Diary of a Mad Hoop Fiend

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Archive for June, 2009

The Superstars

ABCs The Superstars

The Superstars

I PVRd this show a couple of nights ago when it premiered on ABC and finally watched it last night. MOSTLY, it had to do with Robert Horry and Lisa Leslie being on it and me being curious as to what the hell they were doing on there.

But the attention quickly turned to Terrell Owens, who was partnered with Model Joanna Krupa. See their bio here

I had seen on a few trailers that that Owens’ partner rips on him and I was like “Oh shit! Here’s someone giving it to T.O. like he did others! See for yourself …

But after watching the show, and this exchange, near the end of the episode a couple of things became clear to me:

1. T.O. did not deserve to be berated like that
2. Joanna Krupa is a raging BITCH! – That’s right, I’m calling that fake, anorexic plastic doll OUT!

See, T.O. gets his foot caught in the cargo net of the final event and has his ankle twisted . He can’t get out in time and they lose the race.

Okay. Then on the final race, he does his thing and passes everything fine. His partner (Krupa) goes up and basically walks through the final event and gets her own foot caught in the net and they lose the race too!

But instead of apologizing or taking the loss with class, she rants “Why does he get paid a million dollars for?” and “I can’t believe he calls himself an athlete” and refuses to shake hands with anybody or talk to anyone.

More than anything, you’d figure they were the worst, but they weren’t. They were just unlucky. And it’d be one thing if Krupa was an athletic standout but she wasn’t either! She was outperformed in all her events too, and in the end, she got her OWN foot caught in the cargo net too! It was really kind of sad and frustrating.

So at the end, Owens and Krupa have to do the “walk of shame” bit and she’s ragging on him the entire time. I felt genuinely bad for T.O. I mean, it’s a game show and it was supposed to be for fun and for bragging rights, but this bitch went and ruined everything by being a poor sport!

As they are walking out, they fade to black with one phrase from T.O. “Man, I feel bad for her boyfriend“, and brother, I gotta agree.

I mean, I give T.O. a LOT of credit. He kept his cool and didn’t stoop to her level or make himself look bad. He was his usual self, but much more … um … under control. And the only person that came out looking like an IDIOT was JOANNA KRUPA.

Honey, the man gets paid Millions (plural – not just ONE million) to play football. And he stands a good chance of being a hall of famer when it’s all said and done. He may not be the best kayaker or cargo net roller, but I bet you can’t catch a football while being held down by a defender! She came off looking like an ass and in the end, still got eliminated!

The worst part is that she appears on Prime Time Sports and basically says that she is happy with how she acted towards TO because she has heard that he is not nice with people and that she was happy she could give him a dose of his own medicine.

Well, way to go Batman. We need more vigilantes out there protecting the innocent adults from verbally berating each other.

Isn’t it funny that she’s trying to spin it? ….. she was getting back at him for being a poor teammate (or so she was told) … but she DIDN’T do it because she was a poor sport who doesn’t know how to lose gracefully … okay. I’m calling bullshit here. Joanna Krupa is a hypocrite who is trying to save face. LOSER!

I boo-urns that flaming lesbian succubus.

—–

Now, the rest of the show and the competition was fun and funny. Watching Robert Horry ride an undersized bike was hilarious. And I have a new respect for Estella Warren. The girl is a warrior. But Jennifer Capriati? She was surprisingly inept.

Lisa Leslie was hilarious too. She didn’t just get stumped by the cargo net, she got turned around and actually went the wrong way! Her comment of “I’m just a basketball player” was equal parts sad, funny and true.

But I lost no respect for her or Robert Horry. I was proud of them and the effort they put out. Represented the NBA and WNBA with class and grace.

NBA – Drafts, Drafts, Drafts

nbadraft

Here’s my observations on last night’s draft ….

1 – LA Clippers – Blake Griffin – Oklahoma
2 – Memphis – Hasheem Thabeet – Connecticut
3 – Oklahoma City – James Harden – Arizona State
4 – Sacramento – Tyreke Evans – Memphis
5 – Minnesota (from Washington) – Ricky Rubio – Spain

I was surprised to see Rubio fall to #5. But I think Minnesota will really benefit from his presence there.

6 – Minnesota – Jonny Flynn – Syracuse
7 – Golden State – Stephen Curry – Davidson
8 – New York – Jordan Hill – Arizona
9 – Toronto – DeMar DeRozan – USC

Toronto picks up a star caliber 2 guard in the draft and things look okay. This doesn’t make up for dropping Jason Kapono, by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s a good pick.

10 – Milwaukee – Brandon Jennings – Italy

I was stunned to see Jennings fall to 10th. This kid is already playing pro ball in Europe, has had a year of seasoning, playing in a different system with different skill sets being developed and different rules …. I cannot believe that Toronto or New York weren’t willing to take a small risk here. I think we’ll be looking at this move in the future.

11 – New Jersey – Terrence Williams – Louisville
12 – Charlotte – Gerald Henderson – Duke
13 – Indiana – Tyler Hansbrough – North Carolina

Stunned that Psycho-T went 13. I thought for sure he’d be Top 10, especially after anchoring a chip winning Tarheel team …. but this guy looks to be another Christian Laettner or Cherokee Parks to me …. I don’t think he’ll be a great Pro baller.

14 – Phoenix – Earl Clark – Louisville
15 – Detroit – Austin Daye – Gonzaga
16 – Chicago – James Johnson – Wake Forest
17 – Philadelphia – Jrue Holiday – UCLA

This kid has potential, but I think he could have done better with one more year of NCAA under his belt.

18 – Minnesota (from Miami, rights to T. Lawson traded to Denver for future considerations) – Ty Lawson – North Carolina

I thought that Ty Lawson might have gone higher too … but then what the hell do I know?

19 – Atlanta – Jeff Teague – Wake Forest
20 – Utah – Eric Maynor – VA Commonwealth
21 – New Orleans – Darren Collison – UCLA
22 – Portland (from Dallas) – Victor Claver – Spain
23 – Sacramento (from Houston) – Omri Casspi – Israel
24 – Dallas (from Portland, traded to Oklahoma City for rights to R. Beaubois) - B.J. Mullens – Ohio State
25 – Oklahoma City (from San Antonio, traded to Dallas for rights to B.J. Mullens) – Rodrigue Beaubois – France
26 – Chicago (from Denver through Oklahoma City) – Taj Gibson – USC
27 – Memphis (from Orlando) – DeMarre Carroll – Missouri
28 – Minnesota (from Boston) – Wayne Ellington – North Carolina
29 – LA Lakers (rights to T. Douglas traded to NY Knicks) – Toney Douglas – Florida State
30 – Cleveland – Christian Eyenga – Congo

NBA – Trades Trades Trades

NBA_Trades

Vince Carter traded to Orlando!

I had an outage on my site yesterday and was unable to post for a bunch of hours. During that time, I saw this trade pop up on my screen …

To Orlando: Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson

To New Jersey: Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, Courtney Lee

I have NO idea what the HELL Orlando was thinking. Vince Carter may be a superstar CALIBER player, but he plays at that level in spurts and when he feels like it. Rafer Alston, I can understand – don’t want Jameer Nelson running out because of a Point Guard controversy, plus SVG was pissed at him this post season lots. But Courtney Lee? This kid is CLUTCH! This kid is a keeper! Devin Harris all over again!

I am going on record now and saying that this is a terrible move for the Magic. I think they’ll find that Carter’s moodiness and defensive porousness will ultimately hurt the team more so than help it. Plus getting his work ethic to something that SVG is happy with will be a challenge.

Brutal.

And it sucks extra hard because I LOVE Orlando … but I cannot support any team that has Vince Carter on it …. ever.

New York buys draft pick from Lakers …. for $3 Million

Depending on who they draft, it was either a GREAT purchase, or a severe bust. The Lakers, meanwhile, are not looking to make any changes to the roster after winning the chip this year … which makes sense, but I have to wonder if they have the chemistry to do this … this team revolves around Kobe. And guys like Ariza and Odom want some shine …. it will be interesting watching the freak show …

Jefferson glad to be with “relevant” Spurs

And why not? They’re tied with the Lakers for most championships this decade (4) and Tim has as many rings as Shaq and Kobe (4 apiece). Jefferson runs out of obscurity and now has a real shot at being a difference maker on a team that needs a versatile wing player like RJ.

But after not returning Popp’s text messages, Tim’s words to RJ were “Don’t get traded twice in one day” lol.

Amare Stoudemire being traded to Warriors!BLOCLBUSTER!!!!!!

To Golden State: Amare Stoudemire

To Phoenix: Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry ….. ???

Not official yet, this trade has hit the airwaves all over the sports world an I am hard pressed to see this as less than true as I have not seen Steve Kerr outwardly deny this yet. Plus it’s no secret that STAT has turned into a big headed malcontent. In trading with GState, Phoenix would get star caliber players in Biedrins and Curry, cap relief and some fresh blood for Steve Nash’s passes.

Huge.

But I am not sure that this brings the Suns back to relevance. And I am not sure that this will be enough to keep Nash in a Suns uniform past this season.

Jordan wants ownership of Bobcats

Already a minority owner (no pun intended as the team is owned by BET president Bob Johnson), Jordan wants to gain full ownership as Johnson reportedly wants out of the Bobcats bandwagon after losing millions on a year to year basis from having a crap team on the court. Who knows if Jordan will be able to do it, let alone whether or not he’ll profit from it, but hey, more power to him.

Memphis’ Darko Milicic traded to New York for Quentin Richardson

In a trade that no one cares about, two non playoff contenders trade irrelevant players.

Except that, if you look at this closely, something pops out; This will be the second time that Quentin Richardson is traded from a Mike D’Antoni team … this from Wikipedia ….

Richardson was traded from the Suns, along with 2005 draft pick Nate Robinson, to the New York Knicks in exchange for Kurt Thomas and Dijon Thompson in the offseason.

D’Antoni doesn’t even care WHO he gets, he just wants Richardson out. lol. Poor Q-Rich.

Rondo to Detroit? Rondo to Memphis? … Danny Ainge says no … sorta ….

One rumour has him going with Ray Allen to Detroit for Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. Another has him going to Memphis with Brain Scalabrine for Rudy Gay and Mike Conley Jr.

After telling reporters Tuesday that he does not intend to trade any of the Celtics’ core players this offseason, Ainge told WEEI on Wednesday that Rondo needed “to grow up” and that “his presence hurt” the team in its seven-game loss to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Neither of these rumours appear to be true yet. Danny Ainge is vehemently denying these and saying that they have no intent to trade Rondo.

And I believe that. I mean, WHY? He is easily one of your most durable, agile, athletic, unselfish, quickest players and he is only 23!

Rondo’s Agent pissed

And now Rondo’s agent is getting involved, airing dirty laundry out for the world to see. This is how things turn sour and ugly. Shut your agent up, get into Ainge’s office and settle this face to face like men!

NBA – More Trades (June 25, 2009)

NBA_Trades

Atlanta’s Speedy Claxton and Acie Law to be traded to Golden State for Jamal Crawford

Not really a surprise here as Crawford fell out of favour HARD with Don Nelson is GState. It was only a matter of time. But how will they juggle the point guard connundrum in Atlanta now with Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford’s egos clashing?

Yao’s foot not healed – out indefinitely

Although Rockets Brass has expressed that Yao is not even remotely close to being on the Trade Block, you HAVE to wonder if the Rockets wanna keep 2 lame ducks in Yao and T-Mac. I love both those guys, but their attendance records  have been spotty the last few years at best. I know T-Mac is being shopped around (rumours have him going to New York as one possibility) but now with Yao’s future in question, will we see him being dealt or shopped as well?

Will they take drastic measures and go in and do some sort of microfracture surgery to help promote healing?

Only time will tell.

BLOCKBUSTER!!!!!

NBA_Trades

SHAQ TRADED TO CLEVELAND!

Update: It’s official – and Cavs hoping it works out

Cleveland finally gets the player they’ve been eyeing since February of this year! And now Shaq, possibly in his last NBA season, has his BEST chance in years to win another chip. The move wasn’t cheap for Cleveland as they give up their best low post defender in Ben Wallace and one of their better perimeter defenders in Pavlovic as well as the 46th pick in this year’s draft AND $500,000 cash.

This now means that the Cavs have Z AND Shaq in the middle with Varejao (who they have yet to sign for this season), Joe Smith and Lorenzen Wright guarding the middle. Not bad for a team that was a bit small and unable to guard Orlando. But, will that be enough to contain the athletic wings possessed by most of the Eastern Conference contenders? Hedo Turkoglu (who is not yet guaranteed an Orlando Magic spot this year due to contract negotiations), Rashard Lewis are 2 guys that really hurt them and I do not see Cleveland having an answer for either of those 2 guys yet.

Regardless, Shaq has ONE more opportunity for a ring, and the Suns admit without saying a word, that trading Marion was a HUGE mistake.

Ben Wallace, meanwhile, will reportedly retire after this trade as it is expected that Phoenix will buy out his contract and let him walk. A sad way to end a career … but it is business, I guess.

ESPN says that Cleveland was also exploring a trade for Tyson Chandler but opted to go with Shaq as he has one less year on his contract and Chandler will make more in his second year. A sound decision, I think, as they aren’t even considering Chandler’s poor performance last year and his chronic injury issues as well as his “soft” reputation.

ESPN is also reporting that there is a STRONG possibility that Amare Stoudemire is next on the trade block as he is unhappy with the developments in the franchise and, with his 2010 contract set to expire in 2010 (I think), he is not expected to resign in Phoenix. Rather than lose him for nothing, the Suns will trade him and get something of value back.

All I know is that if Shaq doesn’t immediately make his mark and find a groove with the team, he’ll make them implode in a Draft Lottery Blaze of …. non …. glory.

Signature Moves – Deron Williams Pick & Roll + Crossover Step Back Jumpshot

I really like this move because of the potential mismatches and ways you can really focus on the weaknesses of a team’s players. I think I’m gonna learn this this year.

NBA – More Trades! (June 24, 2009)

NBA_Green_pms

Sean May not signed by Bobcats – becomes unrestricted free agent

Not surprisingly since he’s only played like 35 out of 300 possible games and is averaging like 3 points and 3 rebounds per game. I hope he can make soemthing of this and take the hint and WORK at his game well.

Minnesota Timberwolves send Mike Miller, Randy Foye packing

To Washington: Mike Miller, Randy Foye

To Minnesota: #5 pick in ’09 draft, Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila

Minnesota had been trying to get higher in the draft for some time and now, after this trade, owns the 5, 6, 18 and 26th picks in the draft. I’ve been hearing all week that Minnesota wants to move up to get the #2 pick in this year’s draft and has been talking to many teams including Phoenix, Dallas and New York about possible trades, though they have openly said that Kirk Hinrich is NOT someone that they are interested in.

This deal works out GREAT for Washington as they now have more depth to work with and have greatly beefed up their 3 point shooting – as if they needed more. But now they have Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Mike Miller, Randy Foye with DeShawn Stevenson and Nick Young bringing up the rear.

Minnesota gets Songaila and Thomas – 2 guys who will undoubtedly aid Kevin Love’s development and spell him for spurts or foul issues. And now, with Kevin McHale gone and David Khan in as new GM, it looks as if Minnesota is finally acting out and taking the reins of their own fortunes.

I know people who are misty eyed that McHale is gone, but let’s look at what he did to the Wolves in his tenure (15 years) ….

Sure, he drafted KG out of High School for a HUGE success.

But in 1996, he drafted RAY ALLEN and traded him and Andrew Lang to Milwaukee for Stephon Marbury. Think about this one for a moment.

In  2006, he traded draft pick Brandon Roy to Portland for Randy Foye. This is a HUGE one here and can’t be understated enough as we’ve all seen the way these two careers have unfolded. And just last year, he drafted OJ Mayo and proceeded to trade him for Kevin Love! Now, I am a big Kevin Love fan, but OJ Mayo has proven to be the statistically superior player to date averaging double digits and taking over the reins of the Grizzlies in only his rookie campaign! I suppose the jury is out on that one yet, though, and only time will tell whether it was a good deal or a bust for McHale again.

He also offered garbage contarcts to Marko Jaric, Troy Hudson and Mike James. He had some major draft-day brain farts like Ndudi Ebi, Rashad McCants and Bracey Wright (2005).

He was also found guilty of an illegal under-the-table deal with Joe Smith that ultimately cost the team three first-round draft picks.

On top of ALL this, he is also the guy who decimated the franchise when he traded Kevin Garnett away rendering Minnesota impotent and Garnett a douchebag. Plus, of the players they got in return – Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, (plus two first-round draft picks, and cash considerations) – only THREE remained useful and were retained as a T-Wolves – Jefferson, Telfair and Gomes. Gomes and Telfair are incredibly inconsistent, though and might be out in a year now with Khan as new boss.

BAH! I’m getting mad just writing this ….

BLOCKBUSTER!!!!!

NBA_Green_pms

The first trade of the off-season puts a big exclamation mark on the summer!

Big Time Trade between San Antonio, Milwaukee and Detroit

To Spurs: Richard Jefferson

To Bucks: Amir Johnson, Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen

To Detroit: Fabricio Oberto

Okay, let’s break this down: The Spurs needed an additional athletic wing player to take pressure away from the Big 3. Richard Jefferson brings athleticism, quickness and explosive scoring to the Spurs. But they gave up their best perimeter (Bowen) and low post (Thomas) defenders in the process. Oberto, well, he showed promise, but he had been hampered by his heart ailment lately and was a bit of an uncertainty. The move also gets the “too old” monkey off their back for a while as they lose their oldest players in Bowen (38) and Thomas (36) – though they STILL have Michael Finely, which IS a wonder to me.

The Bucks need an athletic, power player to play down low and they needed veteran experience to help out that player and Andrew Bogut. AND they get a great perimeter defender who takes away pressure defensively on Redd, Ridnour and Sessions. Plus they get cap relief – both Thomas ($3.5 Mil) and Bowen are in the last year of their contracts and their salaries are almost literally HALF of what Jefferson is going to make this year. Bowen is only set to make $2 Million guaranteed this year if the Bucks cut him next year, so there’s a possibility that we might see Bowen back in a Spurs uniform in a year or two.

Detroit gets cap relief, mostlty, as Oberto only makes $1.8 Million. I doubt that Oberto has any chance of being an impact player in a system that is witnessing a youth movement and is dominated by a couple of veteran guys and appears to be a seniority based format.

I think the trade was fair to some extent. I’m just not a fan of seeing Bruce Bowen in colours other than San Antonio Silver and Black. Ditto for Thomas. I hope the organization has the class to resign them and retire them afterwards. That would be a nice gesture. But the Spurs get younger and the other 2 teams get cap space.

What the Hell?!?!?

confused

So I had something like over 250 hits in 2 days and most of my visitors last week were looking for “Ben+Wallace” pics.

My last post on this strange phenomenon stated ….. “y’all know I don’t have and will never have any naked Ben Wallace pics, right?”

Well, I’ve had 99% of the hits stop coming after that statement, which is funny in and of itself.

FUNNIER still is the fact that I’ve had some websites subscribe to my blog via RSS. One of those websites is www.sexyasia.com with the tagline “Only the best in asian porno”

What the Hell?!?!?!?

I suppose that porn webmasters are basketball fans too …. it’s just so fricking bizarre …

Broken Ankles Video

I am not sure that I had ever posted this before, but it is funny ….. even if it is Kobe Bryant. And if I did show it before ….. enjoy it again, or you will suffer BROKEN ANKLES!

Basketball Gadgets- Flash Drive

Basketball Flash Drive

This is pretty cool. And kind of cheesy …. and bulky ….. but I love this kind of tchotchke!

A basketball hanging off the side or front of your PC would totally be a conversation starter!

But priced at $26 for a 4GB unit, it is pretty much out of my own personal reach. The novelty factor would quickly wear off once you realized that you can get 4GB flash drive for half that price at other stores.

Now, I’m a die hard hoop head, but this is almost too much for me to justify.

Still, it is kinda cool.

NBA Trade Rumours (June 22, 2009)

NBA_Trades

With the draft just a few short days away, the NBA Trade Carousel is starting to move ….. here’s some of the juicy bits I’ve been able to find so far …

Vince Carter, Yao Ming, Shaq O’Neal …. traded to Cavs?

Not all at once, but these are just a few of the players that Cleveland is hunting as a partner to LBJ this next season. I guess they are really banking on star power to be enough to win a chip … me? I’m not so sure that Carter is the answer. But Yao or Shaq might be a real good complement to Z … if they can keep him happy as a backup ….

Reports say that Ben Gordon has received a verbal commitment from Detroit

This would be a huge aquisition for Detroit. Not that it would make them any better per se, but adding a shooting machine like Gordon can’t possibly hurt their chances in the East … of finishing third or fourth.

Raja Bell to Golden State for Kelenna Azubuike  and Marco Belinelli?

Mike Miller to Clippers for Chris Kaman OR Marcus Camby?

Seems to be an option on the table for all of these franchises …

Oliver Miller is calling it a comeback

I don’t know HOW this guy could get another shot at the NBA now that he’s so old … plus his weight has always been an issue …. I think this is another one of those Allan Houston / Vin Baker / Penny Hardaway / Reggie Miller things …

1984 – Best Class ever?

How can we ever possibly compare classes of differing eras against each other? …. it’s lame fanboy thoerizing. All we can say for sure is that the classes listed have the greatest players of their days. MAYBE a stat comparison ….. maybe …. but even that would settle nothing because the intangibles are not taken into account …

Mark Jackson – new T-Wolves coach?

The NBA analysts have been lobbying for Jackson to take a Head Coaching position for a year or two now. And this rumour definitely has some weight to it, I think. For what it’s worth, I think Jackson deserves at least a SHOT at coaching. Who knows, he might flop or be a hero. Either way, there’s only one way to find out ….

Turkoglu, J-Kidd to Blazers?

I think these trades would do more harm than good. Portland, you’ve gone for SO long cultivating the young talents in your stables …. stay the course. Reap the rewards!

Quote of the Week (June 20 – June 26, 2009)

qotw

“I used to love watching Wrestling. One time, me and my brother were wrestling in the house, and I did the Hulk Hogan Leg Drop on him and broke his arm. Then, I thought wrestling might be real.”

~Dwight Howard~

So, okay. He’s been ousted from the playoffs in meek fashion by Kobe “Ego” Bryant. And he was continually dissed by The Big Jackass ALL year and he lost in the Dunk contest to a guy who was nearly 2 feet smaller and more marketed for that particular event. BUT Dwight Howard, despite being the temporary boot strap, remains one of the League’s most intriguing personalities.

Quotes like this just make him more accessible (and lovable) to Joe Everyman.

I never broke either of my brothers’ arms when I was a kid (though I did consider it once or twice) BUT I certainly remember doing my best Ultimate Warrior and Bushwacker impersonation.

Ah, to be a boy again ….

Movie of the Week (June 20 – June 26, 2009)

gladiator

This week’s movie is Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe.

For those who are in the historical know, Gladiators were THE sport of their day. These guys were tough, skilled, athletic and kicked booty and took names later!

I thoroughly enjoy this movie and find myself mystified by it whenever it plays. The actions scenes are ridiculous and the gore is palpable. If you have not done so yet, check this movie out. It is a top notch flick that easily stands the test of time.

Song of the Week (June 20 – 26, 2009)

The song for this week is Lakeside’s “It’s All The Way Live”

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

This was a cool song in the 70′s which was remade by Coolio in the late 90′s for the movie Eddie, starring Whoopi Goldberg, and featuring a host of hip NBA players in their day.

I’ve been on a Funk kick recently and this song is equal parts retro and neo funk which fills my need for Funk.

Still more Ben Wallace?!?!?

confused

The Hits for Ben Wallace keep on coming …. I’ve now had over 200 hits on my site these last 2 days …. ALL from people looking for pictures of Ben Wallace ….. makes me wonder what the hell everyone is thinking …

y’all know I don’t have and will never have any naked Ben Wallace pics, right?

Most Valuable Puppets – Halftime Show

Ninety two point FIVE Percent Mental!

Oh mercy, this is great!

Most Valuable Puppets – SportsCentre

This one is pretty funny too.

Most Valuable Puppets – Lil’ Dez

“LeBron, you have like 20 triple doubles. Can I HAVE one?”

Choice!

Most Valuable Puppets – Car Jump

A parody of Nike’s own viral “Kobe Bryant Jumps a Car” commercial. Awesome.

Most Valuable Puppets – Chalk

My brother loves this ad – And though nowhere near as charismatic as the Lil Penny skits, I have to say that they are pretty funny too.

Sad for LeBron though ….

Rumours, Rumours, Rumours

NBA Logo

So the Trade Mill is buzzing already!

With the NBA season officially over, all eyes now turn to players who are elligible to leave their teams and seek out League changing contracts elsewhere. Some of the rumours floating around are pretty crazy ….

1. Al Jefferson and a draft pick for Amare Stoudemire

2. Ben Gordon to Detroit

3. McGrady to New York Knicks

These are the 3 biggest scenarios floating about right now. I think all 3 bear some potential of REALLY happening!

Amare has not been happy in Phoenix for quite some time and with Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Shaq all getting up there, I think the Suns see that this is their final year to put a good, playoff bound product on the court. But I just don’t see how getting rid of a monster like Stoudemire could help them reach that goal. That being said, I didn’t think Steve Kerr would ship away Shawn Marion like he did …

Ben Gordon to Detroit has some REAL promise. Detroit needs a good 2 guard to take pressure away from Rip, Sheed (if he’s back next season) and the Point Guards Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey. I see no downside to this aside from maybe the sheer number of shots he would take from Rip. And the loss it would represent to Chicago …. let’s not front, here. Gordon, as much of a ball hog as he is, was one of the ONLY reasons that the Bulls were able to stay in the playoffs as long as they did against the Cs.

McGrady … well …. the Knicks need to sell tickets and McGrady is still a draw. Plus I think D’Antoni could really use the streak shooting that McGrady would bring. But to get McGrady, the Knicks would have to part with someone else …. maybe David Lee?

What the hell?

confused

I’ve had over 60 hits on my blog today and about 54 of them have been image searches for “Ben+Wallace”.

Now, I don’t mind the increased traffic, but why the hell does it seem like everyone in the world – LITERALLY! I’ve had hits from Switzerland, Russia, Britain, Africa, France, U.S and Canada to name a few places – is looking for Ben Wallace pictures today?

Why the picture on my blog?

I don’t get it … aren’t there better places for pictures of Ben Wallace? And why TODAY of all days?

I find it equal parts funny, weird and confusing ….

Maybe I’m missing something or haven’t had my proper dose of NBA News ….

Top 10 Blocks of 2009

There are some very very impressive blocks on the list here.

There’s 3 by Chris Andersen and 1 by Nate Robinson, Derrick Rose, Dywane Wade, Hedo Turkoglu, Glen Davis, LeBron James and Dwight Howard.

NBA News & Notes (June 17 2009)

NBA Logo

Kevin Love on Twitter: “McHale out as coach”

Good job, kid! Way to get involved in managerial / ownership transactions and talk about something you have NO business in talking about yet!

If he doesn’t get some sort of fine or reprimand from the T-Wolves or the NBA, I’ll be very surprised.

UPDATE: It’s official – McHale is finally gone!

Though everyone will remember him as the guy who drafted KG, I’ll remember him as the guy who gutted the franchise by trading said player away for pennies on the dollar. People will clamor that Jefferson has been a great addition to the franchise, and though I agree to an extent, I have to say that he did nothing that KG didn’t do twice as good. That and look at the effect that the trade had on KG … sure, he won his beloved chip, but at the cost of his kindness and public persona – dude is a douche now.

Orlando Magic: “Luxury Tax or not, we’re resigning Turkoglu”

This is both a good thing and NOT so good a thing to let out of the bag. Resigning Turk may well be one of the ciritical things this team needs to do to keep in the Championship hunt, but don’t show your cards just yet, dudes! That and Hedo’s 30! You sure you can’t get better, younger players by trading him? And let’s not forget that if they spend a LOT of money on Turk now, they’ll shoot themselves in the arse later cuz they’ll have no cap space to sign anyone else!

hmmm ….

Private Donors to cover costs of LA Lakers Championship Parade

Private Donors = Special Interest Groups, right?

If not that, then at LEAST it means that there are people out there “donating” money and getting something in return later … maybe this is how the Lakers buy all their championships and get all these “great trades” …. donations.

This seems fishy to me. That no one is asking “WHO are these private donors and why do they have such a vested interest in the championship parade?”

Then again, asking questions would mean that the media and the casual fans knows anything about the sport or has a finger of foresight to them.

LeBron visits white House, Harlem – first appearances after surgery

That’s great that LeBron is celebrating his NON Finals appearance and not working on his game extra hard right now ….. then again, the summer is long …

Ariza to be back next year for Lakers

Yeah, good work, Trev! You do it big this offseason and have the opportunity to command big money and you are satisfied to stay third banana in LA with Ball Hog Bryant, Pau Gasoft and Lamar Odom (couldn’t think of anything witty quick enough).

Personally, I think he could have gone elsewhere and made way more money and gotten way more playtime.

And don’t tell me it’s “team” here. Kobe Bryant and “Team” don’t mix.

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