Posts Tagged pro basketball

Spurs and Thunder Prove that Small Markets Can Win

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on May 27, 2012

Before I start this rant, let’s rewind to the NBA lockout for a minute.

Remember when the small market owners were trying to strong-arm the players into taking a lesser deal?  Remember when those same small market owners were bitching over stars joining forces on teams in major media markets?

And here’s my favorite: remember that “woe is me” bullshit that Cleveland Cavaliers owner and noted dipstick Dan “Danny Boy” Gilbert spewed during the lockout, mainly because LeBron James spurned his ass for the Miami Heat?

Now let’s fast forward to the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

The Western Conference finals has two small market teams vying for a spot in the NBA Finals.  So why have the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder been so successful you ask?

Three words: good basketball business.

The Spurs and Thunder do things the right way.  Both draft well, both scout well, and make wise investments in free agents.  Those are testaments to how the basketball operations are run in both organizations.  Both have smart general managers who invest time in scouting and work in concert with their head coaches to decide what types of players fit in their program.

More importantly, ownership in both franchises let the basketball folks make the basketball decisions no matter what.

It’s not just limited to the Spurs and Thunder.  The Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets have shown what it takes to be a winner in today’s NBA.  All of those teams exhibited the traits the Spurs and Thunder share.

Meanwhile, teams like the Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Bobcats (yuck!) show us all why some teams – small market or otherwise – have a hard time fielding a winner in the NBA.  All those teams run things ass-backwards.

You have one team with an owner who cannot STFU (the Cavs’ Gilbert), another who willingly waves the white flag in selling its best players just to reduce payroll (the Warriors’ group), and an absentee owner who doesn’t put the work in and therefore doesn’t know what the hell he is doing (Bobcats’ Michael Jordan).

Speaking of Jordan, it’s no wonder that he is considered the worst owner in all of pro sports.  Not only does he spend more time on the golf course than in the meeting rooms breaking down film on potential players, he overrules his basketball people and surrounds himself with “yes” men.  Not shocking to see his Bobcats finish with the worst winning percentage in NBA history this past season.

Now I may not be a Republican, but I will vouch for one of the GOP’s principles here: as long as you work hard enough, you will be successful.  If the Spurs, Thunder, Pacers, Jazz and Nuggets can do it, then the Bobcats, Cavaliers and Warriors can do it.

No excuses.

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2012 NBA Playoff Preview: Western Conference Semifinals

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on May 14, 2012

Now that the Western Conference semifinal round is here (it’s actually starting in 22 minutes), here is how I see things rounding out…

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Analysis:  The Spurs are a team on a mission.  They have won 13 in a row counting the last series sweep.  They may be “Team Geritol”, but they are focused and more importantly: healthy.

The Clippers are in rare territory as a franchise as they reached the second round in only the third time in franchise history (what the hell?!).  Props to the Clips for showing heart and grit in Memphis, but they are too banged up to match the rested and playoff-savvy Spurs blow for blow.  This should be a short series.

Prediction:  Spurs in 5.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Analysis:  This should be one exciting series.  Old school vs. new school.  I’ll tell you what, I would love to see how the Thunder will react to the playoff-tested Lakers in the clutch.

I think the Lakers will give the Thunder its best shot in Game 1.  They want to put as much pressure on the young Thunder in taking home-court advantage.  I think OKC will be rusty and lose tonight’s game.  That will be just enough for the Lakers to steal this series.

Prediction:  Lakers in 6.

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2012 NBA Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference Semifinals

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on May 12, 2012

Due to the the Western Conference having two Game 7s to be played out (Grizzlies-Clippers tomorrow afternoon and Nuggets-Lakers tonight), I’m going to focus on the Eastern Conference semifinals today.  My Western Conference semifinal preview will be tomorrow night.

So, without further ado…

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Analysis:  A lot of folks think this will be a short series.  I mean, how can the Pacers match up with Miami’s “Big Three (really Two)” right?  Well, I think this will be more competitive than what people think.  The Pacers are not afraid of the Heat.  Hell the Pacers’ coach called Miami a squad of “floppers”!  Indiana has the heart and toughness to push the Heat.

Indiana has a better frontcourt and will abuse the hell out of Chris Bosh with the likes of Roy Hibbert and David West.  Plus, that Danny Granger fellow is not all that bad.  Still, I think LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are on a mission.  That alone will push Miami over the top.

Prediction: Heat in 6.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Analysis:  Now THIS has “short series” written all over it.  Boston is head and shoulders better than the Sixers.  Let’s face it, if the Bulls were A LITTLE healthier they would have beaten Philly.  Did you see how Philly eked out wins over a Bulls team that was without Derrick Rose AND Joakim Noah?

Meanwhile the Celtics may be “Team Geritol”, but those old-ass brothers can ball.  Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce are playing at a high level.  There are not many answers to Mr. Triple-Double himself Rajon Rondo (the Sixers sure as hell do not have one).  I wouldn’t be shocked if this series ended in a sweep.

Prediction: Celtics in 5.

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My Extremely Late-Ass 2012 NBA Playoff Preview: First Round

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on April 29, 2012

Yeah, I know I am late as hell with my NBA Playoff preview.  I’m traveling over the weekend in New York for my wife’s friend’s wedding shower, so excuuuuuse me for being a husband!

At any rate, here was how I saw things shaping out BEFORE the playoffs.  Since I’m late in the game, I wont share my synopsis (it’s useless by now anyway).  And before you all ask, yes I am sticking to my picks – Derrick Rose’s knee injury notwithstanding…

Eastern Conference

#1 Chicago Bulls vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Bulls in 5.

#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 New York Knicks
Prediction: Heat in 6.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs. #6 Orlando Magic
Prediction: Pacers in 4.

#4 Boston Celtics vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Celtics in 6.

Western Conference

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Utah Jazz
Prediction: Spurs in 4.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks
Prediction: Thunder in 5.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 Denver Nuggets
Prediction: Lakers in 7.

#4 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers
Prediction: Grizzlies in 5.

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Michael Jordan Is the Worst Executive in Pro Sports

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on April 23, 2012

Move over Donald Sterling and Stephen Ross, there is an even worse owner of a pro sports franchise out there.  And he just happens to be one of the greatest pro basketball players of all time.

Let’s state the obvious here: Michael Jordan the executive is light years away from Michael Jordan the player.

Oh, and there’s more.  Jordan is the same dude who picked Kwame Brown as the overall top pick in 2001 and Adam Morrison with the second pick of the 2006 draft.  Just horrible!

How in the hell does a guy who, as a player, did everything he could to be the best can be so damn “turrible” as an executive?  Does Jordan not have any pride?

Now he’s leading the Bobcats’ tanking charge while losing their 21st straight game – 21 straight! – earlier tonight against the not as woeful, but bad,  Washington Wizards.  Hell given the margin of the loss (101-73), it’s obvious the Bobcats have long quit on this season.

Here’s hoping that Michael Jordan loses out on the Anthony Davis sweepstakes.  Hell, even if Jordan does get the top pick in the lottery, he’ll find a way to screw it up.

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Orlando Is Getting Played by Dwight Howard

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on April 5, 2012

What would I have given to have been present when Dwight Howard embraced Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy in front of the media after Van Gundy told said media that Howard wanted him fired.

One word: AWKWARD!

I think Van Gundy knows he is a dead coach walking, and I respect him for being real about it – consequences be damned.  And by the way, I think the Magic would be making a terrible mistake if they did fire him.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not a Van Gundy apologist per se.  I do think that he is a whiner.  I do have a problem with his tendency to throw his players under the bus.

Having said that, I do think Van Gundy is one helluva coach who won’t stay unemployed for long.  His record while coaching the Magic speaks for itself.

As for Howard, I think he is setting up the Magic for years of failure.

Let’s make something clear: he will NOT be with the Magic long term.  Everyone – including Howard himself – knows that but Orlando.  The Magic should have traded his ass at the trade deadline when they had the chance.

The only reason why Howard decided to keep his option for the final year of his contract is because he desperately wants to be liked.  As I said earlier, he really wants to leave Orlando.  He just doesn’t want to be hated for doing so.

And when he does leave after next season, the Magic will be in shambles.  It will have lost Howard for NOTHING in return.  The Magic would likely not have as good of a coach as Van Gundy.  And who on that roster scares opposing teams?

This is why a sports organization should never, EVER let a star player dictate its next move.  The Orlando Magic is going to get played big time.

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Sorry to Say, but D’Antoni Had to Go…

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on March 14, 2012

A few months ago I wrote that the woes plaguing my beloved New York Knicks were not all then-coach Mike D’Antoni’s fault.  Boy, was I wrong.

Turns out there were many things that was wrong with D’Antoni.  First of all, the man refuses to coach defense.  Defense is critical in the NBA, especially come playoff time.  It is no coincidence that the recent NBA champions knew a thing or two about playing good defense.  Meanwhile, the Knicks’ defense was turnstile-ish at best.

Second, D’Antoni’s offensive system did not fit this team as its constructed.  D’Antoni’s offensive scheme gives the green light to whoever is open, no matter how bad that shooter is.

Though I am a huge fan of Jeremy Lin, there is no way on God’s green earth that he should be getting more shots than Carmelo Anthony.  Anthony is a scorer who needs his touches.

Sure I was worried about Anthony screwing up a good thing when he came back from injury but let’s face it, Anthony is one of the best scorers in the NBA.  He and Amar’e Stoudamire need their touches.

Lin is a turnover-prone point guard, not a scorer.

Now whether interim coach Mike Woodson (who is a good coach in his own right) rights the ship in New York, my Knicks need to get a defensive-minded head coach who has come cache of his own.

Hello Phil Jackson (or Jerry Sloan)…

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Why the NBA Has the Best All-Star Game

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on February 27, 2012

Look, we know that most – if not all – of the four major sports’ All-Star games suck.  They are exhibitions that are meant to entertain and solicit oohs and aahs.

That is why the NBA gets it right almost all of the time.

Let’s look at it this way, when you tune in to an average NFL game, what would you expect?  Hitting, big plays, and MORE hitting.  Does the Pro Bowl feature ANY hitting?  That’s what I thought.

Besides, if I wanted to see a lot of scoring with less hitting in football, I’d either watch an Arena League game or play Madden 2012.

If you were to watch an average NHL game, what would you expect?  Hitting, fighting, busted teeth, and MORE hitting and MORE fighting.  Does the NHL’s All-Star game have any of that?  Hell, even EA Sports’ NHL hockey has more hitting than its’ All-Star game.

And finally, if you were to watch an average Major League Baseball game, what would you expect?  Boredom, some juiced up offense, good pitching here and there.  Well, at least MLB’s All Star game has the boredom part locked down.

At least we get what we expect watching the NBA’s All Star game.  Lot’s of entertaining, highlight reel dunks with some fancy behind-the-back passes along the way.  Basketball is all of those things as is.  If you tuned into ESPN’s Top 10 Plays every night, you’d notice that most of them are from NBA games.

The NBA has a good thing going, and has done so the last two-plus decades.  Just don’t do anything stupid like using it to determine home-court advantage in the Finals (I’m looking at you, MLB…).

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Kobe Knows the Lakers Are Officially on the Downside

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on February 20, 2012

Kobe Bryant is about as tired of the Lakers’ front office as I am of ESPN making new stories out of non-stories.

Bryant came out after yesterday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns and critized the way the Lakers are handling the Pau Gasol trade rumors.  Suffice it to say, Bryant was not happy when he said the following:

“It’s just tough for a player to give his all when you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow.  I’d rather them not trade him (Gasol) at all.  If they’re going to do something, I wish they would just (expletive) do it.  If they’re not going to do it, come out and say you’re not going to do it.”

I think Bryant is not only frustrated with Laker management, he is pissed that his team is not doing as well as he’d like.  Hell, the Lakers are looking up at the first-place Clippers (the FIRST-PLACE CLIPPERS!!!) in the Pacific Division.  As it stands now, the Lakers have the 5th-best record in the wide-open Western Conference.

Simply put, if the Lakers stand pat they will not advance out of the first round of the NBA playoffs, let alone contend for a title.  Bryant sees that, and is rightfully pissed about it.

At this stage of his career, Bryant is about one thing: his legacy.  He has five rings, with his first three due to Shaquille O’Neal.  Bryant wants to equal Michael Jordan’s six, and cement himself is one of the greatest to ever play pro basketball.

However, Bryant knows that he may not sniff another title shot anytime soon, if ever.  And that is what fuels his frustration…

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Lin-sanity Is Here to Stay

Posted by klownboy in NBA, sports blogging on February 11, 2012

Normally I am not one to being a prisoner of the moment.  I tend to let things ride out.

However, after seeing Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin drop 38 points on the hated Los Angeles Lakers (at least I hate them), I have one thing to say.  Color me a believer.

I mean, you cannot call this kid a fluke anymore.  In his last four games, Lin has scored 25, 28, 23, and 38 points.  He also dished out no more than seven assists in those four games.

Let’s be real about something: my Knicks needed a point guard in the worst way.  With the cast of characters New York has playing the position (Toney Douglas, Iman Shumpert), anyone other than those guys would have been an instant upgrade.

Lin should bring out the best in Amare Stoudemire when he returns to the lineup Monday.  Stoudemire is a pick-and-roll guy and should pick up his scoring when he returns.

As long as Carmelo Anthony doesn’t ballhog once he returns from his injury, things will be all good for my Knicks…

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