Oklahoma All-American Courtney Paris had a bit to say during the #3 Oklahoma Sooners senior night. Paris gave a guarantee that Oklahoma will not only win the title this year, but if they don't, she will pay back her scholarship for this year, which is said to be around $64,000.
"When you're good enough and don't do something, then you have to take accountability for that and that's your own fault. We can win a national championship. If we don't, I'll feel like I didn't earn my scholarship." Paris is quoted as saying.
There is just one little problem for Paris: UConn. The Huskies are 31-0, the unanimous #1 team in the country, and are head and shoulders above everyone else in the land. They beat Oklahoma by 28 back in November. They won by 30 in UNC when the Tar Heels were #2 in the nation. As I am writing this, UConn is up 50-24 in the championship of the Big East at the half, against the #5 team in the country.
UConn isn't getting stopped this season. Maya Moore, a sophomore, is the two-time reigning Big East player of the year, and will likely win national player of the year honors. UConn has the best players, one of the best coaches in the country, and they will not be denied this season.
Paris was bold but stupid in her prediction. Also, now her dad is backing up her claim, saying that with all the talent Oklahoma has had the past 4 years with the Paris sisters, that the coaches should be ashamed if they can't bring a title. Too bad for Oklahoma that they decided to put all this extra pressure on themselves when it's clearly UConn's year.
UConn is going to party like it's 1995 and 2002 this season as they go undefeated. And women's basketball should be afraid, Moore is going to be around for two more seasons. And oh, Louisville has only scored one point this half against UConn, a free throw, and over 10 minutes have passed. Good try Courtney Paris. Joe Namith you're not, which is probably a good thing, because then you might do this...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
TO to the Bills
Another post, another talented and troubled player finds a new home. This move kind of surprised me from TO's standpoint. Saying he has had trouble with drops would be an understatement as he has led the league in drops over the past two seasons. Here's a thought TO, instead of blaming Tony Romo for not getting you the ball enough, why not blame your own mitts? Just a thought.
Buffalo's offense should get a huge boost from this move as TO will still get his catches, and drops, but his presence will also open up the field for Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch. The only thing is, how long will it be before TO opens up something else, specifically, the Bills locker room?
Everyone knows that TO is a terrible locker room presence, to say the least. But he has usually been at his best in his first year with a new team. Also, TO has some extra incentive to be on his best behavior as this is just a one year deal and he will be playing for his next payday.
That being said, I still see TO being a problem. From running his mouth twice a year before Patriots games (not exactly the team you want to give bulletin board material to), to having trouble getting deep routes thrown to him (due to Edwards arm strength, Buffalo's offense, and the weather in Buffalo), to eventually throwing some team mate under the bus (sorry Trent Edwards), TO will cause an issue at some point next season.
I thought it made more sense for TO to sign with Baltimore or Kansas City. Granted I have no way of knowing what teams had interest in TO, but those teams seemed to make sense to me. Kansas City already made a gigantic splash this offseason in getting Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round pick, but having TO would make them a force to reckon with in the weak AFC West next year, probably the favorites.
Baltimore needs more on offense to compliment their dominant defense. The Ravens have the reigning Super Bowl champs in their division, they need something to get them over the hump against the Steelers, who they lost to three times last year. TO might just be that missing piece.
But, by that logic, you could argue TO signing in Buffalo is just what the Bills need to get over the hump in the AFC East. Miami is the reigning champ, the Jets are only going to get better with a new coach and sans Brett Favre (not even kidding), and the 11-5 Patriots are only getting back a HoF quarterback this year. Buffalo needed something to get them over the hump in the AFC East, and TO has the talent to get them over said hump. But based on TO's track record, I just don't see it happening. It was a risk the Bills felt they had to make, I just don't see it working out in Buffalo.
Buffalo's offense should get a huge boost from this move as TO will still get his catches, and drops, but his presence will also open up the field for Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch. The only thing is, how long will it be before TO opens up something else, specifically, the Bills locker room?
Everyone knows that TO is a terrible locker room presence, to say the least. But he has usually been at his best in his first year with a new team. Also, TO has some extra incentive to be on his best behavior as this is just a one year deal and he will be playing for his next payday.
That being said, I still see TO being a problem. From running his mouth twice a year before Patriots games (not exactly the team you want to give bulletin board material to), to having trouble getting deep routes thrown to him (due to Edwards arm strength, Buffalo's offense, and the weather in Buffalo), to eventually throwing some team mate under the bus (sorry Trent Edwards), TO will cause an issue at some point next season.
I thought it made more sense for TO to sign with Baltimore or Kansas City. Granted I have no way of knowing what teams had interest in TO, but those teams seemed to make sense to me. Kansas City already made a gigantic splash this offseason in getting Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round pick, but having TO would make them a force to reckon with in the weak AFC West next year, probably the favorites.
Baltimore needs more on offense to compliment their dominant defense. The Ravens have the reigning Super Bowl champs in their division, they need something to get them over the hump against the Steelers, who they lost to three times last year. TO might just be that missing piece.
But, by that logic, you could argue TO signing in Buffalo is just what the Bills need to get over the hump in the AFC East. Miami is the reigning champ, the Jets are only going to get better with a new coach and sans Brett Favre (not even kidding), and the 11-5 Patriots are only getting back a HoF quarterback this year. Buffalo needed something to get them over the hump in the AFC East, and TO has the talent to get them over said hump. But based on TO's track record, I just don't see it happening. It was a risk the Bills felt they had to make, I just don't see it working out in Buffalo.
Back at it...
I recently switched up what I do at work, which also meant my schedule has completely changed. Because of this, some things have fallen through the cracks, and unfortunately, theZarbReport was one of those. So, in an effort to get back into this, here are a few random thoughts on the events of the past couple of weeks. Hopefully I can find a good working schedule again for theZarbReport around my actual job.
STARBURY TO BOSTON
I still can't believe this happened. On a talent level, this move should help the Celtics. From what I understand about his contract, the C's can cut Starbury at any point, so he'll have to be on his best behavior so he can win a ring and have a job next year. I guess that is why the Celtics signed him, minimal financial risk while picking up a former two-time all-star.
So far, Marbury hasn't looked like anything special in Celtic Green. That is largely in part because his timing is off (since he hasn't played in forever) and he is playing with a new team. Part of it is also because Boston hasn't been whole in a while, ever since KG got hurt. It's tough to assess the impact of Starbury (and Mikki Moore for that matter) until the end of the season and the playoffs.
This move has the potential to make the Celtics bench dominant, but I am still not sold. Let's see how he fits in with the Boston Three-Party and how he accepts being a backup to both Rajon Rondo and possibly Eddie House. Let's see how he plays defense. In a game of NBA Live, this move would be spectacular, but in real life, there are adjustments, egos, defensive and offensive schemes and sets, all kinds of things that can derail any player, especially one with the history of Starbury. Let's see how Starbury helps the C's come playoff time, you know, when it matters.
STARBURY TO BOSTON
I still can't believe this happened. On a talent level, this move should help the Celtics. From what I understand about his contract, the C's can cut Starbury at any point, so he'll have to be on his best behavior so he can win a ring and have a job next year. I guess that is why the Celtics signed him, minimal financial risk while picking up a former two-time all-star.
So far, Marbury hasn't looked like anything special in Celtic Green. That is largely in part because his timing is off (since he hasn't played in forever) and he is playing with a new team. Part of it is also because Boston hasn't been whole in a while, ever since KG got hurt. It's tough to assess the impact of Starbury (and Mikki Moore for that matter) until the end of the season and the playoffs.
This move has the potential to make the Celtics bench dominant, but I am still not sold. Let's see how he fits in with the Boston Three-Party and how he accepts being a backup to both Rajon Rondo and possibly Eddie House. Let's see how he plays defense. In a game of NBA Live, this move would be spectacular, but in real life, there are adjustments, egos, defensive and offensive schemes and sets, all kinds of things that can derail any player, especially one with the history of Starbury. Let's see how Starbury helps the C's come playoff time, you know, when it matters.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
800 for Jimmy C
Lost amonst the shuffle of UConn losing to Pitt at home and Jim Calhoun telling a reporter to shut up is the fact that Calhoun needs one more win to become the 7th active coach D-1 coach to reach 800 wins. Syracuse's Jim Boeheim is also closing in on the mark and should get there early next season, or possibly this year if 'Cuse can make some deep runs in the Big East and NCAA tournaments.
Though he frustrates me sometimes in the way he runs the offense, namely having the guards pass it around and dribble for 10 seconds every possession, I can't argue with the results. UConn has won two national championships, and are on pace for a third this year (though losing Dyson might be their undoing, just as losing Dominic James might be Marquette's undoing). Calhoun's success also has to do with his excellent recruiting skills.
There are currently 12 former UConn players on NBA rosters, with Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Rudy Gay being among the most notable. But that's not the only reason for UConn's success. Calhoun has a knack for getting great shot blockers to solidify the defense in the middle.
Because of this, UConn's guards can stay close on their man and can try to jump passing lanes as they know if they get beat, they have a security blanket. On top of from Okafor and Villanueva, Donny Marshall, Donyell Marshall, Josh Boone, Clifford Robinson and Hilton Armstrong all played for UConn (and through his first 3 years, no one thought Armstrong would become a pro, just goes to show you how much playing college ball can help an NBA career). Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien currently patrol the middle now. UConn has led the nation in blocked shots in each of the last seven seasons, and are currently second at 7.6 per game (Mississippi State is #1 with 8.1 per game).
Because of Calhoun's recruiting, UConn can play this defense, they can press a lot, and they know they have help behind them. Between the steals and recovered blocked shots UConn gets all game because of this defense, UConn gets into transition a great deal every game which results in a lot of easy points.
So here's to you Jim and the hope that you get to 800 against Marquette. And even if you don't against the Golden Eagles, getting it on Senior Night will be pretty special as well. Oh, and don't you think UConn will be fired up the rest of the way. Marquette is the chance for number 800. Then on Saturday they host Notre Dame on senior night. Then, the following week, they travel to Pittsburgh with a chance for revenge on Pitt's senior night. Oh, and UConn is playing for a #1 seed in the Big East and overall in the NCAA tournament as well.
And just incase you missed it, or just want to see it again, here is the video of Calhoun telling a reporter to shut up.
And just for the sake of it, here's anther great Calhoun press conference from a few years back.
Though he frustrates me sometimes in the way he runs the offense, namely having the guards pass it around and dribble for 10 seconds every possession, I can't argue with the results. UConn has won two national championships, and are on pace for a third this year (though losing Dyson might be their undoing, just as losing Dominic James might be Marquette's undoing). Calhoun's success also has to do with his excellent recruiting skills.
There are currently 12 former UConn players on NBA rosters, with Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Rudy Gay being among the most notable. But that's not the only reason for UConn's success. Calhoun has a knack for getting great shot blockers to solidify the defense in the middle.
Because of this, UConn's guards can stay close on their man and can try to jump passing lanes as they know if they get beat, they have a security blanket. On top of from Okafor and Villanueva, Donny Marshall, Donyell Marshall, Josh Boone, Clifford Robinson and Hilton Armstrong all played for UConn (and through his first 3 years, no one thought Armstrong would become a pro, just goes to show you how much playing college ball can help an NBA career). Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien currently patrol the middle now. UConn has led the nation in blocked shots in each of the last seven seasons, and are currently second at 7.6 per game (Mississippi State is #1 with 8.1 per game).
Because of Calhoun's recruiting, UConn can play this defense, they can press a lot, and they know they have help behind them. Between the steals and recovered blocked shots UConn gets all game because of this defense, UConn gets into transition a great deal every game which results in a lot of easy points.
So here's to you Jim and the hope that you get to 800 against Marquette. And even if you don't against the Golden Eagles, getting it on Senior Night will be pretty special as well. Oh, and don't you think UConn will be fired up the rest of the way. Marquette is the chance for number 800. Then on Saturday they host Notre Dame on senior night. Then, the following week, they travel to Pittsburgh with a chance for revenge on Pitt's senior night. Oh, and UConn is playing for a #1 seed in the Big East and overall in the NCAA tournament as well.
And just incase you missed it, or just want to see it again, here is the video of Calhoun telling a reporter to shut up.
And just for the sake of it, here's anther great Calhoun press conference from a few years back.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Colts to Cut Harrison
So it seems the Colts are going to cut Marvin Harrison in the next few. The move is largely a financial one as it will save the Colts roughly $6 million this season. Even with Harrison's drop-off in production these past two seasons, I thought that he and the Colts would reach some sort of deal to keep Harrison in Indianapolis.
Harrison was drafted in the first round by the Colts back in 1996. He has played with Peyton Manning since 1998 (when Manning entered the league) and the two hold all kinds of records because of each other. They hold the record for the most touchdowns thrown between two players ever, though they're lucky Jerry Rice had his time with the Niners split between two quarterbacks.
Anyways, it's hard to imagine Marvin Harrison playing anywhere else but Indianapolis. But then, I suppose it was hard to imagine Brett Favre playing anywhere else but Green Bay, but he was in New York last year so clearly it can happen. Wait, didn't I write about how sick I was of hearing about Favre a little while ago? And here I am, bringing him back to relevancy. What have I done?
But Harrison will be gone. Early rumors have him possibly signing with his hometown Eagles to play alongside Donovan McNabb, whom Harrison played alongside with at Syracuse. I can see New England also making a fake run at him, if for nothing else then to freak out fans in Indy. I wouldn't put something like that past Belichick, would you? Arizona would also make some sense to me as they could use a compliment for Larry Fitzgerald next season and are likely to lose Anquan Boldin this offseason. This scenario though is unlikely as they are going to commit a lot of money to Kurt Warner (or at least they hope he'll take their money and stay) but it would give the Cards as a shot to make it back to the Super Bowl.
It would seem that Harrison moving on won't hurt the Colts so much on the field as they haven't relied on him as much the past few years. However, I think this is a huge loss for the Colts. I think Manning cares a whole lot about his public image. Why else would he do so many commercials save for trying to get people to like him? If the Colts start out 2-3, how will Manning react now lacking the other half of his dynamic duo? Add on to that the fact that the Colts also have a new coach (albeit from within their organization and the proclaimed successor to Tony Dungy) this season, and this could be a long season for Indy fans.
Aside from maybe New England and Pittsburgh where football is 100% business, a cohesive football locker room is huge. Look at what T.O. did in Dallas. Look at what Ocho Cinco did to Cincinnati, well that and the damage to Carson Palmer's knee. Harrison and Dungy are now gone. How will Indy's locker room react without two obvious team leaders? Check back around Week 8.
While I'm on the topic of recently cut face of the franchises, let's talk about Fred Taylor for a bit. When he was cut I remember seeing an interview with John Clayton saying he would likely sign with a contender that needs a feature running back. It took until the Patriots brought him in to workout for NFL experts to realize that he might end up in New England.
It took me and my room mate all of reading the scroll bar before seeing Clayton to realize he might end up a Patriot. What doesn't make sense about this? Chance at a ring. Ability to start, or at least, get a bulk of the carries. Kind of reminds me when the Pats picked up Corey Dillon at the end of his career and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Teams should be afraid of going against stars in the twilight of their career after they have been let go by the one team they are associated with, that is, unless said star is Brett Favre in the second half of a season (I'm Ok with bringing Favre up again if it is to mock him). You don't want to go against a star who still has some gas left in their tank and has a chip on their shoulder wanting to prove it. I expect big things from Harrison and Taylor next year.
Harrison was drafted in the first round by the Colts back in 1996. He has played with Peyton Manning since 1998 (when Manning entered the league) and the two hold all kinds of records because of each other. They hold the record for the most touchdowns thrown between two players ever, though they're lucky Jerry Rice had his time with the Niners split between two quarterbacks.
Anyways, it's hard to imagine Marvin Harrison playing anywhere else but Indianapolis. But then, I suppose it was hard to imagine Brett Favre playing anywhere else but Green Bay, but he was in New York last year so clearly it can happen. Wait, didn't I write about how sick I was of hearing about Favre a little while ago? And here I am, bringing him back to relevancy. What have I done?
But Harrison will be gone. Early rumors have him possibly signing with his hometown Eagles to play alongside Donovan McNabb, whom Harrison played alongside with at Syracuse. I can see New England also making a fake run at him, if for nothing else then to freak out fans in Indy. I wouldn't put something like that past Belichick, would you? Arizona would also make some sense to me as they could use a compliment for Larry Fitzgerald next season and are likely to lose Anquan Boldin this offseason. This scenario though is unlikely as they are going to commit a lot of money to Kurt Warner (or at least they hope he'll take their money and stay) but it would give the Cards as a shot to make it back to the Super Bowl.
It would seem that Harrison moving on won't hurt the Colts so much on the field as they haven't relied on him as much the past few years. However, I think this is a huge loss for the Colts. I think Manning cares a whole lot about his public image. Why else would he do so many commercials save for trying to get people to like him? If the Colts start out 2-3, how will Manning react now lacking the other half of his dynamic duo? Add on to that the fact that the Colts also have a new coach (albeit from within their organization and the proclaimed successor to Tony Dungy) this season, and this could be a long season for Indy fans.
Aside from maybe New England and Pittsburgh where football is 100% business, a cohesive football locker room is huge. Look at what T.O. did in Dallas. Look at what Ocho Cinco did to Cincinnati, well that and the damage to Carson Palmer's knee. Harrison and Dungy are now gone. How will Indy's locker room react without two obvious team leaders? Check back around Week 8.
While I'm on the topic of recently cut face of the franchises, let's talk about Fred Taylor for a bit. When he was cut I remember seeing an interview with John Clayton saying he would likely sign with a contender that needs a feature running back. It took until the Patriots brought him in to workout for NFL experts to realize that he might end up in New England.
It took me and my room mate all of reading the scroll bar before seeing Clayton to realize he might end up a Patriot. What doesn't make sense about this? Chance at a ring. Ability to start, or at least, get a bulk of the carries. Kind of reminds me when the Pats picked up Corey Dillon at the end of his career and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Teams should be afraid of going against stars in the twilight of their career after they have been let go by the one team they are associated with, that is, unless said star is Brett Favre in the second half of a season (I'm Ok with bringing Favre up again if it is to mock him). You don't want to go against a star who still has some gas left in their tank and has a chip on their shoulder wanting to prove it. I expect big things from Harrison and Taylor next year.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Phelps to Avoid Charges
You've probably all seen the photo of Michael Phelps smoking out of a bong at a party by now. You've probably also heard that he has been suspended for three months by USA Swimming and has lost his sponsorship deal with Kellogg's. Just incase you haven't seen it, or you want to see it again, here ya go.
http://extras.newsoftheworld.co.uk/downloads/phelps_big_0102.jpg
It's Ok with me that Phelps lost his endorsement deal with Kellogg's. They did what they had to do, and people have lost endorsement deals for less. Tiger Woods just lost his endorsement deal with Buick because GM is broke, not because of anything he did. Phelps smoked some weed and lost his endorsement deal because of it. Fine.
I'm also Ok with the three-month suspension USA Swimming leveled on Phelps. Sure, it's a meaningless penalty because Phelps won't miss any international competitions, but they did what they had to do. USA Swimming had to levy some sort of penalty on Phelps otherwise they would face immense scrutiny for condoning what Phelps did. A meaningless suspension is the perfect way to get around hurting the USA Swimming program while avoiding any scrutiny.
However, there is something I am not as Ok with. Leon Lott, the South Carolina sheriff who was trying to prosecute Phelps, has finally stopped going after the Olympic champion for smoking out of a bong. That, I am Ok with. The fact that Lott was going after Phelps from the beginning, that's not something I can condone.
The national debt is currently more then $10.8 trillion. According to an article on ESPN.com, the investigation involved two narcotics officers working over 25 hours over the course of a week. Isn't there a better way to be using tax payers money then going after an American sports hero? Couldn't those narcotics officers have been going after real criminals, not a 23-year old who did a few bong rips?
I mean, all they had really to go on was that photo, and photos or video are not a valid form of evidence in a drug case. If it was, how many Hollywood actors would be in jail for all the drugs they've "done" in movies? Granted they probably have done those drugs in real life, maybe even while filming (Pineapple Express much?) but that's not the point.
The point is going after Phelps, going after steroids in baseball, going after all of that kind of stuff, it's just not necessary. Ok, It is necessary, especially stopping the rampant steroid issue is baseball, but the government doesn't need to get involved. The sport should be able to govern themselves, and use the massive profits that the sports make to finance the investigations.
Yeah, sports have failed to regulate themselves, most clearly in baseball, but there are ways to make the sports regulate themselves, especially by threatening to take away the sports being exempt from anti-trust laws, something. There are better ways for the government to be spending the taxpayers money. We don't need to be using our hard earned dollars to fund government witch hunts into steroids and bong rips. We just don't.
I know Phelps is a role-model and because of that, he is held to a higher standard. That's why I'm Ok with him losing his endorsements. But wouldn't sending him to jail be even an even worse thing as it would completely destroy his public image over doing something that is legal is some countries? Why go after an American sports hero? It was never worth it to begin with from the beginning, and I'm glad there wasn't enough evidence to put Phelps away.
But I am not alone in thinking that Phelps was treated a bit to harsh for his smoking of weed.
http://extras.newsoftheworld.co.uk/downloads/phelps_big_0102.jpg
It's Ok with me that Phelps lost his endorsement deal with Kellogg's. They did what they had to do, and people have lost endorsement deals for less. Tiger Woods just lost his endorsement deal with Buick because GM is broke, not because of anything he did. Phelps smoked some weed and lost his endorsement deal because of it. Fine.
I'm also Ok with the three-month suspension USA Swimming leveled on Phelps. Sure, it's a meaningless penalty because Phelps won't miss any international competitions, but they did what they had to do. USA Swimming had to levy some sort of penalty on Phelps otherwise they would face immense scrutiny for condoning what Phelps did. A meaningless suspension is the perfect way to get around hurting the USA Swimming program while avoiding any scrutiny.
However, there is something I am not as Ok with. Leon Lott, the South Carolina sheriff who was trying to prosecute Phelps, has finally stopped going after the Olympic champion for smoking out of a bong. That, I am Ok with. The fact that Lott was going after Phelps from the beginning, that's not something I can condone.
The national debt is currently more then $10.8 trillion. According to an article on ESPN.com, the investigation involved two narcotics officers working over 25 hours over the course of a week. Isn't there a better way to be using tax payers money then going after an American sports hero? Couldn't those narcotics officers have been going after real criminals, not a 23-year old who did a few bong rips?
I mean, all they had really to go on was that photo, and photos or video are not a valid form of evidence in a drug case. If it was, how many Hollywood actors would be in jail for all the drugs they've "done" in movies? Granted they probably have done those drugs in real life, maybe even while filming (Pineapple Express much?) but that's not the point.
The point is going after Phelps, going after steroids in baseball, going after all of that kind of stuff, it's just not necessary. Ok, It is necessary, especially stopping the rampant steroid issue is baseball, but the government doesn't need to get involved. The sport should be able to govern themselves, and use the massive profits that the sports make to finance the investigations.
Yeah, sports have failed to regulate themselves, most clearly in baseball, but there are ways to make the sports regulate themselves, especially by threatening to take away the sports being exempt from anti-trust laws, something. There are better ways for the government to be spending the taxpayers money. We don't need to be using our hard earned dollars to fund government witch hunts into steroids and bong rips. We just don't.
I know Phelps is a role-model and because of that, he is held to a higher standard. That's why I'm Ok with him losing his endorsements. But wouldn't sending him to jail be even an even worse thing as it would completely destroy his public image over doing something that is legal is some countries? Why go after an American sports hero? It was never worth it to begin with from the beginning, and I'm glad there wasn't enough evidence to put Phelps away.
But I am not alone in thinking that Phelps was treated a bit to harsh for his smoking of weed.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Best Week in the NBA
We are currently in the midst of the most action packed week in the NBA's regular season. This past weekend was All-Star weekend, which in my opinion is the best All-Star event of any sport. Tonight marks the unofficial start of the second half of the season. And when Thursday afternoon rolls around, so too does the Trade Deadline. Like I said, this is a fully packed week.
I will write more about the Trade Deadline once it actually occurs. With all the rumors swirling around, it's tough to figure out which have any merit to them, which are just high hopes of fans, which will fall through when the two teams can't quite make the deal work even if they both want it to happen, and which trades will actually occur. But we can look at what has already happened in the NBA
First off, my favorite weekend in the NBA, the All-Star Break. Part of that is the Slam Dunk contest is my favorite non-playoff event of the sporting year. Over the past few years, it has only gotten better. The creativity on the dunks, not to mention the showmanship before and after the dunks is just incredible.
This year was no exception. Here, take a look at a quick video that has every dunk from this year in it:
The battle between Superman and KryptoNate was truly incredible. The depth of the showmanship was jaw dropping. Not only did Dwight bring out a 12 foot hoop, but he ran into the phone booth to transform into Superman. Then, Nate had the faith in his abilities that he would make it to the finals to hold of on transforming into KryptoNate. That transformation was enough to catapult him into the finals, but in holding off on it, he won the trophy.
Well, that transformation and Dwight's final dunk of the final round. Yes, dunking from the free throw line is impressive, but not when you are 6'11" and have just dunked on a 12 foot rim in a fairly easy manner. Maybe a windmill, a 180, a between the legs, something, and Superman goes back to back.
But the thing I am most looking forward to now is next years slam dunk contest. With LeBron preliminarily added to this new Superman/KryptoNate slam dunk rivalry, the sky is the limit. Imagine if they can convince Gerald Green or Andre Iguodala (a previous winner and someone who should have won) to be the fourth competitor next year? I can't wait.
LeBron is all but certain to incorporate some sort of King James act into one of his dunks. Imagine him coming out like this to make a dunk?
http://www.thisisandrewwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/burger_king_lebron.jpg
Or maybe he will grab a crown off of the top of the backboard (since according to the commentary on my NBA Live 2K5, LeBron can grab a quarter off the top of the backboard) and puts it on his head as he dunks. Or maybe he dunks over Kevin Garnett as the originator of the chalk toss shoots a cloud up in the air. Or how about repeating the 12-foot rim dunk the Dwight did, only throwing it off the glass to himself, or putting it between his legs, or a 360?
What if Dwight gets Nate to return the favor of letting him dunk over him, only Dwight jumps over Nate while Nate is standing on Wilson Chandler's back? Or how about raising the rim up another foot? Or how about dunking over Shaq, the original Superman?
I don't know what Nate can do to top this years performance, but here's the fun thing. Nate, LeBron, and Dwight all have a year to think of their dunks. I just came up with those ideas as quick as I could write them down. With a year, some video games to test things out, and friends and team mates talking into their ear, giving them ideas. Count me in.
But anyways, back to this year's contest. Dwight gave it away, both by allowing KryptoNate to dunk over him and in the order of his dunks. Had he led off with the free throw line dunk, he would have probably gotten something in the mid-40s, more then enough to advance once he threw down a 12-foot dunk.
Then, had Dwight done his first dunk, the one from behind the backboard, the 180-windmill, followed by the one where he bounced it off the side of the backboard to himself, he would've won. That side of the backboard dunk was one of the best I have seen in recent memory in the contest. That order would have likely given Dwight back-to-back titles. Oh well, it shows he just wants to have a good time, which I can respect.
The 3-point shootout was also a lot of fun. A first time champion winning in overtime, what's not to like? I was a little surprised however that Jason Kapono didn't dominate this year the way he has the past two years given a somewhat weaker group of opponents. Still, congratulations to Daequan Cook for winning the shootout, because no matter how weak the rest of the field may have been, he still beat the two-time defending champion.
Derrick Rose also deserves kudos for winning the Skills Competition. The group he went against was very weak, but still, he won, and he won in a very convincing way with a nice reverse dunk. Last year Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, and Dwyane Wade were in the competition. I would love to see them expand the field to 6 players and have D-Rose, CP3, D-Wade (unless he is in the Slam Dunk Competition, which I'd be ok with), Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, and Steve Nash in it. That'd be pretty fun.
The game itself was fun, as always. The NBA and the NHL have such superior All-Star games then do the NFL and MLB. In baseball, you see pretty much a normal game, just with more stars and more subbing. The game itself usually unfolds like any of the other 162 games you watch your favorite team play. The NBA and NHL are all about offense.
Also, don't get me started on the Pro Bowl. Who cares about a game after the season ends in a sport where you have to have the most cohesion with your team to be successful? Not me. Also, switching the Pro Bowl to the week before the Super Bowl in the city where the Super Bowl is to be played is a terrible idea. Not only will no one in the Super Bowl play in the game, but I wouldn't be surprised to see people who lost their conference championship game be less then interested in suiting up again for the Pro Bowl the next week. And what happens when the Super Bowl is in Indianapolis in a few years? Who wants to go to Indy in the middle of the summer, much less the end of January? Count me in!
But in the NBA and NHL all we get is offense, which is definitely very fun to watch. Sure, defense wins championships, but offense is way more fun to watch. That's why the NBA and NHL All-Star games are so much fun to watch. No defense, no hitting, nothing to stop the scoring. I love it. But the NBA gets a slight edge because it is broadcast on TNT while the NHL is shown on Versus. When things are close, the game that gets to be seen wins.
So there it is, but first, a quick look at the winners of all the major awards through the first half of the season.
MVP - LeBron James, Cavaliers. LeBron has been the best player on a team that may end up with the best record in the league. No one comes close to being as important to their team as LeBron has been to the Cavs. And unlike Kobe, he didn't take out one of his players for the season.
ROY - Derrick Rose, Bulls. Mayo will probably make a late push for the award, especially since the award is largely decided in the last month or two of the season, but as of now, it's Rose's award. Rose has ranged from a solid starter to dominant this season, and that should give him a ROY trophy so far.
Coach of the Year - Jerry Sloan, Jazz. Last year Kobe won the MVP trophy due to a lack of good candidates, winning a "lifetime" MVP award. Since CoY really depends a lot on final standings, and a late push or fall could decide the race, I will give Sloan the lifetime award. The Jazz are currently in the playoffs in the West despite Deron Williams not playing at the beginning of the season and Carlos Boozer having barely played at all.
6th Man - Lamar Odom, Lakers. Odom will likely lose his eligibility for this award now that he is starting in place of Bynum, but as of now, it's Odom's award. He has made the Lakers second unit one of the best, if not THE best second unit in the league. This is because of Odom's presence. But still, we'll see who is here at the end of the year eligibility wise.
Most Improved - Rajon Rondo, Celtics. Last season some experts were saying his inexperience would be the reason the Celtics would fail to win the title. This year, he has been the MVP of the Celtics. Not too shabby.
Well folks, get ready for a fun second half that will probably be capped off by us all becoming Witnesses as LeBron wins his first title. But then, let's see how Thursday affects all of that.
I will write more about the Trade Deadline once it actually occurs. With all the rumors swirling around, it's tough to figure out which have any merit to them, which are just high hopes of fans, which will fall through when the two teams can't quite make the deal work even if they both want it to happen, and which trades will actually occur. But we can look at what has already happened in the NBA
First off, my favorite weekend in the NBA, the All-Star Break. Part of that is the Slam Dunk contest is my favorite non-playoff event of the sporting year. Over the past few years, it has only gotten better. The creativity on the dunks, not to mention the showmanship before and after the dunks is just incredible.
This year was no exception. Here, take a look at a quick video that has every dunk from this year in it:
The battle between Superman and KryptoNate was truly incredible. The depth of the showmanship was jaw dropping. Not only did Dwight bring out a 12 foot hoop, but he ran into the phone booth to transform into Superman. Then, Nate had the faith in his abilities that he would make it to the finals to hold of on transforming into KryptoNate. That transformation was enough to catapult him into the finals, but in holding off on it, he won the trophy.
Well, that transformation and Dwight's final dunk of the final round. Yes, dunking from the free throw line is impressive, but not when you are 6'11" and have just dunked on a 12 foot rim in a fairly easy manner. Maybe a windmill, a 180, a between the legs, something, and Superman goes back to back.
But the thing I am most looking forward to now is next years slam dunk contest. With LeBron preliminarily added to this new Superman/KryptoNate slam dunk rivalry, the sky is the limit. Imagine if they can convince Gerald Green or Andre Iguodala (a previous winner and someone who should have won) to be the fourth competitor next year? I can't wait.
LeBron is all but certain to incorporate some sort of King James act into one of his dunks. Imagine him coming out like this to make a dunk?
http://www.thisisandrewwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/burger_king_lebron.jpg
Or maybe he will grab a crown off of the top of the backboard (since according to the commentary on my NBA Live 2K5, LeBron can grab a quarter off the top of the backboard) and puts it on his head as he dunks. Or maybe he dunks over Kevin Garnett as the originator of the chalk toss shoots a cloud up in the air. Or how about repeating the 12-foot rim dunk the Dwight did, only throwing it off the glass to himself, or putting it between his legs, or a 360?
What if Dwight gets Nate to return the favor of letting him dunk over him, only Dwight jumps over Nate while Nate is standing on Wilson Chandler's back? Or how about raising the rim up another foot? Or how about dunking over Shaq, the original Superman?
I don't know what Nate can do to top this years performance, but here's the fun thing. Nate, LeBron, and Dwight all have a year to think of their dunks. I just came up with those ideas as quick as I could write them down. With a year, some video games to test things out, and friends and team mates talking into their ear, giving them ideas. Count me in.
But anyways, back to this year's contest. Dwight gave it away, both by allowing KryptoNate to dunk over him and in the order of his dunks. Had he led off with the free throw line dunk, he would have probably gotten something in the mid-40s, more then enough to advance once he threw down a 12-foot dunk.
Then, had Dwight done his first dunk, the one from behind the backboard, the 180-windmill, followed by the one where he bounced it off the side of the backboard to himself, he would've won. That side of the backboard dunk was one of the best I have seen in recent memory in the contest. That order would have likely given Dwight back-to-back titles. Oh well, it shows he just wants to have a good time, which I can respect.
The 3-point shootout was also a lot of fun. A first time champion winning in overtime, what's not to like? I was a little surprised however that Jason Kapono didn't dominate this year the way he has the past two years given a somewhat weaker group of opponents. Still, congratulations to Daequan Cook for winning the shootout, because no matter how weak the rest of the field may have been, he still beat the two-time defending champion.
Derrick Rose also deserves kudos for winning the Skills Competition. The group he went against was very weak, but still, he won, and he won in a very convincing way with a nice reverse dunk. Last year Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, and Dwyane Wade were in the competition. I would love to see them expand the field to 6 players and have D-Rose, CP3, D-Wade (unless he is in the Slam Dunk Competition, which I'd be ok with), Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, and Steve Nash in it. That'd be pretty fun.
The game itself was fun, as always. The NBA and the NHL have such superior All-Star games then do the NFL and MLB. In baseball, you see pretty much a normal game, just with more stars and more subbing. The game itself usually unfolds like any of the other 162 games you watch your favorite team play. The NBA and NHL are all about offense.
Also, don't get me started on the Pro Bowl. Who cares about a game after the season ends in a sport where you have to have the most cohesion with your team to be successful? Not me. Also, switching the Pro Bowl to the week before the Super Bowl in the city where the Super Bowl is to be played is a terrible idea. Not only will no one in the Super Bowl play in the game, but I wouldn't be surprised to see people who lost their conference championship game be less then interested in suiting up again for the Pro Bowl the next week. And what happens when the Super Bowl is in Indianapolis in a few years? Who wants to go to Indy in the middle of the summer, much less the end of January? Count me in!
But in the NBA and NHL all we get is offense, which is definitely very fun to watch. Sure, defense wins championships, but offense is way more fun to watch. That's why the NBA and NHL All-Star games are so much fun to watch. No defense, no hitting, nothing to stop the scoring. I love it. But the NBA gets a slight edge because it is broadcast on TNT while the NHL is shown on Versus. When things are close, the game that gets to be seen wins.
So there it is, but first, a quick look at the winners of all the major awards through the first half of the season.
MVP - LeBron James, Cavaliers. LeBron has been the best player on a team that may end up with the best record in the league. No one comes close to being as important to their team as LeBron has been to the Cavs. And unlike Kobe, he didn't take out one of his players for the season.
ROY - Derrick Rose, Bulls. Mayo will probably make a late push for the award, especially since the award is largely decided in the last month or two of the season, but as of now, it's Rose's award. Rose has ranged from a solid starter to dominant this season, and that should give him a ROY trophy so far.
Coach of the Year - Jerry Sloan, Jazz. Last year Kobe won the MVP trophy due to a lack of good candidates, winning a "lifetime" MVP award. Since CoY really depends a lot on final standings, and a late push or fall could decide the race, I will give Sloan the lifetime award. The Jazz are currently in the playoffs in the West despite Deron Williams not playing at the beginning of the season and Carlos Boozer having barely played at all.
6th Man - Lamar Odom, Lakers. Odom will likely lose his eligibility for this award now that he is starting in place of Bynum, but as of now, it's Odom's award. He has made the Lakers second unit one of the best, if not THE best second unit in the league. This is because of Odom's presence. But still, we'll see who is here at the end of the year eligibility wise.
Most Improved - Rajon Rondo, Celtics. Last season some experts were saying his inexperience would be the reason the Celtics would fail to win the title. This year, he has been the MVP of the Celtics. Not too shabby.
Well folks, get ready for a fun second half that will probably be capped off by us all becoming Witnesses as LeBron wins his first title. But then, let's see how Thursday affects all of that.
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