10 th Grade. Guru. Primo. My philosophy on life. Nuff said.
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Thursday, March 29, 2007
Who You Got Wilbon!?!?!
Da Realist:
after reading jamele hill's article, i was a little surprised there are people out there that really think kobe is an overall better player so i wanted to see what some other people's arguments were like. i consider myself open-minded (although decidely less so with this topic :-D ).
this is the most interesting debate i've read about the comparisons. most of these debates end up sophomoric and juvenile with name-calling and close-minded conclusions. this one is a little different.
these guys use calculus, probability and statistics, and a little linear algebra to prove their points. it's comical -- and interesting.
i didn't change my opinion and you probably won't change yours. but i love *how* these guys debated their opinions.
I'm linking page 6 of the argument, but in my opinion page 7 is even better.
Gangsta D:
Kobe is not better than Jordan. The most ardent Laker fan with a brain will tell you that. The thing is, he COULD get there. He's only 28 and has 4-5 years of supreme performance left. He won't win 6 titles without Shaq, unless Bynum turns into the second coming. But what if he wins three more? Is the discussion made more rational at that point? Probably not. But my thing is, why try to analyze it? He's the best in the game RIGHT NOW. Why can't we just enjoy what we're seeing, instead of picking apart every little nuance in his game and comparing him to this and that person? Once he retires, there's plenty of time to reminisce.
Da Realist:
"Who's the best? Pac, Nas or Big? Ain't no best." -- Nas from Ether
i don't really try to get into who's the best of all time. i can say jordan is my favorite, but i can also acknowledge others that might have been just as good at what they do. magic johnson is, incredibly, underrated by most hoop fans. isiah thomas too. most jordan fans don't seem to have any problems with any of these comparisons to jordan. read any discussion on oscar roberston (who has better stats than jordan), magic, jerry west, etc... those discussion boards are full of respect, even when they disagree.
but kobe is different. he's seen by a lot of jordan fans as being an imitation, albeit, a pretty good one. they see kobe go out of his way to personify jordan then chafe under those higher expectations. note: I AM DELIBERATELY NOT INCLUDING MYSELF IN THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE I'M CONGESTED AND DO NOT HAVE THE ENERGY OF BEATING TWO DIE-HARD LAKER FANS OFF MY BACK RIGHT NOW. i am the messenger in this email. don't ask me to either justify or support this argument because i won't.
anyway, nothing brings up more bile to a jordan fan than a comparison with kobe bryant. don't believe me? type "jordan vs kobe" or "kobe is better than jordan" in any search engine. trust me, you will want to wash your monitor after reading the hate. :-D
Waldini:
Why bother cuz it would be the same as arguing when the Lakers were winning titles earlier this decade. Both of you made great points about the current debate and the leaving out of other players. They are only bringing up this now b/c Kobe went off on his recent scoring binge. Just two years, they were debating who was better or who you pick first Kobe or Lebron? The votes were overwhemingly in Lebron's favor. Now, he's not even mentioned. So what does that tell you, it's all hype.....
3 yrs ago Nash was considered "done" and fast forward to today, he's got 2 MVPs and everyone's on his bandwagon as the best PG in the league (deservedly so). I dont put as much stock on the short term as I do on the entire course of work. Let's see what else Kobe does before we consider him the new MJ. He has the potential to be the best player of his generation and that's what he should focus on....
FYI, I'm with you realist so I wouldnt spend an hr writing responses back to your jabs :-)
Gangsta D:
You can't beat us off your back after being pumped full of HGH buddy!!
What would happen if in ten years, Kobe is still playing at a very high level (26/5/4), and has won 3-4 more titles, and Jordan says "I think when you look at it as a whole, Kobe was better than me." The sound of people jumping to their deaths would sound like a sonic boom. It will never happen, but I would rub that in so hard, it'd leave a permanent mark:)
Da Realist:
no, agent kujan. no rise today... Read more!
after reading jamele hill's article, i was a little surprised there are people out there that really think kobe is an overall better player so i wanted to see what some other people's arguments were like. i consider myself open-minded (although decidely less so with this topic :-D ).
this is the most interesting debate i've read about the comparisons. most of these debates end up sophomoric and juvenile with name-calling and close-minded conclusions. this one is a little different.
these guys use calculus, probability and statistics, and a little linear algebra to prove their points. it's comical -- and interesting.
i didn't change my opinion and you probably won't change yours. but i love *how* these guys debated their opinions.
I'm linking page 6 of the argument, but in my opinion page 7 is even better.
Gangsta D:
Kobe is not better than Jordan. The most ardent Laker fan with a brain will tell you that. The thing is, he COULD get there. He's only 28 and has 4-5 years of supreme performance left. He won't win 6 titles without Shaq, unless Bynum turns into the second coming. But what if he wins three more? Is the discussion made more rational at that point? Probably not. But my thing is, why try to analyze it? He's the best in the game RIGHT NOW. Why can't we just enjoy what we're seeing, instead of picking apart every little nuance in his game and comparing him to this and that person? Once he retires, there's plenty of time to reminisce.
Da Realist:
"Who's the best? Pac, Nas or Big? Ain't no best." -- Nas from Ether
i don't really try to get into who's the best of all time. i can say jordan is my favorite, but i can also acknowledge others that might have been just as good at what they do. magic johnson is, incredibly, underrated by most hoop fans. isiah thomas too. most jordan fans don't seem to have any problems with any of these comparisons to jordan. read any discussion on oscar roberston (who has better stats than jordan), magic, jerry west, etc... those discussion boards are full of respect, even when they disagree.
but kobe is different. he's seen by a lot of jordan fans as being an imitation, albeit, a pretty good one. they see kobe go out of his way to personify jordan then chafe under those higher expectations. note: I AM DELIBERATELY NOT INCLUDING MYSELF IN THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE I'M CONGESTED AND DO NOT HAVE THE ENERGY OF BEATING TWO DIE-HARD LAKER FANS OFF MY BACK RIGHT NOW. i am the messenger in this email. don't ask me to either justify or support this argument because i won't.
anyway, nothing brings up more bile to a jordan fan than a comparison with kobe bryant. don't believe me? type "jordan vs kobe" or "kobe is better than jordan" in any search engine. trust me, you will want to wash your monitor after reading the hate. :-D
Waldini:
Why bother cuz it would be the same as arguing when the Lakers were winning titles earlier this decade. Both of you made great points about the current debate and the leaving out of other players. They are only bringing up this now b/c Kobe went off on his recent scoring binge. Just two years, they were debating who was better or who you pick first Kobe or Lebron? The votes were overwhemingly in Lebron's favor. Now, he's not even mentioned. So what does that tell you, it's all hype.....
3 yrs ago Nash was considered "done" and fast forward to today, he's got 2 MVPs and everyone's on his bandwagon as the best PG in the league (deservedly so). I dont put as much stock on the short term as I do on the entire course of work. Let's see what else Kobe does before we consider him the new MJ. He has the potential to be the best player of his generation and that's what he should focus on....
FYI, I'm with you realist so I wouldnt spend an hr writing responses back to your jabs :-)
Gangsta D:
You can't beat us off your back after being pumped full of HGH buddy!!
What would happen if in ten years, Kobe is still playing at a very high level (26/5/4), and has won 3-4 more titles, and Jordan says "I think when you look at it as a whole, Kobe was better than me." The sound of people jumping to their deaths would sound like a sonic boom. It will never happen, but I would rub that in so hard, it'd leave a permanent mark:)
Da Realist:
no, agent kujan. no rise today... Read more!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Back When Wrestling Was Real...Bitches
Waldini:
Wow, that just motivated me to do some damage in training today :-)
And it also reminded that nothing better happen to my 'precious' Ric Flair collection either Realist, lol. I have lots to pass on to TC about when wrasslin was dope during my day
Da Realist:
funny you should send this. i was just watching some clips from sean's ric flair collection and some from my dvd of the rock. i've finally come to a conclusion. ric flair is the greatest "talker" in wrestling history. i think the rock brings the goods and may untimately be more funny, but ric flair was just more versatile. as good as the rock was, he basically used catch phrases pretty exclusively. in fact, catch phrases were about 90% of his act.
ric flair was on a whole 'nother level.
Gangsta D:
Flair may have been the best talker. he may have been more versatile. But nobody matches Dusty for sheer entertainment, partially because you could never really fully understand what the hell he was saying. When he got worked up into a lather, he was part evangelical preacher and part "jive" talker from the "Airplane" movies. Are you ready for "Funky Like A Monkey Tour '07?"
Waldini:
You both have listed the 3 greatest promo cutters in wrestling history. I like them all b/c I thought in their primes, no one was better at these guys at getting on the mic. Flair had the great buildup in his promos, Dusty the classic mispronounciation of words ("Ric Flair is the constonant champion", "Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, we escavating in '87"), and Rock had the funniest punch lines.
Looking back that is the major reason I loved wrestling. That and the shock factor (Remember Hogan's turn in the summer of '96)
Da Realist:
no, no, no... who do you think is the BEST?
Gangsta D:
Come on, you know he's gonna pick Ric.
Waldini:
D-Lo knows me well :-)
C'mon man I used to have a Ric Flair VHS tape I watched before big test/presentations/exams, etc in college.
Gangsta D:
In case you were curious about the true identities of the Four Horsemen:
Tully Blanchard
Ole Anderson
Arn Anderson
Ric Flair
JJ Dillon
I had no idea Arn gave the horsemen their name. He was the only one I ever like. "Cause the bottom line..."
Da Realist:
yeah! arn anderson was my boy. this was before all the wrestlers started looking like lou ferigno.
Waldini:
He used to cut funny promos too....Double AA aka the Enforcer aka one half of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. Read more!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Old School Friday - Ugly As Hell Edition
It's hard to beleive there was a time when Craig Mack was bigger than Biggie, but it's true. I swear. Unfortunately, Puff's always kind of been annoying. This was released my freshman year in college. I remember going over to Waldini's room to watch "The Box" in the afternoon and catching this on the regular. Then we'd play Street Fighter II til about midnight. Fun times.
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Grandpa Oden
Waldini:
- I'm shooting myself in the foot for going to sleep on the Tenn-Ohio St game. It was a 17pt lead at half, Oden had 3 fouls and I thought it was over. I wake up, turn on ESPNNews and see these fools one. That was good for me cuz my bracket would have been straight busted...
- Speaking of which, thx Texas A&M for blowing up my bracket and choking when it counted most. Is it too much to ask for a simple box out and rebound a missed shot. Naw, you let Memphis reel off 5 shots b4 they call a foul. And then you show you have no ability to execute in pressure situations
- 175 points in 3 games? 58.3 ppg over 3 games? That's straight vintage MJ, Wilt the Stilt numbers right there. But alas, too much, too late. The record isnt good enough so Kobe, you are not the next America's MVP. But I am happy the 'Show is winning, albeit close games over crappy teams
- Did Doc really tank that game two nights ago for a shot at the possibility of Durant and Oden going pro? Say it aint so, just say it aint so...
- Raise your hand if your happy Tubby is leaving UK. The boosters are ungrateful and unrealistic. He's gotten that team into the NCAA's every year he's been there and brought you a title. Yea I hear that bs about him winning with Pitino's players but compare the '96 squad to the '98 squad. The latter had no business cutting down the nets
- Josh McRoberts - the next Laettner/Ferry/Adelnaby or the next Hill/Brand/Maggette? That's not a trick question
- Glen Davis - the next Round Mound of Rebound or the next Tractor Traylor? Again not a trick question
That's all I got for now
Gangsta D:
You know, I'm starting to wonder about Greg Oden. it seems like OSU does better against quick teams when he's off the floor. They were getting KILLED in the first half. It was a pistol whipping. Oden only plays 18 minutes the entire game and the Bucks come back to win. What does that mean, if anything? Is he really the real deal? On another note, maybe Bruce should've stripped down when OSU started coming back. it worked for the Lady Vols.
Damn it Acie. You were Mr. Clutch. How could you miss a layup? Where were you in the second half? Where were you screaming "That's what I do!" to anyone in earshot. I'm slightly disappointed in you IV.
Of course Doc tanked. And i guarantee it came from up high. Yes I'm talking to you Mr. Ainge.
I see McRoberts as a combination of Eric Montross, "Our"Vidas Sabonis, Dino Radja, and Jim McIlvane. The future looks bright for J-Mack.
If Big Baby could transform himself into Reasonably Sized Baby, maybe he has a chance. Otherwise, it's Oliver Miller Time.
UK is officially on my list now. I guarantee Minn will be in the tournament next year and do damage in the Big 10.
Da Realist:
you just know kobe is loving this license to kill that phil gave him. and i don't see anyone left on their schedule that actually plays any defense. kobe can go as far as he wants to go with this.
i agree with diallo about greg oden. he's like a modern-day bill russell right now. he should go pro, but he should develop some skills too. bill russell wouldn't have the skill set to be a dominant big man in today's league.
Gangsta D:
You better not let anyone over 50 hear you say that about Bill Russell:)
Waldini:
especially Tommy Heinshon or Bob Cousy Read more!
- I'm shooting myself in the foot for going to sleep on the Tenn-Ohio St game. It was a 17pt lead at half, Oden had 3 fouls and I thought it was over. I wake up, turn on ESPNNews and see these fools one. That was good for me cuz my bracket would have been straight busted...
- Speaking of which, thx Texas A&M for blowing up my bracket and choking when it counted most. Is it too much to ask for a simple box out and rebound a missed shot. Naw, you let Memphis reel off 5 shots b4 they call a foul. And then you show you have no ability to execute in pressure situations
- 175 points in 3 games? 58.3 ppg over 3 games? That's straight vintage MJ, Wilt the Stilt numbers right there. But alas, too much, too late. The record isnt good enough so Kobe, you are not the next America's MVP. But I am happy the 'Show is winning, albeit close games over crappy teams
- Did Doc really tank that game two nights ago for a shot at the possibility of Durant and Oden going pro? Say it aint so, just say it aint so...
- Raise your hand if your happy Tubby is leaving UK. The boosters are ungrateful and unrealistic. He's gotten that team into the NCAA's every year he's been there and brought you a title. Yea I hear that bs about him winning with Pitino's players but compare the '96 squad to the '98 squad. The latter had no business cutting down the nets
- Josh McRoberts - the next Laettner/Ferry/Adelnaby or the next Hill/Brand/Maggette? That's not a trick question
- Glen Davis - the next Round Mound of Rebound or the next Tractor Traylor? Again not a trick question
That's all I got for now
Gangsta D:
You know, I'm starting to wonder about Greg Oden. it seems like OSU does better against quick teams when he's off the floor. They were getting KILLED in the first half. It was a pistol whipping. Oden only plays 18 minutes the entire game and the Bucks come back to win. What does that mean, if anything? Is he really the real deal? On another note, maybe Bruce should've stripped down when OSU started coming back. it worked for the Lady Vols.
Damn it Acie. You were Mr. Clutch. How could you miss a layup? Where were you in the second half? Where were you screaming "That's what I do!" to anyone in earshot. I'm slightly disappointed in you IV.
Of course Doc tanked. And i guarantee it came from up high. Yes I'm talking to you Mr. Ainge.
I see McRoberts as a combination of Eric Montross, "Our"Vidas Sabonis, Dino Radja, and Jim McIlvane. The future looks bright for J-Mack.
If Big Baby could transform himself into Reasonably Sized Baby, maybe he has a chance. Otherwise, it's Oliver Miller Time.
UK is officially on my list now. I guarantee Minn will be in the tournament next year and do damage in the Big 10.
Da Realist:
you just know kobe is loving this license to kill that phil gave him. and i don't see anyone left on their schedule that actually plays any defense. kobe can go as far as he wants to go with this.
i agree with diallo about greg oden. he's like a modern-day bill russell right now. he should go pro, but he should develop some skills too. bill russell wouldn't have the skill set to be a dominant big man in today's league.
Gangsta D:
You better not let anyone over 50 hear you say that about Bill Russell:)
Waldini:
especially Tommy Heinshon or Bob Cousy Read more!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Laker Hate And The P-Word
Da Realist:
just like when i feel the first nip in the air that signafies the beginning of college football season, spring means we are nearing the end of the boring regular season and preparing for playoff basketball.
it is 75 and sunny outside and i kept having flashbacks of my dad making me mow the yard KNOWING the bulls were playing the cavs in the first round on tbs. (i turned my mom's tv on the game and lifted the window so i could stop and "peek" in to catch the score until i finished the yard)
or watching game 5 of the lakers/suns in 1993 at our annual mother's day family reunion in mississippi. (the lakers choked the series and the game)
or watching magic johnson heave the ball up the court to run out the clock in game 6 against portland and then going to the gym later that night and doing the same thing that night (even though there was no clock)
or the night kilgore erupted when rex chapman hit that off balance 3pointer to tie the game against the sonics at around midnight. (they even let us stay in there until the game ended!)
playoff basketball. will you be watching?
Gangsta D:
I'm gonna table your Lakers comment until April 1st, when I will respond in kind:)
Of course I'll be watching. How much I watch depends on a certain team's performance, but I digress. If Miami keeps winning, I'll keep watching, and sending bad juju their way. Hopefully, it'll work eventually. On that note, has anyone made a big deal about how great the Heat are playing without Wade as opposed to how they were under .500 with him? Just curious.
I think the Mavs are a lock, unless the Spurs somehow beat the Suns and Duncan decides to avg 30/20 in the WCF.
The East? Who knows? I'd say Detroit, but then again Flip Saunders is the coach. I wouldn't be shocked if it was Washington. Gil gets hot and averages 40 a game for a series or two. Hey, it's possible. Toronto may be the real sleeper, even though they lost Bargnani. Chris Bosh is ridiculous.
Da Realist:
my comment was about 1993. surely even you can admit they choked up 2 games to none and up in the 4th of game 5. even you.
you think the mavs are a lock? i'm not sure. it will be intriguing how they handle the "favorite" tag. the spurs might just be the team that goes in and steals game 5 or something. i wouldn't put that past the suns either at this point.
having dwyane unavailable may be a hidden blessing for miami. they're playing together nicely and shaq has come up big because he feels needed. they will get out of the east. can't see detroit going that far and no one else will even challenge when things count. of course, this depends on having wade back HEALTHY. if he's gimpy, then detroit might just steal a spot in the finals.
warnings:
gilbert arenas will not lead washington to the finals. they rely mostly on iso's and i expect teams to cut that sh*t out in the playoffs.
don't believe the houston rockets hype. yao is still soft and mcgrady still hasn't been out of the first round. they'll be a tough out, but they won't be a factor in the playoffs.
i don't expect the lakers to get to the finals but they still have kobe and phil jackson. they will make anyone that plays them earn 4 wins. y'all should do what we wouldn't -- give that man a lifetime contract to coach until he retires. he and that coaching staff is that good.
we'll see just how good lebron is this year. this his 4th year right? most great superstars show some playoff promise by this point. no more meek losses. we should see some kind of killer instinct that will foretell things to come in the next few years.
Gangsta D:
I will temporarily lift my Lakers embargo.
An 8th seed CAN'T choke. They played out of their minds and completely over their heads those first two games. Phoenix was a MUCH better team. They went to the Finals remember? Therefore, I can't say the Lakers choked because they weren't supposed to even get that close.
I think the Mavs are a lock as long as Dirk doesn't gag-I mean get "nervous" in crunch time. They're battle tested. Avery is a good coach. They play defense and can dominate offensively from three positions on the floor.
With Chauncey hurt and Flip as the coach, don't know about the Pistons. Chauncey could always come back healthy and do his thing.
Now is the time for Bron to live up to the hype. he's got to get them DEEP in the playoffs this year. Otherwise, he starts looking more and more like 'Nique. No disrespect. Nique was a great player, but he couldn't get the hawks past the celtics.
Waldini:
The lakers didnt choke in '93 the refs gave them that series :-)
I'm with realist on the Mavs. Dirk has too much Mailman in him right now for me to believe he's ready to take them to the promised land (score a bunch of pts in the first 3 qtrs, then fade in the 4th). Until he proves me wrong, I think the West is up for grabs btw the Suns, Mavs, and Spurs.
I am shocked by what Miami is doing without Wade. I have ZERO confidence in Flip as pressure coach but the East right now only has two teams that I think can make the East Finals. And I just mentioned both of them :-). Yea I know everyone is hoping Bron turns it up exponentially and goes off in the playoffs but right now who else on that team scares you
In the West, I think Utah's inexperience will do them in by the 2nd round but yo that team is straight slept on. They got a frontline from hell (Okur, Booze, AK-47, although he's playing down this yr), great PG play and some nice veterans. Their biggest hole is the SG position and that will prbly stop them from really advancing
Da Realist:
half the chokes in history has involved the "underdog" choking. up 2 games to none with 2 games on your home floor? c'mon... can you say "rose-colored glasses"?
Gangsta D:
They were an 8 seed! The reason they were an 8 seed is because they weren't very good. New York choked that year. Seattle choked the next year. Sedale Threat was the leader of that team. Yes, THE Sedale Threat. Obviously, we should've swept the Suns.
Da Realist:
ok, ok.. calm down. wouldn't colin cowherd call you myopic right about now? i see that STILL pains you. :-)
anyway, here's the sun's perspective Read more!
just like when i feel the first nip in the air that signafies the beginning of college football season, spring means we are nearing the end of the boring regular season and preparing for playoff basketball.
it is 75 and sunny outside and i kept having flashbacks of my dad making me mow the yard KNOWING the bulls were playing the cavs in the first round on tbs. (i turned my mom's tv on the game and lifted the window so i could stop and "peek" in to catch the score until i finished the yard)
or watching game 5 of the lakers/suns in 1993 at our annual mother's day family reunion in mississippi. (the lakers choked the series and the game)
or watching magic johnson heave the ball up the court to run out the clock in game 6 against portland and then going to the gym later that night and doing the same thing that night (even though there was no clock)
or the night kilgore erupted when rex chapman hit that off balance 3pointer to tie the game against the sonics at around midnight. (they even let us stay in there until the game ended!)
playoff basketball. will you be watching?
Gangsta D:
I'm gonna table your Lakers comment until April 1st, when I will respond in kind:)
Of course I'll be watching. How much I watch depends on a certain team's performance, but I digress. If Miami keeps winning, I'll keep watching, and sending bad juju their way. Hopefully, it'll work eventually. On that note, has anyone made a big deal about how great the Heat are playing without Wade as opposed to how they were under .500 with him? Just curious.
I think the Mavs are a lock, unless the Spurs somehow beat the Suns and Duncan decides to avg 30/20 in the WCF.
The East? Who knows? I'd say Detroit, but then again Flip Saunders is the coach. I wouldn't be shocked if it was Washington. Gil gets hot and averages 40 a game for a series or two. Hey, it's possible. Toronto may be the real sleeper, even though they lost Bargnani. Chris Bosh is ridiculous.
Da Realist:
my comment was about 1993. surely even you can admit they choked up 2 games to none and up in the 4th of game 5. even you.
you think the mavs are a lock? i'm not sure. it will be intriguing how they handle the "favorite" tag. the spurs might just be the team that goes in and steals game 5 or something. i wouldn't put that past the suns either at this point.
having dwyane unavailable may be a hidden blessing for miami. they're playing together nicely and shaq has come up big because he feels needed. they will get out of the east. can't see detroit going that far and no one else will even challenge when things count. of course, this depends on having wade back HEALTHY. if he's gimpy, then detroit might just steal a spot in the finals.
warnings:
gilbert arenas will not lead washington to the finals. they rely mostly on iso's and i expect teams to cut that sh*t out in the playoffs.
don't believe the houston rockets hype. yao is still soft and mcgrady still hasn't been out of the first round. they'll be a tough out, but they won't be a factor in the playoffs.
i don't expect the lakers to get to the finals but they still have kobe and phil jackson. they will make anyone that plays them earn 4 wins. y'all should do what we wouldn't -- give that man a lifetime contract to coach until he retires. he and that coaching staff is that good.
we'll see just how good lebron is this year. this his 4th year right? most great superstars show some playoff promise by this point. no more meek losses. we should see some kind of killer instinct that will foretell things to come in the next few years.
Gangsta D:
I will temporarily lift my Lakers embargo.
An 8th seed CAN'T choke. They played out of their minds and completely over their heads those first two games. Phoenix was a MUCH better team. They went to the Finals remember? Therefore, I can't say the Lakers choked because they weren't supposed to even get that close.
I think the Mavs are a lock as long as Dirk doesn't gag-I mean get "nervous" in crunch time. They're battle tested. Avery is a good coach. They play defense and can dominate offensively from three positions on the floor.
With Chauncey hurt and Flip as the coach, don't know about the Pistons. Chauncey could always come back healthy and do his thing.
Now is the time for Bron to live up to the hype. he's got to get them DEEP in the playoffs this year. Otherwise, he starts looking more and more like 'Nique. No disrespect. Nique was a great player, but he couldn't get the hawks past the celtics.
Waldini:
The lakers didnt choke in '93 the refs gave them that series :-)
I'm with realist on the Mavs. Dirk has too much Mailman in him right now for me to believe he's ready to take them to the promised land (score a bunch of pts in the first 3 qtrs, then fade in the 4th). Until he proves me wrong, I think the West is up for grabs btw the Suns, Mavs, and Spurs.
I am shocked by what Miami is doing without Wade. I have ZERO confidence in Flip as pressure coach but the East right now only has two teams that I think can make the East Finals. And I just mentioned both of them :-). Yea I know everyone is hoping Bron turns it up exponentially and goes off in the playoffs but right now who else on that team scares you
In the West, I think Utah's inexperience will do them in by the 2nd round but yo that team is straight slept on. They got a frontline from hell (Okur, Booze, AK-47, although he's playing down this yr), great PG play and some nice veterans. Their biggest hole is the SG position and that will prbly stop them from really advancing
Da Realist:
half the chokes in history has involved the "underdog" choking. up 2 games to none with 2 games on your home floor? c'mon... can you say "rose-colored glasses"?
Gangsta D:
They were an 8 seed! The reason they were an 8 seed is because they weren't very good. New York choked that year. Seattle choked the next year. Sedale Threat was the leader of that team. Yes, THE Sedale Threat. Obviously, we should've swept the Suns.
Da Realist:
ok, ok.. calm down. wouldn't colin cowherd call you myopic right about now? i see that STILL pains you. :-)
anyway, here's the sun's perspective Read more!
Crazy Ass Cane Fans
Gangsta D:
My wife and I are expecting as well. July 25 actually. He is a my predicament. My wife really likes the name Noel but wants to pronounce it NOLE. So dude on her favorite show Felicity hasd this name. I obviously have been 100% against this name for it goes against everything that I believe in. She keeps asking for a reason why I dont want the name. When i tell her about FSU, she thinks its stupid. I need help.
Posted by: jimmy | March 22, 2007 at 13:16
This is the kind of thing I was talking about yesterday. Craziness....
Da Realist:
that's the funniest thing i read today. where did you get this? a canes board? this sounds like something from gatorbait. :-)
Waldini:
That is straight up retarded....is it really that deep GANGSTA?
Gangsta D:
Sun-sentinal hurricanes blog. That's nothing. I'm a diehard 'Cane fan, but these dudes take it WAY too seriously sometimes.
Waldini:
That would be like 'Toya wanting to name our son Howard and me saying HELL NAW
[note: Mrs. Waldini went to Howard University]
Gangsta D:
So I guess M. Bison Waldo was out of the question huh? Read more!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
OJ Did It! No Really, He Did...
Gangsta D:
This dude may become my favorite college player next year. At least the most entertaining. Can you imagine his press conferences? He must be Apollo Creed's illigetimate son. The balls on this dude are ridiculous. He represents "everything that's wrong with basketball." And i love it. There's room for this guy and for players the exact opposite of him. I don't want everybody to be like Tim Duncan. We need personalities and the more people off the hook the better.
Waldini:
He would have gone to an HBCU if he didnt go to USC?!??! "Starting at Center for the Morehouse Tigers, OOOOHHHHHH-JAaAAAAAAYYYYYYY MAAAAAAYYYY-OOOOOOHHHHHH"
Gangsta D:
Um, methinks not. But imagine if he did. I wonder what it would be like if the #1 recruit went to an HBCU. That would be crazy. Talk about big fish in a little pond. Read more!
This dude may become my favorite college player next year. At least the most entertaining. Can you imagine his press conferences? He must be Apollo Creed's illigetimate son. The balls on this dude are ridiculous. He represents "everything that's wrong with basketball." And i love it. There's room for this guy and for players the exact opposite of him. I don't want everybody to be like Tim Duncan. We need personalities and the more people off the hook the better.
Waldini:
He would have gone to an HBCU if he didnt go to USC?!??! "Starting at Center for the Morehouse Tigers, OOOOHHHHHH-JAaAAAAAAYYYYYYY MAAAAAAYYYY-OOOOOOHHHHHH"
Gangsta D:
Um, methinks not. But imagine if he did. I wonder what it would be like if the #1 recruit went to an HBCU. That would be crazy. Talk about big fish in a little pond. Read more!
Jerry Buss Is A Genius!!!!
Da Realist:
this is enough to turn anyone into a laker fan.
Bonnie-Jill Laflin always stands out when she's in a crowd. As a former cheerleader, model and actress it's hard not to. On this day, however, she's standing out more than usual. There's no crowd at the Los Angeles D-Fenders-Arkansas Rimrockers NBA Developmental League game at Staples Center, where Laflin is the only person sitting in the seats behind the D-Fenders bench.
Bonnie Jill Laflin
cnnsi article
Gangsta D:
Um yeah...I'd like to institute a 2-3 match up zone on her.
Waldini:
How difficult can it be for a player to pay attention to her being serious when you look like that? I mean my 8th grade spanish teacher looked like Paula Adbul and it was HARD to pay attention during class :-)
Da Realist:
she may be smart and she may know a lot about basketball, but let's face it -- she got the job cause her family is close to jerry buss. any three of us could be an effective scout. he's not going out on a limb there. and vice president of some expansion team? she may actually know what she's doing, but she may not. who really cares in the grand scheme of things?
some girls get all the luck
Hope Springs Eternal...In The Spring
Gangsta D:
Da Realist:
you got it bad if you're keeping up with spring practice. that's just below "recruiting season". you're moving from 'die-hard' fan to 'obnoxious off-season message board posting, no-life having homer that defends the honor of the third string cornerback because he had a bad scrimmage' fan.
Miami U only has three of those. don't you be the fourth.
Gangsta D:
Yeah, like you're not praying to God Jimbo Fisher will implement some dynamite into FSU's offense this spring. You know me. If someone on my team sucks, i say they suck. Besides, I haven't posted on a message board in at least two months. I just want a healthy serving of crow to be eaten this fall, and i want Shannon to serve it.
I'm obnoxious the whole year, why single out the off-season?
Da Realist:
nah...i was just playing. but i have tuned into warchant a few times and caught myself thinking, "these people are CRAZY". trash talking in february when you don't even know the makeup of the team? or who will start at quarterback? and everybody on the board knows somebody who knows somebody that works in the athletic department. they swear they got down low secret info about who will start, who will get fired and how much money the starting wide-receiver is getting under the table.
maybe some of these people need to spend some time with their wives/families during the offseason. maybe then they won't get the cold shoulder from september to february. just a thought. :-D
Gangsta D:
I just read for the entertainment value. You have your eternal optimists and your eternal pessimists and everybody KNOWS they're right. On the sun-sentinal blog, dudes argue about gay rights, whether 300 is better than gladiator, religion, politics, etc. Before Shannon got hired, one poster demanded that if people didn't refer to him as King Dingaling, he wouldn't clue the blog in on who was getting hired. I mean seriously? But sure enough, a grip of people called him that. But he didn't have any info at all. It's always high comedy... Read more!
Graig Cooper broke free for a 60 yard TD in today's 11-on-11 workEvery spring somebody goes off and looks to be the next whoever, only to crash and burn when the season rolls around. Last year Sam Shields was supposedly unstoppable, but he only had an OK year, including a HORRRRRIBLE drop against FSU. I don't even know what to believe anymore. I'm gonna hate June and July. Is it September yet?
* The play of the day today came courtesy of freshman tailback Graig Cooper. Cooper took a pitch in 11-on-11 drills, was bottled up and then reversed field. He broke free and outran the entire defense untouched for a 60-yard touchdown.
Da Realist:
you got it bad if you're keeping up with spring practice. that's just below "recruiting season". you're moving from 'die-hard' fan to 'obnoxious off-season message board posting, no-life having homer that defends the honor of the third string cornerback because he had a bad scrimmage' fan.
Miami U only has three of those. don't you be the fourth.
Gangsta D:
Yeah, like you're not praying to God Jimbo Fisher will implement some dynamite into FSU's offense this spring. You know me. If someone on my team sucks, i say they suck. Besides, I haven't posted on a message board in at least two months. I just want a healthy serving of crow to be eaten this fall, and i want Shannon to serve it.
I'm obnoxious the whole year, why single out the off-season?
Da Realist:
nah...i was just playing. but i have tuned into warchant a few times and caught myself thinking, "these people are CRAZY". trash talking in february when you don't even know the makeup of the team? or who will start at quarterback? and everybody on the board knows somebody who knows somebody that works in the athletic department. they swear they got down low secret info about who will start, who will get fired and how much money the starting wide-receiver is getting under the table.
maybe some of these people need to spend some time with their wives/families during the offseason. maybe then they won't get the cold shoulder from september to february. just a thought. :-D
Gangsta D:
I just read for the entertainment value. You have your eternal optimists and your eternal pessimists and everybody KNOWS they're right. On the sun-sentinal blog, dudes argue about gay rights, whether 300 is better than gladiator, religion, politics, etc. Before Shannon got hired, one poster demanded that if people didn't refer to him as King Dingaling, he wouldn't clue the blog in on who was getting hired. I mean seriously? But sure enough, a grip of people called him that. But he didn't have any info at all. It's always high comedy... Read more!
Monday, March 19, 2007
The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World...
Gangsta D:
Observations:
Comments, questions, concerns?
Waldini:
Gangsta D:
The USC-Texas game was excrutiating, at least the ten mins or so I saw in the first half. DJ Augustin will be very good, but he dribbles the ball too much. I kept saying, OK on THIS trip they're gonna post up Durant and run the offense through him. Maybe they tried in the second half, but SC was up but 17 so i didn't go back and check.
Oden almost messed up a LOT of brackets. Could've been an intentional. Yet and still, if xavier hits their free throws they probably win so you can't put that one of the refs. Read more!
Observations:
- Anthony Grant (VCU's coach) is Keith Murray's brother. No one will convince me otherwise. Only thing is, Anthony has bought AND used chapstick in his life.
- Tubby Smith will get fired. I think he's a good coach, but he just can't recruit athletes like Pittino. No one on Kentucky's squad scares you. They used to have 2-3 great shooters, 2-3 great perimeter players, and a strong presence in the middle. And that was on the same team. I don't think UK has had those players in the last four years combined.
- Duke fans should look at Kentucky and realize this is them in two years, if not sooner.
- Kevin Durant is the truth. Rick Barnes wasted him. Watching the Horns play is like watching the Lakers and going, "OK, are they gonna give Kobe the ball?" I'm just saying, if you have the best player in the country, maybe you should get him the ball more often. Instead, Augustin pounds the ball for 30 seconds then either drives recklessly to the hoop or passes to A.J. Abrams who takes a contested three. Don't think Mr. Durant will have that problem next year.
- I'm new to the Gus Johnson bandwagon, but dude is ENTERTAINING. His call last year for the UCLA-'Zags game is so over the top, so egregious, so melodramatic, it's perfect. I just hate that he won't be doing any games this weekend.
- Because James Brown is doing them. I have nothing but respect for JB...when it comes to football. Announcing games...I think Terry Bradshaw wouldv'e done a better job. JB was rich...not smooth.
- Billy Packer sucks...but you already knew that.
- Jay Bilas for some reason thought it was necessary to do a Raft impersonation. I was not amused.
- My brackets are screwed, but at least UCLA and G'Town are alive. I hope UCLA learns how to shoot between now and this weekend. A 20-13 halftime score is cool for a bowl game, not a tournament game.
- How come no one calls Patrick Ewing, J.R. Ewing? It's a PERFECT nickname. Have we forgotten the 80's that quickly?
Comments, questions, concerns?
Waldini:
- Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery need to be CBS #1 announcing team. I was hooked a few yrs ago when Oregon had the Big 3 of Fred Jones, Luke Ridnour, and Luke Jackson. When they scored on a fast break, I just remember Raft screaming "The Ducks are flying Verne, oh my!" Classic....
- They didnt show the USC-TExas game (UK-Kan was on) but I saw the score. Wow, I had UT doing big things but oh well...
- Man, Ohio St almost singlehandley destroyed my brackets
- Tell me you had Tenn advancing this far :-)
- Tubby shouldnt be fired. He's gotten UK in the tournament every year. For all the greatness Pitino brough to UK, he won 1 title as their coach. Yea, I know folks say Smith won a title with Pitino's recruits but that team still had no business winning it all (Jeff Sheppard was the tourney MVP).
Gangsta D:
The USC-Texas game was excrutiating, at least the ten mins or so I saw in the first half. DJ Augustin will be very good, but he dribbles the ball too much. I kept saying, OK on THIS trip they're gonna post up Durant and run the offense through him. Maybe they tried in the second half, but SC was up but 17 so i didn't go back and check.
Oden almost messed up a LOT of brackets. Could've been an intentional. Yet and still, if xavier hits their free throws they probably win so you can't put that one of the refs. Read more!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ahh Yeah, Fresh Meat
Waldini:
Five good reasons you should watch Sage Steele on Sportscenter
1. She's black
2. She's only the 2nd black woman since Robin Roberts to be on there
3. She's articulate OR she speaks so well, she's so well spoken
4. She's decent eye candy
5. She has a stripper/porn movie sounding type name (SAGE STEELE). Think about it....
Gangsta D:
So that's her name. I saw like three seconds of her before they went to commercial break and almost pissed in my pants. Black chick?!? Might be cute?!? No doubt. I still think Cindy Brunson is tight. A little thin, but cute. Oh yeah, Sage Steele may be the best name for a chick ever... Read more!
Five good reasons you should watch Sage Steele on Sportscenter
1. She's black
2. She's only the 2nd black woman since Robin Roberts to be on there
3. She's articulate OR she speaks so well, she's so well spoken
4. She's decent eye candy
5. She has a stripper/porn movie sounding type name (SAGE STEELE). Think about it....
Gangsta D:
So that's her name. I saw like three seconds of her before they went to commercial break and almost pissed in my pants. Black chick?!? Might be cute?!? No doubt. I still think Cindy Brunson is tight. A little thin, but cute. Oh yeah, Sage Steele may be the best name for a chick ever... Read more!
High Octane
Da Realist:
this was a DAMN good game. steve nash won his 3rd straight mvp tonight.
Gangsta D:
Wait a minute! You WATCHED a regular season game? AND, you say it was a good game? Who are you? What have you done with my friend?
Da Realist:
very funny. ha ha. i'm actually as shocked as you are. i was casually watching when i saw phoenix storm out to a 14 point lead before halftime. i worked on some reports a little bit on my work laptop (thanks sean for helping out with the wireless router). i came back and DALLAS is up 14 in the third! WTF? i thought phoenix must have completely collapsed. worked some more. watched a little tv with athena. came back and now phoenix has somehow tied the game near the end of the 4th.
ok. now i'm hooked. i gotta find out what in the hell is going on. the two overtimes were great. i actually felt like a basketball fan again. i missed that tj...
Waldini:
Realist and I must have swapped minds last night cuz I watched bits and pieces. The last thing I saw was Dallas leading either late in the 3rd or early in the 4th, then I decided this was boring. Flipped over to A&E to watched edited Sopranos. How you like those apples Wil-bon?
Da Realist:
even charlie rosen was impressed.
i have just one request -- home team wears white, road team wears colors. please. i'm glad we didn't have all this gimmick stuff when my boy was playing.
Waldini:
Yea Charlie is hard to impress but he's in love with Nash :-)
I know one thing. Dirk Diggler better have his act 2gether if he wants to avoid be called the new Mailman. I would think that after the person that just took a title from you called out, you'd be fuming and take it out on ALL teams you played. Based on what I heard via sportstalk this morning and read in the paper, Dirk faded again....
Not a good sign if you are a Mavs fan
Gangsta D:
You can't gag at the free throw line at the end of games. Sure it happens to the best of them, but when you're trying to get into that upper echelon there's little room for error. You wanna be considered Top 3, you gotta perform when the heat is on. And shave that beard while you're at it!
Waldini:
And stop listening to David Hasselhoff during pre-game warmups
Da Realist:
and y'all say I'M hard to impress. my man gets called out even though he had 30 16 and 6.
but anytime old ass jerry stackhouse scores more than you in a big game... he has no quickness left at all. i guess that says something about phoenix too, though.
Waldini:
He shoulda had 32 :-)
The overall numbers are indeed impressive but we all know we have to look deeper than that. Shoot look at last year's finals. Dirk had 26 going into the 4th quarter of game 6. You know how many he finished with? Try 28. You scored 2 points as the go-to-guy/unquestioned leader of the team with your season the line.
If that isnt coming up short when it matters, I dont know what else is.... Read more!
this was a DAMN good game. steve nash won his 3rd straight mvp tonight.
Gangsta D:
Wait a minute! You WATCHED a regular season game? AND, you say it was a good game? Who are you? What have you done with my friend?
Da Realist:
very funny. ha ha. i'm actually as shocked as you are. i was casually watching when i saw phoenix storm out to a 14 point lead before halftime. i worked on some reports a little bit on my work laptop (thanks sean for helping out with the wireless router). i came back and DALLAS is up 14 in the third! WTF? i thought phoenix must have completely collapsed. worked some more. watched a little tv with athena. came back and now phoenix has somehow tied the game near the end of the 4th.
ok. now i'm hooked. i gotta find out what in the hell is going on. the two overtimes were great. i actually felt like a basketball fan again. i missed that tj...
Waldini:
Realist and I must have swapped minds last night cuz I watched bits and pieces. The last thing I saw was Dallas leading either late in the 3rd or early in the 4th, then I decided this was boring. Flipped over to A&E to watched edited Sopranos. How you like those apples Wil-bon?
Da Realist:
even charlie rosen was impressed.
i have just one request -- home team wears white, road team wears colors. please. i'm glad we didn't have all this gimmick stuff when my boy was playing.
Waldini:
Yea Charlie is hard to impress but he's in love with Nash :-)
I know one thing. Dirk Diggler better have his act 2gether if he wants to avoid be called the new Mailman. I would think that after the person that just took a title from you called out, you'd be fuming and take it out on ALL teams you played. Based on what I heard via sportstalk this morning and read in the paper, Dirk faded again....
Not a good sign if you are a Mavs fan
Gangsta D:
You can't gag at the free throw line at the end of games. Sure it happens to the best of them, but when you're trying to get into that upper echelon there's little room for error. You wanna be considered Top 3, you gotta perform when the heat is on. And shave that beard while you're at it!
Waldini:
And stop listening to David Hasselhoff during pre-game warmups
Da Realist:
and y'all say I'M hard to impress. my man gets called out even though he had 30 16 and 6.
but anytime old ass jerry stackhouse scores more than you in a big game... he has no quickness left at all. i guess that says something about phoenix too, though.
Waldini:
He shoulda had 32 :-)
The overall numbers are indeed impressive but we all know we have to look deeper than that. Shoot look at last year's finals. Dirk had 26 going into the 4th quarter of game 6. You know how many he finished with? Try 28. You scored 2 points as the go-to-guy/unquestioned leader of the team with your season the line.
If that isnt coming up short when it matters, I dont know what else is.... Read more!
Monday, March 12, 2007
You Dirty Rat...
Da Realist:
(sniff, sniff)...I smell a rat
Gangsta D:
Hmmm...jilted lover? Jealous? Ambitious? If Pokey wasn't poking any current players, then why bring it up. Also, reports keep saying she was involved with former players. But was she involved during or after their playing time. If she's sleeping with a chick that graduated three years ago, is that still a crime?
Da Realist:
lsu is keeping VERY hush about this thing. my guess is it involves a current player or someone she dated while on the team before graduation.
either way, that sneaky rat assistant of hers snitched on her and then became a "confidante" during the crisis. probably aiming for the head coach position
Gangsta D:
That is pretty cold. That's some Soprano's type stuff there. Who is this chick, Johnny Sack? If I was Pokey, I'd be getting at a couple voodoo chicks to put roots on her. Read more!
(sniff, sniff)...I smell a rat
Gangsta D:
Hmmm...jilted lover? Jealous? Ambitious? If Pokey wasn't poking any current players, then why bring it up. Also, reports keep saying she was involved with former players. But was she involved during or after their playing time. If she's sleeping with a chick that graduated three years ago, is that still a crime?
Da Realist:
lsu is keeping VERY hush about this thing. my guess is it involves a current player or someone she dated while on the team before graduation.
either way, that sneaky rat assistant of hers snitched on her and then became a "confidante" during the crisis. probably aiming for the head coach position
Gangsta D:
That is pretty cold. That's some Soprano's type stuff there. Who is this chick, Johnny Sack? If I was Pokey, I'd be getting at a couple voodoo chicks to put roots on her. Read more!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Breathe If You Hate Duke
Da Realist:
duke in denial
Waldini:
Duke's in denial about their entire season. College bball as a whole has been down this year (no great, some good, a lot of mediocre teams in EVERY conf). Duke is suffering from what D described earlier as a lack of melanin on their team. Paulus is not the answer, McRoberts will never be Laettner Redux, and Nelson is headed for a Ewing, Duhon NBA career (in the league but not really doing much)
Dont you love the fact that they lost last night :-)?
Gangsta D:
They will continue on the decline unless they recruit more athletic players. It's as simple as that. I hate Duke. Just felt good writing that:)
Waldini:
you and me both...I think my hate was pushed over the edge when Wojo was there. Every time he was on defense, he do the old high school move and slap the floor. Effin retarded
Gangsta D:
Did you hear the announcer say how point guard at Duke was one of the most prestigious positions in sports? Are you kidding me? They've had three talented point guards in 20 years, with a bunch and I mean a BUNCH of scrubs thrown in. Wojo, Duhon, Capel, Paulus? Yes, very prestigious.
Waldini:
But what does that translate to in the pros? Even their so-called prestigious PGs (Hurley, Williams) didnt exactly tear up the league, even before their accidents. The last great guard I remember coming from Duke was Dawkins and we were in middle school.
Gangsta D:
Oh, I forgot about William Avery:) People always say that Duke players do better in college because they play within Coach K's system. OK, Dean Smith had a system. Didn't stop UNC players from shining in the league. Who on this Duke team has a squirt of piss of a chance of doing anything in the pros? McRoberts has poor man's journeyman written all over him. An unathletic whiner with limited skills, regardless of what Vitale says, will not go far in the league.
Waldini:
"I got a message for those who dont think McRoberts will be a success in the league. America, are you kidding me? This kid can FLAT out play at the next level. His passing ability and size will immediately help at least 25 teams in the NBA" - A future Dickie V comment
Gangsta D:
Didn't he say JJ Redick was gonna flat out be a star in the league? He is prone to the occasional hyperbole, and by occasional I mean every time he does a Duke game. remember when he said that Jason Williams was the second best point guard in basketball, behind only Jason Kidd. Umm, yeah Dick. If Hall Of Fame enshrinement was based on how good you can predict, Dick would flat out have no shot whatsoever to get in.
Da Realist:
the hate is overwhelming. :-D
Gangsta D:
Yet, incredibly well deserved wouldn't you say? lol
Da Realist:
i used to hate them back when they had star players that took them to the final four 3 out of every 4 years. now they got scrubs. i just don't care about them at all anymore. Read more!
duke in denial
Waldini:
Duke's in denial about their entire season. College bball as a whole has been down this year (no great, some good, a lot of mediocre teams in EVERY conf). Duke is suffering from what D described earlier as a lack of melanin on their team. Paulus is not the answer, McRoberts will never be Laettner Redux, and Nelson is headed for a Ewing, Duhon NBA career (in the league but not really doing much)
Dont you love the fact that they lost last night :-)?
Gangsta D:
They will continue on the decline unless they recruit more athletic players. It's as simple as that. I hate Duke. Just felt good writing that:)
Waldini:
you and me both...I think my hate was pushed over the edge when Wojo was there. Every time he was on defense, he do the old high school move and slap the floor. Effin retarded
Gangsta D:
Did you hear the announcer say how point guard at Duke was one of the most prestigious positions in sports? Are you kidding me? They've had three talented point guards in 20 years, with a bunch and I mean a BUNCH of scrubs thrown in. Wojo, Duhon, Capel, Paulus? Yes, very prestigious.
Waldini:
But what does that translate to in the pros? Even their so-called prestigious PGs (Hurley, Williams) didnt exactly tear up the league, even before their accidents. The last great guard I remember coming from Duke was Dawkins and we were in middle school.
Gangsta D:
Oh, I forgot about William Avery:) People always say that Duke players do better in college because they play within Coach K's system. OK, Dean Smith had a system. Didn't stop UNC players from shining in the league. Who on this Duke team has a squirt of piss of a chance of doing anything in the pros? McRoberts has poor man's journeyman written all over him. An unathletic whiner with limited skills, regardless of what Vitale says, will not go far in the league.
Waldini:
"I got a message for those who dont think McRoberts will be a success in the league. America, are you kidding me? This kid can FLAT out play at the next level. His passing ability and size will immediately help at least 25 teams in the NBA" - A future Dickie V comment
Gangsta D:
Didn't he say JJ Redick was gonna flat out be a star in the league? He is prone to the occasional hyperbole, and by occasional I mean every time he does a Duke game. remember when he said that Jason Williams was the second best point guard in basketball, behind only Jason Kidd. Umm, yeah Dick. If Hall Of Fame enshrinement was based on how good you can predict, Dick would flat out have no shot whatsoever to get in.
Da Realist:
the hate is overwhelming. :-D
Gangsta D:
Yet, incredibly well deserved wouldn't you say? lol
Da Realist:
i used to hate them back when they had star players that took them to the final four 3 out of every 4 years. now they got scrubs. i just don't care about them at all anymore. Read more!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Pretenders To The Throne?
Da Realist:
uh oh... i officially care about the nba regular season now... check this out.
BEAT DA-LLAS BEAT DA-LLAS BEAT DA-LLAS! :-)
Gangsta D:
Somebody's encroaching on his turf. Now he has to hope somebody pulls a JR Henderson on Dirk, JT, and Josh Howard...preferably in the same game. Actually, where's Juwan howard when you need him. I don't think Derek Anderson ever recovered from that shoulder:)
Waldini:
LMAO...yea he was never the same player after that 'injury'.
Realist only cares b/c they might become the 2nd team to win 70 games :-)
Da Realist:
Actually i don't care. when dallas is creeping on "6 of 8", THEN i'm in full hater mode.
And damnit, i STILL think we should have won a few more. we should have at least been in the finals in '94 if it wasn't for that horrible call on pip in game 7 against the knicks. and this was WITHOUT jordan. we definitely would have won the title that year. i also like my chances in '95. and we would have killed the '99 spurs team. don't know about the '00 lakers, cause best case scenario we would have won 9 straight titles going in. usually the weakness is complacency against a young, healthy athletic team like the 00 lakers. BUT (big ass BUT) you wouldn't have had phil jackson. that might be the difference.
We would have eventually lost, probably to one of those laker teams, but we would have as many rings as bill russell. but it wasn't meant to be. so i'll be happy with "6 of 8".
Gangsta D:
You definitely would've beaten Houston? Huh? Exactly who was gonna match up against Hakeem. You went to 7 against Ewing, and if you won it would've been by the slimmest of margins. I'm not saying the Bulls wouldn't have, but you can't say "definitely," unless you mean with Jordan.
Da Realist:
Yeah, i meant if jordan had never retired those 2 years.
Of course, i just thought of a counterpoint. those 2 years off gave him a break. they would have probably lost sooner because of burnout with all the games, traveling and complacency. so we probably wouldn't have won 9. but at least 7 or 8....
Gangsta D:
How were you gonna stop Sam I Am and Kenny The Jet? Houston in 5....WITH Jordan!!!!
Da Realist:
Now you just talking crazy.
In my view, we would have beaten houston both times to win 5 straight. there's a good chance seattle would have bitten us in the ass in 96. then we would have beaten utah (twice), san antonio, then the lakers. the run would have been over by then. the lakers would have beaten the champs in 01 and taken over the league from that point. the lakers would have still won 3 straight because they wouldn't have been as complacent in 04 and would have beaten the pistons that year.
But this is the "rose colored glasses" view of a old time bulls fan. ;-)
Waldini:
Actually D sounds like the crazy Houstonians whenever I talked about the paper years (94-95). I told one Rockets fan the Rockets were paper champions and he went ballistic (verbally) on me. Said that Mad Max owned Jordan in the regular season, no one could stop Hakeem, yada yada yada....I was like the Raptors beat the Bulls in the regular season during their record setting season. Dont remember it mattering when it counted....
Anyway, I wasnt a Bulls fan but after they beat the Suns, I said to myself, aint NOBODY effin with Jordan and crew, not while he is still in his prime. They were considered underdogs to both the Knicks and Suns that year. this was before I started realizing that when teams have that "it" factor, doesnt matter if they have homecourt or not That's why I (and D) were so confident about the Lakers. After they came back to win Game 7 in 2000, I knew it was a wrap. Mentally they obtained "it" and no one was gonna fuck with them when it mattered. It's why the 2001 Conf Semis and 2002 Conf Finals were so satisfying. I just knew they were gonna win.
Da Realist:
(sigh)... yeah, i knew it too. that's why i was hating so much. all the champions had the "it" factor except for the '99 spurs. but a title is a title. even the rockets had it for those 2 years.
Gangsta D:
I'm glad you put that caveat on at the end. I think Jordan's tires would be slowly deflating by '00. Of course I thought the '98 Lakers would beat the Bulls. i piss on you Del Harris.
BTW I was kidding about Houston. I'm not criminally insane.
Da Realist:
'00 is iffy. i could see the wheels falling off in '98. this is why i was glad he retired and hoped he stayed that way. but i know we would have beaten the '99 spurs.
Now the '00 lakers... on one hand the bulls would have been old at all the skill positions that year. the lakers young and hungry.
But WE would have had the best coach in history. you guys would have had del harris or some other retread. we may have had just enough to beat you guys in 7. and hopefully mike would have been smart enough to "leave the building" after that game.
Waldini:
Remember hombre Del was fired mid-way thru the strike season. I think Jeannie would have seduced Phil and gotten him to switch over to the dark side of the force for the '00 season. Read more!
uh oh... i officially care about the nba regular season now... check this out.
BEAT DA-LLAS BEAT DA-LLAS BEAT DA-LLAS! :-)
Gangsta D:
Somebody's encroaching on his turf. Now he has to hope somebody pulls a JR Henderson on Dirk, JT, and Josh Howard...preferably in the same game. Actually, where's Juwan howard when you need him. I don't think Derek Anderson ever recovered from that shoulder:)
Waldini:
LMAO...yea he was never the same player after that 'injury'.
Realist only cares b/c they might become the 2nd team to win 70 games :-)
Da Realist:
Actually i don't care. when dallas is creeping on "6 of 8", THEN i'm in full hater mode.
And damnit, i STILL think we should have won a few more. we should have at least been in the finals in '94 if it wasn't for that horrible call on pip in game 7 against the knicks. and this was WITHOUT jordan. we definitely would have won the title that year. i also like my chances in '95. and we would have killed the '99 spurs team. don't know about the '00 lakers, cause best case scenario we would have won 9 straight titles going in. usually the weakness is complacency against a young, healthy athletic team like the 00 lakers. BUT (big ass BUT) you wouldn't have had phil jackson. that might be the difference.
We would have eventually lost, probably to one of those laker teams, but we would have as many rings as bill russell. but it wasn't meant to be. so i'll be happy with "6 of 8".
Gangsta D:
You definitely would've beaten Houston? Huh? Exactly who was gonna match up against Hakeem. You went to 7 against Ewing, and if you won it would've been by the slimmest of margins. I'm not saying the Bulls wouldn't have, but you can't say "definitely," unless you mean with Jordan.
Da Realist:
Yeah, i meant if jordan had never retired those 2 years.
Of course, i just thought of a counterpoint. those 2 years off gave him a break. they would have probably lost sooner because of burnout with all the games, traveling and complacency. so we probably wouldn't have won 9. but at least 7 or 8....
Gangsta D:
How were you gonna stop Sam I Am and Kenny The Jet? Houston in 5....WITH Jordan!!!!
Da Realist:
Now you just talking crazy.
In my view, we would have beaten houston both times to win 5 straight. there's a good chance seattle would have bitten us in the ass in 96. then we would have beaten utah (twice), san antonio, then the lakers. the run would have been over by then. the lakers would have beaten the champs in 01 and taken over the league from that point. the lakers would have still won 3 straight because they wouldn't have been as complacent in 04 and would have beaten the pistons that year.
But this is the "rose colored glasses" view of a old time bulls fan. ;-)
Waldini:
Actually D sounds like the crazy Houstonians whenever I talked about the paper years (94-95). I told one Rockets fan the Rockets were paper champions and he went ballistic (verbally) on me. Said that Mad Max owned Jordan in the regular season, no one could stop Hakeem, yada yada yada....I was like the Raptors beat the Bulls in the regular season during their record setting season. Dont remember it mattering when it counted....
Anyway, I wasnt a Bulls fan but after they beat the Suns, I said to myself, aint NOBODY effin with Jordan and crew, not while he is still in his prime. They were considered underdogs to both the Knicks and Suns that year. this was before I started realizing that when teams have that "it" factor, doesnt matter if they have homecourt or not That's why I (and D) were so confident about the Lakers. After they came back to win Game 7 in 2000, I knew it was a wrap. Mentally they obtained "it" and no one was gonna fuck with them when it mattered. It's why the 2001 Conf Semis and 2002 Conf Finals were so satisfying. I just knew they were gonna win.
Da Realist:
(sigh)... yeah, i knew it too. that's why i was hating so much. all the champions had the "it" factor except for the '99 spurs. but a title is a title. even the rockets had it for those 2 years.
Gangsta D:
I'm glad you put that caveat on at the end. I think Jordan's tires would be slowly deflating by '00. Of course I thought the '98 Lakers would beat the Bulls. i piss on you Del Harris.
BTW I was kidding about Houston. I'm not criminally insane.
Da Realist:
'00 is iffy. i could see the wheels falling off in '98. this is why i was glad he retired and hoped he stayed that way. but i know we would have beaten the '99 spurs.
Now the '00 lakers... on one hand the bulls would have been old at all the skill positions that year. the lakers young and hungry.
But WE would have had the best coach in history. you guys would have had del harris or some other retread. we may have had just enough to beat you guys in 7. and hopefully mike would have been smart enough to "leave the building" after that game.
Waldini:
Remember hombre Del was fired mid-way thru the strike season. I think Jeannie would have seduced Phil and gotten him to switch over to the dark side of the force for the '00 season. Read more!
I Don't Respect Your Face!
Da Realist:
You were whining earlier about the duke cheap shot. what about your boy?
Gangsta D:
I take it you mean Kobe's hit on Ginobli? To me, it's akin to Reggie Miller sticking out his feet when he took jumpshots in order to get the foul. Not in the same class. Now if you mean his hit on Mike Miller last year, well that's not in the same class etiher because he was DEFINITELY trying to hurt Mike:) Got any more? I take your fu**ing bullets!!!! I take your fucking bullets!!!!
Da Realist:
Last night...before the first overtime. Watch the highlights on here
Gangsta D:
No thanks. I'm obstaining from Laker highlights for a good week or two. I don't need the headaches. I'll be back in time for the playoffs, if we make it. But sight unseen, I'm sure Kobe deserves a 5 game suspension for whatever he did...
Da Realist:
He may get suspended again. same foul as the one on ginobli. and i agree, it's the same purpose as reggie miller's "dead leg" -- to draw a foul
Gangsta D:
Great. No Kobe, Lamar, Luke, or Vlad. That should be an exciting game. At least kwame is back. Maybe he can throw a cake in the opposing center's face to catch him off guard.
Waldini:
I'm with D...I didnt even know they played last night until I peeped the scoreboard on NBA TV. Watching your highlight only made it worse. I dont know if either of you knew this but the Lakers are tied with Memphis for the worst record in the league since the All-star break.
They keep talking about how no one wants to face LA in the playoff but I'm like which laker team are you talking about. Cuz right now that team is going nowhere in the playoffs.
Da Realist:
Haven't you been watching long enough to know the regular season means nothing? absolutely nothing. just get in. every team is flawed -- even dallas. i don't believe y'all will win it all, but c'mon...there really isn't a "dominant" team out there right now. even phoenix had to struggle to beat you guys at home the other day.
Gangsta D:
If we get in and we're healthy, we can beat anyone. But six weeks is a long way away, and a lot can happen. God, is Scottie Pippen the savior?!? I'm gonna go vomit in a bucket, stare at it intently, then vomit again. Read more!
You were whining earlier about the duke cheap shot. what about your boy?
Gangsta D:
I take it you mean Kobe's hit on Ginobli? To me, it's akin to Reggie Miller sticking out his feet when he took jumpshots in order to get the foul. Not in the same class. Now if you mean his hit on Mike Miller last year, well that's not in the same class etiher because he was DEFINITELY trying to hurt Mike:) Got any more? I take your fu**ing bullets!!!! I take your fucking bullets!!!!
Da Realist:
Last night...before the first overtime. Watch the highlights on here
Gangsta D:
No thanks. I'm obstaining from Laker highlights for a good week or two. I don't need the headaches. I'll be back in time for the playoffs, if we make it. But sight unseen, I'm sure Kobe deserves a 5 game suspension for whatever he did...
Da Realist:
He may get suspended again. same foul as the one on ginobli. and i agree, it's the same purpose as reggie miller's "dead leg" -- to draw a foul
Gangsta D:
Great. No Kobe, Lamar, Luke, or Vlad. That should be an exciting game. At least kwame is back. Maybe he can throw a cake in the opposing center's face to catch him off guard.
Waldini:
I'm with D...I didnt even know they played last night until I peeped the scoreboard on NBA TV. Watching your highlight only made it worse. I dont know if either of you knew this but the Lakers are tied with Memphis for the worst record in the league since the All-star break.
They keep talking about how no one wants to face LA in the playoff but I'm like which laker team are you talking about. Cuz right now that team is going nowhere in the playoffs.
Da Realist:
Haven't you been watching long enough to know the regular season means nothing? absolutely nothing. just get in. every team is flawed -- even dallas. i don't believe y'all will win it all, but c'mon...there really isn't a "dominant" team out there right now. even phoenix had to struggle to beat you guys at home the other day.
Gangsta D:
If we get in and we're healthy, we can beat anyone. But six weeks is a long way away, and a lot can happen. God, is Scottie Pippen the savior?!? I'm gonna go vomit in a bucket, stare at it intently, then vomit again. Read more!
It's About This U...Pricks!
Da Realist:
Sounds like you got the right man . Can't believe it took this long for them to recognize him
Gangsta D:
His entire philosphy is competition. Making players uneasy about their spot. If you don't feel secure in your position, you're gonna work harder to impress the coaches. Apparently, that was missing under Coker. THAT above anything else is what made Miami great in the past. Upperclassmen pushing underclassmen to be better than them and take their spot. I think we'll be disciplined and better conditioned, but I still don't know about the offense. We got players at the skill position, but it all depends on who the trigger man is. Kyle has no pocket presence but a premiere arm. Kirby can make big plays but makes them for the other team too. We shall see though.
Waldini:
First, I'm happy that 'the u' had the guts to hire a black coach. Second, he's saying all the right things right now and for your sake gangsta I hope that translates into Ws on the field. I think the real key will be how good of a recruiter he is. Butch davis was an excellent recruiter. Coker was okay but not great.
Gangsta D:
I think he will be fine in recruiting. He went after speed this year. We got the 100m champion in texas and miss. Hopefully that translates to the field, but what we've lacked is game breakers. for some reason, Coker recruited 230-240 pound running backs. I guess cause he coached in the Big 10 and Big 12. But that's not Miami football. We haven't had a game breaking back in 4 years. We got speed now, just hope Patrick Nix knows how to use it. Read more!
Sounds like you got the right man . Can't believe it took this long for them to recognize him
Gangsta D:
His entire philosphy is competition. Making players uneasy about their spot. If you don't feel secure in your position, you're gonna work harder to impress the coaches. Apparently, that was missing under Coker. THAT above anything else is what made Miami great in the past. Upperclassmen pushing underclassmen to be better than them and take their spot. I think we'll be disciplined and better conditioned, but I still don't know about the offense. We got players at the skill position, but it all depends on who the trigger man is. Kyle has no pocket presence but a premiere arm. Kirby can make big plays but makes them for the other team too. We shall see though.
Waldini:
First, I'm happy that 'the u' had the guts to hire a black coach. Second, he's saying all the right things right now and for your sake gangsta I hope that translates into Ws on the field. I think the real key will be how good of a recruiter he is. Butch davis was an excellent recruiter. Coker was okay but not great.
Gangsta D:
I think he will be fine in recruiting. He went after speed this year. We got the 100m champion in texas and miss. Hopefully that translates to the field, but what we've lacked is game breakers. for some reason, Coker recruited 230-240 pound running backs. I guess cause he coached in the Big 10 and Big 12. But that's not Miami football. We haven't had a game breaking back in 4 years. We got speed now, just hope Patrick Nix knows how to use it. Read more!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Tuesday Afternoon Movie Club
Da Realist:
I don't know if y'all are into these kind of films but i gotta recommend "letters from iwo jima". it's based on the world war 2 battle of iwo jima from the japanese perspective. it's an EXCELLENT film. it's hard hitting and makes you think about things in a way different than just your perspective.
And this is late, but if you haven't already seen "The Pianist", please do. it's based on a true story. it's about the holocaust told from the perspective of a Pol.
I'm kind of a world war 2 buff so this stuff interests me. but you don't have to be into the subject to realize they are two really good movies. rent 'pianist' and go see 'letters from iwo jima' at the theatre.
Waldini:
Now I remember when one G told a young buck that when you have the baby forget going anywhere for at least the first 6 months and possibly the year. And now this same G rubs going to the movies in my face :-)? I'll check out Pianist but Letters will wait until it hits DVD...
Question what other WWII or war movies you like? Me THin Red Line, Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon are always winners with me.
Da Realist:
'saving private ryan' was a good one. 'life is beautiful' was ok, too. of course, 'shindler's list'. i think 'the pianist' and 'letters...' hold their own, though.
and yeah, you're right about that... i keep forgetting you have a baby. ;-)
Gangsta D:
300 comes out on Friday.
THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!
Read more!
I don't know if y'all are into these kind of films but i gotta recommend "letters from iwo jima". it's based on the world war 2 battle of iwo jima from the japanese perspective. it's an EXCELLENT film. it's hard hitting and makes you think about things in a way different than just your perspective.
And this is late, but if you haven't already seen "The Pianist", please do. it's based on a true story. it's about the holocaust told from the perspective of a Pol.
I'm kind of a world war 2 buff so this stuff interests me. but you don't have to be into the subject to realize they are two really good movies. rent 'pianist' and go see 'letters from iwo jima' at the theatre.
Waldini:
Now I remember when one G told a young buck that when you have the baby forget going anywhere for at least the first 6 months and possibly the year. And now this same G rubs going to the movies in my face :-)? I'll check out Pianist but Letters will wait until it hits DVD...
Question what other WWII or war movies you like? Me THin Red Line, Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon are always winners with me.
Da Realist:
'saving private ryan' was a good one. 'life is beautiful' was ok, too. of course, 'shindler's list'. i think 'the pianist' and 'letters...' hold their own, though.
and yeah, you're right about that... i keep forgetting you have a baby. ;-)
Gangsta D:
300 comes out on Friday.
THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!
Read more!
Oh Ron...Why Did You Do That Thing?
Da Realist:
I remember this guy from somewhere. i think he comes on ESPN during baseball season. Isn't this a death knell for a writer's career?
Waldini:
You would think but this is the Boston Globe you are talking about. Remember when Bob Ryan made his not so kind remarks about Jason Kidd's soon to be ex-wife. He got a slap on the wrist, similar to Ron Borges. Do you realize how fast 2 months go by? Sheesh they even end it by saying they are not angry about it??? WTF, so I guess making up stories is ok....
God Bless America
Da Realist:
Regarding bob ryan's remarks about joumana kidd...
What does chris rock say? i'm not saying i condone it, but i understand why he said it :-)
Waldini:
LMAO...yea in hindsight we say that now. But back then black folks were ready to unite like Voltron and light up Ryan
Gangsta D:
If we can just get Ventre and Celizic to plagiarize, the world will be a better place:) Read more!
I remember this guy from somewhere. i think he comes on ESPN during baseball season. Isn't this a death knell for a writer's career?
Waldini:
You would think but this is the Boston Globe you are talking about. Remember when Bob Ryan made his not so kind remarks about Jason Kidd's soon to be ex-wife. He got a slap on the wrist, similar to Ron Borges. Do you realize how fast 2 months go by? Sheesh they even end it by saying they are not angry about it??? WTF, so I guess making up stories is ok....
God Bless America
Da Realist:
Regarding bob ryan's remarks about joumana kidd...
What does chris rock say? i'm not saying i condone it, but i understand why he said it :-)
Waldini:
LMAO...yea in hindsight we say that now. But back then black folks were ready to unite like Voltron and light up Ryan
Gangsta D:
If we can just get Ventre and Celizic to plagiarize, the world will be a better place:) Read more!
Monday, March 05, 2007
We Report...You Decide
Gangsta D:
Is Acie Law IV just Randolph Childress' little brother, or will he make an impact in the league?
Waldini:
Diff is Acie is a true PG and plays PG right now vs Childress played the 2 in college but his body really was a 1. I called it BJ Armstrongitis.
Read more!
Is Acie Law IV just Randolph Childress' little brother, or will he make an impact in the league?
Waldini:
Diff is Acie is a true PG and plays PG right now vs Childress played the 2 in college but his body really was a 1. I called it BJ Armstrongitis.
Read more!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Really Mike? You Wanna Rumph With Chuck?
Waldini:
From Sports Illustrated
8. Mike D'Antoni
The affable Suns coach has been a little defensive all season in answering critics who have questioned whether his run-and-gun offense can win a championship. But when Charles Barkley opined recently that the Suns don't utilize their bench enough, D'Antoni turned downright caustic, telling the Arizona Republic that "he wasn't sure he should take basketball advice from someone who 'choked' away championships and had his own playoff conditioning questioned."
Gangsta D:
As soon as D'Antoni gets his team to the Finals he can take shots. Until then, he may want to shut his yapper.
Waldini:
I dont know if he ever choked championships . His teams were just never good enough to get there or when they did get there the better team won. The only series I remember is Chuck on the Suns blowing series' leads to the Rockets in back to back years.
If that's the definition for choking, then Mikey needs to look in the mirror or better yet the NBA vault archives for the 2005 playoff Western Conf Finals when his team had home court advantage and lost in 5 games....
Read more!
From Sports Illustrated
8. Mike D'Antoni
The affable Suns coach has been a little defensive all season in answering critics who have questioned whether his run-and-gun offense can win a championship. But when Charles Barkley opined recently that the Suns don't utilize their bench enough, D'Antoni turned downright caustic, telling the Arizona Republic that "he wasn't sure he should take basketball advice from someone who 'choked' away championships and had his own playoff conditioning questioned."
Gangsta D:
As soon as D'Antoni gets his team to the Finals he can take shots. Until then, he may want to shut his yapper.
Waldini:
I dont know if he ever choked championships . His teams were just never good enough to get there or when they did get there the better team won. The only series I remember is Chuck on the Suns blowing series' leads to the Rockets in back to back years.
If that's the definition for choking, then Mikey needs to look in the mirror or better yet the NBA vault archives for the 2005 playoff Western Conf Finals when his team had home court advantage and lost in 5 games....
Read more!
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