Lakers Fan Taunts Bill Simmons During Game 7
I'm very impressed with his diligence. As confetti rained down upon him following the clock expiring, he bashed away at his keyboard liveblogging the whole thing. I'm also suprised he gave the taunter the time of day.
"Hey what level of losing is that Bill?!"
Pretty good dude...pretty good.
LeBron James is going to the…
When LeBron James signed a three year extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of the 2005-2006 season, most of the United States quickly utilized their third grade math skills and deduced that James would be a free agent following the 2010 season. Ten minutes later the speculation began.
And it hasn't stopped since.
The front-runners in the LeBron sweepstakes for the past three years have seemingly been the New York Knicks. The reasons for it have been myriad. For one thing, LeBron James has not stopped flirting with the Big Apple since the day he stepped foot onto an NBA court.
And it's the flirting that has more or less convinced me that LeBron James will be in a Knicks jersey at the start of next season.
Admittedly, James has done a great job of saying nothing. He gave no obvious inclination as to what his intentions were. He said all the right things. Platitudes about how he loves Cleveland, loves the fans, loves his teammates. But it's his peripheral quotes and actions that have peaked my attention.
Regardless of whether Madison Square Garden is so, why even proclaim it as "The World's Most Famous Arena"?
Regardless of whether he's a Yankee fan, why wear a Yankees cap to Yankees games?
And regardless of his relationships, why make so obvious his connections with Jay-Z?
These all may seem limited and insignificant, but in the world of LeBron James, they are very important. James isn't a dummy. He's actually very bright, completely aware the shadow he casts, and the impact he makes. So what are the chances not every public move he makes is calculated? Zero.
And that's why I think he's on his way to New York. Look, it's easy to say he'll stay in Cleveland because he'll be loyal to the city he grew up near. Or that he'll sign with Chicago because of their strong, young foundation of players like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.
But does LeBron really want to toil in Cleveland for the rest of his career? Playing for a team that has yet to provide James with solid complementary players for the last seven years. Honestly, Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O'Neal were their answers to LeBron's impending free agency? Those moves would have been great if it were 1998 when O'Neal was 26 years old and Jamison was a highly touted college star.
And I laugh at the idea of James heading to Chicago. Really? Honestly? You're kidding. I'm sure he would love to play under the shadow of Michael Jordan for the rest of his career. I don't care how good Rose and Noah are, they're not winning six championships. And that's what James would have to accomplish, AT LEAST, if he didn't want the constant comparisons to Jordan. It's lose-lose, no matter what he does.
Do people fully realize how great Michael Jordan was? The man won three NBA Finals (as well as three Finals MVP's), decided to try baseball on for size for two years, came back and subsequently won three more NBA Finals (with those MVP's as well). Sports are about comparisons and if LeBron wants to stamp his legacy, New York is where he needs to do so.
Basketball is this town hasn't been relevant since the late 90s, and even then it was luke-warm. It's weird to think of a city that chugs out NBA talent on a yearly basis, a city with a hunger for hoops, has played second fiddle, if not third fiddle to the Yankees, Mets, Jets, and Giants. LeBron could easily re-energize basketball in New York. And if he were to carry the Knicks to their first championship since 1972, he could become an immortal.
Which is what he wants.
NBA Playoffs (New York style)
I've made my loyalties very clear, I believe. In terms of my rooting interests, the Yankees dominate all else. Which is why I pay so much attention to baseball in general. I like to know who's playing well, who isn't, and who is likely to compete favorably against the Yankees. When in comes to generic viewing, football takes center stage. Personally, I'd rather watch a week 15 game between the Browns and Raiders than watch mostly anything else.
And then there is basketball. I love basketball. I've been playing it all my life and know all levels of the game very well. Especially college. But love isn't a word I would attribute to the NBA playoffs. Maybe it's because the Knicks haven't had the opportunity to join in the festivities in quite some time, but I feel it's something else.
Perhaps it's the length. Wait no, not perhaps, definitely. It's definitely the length. In case you were wondering, the Knicks ended their season on April 14th. Free agency doesn't start until July 1st. That's two and a half months of playoff basketball in between.
Does there really need to be FOUR best of SEVEN series to determine a champion? There must be a more efficient way. Now, this is the part of the post where I transition into a proposal for just such a playoff system.
Not here. I'll just continue to bitch and moan until the playoffs end and July 1st arrives. The day basketball will matter again here in New York. And it doesn't really matter who we get in free agency. The point of the past 3 years was eventual flexibility with cap room. The Knicks were so saddles with bad contracts (i.e. Francis, James, Curry), that there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel. But thanks to Donnie Walsh, New York has some wiggle room. Sure, two max-contract guy would be ideal, but is it reasonable to expect it?
Hopefully, Knick fans ARE more reasonable and won't get soured when James decides to take his one-man show elsewhere.
Headlines
Red Sox rally, remain undefeated against Yankees
Want a good laugh? Head on over to Nick Swishers Twitter page and take a gander at his "tweets". In addition to being unbelievably boring, Swisher remains eternally optimistic about the Yankees. Okay, I guess that's the attitude you're supposed to have, but it would be nice if he could back up any of his tweets on the field. Here is his tweet prior to the game on Wednesday:
"Let's get 'em tonight"
Hey, way to be Swish! That's the spirit! Go get 'em! That's the kind of enthusiasm I like from my team's players. Based on that tweet, I am sure Nick had a stellar game. You would think, right? But no. A horrendous base running mistake and a dropped ball in right later, Swisher was back at the keyboard typing up another enthusiastic tweet. Here's his tweet from before last night's game:
"Alright...enough is enough. Let's get this one tonight."
Hmm, not as confident as I would hope, but he is trying. He wants to make up for his blunders from the night prior. Did he? Once again, no. He got doubled-up off of second on a fly ball to left field. If he were in little league, he wouldn't even get a snow cone. Toddlers don't even make that mistake.
I think it's time for Swisher to sit out the next few plays if you know what I mean. Trust me, I love effort and determination. But not at the expense of generic baseball smarts and intuition. Boy needs to read Baseball for Dummies. But it might be too advanced for him.
Fisher nails three at end of regulation, Lakers win in OT
I mentioned a few days ago that this was one of the least interesting NBA Finals ever. I take it back. What I will say now is that it will be one of the most interesting five-game series ever. Two overtime games, a missed potential game-winning layup, some serious pushing and shoving, J.J. Redick's sudden relevance. Just riveting stuff! But there is no way the Lakers lose on Sunday at home. The Magic are going to be too broken from blowing last night's game. I mean, how does Fisher get that shot off? My guess: Magic.
Headlines
Perfect life continues, Tiger Woods wins another tournament
Supermodel wife: Check. Endless talent and determination: Check. Closing in on a billion dollars in earnings: Check. Dog who poses for cameras and stares into your soul: Check. Yesterday, Tiger Woods added to his career winnings by coming from behind to beat Jim Furyk and the rest of the field in the The Memorial. That makes 67 career wins on the PGA Tour. How long until its called the Tiger Woods Tour? Because I am almost certain that Woods earns more money than the PGA itself. Hell, that dog probably earns more. Look at it, it's starting to creep me out. Moving on.
Lakers win in OT over Magic, take 2-0 series lead
Least. Interesting. Series. Ever. Well, if Courtney Lee doesn't miss that point-blank range lay-up at the end of regulation last night there would have been some interest. Rookies. I blame the mask. Nonetheless, he did not put the biscuit in the basket and the Magic find themselves in more or less a must-win situation in Game 3. I remember when I was a kid and the 2009 NBA Playoffs started. Players like Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson were in it. Those were the days. Wake me up when it's over.
Vikings give Favre deadlines to decide whether he will play in 2009
My indifference is suffocating me! Help! Someone give me something to care about!...Sweet, a video of a cat on a toilet. Thanks.
I'll be back.
Headlines
Yankees take lead early, sweep Orioles
I'm the type of fan who is never satisfied. The Yankees are on a 9-game winning streak. They are playing the best baseball I have seen in over two years. The offense is clicking, the starting pitching is stellar, and even the bullpen couldn't blow the game yesterday. Yet, if they lose tonight, I'll piss and moan and curse them for being "typical". It's a short-sightedness I have to deal with on a daily basis. I want and expect the Yankees to go 162-0 and sweep through the playoffs. I expect them to have a ticker-tape parade every October. I expect them to fulfill MY sports needs. And right now, they are doing it. But I am dreading the day when the offense sputters and they lose a few games in a row. I'll pace in my basement, curse at the TV, toss and turn in my bed and refuse to eat until they win (Well, not really). Bottomline: Don't lose!
Denver steal one from Lakers, series tied 1-1
I remember when I played basketball for the Police Athletic League (PAL) when I was 11 years old. The team consisted of me and a lot of my friends from school. We all had a great time. Of the three years I played in the league, there was one memory that sticks out the most. And that was how bad the officiating was. Even at the tender age of 11 I was able to differentiate between good officiating and bad officiating. There were times I would be called for fouls when I was on the other side of the court. Last night reminded me of PAL. It is kind of amazing how there are individuals who are paid (rather well) to essentially be invisible on the court and inevitably become the center of attention. They are like reporters who want to become the story rather than report it. Of the four major sports, basketball has the most controversial of officiating. I understand that it is the fastest moving and doesn't allow borderline assault like hockey does, but something needs to be done to fix this problem. Players should decide games, not Bennett Salvatore.
Former Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf indicted on drug and burglary charges
Can you believe this guy is 33 years old?! He has got to be the oldest 33 year old of all time. Since he was drafted in 1998 by the San Diego Chargers, he has periodically been in the news, and it's all for the wrong reasons. He was arguably the biggest bust in NFL history and was compared to Peyton Manning coming out of college. In fact, the Indianapolis Colts mused on actually taking Leaf number 1 in the draft. Entire Colts fan base wipes brow. Whew! Imagine if they did? No Peyton Manning. Probably no Marvin Harrison. No 2006 Super Bowl. Just a bust who couldn't handle the pressure. Say, I wonder what Vince Young is up to.
Headlines
Celtics tie series 2-2 on Big Baby buzzer beater
To even think about experiencing what it would be like to be a Boston sports fan for a day is considered treason where I live. That being said, it must be nice. Really nice. As I type, both the Celtics and Bruins are legitimate contenders for their respective championships and the Red Sox are arguably the best team in Major League Baseball. Last night alone, all three teams won. Glen Davis' 18-foot jumpshot as time expired changed the complexity of their series against the Magic. Orlando was poised to take a commanding 3-1 series lead and have an opportunity to wrap things up in Boston. Now, the Celtics have a chance to take a 3-2 series advantage at home in the Garden. The Bruins, who were down 3 games to 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes, humiliated Carolina 4-0 on the stellar goaltending by Tim Thomas. Even though the Hurricanes are leading the series, it looks as if Boston has taken the momentum. Boy is it frustrating to watch every New England-based franchise contend. Not to mention having to hear it from their fans who are never shy about expressing their feelings. It's always nice to walk down the street and have Red Sox fans tell me where I can put my Yankee hat.
Without Yao, Rockets still manage to rout Lakers, series tied 2-2
If the Rockets end up winning this series and perhaps winning it all, is there a better case of addition by subtraction? McGrady: Out. Yao: Out. No problem. On the backs of their "complimentary" players, the Rockets made the Lakers look awfully pedestrian. Aaron Brooks, who is about 4 foot 11, scored a career high 34 points and caught Los Angeles napping. And if the Rockets do defeat the Lakers, it will prove once again that general managers do not have to be ex-players and that the future of player development, drafting, and overall NBA personnel should be at the hands of stat geeks and number crunchers. Daryl Morey, we salute you!
Headlines
Deron Williams, Utah Jazz win Game 3. Lakers lead series 2-1
Does anyone know what this means? That's right class, nothing. Well, it means that the Lakers will not sweep the Jazz. Other than that, Utah is just delaying the inevitable. Deron Williams made up for an awful night of shooting by burying a jumper with 2.2 seconds left in the game and avoiding a 3-0 series deficit. Carlos also had a lot of points, and tattoos.
Girl, 12, throws perfect game in Little League
Yesterday, MacKenzie Brown (cool name) became the first girl to throw a perfect game in Bayonne Little League history. I remember playing against a few girls when I played in Little League. They were tough. One was my catcher for two years (maybe I should rephrase that). Anyway, they really held their own and to be honest, they were better than some of the boys. Most of the kids were forced to play by their parents and had a better time chasing butterflies in the outfield while the ball rolled right by them. Those kids were usually designated to rightfield. When a coach knew a kid wasn't too interested in playing, he stuck him in rightfield.
2009 NFL Draft tomorrow, Sunday
Some guarantees for the draft:
1. Matthew Stafford will go #1 to the Detroit Lions
2. Some player will drop far in the draft and will be in the green room for an awkwardly long time.
3. Mel Kiper Jr.'s hair will not move ONCE in the two days.
4. Roger Goodell will mispronounce at least 3 names.
5. We Jet fans will boo whoever they choose. Whoever.
6. I will watch the first round, then nothing else. As will many.
2009 NBA Playoffs Preview
After having a big bowl of delicious Lucky Charms this morning, I have decided to write my NBA Playoffs Preview. It's something I have been mulling over ever since the Knicks were eliminated from playoff contention (about three weeks ago). From what I've heard from the talking heads, sports radio, and the blogs, is that however the playoffs themselves shake out, the inevitable finals matchup will be between the Lakers and Cavaliers. Kobe v. Lebron. The Old v. The New. Ecks v. Sever. Anyway, after watching about 1000 NBA games this season, I wouldn't argue with that premonition. And now with Garnett out for the entire postseason possibly, the Lakers and the Cavs are the most complete teams.
This doesn't bode well for my Knicks though. If Lebron wins a championship for Cleveland, there is no way he will leave after next season, maximum contract or not. Because if he leaves for the money and the "marketing leverage" in New York, he can kiss any more championships goodbye. Right now, the Knicks have a worse supporting cast for James than Cleveland does. Nate Robinson and David Lee are nice players, but on any other team they are complementary. Almost negligible. Lebron may think he could broaden his image and become a global icon in New York, but look at the age we live in today. Where you are has nothing to do with exposure anymore. Winning does. Nike knew that when they signed him to a $90 million deal when he was drafted. If he starts to hoist trophies over his head, this New York dream will be long forgotten.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat (Atlanta in 7)
Best series of the first round. Last season, the Hawks took the Celtics to game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. As exciting as that was, it resulted in nothing tangible. There was no "win" under their belt. They'll be looking to change that against the Heat. For me it boils down to who has a more cohesive starting five, with the advantage going to Atlanta. They've been through this before and with 47 wins in the regular season, they proved it was no fluke. Obviously, Dwyane Wade is the X factor. For 82 games this season, he took Mario Chalmers, Michael Beasley, and the rest of the team on his back and carried them to 43 wins. I would like to believe he could do it for a seven game series, but I just don't see it. With the amount of youth on that team (not to mention a first year coach who isn't necessarily good), the Hawks can just double or triple team Wade and shut them down.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (Celtics in 6)
In terms of an upset in these playoffs, all directions are pointing to Chicago. An insanely talented rookie point guard who has game-takeoverability (Bilas'ism), strong play down the stretch (18-11 since the All-Star Break), savvy trades for veteran players (Brad Miller, John Salmons), and Garnett out. I could easily pick the Bulls in seven. But there is no way that the Celtics are going to roll over after losing Garnett. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will have none of that. And this pains me to type it. But it's true. Even without KG, they still can suffocate teams defensively. However, if Boston wants to have any sort of run in these playoffs, Rondo will need to play out of his mind for extended periods of time. If he does, we can see them back in the Finals.
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Magic in 5)
Boring. This series is essentially a "wait out the clock" situation. Philadelphia matches up horribly with Orlando. And quite frankly (Stephen A.'ed), no one does. No team in the playoffs has three players like Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu. On paper, the Magic should wipe the floor with the Eastern Conference and have a preemptive date with the Lakers in the Finals. Even with 53 wins in 2008-2009 they haven't played to their potential. Especially Howard. It's scary to think that he might not yet know how big he really is. A player of his size and skill should touch the ball at least once every time down court, but that's not the case. He seems to shy away from the spotlight in crunch time. That's either unselfishness or fear. If I am the Magic, I am praying it isn't the latter.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons (Cavaliers in 4)
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
No further questions.
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets (New Orleans in 7)
As I get further and further into this preview, I realize that you don't need to know much about basketball to predict series. Very rarely is there an upset and the team that played better in the regular season often wins. It's nothing like baseball. Baseball relies heavily on which team is hot coming into the playoffs. In basketball, teams who have success on the defensive end of the ball are able to combat any sort of run from the opposing team. Ironically, that is also the reasoning to why I am predicting the Hornets to upset the Nuggets in seven games. Bottomline, Denver plays little to no defense and New Orleans is top five in the NBA in opponent scoring. Chris Paul in 2009.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks (Spurs in 6)
One last hurrah for the Spurs? I think so. The Ginobili injury took the decisive blow to their Finals hopes, but I think there is enough in the tank of Parker and Duncan to muster up at least one more series win. And if Jason Kidd guards Parker in the series, consider that prediction signed, sealed, and delivered. This season Tony Parker averaged 31.3 ppg, 7.3 APG, and 52% shooting when Kidd defended him (Thank you Bill Simmons). Also, let's go through some of Roger Mason Jr.'s game-winning shots this season: Vs. Lakers, At Clippers, At Suns, At Celtics. He is good.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz (Lakers in 5)
I can't imagine how much better the Lakers would be if they had a lick of team-cohesiveness and chemistry. It's no question that every player on Los Angeles is unbelievably talented, but they play with eachother, not for eachother. And I think they is an enormous difference. The bottomline is: They are going to be in the finals in June, but they are not going to win it. That fatal flaw will rear it's ugly head when at some point during the series, they will be down by 5 with 3 minutes left. Kobe will take ill-advised shots thinking he needs to take over, he will get frustrated with his teammates for showing lack of heart, and they will lose. It's 2008 all over again.
Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets (Trailblazers in 7)
Who doesn't want to see Portland make a playoff run? They could be the most likeable team ever. Which is a stark contrast from the "Jailblazers" era of 2000 and 2001. But honestly, look at this team. Name a player on Portland you wouldn't want to be friends with. Even Rudy Fernandez would be a riot to hang out with. Their fast, young, talented, and even nice. Not to mention, they could have the best fans in the sport. I wish I was a Trailblazer fan. It is like a party every night.
- I need to start writing again. I don't know why I stopped. It's tough, fun and therapeutic.
- @michaelianblack Sorry dude, I tried following you for a while. But you're clogging my newsfeed with the unfunny. /unfollows
- @KingJames is so insufferable. His tweets are so self-serving and transparent.
- RT @Buster_ESPN: It looks like Ben Sheets may have torn his flexor tendon.
- My crotch is starting to itch. THAT MUST MEAN "JERSEY SHORE" IS COMING BACK!
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