Welcome/A Quiet Contest

What's up everybody? Welcome to my new blog, "Throw it Down." Named after Bill Walton's famous "Throw it down, big man" catch phrase, I'll be sharing my thoughts and opinions on the NBA on a daily basis. I've been watching the NBA vigorously since the 1997-1998 season, in my opinion the end of an era. When MJ left the Bulls, I really feel the league lost something. Obviously they lost Mike, but there was something more. The game changed. It felt empty. Of course I religiously followed and worshiped Allen Iverson and my hometown Sixers, but it just wasn't the same. To me, other than game 7 of the 2000 Western Finals (Scottie, until Brandon Roy came along, you were the slickest Trailblazer since Clyde), and the 2003 all star game with MJ's last second fade away, the NBA was somewhat of a letdown until 2008, when the Celtics and Lakers brought back a legendary rivalry that suddenly revived the interest of so many, including myself to an extent. Ever since then, there seems to be a renewed interest in the league, according to so many people I come across. In any event, I hope you all enjoy what I have to say, and please feel free to write me at any time if you have comments, critiques, or just want to say hi.

I just finished watching the opening game of the 2009-2010 NBA Season between the Celtics and the Cavs. So many questions and expectations surrounding this game. Shaq with his fifth team, pledging to "Win a ring for the king" (I can't wait to see how he ruins this relationship), coming off a comeback year. I honestly can't see Shaq keeping quiet the whole year, playing second fiddle to Bron. I saw the pre-game interview with him, but we all know Shaq's a great actor. It won't last. He'll get greedy, he'll pout, and he'll trash talk behind Lebron's back. He's done it everywhere, and people like Shaq don't change. Lebron meanwhile, finally with the sidekick he's never had, is looking for that first ring to shut up the critics, and have a reason to stay in the small market of Cleveland (Come on, I know y'all wanna see him in a Knicks uni at MSG on a nightly basis. Think about it. Lebron starring in A Raisin in the Sun? He can't be any worse than P Diddy.) And then there's the Celtics. Everyone expected them to repeat last year, and now suddenly everyone deems them to be "Too old, and too many internal issues." KG has to prove the knee is healed, Rondo needs to shut up and prove he's worthy of the money he demands, and Ray Ray just has to show he hasn't lost a step.

I was shocked to see how sloppy both teams looked tonight. Well...not shocked. KG understandably looked rusty, but Shaq was owning the celtics in the paint during the first quarter with no defensive help was tough. Shaq no doubt is a legend, a hall of famer, but at this point? He's slow, he does the same three moves, throws up airball hook shots, and yet he still puts up 10 and 10 against KG, Perk, and Sheed. (Let's see how he does later in the year with a healthy and confident KG). And then there's the cavs...Mike Brown, I have to ask: What are you thinking? I haven't been this frustrated with coaching since the Sixers and their Randy Ayers/Chris Ford debacle. The first half was pretty sharp on the Cavs end. Shaq was involved, making plays inside, and Lebron was on fire, knocking down threes and swatting everything in sight (his mauling of Rondo made me spring up from my seat and let out one of those "OH'S!"). But it all went downhill from there. The second half looked like the fourth quarter of Game Five vs. Dwight and Co. this past may (check it out Here ). What do the cavs even have a coach for at this point? It's just Lebron running around in a 1 on 5 contest. Cleveland looked so lost in the second half, it was almost a different team compared to the first half. It's no wonder there's so much talk of Lebron leaving.

Sure, adding Shaq always puts you up in the highest class of the NBA, no question. But a 37 year old Shaq, Bron Bron, and a offensively clueless coach ain't gonna win a championship. Maybe D. Ferry will wise up and make a change before the King leaves his throne (Mark Jackson anyone?).

Cavs Fans: Hold your breath.