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.
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.
Are you there baseball? It’s me, Sean.
"Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on his smiling face a dream of spring"
Let's break it down, shall we?
-We're exactly one week away from the Super Bowl. A relatively boring Super Bowl at that. The Cardinals are a nice story, but they are not in a big market, lack serious star power, and could be out of this game even before the coin toss. Meanwhile, the Steelers are only one half of a good game. This game is missing something, and I'm pretty sure it won't find it in the next seven days.
-It's midseason NBA. The NBA is inherently lousy to begin with. Midseason NBA is horrific. Sure, every few weeks or so there is a matchup between LeBron and Kobe or the Celtics and the Lakers. But 95% of games on the NBA schedule are unwatchable. Remember, I say this as a Knicks fan. So, you have to take everything I say regarding the NBA with a grain of salt.
-College basketball has just entered conference play. Meaning, we are about a month and a half away from March Madness.
My friends, we have entered, sports purgatory. It's an awful place. Worse than hell itself. A place where no interesting games are played. The only thing we have to cling to is hope. Hope for Spring. Hope for Pitchers and Catchers. Hope for Opening Day. I am probably one of the few sports fans who considers baseball as my favorite sport. Many of my friends and classmates are more anxious for the NFL Draft than Opening Day. But for me, baseball isn't just about the sport itself starting. It's a time when the seasons change. Where there is some sort of rebirth. It's a time to start over, so to speak.
This sort of lull in the sports world is made exponentially worse when you live up north. What I would give to spend my life in Southern California or Florida. But at the same time, I feel that living here gives me a better appreciation for all the great things that spring and summer bring. But as of this moment, all of that appreciation escapes me as I look out my window. What do I see out that window? Figuratively speaking, nothing. I see nothing. Snow covers everything. No grass, no trees, no homes, no animals. It's a blank sheet of paper out there. Not to mention, it's freezing. I feel like I'm living in a Coca Cola Christmas commercial. Sooner or later a polar bear is going to hand me a Coke and wink at me.
Hurry up baseball!
Lebron…
Cavaliers, Lebron visit Garden to face off against the Knicks
Never will a visiting player get a better ovation than Lebron will tonight. After Donnie Walsh traded Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, he set it up perfectly so after next season, the Knicks will make a run for Mr. James services. Lebron has hinted at coming to New York since the day he was drafted. He talks about how New York is the mecca of basketball. He's a Yankee fan. And he is friends with Jay-Z. The latter suggests he wants to go to the Nets. But what superstar athlete in their right mind would want to play out their career at the Izod Center? The Nets are not moving the Brooklyn. Trust me. Not in this economy. Anyway, watch the game tonight. There will be chants of "We Want Lebron", "Come to New York", and "Have my child" all night. Man, Cleveland sucks. New York is going to take all their crap. First, Sabathia. Then, Lebron.
KNICKS!
Oh, it is tough being a Knick fan. Especially a young Knick fan. When they had relative success in the mid to late 90s with the likes of Larry Johnson, Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Allan Houston, and Charles Oakley, I was too young to fully appreciate it. But now, as a fully matured fan of the New York Knickerbockers, I can fully appreciate how pathetic of a franchise they have become over the past 6-8 years. Following Jeff Van Gundy, there have been an array of incompetent coaches, and competent coaches who became incompetent as soon as they took over the reigns at the Garden:
Don Cheney (2001-2004): 72-112
Herb Williams (2004): 1-0
Lenny Wilkens (2004-2005): 40-41
Herb Williams (2005): 16-27
Larry Brown (2005-2006): 23-59
Isiah Thomas (2006-2008): 56-108
Impressive huh? Lenny Wilkens and Larry Brown are considered two of the best coaches in the history of the NBA. Combined record with the Knicks: 63-100. Is it the talent? The executives? The organization itself that makes NBA greats feckless, incapable, inadequate losers? A little harsh? Well, its true. However, after the better part of a decade long hopelessness, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Due in part for a few reasons:
1. Isiah Thomas is far, far away from Madison Square Garden. As soon as Donnie Walsh was hired to head Basketball Operations for the Knicks, he called Thomas into his office and basically told him this:
"For the past few years you have turned a model franchise into the laughing stock of the NBA and sports in general. You made fine draft picks, but that doesn't make up for giving Jerome James, someone who has no discernable talent, a kings ransom. Trading half a decade's worth of first round draft picks for Eddy Curry. A player, who has never worked out, but eats the protein bars anyway. Signed Stephon Marbury, a shoot first-pass second point guard with clear social problems, to an absurdly expensive contract. Among other things. Sexual harassment settlements, truck parties, etcetera. From this point on, you have no official title or importance within the Knick organization. I will send you to various third world countries to "scout" talent. From now on, you will be a punchline. Have a nice day"
2. Mike D'Antoni will impose some sort of stable offense and rotation on the court. Whether it works or not is irrelevant. At least there will be some continuity for 48 minutes a night. The addition of Duhon will improve the team. He may not be the most deft of passers, but he will think to pass first, and then pass second.
3. Eddy Curry is not in the current rotation. If the man that is Eddy Curry has any pride in himself and his appearance for goodness sake, he will work his way back into the rotation. I can't think of a player who was traded for more and given much less.
4. No Isiah.
5. David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Nate Robinson.
My Prediction: 38-44.
Home Opener: Tonight 7:30 ET vs. Miami Heat.
Headlines…
Phillies on win away from World Series Championship
It's all set up for the Phillies tonight against the Rays. Cole Hamels on the mound. Ryan Howard has entered another "whenever I swing, the ball disobeys the laws of gravity" mode. They are home. Joe Blanton is hitting homeruns for Christ's sake. Philly hasn't won a sports championship in the past 100 collective seasons. It's time. It's also time for Philly to burn to the ground. And that's exactly what is going to happen tonight if they win. Benjamin Franklin would be proud.
Batting fifth for the Philles, Ryan Howard's penis.
Giants defeat the Steelers at Pittsburgh 21-14
People try to pinpoint on attribute among all championship teams. Great defense. Great coach. Great chemistry. Those things are all nice but they don't define champions. It's capitalizing on opponent's mistakes. There is no way the Giants win that game if Harrison doesn't snap the ball over Berger's head resulting in a safety. Right after it happened the Giants came out of their shell and marched the ball right down the field. The Giants schedule gets a lot tougher, starting next Sunday against the Cowboys. Romo will be back. The season starts now for New York.
I'm the Juggernaut!
Favre and the Jets defeat the Chiefs 28-24
Despite having one of the worst looking games in recent memory. Passes were thrown directly into the DBs chests. Receivers were overthrown by 10-15 yards. However, the Chiefs didn't like that winning feeling, so they decided to give it to the Jets. There is no worse 4-3 team in the NFL than New York. Ugh. But I think its better for the fans. Now, we know not to expect much from them. If they win, unexpected. If they lose, whatever.
Only 3 INTS!
NBA Season starts tomorrow
For a league I don't watch as much as the NFL, MLB, NCAA Football, or NCAA Basketball, I still enjoy the NBA. A lot of stars. Rouge officials. High tempo play. Its all good. And as much as everyone is saying that the Knicks will still be horrible, I'm looking at a 35-40 team this year. D'Antoni will take a dormant offense and make them play hard for 48 minutes. They will win games just by constantly running the floor. The Garden will be relevant this year. I guarantee it.
38 wins here we come!
NBA Picks
I want to keep them short and sweet...
Eastern Conference:
Celtics v. Hawks: (Celtics in 4)
Garnett will not stand for anything else.
Cavaliers v. Wizards: (Cavaliers in 6)
I never liked Arenas. LeBron's been there, done that. He'll do it again.
Magic v. Raptors: (Magic in 7)
It's about time Howard took a team, and a series on his back.
Pistons v. Sixers (Pistons in 4)
Iguodala and the entire team got better this year. But Sheed, Chauncey, and Rip will dominate.
Western Conference:
Lakers v. Nuggets (Lakers in 6)
Closest 1v8 series since...last year.
Jazz v. Rockets (Jazz in 6)
You can't beat Utah at home. T-Mac shoots 50 3's.
Spurs v. Suns (Suns in 7)
Spurs took the whole season off, got a 3 seed. Someone will actually defend Duncan. Amare averages 34, 15, 6
Hornets v. Mavericks (Hornets in 6)
New Orleans plays more like a team that any other. Another first round exit for Cuban and the boys.
Championship Prediction:
Suns v. Celtics (Suns in 7)
I hate Boston
I hate Kobe
I'm sick of Duncan winning
I hope Paul can win it all. Won't happen though.
I wish Deron Williams can win it all. Can't happen though.
And the first pick goes to…
I love looking at old NFL and NBA drafts to see where each player ended up, what team they initially went to, and if they were a bust or not. And now I'm looking at all the #1 picks since 1947. And I've compiled some stats:
Schools: (excluding Andrea Bargnani (Italy), Yao Ming (China), Kwame Brown (HS Georgia), Dwight Howard (HS Georgia), LeBron James (HS Ohio).
Texas Western (2): Clifton Neeley (1947), Jim Barnes (1964)
Marshall: Andy Tonkovich ( 1948 )
Kansas State (2): Howie Shannon (1949), Bob Boozer (1959)
Bowling Green: Charlie Share (1950)
Bradley: Gene Melchiorre (1951)
West Virginia (2): Mark Workman (1952), Ron Hundley (1957)
Pennsylvania: Ernie Beck (1953)
Furman: Frank Selvy (1954)
Duquesne (2): Dick Ricketts (1955), Sihugo Green (1956)
Seattle: Elgin Baylor ( 1958 )
Cincinnati (2): Oscar Robertson (1960), Kenyon Martin (2000)
Indiana (2): Walt Bellamy (1961), Kent Benson (1977)
Utah (2): Bill McGill (1962), Andrew Bogut (2005)
Duke (2): Art Heyman (1963), Elton Brand (1999)
Davidson: Fred Hetzel (1965)
Michigan (2): Cazzie Russell (1966), Chris Webber (1993)
Providence: Jimmy Walker (1967)
Houston (2): Elvin Hayes ( 1968 ), Akeem Olajuwon (1984)
UCLA (2): Lew Alcindor (1969), Bill Walton (1974)
St. Bonaventure: Bob Lanier (1970)
Notre Dame: Austin Carr (1971)
Loyola (Ill.): LaRue Martin (1972)
Illinois State: Doug Collins (1973)
North Carolina State: David Thompson (1975)
Maryland (2): John Lucas (1976), Joe Smith (1995)
Minnesota: Mychal Thompson ( 1978 )
Michigan State: Earvin Johnson (1979)
Purdue (2): Joe Barrry Carroll (1980), Glenn Robinson (1994)
DePaul: Mark Aguirre (1981)
North Carolina (2): James Worthy (1982), Brad Daughtery (1986)
Navy: David Robinson (1987)
Virginia: Ralph Sampson (1983)
Georgetown (2): Patrick Ewing (1985), Allen Iverson (1996)
Kansas: Danny Manning ( 1988 )
Louisville: Pervis Ellison (1989)
Syracuse: Derrick Coleman (1990)
UNLV: Larry Johnson (1991)
LSU: Shaquille O'Neal (1992)
Wake Forest: Tim Duncan (1997)
and of course...Pacific: Michael Olowokandi ( 1998 )
I'll be back with more useless knowledge.
- taking a shower with the door open. /house to self.
- Golf ball sparks fire. http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5517195
- My vacation, summarized: http://seanbfitzgerald.com/2010/08/30/pozzallo-a-retrospective/
- I would go to grad school if it didn't sound so fucking awful.
- RT @jjarrigo: first day of class tomorrow. if there's no hot girls in them i'm droppin out
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