I don't know what it all means. But I know I like what I see.
28pts, 6reb, 7blk, 2ast, 2stl.
And most improbably, series tied 2-2.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
It's A Celebration
I don't know what it all means. But I know I like what I see.
28pts, 6reb, 7blk, 2ast, 2stl.
And most improbably, series tied 2-2.
Monday, April 28, 2008
What a fine Weekend
We begin at the end. Last night for the third time in my life I got to see live and in concert, the heart stopping, pants dropping, hard rockin, booty shakin, earth quakin, love makin, Viagra takin, history makin, legendary, E….STREET….BAND!!!! Or so that is how there lead singer, Bruce Springsteen, refers to them at the end of every concert. It was 2 hours and 45 minutes of unbridled, enthusiastic rock and roll. To sum it up, it kicked some serious ass.
As for the rest of the weekend it revolved mostly around the NBA playoffs and the NFL Draft which I am hopelessly addicted too. Due to my concert excursion in Charlotte last night I will be slightly delayed in laying out my draft thoughts and grades until a little later in the week. But I do have some NBA playoff thoughts:
- Is anyone going to wake the Nuggets up and let them know the playoffs have started?
- Whoever Cleveland gets to play in the second round can they please have someone on their team talk trash to LeBron, because it has turned him into a dunking machine and for that I am thankful.
- Good thing Phoenix traded for Shaq so they could beat the Spurs.
- I know this may sound a little crazy and reactionary but it may be time to go ahead and shit down the Suns and the Mavericks and re-tool. Both of them have young players you could begin to re-build around (Amare Stoudemire & Josh Howard) and try and get rid of some of your quality vets to teams that could use them for a Championship run. Think about Steve Nash going to help out the Cavs, not bad huh or maybe Jason Terry to the Lakers.
- Who would have thought Philly vs. Detroit would be the best series?
As for the rest of the weekend it revolved mostly around the NBA playoffs and the NFL Draft which I am hopelessly addicted too. Due to my concert excursion in Charlotte last night I will be slightly delayed in laying out my draft thoughts and grades until a little later in the week. But I do have some NBA playoff thoughts:
- Is anyone going to wake the Nuggets up and let them know the playoffs have started?
- Whoever Cleveland gets to play in the second round can they please have someone on their team talk trash to LeBron, because it has turned him into a dunking machine and for that I am thankful.
- Good thing Phoenix traded for Shaq so they could beat the Spurs.
- I know this may sound a little crazy and reactionary but it may be time to go ahead and shit down the Suns and the Mavericks and re-tool. Both of them have young players you could begin to re-build around (Amare Stoudemire & Josh Howard) and try and get rid of some of your quality vets to teams that could use them for a Championship run. Think about Steve Nash going to help out the Cavs, not bad huh or maybe Jason Terry to the Lakers.
- Who would have thought Philly vs. Detroit would be the best series?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Stay with me here
So I was at the office, looking for my car keys and while I can't remember what I was watching, the opening chords to T.I. "What You Know About That?" started running through my head...
Yes, that same T.I. that decided instead of attending a premier of "American Gangster", he would try to play the role for real and buy guns from "The Man". Real smart.
Anyway, I went and found the video on YouTube, which according to Lewis Black is the greater root of all evil compared to porn.
So I'm watching the vidoe, realizing the song was off the "ATL" soundtrack. While realizing how horrible the first 20 minutes of that film were (That's all I could make it through and I watch a lot of bad films).
The draw of YouTube, as many of you know, is the related video section, but I'll get back to that in a moment.
I start thinking of other catchy tunes, finding the video for Bring Em Out and then thinking of other tunes that grab your ear mostly because of the hook.
So I went and found that Busta Rhymes song, Touch It, with all the remixes with random people like Mary J. Blidge and Winky Wright.
Which in turn lead me to find a verse from "Cannon" by "The best rapper alive", or so self-proclaimed, Lil' Wayne.
Although after listening to this, you almost want to say he's got a point, especially when he says "I've got duck tape and rope, I'll get you missing like the f*^#*% O'Bannons"
Which brings me to the final point of this rant, whatever happened to the O'Bannons?
Ed O'Bannon was NCAA player of the year, leading UCLA to the 1995 championship and was the No. 9 pick by the New Jersey Nets.
His younger brother, Charles O'Bannon, was a starter on that same UCLA team and was a Piston for a hot second before starting his real career with Toyota Alvark in Japan.
So if you were wondering where the O'Bannons were, there you are. Now where are my car keys?
Yes, that same T.I. that decided instead of attending a premier of "American Gangster", he would try to play the role for real and buy guns from "The Man". Real smart.
Anyway, I went and found the video on YouTube, which according to Lewis Black is the greater root of all evil compared to porn.
So I'm watching the vidoe, realizing the song was off the "ATL" soundtrack. While realizing how horrible the first 20 minutes of that film were (That's all I could make it through and I watch a lot of bad films).
The draw of YouTube, as many of you know, is the related video section, but I'll get back to that in a moment.
I start thinking of other catchy tunes, finding the video for Bring Em Out and then thinking of other tunes that grab your ear mostly because of the hook.
So I went and found that Busta Rhymes song, Touch It, with all the remixes with random people like Mary J. Blidge and Winky Wright.
Which in turn lead me to find a verse from "Cannon" by "The best rapper alive", or so self-proclaimed, Lil' Wayne.
Although after listening to this, you almost want to say he's got a point, especially when he says "I've got duck tape and rope, I'll get you missing like the f*^#*% O'Bannons"
Which brings me to the final point of this rant, whatever happened to the O'Bannons?
Ed O'Bannon was NCAA player of the year, leading UCLA to the 1995 championship and was the No. 9 pick by the New Jersey Nets.
His younger brother, Charles O'Bannon, was a starter on that same UCLA team and was a Piston for a hot second before starting his real career with Toyota Alvark in Japan.
So if you were wondering where the O'Bannons were, there you are. Now where are my car keys?
Kevin Garnett Is Freakin' Insane
The only thing interesting about the Celtics-Hawks series is watching Kevin Garnett's expression of intensity.
In game one, Leon Powe dunks over a couple of Hawks in traffic, after the game is already well in hand for the Celtics. After the dunk, Powe goes to the ground. KG runs over to him, and stands over him, yelling in his face, and punching him in the chest four or five times. After Powe gets up, KG slaps him on the back of the head. Powe looks confused.
In game two, with the game already well in hand for the Celtics (I predicted they won't win a game by less than 10, and that's looking good so far) KG gets a rebound in traffic and then gets fouled. He then proceeds to start yelling to, well, no one in particular, and he pulls his jersey down to show where his heart is. Then he punches himself in the chest a bunch of times, hard enough that it probably would leave a bruise.
The way it looks right now, KG will either win the title or commit an on-court homicide. Or both.
In game one, Leon Powe dunks over a couple of Hawks in traffic, after the game is already well in hand for the Celtics. After the dunk, Powe goes to the ground. KG runs over to him, and stands over him, yelling in his face, and punching him in the chest four or five times. After Powe gets up, KG slaps him on the back of the head. Powe looks confused.
In game two, with the game already well in hand for the Celtics (I predicted they won't win a game by less than 10, and that's looking good so far) KG gets a rebound in traffic and then gets fouled. He then proceeds to start yelling to, well, no one in particular, and he pulls his jersey down to show where his heart is. Then he punches himself in the chest a bunch of times, hard enough that it probably would leave a bruise.
The way it looks right now, KG will either win the title or commit an on-court homicide. Or both.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jobagate
If you are not a Yankees fan or just generally don’t care about the greatest franchise in sports history then just stop reading now.
Well it’s not even May and some fat mouthed Steinbrenner has opened his mouth. Hank Steinbrenner now officially running things for the Yankees has made it known that he wants phenom Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation in place of either Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy. Sometimes I really hate people with the last name Steinbrenner.
Chamberlain was drafted and brought through the minors as a starting pitcher, but has been a setup reliever and occasional closer since joining the big league club last summer. Job ahs torn through the American league like a cyclone through Kansas. He is basically unhittable. The argument Steinbrenner makes is that other young potential stars Kennedy and Hughes are struggling mightily and that Chamberlain can do a better job, and that in the long run Chamberlain is going to be a starter for the Yankees.
Here is the problem when your name is Steinbrenner; you have very limited long range vision. I, being way smarter than Hank, see things through a long term lens. This Yankee team is not built to win this or perhaps even next year the way it is currently constructed. This team needs to look toward its future when players like Pettitte, Posada, Damon, Matsui, Mussina, Giambi and Rivera are gone.
Think of three years from now having a team where A-Rod, Jeter and Abreu are your crafty old timers, guys in their prime like Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Chad Moeller and maybe even Alberto Gonzalez(if we can find a position for him, perhaps 3rd and A-Rod at first). And a pitching staff consisting of Wang, Hughes, Kennedy, as starters and your pen being anchored down by Ross Ohlendorf and some guy named Joba; who is unleashing his fury on the league exclusively from the closer spot.
To me this decision is more about the long term future of this team. We know they will always find a place to plug in big time free agents, but they have plenty of home grown talent and don’t need to start tinkering with it too much. I know Joba is amazing as a reliever. Do I believe he can be effective as a starter, perhaps if his other two pitchs are as good as people say, but there is no guarantee. Why weaken your bullpen to maybe make your rotation better? You could wind up weakening two spots and ruining the confidence of all three pitchers; Chamberlain, Kennedy and Hughes. Instead show confidence in the young men, all under the age of 24, and allow your coach’s to do their job.
Well it’s not even May and some fat mouthed Steinbrenner has opened his mouth. Hank Steinbrenner now officially running things for the Yankees has made it known that he wants phenom Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation in place of either Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy. Sometimes I really hate people with the last name Steinbrenner.
Chamberlain was drafted and brought through the minors as a starting pitcher, but has been a setup reliever and occasional closer since joining the big league club last summer. Job ahs torn through the American league like a cyclone through Kansas. He is basically unhittable. The argument Steinbrenner makes is that other young potential stars Kennedy and Hughes are struggling mightily and that Chamberlain can do a better job, and that in the long run Chamberlain is going to be a starter for the Yankees.
Here is the problem when your name is Steinbrenner; you have very limited long range vision. I, being way smarter than Hank, see things through a long term lens. This Yankee team is not built to win this or perhaps even next year the way it is currently constructed. This team needs to look toward its future when players like Pettitte, Posada, Damon, Matsui, Mussina, Giambi and Rivera are gone.
Think of three years from now having a team where A-Rod, Jeter and Abreu are your crafty old timers, guys in their prime like Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Chad Moeller and maybe even Alberto Gonzalez(if we can find a position for him, perhaps 3rd and A-Rod at first). And a pitching staff consisting of Wang, Hughes, Kennedy, as starters and your pen being anchored down by Ross Ohlendorf and some guy named Joba; who is unleashing his fury on the league exclusively from the closer spot.
To me this decision is more about the long term future of this team. We know they will always find a place to plug in big time free agents, but they have plenty of home grown talent and don’t need to start tinkering with it too much. I know Joba is amazing as a reliever. Do I believe he can be effective as a starter, perhaps if his other two pitchs are as good as people say, but there is no guarantee. Why weaken your bullpen to maybe make your rotation better? You could wind up weakening two spots and ruining the confidence of all three pitchers; Chamberlain, Kennedy and Hughes. Instead show confidence in the young men, all under the age of 24, and allow your coach’s to do their job.
Brutality
It's to the point now where it is painful to watch another impending first-round loss for Tracy McGrady.
It's cruel, the way the basketball gods have treated him.
Why does he put up a line like this, 23 pts, 13 reb, 9ast, 3stl, 2blk, and still have to lose? At home?
A tough offensive foul on Scola away from the ball (correct call, it happened in front of the ref) and then the miracle throw-in by Korver with 1 second on the shot clock did them in. And so it will be written that McGrady can't do it. Because despite everything he does, it doesn't end up in a win.
Another year will go by with McGrady not getting out of round 1. They have to win at least 2 in Utah, and Utah doesn't lose much at home. Then again, Utah didn't win much on the road, and they now won two in the playoffs.
Another year will go by with McGrady being called less-than-great, because his greatness does not seem to translate into postseason glory.
Another year of failure, of collapsing in a heap of ash after burning out too quickly.
It's getting to be tragic. Hard to watch, like an old man who just fell off of a bench in the park and is lying in the dirt, surrounded by pigeons and shame.
Now watching Deron Williams in the playoffs, on the other hand. That's a whole other enjoyable story.
It's cruel, the way the basketball gods have treated him.
Why does he put up a line like this, 23 pts, 13 reb, 9ast, 3stl, 2blk, and still have to lose? At home?
A tough offensive foul on Scola away from the ball (correct call, it happened in front of the ref) and then the miracle throw-in by Korver with 1 second on the shot clock did them in. And so it will be written that McGrady can't do it. Because despite everything he does, it doesn't end up in a win.
Another year will go by with McGrady not getting out of round 1. They have to win at least 2 in Utah, and Utah doesn't lose much at home. Then again, Utah didn't win much on the road, and they now won two in the playoffs.
Another year will go by with McGrady being called less-than-great, because his greatness does not seem to translate into postseason glory.
Another year of failure, of collapsing in a heap of ash after burning out too quickly.
It's getting to be tragic. Hard to watch, like an old man who just fell off of a bench in the park and is lying in the dirt, surrounded by pigeons and shame.
Now watching Deron Williams in the playoffs, on the other hand. That's a whole other enjoyable story.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Overrated?
Just for good measure lets look at LeBrons line from last night:
30 points 12 assists and 9 rebounds
Here are Gilbert and DeShawns TOTALS through 2 games
46 points 13 assists and 5 rebounds
I would love to be overrated, I would fucking rule.
30 points 12 assists and 9 rebounds
Here are Gilbert and DeShawns TOTALS through 2 games
46 points 13 assists and 5 rebounds
I would love to be overrated, I would fucking rule.
Weekend Wrapup (from an unlikely source)
Spurs 117, Suns 115, 2OT
I was driving around for my job and was only able to catch moments on the radio, but it was amazing listening to Dr. Jack Ramsey describe the action. Easily the greatest game of the weekend, but in the long run, an energy-draining win for the home team in a series that won't start until the home team loses.
Lakers 128, Denver 114
So, how's that Gasol trade working out for Memphis cuz it seems to be doing just fine for the folks in LA. I still believe AI and Melo will take a game or two in this series, but it's clear that they have no one who can guard a 6-10 athlete, slipping around like a Spaniard (in your best Monty Burns).
New Orleans 104, Dallas 92
As my girl Jill Scott would say, 'Haters, hate on'. Inexperience is a factor when the teams are close, but I think the Hornets and their veteran coach Byran Scott are beyond that. I think CP3, Teaneck, New Jersey's own David West and Peja are enough to send the Mavs home early and Saturday night just added a quarter of proof.
Utah 93, Houston 82
The Jazz are exciting (with names you've never heard of), they have a Hall of Fame coach (who has been overshadowed for the past decade) and they're above all else, a true team with a dynamic point guard not named Paul, Kidd or Nash. They're going to stay under the radar, it's just a question of how long before someone has to take notice.
Cleveland 93, Wizards 86
'You mess with the bull, you get the horns!" Bron and the boys will be pushed in DC, but that's about it.
Orlando 114, Raptors 100
Dwight Howard had 25 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks. That boy is a beast and everyone likes to remember Peja and Webber from those Sactown teams that fought with the Lakers, but Turkoglu hit a ton of big shots for the Kings and he will do the same for the Magic.
Celtics 104, Hawks 81
There's no need to talk about this game, so instead watch (if you missed it) the classic interview with the Big 3. Stu Scott (that ass-clown) wanted everyone to look at KG's eyes, but I think the question about the last shot is much more important.
And last but not least...
76ers 90, Pistons 86
It would be easy to say that Detroit needed this loss to wake up and they'll run away the rest of the series. That's what the majority of the country outside the City of Brotherly Love will be thinking. But what about the fact that the Sixers were one of the hottest teams in the league to end the season and they split the season series with the mighty Pistons. Add to that the fact that a Game One win for a young team only adds to their confidence and you might have a series on your hands...
I was driving around for my job and was only able to catch moments on the radio, but it was amazing listening to Dr. Jack Ramsey describe the action. Easily the greatest game of the weekend, but in the long run, an energy-draining win for the home team in a series that won't start until the home team loses.
Lakers 128, Denver 114
So, how's that Gasol trade working out for Memphis cuz it seems to be doing just fine for the folks in LA. I still believe AI and Melo will take a game or two in this series, but it's clear that they have no one who can guard a 6-10 athlete, slipping around like a Spaniard (in your best Monty Burns).
New Orleans 104, Dallas 92
As my girl Jill Scott would say, 'Haters, hate on'. Inexperience is a factor when the teams are close, but I think the Hornets and their veteran coach Byran Scott are beyond that. I think CP3, Teaneck, New Jersey's own David West and Peja are enough to send the Mavs home early and Saturday night just added a quarter of proof.
Utah 93, Houston 82
The Jazz are exciting (with names you've never heard of), they have a Hall of Fame coach (who has been overshadowed for the past decade) and they're above all else, a true team with a dynamic point guard not named Paul, Kidd or Nash. They're going to stay under the radar, it's just a question of how long before someone has to take notice.
Cleveland 93, Wizards 86
'You mess with the bull, you get the horns!" Bron and the boys will be pushed in DC, but that's about it.
Orlando 114, Raptors 100
Dwight Howard had 25 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks. That boy is a beast and everyone likes to remember Peja and Webber from those Sactown teams that fought with the Lakers, but Turkoglu hit a ton of big shots for the Kings and he will do the same for the Magic.
Celtics 104, Hawks 81
There's no need to talk about this game, so instead watch (if you missed it) the classic interview with the Big 3. Stu Scott (that ass-clown) wanted everyone to look at KG's eyes, but I think the question about the last shot is much more important.
And last but not least...
76ers 90, Pistons 86
It would be easy to say that Detroit needed this loss to wake up and they'll run away the rest of the series. That's what the majority of the country outside the City of Brotherly Love will be thinking. But what about the fact that the Sixers were one of the hottest teams in the league to end the season and they split the season series with the mighty Pistons. Add to that the fact that a Game One win for a young team only adds to their confidence and you might have a series on your hands...
Friday, April 18, 2008
Filowitz's Friday Five
NBA Playoff preview edition!
1) 1 vs 8 matchups:
Boston vs Atlanta
Boston sweeps. Atlanta never gets within 10 points at the end of a game.
To watch: How many more Celtics fans show up in Atlanta than Hawks fans (sic)
LA Lakers vs Denver
Lakers in five. Denver makes it more competitive than the Lakers will care for.
To watch: The number of terrible "Carmelo got a DUI" jokes
2) 2 vs 7 matchups:
Detroit vs Philadelphia
Detroit in five. Philadelphia doesn't have enough talent and depth, but they'll be worthy opponents, even in defeat.
To watch: How many minutes does Flip Saunders play his young/talented/less-untested-than-they-were-before bench now that it's the Playoffs?
New Orleans vs Dallas
Dallas in seven. A pissed off and newly confident Dirk is the difference.
To watch: If New Orleans can get anything out of its bench (and considering that's Bonzi Wells, Jannero Pargo, and Julian Wright, that's asking a lot) it will win instead.
3) 3 vs 6 matchups:
Orlando vs Toronto
Orlando in six. Orlando has three of the best four players in this series which should be enough.
To watch: The Raptors - we hardly ever get to see these guys play, so why not start now?
San Antonio vs Phoenix
Phoenix in seven. Holy. Freakin'. Crap. Best first round matchup ever?
To watch: Every blessed minute.
4) 4 vs 5 matchups:
Cleveland vs Washington
Washington in six. LeBron's aching, his supporting cast still blows, and Washington gets its big three back healthy at the right time against an opponent they have motivation to beat.
To watch: LeBron's inevitable vicious dunk on DeShawn Stevenson's bearded head.
Utah vs Houston
Utah in six. One of the best offensive teams (Utah) against one of the best defensive teams (Houston.) Utah's defense is way better than Houston's offense without Yao, so that's the advantage.
To watch: Can Deron Williams dominate in the Playoffs like he did last year?
5) Keep checking us here for more NBA Playoff coverage. And don't forget to check out The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast, which we'll still be doing weekly throughout the postseason.
If you're still not ready, just watch this dunk, and get yourself right.
1) 1 vs 8 matchups:
Boston vs Atlanta
Boston sweeps. Atlanta never gets within 10 points at the end of a game.
To watch: How many more Celtics fans show up in Atlanta than Hawks fans (sic)
LA Lakers vs Denver
Lakers in five. Denver makes it more competitive than the Lakers will care for.
To watch: The number of terrible "Carmelo got a DUI" jokes
2) 2 vs 7 matchups:
Detroit vs Philadelphia
Detroit in five. Philadelphia doesn't have enough talent and depth, but they'll be worthy opponents, even in defeat.
To watch: How many minutes does Flip Saunders play his young/talented/less-untested-than-they-were-before bench now that it's the Playoffs?
New Orleans vs Dallas
Dallas in seven. A pissed off and newly confident Dirk is the difference.
To watch: If New Orleans can get anything out of its bench (and considering that's Bonzi Wells, Jannero Pargo, and Julian Wright, that's asking a lot) it will win instead.
3) 3 vs 6 matchups:
Orlando vs Toronto
Orlando in six. Orlando has three of the best four players in this series which should be enough.
To watch: The Raptors - we hardly ever get to see these guys play, so why not start now?
San Antonio vs Phoenix
Phoenix in seven. Holy. Freakin'. Crap. Best first round matchup ever?
To watch: Every blessed minute.
4) 4 vs 5 matchups:
Cleveland vs Washington
Washington in six. LeBron's aching, his supporting cast still blows, and Washington gets its big three back healthy at the right time against an opponent they have motivation to beat.
To watch: LeBron's inevitable vicious dunk on DeShawn Stevenson's bearded head.
Utah vs Houston
Utah in six. One of the best offensive teams (Utah) against one of the best defensive teams (Houston.) Utah's defense is way better than Houston's offense without Yao, so that's the advantage.
To watch: Can Deron Williams dominate in the Playoffs like he did last year?
5) Keep checking us here for more NBA Playoff coverage. And don't forget to check out The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast, which we'll still be doing weekly throughout the postseason.
If you're still not ready, just watch this dunk, and get yourself right.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A few thoughts off the dome
You know what's really grinding my gears? Paula Abdul. I mean, there she is on my TV screen looking at me and what? I don't know what to do with her. I thought we got rid of her back in the late 1980s when she danced with a cat and brought out Keanu Reeves' true acting ability. Wasn't that enough? Now she's got to put out a record and no one's got a sniper rifle aimed at her fat head. What is the world coming to?
- Speaking of the world, now that the stars have aligned and the NCAA Frozen Four is finally over, we can congratulate the Boston College Eagles and turn our attention to the NBA, a sport where you can play below .500 ball for the first three months, then get hot in the new year and be the cat's meow for a moment (Houston, I"m looking in your direction) before fading back into the pack.
By the way, the idea that NBA isolation and/or pick and roll basketball is a better team game than college is probably the same guy who doesn't think that Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher we'll ever see, an argument I might make later.
- Direct TV is also grinding my gears right now. I switched from Dish Network to get the MLB Extra Innings package AND all the regional sports channels, something Dish doesn't offer. It worked well during college basketball season, allowing me to watch the Mid-Atlantic feed to catch Georgetown games, but it has become about useless now.
Yes, I knew that the Extra Inning package and a subscription to SNY and YES was the same thing for games. But here's the kicker - I don't get replays of games like I was expecting. That means if I wanted to stay home and watch Mike Pelfry pitch shutout baseball this morning, I would have been two flagsticks short of a tent.
- Granted, my knowledge is based entirely on Sportscenter highlights, but I would hav to believe the MVP race should have ended when the Celtics clinched the best record in the game and the largest turnaround in the sport's history. Kevin Garnett has been everything advertised and then some for the C's, making them relevant again.
You could argue a similar case for Chris Paul, who would get my No. 2 vote with Kobe a close third. Then agian, he gets cool points for cursing in foreign languages but I think it's clear that the addition of Pau Gasol has allowed Kobe to be better than he previously was. If I saw the stat correctly, the Lake Show is 19-4 with Gasol in the lineup. Wanna know what the Hornets are without CP3? The worst they can be in 0-2 because that 5-11 thug has played in 79 games this year.
That's all the NBA I can dish out with any sense of smarts. People like it when you're topical.
- Speaking of being topical, I was watching the latest George Carlin special, "It's Bad For You" and was wondering from the unofficial mayor of Columbia, SC, was that a similar act to the one you recently saw? It was funny, but depressing to hear Carlin talk about death so much and not about killing useless people. Not that I think he'll live forever, but we'll lose a legend when he goes.
- I purchased "I Am Legend", another Will Smith movie that I really liked with a couple of other films, like The Simpsons Movie and I'll leave with a little Thompsons' trivia.
Part One - Describe the episode where they're called the Thompsons?
Part Two - What was Bart, Lisa and Maggie's first word?
- Speaking of the world, now that the stars have aligned and the NCAA Frozen Four is finally over, we can congratulate the Boston College Eagles and turn our attention to the NBA, a sport where you can play below .500 ball for the first three months, then get hot in the new year and be the cat's meow for a moment (Houston, I"m looking in your direction) before fading back into the pack.
By the way, the idea that NBA isolation and/or pick and roll basketball is a better team game than college is probably the same guy who doesn't think that Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher we'll ever see, an argument I might make later.
- Direct TV is also grinding my gears right now. I switched from Dish Network to get the MLB Extra Innings package AND all the regional sports channels, something Dish doesn't offer. It worked well during college basketball season, allowing me to watch the Mid-Atlantic feed to catch Georgetown games, but it has become about useless now.
Yes, I knew that the Extra Inning package and a subscription to SNY and YES was the same thing for games. But here's the kicker - I don't get replays of games like I was expecting. That means if I wanted to stay home and watch Mike Pelfry pitch shutout baseball this morning, I would have been two flagsticks short of a tent.
- Granted, my knowledge is based entirely on Sportscenter highlights, but I would hav to believe the MVP race should have ended when the Celtics clinched the best record in the game and the largest turnaround in the sport's history. Kevin Garnett has been everything advertised and then some for the C's, making them relevant again.
You could argue a similar case for Chris Paul, who would get my No. 2 vote with Kobe a close third. Then agian, he gets cool points for cursing in foreign languages but I think it's clear that the addition of Pau Gasol has allowed Kobe to be better than he previously was. If I saw the stat correctly, the Lake Show is 19-4 with Gasol in the lineup. Wanna know what the Hornets are without CP3? The worst they can be in 0-2 because that 5-11 thug has played in 79 games this year.
That's all the NBA I can dish out with any sense of smarts. People like it when you're topical.
- Speaking of being topical, I was watching the latest George Carlin special, "It's Bad For You" and was wondering from the unofficial mayor of Columbia, SC, was that a similar act to the one you recently saw? It was funny, but depressing to hear Carlin talk about death so much and not about killing useless people. Not that I think he'll live forever, but we'll lose a legend when he goes.
- I purchased "I Am Legend", another Will Smith movie that I really liked with a couple of other films, like The Simpsons Movie and I'll leave with a little Thompsons' trivia.
Part One - Describe the episode where they're called the Thompsons?
Part Two - What was Bart, Lisa and Maggie's first word?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Great MVP Debate
Well we wind down the NBA season and while Dan is clearly the Association expert I will put the great debate out there; who is this years NBA MVP. In my opinion there are three major candidates, one minor candidate and a few others in the discussion but not truly deserving. The top candidates are clearly Bron, Kobe and CP3 (see we are getting back to the era of the NBA where you can say a single name, or nickname and everyone knows who you are referring to….ahhh the rebirth of the NBA). I think the one secondary candidate is Kevin Garnett and the others include Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Deron Williams and I think Chauncey and Duncan are always in the discussion.
So here are the arguments for the big 3, and a half.
Kobe Bryant- Ummm….have you ever watched a fucking Lakers game? Okay, so that is not the best argument, but seriously the Lakers have the best record in the Western conference a year after having the eight seed. Yes adding Gasol has helped, but even before that Kobe was leading the team to the upper half of the West. Many of his teammates have battled through injuries this season, including Andrew Bynum who was averaging a double/double before he missed the last 40 or so games. He has lead the team in scoring 65 times (that is ludicrous) and assists 45 times. He is the most prolific offensive player with the game on the line and defensively he is as good on the wing as anyone in the league.
Kevin Garnett- Well what can you say about “The Kid?” He has been everything he promised this year and more. He is now playing aside two other All Stars and has been able to deflect some of his offense for the good of the team, 19 and 9 while shooting 54% from the field and a staggering 81% from the line, for a 7 footer. He has spearheaded the C’s to 65 wins and total domination of the Eastern Conference all while leading the team defensively into being the best in the league. And as always he is the emotional leader of any team he plays on, this year is no different.
LeBron James- When was the last time someone actually surpassed the hype surrounding them?(maybe Tiger Woods) Bron will win his first scoring title this season surpassing the 30 point mark. He is seventh in the league in Assists, tenth in steals, third in minutes played with 31 double/doubles and triple/doubles. He is going to finish the season at 30 ppg, 8 rbg and 7.2 apg. The last guy to go 30, 7 and 7 was Oscar Robertson in 1966, that is a long time ago.
Chris Paul- He, and his Hornets, have clearly been the breakout story of the league this year. I will admit I was 100% wrong on Paul when he was drafted; he is clearly worth all the accolades. He is accounting for over 40 points a game between his scoring and league leading 11.6 assists a game. He is also leading the league on the other side of the ball at 2.73 steals a game. As a PG he is shooting and outstanding 48% from the field and a clutch 85% from the line. He has been the catalyst behind the resurgence of the Hornets.
Personally my ballot would look like this:
Bryant
Paul
James
Garnett
D. Williams
Let the debate begin.
So here are the arguments for the big 3, and a half.
Kobe Bryant- Ummm….have you ever watched a fucking Lakers game? Okay, so that is not the best argument, but seriously the Lakers have the best record in the Western conference a year after having the eight seed. Yes adding Gasol has helped, but even before that Kobe was leading the team to the upper half of the West. Many of his teammates have battled through injuries this season, including Andrew Bynum who was averaging a double/double before he missed the last 40 or so games. He has lead the team in scoring 65 times (that is ludicrous) and assists 45 times. He is the most prolific offensive player with the game on the line and defensively he is as good on the wing as anyone in the league.
Kevin Garnett- Well what can you say about “The Kid?” He has been everything he promised this year and more. He is now playing aside two other All Stars and has been able to deflect some of his offense for the good of the team, 19 and 9 while shooting 54% from the field and a staggering 81% from the line, for a 7 footer. He has spearheaded the C’s to 65 wins and total domination of the Eastern Conference all while leading the team defensively into being the best in the league. And as always he is the emotional leader of any team he plays on, this year is no different.
LeBron James- When was the last time someone actually surpassed the hype surrounding them?(maybe Tiger Woods) Bron will win his first scoring title this season surpassing the 30 point mark. He is seventh in the league in Assists, tenth in steals, third in minutes played with 31 double/doubles and triple/doubles. He is going to finish the season at 30 ppg, 8 rbg and 7.2 apg. The last guy to go 30, 7 and 7 was Oscar Robertson in 1966, that is a long time ago.
Chris Paul- He, and his Hornets, have clearly been the breakout story of the league this year. I will admit I was 100% wrong on Paul when he was drafted; he is clearly worth all the accolades. He is accounting for over 40 points a game between his scoring and league leading 11.6 assists a game. He is also leading the league on the other side of the ball at 2.73 steals a game. As a PG he is shooting and outstanding 48% from the field and a clutch 85% from the line. He has been the catalyst behind the resurgence of the Hornets.
Personally my ballot would look like this:
Bryant
Paul
James
Garnett
D. Williams
Let the debate begin.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Filowitz's Friday Five
1) Yes, we know. We've been gone a little while. We know you've wanted to hear what we've thought about the NCAA final (I guess free throws DO matter after all) and the hiring of Donnie Walsh (guardedly optimistic) and instead you got only silence. We won't let it happen again. Okay, we probably will. But we'll feel bad about it next time. Okay, we won't. Next time we'll be thinking of you in our absence. Okay, no, we won't. At the very least, we'll think of you as we're pooping. Okay, when we're flushing.
2) The Warriors lost to the Nuggets tonight, which all but sends Denver to the playoffs, keeping Golden State out. That is a huge bummer. The playoffs, especially in the Western Conference, is all set to be incredible (and you'll be hearing about it a lot here, and on the Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast) but it won't be as awesome as it could be without Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monte Ellis running all over the place, and with that Oracle crowd going berserk.
3) Why did the Warriors miss the playoffs? Don Nelson barely used 8 guys all year, and he employs a fast-paced, run up and down the floor all night system. As such, the last couple of weeks, Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis, 30 and 29 years old respectively, have looked tired and haven't played their best consistently. So you can blame the coach a bit, I'd say. It also hasn't helped that this is the strongest the West has been in a long time - the Warriors are going to win just about 50 games and miss the playoffs, which doesn't happen.
4) Here's my theory on early season baseball: all you have to be is around .500 by the time the NBA Finals are done, with no major injuries, and the team will be fine. That's why it's pointless to get too worked up about, say, the Tigers looking so bad or the Cardinals looking so good. It's a really, really, really, really long season. Stay around .500 until June, then play better than that for the rest of the year, and you'll be looking at the playoffs.
5) Not sure if you all saw this, but Sports Illustrated but it's entire archive online, in searchable form. Here's the link: Sports Illustrated Vault It's got all 54 years of articles and cover photos and such. Lots of fascinating stuff on there. For example, last week for the podcast, I looked up a great article about Walt Clyde Frazier from 1975, and another one about Bernard King from 1991.
Here's a fun project for you, readers: Go find an interesting article for us to read, and post it in the comments. Remember, you can either use HTML in the comments to make the link fit (if any of you brainiacs know how to write HTLM) or you can use TinyURL, which lets you take long web addresses and shrink them.
The best article posted in the comments wins! Wins what, you ask? As if you have to ask!
2) The Warriors lost to the Nuggets tonight, which all but sends Denver to the playoffs, keeping Golden State out. That is a huge bummer. The playoffs, especially in the Western Conference, is all set to be incredible (and you'll be hearing about it a lot here, and on the Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast) but it won't be as awesome as it could be without Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monte Ellis running all over the place, and with that Oracle crowd going berserk.
3) Why did the Warriors miss the playoffs? Don Nelson barely used 8 guys all year, and he employs a fast-paced, run up and down the floor all night system. As such, the last couple of weeks, Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis, 30 and 29 years old respectively, have looked tired and haven't played their best consistently. So you can blame the coach a bit, I'd say. It also hasn't helped that this is the strongest the West has been in a long time - the Warriors are going to win just about 50 games and miss the playoffs, which doesn't happen.
4) Here's my theory on early season baseball: all you have to be is around .500 by the time the NBA Finals are done, with no major injuries, and the team will be fine. That's why it's pointless to get too worked up about, say, the Tigers looking so bad or the Cardinals looking so good. It's a really, really, really, really long season. Stay around .500 until June, then play better than that for the rest of the year, and you'll be looking at the playoffs.
5) Not sure if you all saw this, but Sports Illustrated but it's entire archive online, in searchable form. Here's the link: Sports Illustrated Vault It's got all 54 years of articles and cover photos and such. Lots of fascinating stuff on there. For example, last week for the podcast, I looked up a great article about Walt Clyde Frazier from 1975, and another one about Bernard King from 1991.
Here's a fun project for you, readers: Go find an interesting article for us to read, and post it in the comments. Remember, you can either use HTML in the comments to make the link fit (if any of you brainiacs know how to write HTLM) or you can use TinyURL, which lets you take long web addresses and shrink them.
The best article posted in the comments wins! Wins what, you ask? As if you have to ask!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Opening Day
Due to an unplanned and overwhelmingly annoying and expensive visit from the electrician (homeownership!) I was able to watch many more opening day games than I would have had I gone to work on Monday.
I'll be honest - I'm not ready to start thinking about baseball in March, or even early April. The NCAA tournament isn't done yet. And it's about to be NBA playoffs time.
It also has something to do with the fact that I really have no favorite team in baseball. There are a variety of teams that I want to see do well (e.g. Cubs, Mets) and some players I really like watching (e.g. Vlad Guerrero, the middle of the White Sox order) but there's no "strap in, here we go on another amazing ride" type of feeling for me on opening day. Today for someone like me just marks another sports season starting - it's not as magical and full of the springtime hopefulness that others seem to feel today. I feel differently at the start of the NFL season. But that's me.
That all said, it was nice to have baseball games on the TV again. Baseball is a great thing to have on while doing other things. You don't have to pay attention all the time while a baseball game is on - you can just listen with half an ear, and wait for certain scenarios or certain batters to start intently watching.
It was also fun to see Kerry Wood continue to torture the Cubs. He gets named the closer, and came in to the 0-0 game today and promptly gave up 3 runs to the Brewers. There's something about seeing a man so karmicly impaired keep on trying anyway. Every season for the last decade, Cubs fans have been tantalized by his promise. And just about every one of those years, he failed to deliver.
The Cubs finally excised themselves of Mark Prior's bad luck. They need to do the same with Wood. He bears the stench of failure upon his body. His very name poisons the Wrigley Field atmosphere. They should trade him, or release him, and then set fire to his locker with all his used uniforms in it.
Nice to see the Japanese guy do well in game one, though. The crowd chanting "Fu-ku-do-me" before he hit the tying 3-run HR in the ninth was a cool moment. And the Cubs have a pretty nice-looking lineup for a NL team, and Zambrano was great, so they should be in the mix this year. It's always more fun for me, living on the north side of Chicago, when the Cubs are in the mix. As I've mentioned before, my fandom is selfish - I root for what's most fun for me.
Elsewhere, Martin cannot be reached because he is still in happy shock over Johan Santana looking like Johan Santana in his Mets debut. And Kris doesn't like seeing Joe Torre in a Dodgers uniform on the 50th anniversary of them leaving Brooklyn. Maybe Kris doesn't say that, but if he had indigestion today, or if he was more annoyed than he usually was, it's because deep down in his bones and guts he knows it ain't right to see Torre anywhere else, but especially not with a team that causes such psychic pain for many in New York.
And on this opening day, I do need to ask one question: did anyone else see the Suns-Nuggets game tonight? Now THAT was something.
I'll be honest - I'm not ready to start thinking about baseball in March, or even early April. The NCAA tournament isn't done yet. And it's about to be NBA playoffs time.
It also has something to do with the fact that I really have no favorite team in baseball. There are a variety of teams that I want to see do well (e.g. Cubs, Mets) and some players I really like watching (e.g. Vlad Guerrero, the middle of the White Sox order) but there's no "strap in, here we go on another amazing ride" type of feeling for me on opening day. Today for someone like me just marks another sports season starting - it's not as magical and full of the springtime hopefulness that others seem to feel today. I feel differently at the start of the NFL season. But that's me.
That all said, it was nice to have baseball games on the TV again. Baseball is a great thing to have on while doing other things. You don't have to pay attention all the time while a baseball game is on - you can just listen with half an ear, and wait for certain scenarios or certain batters to start intently watching.
It was also fun to see Kerry Wood continue to torture the Cubs. He gets named the closer, and came in to the 0-0 game today and promptly gave up 3 runs to the Brewers. There's something about seeing a man so karmicly impaired keep on trying anyway. Every season for the last decade, Cubs fans have been tantalized by his promise. And just about every one of those years, he failed to deliver.
The Cubs finally excised themselves of Mark Prior's bad luck. They need to do the same with Wood. He bears the stench of failure upon his body. His very name poisons the Wrigley Field atmosphere. They should trade him, or release him, and then set fire to his locker with all his used uniforms in it.
Nice to see the Japanese guy do well in game one, though. The crowd chanting "Fu-ku-do-me" before he hit the tying 3-run HR in the ninth was a cool moment. And the Cubs have a pretty nice-looking lineup for a NL team, and Zambrano was great, so they should be in the mix this year. It's always more fun for me, living on the north side of Chicago, when the Cubs are in the mix. As I've mentioned before, my fandom is selfish - I root for what's most fun for me.
Elsewhere, Martin cannot be reached because he is still in happy shock over Johan Santana looking like Johan Santana in his Mets debut. And Kris doesn't like seeing Joe Torre in a Dodgers uniform on the 50th anniversary of them leaving Brooklyn. Maybe Kris doesn't say that, but if he had indigestion today, or if he was more annoyed than he usually was, it's because deep down in his bones and guts he knows it ain't right to see Torre anywhere else, but especially not with a team that causes such psychic pain for many in New York.
And on this opening day, I do need to ask one question: did anyone else see the Suns-Nuggets game tonight? Now THAT was something.
Mr. Wildcat
My life has been spiriling away for the last few days. It became appereant that we were set to hire a new basketball coach sometime early this week. That news has brought an onslaught of phone calls, text messages and emails which has driven me up a wall; so thanks to all of you who really don't care and havent bothered me during this time. However, in all this comotion we get caught up in during our lives something always happens which puts us right back in our place.
I was checking the internet one last time before heading to bed when I came across the news of the sudden passing of Bill Keightley. Now to most of you the name means absolutely nothing, but I know you have see him on national television before, a lot. Keightley's alias was "Mr. Wildcat" and he was the old white haired gentlemen who always had the seat right next to the Kentucky basketball head coach, and to his side he holds the clipboard. He has been doing this for 47 years in Lexington and served every coach from Adolph Rup to Billy Gillespie.
I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Mr. Keightley the year I worked at Kentucky and the years since as I have remained in the Southeastern Conference. Everytime we played the Wildcats, home or road, I would make it point to seek him out just to say hello and see how he was doing. Unfortunately the old man always beat me to it, and he would come walking up to me arms out ready for a warm embrace. I was nothing, simply a gnat that passed through the greatness that is Kentucky basketball, but not to Mr. Keightley. To him I was as important as Rick Pitino or Tubby Smith, Jamal Mashburn or Melvin Turpin.
In 2002 the University began giving out a yearly Bill Keightley award to the "individual who understands and exemplifies the pride, respect, and the positive attributes associated with being a part of the Kentucky basketball program." Well I cannot think of anyone who would ever be deserving of the award if they have to live up to the standard of the award bearers name. I only hope that sometime I can have as positive and lasting effect on one person as Mr. Keightley has on so many lives.
Mr. Wildcat you will be missed by all who knew you and no Kentucky Wildcat basketball game will ever be the same.
I was checking the internet one last time before heading to bed when I came across the news of the sudden passing of Bill Keightley. Now to most of you the name means absolutely nothing, but I know you have see him on national television before, a lot. Keightley's alias was "Mr. Wildcat" and he was the old white haired gentlemen who always had the seat right next to the Kentucky basketball head coach, and to his side he holds the clipboard. He has been doing this for 47 years in Lexington and served every coach from Adolph Rup to Billy Gillespie.
I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Mr. Keightley the year I worked at Kentucky and the years since as I have remained in the Southeastern Conference. Everytime we played the Wildcats, home or road, I would make it point to seek him out just to say hello and see how he was doing. Unfortunately the old man always beat me to it, and he would come walking up to me arms out ready for a warm embrace. I was nothing, simply a gnat that passed through the greatness that is Kentucky basketball, but not to Mr. Keightley. To him I was as important as Rick Pitino or Tubby Smith, Jamal Mashburn or Melvin Turpin.
In 2002 the University began giving out a yearly Bill Keightley award to the "individual who understands and exemplifies the pride, respect, and the positive attributes associated with being a part of the Kentucky basketball program." Well I cannot think of anyone who would ever be deserving of the award if they have to live up to the standard of the award bearers name. I only hope that sometime I can have as positive and lasting effect on one person as Mr. Keightley has on so many lives.
Mr. Wildcat you will be missed by all who knew you and no Kentucky Wildcat basketball game will ever be the same.
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