In Due Time!

My last athletic respects to the legendary career that was Scott Niedermayer will be up soon enough, don't rush writing greatness. I will also be posting my thoughts on what to do with Carlos Zambrano, why he is now officially a lunatic, and how I see this story playing out.

For anyone that doesn't know what I'm referring to, needs entertainment, or just truly appreciates a solid flip out as I do....

Wow!

NHL Welcomes Next 2 Next Ones!

The two guys who went 1 and 2 in this years draft are Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. The Oilers took Hall with the first overall pick after a 2 year love affair with him that bordered on an unhealthy obsession, I have been told I have a few of those so it's alright. He's a Canadian and that franchise has been trying to reform the glory days of having a mostly Canadian roster as a year in year out contenders. The Oilers did reach the finals in 2006, losing to Carolina, however, since Messier traveled to New York to end the Rangers curse this once proud franchise has not been the same. Obviously they are not goina be like the Messier Oiler teams that won 5 cups from 84 to 90 but they will give their all to make it appear that way. Now here's a scouting report on the newest members of the NHL. Hall is from Calgary and has been the top prospect for 2 years now. He averaged over 2 points a game at the World Juniors. He is a scoring Left Wing who actually has produced more assists than goals the last few years, he had 106 points with 40 goals and 66 helpers last year. Basically he is the opposite of Rick Nash who was a puck hog in his younger days and put up 40 goals but only 20 assists. I'd say he's a guy who with a talented centerman could contribute right away. 

As for Seguin, the Bruins selection with the 2 spot, he is a centerman that a great forward like Hall would love to play with. Ironically enough he also had 106 points his last minor season, he played for the Plymouth Whalers so he is a semi local guy for a Boston team. He can be best compared to Pavel Datsyuk who can put up highlight reel goals but also is not afraid to play defense. Hall can also be labeled a Joe Sakic type of guy who was like Datsyuk but with more fire power. Seguin like Sakic and Dats has great vision and can make any winger look better than he is much the same way Crosby has throughout his career. A center who will play unselfish, is not scared or to good to play D if necessary, and can score thanks to a sick wrist shot is hard to come by. For a more recent player comparison Seguin is similar to the number 1 pick 2 years ago, Steven Stamkos who just tied Crosby for the most goals scored last season but also had 44 assists. Stamkos took a year of growing pains his rookie season to find his NHL stroke but unlike Stamkos Seguin is being thrown on a playoff team that wont ask him to do to much and he will have a great mentor like Mark Recchi, a future hall of famer who has done it all individual and team wise, who they just re-signed for another year to guide him along.

The B's do already have 2 veteran centers, Bergeron and Savard who when healthy are certainly servicable with talented forwards like Hall. This would have potentially made Hall a better fit in Boston. However, it just wasn't going to happen Hall is from Canada and had all the press going into the draft, Edmonton had to take him or risk a major PR hit if things did not workout. The reason Hall would have been a better fit with the Bruins is simple center is a more important position and cup teams almost always have a great center and can get by with a non super star wing on the top line. Regardless, I could see Seguin playing a wing for a while and then eventually moved back to center when he starts to take off. Right away playing a wing would put less pressure on him. 

Be happy Oiler and Bruins fans unlike in some other sports (MLB and NFL mainly) the top draft picks are usually going to produce within the first 3 years of being in the league. This has been especially evident recently with Fleury, Ovechkin, Malkin, Crosby, Kane, and Stamkos in no particular order. Even throughout history with Gretzky and Lemieux, guys with a lot of hype in juniors are generally future NHL stars.

NBA Draft: Kentucky Headlines & A Couple Mountaineers Realize A Dream

I will leave the analysis to our basketball guys Ramos and Marcus, they respect my baseball and hockey knowledge so I will do the same here. However, as the only graduate of West Virginia University I wanted to get this out there first. 

The NBA draft saw John Wall, Washington Wizards, and Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers, become the first 2 picks, shocker right....? The draft experienced a record, the longest wait ever for a senior to get selected. What does that say about todays NBA and NCAA basketball? Kentucky stole the show as 5 Wildcats were taken in the first round, Cousins number 5, Patterson 14, Bledsoe 18, and Orton with the 29th pick all came off the board after their former teammate Wall at number 1. Being a graduate of West Virginia University I feel there are two other note worthy selections, it was back to back city for WVU. Mountaineer stand out Da'Sean Butler had to wait until the second round as he became a member of the Miami Heat, they made him the 42nd player taken this year. Devin Ebanks was taken by the champion Los Angeles Lakers with the number 43rd overall pick.

Butler suffered a major knee injury towards the end of West Virginia's loss to the eventual tournament champion Duke Blue Devils in the Final 4 this April. The injury and it's corresponding surgery certainly hurt him on draft night, Butler was a projected top 10 pick at the height of the Mountaineers run during the season. Regardless this may be a blessing in disguise, the better picks are generally placed on the weakest teams, (Washington, Philly, Minnesota, Sacramento etc) give or take a weird lottery ball bounce based on last season, Butler now will go to a playoff team from 2009-2010 despite the fact that it may or may not include Dwayne Wade. It also may be a big help whether or not Wade is on south beach to be able to consult with a Hall of Fame guy running the organization, Pat Riley. Butler will be able to be mentored by a man who won 5 titles as a head coach, 1 as an assistant, and another as a player (72 Knicks, teammate of Phil Jackson), not to bad at all. Ebanks most likely could have used another season of college ball, however, we all knew from his first practice that was never a possibility. He will join a stacked roster looking to 3 peat for the second time in 10 years and a franchise hoping to tie the rival Celtics with a 17th banner after next year. As was said perfectly by a friend of mine, get ready to carry Kobe's bags Devin. Granted with some development and if he can get his mind straight Devin Ebanks could become a nice addition to a great team, he also will have a legendary figure within the franchise to help mold his talent and guide him along the way, his head coach (if he doesn't retire) Phil Jackson otherwise known as Mr. 11.

Look away Mountaineer nation....

I wanted to post the package conducted by ESPN concerning Da'Sean's recovering and everything he went through to get a team to roll the dice on him, however, due to legal reasons I was not able to. Here is the link and url of that piece, copy and paste it if you wish to watch for yourself. I highly recommend it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSqgXgEVmQQ

NHL 2009-2010 Awards Recap

The NHL aired its annual award show and finally announced the results of this years hardware. Vegas put on a party for hockey for one night only and celebrated the continued success of the league post lockout and the plentiful amount of talent that skates for each team. The 2009-2010 was an historic year as it marked the end to one of the long title droughts in professional sports, the Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup since 1961. Congrats to them as well as the Philadelphia Flyers who will raise a 6th Eastern Conference banner since their last championship parade, 1975. Despite the finals lose the Flyers were apart of why this season was historic, they became only the 4th pro team and 3rd hockey club to rally back from a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series to advance by turning around the luck in the East Finals and beating Boston. On top of that we saw yet another 100+ point year from Ovechkin, Vancouver reclaim coverage due to Henrik Sedin, and the Detroit RedWings over come numerous injuries to claim their 10th consecutive 100+ point season and their pro sports active leading 19th straight post-season appearance. Most importantly Todd Bertuzzi did not attempt to kill anyone, all in all I'd say it was a pretty positive year for hockey.

Masterton Memorial Trophy: Jose Theodore (G, Washington)

Finalists: Kurtis Foster (D, TB), Jed Ortmeyer (RW, SJ)

This award is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. His son died last year soon after birth so obviously to overcome that, start a charity in his honor and play an NHL season makes him very deserving. Theo can now add this to the trophy case that already includes a Vezina and Hart (MVP) award from 2002. The only other player to earn both of those in the same year is Hasek. 

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Martin St. Louis (RW, TB)

Finalists: Pavel Datsyuk (C, Det), Brad Richards (C, Dal)

St. Louis beat out last years winner, Datsyuk in a close vote. The Byng is given out to the player who displays the most sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct while also showing skill. St. Louis and Datsyuk seem to slug it out for this honor every year. It could have gone to either of them in my eyes, however, I agree with Martin winning so both of them could take home hardware (hint). St. Louis put up 94 points on top of only 12 penalty minutes. In contrast Dats registered his lowest point total, 70, since 2004 with 18 minutes in the box. It is also always more difficult to keep your cool for a struggling team like the Lightning or Stars rather then a power house such as Detroit. 

Frank J. Selke Trophy: Pavel Datsyuk (C, Det)

Finalists: Jordan Staal (C, Pit), Ryan Kesler (C, Van)

This is what I meant by the hint earlier. Datsyuk continues to show brilliance on the ice year after year and prove why he is one of the cornerstones to the NHL's darling franchise. The Selke trophy is awarded to the best defensive forward. No one else even comes close to Dats in this category. He showed in the finals the last 2 years, he was often forced to defend Malkin or Crosby, that he can stop a scoring chance just as easily as he can create one. This was a disappointing season offensively for him but he still out performed the other finalists from that stand point as well. This is Pavel's 3rd straight Selke and I see no reason why he doesn't make it an even 4 in a row next year. Staal will win this someday and he is a poor mans Datsyuk, however, unfortunately he came into league during a future hall of famers prime. 

Calder Trophy: Tyler Myers (D, Buff)

Finalists: Jimmy Howard (G, Det), Matt Duchene (C, Col) 

You knew I'd disagree with one of these and here it is. Don't get me wrong Myers had a great rookie year. However, 48 points (only 11 goals) is not exactly eye popping. Not only that but he was surrounded with veteran talent on a pretty good team in Buffalo. Myers fit a necessary role as a third line center who could give you a nice extra scoring punch and win a face off, great, but he was not this years rookie of the year. Despite all the team accomplishments and amazing individual talent that has put on the winged wheel over the years one of the most successful marque franchises in all of professional sports has not had a Calder winner since 1965. It appeared another drought would end this season too. Unfortunately it was not to be despite Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard playing to an almost MVP level. Howard posted a 37-15-10 record, a .924 save %, a 2.26 GAA, and even 3 shut outs for a team riddled with injuries that had to go on a 16-2 tear to earn the 5th seed. Yes, he was inconsistent in his first playoff run as starter, he had tons of talent in front of him despite most of them underachieving, but his stats speak for themselves. None the less, Howard no longer has to worry about a hall of famer coming in and snatching the starting job from him, he will be between the pipes for Hockeytown as the top guy for the next decade. The future of this franchise no longer rests on Nikcklas Lidstrom's shoulders, all the pressure is now on Howard's. 

Vezina Trophy: Ryan Miller (G, Buff)

Finalists: Martin Brodeur (G, NJ), Ilya Bryzgalov (G, Pho) 

Brodueur certainly could make a case he was robbed of his 5th career Vezina trophy (Hasek's 6 are the record), however, I think the right man won. Brodeur is nominated every year for name alone but this season he lead the league in wins, 45, shut outs, 9, goals allowed, and games played. I'm sure you're now thinking how the fuck didn't he win? Well he had a stacked roster in front of him full of snipers and also the Devils trap style allows for less scoring chances. Miller had a career year with 41 victories, a .929 save %, a 2.22 GAA, and hung 5 goose eggs. Not taking anything he did in the Olympics into account it is nice to see an American hero and a guy who has never won before pick up his first Vezina when the runner up has the wins record, 3 cups, and 4 Vezinas already on the shelf. Miller was also the only nominated net minder to not lose 20 games. All 3 of these guys could have won and I  wouldn't have argued, they were all their teams MVP's, but I'm pleased with the recipient. 

Norris Trophy: Duncan Keith (D, Chi)

Finalists: Drew Doughty (D, LA), Mike Green (D, Wash)

This was one of the biggest locks of the night. The Hawks just keep picking up hardware following their cup win and once again it's well deserved. Keith netted 69 points on defense and switched to a full time defenseman role after splitting duties on the blue line and at forward last season. Another big key when handing out the Norris for best dman is the plus minus. Keith had a +21. An argument can be made for Green who lead all dmen with 76 points and a +39, however, he basically plays the role as the third forward when on the ice. This guy gets beat so many times per game his back probably has blisters. If this was going to the best offensive defensemen Green would run away with this every year but unfortunately for him that is not what the awards all about. The trick is scoring while playing a shutdown D. *This season marked the first time since 1997 Lidstrom did not receive a nomination, he is a 6 time winner. *

Hart Trophy: Hendrik Sedin (C, Van)

Finalists: Sidney Crosby (C, Pit), Alexander Ovechkin (LW, Wash)

This was actually a bit shocking to me, although I feel the right man won. Reports from several reliable sources were saying Crosby was going to win the award as well as sources proclaiming it would be 3 in a row for Ovie. Neither of those were accurate as the best of the Sedin twins receives the honor. Sedin led the league in scoring with 112 points, he blasted 29 goals and registered 83 assists, his brother Daniel with about 30 points less was the next closest guy on his team. Without his career year and then some the Canucks may have been several spots lower in the standings. Crosby and Ovechkin could win this award every year in all honesty but both of them now are surrounded with a great deal of talent. Obviously Malkin is a big help to Sid but the reason the Pens have won 2 East titles and a cup is due the secondary scoring which judging by Staal's Selke nomination is only getting better. Ovie can rely on guys like Semin, he is very underrated, as well as Green and company. Crosby and Ovechkin both did score 50 goals but had 30 less assists and 3 less points. They will both win this several more times before they hang em up but this may be Sedin's only shot so I'm glad he got it. Sedin also had 166 shots on net compared to Ovechkin's 368 for any of the haters out there, Crosby had 298 Pens fans.

Scott Niedermayer Announces Retirement: Full Write Up Coming Soon....

Not even 24 hours after I post my send off for one future Hall of Fame defensemen another announces he is finished as well. Scott Niedermayer proclaims he is retiring from the NHL, this announcement came Tuesday afternoon. Everything I wrote about Blake is true, he is one of the best, however, Nieds far exceeded even the career of Blake. Look for my athletic respects to Scott Niedermayer's career in the coming days but until then here is a clip soon after capturing his fourth and last Stanley Cup title from 2007. I gotta give it to Jim Rome, some of his criticisms are fair about his life in broadcasting, he will always be remembered for being attacked by Jim "Chris" Everett but he has generally been fair to hockey. No one can say Rome has not given the NHL its just due in terms of coverage over the last 20 years or so.

A King Among Legends; The Rob Blake Story

As I did following Griffey's surprising retirement from baseball earlier this month, I want to take time out to pay the athletic respects to another great player of my generation, this time in hockey. Rob Blake officially announced that this past season, his 20th in the NHL, was his last and he is retiring as a player. While unlike Griff this was not exactly shocking news since he had nothing left to play for and just finished another long playoff run. However, when an athlete of his stature calls it quits it is important to reflect upon why this was man was in fact great.

Rob Blake flew under the radar for most of his career. This even happened when playing his prime seasons in the second biggest market in the country, Los Angeles. The reason for this is simple actually, he played in perhaps the best era in NHL history for defensemen. Legends such as Chris Chelios, Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, and Scott Niedermayer manned the blue line in the last 20 years and are all going to the Hall of Fame someday. While unlike how enshrinement is constantly discussed in terms of their careers, Blake is also worthy of the honor but doesn't get the hype. I placed him as an honorable mention for the last decades best and that wasn't even the best 10 year period of his career.

Blake was drafted in the 4th round, 70th overall by the Kings in the 1988 NHL draft, the same draft class of Mike Modano, another potential retiree. He played in only 4 games the following season but then took off at the start of the 90's. He joined the league the same time Gretzky moved from his glory days of winning cups to a role as hockey savior in the United States, LA. In 1990 Blake netted 46 points in 75 games along with 125 penalty minutes. Just two years later he along with the entire Kings roster found his stride. Blake picked up his first of 7 50+ point seasons, totaling 59. That season, 1993, saw California host its first Stanley Cup game, the Kings reached their first cup final in franchise history. Blake was obviously a key cog along with Gretzky and Luc Robitaille. Even though the Kings did not capture the cup, they lost to Montreal, without this appearance hockey in California may have never witnessed a championship, it finally did with the Ducks in 2007.

Fast forward 7 seasons and following 4 more 40+ point seasons, 2 more 50+, a 68 point campaign, and a Norris Trophy (best defenseman of regular season) Blake's time with the Kings was coming to a close. He would be traded to one of the West power houses at the time, Colorado, to join mission 16 W. This mission was created to obtain the first career title for top 5 dman in history, Ray Bourque. Despite not getting the press Bourque's cause would see, Blake was equally as motivated looking to pick up his first ring as well. The Avs would capture the 20001 Stanley Cup after defeating New Jersey in a classic 7 game series. Blake's total effort that year was 1 shy of his second 60 point year.

He would follow that season by blasting 56 points on the stat sheet the next season. The Avs would lose the most star studded series filled with at least 15 current or future hall of famers, the Detroit RedWings would win that rivalry with a devastating 7-0 victory in the 7th game of the Western Conference Finals against Colorado. While that loss would mark the closest Blake would ever get to sipping from Lord Stanley's Cup again his individual success did not stall. He accumulated 4 more 40+ point years and even a 51 point season, his last in Denver. In 2006 Blake would return to LA for a second Kings stint. These Kings teams were rebuilding and never contenders but he was able to wear the "C" as a team captain for the first time. Blake fully cemented his place among the franchises best and guaranteed his jersey will be raised to the rafters someday. The last 2 years he stayed in Cali to chase a second ring with San Jose and continued to wear a C. The Sharks continued to under achieve but his career did not need any validation.

On top of his NHL career Blake also competed in 6 World Championships and 3 Olympics as a member of team Canada. During his international career he obtained 2 gold medals at the Worlds and an Olympic gold from the curse breaking 2002 Canadian team. You guessed it, he's in THAT club. He is one of only 24 players and 1 coach, Mike Babcock, in the Triple Gold Club having earned a WC gold medal, an Olympic gold medal, and a Stanley Cup ring.

Rob Blake played his prime in an era that included legends such as Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Joe Sakic, Mike Modano, and Brendan Shanahan as well as time that witnessed young studs like Crosby, Iginla, and Ovechkin begin to write their amazing careers. I guarantee all of those players along with the other greats of the time will label Blake as a hall of famer, he gave many of them fits trying to get by him. Blake also was able to put the biscuit in the basket 240 times (10th most ever for a defenseman) past the likes of Dominik Hasek, Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Ed Belfour, and Curtis Joseph just to name a few.

Hockey's #4, Rob Blake final stat line looks like this: 1,270 GP, 240 Goals, 537 Assists, 777 Points, 1,679 PIM, 136 PPG, 243 PPA, 4 SHG, 15 SHA, 41 GW, on 3,896 shots.

Thank Me Now

OK I have to steer Marcus back onto the path of righteousness, because clearly he is a lost puppy and forgot that Kobe is not better than Magic and never will be.

Magic's Resume: 13 years, 12 All-Stars...MVP: 87, 89, 90...Finals MVP: 80,82,87...MVP runner up: 85,91...Top 5: 83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91...Leader: Assists 4x: Steals 2x: FT%1x...Career Avg: 19.5-7-11.2, 85%FT, 52%FG.

Magic's legacy started before he even stepped foot on an NBA floor. He was amazing at Michigan State, and even great in High School, shit he had to be with the nickname Magic, I am just saying that if your going to proclaim your self Magic you best have the game to back it up. Magic played in ten championships over a thirteen year span capturing six championship(included college). He co-captained the greatest basketball team ever assembled in the 1992 Dream Team, and also has one of the greatest names in the history of sports. Magic battled with the games greatest such as Erving, Bird, Moses, Isiah and Jordan. He was every bit as important off the court as he was on, he gelled with the city like none other, probably getting him into a little trouble. He transcended the game into what it is now, and i find it foolish of people to forget about him and all he did. Without Magic and Bird there is a solid shot there would not even be an NBA today. People need to stop naturally thinking that everything that takes place today is the best and greatest and start showing a little appreciation for one of the most influential athletes in NBA history.

Magic was the first underclassmen to ever be picked in the NBA draft, Magic entered the league at a time when there was a bit of a racial barrier in the league, at the time many people felt the league was "too black" that was never the case for Magic. Magic single handily won the 1980 championship for the Lakers by dropping 42-15-8 all doing it without Kareem. The only season in which Magic did not appear in the All-Star game was in his second season, where he missed 45 games due to a knee injury. Following that season is when we saw Magic at his peak, 82 Magic was defensive specialist and i would argue that 1982 Magic was better defensively than any of Kobe's years. That season the Lakers crushed teams with a ruthless half court trap which lead to Magic piling up 200 steals. No player has even come close to 1982 Magic, (18.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 95.apg). The most interesting point to note of all of that was that he was splitting point guard duties with NORM NIXON. The Lakers would have won the 1981 championship had Magic not gotten injured, Kareem wrote in his autobiography " We didn't repeat as champs in 1981 because Ervin got injured, and when he came back he had forgotten what made us and him so successful."

Marcus brought up the point of Tragic Magic, didn't think he would find that but none the less he did. The 84 Finals really hurt Magic, not only did Bird win but Magic handed it to him. He chocked in crunch time of game 2,4 and 7. How so, well he dribbled out the clock in game 2, missed ft in game 4 and made consecutive turnovers in the final 80 seconds of game 7. There was an SI article that summer titled "Johnson in the Clutch: Don't Call Him Magic, Just Call Him Unreliable." Well Magic's response to this was a fuck you in the 85 Finals where he dropped 18.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 14 apg.

From 87-91 Magic tallied three MVP's, 2 rings, made the Finals four times, won 60 plus games per year and this was all in his last four seasons of his career. How many players can say the twilight of their career was this impressive, i mean if Jordan had that stint with Washington.

Magic is the most amazing player who to ever run the fast break, yes kids better than Nash. His 6'9 height, huge hands and excellent vision allowed him to see the court like none other. He is the best leader in NBA history, yes better than Jordan. Magic extracted more from his teammates than anyone, whether it was a All-Star game, playoff game, or pick up game Magic got the best out of everyone. Kobe has quit on his teammates, Magic has never decided to stop shooting for a whole half to prove a point. He made every teammate better in ways Kobe has not. Maybe it is because Kobe's game is to score but Magic showed to could easily do that as well. Kobe has always had that feeling that he has to do it all and you saw glimpses of it even in this Final,s despite being 3-17 at one point he was still throwing up bricks. I love Kobe and by no means am a Kobe Hater, but Magic did as much as Kobe on the court so they have to be considered a wash in that department. If you arrived at that conclusion like me then I go to off the court, and here Magic blows Kobe away. Off the court still ties into being the greatest Laker because Magic transcended the game of basketball to what it is today. The only thing Kobe is known for off the court is a court case in Denver. Kobe is back on top, but lets not forget that once upon a time he wanted out of L.A for Chicago, hated his teammates, didn't want to listen to coaches and so on. All that has to be factored into the equation here. Lets not be prisoners of the moment here people, Magic is still a top the Laker pyramid.

Is Kobe Bryant the Greatest Laker of All Time?

After defeating arch-rival Boston in 7 games and winning his fifth title the debate has begun. Is Kobe Bryant the greatest Laker of all time?


Yes, he is.


I want to start off by dismissing any argument favoring Kobe Bryant over Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant is not as good or better than MJ, and probably never will be. Even if he wins a sixth, he cannot touch Jordan's Finals numbers. In the Finals, His Airness was 6-0, averaged 33-6 -6 and won 6 Finals MVPs. If he wins a few more titles then I suppose it's going to be open for discussion. Still, I cannot imagine the consensus greatest ever not being Michael Jordan in the foreseeable future. While he may not be MJ, Kobe is now officially the best player Hollywood (or Minneapolis) has ever had.

When discussing the Greatest Laker of All Time, it all comes down to four players Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. As good as of a  player as Jerry West may have been, he was 1-8 in the Finals, never beat the Celtics, never won an MVP, and the only Finals MVP he won was a losing effort in the 1969 Finals, so he is eliminated. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did win an MVP and Finals MVP as a Laker, but his best years were with Milwaukee. His numbers during the last 4 of the 5 title's L.A. won in the 1980's were not even close to his Milwaukee days. As great as his career was as a whole, the tail end of it was in L.A. So it basically comes down to two players Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.

As far as skill goes, offensively it is almost a draw. Magic Johnson is the greatest passer ever, Bryant is the most complete scorer ever. Johnson had a much better FG% shooting 52% from the field, Bryant shot 45%, but being a point guard Johnson didn't take as many shots as Bryant. Kobe is one of the best non-point guard passers in the game but he can't find the open man like Magic could. Johnson gets the slight edge offensively because of his better FG% and offensive balance. However the edge goes to Bryant in overall skill because of the other side of the floor, defense. Kobe Bryant is one of the best perimeter defenders of all time. He is a staple on the all defensive team (10 selections, 8 1st, 2 2nd). Magic, despite leading the league in steals twice, has never made an all-defensive team.


When talking about the greatest Laker, their success against the Boston Celtics has to be taken into consideration. In their first two meetings with the Celtics in the Finals, Bryant and Magic went 1-1. Magic is 2-1 overall, but that can't be held against Bryant, he hasn't had the opportunity to play them 3 times due to Garnett's injury in 2009. Kobe's Lakers however have accomplished something that Magic Lakers or any other team in the history of the league has been able to do, beat the Celtics in a Finals Game 7. Many will hold Bryant's Game 7 performance against him shooting 6-24. But he still managed to score 23 points and grab 15 rebounds, both totals are higher than any Celtic. Magic has had a few historical screw ups against Boston in the 1984 Finals, giving him the nickname "Tragic" Johnson. At least Kobe managed to win even in his worst form. Overall titles including those that are not at the expense of Boston, they both have 5. Magic won five titles over a span of 12 seasons, winning back-to-back once. Bryant has won five over a span of 14 seasons with a 3-peat under his belt and a back-to-back that could become a 3-peat next season.


Bryant critics always use the Shaq argument, even now. "He never would have won 3 without Shaq". Well, Shaq wouldn't have won without Kobe either, and neither would have won 3 without Derek Fisher, Rick Fox and Robert Horry (Game 4 WC FINALS!). I don't hear any slight against Magic for having Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. Kobe did something Magic never did, won multiple championships with two entirely different teams. Magic Johnson did win his 5 in less time than Bryant, but he's always been on teams with enough talent to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics. Kobe and Shaq were the only Hall of Famers on the 2000-2002 Lakers, the rest were role players. The Lakers today feature Kobe Bryant, 1 perinnial all-star, and no Hall of Famers. Pau Gasol has an outside shot at the Hall of Fame if he continues to win rings, but would never have a chance if it wasn't for Bryant. Magic Johnson had at one point and time 3 other Hall of Famers on his team, Jabbar, Worthy and Bob Mcadoo. Not to mention Defensive Player of the Year Michael Cooper and Byron Scott who was considered to be one of the better players to never play in an all-star game. So if you wan't to use the Shaq argument, just remember you are favoring Bryant.


Considering the above, you have to give Kobe Bryant the slight edge in the G.L.O.A.T debate. If he wins a sixth, it won't even be close.


Where does Kobe rank among the all-time greats? My top 25 basketball players of all-time list is coming out later in the week. For now, mess around with the ESPN List Ranker. Then you can compare your list to mine. I'm sure Ramos and I will have some discrepancies in our lists that will spark a heated debate. Stay tuned!

The newest summer hit, "Champion."

Ron Artest's newest single.

The best part is he wrote his future number 1 hit LAST June after being eliminated from the playoffs as a member of the Houston Rockets. Artest had also not even signed with the Lakers yet or even had his signing rumored. Another note, not every reference made in this song is of athletes who actually won a championship throughout their respective careers.

Freestyle

Nostradamus aint got shit on Ron Ron!

The Boston 3 Party, A Story of Adversity, Resilience and Heart.

Before I begin on the legacy of Kobe Bryant I want to first pay respect this Celtic team. The Boston 3 Party is one of the greatest stories in NBA history. 


Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were probable Hall of Famers, but leading mediocre at beast teams to no more than one deep play-off run. Kevin Garnett was a surefire first ballot Hall of Famer, but was under much scrutiny for leading his team out of the first round once and was labeled as one of those players that just didn't have it in them to win a championship. Needless to say all three players needed a championship to validate their career. 


The date is May 23rd, 2007. Boston came off one of their worst seasons ever (24-58). A season they pretty much threw away for a chance at the first overall draft pick which would give them the rights to add the much coveted Greg Oden to their roster. They Celtics had get this pick, this is what they were playing for (or stopped playing to obtain, whatever works) . The 7-footer was going to be the key to revival of Celtic basketball. Here it is, the moment of truth...


NUMBER FIVE!?!?!? ARE YOU SHITTING ME!?


The Celtics got the lowest draft pick possible. How devastating. After the death of Len Bias in '86, it seems as though Boston just could not catch a break. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. That night, Celtics would trade their #5 pick, Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West for Ray Allen and #35 Glen Davis from LSU. Alright, a seven time all-star and a promising rookie, not bad. Still not good enough there is one more piece left to complete the Green Machine.


The date is July 31st 2007. The day of the largest trade ever for one single player. The Celtics would acquire 10 time all-star and 2004 MVP, Kevin Garnet in exchange for 7 Boston Celtics. A new big three is born.


Let's fast-forward. The date is April 16th 2008 the Celtics finish with a league best 66-16 record, the second best in record in franchise history and complete the biggest turnaround ever, improving 42 games from the previous season. Kevin Garnett would go on to win Defensive Player of the year anchoring a defense that had the third highest efficiency in league history (98.9)


The road to the Championship would was a long and trying enterprise for Celtics. Taking their first and second round the full 7, barely escaping LeBron James. They went on to beat EC Powerhouse Detroit in 6 to advance to the Finals. The 2008 Finals would put the Celtics against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers lead by newly acquired Pau Gasol and league MVP Kobe Bryant. The Celtics shut down the Lake-Show. Garnett bullied Gasol in the paint and Kobe Bryant was held to his worst shooting performance of the play-offs. 


The date is June 17th, 2008, Game six of the NBA Finals. The Celtics pulverize L.A. by 39 points, largest margin of victory in Finals history for a title clinching game. Allen and Garnett's careers are finally validated and Pierce is ranked among the Celtic greats as he hoists the Finals MVP trophy before the Garden crowd. 


Although they lost, the people of Boston will always remember the improbable 2010 Celtic play-off run.  They took down the league MVP and Championship favorite in the second round, the defending Eastern Conference Champions and gave the defending champions the fight of their lives in what will certainly go down as one of the greatest play-off series of all-time. These Celtics may be the best defensive unit the league has ever seen. Having the best defensive point guard in the league (Rondo), a defensive player of the year (Garnett) and two of the leagues most underrated perimeter defenders (Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) They held the leagues best big man to 7 points and 7 rebounds, shut down the league MVP and did as good of a job as anyone has or anyone will ever do in defending Kobe Bryant, the second best scorer ever. This team has elevated Garnett in the top 15-20 best players of all time and Pierce and Allen in the top 50.


It may be difficult to like Celtics fans, but is it is hard to not to like these Celtics. Three of the leagues best players came together sacrificing their numbers and playing time for the greater good. They made up for lack of athleticism and old age with unparalleled heart and aggressiveness . They are the most resilient team in the NBA today, and probably the most resilient team ever. Win or lose in the Boston 3 Party have cemented themselves in league history.




But I still fucking hate Glen Davis.

I FUCKING TOLD YOU!

I wish I could just stay home blog about this all day there is so much I have to say. However I am going to be at work, fighting crime all day at the D.A.'s office. Don't worry there is much to be covered and I will cover all of it asap. I just want to point out I called this from the beginning and correctly predicted how this series would turn out. Go me.

NBA FINALS GAME 7 PREVIEW

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As a basketball player, lover and historian, I consider myself blessed today. This series may have started off sloppy, but it has turned out to be one of the best Lakers-Celtics series ever. Finals match-ups of the Post-Jordan Era have been pretty one sided and boring. In this era the NBA champion is usually decided in the Western Conference bracket (2002 Kings-Lakers, 2009 Lakers-Nuggets, 2003 Spurs-Mavericks, 2007 Spurs-Suns, 2000 Lakers-Blazers).  For just the third time in the last two decades we get to see a seven game Finals series. The fact that it is between basketball's most storied franchises makes it all the more exciting.

Game 1: Los Angeles 102-89

Game 2: Boston 103-94

Game 3: Los Angeles 91-84

Game 4: Boston 89-96

Game 5: Boston 86-92

Game 6: Los Angeles 89-67

Finals MVP Candidates

Boston

Primary Candidate: Paul Pierce (18ppg 4.5rpg 3.2apg)

Secondary Candidate: Rajon Rondo (13.5pgg 6rpg 7.2apg 1.7spg)

Los Angeles

Primary Candidate: Kobe Bryant (29.5ppg, 6.8rpg 4.2apg)

Secondary Candidate: Pau Gasol (18.5ppg 10.5rpg 2.7bpg)

What's at stake (other than the title, obviously)

Los Angeles 

For the Los Angeles Lakers, there are three legacies on the line.

• Phil Jackson's perfect record of 47-0 when winning game 1 may be tarnished. Phil Jackson may be under much scrutiny for losing his first ever Finals game 7.  An L.A. loss supports the argument (which I disagree with) that Phil Jackson's success is mostly contingent on having the players.

• Kobe Bryant is on the path of becoming the greatest Laker ever. The only obstacle is a victory over Boston. Kobe Bryant will go down as the best player to wear the purple and gold if he is able to lead his team to the title tonight.

• The Lakers' prospective dynasty is in question. Many put an asterisk next to their 2009 title crediting KG's knee injury for the L.A.'s 15th championship. This game may prove or disprove that theory.

Boston

• Doc River's decision to leave or stay will likely be affected by the outcome of this game.

• With old age and Ray Allen's impending free agency (Pierce isn't going anywhere) this is likely the Boston 3 Party's  last shot at a title.

• If Big 4 Celtics win two championships in 3 years, they could rank as one of the greatest teams of all time.

A Boston victory without Perkins is still very possible. The options of Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis makes Perkins is the most expendable player of Boston's starting five. Glen Davis goes 100% all game and is great for hustle points, but his stature is a liability against the length of the Laker bigs. Rasheed Wallace is probably the best option because he is a seasoned veteran and is the only player on the court that has started in a Finals game 7 (although he lost). He is long enough match up with Gasol or Bynum, and is an exceptional defender. The only problem with 'Sheed is his inconsistency. Still, Boston has to somewhat like the idea of starting lineup that includes 5 NBA champions who have each been selected to an all-star team.

Even with Perkins, you had to like L.A.'s chances after their game 6 performance. The bench got confident and finally starting outplaying Boston's, the triangle offense was executed flawlessly, and Ron Artest was shooting like the all-star caliber player we saw back in Indiana (minus the melee). L.A. looks to be the better team, but if these play-offs have told us anything its that you can never underestimate the resolve of Boson. You all know who I am picking for game 7, so I'll spare you the redundant prediction.

Header Fail!

Defender Simon Poulson, Denmark, fails at trying to use his head to direct a Netherlands shot away from his teams net. Poulson fails so much that he actually heads the ball straight past the keeper and into his OWN net. Needless to say the Netherlands won 2-0, producing only 1 actual goal. 

VY Didn't You Learn From Pac....?

Defending his "U" at all costs, no matter what conference they may soon play in. I guess the $40 burgers offered at strip clubs are gourmet to NFL players. Maybe he will repeat the same excuse once uttered by a legend of doing stupid shit, Adam "Pacman" Jones, "I was getting something to eat."

Celtics Duck Kobe's Knockout Punch..Twice.

We are 4 quarters away from the improbable. The 2010 Boston Celtics may just be the most resilient team in NBA history. Going into L.A. Boston has a 3-2 lead,  and teams that go on the road leading 3-2 are 15-1 in the Finals. Despite performances of 33 and 38 from Kobe Bryant the Celtics emerged victorious because they were able to shut down his supporting cast and respond to each of his baskets. For the first time this post-season Kobe just wasn't good enough by himself.

I'm know I am going to get a ton of shit if the L.A. loses after singing their praises all season and play-offs. I know all signs point to banner 18 raised at The Garden before next season's opener, but I'm standing by what I said one of my first posts on BDL and what I said in the Finals preview. Los Angeles in 7. Phil Jackson is going to maintain his perfect record when up 1-0 in a series. I don't think Boston can shoot 56% from the field two games in a row, and if it wasn't for Kobe's foul trouble I am convinced L.A. wins game 2 and is undefeated at home. If Bryant and Gasol play consistent or above their play-off averages, with a solid game from Bynum and/or Odom, Lakers take it.

One Curse Down Many More To Go!

After the Chicago Blackahawks claimed their first championship in 49 years and the San Francisco Giants took home the baseball crown ending their drought that lasted since Mays basket catch in 1954 another long sports title drought came to an end. This made it apparent to me that this is part of the trend of our generation. During my 23 years on this Earth, all of which as an avid sports fan, several curses and long droughts have been extinguished. There have also been numerous franchises to claim their first championship despite years of futility. These are the franchises among the 4 major team sports that either won their first championship or ended a long drought/curse in the last 25 years in order by the year from least recent to now.

Criteria: An NHL, MLB, NFL, or NBA franchise that ended a title drought/curse of either 15 seasons or more or claimed its first ever championship within the last 25 years with this sports calendar being the 25th season. 
Note: For NFL, pre Super Bowl titles are included.

NHL

1989 Atlanta/Calgary Flames (first title, founded 1972)
1991 Pittsburgh Penguins (first title, founded 1967)
1994 New York Rangers (previous title, 1940)
1995 Kansas City Scouts/Colorado Rockies/New Jersey Devils (first title, founded 1974)
1996 Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche (first title, founded 1972)
1997 Detroit RedWings (previous title, 1955)
1999 Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars (first title, founded 1967)
2004 Tampa Bay Lightning (first title, founded 1992)
2009 Pittsburgh Penguins (previous title, 1992)
2010 Chicago Blackhawks (previous title, 1961)

MLB

1985 Kansas City Royals (first title, founded 1969)
1987 Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (previous title, 1924 as Sens)
1989 Oakland Athletics (previous title, 1974)
1990 Cincinnati Reds (previous title, 1976)
1991 Toronto Bluejays (first title, founded 1977)
1995 Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (previous title, 1957)
1996 New York Yankees (previous title, 1978)
1997 Florida Marlins (first title, founded 1993)
2001 Arizona Diamondbacks (first title, founded 1998)
2002 Anaheim Angels (first title, founded 1961)
2004 Boston RedSox (previous title, 1918)
2005 Chicago WhiteSox (previous title, 1917)
2008 Philadelphia Phillies (previous title, 1980, first title won by any Philly sports team since 83)
2010 San Francisco Giants (previous title, 1954 when still playing in New York)

NFL

1996 Green Bay Packers (previous title, 1967)
1997 Denver Broncos (first title, founded 1960)
1999 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (previous title, 1951)
2000 Baltimore Ravens (first title, founded 1996 or open to interpretation)
2001 New England Patriots (first title, founded 1960)
2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first title, founded 1976)
2005 Pittsburgh Steelers (previous title, 1979)
2007 New York Giants (previous title, 1990)
2009 New Orleans Saints (first title, founded 1967)

NBA

1991 Chicago Bulls (first title, founded 1966)
1994 Houston Rockets (first title, founded 1967)
1999 San Antonio Spurs (first title, founded 1967)
2004 Detroit Pistons (previous title, 1990)
2006 Miami Heat (first title, founded 1989)
2008 Boston Celtics (previous title, 1986)

Wow what a historic sports generation it has been! Some of these franchises went on to claim many more championships and become dynastic (see Bulls, Spurs, Yankees, RedWings). Others would add just 1 more title either becoming one of those historic back to back champions or being lucky enough to soak up 1 more champagne shower to this point (see Twins, Bluejays, Marlins, RedSox, Rockets, Avs, Pens, Broncos, Steelers). Either way the last 25 years have brought relief to tons of fan bases and have been witness to forcing grown men cry after finally seeing their team win it all. What will come of the next 25? Here are the sports franchises still on the hook....or in some cases back on.

Criteria: An NHL, MLB, NFL, or NBA franchise that is either still looking for its first championship or is in the midst of a title drought of at least 15 seasons. Some of the teams who ended such droughts in the last 25 years can be back on hook. 
Note: For NBA, pre merger titles from ABA are included, teams are also considered founded when their first season took place even if that is an ABA season.

In no particular order
NHL

Columbus Bluejackets (0 titles, founded 1997)
Atlanta Thrashers (0 titles, founded 1999)
Calgary Flames (previous title, 1989)
Montreal Canadiens (previous title, 1993)
Ottawa Senators (0 titles, founded 1990)
San Jose Sharks (0 titles, founded 1991)
Washington Capitals (0 titles, founded 1974)
Buffalo Sabres (0 titles, founded 1970)
St. Louis Blues (0 titles, founded 1967)
Phoenix Coyotes (0 titles, founded 1972)
Minnesota Wild (0 titles, founded 2000)
Florida Panthers (0 titles, founded 1993)
Nashville Predators (0 titles, founded 1997)
New York Rangers (previous title, 1994)
New York Islanders (previous title, 1983)
Philadelphia Flyers (previous title, 1975) - so close
Boston Bruins (previous title, 1972)
Edmonton Oilers (previous title, 1990)
Vancouver Canucks (0 titles, founded 1970)
Los Angeles Kings (0 titles, founded 1967)
Toronto Maple Leafs (previous title, 1967)

MLB

San Diego Padres (0 titles, founded 1969)
Texas Rangers (0 titles, founded 1961, or previous title, 1924 if thought of as part of Sens)
Seattle Mariners (0 titles, founded 1977)
Colorado Rockies (0 titles, founded 1993)
Milwaukee Brewers (0 titles, founded 1969)
Houston Astros (0 titles, founded 1962)
Baltimore Orioles (previous title, 1983)
Minnesota Twins (previous title, 1991)
Toronto Bluejays (previous title, 1993)
Cincinnati Reds (previous title, 1990)
Atlanta Braves (previous title, 1995)
Tampa Bay Rays (0 titles, founded 1998)
New York Mets (previous title, 1986)
Pittsburgh Pirates (previous title, 1979)
Detroit Tigers (previous title, 1984)
Oakland Athletics (previous title, 1989)
Los Angeles Dodgers (previous title, 1988)
Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (0 titles, founded 1969)
Cleveland Indians (previous title, 1948)
Chicago Cubs (previous title, 1908!)

NFL

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (0 titles, founded 1960)
Chicago Bears (previous title, 1985)
Cincinnati Bengals (0 titles, founded 1968)
Detroit Lions (previous title, 1957)
Cleveland Browns (previous title, 1964 last Cleveland sports title)
Houston Texans (0 titles, founded 2002)
Kansas City Chiefs (previous title, 1969)
San Francisco 49ers (previous title, 1994)
Dallas Cowboys (previous title, 1995)
Atlanta Falcons (0 titles, founded 1966)
Carolina Panthers (0 titles, founded 1995)
Jacksonville Jaguars (0 titles, founded 1995)
Miami Dolphins (previous title, 1982)
Washington Redskins (previous title, 1991)
Seattle Seahawks (0 titles, founded 1976)
Minnesota Vikings (0 titles, founded 1961)
Buffalo Bills (previous title, 1965)
San Diego Chargers (previous title, 1963)
Oakland Raiders (previous title, 1983)
New York Jets (previous title, 1968)
Arizona Cardinals (previous title, 1947)
Philadelphia Eagles (previous title, 1960)

NBA

Washington Wizards (previous title, 1978)
Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets (0 titles, founded 1988)
New Jersey Nets (previous title 1976 ABA)
Indiana Pacers (previous title, 1973 ABA)
Cleveland Cavaliers (0 titles, founded 1970)
Philadelphia 76ers (previous title, 1983)
Charlotte Bobcats (0 titles, founded 2004)
Toronto Raptors (0 titles, founded 1995)
Dallas Mavericks (0 titles, founded 1980)
Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies (0 titles, founded 1995)
Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (previous title, 1979 as Sonics)
Milwaukee Bucks (previous title, 1971)
Atlanta Hawks (previous title, 1958)
Orlando Magic (0 titles, founded 1989)
Golden State Warriors (previous title, 1975)
Los Angeles Clippers (0 titles, founded 1970)
Phoenix Suns (0 titles, founded 1968)
Sacramento Kings (previous title, 1951)
Denver Nuggets (0 titles, founded 1967)
Minnesota Timberwolves (0 titles, founded 1989)
Portland Trailblazers (previous title, 1977)
New Orleans/Utah Jazz (0 titles, founded 1974)
Houston Rockets (previous title, 1995)
New York Knicks (previous title, 1973)

Of course putting some of the more recent expansion teams on this list is down right unfair at this point. I understand that fact. However, the point of this post is simply to make it known just how rare and wonderful the last 25 years in sports have been championship wise, we saw curses broken and franchises taste a title for the first time year after year. It also brings attention to how many more chances we have to seeing teams do the same thing in the next quarter century. Step up curses and droughts out there. Let's bring an end to all this futility and truly enhance the parity.

There are only 2 things related to this post I feel comfortable enough guaranteeing wont happen. First, the Chicago Cubs will NEVER win a World Series and most likely will NEVER even capture an NL pennant, their last was 1945, and appear in another Fall Classic. Second, and most important, since this may truly depend on Lebron's upcoming decision, a Cleveland sports team will NEVER win a championship. This means the Indians drought (1948), the Cavaliers trend of either mediocrity or coming up just short will continue, and the Browns who own the cursed cities last major title, 1964, will never claim a Super Bowl. No, having the Spelling Bee champion representing Cleveland does not count as breaking the curse! Sorry Cubs and Cleveland fans this is just reality, better get used to it continuing. As for fans of all the rest, some of these teams on the hook will either reclaim a championship or finally get over the hump but in most cases don't hold your breath.

Hating 101

Before I even begin to talk about the end of college football as we know it, I have to apparently to teach this new course. Its an introductory course titled Hating 101. It is a pre-requisites if one wants to earn their degree in Hating. Now upon taking this class one must be able to properly hate on the Celtics/Patriots/Red Sox/or just any team that Brandon Sullo likes. It is a selective course with room for only 20 people so you must write an essay expressing why you want admission. Now apparently Marcus and I are the dean and vice dean of the department of The School of Hate. I know shocking but flattering none the less. I didn't realize that while we were all asleep Congress passed a law that said EVERYONE in America must support the Celtics or be deemed a "hater". Well shit call me Ann Frank and lock me up in my closet. It's not hate I respect Rondo, Garnett, Pierce and Allen and how talented they are and what they have done throughout their career. But here you want to know why I hate the Celtics? Its because of their over the top in your face ass fans. Seriously fuck off. This team has been awful for 90% of your life, didn't see anyone sucking them off back then huh. Where were you when they were winning 20 games and tanking seasons just for the hope of getting Greg Oden. Yes they won a championship and deserved it, they worked hard all season and were the best team all year in 2008. But whenever something doesn't go the Celtics way their fans come crying with more conspiracy theories than an episode of 24! O the refs wanted the Lakers to win, o if so and so played they would have won, o if Kobe Bryant didn't you his secret mind control they would have won blah blah blah. The fact is bad calls are part of every sports, and contrary to popular belief David Stern does not have it out for you. Now i know that no matter what SOME people are always going to say your a hater despite having facts. If you go against the Celtics YOU ARE A HATER, be warned. It's to bad cause I don't hate the Celtics just their obnoxious fans. Just for once acknowledge that Pau is a good player please and that he is better than Garnett right now. I look forward to all these idiots coming out and saying Nate Robinson is a good player. I can't wait to hear it. But anyways I look forward to seeing what people have to say towards this. P.S. please keep all essay's to a maxium of 1,000 words.

Avery Johnson to coach Nets.

Avery Johnson came to a verbal agreement with the New Jersey Nets and will be the first coach hired under the reign of super-Russian Mikhail Prokhorov. NJ hiring Johnson and Thibodeau going to Chicago further proves my point, Phil Jackson isn't going anywhere. 


Avery Johnson coached 3 full seasons with Dallas. Although his tenure at Dallas short lived he managed to get coach of the year, two 60+ win seasons, a Finals appearance and the highest coaching win percentage in NBA history. Despite an impressive first 3 seasons, Johnson was fired in 2008 due to consecutive first round eliminations. Most notably in 2007 when the Mavericks posted an NBA best 67-15 record and lost to the 8 seeded Warriors in 6 games.


This is a good start for New Jersey's rebuilding and Prokhorov's guarantee of a championship in five years or less. Getting a relatively young, experienced and successful coach. Although his teams have pulled off some of the greatest chokes in recent memory such as blowing a 2-0 lead in the 2006 Finals to the Dwayne Wade show and the aforementioned first round exit, he doesn't deserve all of the credit. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the leagues most masterful choke artists. Dirk's Mavericks have never gotten it done when they needed to. They haven't done it with Don Nelson or Avery Johnson and Rick Carlisle isn't doing much better right now, in fact he's doing worse. 


They have a dedicated owner with deep pockets, a proven coach, a high draft pick and a couple of good building blocks (or trade bait) in Devin Harris and Brooke Lopez. I know they are coming off one of the worst seasons ever, but like Johnson said "The sky is the limit". You can only move up from where New Jersey is. The best free agency class of all time is coming in less than a month. Avery Johnson has been the best hiring by any team thus far and makes New Jersey a little more appealing. Who knows how far up they can go.