It's About Time!

It is about time the Lakers had a point guard worth mentioning. Steve Nash agreeing to a 3 year/$27 million deal with Los Angeles means the Lakers have a championship contending level floor general for the first time since Magic. L.A. fans are used to seeing Kobe pair up with noteworthy big men on the court. They are not, however, used to seeing someone that defenses must game plan for bring the ball up the court.  Clippers fans got their man last year when Chris Paul came to town. Now, those who cheer for the purple and gold can say they too got their man. Jordan Farmar and Derek Fisher are finally a mere thought of the past. Nobody will complain if Sessions leaves town. And nobody in L.A. is going to cry about Steve Blake making himself comfortable on the bench. The purple and gold nation just got what it wanted. It got what it needed. It got a point guard.

     The two time MVP may be getting up there in age (38), but still has a lot left in the tank. Nash brings an impressive resume to L.A. The 6'3, 178 pound veteran has been to eight all-star games, been a member of the All-NBA first team on three separate occasions, All-NBA second team twice, All-NBA third team twice, and is a two time winner of the all-star weekend's skills challenge. He has received numerous accolades from high school through college, where he was named the two time WCC player of the year, to the NBA, where he has recently just begun a new chapter in his playing career. The buzz he has brought to L.A. is not because of his past, however. It is because of his future. It is because of what he will bring to the table for a team most thought was going downhill.

     One week ago the Lakers were a forgotten topic. Nobody was giving the aging Kobe-led Lakers a chance at another ring any time soon. The arrival of Stephen John Nash has changed all of that. Nash gives the Lakers a whole new dimension they have not had in years. He will be able to assist the Black Mamba in bringing leadership to a team that could use more of it. Nash's positive energy should compliment Kobe's "hold-you-accountable" type leadership very well.

     Nash will also take pressure off Kobe so the Mamba does not have to dribble so much and routinely settle for contested fade-aways. His presence will hopefully limit the number of times Kobe has to go one on one against aggressive double teams. First of all, Nash will bring the pick and roll, something almost foreign to L.A., to the offense. Secondly, Nash will space the court for Bryant (something Sessions was unable to do).
     Most people do not realize this, but Steve Nash is among the NBA's greatest shooters of all time. He's known for his top notch vision and excellent passing, but his smooth jump shot is often overlooked. Nash is the only player of all time to be in the top ten in both 3 point percentage (8th) and free throw percentage (1st). It is safe to say those guarding him must stay home, because if Nash's men leave him to double Kobe, the veteran guard will no doubt make them pay.

     His leadership, ability to knock down shots, and his comfort level with the pick and roll will make L.A. look like a completely transformed team. Not only will he make the game easier for Kobe (still one of the game's elite performers), but big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol (assuming neither is traded for Dwight Howard) will also find themselves scoring easy buckets on a nightly basis because of his presence. Those four alone provide a scary level of talent. If Metta World Peace can pick up the slack on defense and hit open shots then L.A. has to be the favorites in the West.

     The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the team to beat. But if Steve Nash experiences a smooth transition into L.A., then Durant might have to wait another year before earning his first ring. Nash has Los Angeles back in championship contention. NBA fans might finally get the finals match they have longed for: Miami versus L.A. One thing is for sure; Steve Nash in purple and gold makes that match-up seem extremely possible.

     

OOPS!

     On June 28, 2007, one of the worst decisions in sports history was made. With the first pick in the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, the Portland Trailblazers organization selected center Greg Oden out of Ohio State University. At first glance, the decision might look justified, because the 7'0 big man nearly averaged a double-double for a team with two other current NBA players that went 35-4 and earned an appearance in the National Championship game. His stat sheet read 15.9 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, and 3.3 blocks per game for the Buckeyes. After winning Indiana Mr. Basketball and Naismith Prep Player of the year in 2006, Oden then went on to win such honors as Big Ten defensive player of the year, first team all Big-Ten, and first team All-American. Why then, was the Trailblazers decision so egregious, you ask? There are two transparent reasons for that.
     First of all, Greg Oden has done little to nothing in the league. He has not lived up to the hype.  The former number one overall pick has only played in 88 NBA games since being drafted. For a role player, his numbers might be acceptable, but not for a former first pick. Oden has averaged 9.4 points per game over his regular season career, and only five points per game in his brief playoff career (when it matters most). His inability to stay out of foul trouble combined with his injury prone luck has resulted in a regular season average of only 22 minutes a game (16 mpg in the playoffs). The Blazers thought he could use his 285 pound body to dominate down low on both ends of the floor. To put it plainly, they were wrong.
     His lack of production has disappointed Portland's organization to the extent that they decided to let him go. Oden currently has no home. He is a free agent looking for another chance to play wherever someone will give him a second chance. Steve Patterson, who was Portland's general manager at the time of the draft selection, was apparently so ashamed with his decision he decided to resign the following year in 2007. Oden never panned out for the Blazers. As a result, the entire organization is left wishing they could take a mulligan over the 2006 NBA Draft.
      The more significant reason the unfortunate selection of the Blazers was wretched is because Greg Oden is not Kevin Durant. The Blazers decided to surpass "Durantula," who was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) with the very next pick. Kevin Durant, who averaged 25.8 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game for the Texas Longhorns in his one year as a college basketball player, has done what Oden has been unable to do. He has blossomed as a professional, and turned into one of the leagues youngest superstars.
     Kevin Durant is the future. He is also a humble leader and an icon for the game of basketball. With Kobe aging and Lebron's lack of clutch gene, Durant is now the league's best player. When it is all said and done, he could wind up one of the greatest of all time. At only 24 years old, Durant has already led the NBA in scoring in three of his five seasons in the league. He has career averages of 26.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. More importantly, unlike Oden, he has been able to play day in and day out, averaging 38.1 minutes a game in his five productive seasons. The 6'9 wing has the length and quickness to score on and defend multiple positions. His 7'5 wingspan and his guard-like handle make him extremely versatile and the most unique scorer the game has ever seen. In just five seasons he has already been a three time all-star, three time scoring champ, all-NBA first team member, all-rookie first team member, rookie of the year, and all-star game MVP. He is continuing to make and brake records. Now, more importantly, he has his team in the NBA Finals where they will most likely be the favorites to win rings.
     Durant not only stuffs the stat sheet like Lebron does, but he has what "The Chosen One" does not. He has the clutch factor. He has ice in his veins. He knows when its time to take over a game. His matchless skill set, closer mentality, and maturing intangibles could have been taking over the NBA in Portland. Instead, because the Blazers chose Oden, Oklahoma City won the lottery when Steve Patterson and his colleagues regretfully passed up on KD. Hindsight is 20/20, and in hindsight, the Portland Trailblazers know they made a catostrophic mistake in selecting Greg Oden over Kevin Durant, the league's newest megastar.

A Disappearing Act

      To call the Amare Stoudemire-Carmelo Anthony experiment a bust would be an understatement. This offensively dynamic duo, tagged with defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler, should be disgusted with their position as the seventh seed in the east. Not only is Chandler clogging the middle for this star-led team, but young talent also compliments the two so-called leaders. The Knicks have a great young nucleus which should spark some vigor into the team.
     Underrated J.R. Smith is among the best one on one players in the league. The emergence of Jeremy Lin (when healthy) gives them an energizing set up man and floor general. Steve Novak is arguably the best pure shooter in the world. Shumpert (before he got injured) was athletic and capable enough of locking up the league's best at three different positions. Baron Davis and Mike Bibby, two guys who have been there before, give the young guns of the team mentors to learn from. Such combinations seemingly should lead to success. This makes me wonder why the  production is nowhere to be seen.
     Carmelo has heated up recently, so he should not bear the blame all to himself. This leads me to question the other "superstar." What ever happened to Amar'e Stoudemire? I myself am a big Amar'e fan, and am probably as disappointed as anyone (outside of loyal Knickerbocker fans) with his performance all season long. After an impressive first season with New York, he's been missing in action this year.
     The 29 year old native of Lake Wales, Florida is averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His 13.5 points per game in two playoff games are not even enough for second best on the team (Smith). Stars are supposed to rise to the occasion come playoff time. One might argue Carmelo Anthony is at fault for Amare's struggles, because he is hogging the shots and making it hard for the power forward to find any sort of rhythm. I argue no such transfer of the blame should be necessary. It's on Amar'e.
     He has a proven track record. He doesn't need to be second fiddle to anyone. Sure, Carmelo is option one. But Amar'e is not option two. He's option one-B. If Amar'e wants the ball, he has the right to demand it. In fact, it is his job to demand it. Since he's been doing nothing of that sort, the blame rests solely on his shoulders. He needs to find the fire inside of him. By fire, I do not mean showing emotion by punching the glass case to a fire extinguisher.
     What a complete lack of composure he displayed. When his team needed him most, he choked. When his coaches needed him most, he let his anger get the best of him. When his city needed him the most, he panicked. When he needed to find himself the most, he let himself down. Amar'e has been a disappointment from game one of this condensed, but captivating 2011-2012 season. The playoffs are his chance to turn it around but he's not seizing the opportunity.
     As an Amar'e fan, I truly hope his team will rally around him through these rough times. I fully expect New York to give the Miami Heat a run for their money on Thursday. If they do manage to pull out the upset in game three, I fully expect Amar'e to take no prisoners in game four (if healthy enough to play). I believe we will see the Amar'e of old, with a chip larger than life on his shoulder. If nothing changes then shame on him. He has one last chance to make amends for his lack of toughness this season. If he fails, watch out; the hasty, impetuous fans of New York will be out for blood.

(Not) The Chosen One

     Once again LeBron James shied away from an opportune moment toward the end of a game. In Sunday's NBA All-Star game, LeBron backed down from the chance to hit a game winner. After last year's NBA finals debacle by James in multiple fourth quarters against the Mavericks, you would think the so called "Chosen One" would at least attempt to be clutch. Whether he makes it or not is another story, but I would at least have liked to see LeBron shoot the ball. Instead, he got bashful. After multiple opportunities to come up big at the end of games, LeBron continues to prove his doubters right. He is not clutch. The potential is there, but his refusal to take chances is hindering that possibility considerably.
      It appears as if LBJ is fearful of failure. Maybe he needs to read Michael Jordan's book. I hope nobody ever compares him to the great MJ. His killer instinct is non-existent, and his clutch gene has never been born. Therefore, he does not belong in the same sentence as. Michael Jordan. Yes I had to make that two sentences. I don't want to disrespect the greatest of all time by categorizing him with Queen James. In no way am I saying his game doesn't belong. Talent wise, Lebron is second to none.
      There is no denying his strength, athleticism, versatility, power, feel for the game, and overall skill set. The man can flat out play. But as far as his performance in the clutch, forget about it. It makes no sense why he would pass the ball and turn it over on the last play of the all-star game, when he clearly had an opportunity to rise up for a shot (after he had been feeling it from distance) with time winding down. The man had 36 points and had the hot hand from three point range. I guess it never occurred to him that he could have shot the ball, made it, won the All-Star game MVP, and won the game for the East. Maybe he just never thought of that. But I am going to guess that he is smart enough to recognize such laudable possibilities. I think LeBron just froze in the moment, like usual.
      Don't tell me he is still maturing. He entered the league in 2003. It has almost been a decade since he graced NBA fans with his presence. Let's be honest, LeBron James fears failure. It's the same reason he won't participate in the dunk contest. LeBron is perhaps the greatest talent in the league, but he fears failure and has no clutch gene. It's that simple.

Time to Kill the Hype

      I apologize in advance, because I am about to be the buzz-kill to "Tebowmania." Therefore, if you are a Tim Tebow worshiper, turn your head if you must, because you might not want to read what is on my mind. However, I will start by admitting I have the utmost respect for Timothy Richard Tebow. I truly admire his work ethic, and even find inspiration from his mentality. His drive and ability to push his body beyond the point of exhaustion motivate me to strengthen my own vigor in athletics. Even more so, I appreciate Tebow's stimulating faith, and his openness to share it with others. It takes a real man to stick to his beliefs while dealing with the constant down-poring of criticism from both peers and outsiders. With all of this being said, nevertheless, Tebow's prolific character traits do not make him a prolific quarterback. This is the rub.
     Sure, Tim Tebow is a great guy. That doesn't make him a great quarterback. In fact, he is far from a great quarterback. Sure, he's completed some nice fourth quarter drives to win a couple low scoring regular season games. The truth is he would not have won those games without the Broncos much improved defense led by Von Miller and Brian Dawkins. When you think of the great quarterbacks, you think of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers (who threw 45  touchdowns and only 6 interceptions in 2011). Tebow, who has thrown one interception for every two touchdowns this season, is not worthy of making that list. If Denver had one of these other three leaders under center, there would be no need for fourth quarter comebacks. If Brady, Brees, or Rodgers had the Broncos defense, an undefeated season might be the result. Instead, Denver has Tim Tebow. Some love him, some hate him.
     He may be a stand out football player capable of being physical, running the ball, and making plays, but he is not a stand out quarterback. He does have the ability to run the football, but lets not blow that out of proportion. Throughout his career, he has had more fumbles than rushing touchdowns. In addition, his continuous attempts to escape sacks often backfire on him, as he loses yards, makes it hard on his offensive line, and still has gotten sacked 33 times this season. He can run, but he cannot run like Cam Newton or Michael Vick can. In fact, he cannot even throw as well as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, an athlete known for his speed rather than his arm. For his career, Tebow has sadly completed only 47% of his passes, earning him a quarterback rating of 75.1. Tebow won a game this year throwing 2-8. Obviously, the Broncos did not win the contest because of great quarterback play, but because of an outstanding defensive performance. Quarterbacks are supposed to be able to throw the ball. Tebow, with his awkward mechanics, has not been throwing the ball with confidence. The Broncos are 31st in the NFL in passing yards with just under 153 per game. This number is far from impressive. In fact, it is atrocious. Denver's opponents have nearly 1,300 more yards through the air than Tebow's offense has. Lets be honest, the man cannot consistently throw the ball. At times, he misses wide open targets as if he were trying to put it in any place but his receiver's hands. Maybe I am being too hard on him because he is young. But maybe he needs to switch positions.
     With his 6'3, 236 pound frame, he should seriously consider a position change to fullback, where he could throw his weight around. Tim could even be used in wildcat formations and occasional trick plays to throw the ball. But as a quarterback, he has one of the worst arms in the league. Lets not sugar coat it. We should all pray for his mechanics. He is a man of faith, I'm sure he is praying for the help as well. I love how passionate he is about his spirituality, as well as his leadership, positivity, and work ethic on and off the field. Tim Tebow is definitely a noble man. Is he worthy of being mentioned as a great quarterback? That, however, is a whole different subject matter. The answer is, without a doubt, no. Tim Tebow's name will never be mentioned among the game's greats as long as he remains under center.

Oh the Anticipation!

The NBA season is two weeks away from tipping off, and this off-season, which has been far from the usual, has basketball fans around the world anxiously waiting. Like 50 Cent once said, I'm impatiently waiting. I, like most fans, want to know who will play where and how each team will come together. I want to know now. Are the Lakers done? After missing out on the Chris Paul sweepstakes and shockingly dealing 6th man of the year Lamar Odom to the defending champs, it appears they are doomed if Dwight Howard does not come to their rescue. Will Pau Gasol be a sensitive baby after absorbing trade talks consisting of his name or will he prove to be a champion and bring it everyday knowing the league is a business? Will Dallas continue to play like the world's greatest with the addition of Odom or will they suffer from losing Chandler to the Knicks? How will New York fair with superstars but no one relevant playing point guard (the most important position of the floor)? Will the Big Three in Miami gel instantaneously now that they have a year under their belt? Will Battier be the difference maker, or will they be punished for not signing a marquee point or center. How will Rip Hamilton fair alongside Derek Rose? Will the Celtics add anyone to furnish them with staying power? I wonder the same question of Rondo as I do of Gasol. Will missing out on David West end up hurting the C's? Will West alongside Collison and Granger make the Pacers a team worth mentioning? Will the Pistons win a game? Who will the Clippers and Warriors (who are involved in talks daily) acquire to improve their squads? Could CP3 and Blake Griffin really end up forming a dynamic duo? Will Westbrook and Durant get Oklahoma City over the hump this year? How will the abbreviated season affect each team? What town will Nene venture off to? More importantly, what city will Superman soon call his home? Will he team up with Deron Williams in New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn?) Will he join the champs in Dallas? Will he follow in the footsteps of most noble big men like Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq by becoming a Hollywood superstar in L.A.?
Only God knows what is to be unveiled in the next couple of weeks. I just wish I too could be in the know. As intrigued human beings engrossed in our love for basketball, us NBA fans are becoming impatient. We are galvanized by the ever changing news and events taking place in David Stern's kingdom known as the National Basketball Association. We can do nothing more than sit back and wait. This year's NBA season is among the most appealing in recent memory. It promises to entertain. How everything will pan out is still unknown. Our job is simply to wait, watch, and see.

No Deal Hurts Black Mamba

     Kobe Bryant has five championship rings, one NBA MVP, two NBA Finals MVP's, thirteen all-star appearances, two scoring titles, nine first team ALL-NBA selections, nine all-defensive first team selections, four NBA all-star game MVP's, one NBA slam dunk contest championship, the second highest single game scoring record (81 points), and was the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 1996. The Black Mamba is one of few to draw comparisons to Michael Jordan, the greatest ever. In my opinion, he is the second most prolific guard ever to play the game next to M.J. He is still the best closer the National Basketball Association has to offer. With all that being said, however, the clock is ticking on the world's greatest ball player.
     Number 24 is aging, as is his knee. Kobe has now played fifteen seasons in the league. He needs that sixteenth season to commence as soon as possible. If the lockout does not come to an end, Kobe will suffer the consequences. He will miss a full 82 game schedule and continue to both age and migrate from his prime simultaneously.
     Now, Mr. Bryant is ready to play overseas if David Stern's owners don't chill and his players don't sacrifice. Having personally seen professionals play in Italy, I know for a fact that European ball is not NBA ball. It is far from the same. As Lil Wayne says, it is far from the usual. It will not benefit Kobe much like another season in his comfort zone (the NBA) would. That comfort zone is beginning to dwindle, and if the Black Mamba wants a shot to at least match Jordan's six rings, he needs to find himself in the NBA playoffs pronto before his knee decides to retire.
     The Los Angeles Lakers are built to win now. The Lakers are not Hollywood's team. They are Kobe's team, and until he retires, will always have a shot at winning some bling (regardless of who the coach is). The superstar claims he has had more time this off-season to get in the weight room and get his body stronger  than he has in years past. If there is no season, then it has been nearly a wasted off-season for a man who doesn't believe in off-seasons. It removes one more year of Kobe eligibility and makes the culmination of the decline of his career more evident.
     I believe Kobe can pull out one more championship from his bag of tricks. He has a few years left of superstardom within. He just needs the NBA to return to form sooner than later so he can perform while he still has some sort of youth. If David Stern announces the cancellation of the season, it will be a sad day for Kobe Bryant.