All-Star Weak-end?

The All-Star break was only fulfilling for kids and teams that have players in need of rest. Other than those two factors the energy of All-Star Vegas, from a television standpoint, was non-existent.

Players didn’t seem to care that they were in the building to play hoops. They didn’t seem to carry a winning attitude in the Sunday game that you can normally expect after the first quarter. What was it? Vegas.

Hopefully, David Stern doesn’t get the bright idea to move the game to Vegas permanently. The All-Star game is not only a reward for the players, but for the fans as well. If the All-Star product is watered down yearly because of player hangover it’s pointless. Sure, is should be something that the players can enjoy. Sure, playing in Minnesota is a lot less appealing than Vegas. But, if the players are looking for stimulation overload during the All-Star break it should be moved to late June.

Now that I’ve ranted about what could be inevitable I’ll recap the weekend that was. There are so many ways that one could explain the Saturday festivities: Fun; unpredictable; disco fever; gay?

Shaquille O’Timberlake

Shaq diesel brought sexy back when he decided to break dance for the fans on Saturday. The 7’1” center caught dance fever during a Saturday practice session. It started with Shaq and LeBron James having a dance off and ended up with Shaq on the ground doing the Worm.

It was fairly entertaining. Not sure how Pat Riley felt about his big man banging his aging knees on the ground just to get a few giggles. But, Shaq was much more a part of the All-Star festivities…we’ll get to that later.

Drills for Skills

The Skills competition is a pointless venture. Having players run an obstacle course that resembles the layout at the National Canine Agility Championships. None of the participants seemed particularly thrilled to compete.

I’m not saying that they have to be bubbling with joy to run, shoot, and pass down the length of the court. Not even. The least they could do is run, shoot, and pass effectively. Let’s make it fun. The skills competition was no better than NHL all-stars breaking plates in the goalie’s net.

Gilbert’s Fizzle/Jason’s Sizzle

I have to admit that Gilbert Arenas had me fooled. After a first round score of 23 in the Three Point Shootout I thought that he was going to run away with the competition. Not so, as he fizzled out to the tune of just 17 in the final round.

Jason Kapono (Miami Heat) was the standout in the competition. Not only did he win he one upped Agent Zero with a final round record tying 24, hitting 16 of his final 18 shots. That’s what any fan of the NBA would have expected from last night. Kapono averages an eye-popping 55 percent from three this season. He’s no pushover. Him along with the addition of Eddie Jones is what could propel Miami through the second half of the season.

Bootin’ Newton

Wayne Newton sounded terrible. Not to mention, Brian Corson (producer of the John Riggins Show on the new Triple X ESPN Radio) tells me that it was a great introduction to the big game. I can’t figure out which was worst, Newton’s vocal struggle or Toni Braxton’s voice depth. It was disturbing.

All I could think during the introductions was, “Please God let Mars Attack!”

Not Quite Jumping

The Slam Dunk competition was very unfulfilling. Players haven’t lost the creativity they’ve lost the flash. The showmanship that the slam dunk competition had is no longer a factor. The compelling names have left the competition and differ to 5’9” Nate Robinson.

Where was Josh Smith? He would have been a much better finals contestant against Gerald Green. Instead I’m stuck watching the vertically challenged attempt a routine dunk for someone 6’ or taller.

Michael Jordan threw a damper on the party as well. Instead of giving props to what it was, trying to aid the NBA in boosting a bad product, he consistently gave lower scores than anyone else on the judges table. Michael told TNT’s Cheryl Miller that scores would be tougher from him and Dr. J because of the amazing things they were able to do. What?

The dunks that guys do now are far better than anything that Jordan pulled off. The only thing that lacked was star power and energy. Athletically, dunkers like Dwight Howard should be commended for nearly touching the top of the backboard, applying a sticker, and measuring the height. That’s funny, that’s cool, that’s what the NBA dunk contest is all about.

Word to Michael: You’re old. Kobe, LeBron, and D. Wade run the league. The last thing you need is to be seen as a grumpy old man. You need to be front and center, beyond doubt, the nicest person that people can expect to see. The younger generation of the world never saw your greatness. My generation, 23 and under, barely caught the Finals MVP’s, the 30 points per game, and the six NBA titles. Your life is nearing the stage of irrelevance. If it wasn’t for parents and older brothers pushing your agenda, kids, probably wouldn’t want your shoes anymore. Lighten up, because to younger world you are looking more and more like a bitter has-been.

NBA = Not Bigoted Association

David Stern has to be proud of the repeated displays of Amaechi.

It started with Hall of Famer Charles Barkley kissing referring legend Dick Bavetta on the lips Saturday. Apparently, the two were overcome with emotion after a race for charity during the evening skills exhibitions. They embraced, following the television interviews, and kissed. It was strange, it was awkward, and now Tim Hardaway is forced to hate a legend.

Shaquille O’Neal was the second to dive head first into the world of the comfortably sexual. O’Neal got a rim rattling dunk in the first quarter of the All-Star game. Upon completion of the dunk he stared at Tracy McGrady before grabbing his head and planting a kiss on the side of his face. It wasn’t like Baveta-Barkley, it was funny.

The situation was far less noticeable when Shaq did it. It was on a huge stage, very visible, but blended in with the flow of entertainment. Baveta-Barkley broke stride. It was misplaced and ill-served.

I’m not bashing all things gay so chill out before you send me a nasty, “You’re homophobic” comment. It’s nothing like that. I just think that with everything that has happened over the past week or so an open male-on-male kiss wasn’t necessary.

Plain and simple. Shaq was funny, Baveta-Barkley made me feel funny.

Wrap-Up

Kobe Bryant is hands down the best baller in the NBA. If not evident in his 31 points, six rebounds, six assists, and six steals then you could see it in the fact that he just looks flat better than everybody he’s playing with. Kobe stood out and good for him. For the past couple of years Kobe has fallen on tough times both professionally and personally. But, just like a true survivor he bounced back. He’s making people forget that he’s human again and touching a level of invincibility. He’s getting back the endorsement deals, respect, and recognition he deserves.

David Stern should be happy with the All-Star Vegas theme. It went off without a single player getting in trouble. In a place nicknamed Sin City that is a major success. Like I said, I don’t want the All-Star game to be held in Vegas yearly. Mostly because I don’t like the watered down effect that happens as a result of late night Craps, but also because I’m concerned about Charles Barkley tip-toeing the poverty line.

It was, by all standards, a success. Hopefully, if the NBA does decide to call Vegas there All-Star home, I can get an all expense paid trip to party on the dime of Triple X ESPN Radio.

All-Star Saturday

Just a tease....

The All-Star Saturday recap coming up after tonights All-Star Game.

Viva Las Vegas!

The one thing that we have to remember is that the All-Star weekend is an exhibition. It’s a time for everyone to showcase their talents with limited resistance.

Last night’s Rookie-Sophomore Challenge showed off the leagues most promising young talent. It also showed the world that last years draft class had some gems, big time gems!

The Sophomores walked away with a 155-114 win over the rookies. Second year forward David Lee (New York Knicks) was this years MVP. Why?

14-14 shooting for 30 points and 11 rebounds. 14-14? This kid is electric. Isaiah Thomas got a steal with the 30th pick in the 2005 draft. Lee is aggressive, active, and he is extremely alert. Not to mention, he’s beefed up significantly since leaving school and the way he’s playing now makes you wonder why he didn’t win Florida a National Championship. By the way, Lee has the leagues highest field goal percentage and averages 11 points, 10 rebounds in under 30 minutes a game.

Impressive.

Another impressive Sophomore was point guard Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets). Paul, the reigning NBA rookie of the year, had 16 points, 17 assists, and nine steals. If not for an early season injury Paul would have been a participant in Sunday’s All-Star game. Paul averages 17 points and 8 assists a game. Without him the Hornets don’t have much to speak of and his celebrity in that city is a dynamite combination with N.O. Saints running back Reggie Bush.

All in all last night was a good opening night to the All-Star festivities. One day soon I’ll be in the Celebrity All-Star game along side Nelly and Carrot Top. They need to show the Wizard’s Wednesday man some love!

Tonight is when the true fun begins though. Tonight is when we’ll see just how much Vegas can offer to the NBA All-Star experience. The Three Point Shootout, featuring Wizards Guard Gilbert Arenas, should be an interesting display. The Shooting Stars Challenge became sexy with retired legend Scottie Pippen representing the Bulls. Especially, since news dropped this week that he is contemplating a return to the game.

My only problem with tonight is the Slam Dunk Competition. There aren’t any highlight names on the docket unless you count 2006 champ Nate Robinson. But he’s 5’8”! This Slam Dunk contest is watered down because the stars don’t come out to play. They shun this event more and more because it’s hard to be a creative dunker.

The stars align in the skills competition. Kobe Bryant, D. Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Paul. Minus Paul that would be one hell of a Slam Dunk competition.

Wisdom vs. Wizdumb

The Spur of Greatness

The Spurs are mad old, but, with age comes wisdom.

(Sorry, side bar. During Wizards games they have a wide variety of acts during timeouts and halftime. As I sat during the second half of the Spurs-Wizards a high school dance group runs onto the floor during a timeout. Some over-zealous teenage boy decides it would be cute to all the little girlies in the building if he did some flips as his introduction. Good idea, poor execution. As he flipped past mid-court he over estimated his available space and landed his last one on top of the scorers table. Not cool. Paris Hilton would say, “That’s not hot.”)

Back to Spurs wisdom.

The Spurs have developed a winning formula over the years focused heavily on defense and Tim Duncan. It’s a formula that they have found success with since the days of David Robinson. Draft a big man and build a winner around him. Throw in an older player (i.e. Manu Ginobli and Avery Johnson – different people, same concept.)

The only problem with there system is that it is running thin. The Spurs roster averages 29 years old. That’s old, considering that Atlanta’s average age is 23 years old. They can always rest easy in the fact that Jay-Z thinks 30 is the new 20.

The Spurs remind me of pick-up games with my dad and his crew. They all had game at some point but bad knees and the onslaught of rigor mortis has made them foul happy jump shooters. Yet, in spite of all they have the nastiest jumpers you’ll ever see outside of 20 feet.

They play to there abilities. They know that Tim Duncan can’t run the up and down style that Ginobli and Tony Parker want to play. They know that Robert Horry is a second half player and Ginobli is better off the bench. They have the best team in the league year after year because there smarter than everyone else. Period!

Would the real team leader please stand up?

The Wizards recent slump has everything to do with Gilbert Arenas.

The players are tired of his antics and new found love of self. After last nights loss to Portland Arenas had nerve to blame Eddie Jordan for only dropping nine points. Apparently, focusing on defense causes you to lack offensive ability.

WHAT?

That would be like Dirk Nowitzki saying that his range went down because Avery Johnson taught him how to play in a 2-2-1 zone. Defense is a part of the game. If you’re not able to shoot jay birds on one end and keep your hands up on the other you shouldn’t be an All-star or an MVP candidate. In my mind you are struggling to be an NBA baler without those talents.

Arenas is treading a very thin line. It seems that his Zeroness is starting to, as my grandmother would say, smell his fur. Arenas is showing signs of T.O. like behavior. Ignored your entire life, shown some love, lose your damn mind!

His behavior has become a distraction to the team. He’s making a spectacle of himself. The guy starts hot and now he’s predicting points, shifting blame, and making a mockery of the one organization that believes in him. Grow up!

The world isn’t against you. It was cool to hear your rags to riches story at first. It was inspirational every time you broke a barrier and showed people that you are one of the NBA’s finest. It’s fine to start off as a zero, I did.

My problem with is the guys who finally get attention and like it too much. Act cocky, show swag, strut your stuff on and the court. All of that is perfectly fine. But realize that some young star is out there, just like you were, waiting to get there shine. How can they do that if you’re casting a shadow over the only available light? Time too tap the roots and remember where you came from.

Thursday

Should Melo be an All-star? And since when did D-Wade become the leader of the rat pack (anything to blog on the current champs)?

The difference between Wisdom and Wizdumb

The Spur of Greatness

The Spurs are mad old, but, with age comes wisdom.

(Sorry, side bar. During Wizards games they have a wide variety of acts during timeouts and halftime. As I sat during the second half of the Spurs-Wizards a high school dance group runs onto the floor during a timeout. Some over-zealous teenage boy decides it would be cute to all the little girlies in the building if he did some flips as his introduction. Good idea, poor execution. As he flipped past mid-court he over estimated his available space and landed his last one on top of the scorers table. Not cool. Paris Hilton would say, “That’s not hot.”)

Back to Spurs wisdom.

The Spurs have developed a winning formula over the years focused heavily on defense and Tim Duncan. It’s a formula that they have found success with since the days of David Robinson. Draft a big man and build a winner around him. Throw in an older player (i.e. Manu Ginobli and Avery Johnson – different people, same concept.)

The only problem with there system is that it is running thin. The Spurs roster averages 29 years old. That’s old, considering that Atlanta’s average age is 23 years old. They can always rest easy in the fact that Jay-Z thinks 30 is the new 20.

The Spurs remind me of pick-up games with my dad and his crew. They all had game at some point but bad knees and the onslaught of rigor mortis has made them foul happy jump shooters. Yet, in spite of all they have the nastiest jumpers you’ll ever see outside of 20 feet.

They play to there abilities. They know that Tim Duncan can’t run the up and down style that Ginobli and Tony Parker want to play. They know that Robert Horry is a second half player and Ginobli is better off the bench. They have the best team in the league year after year because there smarter than everyone else. Period!

Would the real team leader please stand up?

The Wizards recent slump has everything to do with Gilbert Arenas.

The players are tired of his antics and new found love of self. After last nights loss to Portland Arenas had nerve to blame Eddie Jordan for only dropping nine points. Apparently, focusing on defense causes you to lack offensive ability.

WHAT?

That would be like Dirk Nowitzki saying that his range went down because Avery Johnson taught him how to play in a 2-2-1 zone. Defense is a part of the game. If you’re not able to shoot jay birds on one end and keep your hands up on the other you shouldn’t be an All-star or an MVP candidate. In my mind you are struggling to be an NBA baler without those talents.

Arenas is treading a very thin line. It seems that his Zeroness is starting to, as my grandmother would say, smell his fur. Arenas is showing signs of T.O. like behavior. Ignored your entire life, shown some love, lose your damn mind!

His behavior has become a distraction to the team. He’s making a spectacle of himself. The guy starts hot and now he’s predicting points, shifting blame, and making a mockery of the one organization that believes in him. Grow up!

The world isn’t against you. It was cool to hear your rags to riches story at first. It was inspirational every time you broke a barrier and showed people that you are one of the NBA’s finest. It’s fine to start off as a zero, I did.

My problem with is the guys who finally get attention and like it too much. Act cocky, show swag, strut your stuff on and the court. All of that is perfectly fine. But realize that some young star is out there, just like you were, waiting to get there shine. How can they do that if you’re casting a shadow over the only available light? Time too tap the roots and remember where you came from.

Tomorrow

Should Melo be an All-star? And since when did D-Wade become the leader of the rat pack (anything to blog on the current champs)?

Shine on this

The Suns have pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes. They’ve crept under the radar in one instance most people purposely overlook. The Suns are winning because of one major factor, and popular belief says they don’t have this tendency on their team. Are you watching? If you were, you would notice the Suns play defense.

We associate defense with a slow, methodical, one-on-one tango performed by very cerebral and often times offensively incapable players. Not so. Defense isn’t always played out like the San Antonio Spurs approach, which causes your eyes to split from the pupil out of boredom. What the Suns do may not be the best model of defense, but they’re able to win ball games doing it.

The Suns are the NBA’s 11th best rebounding team. This stat jumps out because 11th is higher than Dwight Howard and Orlando, Tim Duncan and San Antonio and Elton Brand and the L.A. Clippers. All three teams are considered good, if not great, rebounding and defensive teams.

Rebounding is what jump starts the Suns’ offensive break. Couple that with their high rate of well-timed steals and you have the recipe for Suns D. Actually, this team is almost an exact replica of the Washington Wizards with a few more capable shooters.

The Suns have also made people believe they are a one man show. Like Arenas in Washington, Steve Nash is thought to be the first, last and middle option for success. Not so.

Nash is an amazing basketball player. We can’t take that away from him. What I can shy away from is the common cliché in pro hoops that he’s a player who “Makes his teammates better.” How does that work?

Nash isn’t doing anything to improve a player’s individual game. It’s the most disgusting implication in the NBA. The same people that say the Suns players would be nothing without Nash are the same people that argue Scottie Pippen wouldn’t be a top 50 player without Michael Jordan. That’s bogus! If we’re counting it that way, let’s say Jordan wouldn’t be a six-time NBA champion without Pippen.

Nash takes what his system gives him. He makes the most of the opportunities afforded to him. As do his teammates. He isn’t the one that made Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa great shooters. He has nothing to do Shawn Marion’s flick shot or the explosive post play of Amare Stoudemire. Those players aren’t at the highest level of basketball because Steve Nash got them there. They’re players!

Don’t get caught up in the pageantry of one’s talents and jump off the bridge. Admire and evaluate so that you can be an informed NBA follower. Trust me. If Nash was passing the ball to guys that couldn’t hit jumpers and lay-ups we wouldn’t consider him an MVP. He would be what Allen Iverson was in Philly – another great player that doesn’t have the supporting cast.
Point guards don’t make their teammates great. They, if great themselves, provide an avenue for others to showcase their talents.

With all that said it remains to be seen just how far the Suns will go. A lot of people are twisting ankles and tearing ACLs for a chance to jump on the Phoenix bandwagon. As it stands, the Dallas Mavericks are still the reigning champs of the Western Conference. Furthermore, if you study the records, Dallas is two games ahead of Phoenix at 39-9 overall.

My advice, you might want to wear a knee brace and helmet before jumping at the next train out.

And one time...at a Wizards game...

As I sat and watched the Wizards trail 70-58 in the third quarter to Seattle, I asked myself a simple question: What’s wrong?

Is this team really suffering because of Antawn Jamison’s absence? Do they really need Jamison to win or is this team just coasting?

I choose the latter.

Eddie Jordan, in so many words, said just that after the loss to the Lakers. “We’re just proving people’s point when we don’t play well without Antawn,” Jordan said on Saturday. “I know we can do it, we just need to do it.”

Amen, brother.

Washington has the potential to beat every team on any given night. Losing Antawn only takes away the defensive rebounding numbers he provides. In that sense Jamison is a luxury, making up for the inefficiency at the center position. It’s his eight or nine rebounds a game the Wizards are hurting for the most, not his points. They have others to fill that void.

Jamison also provides the Wizards with a legitimate veteran leader. He is a quiet, yet effective, voice as the team captain. But that means nothing.

The Wizards have a veteran, playoff-weathered ball team. Lack of leadership translates into lack of effort in my book. There is no excuse for the Wizards to play bad basketball unless they’ve become complacent with where they stand.

The selection of three All-Stars, including head coach Eddie Jordan, may have started this recent trend. Plus, the Wizards are leading the Eastern Conference. Not to mention that they’re playing four home games against Western Conference opponents before the break. That can’t hurt there standings.

The Wizards need to develop a killer instinct, consistently. Furthermore, the bench players need to realize they have a golden opportunity to steal face time without Jamison in the lineup.

If the Wizards can’t win without a full set they aren’t ready to contend for a championship. It’s what San Antonio has, what Chicago had in the ’90s and what the Patriots have in the NFL. No matter the circumstances, no matter the opponent, those championship teams play(ed) consistently every time out. Those are teams that understand greatness is a full-time gig.

Washington can’t depend on Gilbert to drop 40 points every night. It’s a situation where you hope for the best and play for the rest. Championships are earned by teams, not individuals.

Injury Update

Darius Songaila is back but don’t expect too much. If Songaila began playing three weeks ago, he would be able to occupy the void left by Jamison. But with only two games under his belt, by the time he gets acclimated to the system Jamison will be back on the court.

This doesn’t mean Songaila won’t be useful. He just isn’t useful right now.

P.S.

The team must have heard my cries. With 2:26 left in the fourth quarter, the Wizards now lead 113-101. Put me in coach!


From: George Croom Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 9:20 PMTo: Ira WeintraubSubject: Wiz blog for edit

As I sit and watch the Wizards losing 70-58 in the third quarter to Seattle, I asked myself a simple question. What’s wrong?

Is this team really suffering because of Antawn Jamison’s absence? Could they really need Jamison to win? Or is this team just coasting?

I choose the latter.

Eddie Jordan, in so many words, said it after the loss to the Lakers. “We’re just proving people’s point when we don’t play well without Antwan,” Jordan said. “I know we can do it, we just need to do it.”

Amen brother.

The Wizards have the potential to beat every team on any given night. Losing Antawn only takes away the defensive rebounding numbers that he provides. In that sense Jamison is a luxury. He makes up for the inefficiency at the center position. It’s eight or nine rebounds a game that the Wizards are hurting for the most, not his points. They have other stuff for that.

Jamison also provides the Wizards with a legitimate veteran leader. He is a quiet, yet effective, voice as the team captain. But that means nothing.

The Wizards have a veteran, playoff weathered ball team. Lack of leadership translates lack of effort in my book. There is no excuse for the Wizards to play bad basketball unless they’ve become complacent with where they stand.

Three all-stars, including head coach Eddie Jordan, may have started this recent trend. Second, the Wizards are leading the Eastern Conference. Not to mention that there playing 4 home games before the break against Western Conference opponents. That can’t hurt their conference lead.

The Wizards need to develop a killer instinct, consistently. Furthermore, the bench players need to realize they have a golden opportunity to steal face time without Jamison in the lineup.

If the Wizards can’t win without a full set they aren’t ready to contend for a championship. It’s what San Antonio has, what Chicago had in the 90’s, and what the Patriots have in the NFL. No matter what the circumstances, no matter who the opponent is, they play(ed) consistently every time out. Those are teams that understand greatness is a full time gig.

The Wizards can’t depend on Gilbert to drop 40 points every night. It’s a situation where you hope for the best and play for the rest. Championships are earned by teams, not individuals.

Injury Update

Darius Songaila is back but don’t expect too much. If Songaila begun playing three weeks ago he would be able to occupy the void left by Jamison being out. With only two games under his belt, by the time he gets acclimated to the system Jamison will be back on the court.

This doesn’t mean that Songaila won’t be useful. He just isn’t useful right now.

P.S.

The team must have heard my cries. With 2:26 left in the fourth quarter they now lead 113-101. Put me in coach!

Jamison needed rest; he'll get it

Let’s not jump off of the bridge with the Wizards latest injury to Antawn Jamison. Sure, the diagnosis reported by the Washington Times of 2-8 weeks sounds dismal. But it’s not the end of the world. Plus, my sources are saying 2-4 weeks.

Even if Jamison is lost for an extended period of time don’t look for the Wizards to do much slumping. In fact, the loss of Jamison at this point in the season is ideal is some ways.

First, Eddie Jordan would be able to get valuable minutes to his second team. The Wizards have been on such a high horse that Jordan has been reluctant to upset chemistry. This has caused guard Donell Taylor and post players Andray Blatche and James Lang to see increasingly less minutes. With a lead in the East and two weeks to spare Jordan has a rare mid-season opportunity to gain maturity.

The next two weeks start out with tonight’s January closer at Toronto. Following tonight’s game the Wizards will be at home for 13 consecutive days, playing in just 4 games. Two games are against lesser opponents Seattle (17-28) and Portland (19-27). The other two are against San Antonio (32-14) and Los Angeles (27-18), two fairly decent teams.

Playing San Antonio and L.A. now is an advantage. Both teams will come to the Verizon Center heavily favored. If that’s the case then Agent 0 could have his best stretch of season. Gilbert Arenas thrives off adversity!

The on-court X-Factor won’t be the only advantage tilt. Verizon Center attendance is higher than it’s been in over 5 years. Last year the fans were like day old Ramen noodles that wouldn’t move unless the bowl was broken. It was almost like they didn’t understand the game.

This season, Arenas’ chef specials are exactly was D.C. likes. Fans aren’t just in the building for giggles and story-time anymore. The enjoy it, the feed off it, they’re loving it live!

The intensity in the Verizon Center is enough to alter ball games. The heavily biased atmosphere is also a calming agent when developing younger players.

In reality, counting the All-Star break the Wizards play just 6 games over the next 21 days. My math says that’s three weeks with few opportunities to suffer damage.

The team is evaluating Jamison today. They’ll evaluate swelling and pain before taking an MRI tomorrow morning.

Until the results come back on Saturday the Wizards won’t have an accurate timetable for Jamison’s return. It is what it is. You hope for the best and pray for the rest.

Most would figure the rest to be Arenas and company. Most would be going for the safe money. My bet is that Caron Butler will earn his All-Star spot over the next four games.