L.O. MIA in L.A.?

Da Realist:

WHOA... where have I been? You guys might let Odom slip through your fingers??? That's big shit right there. You don't win without Odom next year -- especially with Boston getting Rasheed Wallace. Kupchak better show him the money or the Lakers can kiss their chances for a repeat goodbye.

Surprised y'all haven't brought this up. Losing Odom is a bigger deal than getting Artest.

By the way...DAMN Boston! They just got Rasheed Wallace to back up Kevin Garnett. That. Is. HUGE. Neither can lead a team right now, but together? That's an old poor man's Duncan/Robinson 99 -- which might actually work in today's league. Ten years ago? Nah... But today? It might just work. Who's gonna beat them? Not Cleveland. Not Orlando. And not LA if they let Odom move to Miami.

Waldini:

You're right unfortunately. Problem is LO and his agent are playing hardball for no reason. Lakers gave Odom and initial offer of 7M a yr, 3 yrs. Obviously Odom's camp said no, wanted more money and years. Lakers kept upping the deal until the last offer of 9M, 4 yrs. Odom's people want 10M, 5 yrs. Problem is no one can give him what he wants. Heat is trying to be a player by offering 6.6M, 5 yrs but that's still less than what LA is offering.

Yep if LA does not re-sign LO, pretty hard to see them repeating, particularly with that bench.

Funny comparison on Boston. I'm actually high on Boston, Orlando, and San Antonio's offseasons. Getting Sheed is huge as he's like Shaq. Gets bored with his environment afterwhile then gets motivated when in a new potentially winning situation.

Da Realist:

LA needs Odom and Odom knows it. Wouldn't you play hardball if you were in that situation? They can't win without Odom. He's not a franchise player, he's an average 2nd option, but he's a GREAT 3rd option. What it boils down to for the Lakers is this -- how much is a potential run to the championship worth? They have a 50/50 chance to win with Odom as a 3rd option. It's much worse without him.

Odom knows this. Given the circumstances, I think the Lakers front office is the one playing hardball.

Just like Toni Kukoc. He was soft, he played no defense and he was too concerned with scoring to be a franchise player. But he was great as a 3rd option for the Bulls. And the Bulls needed him to win the last 2 titles.

Gangsta D:

How much leverage does he really have? Let's say he goes to Miami. They ain't winning the title next year. I don't care if they do get Boozer. They're not beating Boston, Orlando, or Cleveland. So, is he gonna take less money just to not make the Finals next year? That'll really show the Lakers:)

Da Realist:

True. But he's betting the house that the Lakers aren't as comfortable as they are letting on. Who's going to blink first? Odom has a ring and is now looking for 5 years of guaranteed millions. If he never wins another ring, he's probably satisfied with his career.

The Lakers want to win more and know they have only a small window with Kobe. Kobe's only 30 but he's already played 1123 total games (Michael Jordan only played 1109 total games for the Bulls). Plus all indications point to this being the last season Phil Jackson is the coach. Plus plus, they got older when they dealt Ariza for Artest.

I'd play hardball if I was Odom.

Waldini:

Interesting from Sun Sentinel

The thing about Lamar Odom is he wants to be wanted, wants to be appreciated for the unique skill set he provides. Perhaps it comes down to the unceasing recruitment he enjoyed coming out of high school. Perhaps it was the attention he received from the Heat and others before the 1999 NBA Draft. What works in the Heat's favor is the Lakers' limiting their offer to about $9 million guaranteed a season. That would mean earning $3 million less next season than Andrew Bynum, $7 million less than Pau Gasol. The frustration is understandable, considering how Odom sacrificed a starting role and statistics to help the Lakers win a championship. But at the mid-level with the Heat, it would leave Odom earning $2 million less than Mark Blount next season, about a quarter as much as Jermaine O'Neal, less than Udonis Haslem, and only nominally more than Michael Beasley or James Jones. It's still a longshot, and an issue that should be settled relatively soon. The odds and the numbers, though, certainly are not in the Heat's favor, no matter how hearty the embrace."

So would you rather earn less than Bynum or Blount? Gasol or O'Neal?

Da Realist:

As we all know...it's about male pride. We know how we get. Feed the man's ego or watch the Finals at home next year. Or get pummeled by Boston again.

Waldini:

LO's agent should ask so you want to spend the luxury tax to go fishing in May or do you want to spend the luxury tax to pop champagne in June?

Da Realist:

The tricky part is...even with Odom the Lakers aren't guaranteed anything. The Celtics could still beat them. I don't know what is (was?) wrong with Garnett but now he only has to shoulder half the load. Wallace is very good as a 3rd or 4th option and both guys can exert more energy on defense since they don't have to shoulder as much of a load offensively. They are going to make Pierce and Ray Allen look like good perimeter defenders. That's a good deal. Did Boston lose anyone? Or did they just snatch Wallace from Detroit for nothing?

Pierce, Ray Allen, Garnett, Wallace and Rondo. That's a damn good starting lineup right there. Or they could bring Wallace in to solidify the 2nd unit. Damn Ainge knows what he's doing, doesn't he? If the chemistry is right, the Lakers probably won't beat them anyway. Wallace and Garnett just nullified Gasol and Odom. Maybe moreso. And that really was the Lakers biggest advantage over everyone else -- Length.

Gangsta D:

How did Boston get younger? Sheed is older than us. Garnett is older than us. Jesus is damn sure older than us. Pierce is the same age as us. Garnett has played close to 1000 games, himself. And he's coming off of a knee injury, that we don't know the severity of. I don't see this as a slam dunk. I don't see any team as a prohibitive favorite going into next year, whether LO resigns or not. Lot of Paper Champions in the league in July. Read more!

Rogue's Gallery: The Truth, Nervy Bosses, & Classic Material

Waldini:

Good story on the evolution of Paul Pierce. Fitting b/c I've been watching most of the Bulls-Celts and he has disappeared for stretches then out of nowhere drop 3s to either win the game or send it into OT. He proclaims himself as the best player in the game but he takes too many plays off for me. Good player but best in the league....naw

I mentioned that Olowokandi was "Nigerian for Benoit Benjamin." - LMAO

Speaking of which, I'm shocked Realist has not offered ONE single opinion on this series. His new baby bulls are growing up before our eyes, playing in the best series so far of the playoffs, prbly the best one we've had in years, and yet I see him posting Defensive Player of the Year 1993 videos on YouTube. As Ren told Stimpy "WHAT"S WRONG WITH YOU MAN!"

Gangsta D:

Pierce has disappeared for stretches because, although he's our age, he plays like he's 42. He has no lift. If he'd taken better care of himself when he was younger, he'd be dominating this series.

Da Realist:

Sorry bout that. You remember what Shaq said about Stan Van Gundy? About how he gets nervous and it passes down to his team? That's me right now. My manager is Stan Van Gundy. Dude is here at 7:30 every morning and works until 6:30 every day. He works on Sundays. He never EVER takes a lunch break.

And he's constantly micromanaging. Sitting at our desks for long stretches to monitor our progress. He's a nice guy and all, but he adds so much unnecessary stress to our team because he puts too much pressure on himself. He needs to learn how to RELAX. Damn. Go live date ain't till JUNE!

Bulls looking GOOD. Celtics are wheezing, but Ray Allen is putting the team on his back. Rondo too.

I still post on youtube cause it's my way of relaxing lol. Funny story... This lil dude was telling me last night how he loves Kobe Bryant. MJ ain't shit, Kobe's better in all areas, blahblahblah. Anyway, he couldn't come up with any proof or evidence to support anything he said so then he started hating on MJ. Said he hoped Ray Allen broke that f-ing MJ record and that would wipe MJ off the playoff books and prove how inflated his stats were. Talked about how he loved Ray and couldn't imagine anyone not liking him because he was such a good guy.

Anway...so I said, Ray Allen? The same guy that criticized Kobe and said blah, blah, blah???

He said, huh? When did he say that? What was he referring to? I love Ray! I can't imagine him saying those things about Kobe.

I LOL'd. Told him to do his research before starting to debate basketball. LOL Young ass nigga.

Waldini:

LMAO. Yes please tell him Jesus Shuttlesworth is not a saint at all.

As for the series, again I'm just saying. I know no one wants to say greatest series ever b/c it's a first round series but 4 of the 6 games go in OT. 2 of those 4 OTs are either double or triple. Last night had it all. Ray Ray going OFF, Heinrich making Rondo back that ass up (which is crazy cuz Rondo isn't exactly a small dude), The Truth needing stitches in his nose, Noah turning the Truth into the Poster on that breakaway dunk, Miller painfully and slowly wheeling down the middle to tie the game in regulation, Rose's phenomenal block on Rondo to seal the game.

Shit, Chicago was NOT supposed to be here LOL. Loving this series. I'm heated b/c my mother in law is flying into town on Sat. She lands at 7pm. The game is at 6:30pm CST. I'm about an hr from the airport. why Lord why???

Da Realist:

D V R -- man's best friend lol

Waldini:

You know I hate watching taped sporting events b/c some ass is always going to screw it up for me LOL Read more!

What Kind Of Man Calls Himself "Big Baby?"

Waldini:

Alright TJ Rosen, where's your instant analysis b/c I know you watched the Celts-Lakers tonight :-)

Da Realist:

Refs were horrible.

Kobe was 10-29 and was shut down AGAIN by Paul Pierce.

Offensively, Paul Pierce looks old as dirt...and almost as slow.

The Celtics made too many turnovers.

Lakers bench played well. Ariza and somebody (I forgot his name) in particular.

Odom and Gasol put the Lakers on their back and got a win

Waldini:

I KNEW U WERE WATCHING!!

The refs were indeed horrible. The Lakers were fortunate to win with that foolishness

You are prbly thinking of Farmar or Powell b/c Sasha was horrible

No criticism of the Celtics Big 3?

The Lakers got back in the game in the 4th b/c of Kobe...and those were 3s he dropped on the Truth

Pau played well overall but a few times in the 4th and OT, he played scared (should have DUNKED on Ray Ray)

If I'm the Celtics, I'm worried that I got beat by an undermanned Laker squad that played horribly.....

Da Realist:

I don't think it's that big of a deal.  Good win for the Lakers but it's still just a regular season game.  Unless you feel confident that the Lakers will beat the Celtics in a 7 game series with Kobe regularly going 10-29.  I don't.

Even still.  I don't believe the Celtics are gonna get past Cleveland anyway.  I think we'll have Cleveland vs LAL in the Finals.  Lebron vs Kobe.

Waldini:

If he goes 13-23 like he did in the Christmas game, they will.

Actually the Lakers needed to win this. Yes it's only regular season and I know they have said publicly it's just another game. But in this new age where every media outlet constantly keeps showing highlights or full games of last season's FINALS and mentioning how soft you are, it eats at you internally. They should not be happy how they played b/c collectively they played bad d (pick and roll was killing them) and they missed too many FTs.

More importantly it's matters b/c the Lakers want homecourt throughout the entire playoffs, not just the West.

As for Cavs over Celtics, it doesn't matter to me. I expect another 7 game dramatic down to the wire series again. I tell you when Lebron gets that jumper consistently going, it will be over. He is a freak of nature

Read more!

The Church Of Bron Has Converted Another Non-Believer

Waldini:

Ok I'll admit the NBA's regular season has reverted to old form and producing one boring game after another. Last year was a Cinderella season with a lot of games must see TV. So far this year, it's been 3 teams (I still don't believe in Orlando) and everybody else chasing. So I decided to watch the Cavs-Celtics on Fri, since this was a battle of the top 2 Eastern Conf teams, the King vs the Big 3, the probable East Conf Finals matchup and all that other stuff the media hypes up.

The outcome? I didn't come out of the game going OMG I'm witnessing history. Lebron did put a beating on them boys and his defense is better. But if ESPN keeps showing the same highlight of him stopping The Truth on one play. I'm gonna scream. I will hold judgement on putting on the all defense team until I see him do it in the playoffs consistently.

As for the Cs, fuck 'em :-). The more they lose, the more I enjoy it.

Da Realist:

Lebron's the best player in the league. And he "gets" it this year. He's a factor on both ends of the floor. He's a terror on help defense and he can get to the middle against anyone, anytime he wants. He had the Celtics shook on national tv. Yes, I know the Celtics lost 6 of the previous 8 games. I know they weren't playing well. But they were INTIMIDATED.

It's just one game, but it's really not. No one is stopping him this year. The way he controls the game...I hadn't seen that from a perimeter player since Michael Jordan. And yes I know Kobe is a great player, but he did most of his damage as a premier scorer. I don't care how many defensive awards he got, he was never this much of a factor on both ends of the floor as Lebron is right now. And Kobe was never feared. Kobe beat teams, but he never intimidated them.

Lebron's game makes everyone else on his team better. First of all, he's a better rebounder, passer and defender than Kobe is -- a significantly better help defender. Plus he's more efficient. So there's that... But more importantly, the way he attacks forces teams to pay attention to him at all times. This leaves his teammates open and they're knocking down open shots or barely contested ones. Teams are too afraid to let Lebron get to the hole. Kobe, on the other hand, is mostly a jumpshooter. A spectacular one, but still a jumpshooter. Jumpshooters don't, on the whole, compromise interior defenses. So even though Kobe may score 45+ points, the best defenders are still playing throughout the game. Lebron forces interior defenders into foul trouble, making it easier for the Cavs to score and for his teammates to get more confidence.

Even when the Cavs lose, you can almost see the other team wipe their brow and exhale. Cause they know. I don't care what happens the rest of this regular season. It doesn't even matter who has homecourt advantage. Good luck to any team trying to beat that dude 4 out of 7 games in the playoffs this year.

Waldini:

I thought you didn't watch basketball anymore LOL

Da Realist:

Lebron is changing my mind. ;-) In fact, I just bought NBA League Pass. Read more!

Cornbread Was Bout It Bout It & Rowdy Rowdy

"Forget Barkley. Forget Rodman. Cedric Maxwell takes a fan OUT. What's even more amazing, Maxwell stays in the game! Can you imagine what Stern would have done with this?

Remember, this is the guy that will eventually become the 81 NBA Finals MVP LOL "

Da Realist:

Cedric Maxwell takes out a fan.

Gangsta D:

That is freaking hilarious.

Da Realist:

I would LOVE to find out what that dude said to him.  lol

Waldini:

It happened in the playoffs and no tech was called :-). Woooow, lmao....

Read more!

Rogue's Gallery: Lakers Lament & High Ticket Prices

Waldini:

I watched about a quarter and a half of theSuns-Lakersbefore falling asleep. D, that laker defense is atrocious. If itwasn'tfor the Suns missing open shots, geez a good team would have made thempay. No boxing out, missed assignments, too many gambles forsteals,they have MUCH work to do. On offense, the triangle looked fluidbut youright Kobe's shot is flat. And he's forcing too many shots. When they ran the triangle through Greatest 2nd round pick ever, it looked vintage Tex Winters.

This comment sums it up best. "Our record isgreat,"Bynum said. "[But] the way we're playing, we're not going tobeat thegood teams."

Da Realist:

The Celtics are in town tonight and I was thinking about going to the game. I hadn't been to an NBA game since MJ's last night as a Wizard. It would be good to get out of the house, right? Da Kid likes any "event" and it would be good for Da Wife and I to get out of the house. Then I saw the ticket prices. The least expensive seats in the house are $45. WHAAAT??? For the WIZARDS???

45 X 3 = 135
+
(Ticketmaster fees) 7.70 X 3 = $23.10
+
Parking or Metro = $20

They're asking me to pay $180 before I even get a hotdog. Is the Abe Pollin OUT OF HIS MIND??? The Wizards are 4-15 !

Waldini:

That is highway robbery. The mighty Celts versus a back court that just was called up from the D League...

Gangsta D:

The Lakers are officially on "Annoying the piss out of me" status. They need to get it together or Boston will destroy them on Christmas.

When we were in school, couldn't you get $15 tickets to Hawks games? Or something close? Those prices are ridiculous. Ticket prices should be on a sliding scale during the season. The better the team is, the higher the prices and so forth.

Da Realist:

I used to get $15 tickets to Hawks games as late as 2002. It was nothing to go to a Hawks game, no matter who they played. DC is ridiculous. Read more!

They Said It

Waldini:

"My teams are going to go undefeated against your teams, book it. Christmas Day, your Lakers are losing at home to my Celtics...." - The Delusional Rev Joel Thompson

Who: He's my boy from junior high and high school

Why: He had a message on Facebook saying that he was excited about the Univ of South Cack's football season and recruiting. I pinged him and said don't get too excited, Smokey's laying the smacketh down. That prompted the above response plus promising the Skins would beat the Titans in preseason (I almost choked on my spaghetti from laughter, preseason indeed).

Huh: I said the Lakers beat the celtics twice already this year :-). He said well who won the series. Touche but still technically your statement is wrong.

Anyway, just a lil humor btwn me and mister Thompson. He's been sensitive ever since I beat him at the PC version of Lakers vs Celtics (in his own house no less). So whenever his teams show some life, he's ready to talk.

Gangsta D:

I do love delusional fans. South Cack will always be South Cack. Steve Tanneyhill isn't walking through that door. As far as the C's go. We shall see. I prefer to win the game on June 15th as opposed to Dec 25th:)

Waldini:

Steve Taneyhill, wow you took it back. They should have named a street after him since he was the first QB to lead the Gamecocks to a bowl victory :-)

Gangsta D:

My boy played on that squad. I saw him a few years after he graduated and he was wearing the Bowl ring. I was like, I know you're proud but are you really wearing that in public? lol Read more!

Buddy, I Will Shoot You In The Face!

Waldini:

You know I remember this rivalry very well. I used to crack up at the Rifleman b/c after every shot he would always let Larry Legend know he hit it. I'm still mad his mama named him after Chuck Connors lol.

Chuck Person: “I don’t know if Larry remembers, but my first game in the pros was against him in Terre Haute and he said, ‘Young fella, when you come out to play, play hard every night or you’ll get embarrassed – especially by me.’

On a side note peep the comment - "Bird was a quiet assassin who generally let his actions speak for him – although he could talk trash with the best of them." Um when was Bird ever quiet?

Gangsta D:

You have to love revisionist history. Bird a "Quiet Assassin?" That's hilarious. Ask anyone from the 80's and they'll tell you that he was one of the best trash talkers of all time. You gotta love it.

I wouldn't say this was a great rivalry. But it was definitely entertaining. In basketball, there's nothing better than two guys going mano a mano in a playoff series.

Waldini:

You know last night on NBA TV, they broke out Reggie Miller's first game. That team had Rifleman, Herb Williams, Gritty Gutty Skiles, Wayman Tisdale and Miller. Later they would get Rik Smits and Detlef Schrempf. I bet whomever the GM was at the time was kicking himself for breaking this team up so soon... Read more!

Laker Fans Reaction To The Finals

That was some ole bullshit.

Read more!

Willis Reed, Clay, A Fox, A Hound, A Panda

Waldini:

I could sense Realist rolling his eyes along with me as I heard Mark Jackson, Stuart Scott, and others refer to Pierce's return to the court as shades of Willis Reed :-(

Da Realist:

DAMN you were dead on!!!

Waldini:

Sometimes you just know these things....I have to swear off watching ESPN for awhile because of that. It wasn't even Birdish (circa '91)

Gangsta D:

You're assuming that the 30 secs of the game he watched, coincided with that moment:)

Da Realist:

Sign of the apocolypse...

I watched the 2nd half of last night's game, but...

I requested the day off to watch Nadal vs Djokovic in today's semifinal at Roland Garros!

Gangsta D:

Nadal can't lose, so why bother?

Da Realist:

I'm still holding out hope...

If Djokovic can somehow extend him to 5 grueling sets...Federer may just have a chance

By the way...before i get back to the match...

If the trailers are any indication, Kung Fu Panda is going to be HILARIOUS.

Gangsta D:

You think Kung Fu Panda is gonna be hilarious?!? Can it match the adventure of "The Fox & The Hound?" This newfangled 3-D animation is bogus. It's all pixel-y, artificial, and corporate. It can't match the animation of the 80's. Those movies had heart, warmth, and passion. These new cartoons make me wanna vomit in a bucket, burn the bucket, and piss on the ashes.

Waldini:

You didn't like "The Incredibles"? That was a good movie. Not all of them are half bad. But if it makes you feel better "I'm a Fox, I'm a hoooouunnnnd dog"

Gangsta D:

You must not have got much sleep last night. You usually pick up on my sarcasm:)

Da Realist:

Thanks for jinxing the match...

Gangsta D:

Yep, totally my fault. Has nothing to do with the fact that Nadal is unbeatable on clay:) Read more!

What The Damn? Ungrateful Son Edition

Gangsta D:

I don't care how old or rich I get, I will never get out of pocket with my mom like this:)

Da Realist:

Wow. Just wow. I read his lips and I still don't believe he said that. I just don't.

Waldini:

Late in the first half, Pierce tried to wrap up James to prevent a breakaway dunk and the two of them spun into the expensive seats behind the basket, at which point James' mother, Gloria, jumped into the fray to give Pierce a piece of her mind. Even as Pierce's arms were wrapped around him, James was yelling at his mother to back away. "The commissioner doesn't care if it's your mother or your kids: You can't allow fans and players to get involved with each other," said James. "I told her to sit down in some language I shouldn't have used.
Thank god today wasn't Mothers Day."

Doesn't matter if it's Mother's Day or not, you don't curse at the woman who brought you into this world.

Same game, different subject - Celtics road woes

I keep saying this but the more and more I watch the Celtics the more vulnerable they look. They couldn't beat a sub .500 team on the road in the 1st rd, and now they are struggling with a mid-tier conference opp on the road.

We all talked about this last summer and I know one of us wasn't impressed with the Big 3 (dare I say his name, lol). They still should make the conf finals and prbly the NBA Finals but they look nothing like that team in the regular season that just awed people.

Gangsta D:

It can't be stressed enough that the major contributors have never won anything, and the coach is an underachiever. I never thought it would be a cake walk to the Finals. Thank God for home court advantage:)

BTW, this series does nothing to counterract "He who shall not be named's" contention that the current NBA sucks. I didn't watch the game, but just looking at the final score was painful enough:)

Waldini:

I thought this series would be a test for them but the Hawks. Hell naw man they should have destroyed that team.

I watched the last 3 mins and that was painful enough lol

Well it wasn't like the 94, 97 or 98 Finals brought back shades of Showtime either Read more!

Old School Friday - When Birds Attack

Realist is in the process of uploading his entire NBA Classics library to Youtube. We have our differences [Kobe MVP!!!!!] but we can both agree that the NBA in the 80's was ridiculously entertaining. Take a gander at the following clip, from the '87 ECF, that he sent us this week. The fun starts at the :45 mark.



You know what? I'm glad Stern stomped out white on white violence in the NBA. That shit had potential to get ugly. At any rate, a few observations:

1. Can you imagine Bron throwing the ball at KG after a foul like that? Yeah, me neither. Bird was a G, like Bugs Bunny.

2. Notice how Rodman acted like he wanted to get into with Bird, but then pulled back and gave him a half hearted headlock. He was probably thinking, "If I hit Bird in the face, Stern is gonna give me 25 years in the electric chair." Pulling back was a good move.

3. Surprise! Surprise! Pistons fans were throwing objects at ejected players, as they leave the court, way back in '87. Some things never change. Thank you deranged, irrational, alcoholic Piston fan. Read more!

Where Dirk Getting "Deebo'd" Happens

Waldini:

It's been a minute since I have sat down and dedicated time to watch other 1st round playoff games besides the ones my boys play in BUT this wknd produced more sizzle than fizzle.

- Wiz-Cavs - a near fight before halftime, Lebron mocking Deshawn's I can't feel my face gesture, Gilbert going OFF in the 1st qtr. This series lived up to the hype in Game 1. I can only hope it continues in the other games (and goes more than 4 or 5 games

- Suns-Spurs - double OT thriller, All Stars fouling out (STAT, Mrs Longoria), Manu Manu being clutch in the 2nd OT, Duncan Stix with the unlikely 3 in the 1st OT, Shaq accusing the Spurs of flopping. Again, same comments as above for hope (and please Pop no Hack a Shaq next time, be a man)

- Mavs-Hornets - Hornets looking like they were going to prove their critics right, Peja looking like Mr March again, Kidd looking like a triple double waiting to happen...and BAM Chris Paul goes apes*** in the 3rd. And you have the ultimate b***h move in Dirk Diggler backing down to David West in the 4th. I'm not saying he should have swung on him but geez slap his hand away

- Jazz-Rockets - the only ho-hum game of the day.

- Magic-Raps - another ho-hum game, this time Sun's kickoff

- Lakers-Nuggets - not spectacular but not ho-hum either. I mean you had a tale of two halves or really 4th qtrs, Lakers up big in the 3rd, AI getting ejected in the 4th, lots of healthy conversation (as Kobe called it).

- Sixers-Pistons - Appeared to be ho-hum (I stopped watching to play NBA Live) and I come back in the 4th and the Sixers are leading. They go on to win which makes no sense. The Pistons are supposedly serious about getting back to the Finals but someone quoted them as goofing around with Flip Murray during timeout. I'm starting to believe that 2004 title was a fluke

- Celtics-Hawks - the ho-hum series of the 1st round meaning it was over before it began

I'm telling ya Realist, the quality of the games has been good, you really need to check it out if you haven't already. You actually see games where all 5 players on offense are moving instead of standing around and watching 1 or 2 players trying to either do an iso or pick and roll play

Gangsta D:

I doubt that Detroit is in trouble, but they're not good enough to turn it on and off. If they keep playing around, they're gonna be fishing with Kenny sooner than they thought.

As far as Spurs-Suns go, I hope they go 7 games and go into OT 3-4 more times. Tire them legs out! Lol

Denver isn't beating LA, as long as Kobe STOPS TAKING BAD SHOTS! lol

Da Realist:

I saw the 2 overtimes of the suns/spurs. Nice game. Saw Ginobli waltz in for a game-winning layup and had to check my watch to make sure it's April and not December. Had a nice conversation with someone who said Ginobli is the greatest clutch performer since Larry Bird. Well, not much of a conversation...more like he said it, and I started laughing uncontrollably LOL...

Those other games...are you serious? I don't care what the Wiz do, win or lose. The mavs are soft. I don't need to see Gasol hit 15 uncontested layups while Kobe clank shots against a bad defensive team. And you said yourself the other games were ho-hum. So i didn't exactly miss anything.

Waldini:

Ginobli? since Larry Bird? Does he have cable? I'm curious what did he base his argument on? I'll give him Ginobli's a beast but greatest clutch since 33 hung them up....um

Da Realist:

Man, that young guy... I work with him and he called me yesterday spouting that garbage. 25 year old punk. lol... I don't know what he based his argument on. I didn't give him a chance to defend it. Probably never even seen Larry Bird, even on tape. lol... Read more!

Who Ya Got?: NBA Playoffs Edition (Eastern Conference)

Boston vs Atlanta

Gangsta D: If Josh Smith...if Joe Johnson...if Mike Bibby...play out of their collective minds, they might force Game 5. Otherwise it's pretty much a wrap, and this series could turn BRUTAL real quick. C's sweep.

Waldini: I'm mad you gave this a paragraph :-). Celtics in 4

Da Realist: [Both teams suck]*


Detrois vs Philly

Gangsta D: Very intriguing matchup. Philly came out of nowhere to become a decent team, while the Pistons did their usual regular season coasting. The difference now, is that they actually have a decent bench. Whether Flip uses them is a different story. I think the Pistons sleepwalk through this one, and let the 6'ers hang around a little. Detrois in 6.

Waldini: The Sixers have quietly been doing their thing for the past 3 months. I still don't think the new Philly AI is a max franchise player but he is fun to watch in the open court. They played Detroit tough in the regular season. But this is the postseason and I hope for the first time since the '04 playoffs, the Pistons actually beatdown lesser opponents like they are supposed to. Pistons in 5

Da Realist: [Neither team is worth a squirt of piss in a bucket]


Orlando vs Toronto

Gangsta D: I don't know much about either team, other than the Magic LOVE to shoot 3's and no one in the Canadian Army[do they have one?] can stop Dwight Howard. The Raps have faded down the stretch, so momentum is not on their side. Magic in 6.

Waldini: Two young stars in Howard and Bosh, very little or no playoff experience for both teams, one team has better guard play (Toronto), the other has better frontcourt play (Orlando). I would give you an X factor player but I can't name more than 6 players total on both teams. Magic in 6

Da Realist: [I'd rather clean gutters than watch these two teams]


Cavs vs Wiz

Gangsta D: Gil appears to be healthy. Bron is probably not. DeShawn has been talking smack. Bron doesn't really have to. But he will have to carry this team on his spasmodic back, which will be difficult. The Wiz have revenge in their eyes, and not a trace of fear in their hearts. The Cavs have looked horrible at times since The Trade, and will rely on Bron getting 35/10/10 to advance. He can do it, but it still may not be enough. This should be the most entertaining EC series, by far. Wiz in 7.

Waldini: Aw, the Eastern Conference 1st round series I want to see. Agent Zero and DeShawn have indeed been stirring the hornets' nest in Cle. You're right, that trade was horrible when it was announced and the past few weeks didn't change that. Sasha's their best perimeter defender and he's out until further notice. Bron's ailing back isn't helping either and he's gotta go da eff in EVERY game for Cle to win. He could prove me wrong. Wizards in 6

Da Realist: [I don't have a bag big enough to contain the amount of suck inherent in this series]

*Realist feels the NBA...lacks quality this season.

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Monday WTF

There's all kinds of WTF going on in this pic. The man who appears to be molesting Sam Cassell is the Celtics' Strength & Conditioning Coach. His name is Brian Doo, and seems awfully happy dooing whatever the fuck it is he's dooing behind Sam. I just hope Sam I Am was able to maintain his dignity afterwards.


(Hat tip:Dimemag) Read more!

Old School Wednesday - Seeds Of Hate

'84 Finals Retrospective Part I




'84 Finals Retrospective Part II




Waldini:

Man, no matter how times I watch this, I still get irritated listening to ML Carr speak :-0. Talk about a lucky person in the right place at the right time

Gangsta D:

What a punk. That dude never took his warmups off! That series was the foundation of my Celtic hate.

Da Realist:

LOL... that's funny as hell. Mostly cause it's true! He was Jack Haley before Jack Haley.

Waldini:

I didn't mind LA losing to Philly, Detroit, or Chicago. But whenever I watch that '84 series, I just heated like the series is currently happening.

Buck Foston, even if they got two homers[South Carolina] on there.

Da Realist:

2 golden moments...

1) When Cedric Maxwell called James Worthy "Small Game James"

2) After ml carr finished talking all that noise, Magic said..."ML didn't want to fight me....write that down."

classic

Gangsta D:

Of course ML didn't want none. You can't hurt a dude with a towel. Punk. Read more!

I'm 'Bout My Green Like Martian Skin

Gangsta D:

It's funny to look at old games at the Garden on ESPN Classic. There usually isn't ONE black face in the crowd. Were we denied entry? There had to be a couple black Celtics fans IN Boston, right? lol

I spent my childhood and teenage years despising the Cs with my Pops and every other black male in my life. Call it male bonding.

Waldini:

Sure there were. New Edition and probably Sean Wright[college friend] lol

Da Realist:

Yeah, Sean Wright opened my eyes a little bit. He was the first black person I know that actually liked the Celtics. Now I look back at how silly it all was. ;-) The Celts ain't all that bad. I can even watch the old games with a little admiration now.

I'm all grown up.

Gangsta D:

Well bully for you, cause I still hate 'em. There is respect, no doubt. I but still hate 'em. Quiet as kept, it's probably more because of Danny Ainge than Bird and McHale. I wanted Worthy to just pound him into anti-matter:)

Waldini:

I watched one of those 80s postseason matchups when they played the Bucks. Those Celtics were cold. But still whenever they show one of the Lakers-Celtics matchups, all admiration and respect goes out the door. Even knowing the final outcome of the game or series, I still watch the game as if it's current, rooting for Showtime to embarrass Beantown

Da Realist:

He[Ainge] was a whiny little wimp, wasn't he? a little pest.

We all know bird was great, but people forget how nasty mchale was. That boy was nasty. And i remember he was the 6th man!

Waldini:

Cornbread maxwell wasnt too shabby at the 4 just not as good as McHale.

And the media has started the comparison.

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G.O.A.T. vs Pip - The Redux

Ahh yeah, the infamous Pippen-Jordan discussion that was sparked by our good friend SML. When you get Realist going about the Bulls, that passion bubbles to the surface:)

Gangsta D:

What sayeth Senor Realist about this ode to Pippen?

I should preface this post by reminding everyone that Jordan is one of, if not the, greatest basketball players of all time, and this is not suppose to diminish his accomplishments or achievements. It's suppose to be a reminder, if anything, that great players may be great in any setting, but to become the type of star that dominates the game like Jordan did, you have to have some help. Pippen was more than just a role player, damn it. He was one of the greatest talents we'll ever see in our lives, too. But he's destined to be underappreciated.

Da Realist:

I agree with most of his points. Pippen was a great all-around player and never gets his due. jordan's star shined so brilliantly that even someone of Pippen's caliber gets lost in it sometimes.

But where we differ is "Replace Jordan with a comparable SG at the time"... there IS NO comparable sg at that time or at any time. Let's not do the opposite -- diminish Jordan to enhance Pippen. There still are 2 different roles here. It's disrespectful to call Pippen a "second banana" but it's idiotic to ignore the fact that jordan did what he did as the primary focus of the entire league every single night.

As much as Pippen allowed jordan to be jordan -- check the numbers (this from a guy that hates citing statistics) -- jordan allowed pippen to be pippen. Look at the astronomical numbers Jordan posted pre-1990 on both ends of the floor and compare them to the relatively "pedestrian" numbers he posted from that point on.

And about the notion of Jordan only winning as a second banana if there was no pippen... go back and look at tape. you tell me if you think jordan would have kept being denied year after year as the alpha dog in the nba without Pippen. He pushed the world champs to 7 games in 90 with virtually no help from Pippen. Would he have won 6 without pip? NO, but he would have won at least a couple.

Every great superstar needs help to win titles. Look at those Celtics and Lakers teams that larry and magic had the pleasure of playing with. No one denies that Magic was the man for the lakers. Sure Kareem and James worthy were big time players on that team, but they were not MAGIC. Same with the celtics. Why does everyone talk about Bird and not Mchale? Because no matter how good Mchale was, he was not Larry Bird. Even when michael cooper made larry look ordinary, it was still larry's team. joe dumars even won a finals mvp, but is there any doubt whatsoever who was the man for the pistons?

Pippen should get more due. He was a great player and one of the greatest all around players the nba has ever seen. But he was not Michael Jordan. And there is no comparable player.

Waldini:

well said Realist...

Another thing to bring up about lack of credit is people tend to remember the incidents in '94 (when he refused to go back into the game) and '99 (when he ripped Barkley before camp opened). Plus post Bulls era, he didnt help any of the teams he was on, get over the hump, or show the leadership that folks expected. I think either was unfair to Pip as in his prime, he was phenomenal. A great defensive player and basically did everything that was asked of him.


SML's response from the comments:


SML:

Hey, nice response guys!

I admit the "comparable SG" was silly; you are right, there aren't/weren't any comparable SG.

...look at the astronomical numbers jordan posted pre-1990 on both ends of the floor and compare them to the relatively "pedestrian" numbers he posted from that point on.

In Jordan's last pre-Pippen season, he averaged 37.1 ppg; in Pippen's first season Jordan's "pedestrian" number drop to 35 ppg; every other stat - rpg, apg, bpg, spg - all improved with Pippen's addition. Even the season after that - Pip's 2nd - when Pippen became a starter, Jordan's average "dipped" to 32.5 ppg, but his apg went up to a career high 8.0, and his other stats were equally as impressive. Point being Jordan's numbers weren't hurt or effected much by Pippen's presence. In fact, Jordan's FG% went up, and though he took less shots, he made about the same number of FGs. His FTA is what dipped the most, because he no longer had to post as much with Pippen down low.

he pushed the world champs to 7 games in 90 with virtually no help from pippen

True, but Pippen did even better without Jordan. He should have beat the Knicks in 94 without Jordan, and only a bad call in Game 5 sunk the Bulls against the team that always gave them the most problems (the Knicks). Believe me, that's coming from a Knicks fan... Pippen proved his value there.

It's an interesting debate, I admit that... thanks for your feedback.

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NBA Ruminations

Waldini:

I know it's early but still some of current NBA ongoings are funny as hell..

- Like Starbury going AWOL in NY. I take the rumors with a grain of salt but if they prove to be true, this is going to be some funny s***. Star not happy about being benched so he asks to stay home, 'Zeke thinking of buying out his contract, Star rebutting that he's got stuff on 'Zeke. Aww New York New York big city with dreams.

- "Me? Play. I guarantee you I should suit up. I'd play better than some of them right now. I guarantee it. I swear to God. With an old hip and 62 years old and I can't see, I'll play better than some of my guys tonight. Come on, they were pretty bad." Riles made that comment last night after the Heat were blown out by Charlotte.

- Early comparisons of this year's Celtics to the '95-96 Bulls. Why are they even going there with this one? But for kicks Rondo vs Harper (Bulls WIN), Airness vs Jesus SHuttlesworth (Bulls WIN), Migraine vs A stab victim called Pierce (Bulls WIN), Worm vs Da Kid (wash), Down Under vs Dont call me Sam Perkins (Bulls WIN). Even the bench and coaching favors the Bulls. Again why go there

But these things are funny as hell to me

Gangsta D:

The Celtics are 6-0. This isn't the NFL! They got 76 more games to go! You're talking about a team that's lead by three players who've never been to the Finals, and a coach who's never won a playoff series! Can't the media spend more time talking about OJ? Lol

The Heat are a mess, and a Dwyane Wade at 90% isn't gonna make them THAT much better. Obviously, I'm revelling in their misery. The Lakers may be mediocre, but at least we don't currently reside in a 10 gallon bag of suck.

Steph. What to say about Steph? I actually thought the Knicks had a chance to make a run at the playoffs. And maybe they still do, but they're not mentally tough enough to deal with these distractions and fight through it. It's gonna be an entertaining year in the NBA, for all the wrong reasons.

Da Realist:

Didn't see the game last night but damn, it look like y'all brought everything but the kitchen sink and a bucket of chicken to stop Tim Duncan. I know Chris Mihm didn't do that on his own.

I'm surprised at Phil. I would think the gameplan against the spurs would be the opposite -- let tim get his all game but shut down everyone else. (when has he ever scored 50 points?) Maybe that wears him down by the 4th quarter when you can bang him around a little bit.

We all know he's not the best free throw shooter. No one else will step up because they're out of sync. voilà...lakers win.

But I'm not the one with 9 rings.

Gangsta D:

It was actually back and forth for the first 20 minutes of the game. Turiaf and Kwame were beasting Duncan. Kobe had a sick block on Timmeh and Turiaf had 2 or 3. But no one could stop Parker, and they started leaving Matt Bonner(Matt Bonner?!?) and Bowen open. A 1 point Laker lead with 4 minutes to go in the half turned into a 16 point deficit. Game. Set. Match.

Waldini:

What happened was the Lakers could not stop tripping over themselves. They had 8 turnovers in the first quarter, 14 overall in the first half. The Spurs were ice cold until mid way 2nd quarter but the boys didn't capitalize. And when the Spurs got hot (well really TP, Matt bonner and Bowen) it was a wrap.

Phil threw the 3 headed monster at Tim last night and he had problems. All 3 did a pretty decent job. Kobe actually was too unselfish for most of the night. His teammates kept screwing up the easiest passes and negated his all around effort. Check the highlight reel to see his blocks on Duncan...TWICE!

Da Realist:

SIGNS OF THE APOCOLYPSE - to get beat by the likes of Bruce *@#$! Bowen Read more!

Rocket Men

Gangsta D:

What am I missing with all the Houston adulation? People seem to think they can hang with Dallas and the Spurs. Based on what exactly? McGrady has never made it out of the 1st round of the playoffs and Yao can't stay healthy long enough to help in the playoffs. Now they get Rick Adelman and he's supposed to take them to the next level?!? I don't get it. How are they supposed to be so dope?

Da Realist:

Sometimes i wonder how some of the media get designated as basketball sages. most of them know nothing about basketball. there are a few...bill simmons knows basketball (although it's skewed through a celtic lens), scoop jackson (viewed through an individualistic street ball POV), stephen a smith (ass-kisser to the stars but knows a little bit) and retired players-turned-media like charles barkley and kenny smith. most of the rest don't know squat. most of them have agendas that are thinly veiled.

I read articles predicting the celtics to win the title this year (shaking my head), portland would have contended for the title if greg oden was healthy (did he win in the ncaa?) and even how THIS is the year mcgrady and yao ming become the next shaq-and-kobe.

As far as the rockets go, mcgrady doesn't even interest me anymore. he's a waste of talent. that boy has no fire whatsoever. and yao is too stiff to be a force. rick adelman is gonna get them to the promised land? he'll lead them to the 6th seed, that's where.

Waldini:

Both of you hit it on the head. I don't know how the Rockets even enter the equation. What has Rick Adelman done besides squander good talent (see '91 Blazers, '02 Kings) when he has it. If he's so good, why did the Rockets struggle to beat a mediocre Laker team last night. McGrady lost me in Orlando. Skill wise, he had a chance to be on par with Kobe. But he's completely unmotivated to do that.

Side note: Have things gotten so bad for Stevie Franchise that he's not even part of a rotation? Consider him done.

Media wise, I bought the SI Preview and they are in love with the Celts. I stand by my claim that they will make the Eastern Conf Finals at least. I want to pull for them cuz they got two South Cack boys on their team but people are quickly turning me to the dark side on them. Let those cats win a few games and do damage in the playoffs before we anoint them.

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