And now San Antonio picks up Kurt Thomas for free (virtually). I think this is a highly underrated move. While not the steal that the Lakers got with Gasol, it's going to help the Spurs defend and rebound, and it's a great anti-Shaq move should the Spurs meet (and beat) the Suns again. The irony is that the Suns HAD Thomas and gave him away to the Sonics for nothing (actually, less than nothing, since they had to throw in two first round draft picks!). And now San Antonio gets Thomas to help neutralize Shaq. And since the Suns gave away Marion, they'll have no one who can guard both Parker and Ginobli (Raja Bell can guard only one of them, and he seems to be slipping at that.)
I have to say that Phoenix used to be my second favorite team in the NBA (after the Lakers, of course), but now I will be rooting against them at every turn. I just feel very sorry for Steve Nash.
Full Version: NBA - the regular season 2007 - 2008
Blockbuster deal just under the deadline..not official but paperwork has been submitted:
The Cavs will get Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith. The Bulls will get Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes Cedric Simmons, and Shannon Brown. The Soincs will get Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and Adrian Griffin.
Not sure if this puts the Cavs up with the Celtics and Pistons. Ben Wallace and Zydrunas Ilgauskas? The Sonics get themselves more expiring contracts along with the ones they got in the San Antonio deal.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/bask...ex.html?eref=T1
The Cavs will get Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith. The Bulls will get Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes Cedric Simmons, and Shannon Brown. The Soincs will get Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and Adrian Griffin.
Not sure if this puts the Cavs up with the Celtics and Pistons. Ben Wallace and Zydrunas Ilgauskas? The Sonics get themselves more expiring contracts along with the ones they got in the San Antonio deal.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/bask...ex.html?eref=T1
New Orleans Hornets get Bonzi Wells and Mike James from Houston for Bobby Jackson, Adam Haluska and a second round pick.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3256599
I question Houston giving away better players to a team in their own division. They're 13 games over .500 and 9-1 over their last 10. But are they conceeding to the bigger powers with their bigger acquisitions?
I think Cleveland made some bold moves and got more than they gave away. This should put them in the top 4 in the East (they're presently 5th) and gives them a chance against Detroit and Boston.
============
Houston picks up the former slam dunk champ Gerald Green from the T-Wolves for Kirk Snyder.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3256599
I question Houston giving away better players to a team in their own division. They're 13 games over .500 and 9-1 over their last 10. But are they conceeding to the bigger powers with their bigger acquisitions?
I think Cleveland made some bold moves and got more than they gave away. This should put them in the top 4 in the East (they're presently 5th) and gives them a chance against Detroit and Boston.
============
Houston picks up the former slam dunk champ Gerald Green from the T-Wolves for Kirk Snyder.
I think Cleveland got the best of it too, but the real value had little to do with the ballyhooed Ben Wallace part. Receiving the gift of Wally from the Sonics for nothing (expiring contracts) should be a real help for LeBron. Wally is overpaid, but he's a fine outside shooter, just what the Cavs need.
The trade makes little sense for the Bulls. They unloaded Wallace, but in exchange for an almost equally bad contract in Larry Hughes. At least Ben helped plug the middle some; Hughes will be totally useless since Chicago already has a glut of swingmen. And Drew Gooden isn't much of an upgrade over Joe Smith. I know Paxson was desperate to make a move, but he should have waited until after the season if this is the best he could do.
The trade makes little sense for the Bulls. They unloaded Wallace, but in exchange for an almost equally bad contract in Larry Hughes. At least Ben helped plug the middle some; Hughes will be totally useless since Chicago already has a glut of swingmen. And Drew Gooden isn't much of an upgrade over Joe Smith. I know Paxson was desperate to make a move, but he should have waited until after the season if this is the best he could do.
Interesting article in the NY Times on Baron Davis: film critic and movie producer
Made in America website.
QUOTE
A two-time N.B.A. All-Star, Mr. Davis has quietly been moonlighting as a producer since 2005, when he and a high school buddy — Cash Warren, perhaps better known as Jessica Alba’s fiancé — formed a production company called Verso Entertainment.
In January, Verso’s first feature-length effort, “Made in America,” a gang-life documentary directed by Stacy Peralta, had its premiere to good reviews at Sundance Film Festival and is being courted by distributors.
* * *
In a less dramatic fashion Mr. Davis also recently made his debut as the official critic for the N.B.A., writing reviews on the league’s Web site as “All-Star Movie Buff Baron Davis.” It’s a job he takes seriously, posting at least twice a month and covering films from “No Country for Old Men” (“The Coen Brothers delivered across the board. Great cast, great directing”) to the decidedly less macho “Juno.” (“Right now my pick for Best Picture. An incredible movie!”)
Likewise, while his all-time Top 10 list starts predictably enough with “The Godfather” at No. 1, his second choice — “City of God,” the 2003 Brazilian gang melodrama set in Rio’s slums — may not exactly be what you’d expect from your average jock. “I’ve seen that movie well over 150 times,” he said. “I would watch it every day. I’d fall asleep watching it, wake up, and rewind it.”
In January, Verso’s first feature-length effort, “Made in America,” a gang-life documentary directed by Stacy Peralta, had its premiere to good reviews at Sundance Film Festival and is being courted by distributors.
* * *
In a less dramatic fashion Mr. Davis also recently made his debut as the official critic for the N.B.A., writing reviews on the league’s Web site as “All-Star Movie Buff Baron Davis.” It’s a job he takes seriously, posting at least twice a month and covering films from “No Country for Old Men” (“The Coen Brothers delivered across the board. Great cast, great directing”) to the decidedly less macho “Juno.” (“Right now my pick for Best Picture. An incredible movie!”)
Likewise, while his all-time Top 10 list starts predictably enough with “The Godfather” at No. 1, his second choice — “City of God,” the 2003 Brazilian gang melodrama set in Rio’s slums — may not exactly be what you’d expect from your average jock. “I’ve seen that movie well over 150 times,” he said. “I would watch it every day. I’d fall asleep watching it, wake up, and rewind it.”
Made in America website.
QUOTE(George Twins fan @ Feb 21 2008, 04:59 PM) 
Not sure if this puts the Cavs up with the Celtics and Pistons.
umm, since Cleveland knocked the Pistons out last year and took them to the brink the year before, I think the Cavs are up there with Detroit.
I think he's referring to this year. The Cavs are way behind both the Celtics (11 games) and Pistons (9.5 games) in the standings.
I'm looking forward to the Suns-Grizzlies game, tonight. No, not because the Grizzlies are playing great, but because I want to see first hand how Shaq fits into the Phoenix offense. Also, on a side note, Darko is raising tempers amoung fans. Appartlently he had "Kosovo is Serbia" written on his shoes in the Grizzlies-Mavs game. That was the day after the Amercian embasy was attacked. Some fans are calling for his head.
Darko should be made to wear shoes that say "Only Marbury steals more money than I do."
OK, maybe there are a few others, but since Marbury used to write "All alone" on his sneakers when he was alienating teammates with the Nets, the comparison is appropriate.
What a jerk; I can't believe Memphis let him on the court like that. It's not like he's doing anything to help them out there.
OK, maybe there are a few others, but since Marbury used to write "All alone" on his sneakers when he was alienating teammates with the Nets, the comparison is appropriate.
What a jerk; I can't believe Memphis let him on the court like that. It's not like he's doing anything to help them out there.
Just as the Rockets jump into the top 5 in the weekly NBA power rankings comes the news that Yao Ming may be done for the season with a fracture in his foot - Ouch!
Time for my (Euro)Raptors to make a move up the rankings. Other than a bad night in New York last Friday the Raps have been looking very good as of late. TJ Ford seems to be regaining his stroke, Bosh has been simply brilliant at times and Bargnani - although at times frustratingly inconsistent - is showing signs of developing into the first rate player most people expect.
I'll be at the game tomorrow night against the hopeless T-Wolves, which should mean lots of playing time for the Raps bench in what should be an easy victory. That game is followed up by a visit by the Pacers on Friday, who the Raps beat in Indy last night. Then after that their next 5 games are against Charlotte, Orlando, Miami, Washington and Seattle. That is 6 games of the next 7 against teams that are ranked in the lowest third of the league in the current rankings. Anything less than 6 victories in those 7 games would be a disappointment. Especially if the Raps are serious in their often stated intention of challenging Orlando and the improved Cavs for the third seed in the East.
Time for my (Euro)Raptors to make a move up the rankings. Other than a bad night in New York last Friday the Raps have been looking very good as of late. TJ Ford seems to be regaining his stroke, Bosh has been simply brilliant at times and Bargnani - although at times frustratingly inconsistent - is showing signs of developing into the first rate player most people expect.
I'll be at the game tomorrow night against the hopeless T-Wolves, which should mean lots of playing time for the Raps bench in what should be an easy victory. That game is followed up by a visit by the Pacers on Friday, who the Raps beat in Indy last night. Then after that their next 5 games are against Charlotte, Orlando, Miami, Washington and Seattle. That is 6 games of the next 7 against teams that are ranked in the lowest third of the league in the current rankings. Anything less than 6 victories in those 7 games would be a disappointment. Especially if the Raps are serious in their often stated intention of challenging Orlando and the improved Cavs for the third seed in the East.
Sad news about Yao. He had a stress fracture in that foot 2 years ago also. You've got to wonder about the rest of his career.
Houston has such an easy schedule from here on out, they may still make the playoffs, but they are toast in the first round.
Houston has such an easy schedule from here on out, they may still make the playoffs, but they are toast in the first round.
OK - so the Raps game against the T-Wolves was not over by halftime - but it was by midway through the third quarter when the Raps started to pull away. Another solid night for Bosh. Over their last 7 wins at home the Raps have averaged winning by 23 points! So after being a bit shaky at home early in the season, they are now looking very strong at home like they did last season.
And last night turned out to be a good deal. The seats with the $15.00 season ticket discount cost only $25.00 each and being one of the first 5,000 people there we got a toque as a freebie giveaway - which certainly has come in handy today. It's freezing here! Plus because the Raps hit 100 points every ticket could be redeemed for a free pizza slice. My friend knew he wasn't going to use his so he gave his stub to me. So for just $25.00 I got a game, a toque and 2 pizza slices! Not bad!
And last night turned out to be a good deal. The seats with the $15.00 season ticket discount cost only $25.00 each and being one of the first 5,000 people there we got a toque as a freebie giveaway - which certainly has come in handy today. It's freezing here! Plus because the Raps hit 100 points every ticket could be redeemed for a free pizza slice. My friend knew he wasn't going to use his so he gave his stub to me. So for just $25.00 I got a game, a toque and 2 pizza slices! Not bad!
So the Celtics pick up P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell, in a typical NBA episode of the rich get richer. That could really help them if Brown has anything left, and if Cassell can stay healthy.
This getting players off the waiver wire is really a farce, but David Stern has more important battles to fight with the Players Assn. than that one, I guess. Brown wasn't waived, but players coming out of semi-retirement to latch on to the likeliest NBA champion (at least that will have them) is pretty ridiculous too.
This getting players off the waiver wire is really a farce, but David Stern has more important battles to fight with the Players Assn. than that one, I guess. Brown wasn't waived, but players coming out of semi-retirement to latch on to the likeliest NBA champion (at least that will have them) is pretty ridiculous too.
celtics are still desperate and i'm sure the kg injury is worse than they are letting on.
wally sexyback is the most gorgeous man in the nba. then my travis diener
wally sexyback is the most gorgeous man in the nba. then my travis diener
Desperate? Really? The Pistons just signed Theo Ratliff (Theo Ratliff!), and no one thinks of Detroit as desperate.
KG put up some pretty fine numbers last night.
KG put up some pretty fine numbers last night.
How about those Rockets--18 straight wins. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they fell in the first round of the playoffs.
And they've won the last 6 or 7 of those without Yao.
The 76ers are a half-game out of sixth place, and have a 4-game lead on the 9th-place Nets. Good grief, they might make the playoffs.
The 76ers are a half-game out of sixth place, and have a 4-game lead on the 9th-place Nets. Good grief, they might make the playoffs.
QUOTE(canmark @ Mar 9 2008, 07:08 AM)
How about those Rockets--18 straight wins. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they fell in the first round of the playoffs.
I would be surprised if they did't. Actually, I would be shocked if they make it out of the first round.
Rockets now at 20 straight wins.
The Western Conference is nuts right now. The Lakers are 45-19 and number 1 right now ion the standings, but Golden State is 40-23 and 8th. 4 1/2 games separate 1 from 8. Houston has won 20 in a row and is only 2nd in the standing, but still only 3 1/2 games from being in the 8th spot.
This is just NUTS.
This is just NUTS.
And what's really nuts is that Denver (most likely) won't even make the playoffs, despite winning 50 or so games.
QUOTE(LarryC @ Mar 14 2008, 03:38 PM)
And what's really nuts is that Denver (most likely) won't even make the playoffs, despite winning 50 or so games.
That's just life in the wild, wild west! Hopefully, Pau's ankle isn't too bad, and he'll be back in the Laker's line-up soon. Still, I want to see the Rockets beat the Lakers, just because I want their winning streak to continue.
Are these Rockets for real? McGrady is held to only 11 points, yet the Rockets defeat the mighty Lakers 104-92 for their 22nd straight win. How long can they keep this up with quality opponents in the upcoming week (Boston, New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix)?
I envy a coworker of mine because he had the office tickets to today's Rockets-Lakers game. Tuesday against Boston will be a very tough test. They've beaten New Orleans twice already during the streak, so the Hornets aren't the major concern of the next few games. Golden State is a fun team and the Suns...I have no feel for the Suns right now.
All I know is the Rockets are in a zone right now.
All I know is the Rockets are in a zone right now.
The Rockets are definitely smokin' right now. 22 straight and counting! The most my Grizzlies have won straight is 2, and we're lucky we won that many in a row. I'm happy for Shane, T-Mac, and the boys. I'd like to see them obtain the longest winning streak in the NBA (though I still think they will lose in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.)
A couple of months ago, I asked about the odds of getting my picture taken with 100 NBA players and coaches. I counted up my total today, and I was at 111, so it is possible!
A couple of months ago, I asked about the odds of getting my picture taken with 100 NBA players and coaches. I counted up my total today, and I was at 111, so it is possible!
The particularly amazing thing about Houston is they are getting great games out of what you would normally think as being marginal players. Like Rafer Alston, who's been passed around in the league more times than a hot potato. Bobby Jackson, who couldn't even get in games for the bench-starved Hornets. Carl Landry, whoever he is. It isn't T-Mac that's been carrying them.
OK - so I guess my Raptors are much better with Bosh. He played tonight and the Raps won by 42 points! 96-54 over the Heat. 58-26 at halftime. The Heat are a joke! And maybe TJ Ford is coming around - only one turnover tonight and between him and Jose 18 points, 16 assists and just 2 turnovers. That's better!
The only reason the Heat are even allowed to play in the league this year is that they're a morale builder for everyone else.
Although trying for a certain position in the standings to get a certain first round match up can often not work out, now that the chances of moving up to the # 4 seed to get home court advantage seem remote - many Raptor fans I think would be happy if they finish 6th - where they are now - instead of 5th. That way the Raps would play Orlando who seem entrenched in the # 3 seed. Raps have looked much better against them than against the # 4 seed Cavs. Lebron seems to be able to score at will against the Raps - even moreso than he does against other teams.
The only problem is that now the Raps are now in danger of dropping to 7th with the surging Sixers only a half game back. And that would likely mean a very quick playoff exit for the Raps as they have looked awful against the Pistons this year - and that is who the # 7 seed will play.
So the Raps really need a win today at the ACC against Denver - a team who embarrased them about ten days ago in Denver scoring 78 first half points! I'm heading to the game with my ex-roomie - who coaches the gay Rugby team here, with one of his newest players - a guy who just moved here from Ireland. They're wanting me to meet up with them at 1:30 for a 'few beers' before the 3:30 game. Something tells that means I should PVR (TIVO) the game so I can watch it later and remember who wins.
Just Eddie - if you happen to read this before 3:30 today - this is one of the Raptors games on CBC - so you can catch it down in Michigan.
The only problem is that now the Raps are now in danger of dropping to 7th with the surging Sixers only a half game back. And that would likely mean a very quick playoff exit for the Raps as they have looked awful against the Pistons this year - and that is who the # 7 seed will play.
So the Raps really need a win today at the ACC against Denver - a team who embarrased them about ten days ago in Denver scoring 78 first half points! I'm heading to the game with my ex-roomie - who coaches the gay Rugby team here, with one of his newest players - a guy who just moved here from Ireland. They're wanting me to meet up with them at 1:30 for a 'few beers' before the 3:30 game. Something tells that means I should PVR (TIVO) the game so I can watch it later and remember who wins.
Just Eddie - if you happen to read this before 3:30 today - this is one of the Raptors games on CBC - so you can catch it down in Michigan.
While I'm thrilled to see the Spurs win a big game in Dallas today, it sucks that Dirk got injured. I had to turn away from the clip. No word on how serious the injury is, should know more tomorrow. But if he's out for a long spell I don't see the Mavs having the same resiliancy that the Rockets showed sans Yao Ming. They could easily miss the playoffs if Dirk is out for a long time and the Nuggets get on any kind of a roll.
Dallas is 0-8 against teams with winning records since getting Jason Kidd. Meanwhile, Phoenix has now won 7 in a row. The Shaq trade might work out better than the Kidd trade after all.
Edit to add: Sixers win in Boston! Down 80-69 with over 8 minutes left the Sixers scored 19 straight points and go on to win 95-90. A playoff spot is looking more and more likely. Amazing.
Edit to add: Sixers win in Boston! Down 80-69 with over 8 minutes left the Sixers scored 19 straight points and go on to win 95-90. A playoff spot is looking more and more likely. Amazing.
It's particularly surprising that the Sixers hit their stride after they gave away Kyle Korver. It looked like they were pulling a Memphis -- gutting the team to save money/get cap room.
With Nowitzki down, Dallas may not even make the playoffs. That would be pretty funny.
With Nowitzki down, Dallas may not even make the playoffs. That would be pretty funny.
Jose Calderon showed again last night why he is fast becoming one of the best liked Raptors among Raptors fans. The Raptors have really been struggling as of late losing 11 of 14 prior to last night's game against the Pistons. One of the Raptors who clearly was having difficulties during that stretch was TJ Ford - who unlike Calderon - just has not played with any confidence at all in his new role coming off the bench. It was bordering on ridiculous how patient coach Mitchell has been with TJ - and yet his play did not seem to be improving. As a result of TJ Ford's erratic play the Raptors had lost one of the great weapons they had - which was the two headed point guard of Ford and Calderon - with styles different enough to cause other teams many problems when trying to defend either one or the other. With that advantage missing the Raptors seemed to be out of sorts - even after Bosh returned from the 11 games he missed.
Where does Calderon fit into all of that you may by now be asking. Well prior to last night's game Calderon approached the coach and said he thought for the good of the team they should try moving Ford back into the starting lineup and that he would be willing to come off the bench. This from a player moving into the option year of his contract - when most NBA players would likely be more interested in padding their own personal stats. How fantastic is that?
And sure enoung it worked like a charm - for one night at least. TJ For for the first time since his injury looked like the old TJ and he and Calderon combined for 26 points, 13 assists with only 2 turnovers as the Raps knocked off the Pistons 89-82.
Even though the Raps beat the Pistons last night - I would still feel much better moving into the playoffs if the Raps can move up from their current #7 slot so they do not have to play the Pistons in the first round. Currently the Raps sit half a game behind the Sixers, a full game behind the Wizards and 3.5 behind the Cavs. If they end up tied with Philly Raps win the tiebreaker - but lose it with Washington and Philly.
And if you look at the remaining schedules for those teams - Washington has by far the toughest schedule. Of their 11 remaining games the Raps have 6 at home and 5 on the road - and only two of those games are against teams that have a record better than the Raps - hosting New Orleans this Sunday and playing at the Pistons one more time. Cleveland and Philly have similar schedules to the Raps but Washington on the other hand still have to complete a 3 game Western road trip over the next few days with games at the Lakers, Sacramento and Utah. And their remaining games after that include games against Boston, Detroit Orlando and Philly.
I'm off to the ACC again this Friday to see the Raps in a game they have to win if serious about moving up as the Knicks come to town.
Where does Calderon fit into all of that you may by now be asking. Well prior to last night's game Calderon approached the coach and said he thought for the good of the team they should try moving Ford back into the starting lineup and that he would be willing to come off the bench. This from a player moving into the option year of his contract - when most NBA players would likely be more interested in padding their own personal stats. How fantastic is that?
And sure enoung it worked like a charm - for one night at least. TJ For for the first time since his injury looked like the old TJ and he and Calderon combined for 26 points, 13 assists with only 2 turnovers as the Raps knocked off the Pistons 89-82.
Even though the Raps beat the Pistons last night - I would still feel much better moving into the playoffs if the Raps can move up from their current #7 slot so they do not have to play the Pistons in the first round. Currently the Raps sit half a game behind the Sixers, a full game behind the Wizards and 3.5 behind the Cavs. If they end up tied with Philly Raps win the tiebreaker - but lose it with Washington and Philly.
And if you look at the remaining schedules for those teams - Washington has by far the toughest schedule. Of their 11 remaining games the Raps have 6 at home and 5 on the road - and only two of those games are against teams that have a record better than the Raps - hosting New Orleans this Sunday and playing at the Pistons one more time. Cleveland and Philly have similar schedules to the Raps but Washington on the other hand still have to complete a 3 game Western road trip over the next few days with games at the Lakers, Sacramento and Utah. And their remaining games after that include games against Boston, Detroit Orlando and Philly.
I'm off to the ACC again this Friday to see the Raps in a game they have to win if serious about moving up as the Knicks come to town.
The Sixers clinch the playoffs!
Since everyone is into boosterism, I guess I should be tooting my horn about the Lakers. 
They just hung on to beat the West's best Hornets (after almost blowing a 20 point halftime lead!). I knew Kobe wouldn't let this one go, since he probably viewed this as his MVP battle with CP3. Still, the Lakers continue to torture me, as they lose to almost every mediocre/crummy team they're playing down the stretch. And it doesn't seem like Bynum will be back until maybe sometime late in the playoffs (if they last that long), so I'm not optimistic about a championship.
Meanwhile, the Rockets continue to confound me by winning (cruising past Phoenix, despite missing more than half of their free throws). I can't for the life of me understand how they can be within a game of the best record in the West.
They just hung on to beat the West's best Hornets (after almost blowing a 20 point halftime lead!). I knew Kobe wouldn't let this one go, since he probably viewed this as his MVP battle with CP3. Still, the Lakers continue to torture me, as they lose to almost every mediocre/crummy team they're playing down the stretch. And it doesn't seem like Bynum will be back until maybe sometime late in the playoffs (if they last that long), so I'm not optimistic about a championship.Meanwhile, the Rockets continue to confound me by winning (cruising past Phoenix, despite missing more than half of their free throws). I can't for the life of me understand how they can be within a game of the best record in the West.
Melo DUI?
QUOTE
NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony was arrested early Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, hours after his worst game of the season.
The Denver Nuggets forward was arrested on Interstate 25, police said. He was alone in the car and pulled over for weaving and not dimming his lights.
Detective Sharon Hahn said Anthony failed a series of sobriety tests. He was charged with DUI and then taken to police headquarters before being released to a "sober responsible party," Hahn said. Anthony is due in court May 14.
The Denver Nuggets forward was arrested on Interstate 25, police said. He was alone in the car and pulled over for weaving and not dimming his lights.
Detective Sharon Hahn said Anthony failed a series of sobriety tests. He was charged with DUI and then taken to police headquarters before being released to a "sober responsible party," Hahn said. Anthony is due in court May 14.
Well, I attended our last home game of the season, Saturday night. The event mirrored our season. The Grizzlies lost to the Timberwolves, and on Fan Appreciation Night, part of the stands fell to the floor sending fans crashing to the concrete. Three fans were hurt, no one too serious, but I'm sure enough to sue. I can't think of anything that could have summed up our season any better.
Anyway, it's the end of the year and here are my choices for year-end awards:
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant..... I don't see Scola and Navarro, as actual rookies. Technically, they are by NBA standards, but not by mine. I would have liked to see Juan Carlos set the rookie record for "threes", but Marc Iavaroni didn't see fit to run enough plays for him, even though our season was in the toilet and it could have been a bright spot. With 2 games left, Juan Carlos needs 8 3-pointers, so he could possibly still do it (but it seems doubtful.). Perhaps, Iavaroni doesn't view Juan Carlos as a rookie either.
Most Improved Player: Rudy Gay...... Yes, you can say I'm a homer, but this kid's improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 has been incredible. He probably won't win, but he should!
Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili......He should win this category in a landslide. It would be hard to argue for anyone else.
Coach of the Year: Byron Scott....What he has done with New Orleans has been magnificent. Sure Doc Rivers has won with 3 superstars, but I could have won with those guys. The only coach I think has done more with less talent is Maurice Cheeks. Still I'm giving the nod to Scott, because he did it in the wild, wild, west.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett.....Again, this is a category, where it would to hard to argue for anybody else. Yes, Marcus Camby plays great defense, but it's easier to see, because no one else on the Nuggets plays defense at all. Garnett should win hands down.
Executive of the Year: Mitch Kupchak......Yes, luck let Derek Fisher fall into his hands, but he was smart enough to keep Andrew Byrum, when Kobe was blowing off steam last summer. I'm sure Lakers fans are glad he didn't trade Byrum for Kidd now. And in the biggest coup of the year, Mitch got Pau Gasol for basically nothing, and sent other GMs' into a frenze before the tradeline.
MVP: Kobe Bryant....No, I'm not a big Kobe fan, but he is the best basketball player in the world. After off-season distractions....caused basically by him, and even getting booed at the start of the season, Kobe took in all in stride and left it all out there on the court. It's hard to believe he has never been MVP- that in itself will be enough to give him the honor over Chris Paul.
I have my own categories of awards I'll give out at another date, but those aren't up for debate!
Anyway, it's the end of the year and here are my choices for year-end awards:
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant..... I don't see Scola and Navarro, as actual rookies. Technically, they are by NBA standards, but not by mine. I would have liked to see Juan Carlos set the rookie record for "threes", but Marc Iavaroni didn't see fit to run enough plays for him, even though our season was in the toilet and it could have been a bright spot. With 2 games left, Juan Carlos needs 8 3-pointers, so he could possibly still do it (but it seems doubtful.). Perhaps, Iavaroni doesn't view Juan Carlos as a rookie either.
Most Improved Player: Rudy Gay...... Yes, you can say I'm a homer, but this kid's improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 has been incredible. He probably won't win, but he should!
Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili......He should win this category in a landslide. It would be hard to argue for anyone else.
Coach of the Year: Byron Scott....What he has done with New Orleans has been magnificent. Sure Doc Rivers has won with 3 superstars, but I could have won with those guys. The only coach I think has done more with less talent is Maurice Cheeks. Still I'm giving the nod to Scott, because he did it in the wild, wild, west.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett.....Again, this is a category, where it would to hard to argue for anybody else. Yes, Marcus Camby plays great defense, but it's easier to see, because no one else on the Nuggets plays defense at all. Garnett should win hands down.
Executive of the Year: Mitch Kupchak......Yes, luck let Derek Fisher fall into his hands, but he was smart enough to keep Andrew Byrum, when Kobe was blowing off steam last summer. I'm sure Lakers fans are glad he didn't trade Byrum for Kidd now. And in the biggest coup of the year, Mitch got Pau Gasol for basically nothing, and sent other GMs' into a frenze before the tradeline.
MVP: Kobe Bryant....No, I'm not a big Kobe fan, but he is the best basketball player in the world. After off-season distractions....caused basically by him, and even getting booed at the start of the season, Kobe took in all in stride and left it all out there on the court. It's hard to believe he has never been MVP- that in itself will be enough to give him the honor over Chris Paul.
I have my own categories of awards I'll give out at another date, but those aren't up for debate!
The Lakers just clinched the best record in the West (who would have predicted that at the beginning of the season!?!?), which means that Kobe has clinched the MVP. Pretty silly (especially given that he shot 3 for 13 in this one), but that's how it works with the sports media. If the Hornets had finished first, then Paul would have won it.
If MVP means the player that was...well, the most valuable, I would vote for LeBron, given his unbelievably monstrous stats, as well as his head-to-head superiority to Kobe when the two teams played. But since there's this quaint "rule" that the MVP has to come from a top team, I go with Kobe.
Smokey, I agree with all of your votes except MIP. Gay did indeed make a big leap this year, but since the Grizzlies were so inconsequential, it's hard for most of the world to care (sorry!). I know this is a bit inconsistent with what I said about MVP. But while I don't think that the MVP or MIP have to come from a great team, they shouldn't come from a terrible team either (sorry again). For the same reason, I'd rule out Al Jefferson, who had a terrific year, but the Wolves sucked. So I probably go with Turkoglu (who seems destined to win it).
Also, just to prove I'm no homer, I'm not sure I'd go with Kupchak as manager. Both Fisher and Gasol sort of fell from a tree onto his head as he passed by. I think I'd go with Ainge (of course, he wouldn't have been able to steal Garnett if it weren't for his friendship with the boob McHale).
So, predictions for the post-season?
If MVP means the player that was...well, the most valuable, I would vote for LeBron, given his unbelievably monstrous stats, as well as his head-to-head superiority to Kobe when the two teams played. But since there's this quaint "rule" that the MVP has to come from a top team, I go with Kobe.
Smokey, I agree with all of your votes except MIP. Gay did indeed make a big leap this year, but since the Grizzlies were so inconsequential, it's hard for most of the world to care (sorry!). I know this is a bit inconsistent with what I said about MVP. But while I don't think that the MVP or MIP have to come from a great team, they shouldn't come from a terrible team either (sorry again). For the same reason, I'd rule out Al Jefferson, who had a terrific year, but the Wolves sucked. So I probably go with Turkoglu (who seems destined to win it).
Also, just to prove I'm no homer, I'm not sure I'd go with Kupchak as manager. Both Fisher and Gasol sort of fell from a tree onto his head as he passed by. I think I'd go with Ainge (of course, he wouldn't have been able to steal Garnett if it weren't for his friendship with the boob McHale).
So, predictions for the post-season?
Isiah finally given the boot.
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