Storylines By "Association"...Or Something Of That Sort.
BASKETBALL!!! (Yeah, this includes College too.)
I don't think it's a huge secret that I'm a horrible procrastinator. But then again, since it's in the nature of a procrastinator to put stuff off, I guess I'd be a great one. Ahem, moving on, I figured I would do something slightly different this year. I'd touch on some of the bigger storylines we're going to be locked in on as the Lakers attempt to defend their title for the first time in seven years. (Note, that should be read, 'attempt to repeat as champs for the first time since the Kobe-Shaq thing imploded in the 2004 season'.) But before I do that, I was reading the Sports Guy's Mailbag when he hit on something that I'll get to later on about Jordan's HOF speech and it reminded me why I honestly don't believe there will EVER be anyone who will occupy his throne as long as we are alive and breathing. (Okay, I've decided I will do that during my NBA preview. It'll tie in nicely as to why I'm covering a lot fewer teams.) Oh and before I end this, I will give you three reasons why my NBA preview (at least the Eastern Conference portion) will be relegated to just THREE TEAMS. But anyway, let's get to it shall we and leading off isn't the champs, it's...
The Prince's Curtain Call???
- Apparently, as Braylon Edwards learned a week and change ago, there are consequences to pissing this guy off. Even though nobody will openly admit it, there are many who believe LeBron James is largely to blame for why the Browns dealt Braylon Edwards (is it humanly possible to clinch a losing season and Top 5 pick to be traded at a later date before the calendar even hits November?) to the Jets for uh...whatever's in my coat pockets. (Oh and considering I haven't checked my pockets in quite some time, that's leaving a lot of crap to be discovered. :P) Anyway, aside from the aforementioned Lakers' quest to defend...this will be the most talked about thing on any and every network imaginable.
Did I even begin to mention I'm at Ground Zero here in Ohio? (Yeah, imagine my excitement hearing and seeing fans walk around wondering if another failed campaign may result in LBJ's departure from Ohio and the Cavs returning to the abyss from whence they came.) So...have the Cavs done enough to get LBJ help? Well, let's see shall we?
A) They traded to get Shaq. Excellent move...too bad this was done four months after the point when it would've been HUGE for Cleveland. Too bad Boston solidified its frontcourt resigning Big Baby and signing mercurial Rasheed Wallace to a "Mercenaries' Special" (my term for those who sign short contracts with contenders to win a title) deal. Too bad that KG looks healthy and if Doc can figure out how to work it all under Ubuntu and all that, will most likely trump anything in the East. Possibly in the entire Association.
B) They added Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker. Okay, I remember Moon was or won a Three Point Shootout a while back. I know Anthony Parker has a hot sister who's either dating or married to Shelden Williams (proof that sometimes, mediocrity does run in a family). As a line leader at my old job quipped aloud after the Moon or Parker signing...
"Why does Cleveland keep signing these bum ass people?"
Answer? Because much like every Cleveland professional sports team, they're committed to mediocrity. I mean, let's go down the line shall we?
The Cleveland Indians join exclusive company, being the only MLB team to trade away TWO reigning Cy Young winners in back to back years. Come to think of it, I don't think they have any company in that particular club. Which might be a great thing, some executive would be out of a job. (As Shapiro would be, but in Cleveland, if you're not winning, you're definitely trying. :P)
The Cleveland Browns have only THREE first rounders on their roster after the most recent trade of Braylon Edwards. Okay, it's roster turnover, you say. Well, here's the problem with that flawed train of thought. The Browns came back to the NFL in 1999. Their first pick then, Tim Couch, is on the side of a milk carton somewhere. Ever since then, you could literally do a Six Degrees Of Seperation for every 1st rounder thereafter and link exactly where they all wound up. Around here, people cry that the Jags and Panthers had infinitely better Expansion Drafts to pick from than Cleveland. Which, I cannot argue with. The Panthers built their D around Steeler stalwarts Kevin Greene and Greg Lloyd. The Jags were solid, with Brunell spearheading its offensive attack. Thing Cleveland "sheep" fail to realize is that their 1st rounders were solid as they come. They were a large part of the reason that just one year after their expansion season, they were a win away from a Super Bowl. Anytime you¡¦re sending seven of ten first rounders packing for whatever the reason, it speaks to a HUGE deficiency in either your scouting department, your War Room staff or ownership in general. As I said, only Quinn, Joe Thomas and Alex Mack occupy roster spots on this team. Oh and did I forget to mention that the Browns are fielding calls for Quinn as we speak? (Don't buy that BS that they aren't, I fully believe Man-dummy's foolish enough to dump Quinn for 5 nickels on the dollar.) I've got 6 to 1 odds that say Quinn gets traded to a team and becomes an animal, leaving Brown fans to lament the dumbest front office this side of Al Davis. (I mean seriously, I think people put way too much focus on Detroit and their fallacies while overlooking the Browns. At least Detroit keeps some of their first rounders, even if they're absolute failures.)
The Cleveland Cavs made the 2007 NBA Finals after an improbable meltdown by the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. So how does Danny Ferry help LeBron? By sending young Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes packing for Grandfather Clock Ben Wallace (no longer rebounding in Stop Watch Speed as he was in Detroit), Wally Szcerbiak (who hasn't done or been worth shit since his Miami University days) and a few other who gives a shits. Oh, that package also included current headcase Delonte West, who was pulled over recently with a small arsenal on his motorcycle. (I mean, seriously, these folks are out of their fucking minds.) The Cavs aren't quick enough to hang with Boston in the East Semis in 2008 and last season, aren't tall enough to keep up with Orlando.
Newsflash Cavalier fans, while Turkoglu is gone from Orlando, you're still not equipped to take down Orlando. Orlando's trade to get Vince gives the Magic ANOTHER offensive weapon alongside D-How, R-Lew and Jameer Nelson. That offense is still potent as it was a year ago, it's just not going to have the height disparity that caused so much trouble for defenses (other than Los Angeles, which definitely had the height to combat it). While Shaq may have been brought in to keep Dwight in check, I'm very skeptical that he can do so. Shaq can't guard the pick and roll, he's definitely not as quick as he used to be and how healthy can Cleveland's staff keep him? If Cleveland doesn't do it this year, what keeps LeBron in Cleveland other than his love of Akron? If they aren't in any real position to win, why should he waste away his prime getting stats on a team that's not contending?
To Be Continued...with much anticipation...
From Russia...To Brooklyn?
- So a Russian bought a majority share of the Nets, in hopes of speeding up the move to Brooklyn. As a Nets fan, yes, I'm disappointed the last installment of the New Jersey Nets will figure to end in the lottery. However, I'm very much encouraged that with this Russian's funding backing things, the Summer might just bring LeBron James to a very young team that needs a star like him to get things running. Jay-Z said openly on Letterman that he wouldn't talk LeBron into coming here, if he didn't have a team here that could help LeBron win rings. Newsflash kids, the Nets are built to win over the long haul.
Hell, it's not even a longshot to state that IF LeBron comes to the Nets and the youngsters progress as expected, the Nets could challenge and eventually overtake the Celts for the Atlantic crown. Still, the development of the new arena in Brooklyn will be a major thing to follow, as I'm all but certain if all falls into place...LeBron will join Jigga in BK next summer.
Part Time Coach, Full Time Circus, So Are The Champs Of The Association...
- We won't see The Lord Of The Rings on the sidelines, for most of the 82 games this season. The Lake Show parted ways with Trevor Ariza and greeted the man who spearheaded Houston's push after Yao went down in the Semis last year, Ron Artest. Lamar Odom contemplated a return to Miami, then resigned and capped that by marrying a Kardashian. (Considering how much candy the man ate last season, I won't pretend to be shocked he married a Kardashian not named Kim.) So Kobe, Pau and Andrew have the man responsible for the darkest sports incident this decade to not include HGH, Cream or Clear as a teammate.
The Lakers snuffed the Magic last year, because unlike Cleveland...
A) The Lakers weren't vertically challenged. They had tall bodies in the frontcourt and what's more is...
B) They could score with Orlando if need be, which they did early and often.
Honestly, there's not a ton you could say is going against a Lake Show repeat. There really isn't. Unfortunately for them, Kurt Rambis jumped to Minnesota to fill in for the guy who clotheslined him in 1984 as head coach. (Irony...it's FANNNN-TASTIC.) San Antonio might be a healthy lineup away from resuming their roles as the Lakers' postseason nemesis and perennially their only threat out West. Portland's deep, but very inexperienced. Dallas hasn't shaken off 2006 and might not for a very long while. Plus, I think they're too old and too weak to pose a challenge to Los Angeles. I'd like to see Denver get back, but I'm not seeing lightning striking twice for the Rich & Creamys. Utah's questionable, but only because I'm uncertain of what they intend to do with Boozer. If they keep him, they should be fine. (And they should in all honesty, he's seriously invaluable to that franchise.)
The Trading Deadline. To Trade Or Not To Trade...
- That will be the dilemma facing Toronto, Phoenix and feasibly Miami heading into the mid-February deadline this season. Franchise playas Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and D-Wade are in the last year of their contracts. Do not be fooled by the Four Letter Network's claims that all's well, it probably isn't. Do not believe the hype, because it's just that, HYPE. Toronto's sweating bullets and Maple Syrup over the possibility that they signed Hedo away from Portland just to watch Bosh bounce. Phoenix will take the first quarter of the year to see how Amare's playing and then gauge the field that wants him. Miami's got to hope that the supporting cast around Wade gets better and healthier, then hope that Orlando's too full from last year to want to be bothered with trying to repeat as Eastern Conference Champions. (I'm of the mindset that they want more and his cast may get better, but highly unlikely they're getting healthier.)
Without a championship contender in place, Wade's gone in Miami. He has one, he unquestionably wants more. Bosh and Stoudemire are quality bigs that could help some team get closer to one. I'm inclined to think that short of an act of God, neither Phoenix nor Toronto will see much time in first after the first official day of Christmas shopping. (Remember, Boston and the Lake Show occupy space in their respective divisions. Even with the new pieces to work into the mix, I doubt very seriously it'll take more than a full month for both teams to get their rightful places atop their divisions established.) I'm of the expecting with the frenzy to come with this crop of free agents, there will be much movement made even if they aren't blockbuster deals. The Nets will probably stand pat, as they don't really NEED to do anything. Others will move cap killers in the hopes of becoming alluring prospects for whichever of the three don't get moved or if they're moved, don't resign with their new teams.
I could comment on the replacement refs, but really, how much attention do the men in grey get running up and down the floor? Bad calls are going to be made either way, blown calls are a given. Does it matter if they've got 16 years of experience compared to 16 games? Now, allow me to expound on why I won't really be wasting breath on many of the teams in the Eastern Conference and to do so, I'm going to turn on my special (Charles Barkley Filter) minus the alcohol.
The East sucks.
No really, it's just that bad. Most of the East with the exception of two teams, are just filler. But Len, you said three a few paragraphs ago. Well, I did what every talking head will do whenever you hear "Cleveland Cavaliers" and "NBA Title Contenders" I LIED!!! So why not Cleveland among the Boston/Orlando bracket? Glad you asked and if you're having to ask after I listed the reasons above, let me get a little deeper.
A) Coach Of The Year Curse. It's real, people. Sam Mitchell and Avery Johnson are past winners of this honor, both are unemployed. I believe Mike D¡¦Antoni won it a few years back and he's coach of the New York Knicks. (Oh and here's a random NFL shot just while it's on the tip of my brain. They're looking into the possibility of punishing Tom Cable if he is found to have really punched out his assistant. What? Having to publically state you coach the Oakland Raiders isn't punishment enough? They're doing him a favor if he's suspended for any period of time that takes him off that sideline if ya ask me. Ahem, back to business at hand.) So, we combine this with the never ending abyss that is Cleveland, get where I'm going with it?
What? They got Shaq?! No! Get out of town!!! No really Shaq, GET OUT OF TOWN NOW!!!
B) The Big Letdown. Shaquille O'Neal has officially gone on record as saying this is the best team he has played on. We haven't tipped off the season yet, never will bes haven't been wished well in their future NBDL career endeavors yet and Shaq's already playing to the psychophantic crowd that be sheep who call themselves "Witnesses". I have said early and often that if the Cavs made this move this past February, LeBron would've had his first ring. Shaq would've been motivated to beat Kobe and healthier than he has been in recent years, the Cavs' two punch of Shaq and LeBron would've beat Kobe and the Lake Show in June. Yes, I'm that convinced of it.
Now, you take a healthy aging center with a slightly improved skill set than the last aging center/power forward who claimed he was a center and expect he's going to stop or slow down Dwight Howard. The preeminent big who lays claim to the Superman moniker. Newsflash Cavalier sheep, Shaq can't defend the pick and roll any better than the last guy could. Shaq can't move much better than the last guy did. Shaq isn't going to have the medical team that Phoenix had to keep him healthy and upright for more than 75% of the regular season. (Oh and since I didn't mention it before, Shaq's understudy Zydrunas Ilgauskas isn't much better in all honesty.)
C) Getting High On Your Own Supply/The Reality Of It Is... Trust me when I say this, Cleveland's going to do it again. The fan base will show they've learned nothing from last year, same as the morons in the media who are going to fan the flames that will burn em' all yet again. Cleveland while they had the best record in the East last year, benefitted from a cupcake first half schedule, KG getting hurt and then Jameer Nelson going down for Orlando. They weren't really challenged and from what I got to see after the All-Star break (the true game where I saw this was evident, was a March encounter against the Clips during their West Coast trip. The Clips were up by 19 in the 2nd half, but were incapable of throwing the knockout blow. The Cavs rallied, won on a late 3 by Mo Williams and escaped. Did I mention these were the same Clips that had up to that point, only won 15 games ALL YEAR?!), I knew the Cavs were going to fail miserably in the postseason.
Management were fooled into thinking they had more than enough to win it all in June, by standing pat in February. Rather than pull the trigger on the Shaq move, which at the time would've made the Gasol heist seem like lint by comparison, they did nothing. This year, many believe they're better than Boston and Orlando yet again. They are NOT. They're not even that close to be brutally honest. Boston's depth in the front court easily trumps Cleveland and I'm going on the notion that KG is NOT healthy. If he's healthy, it's like holding deuces in poker to a Royal Flush. Take your lint and go home. Orlando may have lost Hedo Turkoglu, but they kept Gorcin and added Vince to that backcourt with Jameer. If both are healthy, their backcourt is more formidable than anything Cleveland can or will throw at it.
If you took LeBron out of this equation, you'd find the talking heads of the Four Letter Network and every other major sports outlet, wouldn't even acknowledge the Cavs for any reason other than Shaq. Add in The Big Shameless Plug and now we've got Cleveland/Los Angeles at Christmas (the exact point last year when I knew Orlando would not be ignored in the East, but did not see them winning the East after Jameer went down or even before it). Reality is, Mo Williams was an All-Star last year because there were no other able bodies they could find. Yet, it amazed me how many folks felt he should've went ahead of Devin Harris. (And you wonder why I think these are the dumbest fans on the planet?) Devin Harris did more with a lot LESS than Mo did. Devin Harris deserved to be an All-Star and in a guard starved conference, should be one for many years to come. Mo showed how deserving he was by doing the disappearing act in the Eastern Conference Finals against Orlando. (Not that it would've mattered mind you, Cleveland did not have enough offense to run with Orlando, yet they were smart enough to keep trying rather than slow it down to a crawl.) Even without the height to worry about, Cleveland will find themselves at a major disadvantage trying to shut down Vince, Jameer, Rashard and Dwight at the same time.
So removing Cleveland from the equation, who else is there to consider?
Detroit? They got younger and I think they're next in line to POSSIBLY get the Central crown back from Cleveland. If it happens this year, they need to settle on who's starting at the 2 and they need to be firing on all cylinders consistently. But I'm doubting they're going to do that, but I think they'll stay closer in the standings than they were a year ago.
Chicago? The loss of Gordon will hurt them more than I think they will realize. I think they'll be a big attraction for any free agent this summer and given the landscape of the Eastern Conference, given the right one or two big names, the Bulls may return to the Finals within a season or two TOPS. I don't see them going back to the playoffs this year, but I fully expect Derrick Rose to continue his stellar play.
Toronto? In a rather ironic way of looking at it, this is the kind of offense that can thrive with the new Eurostyle the rules seem to be dictating to. Unfortunately, I don't think they could defend a Bingo hall from crazed snails and that's what's going to kill them. Well, that and having to deal with Boston four times a year.
Miami? I said the O'Neal trade was a bad idea and he didn't disappoint come playoff time. I'm seriously inclined to think that if Marion stayed put, the Heat could've beaten the Hawks last season. Hell, I think they could've given the Cavs a serious run too. But short of some serious quantum leaps from the young cats, I'm not seeing the Heat as a legit threat either.
Washington? Flip Saunders as the head coach isn't going to change the fact that the Cavs of all teams, may have snuffed them out during the prime of their run together. Might be time to break up the band as it were.
Atlanta? If they were to stumble upon or find a 5 that could slide Horford back to his natural position and put Josh Smith at his they'd have something here. Seriously. But Horford's not going to do much against a Dwight Howard any more than Josh Smith can be expected to do against a LeBron. After last season, I'm inclined to believe they're going to linger for a bit. They're younger than most of the heavies in the conference, but they're in DIRE NEED of a center who can play the block.
Beyond those teams that I imagine you're going to hear, nobody else is really worth a damn in my mind. I've got an eye on Charlotte making that leap in the second year of the Larry Brown Experience. In fact, I'm sticking with them as my sleeper team to make the playoffs this year in the East. (If Chandler's legit healthy, they may shock a team or two depending on the draw they're handed.) Every other team in this conference is either marking time until the Summer when they hope to make a run at LeBron (Knicks & Nets please stand up) or just suck too much to acknowledge (Bucks, Pacers, Sixers). Oops, Philly did make the playoffs last year didn't they? Well, that won't happen again this year. :P
So, if I may, allow me to forecast the next few NBA postings to follow from yours truly:
10/17-10/24: The Rest Of The West and Sleepers. Not everyone out West is going to be a serious threat to the Lake Show. To keep you, the viewing public of SB from having to believe the BS you're going to hear and read from every talking head that thinks they know and truly don't, I'm going to take the guesswork out of it for ya. Oh and just a spoiler for what I'm about to type, I can see at least ONE handful of teams (that's four plus your thumb :P) contending in June. Five teams that I see hoisting that trophy other than Los Angeles or Boston and it wouldn't shock me in the least bit.
10/25-Opening Night: There's The Lake Show & Then??? Alright, so I've given away at least two teams of this thing already. Process of elimination and common sense just had to be damned, because in another week and change, you're going to get bombarded with absolute NONSENSE. As you may know by now, I'm pretty great at separating BS from the truth.
That be The NBA Gospel According To Len. Church.
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