The Sacramento B is not the San Francisco Chronicle, but it will have to do since this paper services my adopted city. My biggest complaint, of course, is lots of news about the Kings, and not much about my Golden State Warriors. Well, Duh, Meschery, why would they cover a team that regularly kicks the Kings in the butt?
Still, the B's sport page generates fodder for this Blog. First, I'd like to comment on the article about the Kings Defense, with a capital D because it is probably the main reason for most of their losses. Fellows, listen carefully if you're reading this, it's not about the defensive scheme; it's about heart and guts and a willingness to attack on D and to close out on every single pass, and I mean every one, not just the first one or the second one, but the third, fourth or fifth pass, and to help each other and to talk to each other. It's that easy. And, that hard. But, men, if you're not willing, you'll never do it.
I was struck by a creative headline for College Basketball: Oklahoma cruises past Villanova at Pearl Harbor. Great verb given the setting.
LeBron is a Nike lifer. Can anybody tell me where Nike is producing LeBron's shoes? Is Nike still paying pauper's wages in Vietnam? Or is it Indonesia? Anyway, Nike won't reveal what it pays workers. I'm guessing somewhere around 50 cents an hour. Maybe LeBron can share some of his wealth with those underpaid folks, huh? Or perhaps the Oregon Ducks who are heavily endowed by Mr. Knight, owner of Nike, might want to skip a couple of snappy uniforms and donate the $ to the workers. Oh, all right, I own up to being knee jerk liberal. But who out there doesn't see a terrible corporate injustice going on?
Class Action OK'd in NCAA Lawsuits. Good deal. The NCAA has to come up with a better solution as to how they compensate athletes in basketball and football who are generating so much wealth for their universities. I don't see it as a money issue. The value of a free ride is enormous in our society today. If my grandson wanted to attend my Alma mater today, he'd have to pay $50 grand a year, tuition, room and board. So, athletes, take your increased stipend and suck it up. It's an education issue. What I see that the universities need to do (must do) is provide their athletes lifetime scholarships. That way if these kids leave school early, they can come back at any time later in their lives to earn their degrees. Same goes for athletes who go four years but don't graduate. Or drop out of college after a couple of years unable to reconcile the high level of training and the required classroom work. Whatever? A formula can be created to identify the worthy and exclude the slackers.
Is Tony Romo snake bitten or what. I've never been a Cowboys fan, not since the days when they advertised themselves as America's team. Give me a break. But I've to fee increasingly sorry for Romo who is a fine quarterback, perhaps an excellent one. This years team despite the loss of Murry could have been terrific. So let's hear it for Romo. The question is when will he finally decide he doesn't have the energy to go through so much rehab? The same can be said for players in all sports who are prone to injuries. Derrick Rose of the Chi town Bulls, for example.
I've probably used this poem before, but it is one of my favorites about skiing, which is finally happening up in the Sierras, according to my daughter, a resident of the mountain town of Sierraville.
Skier by Robert Francis
He swings down like the flourish of a pen
Signing a signature in white on white.
The silence of his skis reciprocates
The silence of the world around him.
Wind is his one competitor
In the cool winding and unwinding down.
On incandescent feet he falls
Unfalling, trailing white foam, white fire.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
NCAA Football Missing the Boat & etc
It is so perfect that how the NCAA is missing it astounds me. Here's the way the Final Four in Division I football should look like: Final four picks get a by, while waiting for the winners of the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl. The winners of those bowls create an Elite 8 and playoff at the Orange Bowl until Two Winners face each other for the NCAA Championship. Imagine the hype an extended series such as this would create.
World Peace says he'd like to coach, adding that in his playing days he was "reckless" like his only act of recklessness was his fight in Detroit. Can he coach? Does he have the patience and the understanding of the game, the whole court, not just his position? Even if Peace is at Peace with himself, I just think he's too edgy to be a successful coach on any level. But if indeed he isn't afraid to take on any head coaching job, why not start in a high school? God knows high school kids need adults to take an interest in them.
What is Cousins doing shooting tons of 3's. Granted he's got a decent deep ball, but where do you need him? He shows the 3 and who's on the offensive glass?
Warriors let the Nets "hand around" but I was never in doubt the way I was with the Raptors. The minute Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez started backing down their opponents (dribble, dribble, dribble, bump, bump, bump) and the rest of the team stopped moving and watched them, I knew the Dubs were home free. Even Carmelo, the grandaddy of all ball stoppers has made an effort to keep the ball hopping. Time for the Johnson, Lopez and others like them to get on board. It's a new day in the pros. Go Dubs!
No worries Raiders' fans. This is the turnaround year, and turnaround was accomplished. The Raiders are now ready to return to the John Madden, Bill King era. Hear that, Bill wherever you are in the universe.
A quick note to end the Pac 12 football season, consider if the Oregon Ducks hadn't lost their quarterback, Vernon Adams, for three games, would they be playing in the Rose Bowl?
Here's a poem I wrote about football
Why I never Played Football
It's not that I lacked courage,
I was big and weighed enough to make
a decent tight-end or with a little work
an offensive lineman or a fullback.
What I couldn't see myself doing
was getting dirty, playing in mud
or freezing in snow which back then
when I was young is what you had
to endure. Perhaps these days
with covered stadiums I'd think
differently. Still, there was bound
to be more blood playing football,
yours or somebody else's, than
playing another sport. Golf
for example. See how clean
those guys are out on the links,
how civilized in their cardigans,
in their neatly pressed trousers.?
World Peace says he'd like to coach, adding that in his playing days he was "reckless" like his only act of recklessness was his fight in Detroit. Can he coach? Does he have the patience and the understanding of the game, the whole court, not just his position? Even if Peace is at Peace with himself, I just think he's too edgy to be a successful coach on any level. But if indeed he isn't afraid to take on any head coaching job, why not start in a high school? God knows high school kids need adults to take an interest in them.
What is Cousins doing shooting tons of 3's. Granted he's got a decent deep ball, but where do you need him? He shows the 3 and who's on the offensive glass?
Warriors let the Nets "hand around" but I was never in doubt the way I was with the Raptors. The minute Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez started backing down their opponents (dribble, dribble, dribble, bump, bump, bump) and the rest of the team stopped moving and watched them, I knew the Dubs were home free. Even Carmelo, the grandaddy of all ball stoppers has made an effort to keep the ball hopping. Time for the Johnson, Lopez and others like them to get on board. It's a new day in the pros. Go Dubs!
No worries Raiders' fans. This is the turnaround year, and turnaround was accomplished. The Raiders are now ready to return to the John Madden, Bill King era. Hear that, Bill wherever you are in the universe.
A quick note to end the Pac 12 football season, consider if the Oregon Ducks hadn't lost their quarterback, Vernon Adams, for three games, would they be playing in the Rose Bowl?
Here's a poem I wrote about football
Why I never Played Football
It's not that I lacked courage,
I was big and weighed enough to make
a decent tight-end or with a little work
an offensive lineman or a fullback.
What I couldn't see myself doing
was getting dirty, playing in mud
or freezing in snow which back then
when I was young is what you had
to endure. Perhaps these days
with covered stadiums I'd think
differently. Still, there was bound
to be more blood playing football,
yours or somebody else's, than
playing another sport. Golf
for example. See how clean
those guys are out on the links,
how civilized in their cardigans,
in their neatly pressed trousers.?
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Kobe Goodbye and etc
Kobe Bryant will never surpass Michael Jordan on the Greatest Ever pantheon of NBA players, something I believe Kobe has been striving for since he entered the league. Why else would he try to make a comeback this season after all the injuries? Some might speculate that he wanted to make a final tour of the league cities and receive the adulation. But I don't think so. I believe he fantasized that he could replicate the past for a few more years, play until he was forty? Big egos equals big achievements, and Kobe had one of he biggest in the game. And, to be greatly admired, one of the greatest work ethics in the game. So, goodbye Kobe, and welcome to the Legends.
Once again, Steph Curry saves the day with a giant closing three pointer. But was this his victory? Not by a long shot. The night belonged to Draymond Green, snagging the rebound in the closing minutes, passing ahead to Curry, then hustling down court to save Curry's missed layup, which doesn't take into consideration Green's consistent work on D and on the boards all game long. More and more Draymond Green is becoming the Warriors long distance runner to the rest of the teams sprinters.
Guess what? The Kings have their own Curry on the menu. Eight points in one quarter for the little bro in their win over the Mavs. Wouldn't it be fabulous if Seth truly made it into the league as a starter or at least a solid performer of the bench? Can you imagine in the future a Seth/Steph match-up? Might get some high TV ratings, wouldn't you think?
I'm not happy with the 49ers. Trying to turn Kaepernick into a pocket passer was a huge error. The kid has legs, so why not use them? Check out Cam Newton as a model for a future Kaep. It would serve the 49ers right, if they traded Kaepernick away, and he came back and bit them on the ass. One other question, can Tomsala be smart? I wonder.
Remember the first year Kobe was drafted by the Lakers. I wrote a poem about a game he played as a rookie against the Jazz.
Coaching Guilt
Three air-balls in a row
and the face of the cock-sure
Laker millionaire becomes the face
of Billy Harris who I told
to take the last shot
for the city championship
although he was too young,
the only sophomore on the team.
When the ball left his hand
I knew right away it had no chance
and wanted to climb the air
to pull it back before
it fell two feet short, and the fans
began stomping their feet
and pointing their terrible fingers
at him as if you, you, you,
the pronoun of disgrace
didn't already understand
he'd never be the same person
he was before the game began.
Tonight, on TV against the Jazz,
I watch you, Kobe, and believe
it's my fault all over again
because Billy Harris never
got his shot back no matter
what I did or said to him
for the next two seasons.
And what how would I feel
if tonight's game, like Billy's,
ended your promising career?
Once again, Steph Curry saves the day with a giant closing three pointer. But was this his victory? Not by a long shot. The night belonged to Draymond Green, snagging the rebound in the closing minutes, passing ahead to Curry, then hustling down court to save Curry's missed layup, which doesn't take into consideration Green's consistent work on D and on the boards all game long. More and more Draymond Green is becoming the Warriors long distance runner to the rest of the teams sprinters.
Guess what? The Kings have their own Curry on the menu. Eight points in one quarter for the little bro in their win over the Mavs. Wouldn't it be fabulous if Seth truly made it into the league as a starter or at least a solid performer of the bench? Can you imagine in the future a Seth/Steph match-up? Might get some high TV ratings, wouldn't you think?
I'm not happy with the 49ers. Trying to turn Kaepernick into a pocket passer was a huge error. The kid has legs, so why not use them? Check out Cam Newton as a model for a future Kaep. It would serve the 49ers right, if they traded Kaepernick away, and he came back and bit them on the ass. One other question, can Tomsala be smart? I wonder.
Remember the first year Kobe was drafted by the Lakers. I wrote a poem about a game he played as a rookie against the Jazz.
Coaching Guilt
Three air-balls in a row
and the face of the cock-sure
Laker millionaire becomes the face
of Billy Harris who I told
to take the last shot
for the city championship
although he was too young,
the only sophomore on the team.
When the ball left his hand
I knew right away it had no chance
and wanted to climb the air
to pull it back before
it fell two feet short, and the fans
began stomping their feet
and pointing their terrible fingers
at him as if you, you, you,
the pronoun of disgrace
didn't already understand
he'd never be the same person
he was before the game began.
Tonight, on TV against the Jazz,
I watch you, Kobe, and believe
it's my fault all over again
because Billy Harris never
got his shot back no matter
what I did or said to him
for the next two seasons.
And what how would I feel
if tonight's game, like Billy's,
ended your promising career?
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Warriors Set Record and etc
Congratulations to the Golden State Dubs for setting the record coming out of the blocks at Sixteen zip. Why not keep it going for a while? I watched the game on TV, marveling, not so much at Steph Curry, although he deserves marveling, but at the seamlessness of the entire team. Whoever is on the court, starters or non-starters, they all play with the same tempo and with the same selfless interaction. The players move, the ball moves. There's no face up, slow down, bog down, boring offense. I'm not a great fan of the word flow, as it relates to writing, but it is the perfect way to describe Warrior offense. As a river flows to the ocean so too do the Warriors flow toward an NBA championship.
Quickly, about Steph Curry. This morning I read an article comparing Steph to a ballet dancer. Goggle The Artistry of Steph Curry, nytimes.com. Best article about Steph's game I've ever read, which will be no doubt the quintessential description of him - ever. Step Curry as Rudolf Nureyev or vice versa. I went on line immediately and watched Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn dancing Romeo and Juliet. The article about Steph had it right. Steph supports basketball as a male dancer supports his female dancer, although I'm sure female dancers would not appreciate being compared to a ball.
Thinking about the gracefulness of basketball, I was reminded that Jamaal Wilkes of the last Warrior Championship team in 1975 was approached by Michael Smuin, then the director of the San Francisco Ballet to audition. That was the brainchild of Bill King, the iconic Warrior broadcaster, who was a close friend of Smuin and a fan of ballet. (That Christmas Bill was the narrator of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.) Wilkes was called Silk for his fluid motion on the court. Forty years later, the same silky gracefulness can be ascribed to Steph Curry.
On to etc: Today's Sacramento B sports page lamented the King's lack of defense. George Karl is a proponent of the running game. With Rajon Rondo leading the way, I think the Kings are getting with that tempo. But their defense as the article points out, is sorely lacking. I don't think there is anything wrong with a run and gun offense, but without a lock down defense, it's a loser. There was no better opportunistic team than the great Boston Celtic teams that won countless NBA championships under Red Auerbach. Red's philosophy was simple. If you (player/s) got down court and had a clear shot within 6 seconds, take it, but if you had the freedom to shot quickly, you had the obligation to play tough defense on the other end. The speed game only works if the team playing it understands and executes tough defense.
Here's one of my poems about basketball, written in the ancient Chinese form called Chueh-Chu.
First Lesson
The shot begins in your feet
Traveling up through legs and chest
Feel it moving through arm to fingertip
Like blood from your heart to your head.
Quickly, about Steph Curry. This morning I read an article comparing Steph to a ballet dancer. Goggle The Artistry of Steph Curry, nytimes.com. Best article about Steph's game I've ever read, which will be no doubt the quintessential description of him - ever. Step Curry as Rudolf Nureyev or vice versa. I went on line immediately and watched Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn dancing Romeo and Juliet. The article about Steph had it right. Steph supports basketball as a male dancer supports his female dancer, although I'm sure female dancers would not appreciate being compared to a ball.
Thinking about the gracefulness of basketball, I was reminded that Jamaal Wilkes of the last Warrior Championship team in 1975 was approached by Michael Smuin, then the director of the San Francisco Ballet to audition. That was the brainchild of Bill King, the iconic Warrior broadcaster, who was a close friend of Smuin and a fan of ballet. (That Christmas Bill was the narrator of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.) Wilkes was called Silk for his fluid motion on the court. Forty years later, the same silky gracefulness can be ascribed to Steph Curry.
On to etc: Today's Sacramento B sports page lamented the King's lack of defense. George Karl is a proponent of the running game. With Rajon Rondo leading the way, I think the Kings are getting with that tempo. But their defense as the article points out, is sorely lacking. I don't think there is anything wrong with a run and gun offense, but without a lock down defense, it's a loser. There was no better opportunistic team than the great Boston Celtic teams that won countless NBA championships under Red Auerbach. Red's philosophy was simple. If you (player/s) got down court and had a clear shot within 6 seconds, take it, but if you had the freedom to shot quickly, you had the obligation to play tough defense on the other end. The speed game only works if the team playing it understands and executes tough defense.
Here's one of my poems about basketball, written in the ancient Chinese form called Chueh-Chu.
First Lesson
The shot begins in your feet
Traveling up through legs and chest
Feel it moving through arm to fingertip
Like blood from your heart to your head.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The Eastern Conference
It looks like same-o-same-o Eastern Conference teams at the top of the heap this season: Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington. But, as these four teams were set in stone last season, this season there might be a few surprises. A number of teams that were down last year have improved their lineups.
Let's go through the East, team by team, starting with my number one pick, second, and so forth.
Cleveland is numero uno, hands down. Too many solid players at each position, especially when Kyrie Irving returns. The Mo Wiliams pickup and the return of a healthy Anderson Varejao bolster an already deep bench. Kevin Love is back. And, although he is not a defensive whiz, Love is a spectacular offensive and defensive rebounder and deep shooter, stretching the floor so LeBron can drive the paint whenever he feels like it. Mosgov can handle the bigs and Thompson can fill in in the paint if the Cavs have to go small and be the power forward when the team wants to go big. Dellavedova (Saint Mary's College star. Go Gaels) can provide defensive harassment and very astute ball distribution. Shumpert, JR Smith and a revitalized Richard Jefferson provide lots of firepower from the perimeter. So, tell me what the Cavs are missing? I can't see any team in the East beating the Cavs as long as they stay healthy, which is a slight worry as LeBron seems to be having back issues. I've suffered through back pain when I played, and it can definitely slow you down As James goes, so go the Cavs.
I like Chicago next. I like them a lot. Their two young players, Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott, have matured and are ready to provide additional offense. McDermott is earning his nickname, McBucket. Rose is back. Cross your fingers it stays that way. Also, Rose appears to be playing with a great deal more control. He's pacing himself like he's never done before. Not trying to do everything himself. Jimmy Butler is a solid point producer, in my mind a little like Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs. Aron Brooks in his third incarnation is a dependable point guard backup who shows flashes of brilliance and can provide points in a hurry. Kirk Hinrich adds perimeter defensive toughness. Taj Gibson is an underrated power forward. Noah and Gasul sew up the paint. These are two very long presences for drivers to deal with. Both are damn good shot blockers. When he gets back, Donleavy will help stretch the floor. By the end of the season, I predict Bobby Portis will contribute to the success of the team. Love his intensity. And I shouldn't forget Tony Snell, another of the Bulls' young players who appears to be maturing at the right time. New coach, new dynamic, new approach to the game could turn into a problem, or it could be a plus. Do all the pieces fit? What about playing time? If the coaching staff can get everybody on the proverbial same page, the Bulls could upset the Cavs. It wouldn't hurt my feelings. Sorry Delly.
The Atlanta Hawks are my pick for third. Their system best fits their personnel. They lost Carrol to Toronto, but acquired a big in Tiago Splitter to help when the team is faced with the Bigs, like Mosgov of the Cavs. Sefolosha is back healthy to provide defense and take the sting out of losing Carrol.Teague and Schroder in the backcourt will give teams fits. Korver will stretch the floor. Lots of undersized but toughness in the paint. Bazemore looks like he's coming into his own, although I worry about consistency with him. Hardaway needs to get in touch with his defensive self. Once he does, he'll be an offensive asset. The players will move, pass, and cut. Looks like a lot of togetherness and a chip on their shoulders from last season's playoff losses. This team, baring injuries, looks like it can stay consistent and wind up with home court advantage. I don't think they'll drop the ball this time around.
The Toronto Raptors fall into the fourth spot, but might, not likely, but might edge out the Hawks as my third best team. The addition of DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, and an under appreciated Louis Scola have been strong additions to make up for the loss of Lou Williams (Sorry, can't call you Sweet Lou as there was only one Sweet Lou, Lou Hudson) and Amir Johnson. The problem with this team, like the Wizards, is they are dependent too much on their backcourt. It also bothers me that Valancunas doesn't seem to have developed much as a player. He is what he is, not what he could be. I find this to be true for a lot of players in the NBA; they make it, then they don't attempt to improve themselves, learn new moves, improve on the ones they have. Can you imagine how devastating DeAndre Jordan would be if he had a jump hook.
The Washington Wizards rely too much on their backcourt duo, Wall and Beale. I pick them fourth in a tie with Toronto. Both teams could be upended by a couple of Eastern Conference teams that have improved their rosters, like Orlando, Boston or the Heat. As long as Beale and Wall are healthy and aggresive, the Whiz will be a Whiz, but any extended loss of either of the two would be catastrophic.The team has paint presence in Gortat. I think they have a problem on the wings. Porter is a good player, but I can't get excited about his game. Humphries will give his all and is tough defensively, but not much on offense. Nene's game doesn't do anything for me and he's always injured. This team has bench problems, and you know how important I feel a strong bench is to the success of a team.
At this point, the rest of the teams to fill out the playoff positions is very much a toss up.
The Boston Celtic are playing well under Brad Stevens. They've added Amir Johonson and David Lee. Both should help provide more muscle on the defensive and offensive boards. Zeller and Sullinger are a good combo in the paint and adequate scorers and protectors. Crowder is the hustle guy every playoff team must have. Olynyk can spread the floor. They have a three guard rotation in Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Isiah Thomas, who never saw shot he didn't like. I've never been an Evan Turner fan, but Coach Stevens is getting max out of him. I've always thought of Jerbko as soft. RJ Hunter could turn into a great 6th man two guard coming off the bench shooting deep. Look for this team to compete for one of the last spots in the playoffs. There's a lot to say for coach and players being on the same page. Right, Sacramento Kings?
Detroit is an improved team but still questionable defensively. Andre Drummond is looking to rival Wilt Chamberlain's rebounding stats, but possesses very little offensive skils. Reggie Jackson is becoming a powerful scoring threat, a mini Russell Westbrook.They added Marcus Morris at the wing. Not as good a shooter as his twin, but adequate. And Ersan Ilyasova will provide strenght and occasional deep shooting at the stretch four. Really? There's such a player as a stretch four??? Caldwell Pope hasn't proved he can shoot consistently, but he's active and can run the floor. When will Brandon Jennings return? And will he be be able to coexist with Jackson? Big Question mark. The little rat Steve Blake will help coming off the bench, always has, always will. I see Steve being a coach one of these days and I wouldn't want to be one of his players if he screws up. Problem with this Pistons for me is I don't see a lot of joy. They sort of take on the personality of their coach, grumpy and dark. If you can't have fun competing, it's tough to sustain enthusiasm for an 84 game schedule.
The Miami Heat have five solid players, an aging superstar in Dwanye Wade, a more than aging Luol Deng, Cris Bosh, in comeback mode, Hassan Whiteside (turning into a consistent shot blocker) and niffty and speedy point guard in Goran Dragjic. The trade for Beno Udrih puts two Slovenians (rumor has it they don't like each other, something to do with the Slovenian Olympic team) on the same team. Talented rookie in Justise Winslow. He will figure out the game and be a factor by the end of the season. Gerald Green looks to be a head case. Dump him. As Pop says, no headcases and mothers' boys. Udonis Haslim will always be a solid pro, but he's long in the tooth. Can't say I have much faith in the rest of the bench. The Birdman will fly, but to what end? You can't win with four or five guys, no matter how good they are. Time for Dwayne and Udonis to join Pat in the front office.
Orlando Magic. Still a year away, but maybe they could sneak in with lots of youth and enthusiasm. Strong young backcourt threesome: At the two, Oladipo with Fournier coming off the bench and at the point Elfrid Payton with Shabass Napier to relieve. Vucevic is a seven footer who can score. Needs to shore up his D. I've always like Tobias Harris, a stretch forward. This years draft choice, Mario Hezonja, has to produce consistently. Aaron Gordon is long and active and developing. The Magic are my surprise team, as in surprise any team that take them too lightly.
Indiana Pacers. I don't want to discount the Pacers. Paul George is back and starting to regain his All Star form. But I just don't see much bench strength at all. I love Monta Ellis, but he's all instinct and no smarts. His defensive skills are marginal. Talk about marginal defense, there's Budinger. If either Hill or George go down for any time, the Pacers can forget the season. Time to rebuild for next year. Miles Turner may turn into a player, but can he be a factor this year? He'll be one of Larry Bird's rebuilding blocks. The Pacers is one of those teams that, aside from Hill and George, and the potential of Turner, are filled with second tier type players. You watch them play and after awhile your eyes glaze over.
The Milwaukee Bucks: A surprise team last year are no long a surprise. That's probably why they are not winning early. They'll get it together, or we'll discover Jason Kidd is not the coach everyone was Oohing and Ahhing about last season. What do I think? I'll let the tone of the previous sentence talk for me. So, on with the team. The addition of Monroe provides paint offense, but not so much defense. Jabari Parker is back and getting into his rookie year, which is what this year is for him. So expect a learning cure. Antetokounmp is an all around stud, plays both ends hard and is the soul of this team. Middleton and Henson are talented players. O.J. runs to hot and cold for my liking. Grievis Vasquez could start a camp to teach kids what it takes to be a backup guard. Has he ever not produced and been an asset? No siree. Big heart and tough hombre. Bayless is adequate. That leaves Michael Carter-Williams under the microscope. He is a conundrum. He can run, pass, get into the paint and score, but he doesn't quite do the job of a true point guard. I would love to see the Buck make it because I've always thought of Milwaukee as an underdog city, and you have to cheer for the underdog, don't you?
I don't mean to place the Charlotte Hornets toward the bottom because that's where I think they will wind up. On the contrary, I have some real hope for this team in the future. I'm not sure the future is this season. Still some acquisitions over the summer have been paying off. What I like about the way the team is that it can go small and big. Al Jefferson has always been a consistent productive center. He's got a lovely touch. Nick Batum has come out of his recent Portland ho-hum play and is starting to produce the way he did early in his career. Jeremy Lin pushes the ball and is getting to be an excellent distributor. I think Frank Kaminsky will eventually be an NBA super star. And how about Jeremy Lamb finally beginning to reach his potential. Coaching is solid, so stay consistent, MJ.
Oh, man, what can I say about the Brooklyn Nets. Come on, Lionel, get it together. Remember what your team was like in Portland when you won the championship- the hustle, the D, the passing, the cutting. There are only two players on the Nets that interest me and they are Bojan Bogdanovic and Thaddeus Young. Brook Lopez provides offense, yes, but needs to develop his brother's meanness on defense. He's a seven foot woosy. Plus he's always hurt. Jarrett Jack is a quintessential backup guard playing in the number one spot. When he was with the Warriors, he was at his best. That's a loser. Larkin is a keeper, but not as a starting pt guard. Joe Johnson can score, yes, but he is a serious liability on defense. Your owner has big money, unless Putin says otherwise and he should eat part of Johnson's contract and make him more tradeable. Any team with Andrea Barganani on it will not strike fear into the heart of an opponent. Like the Lakers, this might be the time for a GM change.
Philadelphia 76ers. Whatever your strategy is, it ain't working. See Laker and Nets suggestion about a change of GM. A new vision is definately in order before you screw up a wonderful first round draft choice.
Recently I've started putting together small poems about Sports for children, easy and fun rhymes. I'll need an illustrator when I'm finished. Here's one of the first ones I wrote.
A GRIFFIN GRIFFEN
There's a griffin who can dunk
Unlike any other griffin.
He's the envy of the block.
All the girls are Griffen smitten.
He's the envy of the blobs
Who can't jump above the basket.
While they're ordinary yobs,
He's the slam-a-jamma master.
Let's go through the East, team by team, starting with my number one pick, second, and so forth.
Cleveland is numero uno, hands down. Too many solid players at each position, especially when Kyrie Irving returns. The Mo Wiliams pickup and the return of a healthy Anderson Varejao bolster an already deep bench. Kevin Love is back. And, although he is not a defensive whiz, Love is a spectacular offensive and defensive rebounder and deep shooter, stretching the floor so LeBron can drive the paint whenever he feels like it. Mosgov can handle the bigs and Thompson can fill in in the paint if the Cavs have to go small and be the power forward when the team wants to go big. Dellavedova (Saint Mary's College star. Go Gaels) can provide defensive harassment and very astute ball distribution. Shumpert, JR Smith and a revitalized Richard Jefferson provide lots of firepower from the perimeter. So, tell me what the Cavs are missing? I can't see any team in the East beating the Cavs as long as they stay healthy, which is a slight worry as LeBron seems to be having back issues. I've suffered through back pain when I played, and it can definitely slow you down As James goes, so go the Cavs.
I like Chicago next. I like them a lot. Their two young players, Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott, have matured and are ready to provide additional offense. McDermott is earning his nickname, McBucket. Rose is back. Cross your fingers it stays that way. Also, Rose appears to be playing with a great deal more control. He's pacing himself like he's never done before. Not trying to do everything himself. Jimmy Butler is a solid point producer, in my mind a little like Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs. Aron Brooks in his third incarnation is a dependable point guard backup who shows flashes of brilliance and can provide points in a hurry. Kirk Hinrich adds perimeter defensive toughness. Taj Gibson is an underrated power forward. Noah and Gasul sew up the paint. These are two very long presences for drivers to deal with. Both are damn good shot blockers. When he gets back, Donleavy will help stretch the floor. By the end of the season, I predict Bobby Portis will contribute to the success of the team. Love his intensity. And I shouldn't forget Tony Snell, another of the Bulls' young players who appears to be maturing at the right time. New coach, new dynamic, new approach to the game could turn into a problem, or it could be a plus. Do all the pieces fit? What about playing time? If the coaching staff can get everybody on the proverbial same page, the Bulls could upset the Cavs. It wouldn't hurt my feelings. Sorry Delly.
The Atlanta Hawks are my pick for third. Their system best fits their personnel. They lost Carrol to Toronto, but acquired a big in Tiago Splitter to help when the team is faced with the Bigs, like Mosgov of the Cavs. Sefolosha is back healthy to provide defense and take the sting out of losing Carrol.Teague and Schroder in the backcourt will give teams fits. Korver will stretch the floor. Lots of undersized but toughness in the paint. Bazemore looks like he's coming into his own, although I worry about consistency with him. Hardaway needs to get in touch with his defensive self. Once he does, he'll be an offensive asset. The players will move, pass, and cut. Looks like a lot of togetherness and a chip on their shoulders from last season's playoff losses. This team, baring injuries, looks like it can stay consistent and wind up with home court advantage. I don't think they'll drop the ball this time around.
The Toronto Raptors fall into the fourth spot, but might, not likely, but might edge out the Hawks as my third best team. The addition of DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, and an under appreciated Louis Scola have been strong additions to make up for the loss of Lou Williams (Sorry, can't call you Sweet Lou as there was only one Sweet Lou, Lou Hudson) and Amir Johnson. The problem with this team, like the Wizards, is they are dependent too much on their backcourt. It also bothers me that Valancunas doesn't seem to have developed much as a player. He is what he is, not what he could be. I find this to be true for a lot of players in the NBA; they make it, then they don't attempt to improve themselves, learn new moves, improve on the ones they have. Can you imagine how devastating DeAndre Jordan would be if he had a jump hook.
The Washington Wizards rely too much on their backcourt duo, Wall and Beale. I pick them fourth in a tie with Toronto. Both teams could be upended by a couple of Eastern Conference teams that have improved their rosters, like Orlando, Boston or the Heat. As long as Beale and Wall are healthy and aggresive, the Whiz will be a Whiz, but any extended loss of either of the two would be catastrophic.The team has paint presence in Gortat. I think they have a problem on the wings. Porter is a good player, but I can't get excited about his game. Humphries will give his all and is tough defensively, but not much on offense. Nene's game doesn't do anything for me and he's always injured. This team has bench problems, and you know how important I feel a strong bench is to the success of a team.
At this point, the rest of the teams to fill out the playoff positions is very much a toss up.
The Boston Celtic are playing well under Brad Stevens. They've added Amir Johonson and David Lee. Both should help provide more muscle on the defensive and offensive boards. Zeller and Sullinger are a good combo in the paint and adequate scorers and protectors. Crowder is the hustle guy every playoff team must have. Olynyk can spread the floor. They have a three guard rotation in Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Isiah Thomas, who never saw shot he didn't like. I've never been an Evan Turner fan, but Coach Stevens is getting max out of him. I've always thought of Jerbko as soft. RJ Hunter could turn into a great 6th man two guard coming off the bench shooting deep. Look for this team to compete for one of the last spots in the playoffs. There's a lot to say for coach and players being on the same page. Right, Sacramento Kings?
Detroit is an improved team but still questionable defensively. Andre Drummond is looking to rival Wilt Chamberlain's rebounding stats, but possesses very little offensive skils. Reggie Jackson is becoming a powerful scoring threat, a mini Russell Westbrook.They added Marcus Morris at the wing. Not as good a shooter as his twin, but adequate. And Ersan Ilyasova will provide strenght and occasional deep shooting at the stretch four. Really? There's such a player as a stretch four??? Caldwell Pope hasn't proved he can shoot consistently, but he's active and can run the floor. When will Brandon Jennings return? And will he be be able to coexist with Jackson? Big Question mark. The little rat Steve Blake will help coming off the bench, always has, always will. I see Steve being a coach one of these days and I wouldn't want to be one of his players if he screws up. Problem with this Pistons for me is I don't see a lot of joy. They sort of take on the personality of their coach, grumpy and dark. If you can't have fun competing, it's tough to sustain enthusiasm for an 84 game schedule.
The Miami Heat have five solid players, an aging superstar in Dwanye Wade, a more than aging Luol Deng, Cris Bosh, in comeback mode, Hassan Whiteside (turning into a consistent shot blocker) and niffty and speedy point guard in Goran Dragjic. The trade for Beno Udrih puts two Slovenians (rumor has it they don't like each other, something to do with the Slovenian Olympic team) on the same team. Talented rookie in Justise Winslow. He will figure out the game and be a factor by the end of the season. Gerald Green looks to be a head case. Dump him. As Pop says, no headcases and mothers' boys. Udonis Haslim will always be a solid pro, but he's long in the tooth. Can't say I have much faith in the rest of the bench. The Birdman will fly, but to what end? You can't win with four or five guys, no matter how good they are. Time for Dwayne and Udonis to join Pat in the front office.
Orlando Magic. Still a year away, but maybe they could sneak in with lots of youth and enthusiasm. Strong young backcourt threesome: At the two, Oladipo with Fournier coming off the bench and at the point Elfrid Payton with Shabass Napier to relieve. Vucevic is a seven footer who can score. Needs to shore up his D. I've always like Tobias Harris, a stretch forward. This years draft choice, Mario Hezonja, has to produce consistently. Aaron Gordon is long and active and developing. The Magic are my surprise team, as in surprise any team that take them too lightly.
Indiana Pacers. I don't want to discount the Pacers. Paul George is back and starting to regain his All Star form. But I just don't see much bench strength at all. I love Monta Ellis, but he's all instinct and no smarts. His defensive skills are marginal. Talk about marginal defense, there's Budinger. If either Hill or George go down for any time, the Pacers can forget the season. Time to rebuild for next year. Miles Turner may turn into a player, but can he be a factor this year? He'll be one of Larry Bird's rebuilding blocks. The Pacers is one of those teams that, aside from Hill and George, and the potential of Turner, are filled with second tier type players. You watch them play and after awhile your eyes glaze over.
The Milwaukee Bucks: A surprise team last year are no long a surprise. That's probably why they are not winning early. They'll get it together, or we'll discover Jason Kidd is not the coach everyone was Oohing and Ahhing about last season. What do I think? I'll let the tone of the previous sentence talk for me. So, on with the team. The addition of Monroe provides paint offense, but not so much defense. Jabari Parker is back and getting into his rookie year, which is what this year is for him. So expect a learning cure. Antetokounmp is an all around stud, plays both ends hard and is the soul of this team. Middleton and Henson are talented players. O.J. runs to hot and cold for my liking. Grievis Vasquez could start a camp to teach kids what it takes to be a backup guard. Has he ever not produced and been an asset? No siree. Big heart and tough hombre. Bayless is adequate. That leaves Michael Carter-Williams under the microscope. He is a conundrum. He can run, pass, get into the paint and score, but he doesn't quite do the job of a true point guard. I would love to see the Buck make it because I've always thought of Milwaukee as an underdog city, and you have to cheer for the underdog, don't you?
I don't mean to place the Charlotte Hornets toward the bottom because that's where I think they will wind up. On the contrary, I have some real hope for this team in the future. I'm not sure the future is this season. Still some acquisitions over the summer have been paying off. What I like about the way the team is that it can go small and big. Al Jefferson has always been a consistent productive center. He's got a lovely touch. Nick Batum has come out of his recent Portland ho-hum play and is starting to produce the way he did early in his career. Jeremy Lin pushes the ball and is getting to be an excellent distributor. I think Frank Kaminsky will eventually be an NBA super star. And how about Jeremy Lamb finally beginning to reach his potential. Coaching is solid, so stay consistent, MJ.
Oh, man, what can I say about the Brooklyn Nets. Come on, Lionel, get it together. Remember what your team was like in Portland when you won the championship- the hustle, the D, the passing, the cutting. There are only two players on the Nets that interest me and they are Bojan Bogdanovic and Thaddeus Young. Brook Lopez provides offense, yes, but needs to develop his brother's meanness on defense. He's a seven foot woosy. Plus he's always hurt. Jarrett Jack is a quintessential backup guard playing in the number one spot. When he was with the Warriors, he was at his best. That's a loser. Larkin is a keeper, but not as a starting pt guard. Joe Johnson can score, yes, but he is a serious liability on defense. Your owner has big money, unless Putin says otherwise and he should eat part of Johnson's contract and make him more tradeable. Any team with Andrea Barganani on it will not strike fear into the heart of an opponent. Like the Lakers, this might be the time for a GM change.
Philadelphia 76ers. Whatever your strategy is, it ain't working. See Laker and Nets suggestion about a change of GM. A new vision is definately in order before you screw up a wonderful first round draft choice.
Recently I've started putting together small poems about Sports for children, easy and fun rhymes. I'll need an illustrator when I'm finished. Here's one of the first ones I wrote.
A GRIFFIN GRIFFEN
There's a griffin who can dunk
Unlike any other griffin.
He's the envy of the block.
All the girls are Griffen smitten.
He's the envy of the blobs
Who can't jump above the basket.
While they're ordinary yobs,
He's the slam-a-jamma master.
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