Metta World Peace redeemed himself by helping the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Denver Nuggets 96-87 in a must win game 7 at the Staples Center on Saturday. Since his 7 game suspension made the series much closer than it should have have been in the first place it was only fitting that World Peace chipped in with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Mike Brown should send him a bouquet of flowers for saving his job. Nobody gets out coached by George Karl in the playoffs and lives to tell about it. Andrew Bynum also gets the scapegoat tag removed from his jacket. His comments prior to game 5 almost got him traded to Orlando. Now the Lakers face OKC and I for one am not 100% convinced the Thunder won't crack under the pressure. In addition, the Black Mamba knows a thing or two about playoff basketball. Here are some weekend observations.
It was back to the future this weekend as Roger Federer and Serena Williams both won titles at the Madrid Masters. This will help their confidence going into the French Open, but the draw isn't very forgiving on either side. These two former champions will have to be at their best if they want to win another Grand Slam title. Stay tuned.
Josh Hamilton is batting .402 with 18 home runs and 44 RBI and it isn't even June. The Rangers slugger is on pace to hit 86 homers and 210 RBI's for the season. An interesting start to the season wouldn't you say? More on this tomorrow.
Pete Carroll has announced that rookie Russell Wilson will compete for the Seahawks starting QB job along with Matt Flynn and Tavaris Jackson. Training camp hasn't opened and there's already cause for excitement and intrigue. You gotta love the mad scientist!
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is the 2012 NBA rookie of the year. Hopefully this softens the blow of Miami Heat forward Lebron James winning the 2012 NBA most valuable player award. If not, at least the Cavs are in the lotto with a chance to come up with another gem. It's important to take the small victories when you can.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Jim Brown And The Modern Day Athlete
Jim Brown is considered by many to be the greatest football player that ever lived. During his illustrious nine year career Brown won enough awards and accolades to fill a small size U-Haul truck. At the age of 29 and still in his prime Jim Brown walked away from the NFL and never looked back. To this very day he will tell you he has no regrets about his decision and encourages other players to follow his example. Should the modern day athlete take his advice?
Absolutely not. Jim Brown was a revolutionary and a civil rights activist that lobbied for social change. Most of his actions were selfless and he used his wealth, status, influence, and fame to bring awareness to causes that needed a voice. Today's athlete is selfish and egotistical. Most of them are more concerned with strip clubs, autograph signings, and reality shows. It doesn't serve their best interest to be controversial or take a stance on polarizing topics.
In addition, the money these athletes make is astronomical in comparison to when Jim Brown played. In 1965 most people didn't even have color television much less Facebook, Twitter, text messages, and Nike endorsements. Asking a young man to walk away from hundreds of millions of dollars to be an ambassador for social justice is unrealistic and somewhat irresponsible. It's a different era and the moral compass of the country has changed dramatically since the 60's.
I respect Jim Brown immensely for taking a stance and fighting for what he believes in, but in 2012 money talks. You leave the faucet on for as long as you can while trying not to ruffle too many feathers. Athletes have to strike while the iron is hot and make the most of their small window of opportunity. Social change is far more rewarding and beneficial to the world as a whole, but in 2012 athletes just want to pop bottles and hang out with a Kardashian. Sorry Jim. You are the last of a dying breed. I wish there were more people that share your position.
Absolutely not. Jim Brown was a revolutionary and a civil rights activist that lobbied for social change. Most of his actions were selfless and he used his wealth, status, influence, and fame to bring awareness to causes that needed a voice. Today's athlete is selfish and egotistical. Most of them are more concerned with strip clubs, autograph signings, and reality shows. It doesn't serve their best interest to be controversial or take a stance on polarizing topics.
In addition, the money these athletes make is astronomical in comparison to when Jim Brown played. In 1965 most people didn't even have color television much less Facebook, Twitter, text messages, and Nike endorsements. Asking a young man to walk away from hundreds of millions of dollars to be an ambassador for social justice is unrealistic and somewhat irresponsible. It's a different era and the moral compass of the country has changed dramatically since the 60's.
I respect Jim Brown immensely for taking a stance and fighting for what he believes in, but in 2012 money talks. You leave the faucet on for as long as you can while trying not to ruffle too many feathers. Athletes have to strike while the iron is hot and make the most of their small window of opportunity. Social change is far more rewarding and beneficial to the world as a whole, but in 2012 athletes just want to pop bottles and hang out with a Kardashian. Sorry Jim. You are the last of a dying breed. I wish there were more people that share your position.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
CP3 Is The MVP
A few weeks ago a good friend of mine proclaimed that Chris Paul was the best point guard in the NBA. At the time I scoffed at the idea. I argued Paul doesn't have the quickness of Derrick Rose, the athleticism of Russell Westbrook, or a jumper like Steve Nash. After watching the first round of the playoffs it appears I'm about to take a big spoonful of humble pie.
Not only is Chris Paul the best point guard in the league he is the NBA's most valuable player. For years I've thought the best player in the league and the most valuable player are the same thing. This is not true. Lebron James is the best all around player, but he doesn't excel in all facets of the game. The talent is there just not the intangibles. Chris provides leadership, delegates responsibility, and sets the tempo for the entire team.
In addition his presence is critical in the development of Blake "The Barbarian" Griffin. Blake's skill set is still very raw and limited. Without someone orchestrating the fast break and putting him in a position to succeed he would not be as successful. Blake needs Chris Paul like Karl Malone needed John Stockton, Shawn Kemp needed Gary Payton, and Amare Stoudemire needed Steve Nash.
Chris Paul is an anomaly. He is a true point guard in an era where that concept really doesn't exist. In today's NBA the motto is shoot first and ask questions later. Floor generals are a dying breed because better stats equate to more money and SportsCenter highlights make you more popular. Chris Paul runs the team, hits clutch jumpers when necessary, and does whatever the team needs when they need it. He won't go to the championship like Lebron, but that shouldn't diminish his amazing season. He's succeeded where many others have failed.
Not only is Chris Paul the best point guard in the league he is the NBA's most valuable player. For years I've thought the best player in the league and the most valuable player are the same thing. This is not true. Lebron James is the best all around player, but he doesn't excel in all facets of the game. The talent is there just not the intangibles. Chris provides leadership, delegates responsibility, and sets the tempo for the entire team.
In addition his presence is critical in the development of Blake "The Barbarian" Griffin. Blake's skill set is still very raw and limited. Without someone orchestrating the fast break and putting him in a position to succeed he would not be as successful. Blake needs Chris Paul like Karl Malone needed John Stockton, Shawn Kemp needed Gary Payton, and Amare Stoudemire needed Steve Nash.
Chris Paul is an anomaly. He is a true point guard in an era where that concept really doesn't exist. In today's NBA the motto is shoot first and ask questions later. Floor generals are a dying breed because better stats equate to more money and SportsCenter highlights make you more popular. Chris Paul runs the team, hits clutch jumpers when necessary, and does whatever the team needs when they need it. He won't go to the championship like Lebron, but that shouldn't diminish his amazing season. He's succeeded where many others have failed.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Weekend Observations
For the 2nd consecutive year the defending NBA champs have been swept out of the playoffs before the conference finals. The Dallas Mavericks had done to them what they did to the Lakers a season ago. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (The modern day EPMD) wrecked and destroyed any chances of a championship repeat from the very beginning. The Mavs never recovered from losing two close games in OKC and even the heart of a champion wasn't enough to avoid the broom. Whether it was complacency, the loss of Tyson Chandler, old age, or the Lammy Kardashian fiasco the Mavs clearly have some work to do if they want to return to championship form. Here are some observations over the weekend.
The NBA lockout is responsible for the rash of injuries suffered in the 2012 playoffs. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Iman Shumpert, Baron Davis, and Josh Smith are all victims of a compressed NBA schedule. Thankfully we won't have to go through this for at least five more years.
Terrell Suggs, the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2011 suffered a tear to his Achilles tendon. The timetable for his return is uncertain, but he vows to be back on the field this season. Speaking from experience (I've ruptured both of my Achilles tendons) I highly doubt that, but I applaud his positive spirit. It also helps that the NFL uses the same doctors that put Steve Austin back together so anything's possible.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has no equals in the ring. After gutting out a hard fought 12 rounds with Miguel Cotto I'm convinced more than ever Manny Pacquiao has no chance to beat Floyd. Of course we'll never see the megafight because of greed, politics, and fear.
I'll Have Another won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and no one really cares. The sport of kings is on life support and unless we see the 2nd coming of Secretariat horse racing will be all but extinct within 5 years.
Quote of the weekend: Upon hearing Felix Hernandez pitched a one hitter on Saturday a good friend of mine promptly asked the question, "Yeah, but did we win?" Not a lot of confidence in the Mariners right now.
The NBA lockout is responsible for the rash of injuries suffered in the 2012 playoffs. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Iman Shumpert, Baron Davis, and Josh Smith are all victims of a compressed NBA schedule. Thankfully we won't have to go through this for at least five more years.
Terrell Suggs, the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2011 suffered a tear to his Achilles tendon. The timetable for his return is uncertain, but he vows to be back on the field this season. Speaking from experience (I've ruptured both of my Achilles tendons) I highly doubt that, but I applaud his positive spirit. It also helps that the NFL uses the same doctors that put Steve Austin back together so anything's possible.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has no equals in the ring. After gutting out a hard fought 12 rounds with Miguel Cotto I'm convinced more than ever Manny Pacquiao has no chance to beat Floyd. Of course we'll never see the megafight because of greed, politics, and fear.
I'll Have Another won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and no one really cares. The sport of kings is on life support and unless we see the 2nd coming of Secretariat horse racing will be all but extinct within 5 years.
Quote of the weekend: Upon hearing Felix Hernandez pitched a one hitter on Saturday a good friend of mine promptly asked the question, "Yeah, but did we win?" Not a lot of confidence in the Mariners right now.
Friday, May 4, 2012
The 206 influence On The NBA
As I watch the 2012 NBA playoffs the Puget Sound region is representing in a positive fashion. I won't say they're all star players, but their contributions on the court are significant. 25 percent of the teams in the playoffs and 30 percent of the league has a player from my neck of the woods. Here is the prestigious list of ballers.
Avery Bradley in Boston. Although technically he's from Tacoma he makes the list. Avery has done a stellar job in the playoffs filling in for a suspended Rajon Rondo and his stock is on the rise. Keep your eye on this kid.
Spencer Hawes in Philadelphia. Spencer is not always the most consistent player, but he has nice touch for a big man and can stretch the court hitting the 3 ball. If Philly has a shot at beating the Bulls he'll have to play his part.
Marvin Williams in Atlanta. Although technically he's from Bremerton her makes the list. Marvin is a tremendous wing defender with a decent jump shot. The former #2 pick in the draft has shown flashes of brilliance, but we need to see those flashes more often. His defense on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are critical if Atlanta wants to advance in the playoffs.
Jason Terry in Dallas. One of the few players from the 206 with a championship ring. The former 6th man of the year gets it done night in and night out. Too bad Lamar Odom let the Mavericks down. They're about to be gone fishing.
Jon Brockman in Milwaukee. Jon should see more playing time with the trade of Andrew Bogut. He's not a big contributor, but you need these kind of guys on your roster who are hard working with a positive attitude.
Nate Robinson in Golden State. A high energy player with a streaky jump shot. If Nate gets hot it could change the outcome of a game. Even though he's 5'7 he makes his physical presence felt.
Luke Ridnour in Minnesota. Although technically from Bellingham he makes the list. You know exactly what you're getting with this journeyman point guard. Not too flashy, but always consistent and fundamentally sound.
Jamal Crawford in Portland. Another former 6th man of the year that provides veteran leadership and versatility. Given the right opportunity Jamal can step in and carry a team in spurts.
Isaiah Thomas in Sacramento. As the last player chosen Isaiah is the steal of the 2011 NBA draft. When given the opportunity to start at point guard he showed poise and an ability to effectively run the team. Jimmer Fredette is now an afterthought.
Terrence Williams in Sacramento. Terrence has bounced around a lot his first few years, but he may have found a home with the Kings. He's made the most of his increased playing time and still has time to reach his full potential.
Avery Bradley in Boston. Although technically he's from Tacoma he makes the list. Avery has done a stellar job in the playoffs filling in for a suspended Rajon Rondo and his stock is on the rise. Keep your eye on this kid.
Spencer Hawes in Philadelphia. Spencer is not always the most consistent player, but he has nice touch for a big man and can stretch the court hitting the 3 ball. If Philly has a shot at beating the Bulls he'll have to play his part.
Marvin Williams in Atlanta. Although technically he's from Bremerton her makes the list. Marvin is a tremendous wing defender with a decent jump shot. The former #2 pick in the draft has shown flashes of brilliance, but we need to see those flashes more often. His defense on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are critical if Atlanta wants to advance in the playoffs.
Jason Terry in Dallas. One of the few players from the 206 with a championship ring. The former 6th man of the year gets it done night in and night out. Too bad Lamar Odom let the Mavericks down. They're about to be gone fishing.
Jon Brockman in Milwaukee. Jon should see more playing time with the trade of Andrew Bogut. He's not a big contributor, but you need these kind of guys on your roster who are hard working with a positive attitude.
Nate Robinson in Golden State. A high energy player with a streaky jump shot. If Nate gets hot it could change the outcome of a game. Even though he's 5'7 he makes his physical presence felt.
Luke Ridnour in Minnesota. Although technically from Bellingham he makes the list. You know exactly what you're getting with this journeyman point guard. Not too flashy, but always consistent and fundamentally sound.
Jamal Crawford in Portland. Another former 6th man of the year that provides veteran leadership and versatility. Given the right opportunity Jamal can step in and carry a team in spurts.
Isaiah Thomas in Sacramento. As the last player chosen Isaiah is the steal of the 2011 NBA draft. When given the opportunity to start at point guard he showed poise and an ability to effectively run the team. Jimmer Fredette is now an afterthought.
Terrence Williams in Sacramento. Terrence has bounced around a lot his first few years, but he may have found a home with the Kings. He's made the most of his increased playing time and still has time to reach his full potential.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Bounty Programs Are Here To Stay
Given the severity of the punishments levied in the bounty scandal the New Orleans Saints are considered a rogue organization by the NFL. The league set out to make an example of the Saints by fining them millions of dollars, taking away draft picks, and suspending coaches, players, and general managers. The commissioner is sending a clear message to the rest of the teams that bounty programs will not be tolerated. Will his actions change the culture of the NFL?
Absolutely not. Has anyone noticed we haven't seen a single player speak out against the Saints? Jeremy Shockey even offered to take a lie detector test when he was accused of being the snitch that started the investigation. There are former players who coach right now that participated in a bounty program. Kurt Warner and Bret Favre said they harbor no ill will against the the Saints. The football fraternity understands that this is part of the game and bounty programs will continue in secrecy.
Football people will tell the media what they want to hear, but behind closed doors everyone knows the Saints will not be the last organization to carry out a bounty program. The program is not intended to entice players to break legs or ruin some one's career. It is intended to motivate players to make big plays. That will always be something players, coaches, and organizations want to see. You don't give players enough credit if you think they would intentionally jeopardize a lucrative and rewarding job for some locker room chump change. The bounty money wouldn't even cover the fine for an illegal hit.
The bounty isn't for breaking the rules.
The New Orleans Saints were punished for their arrogance and the public's perception. The Saints had been warned several times and Roger Goodell doesn't like it when his omnipotent power and ultimate authority are questioned. In addition, the NFL wants to show the fans it is taking steps to make the game safer so that the idea of an 18 game season is more realistic. We'll never see another bounty scandal, but that doesn't mean bounties have gone away.
Absolutely not. Has anyone noticed we haven't seen a single player speak out against the Saints? Jeremy Shockey even offered to take a lie detector test when he was accused of being the snitch that started the investigation. There are former players who coach right now that participated in a bounty program. Kurt Warner and Bret Favre said they harbor no ill will against the the Saints. The football fraternity understands that this is part of the game and bounty programs will continue in secrecy.
Football people will tell the media what they want to hear, but behind closed doors everyone knows the Saints will not be the last organization to carry out a bounty program. The program is not intended to entice players to break legs or ruin some one's career. It is intended to motivate players to make big plays. That will always be something players, coaches, and organizations want to see. You don't give players enough credit if you think they would intentionally jeopardize a lucrative and rewarding job for some locker room chump change. The bounty money wouldn't even cover the fine for an illegal hit.
The bounty isn't for breaking the rules.
The New Orleans Saints were punished for their arrogance and the public's perception. The Saints had been warned several times and Roger Goodell doesn't like it when his omnipotent power and ultimate authority are questioned. In addition, the NFL wants to show the fans it is taking steps to make the game safer so that the idea of an 18 game season is more realistic. We'll never see another bounty scandal, but that doesn't mean bounties have gone away.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sharing The Ball Is Overrated
Amare Stoudemire hurt his hand last night after punching a fire extinguisher in frustration following the New York Knicks loss to the Miami Heat. There has been speculation he was frustrated about the amount of shots he's getting in the series. Amare is a prideful man who thinks the more opportunity he gets to contribute on the court the greater his team's chances are of winning the game. In the playoffs that simply isn't the case.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, NBA championships are won by superstars that display individual greatness taking over games when it matters the most. The NBA championship is not won with depth, sharing the ball, or superior coaching. The championship is won by unstoppable players.
In the 2012 NBA playoffs there are four teams that struggle with this dynamic. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder all have two players who think they should be "The Man." Allow me to put an end to the controversy with quick and concise clarification.
Los Angeles: Andrew Bynum needs to get a few more touches, but he also needs to understand this is still Kobe Bryant's team. Bynum should defer to the guy with 5 championships who just happens to be the best closer in the game. If he doesn't embrace this simple truth the Lakers have no shot.
New York: Carmelo Anthony is the best pure scorer on the planet and Amare Stoudemire is a shell of his former self. If Carmelo doesn't have the ball in his hands A LOT the Knicks have no chance of winning. Amare should defer to Carmelo.
Miami. D Wade should be the closer and Lebron should be the facilitator. Lebron has accepted his role so long as the Heat win a championship. He might be the MVP of the league, but in playoff basketball he must defer.
OKC: Russell Westbrook should defer to Kevin Durant. I don't think Westbrook truly believes that which is why they have difficulty against elite teams. If this power struggle continues the Thunder will not win a championship.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, NBA championships are won by superstars that display individual greatness taking over games when it matters the most. The NBA championship is not won with depth, sharing the ball, or superior coaching. The championship is won by unstoppable players.
In the 2012 NBA playoffs there are four teams that struggle with this dynamic. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder all have two players who think they should be "The Man." Allow me to put an end to the controversy with quick and concise clarification.
Los Angeles: Andrew Bynum needs to get a few more touches, but he also needs to understand this is still Kobe Bryant's team. Bynum should defer to the guy with 5 championships who just happens to be the best closer in the game. If he doesn't embrace this simple truth the Lakers have no shot.
New York: Carmelo Anthony is the best pure scorer on the planet and Amare Stoudemire is a shell of his former self. If Carmelo doesn't have the ball in his hands A LOT the Knicks have no chance of winning. Amare should defer to Carmelo.
Miami. D Wade should be the closer and Lebron should be the facilitator. Lebron has accepted his role so long as the Heat win a championship. He might be the MVP of the league, but in playoff basketball he must defer.
OKC: Russell Westbrook should defer to Kevin Durant. I don't think Westbrook truly believes that which is why they have difficulty against elite teams. If this power struggle continues the Thunder will not win a championship.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)