No Metta World Peace for Ron Artest, Yet
08/26/11 11:33
At a time when sports officials at all levels are rightly concerned with criminal behavior on the part of fans, still little concern is evident for the illegal and oft-times dangerous conduct of athletes.
Granted, though his public conduct over his two seasons with the Lakers has been benign, Ron Artest is still the epitome of the athlete whose on-court actions should have led to a lifetime ban from the NBA, as well as criminal prosecution. In the spirit of other such criminals as Juan Marichal (who "only" attacked another player with a deadly weapon) and Frank Francisco (who committed the ultimate assault against unsuspecting fans), Artest should never had been let back in after his part in the infamous player-fan brawl in Detroit one fall eve in 2004. For his part in assaulting fans and players alike, Artest was suspended the laughable count of 86 games. He served several suspensions afterwards for various additional assaults against coaches, teammates, and cameramen, and also served jail time for a conviction for domestic assault.
But he is a changed man, so they say.
Making headlines this offseason, Artest has announced to the world his desire to effect a legal name change to Metta World Peace. With a court hearing set for today on his application, it seemed strange that he would not himself appear in court, as the publicity-seeking Artest is not one to miss any photo-op.
Well, low and behold, the reason for his non-appearance became clear as his application was delayed, and he avoided arrest (Artest Arrest, how apropos) by not showing up, as the Court announced he could not proceed until several outstanding warrants were resolved. Awaiting details, my guess is there is more involved there that a speeding ticket or two.
Granted, though his public conduct over his two seasons with the Lakers has been benign, Ron Artest is still the epitome of the athlete whose on-court actions should have led to a lifetime ban from the NBA, as well as criminal prosecution. In the spirit of other such criminals as Juan Marichal (who "only" attacked another player with a deadly weapon) and Frank Francisco (who committed the ultimate assault against unsuspecting fans), Artest should never had been let back in after his part in the infamous player-fan brawl in Detroit one fall eve in 2004. For his part in assaulting fans and players alike, Artest was suspended the laughable count of 86 games. He served several suspensions afterwards for various additional assaults against coaches, teammates, and cameramen, and also served jail time for a conviction for domestic assault.
But he is a changed man, so they say.
Making headlines this offseason, Artest has announced to the world his desire to effect a legal name change to Metta World Peace. With a court hearing set for today on his application, it seemed strange that he would not himself appear in court, as the publicity-seeking Artest is not one to miss any photo-op.
Well, low and behold, the reason for his non-appearance became clear as his application was delayed, and he avoided arrest (Artest Arrest, how apropos) by not showing up, as the Court announced he could not proceed until several outstanding warrants were resolved. Awaiting details, my guess is there is more involved there that a speeding ticket or two.
theHoundDawg |  adidas Los Angeles Lakers #15 Ron Artest Purple Net Player T-shirt - $24.95 Retail Price: $34.95 |
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Finally, and Not Too Late, for Tex Winter
08/12/11 23:45
Several great players were enshrined tonight into the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame, including Chris Mullin, Satch Sanders, Artis Gilmore, Arvydas Sabonis, and also some women who 21st century sports bosses actually believe belong in a real sports hall of fame (but that's another story).
Dennis Rodman and his redemption speech got the most notoriety, but the most deserving new HOFer was 89-year-old coach Tex Winter. His induction was years overdue, but at least came while he was still alive, though he was unable to deliver his own acceptance speech due to the effects of the stroke he suffered a couple of years ago.
He invented the triangle offense while head coach at Kansas St in the 1950s and spent 24 years as Phil Jackson's assistant, drilling it into Jackson and a slew of Bull and Laker players. Jackson and his legendary teams might well have fared far differently, without the real expertise and unique offensive schemes provided by Winter.
Consider this my one kind word for a trojan for this millenium.
Dennis Rodman and his redemption speech got the most notoriety, but the most deserving new HOFer was 89-year-old coach Tex Winter. His induction was years overdue, but at least came while he was still alive, though he was unable to deliver his own acceptance speech due to the effects of the stroke he suffered a couple of years ago.
He invented the triangle offense while head coach at Kansas St in the 1950s and spent 24 years as Phil Jackson's assistant, drilling it into Jackson and a slew of Bull and Laker players. Jackson and his legendary teams might well have fared far differently, without the real expertise and unique offensive schemes provided by Winter.
Consider this my one kind word for a trojan for this millenium.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Coaches DO Matter
05/15/11 18:06
Mark WIllard on KSPN radio, the Los Angeles ESPN radio outlet, today on his show said that the NBA is a players' league, and that coaches matter little and have little effect on team performance.
Hogwash, to put it very mildly.
Where was Willard during the last three of the Del Harris years, where the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal Lakers never won as much as a Western Conference title*? What changed the following season, when the Lakers won the first of three consecutive NBA titles? Hm, What? Oh, PHIL JACKSON became the head coach, that's what.
The NBA is now seeing a major turnover in coaching talent, as Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat RIley, and other dominant coaching names of the past two decades now are retired, seemingly for the long run. New coaching faces are this year making their mark. After an expected (at least in my mind) "slow" start, Miami's Erik Spoelstra seems to have not only massive media attention, but also the attention of LeBum and the rest of the Miami SuperStars, and to my mind, now has his team over-achieving.
As they now face Chicago, we'll see if that continues, or if another young coach, Tom Thibodeau, NBA Coach of the Year in his first year as a head man, shows Miami how a championship-caliber team handles a conference playoff series. My bet is on Chicago and Thibodeau.
In the West, however, we find the real coaching giants of the next decade. They have accomplished little so far, but their accomplishments this season bode very well for future success. What Lionel Hollins has done this year with the Memphis Grizzlies is utterly astounding. While it is hard to call him a "young" coach at age 57, prior to this season he had been an NBA head coach for only parts of three prior seasons, and one full season. (Contrast that with Spoelstra who at age 40 has coached only 20 less games than Hollins.) But the job he did in bringing Memphis to within one game of playing for the conference title is astounding. How could a team with only three NBA caliber starters get that far? Winning as the Grizzles did with borderline NBA players TIm Allen and OJ Mayo in starting roles, after having lost star Rudy Gay, is beyond contemplation.
Hollins' Memphis team, however, lost to THE BEST young coaching talent in the NBA, Scott Brooks, who somehow has molded a superior team out of a collection to immensely talented but so, so young players. The Oklahoma City Thunder is now in the conference finals, with a starting lineup that averages 23.6 years of age, and who has three top reserves that average 22.6 years. For this super young team to be where it is today is a testament to the talents of Scott Brooks, who may very well be the dominant coach in the NBA for many years to come.
But not to Mark Willard, who thinks coaches do not matter.
_____
*The Lakers never won a single Western Conference title under Harris, but the Bryant-O'Neal combo only played for Harris for his last three seasons.
Hogwash, to put it very mildly.
Where was Willard during the last three of the Del Harris years, where the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal Lakers never won as much as a Western Conference title*? What changed the following season, when the Lakers won the first of three consecutive NBA titles? Hm, What? Oh, PHIL JACKSON became the head coach, that's what.
The NBA is now seeing a major turnover in coaching talent, as Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat RIley, and other dominant coaching names of the past two decades now are retired, seemingly for the long run. New coaching faces are this year making their mark. After an expected (at least in my mind) "slow" start, Miami's Erik Spoelstra seems to have not only massive media attention, but also the attention of LeBum and the rest of the Miami SuperStars, and to my mind, now has his team over-achieving.
As they now face Chicago, we'll see if that continues, or if another young coach, Tom Thibodeau, NBA Coach of the Year in his first year as a head man, shows Miami how a championship-caliber team handles a conference playoff series. My bet is on Chicago and Thibodeau.
In the West, however, we find the real coaching giants of the next decade. They have accomplished little so far, but their accomplishments this season bode very well for future success. What Lionel Hollins has done this year with the Memphis Grizzlies is utterly astounding. While it is hard to call him a "young" coach at age 57, prior to this season he had been an NBA head coach for only parts of three prior seasons, and one full season. (Contrast that with Spoelstra who at age 40 has coached only 20 less games than Hollins.) But the job he did in bringing Memphis to within one game of playing for the conference title is astounding. How could a team with only three NBA caliber starters get that far? Winning as the Grizzles did with borderline NBA players TIm Allen and OJ Mayo in starting roles, after having lost star Rudy Gay, is beyond contemplation.
Hollins' Memphis team, however, lost to THE BEST young coaching talent in the NBA, Scott Brooks, who somehow has molded a superior team out of a collection to immensely talented but so, so young players. The Oklahoma City Thunder is now in the conference finals, with a starting lineup that averages 23.6 years of age, and who has three top reserves that average 22.6 years. For this super young team to be where it is today is a testament to the talents of Scott Brooks, who may very well be the dominant coach in the NBA for many years to come.
But not to Mark Willard, who thinks coaches do not matter.
_____
*The Lakers never won a single Western Conference title under Harris, but the Bryant-O'Neal combo only played for Harris for his last three seasons.
| theHoundDawg |  |
NBA Trades Made and Not Made - Points Guards Pack Your Bags
02/25/11 22:05
This week’s trade flurry has shaken up the NBA West and made the occupation of point guard the favorite of real estate agents across the country.
First, what did NOT happen: The Lakers did NOT trade Andrew Bynum, a good thing. The likelihood that a Bynum for Anthony trade was ever a real possibility is remote, and a healthy Bynum will be a key to Laker success for the next several seasons.
This week DID see NINE point guards traded, several basically for each other. Phoenix getting Aaron Brooks was a steal, New Jersey giving up a fortune for Deron Williams was a gamble, and the Clippers giving away Baron Davis for the pathetic Mo Williams was a travesty. Jamario Moon is a useful sub, but to give away Davis and a first-ground draft choice for the over-rated, no-talent waste of a roster space Williams is a horrible setback for what was a vastly improved and rising Clipper squad. Blake CANNOT be happy. Utah fans will have to suffer for the present as well, but their future is bright with Favors and two first round picks. Come 2014 or 2015, they should be competitive again.
Nor can the Lakers be too happy, in that Portland and Oklahoma City both significantly improved themselves, and the second half, not to mention the playoffs, are no longer up to the Lakers to LOSE.
Gerald Wallace is a tremendous addition to the TBlazers, and putting him next to LaMarcus Aldridge who really came into his own in Brandon Roy’s absence, will give them an imposing front court. Roy has now returned, and I expect Portland to have a big second have and enter the playoffs blazing. The team that REALLY made out, though, is OCity, adding Nazr Mohammed, Nate Robinson, and a genuine presence in the middle, Kendrick Perkins. The Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook combo is as good as any duo in the NBA, and adding Perkins could make next year THIS year in thunderville.
The trades also changed the lineup in the East. I felt until now that Boston would win the east, but trading Perkins changes their dynamics, and things should really HEAT up. Atlanta hurt themselves as well, but they did not figure to get out of their first round series anyway.
OK, the big deal: Who knows? Who cares? Denver and NY - Neither team will be a real factor for years now. Anthony was the Nuggets, and NY can hardly find enough pros to field a team. They will end behind Philadelphia, and dangerously close to New Jersey.
Above all, it will be interesting.
First, what did NOT happen: The Lakers did NOT trade Andrew Bynum, a good thing. The likelihood that a Bynum for Anthony trade was ever a real possibility is remote, and a healthy Bynum will be a key to Laker success for the next several seasons.
This week DID see NINE point guards traded, several basically for each other. Phoenix getting Aaron Brooks was a steal, New Jersey giving up a fortune for Deron Williams was a gamble, and the Clippers giving away Baron Davis for the pathetic Mo Williams was a travesty. Jamario Moon is a useful sub, but to give away Davis and a first-ground draft choice for the over-rated, no-talent waste of a roster space Williams is a horrible setback for what was a vastly improved and rising Clipper squad. Blake CANNOT be happy. Utah fans will have to suffer for the present as well, but their future is bright with Favors and two first round picks. Come 2014 or 2015, they should be competitive again.
Nor can the Lakers be too happy, in that Portland and Oklahoma City both significantly improved themselves, and the second half, not to mention the playoffs, are no longer up to the Lakers to LOSE.
Gerald Wallace is a tremendous addition to the TBlazers, and putting him next to LaMarcus Aldridge who really came into his own in Brandon Roy’s absence, will give them an imposing front court. Roy has now returned, and I expect Portland to have a big second have and enter the playoffs blazing. The team that REALLY made out, though, is OCity, adding Nazr Mohammed, Nate Robinson, and a genuine presence in the middle, Kendrick Perkins. The Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook combo is as good as any duo in the NBA, and adding Perkins could make next year THIS year in thunderville.
The trades also changed the lineup in the East. I felt until now that Boston would win the east, but trading Perkins changes their dynamics, and things should really HEAT up. Atlanta hurt themselves as well, but they did not figure to get out of their first round series anyway.
OK, the big deal: Who knows? Who cares? Denver and NY - Neither team will be a real factor for years now. Anthony was the Nuggets, and NY can hardly find enough pros to field a team. They will end behind Philadelphia, and dangerously close to New Jersey.
Above all, it will be interesting.
| theHoundDawg | |
Mario Outdone and Blake Griffin Traffic Jam
02/20/11 16:44
Mario Solis was actually outdone on the late KNBC news last night, by anchorman Chris Schauble. They had this exchange:
Solis: “The NBA All-Star game tip off tomorrow is at 4:00.” (actually 5:30 PST; he only missed it by 1-1/2 hours).
“I think the West will take it. What about you, Chris?”
Schauble: “I’d like to see the West, but I think the East will.... I mean,... they have all those... All-Stars.”
I think all the other stuff around the NBA all star game is a lot of crap - rookie-sophomore game, 3-point contest, slam-dunk contest, and I never watch any of it, but Blake Griffin’s dunk over the car was really something:
Solis: “The NBA All-Star game tip off tomorrow is at 4:00.” (actually 5:30 PST; he only missed it by 1-1/2 hours).
“I think the West will take it. What about you, Chris?”
Schauble: “I’d like to see the West, but I think the East will.... I mean,... they have all those... All-Stars.”
I think all the other stuff around the NBA all star game is a lot of crap - rookie-sophomore game, 3-point contest, slam-dunk contest, and I never watch any of it, but Blake Griffin’s dunk over the car was really something:
| theHoundDawg |  |
Zenmaster Phil Renegs on Bargain with the Devil
12/25/10 11:43
Phil Jackson went overboard this week with his comments that “Christian holidays don’t mean anything” to the NBA, due to their scheduling of games on Christmas day (which they have done since 1947).
I've always admired Phil and considered him not only a great coach, but an intelligent, interesting, and complex person, with keen insights. But he is full of crap here, and I have lost a great deal of respect for him.
NBA Players, coaches, etc. have May to September to spend with their families, and in royal splendor thanks to the obscene money they are paid. Go ahead, take Christmas off, and WORK for a living, like the 17% of Americans living BELOW THE POVERTY level, that could never in their lifetime afford to attend a single NBA game. The devil is in the details, and to “earn” the money they are paid, NBA’ers should be happy to give up a holiday or three during their strenuous eight-month work year.
Maybe the real reason for Phil’s grumblings is the fact that the Phil-led Lakers are 4-7 in Christmas Day games, demonstrating that his nitty-gritty coaching when it could make a difference is sorely lacking. Also inescapable is the veiled anti-Semitism inherent in the tone of his statements.
Zenmaster Phil briefly referred to soccer not scheduling games on Christmas, but, who plays soccer in the US in December? Of course, the NFL observes NO holidays.
Following the Lakers game this afternoon, don’t forget to tune in the Cowboys-Cardinals game on the NFL Network. Merry Christmas, Zenmaster Phil.
I've always admired Phil and considered him not only a great coach, but an intelligent, interesting, and complex person, with keen insights. But he is full of crap here, and I have lost a great deal of respect for him.
NBA Players, coaches, etc. have May to September to spend with their families, and in royal splendor thanks to the obscene money they are paid. Go ahead, take Christmas off, and WORK for a living, like the 17% of Americans living BELOW THE POVERTY level, that could never in their lifetime afford to attend a single NBA game. The devil is in the details, and to “earn” the money they are paid, NBA’ers should be happy to give up a holiday or three during their strenuous eight-month work year.
Maybe the real reason for Phil’s grumblings is the fact that the Phil-led Lakers are 4-7 in Christmas Day games, demonstrating that his nitty-gritty coaching when it could make a difference is sorely lacking. Also inescapable is the veiled anti-Semitism inherent in the tone of his statements.
Zenmaster Phil briefly referred to soccer not scheduling games on Christmas, but, who plays soccer in the US in December? Of course, the NFL observes NO holidays.
Following the Lakers game this afternoon, don’t forget to tune in the Cowboys-Cardinals game on the NFL Network. Merry Christmas, Zenmaster Phil.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Basketball - The Great Haven For Egos and Idiots
07/24/10 11:56
Over the past few days, a couple of the most well-known names in the world of basketball have opened their collective mouths, and shown the world that they are in fact a couple of the great egos, and idiots, in the world of basketball.
As previously described here, the long-overdue resignation of the brain surgeon AD was a welcome occasion this week, as was the selection of San Marino’s only registered Democrat, Pat Haden, to succeed him. Is there anyone who could possible disagree with this change? Anyone who would, or could, laud the stellar work of of the disgraced mike garrett? Why yes, there is. And that person is: None other than Laker owner and celebrated over-grown preppy, Jerry Buss.
While the world, including the new sc Prez. and AD, have slowly come around to realize the extent of the criminal enterprise run by the garrett-carroll-floyd triumvirate, the good doctor Buss - who oh, so proudly wears his sc ph.d in chemistry as others would an M.D. from Harvard - has seen fit to submit his beliefs to the LA Times, who, strangely enough, printed his message in today’s sports section, to wit:
Then there is the case of the ego of Mr. Chris Paul, registering this week a solid 9.8 on the LeBum-Ego-Meter scale of ten.
What G-d damn arrogance! The mighty Mr. Paul wants to be a Magic, a Knick, or, heaven forbid, a LAKER?
By the way, isn’t he under contract to New Orleans? Why doesn’t that “no tampering” policy stuff apply to players who are under contract, as well as team representatives?
Well, Mr. Paul, with the recent moves the Lakers have made, signing Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff, the two-time NBA Champs are just fine without your services, and, in fact, now possess a roster far stronger than that which, as just noted, has won the NBA Championship the past two seasons WITHOUT YOU!
The very idea, incredibly favored by many equally idiotic commentators, that the Lakers should break up their winning combination by trading the vastly talented and still developing Andrew Bynum for Paul, is absurd.
After painfully enduring the LeBum event (actually, I’m still nauseous from it all), who would have thought that yet another mindless ego would so soon emerge from the pro basketball world, with similar headline-grabing arrogance and impunity.
Come on, it’s BASEBALL SEASON with the trade deadline coming up and pennant races around the corner.
As previously described here, the long-overdue resignation of the brain surgeon AD was a welcome occasion this week, as was the selection of San Marino’s only registered Democrat, Pat Haden, to succeed him. Is there anyone who could possible disagree with this change? Anyone who would, or could, laud the stellar work of of the disgraced mike garrett? Why yes, there is. And that person is: None other than Laker owner and celebrated over-grown preppy, Jerry Buss.
While the world, including the new sc Prez. and AD, have slowly come around to realize the extent of the criminal enterprise run by the garrett-carroll-floyd triumvirate, the good doctor Buss - who oh, so proudly wears his sc ph.d in chemistry as others would an M.D. from Harvard - has seen fit to submit his beliefs to the LA Times, who, strangely enough, printed his message in today’s sports section, to wit:
All I can add is this: Had buss accepted comperable conduct from his LA Laker leadership and athletes, he would have been suspended by the NBA from any participation in the operation of his franchise, the employees directly responsible would have been removed, and the athletes involved fined unprecedented sums.There doesn't seem to be much love shown for Mike Garrett and I would like to correct this if I may. I think in the future, the last 17 years will be known as one of the Golden Ages of USC sports. It is doubtful to me if we will ever win as many NCAA championships in such a short period of time as we have done under Mike. The football was fun; the basketball was fun; the track & field a glimmering of its past glory under impossible circumstances (the limitation of scholarships imposed on USC).I would also like to point out that for 50 years as a loyal Trojan, I prayed for someone with the ability, foresight and courage to attempt to build our own sports arena. This was accomplished by Mike Garrett even though there were numerous predecessors who attempted unsuccessfully to do the same thing.Let's not kid ourselves — things were wonderful under Mike and although I hope things will be even better under Pat Haden, I think we owe Mr. Garrett a very deep debt of gratitude.Jerry H. BussEl Segundo
Then there is the case of the ego of Mr. Chris Paul, registering this week a solid 9.8 on the LeBum-Ego-Meter scale of ten.
What G-d damn arrogance! The mighty Mr. Paul wants to be a Magic, a Knick, or, heaven forbid, a LAKER?
By the way, isn’t he under contract to New Orleans? Why doesn’t that “no tampering” policy stuff apply to players who are under contract, as well as team representatives?
Well, Mr. Paul, with the recent moves the Lakers have made, signing Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff, the two-time NBA Champs are just fine without your services, and, in fact, now possess a roster far stronger than that which, as just noted, has won the NBA Championship the past two seasons WITHOUT YOU!
The very idea, incredibly favored by many equally idiotic commentators, that the Lakers should break up their winning combination by trading the vastly talented and still developing Andrew Bynum for Paul, is absurd.
After painfully enduring the LeBum event (actually, I’m still nauseous from it all), who would have thought that yet another mindless ego would so soon emerge from the pro basketball world, with similar headline-grabing arrogance and impunity.
Come on, it’s BASEBALL SEASON with the trade deadline coming up and pennant races around the corner.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Three Hours to Havoc
06/30/10 18:06
Three hours to go until havoc time - get those checkbooks ready!
Since we last met, Doc Rivers has learned that his family doesn’t want him home too much of the time, so he is re-upping with Boston, which could mean Paul Pierce will return and that the Celtic demise was premature.
Also, though yesterday it seemed pretty sure that LeBum was moving to south Florida, stuff today seems to indicate that my original prognostication from two years ago that he would be playing in Brooklyn, may still have life. That forecast was made while the old ownership was still in place, and when their move from NJ seemed to be on track to happen sooner. But today I think the Heat is not such a sure thing, and Brooklyn, and probably still Chicago, remain in the running.
Of course the biggest event in bb today is the rumor that Phil Jackson WILL be back at Staples for one more season. So, all the Lakers really need is to re-sign Derrick Fisher, find his new backup, and fill in the holes left by the exit of Josh Powell, Shannon Brown, DJ Mbenga and Alan Morrison, as well as Jordan Farmar. Trading Lamar Odom, which is still likely, may present a bigger obstacle with no Paul Pierce on the market, and little $$$$ room for the likes of a Carlos Boozer-type. Then, there are today’s Carmelo Anthony trade rumors as well.
On another note, if Vinny Del Negro is at all interested in coaching the Clippers, SNAP HIM UP!!
Since we last met, Doc Rivers has learned that his family doesn’t want him home too much of the time, so he is re-upping with Boston, which could mean Paul Pierce will return and that the Celtic demise was premature.
Also, though yesterday it seemed pretty sure that LeBum was moving to south Florida, stuff today seems to indicate that my original prognostication from two years ago that he would be playing in Brooklyn, may still have life. That forecast was made while the old ownership was still in place, and when their move from NJ seemed to be on track to happen sooner. But today I think the Heat is not such a sure thing, and Brooklyn, and probably still Chicago, remain in the running.
Of course the biggest event in bb today is the rumor that Phil Jackson WILL be back at Staples for one more season. So, all the Lakers really need is to re-sign Derrick Fisher, find his new backup, and fill in the holes left by the exit of Josh Powell, Shannon Brown, DJ Mbenga and Alan Morrison, as well as Jordan Farmar. Trading Lamar Odom, which is still likely, may present a bigger obstacle with no Paul Pierce on the market, and little $$$$ room for the likes of a Carlos Boozer-type. Then, there are today’s Carmelo Anthony trade rumors as well.
On another note, if Vinny Del Negro is at all interested in coaching the Clippers, SNAP HIM UP!!
| theHoundDawg |  |
Lakers, Phil, and Next Season
06/29/10 23:58
Next season is now, and the future of the Lakers depends on PJ coming back. If rumors from south Florida are true and LeBum and Chris Bosh will be joining Wade with the Heat, once again to be coached by Pat Riley, keeping Phil is the only way the Lakers can do it again next season.
If he leaves, Byron Scott is a shoe-in to replace him, and that will spell doom for the Lakers. He is not the coach that some people seem to think he is, and he will not do well in LA. If Phil stays another year, not only will he have a great chance to lead the Lakers to that third straight title, but in the interim Scott will likely accept another spot, and the Lakers will look elsewhere in 2012. Too bad Brian Shaw seems to be in line for the Cav job, as he is number two on the Laker list and I feel has a much better coaching future than Scott, though no coach will be successful with a LeBum-less Cleveland for at least the next five years.
On another note, my guess is that Lamar Odom has played his last game with the Lakers, that Paul Pierce is through in Boston, and that the Lakers will make signing Pierce one of two priorities. The other will be a backup point guard, as Jordan Farmar will also be leaving.
In Boston, it looks like Doc Rivers is gone, and with Pierce elsewhere and with Rasheed Wallace retired, this Celtic team's time has passed, and serious rebuilding is in order.
If he leaves, Byron Scott is a shoe-in to replace him, and that will spell doom for the Lakers. He is not the coach that some people seem to think he is, and he will not do well in LA. If Phil stays another year, not only will he have a great chance to lead the Lakers to that third straight title, but in the interim Scott will likely accept another spot, and the Lakers will look elsewhere in 2012. Too bad Brian Shaw seems to be in line for the Cav job, as he is number two on the Laker list and I feel has a much better coaching future than Scott, though no coach will be successful with a LeBum-less Cleveland for at least the next five years.
On another note, my guess is that Lamar Odom has played his last game with the Lakers, that Paul Pierce is through in Boston, and that the Lakers will make signing Pierce one of two priorities. The other will be a backup point guard, as Jordan Farmar will also be leaving.
In Boston, it looks like Doc Rivers is gone, and with Pierce elsewhere and with Rasheed Wallace retired, this Celtic team's time has passed, and serious rebuilding is in order.
| theHoundDawg |  |
NBA Season Over But the Jokes Go On and On
06/27/10 09:56
The NBA season is over, but the riot (i.e. jokes), continues:
1) The ludicrous NBA draft.
The NBA draft system is absurd. No team has their own draft pick, no team picks their own players. No trades, just pick the guy that other team wants; work it out later. Screw the fans - let them buy a scorecard next season.
What should be done is to require all those deals to be completed before a player is drafted by the team that doesn’t want him. How is very easy. There should be a rule that no drafted played can be traded for one year. Now how hard was that to fix?
2) Even more ridiculous is the Lebum circus - mature professionals, well established in their field, falling all over themselves to kiss-up to Mr. Conglomerate, who cares not an iota for team, but only for his marketing success and personal statistics, for the privilege of handing him perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars. Wherever he goes, the fans will revel in his stats, the coach will enter a path to termination, and the team will be vilified for not doing what else needed to be done that deprived Lebum of his rightful titles.
1) The ludicrous NBA draft.
The NBA draft system is absurd. No team has their own draft pick, no team picks their own players. No trades, just pick the guy that other team wants; work it out later. Screw the fans - let them buy a scorecard next season.
What should be done is to require all those deals to be completed before a player is drafted by the team that doesn’t want him. How is very easy. There should be a rule that no drafted played can be traded for one year. Now how hard was that to fix?
2) Even more ridiculous is the Lebum circus - mature professionals, well established in their field, falling all over themselves to kiss-up to Mr. Conglomerate, who cares not an iota for team, but only for his marketing success and personal statistics, for the privilege of handing him perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars. Wherever he goes, the fans will revel in his stats, the coach will enter a path to termination, and the team will be vilified for not doing what else needed to be done that deprived Lebum of his rightful titles.
| theHoundDawg |  |
On the Road
06/21/10 21:13
Well, theHoundDawg just got back last night from four days in the bay area. Thanks to satellite radio and Tommy’s fabulous Mexican restaurant in SF, I didn’t miss too much LA sports.
Thursday eve in SF, I was able to hear some of the Laker finale on SiriusXM, and then at dinner at Tommy’s I had an excellent view of the TV for the fourth quarter. A great margarita, a great meal, and a sensational final quarter to the NBA season. As it was the City, as the game ended, the Warrior, Celtic and anti-LA fans that populated the place broke into a sustained round of silence, with a few rationed applause sounds from me and a couple of other brave souls. MrsHound remained silent so as not to enrage the masses.
On Sunday, as the afternoon turned into evening, driving home on the aromatic five, the sounds of Dodger baseball helped pass the time, though losing that third in a row to Boston was painful.
Even more painful was the fact the SiriusXM broadcasts of both the Laker-Celtic game (and the post-game we listened to after leaving Tommy’s) and the Dodger-Red Sox game were feeds of the Boston broadcasts, with Boston’s homer announcers, including the basketball color guy, the never-to-be forgotten Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell.
Thursday eve in SF, I was able to hear some of the Laker finale on SiriusXM, and then at dinner at Tommy’s I had an excellent view of the TV for the fourth quarter. A great margarita, a great meal, and a sensational final quarter to the NBA season. As it was the City, as the game ended, the Warrior, Celtic and anti-LA fans that populated the place broke into a sustained round of silence, with a few rationed applause sounds from me and a couple of other brave souls. MrsHound remained silent so as not to enrage the masses.
On Sunday, as the afternoon turned into evening, driving home on the aromatic five, the sounds of Dodger baseball helped pass the time, though losing that third in a row to Boston was painful.
Even more painful was the fact the SiriusXM broadcasts of both the Laker-Celtic game (and the post-game we listened to after leaving Tommy’s) and the Dodger-Red Sox game were feeds of the Boston broadcasts, with Boston’s homer announcers, including the basketball color guy, the never-to-be forgotten Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell.
| theHoundDawg | |
Why Can't Sports Use Technology to GET IT RIGHT?
06/08/10 20:55
In this electronic age, where most human activity is monitored, recorded, and evaluated, where technology is able to observe and record minute actions millions of miles away, where the NFL can show an instant replay of every movement on their field, from 20 separate angles, within seconds of the plays’ completion, how can it be that:
1) An experienced MLB umpire’s blown call - shown to be incorrect seconds afterward, can deprive a pitcher of the immortality of a perfect game, and
2) In what could have been a decisive play in the closing minuted of an NBA Finals game, NBA refs, unsure of a call, can use that same replay to determine which player last touched a ball knocked out of bounds, but when that replay shows an obvious but previously missed foul, that would change possession, they must ignore the obvious foul, but award possession based on the content of the replay.
This is absurd.
We all know the extremely limited use of replay in major league baseball, and how that ridiculous position deprived, barely a week ago, Armando Galarraga from registering a perfect game. There is no justification for archaic rules that prohibit using everyday equipment to overturn what is wrong, to produce the correct outcome.
In the final couple of minutes of tonight’s Laker-Celtic game, with the score close and the outcome not yet determined, under the Celtic basket, a ball was knocked out of bounds. The referees gathered and agreed it was a play to view on replay in order to determine ONLY who last touched the ball. As millions of TV viewers watched, the referees saw two things - that the ball last went off the arm of Laker Lamar Odom, and that he lost the ball out of bounds because he was fouled.
What did the rules of the NBA require? That the ball be awarded to Boston, because the refs had to use the reply to see who last touched the ball and that the refs had to ignore the obvious foul that caused the ball to leave Odom’s grasp and tumble across the out-of-bounds line.
Why can’t the concept of GETTING IT RIGHT be the most important factor in refereeing and umpiring sporting events where millionaire players are performing at the behest of billionaire owners, for the entertainment of hundreds of millions of fans.
1) An experienced MLB umpire’s blown call - shown to be incorrect seconds afterward, can deprive a pitcher of the immortality of a perfect game, and
2) In what could have been a decisive play in the closing minuted of an NBA Finals game, NBA refs, unsure of a call, can use that same replay to determine which player last touched a ball knocked out of bounds, but when that replay shows an obvious but previously missed foul, that would change possession, they must ignore the obvious foul, but award possession based on the content of the replay.
This is absurd.
We all know the extremely limited use of replay in major league baseball, and how that ridiculous position deprived, barely a week ago, Armando Galarraga from registering a perfect game. There is no justification for archaic rules that prohibit using everyday equipment to overturn what is wrong, to produce the correct outcome.
In the final couple of minutes of tonight’s Laker-Celtic game, with the score close and the outcome not yet determined, under the Celtic basket, a ball was knocked out of bounds. The referees gathered and agreed it was a play to view on replay in order to determine ONLY who last touched the ball. As millions of TV viewers watched, the referees saw two things - that the ball last went off the arm of Laker Lamar Odom, and that he lost the ball out of bounds because he was fouled.
What did the rules of the NBA require? That the ball be awarded to Boston, because the refs had to use the reply to see who last touched the ball and that the refs had to ignore the obvious foul that caused the ball to leave Odom’s grasp and tumble across the out-of-bounds line.
Why can’t the concept of GETTING IT RIGHT be the most important factor in refereeing and umpiring sporting events where millionaire players are performing at the behest of billionaire owners, for the entertainment of hundreds of millions of fans.
| theHoundDawg |
Lakers Limp into Playoffs
04/18/10 10:28
The Lakers should be raring to go.
Unfortunately, chronic injuries to Kobe, Drew Bynum’s yearly leg injury, Sasha’s severely sprained ankle, and a beat-up Jordan Farmar, combined with a first-round face-off with the young, powerful, up-and-coming OC Thunder, makes the entire playoff season look like a major undertaking. Geting through the Thunder will be no easy task, and it will only get more difficult facing the rest of the best in the powerful West (Poetry at no extra cost.).
Also, defending the likes of Kevin Durant in the playoffs is the job that the Lakers had in mind when they signed ron artest. He never had a melt-down during the regular season, but the pressure of the playoffs could mean a return to form for the masked psycho.
On another injury note, the injury to Brandon Roy plus the Sun’s hot finish likely will mean the Lakers avoiding a matchup with their Portland nemesis.
Unfortunately, chronic injuries to Kobe, Drew Bynum’s yearly leg injury, Sasha’s severely sprained ankle, and a beat-up Jordan Farmar, combined with a first-round face-off with the young, powerful, up-and-coming OC Thunder, makes the entire playoff season look like a major undertaking. Geting through the Thunder will be no easy task, and it will only get more difficult facing the rest of the best in the powerful West (Poetry at no extra cost.).
Also, defending the likes of Kevin Durant in the playoffs is the job that the Lakers had in mind when they signed ron artest. He never had a melt-down during the regular season, but the pressure of the playoffs could mean a return to form for the masked psycho.
On another injury note, the injury to Brandon Roy plus the Sun’s hot finish likely will mean the Lakers avoiding a matchup with their Portland nemesis.
| theHoundDawg |
Texas Coach Rick Barnes: He is What is Wrong With College Sports
03/04/10 14:55
Rick Barnes, Head basketball coach at Texas, actually said this out loud.“We would love to win a national championship, but we’re not obsessed with it because we’re obsessed with these guys trying to live their NBA dream. What’s happened to Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. Ford — I’d give up a national title for all of our guys to be able to live their dream.”
Early defections to the NBA have destroyed college basketball. Fact. No Debate.
Where would the UCLA Bruins be today if Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Jrue Holiday were still Bruins and not raking in NBA millions? What would this year's NCAA Tourney be like with these guys playing, plus the likes of Hasheem Thabeet at Connecticut, Tyreke Evans at Memphis, Gerald Henderson at Duke, Jeff Teague at Wake Forest, DaJuan Summers at Geogetown, etc., etc., etc.?
And Barnes has the audacity to say he cares not about success for his Texas team, so long as the one-and-out prima donnas get their asses into the NBA? Does he maybe collect a share of their contracts? How else can he insult not only his team and his school, but ALL OF COLLEGE SPORTS and expect to get away with it?
The lure of professional sports glamour and riches is poisoning not only college sports as a whole, but doing a horrible disservice to the student-athlete. How many of these young guys have given up a free education to follow little more than a dream into the NBA (and for some the NFL), only to see that dream burst with their future destroyed? Far more then the handful who succeed.
People like Barnes, the head coach at a major university, are feeding this disease, to the detriment of the NCAA, the fan, and primarily to the student-athlete.
Barnes is not fit to coach in a softball beer league.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Darren Collison Making Most of Paul's Injury
02/07/10 20:44
Speaking of New Orleans,...
Darren Collison stayed at UCLA for the full four years, and completed a career as one of the top point guards in a Bruin history already replete with names like Walt Hazzard, Michael Warren, Baron Davis, Ty Edney, Pooh Richardson, and an almost endless list of others. When his college career came to an end, he was still a solid draft pick and was rewarded with a million dollar NBA contract. The bad news was that he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets who already had a guy named Chris Paul at the point, and it appeared that Collison would be little more than a caddy for quite a while.
But, Paul has not been healthy, and a few days ago went out for one to two months with knee surgery. In steps Darren Collison, and in five games since taking over as the starter, he has compiled a 16.6 points-per-game average and has passed off for more than ten assists per game.
He's got a great chance to excel now, and show the rest of the league that he has the talent to be an NBA starter a point guard.
Darren Collison stayed at UCLA for the full four years, and completed a career as one of the top point guards in a Bruin history already replete with names like Walt Hazzard, Michael Warren, Baron Davis, Ty Edney, Pooh Richardson, and an almost endless list of others. When his college career came to an end, he was still a solid draft pick and was rewarded with a million dollar NBA contract. The bad news was that he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets who already had a guy named Chris Paul at the point, and it appeared that Collison would be little more than a caddy for quite a while.
But, Paul has not been healthy, and a few days ago went out for one to two months with knee surgery. In steps Darren Collison, and in five games since taking over as the starter, he has compiled a 16.6 points-per-game average and has passed off for more than ten assists per game.
He's got a great chance to excel now, and show the rest of the league that he has the talent to be an NBA starter a point guard.
| theHoundDawg |  |
SC Scum and NCAA, and, Oh, Yea, Bruin Disgrace
01/17/10 13:26
Well, according to the late Mike Garrett (about two monhts to go, at most), OJ Mayo has joined the NFL's second-biggest scumwad r bush in their failure to cooperate with investigations into their illegal activities while enjoying the cardinal and gold glamour and classroom experience (thought I'd throw in a good laugh).
It is well known that bush took his Heisman and ran to the NFL where he had to take a pay cut, and refused to talk to NCAA investigators and others looking into his $1/2 million in ill-gotten riches while in the employ of petey and MG. Mayo followed in those footsteps to the NBA and as ESPN and the Daily News reported, refused to discuss the matter, as sc self-imposed all those darling little penalties.
While sc fully deserves what it is getting for employing criminal elements like petey, timmy, bush and mayo, the likes of bush and mayo should have had the decency to try to help out the school that paved the way for their future careers.
On another, equally sickening note, I really misspoke back on Dec. 24 when I though I saw a glimmer of hope in the Bruin basketball team. We all knew the team would not be very good this season, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect the team to be as bad as the brain surgeons figured to be. Alas, the brain surgeons, who had been playing reasonabley well most of the season, yesterday wiped the Wooden name off the hardwood with the horrible Bruin team. This was the most embarrassing exposition of Bruin bb in my memory, and I've been atttending Bruin games for five decades (Six, if I ever suck it up and go to a game this season - can't even watch them on TV right now).
It is well known that bush took his Heisman and ran to the NFL where he had to take a pay cut, and refused to talk to NCAA investigators and others looking into his $1/2 million in ill-gotten riches while in the employ of petey and MG. Mayo followed in those footsteps to the NBA and as ESPN and the Daily News reported, refused to discuss the matter, as sc self-imposed all those darling little penalties.
While sc fully deserves what it is getting for employing criminal elements like petey, timmy, bush and mayo, the likes of bush and mayo should have had the decency to try to help out the school that paved the way for their future careers.
On another, equally sickening note, I really misspoke back on Dec. 24 when I though I saw a glimmer of hope in the Bruin basketball team. We all knew the team would not be very good this season, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect the team to be as bad as the brain surgeons figured to be. Alas, the brain surgeons, who had been playing reasonabley well most of the season, yesterday wiped the Wooden name off the hardwood with the horrible Bruin team. This was the most embarrassing exposition of Bruin bb in my memory, and I've been atttending Bruin games for five decades (Six, if I ever suck it up and go to a game this season - can't even watch them on TV right now).
| theHoundDawg | |
Beginning of the End for Artest? We Can Only Hope
12/26/09 17:14
Do the Lakers think we're all idiots?
The guy that instigated the most despicable incident in NBA history, the guy who recently announced to the world that he used to down a few shots at half-time of games while he was playing for timmy's Bulls, the guy the Lakers sought out rather than re-signing Trevor Ariza, shows up with a head injury, a concussion, and a banged-up elbow, and they expect us to believe him that he TRIPPED OVER A BOX AND FELL DOWN THE STAIRS AT HOME?????
Oh, come on.
Where did this really happen, and how did it really happen?
And, when he was taken to UCLA Med Center, did they do a blood alcohol and/or drug test?
Stay tuned. I can hardly wait for the next chapter.
The guy that instigated the most despicable incident in NBA history, the guy who recently announced to the world that he used to down a few shots at half-time of games while he was playing for timmy's Bulls, the guy the Lakers sought out rather than re-signing Trevor Ariza, shows up with a head injury, a concussion, and a banged-up elbow, and they expect us to believe him that he TRIPPED OVER A BOX AND FELL DOWN THE STAIRS AT HOME?????
Oh, come on.
Where did this really happen, and how did it really happen?
And, when he was taken to UCLA Med Center, did they do a blood alcohol and/or drug test?
Stay tuned. I can hardly wait for the next chapter.
| theHoundDawg |
Lakers, NBA, Off to Expected Start
11/05/09 15:40
The vastly improved and now relatively healthy Celtics are off to the start I anticipated, as are the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. Orlando, who I thought had no chance of repeating, especially in light of no more Hido, and with the addition of perennial loser Vince Carter, have added a few top subs, in particular Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson, who make them stronger than I anticipated. Cleveland has re-tooled, but the horrible lack of chemistry continues, the idea of 90-year-old Shaq meshing there looks far-fetched, and the Delonte West situation will sooner or later blow up in the NBA's face.
Last night in Houston confirmed a couple of things. First, the Rockets are a good team, even without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and despite an inconsistent night, Trevor Ariza is a blossoming star who the Rockets can rely on (despite Fisher's last-second steal), and whom the Lakers will sorely miss. Next, Even without Ariza, the Lakers are odds on to again reach the Finals, and should only be able to be taken by a healthy Celtic team, if by anybody. Finally, I stand by my position that ron artest is a disaster waiting to happen; that the team would be infinitely better, and better off, with Ariza, and that it is extremely unlikely that they will get through the entire season without artest having a melt-down, potentially costing the team dearly.
Andrew Bynum's injury has come early this season. Hopefully Pao will be back within a weak, uh, week, and all will be well till that point that never happens until late in the season, when the Lakers are at full strength.
theHoundDawg
Last night in Houston confirmed a couple of things. First, the Rockets are a good team, even without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and despite an inconsistent night, Trevor Ariza is a blossoming star who the Rockets can rely on (despite Fisher's last-second steal), and whom the Lakers will sorely miss. Next, Even without Ariza, the Lakers are odds on to again reach the Finals, and should only be able to be taken by a healthy Celtic team, if by anybody. Finally, I stand by my position that ron artest is a disaster waiting to happen; that the team would be infinitely better, and better off, with Ariza, and that it is extremely unlikely that they will get through the entire season without artest having a melt-down, potentially costing the team dearly.
Andrew Bynum's injury has come early this season. Hopefully Pao will be back within a weak, uh, week, and all will be well till that point that never happens until late in the season, when the Lakers are at full strength.
theHoundDawg
Sporting News' 50 Greatest Coaches List - Some Hits, Some Misses
07/31/09 17:46
The Sporting News pretty much stays out of the news these days, but they did raise some controversy this week when they released their poll of the 50 greatest coaches of all time. I absolutely agree with their choice of John Wooden as the greatest coach in any sport. As should be the case, the vote was not even close, with the Wizard receiving 57 first place votes, from the TSN panel of 118 "experts". Unfortunately, many of their last 49 choices miss the mark.
The list includes only six additional college basketball coaches and five NBA coaches, and none of them, incredibly, is Larry Brown. His omission is the most glaring misstep on the list. The list contains ten NFL coaches, and eighth among them, and number 20 overall, is Bill Belichick, who should be the second-ranked pro football coach, following the list's number two, Vince Lombardi. Also as to NFL coaches, the bottom two, Bill Walsh and Bill Parcells, at numbers 26 and 33 overall respectively, should be above the higher-ranked Paul Brown, George Halas, Joe Gibbs, and Tom Landry.
Their ranking of college football coaches is not too badly composed, but I would elevate Bud Wilkinson, number 29 overall, from the seventh spot among college football coaches, to the third spot, behind only Bear Bryant and Knute Rockne, and I'd make Rockne number one, not Bryant.
As to the five NHL coaches that made the list, perhaps Scotty Bowman deserves to be higher overall than number seven, and there are dozens of coaches from other sports who deserve the last spot, over Herb Brooks. He's listed as an NHL coach, and that does not merit him a spot on the list. Call him an Olympic Hockey coach, and there is at least a sentimental and patriotic basis for his selection.
The list includes ten MLB managers, with the over-hyped, over-indluged, and over-rated Casey Stengel on top, at number nine overall. Give him Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and the like, and he can win pennants. He managed three other teams, before and after the scumstripes, and to call his performances mediocre would be overly generous. He still owns, at least until the Washington National's current season comes to a close, the worst single-season record in major league history, with the 1962 Mets. For my money, in following MLB as close as I have for more than 50 years, and in reading and studying much of early baseball history, the four best managers I have seen, are Walter Alston, Tony La Russa, Sparky Anderson, and Joe Torre. Their listings at numbers 35, 41, 38, and 32, respectively, are absurd. The four should all be in the list's top 20 overall.
Finally, how could the panel waste valuable, limited positions on the list with the inclusion of not one, but two, woman's basketball coaches?
The list includes only six additional college basketball coaches and five NBA coaches, and none of them, incredibly, is Larry Brown. His omission is the most glaring misstep on the list. The list contains ten NFL coaches, and eighth among them, and number 20 overall, is Bill Belichick, who should be the second-ranked pro football coach, following the list's number two, Vince Lombardi. Also as to NFL coaches, the bottom two, Bill Walsh and Bill Parcells, at numbers 26 and 33 overall respectively, should be above the higher-ranked Paul Brown, George Halas, Joe Gibbs, and Tom Landry.
Their ranking of college football coaches is not too badly composed, but I would elevate Bud Wilkinson, number 29 overall, from the seventh spot among college football coaches, to the third spot, behind only Bear Bryant and Knute Rockne, and I'd make Rockne number one, not Bryant.
As to the five NHL coaches that made the list, perhaps Scotty Bowman deserves to be higher overall than number seven, and there are dozens of coaches from other sports who deserve the last spot, over Herb Brooks. He's listed as an NHL coach, and that does not merit him a spot on the list. Call him an Olympic Hockey coach, and there is at least a sentimental and patriotic basis for his selection.
The list includes ten MLB managers, with the over-hyped, over-indluged, and over-rated Casey Stengel on top, at number nine overall. Give him Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and the like, and he can win pennants. He managed three other teams, before and after the scumstripes, and to call his performances mediocre would be overly generous. He still owns, at least until the Washington National's current season comes to a close, the worst single-season record in major league history, with the 1962 Mets. For my money, in following MLB as close as I have for more than 50 years, and in reading and studying much of early baseball history, the four best managers I have seen, are Walter Alston, Tony La Russa, Sparky Anderson, and Joe Torre. Their listings at numbers 35, 41, 38, and 32, respectively, are absurd. The four should all be in the list's top 20 overall.
Finally, how could the panel waste valuable, limited positions on the list with the inclusion of not one, but two, woman's basketball coaches?
| theHoundDawg |
Laker Off-Season Begins with Ups and Downs
07/08/09 14:20
In the three-plus weeks since the Lakers became NBA Champs, a lot has happened to the team.
First and foremost, Phil Jackson has agreed to return next season. That means that regardless of what player decisions the personnel gurus make, the team will be in contention to repeat.
Whether or not they do repeat doesn't seem as likely as it did three weeks ago, in my opinion.
First, I strongly feel that the loss of Trevor Ariza will we monumental. He is a great young talent that fits the Laker mold to a tee, and given the playing time he has now earned, and being injury-free, he will quickly develop into a star, combining tenacity and athleticism with stellar defense and a great outside shot. It would seem, though, that the strong-arm tactics of his agent, rather than his personal desires and the Lakers' interest were the reasons he is moving to Houston.
Next, replacing Ariza, the Lakers signed a walking time bomb, in Ron Artest. How quickly personnel people, commentators, and fans, all forget the evils this man has committed on the court. On October 18, 2008, I wrote:
Artest didn't explode last season (though he did seem to come close a few times), and obviously did not take the Rockets with him. Jackson's influence would protect the Lakers as a team from such a team-wide reaction, but the chances are excellent that Artest will not get through another full season without an Indiana-Detroit-like event re-occurring. As a player, he is an older, more volatile version of Ariza.
Third, the top competition has strongly improved. Cleveland has Shaq, which will make them tougher, but not give them a title. Orlando has done much re-shaping, but has not improved. A healthy Jameer Nelson will do more for them than exchanging, in effect, Vince Carter for Hedo Turkoglu, who they will quickly learn was a vital key to their team. No, the team to beat in the NBA next season, is the Celtics. Healthy seasons from Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe, the further development of Rajon Rondo into one of the top point guards in the NBA, and the tremendous addition of Rasheed Wallace, and now possibly also Grant Hill, make the Celtics number one in the East, and maybe in the NBA.
theHoundDawg
First and foremost, Phil Jackson has agreed to return next season. That means that regardless of what player decisions the personnel gurus make, the team will be in contention to repeat.
Whether or not they do repeat doesn't seem as likely as it did three weeks ago, in my opinion.
First, I strongly feel that the loss of Trevor Ariza will we monumental. He is a great young talent that fits the Laker mold to a tee, and given the playing time he has now earned, and being injury-free, he will quickly develop into a star, combining tenacity and athleticism with stellar defense and a great outside shot. It would seem, though, that the strong-arm tactics of his agent, rather than his personal desires and the Lakers' interest were the reasons he is moving to Houston.
Next, replacing Ariza, the Lakers signed a walking time bomb, in Ron Artest. How quickly personnel people, commentators, and fans, all forget the evils this man has committed on the court. On October 18, 2008, I wrote:
"Maybe the biggest question mark is the Houston Rockets. At times last year they were terrible, but then for a few weeks, after the injury to Yao Ming, they were brilliant. Which Houston team will show up this year? Well, I think the addition of Ron Artest is a major mistake and a step backward. Artest is perhaps the most over-rated player in the league, and has done nothing but make his team of the moment worse. He is a time bomb, and at some point during the season, he will explode, and take the team down with him."
Artest didn't explode last season (though he did seem to come close a few times), and obviously did not take the Rockets with him. Jackson's influence would protect the Lakers as a team from such a team-wide reaction, but the chances are excellent that Artest will not get through another full season without an Indiana-Detroit-like event re-occurring. As a player, he is an older, more volatile version of Ariza.
Third, the top competition has strongly improved. Cleveland has Shaq, which will make them tougher, but not give them a title. Orlando has done much re-shaping, but has not improved. A healthy Jameer Nelson will do more for them than exchanging, in effect, Vince Carter for Hedo Turkoglu, who they will quickly learn was a vital key to their team. No, the team to beat in the NBA next season, is the Celtics. Healthy seasons from Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe, the further development of Rajon Rondo into one of the top point guards in the NBA, and the tremendous addition of Rasheed Wallace, and now possibly also Grant Hill, make the Celtics number one in the East, and maybe in the NBA.
theHoundDawg
Lakers Win - Now What About Next Year?
06/15/09 20:30
Congrats to the entire Laker family for a fabulous season, especially Dr Jerry and Buss generation two, Mitch Kupchak, Phil, and the entire team. As I said before the season, and frequently thereafter, the Lakers have the most talented and deepest team in the NBA, but being able to show that on the court does not necessarily follow. Remember the Dell Harris years?
Watching Kobe this season was amazing - seeing a great player improve his entire game to an incredible new level. Deserving much of the credit for the team's success is the previously much-maligned Mitch Kupchak, who made key player moves putting the finishing touches on what did became a championship team.
Kobe, Mitch, Jerry, Jeannie, and Jimmie are going nowhere, but what about Phil? Jeannie said on the air today that his health is fine, that this leg problems of the past season are now resolved, and that she sees no reason why he won't be return for the final season of his contract. This is great for two reasons: First, Phil is the best coach the NBA has ever seen. Period. It is still hard to forget the the 2004-5 season when Phil was retired for a year. Second, the rumored candidates that could replace him, from Brian Shaw to Byron Scott to Kurt Rambis are all sorely lacking in coaching experience, coaching ability, and/or additional qualities the Lakers demand, and need, if their outstanding success were to continue. Should Phil decide to leave, however, then the Lakers need to open the coffers and do their best to influence an experience and successful coach to move to LA, like they did with Phil. The ideal person that fits this mold would be Gregg Popovich.
On the court, the same type of critical questions are present, with the pending free agency of Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. The Lakers might be NBA champs without one or the other of these two, but probably not, and to return to that lofty perch next season virtually requires that both players be resigned. It's time for the financial geniuses in Lakerdom to work out the details.
Finally, as an LA native who has lived in LA County his entire life, I am ashamed of the idiots and jerks who have nothing better to do with their sorry lives than celebrate victory by destroying property.
Watching Kobe this season was amazing - seeing a great player improve his entire game to an incredible new level. Deserving much of the credit for the team's success is the previously much-maligned Mitch Kupchak, who made key player moves putting the finishing touches on what did became a championship team.
Kobe, Mitch, Jerry, Jeannie, and Jimmie are going nowhere, but what about Phil? Jeannie said on the air today that his health is fine, that this leg problems of the past season are now resolved, and that she sees no reason why he won't be return for the final season of his contract. This is great for two reasons: First, Phil is the best coach the NBA has ever seen. Period. It is still hard to forget the the 2004-5 season when Phil was retired for a year. Second, the rumored candidates that could replace him, from Brian Shaw to Byron Scott to Kurt Rambis are all sorely lacking in coaching experience, coaching ability, and/or additional qualities the Lakers demand, and need, if their outstanding success were to continue. Should Phil decide to leave, however, then the Lakers need to open the coffers and do their best to influence an experience and successful coach to move to LA, like they did with Phil. The ideal person that fits this mold would be Gregg Popovich.
On the court, the same type of critical questions are present, with the pending free agency of Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. The Lakers might be NBA champs without one or the other of these two, but probably not, and to return to that lofty perch next season virtually requires that both players be resigned. It's time for the financial geniuses in Lakerdom to work out the details.
Finally, as an LA native who has lived in LA County his entire life, I am ashamed of the idiots and jerks who have nothing better to do with their sorry lives than celebrate victory by destroying property.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Defense Lets Lakers Down
06/10/09 18:21
Perimeter Defense. Perimeter Defense. Perimeter Defense.
The Lakers shot 51%, including a reasonable 35% on 3-pointers, were out-rebounded only by two boards, but missed an unacceptable 10 free throws, shooting only 62% from the line, and lost last night's game by four points. Why? Perimeter Defense. The Lakers allowed Orlando to shot 62%, including an astounding 75% in the first half.
The team defense that was so outstanding in game one and more than adequate in game two, missed the plane to Florida, and never showed up in the amway arena last night.
Kobe will be ok after his sub-par night, and the team as a whole will shoot better from the line. Those are givens. But, there needs to be the team effort on D, like there was in game one, for the Lakers to rebound and show Orlando who is top dawg in the NBA.
One other issue to consider is the fact that Gasol, Odom and Bynum played 95 minutes between them, and took a total of 23 shots. Dwight Howard committed four personals defending ghosts in the paint. The Laker big men need to shoot more, get Howard moving around more, coming out from the basket if possible, but at least having to actually defend more underneath. Only good things can happen if they do so, shooters actually scoring, and maybe Howard picking up more fouls, and maybe playing less than the 45 minutes he has averaged over the last two games.
theHoundDawg
The Lakers shot 51%, including a reasonable 35% on 3-pointers, were out-rebounded only by two boards, but missed an unacceptable 10 free throws, shooting only 62% from the line, and lost last night's game by four points. Why? Perimeter Defense. The Lakers allowed Orlando to shot 62%, including an astounding 75% in the first half.
The team defense that was so outstanding in game one and more than adequate in game two, missed the plane to Florida, and never showed up in the amway arena last night.
Kobe will be ok after his sub-par night, and the team as a whole will shoot better from the line. Those are givens. But, there needs to be the team effort on D, like there was in game one, for the Lakers to rebound and show Orlando who is top dawg in the NBA.
One other issue to consider is the fact that Gasol, Odom and Bynum played 95 minutes between them, and took a total of 23 shots. Dwight Howard committed four personals defending ghosts in the paint. The Laker big men need to shoot more, get Howard moving around more, coming out from the basket if possible, but at least having to actually defend more underneath. Only good things can happen if they do so, shooters actually scoring, and maybe Howard picking up more fouls, and maybe playing less than the 45 minutes he has averaged over the last two games.
theHoundDawg
This IS Next Year
06/04/09 16:44
One year ago tomorrow night, the Lakers came out on the floor in Boston and played a great first half in the opening game of the 2007-8 NBA finals. However, the Celtics then totally dominated the second half, out-scoring, out-defending, out-coaching, and totally out-playing the Lakers, 52-37, taking the opening game 98-88, and effectively ending the Lakers' season, though they did not realize it for another few days.
Tonight, actually in little more than one hour, the Lakers open the Finals at home, and against a team very unlike the Celtics. Another key to the series is the second half of tonight's game. I expect to see an unrelenting team effort, fueled by the memories of the second half of June 5, 2008, not to mention the rest of last year's series, leading to a Laker victory that will motivate the team to keep that momentum going through the rest of the series, and provide redemption for last year's embarrassment.
Tonight, actually in little more than one hour, the Lakers open the Finals at home, and against a team very unlike the Celtics. Another key to the series is the second half of tonight's game. I expect to see an unrelenting team effort, fueled by the memories of the second half of June 5, 2008, not to mention the rest of last year's series, leading to a Laker victory that will motivate the team to keep that momentum going through the rest of the series, and provide redemption for last year's embarrassment.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Lakers' Perimeter Defense Key to Series
06/02/09 23:44
The "experts" all say that Dwight Howard will be the key to this series. Well, I don't think so. This series will be decided not inside the paint, but outside the arc.
Howard will get his points, regardless. That will not shape the series. What will, will be the Lakers' perimeter defense, defending the real strength of the Magic offense - their three-point shooting.
Orlando shot more threes per game than any other NBA team except NY, and tied with the Knicks for the most made, during the regular season, and they have continued their dependence on three-pointers through the playoffs. Interestingly enough, while the Lakers were the third best defense against the three during the regular season, the second best was Orlando, with Cleveland first. During the playoffs, however, the Lakers have been just ahead of Orlando in three-point defense, and second to Detroit, while Cleveland fell to 12th - a major reason for their losing to Orlando.
Key matchups to watch will be Tevor Ariza on Hedo Turkoglu, and whomever the Lakers put on Mickael Pietrus. Most likely Kobe will draw that assignment, but I have a feeling Ariza will end up there, with Lamar Odom switching to Turkoglu, so long as Gasol and especially Bynum do reasonably well on Howard.
Ariza has a lot to prove to his old team, and his old coach, Stan Van Gundy, whose parting words on Ariza, when the Magic traded him to the Lakers for two journeymen who are both long gone from Orlando, were "I think it was a good move for us."
The possibility now that Jameer Nelson may be healthy enough to see action is an interesting new element to factor in. If he is healthy, he adds a new dimension to the Magic back court. If he is not healthy, and as rusty as Andrew Bynum was after his three month absence, after a five-minute emotional high, he will be a liability.
Another interesting fact is that in a changing league that traditionally depended on the NCAA "farm system", seven of the ten starters did not attend college.
theHoundDawg
Howard will get his points, regardless. That will not shape the series. What will, will be the Lakers' perimeter defense, defending the real strength of the Magic offense - their three-point shooting.
Orlando shot more threes per game than any other NBA team except NY, and tied with the Knicks for the most made, during the regular season, and they have continued their dependence on three-pointers through the playoffs. Interestingly enough, while the Lakers were the third best defense against the three during the regular season, the second best was Orlando, with Cleveland first. During the playoffs, however, the Lakers have been just ahead of Orlando in three-point defense, and second to Detroit, while Cleveland fell to 12th - a major reason for their losing to Orlando.
Key matchups to watch will be Tevor Ariza on Hedo Turkoglu, and whomever the Lakers put on Mickael Pietrus. Most likely Kobe will draw that assignment, but I have a feeling Ariza will end up there, with Lamar Odom switching to Turkoglu, so long as Gasol and especially Bynum do reasonably well on Howard.
Ariza has a lot to prove to his old team, and his old coach, Stan Van Gundy, whose parting words on Ariza, when the Magic traded him to the Lakers for two journeymen who are both long gone from Orlando, were "I think it was a good move for us."
The possibility now that Jameer Nelson may be healthy enough to see action is an interesting new element to factor in. If he is healthy, he adds a new dimension to the Magic back court. If he is not healthy, and as rusty as Andrew Bynum was after his three month absence, after a five-minute emotional high, he will be a liability.
Another interesting fact is that in a changing league that traditionally depended on the NCAA "farm system", seven of the ten starters did not attend college.
theHoundDawg
Not "King" Yet, LeBron Can Watch the Lakers Win on TV
05/30/09 23:45
Watching the Lakers dominate on Friday night, I saw this deep, all-around team, lead by the dominant player in basketball, Kobe Bryant, get back to the series they were aiming for since last June. Fighting through the Western Conference's top teams, the Lakers showed the depth, leadership, and coaching that is needed to win a title.
As I said before the season began, the Lakers have by far the best, deepest team in the NBA and the "Magic" will need just that to stretch the series to six. Boston was a shell of the team that won the title last year, due in most part to injuries, but also due to personnel moves and aging, and Cleveland is the most over-rated group of journeymen to get to a conference championship series in years. It did not take that good of a team to win the east, and the Lakers will show the "experts" who picked Denver to be playing next Thursday night what a true championship team looks like.
James, Howard, Wade, etc. are all great players, but Kobe is by far still number one, and his leadership alone, as he demonstrated Friday night, is enough to pull out close, key games. Gasol, Odom, and Ariza are playing like monsters, Luke Walton and Shannon Brown are providing tremendous vigor and intensity, and I feel strongly that in the finals the rest of the deep and talented Laker backcourt will have more than a few highlight moments. And, slowly but surely, Andrew Bynum (who, remember missed three+ months up to the start of the playoffs with a serious knee injury) is rounding into form.
Mr. Howard, who may well be number two to Kobe, will certainly have his moments, and score his points, and be dominant on the boards, but professional basketball is not a one-man game (right, LeBron?) and a team effort, led by the real number one, will be the reason the Lakers make up for last year's frustrating, demeaning, embarrassing, NBA finals.
theHoundDawg
As I said before the season began, the Lakers have by far the best, deepest team in the NBA and the "Magic" will need just that to stretch the series to six. Boston was a shell of the team that won the title last year, due in most part to injuries, but also due to personnel moves and aging, and Cleveland is the most over-rated group of journeymen to get to a conference championship series in years. It did not take that good of a team to win the east, and the Lakers will show the "experts" who picked Denver to be playing next Thursday night what a true championship team looks like.
James, Howard, Wade, etc. are all great players, but Kobe is by far still number one, and his leadership alone, as he demonstrated Friday night, is enough to pull out close, key games. Gasol, Odom, and Ariza are playing like monsters, Luke Walton and Shannon Brown are providing tremendous vigor and intensity, and I feel strongly that in the finals the rest of the deep and talented Laker backcourt will have more than a few highlight moments. And, slowly but surely, Andrew Bynum (who, remember missed three+ months up to the start of the playoffs with a serious knee injury) is rounding into form.
Mr. Howard, who may well be number two to Kobe, will certainly have his moments, and score his points, and be dominant on the boards, but professional basketball is not a one-man game (right, LeBron?) and a team effort, led by the real number one, will be the reason the Lakers make up for last year's frustrating, demeaning, embarrassing, NBA finals.
theHoundDawg
LeBron this, LeBron that, Blah, Blah, Blah...
05/23/09 16:33
Online, in the papers, on sports talk radio, or heaven forbid, turn on Sportscenter, or any other TV sports show, and that's all you read, hear, or see.
It seems that the Combined Sports Media is now the LeBron the Magnificant No One Else Is Any Good or Matters Anymore Media.
Exactly how many championships has he won? Oh, yea:
theHoundDawg
It seems that the Combined Sports Media is now the LeBron the Magnificant No One Else Is Any Good or Matters Anymore Media.
Exactly how many championships has he won? Oh, yea:
theHoundDawg
Sports Meets Real Life Head-On
05/20/09 20:25
Its been a tough few days for sports fans to remain in their fantasy bubble, keeping the realities of "real" life out of the toy department. In the past three days, 44 year old former NBA star Wayman Tisdale died, ex-Charger QB, first round pick, Div. II assistant coach, and all-time bust Ryan Leaf was arrested on drug and burglary charges, golfer Phil Mickelson left the PGA tour upon learning that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, the 39-year-old wife of Arizona Diamondback lefty and former Angel Scott Schoeneweis was found dead by her 14-year-old daughter, and today the airwaves were full of discussions about a second chance for the scum-of-the-earth Michael Vick, who is scheduled to be released from prison tomorrow.
Words cannot described the tragedy of the deaths of people like Tisdale and Gabriella Schoeneweis, nor the ordeal that Phil and Amy Mickelson and their family will now have to endure. But as to the other two events, the track record of Leaf was pretty strong evidence that his so-called rehabilitation and re-entry into civilized society would be short-lived, and his return to his prior lifestyle could be readily anticipated, and as far as VIck is concerned, well.....
That miserable scum should never play another down in the NFL and should never collect another red cent from any pro football owner. On the field, he was the most over-rated performer in the modern history of sports, and off the field one of the true evil, vile, disgusting excuses for a human being to ever enjoy the fruits of an over-paid, over-rated athletic career. It is disgusting to hear commentators, such as former coach Herman Edwards, fawning over Vick, and anticipating which team will win a sweepstakes for the right to pay him to return to football.
Well, hopefully the next few days, with the NBA playoffs and MLB interleague play, will see a return to on-flied excitement and no more off-the-field stories at the top of the sports news.
theHoundDawg
Words cannot described the tragedy of the deaths of people like Tisdale and Gabriella Schoeneweis, nor the ordeal that Phil and Amy Mickelson and their family will now have to endure. But as to the other two events, the track record of Leaf was pretty strong evidence that his so-called rehabilitation and re-entry into civilized society would be short-lived, and his return to his prior lifestyle could be readily anticipated, and as far as VIck is concerned, well.....
That miserable scum should never play another down in the NFL and should never collect another red cent from any pro football owner. On the field, he was the most over-rated performer in the modern history of sports, and off the field one of the true evil, vile, disgusting excuses for a human being to ever enjoy the fruits of an over-paid, over-rated athletic career. It is disgusting to hear commentators, such as former coach Herman Edwards, fawning over Vick, and anticipating which team will win a sweepstakes for the right to pay him to return to football.
Well, hopefully the next few days, with the NBA playoffs and MLB interleague play, will see a return to on-flied excitement and no more off-the-field stories at the top of the sports news.
theHoundDawg
Pistons Owner and World-Class Philanthropist Bill Davidson Has Died
03/13/09 23:47
Bill Davidson, self-made billionaire, noted sports owner, and one of the great philanthropists of his era, died today at age 86.
At various times, he owned several different professional sports teams, most notably the Detroit Pistons, which he bought in 1974, turning leadership over to basketball professionals, resulting in a long, successful run as one of the top teams in the NBA, winning three NBA titles during his tenure.
He also build several successful businesses, most notably, Guardian Industries Corp.
His greatest achievements, however, were in making the lives of other people better, with his extravagant philanthropy, his donations totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, to the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, and $75 million alone to establish the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.
Rich sports-teams owners are a dime a dozen. Men like Bill Davidson are few and far between.
theHoundDawg
At various times, he owned several different professional sports teams, most notably the Detroit Pistons, which he bought in 1974, turning leadership over to basketball professionals, resulting in a long, successful run as one of the top teams in the NBA, winning three NBA titles during his tenure.
He also build several successful businesses, most notably, Guardian Industries Corp.
His greatest achievements, however, were in making the lives of other people better, with his extravagant philanthropy, his donations totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, to the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, and $75 million alone to establish the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.
Rich sports-teams owners are a dime a dozen. Men like Bill Davidson are few and far between.
theHoundDawg
Lakers Hit Stride and Dominate on Key Road Trip
02/08/09 15:07
The end of January saw the Lakers begin a key 6-game road trip, with key stops in New York, Boston, and Cleveland. One game into the trip, and they lost Andrew Bynum for much, if not all, of the rest of the season. However, with Lamar Odom re-joining the starting five, he has brought renewed enthusiasm to the team, and with his brilliant third-quarter this afternoon against Cleveland, the Lakers finished the trip 6-0.
Down 10 points at halftime, and with a flu-ridden Kobe Bryant at half strength at best, Odom put in 15 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, as the Lakers outscored the Cavs by 13 in the 3d, and never looked back, as they won by 10, handing Cleveland their first home loss of the season.
The Lakers made a statement on this road trip, most emphatically in Cleveland and in Boston, as they wrapped up tie-breakers against both teams, which could be the difference come playoff time.
The Lakers now sit on top of the NBA, both with the league's best record, and with talent, depth, enthusiasm, and the confidence that they'll be back in the finals this year, but with a far different result.
theHoundDawg
Down 10 points at halftime, and with a flu-ridden Kobe Bryant at half strength at best, Odom put in 15 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, as the Lakers outscored the Cavs by 13 in the 3d, and never looked back, as they won by 10, handing Cleveland their first home loss of the season.
The Lakers made a statement on this road trip, most emphatically in Cleveland and in Boston, as they wrapped up tie-breakers against both teams, which could be the difference come playoff time.
The Lakers now sit on top of the NBA, both with the league's best record, and with talent, depth, enthusiasm, and the confidence that they'll be back in the finals this year, but with a far different result.
theHoundDawg
 Los Angeles Lakers #24 Kobe Bryant Jersey |  Los Angeles Lakers #16 Pau Gasol Jersey |  Los Angeles Lakers #7 Lamar Odom T-shirt |
Bruins and Clippers Both Getting it Together
02/07/09 21:22
Since losing two of three games in late January, including an embarrassing meltdown against Washington, the Bruins have played with an intensity they had not shown this season, and fueled by the best play ever from Alfred Aboya and Nikola Dragovic, and the most consistent all-around play of the season from Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday, the Bruins are on a role, winning the last four by an average margin of 22.7 points.
Since that awful second half in Seattle, the Bruins have played with more maturity than at anytime this season, not an easy thing from a team so young. Plus they have received solid play from a dozen different players, and as a result, they are playing like the team that so many experts picked to continue the run of the past three years, despite the critical personnel losses following last year's tournament and resultant dependence on so many freshmen.
UCLA has basically played 40 minutes of solid defense in virtually every game this season, but in these last four games, their offensive play has matched the defense in both intensity and results, averaging 85 points per game in that stretch, leading to consistent and totally dominant results.
I never thought this young team could make it four straight final fours, like some believed, until watching them the past few games. Now it looks like they could do it.
With newfound life, due to the return from the injury list of so many key players, the Clippers also continue to play their best ball of the season, scoring over 120 points for the second straight game, producing consecutive 20+ point victories.
This is the team that looked so good for a brief period following the trade for Zach Randolph, and now again really looks like a legitimate, quality team. Too bad they could not have gotten it together earlier in the season, but like I alluded to yesterday, the future for the Clippers actually looks brighter than it has in a long, long time.
theHoundDawg
Since that awful second half in Seattle, the Bruins have played with more maturity than at anytime this season, not an easy thing from a team so young. Plus they have received solid play from a dozen different players, and as a result, they are playing like the team that so many experts picked to continue the run of the past three years, despite the critical personnel losses following last year's tournament and resultant dependence on so many freshmen.
UCLA has basically played 40 minutes of solid defense in virtually every game this season, but in these last four games, their offensive play has matched the defense in both intensity and results, averaging 85 points per game in that stretch, leading to consistent and totally dominant results.
I never thought this young team could make it four straight final fours, like some believed, until watching them the past few games. Now it looks like they could do it.
With newfound life, due to the return from the injury list of so many key players, the Clippers also continue to play their best ball of the season, scoring over 120 points for the second straight game, producing consecutive 20+ point victories.
This is the team that looked so good for a brief period following the trade for Zach Randolph, and now again really looks like a legitimate, quality team. Too bad they could not have gotten it together earlier in the season, but like I alluded to yesterday, the future for the Clippers actually looks brighter than it has in a long, long time.
theHoundDawg
Clippers Find a Bandaid or Two - Win a Game
02/06/09 23:13
All it took was a bandaid and a couple of ice packs, and the Clippers won a game.
Actually, after weeks of suffering with the heart of the team on the sideline, today meant the return of Zack Randolph, on the heels of the recent returns of Marcus Camby and Baron Davis. Tonight also marked the first contribution of the season from the underachieving and also sometimes-injured Ricky Davis.
The result was a 21-point win, something seldom seen in Clipperland this season (or last, etc.).
If Chris Kaman can find his way to a return to action, the Clippers could field a representative team for the rest of the season. Don't get me wrong, at 11-39, they're not gong to make the playoffs, but with this group of front-line players healthy, plus the talent of Eric Gordon and Al Thornton, and the recently discovered Steve Novak, they can compete with most of the NBA's teams, and if this group can stay together, unlike Clipper teams of the past, they could well be a playoff contender next season.
Final Clipper note: In tonight's win against Memphis, the Clippers set a franchise record with 16 three-pointers, shooting 55% from outside the line.
Non-Clipper note: Speaking of injuries, Milwaukee has almost equaled the Clippers in that department, having now lost 60% of their starting five for extended periods. First it was two-guard Michael Redd with tears to the ACL and MCL, then Luke Ridnour broke a thumb, and now Andrew Bogut's lingering back pain has been diagnosed as a stress fracture, and he'll miss several weeks as well.
I don't remember a spate of major injuries in the NBA like what has occurred over the past three-four weeks.
theHoundDawg
Actually, after weeks of suffering with the heart of the team on the sideline, today meant the return of Zack Randolph, on the heels of the recent returns of Marcus Camby and Baron Davis. Tonight also marked the first contribution of the season from the underachieving and also sometimes-injured Ricky Davis.
The result was a 21-point win, something seldom seen in Clipperland this season (or last, etc.).
If Chris Kaman can find his way to a return to action, the Clippers could field a representative team for the rest of the season. Don't get me wrong, at 11-39, they're not gong to make the playoffs, but with this group of front-line players healthy, plus the talent of Eric Gordon and Al Thornton, and the recently discovered Steve Novak, they can compete with most of the NBA's teams, and if this group can stay together, unlike Clipper teams of the past, they could well be a playoff contender next season.
Final Clipper note: In tonight's win against Memphis, the Clippers set a franchise record with 16 three-pointers, shooting 55% from outside the line.
Non-Clipper note: Speaking of injuries, Milwaukee has almost equaled the Clippers in that department, having now lost 60% of their starting five for extended periods. First it was two-guard Michael Redd with tears to the ACL and MCL, then Luke Ridnour broke a thumb, and now Andrew Bogut's lingering back pain has been diagnosed as a stress fracture, and he'll miss several weeks as well.
I don't remember a spate of major injuries in the NBA like what has occurred over the past three-four weeks.
theHoundDawg
Injuries Are Hand Grenade to NBA Order
02/03/09 16:09
In what seems like one fell swoop, the NBA landscape has had a dramatic overhaul, due to an incredible spate of injuries over only a couple of days.
The Lakers have battled much of the season to overcome injuries to a handful of key players, but none to the core of the team. They overcame a few weeks without Jordan Farmar, and a handful of games with out Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, and Kobe has played through injuries. The Clippers, of course, have had to play much of the season without the heart of their team, including weeks and months without Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, Baron Davis, Ricky Davis, and Marcus Camby, plus time missed by the likes of Mardy Collins and Mike Taylor.
But now, these feelings are shared by much of the league's elite, with the high-flying Orlando Magic losing star point guard Jameer Nelson perhaps for the season, with New Orleans losing MVP candidate Chris Paul with an injury that may or may not keep him out for a length of time, but that could be a nagging problem for the rest of the season, and of course the Lakers will now be without Andrew Bynum for maybe three months.
New Orleans is not an elite team without Chris Paul, and having him at less than full strength, or not at all, could well keep them from the playoffs in the tough, tough West. Nelson means as much to the Magic, but with their record and in the mediocre East, they could coast at sub-.500 the rest of the season and still make the playoffs, and hope that Nelson could possibly be back by then.
Paul is listed as "Day-to-Day". Whenever I hear that, I think back to the 1983 baseball season, when Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia was injured in the first week of April, and listed as "Day-to.Day", he never played another game the rest of the season.
The Lakers, however, have super depth, and proved last year they could get pretty far without Bynum. Plus this year, they have an underrated and finally fairly health Chris Mihm to play some of those minutes, and I see the Lakers getting by just fine, with Bynum returning in time to get back in game shape before the playoffs,
theHoundDawg
The Lakers have battled much of the season to overcome injuries to a handful of key players, but none to the core of the team. They overcame a few weeks without Jordan Farmar, and a handful of games with out Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, and Kobe has played through injuries. The Clippers, of course, have had to play much of the season without the heart of their team, including weeks and months without Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, Baron Davis, Ricky Davis, and Marcus Camby, plus time missed by the likes of Mardy Collins and Mike Taylor.
But now, these feelings are shared by much of the league's elite, with the high-flying Orlando Magic losing star point guard Jameer Nelson perhaps for the season, with New Orleans losing MVP candidate Chris Paul with an injury that may or may not keep him out for a length of time, but that could be a nagging problem for the rest of the season, and of course the Lakers will now be without Andrew Bynum for maybe three months.
New Orleans is not an elite team without Chris Paul, and having him at less than full strength, or not at all, could well keep them from the playoffs in the tough, tough West. Nelson means as much to the Magic, but with their record and in the mediocre East, they could coast at sub-.500 the rest of the season and still make the playoffs, and hope that Nelson could possibly be back by then.
Paul is listed as "Day-to-Day". Whenever I hear that, I think back to the 1983 baseball season, when Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia was injured in the first week of April, and listed as "Day-to.Day", he never played another game the rest of the season.
The Lakers, however, have super depth, and proved last year they could get pretty far without Bynum. Plus this year, they have an underrated and finally fairly health Chris Mihm to play some of those minutes, and I see the Lakers getting by just fine, with Bynum returning in time to get back in game shape before the playoffs,
theHoundDawg
Injury Redux - The Clipper Rx Express
01/07/09 23:47
After writing about how three injuries could hurt the great Laker season, a few words also seem apropos regarding the fact that the Clippers had been playing much better until they were hit with what seems like an annual blitz of injuries.
Not long after the trade for Zach Randolph, and what seemed like a new Clipper attitude, and a few victories, Randolph went down with a knee injury, joining Ricky Davis and Chris Kaman on the shelf. Then Baron Davis was injured again, and clearly, except for rookie Eric Gordon, the players they can put on the court could not compete against their injury list team, let alone the rest of the NBA.
And, it's hard to understand the recent roster moves made by the front office, i.e. Coach-GM Mike Dunleavy, releasing the capable Paul Davis, and acquiring Cheikh Samb, who now paired with DeAndre Jordan, gives the Clippers two 7-foot projects in the middle, and too few heathy NBA-quality bodies to fill out a starting five.
theHoundDawg
Not long after the trade for Zach Randolph, and what seemed like a new Clipper attitude, and a few victories, Randolph went down with a knee injury, joining Ricky Davis and Chris Kaman on the shelf. Then Baron Davis was injured again, and clearly, except for rookie Eric Gordon, the players they can put on the court could not compete against their injury list team, let alone the rest of the NBA.
And, it's hard to understand the recent roster moves made by the front office, i.e. Coach-GM Mike Dunleavy, releasing the capable Paul Davis, and acquiring Cheikh Samb, who now paired with DeAndre Jordan, gives the Clippers two 7-foot projects in the middle, and too few heathy NBA-quality bodies to fill out a starting five.
theHoundDawg
Will Injuries Do In the Lakers?
01/07/09 08:54
The Lakers started the season doing a great impression of the best and deepest team in the NBA. They even played like if for a few weeks, and this morning, they remain tied with Cleveland (Cleveland?) for the best record in the NBA. It, of course, figured that their 14-1 start would not continue, that they would come back to earth, but also, that their superior depth would keep them from any prolonged losing streaks and guard against injuries.
But, the injury bug has hit them now, with Jordan Farmar's knee injury keeping him out two months or more, Luke Walton's foot injury keeping him out a minimum of two weeks, and now the potentially devastating loss of Lamar Odom.
They have felt Farmar's loss at point guard, with no real back-up for Derek Fisher, and now possibly being without two of their top four forwards, suddenly the roster is painfully thin. Trevor Ariza should well acclimate himself to more PT, but unless another body is picked up, this will mean more key time on the court for Josh Powell, Chris Mihm, and possibly DJ Mbenga.
We all await test results on Odom's knee, and whether or not a major move will be necessary.
theHoundDawg
But, the injury bug has hit them now, with Jordan Farmar's knee injury keeping him out two months or more, Luke Walton's foot injury keeping him out a minimum of two weeks, and now the potentially devastating loss of Lamar Odom.
They have felt Farmar's loss at point guard, with no real back-up for Derek Fisher, and now possibly being without two of their top four forwards, suddenly the roster is painfully thin. Trevor Ariza should well acclimate himself to more PT, but unless another body is picked up, this will mean more key time on the court for Josh Powell, Chris Mihm, and possibly DJ Mbenga.
We all await test results on Odom's knee, and whether or not a major move will be necessary.
theHoundDawg
Bruins in the NBA - Looks Like One Less For Awhile
12/23/08 13:15
We've just unveiled our Bruins in the NBA section, thought it's not quite complete yet, just as further news of the knee injury suffered by Laker guard and former Bruin Jordan Farmar is released. It seems he has a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, and surgery is likely. This type of injury normally sidelines the player one to two months, so the Lakers likely will looking to pick up a point guard to fill in while Farmar recovers. Derek Fisher could play some extended minutes for awhile, but that would likely take a toll over the long season, and he needs to be energized at playoff time.
The Lakers play New Orleans and Boston in the next two days, and will be facing the likes of Chris Paul, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, so the lack of depth at guard could be a significant factor in how the Lakers match up. Maybe they'll have a new body in uniform by Thursday's Boston game.
But, Mitch, this is a short-term problem, and there is no need to go overboard and give up too much to fill this regular season hole. Farmar will be back, and retain his key minutes during the regular season.
theHoundDawg
The Lakers play New Orleans and Boston in the next two days, and will be facing the likes of Chris Paul, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, so the lack of depth at guard could be a significant factor in how the Lakers match up. Maybe they'll have a new body in uniform by Thursday's Boston game.
But, Mitch, this is a short-term problem, and there is no need to go overboard and give up too much to fill this regular season hole. Farmar will be back, and retain his key minutes during the regular season.
theHoundDawg
Politics Over (Almost) - Back to the NBA
11/05/08 12:52
Longtime NBA star Kevin Johnson has been elected Mayor of Sacramento, Ca. This was an interesting race, full of scandal and intrigue. Johnson made headlines with "Luis the Security Guard", after a long-time city employee was fired for giving Johnson an unauthorized tour of city hall facilities. Johnson had his own problems, however, as his federally funded St. HOPE Academy came under investigation by the US Attorney's office, due to allegations that students at one or more of the schools run by the Academy, instead of spending their time being educated, were instead gofers for Johnson, running errands, washing his car, etc. That investigation is still pending, but Johnson amassed 57% of the vote, and introduced "Luis the Security Guard" during his acceptance speech, and has promised to re-instate him to a city job.
"Me First Shoot First" Allen Iverson will not be a good fit in Detroit, and he promises to do just as much for the Pistons as he did for Denver. The Nuggets pulled off a real heist in this deal, getting Chauncey Billups and two other bodies, and now look like they can be the "team" they hoped they would become when they traded for Iverson three years ago.
I think I mentioned I thought the Clippers would be improved this season. They might still be, if they only have to play the first half of each game. In their first 4 outings this season, the 0-4 Clippers have been outscored 212 to 142 in the second half. Omit the first game, and that stat is 168 to 93.
theHoundDawg
"Me First Shoot First" Allen Iverson will not be a good fit in Detroit, and he promises to do just as much for the Pistons as he did for Denver. The Nuggets pulled off a real heist in this deal, getting Chauncey Billups and two other bodies, and now look like they can be the "team" they hoped they would become when they traded for Iverson three years ago.
I think I mentioned I thought the Clippers would be improved this season. They might still be, if they only have to play the first half of each game. In their first 4 outings this season, the 0-4 Clippers have been outscored 212 to 142 in the second half. Omit the first game, and that stat is 168 to 93.
theHoundDawg
A Little About Last Night in the NBA
10/30/08 14:24
It has only been two games and they have yet to play a team that reasonably expects to make the playoffs, but you have to be totally amazed by the play of the Lakers. 710 ESPN's Steve Mason has caused a stir by predicting they will win 70 games, and while I won't go that far, they may get close. On the other side of the court, the Clippers looked great in the first quarter, but were never heard from again.
The debuts of the two one-year-and-gone locals were to form as I see it, and as I mentioned yesterday. Kevin Love, in 18 minutes off the bench, shot 5 of 8, scored 12 points, collected 9 boards, and had one steal, in Minnesota's victory over Sacramento. I checked Memphis' stats at half-time, and saw Simpson Mayo with 8 points. In his typical fashion, in a game that started close as the fourth quarter began, but which Houston then won going away, SM was nowhere to be seen, despite playing 40 minutes. He finished with 10 points, shooting 5 of 20, including 0 of 7 from 3-point range.
Elsewhere, former Bruin Jason Kapono, who had the highest 3-point pct. in the NBA in each of the past two seasons (they aren't crediting him with the title last season for sightly too few attempts), got off to another great start with 3 of 4 from downtown and 15 points in Toronto's win.
theHoundDawg
The debuts of the two one-year-and-gone locals were to form as I see it, and as I mentioned yesterday. Kevin Love, in 18 minutes off the bench, shot 5 of 8, scored 12 points, collected 9 boards, and had one steal, in Minnesota's victory over Sacramento. I checked Memphis' stats at half-time, and saw Simpson Mayo with 8 points. In his typical fashion, in a game that started close as the fourth quarter began, but which Houston then won going away, SM was nowhere to be seen, despite playing 40 minutes. He finished with 10 points, shooting 5 of 20, including 0 of 7 from 3-point range.
Elsewhere, former Bruin Jason Kapono, who had the highest 3-point pct. in the NBA in each of the past two seasons (they aren't crediting him with the title last season for sightly too few attempts), got off to another great start with 3 of 4 from downtown and 15 points in Toronto's win.
theHoundDawg
More on the New NBA Season
10/29/08 14:12
A few more thoughts about the new NBA season:
Greg Oden is the re-incarnation of Sam Bowie, but not as talented. Like Bowie, Bill Walton, and some other touted big men coming into the NBA, he's started off with the injury bug and you have to wonder will his carer mirror Bowie's, never to be fulfilled?
Barring their usual rash of injuries, which started in the preseason this year, the Clippers do figure to be improved, and their tip-off vs. the Lakers tonight should be interesting. The Clippers, from this perspective, have nothing to lose in playing the Lakers, who looked totally dominant against Portland.
More question marks abound in Charlotte, where it looks like it will be tough for Larry Brown to work much of his prior magic, unless he stays a lot longer than his track record would indicate he will, and in New York, where except for the new coach, it doesn't look like much has changed. Charlotte looks set at point guard and power forward (depending on the health of Sean May), but the rest of the team looks like it needs improvement to be a work in progress. As far as the Knicks are concerned, their only visible improvement is Stephon Marbury starting games on the bench.
Terms that may surprise: Minnesota and Kevin Love (UCLA), and Philadelphia and Elton Brand.
Teams in the dumper: Sacramento and Memphis. How did Sacramento get so bad so quickly, and Memphis will soon learn that in crunch time, the last guy you want on the court is OJ Simpson Mayo.
theHoundDawg
Greg Oden is the re-incarnation of Sam Bowie, but not as talented. Like Bowie, Bill Walton, and some other touted big men coming into the NBA, he's started off with the injury bug and you have to wonder will his carer mirror Bowie's, never to be fulfilled?
Barring their usual rash of injuries, which started in the preseason this year, the Clippers do figure to be improved, and their tip-off vs. the Lakers tonight should be interesting. The Clippers, from this perspective, have nothing to lose in playing the Lakers, who looked totally dominant against Portland.
More question marks abound in Charlotte, where it looks like it will be tough for Larry Brown to work much of his prior magic, unless he stays a lot longer than his track record would indicate he will, and in New York, where except for the new coach, it doesn't look like much has changed. Charlotte looks set at point guard and power forward (depending on the health of Sean May), but the rest of the team looks like it needs improvement to be a work in progress. As far as the Knicks are concerned, their only visible improvement is Stephon Marbury starting games on the bench.
Terms that may surprise: Minnesota and Kevin Love (UCLA), and Philadelphia and Elton Brand.
Teams in the dumper: Sacramento and Memphis. How did Sacramento get so bad so quickly, and Memphis will soon learn that in crunch time, the last guy you want on the court is OJ Simpson Mayo.
theHoundDawg
The NBA Season is Getting Close
10/18/08 23:10
As the NBA season approaches, there are more than a few question marks screaming out across the league.
I'll be talking a lot about the Lakers as the season nears, but for now, just this: As the Lakers made their run to the Finals last season, the constant mantra was "If only Andrew Bynum were healthy". Well, presumably he is back and healthy, and will he be the difference? Can he be the one to put the Lakers over the top and win the Championship this coming season? The short answer is "No", but a healthy Bynum will be a contributing factor in a talent-laden, well-coached team, that, on paper, appears significantly stronger than last season. They should be NBA Champs.
Can the Celtics duplicate their magic of last season? I was not a Doc Rivers fan before last season, but he did one of the great coaching jobs in NBA history last season, and he may be able to hold this team together to do it one more time. They are without James Posey who played a major role off the bench last season, but I really like Bill Walker, obtained in a post-draft trade, and he can make up for the loss. Leon Powe, who I thought was a budding star in his short tenure at Cal, showed flashes of that in the playoffs, and more playing time for him could be a big bonus for the Celtics.
Maybe the biggest question mark is the Houston Rockets. At times last year they were terrible, but then for a few weeks, after the injury to Yao Ming, they were brilliant. Which Houston team will show up this year? Well, I think the addition of Ron Artest is a major mistake and a step backward. Artest is perhaps the most over-rated player in the league, and has done nothing but make his team of the moment worse. He is a time bomb, and at some point during the season, he will explode, and take the team down with him.
More discussion of these teams, and more question marks, later on. But for now, for you die-hard NBA fans, here are some great basketball-decor items, to liven up your NBA-watching experience for the coming season:
theHoundDawg
I'll be talking a lot about the Lakers as the season nears, but for now, just this: As the Lakers made their run to the Finals last season, the constant mantra was "If only Andrew Bynum were healthy". Well, presumably he is back and healthy, and will he be the difference? Can he be the one to put the Lakers over the top and win the Championship this coming season? The short answer is "No", but a healthy Bynum will be a contributing factor in a talent-laden, well-coached team, that, on paper, appears significantly stronger than last season. They should be NBA Champs.
Can the Celtics duplicate their magic of last season? I was not a Doc Rivers fan before last season, but he did one of the great coaching jobs in NBA history last season, and he may be able to hold this team together to do it one more time. They are without James Posey who played a major role off the bench last season, but I really like Bill Walker, obtained in a post-draft trade, and he can make up for the loss. Leon Powe, who I thought was a budding star in his short tenure at Cal, showed flashes of that in the playoffs, and more playing time for him could be a big bonus for the Celtics.
Maybe the biggest question mark is the Houston Rockets. At times last year they were terrible, but then for a few weeks, after the injury to Yao Ming, they were brilliant. Which Houston team will show up this year? Well, I think the addition of Ron Artest is a major mistake and a step backward. Artest is perhaps the most over-rated player in the league, and has done nothing but make his team of the moment worse. He is a time bomb, and at some point during the season, he will explode, and take the team down with him.
More discussion of these teams, and more question marks, later on. But for now, for you die-hard NBA fans, here are some great basketball-decor items, to liven up your NBA-watching experience for the coming season:
 NBA Pub Tables and Stools |  Basketball Court Rug |  Basketball Zone Wall Art |
theHoundDawg