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Well it’s that time of year when the most ardent of NBA fans will be glued to almost every segment and minute of the NBA Playoffs . It may not elicit as much excitement as the NCAA tournament . To my mind the NBA Playoffs can’t hold a candle to “March Madness” . And that’s no matter how much that David Stern and the NBA hierarchy tries to spin it. You simply don’t compare Beluga caviar to plain old ordinary fish eggs at all !
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Slideshow for your perusal . NB Photos come courtesy of NBAE Getty Images @ copyrighted material ….. all rights reserved.
The sixteen teams that makeup this year’s playoff scenario are all chasing after glory and a legacy. In the Western Conference , the belief is that the Los Angeles Lakers as the number one seeds should march right through the earlier rounds without breaking a sweat. Personally, I’d rather see a team find its rhythm right out of the gate even if it means their first round opponents are presumed to be a walkover. Which in this case for the Lakers , that won’t be the case. With all things being equal , if you were Phil Jackson as coach of the Lakers , would you honestly want to be facing a young and eager team such as the Oklahoma City Thunder ? But also what better way than to have your team tested in order to become overly complacent . This much we do know , Kevin Durant , Russell Westbrook and the rest of their Thunder teammates have nothing at all to lose in taking the Lakers and severely testing them to all of their encompassing limitations.
This series’ match-up between the #1 and # 8 seed has all the makings of becoming an instantaneous classic. And with Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant wanting to successfully defend the title that he and his teammates won with some ease last year in defeating the Orlando Magic. There’s every reason to believe that he’ll be as determined as ever to prove that he’s amongst the best of the best in today’s NBA. I know that there’s “a…. new sheriff in town with Kevin Durant and that he’s had a stellar season. But this highly anticipated match-up will go a long way in telling us a great deal about both of these teams and where they are at – at this present moment in time. Thunder GM Sam Presti could not have envisaged that the team would have attained 50 wins much less have its coach being mentioned as a possible Coach of the Year candidate. But such has been the praise that has been heaped upon the team’s coach Scott Brooks , that it is completely warranted !
The outcome of the series may well rest with the determination of Durant and his teammates and whether or not their performances shown during the regular season is for real. Or could their inexperience become their Achilles’ heel in allowing the Lakers to derail their postseason ambitions ? These are just some of the plot-lines that make the NBA postseason so enjoyable and a great deal of fun to watch. Let’s just hope that the officiating can actually live up to those worthy goals ! The rest of the Western Conference playoffs’ schedule should be just as intriguing as the match-up between the Lakers and Thunder.
In the Eastern Conference the season as been encapsulated by the exploits of Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers . Coming off a 60 plus win season within the Central Division of the Eastern Conference . Coach Mike Brown and his team will be looking to make amends after last season’s rather unceremonious loss and dubious display against the Orlando Magic in the conference finals . While James came to play it appeared that his teammates were simply just prepared to watch the player display his vast array of skills, believing that as a one man wrecking crew ,he would be enough to beat the Stan Van Gundy coached team . James , himself, was of that believe as well. The complacency shown by the team , Brown and his coaching staff , was evident throughout the conference finals. Well, the Magic simply flipped the script and hoisted the Cavaliers on their own proverbial petards. And the downright petulance and unsportsmanlike conduct of LeBron James in defeat, was simply astounding !
This time around Cavaliers’ GM Danny Ferry has assembled a team he believes is resolute and good enough to get the job done. With the team having acquired veteran center Shaquille O’Neal via a trade and with the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the roster. The sharp shooting Antawn Jamison has been an added bonus to an offense that can hold their own with the very best that the league has to offer. The time is now or never for the Cavaliers to finally show their mettle and prove their true worth . Should they fail once again with the roster that is now in place. Then in all likelihood they will never be able to win an NBA title .
Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics have had a rough and tumble season. And in what might well be Rivers’ last year with the team there’s the thought this will be “their last shot” with the roster as it now is. For Rivers having won an NBA title (2007-08) and guiding the Celtics back to prominence, he has said as much in the fact that he’d like to devote more time to his family. And with a young son now in college and an aspiring player , himself. What better time than now for the seasoned veteran to bow out than perhaps with a second title in hid grasp. Much of that however would be predicated upon their seasoned quartet of veterans in Kevin Garnett , Rasheed Wallace , Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are up to the task. Their combined NBA experience is over four decades and one would give them something of a distinct advantage. But that’s not the case , as mentally their games are still there to an extent but the physicality of it all has taken its toll on their aging bodies. And that could well be their undoing when they face the Dwyane Wade led Miami Heat in the first round of the Easter Conference playoffs, with the first game to be played at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston , Massachusetts
If Andre Miller Can Drop 50+ On Your A-s What Does That Say About You As A Team ? Answer The Dallas Mavericks Aren’t A Team ………….!
As much I love the NBA , I do love to see a competitive game that shows me every facet of the game.Now don’t get me wrong it’s not that I feel that there’s anything inherently wrong with the ‘game’ on the whole. It’s just that, when I watch a game, wherein , there’s only ‘one team’ on the court capable playing a ‘lick of defense’. Then I’ve got to question the tenacity of the opposing team and their lack of a will to play with zeal. I’ll continue to maintain this and that is that the Dallas Mavericks in whatever guise they take ‘will never win’ an NBA championship ! Not as a ‘team’ in their present format and certainly not under Rick Carlisle as their coach !
Andre Miller (#24) of the Portland Trailblazers dives on the floor for a loose ball against Drew Gooden (#90) of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at the American Airlines Center on January 30, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Keith Stoddart ..........
Granted, the Mavericks play great during the regular season and they’ll no doubt blowout the teams that they’re meant to blow out. I mean the ‘lesser lights’ of the Eastern Conference and crabs at the bottom of the barrel of the Western Conference have essentially become everyone’s bitch nowadays and it’ll continue to be that way for the foreseeable future. To see this point how is that the NBA’s hierarchy hasn’t yet seen fit to put the New Jersey Nets out of their misery by either contracting the team or placing them within the NBA ‘D League’ for all of the good that might do ?
Dirk Nowitzki (#41) of the Dallas Mavericks goes up for the lay up against LaMarcus Aldridge (#12) of the Portland Trailblazers during a game at the American Airlines Center on January 30, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Glen James ............
At this juncture I’ve got to question not only the business acumen of team owner , Mark Cuban, but also too the front office of the organization and how they’ve gone about assembling this roster. Money might appear to be no object and the NBA mandated salary cap ($71.2 million) won’t stop the likes of Cuban or James Dolan of the New York Knicks from making complete asses of themselves, in the pursuit of an NBA title. But since when did stupidity become the mantra for sound business judgment ? Both of these owners have been hell bent on spending money to assemble a roster that in large part has about as much unison and cohesion as bucket of water mixed with oil. You simply know that two substances don’t mix and cannot co-exist side by side. But yet somehow they’re intent on proving us wrong.
The Mavericks had the pleasure of taking on their conference rivals , the Portland Trailblazers in an agerly anticipated matchup. The Trailblazers were without their best player in Brandon Roy, who missed the game due to a hamstring injury. Never mind the fact that they were also missing both Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, who’ve been lost to the team for the rest of the season, due to injury. But what this makes lacks in terms of personnel , they more than makeup for in competitive spirit. And that’s something that has been taught to them by their coach, Nate McMillan. And as a coach, McMillan has never really been given his due. He works well with young players and teaches them the intrinsic values that’s needed to make them better players. And there aren’t too many coaches in the NBA of whom that can be said about today.
Andre Miller (#24) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives against Jason Terry (#31) of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at the American Airlines Center on January 30, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. The Trailblazers would go on to defeat the Mavericks 114-112 on the Mavericks' homecourt of the American Airlines Arena in Dallas , Texas . Miller would score 'a career high 52 points' in the game. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Danny Bollinger .......
Now last night’s game if anything , taught me that the Mavericks as a team are very good during the regular season, when there’s not really much to play for other than jockeying for a position in terms of a playoff berth. All well and good but if as a team or should I say as a unit, you don’t even show any cohesion , much less leadership coming from anyone. Then how can you believe that as ‘a team’ you’re destined for success ? That’s something that neither Carlisle and Cuban have been able to answer. Much less players such as ‘seasoned’ veterans Dirk Nowitzski, Jason Kidd or Jason Terry and Josh Howard on this Mavericks’ team. They simply go through the motions of playing as if they are team. But in reality nothing could be further from the truth. They’re soft ‘physically’ , as well as ‘mentality’ and furthermore in terms of there being a ‘leader’ on this team , there’s no one to be found who will willingly accept the role !
Guard Jason Terry (#31) of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point shot in front of Steve Blake (#2) of the Portland Trail Blazers on January 30, 2010 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez .................
Portland for their part are proving that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference . And though no one could ever have imagined that this team would now be at a point that many believe them to be potential future NBA champions. They’re now making a case that , that particular scenario could be reached sooner , rather than later. In Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Fernandez and Steve Blake. The Trailblazers possess the nucleus and the core of ‘a team’ that if they remain together could quite possibly challenge for and win multiple NBA titles in the future. Such is the belief of a number of analysts and pundits around the league. And that bodes well for the fans of the organization. Who if anything have had to put up with and live the days when there simply known as the ‘Jailblazers’. Such was the proclivity of the squad at the time, that David Stern and the NBA hierarchy couldn’t be sure if a ‘team’ would be suited up on any given night to meet their scheduled obligations on an NBA court. If a no more than two names were part of a police blotter then more likely than not then a team would be suited up and ready to play.
When Andre’ Miller was brought into the fold as part of the Trailblazers , it was done to add that veteran leadership experience and to provide their starting point guard , Steve Blake, with some guide as to what it would take to improve his all-round game. Miller is a wily veteran with years of experience from playing in the league, having played for the 76ers’ and Nuggets over the course of his career. And though he may well have questioned his role on the team and the authority of Nate McMillan. He was willing to accept the role of a player who if anything would be coming off the bench to provide a spark as and when needed. Last night for Miller in a starting role , he simply exploded and laid a barrage on the Mavericks’ ass that wasn’t even over with , even when the game went into overtime. Such was the explosiveness and virtuosity shown by Miller , that you could’ve easily mistaken him for either ‘Kareem’ or ‘Magic’ with the repertoire shown last night. His was a display that the Mavericks simply had no answer for, all night long.
To cap it all off, in summation the resultant 114-112 win for the Trailblazers was nowhere as close as the score might suggest. In fact that the Mavericks should consider themselves lucky that in large part that this Blazers’ team wasn’t at full strength , otherwise the margin of victory would’ve been considerably wider. Especially when given the fact that Miller simply torched them for 52 points on the night. It could well have been a great deal more, had Miller not tried to push the pace at times when going for some of his shots.
The self promoting and narcissist known as Mark Cuban, seen here at the Blog-world Expo.
So I’ll ask this of you all now , how good are the Portland Trailblazers ? And more to the point do the Dallas Mavericks have any hope of ever winning an NBA championship in their present guise ? It’s becoming obviously clear that despite the vast financial resources at Mark Cuban’s disposal. He’s very much become the ‘Jerry Jones’ of the NBA. He just simply doesn’t know enough about the game to know when to let go and let someone else do the job that they’re being paid for. OK , so Cuban isn’t the de-facto General Manager of the organization. But at present you tell me, could Sarah Palin be doing a better job than the present occupant in the position ? For all sense and purpose Donnie Nelson might as well be selling sand to the Saudi’s for all of the good he’s done for this organization !
The NBA season has started off at its usual pace and a number of the teams are either beginning to separate themselves from amongst the pack or those with aspirations of making a name for themselves are surprising their fans , plaudits and pundits alike. That being said ‘controversy’ rears it ugly head with the actions of Washington Wizards’ players Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton . All that you need to know is that the Wizards’ front office as well as that of commissioner’s office have failed to act appropriately with regard to the actions of both players. Little needs to be said other than the fact that David Stern ‘no longer’ has any credibility whatsoever as the commissioner of the NBA. The same can be said of his ‘main enforcer’, Stu Jackson. As to the Wizards’ front office, their inaction only speaks to the ineptitude shown by the organization over the years.
Early season MVP candidates ? The Cavaliers' LeBron James, the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph and the perennial fan favorite , Kobe Bryant of the Lakers . picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images ................
So, you want to hear about how Tim Duncan’s back on track this season?
Didn’t think so.
The Big Fundamental’s renaissance, like a lot of other interesting developments in the league this week (from the latest on Tracy McGrady, to Kobe’s latest incredible game-winner, to KG’s knee) has taken a back seat to a ridiculous problem for the Wizards, all Gilbert Arenas’ doing — and one that will surely cost him money and games when either the Washington, D.C. and/or federal authorities, and/or David J. Stern are done with him.
On Saturday, in front of assembled reporters following the Wizards’ loss to San Antonio, Arenas said he used “bad judgment” in the Dec. 21 incident with Javaris Crittenton in which, according to sources, both players had their hands on guns in Washington’s locker room — though it is not clear that they pointed them at one another, as the New York Post has reported.
Former Wizards beat writer Mike Jones, on his blog, and the Washington Post’s Michael Lee both reported that a frustrated Crittenton threw one of Arenas’ guns across the locker room after Arenas had laid out three guns near Crittenton’s locker and taunted him to pick one up. It was an extension of an argument that began between the two on the team’s plane from Phoenix Dec. 19, when a source told me that Arenas failed to pay a $25,000 debt to Crittenton. (Jones says the amount wasn’t $25,000, and was owed not to Crittenton, but to another teammate: Javale McGee.)
No one disputes that Arenas brought three guns, which were unloaded, to the locker room from his Virginia home. He said he brought them to work because he no longer wanted them in his home with three children around. But it nonetheless was a violation of the NBA’s constitution, which specifically prohibits bringing weapons to team facilities. In addition, Arenas had not registered the guns in the District of Columbia, where Verizon Center is located.
“I take responsibility,” Arenas said. “If I have to deal with the police, the investigation, the DAs, that’s what I have to deal with. I have to deal with that on Monday. I’ve got to put it in their hands, tell the story, and then see what they say.”
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Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace (30) yells as he celebrates with teammates Kendrick Perkins (43) and Ray Allen after dunking the ball as Toronto Raptors' Jarrett Jack (1) looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in Boston. The Celtics beat the Raptors, 103-96. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mary Schwalm ......
While no real light needs to be shed on the action of both players, other than to suggest that the image that the game strives to exude isn’t helped by the stupidity shown by Arenas and Crittenton by this incident. The ramifications of which could’ve been far more serious had either of them discharged their weapons. But then again we should be thankful that they didn’t self a wound upon their person, or should we ? Think Plaxico Burress and his ‘idiotic antics’. A lesson well served as to the reason why guns shouldn’t be placed in the hands of individuals who have no use for them , other than in the case of Arenas, Burress and Crittenton to make themselves look like complete morons.
Cleveland January 3rd , J.J. Hickson (#21) of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks the ball as teammate Shaquille O'Neal (#33) and Nazr Mohammed (#13) of the Charlotte Bobcats look on on January 3, 2010 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ David Liam Kayle .....
In the Eastern Conference the usual suspects are striving for supremacy. And there isn’t a great deal to choose from the triumvirate of the Boston Celtics (24-8), Cleveland Cavaliers (27-9) , Orlando Magic (24-9) and certainly new to the bunch, the rather surprising Atlanta Hawks (21-12). And if you think that the Hawks’ fans aren’t surprised just think as to what this must be doing to the mindset of TNT tv on air analyst, Charles Barkley ? What sound bytes will he be looking to use, to describe the play of the Atlanta Hawks ? Cause as we know ‘Sir Charles’ has never been one to hold things back.
Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard look to contest a loose ball during the game played at the United Center , Chicago, Illinois. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Randy Belice ….
The triumvirate mentioned all lead their divisions with some room to spare. But once again it looks like the Celtics may well be without their most pivotal player in, Kevin Garnett. Age and recurring injuries seem to be catching up fast, with the seasoned veteran. And without him at the helm it appears that they’re not the threat many would believe them to be. Albeit that point guard, Rajon Rondo seems to have raised the level of his play and all-round game. So much so , that this is no longer about the ‘Big Three’ of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. But you could perhaps now add Rondo into the mix. Never mind the fact that Rasheed Wallace has now been added to this deeply talented Celtics’ roster. And for Celtics’ coach Doc River he must feel like he’s been blessed with an abundance of talent. But I guess it can’t be done without their veteran leader to guide them and guide as they embark on returning to the NBA Finals. But that’d be predicated upon them overcoming the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.
The Cleveland Cavaliers for their part, in addition to LeBron James have added 15 time NBA All Star center, Shaquille O’Neal to their roster. And this is being done in the hopes that the combination of James and O’Neil can clear the obstacle of making to another NBA Finals and raising the Larry O’Brien trophy to signify them as world champions. Last season’s bittersweet loss to the Magic in the Eastern Conference semi finals was a sour note for the franchise. And for their coach Mike Brown it was a tremendous disappointment. Nevertheless , the team is expected to contend for postseason honors come what may. And if anything O’Neal has something to prove , while LeBron finally wants to show NBA world that he can land the ‘Big One’.
Kryptonite they say is the only thing that makes Superman susceptible and not impervious to defeat. In the case of the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, it is his arrogance and lack of maturity, despite his years in the league. This time around there’s nowhere for Howard to hide should the Magic fail in their quest to return to the Finals and redeem themselves from their lopsided series’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (4-1). The team performed nowhere near as expected and that was despite their thrilling series’ wins against the Cavaliers and Celtics on their way to last season’s NBA Finals. Stan Van Gundy as their coach , squealed ,squawked , cajoled and with the all of the usual animation you’d come to expect of a cartoon character could not get this Magic team to raise the level of their play as and when needed to stem the tide or play of the Lakers, or for that matter, Kobe Bryant, the Finals’ MVP.
The Western Conference it seems is replete with talent as well teams on a mission. The defending champions , the Los Angeles Lakers are off to a fast start and they possess the best record in the NBA ,with a 27-6 mark. And it’s safe to say that Kobe Bryant alongside his teammates are eager to successfully defend their NBA title. At the same time it gives Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson a further chance to distance himself record’s wise, from the achievements of Red Auerbach. And one seriously doubts that we’ll ever see another coach replicate Jackson’s feats as an NBA coach.
Los Angeles 3rd 2010. Kobe Bryant (#24) of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass around Dirk Nowitzki (#41) of the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on January 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Mavericks 131-96. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images / Andrew D Bernstein ............
With the loss of Trevor Ariza to free agency, the Lakers would acquire Ron Artest. Curiously enough, as Artest would join the Lakers , Ariza did likewise by joining the Houston Rockets</a, Artest's former team. And it’d appear that the Lakers have yet to miss a beat. With Artest in tow to provided some stout defense as well as being the third or fourth scoring option for the team. One would find it hard not to resist placing a wager on the Los Angeles Lakers. With Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum all having that confidence about them. The Lakers are deemed the team to beat in the Western Conference. That’s not to say this is a one man show within the conference. The Denver Nuggets (21-13), Portland Trailblazers (22-14), Oklahoma City Thunder (19-15), aPhoenix Suns (21-13), Dallas Mavericks (23-11) and the San Antonio Spurs (20-12). Each of these teams are looking to take down the Lakers a notch or two. As to whether or not they are capable of it remains to be seen. But so contentious is the Western Conference that it has become a conference wherein the bloodletting once it starts just doesn’t seem to stop. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus from the movie ‘Gladiator’ would feel at home with the barbarity that ensues within the conference. The bloodletting itself seems to have the fans of the teams in awe. As to the bragging rights. Well, let’s just say ’til you knock the champion of his pedestal, the bragging rights still belong to him.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, right, drives on Chicago Bulls guard James Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, in Chicago. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Charles Rex Arbogast .......
To my mind the most surprising team in the Western Conference at present may well be the Oklahoma City Thunder. And night in, night out , Kevin Durant never ceases to amaze us all with his play , nor his phenomenal offensive prowess. Here’s a guy who looks less than 120 lbs ringing wet but plays with the heart of a lion and has the ‘killer instinct’ of a cold hearted assassin. Need one say, that he’s now beginning to make people think less and less about how god-damn awful the Seattle Supersonics use to be- the Thunder’s previous guise as an NBA franchise. Needless to say that when you’ve a team of complementary parts then things that come to fruition tend to be really good. And in Scott Brooks, the Thunder may well have one of the most unassuming coaches in the entire NBA. If there’s a more unassuming coach in the NBA that you know then let me know about him.
The usual cacophony of teams who all want to be a part of the postseason drama within the conference are as always many of the better managed teams. And with ‘Mr Fundamental’ back to his usual best , the thought is that Tim Duncan and his Spurs’ teammates are ready to assume the mantel as the Lakers most dangerous opponents. Now that’s not to say that the likes of the Nuggets, Suns , Mavericks, Thunder and Trailblazers won’t be a reliable source of drama throughout the regular and postseason. Suffice to say that with all of the bloods and guts that’ll be spilled. Whatever’s left from the carnage more likely than not will have to be viewed as the prohibitive favorites to win the NBA title. I know that there’ll be some derision those who are fans of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. But if the lack of real effort shown by last season’s conference representative is anything to go by. Then whomever comes out of the conference to face the Western representative is liable to get more of the same. How much more is dependent upon the resistance that team is able to put up.
So as of now, the clock is ticking on the NBA season and how things will pan out as the season unfolds. We all know smart a mouse can be as he’s being chased by the cat. But we also know how the guile of a cat can be and the dangers that lie within when the cat has his prey trapped. So which is it to be for the Los Angeles Lakers this season ? Are they going to be the mouse who evades capture from the chasing cat , as in the rest of the NBA ? Or will they be the mouse who gets caught by its erstwhile predator the cat, who’ll no doubt devour its prey ? What are your thoughts on it all ?
A classic ‘Tom & Jerry’ cartoon and the usual staple of classic mayhem ensues that the characters were always known for. Much like what we’ll no doubt see throughout much of the NBA regular season and also in the playoffs.
NB This original piece was posted within tophatal1′s blog. To read more of work within that site just click here to view and peruse the site in question.
Minneapolis , Minn,. December 22nd 2009. Josh Smith (#5) of the Atlanta Hawks rises to the basket against Kevin Love (#42) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on December 22, 2009 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ David Sherman ...... copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...
The Eastern Conference Hawks have been playing some exemplary and an exciting brand of basketball. So much so, that one has to say that they’ve got to be looked at as the ‘surprise team’ within the NBA at present. And for Commissioner, David Stern ,this has got to be pleasing not only for him , but the NBA hierarchy and most of all the fans in general around the NBA. Without the usual up and comers shall we say , we’d still be looking at the usual suspects around the league for our entertainment. Granted , we’re also witnessing the privilege of seeing the mediocrity of the New Jersey Nets. And one sincerely hopes that their alarming slide into banality doesn’t continue throughout the remainder of the season ? If so, then their long suffering fans may well have to look elsewhere for entertainment in terms of the hardcourt game. And let’s put it this way the entertainment they seek , won’t be coming from the New York Knicks, either ! This Mike D’Antoni coached team gives a new meaning to the word putrid, in terms of their overall play. And what’s even more alarming is that there appears to be no effort forthcoming from the team.
East Rutherford , NJ,. December 19th, 2009. Kobe Bryant (#24) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Josh Boone (#2) of the New Jersey Nets on December 19, 2009 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Gett Images/ Nathaniel S. Butler .........
We know that the game’s major stars in the guise of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James , Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Brandon Roy will be looking to hold sway over the league with their play. But it’d be remiss not to mention some of the rookies in the league who’ve started off strong. The Milwaukee Bucks’ Brandon Jennings has shown that he’s a star on the rise. And though he’s no longer a rookie the play of the Oklahoma Thunder’sKevin Durant has made everyone sit up and take not of this ‘one man wrecking crew’. It seems that on any given night when his game is on , then Durant comes out to lay waste to the opposition by running them ragged with his offensive weaponry. Never mind the fact that he’s making the scoreboard register numbers faster than the women who are coming out of the woodwork to lay claim that they’ve been bedded by Tiger Woods.
Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings, front, backs down Indiana Pacers' Tyler Hansbrough during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. picture appears courtesy of AP/photo/ Michael Conroy ......
There are number of teams that are on the decline due to a number of factors. A lack of coaching , inexperienced or an aging roster and then some could also say that there might be something of mindset with the lack of a will to win. And at present those traits seem to sum up the Detroit Pistons. The loss of Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics and the return of a ‘prodigal son’ in, Ben Wallace , seems to have not made a change for the better. If anything the team is struggling to show some semblance of competitiveness. And for team coach, John Kuester and General Manager, Joe Dumars this is something of anathema and a dilemma. The acquiring of Allen Iverson backfired with the team trading Chauncey Billups in exchange for the seasoned veteran. But the turmoil that followed, in essence summed up how far the team has fallen. Then coach, Michael Curry couldn’t instill what he wanted out of the players and nor did they reciprocate with their best efforts in return. It certainly then didn’t help that there was a degree of acrimony being built up between Iverson and Curry- and also between Iverson and Dumars. It would all lead to the abrupt firing of Curry and Iverson being allowed to leave the team as a free agent.
Charlotte, NC.,HARLOTTE, Will Bynum (#12) of the Detroit Pistons guards against D.J. Augustin (#14) of the Charlotte Bobcats on December 22, 2009 at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Kent Smith ..............
Allen Iverson’s sojourn with the Memphis Grizzlies was short lived. And he has returned to where his NBA professional career started, in the city of ‘Brotherly Love’ with the Philadelphia 76ers. His presence there, though welcomed with opened arms, it will take a great deal of more than a love-fest between the two parties for Iverson for to prove that he’s still capable to contributing to a team, not just as a player with offensive presence but also to prove himself as a team leader with veteran presence. That if anything will be the legacy now for Iverson at this stage of his career. He’s at the twilight of it and one seriously doubts if the 76ers has what it takes to be even viewed as a legitimate contender for postseason honors , much less as a contender within the Eastern Conference. At best they may well no more than a fifth or sixth seed out of the conference, when it’s all said and done.
Memphis , Tn ,. December 20th , 2009. Carmelo Anthony (#15) of the Denver Nuggets hugs Rudy Gay (#22) of the Memphis Grizzlies after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. picture appears courtesy of NBAE / Getty Images/ Joe Murphy ..............
While there’s a great deal to be said for the talent in the Eastern Conference . It is their counterpart in the Western Conference where ‘the show’ is said to take place. The eight best teams in the conference record wise , all have an above .500 record. Whereas , in the Eastern Conference ony five of the top eight teams even have an above .500 record. The quality and the talent is in the West but in the East there the game is greatly predicated on defense. In the West that’s not always the case. Though you’d be hard pressed to believe when hearing many of the fans there speak about how their teams are defensively. Say it ain’t so ?
Now as we may wile away our time opining on our teams. We ought to remember that the season has essentially started as of now. What little we’ve seen of the teams, has been for them to start to fine tune their games for the onslaught of the next six arduous months of traveling and playing. For some teams their season is already essentially over . No disrespect to the Nets, Warriors , Timberwolves , Knicks and Sixers. Don’t call us but we’ll call you if the NBA is in need of your services for the postseason.
Los Angeles, California ,. Kevin Durant (#35) of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks against Andrew Bynum (#17) of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Andrew D Bernstein .............
It has to be said that this season is one filled with a great deal if intrigue as there are so many plot lines ,suspense and theater to be had. Will LeBron James with Shaquille O’Neal in tow be able to lead the Cavaliers to a title ? This may well be his last shot at one with the organization. Can the Celtics regain their composure and acquire another title with Kevin Garnett leading the charge ? Or will we see Dwight Howard finally live up to that leadership role with the Magic, instead of the asinine portrayal of Superman ? The thing is, it wasn’t Kryptonite that led to Howard imploding in last season’s NBA Finals against the Lakers. It was his sheer arrogance and naivete’ that led to his and the team’s downfall.
For the Los Angeles Lakers and their influential coach Phil Jackson, this season and NBA championship is theirs to lose. As the presumptive favorites to win it all again this season. It’ll be down to the calming influence of Jackson and the mercurial skills and leadership of Kobe Bryant take to this once again to the ‘promised land’. And one would hope that Bryant’s new teammate, Ron Artest, can above all, keep a level head on his shoulders ? As it is, he’s already proving that his basketball mind is great but anything beyond that intellectually and he’s like a fish out of water.
Commissioner , David Stern sits down with noted columnist and tv sports personality Michael Wilbon. Stern discusses the economics of the NBA.
Plot lines , stocking stuffers , call it what you will. Because ‘Santa Claus Stern’ wants you to enjoy this festive season surrounding the NBA and up to the season’s finale. After all, it is the least he’s asking of you , or is it ? Have fun this NBA season and hopefully your team will do well !
NB: To view the NBA Conference standings click here….
I can’t help but feel sorry for the New Jersey Nets’ coach, Lawrence Frank at present. His job at present is a thankless task, as the team has the worst record currently in the NBA.
East Rutherford , NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Mike D'Antoni speaks with Wilson Chandler (21) of the New York Knicks during a game against the New Jersey Nets on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ......................
And with that the team record (0-13) within the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, looking congruously sustainable , given the fact that they’ve been woefully inept in all aspects of the game. One can only that their first win of the season will come about very soon. They already fast a tough task within their own division with the likes the likes of the Boston Celtics (10-4),Toronto Raptors (6-8),Philadelphia 76ers (5-8) and the New York Knicks (3-10) ahead of them of the standings-within the divsion. And with barely one sixth of the season having passed. It certainly doesn’t at all bode well for the team. If they maintain their current pace of futility, they’ll be one pace to attain no more than 4 wins against 78 losses. And that’s hardly liable to happen but they could although set a record of some kind in abject futility.
East Rutherford , NJ - November 21: Lawrence Frank of the New Jersey Nets argues a call against the New York Knicks on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Frank received a technical foul as a result of the play. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh .............................
BROOKLYN, NY—Bruce Ratner, CEO and Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, issued the following statement today regarding the NYS Court of Appeals ruling in favor of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn.
The Court’s ruling upholds the State’s right to use eminent domain given the public benefits associated with the Atlantic Yards Development inBrooklyn.
“Once again the courts have made it clear that this project represents a significant public benefit for the people of Brooklyn and the entire City,” Mr. Ratner said. “Our commitment to the entire project is as strong today as when we started six years ago. Today, however, this project is even more important given the need for jobs and economic development.”
Mr. Ratner said construction activity on the yards will continue, with the intent that the Nets will play ball in the Barclays Center in the 2011-2012 NBA Season.
In addition to Barclays, which has the exclusive naming rights, eight companies have signed on as founding partners for the arena.
The courts have ruled consistently in favor of the development. Mr. Ratner explained as well that the arena and larger development are expected to create 16,924 union construction jobs and over 8,000 permanent jobs. The tax revenues that will be generated for the City and State during the construction period are expected to exceed $240 million and after construction reach approximately $70 million a year.
In large part the team is made up of seasoned veterans , sprinkled in with some youth. But with players such as Vince Carter , Kenyon Martin and Jason Kidd no longer a part of this team. They’re now a long ways off from when they were viewed as being one of the powerhouses in the Eastern Conference. At that time they were being coached by Byron Scott, the recently fired former coach of the New Orleans Hornets.
Devin Harris (34) of the New Jersey Nets shoots against Al Harrington (7) of the New York Knicks on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ..............
The best player on the team is considered to be their guard, Devin Harris. And with team owner, Bruce Ratner,Team President, Rod Thorn and General Manager, Kiki Vanderweghe looking to position themselves as major player in the LeBron James’ sweepstakes in 2010. One can’t be seemingly sure what attitude should be taken as to the ambitions of the organization. All we are keenly aware of is, that they’ll leave no stone unturned in their quest to acquire the player.
And with James being reticent as to what his real plans are once the ’09-10 season reaches its pinnacle. Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as James’ newest teammate, Shaquille O’Neal will hope that the player remains in Cleveland. A hard court press is being made by all vested parties in Cleveland. From the team’s principal partner Dan Gilbert, to general manager,Danny Ferry and the Cavaliers’ fans, themselves. They all want the player to remain in his hometown city. However, much of that will be predicated upon the success that they achieve this season. And the ultimate goal there is to win an NBA championship.
A number of teams are obviously interested in acquiring LeBron James. And why not , he might just be the most dynamic player in the NBA at present, with the exception of Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant. And from there, all comparison ought to end ! And with teams such as the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, as well as the New Jersey Nets all vying for James’ service. One can well understand the reason why it is that the Nets are said to be interested in the player. And with the Heat’s Dwyane Wade having said that he’ll make it his goal of trying to lure James to South Beach and to the team. You can see that the Nets’ fans have got to be hoping that serendipity will somehow play a part in the decision to be made by LeBron.
As to the season thus far for the New Jersey Nets. They’re under an ever growing pressure as the losses continue to mount up. With the fans now becoming ever more indifferent as to the team’s plight. The attendance for home games has continued to slide. And with Bruce Ratner’s wish to relocate the team from New Jersey to Brooklyn, there’s an urgency for the team to perform somewhat better than they’re now presently doing. Growing unrest will only add to the tension and with the hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, in terms of the redevelopment of the new site that will house the Nets, alongside commercial and residential properties. The organization requires the right type of PR and publicity to create a fervor around the team and the development , itself.
Al Harrington (7) of the New York Knicks drives the lane against Trenton Hassel (44) of the New Jersey Nets on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ............
Roster wise, as I’ve alluded to earlier,the team is made up of youth and seasoned veterans.However,the team is really lacking a veteran leader and a proven scorer. And that may well be one of the drawbacks for the team at present.Defensively, they’ve struggled and on the offensive side of things there too, the team has struggled greatly this season. And there too, there appears to be no respite at hand for the team or its beleaguered coach, Lawrence Frank.
With the presumptive thinking being that in having LeBron James added to the roster , there’ll be an immediate change in fortune for the team. Well, much of that’d be predicated upon the fact that James would be complemented with players that are commensurate with his skill and mindset. And that doesn’t appear to be the case with the current New Jersey Nets’ roster at present ! Whatever changes that’ll be needed to improve the team will definitely have to be monumental. A major roster upheaval will be needed, if this team is to improve along the lines that both Rod Thorn and Kiki Vanderweghe may well have envisaged. One man doesn’t a team make but if you get the right man and complement him with the right cast as teammates. Then the future of the team can presume to be bright.
2009-10 Roster
NUM PLAYER POS HT WT DOB FROM YRS
1 Rafer Alston G 6-2 175 07/24/1976 Fresno State 10
7 Tony Battie C-F 6-11 240 02/11/1976 Texas Tech 11
2 Josh Boone C 6-10 240 11/21/1984 Connecticut 3
55 Keyon Dooling G 6-3 195 05/08/1980 Missouri 9
17 Chris Douglas-Roberts G 6-7 210 01/08/1987 Memphis 1
34 Devin Harris G 6-3 190 02/27/1983 Wisconsin 5
44 Trenton Hassell F 6-5 227 03/04/1979 Austin Peay 8
22 Jarvis Hayes F 6-8 228 08/09/1981 Georgia 6
6 Courtney Lee G-F 6-5 200 10/03/1985 Western Kentucky 1
11 Brook Lopez C 7-0 265 04/01/1988 Stanford 1
14 Eduardo Najera F 6-8 235 07/11/1976 Oklahoma 9
21 Bobby Simmons F 6-6 230 06/02/1980 DePaul 7
51 Sean Williams F-C 6-10 235 09/13/1986 Boston College 2
8 Terrence Williams G-F 6-6 220 06/28/1987 Louisville R
9 Yi Jianlian F 7-0 250 10/27/1987 Shenzhen, China 2
Team W L PCT GB CONF DIV HOME ROAD L 10 STREAK Boston 3 10 4 0.714 0.0 6-3 3-0 5-3 5-1 6-4 W 1 Toronto 6 8 0.429 4.0 4-2 0-0 4-2 2-6 4-6 L 1 Philadelphia 5 8 0.385 4.5 5-5 3-1 3-4 2-4 3-7 L 2 New York 3 10 0.231 6.5 2-8 1-2 1-7 2-3 3-7 L 1 New Jersey 0 13 0.000 9.5 0-11 0-4 0-6 0-7 0-10 L 13
NB … At the original writing of this piece , Nets’ coach, Lawrence Frank, hadn’t yet been fired by the organization. His position has since been assumed by General Manager, Kiki Vandeweghe ,on an interim basis until the end of the 2009-10 NBA season.
Big Pimpin’ Dallas Mavericks’ Style …….Bitches That They Are !
I don’t know of any other way to suggest this but in watching the Dallas Mavericks lose to the Golden State Warriors, who only had six physically healthy players suited up. Well, it suggests everything that I’ve come to think about the Dallas Mavericks. They’re an extremely soft team, not only physically but also mentally as well. And this is epitomized by the attitude of their owner, Mark Cuban . Egotistical , narcissistic but above all critical of others when they’re not all in agreement with his thought process.
Dallas-November 24th 2009: Monta Ellis (8) of the Golden State Warriors goes up and under against Dirk Nowitzki (41) of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at the American Airlines Center on November 24, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Glenn James .............
This Mavericks’ team is resplendent with a plethora of stars but little in the way of leadership. And that is with seasoned veterans such as Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd , Jason Terry and Shawn Marion. To make matters worse, the the team is highly overpaid and has given little back in return by way of anything tangible in terms of success. This club has continually underachieved despite all of the lavish spending and the perception that it is one of the marquee teams in the NBA. The fact of the matter is, they’re a good regular season team but come the postseason they become doormat that many of the elite teams in the NBA choose to wipe their feet on.
Kris Humpheries of the Dallas Mavericks goes up for the dunk in the game against the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks would go on to be defeated by the Warriors 111-103 in the game played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas ,Texas, on the 24th November,2009. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Glenn James …….
Last night’s game between these two Western Conference team saw the Golden State Warriors with eight players on the bench of the mandated twelve but only six ready to play. The Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks set out to play a game and let every ardent fan of the game see what the NBA will be proffering up to their patrons for the season. Well, the Warriors did little to disappoint as they completely overwhelmed the Mavericks with their resiliency and resolve as a team. Unfortunately,for the Mavericks they had no answer for the Warriors’ Monta Ellis, Anthony Morrow, Vladimir Radmanovic or their rookie sensation Steph Curry. As they went about decimating the Mavericks’ defense and made them look like very much like a D-league NBA representative
team.
Now pardon me for saying this, when your franchise is said to be worth
in excess of $ 400 million and on appearance it seems to be worth not more than a plug nickel . Then there’s a great deal to be said for the pomp and bloviated opinions of Mark Cuban and the persona of his franchise. They’ve become more accustomed to being beaten up on, more than a hooker is by her pimp ‘for not turning enough tricks’. And ‘tricks’, it appears to be something that the Mavericks haven’t been able to turn in quite some time. OK, so they made it to the postseason last year and they beat a San Antonio Spurs’team that was missing several of its top players. But having done so, in the conference semi finals they melted like butter against a hot knife.
Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a win against the Dallas Mavericks during a game at the American Airlines Center on November 24, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Glenn James .......
DALLAS (AP)—Golden State was down to eight healthy players—and used only six. Warriors coach Don Nelson wasn’t with the team as he recovers from pneumonia. Still, Monta Ellis(notes) and Stephen Curry(notes) wouldn’t let injuries or sickness become an excuse.
Ellis scored 13 of his season-high 37 points in the fourth quarter, Curry added 11 of his 18 points in the final 4 minutes and the Warriors ended Dallas’ five-game winning streak with a 111-103 victory over the short-handed Mavericks on Tuesday night.
“Coming into this game, we had nothing to lose,” said assistant coach Keith Smart, who filled in for Nelson. “The worst case is they blow us out and we move on to (Wednesday night’s game in San Antonio). But our guys have a lot of character. They played hard together and made the right decisions.”
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Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41), of Germany, loses the ball to Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, in Dallas. The Warriors won 111-103. picture appears courtesy of AP/Photo/ Sharon Ellman ...........
This season, the Dallas Mavericks appear to have started off strong but their inconsistency is already beginning to set in. The Golden State Warriors for their part are looking to take the next step and place themselves amongst the elite teams within the Western Conference. And in doing so, it would further suggest to their fans that they’re ready to show them what they’ve been missing out on for such a long time. In place of Don Nelson as coach of the team last night , there on the sidelines was his assistant, Keith Smart. Nelson was unable to participate as he was sidelined with a bout of pneumonia. His return isn’t anticipated for another week or two. Smart, for his part showed that he may well be the coach in waiting, once Nelson is ready to step down from his position as coach of the team.
The Mavericks for their part, to my mind are no closer to winning an NBA title than the Democrats are about the direction that the party now seems to be heading in.The Dallas Mavericks as an organization give all the semblance of being an organized and efficiently ran organization. But in essence,they’re only playing at being that. They’re a complete mess but Mark Cuban would rather not have you see the warts and all mess,that there is inside of his franchise.
And for Mavericks’ coach, Rick Carlisle and his assistant coaching staff of Terry Stotts, Dwayne Casey and Tom Sterner. This was hardly the type of response they’d have expected from this team with the resultant 111-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors. But it seems to be something that’s emblematic of the team and their inconsistency. They either play down to the level of an opponent or at times they’re able to play with a high degree of efficiency.There does not appear to be a happy medium for the Mavericks. Is it any wonder that they’re viewed as one of the softer teams around the NBA ? And that’s not just from a physical standpoint but also when it comes to the mental aspect of their game. It’s now becoming a view that’s being widely shared across the NBA and amongst the fans, themselves.
And for the Golden State Warriors ,though on the face of it the win might not seem that much. But having been able to defeat a team with just six healthy players from its entire roster shows that they’re not at all prepared to bow down and become one of the lesser beings within the NBA fraternity. That’s left to the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets and the Charlotte Bobcats. For those particular franchises, mediocrity nowadays goes hand in hand, just as much turkey and Thanksgiving are part of a solemn festivity that we can all feel comfortable with.
What do you think of the Dallas Mavericks as an NBA franchise ? Good, bad, indifferent or just simply overrated just as their counterpart in the NFL – the Dallas Cowboys ?
The Warriors aren’t going anywhere, so this isn’t surprising. I think the Cavaliers would be the best fit for him. I have a trade idea that I think would get the deal done. The Warriors would trade Stephen Jackson and would receive Delonte West, J.J. Hickson, and Darnell Jackson.
Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.
“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”
Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.
“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”
When prompted with a question from the event’s host about the Warriors’ playoff chances, Jackson, who was attending the event with former teammate Al Harrington, told the crowd: “I don’t think I’ll be a Warrior next year. I’m looking to leave.” Read the rest of this entry »
One can’t but help feel sorry for Lakers’ former assistant coach Kurt Rambis . They say ‘….. everyone’s deserving of a second bite of the apple’ . But in Kurt’s case that wasn’t about to be forthcoming , as far as the coaching position was, with the Los Angeles Lakers . Phil Jackson remains an irremovable force and not until he’s ready to finally call it quits. Will there be someone appointed by the organization to step into the fray and take over from the legendary coach.
Rambis seen here in his duties as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with former player Chris Mihm. picture appears courtesy of los angeles times / Alex Gallardo .............
For Rambis , a titlist , as a player and as an assistant coach with the franchise where he made his name. He’s now agreed in principle to assume the reins from fired former coach, Kevin McHale of the Minnesota Timberwolves . And it’d remiss to suggest that Rambis hasn’t got his work cut out for him in trying to turn around the fortunes of a franchise , that has seemingly lost direction.
And for a franchise coming off a horrendous (24-58) season . Wherein, they were 34 games under .500 and finished 30 games behind the Northwest Division winning Denver Nuggets . To suggest that their season was one of underachievement wouldn’t do the franchise any justice at all. Their season bordered on sheer ineptitude and mediocrity ! And much of the travails within the organization stemmed from the lack of authority and communication between McHale and that of the Timberwolves’ hierarchy , once he assumed the role as the team’s coach.
Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to evade the defensive play of the Celtics' Paul Pierce during a regular season game played at the TD Banknorth Center in Boston , Massachussetts,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Elsa .................
And for McHale , though his dismissal wasn’t at all a complete surprise. To apportion blame solely upon his shoulders would be indeed unfair. The front office and in particular the actions of GM David Kahn and owner, Glen Taylor , left a great deal to be desired , with the their all too lack of authority and forthrightness. Nevermind the fact that as an owner Taylor became more of a spendthrift , rather than loosening the purse strings when it came to pursuing roster personnel that’d stengthen the team and franchise, as a whole . And make them somewhat more competitive on the field of play.
For the incoming Rambis , he’ll now have to assess the talent that’s in place. Not only from the roster personnel wise. But also when it comes to the coaching staff , therein. As it’s customary for an incoming coach to always want to bring in his coaching staff. Merely, from the fact that he’s use to working with them. Somehow , in this case I don’t feel that Taylor or Kahn will be that magnanimous. So it would like this will be an ongoing process for Rambis and his assessment of the roster and incumbent coaching staff.
T'wolves' GM David Kahn and the team's owner Glen Taylor answer questions from the convened press at a team press conference. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/ ap/photo/ Martin Geshell ...................
The nucleus of this Timberwolves’ roster is affixed with some tremendous young talent . But on appearance alone, one can see that it’s completely devoid of veteran leadership. That’d create a calming influence for some of the young novices on this roster. Their most experienced player is former NBA journeyman Chucky Atkins . Highly unlikely, that he’d be the sort of player that Rambis would be turning to , to lead this young roster. But make of it what you will . As someone has to .
