http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070730
Best line -- desrcibes Gerald Green as a "homeless man's J.R. Smith." WOW. That is harsh!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Help Wanted -- Timberwolves Coach and GM
Look at the Wolves' post-KG roster.
PG -- Foye, HudsonFair (Seb and Troy being the same guy)
SG -- Ricky Davis, McCants, Gerald Green
SF -- Hassell, Brewer, Jaric
PF -- Al Jefferson, SmitHowardGoMadsenRichard (5 guys, one set of skills)
C -- Blount, Ratliff
So, you are looking at 17 guys. I firmly believe that if you are paying Theo's contract you may as well keep him if he is healthy.
Obviously you are trying to do the following: 1) figure out what style you want to play; 2) get rid of the guys who definitely cannot play that style; 3) evaluate your redundancies -- decide who has trade value and who doesn't and then decide whom to trade and for what.
Obviously the Wolves either need Ratliff to play or they need another center. They don't need SmitHowardGoMadsenRichard. They don't need HudsonFair. But what can they do to remove themselves from this quagmire? Well, they just need someone good in the front office who can move these guys for guys who the coach identifies as target players perfect for his system.
Problem -- Whitman has never identified a "system" that he wants his team to play; and I really doubt McHale is up to making 5-10 calls a day to try to rearrange his roster.
So, the KG deal may work out yet; we just need to find a coach and a GM.
PG -- Foye, HudsonFair (Seb and Troy being the same guy)
SG -- Ricky Davis, McCants, Gerald Green
SF -- Hassell, Brewer, Jaric
PF -- Al Jefferson, SmitHowardGoMadsenRichard (5 guys, one set of skills)
C -- Blount, Ratliff
So, you are looking at 17 guys. I firmly believe that if you are paying Theo's contract you may as well keep him if he is healthy.
Obviously you are trying to do the following: 1) figure out what style you want to play; 2) get rid of the guys who definitely cannot play that style; 3) evaluate your redundancies -- decide who has trade value and who doesn't and then decide whom to trade and for what.
Obviously the Wolves either need Ratliff to play or they need another center. They don't need SmitHowardGoMadsenRichard. They don't need HudsonFair. But what can they do to remove themselves from this quagmire? Well, they just need someone good in the front office who can move these guys for guys who the coach identifies as target players perfect for his system.
Problem -- Whitman has never identified a "system" that he wants his team to play; and I really doubt McHale is up to making 5-10 calls a day to try to rearrange his roster.
So, the KG deal may work out yet; we just need to find a coach and a GM.
As a Wolves Season Ticket Holder -- Evaluating the Garnett Deal
I have been a Timberwolves season ticket holder since the beginning -- 1989-90. I was sold my first set of upper deck seats by the guy who now runs fan services. So, I have seen all things Timberwolf. But I never thought I'd see the day come when the Wolves dealt KG.
Just to spare you the suspense -- Grades: Wolves C minus (at least got some decent young players); Celtics -- A minus (got KG, but still kept Allen and Pierce).
KG has his flaws -- not a reliable late game scorer, has never been an above-average good offensive rebounder, not a legendary leader. He is not strong enough to consistently stop the truly huge men of the game. KG has always needed a big heavy defensive-oriented center, a deadly late-game scorer and an athletic slasher. The one Wolves team to get a #1 seed and reach the Western finals had all that -- Ervin Johnson, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. Basically every other year the Wolves lacked at least two of those three items.
But what exactly DOES Kevin give you? He is a very good facing jump shooter. He is good enough in the post that he forces double teams. He is the best passing big man playing today. He is still the best rebounder in the game. He gets every defensive board. The only skill that I have seen him lose as he has grown older? He doesn't get every single loose ball anymore. It used to be that he got 95% of loose balls on the defensive end. That is now about 50%. He needs to play with athletic guys who will get the long rebounds he can't get. The Wolves the past 3 years have been loaded with short-armed sluggish guys who are not active.
Compared to other current NBA players? KG is definitely a top 10 player. At his PF position he trails only Duncan. Boozer and Bosh and Stoudamire and Dirk are all very good players, but they are certainly not as good as Kevin Garnett. (Imagine KG with Jason Terry and Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse and Lasagna Diop and Erick Dampier and Devin Harris. Then imagine Dirk with Mike James, Ricky Davis, Trenton Hassell and Mark Blount. Nuf said.)
Now -- what do the Wolves take back?
First, you are witnessing why you trade great players BEFORE the draft!!!!!! By trading KG now, the Wolves take back a #1 that is almost certainly very low. By trading PRE-draft the Wolves get the #5 overall pick. Now, I didn't want Jeff Green, but I will tell you, I sure as heck don't want next year's Jason Smith equivalent. So, instead of getting Brandan Wright, you get the #20 overall pick. Anywho........
1. Al Jefferson:
Upside -- definite starter, possible all-star, good inside scorer, very high rebound rate.
Downside --- oft-injured, body may never carry the weight without breaking down, foul prone, not a great interior defender, poor passer. Very, very difficult to be a great player if you are a poor defender and poor passer.
2. Gerald Green -- the key to the entire trade. Gerald Green has great physical skills. The question? Is he going to be the guy who had a career high of 33 points and 15 games of 20+ points? Or is he going to be the guy who shot under 30% in the summer league (the same guy who got a paltry 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists a game)? At age 21, his stats are comparable to Richard Hamilton...............and Derrick Chievous........
3. Ryan Gomes -- I have Craig Smith.....thank you very much.......and Al Jefferson...and Juwan Howard......so I now have officially cornered the market on undersized chunky PFs who can't block a shot or get a steal.
4. Sebastian Telfair -- Even if he didn't call in hits on guys he hated, whay exactly would you want an undersized guard who can't shoot (38% career, 31% from 3), won't try to rebound, and who put up an embarrassing Efficiency number of 5.68. How bad is Telfair? His stats last year were almost identical to those of Troy Hudson (who, again, we already have).
5. Theo Ratliff -- a 34 year old shotblocker, coming off a year in which he played 2 games due to surgery on a herniated disk. Ratliff clearly isn't worth the $12MM remaining on the last year of his deal, but when he has been healthy he has ALWAYS been a productive NBA player. Between 1997 and 2004, he never played less than 24 minutes a game and never got less than 5 rebounds a game or 2.5 blocks a game while shooting around 50% from the floor. Has age completely robbed Theo of his game so that he is just a salary dump? Or could he come back and give the Wolves 24 minutes of high energy defense that would justify a more reasonable contract in years to come? I am hoping for the latter.
The Wolves will also get a #1 from the Celts (probably a low #1) and will get to keep the #1 they stupidly pissed away in the Marcus Banks deal.
Just to spare you the suspense -- Grades: Wolves C minus (at least got some decent young players); Celtics -- A minus (got KG, but still kept Allen and Pierce).
KG has his flaws -- not a reliable late game scorer, has never been an above-average good offensive rebounder, not a legendary leader. He is not strong enough to consistently stop the truly huge men of the game. KG has always needed a big heavy defensive-oriented center, a deadly late-game scorer and an athletic slasher. The one Wolves team to get a #1 seed and reach the Western finals had all that -- Ervin Johnson, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. Basically every other year the Wolves lacked at least two of those three items.
But what exactly DOES Kevin give you? He is a very good facing jump shooter. He is good enough in the post that he forces double teams. He is the best passing big man playing today. He is still the best rebounder in the game. He gets every defensive board. The only skill that I have seen him lose as he has grown older? He doesn't get every single loose ball anymore. It used to be that he got 95% of loose balls on the defensive end. That is now about 50%. He needs to play with athletic guys who will get the long rebounds he can't get. The Wolves the past 3 years have been loaded with short-armed sluggish guys who are not active.
Compared to other current NBA players? KG is definitely a top 10 player. At his PF position he trails only Duncan. Boozer and Bosh and Stoudamire and Dirk are all very good players, but they are certainly not as good as Kevin Garnett. (Imagine KG with Jason Terry and Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse and Lasagna Diop and Erick Dampier and Devin Harris. Then imagine Dirk with Mike James, Ricky Davis, Trenton Hassell and Mark Blount. Nuf said.)
Now -- what do the Wolves take back?
First, you are witnessing why you trade great players BEFORE the draft!!!!!! By trading KG now, the Wolves take back a #1 that is almost certainly very low. By trading PRE-draft the Wolves get the #5 overall pick. Now, I didn't want Jeff Green, but I will tell you, I sure as heck don't want next year's Jason Smith equivalent. So, instead of getting Brandan Wright, you get the #20 overall pick. Anywho........
1. Al Jefferson:
Upside -- definite starter, possible all-star, good inside scorer, very high rebound rate.
Downside --- oft-injured, body may never carry the weight without breaking down, foul prone, not a great interior defender, poor passer. Very, very difficult to be a great player if you are a poor defender and poor passer.
2. Gerald Green -- the key to the entire trade. Gerald Green has great physical skills. The question? Is he going to be the guy who had a career high of 33 points and 15 games of 20+ points? Or is he going to be the guy who shot under 30% in the summer league (the same guy who got a paltry 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists a game)? At age 21, his stats are comparable to Richard Hamilton...............and Derrick Chievous........
3. Ryan Gomes -- I have Craig Smith.....thank you very much.......and Al Jefferson...and Juwan Howard......so I now have officially cornered the market on undersized chunky PFs who can't block a shot or get a steal.
4. Sebastian Telfair -- Even if he didn't call in hits on guys he hated, whay exactly would you want an undersized guard who can't shoot (38% career, 31% from 3), won't try to rebound, and who put up an embarrassing Efficiency number of 5.68. How bad is Telfair? His stats last year were almost identical to those of Troy Hudson (who, again, we already have).
5. Theo Ratliff -- a 34 year old shotblocker, coming off a year in which he played 2 games due to surgery on a herniated disk. Ratliff clearly isn't worth the $12MM remaining on the last year of his deal, but when he has been healthy he has ALWAYS been a productive NBA player. Between 1997 and 2004, he never played less than 24 minutes a game and never got less than 5 rebounds a game or 2.5 blocks a game while shooting around 50% from the floor. Has age completely robbed Theo of his game so that he is just a salary dump? Or could he come back and give the Wolves 24 minutes of high energy defense that would justify a more reasonable contract in years to come? I am hoping for the latter.
The Wolves will also get a #1 from the Celts (probably a low #1) and will get to keep the #1 they stupidly pissed away in the Marcus Banks deal.
Bill Walsh -- RIP
http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/legendary-coach-walsh-dies-at-75/20070730151709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
One could argue that Walsh really didn't "invent" anything -- he basically just decided that you should use short passing plays instead of using running plays on 1st and 2nd down. In fact, the early days of the 49ers' "West Coast" offense were extremely hard to watch, with RBs catching 100 short dump passes a season and guys like Freddy Solomon and Dwight Clark running short outs.
But Walsh's "genius" was that he guessed correctly. The rules changes which permitted more offensive holding, reduced bumping in the secondary, and penalized pass defense far more than the pass offense made it more possible to throw short passes on every down.
When the 49ers began to add more offensive talent around Joe Montana (good bye Freddy Solomon, hello Jerry Rice) the offense became a thing of glory and history was made.
RIP, Bill Walsh.
One could argue that Walsh really didn't "invent" anything -- he basically just decided that you should use short passing plays instead of using running plays on 1st and 2nd down. In fact, the early days of the 49ers' "West Coast" offense were extremely hard to watch, with RBs catching 100 short dump passes a season and guys like Freddy Solomon and Dwight Clark running short outs.
But Walsh's "genius" was that he guessed correctly. The rules changes which permitted more offensive holding, reduced bumping in the secondary, and penalized pass defense far more than the pass offense made it more possible to throw short passes on every down.
When the 49ers began to add more offensive talent around Joe Montana (good bye Freddy Solomon, hello Jerry Rice) the offense became a thing of glory and history was made.
RIP, Bill Walsh.
Garnett Still Going to Boston??
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2954127
One thing that makes this deal believable is this -- Boston still owns that future Wolves #1 that it stole in the Marcus Banks fiasco. One part of any Garnett trade could easily be the statement by the Wolves, ala Neil Page while watching his burning car: "You STOLE it!.....Give it back!!"
Unlike Del Griffith (who had put the credit card back into the wallet and into the glove compartment where it was burning to a crisp), Danny Ainge would be able to give the pick back.
HM
One thing that makes this deal believable is this -- Boston still owns that future Wolves #1 that it stole in the Marcus Banks fiasco. One part of any Garnett trade could easily be the statement by the Wolves, ala Neil Page while watching his burning car: "You STOLE it!.....Give it back!!"
Unlike Del Griffith (who had put the credit card back into the wallet and into the glove compartment where it was burning to a crisp), Danny Ainge would be able to give the pick back.
HM
"Rock of Love" -- Commenting On The Final 10
I would assume that Bret Michaels had all of the 25 girls who were finalists for "Rock of Love" (Sunday nights, VH1) take blood tests to confirm that they do not have any infectious diseases. But that doesn't keep me from cleaning my TV screen with rubbing alcohol after watching the show.
My bigger worry is that Michaels (who has slept with the likes of Pamela Anderson) may have late in life developed some sort of latent bisexual tendency. He started with 25 girls and in dropping down to 10 has eliminated 3 of the 4 best looking ones (Tamara, Faith and Kristia -- find a bar on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis with go-go dancers, you may find Kristia on Friday night, so I am told...). I will rank the remaining 10 from most manly to least manly (I also add my face book rating for face/body/doability -- best possible score is 30 overall, 10 per category):
GROUP 1 -- I Have Serious Concerns
1. "Rodeo" -- I would not be surprised at all if this person/woman pulled a "Crying Game" on Bret. I also wouldn't be surprised if she announced that she is a 60 year old man! Disturbing choice, Bret. 3/7/1 -- 10th best out of 10 remaining
2. "Magdalene" -- now, she is unbelievably well built, but she is 6'3", has a voice like a guy and claims to be from "Poland." Is this code for pole-land?? One note -- she is absolutely gorgeous, so she still gets a high score. 10/10/3 -- 3rd best remaining
3. Brandi M. -- REALLY has the rode hard and put away wet look. Rough, rough looking girl. Buffalo, NY native though......(4/4/4) -- 9th
GROUP 2 -- Likely Not Guys, But Have Manly Attributes
4. "Sam" -- yep, "Sam" flat chested and sporting 100 tattoos. Upset when Bret kisses girls.........uh.......OK (6/3/5) 7th
5. "Heather" -- now, Heather is mighty hot (often wears basically dental floss outfits at the pool) but she worked as a stripper in Vegas (always a shaky proposition), and she has some big substantial muscles. Deems herself Bret's "friend" and doesn't like the "good girls" (i.e. feminine girls) in the group..... (5/9/6) 4th
6. "Lacey" -- perhaps the most effed up individual remaining on the show. She could tell you she was a guy and you wouldn't know if she was telling the truth.... (7/5/1) 8th
Group 3 -- Wouldn't Fall Off Your Chair If You Heard They Were Lesbians Just On The Show For Publicity
7. "Jes" -- she has a sort of hard unforgiving look despite the pink hair. Reminiscent of a young Joan Jett wannabe (again, with pink hair) (6/5/5) 6th
8. "Erin" -- now, Erin allegedly graduated college with Honors after only 3 1/2 years.......so then why does she go purchase arguably the hugest set of implants I have ever seen -- I would guess 40F? Another tough looking girl. Broke off her recent engagement because?????? (5/8/5) 5th
Group 4 -- Soon to Be Eliminated
9. "Mia" -- I couldn't believe she advanced. She is far too normal; so much so that she is rarely featured in any actual TV footage. (8/8/8) 2nd
10. "Brandi C." -- monster real breasts, massage therapy student, has been shown acting emotionally when other feminine women get the boot. Huge natural breasts, has worked for Universal Studios as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. She stands no chance to win. (7/8/10)
1st
My bigger worry is that Michaels (who has slept with the likes of Pamela Anderson) may have late in life developed some sort of latent bisexual tendency. He started with 25 girls and in dropping down to 10 has eliminated 3 of the 4 best looking ones (Tamara, Faith and Kristia -- find a bar on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis with go-go dancers, you may find Kristia on Friday night, so I am told...). I will rank the remaining 10 from most manly to least manly (I also add my face book rating for face/body/doability -- best possible score is 30 overall, 10 per category):
GROUP 1 -- I Have Serious Concerns
1. "Rodeo" -- I would not be surprised at all if this person/woman pulled a "Crying Game" on Bret. I also wouldn't be surprised if she announced that she is a 60 year old man! Disturbing choice, Bret. 3/7/1 -- 10th best out of 10 remaining
2. "Magdalene" -- now, she is unbelievably well built, but she is 6'3", has a voice like a guy and claims to be from "Poland." Is this code for pole-land?? One note -- she is absolutely gorgeous, so she still gets a high score. 10/10/3 -- 3rd best remaining
3. Brandi M. -- REALLY has the rode hard and put away wet look. Rough, rough looking girl. Buffalo, NY native though......(4/4/4) -- 9th
GROUP 2 -- Likely Not Guys, But Have Manly Attributes
4. "Sam" -- yep, "Sam" flat chested and sporting 100 tattoos. Upset when Bret kisses girls.........uh.......OK (6/3/5) 7th
5. "Heather" -- now, Heather is mighty hot (often wears basically dental floss outfits at the pool) but she worked as a stripper in Vegas (always a shaky proposition), and she has some big substantial muscles. Deems herself Bret's "friend" and doesn't like the "good girls" (i.e. feminine girls) in the group..... (5/9/6) 4th
6. "Lacey" -- perhaps the most effed up individual remaining on the show. She could tell you she was a guy and you wouldn't know if she was telling the truth.... (7/5/1) 8th
Group 3 -- Wouldn't Fall Off Your Chair If You Heard They Were Lesbians Just On The Show For Publicity
7. "Jes" -- she has a sort of hard unforgiving look despite the pink hair. Reminiscent of a young Joan Jett wannabe (again, with pink hair) (6/5/5) 6th
8. "Erin" -- now, Erin allegedly graduated college with Honors after only 3 1/2 years.......so then why does she go purchase arguably the hugest set of implants I have ever seen -- I would guess 40F? Another tough looking girl. Broke off her recent engagement because?????? (5/8/5) 5th
Group 4 -- Soon to Be Eliminated
9. "Mia" -- I couldn't believe she advanced. She is far too normal; so much so that she is rarely featured in any actual TV footage. (8/8/8) 2nd
10. "Brandi C." -- monster real breasts, massage therapy student, has been shown acting emotionally when other feminine women get the boot. Huge natural breasts, has worked for Universal Studios as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. She stands no chance to win. (7/8/10)
1st
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Scary Bad Interviewer
The people who are supposed to be talking in her ear must be asleep as well. Can't you offer poor "Merry" up something to ask? "Tell us a little about your co-stars." That gets you 2 minutes or so. "Do you have any other projects you are looking at right now?" Stuff like that. Wow.
Dow Down About 400 Points Today
So, since W.'s inauguration, the three major indices have performed as follows: Dow Jones -- up 30% in 6 1/2 years (4% annual gain, compounded). S&P -- up 6% in 6 1/2 years (less than 1% annual gain). NASDAQ -- slightly negative (performed at a loss).
http://finance.aol.com/quotes/dow-jones-industrial-average-index/%24indu/dji/charts?dr=CUS&compidx2=on&compidx3=on&symbs=&ag=&index=&te=line&se=default&hs=on&vs=on&sym=%24INDU&exch=USA&state=1&settings=1&vl1=off&ss1=off&dv1=off&hs1=on&vs1=on&scs=0&daysb4=&fromdate=01%2F20%2F01&todate=07%2F26%2F07&freq=1&timeframe=100
This despite the nearly $1 trillion government expenditure for the Middle East war and W's tax cuts for the wealthy. It would be interesting to see what the Dow's performance would be if oil stocks were removed.
Under the "Rule of 72", an 11.07% annual compounded gain over this same period would have doubled your money.
So, summary -- even on the one item where you think a GOP President should succeed (stock market gain), George W. Bush has been a horrible failure.
http://finance.aol.com/quotes/dow-jones-industrial-average-index/%24indu/dji/charts?dr=CUS&compidx2=on&compidx3=on&symbs=&ag=&index=&te=line&se=default&hs=on&vs=on&sym=%24INDU&exch=USA&state=1&settings=1&vl1=off&ss1=off&dv1=off&hs1=on&vs1=on&scs=0&daysb4=&fromdate=01%2F20%2F01&todate=07%2F26%2F07&freq=1&timeframe=100
This despite the nearly $1 trillion government expenditure for the Middle East war and W's tax cuts for the wealthy. It would be interesting to see what the Dow's performance would be if oil stocks were removed.
Under the "Rule of 72", an 11.07% annual compounded gain over this same period would have doubled your money.
So, summary -- even on the one item where you think a GOP President should succeed (stock market gain), George W. Bush has been a horrible failure.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Suns/Spurs Game 3
This is the game that Tim Donaghy refereed in the Suns/Spurs series, the result of which Bill Simmons has called into question.
If you watch the plays that this fan has identified as questionable, you will see that all but 1 of the disputed calls was made by either Eddie Rush or Greg Willard. So, hardly much support for Simmons' implication that the game was fixed by Tim Donaghy.
What I see when I look at this film is a team in the Suns who are begging for every call in the other team's gym. That isn't going to get you far at any level of basketball.
If you watch the plays that this fan has identified as questionable, you will see that all but 1 of the disputed calls was made by either Eddie Rush or Greg Willard. So, hardly much support for Simmons' implication that the game was fixed by Tim Donaghy.
What I see when I look at this film is a team in the Suns who are begging for every call in the other team's gym. That isn't going to get you far at any level of basketball.
Signing Analysis: Mo Williams -- Bucks, 6 years $52MM
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=637636. Well, there is no denying that Williams put up very solid numbers (17/5/6) for a point guard last year and that the Heat badly wanted him at the mid-level exception.
But is he a $9MM a year guy for 6 years??? Well..........his basketball-reference.com comparables feature guys you would really want: Isiah Thomas, Tim Hardaway, Kirk Hinrich; guys who were good for a while: Nick Van Exel, Bobby Jackson; and guys who their teams are now trying desperately to dump because they're seen as overpaid: Mike Bibby, Jason Terry. And Terrell Brandon and Eddie Johnson are also on the list for what it is worth.
Willaims was also the point guard on one of the worst teams in the NBA. How much of their suckiness was Mo's fault?
So, tough call. I guess the thinking in Milwaukee is that the guy is 24, his stats have gone up every year, he is a clutch scorer who gets good rebound numbers and decent steals numbers. And he (unlike Yi Jianlian) wants to play in Milwaukee.
Overall Signing Grade -- B -- while his profile is not without flaws, could the Bucks really afford to lose a key starter for nothing?
HM
But is he a $9MM a year guy for 6 years??? Well..........his basketball-reference.com comparables feature guys you would really want: Isiah Thomas, Tim Hardaway, Kirk Hinrich; guys who were good for a while: Nick Van Exel, Bobby Jackson; and guys who their teams are now trying desperately to dump because they're seen as overpaid: Mike Bibby, Jason Terry. And Terrell Brandon and Eddie Johnson are also on the list for what it is worth.
Willaims was also the point guard on one of the worst teams in the NBA. How much of their suckiness was Mo's fault?
So, tough call. I guess the thinking in Milwaukee is that the guy is 24, his stats have gone up every year, he is a clutch scorer who gets good rebound numbers and decent steals numbers. And he (unlike Yi Jianlian) wants to play in Milwaukee.
Overall Signing Grade -- B -- while his profile is not without flaws, could the Bucks really afford to lose a key starter for nothing?
HM
Lindsey Lohan
I don't care what anyone says, she may be a drunk and a menace to society and probably deserves jail time...............but LOOK at that body my friends. Whoa!
CNN Goes the "Trophy Wife" Route
Paula Zahn? Sorry. You used to be hot, but now at age 51.......we at CNN are looking for a little sweeter cookie is ya know what I mean........Campbell Brown, married to some nerdy-looking right winger from Fox News....well, at least she looks hot.
CNN could have at least offered to let Paula keep the job if she went with breast implants.
There was a woman in my area who was basically given that same opportunity by her husband (he stated that if she would go with the implants he was more likely to stay married to her). She refused and he moved on. One week after the divorce was final, she went and got some "Ds" stating that she wanted to look better all along............just not when he was demanding it! A very healthy relationship there.
HM
Warren Moon -- NOT a Drunk driver
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2948654. So, basically Moon had about 2 drinks and drove too fast. Roger Goodell will be suspending his ass shortly.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dog Fighting, Steroids and Roger Goodell
So the Commish figures he can get the PETA people out of his view by telling Ookie Vick not to report to camp? Probably wrong. But here is the bigger issue:
Is there any limit whatsoever on this man's authority to punish players?
Have we reached the point where you have to prove that you are an all-around good guy to play in the NFL? We know from Pacman Jones and Vick that you don't have to actually be convicted of a crime to face Goodell's wrath. So, is being charged with a crime sufficient?
Assume Larry Johnson signs a deal with the Chiefs. Now assume that the Vikings are playing the Chiefs two weeks from now and I know that Larry has a bye week and likes to come to Minnesota to vacation on bye weeks. If I can find a friendly cop, can I walk up to Johnson in a bar, call him a name, push him around, get him to hit me and then get him arrested for battery? Is that an automatic 4-8 game suspension?
How about if I can show that a player goes to a strip bar every single night? Is that enough? What if he gets lap dances when local law prohibits them? I can get footage from a friendly stripper. He has committed a crime, right? Suspended? Does he have to be charged?
How about a guy who cheats on his wife? Bad guy. Suspension?
And how does this all square with the league's rather soft stance on steroids? I mean, after all, an NFL player who shoots up with Ivan Drago levels of roids gets only counseling and stricter testing: http://www.bootlegsports.com/cgi-bin/bs4_content.cgi?id=3612. Even a guy who does it AGAIN only gets 4 games (see above). So, get in a lot of strip bar fights? One year. Violate federal drug laws that have felony penalties attached while also cheating the competitive balance of the game? Counseling.....then, if you do it again, maybe 4 games.
How do we square that set of rules? I mean, the NFL's treatment of steroid cheats is basically a slap on the wrist. Get accused of dog fighting? Career over. I think the obvious response is to greatly stiffen the steroid penalties (first offense 8 games; second offense 2 years). But I just don't see how King Roger justifies his current system or whether anyone will ever draw the line at where his power stops..........
HM
Is there any limit whatsoever on this man's authority to punish players?
Have we reached the point where you have to prove that you are an all-around good guy to play in the NFL? We know from Pacman Jones and Vick that you don't have to actually be convicted of a crime to face Goodell's wrath. So, is being charged with a crime sufficient?
Assume Larry Johnson signs a deal with the Chiefs. Now assume that the Vikings are playing the Chiefs two weeks from now and I know that Larry has a bye week and likes to come to Minnesota to vacation on bye weeks. If I can find a friendly cop, can I walk up to Johnson in a bar, call him a name, push him around, get him to hit me and then get him arrested for battery? Is that an automatic 4-8 game suspension?
How about if I can show that a player goes to a strip bar every single night? Is that enough? What if he gets lap dances when local law prohibits them? I can get footage from a friendly stripper. He has committed a crime, right? Suspended? Does he have to be charged?
How about a guy who cheats on his wife? Bad guy. Suspension?
And how does this all square with the league's rather soft stance on steroids? I mean, after all, an NFL player who shoots up with Ivan Drago levels of roids gets only counseling and stricter testing: http://www.bootlegsports.com/cgi-bin/bs4_content.cgi?id=3612. Even a guy who does it AGAIN only gets 4 games (see above). So, get in a lot of strip bar fights? One year. Violate federal drug laws that have felony penalties attached while also cheating the competitive balance of the game? Counseling.....then, if you do it again, maybe 4 games.
How do we square that set of rules? I mean, the NFL's treatment of steroid cheats is basically a slap on the wrist. Get accused of dog fighting? Career over. I think the obvious response is to greatly stiffen the steroid penalties (first offense 8 games; second offense 2 years). But I just don't see how King Roger justifies his current system or whether anyone will ever draw the line at where his power stops..........
HM
Tim Donaghy's History of Bizarre Behavior
http://draftkevindurant.blogspot.com/2007/07/tim-donaghy.html
I like the Shaq quote in the middle of the list. Big Fella seems to always have things right.......
What does the NBA have to fear from Tim Donaghy? Not that other refs were involved. They can always be swept away. Not that players shaved points -- point shaving has gone on for a long time and basketball has always survived.
What NBA basketball has to fear is Tim Donaghy coming out (with or without corroborating evidence) and saying what everyone has always thought for years -- referees are assigned to key games so that teams favored by the league and its advertisiers (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, etc.) will win, and that referees who do not call games favoring big market teams are punished.
That is all Donaghy has to say, and all he has to do is give a couple "for instance" moments. For example, "Yeah, I knew the fix was in during that Lakers/Kings games because of who they assigned..."
Donaghy's biggest problem is that if he says this, he will suffer extreme consequences. You do not live your life in the rich and powerful circles of NYC without knowing someone who can destroy your enemies. So Donaghy has to decide whether he has anything left to lose. Because if he thinks his life sucks now, wait until he tries to implicate David Stern.
I like the Shaq quote in the middle of the list. Big Fella seems to always have things right.......
What does the NBA have to fear from Tim Donaghy? Not that other refs were involved. They can always be swept away. Not that players shaved points -- point shaving has gone on for a long time and basketball has always survived.
What NBA basketball has to fear is Tim Donaghy coming out (with or without corroborating evidence) and saying what everyone has always thought for years -- referees are assigned to key games so that teams favored by the league and its advertisiers (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, etc.) will win, and that referees who do not call games favoring big market teams are punished.
That is all Donaghy has to say, and all he has to do is give a couple "for instance" moments. For example, "Yeah, I knew the fix was in during that Lakers/Kings games because of who they assigned..."
Donaghy's biggest problem is that if he says this, he will suffer extreme consequences. You do not live your life in the rich and powerful circles of NYC without knowing someone who can destroy your enemies. So Donaghy has to decide whether he has anything left to lose. Because if he thinks his life sucks now, wait until he tries to implicate David Stern.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Andrew Bogut's New Hair Cut
Perhaps he will now be able to SEE the opposing center who is constantly lighting him up.
Jeff
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Randy Kim's 5 Laker Trades
http://sports.aol.com/nba/story/_a/how-to-get-kobe-out-of-la/20070718014109990001
Since Kobe isn't going to work in Memphis, Charlotte or Sacramento (recall, he was drafted by Charlotte as an 18 year old high schooler with no valid options and STILL refused to play there), we are left with New York or Atlanta.
Phil Jackson has never had to coach without a top 15 player. Never. During Pippen's year and a half as Jackson's star, Pippen was at least a top 15 player. If you acquire Jamal Crawford, Eddy Curry and David Lee for Kobe, Phil has no top 15 player. In fact, depending upon your view of Lamar Odom (I say top 30 but opinions vary), you could argue that Phil wouldn't even have a top 40 player. So, that trade ain't happening.
Atlanta? Well, at least you would have Joe Johnson (Olympian, top 20 player) and the upside of Marvin Williams. You'd need to guess right -- is Williams a 30 minute a game guy on a title team? I sure as hell don't know. But the Atlanta deal at least makes some sense. AND you get Josh Childress in the deal. Who, you ask? Look at his comparables on basketball-reference.com. Sean Elliott, Rodney McCray, Tayshaun Prince, Shane Battier, Danny Granger. Then just look at his raw numbers -- 37 minutes a game, 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 steals+blocks, shoots 50.4% from the floor? If I am the Lakers, I might very well do this deal.
Since Kobe isn't going to work in Memphis, Charlotte or Sacramento (recall, he was drafted by Charlotte as an 18 year old high schooler with no valid options and STILL refused to play there), we are left with New York or Atlanta.
Phil Jackson has never had to coach without a top 15 player. Never. During Pippen's year and a half as Jackson's star, Pippen was at least a top 15 player. If you acquire Jamal Crawford, Eddy Curry and David Lee for Kobe, Phil has no top 15 player. In fact, depending upon your view of Lamar Odom (I say top 30 but opinions vary), you could argue that Phil wouldn't even have a top 40 player. So, that trade ain't happening.
Atlanta? Well, at least you would have Joe Johnson (Olympian, top 20 player) and the upside of Marvin Williams. You'd need to guess right -- is Williams a 30 minute a game guy on a title team? I sure as hell don't know. But the Atlanta deal at least makes some sense. AND you get Josh Childress in the deal. Who, you ask? Look at his comparables on basketball-reference.com. Sean Elliott, Rodney McCray, Tayshaun Prince, Shane Battier, Danny Granger. Then just look at his raw numbers -- 37 minutes a game, 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 steals+blocks, shoots 50.4% from the floor? If I am the Lakers, I might very well do this deal.
Uh, Oh! Wind's Not Gonna Blow
http://scoreboards.aol.com/golf/pga/80469/leaders.aspx
While he is no Paul McGinley, 31 years young Eldrick Woods is looking like he will 3-peat at the British Open. Tiger is -2 and will be in the top 20 after day 1. That generally means he will absolutely blow people away by day 4.
Looking at the weather report, Carnoustie, Scotland isn't supposed to see winds over 15 mph this weekend. If the wind doesn't blow, British Open courses are simply defenseless against Tiger's power.
While he is no Paul McGinley, 31 years young Eldrick Woods is looking like he will 3-peat at the British Open. Tiger is -2 and will be in the top 20 after day 1. That generally means he will absolutely blow people away by day 4.
Looking at the weather report, Carnoustie, Scotland isn't supposed to see winds over 15 mph this weekend. If the wind doesn't blow, British Open courses are simply defenseless against Tiger's power.
Hell In a Cell Footage
You gotta admit -- this was an unbelievable display of toughness by Mick Foley.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Test Vote On Ending Iraq War -- Norm Coleman Votes Pro-War and Pro-Bush
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00252#state
I believe that Harry Reid voted against cloture on the filibuster so that he had standing to bring the matter up again later. If I am correct, that mean Bush-kissing Joe-mentum Lieberman was the only non-GOP to vote pro-war.
Condi Rice was on the Hill selling herself (figuratively; I mean, of course, "selling her soul") to keep GOP votes. A general came to tell GOP Senators "Well, we have to fight the terrorists SOMEWHERE. It may as well be Iraq." What sort of analysis is THAT?? Look at history -- there have always been terrorist plots directed at Washington D.C. and New York City: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_incidents Have we EVER had to invade and occupy a country as a result of these plots? Look at all of the listed Puerto Rican plots on the wikipedia list -- did we invade The Bahamas as a result and state that "Well, we have to fight these terrorists somewhere. May as well be here..."?
Unbelievable. Well, November 2008 is coming fast. I hope Norm Coleman enjoys his 2009 job as Dick Cheney's new hunting companion.
I believe that Harry Reid voted against cloture on the filibuster so that he had standing to bring the matter up again later. If I am correct, that mean Bush-kissing Joe-mentum Lieberman was the only non-GOP to vote pro-war.
Condi Rice was on the Hill selling herself (figuratively; I mean, of course, "selling her soul") to keep GOP votes. A general came to tell GOP Senators "Well, we have to fight the terrorists SOMEWHERE. It may as well be Iraq." What sort of analysis is THAT?? Look at history -- there have always been terrorist plots directed at Washington D.C. and New York City: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_incidents Have we EVER had to invade and occupy a country as a result of these plots? Look at all of the listed Puerto Rican plots on the wikipedia list -- did we invade The Bahamas as a result and state that "Well, we have to fight these terrorists somewhere. May as well be here..."?
Unbelievable. Well, November 2008 is coming fast. I hope Norm Coleman enjoys his 2009 job as Dick Cheney's new hunting companion.
Tim Brewster 1 -- Roger Goodell, Zero
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=260116
Now, three of the Gopher guys have not even been CHARGED with a crime, so they technically are in a FAR better legal situation than Michael "Ookie" Vick (indicted dog fighter).
Yet Coach Brewster (who badly, badly needs football players -- the cupboard is pretty bare up here) manages to review the situation and do the right thing. (Getting an 18 year old girl drunk while you look on dead sober and then gang bang her and later film a fourth guy providing a money shot to her face -- probably good enough for a scholarship loss).
What is the absolute BEST thing that Michael Vick can say in his defense? That he simply allowed his property to be used by OTHERS to dog fight and execute losing dogs?? That he willingly turned a blind eye? Isn't that enough to prove up some violation of the NFL's code of conduct?
Michael, per NFL policy, must at least undergo "immediate evaluation or counseling" http://www.nflpa.org/RulesAndRegs/ConductPolicy.aspx. Still waiting to hear how that is going........
Now, three of the Gopher guys have not even been CHARGED with a crime, so they technically are in a FAR better legal situation than Michael "Ookie" Vick (indicted dog fighter).
Yet Coach Brewster (who badly, badly needs football players -- the cupboard is pretty bare up here) manages to review the situation and do the right thing. (Getting an 18 year old girl drunk while you look on dead sober and then gang bang her and later film a fourth guy providing a money shot to her face -- probably good enough for a scholarship loss).
What is the absolute BEST thing that Michael Vick can say in his defense? That he simply allowed his property to be used by OTHERS to dog fight and execute losing dogs?? That he willingly turned a blind eye? Isn't that enough to prove up some violation of the NFL's code of conduct?
Michael, per NFL policy, must at least undergo "immediate evaluation or counseling" http://www.nflpa.org/RulesAndRegs/ConductPolicy.aspx. Still waiting to hear how that is going........
Michael "Ookie" Vick -- Dog Fighter
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html
So, you have a grand jury willing to indict a guy for dog fighting.........The NFL's response? Well, Vick is a first offender under the conduct policy and he is entitled to due process.
What? Under this standard the accused Gopher football player would still be actively participating with the team!
So much for the NFL's Conduct Policy. Summary: fight in a strip bar? -- suspended all year; get indicted for your being the money man behind a dog fighting business that routinely executes losing dogs? No discipline.
Is it really possible that Marcus Vick is the GOOD brother???
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A Word From Our Sponsors
I have determined that Axe body spray may, in fact, be a good thing.........
Tremendous Reporting On Benoit
http://news.aol.com/dailypulse/_a/report-shows-steroids-in-benoits-system/20070717152609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
So, your link and headline both say "steroids found in Benoit's body." Watch the video- what does the guy say? "Other than testosterone there weren't any anabolic steroids found." That is what he said. So how can you post the headline on your Web page that the big deal was that he was on steroids??? Now, he may have used testosterone as his roid of choice, but we don't hear much about that from the medical examiner here. Was the level super high? We just don't know.
HM
So, your link and headline both say "steroids found in Benoit's body." Watch the video- what does the guy say? "Other than testosterone there weren't any anabolic steroids found." That is what he said. So how can you post the headline on your Web page that the big deal was that he was on steroids??? Now, he may have used testosterone as his roid of choice, but we don't hear much about that from the medical examiner here. Was the level super high? We just don't know.
HM
All Summer League Squad
Clear some room on the mantle, you have just been named All Summer League!!!
NBA.com:
First Team:Aaron Brooks – G, Houston Rockets -- so small that people could not see him
Al Thornton – F, Los Angeles Clippers -- has found his niche at age 30 (or whatever he is, it goes up every day) -- dunking on people in the summer league
Craig Smith – F, Minnesota Timberwolves -- when everyone who is good on the court is under 6'8", Craig Smith thrives
Javaris Crittenton – G, Los Angeles Lakers -- no idea who he is, but he is Kobe's backup, so he gets.......6 minutes a game??
Jose Juan Barea – G, Dallas Mavericks -- 3rd string Dallas point guard
Kevin Durant – F, Seattle SuperSonics -- had a ton of games with a box score line of like 3 for 200, 10 for 10 from the line. In the NBA season, refs aren't gonna give you 10 free throws if you are 3 for 200.
Kyle Lowry – G, Memphis Grizzlies -- Will they now cut Mike Conley?
Louis Williams – G, Philadelphia 76ers -- no idea
Marco Belinelli – G, Golden State Warriors -- the star of the Summer League, getting 37 in one game. This guy may actually be a real find.
Rodney Stuckey – G, Detroit Pistons -- gets to back up Rip Hamilton and play for a coach who never plays his bench......enjoy that 4 minutes a night you will get
Rudy Gay – F, Memphis Grizzlies -- I should hope so, he is a 40-game NBA starter
Randy Foye – G, Minnesota Timberwolves -- See Gay
Spencer Hawes – C, Sacramento Kings -- give the guy some credit (but see also Craig Smith comment)
Von Wafer – G, Denver Nuggets -- His D-League stats are also VERY impressive. Not impressive enough to up his NBA minutes played total above, say, 80, but still very impressive. Possibly his generation's Billy Ray Bates!!! (look that one up my friends......)
NBA.com:
First Team:Aaron Brooks – G, Houston Rockets -- so small that people could not see him
Al Thornton – F, Los Angeles Clippers -- has found his niche at age 30 (or whatever he is, it goes up every day) -- dunking on people in the summer league
Craig Smith – F, Minnesota Timberwolves -- when everyone who is good on the court is under 6'8", Craig Smith thrives
Javaris Crittenton – G, Los Angeles Lakers -- no idea who he is, but he is Kobe's backup, so he gets.......6 minutes a game??
Jose Juan Barea – G, Dallas Mavericks -- 3rd string Dallas point guard
Kevin Durant – F, Seattle SuperSonics -- had a ton of games with a box score line of like 3 for 200, 10 for 10 from the line. In the NBA season, refs aren't gonna give you 10 free throws if you are 3 for 200.
Kyle Lowry – G, Memphis Grizzlies -- Will they now cut Mike Conley?
Louis Williams – G, Philadelphia 76ers -- no idea
Marco Belinelli – G, Golden State Warriors -- the star of the Summer League, getting 37 in one game. This guy may actually be a real find.
Rodney Stuckey – G, Detroit Pistons -- gets to back up Rip Hamilton and play for a coach who never plays his bench......enjoy that 4 minutes a night you will get
Rudy Gay – F, Memphis Grizzlies -- I should hope so, he is a 40-game NBA starter
Randy Foye – G, Minnesota Timberwolves -- See Gay
Spencer Hawes – C, Sacramento Kings -- give the guy some credit (but see also Craig Smith comment)
Von Wafer – G, Denver Nuggets -- His D-League stats are also VERY impressive. Not impressive enough to up his NBA minutes played total above, say, 80, but still very impressive. Possibly his generation's Billy Ray Bates!!! (look that one up my friends......)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Gophers Football Player Charged With Sexual Assault
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2938826
You can also go to www.wcco.com and get the .pdf file of the police report.
Here is what is alleged: two girls go over to the room of a male student at about 10:30 p.m. He has three football players over. The one girl ("A") gets challenged to a drinking contest; the other ("B") goes into the other room and has sex with the party host. Three guys take A into a room and have sex with her (she says w/o consent, they say otherwise).
Girl A has downed 8 shots of Vodka and had sex with three guys, and has hit her head on the bathtub after falling off the toilet, so she passes out on the couch around midnight. Another football player comes to the party (the accused) and around 2:50 a.m., shortly after arriving, he takes the passed out drunk girl (A) into a room and has sex with her. The party host hears the noise and enters the room -- one player is taping the event on his cell phone. The accused completes his act by, uh, "finishing" all over the drunk girl's face, neck and shirt. The cell phone tape gets deleted, but the Hennepin County Attorney's office manages to retrieve enough of the video to witness the final act of the event. The HCA has now charged the Gopher player with 3rd degree sexual assault. The three guys who had sex with A before she passed out have yet to be charged.
This all occurred in April, but the player is being charged now in mid-July.
Side note -- women, when you are asked to a party with a bunch of guys and your one female friend -- and you pretty much know that the friend is there to have sex with a guy -- probably a bad idea to enter into a drinking contest where you get plastered while three large men (all sober) look on.
You can also go to www.wcco.com and get the .pdf file of the police report.
Here is what is alleged: two girls go over to the room of a male student at about 10:30 p.m. He has three football players over. The one girl ("A") gets challenged to a drinking contest; the other ("B") goes into the other room and has sex with the party host. Three guys take A into a room and have sex with her (she says w/o consent, they say otherwise).
Girl A has downed 8 shots of Vodka and had sex with three guys, and has hit her head on the bathtub after falling off the toilet, so she passes out on the couch around midnight. Another football player comes to the party (the accused) and around 2:50 a.m., shortly after arriving, he takes the passed out drunk girl (A) into a room and has sex with her. The party host hears the noise and enters the room -- one player is taping the event on his cell phone. The accused completes his act by, uh, "finishing" all over the drunk girl's face, neck and shirt. The cell phone tape gets deleted, but the Hennepin County Attorney's office manages to retrieve enough of the video to witness the final act of the event. The HCA has now charged the Gopher player with 3rd degree sexual assault. The three guys who had sex with A before she passed out have yet to be charged.
This all occurred in April, but the player is being charged now in mid-July.
Side note -- women, when you are asked to a party with a bunch of guys and your one female friend -- and you pretty much know that the friend is there to have sex with a guy -- probably a bad idea to enter into a drinking contest where you get plastered while three large men (all sober) look on.
Game Where I Am Soliciting Your Strong Opinions
1) Have to start a team from scratch and you can take one point guard in his prime:
Kidd, Nash, Stockton
Whom do you pick, why, and state why the other two suck compared to the guy you pick?
2) Dennis Rodman -- 7 times all-defense, 7 time rebounding champion, career average of 7 points a game.
D-Rod: Hall of Famer? If not, why do you think it would be a joke if he got in?
3) Dikembe Mutombo -- 2nd in career blocks, Defensive Player of the Year 4 times, could end up in the top 15 all-time in rebounding.
Dikembe M.M.M.J.J.W. Mutombo -- Hall of Famer? If not, why do you think it would be a joke if he got in?
Kidd, Nash, Stockton
Whom do you pick, why, and state why the other two suck compared to the guy you pick?
2) Dennis Rodman -- 7 times all-defense, 7 time rebounding champion, career average of 7 points a game.
D-Rod: Hall of Famer? If not, why do you think it would be a joke if he got in?
3) Dikembe Mutombo -- 2nd in career blocks, Defensive Player of the Year 4 times, could end up in the top 15 all-time in rebounding.
Dikembe M.M.M.J.J.W. Mutombo -- Hall of Famer? If not, why do you think it would be a joke if he got in?
McHale Blesses Celtics' Trade for Ray Allen
McHale has basically gone into hiding/exile here in Minnesota. He appeared at the Wolves draft party for exactly..........0 minutes. But gee, the Boston papers want an interview? Glad to oblige.
Celtics fans -- does it make you feel better to know that BOTH Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale approve of the Allen trade? McHale was probably amazed that Boston didn't throw in 3 or 4 more #1 picks as well. He would have.
McHale goes on to state that he doesn't understand why you need a team where players get along together. He states that this is a new thing in the NBA, probably based upon the fact that the players are no longer as good individually. Um, what? Since I have been watching pro basketball for the past 35 years every team in the league has sought guys who can provide chemistry while guys who are headcases get kicked around the league. So, McHale is surprised that, for example, the Jailblazers clubs weren't real good? Wow.
McHale also states:
1) There are a lot of bad teams in the East ("We are in the East, right? No? Huh, so one less bad team than I thought I guess."); and
2) The 2 and 3 positions are key positions in our league "right now." So Boston will be strong at positions where you need to be strong in order to score points.
How does this schlock make it into the papers? I mean, come on. At your most basic level -- your 2 and 3 constitute 40% of your starting lineup. Of course they are "key."
As far as the "right now" comment" -- since the Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and 60s, people have always turned to shooting guards and small forwards for scoring (Havlicek, Dr. J, Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, George Gervin, Bernard King, Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Adrian Dantley, Reggie Miller, etc., etc.). What is this "right now" commentary?
Technically, if you look at the world champion Spurs, where do they get their scoring??? -- Duncan and Parker (neither of whom is a 2 or 3). In fact, one could argue it has become more acceptable of late for good teams to have the off guard be a defender who covers for the poor defending point guard (Bowen, Raja Bell).
Anyway, this article made me feel no better about the state of the Wolves and it shouldn't give much solace to Celts fans either....
20-Year Old Woman Told She Was Too Sexy For Her Bus
Was the bus driver from "Right Said Fred"? http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL161097420070716?feedType=RSS
The best pic we have: http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/news/2007/07/16/schock-linienbus/frau-bu-sen,geo=2154796.html
How can you post the pic online and crop out the requisite evidence? This is like someone hiring Tommy Lee to do porn based upon a chest-up photo!
The best pic we have: http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/news/2007/07/16/schock-linienbus/frau-bu-sen,geo=2154796.html
How can you post the pic online and crop out the requisite evidence? This is like someone hiring Tommy Lee to do porn based upon a chest-up photo!
Michelle Wie's Current Career Path
She has probably made too much money already from sponsors to descend into a starring role in a film like "Pacific Rim Job VII," so it looks more like she is headed the way of Ty Tryon:
Pictured: Mrs Woods.....
Friday, July 13, 2007
Ichiro -- $18MM a year
Let's take this from two perspectives. One, the perspective of a team that has a history of succeeding when it spends and failing when it doesn't:
1) Not everyone has applauded the deal. Florida Marlins president David Samson lashed out at the Mariners when the announcement was imminent, calling Suzuki's deal "a joke, it's inexcusable," and that it would "take the sport down, that contract. Right back to the ridiculous contracts. It can't be."
Two, the viewpoint of someone who hasn't lost their mind.......namely me.
2) Ichiro doesn't have a great deal of power and he is not young and he doesn't walk a lot. OK. I think I have just listed all of his weakenesses. His lowest ever average is over .300. He always is in the top 5 in the league in stolen bases and top 10 in triples. He is a 6 time gold glove winner. He plays hard all of the time. He has a cannon for an arm. He is willing to play center field.
What are the 5 tools? Hits for average (check); hits for power (no); can run (yes); can field (yes); can throw (yes). So you have a 4 tool guy who in the 4 categories he qualifies in is among the top 10 players in the entire game.
Compare Johnny Damon (making $13 or $14MM for the Yankees) -- hits for average? not really; hits for power? not really; can run?.....well, he used to........can field? (is OK).....can throw (God no!!!).
Damon -- giving him 1/2 a point for the first 4 categories, he is a 2 out of 5 tool guy. Makes just short of what Ichiro makes.
I don't think that the Yanks have an entire country following their games b/c Damon plays for them either.
The Yanks spend $13MM a year to get a guy with these career stats: .287 average, .353 OBP, .432 slugging, 321 SB in 13 seasons. Seattle spends $18MM a year for a guy who goes .333/.379/.439 with 258 SB in 7 seasons. The Yankees' guy is a defensive liability while Seattle's guy is one of the best outfielders in the game and a marketing boon to the club.
What am I missing here??? Is the outrage because Seattle isn't supposed to keep its good players?
HM
1) Not everyone has applauded the deal. Florida Marlins president David Samson lashed out at the Mariners when the announcement was imminent, calling Suzuki's deal "a joke, it's inexcusable," and that it would "take the sport down, that contract. Right back to the ridiculous contracts. It can't be."
Two, the viewpoint of someone who hasn't lost their mind.......namely me.
2) Ichiro doesn't have a great deal of power and he is not young and he doesn't walk a lot. OK. I think I have just listed all of his weakenesses. His lowest ever average is over .300. He always is in the top 5 in the league in stolen bases and top 10 in triples. He is a 6 time gold glove winner. He plays hard all of the time. He has a cannon for an arm. He is willing to play center field.
What are the 5 tools? Hits for average (check); hits for power (no); can run (yes); can field (yes); can throw (yes). So you have a 4 tool guy who in the 4 categories he qualifies in is among the top 10 players in the entire game.
Compare Johnny Damon (making $13 or $14MM for the Yankees) -- hits for average? not really; hits for power? not really; can run?.....well, he used to........can field? (is OK).....can throw (God no!!!).
Damon -- giving him 1/2 a point for the first 4 categories, he is a 2 out of 5 tool guy. Makes just short of what Ichiro makes.
I don't think that the Yanks have an entire country following their games b/c Damon plays for them either.
The Yanks spend $13MM a year to get a guy with these career stats: .287 average, .353 OBP, .432 slugging, 321 SB in 13 seasons. Seattle spends $18MM a year for a guy who goes .333/.379/.439 with 258 SB in 7 seasons. The Yankees' guy is a defensive liability while Seattle's guy is one of the best outfielders in the game and a marketing boon to the club.
What am I missing here??? Is the outrage because Seattle isn't supposed to keep its good players?
HM
My Thoughts On........The 12 Most Physically Dominant Basketball Players I Have Ever Watched In Person
It is extremely difficult to come up with a list of 12 greatest players of all-time. For example, I never saw Mikan or Jabbar or Russell or Wilt play in person. Same with Jerry West and Oscar and Baylor and Rick Barry. I don't recall seeing Nique play in his heyday.
I also find it difficult to judge the true greatness of small point guards like Stockton and Isiah Thomas and Steve Nash. So, I am leaving those guys out.
My list will also leave off Bird and Reggie Miller and I am sure other great shooters. Great players, but not the physically dominant type of player I am discussing today.
So what criteria do I have left? I only want to discuss guys I have seen who just simply overwhelm opponents with strength and speed and leaping ability. These also have to be guys who have been multiple-time all-stars (I'm not putting Isiah Rider on the list). I am also not going to put LeBron on because I am still pissed at him over the Finals (he would rank in here somewhere, but then people would say "How bout Wade? How bout Dwight Howard?" so I will just ban all the young guys)....And finally, I am NOT putting The Devil on any list of my all-time greats. While I realize this is breaking my rule of giving the Devil his due, I just cannot stomach the idea today......So, without further ado:
12) Clyde Drexler -- I sat 4th row for a Portland game at the Metrodome. When the 1990 Blazers got a defensive rebound, it was absolutely frightening to watch Porter/Drexler/Kersey and Buck Williams change ends. It honest to God resembled a horse stampede at a ridiculous rate of speed. And Clyde was the true high flyer of the group, awesome to behold.
11) Shawn Kemp -- sure he got fat and he fathered like 100 kids by 98 moms, but when The Rain Man jumped in the air, people just got out of his way. Ask Alton Lister (who didn't).
10) Magic Johnson -- an argument could be made that Magic's skill level (dribbling/passing) makes him more akin to Bird than the rest of these guys. I saw Magic play in person a couple times and what amazed me (even at the end of his greatness) was the fact that he was so big and strong on his way to the hoop that guys just fell off him.
9) Charles Barkley -- at the height of his greatness (MVP season with Phoenix) Barkley could score every time he touched the ball in the post and wasn't doubled. Every single time. No player of any size could stop him. I have posted his highlight package of offensive moves before -- guys were terrified of him. Would rank even higher but his lack of height hurt his defensive presence.
8) Karl Malone -- Karl could barely dribble the ball and for the first half of his career couldn't pass or shoot. He still got 25+ points a game because he was just a physical mismatch for everyone. Too big, too strong, too quick. His explosive dunking never translated to explosive shot blocking, so he stays down at #8.
7) Kevin Garnett -- before he turned 25, KG could honestly guard all 5 positions -- and I don't mean the whole "boy, he is good, look how well he switched on that play" I mean, "the opponent's point guard is scoring? Put KG on him. Now it is the center? Put KG on him." Loses some points for his skinny frame inside on offense, but I will tell you this: a) I have seen at least 20 good starter-level NBA players intentionally chuck up airballs just to avoid Kevin inside; and b) there is a reason he still gets every single defensive rebound -- he is just more physically gifted.
6) Tim Duncan -- Shaq calls him "The Big Fundamental" so everyone focuses on Duncan's skill level and mental approach. Timmy is one of the least subtle guys in the league. He is 260 pounds, nearly 7 feet tall, and he is powerful. If you bring it to him, he will put it back. If he needs a hoop, he is going to go right through you for a right-handed hook (which he will miss 50% of the time and get the putback dunk). He is a physical mismatch for everyone in the league. Basically a well-spoken Moses Malone.
5) Vince Carter -- when he plays hard, there still to this day is no one who can challenge Vince on a physical level. He has dunked on a 7'2" man by jumping over his head. I have seen him score 10+ points in a half on this one stupid move -- going into the lane, tossing the ball up to himself and putting it back in (thus jumping twice before other guys even completed one jump). He is a physical freak of nature.
4) Hakeem Olajuwon -- Great, great player. Another guy where high level NBA players would just throw up their hands in a "what can I do" motion. Had 4 straight years where he had 2+ blocks and 2+ steals per game. Often had 6 S+B a game. Could argue for him at #3, but I think his game had a bigger skill component than......
3) David Robinson -- David had absolutely no offensive game. None. His best attempt at one was a little double-pumping 10 footer that was pretty sketchy (maybe went in 40% of the time). But he was a great 6'7" athlete in a 7'1" body. His early days with the Spurs he would roll in to Target Center and the game would go as follows: David in -- Spurs up 20; David out for 2 minutes, Spurs now up 4; David back in, Spurs up 20, etc, etc. I saw him score 51 almost entirely on dunks. For his career (even counting the bad back years) he has more blocks than fouls. He had a year where he had more than 2 steals+blocks for every foul. He scored 71 in a game with no real jumper. He won a scoring title. Nuf said.
2) Shaq -- when I first saw Shaq at the Olympic Festival in 1990, I could not believe what I was seeing. I cannot even explain it adequately. Huge man -- had everyone by 40 pounds. Was the fastest person on the court. Could jump to the top of the backboard. At the Dream Team press conferences, Christian Laettner (who had played against Shaq) said to the press, "Wait until these guys see Shaq." When reminded that he was talking about guys like Ewing and Malone, Laettner replied (paraphrasing here), "They have regular bodies, human bodies. They don't look like Shaq." When the Wolves would play Orlando, the decision was whether to double or triple Shaq. No one single guarded Shaq. So why not #1? Well, if you could get lucky and find two 7'1" or taller player who weighed 260+ and who were willing to stand in there on Shaq for 24 minutes a night, you could keep him down to 20-25 a night. There is only one guy I have ever seen who you stood no chance of holding down........
1) Michael Jordan -- I think it was a bitter Jeff Van Gundy who said (paraphrasing again here), "People say how mentally tough Michael is and how badly he wants to win.......Michael wins because he is just physically better than everyone. It is as simple as that." The rumor with Jordan is that he ran a 4.2 40 yard dash. His vertical leap was spectacular. Michael was the first guy I ever saw who would split the double team off a pick and roll. Now everyone tries that, but in 1985-88 no one but Michael was doing it. He would split the double team, take one dribble, and then dunk over the opposing center. Saw it a million times. Of the 100 guys who have blocked the most shots in their NBA career there is one guard -- Michael Jordan, #86. Jordan played the game at a ridiculous rate of speed and many of his steals (4th all-time in steals per game) resulted from the fact that he was just physically faster than what his opponents expected. From age 22 until he was 38, Michael NEVER had a full season (not counting the #45 partial season) where he had more fouls than steals+blocks. Even at age 39, he almost was 1 to 1 (2.0 s+b versus 2.1 fouls).
But what clinches it for me? When Kevin Garnett was very young, the Bulls came into Target Center and played. Jordan was in Round 2 of his career, so he wan't a spring chicken. The Wolves couldn't stop him, so they finally put Garnett on him. Michael had the ball out by the three-point line, on the wing. Garnett got down low in a spider-like stance forcing Jordan left toward the baseline. MJ just looked at him, smirked and blew by for a right-handed layup on the left side. Garnett trailed by a full step. With two great HOF players involved, I had never seen anything like the physical mismatch I saw at that point, and I doubt I ever will again.
HM
I also find it difficult to judge the true greatness of small point guards like Stockton and Isiah Thomas and Steve Nash. So, I am leaving those guys out.
My list will also leave off Bird and Reggie Miller and I am sure other great shooters. Great players, but not the physically dominant type of player I am discussing today.
So what criteria do I have left? I only want to discuss guys I have seen who just simply overwhelm opponents with strength and speed and leaping ability. These also have to be guys who have been multiple-time all-stars (I'm not putting Isiah Rider on the list). I am also not going to put LeBron on because I am still pissed at him over the Finals (he would rank in here somewhere, but then people would say "How bout Wade? How bout Dwight Howard?" so I will just ban all the young guys)....And finally, I am NOT putting The Devil on any list of my all-time greats. While I realize this is breaking my rule of giving the Devil his due, I just cannot stomach the idea today......So, without further ado:
12) Clyde Drexler -- I sat 4th row for a Portland game at the Metrodome. When the 1990 Blazers got a defensive rebound, it was absolutely frightening to watch Porter/Drexler/Kersey and Buck Williams change ends. It honest to God resembled a horse stampede at a ridiculous rate of speed. And Clyde was the true high flyer of the group, awesome to behold.
11) Shawn Kemp -- sure he got fat and he fathered like 100 kids by 98 moms, but when The Rain Man jumped in the air, people just got out of his way. Ask Alton Lister (who didn't).
10) Magic Johnson -- an argument could be made that Magic's skill level (dribbling/passing) makes him more akin to Bird than the rest of these guys. I saw Magic play in person a couple times and what amazed me (even at the end of his greatness) was the fact that he was so big and strong on his way to the hoop that guys just fell off him.
9) Charles Barkley -- at the height of his greatness (MVP season with Phoenix) Barkley could score every time he touched the ball in the post and wasn't doubled. Every single time. No player of any size could stop him. I have posted his highlight package of offensive moves before -- guys were terrified of him. Would rank even higher but his lack of height hurt his defensive presence.
8) Karl Malone -- Karl could barely dribble the ball and for the first half of his career couldn't pass or shoot. He still got 25+ points a game because he was just a physical mismatch for everyone. Too big, too strong, too quick. His explosive dunking never translated to explosive shot blocking, so he stays down at #8.
7) Kevin Garnett -- before he turned 25, KG could honestly guard all 5 positions -- and I don't mean the whole "boy, he is good, look how well he switched on that play" I mean, "the opponent's point guard is scoring? Put KG on him. Now it is the center? Put KG on him." Loses some points for his skinny frame inside on offense, but I will tell you this: a) I have seen at least 20 good starter-level NBA players intentionally chuck up airballs just to avoid Kevin inside; and b) there is a reason he still gets every single defensive rebound -- he is just more physically gifted.
6) Tim Duncan -- Shaq calls him "The Big Fundamental" so everyone focuses on Duncan's skill level and mental approach. Timmy is one of the least subtle guys in the league. He is 260 pounds, nearly 7 feet tall, and he is powerful. If you bring it to him, he will put it back. If he needs a hoop, he is going to go right through you for a right-handed hook (which he will miss 50% of the time and get the putback dunk). He is a physical mismatch for everyone in the league. Basically a well-spoken Moses Malone.
5) Vince Carter -- when he plays hard, there still to this day is no one who can challenge Vince on a physical level. He has dunked on a 7'2" man by jumping over his head. I have seen him score 10+ points in a half on this one stupid move -- going into the lane, tossing the ball up to himself and putting it back in (thus jumping twice before other guys even completed one jump). He is a physical freak of nature.
4) Hakeem Olajuwon -- Great, great player. Another guy where high level NBA players would just throw up their hands in a "what can I do" motion. Had 4 straight years where he had 2+ blocks and 2+ steals per game. Often had 6 S+B a game. Could argue for him at #3, but I think his game had a bigger skill component than......
3) David Robinson -- David had absolutely no offensive game. None. His best attempt at one was a little double-pumping 10 footer that was pretty sketchy (maybe went in 40% of the time). But he was a great 6'7" athlete in a 7'1" body. His early days with the Spurs he would roll in to Target Center and the game would go as follows: David in -- Spurs up 20; David out for 2 minutes, Spurs now up 4; David back in, Spurs up 20, etc, etc. I saw him score 51 almost entirely on dunks. For his career (even counting the bad back years) he has more blocks than fouls. He had a year where he had more than 2 steals+blocks for every foul. He scored 71 in a game with no real jumper. He won a scoring title. Nuf said.
2) Shaq -- when I first saw Shaq at the Olympic Festival in 1990, I could not believe what I was seeing. I cannot even explain it adequately. Huge man -- had everyone by 40 pounds. Was the fastest person on the court. Could jump to the top of the backboard. At the Dream Team press conferences, Christian Laettner (who had played against Shaq) said to the press, "Wait until these guys see Shaq." When reminded that he was talking about guys like Ewing and Malone, Laettner replied (paraphrasing here), "They have regular bodies, human bodies. They don't look like Shaq." When the Wolves would play Orlando, the decision was whether to double or triple Shaq. No one single guarded Shaq. So why not #1? Well, if you could get lucky and find two 7'1" or taller player who weighed 260+ and who were willing to stand in there on Shaq for 24 minutes a night, you could keep him down to 20-25 a night. There is only one guy I have ever seen who you stood no chance of holding down........
1) Michael Jordan -- I think it was a bitter Jeff Van Gundy who said (paraphrasing again here), "People say how mentally tough Michael is and how badly he wants to win.......Michael wins because he is just physically better than everyone. It is as simple as that." The rumor with Jordan is that he ran a 4.2 40 yard dash. His vertical leap was spectacular. Michael was the first guy I ever saw who would split the double team off a pick and roll. Now everyone tries that, but in 1985-88 no one but Michael was doing it. He would split the double team, take one dribble, and then dunk over the opposing center. Saw it a million times. Of the 100 guys who have blocked the most shots in their NBA career there is one guard -- Michael Jordan, #86. Jordan played the game at a ridiculous rate of speed and many of his steals (4th all-time in steals per game) resulted from the fact that he was just physically faster than what his opponents expected. From age 22 until he was 38, Michael NEVER had a full season (not counting the #45 partial season) where he had more fouls than steals+blocks. Even at age 39, he almost was 1 to 1 (2.0 s+b versus 2.1 fouls).
But what clinches it for me? When Kevin Garnett was very young, the Bulls came into Target Center and played. Jordan was in Round 2 of his career, so he wan't a spring chicken. The Wolves couldn't stop him, so they finally put Garnett on him. Michael had the ball out by the three-point line, on the wing. Garnett got down low in a spider-like stance forcing Jordan left toward the baseline. MJ just looked at him, smirked and blew by for a right-handed layup on the left side. Garnett trailed by a full step. With two great HOF players involved, I had never seen anything like the physical mismatch I saw at that point, and I doubt I ever will again.
HM
Thursday, July 12, 2007
My Thoughts On...........David Beckham's Potential Star Appeal in the U.S.
FIRST CATEGORY -- IMAGE: Beckham appears to have appeal in Europe based upon his metrosexual image and one infamous ejection he received in an important game (providing him with a rebel appeal). We already have a bazillion metrosexuals in the U.S. sipping their wine spritzers or Zima, and we could really give a flying f' about some ejection in some game that we never watched.
Beckham appeal points -- 3 out of 25
SECOND CATEGORY -- FAMOUS HOTTY SPOUSE: Although Posh has seen better days, she at least has the good sense to go with the monster implants and heavy makeup of a 33 year old woman in Hollywood trying to hold on to the last remnants of sexiness (so she can avoid being cast as Lindsey Lohan's mom). Posh does so even if it means she has started to resemble a good-looking older hooker.
Beckham appeal points -- 22 out of 25
THIRD CATEGORY -- ACTUAL PLAY ON THE FIELD: Can be great, more often is just good or above average. This guy, for example, thinks much less of Beckham than I do: http://expertfootball.com/players/beckham/
Beckham appeal points -- 20 out of 25 (against inferior MLS competition, could be effective and fool less knowledgeable fans)
FINAL CATEGORY -- PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND DEMEANOR -- Frankly, as stars go, I don't think Beckham is anything that impressive to look at. He is listed at 6', 165, so basically the size of Tyronn Lue.
Not exactly gonna impress people with his size (fortunately for him, he is going to L.A., home of very tiny actors). Please pick a hair style and go with it. What is this? A non-stop ad for Great Clips? He has a gazillion tattoos, not a wholesome image. He is 32 years old, so the young U.S. girls really don't have much use for him. What exactly is his target audience? 30-40 year old women who watch a lot of soccer and like their guys a little rough?
Which brings me to my final critique of Beckham -- he BADLY needs a voice coach. Have you ever listened to him speak? My lord. His voice is high and squeaky and grating beyond belief. He sounds like the little annoying British orphan cast in every bad movie ever set in England -- "Can we keeps 'im, ma'am? Can we keeps the little pup?" American women admire the voices of foreigners, but they are generally the tough, rugged, mature voices of (for example) Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe and Sean Connery. Beckham is basically the British Barney Fife. "Aw, gee, And'j, we just HAVE TO go watch MLS soccer!"
Beckham Appeal Points -- 15 out of 25.
Overall Grade as a potential U.S. superstar? 60 out of 100. It will take quite a marketing machine to bring him up to star status...........
MY Verdict On Miss NJ Pics -- Hopelessly Lame
http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/miss_new_jersey and http://www.tmz.com/2007/07/12/miss-new-jersey-exposes-blackmail-pics/
These pictures wouldn't create a photo scandal at any date post-1966. My lord. The reason the Miss USA pageant is still on network TV and Miss America currently has been dropped from even CMT is because: 1) Miss USA doesn't have a talent contest; and 2) the Miss USA ladies (no doubt due to #1) are MUCH hotter looking.
These pictures certainly do nothing to convince me that Miss America contestants are in any way hot or particularly good looking. In fact, the whole incident gives me the feeling that Miss America candidates are spoiled girls who fear that their daddys may disapprove of them putting on a Halloween costume or being the subject of male attention while fully clothed.
I was hoping for a much better result here....Whither Katie Rees????????
These pictures wouldn't create a photo scandal at any date post-1966. My lord. The reason the Miss USA pageant is still on network TV and Miss America currently has been dropped from even CMT is because: 1) Miss USA doesn't have a talent contest; and 2) the Miss USA ladies (no doubt due to #1) are MUCH hotter looking.
These pictures certainly do nothing to convince me that Miss America contestants are in any way hot or particularly good looking. In fact, the whole incident gives me the feeling that Miss America candidates are spoiled girls who fear that their daddys may disapprove of them putting on a Halloween costume or being the subject of male attention while fully clothed.
I was hoping for a much better result here....Whither Katie Rees????????
Jessica Simpson Acting Tip
She credits a fellow Texan for helping her with her acting. "Willie Nelson taught me an amazing thing on (2005's) The Dukes of Hazzard: He memorizes his lines by writing them as a song, and they become a melody to him," she says.
What? She isn't doing Shakepeare here. How many sentences did she utter in The Dukes of Hazzard? 30 for the whole film would seem to be a high estimate. Here is better acting advice for Jess: -- "Remember, today when __________ stares at your ass and makes a comment, you say _____________." Tip for tomorrow: "Today, when Cletus stares at your boobs and makes a comment, you say ___________________."
Not sure how many song lyrics are required....
What? She isn't doing Shakepeare here. How many sentences did she utter in The Dukes of Hazzard? 30 for the whole film would seem to be a high estimate. Here is better acting advice for Jess: -- "Remember, today when __________ stares at your ass and makes a comment, you say _____________." Tip for tomorrow: "Today, when Cletus stares at your boobs and makes a comment, you say ___________________."
Not sure how many song lyrics are required....
NBA Notes
1) Darko to the Grizzlies at 3 years $20MM. Hey, in a world where Jerome James gets big $$$ and Sam Dalembert and Mark Blount, at least the Grizzle were smart enough to limit the deal to 3 years and mid-level type money. As I noted in my post right before the draft, the Grizzle badly need defensive players. They got probably the best shot blocker available.
Not sure exactly what it was that Memphis had to sell (its best strip bars have been confiscated by the FBI), but they did a real nice job here.
Grade -- B+
2) Gerald Wallace re-signs with Charlotte for 6 years and $57MM -- I like Gerald Wallace's effort as a player. He is young and athletic and will give you rebounding, defense and a high shooting percentage. But you are now paying him $9.5MM a year, so he has to be a consistent 30+ minute starter for you. (My general rule of thumb in today's NBA -- a veteran guy who gets 30+ minutes for a good team is a $10MM a year player.)
Gerald has never played more than 72 games in a season. Gerald has only played well on poor non-playoff teams. Gerald may be a guy who really can only give you 25 minutes a night on a playoff team. But let's assume I am wrong and he is now an 80 game 2,800 minute player.
Why then do you acquire Jason Richardson? He is a big strong guard/forward who likes to have the ball and who does NOT play good defense or shoot a high percentage. You are into him and Wallace for $22MM a year and you are basically teaming Jerome Kersey (Wallace) with Nick Anderson (Richardson). Would a team featuring Jerome Kersey and Nick Anderson go very far? Answer that yourself.
Overall Grade (all things considered) -- C minus.
3) Derek Fisher signs with the Lakers for 3 and $14MM -- the Lakers get a guy who is actually adequate, can play D and doesn't need the ball......basically for next to nothing.
A minus
Not sure exactly what it was that Memphis had to sell (its best strip bars have been confiscated by the FBI), but they did a real nice job here.
Grade -- B+
2) Gerald Wallace re-signs with Charlotte for 6 years and $57MM -- I like Gerald Wallace's effort as a player. He is young and athletic and will give you rebounding, defense and a high shooting percentage. But you are now paying him $9.5MM a year, so he has to be a consistent 30+ minute starter for you. (My general rule of thumb in today's NBA -- a veteran guy who gets 30+ minutes for a good team is a $10MM a year player.)
Gerald has never played more than 72 games in a season. Gerald has only played well on poor non-playoff teams. Gerald may be a guy who really can only give you 25 minutes a night on a playoff team. But let's assume I am wrong and he is now an 80 game 2,800 minute player.
Why then do you acquire Jason Richardson? He is a big strong guard/forward who likes to have the ball and who does NOT play good defense or shoot a high percentage. You are into him and Wallace for $22MM a year and you are basically teaming Jerome Kersey (Wallace) with Nick Anderson (Richardson). Would a team featuring Jerome Kersey and Nick Anderson go very far? Answer that yourself.
Overall Grade (all things considered) -- C minus.
3) Derek Fisher signs with the Lakers for 3 and $14MM -- the Lakers get a guy who is actually adequate, can play D and doesn't need the ball......basically for next to nothing.
A minus
Report -- Senator Vitter Also Liked the Local Hookers
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/senator-hit-with-new-brothel-allegation/20070709224309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
My favorite part of the story is the statement that the GOP isn't going to "throw him to the wolves" b/c of "support" for him from religious groups, conservative groups and the general public. Aren't these the same groups who believe that sexually explicit TV programming is causing the end of our society? OK, so to recap: 1) married Senator having sex with prostitutes on a regular basis? OK with us. 2) airing the hot tub scenes on "Blind Date"? -- end of the world as we know it.
HM
My favorite part of the story is the statement that the GOP isn't going to "throw him to the wolves" b/c of "support" for him from religious groups, conservative groups and the general public. Aren't these the same groups who believe that sexually explicit TV programming is causing the end of our society? OK, so to recap: 1) married Senator having sex with prostitutes on a regular basis? OK with us. 2) airing the hot tub scenes on "Blind Date"? -- end of the world as we know it.
HM
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Brian Urlacher -- Mad Texter
http://www.foulballs.net/search/label/Tyna%20Robertson. If you use both thumbs to text, the f, c, e, and r are your left thumb; the u and k are your right one......
If you look around for the pictures of this woman, you have to ask yourself....Urlacher chose her to sleep with........why?? She is not very financially successful, checkered history to say the least. And, quite frankly, at the time they were together, Urlacher was an athletic, good-looking 26 year old guy. Why exactly is he choosing to have sex with an OK-looking 32 year old chick? I mean, she had to be about the 1,000,000th best looking woman he could have chosen in Chicagoland.
I could understand if the woman were STILL a young stripper at the time they met, but she wasn't.
In short, my opinion is that Brian made a terrible error in judgment and he is being punished by the gods for messing up the "date at your own level" rule..........
A Further Blow to My Bank Roll
The Playstation Maven needs braces. There goes $5,100 out of my pocket.
Not only does PM need braces, he REALLY needs braces. This isn't a close call friends! I have computer generated a projection of PM with long hair and unstraightened teeth. The picture is posted above.
More Summer League
To prove my point about not getting to pumped about summer league stats -- Marcus Banks set the summer league record last night with 42 points in a loss (that's right, a loss) to Cleveland (the Cavs, I believe, were playing without Daniel Gibson).
Banks' 42 points breaks the Summer League record of 38 held by..............Keith Bogans.........Interestingly, a guy who couldn't get any clock away from Keith Bogans last year (J.J. Redick) also had 30 points.
Resulting analysis -- 1) bad night overall for Keith Bogans; 2) I would call upon these Cavs to play better defense, but I am not really sure who most of them are: http://aol.nba.com/cavaliers/news/summer_roster_060705.html
HM
Banks' 42 points breaks the Summer League record of 38 held by..............Keith Bogans.........Interestingly, a guy who couldn't get any clock away from Keith Bogans last year (J.J. Redick) also had 30 points.
Resulting analysis -- 1) bad night overall for Keith Bogans; 2) I would call upon these Cavs to play better defense, but I am not really sure who most of them are: http://aol.nba.com/cavaliers/news/summer_roster_060705.html
HM
Knock Me Over With a Feather -- GOP Senator Hired Prostitute
Chris Rock has a very funny routine about crime. As a white guy, I am only allowed to tell this part (doing my best to recollect, not an exact quote) -- "You see a [messed] up murder on TV where a guy is clearly crazy and eating his victims and [stuff]? That's a white guy. You don't have to see the photo, you just know."
Similarly, when I see the Internet headline, "Senator 's Number on Madam's List," I am thinking to myself -- that's a Republican. Sure enough: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/senators-number-on-escort-service-list/20070709224309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
If the headline had said, "Senator had gay lover" we are at least into 50-50 territory with Dem and GOP. But when you see the "he solicited a hooker" headline? That is a guy who got elected on the basis of good Christian family values.
Fortunately for everyone, I guess, Senator David Vitter (R -- La.) has made peace with the whole deal and admits that he sinned and so his wife is on board with the whole deal. This still ranks her eons below Ted Haggard's wife in the "forgiving spouses" rankings, but still -- hubby is in D.C. banging away at hot hookers while you are 1,000 miles away raising 4 kids? And you are OK with that? Wow.
Similarly, when I see the Internet headline, "Senator 's Number on Madam's List," I am thinking to myself -- that's a Republican. Sure enough: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/senators-number-on-escort-service-list/20070709224309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
If the headline had said, "Senator had gay lover" we are at least into 50-50 territory with Dem and GOP. But when you see the "he solicited a hooker" headline? That is a guy who got elected on the basis of good Christian family values.
Fortunately for everyone, I guess, Senator David Vitter (R -- La.) has made peace with the whole deal and admits that he sinned and so his wife is on board with the whole deal. This still ranks her eons below Ted Haggard's wife in the "forgiving spouses" rankings, but still -- hubby is in D.C. banging away at hot hookers while you are 1,000 miles away raising 4 kids? And you are OK with that? Wow.
Monday, July 09, 2007
NBA Summer League Leaders
Before you get too excited about the play of your favorite rookie in the summer league, look at these league leaders through 5PM Central time today:
2007 Points Leaders
Player
PPG
Marco Belinelli (GSW)
37.0
Kelenna Azubuike (GSW)
29.0
Louis Williams (PHI)
25.5
Al Thornton (LAC)
24.0
Shannon Brown (CLE)
22.0
2007 Rebounds Leaders
Player
RPG
Jelani McCoy (DEN)
13.0
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (DAL)
13.0
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
11.0
Paul Davis (LAC)
11.0
Justin Williams (SAC)
11.0
2007 Assists Leaders
Player
APG
Milt Palacio (NOK)
7.0
Will Blalock (DEN)
7.0
Jose Juan Barea (DAL)
6.0
Kyle Lowry (MEM)
5.0
Jared Jordan (LAC)
5.0
2007 Points Leaders
Player
PPG
Marco Belinelli (GSW)
37.0
Kelenna Azubuike (GSW)
29.0
Louis Williams (PHI)
25.5
Al Thornton (LAC)
24.0
Shannon Brown (CLE)
22.0
2007 Rebounds Leaders
Player
RPG
Jelani McCoy (DEN)
13.0
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (DAL)
13.0
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
11.0
Paul Davis (LAC)
11.0
Justin Williams (SAC)
11.0
2007 Assists Leaders
Player
APG
Milt Palacio (NOK)
7.0
Will Blalock (DEN)
7.0
Jose Juan Barea (DAL)
6.0
Kyle Lowry (MEM)
5.0
Jared Jordan (LAC)
5.0
Recommended Video & Blog
http://clutch3.wordpress.com/2007/07/06/nbas-best-crossovers-the-best-goes-to/
A great collection of video clips involving crossovers and other great offensive moves.
For you folks who get upset when I go off-hoops, this also looks like a very, very solid all-hoops Blog.
HM
A great collection of video clips involving crossovers and other great offensive moves.
For you folks who get upset when I go off-hoops, this also looks like a very, very solid all-hoops Blog.
HM
Sunday, July 08, 2007
INTERESTING BENOIT NOTES FROM A WEB SITE
http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/articles/68612/2007/07/05/wednesday-news-on-benoit-tragedy.html
Sorry, but for some reason, I am having trouble writing any headlines -- server problem, perhaps???
http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/articles/68612/2007/07/05/wednesday-news-on-benoit-tragedy.html
Sorry, but for some reason, I am having trouble writing any headlines -- server problem, perhaps???
http://www.theputdown.com/theputdown/2007/06/simpsonize.html
http://www.theputdown.com/ was a great, great Blog. It was then taken over and became about the crappiest site on the Internet. But I now learn it has been re-acquired by Andy!! Welcome back, Andy. And thanks for the Simpsonizing link!
http://www.theputdown.com/ was a great, great Blog. It was then taken over and became about the crappiest site on the Internet. But I now learn it has been re-acquired by Andy!! Welcome back, Andy. And thanks for the Simpsonizing link!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Stack -- 3 Year Deal With Dallas
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2927301
Jerry Stackhouse is clearly looking backwards at the good part of his career. He shoots a poor percentage overall (41-42%). Since his last good year with Detroit his rebound and free throw numbers have gone down and he has not played 75 games in a season since 2000-2001. He is an decent ballhandler and he had a good year from 3 last year.
But this is one of those "let's keep the old gang together" signings, not one that provides the Mavs with great value today (and certainly not 3 years from today).
Grade -- C
Andres Nocioni also gets a 5-year deal at what appears to be near the mid-level from Chicago (5/$38MM). Nocioni doesn't put up much in the ballhandling or defensive stats, but he is an excellent rebounder for his size and compares to a favorite of mine......Xavier McDaniel....http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nocioan01.html. Given that Nocioni is younger and may improve, I would give this signing a better grade than the Stack signing....
Grade C+
Jerry Stackhouse is clearly looking backwards at the good part of his career. He shoots a poor percentage overall (41-42%). Since his last good year with Detroit his rebound and free throw numbers have gone down and he has not played 75 games in a season since 2000-2001. He is an decent ballhandler and he had a good year from 3 last year.
But this is one of those "let's keep the old gang together" signings, not one that provides the Mavs with great value today (and certainly not 3 years from today).
Grade -- C
Andres Nocioni also gets a 5-year deal at what appears to be near the mid-level from Chicago (5/$38MM). Nocioni doesn't put up much in the ballhandling or defensive stats, but he is an excellent rebounder for his size and compares to a favorite of mine......Xavier McDaniel....http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nocioan01.html. Given that Nocioni is younger and may improve, I would give this signing a better grade than the Stack signing....
Grade C+
Alvin and the Chipmunks Movie Poster
I am glad to see that Jason Lee is getting such plum roles!!!
http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/07/alvin_and_the_chipmunks_poster.php
HM
http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/07/alvin_and_the_chipmunks_poster.php
HM
Miss New Jersey -- Racy Pics???
http://news.aol.com/entertainment/story/_a/beauty-queen-alleges-blackmail-attempt/20070705164409990001
I say "No" to blackmail, but YES to just posting the pics without any notice!!! Come on alleged blackmailer, just help us out here.
When NJ quits she will be replaced by Gracie Lou Freebush.
I say "No" to blackmail, but YES to just posting the pics without any notice!!! Come on alleged blackmailer, just help us out here.
When NJ quits she will be replaced by Gracie Lou Freebush.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Nathan's Hot Dog Contest Announcing
I can honestly say that announcer/IFOCE President Richard Shea's performance during the IFOCE contest won by American Joey Chestnut (66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes) was probably even MORE over the top than the performance of Cotton McKnight (Gary Cole) during the Dodgeball tourney on ESPN8 "the Ocho." Only thing missing was the water-skiing squirrel footage and the reference to "if it is almost a sport you will see it here on The Ocho."
Some lines for comparison:
Cotton McKnight: Let me tell you, a double-fault final-play elimination hasn't occurred since the Helsinki episode of 1919, and I think we all remember how THAT turned out!
Richard Shea: "If Chestnut wins, tomorrow if you Google 'hero'... 'American hero,' you'll find Abraham Lincoln, possibly Neil Armstrong, Taylor Hicks... and of course this man, Joey Chestnut!"
Cotton McKnight: Las Vegas. A city built of hot sand, broken dreams and $5 lobster. A city where you can get a happy ending, if you pay a little extra. A city home to a sporting event greater than the World Cup, World Series and World War II combined.
Shea: "It's like the Super Bowl and the World Series all rolled into one."
Cotton McKnight: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been to the Great Wall of China, I have seen the Pyramids of Egypt, I've even witnessed a grown man satisfy a camel. But never in all my years as a sportscaster have I witnessed something as improbable, as impossible, as what we've witnessed here today!"
Richard Shea: "This might be the greatest moment in the history of American sport!"
I googled "American Hero"on July 5, 2007 -- no Joey C. but a lot of bad old TV: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=American+Hero&btnG=Google+Search
Some lines for comparison:
Cotton McKnight: Let me tell you, a double-fault final-play elimination hasn't occurred since the Helsinki episode of 1919, and I think we all remember how THAT turned out!
Richard Shea: "If Chestnut wins, tomorrow if you Google 'hero'... 'American hero,' you'll find Abraham Lincoln, possibly Neil Armstrong, Taylor Hicks... and of course this man, Joey Chestnut!"
Cotton McKnight: Las Vegas. A city built of hot sand, broken dreams and $5 lobster. A city where you can get a happy ending, if you pay a little extra. A city home to a sporting event greater than the World Cup, World Series and World War II combined.
Shea: "It's like the Super Bowl and the World Series all rolled into one."
Cotton McKnight: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been to the Great Wall of China, I have seen the Pyramids of Egypt, I've even witnessed a grown man satisfy a camel. But never in all my years as a sportscaster have I witnessed something as improbable, as impossible, as what we've witnessed here today!"
Richard Shea: "This might be the greatest moment in the history of American sport!"
I googled "American Hero"on July 5, 2007 -- no Joey C. but a lot of bad old TV: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=American+Hero&btnG=Google+Search
Grant Hill Signs 2-Year Deal With Suns
rhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2926650
As a Duke fan, I, of course, owe a great debt of gratitude to Grant Hill. Great player. Key cog on 2 national title teams, and if he had ANY help whatsoever in 1994 he easily beats Scottie Thurman's hogs.
Grant Hill's early career similarity scores? LeBron James, Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, young Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady. His top two 2006-07 similarity scores? Johnny Newman and Walt Williams. So, he is still an adequate NBA player and badly underpaid at $3.8MM over two years, but he isn't EVEN a shell of his former self. (His free throw attempts are way down, he was under 1.0 steals a game last year, his rebounds numbers are way, way worse than his glory years and his assist-to-turnover finally dropped below 1 to 1). More like a "didn't you used to be Grant Hill??" version of Grant Hill.......
An odd mix for the Suns -- 1) Grant has never been a 3-point shooter, so he will not space the floor; 2) his defense is now mediocre; 3) he won't enter the paint willingly for fear of another leg/ankle injury, so he really isn't someone you can use running the lane on the break in the playoffs.
Best guess -- they see if Grant can play a little point and run the team while Nash rests. That would seem to me to be his best current skill set and highest and best use as a Sun.
HM
As a Duke fan, I, of course, owe a great debt of gratitude to Grant Hill. Great player. Key cog on 2 national title teams, and if he had ANY help whatsoever in 1994 he easily beats Scottie Thurman's hogs.
Grant Hill's early career similarity scores? LeBron James, Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, young Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady. His top two 2006-07 similarity scores? Johnny Newman and Walt Williams. So, he is still an adequate NBA player and badly underpaid at $3.8MM over two years, but he isn't EVEN a shell of his former self. (His free throw attempts are way down, he was under 1.0 steals a game last year, his rebounds numbers are way, way worse than his glory years and his assist-to-turnover finally dropped below 1 to 1). More like a "didn't you used to be Grant Hill??" version of Grant Hill.......
An odd mix for the Suns -- 1) Grant has never been a 3-point shooter, so he will not space the floor; 2) his defense is now mediocre; 3) he won't enter the paint willingly for fear of another leg/ankle injury, so he really isn't someone you can use running the lane on the break in the playoffs.
Best guess -- they see if Grant can play a little point and run the team while Nash rests. That would seem to me to be his best current skill set and highest and best use as a Sun.
HM
Rate Celebs -- Part III
These three girls from "The Office" -- Angela Kinsey, Jenna Fischer, and Kate Flannery. Rate them separately or as a group opportunity....
Return of Rate A Celeb
Recall the Scale: Scale is 1 to 100.........
1= truly awful, awful hideous, would murder myself before having relations with her;
25= if she was the last one in the bar at last call, I'd buy a magazine;
50= I am not proud of it, but yeah, I have made out with worse;
75= I'd be proud to date her;
100= if she appeared even moderately interested in having sex with me, I would ask her out right in front of my spouse or significant other.
First contestant: Kathy Griffin:
1= truly awful, awful hideous, would murder myself before having relations with her;
25= if she was the last one in the bar at last call, I'd buy a magazine;
50= I am not proud of it, but yeah, I have made out with worse;
75= I'd be proud to date her;
100= if she appeared even moderately interested in having sex with me, I would ask her out right in front of my spouse or significant other.
First contestant: Kathy Griffin:
Congrats -- You Get to Pay Even MORE For Gas In The Summer!!!
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/more-drivers-sue-over-hot-fuel-losses/20070705063509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
What is probably most damning is the fact that Canadian gas stations adjust their pumps based upon gasoline temperature because otherwise the stations would lose money (a gallon of cold gas has more gasoline in it than a gallon of hot gasoline). In places where it is generally hotter??? Nope. That would be too expensive to do.........
What is probably most damning is the fact that Canadian gas stations adjust their pumps based upon gasoline temperature because otherwise the stations would lose money (a gallon of cold gas has more gasoline in it than a gallon of hot gasoline). In places where it is generally hotter??? Nope. That would be too expensive to do.........
Fantasy Football -- Legal
http://technology.findlaw.com/articles/00006/010896.html
Game of skill.........except when you start 4 Frank DeFalco's one weekend.......
Game of skill.........except when you start 4 Frank DeFalco's one weekend.......
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Rashard Lewis -- Magic
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2924228
So they are gonna go with $15MM to Rashard Lewis and $15MM to Dwight Howard. When Howard is putting up numbers at age 21 similar to Shawn Kemp, Buck Williams, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan and Brad Daugherty, I don't think you can really question the Magic's decision there.
But Rashard at a max deal? There is no doubt that he is a top 50 player in the league. But he has logged almost 21,000 minutes in the NBA and made the all-star team............one time............His similarity scores are guys who are very good NBA players, but certainly not all-time greats: Rasheed Wallace, Tom Gugliotta, Wayman Tisdale. He does have similar stats to Dirk, but Dirk's teams seem to always win while Rashard's teams, well, don't.
Wither Darko? Have no fear, everyone wants Darko:
The Magic have told Milicic to bring back an offer."We have lots of options," said Marc Cornstein, Milicic's agent.Cornstein said he has heard from "25 teams" since the green flag dropped on the free-agent courting period Sunday."There's a lot of interest," he said. "We've had some real offers to sign-and-trade deals . . . everything across the board."Cornstein seemingly wondered if the Magic were truly committed to re-signing Milicic, a 7-foot power forward."We want Darko to go to a team that believes in him and makes him a focal point," he said. "If it's Orlando, great. If it's one of the other 29 teams, then that's fantastic, too."
Darko -- a Timberwolf? The Wolves badly need size and they have Ricky Davis's $7MM expiring contract to trade...........maybe??..........
So they are gonna go with $15MM to Rashard Lewis and $15MM to Dwight Howard. When Howard is putting up numbers at age 21 similar to Shawn Kemp, Buck Williams, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan and Brad Daugherty, I don't think you can really question the Magic's decision there.
But Rashard at a max deal? There is no doubt that he is a top 50 player in the league. But he has logged almost 21,000 minutes in the NBA and made the all-star team............one time............His similarity scores are guys who are very good NBA players, but certainly not all-time greats: Rasheed Wallace, Tom Gugliotta, Wayman Tisdale. He does have similar stats to Dirk, but Dirk's teams seem to always win while Rashard's teams, well, don't.
Wither Darko? Have no fear, everyone wants Darko:
The Magic have told Milicic to bring back an offer."We have lots of options," said Marc Cornstein, Milicic's agent.Cornstein said he has heard from "25 teams" since the green flag dropped on the free-agent courting period Sunday."There's a lot of interest," he said. "We've had some real offers to sign-and-trade deals . . . everything across the board."Cornstein seemingly wondered if the Magic were truly committed to re-signing Milicic, a 7-foot power forward."We want Darko to go to a team that believes in him and makes him a focal point," he said. "If it's Orlando, great. If it's one of the other 29 teams, then that's fantastic, too."
Darko -- a Timberwolf? The Wolves badly need size and they have Ricky Davis's $7MM expiring contract to trade...........maybe??..........
Yi's 18 Moves
I am 43 years old, fat, short and white. Except for the dunk, there is not one of these 18 moves that I cannot execute against someone my height or (as in Yi's case) 6-8 inches shorter than I am.
Happy July 4th Holiday
In case I forget, Happy 4th. Since 95% of my readership is male, I will advise them to find a pool where Amanda Beard stands around as pictured.
Or just go to http://www.k-line.blogspot.com/. K always has some great summer photos.........
Monday, July 02, 2007
Watergate -- Promises of Clemency
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,943548-8,00.html
Summary -- do what The White House tells you to do and if shit goes bad, we will give you clemency and you will walk.
Sound at all familiar 30+ years later???
Summary -- do what The White House tells you to do and if shit goes bad, we will give you clemency and you will walk.
Sound at all familiar 30+ years later???
Bush Grants Clemency to Libby
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070703/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cia_leak_quotes_2
Simply unbelievable.
My belief is that at some point the word got out from the slammer to GWB, "You know, I am starting to remember a whole bunch of other shit we did at the White House, and if I have to stay in jail much longer I will have a lot of time to remember exactly what we did...."
I guess that everyone currently in jail for perjury and obstruction of justice should be expecting early release tomorrow. Hey, wait, weren't these same sentencing guidelines also excessive when Martha "Love My Prison Poncho" Stewart was service her stretch in The Big House??? Where was her clemency?
Fittingly, the last time executive clemency was such a big topic? Richard Nixon is heard on the Watergate tapes promising clemency to the Watergate burglars. In addition, "Nixon is heard on the tapes telling Ehrlichman in April 1973 that he should hint to Dean to stay on the reservation because in the end the only man who can grant Dean clemency and save his ability to practice law is the president."
John Dean chose to tell the truth; Scooter Libby didn't. One guy didn't eventually receive clemency from a corrupt president, one did.....
HM
Simply unbelievable.
My belief is that at some point the word got out from the slammer to GWB, "You know, I am starting to remember a whole bunch of other shit we did at the White House, and if I have to stay in jail much longer I will have a lot of time to remember exactly what we did...."
I guess that everyone currently in jail for perjury and obstruction of justice should be expecting early release tomorrow. Hey, wait, weren't these same sentencing guidelines also excessive when Martha "Love My Prison Poncho" Stewart was service her stretch in The Big House??? Where was her clemency?
Fittingly, the last time executive clemency was such a big topic? Richard Nixon is heard on the Watergate tapes promising clemency to the Watergate burglars. In addition, "Nixon is heard on the tapes telling Ehrlichman in April 1973 that he should hint to Dean to stay on the reservation because in the end the only man who can grant Dean clemency and save his ability to practice law is the president."
John Dean chose to tell the truth; Scooter Libby didn't. One guy didn't eventually receive clemency from a corrupt president, one did.....
HM
Kobe and KG -- As Seen By Paul Shirley
http://www.slate.com/id/2169154. Very interesting stuff.
Of course in the Shirley analogy to "He-Man" -- KG would be He-Man while Kobe would be Cringer/Battle Cat
Lakers Sign Walton (5/$30MM) -- Mihm Proves Elusive
http://www.pe.com/sports/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_lakers02.3e4273b.html
You know that the cache of signing with the Lakers has gone away when Chris Mihm holds you up for the entire mid-level or says he will look elsewhere!!
Walton? Well, $5MM a year isn't horrible in today's market when you go 11/5/4.3. (Jason Kapono -- 11/2/1)..........................Luke's stats are even more impressive when you consider that The Devil never passes anyone the ball. Similar players -- Derrick McKey, Boris Diaw, old-man version of Scottie Pippen, Johnny Johnson (Sonics of 70s). Good supporting cast player. I am OK with that deal.......
You know that the cache of signing with the Lakers has gone away when Chris Mihm holds you up for the entire mid-level or says he will look elsewhere!!
Walton? Well, $5MM a year isn't horrible in today's market when you go 11/5/4.3. (Jason Kapono -- 11/2/1)..........................Luke's stats are even more impressive when you consider that The Devil never passes anyone the ball. Similar players -- Derrick McKey, Boris Diaw, old-man version of Scottie Pippen, Johnny Johnson (Sonics of 70s). Good supporting cast player. I am OK with that deal.......
Derek Fisher Bids Adieu to Utah
http://origin.sltrib.com/ci_6283486
In light of his daughter's sriopus health issues, I will forego any joke about the Jazz determining that Derek is actually African-American....
In light of his daughter's sriopus health issues, I will forego any joke about the Jazz determining that Derek is actually African-American....
Recent NBA Signings and Signings to Come
1) Vince Carter -- 4 years, $61MM -- terrible, terrible signing. You get a guy who is a 43% shooter, about 35-36% from 3, who plays hard when he feels like it.........and you sign him to an enormous deal. Um, OK.
I guess Nets front office personnel are far more forgiving than I would be if my most talented player refused to drive on Eric Snow at key points of a playoff series.........but that's just me.........
Does this mean Richard Jefferson is gone?
2) Jason Kapono -- 4 years, $24MM with Toronto -- Now I know that Toronto wants to be Phoenix-East, so they need shooters to spread the floor, but come on!! Taking last year's performance (career year, he was playing with Shaq) as a typical year, what are his 10 similarity scores on basketball-reference.com?? Well, they include a 38 year old Dale Ellis, 4 Eric Piatkowski seasons, a Kyle Korver and a Sam Mack.
Total steals+blocks for the entire year? 40 (38 steals, 2 blocks). 135 fouls. Steve Kerr for his career had a ratio of 1 s+B to every 1.6 fouls. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kerrst01.html James Jones -- about 1 to 1.5: http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesja02.html
Kapono -- about 1 to every 3.6 fouls. Good luck staying on the floor, Jason. I am sure Rasho will command those double teams for you to spot up.....
3. ORlando is trying to get Rashard Lewis, which is pissing off Darko Milicic: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS/707020330/1002/SPORTS
If I have my choice on who to give the $10-15MM a year to, I vote "neither." But is there really anyone out there who will meet Darko's demand for $10MM a year? I mean, really? Here is a guy who basically is a white, better-shotblocking Mark Blount (12/6.2o.8 assists to Darko's 8/5.5/1.1).
If you want Mark Blount, he is almost certainly available. What is Darko's upside? Raef LaFrentz? I mean, honestly? 13/7/3 were big years for Raef and got him big $$$$. But no one really wants him at that big $$$ and for good reason. Can NBA teams not understand that they are repeating an embarrassing history here if they re-Raef with Darko??
HM
I guess Nets front office personnel are far more forgiving than I would be if my most talented player refused to drive on Eric Snow at key points of a playoff series.........but that's just me.........
Does this mean Richard Jefferson is gone?
2) Jason Kapono -- 4 years, $24MM with Toronto -- Now I know that Toronto wants to be Phoenix-East, so they need shooters to spread the floor, but come on!! Taking last year's performance (career year, he was playing with Shaq) as a typical year, what are his 10 similarity scores on basketball-reference.com?? Well, they include a 38 year old Dale Ellis, 4 Eric Piatkowski seasons, a Kyle Korver and a Sam Mack.
Total steals+blocks for the entire year? 40 (38 steals, 2 blocks). 135 fouls. Steve Kerr for his career had a ratio of 1 s+B to every 1.6 fouls. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kerrst01.html James Jones -- about 1 to 1.5: http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesja02.html
Kapono -- about 1 to every 3.6 fouls. Good luck staying on the floor, Jason. I am sure Rasho will command those double teams for you to spot up.....
3. ORlando is trying to get Rashard Lewis, which is pissing off Darko Milicic: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS/707020330/1002/SPORTS
If I have my choice on who to give the $10-15MM a year to, I vote "neither." But is there really anyone out there who will meet Darko's demand for $10MM a year? I mean, really? Here is a guy who basically is a white, better-shotblocking Mark Blount (12/6.2o.8 assists to Darko's 8/5.5/1.1).
If you want Mark Blount, he is almost certainly available. What is Darko's upside? Raef LaFrentz? I mean, honestly? 13/7/3 were big years for Raef and got him big $$$$. But no one really wants him at that big $$$ and for good reason. Can NBA teams not understand that they are repeating an embarrassing history here if they re-Raef with Darko??
HM
Search Warrant -- Benoit Got 10 Months of Roids Every 4 weeks
http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_20782.shtml.
Niiice. But why would he do THAT? Vince tests for roids, right? I am sure if Chris took steroids the WWE would catch and suspend him, right???
HM
Niiice. But why would he do THAT? Vince tests for roids, right? I am sure if Chris took steroids the WWE would catch and suspend him, right???
HM
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