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Floppers BewareMay 29 08  This is a special feature by guest blogger Christopher Sells. Manu Ginobili had better crack open his wallet. So should Anderson Varejao, Bruce Bowen, Raja Bell, Fabricio Oberto, etc. Next season, the NBA will start to impose fines for flopping. Yes, really. The specifics haven’t been made clear just yet, but I’m 100% on board of this. I grew up in the era where men were men and played defense as such. I die inside a little bit every time someone acts like they’ve been shot in an attempt to draw a referee’s whistle. In a perfect world, the decisions of the in-arena observers and video reviewers would be similar to the technical foul rules, where you earned a suspension after a predetermined number of them were accrued. Imagine some of these players having to force themselves to play straight up man-to-man because their next flop would earn them a suspension. I can’t wait to see where the NBA goes with this one. It’s a shame they can’t make it effective immediately. [image: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/17/20040167_553ba78dd9_m.jpg]
Snakes in a PoolMay 28 08  This is a special feature by guest blogger Christopher Sells.
Kobe Jumps Over Pool of Snakes - Watch more free videos
I’m just glad he put out a realistic video this time. (Yes, I’m kidding.) Can’t wait to see what the TNT guys do with this one. I suggest Samuel L. Jackson be involved in some way. [image:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/1/127160006_2119fde555_m.jpg]
Reggie’s FailbagMay 27 08  I’m not sure who’s working the Lakers/Spurs game tonight, but if Reggie Miller is involved, you can bet that his "Reggie’s Mailbag" commercial will be shown. The idea isn’t a bad one. After all, what basketball fan wouldn’t want the opportunity to pick the brain of one of the all-time greats? I’m sure the people at TNT know this, which is why they’ve involved him so heavily in their broadcasts, despite his relative lack of experience on the job.Somewhere between idea and execution, though, something appears to have gone wrong. If you’ve seen the most recent commercial, you see Reggie reading away on a PDA of some sort (Blackberry?) in his hotel room, imploring you to e-mail him and ask him questions. I’ve always assumed that this was just for the commercial and that Reggie probably had a laptop or a desktop computer– or someone working for him did, anyway– and that he would give short but complete answers to selected questions that he doesn’t have time to address on TNT’s Overtime section. But based on some information I’ve received, I’m thinking that the hotel room scenario isn’t too far from the truth. Our man John Keefer decided to hit Reggie up. The message is as follows: From: John Keefer Nothing too difficult. He even throws in a compliment, just to make things a little more personal. Surely Reggie will answer and provide us with some of the insight he’s received from being an 18-year NBA veteran. From: Reggie’s Mailbag Uh, really? That’s all we get? Well, it took a day and a half for him to answer, so maybe he’s been busy. It was game day and I’m sure there was some show prep involved. Plus it was a Sunday afternoon, no one really wants to work on a Sunday afternoon. So John shot him another message later that night, after the Spurs manhandled the Lakers in San Antonio. From: John Keefer Valid questioning, especially after the second round of this year’s playoffs, where there were only three road wins. And what makes homecourt homecourt? If a former player who played 144 playoff games and whose team missed the playoffs only once in his career couldn’t answer that question thoughtfully, who could? About half a day later came the response: From: Reggie’s Mailbag Really? We can’t even get a complete sentence out of you Reg? I’m not expecting 750 words out of you or anything, but a real answer would be nice. At least address the entire question. Is this what you’re feeding us, TNT? Is this a real service that we’re supposed to be receiving or is it some sick joke? I suppose, though, that TNT is trying to lower our expectations. They’ve been pretty good for a while now, definitely becoming the preferred basketball viewing destination since NBC lost the telecasts. This could just be their way of making sure that we don’t think they’re perfect or anything. This would also explain the constant cross-promotion for the cable series that run on the Turner networks. If so, my response is the same as the slogan for TBS’ comedy night’s although mine is meant probably much more sarcastically than theirs: Very funny. [image:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2190933242_98f8b9bc22_m.jpg]
Boo HooMay 27 08  This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells I think most would agree that it’s true that money can’t buy you happiness. Money can certainly buy you things that can perhaps bring you happiness on some level, but it won’t be that everlasting happiness that people are supposed to seek in life. That being said, there are still quite a few people who would sacrifice their living situations and possessions in exchange for millions of dollars without thinking twice about it. There are also those who would have little sympathy for those who could be forced to uproot their lives and move to a new, strange place. One of the people who fall into the first category is Brent Gooden, a PR guy from If you’re not familiar with the whole Sonics situation, it would be good for you to take some time to get up to speed by searching around on the ‘Net. A brief synopsis: Bennett bought the team and tried to get So the new development in all of this, which I alluded to in the lead, is Bennett’s feelings about his employees’ concerns about having to move and play in OKC. In an e-mail to Gooden, Bennett wrote “Boo hoo” in response to hearing that some of the players were upset about the potential move. Gooden wrote back, “Great response. I would play wherever for half of the lowest paid player on the team.” First off, Bennett should recognize that he needs his players to want to do their jobs and to attempt to be happy while they’re doing them. You may not give a crap about their feelings, but these are the guys who are ultimately responsible for making you money. The fans are there to see them play. The worse they play, the fewer fans they perform in front of. Fewer fans equals less money. It’s simple really. Maybe Bennett should just stop sending e-mails because he apparently can’t stop saying things in them that will haunt him later. Secondly, Gooden can’t assume that because he would do something, that an NBA should eagerly do the same. All too often we hear someone say something about the NBA followed by some sort of qualifier detailing their salary. “If I made that much money, I’d do this” or “They make enough money, why can’t they do that.” I understand where people are coming from when they say these things, but how would they feel if they were put into the situation? How do you guys feel about it? Should the Sonics players and everyone who works in the organization be ready to move from the Northwest to the Plains because of their salary? Do you feel they deserve to have their feelings addressed by Bennett? What would you do if you made that kind of money? Would you be happy or would you feel that your happiness even mattered? Leave your answers in the comment box. [image:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2445102180_72652f7bd2_m.jpg]
Memorial Day MiracleMay 26 08  This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells First off, my thoughts are with the families and individuals for whom Memorial Day means remembering a fallen soldier. A special thanks to all of our troops, past and present. The above moment happened on Memorial Day in 1999. I can remember being at a barbecue with a burger in hand, watching the replay of Sean Elliot’s heel hovering over the sideline as he wetted the game-winner over the long arms of Rasheed Wallace. Since then, I always associate Memorial Day with that moment. Here’s hoping that tonight’s Pistons/Celtics game gives us a moment equally as memorable. [image:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2315389407_bbfe632929_m.jpg]
Drugs Are Bad, M’Kay?May 26 08  This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells Joakim Noah and Josh Howard should hang out. Or shouldn’t hang out, depending on your perspective. Noah was arrested early Sunday in As always, an unrelated situation led to the weed charges. Instead of drinking inside of a bar, which is legal in most places, he decided to hang out in the bar district with some alcohol in an open container, allegedly, which is illegal in a lot of places. "[Noah] put the cup down on the street and walked away when he saw the officers, a pretty good indication that it didn’t just contain juice or something," a police spokesperson said about the incident. Yes, Joakim, try to run when you have weed on you. Because maybe they wouldn’t have searched you and only given you a ticket since the open container thing is just a misdemeanor. But maybe I’m wrong. I’m no legal expert, after all. In Noah’s defense, the weed was in a cigarette pack disguised as a smoke. So at least the arresting officers had to do a bit of work in order to charge him. (Cigaweed?) It amazes me when people get caught on marijuana offenses. I don’t do any drugs (and neither should you. My public service announcement for the month), but I know quite a few people who do. And, allegedly, lots of NBA players do so during their summer vacations. Nearly all of them have avoided being caught or putting themselves in a position where they’d be discovered. But doing things that are illegal doesn’t mean you have to be smart about it. Which is why you have your name in the papers today, Mr. Noah. No, not those kind of papers. [images:http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/660338323_5e42232018_m.jpg]
40-0May 23 08  This is a special feature by guest blogger Christopher SellsOrdinarily, I don’t make too much of Game One results. So knowing that the Lakers beat the Spurs Wednesday doesn’t really mean much. Observations after Game Three are usually much more astute. With that being said, Phil Jackson’s 40-0 record in playoff series in which he won the first game is mighty impressive. Think about it. Phil Jackson is in his 17th year coaching. He has only lost seven playoff series. Total. He has won more titles than he’s lost series. And he only loses a series when he loses the first game. I’m not ready to say the Lakers are definitely going to win this series now, but I’m much less inclined to pick the Spurs, just based on that information alone. Never mind the experience or the depth or the lack of scoring or anything else that you might bring up as a positive or negative for either team. All you have to remember is 40-0. This could very well be the year that the trend is broken. After all, Jackson did have the benefit of a couple of superstars on a lot of those teams. Now all he has is Kobe and a team of mostly role players. Meanwhile, the Spurs are the latest championship institution and just came off a series win where they lost their first two games. 40-0 though. Really hard to argue with that. [image:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2482348716_a5b6c1af46_m.jpg]
ECF: 1-1May 23 08  This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells If you’re a Bad news: The Celtics still lost. Worse news: Homecourt advantage has been stolen. Now would definitely be a good time for the team to finally win a road playoff game. Whatever they’ve been doing thus far, they should definitely try something different. Witchcraft, sorcery, something. Be sure to check the homepage for the game wrap-ups from both sides.
Pistons/Celtics FlashbackMay 22 08  This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells I’ve heard from many sources that the remaining playoff series, [image:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/17/21267778_d6a65a52ad_m.jpg]
How Did That Happen?May 21 08  With the Bulls winning yesterday’s lottery, I thought it would be good to get a reaction from one of the team’s fans. Luckily, we have one who has written for us before. John Nguyen, take it away.-Chris It’s a great day to be a Chicago Bulls fan. We’re not supposed to be here. We defied the 1.7% odds and won the number one pick. This pick should be called, "Good Karma." This pick pretty much made up for many of the mistakes made since Pax took over; not trading up in 2003 with the number 7 pick and Marcus Fizer for Wade or even Chris Kaman, giving Hinrich and Nocioni huge contract extensions, not getting Iguodala and Al Jefferson, passing on Brandon Roy, listening to Scott Skiles too much, signing Ben Wallace, dumping Tyson Chandler for nothing, not getting a big man coach sooner, messing up Tyrus Thomas’ development, not pushing Skiles enough to develop Ben Gordon at point guard since 2004, and the pandora’s box created by Kobe, Gasol, and Kevin Garnett trade talks. Contrary to Dwayne Wade, the Bulls deserve the top pick because they did not tank like Miami this season or Boston of 2006-2007 for Greg Oden. The Rose vs. Beasley debate has begun to who should go number one. Both men are potential franchise players. Both men will be all stars. So who do you choose? More importantly, who does Paxson choose? Michael Beasley is being compared to a better version of Derrick Coleman, a rich man’s Carmelo Anthony, a black Dirk Nowitzki, Antawn Jamison meets Amare Stoudamire. Derrick Rose is measured up against Chris Paul and Deron Williams and has a high potential of Tony Parker with better defense and superior court vision, a more athletic version of Gary Payton, Jason Kidd with a jumpshot, Dwayne Wade with true point guard skills, and a more athletic Deron Williams. Some have even come out and say that he’s a mix of Isiah Thomas and Scottie Pippen. Who sounds more appealing? For me, it’s Derrick Rose. He is the best player available at number one. He’s too dynamic; an all in one package who boosts everyone else’s value for future trades. Rose is a prototypical point guard who only comes around once every 5 years with his amazing athleticism. Paul and Deron are not even that athletic. Rose’s basketball IQ and intangibles are off the charts shown in the NCAA tournament. He just needs more work on his jumpshot. That’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, Beasley will turn out to be a stud, too. He’s just not dynamic enough. He doesn’t play defense and doesn’t really make anyone better. A GM can always find a scoring forward like him. There’s no dry spell there. He’s also a tweener but I don’t have problem if Pax takes Beasley though. Please remember that Chicago is not supposed to be here at number one. We were stuck at number nine. Even Pax didn’t watch the draft lottery. Pax is in a situation where he cannot mess up with either kid. I’ll repeat it again like how Dante from Clerks say it, "We’re not even supposed to be here!" So Bulls fans shouldn’t be mad if we take Beasley yet by taking Beasley we are drafting by need, not BPA. The obvious choice is Rose. He’s is the starting point on winning a title maybe even winning multiple titles. It’s time to think big. Do the Bulls have a log jam at guards? Duh. Does that make Hinrich the odd man out? Absolutely. By getting Derrick Rose, Kirk already lost his starting job. He should be sweating bullets right now as we speak since Pax has praised Rose more than Beasley. Hinrich fans will try to negotiate and say, "Hinrich can be the starting 2 guard." That’s just illogical. Hinrich cannot play the SG spot. Get that out of your heads right now. I really mean it. SG means shooting guard. Last time I checked, Hinrich can’t shoot or create his own shot. He’s not a volume clutch scorer like Ben Gordon. He never was and he will never be that type of player. A Rose/Gordon backcourt sounds much menacing than a Rose/Hinrich backcourt don’t you think? Then you might say, "Hinrich can play defense where Ben’s is nonexistent." Again, where have you been this past season? Hinrich’s D is laughable, hanging on to past reputation. Hinrich will never ever be 2nd team all defense again because Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Rajon Rondo will battling for that. We also have Thabo Sefolosha who is the utility guard providing more length and defense so why should Hinrich be on the team now? Kirk cannot be a 6th man either because his contract is too high to be on the bench registering 20-25 minutes a game. It’s more beneficial to keep Gordon a little bit longer because he’s a basketball machine who keeps training. He will inspire hardcore work ethic in Rose and can help him in developing his jumper. Larry Hughes and Andres Nocioni are the other odd men out. If no one takes Hughes in a deal, buy him out. The last best possible thing for Hughes is to get expiring contracts for him. Pax has to consolidate his assets and try to get another big player for Rose; a 1-2 punch. Drew Gooden is not good enough to win a title. There are some names dropped: Elton Brand, Emeka Okafor, Jermaine O’Neal, Michael Beasley, and Carmelo Anthony. To be able to even think about Beasley or Melo, Pax has to work a sign and trade with Deng. If Pax can pull something like that off, hand him the GM of the Year award for 2008-2009. Even if Paxson got Beasley, that roster still needs more retooling. He still has to consolidate talent to get another good player to play with Beasley. "How did that happen? We’re not even supposed to be here!" Yet, here we are. It’s time to make the most of it now. [top image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philchambers/]
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