All Star Reality Check

9:45 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
The first batch of votes has been added up for this upcoming NBA All-Star game. Each year there are several articles written about All-Star Snubs; people who should have played but didn’t receive an invite. In my perfect reality, this wouldn’t happen because I would decide all on my own.

But occasionally there are players who really just shouldn’t be there, but do for some ridiculous reason or another. They are sbuns; the opposite of snubs. Let’s go over the top three vote recipients by position in both conferences and deem worthiness.

The top three Eastern Conference forwards so far are Kevin Garnett, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Thankfully there’s not much to change here. Bosh isn’t having his best season, but he’s still the third best forward in the east. KG and LeBron are runaways for not only best forwards in the east, but best players in the league. That’s a really strong group for forwards in the east.

One guy I’d like to see play is former dunk champ Josh Smith. He’s playing great this year, leading the NBA in blocks and just turned 22 this month.

At guard in the east, we have Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. Dwyane has been hurt, but is still amazing and getting better. Jason Kidd is always terrific to have at these games because he’s terrific at throwing lobs.

Hey, you say, why Vince? He’s not playing that well! Shouldn’t we put someone more deserving in there? The answer of course is no. In any other situation, it would of course be yes, but Vince Carter is half man, half amazing. As soon as anyone else in the world leaps over a 7’2” human being in a competitive game, we’ll stop giving Vince the go-to-All-Star-Game-no-matter-what cards.

Let’s also ignore any silliness about Chauncey Billups going to the All-Star game. There are too many other worthy candidates to let Mr. Overrated play. Why not have two-time slam dunk champ Jason Richardson provide a show? Or the multi-faceted Andre Iguodala show his stuff?

The Center is really dominated by one man in the East, and that is Dwight Howard, who thankfully is first. He is followed by Shaquille O’Neal and Rasheed Wallace. Normally I would be opposed to the last two, even though both have been key players on championship teams. Neither one is playing that well, though, and both are well passed their prime. Regardless, Shaq has a new toy that he brings to the All-Star game every year, plus he’s like the league’s uncle; he’s been around and he knows some stuff.

What I can’t stand is when people want Ben Wallace at the All-Star game. Why? Oh neat, he has an afro! The guy averages 4.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 32 minutes and will make $15,500,000 next year. No thanks.
Moving out West, the forwards look so much better than in previous years. The top three are Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. The best part about this list is that Duncan isn’t at the top. Honestly, who would want to watch this guy at an All-Star game? He may be a good power forward, but he is not entertaining. He’s said it himself, and I won’t argue with the guy.

Here I make a case to remove Dirk and Timmy and replace them with Carlos Boozer, who as you can see is outplaying Duncan, and the eternal Shawn Marion. Both of these players are more likely to throw down a real dunk as opposed to Tim Duncan’s “I don’t want to hurt my finger” dunks. With Dirk, I think it’s just best if he lays low for awhile. I still haven’t recovered from being totally wrong—along with everyone else in the world outside of Oakland—about last years first round against the Warriors, and I doubt that he has either. Let Marion go to the game and throw down some nice Nash oops.

The Western Guard spot is tough. The top three are Kobe, T-Mac and Steve Nash. All of these guys have to go, too. Personally I’m not a Kobe fan, but anyone who scores 81 points in a game gets the same card as Vince carter. Nash will make the fancy passes and, like Kidd, keep the game from getting sloppy.

But there are major snubs about to happen. Baron Davis was the best player in the playoffs last year, barring LeBron’s performance against the Pistons in game 5. So he has to be there. And what would an All-Star game be without Allen Iverson? Then again, aren’t Chris Paul and Deron Williams both playing out of their minds this year? Even Denver’s JR Smith can throw down some really impressive dunks. Such a tough call on this one, but there is still one really easy call…

No Tony Parker or Ginobili. With the list of eligible players above, no one with a functioning brain would suggest that these two should even be allowed to watch the game. What terrific traveling violations the officials would have to ignore if they were there. Please, don’t let this happen hoop fans.

The Western Center position is all messed up. The top three are Yao Ming, Amaré Stoudemire and Erick Dampier. I can’t believe that Dampier is even on the list. 4 points and 6 boards in 18 minutes a game does not sound like All-Star to me. That’s how Brad Miller played a few years ago.

Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler and Chris Kaman are all more than adequate subs vs. the inevitable Yao and undeserving and slow Dampier. Even Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge is playing great right now and deserves a trip more than Dampier.

You can email the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

Why You Shouldn't Like The Spurs Either

10:26 PM // by Jack Ady // , , , // 0 comments
I hate the Spurs. I'm not going to be diplomatic or sneaky about saying it, I can't stand them. And I have reasons for it. It's not the situation where I hate them because they win; no, I have good reasons for my feelings.

1. First, They Don't Do It Themselves

I just finished watching the Spurs beat the Jazz. Deron Williams outplayed anyone on the floor. I watched Manu Ginobili take 19 free throws, 7 of which he deserved to take and 12 of which were gimmes. He just trots down the lane, falls and throws up the ball. I don't know how I could state this more clearly, he doesn't deserve his trips to the line, and that's how the Spurs got their points.
By the way, if you don't think that the Spurs get undeserved whistles, or even if you do, click the top video on the right side of the screen. You decide.

Part of the reason they get so many calls is due to David Sterns love of the international players. He wants desperately to remove the thug image labelled on the league since the 2004 brawl in Detroit. White players from other countries without the tattoos and other cultural traits that racists people associate as thuggish to all who have them are the best way to repair the league's image in the eyes of the commish.

The play that decided the game tonight? Fabricio Oberto flopping and fouling out Carlos Boozer with 15 seconds to play. A flop at that stage of the game can't be called. But it was, because....

2. Oh, How They Whine

The only team in the NBA that's close in terms of crying over calls is the Detroit Pistons, but still the Spurs reign supreme in this category.

Perhaps part of the reason why they get so many calls, the Spurs are not only upset by the calls, but feel personally offended that they would be falsely accused. I challenge anyone to find a game where the opponents raise the chicken arms (see Duncan, right) more than this squad from San Antonio.

3. They Have Spurs Fans

Is there anything more obnoxious than people who don't have a clue what they're talking about? 20 thousand of those people gather in the AT&T Center 41 times a season to cheer for their boys. But they're winning right? Right, so you can't fault people for cheering for a winner.

But you can fault people for being snobby. I can't stand people who say that the Spurs are, despite popular opinion and common sense, fun to watch. "There's nothing like watching some good solid defense and then offensive execution." True, but the things here is that firstly, the Spurs actually don't execute. If you think that Manu running up the floor and flopping for 19 free throws is execution, or worse yet, fun to watch, get yourself a lobotomy.

Second, you're just plain wrong. The Spurs are deathly boring. Last years Finals proved it with four consecutive records for ratings futility. There are many teams that are fun to watch but San Antonio is flat out not one of them.

4. They Employ This Man

This guy should be in jail. Every year several articles come out telling the world what a wonderful person Bruce Bowen is. Neat-o. He is still one really dirty basketball player.

In California, he's already violated the three strikes system in place there. He's injured the ankles of Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, Ray Allen and Steve Francis, just to name a few. He's also kicked Ray Allen in the back and two players in the face. THE FACE!

Steve Nash's legs were one continuous bruise after the Suns/Spurs playoff series last year, not to mention Bruce's knee to Nash's groin, and youtube also has evidence of Bowen kicking Amare Stoudemire.

Here's my challenge: go to youtube.com and do a search for Bruce Bowen. If you can look through those videos and not think that he's the league's biggest cheap shot, then go home and bullet in your head. It's carrying a brain that doesn't work.

5. Because They Ruin Basketball

When teams get special treatment, unfair calls, use unsportsmanlike conduct and cheat on the court, it's a disgrace to the game. Anyone who actually likes the sport would be opposed to that kind of action taking place at all. Do you know what Sacramento Kings announcer Grant Napear would say if the Spurs roster was suspended indefinitely and the league was free of them?

"If you don't like that, you don't like NBA basketball!"

I love NBA basketball.

Email the Jackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

Insulting Assumption

12:17 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
On Wednesday, Allen Iverson went off for 51 points against the LA Lakers. He was astounding through three quarters, and in the fourth, the LA defenders wanted someone else to try to score, which they didn't. It was frustrating to watch the Nuggets make poor decisions on offense and then pout on defense because they didn't all get to shoot.

They were miserable in the fourth and it cost them the game, but Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post insulted Iverson with this little gem:

"Anybody could see the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Nuggets 111-107 Wednesday night. But what was revealed is that not all Hall of Fame players are created equal. There is great, which Iverson will be, forever and always. And there is transcendent, which makes Bryant a basketball god on the order of Magic, Oscar and Wilt."

What I saw that night was something very different. I saw Denver not knowing the Lakers personnel on defense. Sure, Kobe had been playing facilitator for three quarters, but who thought that would continue in the fourth? Surely Kobe as well as you saw the verbal lashing that LeBron James took in last years post-season for deferring to a teammate in clutch situations, and you clearly should have known who to double team, or at least stay close to.

Here's how I look at it, when you compare Kobe's greatness to other perimeter NBA stars, you have to do it this way: Kobe's success without Shaq vs. Iverson's success without Shaq. It's insulting to Allen Iverson to blame this loss on his being a lesser Hall Of Famer. The Answer took a team of scrubs, and I mean nobodies, to the NBA Finals and upset the Lakers in game one. He was simply heroic in just how good he was and how hard he played for those Sixers. Who was Iverson's number two in those days? Aaron McKie? Matt Harpring? Dikembe Mutumbo? Scrubs!

Kobe on the other hand has yet to make it past the first round without Shaq, so maybe he should be compared to Tracy McGrady more often than Michael Jordan, since T-Mac also seems to have allergies to the second round. Also, the common misconception that Kobe is clutch is wrong and annoying. It was mentioned on ESPN's daily dime this week how Bryant is only a 50% free throw shooter in one point games with under 60 seconds left, which explains why in that same situation against Denver he made just one of two.

What I'm trying to get at here isn't that Iverson is better or even as good as Kobe. I think both are legitimate HOF players whose reputation shouldn't be tarnished because of one game. I'm saying that something else needs to be factored in here, something I've said before.

The Nuggets need to fire their coach.

That's what happened on Wednesday night. Phil Jackson, also known as the Zen Master, has won an NBA record nine championships. Jackson knew what would work and told his players to do it. George Karl has won zero championships, despite coaching Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp in their prime, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen and Glen Robinson in their respective primes, and now this ultra-talented Nuggets team.

Down the stretch in the fourth quarter, Carmelo Anthony hardly touched the ball, JR Smith took some bad shots, Iverson shot over double teams, and their defense not only did not double team Kobe late, but left him wide open repeatedly. Anyone who has watched even a few Lakers games should know what their game plan is late in close games.

So don't say Iverson is just a scorer and not really a great player. Keep in mind the $30 million mastermind hobbling in front of the Lakers bench.

You can email the jackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

Stories Around The League

11:34 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , // 0 comments
Where is Dirk?
As the first 25% of the season comes to an end, we see that the reigning MVP is hardly reigning. In fact, Dirk's shooting percentage from the field, three, and free throw line are all down from his career marks, and drastically lower than last years standard.

I honestly asked myself this question during last years playoff series with Golden State. The Warriors elminated Nowitzki's catch and spin move by bringing in a double team mid-spin. This became a turn over virtually every time, which forced Dirk to either a) shoot over a double team, or b) pass as soon as possible.

In last nights loss to the Duncan-less Spurs, the Mavs All-Star took only 11 shots in defeat, including his missed 3 pointer that could have been the game winner. Normally after someone wins the MVP award they're a guaranteed contender for at least the next year, especially when they're still in their twenties. It doesn't look like that now for the big German.

LeBron Is Better Than Anyone

I'm not going to throw a bunch of numbers in your face here; we all know he's got the best all around numbers since 1987, but it's his will and ability that have impressed me this year. I watched the Cavs play the Kings at Arco this year and saw LeBron erase a defecit and deny the Kings a win. A play that comes to mind was one in which LeBron was headed to the basket and Mikki Moore and Brad Miller both hit him hard.

LeBron took the hit and finished the layup, but instead of LeBrons usual "playin' it cool" after a clutch shot, he slammed his fist against his chest with his teeth barred. You could almost see saliva fly from his frothing mouth; he was like an unstoppable gladiator. It was amazing to see someone that good simply refusing to lose. It became clear that LeBron is the greatest talent in the world right now.

For The Second Year In A Row, I Was Right

Contrary to every expert out there, I predicted that the Bucks would be awful. They have a group of nobodies surrounding Michael Redd, who joins Joe Johnson in the "best player in the league not good enough to be a franchise player" club. I'm not sure why everyone thought they would be so good; obviously Bogut is a bust for a number one pick, and Redd can't play any better, what was the rational behind that?

The NBA Needs To Fire The TV Scheduling Team

Ok, end of my bluffing, I have no idea who chooses what games are on TV, but they need to be fired. I can't keep track of how many times the Nuggets play Golden State or Phoenix plays Dallas, but the NBA decides to air San Antonio against Portland or Detroit against Milwaukee. Do they know why the ratings are down? If the game is a combination of a lottery team and/or Detroit or San Antonio, NO ONE wants to see it.

It's a shame that I know the Pistons and Spurs bench players but have never seen a Hawks game ever. I know that conflicts with my no lottery team theory, but they have some exciting young guys on that team that people don't even know about.

You can email your questions or comments to jackhoops@gmail.com

GM's Best Guess

12:29 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
With just six awful days until the NBA regular season begins, we take time to look ahead at what the upcoming season holds for us the viewers. First of all, I'd like to address the recent 2007-08 NBA General Managers survey, in which the GM's are polled on their opinions about a number of things. We're only going to cover a few here.



The GM's were asked, "Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?" 88.5% of the GM's answered that they would take Kobe Bryant. They took him last year as well. Now, this isn't an attack at Kobe, but in the category of game winning/tying shots, he has the lowest percentage of all time. 92% of GM's thought he was the best shooting guard in the NBA, and you'd be daft to think otherwise, but I just want to illustrate that the GM's do not always know what they're talking about. Take Isiah Thomas for instance-- yeah, that's the mind we're delving into for this information.



For the fourth year in a row, the NBA's General Managers selected the San Antonio Spurs to win the NBA title. They were right two times and wrong two times. Despite the fact that Houston, Phoenix and Denver all got tougher, the Mavs stayed together and the Spurs just got older in the off season, the GM's decided to take the road most travelled and guess that the Spurs will win.


It appears that they don't hope so, though. 73.1% of those polled believe that the Phoenix Suns will be the best team to watch in the NBA, with the Golden State Warriors eating up the majority of the remaining vote. Nash was voted best leader, best passer and best point guard. He was second only to Kobe in the category of players whom opposing coaches needed to adjust the most to. His Suns were second in the poll to take the whole taco.


This writer is one commentator who not only hopes they do win, but honestly thinks that they will. How many teams took four years together to win a title? How about Jordan and Pippen? Kobe and Shaq? Well, Nash is entering his fourth year in Phoenix now, and title hopes are high there. Grant Hill has added a new dimension, with both he and Boris Diaw playing the high post point, teams will no longer be able to just knock Steve Nash out of bounds to beat the Suns.


Marcus Banks has actually been great in the pre-season, along with DJ Strawberry as Steve Nash's little clones. Amare is ready to go without rehab. Boris is skinny again. Bell is healthy and lighter. Barbosa is improved. These Suns are serious. Don't go giving the rings to the old folks in
Texas yet.


Oh, one more stat that upset me. The GM's said that Bruce Bowen was the NBA's best defender and best perimeter defender. No. The guy is filth. I've seen dozens of articles on how great a guy is; neat. That doesn't mean for one second that he's not the dirtiest player in the NBA; actually he definitely is. I dare anyone who doesn't absolutely agree with me to go to youtube.com and search just the name "Bruce Bowen" and find me something positive. I could save you some time right now and tell you that it isn't there, but you wouldn't listen would you? I especially like the one when he knees Nash in the man parts right in front of the Phoenix bench.

Go Suns.


Email the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

K-Mart Update

11:21 PM // by Jack Ady // , , , // 0 comments
You haven't read this yet. I hadn't either. K-Mart is back after a years absence. And he's already throwing down alley-oops. Yi Jianlian can't keep up with his double microfracture surgery repaired knees.

First, take a look at his rehab process.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jRXyplSiPyY&mode=related&search=

Now, the results.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_5724780,00.html

Welcome back. Look out, Utah. There won't be anymore of this.


You can email the jackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

Coming Soon

11:33 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , , , // 0 comments
It's not long now. In 14 long, miserable days, we can finally be reunited with the basketball that we have missed so bad. And there are tons of reasons to look forward to this season, none of which rhyme with Dony Barker.

1. The Hibachi is Fired Up.

Two seasons ago in the first round, Gilbert Arenas surprised us all by providing a worthy dueler for LeBron James and the Cavaliers. He dropped 60 on Kobe in La La land, including an NBA record 18 in OT. He randomly threw down a between-the-legs dunk off a trampoline in the All-Star game.

Then last year he broke his leg and missed the playoffs. He says he's ready. Not to mention everything else that he says, Agent 0 is ready to perform. Not only was he one of the league's leading scorers, Arenas hit a ridiculous number of buzzer beaters last year, including multiple shots in the same game. Tune in for this guy, it's always a show.

2. Steve Nash has little clones now, and their fast.

Last night as the Phoenix Suns consumed the Utah Jazz in preseason, I noticed something; everyone is in really good shape. Jazz commentator Thurl Bailey acknowledged it as well. "Last year they came out and started 3-6, and Nash missed some of those games... This year they came out ready to play."

And it's true. Boris Diaw seems to have lost all the weight he gained for last season, and D'Antoni doesn't seem content with that, playing him some 41 minutes last night. Marcus Banks and Raja Bell looked slimmer, and all of the Suns who played last night just ran and ran and ran.

"We weren't prepared to play, not against those guys." Said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "Not that team."

It looks like Phoenix might score even more points than they did last year. Honestly, if you're a basketball fan, you should seriously embrace this time, because it is rare for a team this fun to be together. Enjoy the show.

3. The Wild West got Wilder.

Ok, who out west feels like they got better this offseason? What's that Golden State? You have a Euro star and a nice rookie? Baron Davis, Al Harrington and Steven Jackson have lost a combined 85 pounds?

Is that you Houston? What's that? Bonzi Wells is going to try this year? Steve Francis isn't going to be Disgruntled? Mike James is going to get open jumpers? Didn't you get the Scola guy from Argentina, you know, the Americas tourney MVP? Rafer Alston won't have to try to be a real point guard? T-Mac and Yao won't be the only people who score? Look out NBA, this team is officially for real.

And Denver too? Carmelo shone over the Summer? Iverson is still AI? JR Smith is healthy? K-Mart is too? You still have Nene and Camby right? Wasn't that Kleiza guy getting better, too? And now you have Chucky Atkins to play back up point guard? Yikes!

The easy road to the finals out west is now imaginary, and that is really exciting. Just think, the darkhorse in the west is.... everyone.

4. All the Spurs got was older.

The Villains of the NBA, San Antonio just got older. With every passing day, the chances of Manu or Horry breaking a hip via flopping increases dramatically. We can all just pray for plantar fasciatis to come back to Tim Duncan as well, but in all reality, the reason they don't repeat is that they never re-stock after winning. Maybe next year fellas, but hopefully never again.


Email your questions or comments to jackhoops@gmail.com

Kobe Trade Possibility

10:35 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , // 0 comments
This morning my Dad, who is a Jazz fan, suggested a trade that would give him some sort of karmatic vindication in regards to the Derek Fisher buyout this year.

Fisher, a three time champion with the LA Lakers, told the Jazz that he needed to be in New York in order to get the best medical care for his 2 year old daughter, who had a horrible eye cancer.

The Jazz understandably bought out his contract, and Fisher said that it was unlikely that he would play in the NBA again. In a matter of weeks, however, Fisher signed a contract in Los Angelos, despite the distance from New York. Now for the trade.

Alright, I do have to admit, the chances of this trade going through are just awful, despite the money working out nicely.
Think you have a better idea? See if it will work here and send me your best ones.
Email the JackDaddy any time at jackhoops@gmail.com

Back in the Game

6:27 PM // by Jack Ady // , , , , // 0 comments
NBA referee Joey Crawford has been reinstated by the NBA. After his five month vacation due to suspension, the official with a 'tude is back.

"Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program, and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards." Said NBA commisioner David Stern.

Crawford was suspended indefinitely after ejecting Spurs All-Star forward Tim Duncan for over the top laughter. Despite a new emphasis last season on not letting players show up the officials, the NBA suspended Crawford, who has reffed the most playoff games of any active official.

ALSO....

Let us take a moment to remember a blessing to the game who has been missed these past two seasons in the NBA, Kenyon Martin. To the right, I have a link to a video of just what K-Mart, who the last time he was healthy averaged 26.9 points a game in the playoffs, is capable of. Warning! Turn off the sound during the rimwrecker video if you have a soul you would like to keep. It is really impressive. If you don't like streaming, click below.

Email the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

Countdown

12:59 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments

With only 48 short days on the countdown, the time is long, painful and boring as we wait for the NBA regular season to begin. Our time is well wasted as we discuss the things that will heavily influence next year.

Greg Oden Breaking Down

This could be a case of reading too in depth to a situation, but Oden seems like he might not be ready for Trail Blazer training camp in three weeks. After recovering from having his tonsils out, which cost him most of his summer camp experience, the number one overall pick is having knee surgery. It's been labelled as exploratory, but this has to be scary for Portland fans who have their franchise's hopes riding on Oden's enormous shoulders.

Adding to the fear that he's more likely to break down early is a new article from statistical-superman John Hollinger that shows how big men taller than the 6'9"-6-11" range almost always have shorter careers. It's also come to be common knowledge that one of Oden's legs is longer than the other. There just seems to be a lot of heartbreak on the horizon for Portland, who will almost surely watch their division rivals the Seattle Supersonics reach a better record led by a better rookie that Portland could have picked.

The Kobe Saga Is Un-Answered

Still not backing off of previously made trade demands, Kobe is happily touring Asia at this point. After saying that the team needs drastic change and then having his comments re-enforced by new HOF coach Phil Jackson, Lakers management has brought in Derek Fisher and resigned super-dud Chris Mihm. So the excitement here is to see more drama unfold. Either Kobe goes and there will be a blockbuster trade, or Kobe stays and is unhappy.

The chances of someone, presumably the Pacers and Jermaine O'Neal, biting on the Odom and Bynum package is extremely slim. Remember, the Pacers are run by Larry Bird, who has lost no love on the Lakers organization in his long basketball career.

More Teams Are Good

New contenders should include Houston, Denver (with newly signed Steven Hunter) and Boston, as well as the usual surprise team, which last year was Utah. This is better than having an east that stinks. Last years Titanic division for example, now has potential playoff teams in Toronto, Boston, New York and New Jersey. With Orlando also looking stronger, the disparity, while still favoring the West, won't be so lopsided that it loses validity.

You can email the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

The Power to Save

12:11 PM // by Jack Ady // , , , // 0 comments
In the 1970's, the NBA was in trouble. It was openly discussed,
not a secret that only aficionados knew about. People just didn't have much interest in NBA basketball. There was a widespread lack of enthusiasm, despite the game being "FAAAAAAAAN-TASTIC."

Then along came David Stern and saved the league. A lot of good things came out of Stern's reign, including a longer three point line, decrease in hand checking, defensive three second rules, the legalizing of zone defenses, and the charge semi-circle under the hoop to name a few. Video replay to determine if shots beat the buzzer have made things more fair for teams who do or don't really deserve the win.

But Stern didn't save the league. No, the league was saved by someone who had more power and ability than anyone else in it; Michael Jordan.

Jordan redefined the term "slam-dunk." He accomplished feats never before done by a player his size, with a charisma and flair entirely his own. Even if he hadn't won 6 championships, his amazing abilities intrigued people. In fact, people can't not watch greatness.

MJ was called "His Airness" and earned it. He played hard and was financially rewarded very well by not only the Chicago Bulls, but by any company in the world that needed effective marketing. His shoes still sell for hundreds of dollars and all players are held against his standard.

So who saves us this time?

I think there are some terrefic young players in the league today. Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire headline the group of tommorow's greatest, but there is one player who could bring the NBA back to its former spot as the number one sport in America.

And I hate him.

I don't want people to think that I'm just a Kobe hater. I've disliked him for years and years. He's a jerk, he's cocky, and his interviews speak louder than most would notice.

Take for example his performance in the 2006 playoff series against Phoenix when he took one shot against the Suns in the entire second half of game seven. He flat out quit, regardless of his talk about sticking to the game plan or trying to get his teammates involved. Bryant quit on his team and even though there was no denying it, he still did.

But Kobe is a supertalent. I truly believe, and I loathe to even write this, that Kobe is the greatest scorer in the history of basketball. I think he would beat Jordan handily in a game of one on one. He has smashed tons of Jordans career records, and although some are still intact, I would predict that Bryant has about six years left in him as one of the league's top three scorers. There are stars in the NBA, but no one that players and coaches fear like Kobe, no one so hostile with the ball. Yet his game still lacks something.

We all know that there's more to basketball than just scoring, and I'm not even talking about defense. It's the part that Jordan got and that LeBron has already figured out to a certain degree. It's how to be a leader, and more importantly, how to be a teammate.

If I were a player on the Lakers, I would be begging for a trade. The guy only knows one play, and that's the play in which he calls his own number every time. Actually, he knows the play where you yell at the guy who made a mistake during the timeout and demoralize him in front of the whole bench.

During team USA, I did see stretches of humanity in him though. ESPN's Rachel Nichols asked him if he still felt the same way about the comments he had made. The old Kobe would have licked his lips and said that he stood by his comments 100%, that he meant exactly what he said, and that he was never frustrated, only scheming to get what he wanted.

"Frustration," Bryant said. "You get frustrated and you say things you don't really mean."

If Kobe begins to take credit for the failures as well as the success of his team, we could see the league have a player who is not only dominant as a scorer, but a leader of a team that doesn't hate him.

Bryant also needs to take the competitiveness down half a notch. It's one of his most powerful weapons, but it did cost him a game and two flagrants last year after he clubbed two players after getting his shot blocked.

If he pulls it off, which I half heartedly hope he does, he would be a likeable, marketable, more than human superman who will do more for the league's good than any new anti-tanking rule or playoff format ever could.


Don't worry though Mamba, we actually wouldn't mind if you still hit Manu.
You can email the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

What Happened?

12:38 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
ESPN.com's senior NBA writer Marc Stein admitted last year that the 2006 NBA playoffs were probably the most entertaining in his adult life. He added a warning however, that the 2007 playoffs would seem like a let down without a miracle.
That turned out to be a huge understatement.

Let's start with what went right last year.

Golden State upset the Mavericks.

My brother, who loves the Mavericks-- especially Dirk-- more than anything, will never forgive me for saying this, but Baron Davis and those crazy Bay Area fans were a God-sent. The Warriors played up tempo, fun to watch basketball, and it seemed like they weren't aware that they were supposed to lose. There was of course the wonderful subplot of Don Nelson destroying the creature that he created, not to mention the terror in Avery Johnson's eyes as he knew that Nelson, to no fault of Johnson's, was devouring him.

The only thing that could have made this scenario better would have been if Golden State had debunked the Spurs, but we'll get at that more later.

LeBron James turned into Superman.

Prior to game 5 between the Cavs and Pistons, everyone just repeated like a parrot, "the Pistons have been here before... it took Jordan a few tries... LeBron will have to grow." It was one of the most spectacular things witnessed by sports fans ever when LeBron shut all of them up. He scored 29 of his teams last 30 points, giving him 48 overall and the game 5 win in Detroit in double OT. And he looked like MJ's big brother doing it, too. Without exaggeration it was one of the greatest performances in any sport of all time.

Unfortunately, everything else went wrong.

After what John Hollinger called the best game in 55 years on March 13 between Dallas and Phoenix, we didn't get to see these giants match up in the playoffs. Instead, we saw terrible officiating widespread and a San Antonio team that no wanted to win take the west. We saw silly suspensions, a bloody faced Steve Nash, a cheap shot from Robert Horry, complaining from the Spurs and a referee scandal.

In the east, there was a Magic/Pistons match up that couldn't end soon enough, a totally pointless Cavs/Wizards series, a Chicago/Detroit bore-fest that got headlines if a team scored 75 points, and no superhuman performances from Dwayne Wade.

Hope For This Season

We can hope that the Boston Celtics are fun and add a new dimension to the playoffs in the East. We should also pray for Tim Duncan to retire or break his ankle. Or ankles. The Spurs set a record for futility in the finals this past year, in fact a new record in each of the four games for lowest ratings of all time. It's not only boring, it's bad for basketball and the NBA.

We can hope that the Knicks don't do anything dumb this year. We can hope that Kevin Durant gets tons of attention for playing like a stud. We should hope that the improved LeBron and Melo that we saw dominate for team USA will continue to improve.

Finally, we can hope that the best team wins. The real beauty of the NBA's playoff format versus the NCAA "one and done" style is that the best team should win in a seven game series. I honestly believe that the Spurs should not have won the championship last season, and that poor officiating and direct dishonesty from the league made it happen, and I think that most people who know what they're talking about would agree with me.

You can email the JackDaddy, as bitter as he is, at jackhoops@gmail.com

Mr. Big Talk

4:40 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
Since 2004 when the Pistons shocked the world by dismantling the three-peat Lakers in five games, Chauncey Billups has been commonly regarded as one of the league's best players.

Of course he has. I mean, surely anyone who wins finals MVP should be considered in that class, right?

I strongly disagree, and I also get annoyed with the silly nickname Mr. Big Shot. It is only his rumored ability to hit shots that has earned him that name, not his actual ability, as anyone who watched this past eastern conference finals will tell you. The public perception of players can be very misleading.

For example, NBA GM's were asked last season, "If the game was on the line and you could choose one person to take the final shot, who would it be?"

The GM's left Carmelo Anthony, who has the best game winning shot percentage of active players out of the contest. They also ignored the second best option, Gilbert Arenas. No, they went with Kobe Bryant to take that shot, despite the fact that he has the lowest percentage of all time.

So what's wrong with Billups? Let's ask ESPN.com's Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, who had this to say during last years playoffs:

"Announcers and studio guys steadfastly continue to call Chauncey Billups "Mr. Big Shot," quite possibly the most undeserved sports nickname of this century. Here's a quick recap of Chauncey's career:

1997-2001: Bounces around from Boston to Toronto to Denver to Orlando to Minnesota.
2002: Plays well enough for the T-Wolves (0-3 in the '02 playoffs) that Detroit gives him a $30 million contract.

2003: Leads a Pistons team that eventually gets swept in the 2003 Eastern finals by New Jersey … and gets destroyed by Jason Kidd in the process. Billups shot 11 for 40 in the series; Kidd averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 assists and 10 rebounds per game. Just pointing out that the "Mr. Big Shot" nickname hadn't kicked in yet.

2004: Shoots 39 percent in the regular season, gets hot in the playoffs, leads the Pistons to the title, makes some big shots along the way, and somehow picks up the name "Mr. Big Shot."

2005: Leads the Pistons to the Finals, makes some big shots along the way, then pulls a relative no-show in Game 7 (13 points, 3 for 8 from the field, no big shots).

2006: During the last three games of the Eastern semis against Cleveland -- which the Pistons nearly blew -- Billups shot 13 for 34. In the six-game loss to Miami in the Eastern finals, he shot 39 percent and 3 for 14 in the deciding game.

2007: Struggled in the Chicago series (39 percent shooting), then completely flopped in the first four games of the Cavs series (22-for-57 shooting, 32 turnovers, some killer mistakes at the end of Games 3 and 4), to the point that people are now openly wondering how much money he's costing himself this summer."

I'm wondering if Billups should be on team USA. He's an inferior player to Deron Williams and Baron Davis, both of which would be a better second string point guard for that team. He doesn't have a real great ability to make that great pass. He doesn't have a high turnover rate, which is good, and he is a decent defender, but uptempo offense and court vision are not things that he is compatible with.

For team USA, not a good fit. For 5 years and $60.5 million, not good at all.

You can email the JackDaddy here at jackhoops@gmail.com

Mailbag Q & A

9:57 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , , , // 0 comments
Well Readers, it appears like it's time for me to impart of my wisdom and answer some of the questions and comments that I've received here in NBA Reality land.

Q: Is it clear now that Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player on the planet? He has the most skill and plays the best defense on team USA. He's the difference, so he's the best.
Mike, Chicago

A: Well, no. I don't think that Kobe has been the difference this year. I mean, LeBron has more steals and blocks, but is also shooting 73% for the tournament with a higher ppg than Kobe. Carmelo and Michael Redd are scoring more than him. In fact, more scoring isn't really the thing that team USA was lacking.

I think the additions that make this team better are Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudemire. Kidd is the best point guard that America has to offer, and Amare was first team all NBA this year. Poor point guard and interior play have been the weak spots, and those player are a healthy remedy on any squad.
Amare, by the way has seen his numbers drop, and I wouldn't say it was his fault. Pay attention next time you watch, and notice that he almost always plays with Billups, one of the league's perennial overrated players. LeBron is better at the point than Chauncey.

Q: Yi Jianlian finally signed with us. So who's out of the playoffs in the east now that Milwaukee is in?
Bryan, Milwaukee

A: Ouch Bryan! Milwaukee isn't in. It's actually very rare that a rookie can lead his team to the playoffs in his first season, even if he's really good. Take LeBron for instance. He took his team to the finals in his fourth season, but still missed the playoffs in his first, despite being rookie of the year. I just think that the Bucks are still behind Boston and Miami, so playoffs feel like anything but a guarantee. I do like Yi as a player, though.

Q: How can you say that the Blazers don't make the playoffs this year? With LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden? That's just stupid. Mark my words that they win the Northwest, if not the western conference. GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!
Paul, Portland

A: Sorry Paul, but I had to put this one in purely for entertainment. Portland is behind Denver, Utah and Seattle in the northwest, and when you don't make the playoffs it gets really hard to win the western conference title. Oden just won't be that kind of impact player in his first season, end of story.

Q: Jackdady, can you settle something for me? My dad says that the current team USA isn't good enough to even compare with the 1992 dream team, but I think they are. I say there better, but I porbably just like them more.
Nick, Seattle

A: Well Nick, here's what I can do.

With special thanks to ESPN.com for this info, we know that this team USA is better offensively than the 1992 dream team. A lot of people will say that the old team was better, which a lot of which you'll have to attribute to people treasuring the past. This team really could be better than the old one, especially due to the increased athleticism and youth.

We really won't be able to tell who's better until the USA wins gold in Beijing next summer, and even then, I'm sure no one will agree. But do tell your dad that with all due respect this team is comparable to any team ever assembled.

You can email your questions or comments to the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

A Fresh Start

11:52 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , // 0 comments

This past NBA season was one for the ages, and frankly, the ages can have it. Teams losing on purpose, Dwayne Wade being too hurt to really defend his title, the most boring team in basketball winning the championship despite not being the best team.... the list could go on for quite some time.

But it's a new season coming up, a time to look ahead to rising stars and new teams. Now is the time that we'll take a look at the NBA forecast of things worth watching out for Division by Division.

Atlantic Division

Last years shame of the league, the "titanic" division should make a huge change this season. Despite what you'll hear about Toronto being up and coming and New Jersey being rejuvenated with the addition of Jamaal Magloire, this is Bostons year. Critics have said that journalists are jumping the gun and giving the Celtics more credit than they deserve due to the new line up.

Well, if jumping the gun means to accurately predict, then those critics are mostly right. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen with James Posey and perhaps even Allan Houston coming off the bench looks like a monster of a lineup to me, even if it is jumping the gun. The Knicks might make the playoffs this season, but Boston is the team to watch in the Atlantic.

Central Division

We are not talking about a fun division here. The Pistons, Cavs and Bulls; obviously the strong team in the division are all really slow and sometimes flat our boring. With the sole exception of LeBron James, there won't be much flash coming from here. So just pay homage to the King and move on.

Southeast Division

The Orlando magic have been building assets with the signing of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, but also put in a new head coach with Stan Van Gundy. They should be fun to watch this year, but let's not forget about Agent zero back in DC. Arenas can't be pleased with the way his season ended, and he's always a sure shot to entertain.

Miami so far this offseason has let its best defender (Posey) go, its best shooter (Kapono) go and signed Smush Parker, most likely to help pull Antoine Walker away from the buffet table every night. It looks like Payton is done, too.

Northwest Division

There are several team that should surprise this year, but right off the bat I'm predicting that the Trailblazers will not be one of those teams. To be honest, I don't really like Oden that much. He's a big athletic shot blocker who, although was praised as a great rebounder, had less per game rebounds than Durant. He doesn't have offensive moves to speak of, and he didn't even impact the game in Summer League. Sounds like Michael Olowokandi to me.

That being said, Durant will be rookie of the year, I guarantee it 100%. The Sonics should hopefully be fun to watch too, if new coach PJ Carlismo didn't let too much of his old buddy Greg Poppovich rub off last season. They probably won't make the playoffs either, but they'll have their moments.

Denver is the team to watch in this division. A healed JR Smith should be a top candidate for either the 6th man or MIP award. Kenyon Martin will be healthy. Nene will be back in better shape. Carmelo Anthony will be improved-- again. Allen Iverson will be Allen Iverson. They are going to be a tough team to beat and the dark horse in the west all year long.

Pacific Division

Let's be honest. I loved the Warriors post season run last year, but I doubt they'll be that focused all season long. The Lakers might not even have Kobe Bryant, and the Clippers won't have Elton Brand, so they don't have a prayer. Sacramento is a mess.

But the Suns boast the most entertaining brand of basketball in the world, a brand most people last season though belonged to the best team in the NBA. Some feel that the addition of Grant Hill will put the Suns in the finals and I am one of those people. Not only are the Suns the league's premiere team to watch, but they're also the team I predict will win the title this year.

Southwest Division

Watch the Houston Rockets. They brought back Steve Francis after Raefer Alston was destroyed by Deron Williams in the first round last year. Bonzi Wells decided to stay and will be happy with new offensive-minded coach Rick Adelman who Bonzi flourished under in Sacramento. Mike James is also back to score more points than he did last season. The Rockets will turn from a low scoring team with only two offensive weapons into an offensive juggernaut this season, and we'll be watching.

Also, what in the world will Dallas do? Win 70? I mean, they really do have to win it this year don't they? Plus, I hope they just crush San Antonio. The team that "America hates to watch" last season has become the team "America hates," and we'll have to watch them flop and whine themselves through another season. Avoid the Spurs like the plague and root for little white Canadians.

Please email your questions or comments to the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

Poll Results Tell All

4:04 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments

Humorously enough, all of the team USA nay-sayers seem to be hiding in little holes at this point. After going 3-0 in its first three games, winning by a demoralizing 52.3 points per game, the Americans will square off against the Brazilians tonight.

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said the Americans still need to be concerned about their game tonight. Brazil boasts not only the physically intimidating Nene, but also the NBA's "Brazilian Blur," Leandro Barbosa, who Krzyzewski called, "as complete a player as there is in this tournament.... especially the way they use him."

In all reality, the talent gap between team USA and their first three opponents has been huge, and the only real threat for them tonight is over confidence. However, if I were a betting man, I would bet everything I own on a team USA blowout victory.

First of all, team USA is experienced. Carmelo and LeBron are both enjoying their third time as team USA participants, with Carmelo showing that he just flourishes in this playing environment. Kobe Bryant has played in the NBA for 11 years. Jason Kidd is entering his 14th season. The young gun is Dwight Howard, who can definitely hold his own.

Secondly, this team is still young. When you consider that the teams oldest player, Jason Kidd, is 5 years older than the next oldest player, the 29 year old Bryant, you don't have to worry about the wear and tear as much. Stoudemire is 24, Deron Williams and Carmelo are 23, LeBron is 22. Plus, no one on this team has played 25 minutes in a game yet, so they should have plenty left in the tank.

The critics have been rightfully silenced, and team USA seems to be properly motivated. Don't look for them to stumble tonight. When asked about team Brazil, despite being the overwhelming favorite to win, coach Krzyzewski said, "They're a top-flight team and we respect them."


You can email the JackDaddy right now at jackhoops@gmail.com

Team USA Beats Venezuela

10:25 AM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments

For the many people who couldn't stay up to watch the US mens team wipe the floor with Venezuela in Las Vegas last night, here is a brief overview of points that you missed.
A. Team USA is twice as good due to point guard improvement.

In my mind, Kirk Hinrich is a good point guard with tons of potential. But Jason Kidd has experience and a special level of talent, so just making that switch puts team USA at another level all together. Billups, although vastly overrated, did a decent job at backup, and Deron Williams is going to be, if he isn't already, a huge star. I think the sky is the limit for Williams.

B. Venezuela sucked.

Yes, they were facing a very tough and talented USA squad, but Venezuela showed in the first quarter that they were giving up with several hard, proabably intentional fouls. They were constantly looking to the bench with looks that said something like, "I'm going to freaking stab Kobe, man!"

My point here is that perhaps this young Venezuela team was not the best barometer for team USA's abilities right now, so we shouldn't read too much into the 112-69 final score.

C. Seven players scored in double figures for USA.

Carmelo was the leading scorer, and he only had 17 points. This speaks volumes to the critics who condemn USA basketball as a collection of selfish prima donas, which was not the case at all in last nights game.

D. Bill Walton is awful.

As much as I'd like a comparison to a rebound Walton saw in 1956 (he seriously did this last night) I think I'd rather have my mom call the game. It would be something like this, "Oh good, the white team scored again, but I don't know if it was a two or three pointer.... how do you even tell?"

This is far less obnoxious than Bill Walton praising players from 300 years ago that my grandpa has never heard of, or calling the Spurs an exciting team. I had forgotten how bad he was during this awful offseason.

E. Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was on the bench.

This is good news for team USA, because they are now twice as fun to watch. Even casual fans must have noticed that the Americans had fun in transistion last night, scoring easy layups and dunks almost at will. There were a few turnovers on inbounds passes, but the passes delivered by Kidd were converted much more frequently.

So we didn't really learn too much about team USA's improvement from this game, and tonight's game against the Virgin Islands should be no better, but at least you should see some sweet dunks.
Your comments are welcome. You may comment below or email thejackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

USA Basketball Tonight

7:09 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
Tonight at 11pm ET the USA mens basketball squad will face off in their first game since last years dissapointing bronze medal finish. Many doubt the USA because they're cynical morons who say that the American team is nothing but a group of overpaid whiners.

Dumb.

First of all, this is America. If you think that the players are overpaid, your real beef is with capitalism, not the NBA, so go to Russia. There are only approzimately 400 people in the world capable of playing basketball at the level that NBA players do, and they are therefore paid alot.

Secondly, the American team has two players that I would call selfish; Kobe and Carmelo. Anthony proved last year that he can play at any level while still not taking away from others. Kobe is the wildcard. He has never liked playing second fiddle, and for those of you who watched him play with Shaq, you already know that in a choice between a championship and being top dog, he chose Kwame Brown and a first round exit.

Honestly, I have never liked Kobe. But to deny that the guy is a super-talent is just, well, denial. Nothing annoys me more than to hear about how much higher the talent level was in the 90's from people who don't know who's in the league now, and therefore assume that today's players lack of talent is the cause of the America woe in international play. Here's the real reason that team USA has struggled as of late.

FIBA basketball is not NBA basketball.

In the last several years, NBA commissioner David Stern has done a lot of things that are good for basketball as well as the basketball viewer. He has done away with the hard fouls, cracked down on fighting, and added a defensive three second rule to keep the game moving. After the 2002 playoffs, he also made the neccessary change allowing video replay for buzzer beaters.

The NBA in 1992 was a lot like the current FIBA play, where handchecking and shoving are more than widespread. FIBA also uses a different ball, a different key, different three point line, different rules regarding fouls, technicals, time-outs, and clock operation. Pretty much everything.

Jordan, Bird and Magic were special players-- no doubt. But the reasoning that todays team USA doesn't dominate has more to do with the fact that they don't get to play as similar a game as the 1992 game did.

Also ask yourself who were the NBA's MVP candidates last season?

A Canadian and a German.


Your comments are welcome. You may comment below or email thejackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

Welcome to NBA Reality

4:11 PM // by Jack Ady // // 2 comments
Like so many of you, I am a fan of basketball. Like many of you, I also am now too fat and slow to create good basketball on my own, and have clung to the NBA in a desperate and semi-pathetic attempt to hang on to my youth, as well as out of love for the game.

If anyone in the world has watched as much basketball in the last three years as I have, this message is for you: may God have mercy on your soul. Also, how about a little honesty? I feel like the real issues in basketball go undiscussed in public due to obvious marketing reasons, such as the NBA would abandon ESPN if the announcers bad mouthed the officials or players on national TV.

But this is not national TV. It hopefully won't become a bash session either, but in reality it should become a place to come discuss the realities of what is going on in basketball. Like so many things in the world, the people most vocal about them are those least informed, so I guess I'll just have to continue on my course of watching every game possible.