A Collection Of NBA Thoughts

April 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Kellex

A not-so-loving view of the 1 and done college rule.

Albom from the Detroit Free Press wrote this blast on college, the NBA and its “one year minimum in college” policy. He is obviously not a fan of the rule and makes some very valid points. To me though, this is like that old washed up cliché or quote of “beating a dead horse.”

Enough already with the ramblings of calling it the “minor leagues” and enough with the overblown analogies and mockeries because things are not changing any time soon. We all know the rule alters the college landscape by allowing players to come to a college when everyone including the coach knows that player will leave after one year. It’s time to accept that this is the way it’s going to be for a while. (Until they raise the limit that is.)

I also don’t think that worrying about the lack of education they are receiving should be of any concern. Do we really think that big time college football players are there for the education? There is no point in laying all this blame on just college basketball when the history of bad student athletes has been with us for decades. College athletics have always been a stepping stone to show off talent before taking a chance on the big stage in hopes of receiving that big fat paycheck. Just because the NBA is forcing their players to be at least 19 doesn’t mean anything has actually changed.

Alert! We have a lack of whites in basketball!

I rarely link to a Bleacher Report because just about anyone can spam up something on there that they feel is important, but this guy actually brings up a great point. He points out that a stat from the other day announced that only 8.2% of the MLB is now black. (Somehow I managed to hear this in my non-TV-watching mode.) Sounds like a pretty low number but what really is the point here? Aren’t all sports seeing dominance by one ethnicity or another these days? Baseball is dominated by Dominican players; basketball with African-Americans; football just off the top of my mind seems to be fairly split between Caucasian and African-Americans; hockey by white crazy Canucks.

This guy is exactly right when asking about the percentage of white players in the NBA. Why don’t we hear that statistic EVER? Just browsing through my tiny little brain, I’m not sure I can name one All-Star that is white and born in the USA. (Someone please tell me on via comment.) It seems like this questions should be brought up for the minority in every sport shouldn’t it?

I could say some things right now that I’m sure some moron would find offensive and then call me a racist so I’ll spare the rest of you the ignorance that will follow, but I do want to pose a couple of questions. Why aren’t ALL the major sporting leagues looking together at the minority races in their sports? Is it time to diversify? Is a diverse league actually worth it? Does it become more competitive or lower the level of play? Should leagues just stick to accepting the “best” players and not care?

Leaving Magic and Bird off of an all-time NBA list?

Amazing short article here that you must read! I love comparisons with today’s game to that of the past. This brings out the “NBA purests” that usually end up sounding like the grouchy old men that will all figured they were.

This guy admits that until the last year or so there was a solid team of 5-7 guys that we all had penciled in as being the greatest at their positions and would easily make up the greatest team ever assembled. Well in recent years we’ve seen some amazing things out of players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James that allowed us to throw their names in the hat. (He also puts KG in this mix but I’m afraid I’ll be leaving him off.)

Can you imagine MJ and Kobe on the court at the same time or LeBron, MJ and Magic running the break? All I can say is, “OOF!” I’m starting to drool just thinking about it. Not being a fan of Bird, I would put LeBron up there any day especially with the untouched potential he has left and the sheer athleticism.

I still remember a quote from an old Michael Jordan video where he said something about how disappointed he was when Magic had left the game early because of his positive HIV test. Jordan felt like he was being cheated by not being able to compete against Bird and Magic during his and their primes and wanted to show the world how great he was. Well I feel the same way about Kobe and LeBron. What would the league have been like with Kobe, Magic, Jordan, LeBron, Wilt, and Shaq all playing at the same time? Oh….my.

Le Basketbawl


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With:

In The Improbable Corner: 76ers Stun Pistons

April 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Alex Curtis-Slep

So far the biggest upset I have ever seen, the Sixers beat the Pistons 90-86. All I can say is, “are you kidding me?” This was such a great victory if you’re Philly, a crushing defeat for the Pistons. the reason they won is the Pistons were unable to score late in the game. Mo Cheeks has got to be really happy with his squad. The one thing that concerns me is how much confidence they gain from this win. My fear is that will think they’re all that and get blown out in game two. You know the Pistons are going to be quite intimidated by the first loss, look for the tenacity they should have brought in game one to resurface in game two.
Reggie Evans was the key for the Sixers. He got some lose balls and was able to score a little here and there.

Billups is a big factor in the loss. He missed three free throws in crunch time. This is no excuse for the loss, but Billups must get back to his usual consistency from the free throw line.

The NBA, where UPSETS happen!

Alex blogs at Basketball Notes By Alex


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With: , ,

More NBA Playoffs Previews!

April 19, 2008 By 1 Comment

By Alex Curtis-Slep

Another regular season of NBA basketball is over, now the real season begins. I am going to preview each match up, but first I’ll start with the Eastern conference first.

In the East, only about half of the series will be somewhat close. The Celtics (1st seed) will take on the Hawks (8th seed). This shouldn’t be much of a challenge for the Celts. They have already gone through this season with ease and they have the home court advantage. Sorry Hawks fans; like I said about the Sixers, this is more of a playoff experiment for the Hawks. One win would be an incredible feat. I wish the Hawks luck, but don’t expect any one of these games to be an ESPN classic.

The Cavs (4th seed) will once again face the Wizards (5th seed). This match up has more fire than it has every year. If you didn’t know, Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson called LeBron overrated. This is going to anger a superstar and you don’t do that to someone like LJ. Stevenson does get hot at times, but his consistency is not near as high as LeBron’s. I want to see Bron Bron switch onto Stevenson and do something like Kobe would do. Take on someone and play them really tough. Force him to take bad shots, run down the shot clock and force some turnovers. LeBron will get his message across soon enough. This series should go six or seven games, the Cavs will come out on top. Not really because they are the better team, but because LeBron will want to prove that they are the better team.

Orlando (3rd seed) will face the Raptors (6th seed). Two big men standout: Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh. Five or six games sounds right for this, the Magic will win. They each have microscopic amounts of playoff experience, but the Magic have a much better squad. They are deep and the Raptors haven’t been as good this season. Home court is big in this series; that’s where the Raptors will win some games. I want to see Howard be a monster on each end and send the message that the Magic are going to be great for years to come.

Lastly, the Pistons (2nd seed) will take on the Sixers (7th seed). They are serious as a team, but sadly this should be done in five or six games. They don’t have a chance beating them in Detroit, but they can make some noise at home. I like this Sixer teams and this will be a true showcase for them.

We got through the semi-minor league, now it’s time for the Western boys.

LA (1st seed) will host the Nuggets (8th seed). High scoring match up, the Nuggets have been hot of late. They should be able to get one game in Denver, two if they’re lucky. LA is going to be willed by the play of Kobe Bryant. Bynum probably won’t be back, but the Lakers can get through this series without him.

The Jazz (4th seed) hope to send the Rockets (5th seed) home packing. I love this series. The reason the Jazz will be victorious is first they are a deeper team and second they’ve got home court. It seems like they can’t lose there and I don’t care how good any team is, Utah’s crowd is rockin. Six or seven games and the Jazz probably win it in a close fight.

San Antonio (3rd seed) will face the Suns (6th seed). This is one the most dramatic rivalries in either conference. I have to pick the Spurs, regretfully. I like the new look Suns, but the Spurs will move on because of Manu’s movement to top scorer on the team. Seven game series for sure, might go down as one of the best first round series ever.

The Hornets (2nd seed) compete against the Mavs (7th seed). Six game series, Mavs win. I really like the Hornets, but experience will prove better in this series. JKidd will finally really show up. This should be a nice coming out party for Paul as well.

Alex blogs at Basketball Notes By Alex.


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With:

NASCAR: Winston, NEXTEL, Sprint, Busch Or Nationwide?

April 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Bob Ellis

There has been a bit of a buzz going around the various NASCAR blogs these past few years, especially since the NEXTEL Cup Series became the Sprint Cup Series and the Busch Series became the Nationwide Series. The basic buzz is that now that each series has new sponsors they also get exclusive naming rights over the whole series including the past and people aren’t too happy about it – including me.

Let me explain; for 30 yrs NASCAR’s number one series was called The Winston Cup, and when Winston had to leave NASCAR as a sponsor NEXTEL became the new sponsor. Not only did NEXTEL get exclusive naming rights of NASCAR’s premier series, but they also got the naming rights for the entire DALE EARNHARDT WINSTON CUP NASCAR: Winston, NEXTEL, Sprint, Busch Or Nationwide?series’ past. That’s right, Dale Earnhardt is a 7-time NEXTEL Cup Champion even though he died long before NEXTEL became the series sponsor. Now that Sprint is the series sponsor that also makes Dale Earnhardt a 7-time Sprint Cup Champion too!

Wow, between Winston, NEXTEL and Sprint, Dale Earnhardt is a 21-time Champion! Awesome!

Don’t you think that this is a little ridiculous? I mean those previous sponsors are as much a part of NASCAR’s storied past as the drivers are. Dale Earnhardt is a 7-time Winston Cup Champ, not a NEXTEL Cup or Sprint Cup Champ. Period. And you can’t tell me otherwise.

I think it is bad PR on NASCAR’s part to ignore it’s previous series’ sponsors in both the Cup and Grand National divisions. Even the announcers on TV have problems remembering that Benny Parsons is a Sprint Cup Champ now and not a Winston Cup Champ.

It is an insult to all those former Champions, former series sponsors, and the fans to call those previous championships anything else but what they were at the time they were won.

NASCAR Ranting and Raving Blog Has Been Ranked The 7th Most Influential Nascar Blog By Sports Media Challenge As Seen On Their Sports Blogs Index™ Top 10 NASCAR Blogs. Bob blogs at NASCAR Ranting And Raving.


Filed Under: Motor Racing Tagged With:

Western Conference NBA Predictions

April 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Kellex

Yeah we are pretty damn crazy to be picking winners from the most competitive first round of the playoffs we will probably ever see, but we just like to live a little on the edge. And you know if we get these all right we’ll be bragging all over the basketball blogosphere!

Matchup 1: Lakers vs. Nuggets

Is this one really that difficult to decide on? Of course not. The Lakers will take this series down with ease, sip a few cocktails in the sun and wait for their second round opponent. Nice job with that “Dewy” days before the playoffs Melo! Kobe in 5.

Matchup 2: Hornets vs. Mavericks

Ooh the second matchup is actually a good one! We’re going young here and taking the Hornets. The Mavericks are definitely one of the scariest 7 seeds we’ve ever seen but Chris Paul is absolutely on fire this year. He may have a little beef with the league also once that MVP voting gets dropped. Hornets in 6!

Matchup 3: Spurs vs. Suns

It really makes me sad to see these teams meet in the first round after last year’s fiasco, but damn is this going to be good! I’m pretty sure Steve Nash will do everything in his power to not let the Suns go down in flames AGAIN to their rival, but I’ve got some worries. Can Shaq make up the difference? Will Timmy D do it again? I’m going “Longoria Annoying Factor” here and picking the Suns in 6.

Matchup 4: Jazz vs. Rockets

I know the Rockets went on that nice heartwarming streak just after the All-Star break but I’m still not buying their legitimacy. The Jazz are the real deal and with Sloan still running the show I would expect them to roll through this series. Sorry T-Mac. Sorry Yaozer. Sorry Adelman. It’ll be “Deron Williams time” all over again. Jazz in 5.

Kellex blogs at Le Basketball


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With:

Eastern Conference NBA Predictions

April 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Kellex

Ahh yes, the Eastern Conference! After picking the winners of the Western Conference we had better give a shot at the East, right? What’s amazing is the East will probably be a lot more tricky than the West. Now I know the majority of legit teams are out West but the East is still pretty damn close. And some of these teams are so bad that they may just put on a good show!

Matchup 1: Celtics vs. Hawks

Umm…Boston in 4. That was easy!

Matchup 2: Pistons vs. Sixers

Umm…Pistons in 5. That was easy too! OK, a little explanation is probably deserved on this one since the Sixers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. The Pistons are just too damn solid as a team and have been doing this for way too long for this series to drag on longer than 5 games. Some of these games may be close, but Detroit has been there and simply knows how to win.

Matchup 3: Magic vs. Raptors

This will probably be the most underrated series of them all. The Raptors may being playing pretty bad right now but the Magic lack much experience. I’ll still go with Orlando just because Dwight Howard is Superman; just don’t expect Bosh and the boys to lay down easy. Orlando in 7.

Matchup 4: Cavaliers vs. Wizards

What a series this is going to be! The return of Agent Zero! The King reigns supreme! The headlines will be flying once Gilbert starts running that mouth and LeBron starts putting up “Jordanesque” numbers. Expect some fireworks, but I can’t go against the king after last year. Cleveland in 6.


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With:

NHL Stats Corner: Has Parity Reached A New Level?

April 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

By Alessandro

Are you more of a parity guy (or gal) or a proponent of the dynasty?

Thus, closes out one of the most paritized seasons in hockey in a long, long time. Consider the following stats beginning with the 2000-2001 season.

Point differential:

The top team in the NHL was again, yawn, the Detroit Red Wings with 115 points. The worse team was the Los Angeles Kings with 71. That’s a 44 point difference. Here’s a look at the point differentials in the years leading up to the lock out and in the post-lockout My New NHL era:

2008- 115 -71(44)
2007- 113-56 (57)
2006- 124-57 (67)
2004 – 109-58 (51)
2003 – 113-61 (52)
2002 – 116-54 (62)
2001 – 118-52 (66)

One stat that intrigued me was the Montreal Canadiens, just off a successful and improbable season, led the league in goals for with 262. Not a scintillating figure but one very much in line with the production of the era. In fact, only one team has scored over 300 goals this decade – Buffalo Sabres with 308 in 2007. The New Jersey Devils came close in 2001 with 295. I thought they were a defensive team! Ah, the ironies of sports.

The 1990s witnessed the 300-goal mark attained 29 times. In 1996, no fewer than 15 teams cracked the 300 barrier. The Pittsburgh Penguins led that year with 362.

Question: Have the new rules led to more goals? Nope. The Historical average tends to be 6.45. 2006 pretty much approached that figure.

Hey, at least fluidity is back in the game.

Alas, we shouldn’t lament the 5 goals per game (since 1994-95) issue as it’s right in line with what we regard as the golden age of hockey from 1946 right up until expansion in 1967. Here’s a look at total goals scored in the league:

2008- 228.1 (6846) 5.56 per game
2007 – 241.5 (7245) 5.9
2006 – 260.6 (7818) 6.36 (last time over 6 in 1995-96 with 6.20)
2004- 210.6 (6318) 5.14
2003 – 217.6 (6530) 5.3
2002 – 214.7 (6442) 5.24
2001 – 226 (6782) 5.52

In terms of wins, 19 teams won 40 games in 2008. Expressed differently, that’s 63% of the league. I didn’t check, but I’m pretty sure that’s the highest it’s ever been. Heck, two entire divisions – the Northeast and Northwest – had every team over .500. If you would argue that having this many teams grouped in like this has been watered down thanks to the shoot-out you may have a point:

2008 – 19 teams 40 wins/ 1 with 50 wins
2007 – 18/40wins 5/50wins
2006 – 15/40 5/50
2004 – 13/40
2003- 10/40 1/50
2002 – 12/40 1/50
2001 – 10/40 1/50

There you go. You never know who beats who in this league. I’m not so sure if this is a good thing. If this keeps up (and I’m being sarcastic here) maybe we’ll have to appoint which teams win the Stanley Cup each season. Indeed, we give out ribbons for merely finishing a race in gym now. Such are the times.

Again I ask: Dynasty or Parity?


Filed Under: Hockey, Stats Corner Tagged With: , ,

The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

April 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Chris Boersma takes a look at the playoffs in this installment. While this article first appeared on his excellent blog Hockey Numbers on April 5, his probabilities were accurate.

I hope this is reasonably self explanatory. The team in the left most column has a list of teams it will probably play in the playoffs. For example Boston has a 32% chance of playing Montreal in the first round. There is still a lot undecided in the East, but the west is pretty close to decided…
explain The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series32 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series33 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series34 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series35 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series36 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series37 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series38 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups

series39 The NHL Playoffs Are Here! The Match Ups


Filed Under: Hockey, Stats Corner Tagged With:

NFL Draft Preview: Quarterbacks

April 18, 2008 By 1 Comment

By Daniel Freer

Another year….another group of college QBs pining for the NFL. Of course, looking for a stud fantasy NFL QB fresh from the college ranks is like Pamela Anderson (right, Icon SMI) winning an Oscar…it ain’t gonna happen.

Sure, some of the 2008 QB draftees will become serviceable signal callers….even become a star.  However, do not look for it in their rookie season. Except for Peyton Manning in his rookie season in 1998, the rookie QB crop is not one of immediate impact.   Even Manning’s initial season was wrought with interceptions.

There are three main reasons why rookie QBs have little or no impact (fantasy or otherwise) their first seasons:

- Many are not ready for the NFL.  The NFL playbook is much larger than the average college playbook…..think a New York City phonebook compared to a Gun Gulch, Wyoming phonebook.

- Even if the incoming rookie QB has the tools to start his first season….it will more likely be on a team that stinks.  You think the New England Patriots are looking for a rookie QB?  Right, and I have some video tapes for sale.

- In the rare exception that a good team starts playing a rookie QB, that team will do everything possible to get the QB to hand off to a running back…or wide receiver….punter…etc.  They really called former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jerome Bettis “The Bus” because he delivered an easy 2004 rookie season for Ben Roethlisberger.

But, do not fret!   We here at Fantasy College Blitz will still provide analysis of the incoming crop of QBs.   This info will come in handy in future seasons for the fantasy player, if not right now.

1.   Matt Ryan – Boston College:  Expect Ryan (right, ICON SMI) to go early in the draft…one of the first five overall picks.  Ryan has the physical tools and the intangibles (the comeback win at Virginia Tech stands out) that would put him as a starter on a number of good teams.

Alas, poor Matt will probably end up in Atlanta, where he will have to lead a rebuilding team.  Just tell Birds owner Arthur Blank “you like dogs”, Matt.  Ryan is a late fantasy consideration for 2008.

2.   Brian Brohm – Louisville:  He stayed one season too long, as Brohm would have been in higher demand after 2006 instead of 2007.  Louisville had many problems in 2007, but Brohm was not the one who failed to defend or dropped passes.  Brohm’s older brother, Jeff (a former pro QB), has worked with the younger Brohm while at Louisville, and, you can be sure that experience has been passed down.  Wait for fantasy free agency in 2008 before snagging Brohm.

3.   Andre Woodson – Kentucky:  Not the fave of many draftniks, but Woodson has all the physical tools to play in the NFL, sans quick feet.  Nagging inuries in workouts have hindered Woodson, but, he has the ability to play in season one.  Some also discount Woodson because Kentucky was blessed with good WRs….but those same WRs struggled in 2005 along with Woodson (his freshman season).  Another “wait for free agency” consideration.

4.   Chad Henne – Michigan:  Blessed with the physical tools, but, one thing I noticed about Henne is that the Michigan offense struggled when its other skilled position players were out of games, especially RB Mike Hart.  Henne, at times last season, struggled even when Hart was playing.  Best wait for 2009 to think about Henne.

5.   Colt Brennan – Hawaii:  Draftniks everywhere have downgraded Brennan because of one bad game….the 2008 Sugar Bowl vs Georgia.  Anyone familiar with Hawaii football the past few seasons knows that Brennan at times did not get protection from his OL, leading to numerous bruises, beatings, and injuries.  Imagine what he could do behind a decent O-Line.  Hold off on 2008 with Brennan.

6.   Paul Smith – Tulsa:  Smith is smallish (6-1) but knows how to move a team down the field.  With a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a new group of starting WRs…Smith put up his biggest numbers during the 2007 season.  Think of a more mobile Drew Brees when thinking about this Tulsa QB.  Yes he is my “sleeper”, but, still, 2008 is not the year to draft him.

7.   John Flacco – Delaware:  Big, strong-armed QB who led Delaware to the NCAA FCS championship game this past season.   The former Pittsburgh signee is huge and has a rocket arm….but is not very mobile.  Flacco’s future is more promising….however no fantasy consideration this year.

8.   Josh Johnson – San Diego:  The Toreros, not the Chargers, is where Johnson played ball last season.  Granted, his TD-INT ratio (43-1) in 2007 may be due to the oppoents faced by FCS-Non-scholarship USD…still, throwing only 1 INT for 11 games means few dumb mistakes…no matter what level.  Johnson has a future, but not much of a present, so hold off on him this year.

9.   Dennis Dixon – Oregon:  His knee injury cost him a Heisman, and some spots in the draft.  Dixon’s recovery will be key in a couple of years from now….especially if he lands on a good team looking for that “QB of the future”.  Hold off on Dixon in 2008.

10.  John David Booty – USC:  Unlike Tulsa’s Smith, Booty did not improve his stats in 2007 with a new group of starting WRs.  Granted, Booty missed some games in 2007 due to injuries….but his numbers were down per game in 2007 compared to 2006.  Booty will need a few years before even being considered on a fantasy team.

11.  Erik Ainge – Tennessee:  Ainge developed in 2006 when David Cutcliffe returned as the offensive coordinator for the Vols.  He became an established star QB in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, but is in reality a long shot to make a NFL roster.  Not a real fantasy consideration.

12.  Matt Flynn – LSU:  We are running out of real NFL worthy QBs now….but Flynn is the QB who won the national championship this past season.  His skills, though, are not on par with his other draftee counterparts.   Enjoy the trophy, Matt.

Fantasy College Blitz


Filed Under: College Football, Pro Football Tagged With: , ,

The “Sort of” NBA Season Ending Award Show

April 18, 2008 By 4 Comments

By Kellex

The NBA regular season has come to a close! And what does that mean? Awards time! Whoo hoo!

We’ll need to determine an MVP, 6th Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year plus a few other special awards before the Playoffs start. Should you expect surprises? Of course! Should expect controversy? Of course! This is Le Basketbawl after all isn’t it? Let’s get right down to it.

Most Valuable Pre-Madonna (MVP)

Kobe Bryant. Why? Because he threw the biggest tissy fit this world has ever seen in the off season. “I’m done in L.A. and there is nothing anyone can do to change my mind!” Oh really “Aston Martin Jumper”?

It was like Nick Saban telling Dolphins fans he would not be coaching Alabama no matter what, but signed a multi-year deal with them a couple of days later. It was like Shawn Kemp telling his 9th baby’s mama, “You really are the one Suga!” It was like Mark Cuban banning bloggers even…though…he is one. It was like Stephon Marbury in the back of a limousine with his cousin’s girlfriend. It was like Isiah Thomas attempting to clarify that certain words said to black women are acceptable but not when said to white women.

Ok, that made no sense, but weren’t those all great stories at one point in time? Great, just like Kobe’s pathetic attempt at having us think he was leaving L.A. He was never leaving folks, but somehow his little trick worked on the Lakers staff which brought him Gasol’s hair. And that is why he deserves this year’s Most Valuable Pre-Madonna award.

Rookie of the Year

Greg Oden. Why? For dancing on stage at his Portland debut, racking up 18 fouls in a pre-season game, blowing a knee while removing himself from a couch, growing a mini-fro, shaving it into a GO-hawk, recording hundreds of annoying rehab videos, hiding at Blazer games, and working some white kids on a lowered hoop at 24 Hour Fitness with the team on a road trip.

Coach of the Year

Pat Riley. Why? Do you know how hard it is to care as little about an NBA season as he did and still make the Hall of Fame in one year? Ol’ Slicky-do threw in the towel months ago and didn’t care who knew it. When was the last time you saw a coach take time off in the middle of the season to catch up on some much needed NCAA action? When was the last time a coach told his 2 star players to take the rest of the season off with 20 games to play?

Pat Riley truly deserves this award more than any other. If not for the fact that he won a championship with this team just 2 short years ago, but maybe because he hit the gutter of the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies still in the league.

Owner of the Year

Clay Bennett. Why? For that very nice string of emails that was just released. Lying to your current fan base over and over and thinking you may get away with it is always an amazing approach to take! What kind of moron sends emails like that anyway? Don’t you know that everything on the internet is retrievable? You obviously didn’t make those millions from being an internet guru like me! (hah)

Let it be noted that he doesn’t win this award for moving the team from Seattle to Oklahoma City. You can blame that move on the Seattle fans and the former owner for selling to a jackass with ties to a city just dying to have an NBA franchise. You also cannot fault David Stern for backing this guy. At least this new owner has the cojones to take over a team that is struggling and attempt to bring it back to life.

6th Man of the Year

Travis Outlaw and Pamela Anderson. Why? For this facial on Philly Sixer Rodney Carney and for this facial delivered courtside at a recent Lakers game. My response to both, “EEK!”

Most Improved Player

LaMarcus Aldridge. Why? Because I’m a Blazer honk at times. Do we really need another reason? I’ve heard rumors of Beno Udrih winning and that just makes me laugh. Aldridge doubled his scoring averaged, added to his rebound total and helped the youngest team in the NBA improve 8 wins while their future sat on the bench with a bum knee. Do you need any more?

Defensive Player of the Year

Yao Ming. Why? For “defending” his chances at playing in the Olympics rather than an NBA title. I know, I know, you are probably thinking Camby or Dwight Howard deserve this but neither of them took half the season off to make sure they were well enough to play for their country come Olympic time. That takes some dedication on the defensive front wouldn’t you say? Defending his little (big) ol’ foot will hardly help China’s chances to win gold, so I’m not sure exactly what he was thinking.

Maybe Yao was just spending some time with Pat Riley? Or maybe someone should have reminded Yao that tanking on a 50 win team doesn’t help your lottery chances. “Yo!”

Please visit Le Basketbawk blog.


Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With:
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »