Bleacher Report - Articles by David Weiss

NBA Expectations and Predictions

David Weiss — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0400

Ahh, it feels so good to be back. The NBA season is starting up tonight, Halloween is on Saturday, I'm nowhere near a law school-life is good!

As usual, I will write my column in 15 minutes or less, with no edits, no proofreads, and no modicum of political correctness.

Things to Expect for 2009-2010

1- At some point this season, Shaq will say that LeBron James is the best basketball player he's ever played with. The only question I have is whether he will say it outright or wait for a reporter to ask him the question in the midst of a long winning streak. Either way, you can expect to hear the aftermath of this on every sports show for a solid week or two.

2. Either Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, Lakers, Spurs, or Nuggets will win the championship this year . 'Nuff said.

3. Vince Carter is going to be an All-Star this year . I give credit to Bill Simmons for this one. In his NBA preview article, he provides an interesting fact about how Carter has never played with a first team NBA player in his career. Not to mention a stacked team that made it to the Finals without their all-star point guard. Orlando is going to be better than last season.

4. San Antonio will benefit most from the Lakers loss of Trevor Ariza . After following last year's Western Conference Finals, I'm thoroughly convinced that the Lakers would not have beaten the Nuggets without Ariza. The Lakers have Artest now, but you have to wonder if an aging, unstable Artest is going to be better than a young, unselfish Trevor Ariza. Against Carmelo, I'm not too worried. But if the Lakers see the Spurs, Ginnobli and Richard Jefferson are two guys Artest will not be able to keep up with.

5. Boston will be the most DOMINANT team this year . I hear about Shaq. I Hear about Artest. Um, does anyone realize that Boston was without their best (and most loathesome) player for the last quarter of the regular season and the entire playoffs. As far as I'm concerned, if Garnett is still at 80 percent, the trifecta of Rondo, Pierce, and Allen will keep this team head and shoulders above everyone. Not to mention that Kendrick Perkins is one of the most underrated defensive bigs in the league.

6. LA will not repeat . Think of everything that went in the Lakers favor last year. Garnett was injured. Ginnobli was injured. Orlando's point guard in last year's finals was Rafer Alston. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were out for the Rockets. Fisher could run without a respirator AND be clutch. Kobe was the undisputed alpha and no characters like Ron Artest could mess up the pecking order. Oh, and they had Trevor Ariza.

Predictions:

MVP: Tim Duncan - The NBA has a popular saying—"great players make their teammates better." What you don't usually hear is "great teammates give great players more media buzz." This is the best team Tim Duncan has had post-David Robinson. This won't be a typical Spurs year where the warm up until the end of the season and turn the switch on. The roster is deeper, better, and healtheir than past years. Tim Duncan also got some extra rest since his early exit. All signs point to Tim Duncan cementing his spot as the best power forward to ever play the game.

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin - no contest.

Defensive player of the year: LeBron James- Did you see how he began blocking shots on a regular basis towards the second half of last season and all through the playoffs? Ya, he is going to dominant this year.

6th man of the year: Rasheed Wallace. After playing on a sorry Detroit Pistons team with no heart and soul, you don't think Sheed is hyped up for this season? Well, I do.

Comeback player of the Year: Gilbert Arenas . If he can stay healthy, this award won't even be a contest.

Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers. I'm telling you, it is Boston's year.

NBA Finals Prediction:

Boston vs. Lakers. Celtics in 6.

Finals MVP: Rajon Rondo

Q-Rich Addition Is A Sign In The Right Direction

David Weiss — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:42:37 -0400

My initial reaction to the Mark Blount-Quentin Richardson deal was a hearty sigh.

The first thing that sprung to mind was Richardson's public dispute with Stephon Marbury just last season.

Then I recalled a heated confrontation he had with Pierce in a game once that lead to both players getting ejected, and Richardson screaming at Pierce to meet him in the back (available on Youtube).

So, yeah, it wasn't love at first sight. And I think the other three teams that traded him just this past summer might (might) have said the same thing.

Here is the bottom line of this deal: He is an expiring contract. And that means, all eyes are still being focused on making the big moves next summer as opposed to making futile pre-emptive "I wish upon a shooting Wade" maneuvers (like picking up Carlos Bamboozler) this summer.

In terms of the immediate effects of this move, and let me be blunt, I haven't see a turd as big as Mark Blount since I last saw Jurassic Park.

Thank you. OK, thank you again.

On the flip side, Richardson is a volatile personality, but he is also longtime friends with Wade, and that will hopefully reduce his overall terror alert level.

And on the bright side, can a team ever have enough tough players?

I can still recall with a slightly lesser feeling of indignation how Josh Smith attempted a 360 dunk in a playoff game Miami was getting blown out in last season.

Did I want someone on the team to commit a flagarent against him after he did that? You better believe I did!!

And maybe Richardson would have been that guy.

In any case, I won't say I like this move, but I will say that the actual benefits do seem to outweigh the foreseeable consequences.

Now, about that Allen Iverson....

Where Is "The Answer" When the Miami Heat Needs One?

David Weiss — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:54:20 -0400

No, I don't care that the only team Allen Iverson has received a significant offer from plays in a European league.

And, oh no, I don't care that the Miami Heat haven't been keeping up with the Joneses by making some radical move.

What I care about is seeing my team miss a valuable opportunity by allowing long-term concerns to interfere with their immediate needs.

Allen Iverson is a must-sign pickup.

Contrary to most teams, Miami actually needs a guy that is selfish about his scoring.

Dwyane Wade didn't lead the league in scoring for the first time last year because his game jumped a few notches—it's because his teammates were afraid to shoot.

It's because Wade wanted to prove he was among the league's elite again by throwing up 30 every night.

Ultimately, Miami fell short because they couldn't keep up with teams on offense, despite having the best statiscal offensive player in the year.

Now, I personally don't care if the Heat has to cue Alanis Morisette to do a hundred renditions of "ironic" until Pat Riley calls up Iverson.

No, I don't want to hear about Flip Murray. He can't score like Iverson, and he has a goofy name like Smush Parker.

No, I don't want to hear about Jamaal Tinsley. Say what you will about Iverson, but at least he still has passion for the game. Tinsley is just a malcontent who prematurely retired while wearing a uniform.

Jeez, I really must be upset, because I'm barking like Stephen A Smith. And guess what? That makes me exponentially more upset.

So let me just say this—and I have said it before.

At the end of the day, everything revolves around Wade.

The Heat made their pitch for Lamar Odom. And as pundits have accurately assessed, if Odom ever really wanted to sign with Miami, he wouldn't have kept stalling. It was always L.A. for him.

Do I care? No, not really, because Odom doesn't have passion. He can get by on skill, height, and versatility. But everyone knows that when Odom actually comes to play, the Lakers are unbeatable—and don't think this factor wasn't silently a big deal.

Getting back to my previous point, next summer is going to be a fork in the road for the Miami Heat. Either Wade and significant free agent signs, or Miami loses Wade and the apocalypse happens.

Keep that in mind that the next time you hear Iverson's name connected with the Heat and the phrase "a move just for the sake of making a move."

Iverson does not fall under that phrase or category. Flip Murray and Jamaal Tinsley, while filling needs, are.

What Iverson is, is what he has has always been. He is a statement, more than an answer.

And that statement is: "We want to make life easier for our superstar. Because he knows, and we know, that we won't win the big game. We won't even get to it. But next summer, that's when we make our jump. And we want to make sure he isn't too worn out and frustrated to help take us there."

Get it done, Pat Riley.

Artest Will Make Lakers Better, But Not Best

David Weiss — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:59:42 -0400

Is Ron Artest an upgrade over the player he was unofficially traded for?

Yes.

But not by as wide a margain as people may think.

Compared to Trevor Ariza, Artest brings more toughness (an element the Lakers desperately needed), someone who can create his own shot, play either forward position interchangably, play better defense, and rebound better.

But Trevor Ariza was a steady force that made key plays, open shots, and never minded being an "unknown" on a team where Kobe comes first, second, and third, Gasol fourth, Phil Jackson fifth, Lamar Odom sixth, and everyone else not so much seventh as they are last.

Now, did Artest ressurect his career in the court of public opinion?

Well, um, no one was killed last season.

Of course, there is a list of jokes someone can make about Artest, but there is a reason why.

The guy has such a Drag Me to Hell reputation in the league, people lowered their standards of human behavior to the bare minimum in relation to how he conducts himself on and off the court.

And was he able to laugh at himself in front of the media last year when they sought his comment about the cheap shot he took at Kobe during the playoffs?

Yes.

But let's be brutally honest. Ron Artest is as unpredictable as anything in the world.

Unlike Trevor Ariza, he is not steady.

Unlike Ariza, he wants the spotlight. Badly too.

Do not kid yourself that it played a HUGE role in his decision to come to LA.

In Houston, Artest never felt slighted because the expectations for him were so low he was almost in a position where it was impossible to screw up.

But now he is in LA, playing for the defending champs. And in one of the NBA's leading markets. And on a team with Kobe.

You have to wonder how that will all translate with him come late in the season when he will inevitably be margainalized simply as a "role player."

Phil Jackson, right? He dealt with Rodman after all, right? He is the zenmaster and all that jazz, right? If anyone can deal with Artest, it's Jackson right?

Well, here is the thing. Everyone talks about how great an ego-manager Jackson is but people forget to realize that crazy is a whole different monster than ego.

In Chicago, Jackson dealt with Rodman, but a coach can only do so much until players are forced to set a tone.

Jackson had Jordan and Pippen to do that. In LA, Jackson really only has Fisher and perhaps Kobe. But that then begs the question of whether Kobe can really deal with Artest after being spoiled with small personalities like Sasha Vujavic and Lamar Odom in the last few seasons.

No, this isn't pessimism talking. It's rationalism.

But let us all assume that the Lakers will not deal with any drama from Artest, even though he chose to come to the most drama-filled city in America.

Artest is a better player than Ariza after all.

His toughness brings an added dimension to the Lakers that cannot be emphasized enough.

But I, as a Laker fan (yes believe it or not, I'm a huge Laker/Kobe fan), still don't think the Lakers are the best team yet.

There are a few obstacles in the way—small and big.

First, when did it become a foregone conclusion that Lamar Odom was going to re-sign?

According to the latest reports, Odom and the Lakers front office are "far apart" in contract negotiations.

And the Lakers will need Odom back if they want to seriously contend for a championship again.

Second, the Lakers need a point guard that's durable and quick. Derek Fisher, though clutch, is on his last legs. Shannon Brown is an able point guard, but he is best suited coming off the bench. And Jordan Farmar pulls so many disappearing acts that the Lakers should have his NBA profile picture framed on a missing persons ad with a sizable reward at the top.

Lastly, and probably the biggest reason of all, the Boston Celtics.

I personally hate the Celtics, but I am reasonable enough to accept that a healthy Boston team with the new addition of Rasheed Wallace has to be considered the best team in the NBA.

There is the three-headed monster of KG, Pierce, and Ray "Mr. Clutch" Allen.

There is Rondo, a player that has to now be mentioned in the discussion for best point guards in the NBA

And then there is Perkins, a guy whose mere facial countenance accounts for about eight ill-advised jump shots 30 feet away from the basket by an opponent a game.

So, at the end of the day, yes, Lakers fans can rejoice, with caution mind you, about the Artest pickup.

But don't sip too much of the gravy.

Because if sports has taught us anything, it is that there is nothing the media loves more than to exaggerate the significance of a move when it's at it's "what's hot" incubation period of news-worthiness.

Don't believe me? Just ask Karl Malone and Gary Payton, circa 2004, what they think.

"Hiiiiiiiiiii. My name is Kahlllll Malone and I up-prove this messageeeee!!!"

Getting Allen Iverson This Summer Is the Miami Heat's Only Answer

David Weiss — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:13:38 -0400

Allen Iverson is coming off the lowest point of his career.

He was traded early this past season for a player that spearheaded his former team's run all the way to the Western Conference Finals, only to fall short to the eventual NBA champs.

The team Iverson was traded to ultimately preferred him to come off the bench, and, upon his refusal, told him to stay away until his contract ran up.

Meanwhile, during that same period, the Miami Heat capped off last season in a Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Like every other game preceding Game 7, the losing team was blown out, and it ended a season which saw the Heat execute the biggest single-season turnaround of any team in NBA history.

Fast forward to present day, and both parties are not in the greatest of posturing positions entering this offseason.

Miami and Dwayne Wade are at a stalemate regarding his contract extension. As Wade has stated openly in the past week, he would like to see a championship team in place before committing his future to Miami. However, the Heat would like Wade to sign first so that they know they are building a team around a player who will be staying.

Needless to say, there does not seem to be a resolution looming.

Here is the tipping point of the issue, however.

Miami needs Wade more than Wade needs Miami. And any knowledgeable NBA fan should know well enough why this is true without any explanation.

So now, let's fast forward again, but to this time next year. Wade is a free agent and it's 2010. Here is exactly what will record in Wade's mind as he considers his re-signing with Miami:

Pros

1. The Heat was the first NBA team to take a chance on me.

2. The franchise and the city have treated me with nothing but love since I got here and allowed me to voice my opinion on any personnel decision the organization has made.

3. They got Shaq in the past to put me in a position to win a championship, which we achieved. Then, they traded him as soon as it was clear that the rest of the team was too old to contend, and Shaq was too bitter and lazy to care.

Cons

1. The fan base is nowhere near as present at American Airlines as it is in Madison Square Garden or the United Center.

2. The market is much bigger and I will make more money in the long run playing for the Knicks or Bulls.

3. The Heat made me play with Joel Anthony and the space cadet formerly known as Michael Beasley when I could be playing with someone like Derrick Rose in Chicago.

Getting out of Wade's mind for a moment, Miami needs to consider how another season of Wade single-handedly carrying the team in another wasted year of his prime, only to fall far short from the finish line, will take a devastating toll in Wade's thought process next summer.

Enter Iverson. Miami needs to sign him on a one-year deal.

Whether he will start or come off the bench will ultimately depend on how well he can play with Wade and only one ball to share.

But Miami's most obvious shortcoming last season was its inability to score.

Iverson can still do that pretty well.

Some may worry about the potential long-term ramifications a controversial, yet influential person like Iverson will have on the Heat's younger players.

And it is merited.

But also consider that Iverson is one of the most passionate players in the game, and surely, having someone like that will be beneficial for Miami's most prized young player in Beasley.

As for Iverson's outlook on things, he has already voiced in the media this week that playing for the Heat is atop his wish list.

It gives him ample opportunity to revitalize a team desperate for the assets Iverson reputably provides, and it also will allow him to rebuild his stock so that next summer he can sign a much lengthier and more rewarding deal to finish his career.

Will signing Iverson put Miami over the top? Absolutely not.

But it will show Wade that Miami's interests as a franchise are still concurrent with Wade's interests as a player.

It will give Miami a more talented team than it had last year.

And frankly, given that all Miami can really offer to free agents this summer is one-year deals at small amounts, and given that Wade does not want to deal with another year of doing everything by himself, Miami really has no choice but to sign Iverson.

Nowhere else will they find a player of his caliber at the discounted price and 1 year deal they could perceivably attain him at.

This summer, Allen Iverson is, quite literally, Miami's only answer.

Trevor Ariza Will Make Lakers Pay One Way Or The Other

David Weiss — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:12:18 -0400

This free agency is beginning to look grim for teams that were hoping to keep their players at a reasonable price.

News came out yesterday that Trevor Ariza is the latest free agent planning to leave his home team after the "insulting" offer they made which, according to reports, was a multi-year deal at the full mid-level exception.

Now, granted that exaggeration always plays a role in the art of negotiation, but one should consider the question: would the Lakers have won a championship this year without Ariza?

Actually, I'm wrong.

The more pertinent question in this case is actually: who was the Lakers' third best player in the playoffs—Ariza or Lamar Odom?

My answer would be Ariza.

He made game-saving plays in the playoffs on several occasions. He made open shots on a consistent basis when teams were giving too much attention to Gasol and Bryant. He actually played better on the court with Kobe Bryant than Lamar Odom. He generally guarded the other team's best offensive player to allow Kobe to reserve his energy on offense.

And simply, from a free agent standpoint, he is only in his early 20s, while Lamar Odom is about to enter his 30s.

Why Odom is such an important factor in this equation is because he too is a free agent. And it seems as though the Lakers have decided to make Odom the higher priority of the two forwards.

When you compare the numbers between the two players, it's hard to fault the Lakers for going that route. Odom is the better player, even though he is not as consistent as Ariza.

The problem, however, is that Ariza was really the player that did all the dirty work for the Lakers.

He knew he was underpaid last year and he probably wants a little bit more this year to make up for that.

It's understandable.

But amidst this ongoing negotiation, the Lakers may want to think about their cross-conference rival, the Celtics, and consider how losing James Posey hurt Boston's championship aspirations.

Meanwhile, Ariza's people have already gone on record as saying that they will take a full mid-level exception from another team rather than feel low-balled by the Lakers.

Getting away from sides here, let's look objectively at why the Lakers should value Ariza.

He is the guy that generally takes on the most difficult defensive matchups. He has built a reputation on making key plays to not only keep momentum on his team's side, but also save games. And he often has to swallow his pride because dirty work players generally do not get much acclaim from the fans and media at the end of the day.

But the one place they should get it is from their home team's front office.

And unfortunately, from the Lakers' standpoint, that is looking more and more not to be the case.

Deep Regret: Bulls Shouldn't Have Let Gordon Go So Easy

David Weiss — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:35:24 -0400

How ironic that on the day Kobe Bryant—a player the Bulls once eagerly pursued—essentially committed his future with the Lakers, the player that was already filling that role as lead scorer got whisked away without so much as a struggle.

As of now, Ben Gordon is a Detroit Piston.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls may have just moon-walked their way out of the playoffs (it's OK to laugh).

One would not have to stretch their mind far, however, to defend the Bulls' actions. They did offer Gordan a significant amount (especially when taking into account the fragile state of the economy). Gordon is undersized at his position and is a bit of a defensive liability.

He isn't an All-Star.

The team that signed him got him for only $5 million more than what the Bulls offered. And finally, the Bulls have never managed to get passed the first round with him as their leading scorer.

So there is, indeed, an advocate to argue this devil's case.

But here is the other side of the argument.

Ben Gordon was undoubtedly Chicago's most efficient scorer. He was arguably the biggest reason the Bulls took the then-defending champion Boston Celtics to a Game Seven in the playoffs this year. But most importantly, he came through in the clutch—not just at several points in the playoffs—but also throughout the season.

And maybe that isn't enough to defend committing a lot of money to a player that hasn't been able to lead a team out of the first round.

But tell that to Kevin Garnett, circa 2000, when he experienced countless seasons of first-round exits with the T-wolves.

Tell that to T-mac, before his back made him a semi-functioning quadriplegic.

And what will those guys say in return, in the most humble of ways?

I'm not part of the problem. I'm part of the solution.

Say what you will about Gordan's contract situation, but the Bulls knew well enough of Gordon's talent's that they were only $5 million short of what came to be the final amount.

And if the saying which has echoed itself for several years in the NBA that superstars are made in the playoffs holds true, then the Bulls better have something to show for their semi-willingness to let him go sometime in the near future.

Because today's problem for the Bulls just became a part of tomorrow's solution for the Detroit Pistons.

O Gracious King, The Court Jester Has Arrived

David Weiss — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:06:15 -0400

(The following was written in five minutes in an effort to beat my previous article that was written in six minutes. The following may sound a bit grammatically perplexing but aerodynamically tripidacious with a side of BOW CHIGGA WOW WAA!!!!)

Regardless of what you hear people on ESPN say about this Shaq trade, it does not and will not have a catclysmic effect on the NBA's landscape.

As much as Shaq improved statiscally this year from his last few years in the league, Shaq isn't the guy he used to be. No, no, no. You probably think I'm referring to the guy that won all those finals MVPs during the Lakers dynasty. No, he has been gone for years now.

I'm actually talking about the guy that was on his way out of LA and helped Miami win a championship by attracting the occasional double team and giving Wade more room to operate. Yes, that guy! That's the guy I'm talking about when I say who Shaq isn't anymore.

Shaquille O'Neil, at this stage of his career, is just a name. He is a shell of a shell of who he used to be. And I know Cavs fans don't want to hear this and they don't want anyone Mountain Dewing on their parade. But I'm sorry. I owe it to those pure NBA fans out there to speak on what I have learned.

And what I have learned is that the only kind of center Shaq is anymore is the center of attention. It's a position he cherishes more than any on the court, and it is one he may have no choice but to relinquish being on the same team as LeBron James.

But he won't. He can't. For as much as Shaq realizes that the Cavs start and finish with LeBron James, he will want to leave his mark, and mark my words, it will happen to the detriment of the Cavs' offense.

I've seen how the Cavs play. They are an up and down team. All about the tempo. Sure, Shaq will have a good time choreographing dances on the sidelines, but once he is on the court, his slow butt is going to make Zydrunas look like Allen Iverson circa '98.

You know what's funny? The Suns had a championship contending team before they traded for Shaq. Shaq said coming into Phoenix that he was going to fade into the background. What ended up happening? Shaq forced the Suns to slow down their offense and what eventually happened is that Shaq became the focal point on offense. Soon thereafter, the Suns became a lottery team.

Yeah sure, you could say Amare going down caused that. But I remember those games where Shaq was down low in the paint and it left Amare with no room to operate.

I remember how Shaq pointed to his ring finger when he first got to Phoenix and ended up leaving the franchise worse than when they got him.

I remember how Shaq left the Heat with all the disparaging remarks against the Heat training staff and players.

I remember how Shaq looked broken down and dead before he started playing with Steve Nash and got into better court shape due to the miraculous workings of the Phoenix Suns training staff (Caveat—be on the lookout for Shaq to break down now that he doesn't have the Phoenix Suns training staff taking care of him).

I remember how happy I was when Miami first got Shaq and how much happier I was when they traded him.

I remember that for all the hub bub about Shaq lifting up every team's morale, he single-handedly was the grump of all grumps the year Miami finished with the worst record in the league, prompting the Heat to trade him since he just QUIT on the team.

Shaq will be a free agent after next year. It seems like a low-risk move for Cleveland. Everything to gain. Nothing to lose. Heck, they lost Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Those guys never even saw a sniff of playoff time during the Cavs run this year.

Yet, I know what the Cavs just inherited. So do the Heat fans. So do the Suns fans. So do the Laker fans, even though its harder for them to admit considering how his legacy was made there.

Mark my words....

He will promise rings to those Cavs faithful.

He will promise to be the dutiful sidekick.

He will talk about how LeBron is "the King".

But all Shaq is at this point in his career is a court jester.

And the Cavs just gave him a seat next to the throne.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, and all too well beknownst to former Shaq teams, they are about to find out that the joke is on them.

The big disaster is on his way...

(Okay, I didn't beat my record of six minutes. This one actually took about 15. But you better believe that I didn't waste a second of my time proofreading. It's 2:03 in the morning after all! Time to dream about Ricky Rubio getting traded to the Heat tomorrow!!! Good night!!!!)

If There Is a God, He Is a Wearing a Ricky Rubio Miami Heat Jersey

David Weiss — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:55:04 -0400

(this article was written in the middle of the night and in a time span of less than 6 minutes. It has not yet, nor likely will be, proofread. pls forgive me for the several grammatical errors and confusing syntax that you are bound to notice.) -Go Miami Heat!

I try not to ask for much in my life.

In fact, here is the official list just to prove it.

1. Live long and prosper.

2. Family lives long and prospers.

3. Marry Jennifer Love Hewitt.

4. Eat New York Pizza or go to Vegas once every year.

5. Replace Ira Winderman as the voice of the Miami Heat.

6. Miami Heat draft Ricky Rubio, re-sign Wade, and win 10 straight championships.

The reports are in people. Rubio doesn't want to go to Memphis and Memphis doesn't want him. So why can't they just take Michael Beasley for him. Honestly?

They won't get any better offers. Beasley still has a lot of tremendous upside potential. He is a lethal scorer. Maybe he could be the next Carmelo.

Beasley, Rudy Gay, and OJ Mayo equals a good group of guys that you can build a team around. Sure, all of them need the ball to be effective but who is splitting hairs right?

What, am I supposed to be satisfied Miami has Mario Chalmers. Hey, dont get me wrong. I do like Chalmers, but he doesn't have those point guard instincts every championship team needs, with the exception of the Tex Winters triangle.

Will this trade happen? Probably not. But it should.

Because, honestly, Miami wanted to get a point guard with their high draft pick last year. Sure, the best pick in that draft happened to be a point guard, but like I've said in the past, finding a good point guard is harder than finding a basketball player at any other position except Center.

And just to be clear, Chalmers is not the answer at point guard. He is not now, nor will he ever be an All-Star caliber point guard. I've seen what it takes to be a point guard in this league and you need to have the court vision and passing skills. Chalmers doesn't.

Listen, I know Miami is struggling to decide what to do with Dwyane Wade and that is the only storyline that the Heat organization is willing to let fly around in the media.

But for pete's sake, if we could trade Beasley and maybe even Chalmers for a shot at Rubio, let's do it.

Rubio is a stud. He has all the intangibles of what will make someone a great point guard. And he is so young, yet already so good. His talent is prodigious!

Now, as I was alluding to a second ago about Wade, regardless of if or when Miami signs Wade, getting Rubio looks to be a move that would pay dividends for the Heat's immediate, and long term future.

I'm sorry to say this, but I think I speak for a lot of Heat fans when I say that I feel more confident going into the season with a first year player, with all the poise and instincts of Rubio, instead of a slacker and space cadet like Michael Beasley.

Boston won't give up Rondo. Houston won't give up Brooks, and the Knicks are a team loaded with garbage outside of Florida Gator David Lee, who is a restricted free agent.

Am I being delusional right now? Maybe.

I'm assuming that whoever trades with Memphis won't take back any bad contracts (Boston, New York, and Houston all have loyal fan bases that would lessen the impact of one.) I'm assuming a team like New York won't offer Chandler and their lottery pick. Finally, I'm assuming that the Grizz really like Michael Beasley and Miami really loves Rickey Rubio.

You know what? When Friday morning comes along, I may have to put Rubio in a heat jersey in my F***-it list. But I guarantee everyone that in a year from now, Ricky Rubio will be one of the up-and-coming stars of the NBA.

I also guarantee that I will be kicking myself in the butt harder than ever at the thought of knowing that had Miami been in the same draft position they were in last year, this coming Thursday, all this would be moot. Rubio would be the hands-down pick.

Oh well, at least Jennifer Love Hewitt is still up for grabs.

The Myths and Facts Of Upcoming Miami Heat Offseason

David Weiss — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:02:50 -0400

Being that Miami lacks a first round pick courtesy of a past trade, as well as virtually no cap room beyond perhaps half the mid-level exception to offer, here are the myths and realities of what Heat fans should expect this summer.

Myth: Dwyane Wade will sign an extension and forego his unrestricted free agent status next year.

Fact: Barring a mega trade that would net Miami either Amare Stoudemire or Chris Bosh this summer (not likely), Wade will wait until 2010 when several teams will be able to offer him a max deal and perhaps a star sidekick to play with. That's the bad news. The good news, however, is that the Heat are among those teams and Wade seems genuinely happy in Miami. Therefore, unless things really fall apart this season, Miami will be in prime position to get a Bosh or Stoudemire next year when both are free agents, to pair alongside Wade. That is, assuming of course, that they would be inclined to want to get paid a max contract to play alongside Wade in South Beach.

Myth: Michael Beasley is a basketball player.

Fact: Michael Beasley is a stoner that plays basketball and has an amazing knack to shoot the ball well and completely miss defensive assignments. Okay, maybe that is a bit strong, but here is my point. I watched this guy closely all year. In a nutshell, he lacks the drive and focus that great players usually have. But here's the thing. You know who doesn't? Ricky Rubio. Memphis, the team with the number 2 pick, will have Rubio available to them in next week's draft, and they have shown an interest in Michael Beasley in the past. Now maybe, just maybe, the Heat could ship Beasley straight up for Rubio or perhaps even include Mario Chalmers in the deal to sweeten the pot. A pipe dream? Who knows. What I do know is that Boston is stacked with talent, the Cavs and Magic are only getting better, and Miami got beat by a team in the playoffs that the Cavs swept, and by an average margain of 15 points a game. Even if Miami got Bosh or Stoudemire to complement Wade next year, the top tier of the East is tougher than ever and Miami needs to consider moves like trading for Rubio more than people may think.

Myth: Miami will trade Beasley this offseason.

Fact: Unless it's for Rubio, they won't. Say what you will (hehe) about B-silly but his contract is too good for us to trade him unless its for another rookie contract.

Myth: Miami will use their full mid-level exception to sign a free agent.

Fact: Even though they would like to, doing so would push Miami over the luxury tax and Pat Riley knows Heat owner Mickey Arison wouldn't green-light such a move if it didn't make Miami a legitimate contendar. And it won't. Therefore, Miami will use half of its exception to throw around to any interested parties, particularly point guards, and hope that the bad economy will result in players settling to take less money than in past seasons.

Myth: Udonis Haslem will remain the Heat's starting power forward.

Fact: Michael Beasley will be in the starting lineup next year, which means that Udonis will come off the bench. While Udonis' hustle and timely scoring has been a huge asset for Miami for years now, Beasley was drafted 2nd in last year's draft to give Wade some scoring help. As evidenced in the Hawks series victory against the Heat in the playoffs, Miami simply lacked the offensive wherewithall to keep up with the Hawks. As much as Coach Spoelstra would have liked to start Beasley, he was too much of a defensive liability. Therefore, expect the Heat organization to invest a lot of time helping Beasley improve his defense. By the time late October comes, Beasley should be at least a good enough defender that it won't outweigh his offensive talents.

Myth: Pat Riley is leaving Miami.

Fact: Although Riley has received some coaching overtures from teams like Cleveland in the past and may soon get some from La La land if Phil Jackson retires, he is not going to leave the Heat. It's impossible for him to have any more decision-making power than he already has in Miami and he also has a great relationship with owner Mickey Arison. Not only is Riley never going to leave this team for another one, there may even be plans for his favorite Armani three piece to be hung up in the rafters one day right next to other Heat greats Like Zo, Michael Jordan, and Dan Marino (Thats right! Only in Miami!).

Myth: Turtle from Entourage is banging Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Fact: The guy that plays Turtle from Entourage is banging Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Myth: Phil Jackson will retire.

Fact: You know why he won't? Cuz he is still young enough to lose his mind with too much free time and there is nothing he probably loves doing more than coaching. Plus, the Lakers should be at the top of the West next year and Kobe is still in his prime and about to sign a 5 year deal. Lastly, from what reports have said, there was no drama surrounding the Lakers this season and things went pretty smooth all year.

Myth: The Taking of Pelham 123 was good.

Fact: The Hangover was good.

Myth: Don't be a Menace to Society while drinking your orange juice in the Hood.

Fact: Do be a Menace to Society while drinking your orange juice in the Hood.

Myth: Spike Lee is a Knicks fan.

Fact: Spike Lee is a Laker fan.

Myth: Dante Stallworth is a football player.

Fact: Dante Stallworth is an example of everything that is wrong with the legal system.

Myth: We all miss Stephen A. Smith, who was let go from his contract with ESPN.

Fact: We all miss Stephen A. Smith, who was let go from his contract with ESPN. NOT!!!

Top 10 Reasons Why Lakers Will Take It!

David Weiss — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:36:45 -0400

In tribute to my namesake, here are the...

Top 10 Reasons Why the Lakers Will Win the Championship!

Number 10!!!

If Kobe loses this series in Game Six at Orlando with Shaq in attendance, we may see a re-enactment of the Bruno-Eminem incident!

NUMBER 9!!!

Deron Williams. Aaron Brooks. Chauncey Billups. Skip to my Lou. Which of these names doesn't belong on the list?

NUMBER 8!!!

The Lakers should win Game one, which means they will have a 75 percent chance of winning the series. Unless they lose Game three, in which case they will only have a 23 percent chance of winning. But if they take either Game four or five, they will have an 87 percent chance of winning the series, but a 76 percent chance of losing Game seven.

Any questions?

NUMBER 7!!!

Stan Van Gundy. Game Five.

Scene: "OK, guys. We're down by one, and we need a score. This is our last timeout. Dwight, I want you to...wait a second. Where is he? Where the heck is Dwight?"

Rashard Lewis: "He is listening to Jack Nicholson do voice impressions."

(From a distance): "HEREEEEEE'S JOHNNNNNNNYYYYYY!!"

NUMBER 6!!!

Skip Bayless says the Magic are underrated. His exact words were:

"Listen, everyone is sleeping on these guys. They've got Dwight, Rashard Lewis, David Blaine, and Sigfried and Brandon Roy. Now you're telling me the Lakers can compete with that? I mean, really?

"Maybe if the Lakers double team Howard and Kobe actually shows up, and...annddd, if Dwight Howard doesn't make his free throws consistently, the Lakers might steal a game and bring it to LA with homecourt advantage."

Jay Crawford: "Uhh, Skip, the Lakers have homecourt advantage going into the series."

Skip: "But they don't feellike they have homecourt advantage. That's what you're missing."

NUMBER 5!!!

Stan Van zen-master of Panic.

Which word does not belong in the name?

NUMBER 4!!!

Kobe is to Dwight Howard what Freddy Krueger is to Krusty the clown.

NUMBER 3!!!

If Kobe wins a championship, it's because he killed himself all year. If the Magic win, it's because he killed Lamar Odom.

NUMBER 2!!!

"If you enjoyed 'Kobe: Doin' Work,' you will definitely enjoy the Magic Bench: Doin' S***!"

NUMBER 1!!!

Kobe is a cyborg. He was created in the year 3087 and sent back in time by the machines to stop Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar from destroying the franchise known formerly as the Lakers.

In the process, he manages to spearhead an incredible NBA campaign as the league's best player, capped off by a championship in the year 2009.

Prediction: Lakers in five.

Great Debate Put To Rest: It's Kobe Bryant

David Weiss — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:40:12 -0400

Its funny, but when I first heard the quote that Jerry West made about why LeBron is better than Kobe, I had to smirk.

The Logo, in saying that LeBron eeked every ounce of talent out of the Cavs roster, almost implied that it would be hard to imagine how Kobe could've carried a team as untalented as the Cavs collective roster any better than LeBron did.

The reason I smirked is because it was the same rationale I used to justify LeBron getting the MVP over the rightful regular-season runner-up, Dwyane Wade. I argued to myself that LeBron could've carried Miami's sorry roster to a fifth seed, but it would be hard to imagine Wade filling Lebron's shoes in Cleveland.

I have to say, though, that something is getting on my nerves.

Its the emphasis on the word "closer" that I've been hearing in conjunction with Kobe Bryant's name.

Okay, so Kobe is the best finisher in the game—according to the media.

I can understand why the media likes to make a big deal about individual status in the NBA. After all, it is an individual-driven league isn't it?

No! It's not.

Kobe was able to lead the Lakers out of Denver in last night's game because he trusted his teammates first and everything else followed like dominoes.

Meanwhile, LeBron showcased himself as the end all and be-all of the Cavs and they lost in humiliating fashion to the Magic in the last game of the series after sweeping their first two playoff opponents (in blowouts, mind you) and boasting the NBA's best record in the regular season.

If I've heard in the past that one star didn't have anything around him, it was when Kobe was asking to be traded and buying into all the stupidity that the media was trying to feed its fans.

At some point, Kobe matured to realize that as much as the media would like to make the NBA a one-man game, championships are won through a full team effort.

LeBron will eventually mature into this realization also.

And as much as LeBron's defenders will argue about his assist total, it doesn't change the fact that LeBron made himself the sole focus of the Cavs and that made their season-long dominance crumble at the slightest crack of danger.

So who is the best player right now in the NBA?

No doubt, it's LeBron.

But who is the best team player in the NBA?

He just proved it in the playoffs and he will ultimately prove it in the finals.

It's Kobe.

But then again, who cares? At the end of the day, its all just a fun little head game concocted by the NBA's brainpower to garner more interest in a league that has used star power as its marketing foundation since the dawn of David Stern.

Having said that, the only good that has come out of this ridiculous debate about which boy gets more vitamins (which reminds me—I hate you, Stu Scott!) are those awesome puppet commercials.

But even that took a team effort!

NBA Officating More Than Questionable

David Weiss — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:47:11 -0400

Save civility and political correctness for the start of the weekend.

It is Sunday and I am furious!

NBA officiating officially peaked in its incompetence Saturday afternoon in the Mavericks-Nuggets game.

I am not even sure if this was the fault of human error or simple negligence.

After all, is there not an instant replay in the last two minutes of the game? Can refs now review a controversial play and decide with a clearer view and more time to think on what the right play was with this technology?

Was Antoine Wright's attempt at fouling Carmelo Anthony not as clear as day?

The answer to all of these questions, I believe, is yes!

But this is not an isolated incident of fault. No, throughout the playoffs, the interpretation of what is a flagrant foul and what is not has been questioned again and again, keeping Stu Jackson awake so often at night, he may have inadvertently eavesdropped over an entire season of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" on Nickelodeon's late night schedule.

Let's just cut the baloney and get to the heart of the issue. The problem with the NBA officiating in the playoffs has been the clear sense of what degree of physicality will be tolerated, period.

Rajon Rondo throws Kirk Heinrich into the scorers' table and is only charged with a foul. Dwyane Wade attempts to block a dunk of Maurice Evans in the first round, causing both to land awkwardly, and is charged with a flagrant.

Yes, you could make a devil's advocate argument on the refs' behalf, but that is really not the point.

The point is consistency. There have been wavering levels of consistency in the officiating.

The point is that the Mavs are now in an zero to three deficit in the Western Conference semifinals, instead of a much more manageable one to two deficit with the next game on their home court.

I recently got into a friendly debate about how the NBA, unlike Major League Baseball, did not have cheating to spoil the sport. No NBA players do steroids (and no, its not 'roid rage, Kenyon Martin is just crazy), and they do not have anything on the soles of their feet to help them jump higher.

Yet, I forget one thing in the whole cheating debate and, luckily, so did my friend: Tim Donaghy!

I am not saying there are still other refs like Donaghy still around, but you have to wonder if the cause of all the officiating woes we have been seeing are a result of some ulterior motive.

Maybe Joey Crawford is unhappy with his 401(k)? Maybe Steve Javie wants to go to Aruba this summer and come back home to a new Ferrari sitting in his driveway?

And you know what? You cannot say it is impossible because it has already happened before.

But whatever the reason, the NBA officiating has been a travesty. Question what effects it has had so far, but there is no denying that the Mavs have basically had their playoff fate sealed.

Here is the last question I want you to really think about: What if it was not the Mavs who suffered from that blown call? What if it was your team?

If things keep going as they are, chances are that question is a reality you will soon see.

Dissecting the First Round of the NBA Playoffs: Part II

David Weiss — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:55:42 -0400

Utah Jazz (48-34) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)

Regular season series matchup: Lakers (2-1)

Upset potential: Unlikely

X-factor: Jazz home-court

Matchup Analysis

The Jazz will be tough to beat in their home arena, so the Lakers will be tested early in these playoffs.

The point guard matchup is strongly in favor for Utah, so if they can exploit the matchup, maybe the other players on the Jazz can take advantage. Otherwise, this series looks to be over in five games.

From Utah's perspective, Jerry Sloan is arguably the best coach never to get a ring.

Carlos Boozer is a free agent this summer, but the tough economy may force him to stay in Utah for another year and try the market next year.

There is also a possibility the Jazz may trade him for some perimeter help, as Millsaps emergence has made Boozer expendable.

From LA's perspective, the Lakers have their eyes on the gold and anything less would be a devastating disappointment. They will inevitably meet Lebron in the finals and, as I said in part one, no player's legacy has more at stake than Kobe's.

New Orleans (49-33) vs. Denver Nuggets (54-28)

Regular season series Matchup: (2-2) tie

Upset potential: High

X-factor: Tyson Chandler

Matchup Analysis

Tyson Chandler's health is in question coming into the playoffs, and the Hornets will need him at 100 percent to deal with Denver's strong front line.

The team's are quite evenly matched and this should a fun series for a number of reasons. Let me list them:

1. David West and Kenyon Martin in a series. Someone is going to get hurt.

2. Chris Paul against Chauncey Billups. Two of the top clutch point guards and leaders in the NBA.

3. The defensive-minded James Posey against the offensive-minded Carmelo Anthony.

From Denver's perspective, they have to win.

The Nuggets have continually been outed in the first round, year after year, but they now have an opportunity to play against an opponent that is not vastly superior. To top that, they have their best team in years, and they also have home-court advantage.

From New Orleans perspective, Chris Paul and David West may be the two best players in the series; don't forget that West made it on the all-star team over Carmelo this year.

They have a lot to prove and a first round exit would almost certainly lead to major changes in the lineup. Already a rumor has filtered through the Internet involving a Shaq and Chandler swap.

Prediction: New Orleans in 6.

Because I'm in a hurry, I'll give my quick prediction for the other two series.

Portland will beat Houston in five games.

The X-factor in that series will be Yao Ming. If he can be a reliable go-to guy at the end of the game, the Rockets may upset the Blazers.

Finally, I pick San Antonio to beat Dallas in seven games.

X-factor: Dirk/Jason Terry.

The Spurs' defense should cause Dallas some problems, like always, and Tony Parker will have a big series.

Dissecting the First Round of the NBA Playoffs

David Weiss — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:01:43 -0400

A few things worth noting before I get into the matchups.

1. The bandwagon picks for the Finals this year are the Cavs and Lakers. Last year, it was the Lakers and Celtics.

2. The bandwagon pick to win it all last year was the Lakers. While there hasn't been an issued consensus given yet by all the "experts", most of them again have the Lakers winning it all.

3. The absence of both Ginobili and Garnett makes it nearly impossible to envision their respective teams making it to the Conference Finals, much less the NBA Finals.

4. The presence of Andrew Bynum in this year's playoffs takes any and all excuses off the table for the Lakers. Essentially, what that means is that Kobe's legacy has more at stake in this year's playoffs than any other player.

A few things worth noting before I get into the matchups.

1. The bandwagon picks for the Finals this year are the Cavs and Lakers. Last year, it was the Lakers and Celtics.

2. The bandwagon pick to win it all last year was the Lakers. While there hasn't been an issued consensus given yet by all the "experts", most of them again have the Lakers winning it all.

3. The absence of both Ginobili and Garnett makes it nearly impossible to envision their respective teams making it to the Conference Finals, much less the NBA Finals.

4. The presence of Andrew Bynum in this year's playoffs essentially takes any and all excuses of the table for the Lakers. Essentially, what that means is that Kobe's legacy has more at stake in this year's playoffs than any other player.

First Round

Detroit Pistons (39-43) v. Cleveland Cavs (66-16)

Regular Season Series Matchup: Cavs (3-1)

Upset Potential: Doubtful

x-factor: A miracle

Matchup Analysis: Before the Celtics completely made over their team last year, the Pistons and the Cavswere the two powerhouses in the East. Since then, the departure of one team's point guard and the arrival of another's has completely polarized the fortunes of both franchises as their respective records show.

From Detroit's perspective, Joe Dumars decided that his team's infamous reputation for stalling until the opportunity to overcome adversity arrived eventually manifested itself into a chronic case of complacency that has and would continually doom the team to mediocrity.

As a result, he decided to roll the dice. People may criticize his decision to trade Chauncey Billups, but a couple of things need to be clarified:

1- Yes, Rodney Stuckey has been referenced as having as much to do with the trade as anything else, but people forget that he has been productive in only his second year while leading a team that had no definitive rotation until the very end of the season.

2. If history has taught us anything, it is that misfortune loves a scapegoat. The Pistons decided to mail it in this season.

Instead of dealing with the annoyance of adjustment, the Pistons instead fell complacent more so than ever before by blaming their inferiority on their young point guard who needed to learn the ropes and a shooting guard with a reputation for putting himself before the team.

3. At the end of the day, the Iverson deal became just an expiring contract for Detroit. But, if this team really tried to make things work, it would have been so much more. Yes, Chauncey was the undisputed leader of the team, but his leadership never took them anywhere after their famed title in '04.

They lacked a fire, Kevin Rudolph style. Meanwhile, they had a young point guard waiting in the wings who could've given them new life and a player like Iverson who would've immediately become the scoring punch they have always lacked, as well as that fire they have sorely needed.

Prediction: Cavs in four.

Chicago Bulls (41-41) v. Boston Celtics (62-20)

Regular Season Series Matchup: Celtics (2-1) (Boston's wins came with KG in lineup).

Upset Potential: Possible, but not likely

x-factor: John Salmons

Matchup Analysis: The KG story is old news by now but a few things still remain. First, no one has officially said that KG will be out for the playoffs. Yes, at this point, it is improbable, but until someone goes on record as saying he WILL miss the entire playoffs, always be cautious (especially since news of his injury seems to unfold by the day).

Having said that, the Celtics still should have enough to beat the Bulls. Derrick Rose is finally coming into his own as the leader of this team but Rondo is a worthy adversary. If anything, this years playoffs will provide the Celtics with a great opportunity to finally showcase how improved a player Rondo has become from a year ago.

Outside of Ben Gordan, who has the offensive talent to win games by himself, the Bulls don't haveenough firepower to keep this series competitive. The Celtics simply have too much pedigree and an underrated home-court advantage that will carry them through this series.

From Chicago's perspective, this year is simply an opportunity for the new era of the Bulls that finally has a face in Rose to get their feet wet.

Prediction: Celtics in Five

Philadelphia 76ers (41-41) v Orlando Magic (59-23)

Regular Season Series Matchup: Magic (3-0)

Upset Potential: Unlikely

x-factor: Sam Dalembert

Matchup Analysis: The Magic will win this series because the 'Sixers have no answer for Howard and the Magic match up very well against the 76ers. Having said that, the 76ers will steal a few games in this series simply because they are one of those teams that eats off being an underdog.

You saw it earlier with the Lakers this season when the 76ers stole a game at the Staples Center and you saw it more recently when they were in a barn-burner against the Celtics this past week.

From the 76ers perspective, this season became a flop very early on when Elton Brand, the team's prized new addition, got hurt and essentially took the '6ers out of contention. Even before the injury, Brand seemed to have trouble adjusting to his new team.

Now they are stuck with Brand, whom they would love to trade considering how the economy has affected their ticket sales, but they can't.

At this point, all they can hope for is that Brand becomes the player the team thought he was when they signed him. Otherwise, the franchise better hope that LeBron leaves ship in Cleveland to go to New York, leaving only the aging Celtics as the only proven powerhouse team in the East.

Prediction: Magic in Six.

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) v. Miami Heat (43-39)

Regular Season Series Matchup: Atlanta (3-1)

Upset Potential: High

x-factor: Michael Beasley

Matchup Analysis: Wade has been terrific all year for the Heat and if his run of dominance continues in the playoffs, it should be enough to get past the Hawks. The only problem is that the Hawks have the height to bother Wade when he penetrates inside and the athleticism to frustrate the Heat in general.

This series is almost guaranteed to go seven games and the Heat's porous road record indicates that this series is Atlanta's to lose.

Having said that, Michael Beasley has emerged as much as any player in the NBA in the last two months and if he can provide a reliable source of scoring and rebounding to help Dwyane Wade and compensate for the gravitationally challenged Jermaine O'Neil, the Heat can win this series.

From the Heat's perspective, this season has always been about developing the new era of the team, all the way from rookies Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers to rookie head coach Erick Spoelstra. With a huge cushion of dollars available in 2010 to get Wade and Beasley some help, the Heat have much to be excited about for the future.

There are truly no severe implications for the Heat this year by way of an early exit from the playoffs as Wade has more than proven his personal goal of once again being named among the NBA's most elite, and the team has made a 26 game improvement from last year.

From the Hawks perspective, the team must feel a bit of pressure to rise out of the first round as their opponent this year is not nearly as tough as the Celtics were last year. The Hawks forced the Celtics to a game seven and competed against them arguably better than any team the champions fought throughout last year's playoffs.

here is no question that a first round exit would lead to a disappointing ending to the season. Joe Johnson and Al Horford will need to bring their A games in this series to offset MVP runner-up Wade's output.

Prediction: Hawks in Seven. (And yes, I'm a heat fan saying this.)

Round One of Western Conference Coming tomorrow morning!

Thank you to those of you who took the time to read this.

After re-reading this, I realize my writing has a long way to go (I think I said "having said that" about 69 times roughly) but I look forward to improving it.

Have a good weekend!

And come back to read me tomorrow before noon EST if you have some free time.

One Word To Describe Celtic's Fortunes: Karma

David Weiss — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:30:54 -0400

"Ceeeeeeelebrate good times, c'monnnnnnnnn!!!!!""

"Everybody dance nowwww!!!!!!"

"It's fun to hang at the Y M C A!!!!"

"Shorty had them apple bottom jeans! Boots with the furrrrrrrrr!!!!"

If you were expecting a more professional introduction, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I just simply have this overwhelming urge to bask in the glory of today's unfoldings.

Yes, perhaps, a KG-led squad would have beaten the Cavs in a seven games series as a road team. Perhaps, they also would have done the same to the Lakers.

But, if you are sitting in my chair, you could care less. The fact is that the Celtics have carried themselves as thugs all year. They played over-aggressively. They tried to punk teams, much in the same form they did with the Lakers in last year's finals. Perkins probably broke the record for flagarent fouls. Heck, Rondo even became a prick.

No, I'm not a Lakers, Hawks, or Cavs fan. I'm a Heat fan. The Celtics have never bothered us, but they have bothered me. They have bothered a lot of people. They simply showed no class all year. The latest example came when Ray Allen threw an elbow into Anderson Varejo's groin just last Sunday.

Now, everyone finally gets the last laugh. Let's just put this all in perspective. Nothing outside the basketball court happened today that anyone would consider tragic. Rather, all that DID happen was what can only be called KARMA. Poetic Justice. The bully pushed everyone around and now the bully finally fell.

See, I watch the NBA because I want to see basketball. If I wanted to see guys trying to get a mental advantage over their opponent by acting like a jerk, I would watch the UFC or the WWE.

The shame in all this is that there are still basketball players like Kenyon Martin, Nate Robinson, and David West who think that the Suge Knight method of respect is the right way.

In life, we all want to believe that the good guys will win and the bad guys will lose at the end of the day.

Today, it did.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Are Title-Bound—Book It

David Weiss — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:02:16 -0400

Well, it's almost April, and before people start believing that the NBA playoffs are going to be competitive, think again.

There are three teams that are head and shoulders above everyone else—Lakers, Cavs, and Celtics.

This isn't March Madness, where one game decides everything, diluting the talent disparity between teams.

No, NBA fans are approaching April Average. May Mundane.

June is when the madness usually starts in the NBA.

Not this year though, because the Cavs are taking it.

Listen, last year there was an argument about who the best player in the NBA was. This year, there is no debate.

As much as Kobe has grown as a player and seemingly as a person (that maid story set him back a few steps), he still reverts back to his old self from time to time.

Plus, he doesn't dominate as easily as Lebron does.

(Disclaimer: Kobe has played ball from the finals last june through USA basketball 'til now. However, Lebron has played almost as long, so that basically cancels out that argument)

That aside, the Cavs are going into the playoffs poised to have the best record in the NBA, which now means homecourt advantage throughout, and they've only lost once.

Then there is team unity.

For pete sake's (how awesome is this phrase?), they look like they are partying harder than Vince, E, Turtle, and Drama, and thats just on the court!

Does any team seem as close as them?

The Celtics may come close but with a loose-wire like Marbury, and a freakishly intense guy like Garnett, I think there has to be at least a bit of friction.

Finally, there are the intangibles.

Andrew Bynum

Missing another year and possibly coming back during the playoffs.

Either he will come back and it will cause continuity problems or he won't and the Lakers will be as fragile this year as they were last year.

Also, Kobe is trying to man up from injury after injury to ensure the Lakers have a chance of full homecourt. I think it will come back to haunt the Lakers in those games when Gasol and Kobe will need to both bring their A games.

Stephon Marbury

This guy can explode at any point and any time.

Any guy who has a little bit of alpha in them can sympathize with him, but it's time to step up. I just think, in my heart of hearts, that this addition would have been much wiser early in the season when the stakes were low.

Who cares if he signed for one million or 10 mill? That doesn't matter. Timing is everything, and this signing was bad timing.

Been There, Done That

It takes a bit of appreciation to realize how things change in the playoffs.

Everything comes to a head. Some teams can't switch from regular season mode to playoffs mode, and get swept. Other teams come in all too aware of the stakes and get overwhelmed and start losing their identity.

The Cavs won't have this problem, because they have made it far into the playoffs.

In conclusion,

They have the best player in the game, the best team unity, and what will likely be homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, having only lost once at home all year.

How can you not go for the Cavs?

The funny thing is, all the Kobe-Lebron comparisons will fade slowly going into next year, if and when Lebron wins it this year.

Something tells me we are are going to start hearing Lebron-Jordan comparisons—as in greatest everrrrrr.

That's when we can all really start to ask ourselves if we are watching someone who may go down in history as the greatest to ever play the game.

What's his jersey number again?

Thoughts of the Week

David Weiss — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:23:03 -0400

I was bored and decided to write this.

1- Forget my last column; LeBron is the MVP. D-Wade may have less support on his team but how else can a player show how valuable he is than with three straight triple doubles.

Aside from this, I realized that its easier for me to believe that LeBron could carry the Heat like Wade to a fourth seed more than Wade carrying the Cavs to the 60-plus-win season they seem destined for.

2- I pity Chris Brown and Rihanna. His career is over. Her self-respect is gone. No professional help has been sought. The saddest part is that now everyone knows and they are both too embarrassed to do anything except live in denial.

Furthermore, anyone who looks at Puff Daddy/Diddy the same (i.e. doesn't lose respect for him) after this is a fool. Plain and simple.

3- The Suns season didn't end when Amare got injured. It ended when Steve Kerr was hired as GM. If he isn't fired after this season, there is no justice in this world.

4- Stephon Marbury on the Celtics may have just put a lid on another championship. I think the Celtics got too greedy and a little too naive.

5- I don't think Andrew Bynum is coming back this season. Just a gut feeling. I also don't think the Lakers win in the Finals unless they face the Cavs.

6- Allen Iverson won't play another minute with the Pistons again this season.

7- T.O. on Buffalo will end the same way it did with his last three teams: badly.

8- A-Rod is the biggest waste of news, much less life, anyone can spend reading about.

9- Jimmy Fallon is a terrible talk show host. Jimmy Kimmel is now officially the best.

10- Diddy, Manny, and T.O. also belong on No. 8.

MVP: Dwyane Wade

David Weiss — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:41:46 -0500

Repeat after me: Dwyane Wade is the MVP.

This isn't a slight against LeBron, who should have been the MVP last year, or Kobe, who should have been the MVP the year before that.

Ever hear these phrases in your life:

"the rich get richer."

"when it rains, it pours."

"to the victor go the spoils."

I, for one, hate everything these quotes stand for and so should you because it shows you just how selfish and conditional society is. When you are doing well, everyone is on the bandwagon because it somehow reflects positivity on them.

But when you aren't doing well, you are in the trenches and no one is there to pick you up.

Well, the same code has applied, rather moronically, in the NBA and it blinds people from the guys who really deserve the recognition.

So, according to David Stern, recognition comes by way of winning.

If that's so, why did Mo Williams have to wait until the second alternate roster spot to get selected to the all-star game when he is clearly the "robin" of one of the most dominant teams in the league?

If recognition comes with winning, why did Danny Granger make the team as a reserve despite being on a losing team when Al Jefferson didn't?

why did Kobe only win one MVP when, up until this year, he was recognized by everyone including Lebron James, as the best player in basketball for a few years now?

It's because, in the NBA, much like in life, when it rains, it pours. The rich will get richer. To the victors go the spoils.

Kobe had Gasol and finally won MVP. Lebron has Mo Williams this year and now he will get MVP as sure as Slumdog Millionaire was expected to win best picture at the Oscars. See a cycle forming?

I do. The same talented players that have struggled by themselves finally get another player that can give them a little help and all of a sudden they are the MVP.

What about the guys who have nobody? Yeah, I understand the winning part so let's throw that in there also. Out of any team that is in the playoff race, which team has the least amount of talent on its roster?

I have two words for you as you contemplate this question: Joel Anthony.

After those two words, it should all become a little clearer. Dwyane Wade is the MVP. He has no legitimate sidekick. His team consists of more garbage than anything this side of VH1.

Wade has every reason to mail in this season just like Baron Davis did with the Clippers or simply quit like the MacGrady's or Arenases of the world.

Wade didn't. He has carried Miami all year long. He has spent the entire year re-emerging as the player everyone wrote him off from being as soon as he got injured last year.

But just like in the Olympics, Wade was the MVP then and he is the MVP now.

And just so it's clear, the MVP is the player who does more with less than any other player that year.

So is an all-star.

So while everyone jumps on the bandwagon of Lebron and Kobe and rides it out probably up until the NBA finals, the real MVP will be at home, award-less, watching that Finals series just like the rest of us.

How fitting Wade wore blue in this year's all-star game.

Because only someone who knows what blue-collar work is like could appreciate what it is I'm saying.

Dwyane Wade: Most Valuable Player 2008-2009

NBA All-Star Weekend Has Come and (Thankfully) Gone

David Weiss — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:38:44 -0500

You know who likes talking about the "good ol' days"? Old people!

Pardon my French, but this All-Star Weekend blew chunks. And it had so much potential before it started.

A nice, juicy trade to get the weekend going. A myriad of controversial issues surrounding the host team. Fun conversations about players who might be changing teams in 2010 (apparently, July 1 of that year will ring like Judgement Day and change the landscape of the NBA for the next decade or so).

Instead, this weekend stunk to Holy-Mary-Tyler-Moore-Hell!

But I'll be nice and start with what did work.

The Good:

Shaq's dancing.

Beyonce's presence, with a young-looking Ray Charles.

Kevin Durant winning the Rookie-Sophomore Game MVP after shattering the single-game scoring mark. Absolutely sick!

The Bad:

Everything else, including but not limited to the following.

Shaq and Kobe acting all lovey-dovey again.

Hey Shaq, how does Kobe's ass taste? You should know, since you spent the entire weekend kissing it! Come on, man, not even Reggie Bush does that much CPR on a rear end!

Kevin Rudolf's performance.

"The NBA would like to thank you for performing at halftime in the Rookie-Sophmore game. You officially let the world know how awful you actually sound in person. Congratualtions! By the way, hire a new hype man on stage. Your guy asked the crowd to 'let it rock' one too many times."

(four times, if you're keeping track at home)

H.O.R.S.E., a great opportunity to catch up on some sleep before the Dunk Contest.

Jordin Sparks screeching the "Star-Spangled Banner" after Grant Hill's wife performed a beautiful rendition of "Oh, Canada". Sad moment for the U.S.

The general suckage of the Dunk Contest this year.

First, I don't know a single person from New York who thought Nate Robinson should have won. Dwight Howard clearly half-assed this year's event. And Rudy Fernandez should have been in the finals.

All in all, one of the worst competitions in recent history.

The uneveness of the ASG itself. Unbelievable!

Let me speak to the NBA players on everyone's behalf when I say this: Guys, we voted you in the All-Star game because you are the best ball players in the world. Now play against each other and give us a good, competitive game! Save all the sideshow tricks and cheap laughs for the first half!

We understand you don't want to get hurt, but at least play some defense. Honestly, was anyone happy that this game was over by the early part of the fourth quarter? Anyone?

Co-MVP to Shaq and Kobe. Kobe won the award.

Yes, I felt a little embarrassed for the guy (he took so many shots!), but at least he understood this was a game where fans want to see players step up and show their greatness.

Shaq, you were funny, but people came to watch competitive basketball.

The Ugly:

Craig Sager's suits, like always.

Craig Sager's unbelieveably awkward questions that had no chance of being answered honestly.

Kevin Garnett acting laid back despite being one of the most-intense people on the planet. Um, check out an interview he did with Gary Payton on NBA.com and tell me he isn't a little awkward with his words and body language.

Shaq's beard. Shave it already! You look like a black version of the bald clown in House of a Thousand Corpses.

NBA Regular Season Matters Again

David Weiss — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:45:16 -0500

If you are a hardcore NBA fan, times are good for you right now.

Kobe and LeBron are dominating.

There are three legitimately dominant teams, along with a Spurs team that makes up for its lack of talent with savvy and a strong discipline on defense and team ball.

Those are all nice. But the big picture involves them all and more. The regular season matters again.

Remember the days when the Shaq and Kobe-led Lakers would just mail it in during the season only to turn the switch when the playoffs came. Oh sure, it finally caught up with them when they met the Pistons in the Finals, but the team was so much more talented than everyone else and homecourt never really mattered.

Now there is competition amidst the dominance in the NBA.

Here is what's going to happen. The Lakers will win the west and win more than 60 games. The Celts and Cavs will fight for top spot in the East and it will be a big storyline for the second half of the season as a homecourt advantage could be the tipping point in a playoff matchup between them. Meanwhile, both the Cavs and Celts will win 60 games also.

Appreciate this for what it is. Three teams with 60 win seasons. This is the NBA, the game. Not the business.

This is the opposite of all those teams that tank their seasons for the top pick in the draft.

This is the Celtics and Lakers, a matchup tonight between two teams who will leave everything out there on the court tonight.

This isn't Kobe's Lakers vs. Shaq's Heat or Suns, where people watch just to see how they greet each other during tip-off.

This is 61 points by Kobe followed by the second highest-point triple double two nights later by LeBron.

This isn't the Jailblazers of old or the Jail Pacers of a few years ago, in which too many egos polluted a team and left a significant residual effect on the league.

No the league will never be perfect. There are still enough players that care only about making money and having a good time ('sup to ya Ricky Davis-I see ya).

But its been as pure as it has been in a long time. And it's spreading to even the most unlikely boundaries (I see ya Darius Miles).

The NBA-Now Being Amazing!

Super Bowl? Super Disappointment!

David Weiss — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:10:56 -0500

Top Ten things to remember about the Super Bowl XLIII

10- Hearing General Petraeus' name being uttered by someone other than George W. was a victory for America on its day of days.

9- Tony Polamalu is the toughest Diana Ross impersonator on the planet.

8. The number seven became lucky again. Then again, so was anyone in Tampa and within reaching distance from Mons Venus.

7. Warner probably lost out on the hall of fame, but at least he has a hot wife!

6. Larry Fitzgerald should be the Governor of Arizona.

5. James Harrison- Super player. Super momentum shifter. Super douchebag.

4. Screw Rick Ross! Bruce Springsteen is still the boss.

3. Santonio Holmes won the MVP trophy. And he may just trade it in for a free lap dance before the sun rises.

2. Hines Ward was being called one of the toughest pound for pound players during the game. Then he cried at the end like a little girl. Understandable, yes. Tough, not really.

1. The Cardinals should've won dammit!

NBA Midseason Predictions

David Weiss — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:02:53 -0500

Before I get to my predictions, I want to explain why I chose Zo for the cover. There's been a lot of debate whether or not he should be in the Hall of Fame. I'm a die-hard Miami Heat fan and obviously want to see him receive the honor. Understandably, I see the argument of why anyone would say he is not deserving. Having said that, I will save my prediction for the end of this one since it has nothing to do with the season.

Most Valuable Player: Lebron James. Everyone knows that he is winning this award. His game has grown immeasurably after his experience in Beijing. He brings it every night. He has finally jumped over Kobe as the best player in the game. And he knows it. Between the shift of powers and the rise of Wade and Bosh, this season has to be remembered as the year the Draft class of 2003 finally took over. Soon, CP3 and Dwight Howard will join them.

Defensive Player of the Year: Kobe Bryant. This guy is smart. He realized he was losing his throne as the most dominant offensive player in the league so he decided to become a ridiculously dominant defensive player.

Dwight and KG will be in the running and Artest will be an outside dark horse if he manages to stay healthy in the second half of the season but my guess is that the Lakers repeat of being atop the West by the end of the regular season will land Kobe the award. Along with a few more games where he shuts down the NBA elite wing players like he has done with Wade and Lebron so far this season.

Rookie of the Year: OJ Mayo. My guess is that Rose will be the best player to come out of this draft (which is not a bold prediction considering where he was drafted) but Mayo has adjusted to the NBA better than any other rookie. Meanwhile, Michael Beasley has been a bit of a disappointment and Rose is still trying to get the hang of it. Also, in Rose's defense, the Bulls look plain horrible. I think of them as the anti-jailblazers. They have too many beta players and not enough alpha dogs.

Coach of the year: Stan Van Gundy. The Magic jumped up a level this year, taking the spot of Eastern Conference elite that Detroit once held. By the way, Detroit should be called the Pistoffs. Everyone looks miserable. They clearly miss Billups. They clearly hate Iverson. And since the team is more concerned with clearing up cap space than making a much needed trade, the logical trade that would send Iverson to the Bulls for a combo of players will never happen.

Most underrated player: Al Jefferson. I know this isn't an actual category but this guy deserves something after being slighted from the all-star team. The Wolves have made steady progress and Jefferson has become one of the best big men in the game. Add him to the list of players who will soon join the draft class of '03 who will be taking over in the near future.

Most overrated player: Amare Stoudemire. First Shawn Marion was getting in his way. Now it seems like Shaq is. Meanwhile, he has already gone on record as saying he will sign with a team in 2010 that will make him the No. 1 option. I hate to say it but if you take Steve Nash away, what is really left of this guy? Is he really a franchise player? I don't think so. And I'd love to see anyone argue otherwise.

NBA Finals Prediction: Any combination of these four teams will be in the Finals: Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, or Cavs.

My prediction: Lakers-Celtics. The Lakers have too much depth, the best player in the Western conference, a great coach, and the Spurs don't have enough size to help Duncan in the post. Not to mention that the Lakers will also probably have homecourt advantage.

The Cavs-Celtics will also be a great series and definitely go all seven games but I just think the Celtics toughness, Perkins intimidation, Rondo's rise to eliteness, and the 3 headed monster are too much for the two-headed juggarnaut of Lebron and Mo Williams even if Lebron is the best player in the game. As Kobe probably has already learned, one player can't do it all and Mo isn't enough to disregard all the things the Celtics have going for them.

Celtics in seven vs. the Lakers. Because, as much as Kobe has grown as a player, he is still not mentally tough enough to lead a team as young as the Lakers.

Because Lamar Odom is one of the worst players in playoff history. Because Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are not tougher than Perkins and Garnett nor play as good defense. Because Kobe will feel like he has to do it all like he felt in the Finals last year and get quickly discouraged.

Finally, because the Celtics get under the skin of the Lakers much like the Spurs do to the Suns and history has shown that anytime someone gets under your skin, recklessness follows.

The Celtics are a loathsome, cocky team and no one knows it better than the Lakers. Unfortunately, that's the main reason why the Celtics win this series and repeat as champs.

Alonzo Mourning (H.O.F or no) H.O.F. Was Alonzo one of the best Centers to ever play the game? Not really. Did he ever lead a team to a championship? No. Was he one of the most talented? No. Alonzo Mourning should be on this list because he played to the best of his ability and he literally gave his life to basketball. He was the biggest sacrificer. He was the hardest worker. He was one of the best defensive players the game has ever seeen. Those three factors are why he should be a Hall of Famer. Sacrifice. Defense. Hard work. Alonzo Mourning. A Hall of Famer.

Midseason Report on the Miami Heat

David Weiss — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:36:01 -0500

Midseason Report:

Here’s the deal—when you drop out of law school at the age of 25 and move back home with your family, life gets to be real…funny. You pray for nights you manage to fall asleep before three in the morning (and yes, I mean on a weeknight) and hope your eyes don’t even think about cracking open for at least another five and a half hours; seven if you are lucky.

You overeat and have the occasional back-to-back cigarette. You look for inspiration in all the wrong places and from people you don’t even really like. And, last but not least, you watch re-runs of old TV shows. This week, I just wrapped up season four of “Friends.”

Know what I kept saying to myself at the end of each episode? Jennifer Aniston looks as naturally beautiful as a woman can possibly look. Period.

I’m saying this because it’s one of those intangibles that is so unbelievably easy to take for granted unless you are a pathetic loser that has nothing better to do than pay attention to the most meaningless details life has to offer.

Actually, the real reason I mention this other than to encourage people to take a nice, long gander at Rachel Green in Season four is because she is the sitcom version of what Dwyane Wade is to the NBA.

Like Rachel Green in a five-man leading cast, he just stands out in every way that is impossible for the average fan to notice. No, he may not be as dominant as LeBron. No, his game is not as complete as Kobe’s. But Dwyane Wade does what any ultimate franchise player should do and he does it as well as anyone in the history of the NBA not named Jordan—he makes the guys around him better merely by confidence alone.

As a result, the Heat finds themselves squarely in the playoff race. The best part, though, is that Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook have been playing very well of late that and seem like they are both just beginning to get comfortable. I never was a fan of the “15 strong” slogan they had in ‘06 but there is nothing more accurate of the team’s look this year than its current slogan- “Something to Prove.”

MVP:

Dwyane Wade. If you have watched any close games with the Heat this year, he has made more big plays to win the game for the Heat than any other superstar on any other team. Ask most NBA experts and they will all probably say he is 3^rdin the MVP race behind LeBron and Kobe.

The only reason he is 3^rdthough is because he is on a team with virtually no ball-handler and no post presence. Those two glaring needs have had a direct impact on the teams winning percentage which has left Wade in the shadows of LeBron and Kobe.

Nevertheless, he is 1-1 in matchups against both of them so far this year. Also, ask anybody who knows anything about basketball which three guys in the NBA are must-see TV and I’ll bet you season five of “Friends” they all put Wade on that list.

Biggest Surprise: Michael Beasley was a huge disappointment for the first two months of the season. Ever since January though, he has found his game and has been throwing up 20-point games on a consistent basis and is making some major noise in the ROY race.

Meanwhile, Daequan Cook has also been turning heads and almost certainly is in the discussion for the 6^th Man of the Year at this point. These guys are tied in this category. Something promising that I should mention is this; Against the Lakers last week, Beasley scored 12 consecutive points in the fourth quarter. As for Daequan, he was 6-6 on three-pointers in the first quarter of the Bucks game this past week. To quote Kobe Bryant, “Anytime you can surround a great penetrator with great shooters, you are going to be a threat.”

Biggest Disappointment:

A month ago, any Heat fan would have said Michael Beasley. And they would have been right. Now, however, it falls on the guy that picked him—Pat Riley. The Heat has a surplus of perimeter players and, again, no ball handler or post presence. The tallest player in the rotation is Udonis at 6’9.

Understandably, the Heat don’t want to add any contracts that will interfere with their cap relief in 2010 when all the big names (like Wade) will be available. Nevertheless, Shawn Marion could have fetched the team a Jermaine O’Neal or a Brad Miller.

Both players have contracts expiring in 2010 and either would fill a major void that this Heat organization should feel is at least owed to Dwyane Wade, if not the fan base. Shawn Marion has provided timely defense and scoring but he is as mismatched on a halfcourt Eastern conference team as Kevin Connolly is on Entourage.

Final Word:

The Heat had two goals coming into this season—win games and develop their future.

Beasley and Cook are both coming off the bench which means this team has placed its primary focus on winning games. If that is the case, the team would be smart to trade Shawn Marion for a big man or a ball handler with a contract that expires by 2010.

Shawn Marion’s value is still high and he should be able to net someone in that category. Again, that much should at least be owed to Wade. If the Heat don’t make that transaction, then it is basically placing its focus primarily on the future, in which case Beasley should be starting.

Lastly, expect Wade to take this team into the playoffs regardless of what happens. Ever watch the Dark Knight? Well, guess what, Wade is more than just a hero. He’s more than just an MVP. He is the season four Rachel Green. He is our dark knight!

P.S.

Someone steal a Golden Globe from Kate Winslett and make sure he gets it.

Redemption! Thy Name Is Kobe Bryant

David Weiss — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:22:09 -0500

Maybe it's because of the Pau Gasol trade.

Maybe it's because Shaq got shipped away.

Maybe it's because he gets more respect than arguably any player in the NBA.

But Kobe Bryant is not the man he once was.

The greatness which is embodied in the concept of "irony" is that people underestimate its profundity for coincidence. Prior to last season, Kobe won three championships as a co-star. Last year, he was the undeniable star and his team fell noticeably short in the Finals. Meanwhile, he won MVP that year.

Stop and think about this for a second. Two words that were synonymous with Kobe in the past were "egotistical" and "selfish". Suddenly, in a set-up where he is the ace and the closer on a team loaded with depth and talent, he wins MVP because he was able to transcend his game to be the ultimate team player.

There are so many angles you can take with this:

"He had to be THE MAN before he would finally play team ball."

"Kobe played team ball because he finally had real teammates."

"The better the team, the more credit goes to the undisputed best player."

It's hard to say for certain which angle would be right. But when a person does good things, generally people should give them the benefit of the doubt.

For all the glory and accolades Kobe has received as a sports figure, he has been mired in controversy for most of his career. He doesn't speak with his mom or dad. He has been aloof with teammates. He was the reason that the greatest potential big man-small man combo in the NBA never reached its potential.

He was involved in a rape case. He had marital issues. His current coach—the same one who was steering the ship during those championship years—called him "uncoachable" and basically bashed him as a human being in a book written not so long ago.

Say what you will about Kobe now, but he does not play selfishly. He is not credited as the best player in the league any more, and yet he seems fine with that. As opposed to burning bridges when the opportunities have presented themselves, Kobe has taken the high road.

Make no mistake, Shaq knew what he was saying when he did that freestyle after the Finals. His words were, and I quote: "Kobe couldn't do it without me."

It wasn't to get a reaction—it's because Shaq is emotionally immature. Imagine losing in the Finals to the Lakers' storied nemesis in what was nearly a lopsided series, and hearing that from a personal nemesis. What did Kobe say? nothing. He let it brush off his shoulders.

He dominates both sides of the court. He is a leader by example and by vocality. He works as hard or harder than anyone on his team—or in the NBA, for that matter.

His sole focus is winning. He carries himself in a friendly, approachable way. He turns a blind eye to critics as opposed to letting it be a distraction.

Ladies and gentleman, the new Kobe Bryant.

The definition of a franchise player.

The definition of a role model.

The definition of a good human being.

The definition of redemption.

Does This Guy Know More About the NBA Than I Do?

David Weiss — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:59:20 -0500

I remember how I first got interested in the NBA. It was the trades that sucked me in.

In hindsight, I attribute it to my age. When you are young, you want it all, kind of like Tony Montana, which is why every man loves Scarface if they watched it in their teens. Except you can't have it all. So, in a dreamy, compensating sort of way, I loved the concept of trading for what you don't have with something you don't need. For example, I didn't need school work and would have gladly traded it for a middle-school crush.

Heck, even a middle-school crush's best friend would do! Anyway, you get my drift.

There was once a time I actually respected the opinions of so-called "experts." Now I'm always tempted to send them emails with the subject: "Do you know Jack?" and the message reading, "Nope" over and over again like the Bart Simpson-chalkboard scene in the opening song of the show.

Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, is the only exception. Everyone else sucks but Simmons, because he's at least funny, and does provide insight and a good story now and again.

If there were any real writers on the NBA, I would hope they would address some actual pertinent information that could be useful to fans. After all, they get to speak with the GMs. They get to speak with the players. And yet, all the writers do at the end of the day is echo each other.

Last year in the NBA finals, every one of them wrote that the Lakers would beat the Celtics. Meanwhile, everyone at my former job told me the Celtics were going to take it without a doubt. My co-workers were right and yet again, I was reminded who the experts really weren't.

These guys never look at intangibles. And that’s a real shame because intangibles are what makes champions. Intangibles are what make perennial lottery teams (can I get a what, what for those Clippers!) Intangibles are what the NBA media has lacked for a long time.

For all these guys that try to mesmerize us with their self-proclaimed knowledge (Stephen A. Smith, for example) or their knowledge of trades (Chad Ford), or their power rankings (Marc Stein), the only thing they could really provide us with is insight as to the kind of players or team personnel that us fans have from the teams we follow through a first hand journalistic perspective.

For instance, have you ever wondered why Shaquille O'Neal always lashes out at his most recent former team when he gets traded? How about what separates franchise players such as LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade from imposters like Deron Williams, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and Gilbert Arenas?

The truth is if you follow the NBA regularly, any opinion these so-called experts fill your ears and eyes with is totally irrelevant and expressed just so they can keep getting a check.

Here is what I have to say: Do you know why Shaq always lashes out at the teams who trade him? His father abandoned him when he was young and he has abandonment issues. That is why he goes out of his way to make the people around him laugh and smile. He always wants to give and give so that he can feel loved and not worry about being abandoned again. And when he is abandoned, he gets harsh.

Do you know what separates those franchise players I listed above from the other guys? They all clearly have the talent, but the franchise players can be secure enough in who they are and what they bring to the table not to alpha-reek the room up and make their teammates feel unappreciated and insignificant.

The only four letters in a franchise player's mind is "team," and I guarantee you that every imposter I listed simply lacks the formation of those four letters in their vocabulary.

So, do I know Jack? Probably not. But I will provide insight in my articles and I won't just shploof my opinions without giving you reasons and logic behind it.

My name is David, and my articles are, "Where amazing happens!"

Sincerely,

Mr. NBA

PS: Relax and take notes, J.A. Adande!