![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif?v=92.2){kind=small}
- Location:riggemsland, riggemslandia
- Music:The White Stripes - I Think I Smell a Rat
Over Serge Ibaka, no less.
The Spurs are the greatest basketball dynasty nobody has a clue exists, simply because they never advertise.
Hansbrough, Haslem, and Pittman. Suddenly, Miami grows a sack!
Larry Bird recognized game. He was noticeably upset at his team following the conclusion of Game 5. From the article:
Bird, recently named the NBA Executive of the Year, called his team "soft" when talking with Indianapolis Star beat writer Mike Wells, who tweeted:The article goes on to mention it's a "Detroit Bad Boys" style of play that was on display for Game 5.
"Larry Bird: I can't believe my team went soft. S-O-F-T. I'm disappointed. I never thought it would happen."
When asked to elaborate more, Bird said, "that's all I have to say."
Here's a little history lesson: It's not Detroit's style. Detroit learned it from the Celtics, who employed similar bruising techniques. It was always around in the 1980s. They just call it "Bad Boys" because Detroit was the most reported example. But Bird was always pulling some kind of shit. I always laugh when Boston fans cite the Pistons as the thugs, in favor of their white shining shamrock knights. White knights, yeah right. Who takes a swing at Dr. J? As for Celtics fans, Bill Laimbeer won't forget about you in the afterlife.
His bloodlust knows no temporal boundary.
Anyway, where was I?
Game recognize game, and game saw his boys got punked by Miami.
I have no problem with this type of play. I prefer it much more to a coward's bad acting.
Some would call errant elbows cowardly, but we like violence, and we associate violence with masculinity. It is what it is.
The problem is, it is not what the NBA wants their product to be. At least, I would assume so.
After the Bulls rose to dominance in the 1990s, more and more legislation appeared to remove this more aggressive style of play from the game. What was at most a non-ejection in past eras is now an ejection and possible suspension. The NBA has made it clear on almost every occasion that they do not want rough behavior on the court.
Which is why today's news may be interesting. If the league fails to punish Hansbrough, Haslem, and Pittman more than what we've seen, then they're guilty of yet another high-profile hypocrisy. In my opinion, All three players committed Flagrant 2s. Flagrant 2s are also subject to possible suspension.
This one could be one of the NBA's biggest errors, should all three fail to be further punished. When a league makes a point of omitting certain types of plays from their game, and one of those plays fails to be omitted, then by human nature, there's usually an outbreak of the type of play in question to follow. Human nature, after all, tends to respond with perceived unfairness by revisiting it more frequently, and some call that vigilante behavior, but whatever you call it, human nature seeks to right perceived wrongs.
There's something else in play to consider. If the league were to suspend Haslem and Pittman, then the Heat would be severely shorthanded among their bigs for the next game. And that's something to consider above all else, as the events unfold.
If the league slaps both sides, then I stand corrected. The NBA is more consistent and dedicated to their rules than I expected.
What I expect, however, is something far more gutless. Miami is clearly the better team, and they are the bigger market. The NBA probably does not want Miami to be hamstrung by suspension and short-handed roster, definitely not in favor of the likes of the Pacers. I would expect the Heat to go unscathed. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacers were the only ones to receive the brunt of the NBA office's punishment. Let's see what unfolds.
What you're watching (if it's not pulled) is the exact moment this game was over. Before this play, there was a wide open trey attempt by OKC, followed by an untouched Collison going for a flush, leading directly to Sessions coughing this up for the momentum's big win.
Dear Andrew Bynum, fuck you. You'll play for any team, but LA is exercising their team option. Go fuck yourself, seriously. You wish you were Kareem, Wilt, or Shaq.
Metta was inside the locker for the TNT interview. He was clearly talking like a man who fully expected to be in Los Angeles next fall.
But enough about the Lakers for the moment. OKC vs. San Antonio is the series you'll want to watch if you love good basketball.
Westbrook and company have the look of a big time winner. They were playing fast and loose, and they looked like they were having fun. They're men with a plan and they're executing it perfectly. And that might run into a cold steel trap that is the San Antonio Spurs.
How are the Spurs 8-0 in this run? They're automatic, that's how. The one with the low voice would be Tim Duncan.
You know what you're getting from both. OKC is the plucky, honed knife, and they're the more athletic team. San Antonio is the cerebral water torture club. I would actually expect some role reversals because when worlds collide like these worlds, you're gonna see pressure making for strange moments.
It almost reminds me of the difference in styles between the 80s Lakers and Celtics.
What I like about both clubs in the Western ... they're teams.
I really wish the Lakers would consider dumping Mike Brown. For who? Why not Stan Van Gundy? Maybe Phil Jackson wants to come back and just coach until he dies?
That whole Lakers team checked out minus Metta and Kobe, following that Westbrook circus shot. They hung for just a little while longer, until Kobe took a rest to start the 4th. And for a guy making max money, people were pissed at Gasol last year but, late in the game when they had to be perfect to make a run, for a guy making top money, it's hard to swallow him goaltending. Where's your head at, Pau?
Following Pau's post-game locker, maybe it's lost in translation but he doesn't sound like he expects to be back, nor does he sound like a confident top player. Fuck you too, Gasol. You're not paid to help "as much as I can." You're paid to be near Kobe's level.
Kobe, on "not going anywhere" ... exactly. This isn't a Pistons lose to Jordanbulls and can't get back (and Lakers lose and can't get back either). If it is, then Kobe's gone to a new team for a last gasp run somewhere. But that's doubtful. You'd have to be complete idiots to blow up the team and expect Kobe to stay. If they 'blow it up,' Kobe's gonna go. He talks as if he's not going anywhere. Expect the Lakers to be back.
EJ's Neat-O Stat of the Night: April 22, 2010: Kenny proclaims Kevin Durant will be the best player in the NBA in 3 years. A lot of you thought he was the best player this year. Is Kenny gonna be right? Charles disagrees. Barkley maintains LeBron will always be the best. I know who I like more, at least. Hint: I like Kevin Durant more. Fuck hints.
ORLANDO – Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins announced today that Stan Van Gundy has been relieved of his duties as head coach. In addition President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Otis Smith and the organization have mutually agreed to part ways.
"On behalf of the DeVos Family, we sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic,” said Martins. "These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it's time for new leadership and new voices.
"They both brought die-hard dedication and an unmatched work ethic on a daily basis,” added Martins. “Their success is well documented, as the Orlando Magic has had the fourth best record in the NBA over the last five years, and entering the playoffs this year the third most playoff wins over that period of time. The disappointment of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs these past two seasons played a primary role in our decision, as we feel our momentum towards winning a championship has paused. We wish Otis and Stan all the best and we look forward to taking the next step towards winning that championship."
Sauce
And in other news, the Pacers fooled around and got a 19 point win over the Heat in Game 3. Pacers lead the series 2-1, and LeBron didn't even bother with his usual 75¢ performance and went all out with a sucky 2nd half, only managing to put up a lousy 6 points.
Man, Pacers are making everybody wish they hadn't overlooked them during the regular season.
The fatal flaw in this poll? Write-ins.
The number one choice was obvious: Pick #1.
The number two most popular choice? "who cares we still suck"
Other choices included "Who cares?" and "Brian Scalabrine."
God bless the internet!
NEW YORK -- Kyrie Irving is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA announced today. Irving totaled 592 points and received 117 first-place votes from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.
Minnesota's Ricky Rubio finished second with 170 points and Denver's Kenneth Faried finished third with 129 points (one first-place vote). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.
Among first-year players, Irving ranked first in scoring (18.5 ppg), field goal percentage (.469) and free throw percentage (.872), while placing second in assists (5.4 apg) and three-point field goal percentage (.399). Among all players, Irving ranked tied for fourth in fourth-quarter scoring (6.4 ppg) while shooting .518 from the field, .410 from beyond the arc and .868 from the charity stripe.
Sauce
Congrats, Cleveland, enjoy it while it lasts.
A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that James will be announced Saturday as this year's winner of the league's top individual honor, and that he will be formally presented with the trophy by commissioner David Stern on Sunday afternoon before Miami hosts Indiana in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Sauce
James Harden ran away with the Sixth Man of the Year Award, earning 115 of the first-place votes. Harden earned 584 total points. Lou Williams was a distant second with 231 points.
Sauce
ETA: Chris Andersen is being investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children unit of the Douglas County Sheriff Dept.
Link
Denver Nuggets’ forward Chris “Birdman” Andersen has been dismissed from team activities following a police raid at his home in Colorado.
Andersen, who has been a key member of the team in the past, hasn’t played in the team’s first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. According to ABC 7 News in Denver, following the story breaking on Thursday afternoon, the Denver Nuggets released a statement.
“The Denver Nuggets are aware of today’s media reports involving forward/center Chris Andersen. It involves a legal investigation and we are awaiting further details.”
“Chris has been excused from all team-related activities indefinitely as he deals with the reported investigation. Per team policy, the Nuggets will not comment on any ongoing legal circumstance involving any player or employee,” the statement concluded.
This means that Andersen, obviously, will be unable to play in Game 6 tonight between the Lakers and Nuggets. While this leaves Denver without Andersen’s services, his lack of playing time so far in the series makes this a relatively small on-court issue for the Nuggets. Still, it could be a distraction heading into a game where Denver is facing elimination.
Link
Sauce
"How the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?" How, indeed.
Really, she's stalking KMart and doesn't know he's no longer a Nugget. I guess it's good for him he has a stupid stalker.
NEW YORK -- Ryan Anderson of the Orlando Magic is the winner of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award, the NBA announced today. The annual award is presented to a player who has made a significant improvement from the previous season.
Anderson received 260 of a possible 605 points, including 33 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Ersan Ilyasova of the Milwaukee Bucks (159 points, 21 first-place votes) and Nikola Pekovic of the Minnesota Timberwolves (104 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third place vote received.
Anderson established career highs in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounds (7.7 rpg), field goal percentage (.439) and free throw percentage. He also paced the league and established personal bests in three-pointers made (166) and attempted (422). He increased his scoring from the previous season by 5.5 ppg and his rebounds by 2.2 rpg. Orlando averaged 107.5 points per 100 possessions with Anderson on the court, compared to 94.1 points with the 6-10 forward on the bench.
New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler has won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.
The Knicks plan to make the announcement official Thursday at their practice facility. Chandler will receive the award Thursday night prior to Game 3 between the Knicks and Miami Heat.
Chandler averaged 11.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in his first season with the Knicks. He ends Dwight Howard's streak of winning the award at three.
Sauce
SAN ANTONIO -- Gregg Popovich can't win like the old days. No longer can the San Antonio Spurs simply feed Tim Duncan the ball, let their defense do the rest and ride that game plan to NBA championships.
But the new way Popovich has them winning isn't bad, either.
That acknowledgment came Tuesday when Popovich was honored as the NBA's Coach of the Year after leading San Antonio to 50 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs defied naysayers who have written them off as too old since their last title in 2007 and did so in a lockout-shortened season that tested every coach when it came to managing minutes and finding practice time.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The worst team in NBA history will have a new coach next season.
The Charlotte Bobcats have decided not to renew coach Paul Silas' contract after the team finished 7-59 this season for the worst winning percentage in league history (.106).
"We have been talking internally about what is best for us going forward," Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said at a news conference Monday. "The record kind of speaks for itself. When you look at the youthfulness of this roster ... we just all felt collectively that the change was something we wanted to do at this time."
The 68-year-old Silas, who told The Associated Press late in the season he wanted to "see things through" and coach one more year, said Monday he found out earlier in the day he would not be brought back.
Silas said he was not surprised by the decision.
"I'm OK with that," he said. "I have had a very successful career coaching and playing and it's time to move on."
Silas said he was promised a job in the organization by team owner Michael Jordan and said he's retiring from coaching.
It's unclear who'll replace Silas, who leaves with a 32-88 record at Charlotte. Higgins said a search for his replacement will begin immediately.
"We do not have a timetable. We will start as soon as this presser is over," he said. "I just don't want to say there is a time frame. We plan on interviewing quite a few people. We want to find the right guy.
Higgins said Silas' son, Stephen Silas -- who served as an assistant under his father and led the team in several games -- will be interviewed for the job, but added finding someone with head coaching experience "is important."
"We want someone who wants to win," Higgins said. "That's the main quality. We will have quite a few candidates. I would say there are quite a few people who come into mind."
Finding someone who might be interested in taking over the last-place Bobcats might not be easy. They're light on talent and experience and it could be a long way from competing for a playoff spot.
Bobcats general manager Rich Cho is aware this job might not be for everyone.
"Those are the type of coaches we don't want to bring in," Cho said. "I want somebody that will relish the opportunity and look at it as a challenge. It's really easy to go to a winning team and take that opportunity. But I want somebody in here that's going to look at this as a great opportunity and a challenge and a chance to build something from the ground up."
MIAMI -- Amare Stoudemire suffered lacerations on his left hand after the New York Knicks' loss to the Miami Heat on Monday night, a team spokesman confirmed.
A team source told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that Stoudemire injured the hand while punching the glass casing surrounding a fire extinguisher located in a hallway at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
He was treated by paramedics and doctors, according to the team. They had no further comment regarding the nature of the injury.
Paramedics rushed into the Knicks' locker room shortly after their 104-94 Game 2 loss.
Stoudemire was seen leaving the arena with his hand heavily bandaged and his arm in a sling. His status for Game 3 is unknown.
Sauce
Yeesh, Amare, I get that you're upset and want to hit stuff, but instead of hitting something that will possibly sideline you for Game 3, which will definitely screw the Knicks chances of winning anything in this series, why not hit something soft, like Carmelo Anthony. Kidding!!
To begin, there was a lockout. For some reason, no one seemed to care. So the owners and players ended the madness and rolled out a compressed schedule starting with a Christmas day opener, like a present for the fans.
The Lakers tried to trade for Chris Paul. Elation in Lakerland, followed by anger, when LeBron James' stalker Dan Gilbert whines to the league that it's sooooo unfair that the Lakers get Chris Paul and can do it without breaking the bank. Most people thought that was smart, he thought it was stealing, and the Hornets are the leagues team, so really, the Hornets are also his team and he should have a say in trades (along with the other owners, but that's an afterthought, really). Gilbert whines that the new CBA is supposed to protect small market owners from losing talent to big market teams. Basketball reasons ensue, and Chris Paul is traded to the Clippers, a big market team. Where are your basketball reasons now?
Lamar Odom. Do I really need to elaborate on that?
A compressed season of 66 games in four months follows, with every team playing at least one set of back-to-back-to-back games, and two more games for each team a month on average, in an effort to make bring in as much revenue as possible. A lot of injuries followed. A lot of injuries. Some blame the compressed season for all the injuries, but I also think it's a case of the short schedule making the effect of injuries just that much more acute.
A quick start to a short season meant training camps so short they may as well have been non-existent. Players started the season out of shape. Lots of mediocre basketball followed.
Cool thing I bet a lot of fans didn't notice (including myself). The Raptors became the first team in the league to have 3D graphics applied to their home court. The graphics look flat to those in the arena, but pop out when viewed on television. It's about the only good thing that can be said about the Raptors this season.
Brandon Roy retired. The Blazers claimed another set of knees.
On the plus side, the Blazers finally end Greg Oden's career in Portland. Thank you, zombie Jesus.
Linsanity happens, and people lose their damn minds.
The Hawks and Jazz play the first quadruple OT game since 1997. And the Hawks won! I'm just shocked, Atlanta had 4 opportunities to fail and didn't. It's nice to not be disappointed by the Hawks for a change.
Lamar Odom again. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped smoking weed, really harshed his mellow.
Dwight Howard wanted to be traded. He wants to go to Los Angeles. No, the other Los Angeles. No, he wants to go to Chicago. No, he wants to go to Brooklyn. No, he wants to go to Dallas. No, he wants to stay in Orlando. He does stay in Orlando. Now he wants Orlando to dump the chubby Van Gundy. Deny, deny, deny. And, in the end, Howard goes out with a season ending injury. And the Dwightmare begins again.
The Charlotte Bobcats end this mess of a season by setting a new record for worst winning percentage at .106, after amassing a dismal 7-59 record.
I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.
Thank heaven the post season is here.
Feel free to add to this list.
Bulls star Derrick Rose will miss the rest of the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Rose was helped off the court late in Chicago's 103-91 playoff-opening victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, a staggering blow for a team eyeing a championship run.
He scored 23 points and was playing more like the league's reigning MVP after missing 27 games because of injuries during the regular season, but his season came to an end as the Bulls were wrapping up an impressive win.
Rose crumbled to the ground after he drove the lane with about 1:20 left and the Bulls leading by 12. He was going for a layup when he came to a jump-stop and seemed to change his mind as the 76ers' Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen rotated over, passing off to a teammate before an awkward landing.
Team medical personnel immediately rushed out and tended to Rose for several minutes as he was writhing in pain near the baseline before helping him to the locker room. Rose was taken to the hospital, where MRI results confirmed the Bulls' worst fears.
Sauce
The Bobcats are also in the midst of a 21 game losing streak, about to be 22 if they lose tonight.
Is the suck just on the court? Apparently not, seeing as two former Bobcats coaches, Larry Brown and Sam Vincent, have blasted owner Michael Jordan for how he's run the team. Even Charles Barkley has knocked Jordan for surrounding himself with butt kissers instead of basketball savvy personnel. Though, to be a little bit fair, when Larry Brown was with Charlotte, he was pretty much on the last leg of his pro coaching career after the natural disaster his tenure with the Knicks turned into, and with a history of jumping from team to team when he stops getting his way. He joined an org that was in debt, doing things on the cheap, and looking for a quick hit to bring in fans and raise revenues. But, to be fair to Brown, he gave them that big hit and did help the Bobcats to their one and only playoff appearance.
The Bobcats are well on their way to a level of futility that will be near impossible to equal, behind leadership that's failing on several levels. With little talent worth trading, the draft is their one real avenue for improvement. And, with poor front office leadership, there's no way of knowing if they'll be able to work the draft to their best advantage.
So, I guess what I'm saying here is that the Bobcats are terrible, just terrible, and show few signs of getting significantly better any time soon.
(quick reminder, don't forget to post your picks for the LJ NBAFans Awards)
So, who would be your picks for the postseason awards:
Rookie of the Year:
Most Improved Player:
Most Valuable Player:
6th Man of the Year:
Defensive Player of the Year:
Coach of the Year:
And, since we're handing out awards, who are your picks for the following:
Most Overrated Player:
Most Underrated Player:
The Player That Should Win an Award, But Probably Won't:
Player That You Thought Was a Bust, But Who Turned Out to be Pretty Damn Good Award:
The Whiniest Little Bitch Award:
Least Valuable Player Award (and it has to be a big name player, no Donald Sloan's or Luke Walton's):
Biggest Waste of a Draft Pick Award:
Least Improved Player Award:
6th Man Who Should be a 12th Man Award:
Coach That Needs to be Out of a Job Right Now Award:
Worst Owner Award (who isn't Donald Sterling):
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will undergo back surgery on Friday morning in Los Angeles to repair a herniated disk, effectively ending his season and eliminating him from participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Howard's agent said on Thursday night.
"It hurts (emotionally)," Howard told ESPN the Magazine's Chris Broussard. "That's the first thing -- it hurts. And then with people saying and thinking I'm quitting on my team. This is a real issue. I tried to play through it and it just made my back worse."
Howard has been complaining of back problems since early March, but it wasn't until Los Angeles-based spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins examined him last week that the herniated disk was discovered.
Howard received an epidural to alleviate the pain at that time, and the plan was that he'd rest and rehabilitate his back for 10-14 days before deciding if he could return to play or if further treatment might be necessary. But his back has worsened and both Watkins and the Magic's medical staff determined surgery is necessary.
Howard told Broussard he is not worried about any long-term ramifications from the surgery.
"The doctor said it's a one-inch incision," Howard told Broussard. "He said I can start rehab right away and be back to full contact in four months. So I'm not really concerned. If anything, I'll come back stronger."
Dan Fegan, Howard's agent, said he hopes this development debunks any thoughts that Howard's back problem was not serious and that he was utilizing it as an excuse not to play.
Sauce
Page Summary
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.2)
sauce1977 : NBA Draft Lottery. [+35] - sauce1977 : Where Did This Come From? [+13]
- sauce1977 : NBA Jam: Blake Griffin Highlights [+1]
- sauce1977 : Did You See 1980s Basketball Out There? [+16]
- sauce1977 : RE: OKC vs. LAL, Post-Game. [+25]
- bessie_smith : Stan Van Gundy, Otis Smith fired. You're welcome, Dwight. [+3]
- bessie_smith : DWade bitches out Erik Spoelstra [+17]
- freezer818 : This is why fan voting is both horrible and awesome. [+30]
- bessie_smith : Kyrie Irving, blah blah blah, Rookie of the Year, blab blah blah [+1]
- bessie_smith : LeBron James is MVP, James Harden in 6th Man of the Year [+2]
- bessie_smith : Nuggets Chris Andersen dismissed by team, home raided [+2]
- bessie_smith : Baron Davis knee injury could be career ending [+1]
- bessie_smith : One of the most famous rants in sports is 10 years old today [+3]
- bessie_smith : So, apparently, Kenyon Martin's stalker didn't get the memo that he's a Clipper [+2]
- bessie_smith : Indiana Pacers remind us that only you can prevent fire extinguisher mishaps [+2]
- bessie_smith : And the defending champs are the first team eliminated [+2]
- bessie_smith : Ryan Anderson named Most Improved Player [+0]
- bessie_smith : Tyson Chandler is Defensive Player of the Year, Popovich Coach of the Year [+1]
- bessie_smith : The coaching carousel begins, Bobcats fire Paul Silas [+1]
- bessie_smith : Upset over loss to Heat, Amare injures himself [+3]
- bessie_smith : What can you say about the 2011-12 season? [+3]
- bessie_smith : Derrick Rose tears ACL,out for the playoffs [+1]
- bessie_smith : Just how bad are the Bobcats? [+6]
- bessie_smith : It's Time for the LiveJournal NBAFans Awards!!!!!! [+17]
- bessie_smith : Dwight Howard done for season, post season [+2]
Syndicate
chasethestars