

This guy is struggling big time. He hasn’t performed at the shooting guard and he hasn’t done his job as the back up point guard. It is early in the season but he needs to step it up.  We need him if we are going to win games.

And another thing…

Is it just me or is Steve Nash starting to look like Neil Young?  Just saying.

by: christow

The crown sits on top of Air Canada eternally for me. No one, none of the highlights I can muster up have changed my mind that Vince Carter was and is the greatest dunker of all time. He took Mike’s style, Dominque’s power, and Dr. J’s finesse and made it his own. From 1999 to 2002 there was not a night on Sportscenter that did not chronicle another highlight clip to add to his resume, he made those NBA Live dunks come to life. What separated Vince from the likes was his determination to dunk on anyone and anything in front of him. You could throw a giraffe in the key and Vince Carter will make it his mission to posterize it.

Let’s refresh your memory.

If you can’t watch 7 minutes of highlights, I suggest just watching the last minute, it’ll be the best minute of your day.

Dr. J established the dunk as a viable way to score two points, Jordan revolutionized the art of dunking, and Vince Carter conquered the dunk.

I believe we are in a very dry state of high flyers in today’s game. There isn’t one name that comes up to the question of, who is the best dunker today? Here is a brief list of the players who could possibly hold that crown.

Josh Smith

Similar to Dominique Wilkins, Josh Smith has the meanest windmill in the game right now. At 6′9 he has no problems getting up there, but what he lacks is the flair and the consistency. He already won the dunk contest back in 2005, but he really has not made himself a household name yet. He makes LeBron’s cockback dunk look elementary, but Smith simply doesn’t dunk on people. He has all the freakish athleticism to fit the mold, but when you watch his highlights, he remains just a fast break open court dunker.

J.R. Smith and Nate Robinson

6′6 is the magic number for a dunker. Just tall enough to pull off amazing look dunks without making it look too easy because you’re already tall, and not too short to be able to pull those amazing looking dunks that are great because they are great and not because the dunker was small.

Michael Jordan (6′6)
Kobe Bryant (6′6)
Vince Carter (6′6)
Clyde Drexler (6′7)
Julius Erving (6′7)
Harold Miner (6′5)
J.R. Rider (6′5)

I had high hopes for J.R. Smith when he entered the dunk contest a few years ago. Everyone talked about how this guy was a high flyer, a leaper, a dunker. Because he played on the Hornets and didn’t receive much playing time, I figured he’s just getting used to the league. The 2005 dunk contest was his opportunity to prove the hype right (or wrong). So on the main stage he delivered the behind the back dunk. On paper and through word of mouth this sounds like a dope dunk that really hadn’t been done yet.

But he missed his first try. The hype bubble burst, the flair was gone, we knew what was coming. And really the approach he took for the behind the back dunk just didn’t look cool. Why not go behind the back on the baseline and end up on the other side for the flush? Since he appearance in the dunk contest J.R. has shown glimpses of becoming a great player, but just hasn’t put it all together to be a complete player. In fact, today he is known more for his 3-point ability more so than his high flying acrobatics. Sorry J.R. I guess 6′6 wasn’t a lucky number for you.

As for Nasty Nate? Anyone who watched this little guy run things with Brandon Roy in Washington knew this kid could get up. Gary Coleman with hops?!? He had that (for lack of a better word) swag, that little train that could. He brought out Spud Webb (he should have lined up Muggsy Bogues and Earl Boykins too) and showed the world he was serious. I won’t lie, KrypotNate earned the his crown in 2006 (and arguably in 2008).

But the problem for Nate, which he showed in the most recent dunk contest, is being a short dunker limits your ability to be a creative dunker. A short dunker’s biggest attribute is his height. Normal dunks look cooler because they aren’t supposed to be done by someone under 6′0. Nate simply doesn’t get the opportunity (and realistically) can’t dunk over someone like Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, or Shaq in a real live game. Nate earned his dunking legend but just like Spud Webb, he is more of a slam dunk legend than anything else.

Lebron James

It’s pretty simple why Lebron James would be on this list. He is the most freakish athlete I have ever seen. At 6′8 he is as strong as a linebacker but moves like a wide-receiver, on the basketball court. Out of every player in the NBA, LeBron beats the rim down the hardest. Every dunk the insurance company on the hoop holds their breath.

The problem? LeBron has ZERO creativity when it comes to dunking the ball. This the real reason why we haven’t seen LeBron in a dunk contest the past few years. His signature dunk is bringing his arm back as far as he can with one arm. He’ll sometimes throw his off hand on his head, you know for style. I guess well you are built like a Ford F250 you won’t be able to make the turns like a BMW. But this is why I cannot consider LeBron the best dunker today, because the excitement only on how hard he will dunk, and not how he will dunk the ball. You got time kid, in fact since you mentioned you will be in this year’s dunk contest, you have 4 months.

Dwight Howard

Dwight has all the tools to destroy every hoop he touches. He is 7′0 and built like an armored Hummer (the army version). But have you seen Dwight dunking the ball in a game?

Jaw-Dropping? Not really. Dwight can jump for a big man but he doesn’t SLAM the ball. He treats the hoop like he treats the NBA media, with smiles and high fives. Hang on the rim Dwight, scream a little, put some fear into the groundskeeping crew that they will have to roll out a new hoop this season.

Dwight should be the best dunker in the game. Think about it, if Vince can dunk on people at 6′6, Dwight should be able to serve up every single player in the NBA. So I suggest Dwight to watch every single clip of Shaq and Amare Stoudamire. They treated the hoop like a a Piñata with gold bars in it.

Get it Dwight?

So the question is, who is the best dunker in the NBA right now?

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Bonus

James White

Probably the most fun dunker I have seen since Vince. His problem? He can’t find a home in the NBA. Can’t someone just keep him around long enough so he can be eligible for the dunk contest?

Cleveland
Shaq vs Shaq2! Und Shaq 2 gewinnt, jedenfalls diesen Kampf…apropos, Lebron James kämpft gegen die Grippe, im schlimmsten Fall gegen die Schweinegrippe und die tötet ja bekanntlich Menschen, tausende, Millionen, lauft, lauft!!!

Orlando
Rollen weiter über jeden Gegner hinweg und werfen weiterhin traumhafte Quoten. Es wird ein heißer Kampf um die Spitzenplätze in der Eastern Conference, mal schauen wie sich die 10 Spiele Sperre von Rashad Lewis auswirken wird – aber wenn Ryan Anderson in den richtigen Spielen auch so trifft, dann wird das Fehlen gar nicht auffallen…

New Orleans
Oh Boy, Oh Boy! Das wird ne lange Saison für CP3, meinen Fantasy Spieler des Jahres. Der Okafor gegen Chandler Tausch hat zwar den vermeintlich besseren Spieler nach New Orleans gebracht und er scheint weniger Verletzungsanfällig, jedenfalls bislang…aus Spargründen ist der Rest des Teams (außer David West) eher mittelklasse, und das wird in der Western Conference nicht reichen, jedenfalls nicht für die Playoffs. Das wird Chris Paul nicht schmecken…

Phoenix
Lauf und Wirf ist zurück und mit Channing Frye scheint man auch einen „Big Man“ gefunden zu haben, der Amare weder Würfe noch Platz in der Zone wegnimmt und auch noch das hohe Tempo mitgehen kann…dahinter wird’s aufgrund der Verletzung von Robin Lopez – der mit den cooleren Haaren – erstmal eng, aber Rebounds sind eh nur für Teams die nicht treffen…jetzt muss nur noch Amare seine unglücklichen Verletzungen hinter sich lassen, dann könnte es für die Playoffs reichen…

Charlotte
Sparen Teil 2. Chandler ist verletzt. Mal wieder. Gerald Wallace wird’s bald sein. Raymond Felton trifft neuerdings aus allen Lagen und Radmanovic ist hoffentlich nicht mehr als „Space Cadet“ unterwegs…Ex-Texas Longhorn DJ Augustin spielt momentan noch wenig, steigerte sich aber in den vergangenen 2 Spielen…Larry Brwon hats ja bislang bei jedem Verein – that means a lot – geschafft, im zweiten die Playoffs zu erreichen, obs mit den Bobcats klappt, hmm, wetten würd ich nicht drauf, viel hängt von der Gesundheit der Spieler ab…wie immer!

Chicago
Schweißperlen in Chicago. Aus Angst. Derrick Rose hat bislang ein Preseason Game bestritten und der Knöchel scheint immer noch Probleme zu machen…Luol Deng scheint nach seiner OP erst langsam wieder zum Spieltempo zurückzufinden…Joakim Noah (Favorite von 4/4) macht das was er am besten kann – husteln, rebounden, die Gegner zur Weißglut treiben und dabei, nunja speziell aussehen – und Tyrus Thomas auch – Trade-Gerüchte ignorieren und dementieren…mal schauen wann sie Ben Gordon zurückwollen, oder wie wäre es mit Richard Hamilton??

Which former superstar will overcome injuries and make a comeback? This upcoming season’s list of possible Comeback Player of the Year Award nominees could read like an All-Star roster. Even though the NBA doesn’t officially give out the award, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at which players have the opportunity to be considered the best comeback players. The criteria would be that each player must have been at an All-Star caliber level at some point in their career and who’s numbers have dropped recently because of injuries, played on a bad team, or just had an off season.

Tracy McGrady - The player known as T-Mac has not made a major contribution to his Houston Rockets team for the past 2 seasons. Playing in only 97 games since ‘07, McGrady has averaged 21.6 and 15.6 points the past two years. While this may be considered good for some players, it is not what we are used to from the 2 time scoring champion(‘03 and ‘04) and 7 time All-Star. As great players usually do, he upped his scoring average to 28.5 points even though he has never won a 1st round series. Back and knee injuries have ravaged the one time top 5 player, but recent reports have him rehabbing well and on the road to full recovery. At age 30, T-Mac could still be a great player if healthy. Putting up monster numbers for a rebuilding Rockets team seems tough since he doesn’t have much help. At $23+ million this season, Houston hopes he comes back hard!

Gilbert Arenas - The Hibachi has been seen all over the internet recently testing out his surgically repaired knee. Footage was accidentally purposely leaked of Gil playing at Barry Farms in Washington DC this Summer as well as playing in the Chicago Pro Am while training for his comeback. The man with many nicknames like Agent 0, and most recently, Black President, was once one of the league’s hardest players to guard during the ‘05-’07 seasons where he averaged between 25 and 30 ppg. The 3 time All-Star has three 50+ scoring games, even scoring 60 during the ‘06 season. Since ‘07 ,the Wizards franchise player has appeared in only 15 regular season games averaging 17.6 points because of two surgically repaired knees. As the video footage showed, Gil looks good and claims to be at 90% of his former self. There are once again high hopes in Washington with a good supporting cast and only at age 27, Arenas could still have many good years ahead of him.

Elton Brand - It bothers Elton Brand that he never has truly been able to show the Philly faithful what he has to offer. He had high hopes coming to Philadelphia and joining a contending team which  has made the postseason the past two seasons with a young and talented nucleus of players after playing his heart out for perrenial NBA doormat LA Clippers for the previous 6 seasons. He averaged only 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds before dislocating his shoulder in December. When he returned he would come back slowly from the bench and finished averaging only 13 points and 8 rebounds, which is a far cry from the 2 time All-Star’s career numbers of 20 points and 10 rebounds. He is still one of 6 current players to average 20 and 10. While in very good company, he will have had 6 months of time off which should be plenty of time to be 100% going into ‘09-’10. A new coach, offensive system, and point guard should do Brand some good. I look for a strong return next season from EB24.

Kevin Garnett - Everyone in the Celtic organization missed The Big Ticket for the final 25 regular season games and the playoffs. The 12 time All-Star averaged only 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds before sustaining a right knee sprain which occured during a game with the Utah Jazz in February. Garnett could only play cheerleader during his team’s loss to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Semi-Finals. One has to wonder that even though he is not ancient, at age 33, how the toll of playing more than 1100 NBA games straight from high school has taken a toll on the one time MVP’s knee joints. Garnett who has career averages of 20.2 points and 11.1 rebounds, dipped to 18.8 and 8.8 during the Celtics ‘08 Championship season. While he may be voted an All-Star when he returns, I doubt he will ever return to superstar status.

Amare Stoudemire - Stoudemire is seemingly on this list every year, but it is only because he has so much potential. He missed the final 29 games of the regular season because he sustained a detatched retina to the same eye which he injured in preseason in February. Before the injury he averaged 21.4 points and 8.1 rebounds in his 7th season. Stoudemire seemed to be finally fully recovering from microfracture surgery in ‘05, which was his best season averaging 26 ppg. With Coach Alvin Gentry bringing back the uptempo offense we are used to, and Steve Nash resigned for two more years, Stoudemire will have might have the best chance on this list to put up big numbers. At age 26, Amare definately has the most upside of anyone on this list.

Jameer Nelson - Jameer Nelson has two meaningful tatoos across his back, All Eyes on Me and Accomplish Everything Without Fear. Both sum up his offseason coming back from a dislocated shoulder. Even though the Magic made news by letting Hedo Turkoglu go to Toronto and bringing Vince Carter to Orlando, All eyes are on Nelson, who is probably the most important player on the team. He is the floor general that brings it all together for a team that has aspirations of returning to the Finals. If healthy,he could be the piece of the puzzle that pushes them over the top. Before the injury, Nelson averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 assists, and selected for his first All-Star Game. Nelson, who was a former Naismith Player of the Year at St. Joe’s University, is supposedly back to All-Star form. If so, watch out Eastern Conference, because we have not seen the best of Jameer Nelson.

There’s been a lot of buzz around the Shaq to Cleveland move, and….I hate to bust bubbles…it wasn’t the biggest thing to pop off in the NBA as of late. When you figure in all the biggest movers and shakers with the latest trades and draft (the Magic, Spurs, Clippers, T-wolves, Suns, Wizards, and Cleveland,) You’d probably have to figure the Cavs in as 5th out of the 7 teams.

Under the Cavs, you have to drop the T-wolves, and Suns…in that order. The Suns dumped Shaq for next to nothing, and, if the stories are true, are about to dump Amare Stoudamire for Stephen Curry, Marco Belinelli,  Brandon Wright, and Andris Biedrins. While that would be something decent in the East, adding that to a squad that includes Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Leandro Barbosa, and….shit, nobody else, is NOTHING out west. We all know the Suns are trying to cut back on paper for next off-season’s free-agent class, but keeping it real, the only thing the Suns have to offer IS money to an upcoming free-agent. At the bottom of the barrel for those making moves is definitely the T-Wolves. First they traded off Mike Miller and Randy Foye, then they draft three point guards (and traded one). Ricky Rubio is holding out, so they have something good worth trading, but out of all the people making major moves, you still have to consider them at the bottom.

Above the Cavs are Spurs, Clippers, Magic, and Wizards in that order. While I originally laughed at the Spurs for picking up Richard Jefferson ( due to the fact he doesn’t play D, and they traded Bruce Bowen), after a few conversations I realized…Richard Jefferson never had to play D. While I don’t expect him to become Shane Battier (the gold standard for perimeter defense) overnight, when input into a good defensive team, Jefferson could probably play some decent defense. Shit, he’s athletic, if he just runs behind people and blocks lay-ups, he could be runner-up in defensive player of the year (that was some bullshit). Add in drafting Dejuan Blair (who ate Thabeet up), and the Spurs aren’t looking that bad after all.

All the Clippers had to do was draft Blake Griffin, and all of a sudden, you have to look at them differently. I don’t predict Blake Griffin to be the next Tim Duncan, but I do think he’ll be a good player. Then, when you consider they have Blake Griffen, Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby, and Chris Kamen all down low, you know somebody is gonna be moved. With rumors of a trade involving either Camby or Kamen, you have to figure they’ll add something decent for either one of those guys. If the rest of the team comes back healthy…the Clippers could be look at a 5 or 4 seed in the West.

The otherere two teams shaking things up w both Eastern Conference teams, and both are liable to give Cleveland problems. The whole Shaq move was done for two reasons: One, to show Lebron they are trying to remain contenders and get him a ring. Two, to try and combat Dwight Howard.  The problem is, the Shaq move did nothing to help Cleveland defend high pick and rolls, and it also didn’t give them size on the perimeter to guard bigger guards. Orlando on the other hand, added another guard to their repertoire, in Vince Carter. Sure they traded off the point guard who lead them to the finals (only to get benched in the finals) and the guy who missed the last second alley-oop, but a non injured Jameer Nelson won’t throw up as many air-balls as Jameer did in the finals. While some believe the Vince trade was to replace Hedo…I don’t see Hedo going anywhere. Who can really offer him big bucks, and is willing to part with it for him? One of Cleveland’s rivals…the Wizard also stocked up. The addition of Mike Miller and Randy Foye gave them two more scorers, and a good true point guard, freeing up Agent Zero. Cleveland struggles enough with the Wizards as is. Foye and Miller could be enough to push the Wizards over a Cavs team that took a step down.

If Cleveland hadn’t made the trade for Shaq, they would have gotten Tyson Chandler, and  if healthy, I believe Chandler would have been a lot better direction for Cleveland. Chandler is far more athletic, and wouldn’t have been a liability to assist in pick and roll defense. He’s also a better all around defender. Sure, he couldn’t stop Dwight Howard, (neither can Shaq) but he would have given Cleveland’s smaller guards the ability to play closer against bigger players, due to the fact they’d have him backing them up if the ball handler blows past them. At the end of the day, the average shooting guard could still just shoot over Mo Williams, but it would have been more help defensively. Cleveland seems to have preferred the Shaq deal however, cuz Shaq’s contract is only for one year, giving them more money to chase a long term assistant to Lebron next off-season. Before they can do that, they have to convince him to stay,and I don’t think the Shaq move did it.

Regaw Rants June 26th: NBA Draft


I am a huge fan of the NBA and like every aspect of the game.  The long season doesn’t bother me, playoffs basketball doesn’t get any better, and I even like the mascots, okay some of them.  However I will have to say this could be the worst draft I have seen in a long time.  The draft was not deep and the talent was thin.  There was not any excitement or intrigue or surprises.  In short it was a horrible draft. Today I am going to rant about the NBA draft.

Here are the winners and losers of the NBA draft:

Losers:

The Fans: you could see the first pick coming from about a mile away and there were no big draft day trades during the draft so in retrospect this draft was boring.

Blake Griffin: You’re a talented athlete and maybe you can change the history book of this franchise, but it doesn’t look promising.

Ricky Rubio: Okay the guy is a talent and perhaps the best guard in the

Will he stay or go?

draft but I hate it when a player can personally hold a team for ransom and refuse to play.  Once he was picked by the Timberwolves he threatened to go play in Europe for two more years.  Just what the NBA needs another Prima Dona.

Winners:

Golden St Warriors: they drafted one of the best NBA prospects in Stephen Curry and this kid has the talent to start in the back court.  Another reason this team is a winner is because they will Amare Stoudamire on the team in July.  That makes the Warriors a playoff threat.

Minnesota Timberwolves: They are getting some grief for picking so many guards but look at what they are doing.  Ty Lawson was shipped to Denver and that got them a first round pick in the future.  Ricky Rubio is going to refuse to play but that is not bad either because teams will come calling that he will play for like the Knicks and the Wolves will get more pieces.  Jonny Flynn is more than capable of running the point and Wayme Ellington is a nice compliment at shooting guard.

Teams that traded: Cleveland got better with Shaq, the spurs got better with Jefferson, and the Magic got better with Carter.  This is a great way to approach the season when the draft has nothing to offer.  Trading away picks and salary to make a run at the title is how it is done nowadays in the NBA.

Vince Carter to Orlando is better trade than Shaq to Cleveland

It is being reported by ESPN that Vince Carter will be traded to the Orlando Magic.  The report has Carter being traded for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee.  Ryan Anderson will be going with carter, but Carter is the center piece of this deal.  This is a monster deal and will give the Magic what they were missing last year.  He will be an outside scorer that can still mix it up in the paint and provide someone else to lean on for the big shot instead of Dwight Howard.  To me this deal is much better than the Shaq trade to the Cavs that went through earlier today.

Vince makes Magic better than Cavs

The Cavs get a bigger center but he is getting older and there is a good chance he will not play most of the season.  If he does play there is nothing to say he will be effective.  He was not able to work anything while playing with the Suns with more than one all-star.  Now some of you may say it was the system that made Shaq ineffective in Phoenix, but he will alter Cleveland’s offensive approach too.  Lebron will not be able to drive when Shaq is posting up, unless Shaq becomes very mobile and on defense he will be slow to get back.  As of right now I think the Cavaliers are the third favorite to win the East behind the Magic if when they get Vince carter and Boston when Kevin Garnett is healthy.

The worst news of all for Cleveland fans is that this is the end for good basketball in Cleveland for some time.  Shaq is on a one year deal and if the Cavs don’t win a title he will leave and if they do win a title he will definitely leave.  This is the beginning of the end for quality Cleveland basketball.

Bet the NBA Draft Here

When I first heard that the deal was finalized, I had this song going through my head…

I love young Tupac, being wild, funny and lyrical with Digital Underground providing comic relief and a flow that keeps you in a summer mood.  I will also take this time to give a belated birthday shout out to Tupac, who would have been 38 this June…

Born June 16th 1971

Shaq is chasing fame and it is fleet of foot.

hopefully, it's for nothing that would make your parents cringe...

Fame must be one of those things that once you have it, you constantly crave it, like getting upgraded to first class accommodations.  He is still a big enough star to help force a deal. This is a deal that I can get behind for both teams, for different reasons. The Los Angeles Times is reporting what seems to be a done deal now…

If the deal is done today, it will be remembered as the day the Clippers got Blake Griffin (that’s nice) and the Cavaliers got Shaquille O’Neal (HOLY MT. OLYMPUS, SHAQ AND LEBRON JAMES TOGETHER!).

Hopefully, the look on Shaq’s face isn’t because he is going become a stinker for Cleveland and LBJ. I mean he is moving from the “magic potions” that the Suns used to keep him in shape…

The deal being discussed is similar to the one they discussed at midseason, with the Cavaliers getting a center, and the Suns getting cap relief.

The package the Suns would take back, according to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, is almost comical: Ben Wallace, who’s retiring and may accept a buyout; Sasha Pavlovic, whose salary is only partially guaranteed, and the 46th pick in today’s draft.

Shaq gets to upstage the entire NBA draft!  We don’t look at the draft as the Blake Griffin show, now the discussion has to be about Shaq and LBJ.  But, Shaq is the master of this type of self promotion…remember this?  (BTW I thought it was smooth…)

Here is the reason why I love it for the Cavs.  It shows LBJ that you were serious about getting him some more help.  What you gave up was not in the core rotation, so that is undisturbed.  The matchups still remain the same and this team won 66 games last year.  The teams that you have to watch out for still remain the same in Boston and Orlando.

Boston right now is hard to predict, because it sounds like they are about to undergo massive upheaval.

• The Rajon Rondo trade talk is still alive despite Danny Ainge’s attempts at spin control. In speaking to the media Tuesday, Ainge was pretty adamant that if the Celtics trade Rondo, it will be to make their team better and not because of any problems with Rondo.

I’m not sure I totally buy that. Rondo was the best player for the Celtics in the playoffs, a triple-double machine and the bridge between their present and their future. How would trading Rondo away make the Celtics better?

I’m more persuaded by what several league sources told me about Doc Rivers‘ relationship with Rondo. They say Rivers has told them Rondo is “impossible to coach” and “stubborn.” The worry is that if the Celtics give him a big contract extension next year, he’ll be even more unmanageable in the future. So the Celtics are trying to trade him now, while his trade value is high, to avoid a very difficult decision a year from now.

So, you are a triple double machine AND the team is taking offers for your services?  That reinforces that you are a piece of meat…unless you are KG or Paul Pierce.  Rondo, hopefully you are going to come back humble and hard working.  But your reputation preceeds you.  That is why my dad was a big believer (actually had to take the time to email him and say what up…) in saying that your word is the most important thing that you posess.  Here is what Bill Burt posits about Rondo

Everything was going too swimmingly for Rajon Rondo.

Starting point guard for the Boston Celtics. World Champion. Reebok commercials. Triple-doubles galore. Recognition as the next “great” point guard.

All by age 23.

This is the same Rajon Rondo who, on draft day in 2006, drew this comment from ESPN college basketball expert Jay Bilas, “The problem is he can’t shoot.”

Rondo still can’t shoot, but he can run an offense.

Now comes the dirt.

He’s pig-headed. He’s not a leader. He’s been tardy too many times to games, including a playoff tilt. And, maybe worst of all, he wants to be among the richest players in pro basketball.

And lest I forget, he still can’t hit the open jump shot.

Clearly, you are getting a little to big for your britches.  With that type of movement possible ( not to mention that Ray Allen is looking for a three year extension, which is making management offer his services around with Rondo) makes the Celtics window of dominance potentially shrink.  Here is what your coach and GM have said about you in the past. (Thanks to Bluegrass State)

“He’s stubborn,” Ainge told ESPN’s Jackie MacMullen. “He doesn’t always take direction well. He’s very bright and knows what he needs to do to be successful. But sometimes he doesn’t understand what the team needs to be successful.”

Earlier in the season, head coach Doc Rivers said this to Rondo:

“Do you know your teammates hate playing with you? … The point guard has to be the guy that brings energy to the team. You can’t be the guy that sucks it away. Your moodiness is affecting us. Change it.”

For that reason, the Celtics are not the team that you attempt to build your team to beat, you clearly have to beat the Magic to contend for the Crown.  With Shaq, you can have an effective counter to Dwight Howard.

The other thing is that you preserve your other talented center, Big Z.  Now, he can be regulated to only playing about 20-25 minutes.  This allows Cleveland to be more flexible.  With Shaq, they have a tremendous low post presence.  You can pound the ball down low, trolling for easy shots and silly fouls on Howard.  While this is not the best strategy late in the game if you are behind, it can be an effective way to foul out Howard and get fouls on people coming over to double team.  That killed the Magic against the Lakers.

The second look that it provides is allowing the Cavs to have the Eastern Euro look, without having to actually have greasy Europeans on your team.

The Cavaliers also were in talks with New Orleans about obtaining Tyson Chandler. If they had not made the trade for O’Neal, they would have traded for Chandler, according to a source.

The Cavs believed O’Neal was the better option because he has just one year left on his contract, and will not eat up cap space that will enable them to pursue players such as Chris Bosh in next summer’s star-studded free-agent class.

It’s all about flexibility and preserving options to keep LBJ at home. Plus, Chandler doesn’t have enough bump in the trunk to deal with Howard.

I like this for the Suns as well.  Shaq dominated the ball while he was in Phoenix.  When he touches the ball, it slowed down the “beautiful game” style that Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa like to play, with the influenced D’Antoni/Nolan Richardson 4ominutes of hell/7 seconds or less type of play.  Both styles are not going to be enough to get the Suns past the Lakers.  The question is will that style get them past San Antonio, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Utah  and New Orleans.  There is obvious a lot of talent in the West.

Losing Shaq comes with some financial and emotional rewards with Phoenix.  First, they do not have to trade Amare.  This gives them some money to play around with.  It also keeps him happy.  I don’t think that Amare enjoyed the second fiddle role with Shaq in tow.  The financial rewards are explained in the ESPN article.

For the Suns, the O’Neal trade is a straight salary dump. Pavlovic’s $5 million contract next season is only partially guaranteed, for the amount of $1.5 million.

Factor in the disparities in the contracts among Wallace, Pavlovic and O’Neal, and the team will save $4.5 million next season.

However, factor in the savings the Suns will reap on the luxury tax, and it will be closer to $10 million in savings. That would be amplified if Wallace decides to retire and the Suns buy him out of his contract for less than the $14 million he’s owed next season.

Phoenix is the Wu-Tang of the NBA right now.

and it helps to kick start the rebuilding process that needs to happen.  Grant Hill and Steve Nash are past their prime days and are close to the pasture.  It is time to restock and reload.  Lopez was a great catch last year, but you have to develop some more talent and stop selling your draft picks.

Sorry about the lack of posts today. Lot’s to do with little time to do it in.

Before I get to the links I want to discuss the NHL awards that are to be given out tonight. I’m not going to bore you trying to defend Alex Ovechkin, mostly because if you’re a regular reader you can tell which way I lean. That said, I do expect OVI to take home the Hart Trophy over Malkin and Datsyuk. I don’t think Datsyuk really has a chance of winning so the rce really comes down to Malkin and OVI. It’s so close that just being a Capitals fan sways me to the crazy Russian that is Ovechkin.

The Vezina Trophy (best goalkeeper) seems like a toss-up so I’m just going to jump on board with Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He didn’t play for a great team and was still able to record 10 shut-outs. I don’t really watch a lot of Mason’s games but just the fact that he’s out there working hard, I respect that (terrible adaptation of Hansel’s Sting quote from Zoolander).

The James Norris Memorial Trophy (best defenseman) will go to Mike Green. I’ve respected this guys play all season and have actually been able to admire it as a Caps fan, considering the limited amount of hockey I watch. He can put the puck in the back of the net and provides excellent leadership for the Capitals.

I hate to do it but I’m taking a guess that Malkin will win the Pearson award. As a Capitals fan it just seemed as if everybody loved Ovechkin, but reading a lot of blogs makes me think otherwise. NBC talked about it during the Caps series with the Rangers that people were aggrivated with Ovechkin for being so out there. He’s won it before, but this may not be his year.

Bonus from the Review Journal: “Ovechkin still might be smarting from his team’s loss to the Penguins, because he also had no interest in talking about Pittsburgh’s other young superstar, center Sidney Crosby, who surprisingly isn’t a finalist for any award today.

“I don’t want to talk about it, about him,” said Ovechkin, who gives himself a “50-50 chance” to repeat as the Hart winner.”

Should be exciting and I’m looking forward to the results. On to the links!

“Top 10 Moments in Sports Blog History.” And who would have guessed, ESPN is involved with half of them. Also big ups to The Washington Posts Dan Steinberg for being on the list just because he’s a blogger. [Real Clear Sports]

“Rajon Rondo Out of Boston? His Bad Attitude Has Prompted the Celtics to Shop him.” I’m surprised by this just because he’s a young, talented player on a team who has three major stars that will be out of the league in two years. [North Station Sports]

“Latest Crazy NBA Trade Rumor: Amar’e To The T-Wolves for Al Jefferson and the Sixth Pick.” We all know Amare Stoudamire will be leaving Phoenix, but Suns fans should be very happy with this deal. [Fan IQ]

Terry Holland is the best thing to happen to ECU since… well, ever. “We sort of adopted the idea that we would schedule our own damned bowl games,” Holland says. Hell yes Holland. [News-Record]

“Orioles Might Regret 2005 Media Guide.” Just take a look and laugh for yourself without the encouragement of me. But you should laugh. C’mon just laugh at something you see here once. Please? [Real Clear Sports]

“Playing big-money road football games one of the ways Boise State will try to make money.” Due to budget cuts, Boise State will be looking for some big games with guaranteed money. Maybe this will create a big non-conference game. I sure as hell hope so. [Idaho Statesman]

Enjoi.

Juice (formerly of Black WallStreet) hooks up with the Underground King Bun B for Can’t Crush My Cool produced by Drumma Boy. Juice is now signed through a joint venture with Grand Hustle to Phoenix Suns All-Star Forward [Hyp]ocalypto Entertainment, so stay tuned.

Download/Stream–> http://www.zshare.net/audio/60725349d56cce22/

In case you missed it, a little more than a month ago one of the last remaining 867-5309 phone numbers (made famous by the Tommy Tutone’s song) was put up for auction on ebay, with bids topping $365,000.  As we were surfing the internet trying to find a new home for our website , we stumbled across someone selling the URL pertaining to the infamous song (hey, it’s got free shipping, so I’ll lay $2.99 down on it!).  That got us to thinking (a stretch for us, we know) what sports websites could we purchase, market, and then re-sell for a profit (because…hey, times are tough, and we gots to get paid).

So here are the Top-40 sports-related URLs (and what we would do with them) that are available.

40. www.cappingMLB.com

For the envious small-market team that’s in all of us (except for the Steinbrenners…).

39. www.mycousinvinnydacoach.com

The sequel that no Bulls fan would ask for.

38. www.saveseattlesports.com

A virtual visitation for what used to be a thriving sports metropolis.  Ya know, like when the Sonics made it to the finals (and lost) or the Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl (and lost). OR…a social networking site for all of Shawn Kemp’s illegitimate children.

37. www.blindedbytheslider.com

Because Cubs fans will never forget how much Corey Patterson sucked.  Future home of disgruntled Phillies fans after Ryan Howard dips below 30 homers a season…

36. www.mannyisacancer.com

A message board for Red Sox Nation to whine about a guy that hit .347 with a 1.060 OPS in July of 2008 when he reportedly ‘quit’ on his team. The Red Sox fans should quit too…as in: quit your bitchin’!!

35. www.themanningface.com

If you don’t read Bill Simmons, this is what we’re talking about. Notice the URL for that link…whomever owns that site is light years ahead of us. Here’s an example:

34. www.barkleyforbama.com

Despite the fact he has a gambling problem and was arrested for DUI when all he was looking for was little love…we’d still vote for him if he ends up running for governor of Alabama.

33. www.kirilenkos1nightayear.com

For those that don’t know, Utah Jazz forward, Andrei Kirilenko’s wife allows him to sleep around for one night every year.  Don’t believe me?  I’m not kidding. But since he doesn’t take advantage of his opportunity, this site would be devoted to the women that he passes on.

32. www.crabdribblingtotherack.com

A message board for NBA referees who forgot what the hell a traveling violation was.  See: James, LeBron.

31. www.knightsfoldingchair.com

Where we would chronicle videos of Bobby Knight – like this one:

30. www.findingphelpsbong.com

A daily blog devoted to a sheriff and his search for justice!  Because one man’s smoking bong is another man’s smoking gun…

29. www.thesummerof10.com

Where LeBron, Kobe, Amaré, Bosh and DWade give Twitter clues as to where they want to go when they hit the open market.  To be frequented by all 30 NBA GMs…well, maybe just 29 because Memphis already knows that none of these guys wanna play in Tennessee (or they’ll be located in Vegas).

28. www.thezenmasterphil.com

Aspiring coaches can go here to learn inspiring coaching techniques, such as playing the Bongo, crisis management, and pointing at the greatest player in the league with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter to get back in the game.  You can also learn how to successfully date your bosses daughter.

27. www.rickeysthebest.com

Rickey Henderson admitted on Mike and Mike in the Morning that the rumor of him framing his first $1 million check was true (prompting the Oakland A’s to freak when their accounting department was off by a million), so this site would be dedicated to all of those great Rickey-isms.

26. www.thereisonlyoneLT.com

Where LT shattering Joe Theismann’s ankle is played on loop. Lawrence Taylor is the only LT (don’t give us any of this LaDainian Tomlinson crap).  And remember kids, “Don’t smoke crack!”

25. www.kobedoesnotknowhowyourasstastes.com

Despite the below Shaq-rap being funny, it’s much advised not to anger The Black Mamba. See: Artest, Ron.  Kobe would go here to get bulletin-board material.

24. www.fansofhockey.com

The official Facebook site for all Canadiens and the two Canadien refugees living in North Dakota.

23. www.evandersrightear.com

Where fans of the sweet science will come to voice their frustrations about the downfall of boxing.  In-part due to the appetite of a cannibalistic Iron Mike.

22. www.drinkingwithdaly.com

Because nothing interests the public more than watching finely tuned athletic machines getting sloshed and hanging on hot chicks.

21. www.howeva.com

We were gonna use www.racefor19.com (for El Tigre), HOWEVA…someone mocking Stephen A. Smith has to have his own website!

20. www.pacmancapsthebottle.com

One of two things could happen on this site: Pacman could clean up his act and not suck as a player, or he could start shooting glass bottles off a ledge.  Either way…we don’t really care…

19. www.shaqtastic.com

Where people can go to find his latest youtube videos, Twitter updates, and all of the Shaqisms you can handle.

18. www.detroitlionssuicidehotline.com

This page is completely blank except for the phone number to a local Detroit suicide hot-line which appears in a font size of 17 (the number of years since their last playoff win). The font will grow every year.

17. www.gregodensrockingchair.com

A site where the people that share the same disease as Benjamin Button and Greg Oden can open up and talk about themselves with others like them.

16. www.weretalkingaboutpractice.com

In an attempt to move his famous videos in the 21st century, the Tom Emanski practice tapes will be sold here for $9.99 a piece…only available on VHS.

15. www.wecanbuildonthis.com

A resumé updating website that caters to recently terminated football coaches.

14. www.donttalkaboutplayoffs.com

Will be started and maintained by the commissioners of the six BCS conferences…and the president of Notre Dame.

13. www.plaxknowsgunsafety.com

An online gun-safety school for professional athletes who feel owning a firearm, even if it isn’t registered, is a God-given (or a second Amendment) right.

12. www.vicksofftheleash.com

This site is a webcam broadcast of a PETA member stalking Michael Vick while he’s under house arrest. (No animals will be harmed in the making of this website)

11. www.coachingwithoutpants.com

From the company that brought you www.thezenmasterphil.com, the alternative take on modern coaching techniques – including how to win football games with just ten players.  Pants not required.

10. www.wnbabailout.com

If the NBA is borrowing $200 million to stay afloat, you know the WNBA is going in the tank. On this site, fans can sell their WNBA swag to keep the league alive.

9. www.a-fraudinsurance.com

Where you go to sign a petition so that your favorite team never signs A-Rod…or…a site for AIG haters.

8. www.theozzietranslator.com

This site uses state-of-the-art translating software (see machine below) to figure out what the hell Ozzie Guillen is saying when he gets upset. Paid for by Chicago sports writers not named Jay Mariotti.

7. www.thecalhounretirementfund.com

“Not a dime back!” If you feel that Jim Calhoun needs cash now for an early retirement, you can donate to his cause on this site.

6. www.marvbites.com

The legendary sportscaster, Marv Albert takes his taste for high-end cuisine to new heights by offering reviews of some of the country’s finest corner establishments.

5. www.acenturyisnotenough.com

This site will remain the most popular Cubs message board until 2108…when www.twocenturiesisnotenough.com takes its place.

4. www.feardrandrews.com

A flash based computer game website where the goal is to make it through a game without one of your players having to call the famed doctor.

3. www.mickletits.com

The official site of ‘The Bro.’ If you type in the promotional code “Winged Foot” you get an extra 10% off everything on the left side of the website.

2. www.courtingea.com

Following the mass popularity of Japanese dating sims, Electronic Arts presents: “Courting Erin Andrews.” The overall points leader from this game receives a 50″ plasma TV, a PS3, this year’s library of EAs sports titles, and a restraining order signed by the lovely Erin Andrews.

1. www.thepassionofgus.com

We love us some EA…but a site devoted to Gus Johnson is what this world needs…

To check out what this post looks like on our new website, click here.  The debut of the new site is set for March 18, 2009!

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Despite the fact that football season is over and baseball season hasn’t begun yet, I’ve been pretty excited about the world of sports – especially this past week.  Three reasons why:

1. Friday was the third best day of the calendar year; pitchers and catchers reported for the Cubs.  Christmas is easily the best day because of the presents and gathering of family.  Opening day is the second best because of the massive amount of anticipation that can become overwhelming.  And third is the day the Cubs hurlers and receivers hit camp…triggering the thought of warm weather and longer days in my mind.

2. The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and that means every team is looking to improve.  The NBA trade deadline is easily the best out of any professional league deadline day because of its potential for blockbusters and high percentage of action.  The NFL deadline day passes almost without notice, and baseball’s is so overplayed and inflated that less than 1% of the rumored trades are actually ever discussed by GMs.  In the NBA, however, if teams are determined to make a move, most wont hesitate.  In 2008, we saw trades involving big names such as Jason Kidd and Pau Gasol.  Usually, there is validity behind trade rumors involving big names.  The prize in 2009 was supposed to be Amare Stoudamire, but with the Suns making a coaching change, it seems less likely they’ll move the 26-year-old star.

3.  Fantasy baseball season is right around the corner…meaning it’s time to start putting together the game plan. I’m happy to announce that after a year off, I’ve convinced my buddy Lance to rejoin the league for the fifth edition of Terry’s Tire World.  The competition this year will be the toughest it has ever been, meaning I need to find a new edge.  After doing some searching to polish up my first basemen ranking sheets, I stumbled across a great website that provided me with just the edge I was looking for.  If I gave this information to one of our readers, there’s no doubt that Justin would pay big bucks to figure my ‘inside’ information.  I also don’t provide people bad information, so I’m going to test my data through the first half of the season to test my hypothesis.  My conclusions will be here in July.

The main purpose behind this post revolves around No. 2 because we’ll have all spring and summer to talk baseball.

Despite the fact that I played up how active the NBA trade deadline is, I highly doubt this year will provide us any blockbusters because nobody is willing to take on salary past 2010.  From now on, why don’t we refer to it as The Summer of James…better known as the first year that LeBron James could potentially become a free man.

Since I haven’t talked about the Bulls very much (or at all), it’s time to break down the team in the order of the most tradeable (definition: the order in which I would trade the guys if I had the chance), with 12 being the guy I’d ship out first.

Offer me a six-pack, and they’re yours:

14a. Vinny Del Negro – Wait…dammit…he coaches doesn’t he?  Well…that depends on your definition of coach, but that’s for another day.

14. Michael Ruffin – The long-awaited return of this waste of space is reportedly right around the corner, as he is nearly healed from achilles injury that has kept him out since last April.  He’s available in a flea market near you!

13. Cedric Simmons – He has youth on his side (23), but is just about as worthless as you can find on an NBA roster.  He’s 6′9″ and 235, I think he has a better shot at cutting two inches, gaining 90 pounds and taking over for John Tait playing left tackle for the Bears.

As long as you pay his retirement, he’s all yours:

12. Lindsey Hunter – Now that Kirk Hinrich is healthy, Hunter becomes relatively useless as the Bulls third string PG.  In other news, I’ve added Lindsey as a name I would NEVER give to my son.  It saves at minimum two punches to the face during childhood.

Well, at least he can play defense:

11. Thabo Sefolosha – The only reason he is this high is because there is some serious awful behind him.  When the Bulls drafted him a couple of years ago, he was praised for being a defensive force that if he developed offensively, could be a major steal.  That ‘if’ never happened.

The Tall and the Defenseless

10. Aaron Gray – For those Boers and Bernstein fans in the audience (A Chicago radio combo from 2-6pm on 670 The Score for those who don’t), the White Panther could easily be your favorite player. His offensive game improved greatly when he dropped weight over the summer, but he still sucks at defense.

9. Drew Gooden – Just a few weeks ago, 82games.com had him listed as the worst defensive player in the Association.  Not suprising – if you watch a Bulls game, you’ll scratch your head a minimum of three times, asking yourself, “What the hell was Gooden doing there?”  The sad thing is, HE doesn’t even know!

The Oddball

I'm not lying when I said he's ugly.

8. Joakim Noah – Plays very good defense, is an above average rebounder, and was mentally retarded as a child.  He’s the ugliest human being on the face of the earth and the hair doesn’t help that cause.  He sets illegal screens on every offensive possession, and has stone hands that are worse than, dare I say it, Tyson Chandler!

The Rich and the Foreign

7. Andres Nocioni – One of the most overpaid players in the NBA.  He’s getting more than $8 million per season for the next three years and he’s no better than the Bulls 7th man.  Yikes.

6. Luol Deng – If the Bulls can work out a trade to get rid of Deng, I can’t pull the trigger fast enough.  What’s really sad is that the Bulls were hell bent on not trading him for Kobe Bryant last year.  Can you say: mistake?

Positionless Wonders

5. Larry Hughes – He ranks this high because his contract expires in two years.  He’s capable of playing very good defense and can hit open shots.  But if there is a player in the NBA that can be labeled a ‘ball hog,’ he’d be it.

4. Kirk Hinrich – Not good enough to be a starting point guard or a starting shooting guard on a championship contender (though he’s paid like one), he’s sure found his nitch as the Bulls 6th man.  After an awful 2007-08 season, it’s nice to see him bounce back.

The Freak

3. Tyrus Thomas – After a few years, he’s finally figuring out what his role is on the basketball court.  Be active, block shots from the weakside, NEVER shoot from outside of five feet, and rebound the basketball on both ends.

The weight of Chicago is on his back. Can he handle it?

The Shooter

2. Ben Gordon – As much as I have wanted to trade this guy in the past – he has been one of the most consistent Bulls over that same time frame.  At least we know his talent max.  He will score, play mediocre at best defense, and he can be a go-to guy down the stretch.

The Star

1. Derrick Rose – At age 20, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’s the face of the Chicago Bulls for the next seven years at least.  Let’s hope he can live up to the incredible hype that comes with being #1 in Chicago.

Brett Favre, the living legend has called it quits for good this time. Number Four will be remembered forever for quite possibly having the most productive career from a quarterback in NFL history. He went out in a classy fashion just as expected with nothing but good things to say about the New York Jets franchise, despite the few harsh comments from some former teammates. A Guy like Thomas Jones better have enjoyed his career year in this past season as it was a product of Favre’s presence because next year he won’t be anywhere near productive and despite my approval of new head coach Rex Ryan, I don’t see the Jets sniffing 500 next year without Brett. What’s disappointing though is the fact that Favre isn’t going to get his proper well-deserved goodbye because of the fact that we have been through this retirement thing with him before. With a football legend like Brett Favre I could celebrate his retirement annually for the rest of my life. Some might feel this is typical over the line Brett Favre obsessing and it might be, but for all this guy has been for the NFL it is not too much to ask.

            The Jets QB position for the upcoming 2009-2010 season is up for grabs and there is a list full of possibilities and options out there for the Jets, as mediocre as they may be. Will they try to find a solution through the draft? Experts are touting Mark Sanchez from USC to be an ideal candidate. I don’t see that being a good match at all, as Sanchez is quite overrated if you ask me. Word is the Jets front office seems to like what they see in young quarterback Brett Ratliff. They also have Kellen Clemens and last years draft pick out of Tennessee Erik Ainge on the roster, so I doubt they would draft another QB this upcoming draft. The Jets should either give this Ratliff kid a shot or go out and sign a veteran like Jeff Garcia, who is a proven winner that came make something with little.

Bud Selig won’t suspend A-Rod after his performance enhancing drug usage, but a reaction is definitely necessary for the good of Major League Baseball. People are saying how suspending A-Roid would prevent others from admitting their usage in the future. This may be a semi valid point, but its not like these guys are lining up to admit their faults anyway. In fact, no one is going to admit till they are caught and have no other choice but to start displaying damage control. So I say Bud Selig should try to make up for his atrocious tenure as MLB commissioner, and produce a deadline of sorts within the next few weeks threatening all that have failed these drug tests to come forth and admit to their wrong doings with no punishments attached. Once the deadline passes though, they would become fair game for long suspensions if results of their failed tests come forth. Obviously some of these ideas are easy to just spout off the top of your mind, but it isn’t so easy in real life due to the evil Players Union. But until so type of real progress is made, I don’t want to hear about any Pitchers and catchers nonsense.

            The MLB Players Union plain and simply needs to be dealt with. This union has proved that they have way too much strength and it is leading to the demise of the sport of baseball. America’s Pastime needs to be rescued ASAP before it becomes permanently a sport of the past. It is absurd how this union can manage to prevent a strict honest successful testing system. How is it even legal for them to pull this privacy nonsense, when it has to do with usage of illegal drugs at the workplace? My wish is still to see a player separate himself from the union and submit to blood testing on random multiple dates throughout the year. Another unrealistic wish of mine unfortunately, as it could probably save the little piece of integrity that’s left in Baseball at the moment.

            The Duke-UNC lived up to the hype as usual in this intense heated college basketball rivalry, but for some reason it still managed to leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. Watching last night, I just feel like there wasn’t an NBA star out there performing. I might be alone on this one, as many would say Ty Lawson did just that by really performing on his biggest stage, but I just don’t see it. Looking back though, I should have just enjoyed it for what it was, another Duke-UNC classic.

            Amare Stoudamire trade rumors are swirling as the NBA trade deadline fast approaches. Suns GM Steve Kerr should just get it over with and deal Amare ASAP, just to finish off his complete destruction of the Phoenix Suns. Maybe he can find a taker for 2 Time MVP Steve Nash also while he is at it. I am sure he will be checking for the availability of Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston soon. On a serious note though, I am hoping for Amare to find his way to an Eastern Conference team not named Cleveland, Boston, or Orlando to provide the conference with another legit contender, perhaps a Detroit or Miami? This would really spicen up that side of the playoff bracket.

            Mike Brown deserved a lot more then a 25 k fine from the league’s front office just for talking like a complete moron after a last second loss to the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night. The fact that he even managed to complain after receiving the exact same call in his favor less then a second before on the other side of the court just baffles me. Seriously Coach Brown, you should have sat out this poor attempt of an appeal during your post game interview. Trust me you don’t need to fight any battles with the leagues officiating, from my view your star player is treated like the league’s king and is a favorite of NBA Commissioner David Stern. So just tell LeBron to try not to take that 5^th step in his crab dribble and you guys should be ok.

            The USA-Mexico World Cup Qualifying match got the States off to the proper start they needed Wednesday night as they downed Mexico 2-0. This was a rather sloppy slow paced game but coach’s son Michael Bradley scored twice and supplanted himself as a regular in the USA starting lineup for years to come. Mexico captain Rafael Marquez was red carded midway through the second half for a dangerous high boot, cleating USA goalkeeper Tim Howard.

So, even prior to the LeBron James commercial where he is playing for the Cleveland Browns (not even LeBron could save that team) I had always thought about such a thing…which NBA guys are athletic and able-bodied enough to play in the NFL? Before I go into my list, let me just say that Yes, I do think that football is the most physically demanding sport there is.. Really, the only other argument is hockey, and while it is a valid argument, no athletes endure the game-to-game brutality and long term serious injury than in football. How many dudes have you seen get paralyzed other than in football? How many legs have you seen get smashed on live television…? Yes, you could counter with “how many throats have you seen get slashed in hockey,” but I think that has more to do with lack of preventative equipment than it does the toughness of the sport, anyway, I digress. So, I’m sure a lot of people will have their opinion when it comes to such a thing, and maybe I will have forgotten someone, but without further ado, your NBA NFL Starting Lineup:

QB: Jason Kidd. 6′4” 210. Same size as a quarterback, and one of the best “pass-first” PG’s of our time (any time?) You really can’t disagree with this one.

RB: Allen Iverson. 6′0” 180. I know, a little undersized, I know. But thats bigger than Darren Sproles, and about the same size as Warrick Dunn. Is there a shiftier guy in the NBA?

FB: Paul Pierce. 6′7” 235. Not a homer pick, not a homer pick. Dude got stabbed 11 times, including in his head…. and came back to play THAT Season, and WELL.

WR: LeBron James. 6′8” 260. Yeah, umm..Name one guy who could cover LeBron..I’m telling you now that if LeBron were a WR in the NFL, he would be top 3. Possibly the best…Ever.

WR: Kobe Bryant. 6′6” 205. If you put LeBron and Kobe split wide, left and right, and put like…Danny Wuerffel at QB…you’d be a playoff team.

TE: Amare Stoudamire. 6′10” 250. Amare is a big ass dude, yo.

LT: Shaquille O’Neal. 7′1” 325. Your LT needs to be your best lineman in most cases, to protect the QB’s blindside. May as well have the most massive professional athlete ever as your bookend.

RT:  Glen “Big Baby” Davis. 6′9” 290. I heard once that at one point, Davis was 6′9” 325. Sounds an awful like an OT to me….Just need to get some mean in him. None of this crying bullshit. In the event he pussies out, we replace him with Greg Oden…just so Oden and Shaq can be on the same team.

C:  Ben Wallace. 6′9” 250. Sure, he is fading with age, but the dude wears headbands around his arms.

RG: Al Jefferson 6′10” 265. As much as I love KG, and our 17th banner, Big AL is a stud…Once he gets the ball on the block, forgettaboutit. Put him on the interior line …forgettaboutit.

LG: Carlos Boozer. 6′9” 265. I read an interview with a player recently, possibly Amare, but not sure…asking who was the toughest guy to play against and he said Boozer, I want that guy on our line.

So that raps it up for offense…now for defense:

DE: Yao Ming 7′6” 310. Granted, hes not exactly known for his physicality, but you are going to have to seriously loft a ball to get it over his outstretched arms …. Think about it.

DE: Zydruna Ilgauskas 7′3” 260.  Maybe I’m taking a bit of a flag football approach here, but again, these guys have insane wing spans. Good luck throwing over him.

DT: Dwight Howard 6′11′ 265. The run-stuffer, the intimidator, the heavy hitter, whatever the eff you want to call him…Just don’t expect  him to drop into coverage.

LB: Bruce Bowen.  6′7” 200. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to sneak in cheap shots at people.  You’ll be glad hes on your side.

LB:  Shawn Marion 6′7” 228. Not exactly known for his man-to-man defense, but gets a lot of blocks, and is a freakish athlete. He will be a solid pass rush option.

LB: Kevin Garnett.  6′11” 255. Call me crazy, but I want his intensity at the inside position. Plus you gotta have him on the field somewhere…LB fits.

LB: Ron Artest.  6′7” 260. A nasty guy, not liked by a lot of people, but you can’t deny his abilities, especially on the defensive side of the ball…

CB: Tony Parker. 6′2” 180. For my CB’s, I’m going with the 2 fastest guys in the league. Quick, athletic, smart … There aren’t many arguments against these two …

CB: Rajon Rondo. 6′1” 170: See above.

FS: Dwayne Wade 6′4” 216. A little bigger than some people think, and tough. Your going to need his court vision at the FS position.

SS: Chris Paul 6′0” 175. Didn’t think I’d leave one of the leagues top 3 players off the list did you? Maybe a bit undersized for the position, but like before, he will prove naysayers wrong.

and for special teams…

K: Steve Nash 6′3” 178. Grew up playing soccer, said he could have played it professionally had he stayed focused (at Santa Clara university, Nash used to dribble tennis balls around campus to practice his dribbling, so I’m pretty sure if he applied his focus into soccer, it would have worked out.”

P: Rasheed Wallace 6′11” 230. Has ‘Sheed ever gotten a technical from booting a basketball before? I feel like he has….Either way…

Kick Returner: Leondro Barbosa 6′3” 202. What can be said about Barbosa other than the guy is a lightning bolt…spark off the bench. Let him make some people miss…

The explosion of the Suns could be imminent.

I’m not even a Suns fan but with rumors of dismantling the team becoming stronger everyday, lately I’ve found myself hoping that this team would get it together. 

I think this team is great offensively with the best attacking 4/5 tandem in the league, great shooters outside, and a great point guard.

Now that the offense is gelling the defensive flaws are showing.  Nash is a defensive liability, Shaq is a liablitity on pick n’ rolls, and Grant Hill is not as quick as he used to be.  I really underestimated the importance of a lockdown guard like Raja Bell.

Milwaukee unofficially bowed out of the playoff race in the East as Michael Redd is out for the year with torn ligaments in his knee.

With yesterday’s win the Pacers are only 3 1/2  games out of making one of my BOLD Predictions come true.

The Rockets got T-Mac and Artest back and won in Detroit.

What a difference a “mar’e” makes to the Suns.  Big road win for Phoenix as Atlanta had the 5th best home record coming into that game. 
Speaking of Suns-Hawks, everytime I watch this I yell to try to warn Steve Nash to get out of the way:

With the Denver Nuggets taking on the Utah Jazz in a key Northwest Division battle on Sunday night, your three intrepid writers got together for a roundtable chat. What ensued was a dominant 117-97 win for the Nuggets, and a chat transcript that follows.

Pregame:
Bohanon: I’m feeling thuggish tonight
Bowen: Hopefully so are the Nuggets
Bohanon: The Jazz bring out that hate in me
Bowen: They’re going to need some toughness against the Jazz
Bohanon: the Mormon Tabernacle Criers
Bowen: Okur is a tough matchup for us.
Lodish: They are good at that pick-and-roll, but our defense against that has improved.
Bowen: Okur can step out and shoot over Kenyon. I’m not sure Nene wants to go out that far to guard him. Birdman?
Bohanon: Honestly I think I hate the Jazz more than any other team in basketball that doesn’t play in San Antonio
Bowen: Me too
Lodish: Same.
Bowen: Who is the hardest team to hate in the NBA?
Bohanon: I think it’s the Celtics. Pierce, Allen, Garnett are all pretty likeable
Lodish: I’d agree about the Celtics.
Lodish: I love all three of those guys. I even love Rajon Rondo.
Bowen: I think its Portland for me. Roy, Aldridge, Steve Blake. If I was in Portland I think I would love that team.
Bohanon: I see that. I’m even an Oden fan.
Bowen: Oden too. They seem to have a bunch of good dudes
Lodish: They’re a division rival though. You have to hate them by default.
Bohanon: Exactly right
Bowen: I’m just speaking in hypotheticals here.
Lodish: Screw Portland and all their “likeable” players.
Bowen: You’re trying to manufacture the hate and it’s not working for me. Those are good dudes. That being said, I hope the Nuggets crush them in the final two meetings.
Lodish: There’s your problem, you shouldn’t have to manufacture any hate for a team that is competing for a division title.
Bowen: Ohh, it’s in HD tonight. I like it.
Bowen: Maya Starks (Altitude sideline reporter), cute?
Lodish: Maya Starks! Alright. I’ll take her over what’s her name any day.
Bowen: Julie Browman.
Bohanon: Starks looks much better in comparison to Browman
Lodish:. As for Starks’ cuteness? I’ll give her a 7.
Bowen: Melo has an impressive array of suits.
Lodish: I’m sure he went out and bought a ton to wear on the bench during this injury stint.
Bowen: I doubt it. Probably just has them stored up.
Lodish: You know he doesn’t wear anything twice though.
Lodish: I wouldn’t.
Lodish: Here we go….
First Quarter:
Bowen: Nene’s range has grown exponentially this season.
Lodish: I love his game when that jumper goes down.
Bowen: I like Chauncey attacking to start off.
Lodish: And J.R. attacking as well. All around good signs so far.
Bowen: Attack, attack, attack!
JR Smith gets to the free throw line…
Lodish: How is J.R. a 69 percent shooter? That’s just garbage.
Bowen: Mental
Bohanon: ‘Young Rich’ JR is clearly our most important player when Melo is out. If he plays like crap, we can’t win
Lodish: I disagree. We just need either J.R. or LK to play well to win.
Bohanon: Let me amend my statement – we can’t beat a good team if JR doesn’t show up.
Lodish: Define “show up?” Offensively or all around game?
Bohanon: show up = carry a big scoring load and play with consistent effort
Bowen: I still wouldn’t say can’t. Tough yes, can’t no.
Lodish: I think we can beat any team in the league with J.R. playing with consistent effort regardless of his scoring output.
Utah beats Denver to a board and scores…
Bowen: One of my pet peeves in basketball. Guys not bodying up their man off a missed free throw. Nene just went for the ball and Okur grabbed it. Led to two more for Utah.
Lodish: Is Okur the ugliest player in the NBA?
Bohanon: He looks like Law and Order alumnus Chris Noth
Lodish: Except with a worse haircut.
More griping about the Altitude network…
Bowen: It took only five minutes into the game for Altitude’s first mistake. Missed Nene’s hoop.
Lodish: They’re pretty horrible about showing replays while play continues. I hate that. And while we’re picking bones with Altitude, I watched the UNC Bears play on Altitude earlier this afternoon and they didn’t have a clock and score graphic for the entire game. Worst experience ever watching a game, and not just because they lost by 20.
Bowen: Yeah, that’s rough.
JR Smith heats up from the field as Denver extends their lead…
Bowen: Denver is actually killing Utah with the pick n’ roll. Weird.
Lodish: J.R. appears to be feeling it tonight. He’s got an extra bounce in his step and he looks confident.
Lodish: As he knocks down a 20-footer.
Bowen: The hot shooting doesn’t hurt that step either.
Bohanon: Young Rich – IN RHYTHM
Lodish: Is it the confidence that leads to good shooting for him or the good shooting that leads to confidence?
Bowen: Tonight it looks like the former but usually it’s the latter.
Lodish: You’ve got to love J.R. trying to throw it down over Price. He doesn’t back down from any challenge when it comes to a highlight dunk.
Bowen: All mental.
Bowen: That’s two bad fouls for J.R. under the basket. Now he has to sit. That’s disappointing.
Lodish: That’s another part of his game that can improve. If he can play aggressively without getting into foul trouble he’d be even better.
Denver’s defense starts to sag…
Bowen: Nuggets’ defense is leaving a lot to be desired right now.
Bowen: Wow! Just let Williams take it right to the rack.
Bowen: Is it just me or is the Pistons’ mentality Chauncey brought over after his arrival of slowing the game down and playing tough defense starting to slip a little bit? I am concerned this team is shaping Chauncey more lately than he is shaping the team.
Lodish: I think they’re just playing a little differently with Melo out of the lineup. That being said, I think it’s possible to play somewhat fast and still play good defense.
Bowen: I agree with your second point for sure, but I don’t think we’ve seen a lot of good defense from the Nuggets lately.
Lodish: Good transition defense is the key if you’re going to play fast.
Some discussion on Denver’s reserve bigs…
Bohanon: Has Birdman gotten more ink since the season began?
Bohanon: He looks like a damn mural
Lodish: I don’t care what he has on his body as long as he gets me 7 boards, 2 blocks and 5 points in 15 minutes.
Bowen: One thing that’s overlooked about Andersen’s blocking ability is he often vacates his responsibility to go for a block which leaves his man open for easy putbacks.
Lodish: I don’t think that’s overlooked. That’s part of the definition of a player who gets a lot of blocks. Camby was the same way.
Lodish: You take the bad with the good.
Bowen: I don’t hear that mentioned by a lot of people. Maybe it’s not overlooked by you, but I think a lot of people do.
Lodish: Well those people aren’t watching closely enough.
Bowen: Does Balkman play tonight?
Bohanon: No
Lodish: No.
Bohanon: And that’s disappointing – I was really hoping he’d show better when he got the start the other night but he didn’t really play great.
Second Quarter:
JR fires up a questionable three pointer…
Bowen: Awful shot by J.R.
Lodish: Heat check.
Bowen: Why is it called that?
Lodish: Because he was shooting really well and took a tough shot. If he makes that kind of shot, he’s on fire.
Bowen: I see. Thanks for clarifying that.
Some kind words for Anthony Carter…
Bowen: I know AC’s crazy decisions drive us all crazy at times, but I do think his perimeter defense is undervalued. He does a great job of rotating and keeping his man away from the lane.
Bohanon: That is one of AC’s strengths, but he mitigates that by being a poor man defender
Lodish: You’re probably right about that. I’m sure that’s why he continues to get PT.
Bowen: He’s the Nuggets second best perimeter defender behind Chauncey and it’s not even close.
Bohanon: piss-poor shooter, though
Bowen: T-rue
Denver extends their lead out past double digits…
Lodish: All of a sudden we’re up 18
Bohanon: LK – IN RHYTHM
Bowen: Is LK playing the best basketball of his career the last couple of weeks?
Bohanon: After the slow start he had, he’s really stepped up since Melo went out. I’m very pleased with his play of late.
Lodish: I don’t know about that. He’s playing at the same level as he was last year when he emerged as a viable 6 man.
Bowen: It’s right up there with the best of his career, that’s for sure.
Lodish: Yes. But he can be better. I want to see him develop a mid-range jumper.
Bohanon: Okur’s holding Bird on every board
Bowen: Wouldn’t you, Dan?
Bohanon: Well, i’m 5′10″ and can’t jump, so yes
Bowen: Yeah but he’s 6′10” and can’t jump.
Bowen: But with Andersen’s hops it might as well be the same thing.
Bohanon: STOP LEAVING KORVER OPEN PLEASE KTHX
Carmelo is interviewed on the sideline…
Bowen: I don’t know why but I really like Melo’s jacket
Lodish: I don’t think he got the Doug Moe reference that Starks dropped on him.
Bohanon: Melo’s like “Who the hell is that?”
Bohanon: Uh, Melo, he was an assistant coach for you just last year
Bohanon: “And?”
Lodish: That’s a pretty solid breakdown of what he must have been thinking.
Denver’s offense breaks down, but Linas Kleiza banks in a three to beat the shot clock…
Bowen: Hello!
Bowen: Money!
Bohanon: Oh my God
Lodish: Wow!
Bowen: I’m pretty sure Kleiza double dribbled there.
Bohanon: All of a sudden our possessions are looking sloppy.
Bohanon: And that’s a fitting end to that trip
Lodish: Utah’s defense is clamping down. We’re getting down to inside of 5 seconds on the shot clock every trip down now.
Lodish: Nene just did a great job of contesting a shot, but remaining in position to rebound.
Dahntay Jones draws a charge on CJ Miles…
Bowen: Great defensive position by Dahntay.
Bohanon: Nice D by Tay – he has really been a pleasant surprise this season
Lodish: Do you think Jones learned to take a charge like that from Battier at Duke?
Bohanon: I think they take a class in Exaggerating Contact 101 at Duke
Bowen: Hey, every single one of Battier’s charges were legit, OK!
Bohanon: It’s the white guys who are the floppers
Bowen: That was a good call.
Lodish: Here we go again with the race card.
Lodish: White guys can’t take a charge?
Bohanon: I’m just saying, when I think of great flop artists in Duke hoops history, I think Wojo, Collins, Paulus, McRoberts
Bowen: McRoberts, gosh I couldn’t stand him. Probably my least favorite Duke player of all time right in front of Paulus.
Lodish: What happened to McRoberts anyway?
Bohanon: He’s on the Pacers, he’s an Indiana boy so they love him there.
The Jazz draw closer and pull within six with under a minute to play in the half…
Bohanon: We just can not close out a half, can we?
Bowen: Nuggets were aggressive early in the game taking the ball to the rim. Now they’re settling.
Bowen: Kenyon and Nene on multiple occasions have had position on their man but haven’t used their rears to drive them away from the basket. The result has been long rebounds going to the Jazz. I can’t stand how big men don’t know how to block out.
Bohanon: I don’t know why we quit in the final three minutes of a half, but that happens far too often for my taste
Lodish: Marlowe just called this a physical game. I’m not sure I agree. This hasn’t been a typical Jazz vs. Nuggets game.
Bohanon: BIG 3 by LK
Lodish: T-rue.
Bohanon: Lot more offense than I expected from this first half
Lodish: Exactly my point. If this were a physical game it wouldn’t be this high scoring that’s for sure.
Bohanon: Lot more jumpshooting than I expected, but I’m not sure that helps us.
HALFTIME SCORE: Denver 60, Utah 51

Third Quarter:
Lodish: Derron Williams has been a non-factor in this game. He’s really not been the same player all season.
Bowen: yeah, Williams’ numbers are down this year and you can see it watching him that he just isn’t the same guy. Those injuries are really lingering.
Bohanon: I think he misses Boozer – those two really complement each other so well, and as good as Millsap has been, he’s not the same complement for Deron that Boozer is
Lodish: Yeah. I wonder if he’s folding under the pressure of comparisons to Chris Paul.
Bowen: It’s not even a comparison in my mind. I’ll take Paul every day of the week.
Denver’s defense creates steals and fast break points early…
Bohanon: Active hands – interior defense is strong to start this quarter
Lodish: So far we’ve started this quarter the way we started the first.
Bohanon: Another great defensive possession. Really like the way we’ve started the half here.
Chauncey Billups draws a foul on a three-point shot…
Bowen: He is so good at doing that.
Lodish: The Fake and Rake!
Bowen: It’s such a smart play.
Lodish: I need to learn to do that for rec ball
Bowen: Me too.
Lodish: How lame are we?
Bohanon: Is that a rhetorical question?
Lodish: Yes.
JR hits a triple off a feed from K-Mart to put Denver up 15…
Bohanon: Really nice ball movement against the zone and JR benefits
Bowen: The Nuggets spacing on offense has been really good tonight.
Lodish: I think both of those things, ball movement and spacing, are why we’re shooting so well tonight.
Bowen: Sizzle, sizzle
Bohanon: Young Rich IN RHYTHM
Lodish: Nice shot! (That’s all I’ve got.)
Nene throws the hammer down…
Bowen: Nene’s one handed dunks are among the best in the NBA by a big man. Massive!
Lodish: Rember when he used to miss those with a fair amount of regularity? How puzzling was that?
Bowen: Bizarre
Lodish: That was the worst feeling to see him get elevation, extension and throw it down only to see it clank off the back of the rim and bounce to mid-court.
Bohanon: You know what? Screw it… Nene’s an All-Star if you ask me
Lodish: I agree. He’s the best big man in the league in the low post.
Bowen: Just think of the numbers he could put up if he actually got some touches
Bowen: I like how Nene took it to the basket there and didn’t settle for the jumper. Nene is too quick for every big man in the league.
Lodish: Between his footwork and quickness he’s unstoppable!
Bohanon: Remember when we were bummed about taking him ahead of Stoudemire? Now I’d rather have Nene than Amare. But I’d rather have Amare than Skita
Bowen: Agreed.
Lodish: I think having Skita was worth it if for no other reason than it has provided fodder for the past six years.
Bowen: I would have rather not had the fodder and had Amare and Nene or some other combo.
Bohanon: Is he the worst first round pick in Nuggets history? He may not even be in the top five.
Lodish: How is he not in the top five? I mean there’s always Mamadu N’dia, or however you spell that, but Skita was a tip five pick and did nothing.
Bohanon: There’s that Greek guy we traded down to take the year Kobe Bryant was drafted… Tony Battie sucked… Mamadou N’Diaye sucked… Julius Hodge was horrendous
Lodish: Hodge was shot
Lodish: Cut him some slack
Lodish: And Battie is at least still in the league.
Bohanon: is he really?
Lodish: Skita is the worst draft pick in franchise history.
Lodish: Yes. Battie is Orlando’s 7 or 8 man.
Bowen: Remember that epic debate we had at the Rockies game about who was better: Hodge or Francisco Garcia? Wow, talk about useless and needless debates.
Bohanon: And I don’t see how Skita was worse than the Greek guy – Rentzias was his name (Efthimos Rentzias, to be exact) – at least Skita played for us – we traded out of the lottery to take this Greek SOB and he never came overseas
Lodish: For the record I said Garcia. Who is playing decent for Sacto.
Bohanon: I said Garcia too. Even if I wasn’t present for the conversation, I said it
Bowen: Nate, I thought you were with me on Hodge in that one. I could have swore it was you and I talking about how Hodge was the ACC P.O.Y. and would be better. I think you’re lying.
Lodish: I don’t lie. I said Garcia, but I wasn’t totally disappointed with Hodge. I just would have rather seen them take Garcia.
Bowen: OK, but you weren’t adamant about it like Dan was.
Bohanon: I killed that Hodge pick from the beginning – I was furious about that pick
Lodish: No. But I still took the position that Garcia was the guy to take with the 20th pick.
Bowen: I’m pretty sure if Garcia was washing jerseys for Sacto he would still be the better pick right now. Poor Julius Hodge.
Lodish: Garcia would actually be a pretty good fit on this team right now. Almost a taller, better offensive Dahntay Jones.
Kenyon Martin misfires on a three…
Bohanon: NO NEVER
Bohanon: That’s what I yell when K-Mart shoots 3s
Lodish: He’s shooting above 40 percent on the season from 3.
Bohanon: This is true, but you can’t tell me you have any confidence in him to make that shot
Lodish: More than I did the last three years.
The quarter draws to a close with Denver up 14 points…
Bowen: I think the Nuggets have done a pretty good job tonight not letting Utah’s physical play get in their heads but they have to keep playing their game in the fourth.
Lodish: We’re usually a much better fourth quarter team than third quarter team.
Bohanon: The first three or four minutes of the fourth are going to be huge
Bowen: What is the best lineup right now for Denver.
Bowen: Right now, based on this situation and based on tonight.
Bohanon: Right now, Nene and Bird out front with Billups Carter and JR
Lodish: I’ll say the Billups, LK, JR, K-Mart and Nene lineup.
Fourth Quarter:
Nene with another huge dunk…
Bohanon: VICIOUS
Lodish: Or it doesn’t matter who is on the floor as long as you get the ball to Nene. HE CAN’T MISS!
Bowen: Three more dunks and Nene has a record!
Bowen: Doesn’t count as a missed field goal
Lodish: Thank goodness he was fouled.
Lodish: I love his reaction.
Bowen: What a guy. I’m developing a man crush.
Bowen: It’s so great to see him have this kind of season though after everything he’s been through.
Lodish: I couldn’t be happier for someone.
Bohanon: Yeah, talk about a guy who has earned this.
A few thoughts about the Johan Petro trade…
Bohanon: So here’s a question – why did we trade for Johan Petro if we’re never going to play him?
Lodish: Money.
Bohanon: Well I know the trade made sense financially – but if you’ve got a big who can play a little bit, and you know you need to give Nene and K-Mart a little more rest, why not let Petro show what he’s got? I don’t think he’s terrible – he’s not Cheick Samb bad, anyway.
Bowen: Agreed. My sentiments exactly.
Lodish: It’s possible he’ll get more playing time when Melo returns. Maybe Karl just doesn’t trust the current roster to win games without big minutes from Nene and K-Mart.
Bowen: I doubt it.
Lodish: Can you think of another explanation for playing both our bigs so many minutes?
Bowen: I just don’t think he trusts Petro period. I think it’s a big mistake, but I think he feels he can get by with subbing Bird down low.
Lodish: He’s fully aware he’s tiring out his two big men. It’s not like Nene is shy about complaining about that.
Bowen: I hope you’re right, but I still don’t think Petro will get a ton of run when Melo returns.
Bohanon: Yeah, I think Petro’s as buried as Weems is
Lodish: I’m just trying to think of what Karl might possibly be thinking.
Nene still hasn’t missed… and Denver leads by 19, edging closer to 103 points and tacos for everyone…
Bowen: Two more for Nene!
Lodish: 11-11!
Bohanon: They can’t guard him
Bohanon: This one is all but over, folks
Bowen: OK, guys, if you’re Karl and your team sustains this 20 point lead, at what point do you pull Nene?
Lodish: After he gets 13-13.
Bohanon: Right, I give him a fair crack at that until the 4 minute mark
Lodish: And if he doesn’t have it by 4:00 minutes, too bad.
Bowen: That aside, let’s say he doesn’t have that going, when is it OK to pull him?
Lodish: If he wasn’t going for a franchise record, which it’s possible Karl isn’t even aware of, I’d pull him now.
Bohanon: I still think 4 minutes sounds about right unless we get it out to 25
Bowen: I am thinking – regardless of record – you pull your bigs in this situation with around 5 and a half or six minutes left. Put Balk and Bird in there and you’ll be fine. If Utah makes a run you can always put Nene back in the game. My guess is he plays until about two minutes are left.
Lodish: Funny how you don’t even suggest playing Petro.
Bowen: Error on my end, put Petro in there.
Lodish: Chauncey’s had a quiet 20 tonight.
Lodish: 12-12!
Bowen: One more!
Petro checks in for Nene with 6:13 to play…
Bowen: Wow! I am pleasently surprised!
Lodish: Speaking of Petro. This is lame. Give him a shot at the record. I bet Karl doesn’t even know.
Lodish: Birdman just ruined a great play by Petro. Great footwork and moves.
Bowen: Nice move by Petro. Didn’t finish but the move was Nene-esque
Lodish: Tacos!
Bohanon: It’s not nearly as good a deal as the Rockies taco deal
Bohanon: You have to buy a drink
Lodish: We want Sonny!
Lodish: We want Sonny!
Denver clears the bench with a comfortable lead…
Lodish: Hey! Sonny and Balkman!
Bowen: I think Sonny seriously has some potential though. I like his game. He looks like he could be a really good defender. Long, athletic and quick.
Bohanon: I liked him at Arkansas – he had a nice game in the SEC
Lodish: The problem is George doesn’t go deep enough for any of these guys get minutes.
Bohanon: That’s why we will trade every first round pick that we have in the Karl era – those guys never get off the bench.
Bowen: No. George is also notorious for not playing rookies.
Lodish: That’s a horrible policy to have. Could you imagine playing knowing no matter how many things you do right you’ll never see the floor?
Bohanon: That’s life as a 12th man, though, no matter where you are
Lodish: I mean being a rookie for a coach like Karl or Brown.
Bowen: It could be worse.
Bowen: They could be on the streets selling drugs for a living or working at McDonald’s.
Bohanon: Or playing in the D-League
Bowen: T-rue.
A divergence during garbage time… a few thoughts on Brandon Jennings…
Bohanon: I actually see D-League games on NBA TV now and then
Bohanon: they show some Euro league action too
Bowen: Have you seen Brandon Jennings play?
Bohanon: no, haven’t seen his team
Lodish: I heard this week that he’s hating his experience over there.
Bohanon: Yeah, I saw that on the bottom line the other day. He could have been a god on Arizona’s campus, but he gave that up for the money
Bohanon: I guess 1.2 million don’t buy happiness
Lodish: He said he gets treated like a kid. Funny how an 18-year-old gets treated that way.
Bowen: Arizona would be a lot better with his services.
Lodish: I can’t judge him though. Could either of you really turn down 1.2 million so easily?
Bowen: No
Bohanon: Nope
Bowen: I would’ve gone to college though
Lodish: I know I couldn’t.
Lodish: I have no idea what I’d do. I’d like to think I would go to college, but it’s a whole other world and mindset when you’re that good.
Bowen: Are we assuming our grades were as big of a problem as his? Because if I wasn’t sure I would qualify, hell yeah I would take the money.
Lodish: If you’re grades were good though? I still have no clue what I’d do.
Bowen: I would go to school if that was the case. I like America too much. I would get homesick.
Lodish: For 1.2 million you could take your family with. I’d go with you.
Bowen: Haha, Ok, if you came along.
Lodish: I’d go with Jennings for that matter.
It’s a final: DEN 117, UTAH 97.
Postgame:
Bohanon: Very satisfying win tonight – we need to create space between us and Utah while they’re banged up
Bowen: With guys like Boozer and Kirlenko, they may be banged up all year.
Lodish: I’m honestly more concerned about Portland than Utah.
Bowen: When are the all-star reserves announced
Bohanon: Thursday
Bowen: Melo and Chauncey should be on that team
Lodish: Who chooses the reserves?
Bowen: Coaches
Lodish: I’d rather have Nene than Melo.
Bowen: I would be happy with either, but I am not sure Nene really cares. He’s getting married.
Bohanon: I’d say all three have a case, but I don’t think any of them will be selected – I’m just pessimistic like that
Bowen: If the Nuggets don’t have a representative that’s a damn crime.
Lodish: Yeah it is. If you’re the second best team in the West you need to have an All-Star.
Bowen: One of the Nuggets will be on that team. Maybe it’s just Chauncey.
Bohanon: I don’t disagree. I think Chauncey is the most likely to be taken by the coaches.
Lodish: He’s certainly deserving.