Kobe: Trade me.
(changing radio station)
Kobe: Well... don't trade me, I love it here, but try harder to get good guys around me.
(changing radio station again)
Kobe: [sniff] This is messed up... [sniff] they lied to me.... [sniff] I love the Lakers and always have. I didn't even want Shaq to leave. Please just let me stay (and pay me) (and get some new guys).
LA Radio Hots: DON'T LEAVE!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! [fellatio]
And that sums up the day here.
------+-----+_----___---
So what do we make of this? Kobe has been villified and worhiped here, alternatingly. I thought they were harsh on him sometimes, but mostly they've been ass kissers. And today it seems like they're on that kick.
Yeah, the Lakers front office is a mess and their moves post-Jerry West have been shaky. But I refuse to believe that Kobe had no input, even if it was just implied, in Shaq leaving. They had to know it would satisfy him on some level. He's throwing Jerry Buss under a real buss (sorry). People from the Lakers are doing it to him. Everyone is hating on each other.
I'd like to see Kobe moved back East, just for the balance. He could lift Chicago back to the finals (but so could Pau Gasol). I don't see how the Knicks can put a package together, no matter what you think the NBA will do to keep him in a big market. The Lakers can address several needs by trading him for younger guys at multiple spots.
But I'm guessing they won't, and since public opinion here seems to be all on his side, they'll give in and make a deal for a big man, apologize to him, let him have everything, and lose in the playoffs again. They'll probably cave and beg West to come back, which would actually be a good thing, since they need some decision making ability there. Whether they actually listen to him or just use him as a figurehead is another story.
Whatever.... the NBA needed some more drama than the playoffs are currently providing and they have it now. I think this is all a big show and that the Lakers felt... underexposed? Now we're talking about them.
Thanks, Kobe. Feel better now?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
tip of the hat, wag of the finger to you, conference finals
In honor of Memorial Day, I present a scheme from the most patriotic man alive.
TIP OF THE HAT
Deron Williams - playing great, even if Utah has no chance. I didn't think his style worked for the Jazz, but he changed and made the rare step from awkward to svelte playmaker in one year. Thank GOD... we need all the great pointmen we can possibly have. I'm ecstatic for him.
LeBron - didn't deserve all the crap for making the pass at the end of game 1, but perhaps should have passed at the end of game 2. Did he let the talk get to him? Now, people are saying (as I have been) that he needs to make the finals and possibly win (or do great) just to get attention for the league.
uhhh... YEAH!
That's why I picked the Cavs to win... Stern knows another Spurs-Pistons series is going to turn people away. Plus, they haven't been that bad. They may have got down in a 2-0 hole, but they could have won both those games by hitting open jumpers. For Detroit to barely win in their own building, even when they held LB to 10, and for Cleveland to win heartily at home... why doesn't anyone think the Cavs are legit? They might get "help" from the refs, but they have been much better in this series than they were last year.
I hope LeBron turns it on as well, and I think it'll happen. They'll MAKE it happen, if you know what I mean.
Portland - stay classy.
And remember that the Sixers have much better trading chips for Zach than the Lakers.
WAG OF THE FINGER
Boston - to the Sports Guy, to all Bostonians, to New England sports writers.... knock it off. You're acting like the franchise was going to be in a groove like those 60's teams once Oden came, and now, suddenly, they're the new Clippers. This is a letdown, admittedly a major one, but your franchise is not cursed, and your team is not dead. This is not going to kill you guys for years and years without end.
Weren't you in the playoffs recently? Weren't you in the conference finals this decade? You act like this team has been total shite since Bird left, but that's not true. Yes, the Pitino era was a waste, but this decade has been up and down. If you really want a great post player, you have better trading options than Chicago does for Pau Gasol. If you land up with Al Horford, I still think you have one of the better front lines in the East. Yes, Danny and Doc are morons, but you're not dead. Far from it.
Look, unless there's another Jordan (unlikely) with a good setup (extremely unlikely), no one team is ever going to win like those great Bulls or old Celtics teams did. The league is too spread out and watered down now. That may be a bad thing, as Simmons often attests, but I think it promotes fairness. The best teams in the future are going to be like the Spurs - several titles spread out over a long period of time. No more dynasties, unless miracles happen. Even if Oden does become the next Duncan, it won't mean that you're always guaranteed a title. You have to build smart, like the Spurs have.... and I guarantee Danny would probably bring in the wrong guys (but at least they'd have good brain types!). So stop whining.
Remember when you and Philly were the class of the East in the early 80's? We haven't had nearly the success you did since 1983. Do we think we're cursed? Actually, yes, many do, but we also know that stupid people are at fault for many problems.
Fans of Utah - wearing light blue is not intimidating, unless you are at Chapel Hill.
Chicago Bulls Mgmt. - in light of the fact that you overpaid for Ben Wallace, you need to get Gasol and get him now. This is a good draft, but no one at #9 can help you. Give up Ty Thomas, give up Selfosha if you must, give up your next ten friggin' draft picks, but do not wait. You put a limit on how quickly you want to contend by forking over that cash to an older undersized guy. Why wait with Thomas, who might be too close to Deng in style anyway? I don't know why this hasn't happened yet.
Young guards - I've been thinking about how so many teams need to fill a hole at a guard spot, and how there should be great young guards coming into the league. While there have been, I look at many teams with big holes in the back court. They're one guard away from being good. And yet, not enough kids are stepping up... and even worse, they only need to do a little to do so.
For all these 6-4 or so guys that come into the league with delusions of grandeur and get kicked out, I say to you, now is one of the best times to be a guard in the L. Because you only need to do two things well anymore in order to get a job:
1. Play defense.
2. Hit threes.
That's it. Don't worry about being a complete one or two; only a very select few can be prime players there. Unless you're a true star at a defined position, you might need to become a specialist. This is not terrible. In fact, you could be starting for a great team if you just concentrated on these two things.
You see, I think the league is becoming kind of like college now, where you have great lead guards who are not necessarily ones or twos. Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Iverson, Arenas, Parker, Bibby... these guys can shoot and score and do everything. They don't need great handlers next to them; they just need guys who can shoot an open J and play D. That's all. Cleveland, La Lakers, Miami, and others have been saving their cash with question marks at the point because they don't care.
It's been driving me crazy these playoffs that only a few people, like Bruce Bowen and Raja Bell, have realized what it takes for someone to succeed in the NBA. Few guys are talented enough to be true stars or big time scorers. Most just aren't, when you place them in the best competition. Those guys realized that they can have long and productive careers by succeeding at two seemingly simple tasks. Yet, no one is stepping up for Utah or Cleveland, when the opportunity is right there. You could be starting for a Finals team if you just concentrated on two things: defense and treys.
So for all you youngins out there who think you're the next LB or KB or whatnot, try these two fundamentals out. Practice them. Learn them. You might just get yourself a fat contract for years and years.
TIP OF THE HAT
Deron Williams - playing great, even if Utah has no chance. I didn't think his style worked for the Jazz, but he changed and made the rare step from awkward to svelte playmaker in one year. Thank GOD... we need all the great pointmen we can possibly have. I'm ecstatic for him.
LeBron - didn't deserve all the crap for making the pass at the end of game 1, but perhaps should have passed at the end of game 2. Did he let the talk get to him? Now, people are saying (as I have been) that he needs to make the finals and possibly win (or do great) just to get attention for the league.
uhhh... YEAH!
That's why I picked the Cavs to win... Stern knows another Spurs-Pistons series is going to turn people away. Plus, they haven't been that bad. They may have got down in a 2-0 hole, but they could have won both those games by hitting open jumpers. For Detroit to barely win in their own building, even when they held LB to 10, and for Cleveland to win heartily at home... why doesn't anyone think the Cavs are legit? They might get "help" from the refs, but they have been much better in this series than they were last year.
I hope LeBron turns it on as well, and I think it'll happen. They'll MAKE it happen, if you know what I mean.
Portland - stay classy.
And remember that the Sixers have much better trading chips for Zach than the Lakers.
WAG OF THE FINGER
Boston - to the Sports Guy, to all Bostonians, to New England sports writers.... knock it off. You're acting like the franchise was going to be in a groove like those 60's teams once Oden came, and now, suddenly, they're the new Clippers. This is a letdown, admittedly a major one, but your franchise is not cursed, and your team is not dead. This is not going to kill you guys for years and years without end.
Weren't you in the playoffs recently? Weren't you in the conference finals this decade? You act like this team has been total shite since Bird left, but that's not true. Yes, the Pitino era was a waste, but this decade has been up and down. If you really want a great post player, you have better trading options than Chicago does for Pau Gasol. If you land up with Al Horford, I still think you have one of the better front lines in the East. Yes, Danny and Doc are morons, but you're not dead. Far from it.
Look, unless there's another Jordan (unlikely) with a good setup (extremely unlikely), no one team is ever going to win like those great Bulls or old Celtics teams did. The league is too spread out and watered down now. That may be a bad thing, as Simmons often attests, but I think it promotes fairness. The best teams in the future are going to be like the Spurs - several titles spread out over a long period of time. No more dynasties, unless miracles happen. Even if Oden does become the next Duncan, it won't mean that you're always guaranteed a title. You have to build smart, like the Spurs have.... and I guarantee Danny would probably bring in the wrong guys (but at least they'd have good brain types!). So stop whining.
Remember when you and Philly were the class of the East in the early 80's? We haven't had nearly the success you did since 1983. Do we think we're cursed? Actually, yes, many do, but we also know that stupid people are at fault for many problems.
Fans of Utah - wearing light blue is not intimidating, unless you are at Chapel Hill.
Chicago Bulls Mgmt. - in light of the fact that you overpaid for Ben Wallace, you need to get Gasol and get him now. This is a good draft, but no one at #9 can help you. Give up Ty Thomas, give up Selfosha if you must, give up your next ten friggin' draft picks, but do not wait. You put a limit on how quickly you want to contend by forking over that cash to an older undersized guy. Why wait with Thomas, who might be too close to Deng in style anyway? I don't know why this hasn't happened yet.
Young guards - I've been thinking about how so many teams need to fill a hole at a guard spot, and how there should be great young guards coming into the league. While there have been, I look at many teams with big holes in the back court. They're one guard away from being good. And yet, not enough kids are stepping up... and even worse, they only need to do a little to do so.
For all these 6-4 or so guys that come into the league with delusions of grandeur and get kicked out, I say to you, now is one of the best times to be a guard in the L. Because you only need to do two things well anymore in order to get a job:
1. Play defense.
2. Hit threes.
That's it. Don't worry about being a complete one or two; only a very select few can be prime players there. Unless you're a true star at a defined position, you might need to become a specialist. This is not terrible. In fact, you could be starting for a great team if you just concentrated on these two things.
You see, I think the league is becoming kind of like college now, where you have great lead guards who are not necessarily ones or twos. Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Iverson, Arenas, Parker, Bibby... these guys can shoot and score and do everything. They don't need great handlers next to them; they just need guys who can shoot an open J and play D. That's all. Cleveland, La Lakers, Miami, and others have been saving their cash with question marks at the point because they don't care.
It's been driving me crazy these playoffs that only a few people, like Bruce Bowen and Raja Bell, have realized what it takes for someone to succeed in the NBA. Few guys are talented enough to be true stars or big time scorers. Most just aren't, when you place them in the best competition. Those guys realized that they can have long and productive careers by succeeding at two seemingly simple tasks. Yet, no one is stepping up for Utah or Cleveland, when the opportunity is right there. You could be starting for a Finals team if you just concentrated on two things: defense and treys.
So for all you youngins out there who think you're the next LB or KB or whatnot, try these two fundamentals out. Practice them. Learn them. You might just get yourself a fat contract for years and years.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
who wants lottery tickets
I picked the Cavs, and I hope for the league's sake that they can pull it off, because NO ONE is going to be excited about another Spurs - Pistons final, especially after the outrage over the Robert Horry Debacle. I think they need LeBron to get some hype going... will he get some official "help" of his own? So far.... ???
But of course, the big news this week was the lottery, maybe the most important one since 1985? Nah, I think the LeBron one was crucial, as was the Duncan one, and the Shaq-Zo one, and... you know what, most of the lotteries have been important, except maybe 2000 and 2001. But this was interesting because of all the tanking going on and the possibility of TWO franchise guys, maybe three if Yi Jianlin is really worth it (who knows?). It was also curious to see a bunch of teams openly tanking, as opposed to the usual one or two who just give up.
So what happens? None of the worst three teams, who are all guilty of tank tactics, actually landed in the top three. The inferior Eastern conference, which has the real dregs, got shut out of the top two. Portland and Seattle, two medium markets, get the big prizes. Guess that kills the conspiracy theories? This might save basketball in the Northwest, since they've both been struggling in recent years. In fact, I recently suggested combining them into one franchise that would be based in Portland and keep most of Seattle's fans. Could the Pacific Northwest, which doesn't have two pro teams in any other league, support both?
But then again, these franchises were both successful for a long time. Let's not forget the great fans who packed Portland during their early 90's excellence or Seattle during the mid 90's. They both started off well in the late 70's, winning titles, and it hasn't been until the past few years that either franchise had any major problems. Though they both seemed to go downhill at the same time, and it looks like the Sonics are moving soon, they were great franchises in supportive cities for years. This decade has been rough, but maybe this will turn things around.
Again, I would have liked to see the East get stronger, but it's not all lost. Remember, Steve Nash and Tim Duncan are getting old. KG is probably moving soon. Pau Gasol is probably gone, especially now. The East has LeBron, Wade, Arenas, Dwight Howard, Bosh, and good team nucleuses in Detroit and Chicago. Milwaukee, Boston and Atlanta could conceivably make playoff pushes if they weren't mismanaged and got their acts together. Philly... didn't get rewarded for not tanking, but I think they've got options (see below). The tide could turn again... although I think that there are plenty of good young teams in the West now, with Portland, New Orleans, The Clippers, Golden State, Utah, Dallas, and Houston... they could all be good for a while. That's not even counting the Lakers, Sacramento, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Seattle, who could be making big changes soon. Hmm... so the West isn't going to die, but maybe the East will get a little better. I hope.
As far as the lottery process itself goes? I like that it doesn't directly reward teams for giving in, but it could use some tweaking. Many have suggested factoring mulitple season records in, not just the previous one, so that a fluke team like San Antonio in 1997 doesn't get rewarded. I've considered a system like that before, and the problem is that it doesn't account for where teams are headed. For example, it would have prevented the Bulls from getting the first pick in 1999 (Elton Brand), because then it would've included those great years with Jordan and Co. They were terrible after everyone left, and they needed a big pick just to get back on track (and he couldn't even do that). It would have been extremely unfair to them
Here's what I expect from each team:
PORTLAND - They have the big choice, and it's not so easy. Before the lottery, most expected them to get around pick number 7 and go for a wing like Corey Brewer, Julian Wright, or Jeff Green. Obviously, Durant would be an even bigger prize. But is Oden too much to resist? One big question is what to do with LaMarcus Aldridge. Can he be a center? Do they like him enough to take Durant? Do they like him more at the four spot? I think they take Oden and trade Aldridge or, more likely, Zach Randolph (see later). But I don't know for sure.
SEATTLE - They needed this. Bill Simmons said they were the most deserving of all the lottery teams, and I started to get the feeling last week that they could be that 5 or 6th worst team that sneaks in there and gets it. They'll gladly take whomever Portland doesn't. If it's Durant, they'll let Rashard Lewis, a restricted free agent, go. If it's Oden, maybe they can convince him to stay and they'll have a good team. Either way, this is the most excitement they've had in years, and I hope it keeps the team in Seattle. This is a great basketball town and I'd hate to see what happened to Charlotte happen to them. Forget what the owners, old or new, say... they should take Memphis if they want a franchise so bad.
ATLANTA - They almost got their man after lots of frustration, but not quite. Still, they're one of the few teams happy to be at number 3, because they would have lost that pick if it was any lower. They also pick at 11 (from Indiana). They're going to target Mike Conley and they might want to add a center with the other pick. They might trade down a few spots if they know no other teams want Conley, but they're in decent shape right now. Just don't take any more wings. Please.
MEMPHIS - I used to root so hard for them when they were in Canada and losing every year. Now, not so much. They've ruined a decent start in Memphis by deliberately tanking this year and trading helpful vets like Battier and Eddie Jones away for youth. I think, unless they got Oden, they were most likely going to go really young and dump Gasol. They can still get a lot for him. They'll most likely go for Jianlin, Brandan Wright, or Horford, and look at offers for El Pau.
BOSTON - Depression abounds in Boston, and I feel for them... just as we shared our sadness ten years ago in the Duncan Draft. Sure, they tanked, and they made bad decisions, but they also have some bad luck. I'm mixed on whether they deserve all this. But I don't think it's as terrible as Simmons or every other drunken pissah at Sully's claims. If they add Horford, my surest bet out of the top two, they've got a nice front line. He, Pierece, and Jefferson would be better than most of what anyone in the East can offer. If the guards step up, they can be a playoff team. Really... don't hang yourself yet, Sports Guy.
MILWAUKEE - They didn't deserve it and I'm glad they didn't get it. This is an almost good young team with a decent lineup and a franchise center, even if he's not living up to it. Their problems lie with defense, rebounding, and shot selection. They'd be better off drafting an unselfish passer like J. Wright or Green anyway. They honestly shouldn't be so disappointed.
MINNESOTA - Needed a break more than almost anyone and didn't get it... so KG is either gone or losing his mind next year. Since they can't get an instant star to put next to him, all bets are off. They could take another forward, or Brewer, or Spencer Hawes. I don't know... Hawes gives them a nice lift immediately, and maybe down the road, but I think they have to trade KG. Just like we had to give up Iverson.... let these fighters live a little....
CHARLOTTE - They certainly could have used either stud, not having a great scorer or center. None of their guys are franchise players... but if they draft someone decent and sign a scorer like Vince Carter or Lewis, they'll be on the rigth track. I don't think fans will ever forgive the league for George Shinn, and for good reason. But they might have a future; they haven't drafted terribly so far. (OK, Morrison over Roy was pretty bad in hindsight. But when you can draft a white guy with a 'stache like that... you get sidetracked.)
CHICAGO - Very interesting team to watch here. Everyone knows the Bulls need another big man, preferrably one that can score in the post, to get over the hump. There isn't anyone at this point who solves that, especially with Roy Hibbert out. Hawes? Meh. So the Bulls might want to bring up talks to get Gasol, KG, or someone else. You dodged a bullet with this one, Isiah... but they still got the best of you... like many people.
SACRAMENTO - Another interesting team. They've got three great guys outside, but they couldn't win. They have lots of guys who used to be good down low, but they're washed up, it appears. They would like to take a big man, but with Hibbert gone, they might not have any decent pickings left. If they do trade one of their stars, things change. They're the only lottery team besides the Hawks and maybe Wolves who will look at Conley, if they decide to trade Mike Bibby... but Atlanta should be holding onto him now. They really could go any direction from here.
PHILLY - Their supposed good karma for not tanking meant... nothing. But they're not dead. Yes, I'd say this is an 11 man draft, and they're picking 12th. But they have a few options, with two later picks in the first round. Here's my proposed deal: Philly sends all their picks (11, 21, and 30) to the Blazers for Zach Randolph (and maybe Darius Miles and/or whatever contracts Portland wants to get rid of). Portland gets rid of their problem players and bad contracts and builds around nicer and potentially better young guys. Randolph might be a crackhead, but he'd own the East, and the Sixers need a big forward who can score. Plus, he wouldn't have to worry about being a big name in a small town... he can take over all of Iverson's shady routes and police logs and no one in Philly would care. 22 and 10? We'll take it. Shoot anyone you like. No worries. Then, Portland can still grab a decent wing at number 11, plus more depth with the later picks. They'll have a dynasty in five years if we get this right... and the Sixers will win the division next year. I'm calling it. Billy King, I beseech you.
NEW ORLEANS - Another wing would be nice. J. Wright, Brewer, and Green will almost certainly be gone, but Al Thornton, Thaddeus Young, and Nick Young all have nice games. It's a matter of what they want.
LA CLIPPERS - I think they add a big guy to take pressure off Brand, because Chris Kamen isn't always reliable. Hawes is probably gone, but Jason Smith is a nice player.
OTHER LOTTERY THOUGHTS...
INDIANA - Ugh. They could have used that pick. They need a big scorer at off guard, but how do they get him? They might trade JO, which would start an entirely new movement.
PHOENIX - They thought they'd have Atlanta's pick, but no. Next year, they will. This year, they can add depth with two late picks and maybe make a big move if they need it (Marion is being awfully shady...)
LA LAKERS - Better make a move, or else they're getting passed in the next few years.
That's all for now. I'll try to get some of my old stuff on here soon somehow.
But of course, the big news this week was the lottery, maybe the most important one since 1985? Nah, I think the LeBron one was crucial, as was the Duncan one, and the Shaq-Zo one, and... you know what, most of the lotteries have been important, except maybe 2000 and 2001. But this was interesting because of all the tanking going on and the possibility of TWO franchise guys, maybe three if Yi Jianlin is really worth it (who knows?). It was also curious to see a bunch of teams openly tanking, as opposed to the usual one or two who just give up.
So what happens? None of the worst three teams, who are all guilty of tank tactics, actually landed in the top three. The inferior Eastern conference, which has the real dregs, got shut out of the top two. Portland and Seattle, two medium markets, get the big prizes. Guess that kills the conspiracy theories? This might save basketball in the Northwest, since they've both been struggling in recent years. In fact, I recently suggested combining them into one franchise that would be based in Portland and keep most of Seattle's fans. Could the Pacific Northwest, which doesn't have two pro teams in any other league, support both?
But then again, these franchises were both successful for a long time. Let's not forget the great fans who packed Portland during their early 90's excellence or Seattle during the mid 90's. They both started off well in the late 70's, winning titles, and it hasn't been until the past few years that either franchise had any major problems. Though they both seemed to go downhill at the same time, and it looks like the Sonics are moving soon, they were great franchises in supportive cities for years. This decade has been rough, but maybe this will turn things around.
Again, I would have liked to see the East get stronger, but it's not all lost. Remember, Steve Nash and Tim Duncan are getting old. KG is probably moving soon. Pau Gasol is probably gone, especially now. The East has LeBron, Wade, Arenas, Dwight Howard, Bosh, and good team nucleuses in Detroit and Chicago. Milwaukee, Boston and Atlanta could conceivably make playoff pushes if they weren't mismanaged and got their acts together. Philly... didn't get rewarded for not tanking, but I think they've got options (see below). The tide could turn again... although I think that there are plenty of good young teams in the West now, with Portland, New Orleans, The Clippers, Golden State, Utah, Dallas, and Houston... they could all be good for a while. That's not even counting the Lakers, Sacramento, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Seattle, who could be making big changes soon. Hmm... so the West isn't going to die, but maybe the East will get a little better. I hope.
As far as the lottery process itself goes? I like that it doesn't directly reward teams for giving in, but it could use some tweaking. Many have suggested factoring mulitple season records in, not just the previous one, so that a fluke team like San Antonio in 1997 doesn't get rewarded. I've considered a system like that before, and the problem is that it doesn't account for where teams are headed. For example, it would have prevented the Bulls from getting the first pick in 1999 (Elton Brand), because then it would've included those great years with Jordan and Co. They were terrible after everyone left, and they needed a big pick just to get back on track (and he couldn't even do that). It would have been extremely unfair to them
Here's what I expect from each team:
PORTLAND - They have the big choice, and it's not so easy. Before the lottery, most expected them to get around pick number 7 and go for a wing like Corey Brewer, Julian Wright, or Jeff Green. Obviously, Durant would be an even bigger prize. But is Oden too much to resist? One big question is what to do with LaMarcus Aldridge. Can he be a center? Do they like him enough to take Durant? Do they like him more at the four spot? I think they take Oden and trade Aldridge or, more likely, Zach Randolph (see later). But I don't know for sure.
SEATTLE - They needed this. Bill Simmons said they were the most deserving of all the lottery teams, and I started to get the feeling last week that they could be that 5 or 6th worst team that sneaks in there and gets it. They'll gladly take whomever Portland doesn't. If it's Durant, they'll let Rashard Lewis, a restricted free agent, go. If it's Oden, maybe they can convince him to stay and they'll have a good team. Either way, this is the most excitement they've had in years, and I hope it keeps the team in Seattle. This is a great basketball town and I'd hate to see what happened to Charlotte happen to them. Forget what the owners, old or new, say... they should take Memphis if they want a franchise so bad.
ATLANTA - They almost got their man after lots of frustration, but not quite. Still, they're one of the few teams happy to be at number 3, because they would have lost that pick if it was any lower. They also pick at 11 (from Indiana). They're going to target Mike Conley and they might want to add a center with the other pick. They might trade down a few spots if they know no other teams want Conley, but they're in decent shape right now. Just don't take any more wings. Please.
MEMPHIS - I used to root so hard for them when they were in Canada and losing every year. Now, not so much. They've ruined a decent start in Memphis by deliberately tanking this year and trading helpful vets like Battier and Eddie Jones away for youth. I think, unless they got Oden, they were most likely going to go really young and dump Gasol. They can still get a lot for him. They'll most likely go for Jianlin, Brandan Wright, or Horford, and look at offers for El Pau.
BOSTON - Depression abounds in Boston, and I feel for them... just as we shared our sadness ten years ago in the Duncan Draft. Sure, they tanked, and they made bad decisions, but they also have some bad luck. I'm mixed on whether they deserve all this. But I don't think it's as terrible as Simmons or every other drunken pissah at Sully's claims. If they add Horford, my surest bet out of the top two, they've got a nice front line. He, Pierece, and Jefferson would be better than most of what anyone in the East can offer. If the guards step up, they can be a playoff team. Really... don't hang yourself yet, Sports Guy.
MILWAUKEE - They didn't deserve it and I'm glad they didn't get it. This is an almost good young team with a decent lineup and a franchise center, even if he's not living up to it. Their problems lie with defense, rebounding, and shot selection. They'd be better off drafting an unselfish passer like J. Wright or Green anyway. They honestly shouldn't be so disappointed.
MINNESOTA - Needed a break more than almost anyone and didn't get it... so KG is either gone or losing his mind next year. Since they can't get an instant star to put next to him, all bets are off. They could take another forward, or Brewer, or Spencer Hawes. I don't know... Hawes gives them a nice lift immediately, and maybe down the road, but I think they have to trade KG. Just like we had to give up Iverson.... let these fighters live a little....
CHARLOTTE - They certainly could have used either stud, not having a great scorer or center. None of their guys are franchise players... but if they draft someone decent and sign a scorer like Vince Carter or Lewis, they'll be on the rigth track. I don't think fans will ever forgive the league for George Shinn, and for good reason. But they might have a future; they haven't drafted terribly so far. (OK, Morrison over Roy was pretty bad in hindsight. But when you can draft a white guy with a 'stache like that... you get sidetracked.)
CHICAGO - Very interesting team to watch here. Everyone knows the Bulls need another big man, preferrably one that can score in the post, to get over the hump. There isn't anyone at this point who solves that, especially with Roy Hibbert out. Hawes? Meh. So the Bulls might want to bring up talks to get Gasol, KG, or someone else. You dodged a bullet with this one, Isiah... but they still got the best of you... like many people.
SACRAMENTO - Another interesting team. They've got three great guys outside, but they couldn't win. They have lots of guys who used to be good down low, but they're washed up, it appears. They would like to take a big man, but with Hibbert gone, they might not have any decent pickings left. If they do trade one of their stars, things change. They're the only lottery team besides the Hawks and maybe Wolves who will look at Conley, if they decide to trade Mike Bibby... but Atlanta should be holding onto him now. They really could go any direction from here.
PHILLY - Their supposed good karma for not tanking meant... nothing. But they're not dead. Yes, I'd say this is an 11 man draft, and they're picking 12th. But they have a few options, with two later picks in the first round. Here's my proposed deal: Philly sends all their picks (11, 21, and 30) to the Blazers for Zach Randolph (and maybe Darius Miles and/or whatever contracts Portland wants to get rid of). Portland gets rid of their problem players and bad contracts and builds around nicer and potentially better young guys. Randolph might be a crackhead, but he'd own the East, and the Sixers need a big forward who can score. Plus, he wouldn't have to worry about being a big name in a small town... he can take over all of Iverson's shady routes and police logs and no one in Philly would care. 22 and 10? We'll take it. Shoot anyone you like. No worries. Then, Portland can still grab a decent wing at number 11, plus more depth with the later picks. They'll have a dynasty in five years if we get this right... and the Sixers will win the division next year. I'm calling it. Billy King, I beseech you.
NEW ORLEANS - Another wing would be nice. J. Wright, Brewer, and Green will almost certainly be gone, but Al Thornton, Thaddeus Young, and Nick Young all have nice games. It's a matter of what they want.
LA CLIPPERS - I think they add a big guy to take pressure off Brand, because Chris Kamen isn't always reliable. Hawes is probably gone, but Jason Smith is a nice player.
OTHER LOTTERY THOUGHTS...
INDIANA - Ugh. They could have used that pick. They need a big scorer at off guard, but how do they get him? They might trade JO, which would start an entirely new movement.
PHOENIX - They thought they'd have Atlanta's pick, but no. Next year, they will. This year, they can add depth with two late picks and maybe make a big move if they need it (Marion is being awfully shady...)
LA LAKERS - Better make a move, or else they're getting passed in the next few years.
That's all for now. I'll try to get some of my old stuff on here soon somehow.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
FIRST POST INTRO
Greetings to all, if any at all, to Shawn Bradley Will Punk You. I've wanted to start a basketbal blog for a long time, having been part of baseball and football ones already, and posting long rants on my personal page (LINK!) that no one I know reads anyway. Maybe this will get some basketball traffic from people looking for NBA news. I'm up for grouping blogs with anyone who wants. If you want on, you're welcome to come on. If you've got a more popular one than mine, and invite me on board, I'm on. Just seems that none of my current associates like hoops all that much, but it's been my # 1 obsession for years.
I think the lottery broke me. I couldn't resist putting my rants on a different page from my usual movies/music/tv/ general life blog after that. That will be my first real rant. I'm a Sixers fan living in Los Angeles, so I need a space to rant about Philly, plus the Lakers, the Clippers, and all things hoops related. This will mostly focus on the NBA but I'm going to indulge in college stuff with the NCAA from time to time, espcially come March.
Why Shawn Bradley, you may ask? It seems like the best sites are named after goofy white guys, especially awkward big ones, and the 7'6" 76er is the biggest, whitest, and most awkward, I say. I could go into a long painful memoir about how it was to watch my favorite team trade my all-time favorite player (one Charles Barkley) for nothing, and then draft the big man from BYU just months later. I don't know how I could even stand to watch basketball as a kid after that, but I grew to love it (mostly with Chuck's great Suns teams).
Also... Darko was taken.
I think the lottery broke me. I couldn't resist putting my rants on a different page from my usual movies/music/tv/ general life blog after that. That will be my first real rant. I'm a Sixers fan living in Los Angeles, so I need a space to rant about Philly, plus the Lakers, the Clippers, and all things hoops related. This will mostly focus on the NBA but I'm going to indulge in college stuff with the NCAA from time to time, espcially come March.
Why Shawn Bradley, you may ask? It seems like the best sites are named after goofy white guys, especially awkward big ones, and the 7'6" 76er is the biggest, whitest, and most awkward, I say. I could go into a long painful memoir about how it was to watch my favorite team trade my all-time favorite player (one Charles Barkley) for nothing, and then draft the big man from BYU just months later. I don't know how I could even stand to watch basketball as a kid after that, but I grew to love it (mostly with Chuck's great Suns teams).
Also... Darko was taken.
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