Cause we got to preserve the Texas theme, ya know?
1. Can we stop lumping Chad Pennington's SoBeFit shoot with Mark Sanchez's GQ feature? Sanchez posing in GQ was a dumb idea because a. He's in New York, b. He's a rookie and hasn't accomplished crap, and c. GQ is certain to attract national headlines. Pennington is not playing in New York anymore, a 9-year veteran coming off his career best season, and taking his shirt off for a local, upstart fitness magazine. Nothing to see here....unless you like Pennington's pecs...can't offer too much wisdom on that front.
2. Dennis Green says on Sirius that he expects Michael Vick to end up with the Fins because "Bill Parcells has that creativeness that says that no matter what it takes, he’s going to find a way to get Michael Vick." Sure, the Tuna, like his successor, is willing to role the dice on players with checkered pasts and love to think outside the box. But somehow, I'm guessing Denny Green forgot about the Fins second-round pick when making that declaration.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bosh the Texan Goes Home?
So Yao Ming's plexiglass foot is injured again? How does that affect the Miami Heat?
Maybe not in a positive manner, at least in terms of advancing their roster for the 2009-2010 season.
There's already been some chatter about the Rockets making a play for a big man, either as insurance or a replacement for Yao. I have to imagine right on the top of Daryl Morey's list: Native Texan Chris Bosh.
Such a manuever makes all the sense in the world for Houston, and could even benefit them more if Yao's healthy for at least part of the season. That way, Bosh slides back to his more natural power forward spot, and the Rockets have twin towers that can potentially exterminate Gasol-Bynum.
Plus, Houston has the contracts to do it, namely Tracy McGrady's 23-million dollar albatross. I think the Rockets would have to also throw in Luis Scola(a perfect fit in Toronto's system), and take back Marcus Banks's crapburger deal to make it happen. And yes while the T-Mac experience came to a very unsatisfactory ending north of the border, that was 2000. Nine years should be enough time to patch up wounds. Plus, T-Mac gives the Raps star power for a year, and cap flexibility after that.
If such a deal is consummated, the silver lining for the Heat is that Bosh probably wouldn't be extended until Yao's future becomes less cryptic. And that could mean either Bosh hits free agency in 2010, or maybe Yao catapults himself at the top of the list.
But with Yao's latest ailment, and the news that the Colangelo's aren't exactly enamored with Michael Beasley, the chances of wearing Chris Bosh wearing Heat colors in 2009-2010 are looking more remote to me.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
LeBron is Still the King
I've been trying to stay away from the ESPN-led Who's better: LeBron or Kobe argument. One, because I'm sick and tired of it. And two, because it's not entirely accurate.
But with Orlando seemingly about to dismiss Cleveland from the playoffs, and the tarnishing of LeBron's reputation in certain circles, it's time to separate fact from fiction.
Before the year started, my BOW(Best in World) list went like this:
1. LeBron
2. Kobe
3. Spot up for grabs. A healthy Dwyane Wade gets the first crack to claim the spot, but Chris Paul and an aging Tim Duncan should still be included in the conversation.
Certain things have changed. Not only is Dwyane Wade easily in the top 3, but he has vaulted himself ahead of Kobe Bryant for No. 2. You can label me a homer all you want, but to me, Dwyane Wade is equal or better to Kobe in virtually every single category. He's more explosive. He's better at getting to the line. He's a better distributor, and a better ball handler. Defensively, they are about even now. I will say both are even as a scorer, but Wade led the league this year. I can argue that Wade's jump shot has become as lethal as Kobe's, or at worst, near Kobe's level. And Kobe only has more clutch moments, because he has a longer resume. I defy anyone to name a major spot where Wade has faltered in the clutch.
So now to the King. From an offensive standpoint, anyone who blames LeBron James for the Cavs' 3-1 deficit is just lost. He's averaging 42.3 points, over seven assists, over seven rebounds and shooting 51 percent from the floor! Against one of the best defensive teams in the league. OK, there have been some missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch, but seriously, he's kept the same assists/rebound numbers, and averaging 12 more points per game.
That said, here's where I deduct a couple points from the "LeBron will exceed Michael Jordan as the greatest ever argument."
Defense.
The Cavs aren't losing this series because Mo Williams is firing up blanks. They are losing this series because the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA has allowed over 104 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. And as the guy who finished 2nd in the league in Defensive Player of the Year, LeBron has to shoulder some of the blame, sorry. Individually, he's kept Turkoglu in check outside of Game 2, and Rashard Lewis has cooled down the last 2 games(16 ppg) with LeBron getting the assignment more often. But King James is the central figure in the Cavs defense, and he'd be the first to tell you that he's not getting it done on that end.
Of course, neither is Kobe. What the hell has he done defensively to ignite a Lakers team that has shown chinks in the armor the whole year? So Kobe isn't closing the gap this playoffs. Where it gets more interesting is LeBron vs. Wade. I can't argue with the sentiment that Wade has accomplished more in his career. The 2006 Heat were better than the 2007 Cavs. But while LeBron got trounced in the finals that year, Wade staged one of the most brilliant title round performances in league history.
But most accomplished doesn't mean Best in World, or else Tim Duncan still has the crown. The sheer fact is LeBron is a better player, because there are things LBJ can do that Wade can't. But it doesn't work that way vice versa. Yes, it's not fair to Wade cause he's four inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter, but it is what it is. Numbers can tell you 75 percent of the story, and your eyes the other 25 percent. And according to both the stats and the eyes, we're witnessing Best in the World facing a 3-1 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But the gap between LeBron and his best bud is smaller than the gap between LeBron and his Western Conference rival.
But with Orlando seemingly about to dismiss Cleveland from the playoffs, and the tarnishing of LeBron's reputation in certain circles, it's time to separate fact from fiction.
Before the year started, my BOW(Best in World) list went like this:
1. LeBron
2. Kobe
3. Spot up for grabs. A healthy Dwyane Wade gets the first crack to claim the spot, but Chris Paul and an aging Tim Duncan should still be included in the conversation.
Certain things have changed. Not only is Dwyane Wade easily in the top 3, but he has vaulted himself ahead of Kobe Bryant for No. 2. You can label me a homer all you want, but to me, Dwyane Wade is equal or better to Kobe in virtually every single category. He's more explosive. He's better at getting to the line. He's a better distributor, and a better ball handler. Defensively, they are about even now. I will say both are even as a scorer, but Wade led the league this year. I can argue that Wade's jump shot has become as lethal as Kobe's, or at worst, near Kobe's level. And Kobe only has more clutch moments, because he has a longer resume. I defy anyone to name a major spot where Wade has faltered in the clutch.
So now to the King. From an offensive standpoint, anyone who blames LeBron James for the Cavs' 3-1 deficit is just lost. He's averaging 42.3 points, over seven assists, over seven rebounds and shooting 51 percent from the floor! Against one of the best defensive teams in the league. OK, there have been some missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch, but seriously, he's kept the same assists/rebound numbers, and averaging 12 more points per game.
That said, here's where I deduct a couple points from the "LeBron will exceed Michael Jordan as the greatest ever argument."
Defense.
The Cavs aren't losing this series because Mo Williams is firing up blanks. They are losing this series because the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA has allowed over 104 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. And as the guy who finished 2nd in the league in Defensive Player of the Year, LeBron has to shoulder some of the blame, sorry. Individually, he's kept Turkoglu in check outside of Game 2, and Rashard Lewis has cooled down the last 2 games(16 ppg) with LeBron getting the assignment more often. But King James is the central figure in the Cavs defense, and he'd be the first to tell you that he's not getting it done on that end.
Of course, neither is Kobe. What the hell has he done defensively to ignite a Lakers team that has shown chinks in the armor the whole year? So Kobe isn't closing the gap this playoffs. Where it gets more interesting is LeBron vs. Wade. I can't argue with the sentiment that Wade has accomplished more in his career. The 2006 Heat were better than the 2007 Cavs. But while LeBron got trounced in the finals that year, Wade staged one of the most brilliant title round performances in league history.
But most accomplished doesn't mean Best in World, or else Tim Duncan still has the crown. The sheer fact is LeBron is a better player, because there are things LBJ can do that Wade can't. But it doesn't work that way vice versa. Yes, it's not fair to Wade cause he's four inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter, but it is what it is. Numbers can tell you 75 percent of the story, and your eyes the other 25 percent. And according to both the stats and the eyes, we're witnessing Best in the World facing a 3-1 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But the gap between LeBron and his best bud is smaller than the gap between LeBron and his Western Conference rival.
Shaq-Kobe Revisited
First things first, credit goes to ESPN's always excellent TrueHoop Blog and Henry Abbott for coming up with this revelation.
Watch this NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercial of the famed Kobe-Shaq one-hand baseline alleyoop again from the 2000 Western Conference Finals.
Not the pass, or the dunk. But Shaq's complete and total stiffjob of Kobe after the play. Shaq ignores Kobe's hand, extended out for a high five, and even snubs him when Kobe grabs his forearm.
The Big Fraud. Always a real class act!
Also, great point by my buddy Evan Cohen at ESPN 760: Why would the Magic allow Shaq into the building last night? After tearing into Dwight Howard and calling Stan Van Gundy a "master of panic?" There's no chance I'd allow Shaq to gain entry to the Magic Kingdom, let alone Amway Arena.
Watch this NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercial of the famed Kobe-Shaq one-hand baseline alleyoop again from the 2000 Western Conference Finals.
Not the pass, or the dunk. But Shaq's complete and total stiffjob of Kobe after the play. Shaq ignores Kobe's hand, extended out for a high five, and even snubs him when Kobe grabs his forearm.
The Big Fraud. Always a real class act!
Also, great point by my buddy Evan Cohen at ESPN 760: Why would the Magic allow Shaq into the building last night? After tearing into Dwight Howard and calling Stan Van Gundy a "master of panic?" There's no chance I'd allow Shaq to gain entry to the Magic Kingdom, let alone Amway Arena.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What the Eastern Conference Finals Have Taught Me...
Besides that my prognosticating lack of skills showed up again?
That a Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Heat team could be a legitimate contender in the East.
Orlando still presents matchup problems in the frontline, but Bosh would make Dwight Howard play defense all over the court. And Udonis has defended Rashard Lewis well throughout his career.
Most people agree that the Celtics have one run left in them in 2009-2010. But who knows what shape Kevin Garnett will be in next year? Or if Father Time catches up to Ray Allen?
And I believe without a shadow of a doubt now that Wade-Bosh is a superior team than the LeBrons.
The Heat certainly need help elsewhere. They don't have a true perimeter stopper on defense. And they need help at the point, although D-Wade will likely run the point during most critical junctures.
But it's time for Pat Riley to work his magic again, excuse the pun. Get the extension done with Dwyane Wade in July, and then get Chris Bosh, even if it means trading Michael Beasley.
That a Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Heat team could be a legitimate contender in the East.
Orlando still presents matchup problems in the frontline, but Bosh would make Dwight Howard play defense all over the court. And Udonis has defended Rashard Lewis well throughout his career.
Most people agree that the Celtics have one run left in them in 2009-2010. But who knows what shape Kevin Garnett will be in next year? Or if Father Time catches up to Ray Allen?
And I believe without a shadow of a doubt now that Wade-Bosh is a superior team than the LeBrons.
The Heat certainly need help elsewhere. They don't have a true perimeter stopper on defense. And they need help at the point, although D-Wade will likely run the point during most critical junctures.
But it's time for Pat Riley to work his magic again, excuse the pun. Get the extension done with Dwyane Wade in July, and then get Chris Bosh, even if it means trading Michael Beasley.
Tuesday Tidbits
-From a production standpoint, it makes all the sense in the world for the Dolphins to make an offer to Anquan Boldin. But I believe actions like firing the most powerful agent in football today are part of the reason why Bill Parcells and company aren't touching Boldin with a 10-foot pole, even at the inexpensive price of a second or third rounder.
Yes, the Fins have been inhibited for years by various regimes treating draft picks like they are items on the Wendy's 99 cent value menu, and that's probably Reason No. 1 why they are saying "No Deal."
But I do believe that Boldin relinquished any chances of donning aqua and orange with his ill-fated decision to A. Not celebrate with his team after it improbably won the NFC Championship, and B. Rehashing his trade demands during the two biggest weeks in Cardinals history, or at least since they've been in Arizona. That shows that Boldin is in no way, shape or form, a team guy, which goes against the culture Bill Parcells has implemented in South Florida. That's what he means when he talks about "character." Yes, Will Allen gets an extension amid his legal issues, but he buys into the Fins uber-team oriented culture. And I would expect Randy Starks to still retain his spot on the roster, despite his alleged dumb-ass stunt over the weekend.
But to the Tuna regime, there's no place for a guy who only sees green. And so much so that he creates distractions during Super Bowl Week and fires the best agent in football.
Other quickies:
-The Jordan Bulls in six championship seasons, had two playoff series that went the distance. The Spurs had one series(the 2005 NBA Finals) that went seven games in their four title years. Even the Shaq/Kobe Lakers lost only two playoff games over their last two title runs, outside of the infamous seven-game Sacramento West Finals in 2002.
So even if the Lakers get past Denver, and beat an inferior Orlando team in the finals, don't even think about comparing them to the great NBA teams of the past 20 years. They are closer to the 2004 Detroit Pistons and 2006 Miami Heat, highly flawed teams which still took home the hardware but were by no means, dominant forces.
-There cannot be a worse medical staff in the history of sports than the Mets. Seriously, can you put Jose Reyes on the DL before his calf snaps in 900 pieces?
-I'm pretty confident Cleveland wins in Orlando tonight. But I still think the Magic will return the favor at the Q, either in Game 5, or even Game 7.
Yes, the Fins have been inhibited for years by various regimes treating draft picks like they are items on the Wendy's 99 cent value menu, and that's probably Reason No. 1 why they are saying "No Deal."
But I do believe that Boldin relinquished any chances of donning aqua and orange with his ill-fated decision to A. Not celebrate with his team after it improbably won the NFC Championship, and B. Rehashing his trade demands during the two biggest weeks in Cardinals history, or at least since they've been in Arizona. That shows that Boldin is in no way, shape or form, a team guy, which goes against the culture Bill Parcells has implemented in South Florida. That's what he means when he talks about "character." Yes, Will Allen gets an extension amid his legal issues, but he buys into the Fins uber-team oriented culture. And I would expect Randy Starks to still retain his spot on the roster, despite his alleged dumb-ass stunt over the weekend.
But to the Tuna regime, there's no place for a guy who only sees green. And so much so that he creates distractions during Super Bowl Week and fires the best agent in football.
Other quickies:
-The Jordan Bulls in six championship seasons, had two playoff series that went the distance. The Spurs had one series(the 2005 NBA Finals) that went seven games in their four title years. Even the Shaq/Kobe Lakers lost only two playoff games over their last two title runs, outside of the infamous seven-game Sacramento West Finals in 2002.
So even if the Lakers get past Denver, and beat an inferior Orlando team in the finals, don't even think about comparing them to the great NBA teams of the past 20 years. They are closer to the 2004 Detroit Pistons and 2006 Miami Heat, highly flawed teams which still took home the hardware but were by no means, dominant forces.
-There cannot be a worse medical staff in the history of sports than the Mets. Seriously, can you put Jose Reyes on the DL before his calf snaps in 900 pieces?
-I'm pretty confident Cleveland wins in Orlando tonight. But I still think the Magic will return the favor at the Q, either in Game 5, or even Game 7.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Another Plus Towards Getting Jason Taylor
On one hand, you have tormented former hero Jim Leyritz, trying to atone for allegedly killing a drunk driver while he was also intoxicated.
And then you have Dolphins defensive lineman Randy Starks, busted for allegedly driving his truck into an officer. His truck designed to sit four, but carrying, oh only 13 people, including a woman on his lap(no word on if she stayed there the whole time).
Yes, the result of Leyritz's offense is much worse because it resulted in a death. But I'm more horrified with what Starks allegedly did. Carrying 13 people in your car, and then driving into an officer? That reeks of someone that simply doesn't give a you know what about anybody and anything other than himself.
I'm not sure if the Dolphins will take action, but if this is true, I have no problem seeing Starks be freed to find another uniform in 2009.
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