Willie Randolph was fired last night by NY Mets GM Omar Minaya. I always thought Willie was a good manager, although he's been a source of ridicule for his teams colossal collapse at the end of last season.
However, I don't really think he was on the hot seat until he played the race card. After he wondered if race was the reason he was being criticized, he had to apologize for invoking color and the "Willie Randolph Watch" was on.
Race is something people in American don't want to talk about. In sports especially, if you use the race card, you're likely to get roasted. I don't understand. Race is a reality, and considering the plight of African Americans I can't blame someone for being at least a little paranoid that their race matters to other people.
A lot of times, they might have legitimate cases. With Willie, I'm not sure, but he wasn't ridiculous for asking the question. I guess for his sake he should have kept his mouth shut. He'd probably still be guiding the good ship Metropolitan. Hopefully he'll be able to bounce back on his feet and get another position.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
While We're At It
Can we stop with all the Kobe and MJ crap? Seriously, check out Kobe's numbers from his five Finals apperances:
Kobe Bryant
2000 Finals (He only played 9 minutes in Game 2, which affected his stats) LA def Indy 4-2
13.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
2001 Finals – LA def Philly 4-1
20.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG
2002 Finals – LA def NJ 4-0
26.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.3 APG
2004 Finals – Det def LA 4-1
22.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.4 APG
2008 Finals – Boston 3-1 over LA
26.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.25 APG
Now peep Jordan's numbers from his six Finals apperances. Its not even close.
Michael Jordan
1991 Finals – Chi def LA 4-1
31.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 11.2 APG
1992 Finals – Chi def Por 4-2
35.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.5 APG
1993 Finals – Chi def Phx 4-2
41.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 6.3 APG
1996 Finals – Chi def Sea 4-2
27.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG
1997 Finals – Chi def Utah 4-2
32.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.0 APG
1998 Finals – Chi def Utah 4-2
33.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.3 APG
31, 6 and 11 in '91? 41, 8 and 6 in '93? 32, 7 and 6 in '97? And well all remember how he went out in '98. Nuff said.
Kobe Bryant
2000 Finals (He only played 9 minutes in Game 2, which affected his stats) LA def Indy 4-2
13.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
2001 Finals – LA def Philly 4-1
20.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG
2002 Finals – LA def NJ 4-0
26.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.3 APG
2004 Finals – Det def LA 4-1
22.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.4 APG
2008 Finals – Boston 3-1 over LA
26.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.25 APG
Now peep Jordan's numbers from his six Finals apperances. Its not even close.
Michael Jordan
1991 Finals – Chi def LA 4-1
31.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 11.2 APG
1992 Finals – Chi def Por 4-2
35.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.5 APG
1993 Finals – Chi def Phx 4-2
41.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 6.3 APG
1996 Finals – Chi def Sea 4-2
27.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG
1997 Finals – Chi def Utah 4-2
32.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.0 APG
1998 Finals – Chi def Utah 4-2
33.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.3 APG
31, 6 and 11 in '91? 41, 8 and 6 in '93? 32, 7 and 6 in '97? And well all remember how he went out in '98. Nuff said.
Up is Down ....
So the Lakers aren't winning in five, and if the series ends in six games it will end with KG crying holding up the trophy. LA is down 3-1 heading into Game 5, the last game at Staples Center and possibly the last game for LA. How the hell did this happen?
In case you live under a rock, the Lakers blew a 40 point lead (OK, they were up by as much as 24) before losing to the Celtics 97-91. After four games, I have to say that Doc Rivers has outcoached Phil Jackson. Not only has he made a mockery of my finals prediction, I ranked him last on my list of NBA coaches.
Here's what went wrong with the Lakers:
First, I think we all were expecting Kobe to have an amazing series. However, he's been far from dominant. Look at this list of the Top 50 Finals performances. Look at some of the stuff Jordan did, who Kobe is always compared to. Its not even close.
Second, Ray Allen seems far from being done. I guess it was his family problems, and not his age, that was holding him back early in the playoffs. (This had to rattle him too)
And of course, Doc Rivers > Phil Jackson to this point. What usually makes Doc bad has made him good in this series. Doc coaches basketball like one of those old-school baseball managers, he goes with his gut. He's not a big X's and O's guys, and doesn't go by the book, which drives some of the purists nuts. He also seems to ignore stats, which makes the guys like me mad.
It wasn't X's and O's or stats that led him to go with KG, Posey, Pierce, Ray Allen and Eddie House in the third quarter, a line-up that gave the Lakers fits. It was his gut. It was his guy that brought House off the bench the past couple of games after watching Sam Cassell stink it up in relief of Rajon Rondo.
And here we are, since LA will probably not take two games in Boston, the worst coach in the NBA will have earned a ring at the expense at one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the game. Down is up.
In case you live under a rock, the Lakers blew a 40 point lead (OK, they were up by as much as 24) before losing to the Celtics 97-91. After four games, I have to say that Doc Rivers has outcoached Phil Jackson. Not only has he made a mockery of my finals prediction, I ranked him last on my list of NBA coaches.
Here's what went wrong with the Lakers:
First, I think we all were expecting Kobe to have an amazing series. However, he's been far from dominant. Look at this list of the Top 50 Finals performances. Look at some of the stuff Jordan did, who Kobe is always compared to. Its not even close.
Second, Ray Allen seems far from being done. I guess it was his family problems, and not his age, that was holding him back early in the playoffs. (This had to rattle him too)
And of course, Doc Rivers > Phil Jackson to this point. What usually makes Doc bad has made him good in this series. Doc coaches basketball like one of those old-school baseball managers, he goes with his gut. He's not a big X's and O's guys, and doesn't go by the book, which drives some of the purists nuts. He also seems to ignore stats, which makes the guys like me mad.
It wasn't X's and O's or stats that led him to go with KG, Posey, Pierce, Ray Allen and Eddie House in the third quarter, a line-up that gave the Lakers fits. It was his gut. It was his guy that brought House off the bench the past couple of games after watching Sam Cassell stink it up in relief of Rajon Rondo.
And here we are, since LA will probably not take two games in Boston, the worst coach in the NBA will have earned a ring at the expense at one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the game. Down is up.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
NBA Fixing Games???? No Way.
Well Tim Donaghy tried to drop a bomb yesterday, accusing the NBA of fixing the Lakers/Kings series in the 2002 Western Conference Finals and another series in '05.
Here's the thing about those allegations. First, its Tim Donaghy talking. He's not exactly the most credible source. He's trying to do what he can to reduce his sentence.
Second, I think every NBA fan already has a level of suspicion about the NBA pulling strings regarding calls and things of that nature.
Can't we all imagine David Stern calling the officials before a game and telling them to do what they can to make sure the series goes to Game 7? Since Stern has been in the league, there has been conspiracies floating about him from fixing the draft so the Knicks can get Ewing to suspending Jordan for gambling for a few years (which led to his baseball stint.)
If this is true, I don't think true basketball fans are going to care much. We already aren't surprised. The key game around the allegations, Game 6 of that Lakers/Kings series, is already considered one of the most egregiously officiated games of all-time. It only makes since that the league wanted the series to go seven.
The thing about fixing games in a sport like basketball is the game is so unpredictable. For instance, lets say the league wanted Boston to sweep LA for some strange reason, which would of course call for the Celtics to win Game 3. The problem is Kobe wasn't losing that game last night, period. The refs could have cheated all they wanted; Mr. Bryant was unstoppable.
Besides, if somebody on the Kings would've just grabbed a rebound, Game 6 wouldn't have mattered anyway.
Here's the thing about those allegations. First, its Tim Donaghy talking. He's not exactly the most credible source. He's trying to do what he can to reduce his sentence.
Second, I think every NBA fan already has a level of suspicion about the NBA pulling strings regarding calls and things of that nature.
Can't we all imagine David Stern calling the officials before a game and telling them to do what they can to make sure the series goes to Game 7? Since Stern has been in the league, there has been conspiracies floating about him from fixing the draft so the Knicks can get Ewing to suspending Jordan for gambling for a few years (which led to his baseball stint.)
If this is true, I don't think true basketball fans are going to care much. We already aren't surprised. The key game around the allegations, Game 6 of that Lakers/Kings series, is already considered one of the most egregiously officiated games of all-time. It only makes since that the league wanted the series to go seven.
The thing about fixing games in a sport like basketball is the game is so unpredictable. For instance, lets say the league wanted Boston to sweep LA for some strange reason, which would of course call for the Celtics to win Game 3. The problem is Kobe wasn't losing that game last night, period. The refs could have cheated all they wanted; Mr. Bryant was unstoppable.
Besides, if somebody on the Kings would've just grabbed a rebound, Game 6 wouldn't have mattered anyway.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Finals Breakdown
As promised, here's the finals break down. And in case you're wondering, the Game 1 Lakers loss has not swayed me from my Lakers in 5 prediction. Here's why:
Point Guard
Derick Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo
Rondo is a lot better than what people give him credit for. Meanwhile, Fisher is still a solid veteran, but he can get torched from time to time. Rondo has the physical capabilities to do so, but the way he gets jerked around its no telling where his head is at.
Advantage: Push
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant vs. Ray Allen
Kobe is the MVP. Ray Allen has looked done for most of the playoffs. I expect Kobe to drop 50 at least once in the Finals, Allen will be lucky to top 30.
Advantage: Lakers
Small Forward
Vladamir Radmonovic vs. Paul Pierce
Pierce has proven me right in saying he's the true Celtics MVP. Meanwhile, Luke Walton should probably start here. Either way, its the Lakers weakest position
Advantage: Boston
Power Forward
Lamar Odom vs. Kevin Garnett
Of course this is going to KG. The end of the fourth quarter was the first time I've ever seen KG demand the ball and be aggressive at the end of a big game. However, the 20, 10 and 5 he gives u is his ceiling. Despite how good he is, Garnett just isn't a 40 point, 20 rebound type guy. With Odom, his head has always prevented his talent from being completely utilized. He looked pissed that he was on the bench to end game one. This can either motivate him or make him more annoyed and hurt his game.
Advantage: Boston
Center
Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins
Personally, Gasol hasn't been as good as people have been hyping him up to be. That said its better the Lakers have him instead of whoever they would be starting at center. On the other side, Kendrick Perkins is really playing like Andrew Bynum was, minus the hype. That said, I'll give this one to Gasol because of his experience.
Advantage: Lakers
Bench
Boston has all the talent in the world on their bench, but they are too deep for their coach to handle. Leon Powe should play every game, but he doesn't get any burn in a lot of games. Sam Cassell is done, but his "veteran" presence and surly demeanor when he doesn't play has earned him playing time.
Meanwhile, the Lakers bench is underrated. They all play well together and with the starters and everyone is used to their role. Phil Jackson usually doesn't surprise people with his rotations like Doc Rivers.
Advantage: Lakers
Coaching
Speaking of which, this is the Lakers' biggest advantage. Phil Jackson is one of the greatest coaches of all time and Doc Rivers is one of the worst coaches in the league.
Advantage: Lakers
Intangibles
The Lakers main intangible is the ability Kobe Bryant has to take over a game. He's the most dangerous player in the league and can go off for 50 at any moment. If he gets hot down the stretch in any close game, its over. While this didn't happen in Game 1, Kobe has been basically Mariano Rivera in the playoffs so far.
Boston's biggest intangible is their home court advantage, which is the best in the league. Also, the league wants this to go at least 6 if not 7 games. This could lead to some suspect officiating in any of the three LA games. Not that I'm a conspiracy theorist or something.
Advantage: Push
Verdict
If Boston had a halfway decent coach, I'd definitely consider them. But I can't take a team coached by Doc Rivers against Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant in any circumstances. Sorry Boston fans.
Lakers in 5.
Point Guard
Derick Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo
Rondo is a lot better than what people give him credit for. Meanwhile, Fisher is still a solid veteran, but he can get torched from time to time. Rondo has the physical capabilities to do so, but the way he gets jerked around its no telling where his head is at.
Advantage: Push
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant vs. Ray Allen
Kobe is the MVP. Ray Allen has looked done for most of the playoffs. I expect Kobe to drop 50 at least once in the Finals, Allen will be lucky to top 30.
Advantage: Lakers
Small Forward
Vladamir Radmonovic vs. Paul Pierce
Pierce has proven me right in saying he's the true Celtics MVP. Meanwhile, Luke Walton should probably start here. Either way, its the Lakers weakest position
Advantage: Boston
Power Forward
Lamar Odom vs. Kevin Garnett
Of course this is going to KG. The end of the fourth quarter was the first time I've ever seen KG demand the ball and be aggressive at the end of a big game. However, the 20, 10 and 5 he gives u is his ceiling. Despite how good he is, Garnett just isn't a 40 point, 20 rebound type guy. With Odom, his head has always prevented his talent from being completely utilized. He looked pissed that he was on the bench to end game one. This can either motivate him or make him more annoyed and hurt his game.
Advantage: Boston
Center
Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins
Personally, Gasol hasn't been as good as people have been hyping him up to be. That said its better the Lakers have him instead of whoever they would be starting at center. On the other side, Kendrick Perkins is really playing like Andrew Bynum was, minus the hype. That said, I'll give this one to Gasol because of his experience.
Advantage: Lakers
Bench
Boston has all the talent in the world on their bench, but they are too deep for their coach to handle. Leon Powe should play every game, but he doesn't get any burn in a lot of games. Sam Cassell is done, but his "veteran" presence and surly demeanor when he doesn't play has earned him playing time.
Meanwhile, the Lakers bench is underrated. They all play well together and with the starters and everyone is used to their role. Phil Jackson usually doesn't surprise people with his rotations like Doc Rivers.
Advantage: Lakers
Coaching
Speaking of which, this is the Lakers' biggest advantage. Phil Jackson is one of the greatest coaches of all time and Doc Rivers is one of the worst coaches in the league.
Advantage: Lakers
Intangibles
The Lakers main intangible is the ability Kobe Bryant has to take over a game. He's the most dangerous player in the league and can go off for 50 at any moment. If he gets hot down the stretch in any close game, its over. While this didn't happen in Game 1, Kobe has been basically Mariano Rivera in the playoffs so far.
Boston's biggest intangible is their home court advantage, which is the best in the league. Also, the league wants this to go at least 6 if not 7 games. This could lead to some suspect officiating in any of the three LA games. Not that I'm a conspiracy theorist or something.
Advantage: Push
Verdict
If Boston had a halfway decent coach, I'd definitely consider them. But I can't take a team coached by Doc Rivers against Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant in any circumstances. Sorry Boston fans.
Lakers in 5.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
