Point Guard Issues

In Wednesday's Lakers game versus the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers found themselves in an extremely difficult situation; they had no point guards.

Jordan Farmar is recovering from knee surgery, Sasha Vujacic is suffering from back spasms, Sun Yue is afraid to play competitive basketball, and Derek Fisher suffered a minor groin tweak. To sum up the situation in Wednesday's game, the Lakers were playing Trevor Ariza, Vladimir Radmanovic, Lamar Odom, Josh Powell, and Andrew Bynum. Average height: 6'10". Success rate: Poor. Please note that the Spurs were playing three guards and the Lakers were forced to settle for jumpers. Oh! Tim Duncan was on the bench too.

The Lakers do not necessarily need immediate help at the one position, but they are definitely in a strange position without a 1-guard to defend the quicker guards in the league. Derek Fisher, in his elongated playing time, has proven to be a terrific shooter and a decent defender, but the Lakers have to be worried about playing the aging Fisher 40+ minutes a game.

As an avid Lakers fan, the point guard situation is not a huge issue because the Lakers have the triangle offense and this guy named Kobe Bryant. What does bother me is that Derek Fisher lost us the game that Kobe salvaged. Rant rant rant. Sigh. Orlando Magic on Friday, tune in.

Read/Discuss >>

2008's Best Commercial: T-Mobile ft. Wade and Barkley

TIME Magazine has chosen the following T-Mobile commercial featuring Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley as the best of 2008. Sweet!  

BTW, don't be fooled by how good Chuck comes off here. He is undoubtedly still a dumbass.

Read/Discuss >>

NBA Top Plays of November

Thoughts?

Read/Discuss >>

Lebron calls Barkley stupid. It's about time!

Lebron James recently responded to Charles Barkley's criticism by saying (and I quote, hence the little indentation that means a quote):

He’s stupid. That’s all I’ve got to say about that

This is a really big deal for me. Why? It's not because I think Sir Charles was out of line in telling Lebron James to "shut the hell up". On the contrary, I agree with super blogger David P. that LBJ needs to tone down his sexual yearning for NY. It's just too much right now. It's too much, and too early (have you seen the Cav's record this year?).

It's a big deal because doggone-it Charles Barkley is stupid. I've been wanting to preach this to the whole world for so long. Now at least we have all the Lebron fans on our side. The only time I like Charles is in those t-mobile commercials. He's not bad when he has a script and gets multiple takes. But, on TNT he's just incomprehensible. I'm sick of trying so hard to understand what he's trying to say. And then once I do get what he said, I realize it wasn't worth the effort!

Also, does anyone get the feeling that this year's Lebron is a completely different Lebron. There's this swagger about him now. I feel as though this is what the real Lebron has been like for years, but his publicist kept him under wraps. I really appreciate the fact that he's showing us his true character. But, now that we really know him, isn't he sort of lame? Take Barkley's advice to heart Lebron, knowing that non-stupid people feel the exact same way.

"..shut the hell up"

Here are some interesting Charles Barkley quotes I found from this site.

“We don't need refs, but I guess white guys need something to do.”

“My initial response was to sue her for defamation of character, but then I realized that I had no character.”

“If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.”

“The main thing to do is relax and let your talent do the work.”

Update (courtesy of reader H.R.): Charles Barkley reminds us that he is a dumbass

Read/Discuss >>

New York, New York, All About New York

Lebron James heads into Madison Garden today to play the New York Knicks. Before moving on, let’s get one issue straightened out: Lebron James still plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The former #1 pick is arguably the most dominant force in basketball, both on and off the court, but he is clearly lacking in the professionalism department. Lebron James was born in Akron, Ohio, played high-school basketball in Akron, Ohio, and now plays professional basketball in Cleveland, Ohio. His entire life was spent in Ohio and yet, the only time he ever dawns a piece of Ohio gear is on the court. I understand that Ohio is not the greatest place to be a professional sports fan (Browns, Cavs, Indians), but to go out to various professional venues wearing New York hats is just a slap to the face for the people of Ohio. Sure, Lebron has maintained professionalism throughout his career by being an effective role model for the league and maintaining an immaculate track record off the court, but he is displaying complete and utter disrespect for the team and city that is paying him.

Basketball is a business and James is merely a part of their short-term business models. With Lebron on the roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers receive significant sales in jerseys and other merchandise, a superstar who is capable of winning games and national television time, and ticket sales from fans that want to see their hometown team win.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers franchise, Lebron James attends Cleveland Brown games on the opposition’s side wearing a NY hat, goes to Cleveland Indian games wearing NY hat, and hangs out with Jay-Z, part owner of the New Jersey Nets, religiously. And today, after previously wearing NY Yankee inspired shoes against the Knicks, Lebron wore his new kicks, the Nike Zoom Lebron VI "Big Apple" edition, directly inspired by his love and adoration for New York.

I am not trying to say that Lebron owes any of his success to the people of Ohio, but he definitely needs to show Ohio some respect. He can say what he wants about winning and how he loves his hometown, but if he’s continuously dissing his state on nationally televised games by wearing NY apparel, it shows where his current and future priorities lie.

Lebron, you’re a great player, but come on. This is way too much. You are a superstar and everyone expects you to have superstar friends, but the hats have got to go. Show some class and love for your hometown.

Read/Discuss >>

Does Anyone Remember When KG Was Respectable?

I sure can't. This recent incident with Jose Calderon just reaffirms how much of a douchebag Kevin Garnett really is. I'll be honest in saying that I have a clear bias ( huge Laker fan ) but truly that is irrelevant in this case. The Lakers have been bitter rivals with the Spurs for who knows how long, yet I still believe Tim Duncan is one of the greatest and most admirable players in the league.

Here's the video of Kevin Garnett being Kevin Garnett.

For those of you who've forgotten what type of person KG really is click the link for more:

In 2004 Kevin Garnett punched his rookie teammate Rick Rickert.

Garnett punched Rick Rickert, a second-round draft pick of the Timberwolves last season, according to several sources with knowledge of the event. Seven stitches were required to close the cut on Rickert's chin, said Susan Rickert, the player's mother, during a phone interview yesterday.

Garnett's agent and a Timberwolves spokesman declined to comment.

According to a report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Garnett's attack was unprovoked.

Rickert, 21, scored several times with the 6-foot-11 Garnett guarding him. Several other players began to "tease" Garnett about being outplayed, according to a source. When Rickert scored again, Garnett struck him without warning.
- Washington Post

In 2000 Kevin Garnett punched Wally Sczerbiak in the head

The dislike between the two players has been played up ever since Garnett punched an unsuspecting Szczerbiak in the locker room after practice a few years ago.

Tim Duncan stands up for Tony Parker. Kevin Garnett cusses him out. TD responds with "You're tripping man."

In the best-known example of his newfound forcefulness, Duncan got into a face-to-face smack-talking session with Minnesota's Kevin Garnett--an accomplished talker of smack, mind you--during a game in February. The Spurs were blowing out the Timberwolves, and after Garnett had given an extra shove to Spurs rookie point guard Tony Parker, Duncan began jawing with Garnett. Both were hit with technical fouls, and when the argument simmered, both were ejected. It was the first ejection of Duncan's career.

From the outside, it looked as if Duncan had earned a draw in his lip-wagging battle with Garnett. But while Garnett was getting his ejection's worth, spewing a stream of language so polluted that even Greenpeace would not bother with a cleanup effort, the best Duncan could come up with was to inform Garnett, "You're tripping, man." It was such an even-keeled response that the league office later rescinded the ejection and the $1,000 fine.
- The Sporting News

Another video of Kevin Garnett harassing Jose Calderon:



Say what you will about his intensity and passion for the game. Taunting might pass as a mere side effect of his emotion for the game, but punching a teammate is completely inexcusable (regardless of what was done to provoke it. And in the rookie's case this was apparently nothing). And it's all the more ironic because Garnett is constantly being deemed one of the greatest teammates to have.

Why is it that the traditional media seems to ignore all of this? It's as if Garnett has somehow been molded into the paragon of the NBA. A disgraceful paragon indeed.

Latrell Spreewell's coach choking or Kevin Garnett's teammate clocking? The two incidents are right on par with each other if you ask me.

One more thing: is KG not a complete psycho?

Read/Discuss >>

Andrew Bynum's Birthday

Maybe that's why he started off so badly against the Blazers. He was probably still drunk.

Read/Discuss >>

NBA: 10 Things To Look Forward To

Finally basketball fans, the NBA season has started! On the first day, the Lakers looked dominant, Celtics won at home, Lebron lost again, and Derrick Rose is starting at point for the Bulls. Here is my list of things to look forward to this 2008-09 season:

1. The Lakers have two 7-footers in their starting lineup, Lamar leading the second squad, the deepest bench in the league, and Kobe Bryant. If they can stay healthy, I predict a 64-win season and the title.

2. Beantown just hung another banner in their historic stadium. Are the Celtics still hungry? And how will they deal with the loss of their best perimeter defender (how are they going to slow down Kobe?)?

3. Baron Davis is back in his hometown and playing for another historically bad team. Will he and Camby miraculously lead the Clippers to the playoffs?

4. The 76ers solidified their lineup with the addition of a healthy Elton Brand. Will the 76ers live up to their hype and challenge Boston for the Eastern crown?

5. There's was a reason to be excited in Portland, but he has the durability (and face) of a 55 year old man. After being manhandled in the opener versus the Lakers and losing Oden to injury, can Portland live up to the hype?

6. The Chicago Bulls looked like a huge mess during the offseason but everything came together in their first game with Derrick Rose at the helm. Can this rookie finally lead the Bulls to their full potential?

7. New York Knicks are still recovering from Isiah Thomas's past decisions. With Marbury remaining relatively quiet and Mike D'antoni as the coach, I believe we'll be pleasantly surprised this season.

8. Seattle, the most depressing city in America, no longer has an NBA franchise of their own. How will Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder fare in the Western division. (I'm not going to be optimistic here, 16 wins.)

9. Let's face it, LeBron James does not like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the city of Cleveland. He likes Jay-Z, he likes New York and it is a contract year. How is this season going to play out in Ohio?

10. Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Michael Beasley, and Kevin Love are expected to make huge contributions to their respective teams. Can these NBA neophytes really make a huge difference and who will make the biggest impact and win the ROY trophy? (I still say OJ Mayo)

Read/Discuss >>

Kobe Bryant Better Get That Pinky Fixed

Through an update on his website, Kobe Bryant has announced that he will not be getting surgery on his pinky any time in the near future.

"I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. That's really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery. What it really came down to for me is that I just didn't want to miss any time 'punching the clock' for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season. I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks. That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will," said Bryant.

Many will discuss how honorable this is. Kobe Bryant is the ultimate trooper, sacrificing for the good of his team. He wants to "bond" his team, rather than heal himself. The ultimate altruist. He is a changed man!

Are you sick of my sarcasm yet?

I'll be honest in saying that I have absolutely no idea what the real condition is with Kobe's pinky. I also don't know what kind of pain he is in, nor do I know what the doctors said regarding the matter.

But this is getting silly.The media has been making a big deal out of this since March (or earlier). If this is as big of an issue as it was then, then Kobe needs to get his finger fixed so that he can be 100%.

If it really doesn't hurt that much, and he is basically 99% then I think he should let us know, otherwise the media will continually excuse lapses in his performance.

Scratch that. I just came across an article from February saying Kobe wanted to sit-out the All-Star game due to his injured pinky. If it was so bad that he needed to sit out a game in which he would play 15 minutes, I fail to believe it has gotten any better.

The smartest thing for Kobe to have done was to get surgery immediately following the olympics. A 12-week recovery time would mean he would return for the middle of November. He would have only missed 3 weeks of the season!

The Lakers have gotten to the point where they are perennial Championship contenders. Come June they need every last facet of their team firing on all cylinders. Kobe isn't fooling me when he says he wants to forego surgery to bond with the guys. I'm rather certain Kobe could come still come to all the practices he wants even with a cast on his hand.

This all just seems so very illogical to me.

Read/Discuss >>

NBA Corner

A quick look into the NBA.

Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur (pictured right) were excused kicked out of the NBA rookie program after violating unspecified league rules. The Heat and Grizzlies did not give additional details, but everyone knows that they were booted for smoking pot with a couple groupies in the hotel room. Chalmers and Arthur said the weed belonged to the women. Good try.

The New York Knicks are managing Isiah Thomas’s blunders and desperately trying to recreate the winning ways of the 90’s. Step 1: Acquire Patrick Ewing...… Jr.
Check.
Junior is not anywhere near his father's talent, but beggars can't be choosers.





Donyell Marshall agreed to a one year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, which added another veteran to their studded lineup. Marshall’s effectiveness is in question after three sub-par years with Cleveland and Seattle, but then again, playing with good players makes everyone better.

Former all-star Jamaal Magliore signed with the Miami Heat. Since his all-star year back in 2004, Magliore has worn 5 different jerseys and been subjugated to a back-up roll. The 30 year old veteran should be able to start and be effective for the Miami Heat this year.

Read/Discuss >>

The Bads' Goods

Bad News: Monta Ellis of the Golden States Warriors suffered a severe ankle sprain after some “off-season work outs” in Jackson. The team has questioned the actual source of Monta’s injuries, but however you look at it, the ensued surgery will require at least three months to recover from.

The Golden States Warriors are now in an absolute horrible position (i.e. having both legs tied behind your head with a train rapidly approaching as the Joker tortures your family). Their only legitimate point guard is the unproven Marcus Williams who will most likely fail at running the one full-time.

Good News: There is a chance that the Warriors will look into acquiring Shaun Livingston, the injury prone point guard formally of the Los Angeles Clippers. His stock is extremely low, his talent is really high, and I have this feeling that he might actually stay healthy this year. With Livingston, I expect the Warriors to be significantly more competitive in the West.

The Good's Bad: Shaun Livingston, if miraculously healthy, will not help the Warriors win too many extra games. Sorry GS, not your year.

Bad News: Manu Ginobli of the San Antonio Spurs will also require surgery to repair a ligament in his left ankle. The surgery will force Ginobli to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks and have him miss a few regular season games.

More Bad: Ginobli’s absence may require extended playing time from the increasingly ineffective Michael Finley. With the extended time, the 35 year old veteran will be at a higher risk of earning himself a handicap placard. Michael Finley. Handicap placard.

Good News: Manu plays on a solid Spurs team that can pick-up the slack for the 30 minutes-a-game bench player. The Spurs have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, who will give opposing teams more than a handful already. The Spurs also have newcomer, Roger Mason, who will be eager to prove his worth after a breakout season with the Wizards.

Read/Discuss >>

Sonics Won't Be Returning to Seattle

The lawsuit that Howard Schultz launched against the new owners of the ex-Seattle Supersonics franchise has been officially dropped.

This was first reported on here

After two recent rulings in Schultz’s lawsuit went in favor of Bennett, the Starbucks Corp. CEO filed a motion for dismissal Friday in federal court.

“As a result of these developments, our legal team and I no longer believe we can be successful with this litigation,” Schultz wrote in a letter to former members of his ownership group, the Basketball Club of Seattle.

Howard Schultz was the previous owner of the Supersonics franchise and claimed that Clay Bennett violated the terms of the sale of the franchise. According to the terms Clay Bennett and the new ownership was supposed to exercise good faith in trying to keep the team in Seattle. But, it had appeared as if this was never the intention.

The suit has been dropped because Schultz and Seattle decided that it was not smart to get on the NBA's bad side. If they were to lose the case, they most likely would never be able to secure another NBA Franchise. Instead, they chose to make amends with the NBA and hope that the next team relocation will be to Seattle.

“We have received feedback that a continuing adversarial relationship with the NBA was not politically useful to the city’s ongoing efforts to secure a future franchise,” Schultz wrote. “Thus, the prevailing wisdom of many in the Seattle community and the advice of key members of the BCOS is that Seattle’s best chance for a professional basketball franchise is to end this litigation and allow the city, state Legislature and other parties to begin the necessary fence mending with the NBA.”

Personally, I'm pretty darn pissed. This was the ONE opportunity to make an example out of David Stern who seems to be omnipotent these days. I guess this is overall better for the basketball world because there's less overall volatility. And I'm sure fans in Oklahoma City would have been rather upset. Maybe I just like drama. Or, maybe I want someone to slap David Stern in the face! (He did do a good job promoting the sport however, hurrah hurrah for him)

Read/Discuss >>

The All-NBA Gridiron Team

Even though ESPN’s Sports Center is overrun by the upcoming NFL season, I really want the NBA season to hurry up and start. In my attempt to celebrate the massive anticipation of both leagues, I’ve decided to create my own football dream team, composed of NBA players.

Offense:

Quarterback: Allen Iverson. (pictured right) Considering his toughness, speed, and dominance as a high school quarterback, he is arguably the most qualified quarterback in the NBA. He’s the NFL’s Michael Vick… pre-dog-fighting.
Back-up: Kevin Love. First of all, good luck trying to sack a 6’10” 270 pound beast. And secondly, no one throws a quicker and more accurate deep ball than Kevin Love.

Running-back: Lebron James. You cannot bring down Lebron James. He’s too big, too strong, too athletic, too quick, and too fast for you and anyone else. I think every NFL team should try to convert 6’8” 240 pounders into running backs; championships guaranteed.
Back-ups: Baron Davis. Played high-school ball. Has an awesome beard.
Chris Paul: He’s quick, crafty, and has amazing vision. No one else works better in traffic than the elusive CP3.

Full-back: Derek Fisher. With his muscular lower body and dedication to getting low on defense, D-Fish will clear out some major space for the running backs. He is freaking buff.
Back-up: Tyrus Thomas. There’s nothing quite like brute strength to get rid of defenders. He also attended LSU where all students are required to understand the ins and outs of football, so he should know a thing or two about the sport.

Wide-receivers: Kevin Garnett. At 6’11”, very few people are better than him at catching lobs and alley-oops. His speed, athleticism, and focus should make every bomb and fade seem like a walk in the park. And if you do manage to get in the way, he will scream at you.
Dwyane Wade: Probably the best route runner in the NBA. His explosiveness and ability to change directions make him the most difficult player to defend without the ball. Unfortunately, the expiration date on his ankles is rapidly approaching.
Back-ups: Jamario Moon and Rudy Gay. The concept of football is simple. Throw the ball high in the air and Moon or Gay will jump and come down with it.

Tight end: Dwight Howard. If you’re the quarterback and Dwight Howard is your 6th blocker, you’re going to feel safe. Also reassuring is how well the 6’11” monster catches.
Back-up: Andrew Bynum. Not as intimidating as Dwight, but he’s a bigger body with softer hands.

O-line: I wanted to take the most physically gifted players with mass and put them on my offensive line. I highly doubt that you would feel confident in your pass rushing abilities when my seven guys averaging 6’10” 270 pounds know a thing or two about holding their ground.
LT: Jason Maxiell. Frightening powerhouse with sufficient speed to pick up blitzes and protect my potential quarterbacks’ blind sides.
LG: Kendrick Perkins. Big body and a filthy face.
C: Shaq O’Neal. Playground football; put the fattest kid as the snapper. Plus, he loves being the center of attention.
RG: Glen Davis. The last person who tried spent 3 months trying to get around “Big Baby.” Good luck getting to the QB.
RT: Matt Harping. WTF Matt Harping? He’s probably the most physical player on my line and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. His intimidation alone earns him a starting gig.
Back-ups: Jason and Jarron Collins. These big seven-foot brothers are terrible basketball players and most likely terrible football linemen; but 260 pounds should be somewhat effective.

Kicker: Steve Nash. Canadian.
Back-up: Kobe Bryant. His ability to speak Italian comes with soccer talent.


Defense:

D-line: Ben Wallace. Something about his mental capacity seems to match perfectly with football.
Marc Gasol. Seven feet tall and he reminds me of a hardcore outdoorsman. In my head he should be wielding an axe in a red flannel and Wrangler jeans when he’s not playing football.
Elton Brand. I see him as a brute force type of guy.
Mark Madsen. Every coach loves a Mark Madsen type player, even if he does lack athleticism, skill, speed…. But somehow he’ll make the play.

Linebackers: Ron Artest. He will probably win a fistfight versus anybody in the league, and that is because he probably hits really hard. Receivers and backs would most likely do "the quarterback slide" to avoid getting toppled by Artest.
Corey Maggette. Corey is the most chiseled man in the NBA and he wants to hit you hard.
Lamar Odom. LO is a notorious for his lack of inspired play, but when he is inspired, WATCH OUT.
Back-up: Maurice Evans. Think Corey Maggette, but not as buff. Mo Evans understands this and will take out his frustrations on the opposing team.

Cornerbacks: Kobe Bryant. There’s a reason he was called the Doberman during the Olympics, football shall not be any different.
Bruce Bowen. He does have the quickness and footwork to stay in front of any player, but really, the dirtiest player in the NBA should fit right at home in a full-contact game.
Back-up: Raja Bell.

Strong safety: James Posey. He’s quick and strong. But the deciding factor was his mouth-piece, which demonstrates that he’s prepared for violence of the gridiron.
Back-up: Kenyon Martin. Similar to Ben Wallace, he’s not very bright, but he is damn strong and athletic. I wouldn’t mind having a blue-collar guy like him knocking some sense into unsuspecting ball-carriers.

Free Safety: Nate Robinson. You should first be recapped on the NYK vs. Denver scrap a couple years back. You should notice how at 5’7” he is right in the middle of the squabble, not backing down to anyone. And even after his mini-altercation with JR Smith, he’s still punking Carmelo for sucker punching his teammate. Nate Robinson, you are the man.

Punter: Steve Nash. Canadian.

I just created an NFL dynasty team, now only if salaries were not an issue...

Read/Discuss >>

The World Conforms to the NBA

FIBA recently announced three big changes in international basketball, that will make it look a lot more like the money/power hungry NBA.

1. 3pt line will be 22 ft. 1.7 in. (currently the line is 20ft. 6in. The NBA 3 is 23 ft. 9in.)
2. The key will be a rectangle (currently the key is trapezoidal. The NBA key is rectangular)
3. There will be a no-charge circle underneath the basket (currently there is no such thing. This exists in the NBA)
   

So all that arguing between ATA editors about how certain NBA players fit the nuances of the international game will be moot come the 2012 Olympics. Personally, I like the trapezoidal key. But I very much support the other two rule changes.

The players are simply to big to have the three point line at 20.5 ft. And the no-charge cicle should promote more athletic and exciting fast-break plays. Thoughts??

Read/Discuss >>

LiveBlogging - Redeem Team Gold Medal Game

There was a technical complication. At least we got the liveblog applet on the our website! The next step will definitely be to actually use the applet successfully. It's going to happen the next time. Really! Anyways, here's the "live" blog for the gold medal game.

• Okay for some reason the internet decides not to work when I finally get a liveblogging service up.
• But anyways it’s starting from 22-20 Spain is in the lead. Right now Deron Williams is shooting free throws.
• The US was down early but is now up 26-25
• Dwayne Wade is amazingly fast, he’s gotta be one of our most valuable players.
• Ricky Rubio has amazing talent but isn’t really polished. Sometimes he’ll drive through the lane and cut the defense up but won’t know where to go.
• Marc Gasol is turning into quite the post player. He really does look like a frackin redneck. He looks like he weighs 280 of pure thickness.
• I hate Tayshaun Prince, but I’m so glad that he’s on our team right now.
• Why is it that some of Spain’s players have their last name on their jerseys and some have their first names??
• After the first quarter its 38-31 USA-Spain. Team USA’s defense has been horrible.
• Where the f did Jimmy Kimmel come from, why does he get to do all the DirecTv commercials. But it’s rather hilarious when Jimmy’s running across the screen. He’s not trying to be funny but the image of him lugging himself across the screen!! LOL!
• Why isn’t Kobe Bryan’t on Ricky Rubio – Says
• How is that a flagrant?!!?!? F- that sh- - says Adriel
• I, however, think that Dwight Howard clearly had a flagrant against Pau.
• I think Kobe should step back 3 ft when he takes a 3. He is just too talented for this jv game.
• Lebron James is most definitely a football player. He just stiff-armed his way to a lay-up.
• Chris Paul made a half-court alley-oop pass. He is absolutely amazing.
• Poll of the week, are some of the Spanish players wearing superstars?!?!
• Dwayne Wade has what 999 steals??
• Dwayne Wade needs to be the MVP. NOW. F-. My associates are telling me there’s no MVP in the Olympics. In that case, ATA will have it’s own MVP vote at the end of this game.
• The Spanish Coach is the spitting image of Christopher Walken. Anybody??
• Even though the US ended the half up by 8 69-61, this was an atrocious half of defense.
• Wade is still being superman in the 3rd quarter, but USA’s defense is so porous.
• There is no no-charge zone in international ball. I hear that’s gonna change for the next games though. Still that really changes your approach when you drive on the fast break.
• Jimenez, has some outrageous hair. He’s bald, but he has a little island of hair in the front of his head.
• This is getting crazy, Spain is within 2 right now, because of USA’s sloppy defense and sloppy offense. We are playing too fast for even our skills.
• Spain has the hottest cheerleaders ever. Men cross-dressed as beer-maids. So hawt! So hawt!
• Kobe is actually coming through, instead of forcing a shot he drove for the assist.
• Now Kobe again didn’t force the 3, he drove for another assist to Dwight Howard.
• Wade is great and all, but he and James are playing out of control , Kobe loves the half-court
• Dwight Howard is not playing well right now. He isn’t making his free throws (he never does) but he’s not being the defensive presence he needs to be either. Rudy just dunked in his face, and Pau took him to the post.
• Kobe Bryant is my god. Kobe Bryant owns China. The Game is over. Kobe with his 4pt play finished the game. I’m calling it. I’m not blogging anymore because the game is Kobe’s. I’m gonna let Kobe blog from now on okay?
• Spain is outrebounding the US 36-29 with 1 minute to go! Perhaps Memphis didn’t get as robbed as everyone was so quick to assume??? Marc Gasol is a beast..
• Kobe comes through in the clutch again, with a layup and now my vote officially goes to him.
• Kobe and Coach K are having a flirt fest right now. That was so cute! Kobe dunked water over his head and then spanked shevski in the ass!!
• Kobe has to leave now to celebrate his gold medal.

Read/Discuss >>

In China, Shaq Statue Represents Fatness

Curiously out of the LA Times today was an article by head sports Columnist Bill Plaschke. With all that is going on in the sports world, Bill Plaschke decides to write about a flippin statue??

But who am I to complain, I was quite amused, so I guess it served it's purposed. Apparently, everyone Bill Plaschke met at the statue was dumbfounded about its reason for existence.

I'll be honest, I'm not the greatest Shaq fan. In America, my dislike for Shaq often meets resistance from folks who respect his post moves and overpowering presence. Whatever. In China, at least, my opinions seems like the consensus.

"Shaq is a good player, but, look here, he is little fat," Chen said.

"I walk past him every day and I think, he is just so-so," said playground player Lei Shi, 26, as he walked to his game. "We're not sure why he's here."

"Kobe is younger, and that Shaq over there is fatter," said Tony Zhang, 24. "Kobe is today. Shaq is too old."

Young athletes pass him on their way to and from their basketball games. Almost every time, they look up at him. And almost every time, they shrug.

"One good thing about this," Minghas Li said. "Shaq can't sing in real life, and here he will not be able to sing."

Read/Discuss >>

NBA Update

There exists a small community on this expansive planet called the NBA. This small collection of ~450 people has typically been characterized as the home of the greatest basketball players in the world. However, this community is at a serious risk of being completely forgotten by an attention-whoring organization known as the IOC; led by none-other than the attention tyrant, Michael Phelps.

Phelps utilizes the destructive forces of 8 gold medals to brain-wash every employee of the NBC media company, resulting in a sweeping mania over swimming and all else related to the Olympics.

However, as the basketball-preservationist leader of the local ATA sports foundation, I took up on a journey to determine how this community was progressing (/deteriorating).

Here are the key findings from my recent journey:

• In a recent 6-player trade involving three teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers gave Joe Smith to Oklahoma City and Damon Jones to the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire Mo Williams. Oklahoma City also received city-favored Desmond Mason while the Bucks gained Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin. Williams, after averaging 17 points and 6 assists a game, is expected to significantly relieve some of Lebron's offensive burden; a task Larry Hughes previously failed to do.

• The front office of the Philadelphia 76ers have been particularly busy. They recently re-signed a budding Louis Williams (11.5 ppg) and also we're able to lock down their incumbent star, Andre Iggy Iguodala to a 6-yr $80 million extension. They also offered the shot-blocking guru, Theo Ratliff, a one year veteran minimum's salary.

• Michael Finley re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs after being courted by a number of teams such as Boston.

• The Atlanta Hawks immediately matched the Memphis Grizzlies' 5-year $58 million offer to restricted free agent, Josh Smith, showing the world that they failed in their attempts to low-ball the high-flyer. However, they also made a key acquisition in signing the talented NBA nomad, Ronald Murray.

• Brandon Roy of the Portland Trailblazers recently had successful knee surgery to repair a tear on his left meniscus. The third year star should recover in 4-6 weeks from his minor surgery, in time for the season opener.

• Josh Childress's move to Greece has truly impacted the NBA, inspiring mid-level players to also make the jump to Europe. The most recent athletes to cross are Carlos Arroyo (Israel - $2.5 million), Earl Boykins (Italy - $3.5 million), and Jannero Pargo (Russia - $3.5 million). They will be joining Childress, Jorge Garbajosa, Primoz Brezec, Juan Carlos Navarro, Carlos Delfino, Dan Dickau, and Bostjan Nachbar as NBA defectors.

Read/Discuss >>

Random Ramblings: USA vs. Spain Men's Basketball

Saturday morning's are best spent with friends (& fellow ATA writers) watching USA basketball. Nothing would make this moment better than some delicious Spanish food and a ciesta(Spanish lunch nap).

• Kobe just checked Pau to the ground, I thought they were buddies. It's even more hilarious that they had a pre-game special on the bond between Pau and Kobe on the Lakers.

• What is Dwight Howard doing? He doesn't play help defense, he picks up a silly foul, and he just goal-tended a ball that Lebron James already blocked... on the other hand, that was an amazing goal-tend. (7 rows deep is not bad)

• With 3:41 left in the first, 17-year old Ricky Rubio just entered the game, all hype or is he the modern day Pistol Pete. Well, he just turned the ball over on a bad pass and now he just fouled Chris Paul on the drive. Not looking good, Ricky. Nevermind. In the last 2 possessions he just picked up fouls against Paul and Deron, hit all 4 free throws. Not bad, Ricky.

• Ricky update: 1 defensive, 1 offensive rebound, stole the ball from Lebron, and then proceeded to trash talk Lebron. Ricky, you the man, but Lebron will end your life.

• If you get your ass grabbed and fondled by a big black man (Chris Bosh) and get called for an offensive foul, I would be pissed. It's okay Rudy Fernandez, referees suck wherever you play in the world.

• Spain should stop throwing alley-oops. They have converted zero out of three in the first half. Okay wow, let me proceed to take my foot out of my mouth. Ricky Rubio just threw a sick one handed alley-oop.

• Carlos Boozer is pure trash, everyone on team USA is going to foul out, but team USA is leading 61-45 at the half. Amazing.

• Carmelo's made four 3-pointers this game, this guy is on fire. I need to stop blogging this game, Carmelo just threw up a brick.

• CP3 is by far the best point guard on the US team. He uses his speed and strength so well to break down opposing defenses, not to mention his superior passing and defensive skills.

• Marc Gasol is a pretty solid player for Spain. But he looks like a 7 foot bear hunter who should be wearing a red flannel and Wrangler jeans.

• Dwyane Wade is a walking highlight reel for Team USA. He literally cooks up dunks that would put your mama's best dish to shame. And he's literally everywhere, loose ball? D.Wade is there. Who blocked that shot? D.Wade. D.Wade D.Wade D.Wade. Without a doubt the team MVP.

• If Chris Paul and Dwight Howard were ever on an NBA team together, I would be very very scared, and so should you. Their alley-oop together was slam-dunk contest worthy, and it would score a 50 too.

• This game has been over for a long time now and I can prove it. Not only is the score 113-78, Michael Redd threw down a slam dunk, Carlos Boozer and Prince are on the court at the same time, and Prince even scored a few times. Dear lord.

• America totally destroyed Spain this game. Let's just hope that if they meet again, America continues to play suffocating defense and actually make a few 3-pointers like they did this game. And maybe one day, Kobe will actually make some shots and not be in foul trouble all game long.
  

Read/Discuss >>

Why doesn't the Redeem Team stay in the Olympic Village?

This is why.

Read/Discuss >>

Random Ramblings: USA vs. China Men's Basketball

I woke up at seven this morning, waiting for the USA Basketball Teams first game. So excited for one of my favorite times of the year, I turned on the television only to see the equestrian competition going on. Hoping that the basketball game would ensue, I continued to watch the prancing horses for another twenty minutes. It then came to my attention that there was no possible way that NBC would postpone men's basketball for the equestrian competition, so I looked up the time table online and in the newspaper for the Olympic scheduling, and the rage that emanated was uncontrollable. Unable to do anything whatsoever, however, I angrily went back to sleep, then went to church afterwards. I returned home in time to see the second half of the second quarter. So this live blog will start from there. But before it does, I must have my say. WHY CAN'T NBC PLAY THE GAME DURING LIVE TIME, THEN JUST PLAY IT AGAIN DURING PEAK HOURS? WHO DOES THAT HURT? THE EQUESTRIANS? REALLY? WHO CARES? IF I HAVE TO SEE ONE MORE HORSE FREAKING TROTTING INSTEAD OF WATCHING KOBE AND LEBRON SMASH YAO'S FACE IN, I WILL THRASH THE NBC EXECUTIVE CABINET.

• The first sound I heard actually made me calm down and somewhat dissipated my anger. THEY PLAYED THE NBA ON NBC THEME SONG SHORTLY FOLLOWED BY THE OLYMPIC THEME SONG. I must admit, those are my two favorite television songs ever. There is no competition.

• I just watched Lebron miss two of the worst free throws I have ever seen. Lebron, please PLEASE work on that.

• Kobe looks healthier and the team overall looks livelier. I guess the happy endings aren't being added to the end of those massages anymore.

• After watching the past couple of weeks, I can safely say that Dwayne Wade is NOT the second coming of Penny. He is flying by defenders, bodying up and banging down low, hitting fadeaways, and just being the DWade of old.

• It's halftime now, and the US is up by 12. Not bad, but not up to my expectations. They should be up by 30.

• TEAM USA PRACTICE YOUR FREE THROWS.

• There was a pretty good halftime piece about the NBA in China, and Kobe is the most popular player there. Geez, with Kobe's following here, then considering his following worldwide, he could really create a Kobe army that rivals most any other.

• So according to a report, people paid thirty times the face value for a ticket to watch this game. This is most likely the most viewed Olympic game ever. The USA better win big, so the world respects us again.

• Ok, I have seen George Bush at every big event of this Olympics. It's nice to see how much the President really cares about his country. The lazy bum.

• So Sun Yue is playing against Kobe Bryant. Welcome to the Lakers, rookie.

• TEAM USA PRACTICE YOUR FREE THROWS.

• I like the pace of this game. Everyone is playing their hardest, no one looks lazy or is playing lazy.

• It is almost the end of the 3rd, and DWade hasn't missed a shot yet. He's 6-6 from the field and 5-5 from the line. Wow.

• TEAM USA PRACTICE YOUR FREE THROWS.

• The Coke commercial with Lebron and Yao battling with aspects from each country is a really cool commercial. But a cowboy vs. a dragon? Are you kidding me? That's like comparing Shaq to Frodo. Why not an eagle? If you're talking about animals representing countries, doesn't that make a lot more sense?

• Michael Redd has a damn pretty shot.

• TEAM USA PRACTICE YOUR FREE THROWS.

• While we're talking about shooting, if there was a Olympic Shooting Contest, Team USA would be killed. But they'd make up for it in the Olympic Dunk Contest.

• The Redeem Team is up by 33 now with 5 minutes left. Should have been 50.
  

• I don't think I've ever thought this before. but Dwight Howard looks small in comparison to Yao. He is a big, big man.

• It's nearing the end of the game, but Yi is looking good. Hopefully he'll like New Jersey more than he liked Milwaukee. He has some skill. And I hope Sun Yue is better than what I've just seen.
  

• In light the the recent Lakers signing of Sun Yue, I came to realize how ethnically diverse the Lakers are. Nothing close to the Spurs, but a far cry from the team with a token white man that they were before.
  

• With a final score of 101-70, the Redeem Team dominated. I still think it should have been 50.
  

• Dwayne Wade made every single shot he took, the ENTIRE GAME. I used to semi-loathe him, but I must admit, I've become a believer.

• So to sum things up, TEAM USA PRACTICE YOUR FREE THROWS.

Read/Discuss >>