Ballllllin'
Word has it that the NBA is making a comeback.
Yes, that’s supposed to sound absurd if you are a true fan of hoops. The rule changes have opened up the game much more compared to even the late nineties. Walt “Clyde” Frazier coined the term ‘matador D’ and for good reason as the league has instituted clear path fouls, focused more on calling technicals and enforced defensive three-second violations. Last season’s playoffs, highlighted by an amazing first-round series between the Lakers and Suns as well as the Cavaliers-Pistons set in round two, were a boon for the NBA as its ratings had not witnessed national heights since Michael Jordan last played in Chicago. There was a good chance that your co-worker remembered that there was a pro team in your town (unless you were here in New York… or Boston… or Portland) and put away his UCLA hoodie for a while. Speaking of the NCAA, did you know that Florida won the national title?
Exactly. I think the players in Florida forgot, too.
While we are all fixated on the NFL and the baseball playoffs, we almost forgot that the NHL season started last week. Okay, you don’t care as much as I do, but when the puck drops, the leather roundball… wait, synthetic roundball isn’t too far behind. Here are a few things that are worth looking at during the year:
Is that a witch doctor or a real one?: Okay, I didn’t mean to insult anyone who prefers alternate medicines, but if you’re a fan of the Rockets, Grizzles, Magic or any other team that has dealt with (or in Memphis’ case, is about to deal with) significant injuries, you better pray that the team hired both as part of the medical staff. Houston, a team that was considered a playoff contender by critics to start the 2005-06 season, could not succeed without Tracy McGrady or Yao Ming. They lead the league in games lost to injury (274 "man games" including 35 by McGrady, 25 by Yao - a 21-10 record with both players on the floor). As defensive minded a coach as Jeff Van Gundy is, at least for most of his time in New York, he had Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell or Larry Johnson to carry some offensive load. The Rockets couldn’t expect Luther Head to drop buckets until both players were at full strength. Though they have added Bonzi Wells, Shane Battier and Kirk Snyder, T-Mac and Yao need to be on the floor. In another southern state, Orlando has been used to having to play without Grant Hill, who rebounded to have a stellar season in ‘04-’05. Missing him was exasperated by the eventual trade of Steve Francis to New York as Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were still forming a chemistry on the court. Hill’s presence could have counted for at least five more wins in a Southeast Division that while not winnable (Miami), was capable of a third playoff team. There were other injured stars that were unable to help their teams compete, but the major injury of last season occurred during a preseason game where Phoenix Suns C Amare Stoudemire sprained his right knee and struggled when trying to return in March. The Suns were predicted to be at least in the Finals in part to the fast break offense lead by Steve Nash, the insane athleticism of Shawn Marion and the acquisition of F/C Kurt Thomas from… you guessed it, New York! Having Thomas would have allowed Stoudemire to switch between the pivot and around the key to create matchup havoc in the Western Conference. Amazingly, the Suns looked as if they didn’t miss a beat with 6’7”Boris Diaw playing center (even when Thomas himself missed 23 games). Amare’s return to the lineup once again has Phoenix talking championship, but how game-ready his knee will be is a question to be answered. Here is something that’s certain, Memphis is in for a world of hurt without C Pau Gasol. Gasol broke his foot playing for his native Spain in the World Championships this summer, and Grizzles management was none to happy to hear the news (or Pau for that matter). He is expected to miss the first three months of the season, which does not bode well for a team in the Southwest Division that has to deal with the Texas Triangle and a remodeled Hornets team.
Speaking of those guys, are we going to get our team back?: The Saints return to the Bayou has, for a moment, reenergized the Gulf Coast, notably the city of New Orleans. While it was a moment that will be hard to forget if you watched their triumphant return against the Atlanta Falcons, the reality is something that is seeping out of the minds of most Americans. Surely, New Orleaneans won’t forget that Hurricane Katrina ripped through their home, but many of them are displaced and may not ever return. The Hornets had just arrived from a nasty divorce from Charlotte in 2003 and was still a team whose roots were not firmly set into the city soil. This wasn’t a playoff team, either, despite the talent that arrived in town. Jamal Mashburn’s career was ended by injuries and Baron Davis was shipped overnight mail to Oakland. They were left with Louisiana native PJ Brown and… Chris Paul. Though he was drafted in June ‘05 and prepared to play in the Crescent City, Katrina washed out the city two months later. Oklahoma City welcomed the team with open arms; so open in fact that the college-like atmosphere seemingly charged up a young, but rootless franchise. For Oklahoma City, this was not just a civil effort, but a tryout for an expansion franchise or any team looking to relocate. The experiment continues this season as once more, the Hornets will make their nest there while playing six games in the New Orleans Arena. Though owner George Shinn has said that he will bring the team back to N.O., there are significant economic questions; some are similar to what the Saints face. Unlike their football counterparts, the Hornets were a toddler in the house; waddling its way though trying to figure out its place. Having to move to a third city in five years, the team doesn’t have a true fan base compared to the rest of the league and the potential fans are now scattered throughout the country or trying to rebuild in a city without the financial wherewithal. Because the future of the Gulf is uncertain, Oklahoma City has already planned for a permanent next. Yet there is a wild card in all of this; the Saints have San Antonio and Los Angeles, the Hornets have Las Vegas. Sin City will host this year’s All-Star Weekend, but has pined for a pro sports team for decades. Even the XFL’s Outlaws had a following for the one fateful season of its existence. While one weekend may not determine sustained viability, Vegas is a larger market than several current NBA cities, (New Orleans was actually the smallest pre-Katrina). Keep a watch on Commissioner Stern’s desk to see what he may decide in the coming months regarding the future of the Hornets.
Oh, and about Vegas: Dipset performs prior to the All-Star tip-off. It will be the debut of the Cam’Ron/Elivis Costello collabo, “Touch It or Not” remix and Jim Jones will actually test his baaaaaaaaaaaalin’ skills during the 2-Ball challenge with Becky Hammon. Welcome to Dip City.
Another chance to chase a dream, another chance to feel alive: Alter Bridge’s “Metalingus” would be a perfect theme song for the Dallas Mavericks. Reason One, it is blaring though these speakers as of this writing. Reason Two, it is the theme track of WWE superstar, Edge and considering how I want a WWE-style entrance to my apartment, the song works even more. Reason Three, a 2-0 series lead headed to Miami. O’Neal hasn’t dominated. Dwayne Wade is nicked up. Jason Terry had already torched Tony Parker and Nash (a back-to-back MVP), what were Jason Williams (White Chocolate) and Gary Payton going to do? The Mavs’ defense has propelled them throughout the season and playoffs against stiff competition while the Heat clawed itself through offensively-challenged New Jersey and Chicago before dispatching Detroit. The Miami Heat were older, slower and fatigued. Except for D-Wade. The bigs rebounded, Antoine Walker was effective and Wade got fouled and fouled and fouled some more. Miami won four games. Dallas lost four straight games. Dallas reloaded. For Marquis Daniels, Adrian Griffin and Darrel Armstrong arrived Austin Croshere, Devean George and Anthony Johnson (whose offense against the Nets in the playoffs raised his stock). They added players who've been in the Finals in hopes to close out games. Yet while young players are believed to be overwhelmed in the postseason, veterans can reflect to past failures. There is a good chance the Mavs may return, but the games don't play themselves.
Jack Bauer: To borrow notoriousjtb's moniker for Mr. Bryant, Kobe was nothing short of amazing last season. Most kept labeling his performances as Jordan-esqe, giving more fodder to critics who believe that he is trying to emulate the legend. Even the new numero adds fuel to their bonfire - as one has already envisioned, some will say "24? What, he thinks he's above Mike?". Kobe Bauer... er, Bryant carried an offensive load unlike any player since Wilt Chamberlain. For the first time since his arrival in the NBA, his play was the story, not his former teammate, not his former coach-turned-current coach, not Colorado (well, not so much). The corny cliche truly applied to his game last year as he willed the young and lithe Lakers into a sixth seed in the Western Conference and a seven-game war with the Phoenix Suns. The on-court questions are simple: how much more can he do? Will he fade at points in the season to prove that the team needs some help as he was accused of doing in the fateful Game 7 against the Suns? Off the court will be interesting as he has hoped to rebuild his image to the basketball public. The basketball public being the subject because as his recent endorsements have shown, he has taken a similar route to Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis, who after his trial in 2000, was absorbed into a strictly football diet in terms of his image.
There are plenty more scintillating stories throughout the season and those will be rightfully reflected. Just remember one thing; everyone has something to hope for... until Halloween.
Say What?!?!: R.I.P. Mr. Lidle.
Yes, that’s supposed to sound absurd if you are a true fan of hoops. The rule changes have opened up the game much more compared to even the late nineties. Walt “Clyde” Frazier coined the term ‘matador D’ and for good reason as the league has instituted clear path fouls, focused more on calling technicals and enforced defensive three-second violations. Last season’s playoffs, highlighted by an amazing first-round series between the Lakers and Suns as well as the Cavaliers-Pistons set in round two, were a boon for the NBA as its ratings had not witnessed national heights since Michael Jordan last played in Chicago. There was a good chance that your co-worker remembered that there was a pro team in your town (unless you were here in New York… or Boston… or Portland) and put away his UCLA hoodie for a while. Speaking of the NCAA, did you know that Florida won the national title?
Exactly. I think the players in Florida forgot, too.
While we are all fixated on the NFL and the baseball playoffs, we almost forgot that the NHL season started last week. Okay, you don’t care as much as I do, but when the puck drops, the leather roundball… wait, synthetic roundball isn’t too far behind. Here are a few things that are worth looking at during the year:
Is that a witch doctor or a real one?: Okay, I didn’t mean to insult anyone who prefers alternate medicines, but if you’re a fan of the Rockets, Grizzles, Magic or any other team that has dealt with (or in Memphis’ case, is about to deal with) significant injuries, you better pray that the team hired both as part of the medical staff. Houston, a team that was considered a playoff contender by critics to start the 2005-06 season, could not succeed without Tracy McGrady or Yao Ming. They lead the league in games lost to injury (274 "man games" including 35 by McGrady, 25 by Yao - a 21-10 record with both players on the floor). As defensive minded a coach as Jeff Van Gundy is, at least for most of his time in New York, he had Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell or Larry Johnson to carry some offensive load. The Rockets couldn’t expect Luther Head to drop buckets until both players were at full strength. Though they have added Bonzi Wells, Shane Battier and Kirk Snyder, T-Mac and Yao need to be on the floor. In another southern state, Orlando has been used to having to play without Grant Hill, who rebounded to have a stellar season in ‘04-’05. Missing him was exasperated by the eventual trade of Steve Francis to New York as Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were still forming a chemistry on the court. Hill’s presence could have counted for at least five more wins in a Southeast Division that while not winnable (Miami), was capable of a third playoff team. There were other injured stars that were unable to help their teams compete, but the major injury of last season occurred during a preseason game where Phoenix Suns C Amare Stoudemire sprained his right knee and struggled when trying to return in March. The Suns were predicted to be at least in the Finals in part to the fast break offense lead by Steve Nash, the insane athleticism of Shawn Marion and the acquisition of F/C Kurt Thomas from… you guessed it, New York! Having Thomas would have allowed Stoudemire to switch between the pivot and around the key to create matchup havoc in the Western Conference. Amazingly, the Suns looked as if they didn’t miss a beat with 6’7”Boris Diaw playing center (even when Thomas himself missed 23 games). Amare’s return to the lineup once again has Phoenix talking championship, but how game-ready his knee will be is a question to be answered. Here is something that’s certain, Memphis is in for a world of hurt without C Pau Gasol. Gasol broke his foot playing for his native Spain in the World Championships this summer, and Grizzles management was none to happy to hear the news (or Pau for that matter). He is expected to miss the first three months of the season, which does not bode well for a team in the Southwest Division that has to deal with the Texas Triangle and a remodeled Hornets team.
Speaking of those guys, are we going to get our team back?: The Saints return to the Bayou has, for a moment, reenergized the Gulf Coast, notably the city of New Orleans. While it was a moment that will be hard to forget if you watched their triumphant return against the Atlanta Falcons, the reality is something that is seeping out of the minds of most Americans. Surely, New Orleaneans won’t forget that Hurricane Katrina ripped through their home, but many of them are displaced and may not ever return. The Hornets had just arrived from a nasty divorce from Charlotte in 2003 and was still a team whose roots were not firmly set into the city soil. This wasn’t a playoff team, either, despite the talent that arrived in town. Jamal Mashburn’s career was ended by injuries and Baron Davis was shipped overnight mail to Oakland. They were left with Louisiana native PJ Brown and… Chris Paul. Though he was drafted in June ‘05 and prepared to play in the Crescent City, Katrina washed out the city two months later. Oklahoma City welcomed the team with open arms; so open in fact that the college-like atmosphere seemingly charged up a young, but rootless franchise. For Oklahoma City, this was not just a civil effort, but a tryout for an expansion franchise or any team looking to relocate. The experiment continues this season as once more, the Hornets will make their nest there while playing six games in the New Orleans Arena. Though owner George Shinn has said that he will bring the team back to N.O., there are significant economic questions; some are similar to what the Saints face. Unlike their football counterparts, the Hornets were a toddler in the house; waddling its way though trying to figure out its place. Having to move to a third city in five years, the team doesn’t have a true fan base compared to the rest of the league and the potential fans are now scattered throughout the country or trying to rebuild in a city without the financial wherewithal. Because the future of the Gulf is uncertain, Oklahoma City has already planned for a permanent next. Yet there is a wild card in all of this; the Saints have San Antonio and Los Angeles, the Hornets have Las Vegas. Sin City will host this year’s All-Star Weekend, but has pined for a pro sports team for decades. Even the XFL’s Outlaws had a following for the one fateful season of its existence. While one weekend may not determine sustained viability, Vegas is a larger market than several current NBA cities, (New Orleans was actually the smallest pre-Katrina). Keep a watch on Commissioner Stern’s desk to see what he may decide in the coming months regarding the future of the Hornets.
Oh, and about Vegas: Dipset performs prior to the All-Star tip-off. It will be the debut of the Cam’Ron/Elivis Costello collabo, “Touch It or Not” remix and Jim Jones will actually test his baaaaaaaaaaaalin’ skills during the 2-Ball challenge with Becky Hammon. Welcome to Dip City.
Another chance to chase a dream, another chance to feel alive: Alter Bridge’s “Metalingus” would be a perfect theme song for the Dallas Mavericks. Reason One, it is blaring though these speakers as of this writing. Reason Two, it is the theme track of WWE superstar, Edge and considering how I want a WWE-style entrance to my apartment, the song works even more. Reason Three, a 2-0 series lead headed to Miami. O’Neal hasn’t dominated. Dwayne Wade is nicked up. Jason Terry had already torched Tony Parker and Nash (a back-to-back MVP), what were Jason Williams (White Chocolate) and Gary Payton going to do? The Mavs’ defense has propelled them throughout the season and playoffs against stiff competition while the Heat clawed itself through offensively-challenged New Jersey and Chicago before dispatching Detroit. The Miami Heat were older, slower and fatigued. Except for D-Wade. The bigs rebounded, Antoine Walker was effective and Wade got fouled and fouled and fouled some more. Miami won four games. Dallas lost four straight games. Dallas reloaded. For Marquis Daniels, Adrian Griffin and Darrel Armstrong arrived Austin Croshere, Devean George and Anthony Johnson (whose offense against the Nets in the playoffs raised his stock). They added players who've been in the Finals in hopes to close out games. Yet while young players are believed to be overwhelmed in the postseason, veterans can reflect to past failures. There is a good chance the Mavs may return, but the games don't play themselves.
Jack Bauer: To borrow notoriousjtb's moniker for Mr. Bryant, Kobe was nothing short of amazing last season. Most kept labeling his performances as Jordan-esqe, giving more fodder to critics who believe that he is trying to emulate the legend. Even the new numero adds fuel to their bonfire - as one has already envisioned, some will say "24? What, he thinks he's above Mike?". Kobe Bauer... er, Bryant carried an offensive load unlike any player since Wilt Chamberlain. For the first time since his arrival in the NBA, his play was the story, not his former teammate, not his former coach-turned-current coach, not Colorado (well, not so much). The corny cliche truly applied to his game last year as he willed the young and lithe Lakers into a sixth seed in the Western Conference and a seven-game war with the Phoenix Suns. The on-court questions are simple: how much more can he do? Will he fade at points in the season to prove that the team needs some help as he was accused of doing in the fateful Game 7 against the Suns? Off the court will be interesting as he has hoped to rebuild his image to the basketball public. The basketball public being the subject because as his recent endorsements have shown, he has taken a similar route to Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis, who after his trial in 2000, was absorbed into a strictly football diet in terms of his image.
There are plenty more scintillating stories throughout the season and those will be rightfully reflected. Just remember one thing; everyone has something to hope for... until Halloween.
Say What?!?!: R.I.P. Mr. Lidle.
posted by Jason Clinkscales @ 1:15 PM
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