NBA DAILYTAKE

ESPN EXPERTS EXPOSED

2010-05-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Link: http://i43.tinypic.com/v8elpi.jpg
That is all.

Kobe Bryant: 5th consecutive All-NBA defensive 1st team and All-NBA 1st team

2010-05-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

link: http://i41.tinypic.com/20saedw.jpg

Kobe now has 10 All-defensive selections:
8 x All-Defensive 1st team selections
2 x All-Defensive 2nd team

Kobe now has 12 All-NBA team selections:
8 X All-NBA 1st team
2X All-NBA 2nd team
2X All-NBA 3rd team

Alborz Zandian

Best NBA Players by Position 2000-2010

2010-02-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

Point Gaurds
2000: Jason Kidd
2001: Allen Iverson
2002: Jason Kidd
2003: Jason Kidd
2004: Chauncey Billups
2005: Steve Nash
2006: Steve Nash
2007: Baron Davis
2008: Chris Paul
2009: Chauncey Billups
2010: Deron Williams

Leader: Jason Kidd/Chauncey Billups (3)

Shooting-Gaurds
2000: Kobe Bryant
2001: Kobe bryant
2002: Kobe Bryant
2003: Kobe Bryant
2004: Kobe Bryant
2005: Kobe Bryant
2006: Kobe Bryant
2007: Kobe Bryant
2008: Kobe Bryant
2009: Kobe Bryant
2010: Kobe Bryant

Leader: Kobe Bryant (11)

Small Forwards
2000: Grant Hill
2001: Paul Pierce
2002: Tracy McGrady
2003: Tracy McGrady
2004: Tracy McGrady
2005: Tracy McGrady
2006: Lebron James
2007: Lebron James
2008: Lebron James
2009: Lebron James
2010: Lebron James

Leader: Lebron James (5)

Power-Forwards
2000: Tim Duncan
2001: Chris Webber
2002: Tim Duncan
2003: Tim Duncan
2004: Kevin Garnett
2005: Tim Duncan
2006: Dirk Nowitzki
2007: Dirk Nowitzki
2008: Kevin Garnett
2009: Pau Gasol
2010: Dirk Nowitzki

Leader: Tim Duncan (4)

Centers
2000: Shaquille O'neal
2001: Shaquille O'neal
2002: Shaquille O'neal
2003: Shaquille O'neal
2004: Shaquille O'neal
2005: Shaquille O'neal
2006: Shaquille O'neal
2007: Yao Ming
2008: Yao Ming
2009: Dwight Howard
2010: Dwight Howard

Leader: Shaquille O'neal (7)

Top Recipients:
PG: Jason Kidd (3/11)
SG: Kobe Bryant (11/11)
SF: Lebron James (5/7)*
PF: Tim Duncan (4/11)
C: Shaquille O'neal (7/11)

*Only played in 7 seasons

Alborz Zandian

Kobe hits 3rd buzzer beater game winner in 4 weeks

2010-01-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

KB42PAH

List of Kobe Game winners:

12/27/99: Lakers 108 - Mavericks 106 (game-winning FTs)
02/13/00: Lakers 113 - Nets 110 (OT game-winning layup with the and-1)
05/10/00: Lakers 97 - Phoenix 96 (playoffs, jumper over Jason Kidd)
*06/14/00: Lakers 120 - Pacers 118 (*evenatual g-winner* NBA Finals, off reb and put back)
11/16/00: Lakers 112 - Kings 110 (OT game-tying 3 pointer for OT, & jumper for win)
02/07/01: Lakers 85 - Phoenix 83 (jumper with 2.7 sec)
01/02/02: Lakers 87 - Nuggets 86 (off reb and the jumper)
02/22/02: Lakers 96 - Hornets 94 (first career buzzer-beater jumper)
03/24/02: Lakers 97 - Kings 96 (fade-away with 36 sec)
05/12/02: Lakers 87 - Spurs 85 (playoffs, off reb for the put back)
12/06/02: Lakers 105 - Mavericks 103 (28-point game comeback, spin-around jumper)
04/04/03: Lakers 102 - Grizzlies 101 (buzzer beater jumper)
04/06/03: Lakers 115 - Suns 113 (final jumper with 28.6 sec)
12/19/03: Lakers 101 - Nuggets 99 (game after the trial, fade-away)
02/17/04: Lakers 89 - Blazers 86 (layup and the foul)
03/03/04: Lakers 96 - Rockets 93 (jumper over Yao with 22 sec)
03/21/04: Lakers 104 - Bucks 103 (OT jumper with 25 sec)
04/14/04: Lakers 105 - Blazers 104 (OT game-tying 3-pointer then g-winning 3-pt buzzer-beater)
03/13/05: Lakers 117 - Bobcats 116 (pump fake jumper for the win)
11/02/05: Lakers 99 - Nuggets 97 (OT jumper after the Kwame brick)
12/04/05: Lakers 99 - Bobcats 98 (game-winning FTs)
01/07/06: Lakers 112 - Clippers 109 (game-winning off-the-window shot)
01/12/06: Lakers 99 - Cavaliers 98 (jumper against Lebron with 8 sec, & Lebron choking)
04/30/06: Lakers 99 - Suns 98 (OT game-tying tear drop for OT, and game-winning jumper)
01/14/08: Lakers 123 - Sonics 121 (OT game-winning jumper)
01/09/09: Lakers 121 - Pacers 119 (jumper against Jarrett Jack with 3 sec)
12/04/09: Lakers 108 - Heat 107 (game-winning buzzer-beater 3-pointer over Wade)
12/16/09: Lakers 107 - Bucks 106 (game-winning buzzer-beating jumper over Bell)
01/01/10: Lakers 109 - Kings 108 (game-winning buzzer-beater 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds left and 0.1 remaining)

KB42PAH KB42PAH KB42PAH Alborz

Kobe's Injury showcases his great Left Hand

2009-12-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Avulsion fracture causes when a piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon and according to reports no further observation is required in this case as it is already cleared to be an avulsion fracture. He will have to spend at least 6 weeks with some sort of splint, as physicians have suggested splint, very similar he had on in the second half against Minnesota. It could also have taken longer time to heel the bone.

Bryant used this as a great excuse to demonstrate his great off hand.

Alborz Zandian KB42PAH

2009-2010 Lakers playoff predictions

2009-11-29T23:39:00.001-08:00

11/29/2009: My expert playoff predictions for Lakers

It's no suprise that Lakers will repeat in 2010, but here is exactly how they will do it:

Probable opponents (my expected opponent in bold):
1st round: Thunder, Rockets (Lakers 4-0)
2nd round: Spurs, Blazers (Lakers 4-0)
3rd round, WCF:: Nuggets, Mavs (Lakers 4-1)
4th Round, NBA FINALS: Celtics, Magic, Cavs (Lakers 4-2)

Kobe Bryant - Beethoven in Sneakers

2009-11-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

Conductor Bryant Ends Denver's Dream Season

With everyone expecting the Lakers to lose on the road, Kobe Bryant delivers a masterful preformance - conducting his team and orchestrating a win.

Kobe Bryant 35 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds

KB42PAH Alborz

Kobe passes Kareem on Lakers total points list

2009-11-21T11:41:00.001-08:00

Looks like he will finish the year with around 26,100-26,350 points which will have him as #1 most points scored by a Lakers player by the end of the year ( passing Jerry West).

Many wonder if Kobe can pass Kareem in all time points scored. It purely depends on how long he plays at a high level. If Kobe averages around 2,200+ point per/regular season over the next 6 (not including this one), it could happen very soon.

Alborz Kobe Alborz KB42PAH
Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

Kobe beats Pau Gasol in 1 on 1 post game

2009-11-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

And even a possible return of Pau Gasol from a hamstring injury Thursday night won't deter Bryant from occupying the post.

"Noooooo, not at all," Bryant said.

"When you talk to Pau, ask him who won our one-on-one post game. I'll give you a hint: it wasn't him."

More reason to believe that Kobe Bryant is the best post player in the NBA. A 6''6 guard beating a 7''0 Pau Gasol in the post.
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Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

09-10: Kobe #1 in points in paint

2009-11-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

Kobe has made a clear effort to score from midrange and post this season, all but abandoning the 3 point shot.

Points in paint leaders:

#1: Kobe Bryant
#2: Andrew Bynum

More detailed stats to come soon.
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Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

Kobe Gets 100th 40 Point game

2009-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

Kobe gets his 100th 40+ point game vs Detroit on Wednesday night.
For a full list of Bryant's 40+ point games: Link

Updated Stats 11 games in:
Record 8-3
31.0 ppg, 2.3 spg (48.5%)

4 games of 40+ points :
40 vs detroit (17/29 FG)
41 vs memphis (19/30 FG)
41 vs houston (15/30FG)
41 vs hawks (15/29 FG)
Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe
Alborz Kobe Alborz KB42PAH

The Zone Era KB42PAH

2009-09-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Blue: Isolation era+Handchecking
Red: Zone era+Handchecking (Best defensive era in NBA history)
Green: Zone Era without handchecking

Conclusion: Clearly stats from the 80s and 90s - both PPG+FG%- are inflated, due to faster run-and-gun pace (think 2005 Suns, 2007 Warriors), inferior defense, and inferior players.

Conclusion: Free throw attempts per game and fouls per game have decreased substaintially from the 80s and 90s.

What do the players think?

Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady

KICKS: If you guys could change one rule in the League, what would it be?
Kevin Garnett: No zone.
Tim Duncan : Yeah, the zone.
Kevin Garnett: If there was one rule I could change today, it would be the zone.

KICKS: Because it didn’t do what they thought it would do?
Kevin Garnett: I think it puts players that are really good at a disadvantage, so to speak. Everybody here gets double-teams, if not triple-teams, so we can all speak on this. But it sorta—I remember Phoenix sat somebody literally right there [in the lane].
Tracy McGrady: It makes it hard for a guy like me—
Kevin Garnett: —who penetrates.
Tim Duncan: It makes it hard for all of us.
Tracy McGrady: It’s tough on all of us, it really is. When you’re tryin’ to make a move, and you got another guy sittin’ right there on the same side just waitin’…
Kevin Garnett: Waitin’ on you!
Tracy McGrady: Just waitin’.
Kevin Garnett: He ain’t even playin’ his man!
Tracy McGrady: Nah, not at all.
Link

November, 2007: Kobe Bryant:

"The rules are completely different now,'' said Bryant, comparing his era to Jordan's. "I've always been able to shoot the ball, but the rules have changed since he played in terms of playing a zone defense. You have to be a jump shooter now because there's no way you can get to the basket -- particularly myself because they just stack guys up. I wish we had the rules they had back in the day where you could isolate guys and you could go to the basket anytime. But now you have to be able to shoot.''
Link:

2001, P.J Brown:

"I don't think it's good at all. Zones will bring the games to a grind," Charlotte forward P.J. Brown said.

2001, Shaquille O'neal:

"Stinks," the Los Angeles star said. "I have a lot to say, but not now.

2001, Colangelo, on why the rule change was proposed:

"Our belief is that the game has evolved, and the product we have presently was one that needed attention," Colangelo said "The game has changed in the sense that we've lost a lot of fluidity. We've evolved into an isolation game because of our defensive guidelines, and we weren't satisfied with the way the game looked."
Link:

An Argument in favor of Modernity

Everything gets better with time: technology, sports, science, education, etc. The best players, the best era of every sports are in the current era.

Swimming: Phelps, greatest swimmer that has ever lived
Golf: Tiger, greatest golfer that has ever lived
Running: Usain Bolt, fastest runner that has ever lived
Tennis: Federer, greatest tennis player that has ever lived
MMA: Fedor, greatest fighter that has ever lived.
Weightlifting: Ronnie Coleman, greatest weightlifter that has ever lived
NFL, Soccer: Now they are better than ever.
NBA: Best it has EVER been . Yet people are delusional and think it was better 30 years ago??! Complete nonsense.

This era has:

75% of the game's greatest perimeter players: Kobe, LeBron, Wade (Jordan being the other)
43% of the game's greatest perimeter players: Shaq, Duncan, Garnett (Hakeem, Kareem, Wilt, Russel being the others)
Some of the best PGs: Kidd, Nash, Billups, CP3, Deron Williams, Baron Davis, Tony Parker
Some of the games best shooters ever: Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitszki, Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic Kobe Bryant
Best scorers/swingmen: Kobe, Wade, Lebron, Carter, Pierce, Melo, Iverson, etc
The games most amazing physical specimens: Shaq, Lebron, Dwight
The games most versatile big men: Dirk, Garnett

-2008 was the most competitive year in NBA history. All 8 teams in the western conference won 50+ games
-No team has repeated since zone has been legalized .

The players are bigger, stronger, faster, better, all while having more fundamentals and skills. This era is better defensively, better talent wise, better competitively. If you think Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever, that's fine. There is no problem there. If you think Michael would have dominated this era, that's perfectly fine - I agree there, Jordan would have dominated any era. However, you cannot deny that the players are stronger, faster, better offensively, better defensively, and better talent wise.

KB42PAH

00s/zone era: The greatest era of basketball.

My 2 videos on zone defense:

Alborz Kobe Alborz KB42PAH
Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

Just how tired is Kobe?

2009-05-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Throughout the stretch of the 2008-2009 season, Kobe looked noticeably gassed, even admitting to playing with the intention of conserving energy. After tonight's spectacular 41 point outing at Denver, Kobe looked the most fatigued I have seen him since game 5 of the Spurs/Lakers 2004 series (when he supposedly fainted after the game). Bryant mentioned post game tonight that he "could not feel his legs" and had to lean over during his post game interview.

Here's a look at just why Kobe is so damn tired:

2004-2005 off season: Black out summer 5 AM-to-noon, 7 hours a day, hardcore training: 5 mile jog, 1000+ made jumpers DAILY
2005-2006: 80 games, 7 playoff games - off season: Arthroscopic knee surgery, scar tissue/cartilage, rehab
2006-2007: 77 games, 5 playoff games, off season: FIBA game, summer games
2007-2008: 82 games, 21 playoff games, off-season: Beijing, Summer Olympics
2008-2009: 82 games, 15 playoff games so far ( and counting)

Last 4 seasons:

321/328 Regular Season games (4/7 missed due to suspensions), averaging 30.5 ppg
48 playoff games, averaging 30.0 ppg
9,786 Regular season points
1,434 Playoff points
2 Summers of Olympic FIBA basketball
2 NBA scoring titles
4 All-NBA 1st team
4 All-NBA 1st team defensive
2007 ASG MVP
2008 Regular season MVP
2008 Olympic Gold Medal
2008 Western Conference Champions
2009 ASG MVP
2009 MVP Runner-up
1 Knee surgery/Rehab

That's some mileage. Whatever happens this post season, I really hope Kobe takes an extended rest. Normally he only takes 2 weeks off, then gets back to his off season training. Take a month off this summer Kobe, you've earned it.
Alborz Kobe Alborz KB42PAH
Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

2009 Playoff Predictions

2009-04-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

KB42PAH

Deadliest Offensive Weapons in NBA History

2009-01-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

Shaquille O'neal's Drop Step:

Arguably the most physically unstoppable move of all-time. Impossible to guard 1 on 1, and so dominant that the other team fouled him half-way through the move to prevent a guaranteed basket. It was also so dominant that the league had to legalize zone defense to contain him.

Michael Jordan's Fadeaway:

The original master of the fadeaway, a lethal post move used by the best post-up guard to ever play the game. This move was so aesthetically pleasing, graceful, and reliable, that many other great players have tried to replicate it.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Skyhook:

Magic calls it the "the most beautiful shot in basketball." Another seemingly unblockable shot patended by one of the best centers to ever play. Unfortunately, no big men seem to have the courage or the ability to continue this shot in today's game.

Kobe Bryant's Jumpshot:

It's the ability to rise up and shoot over any defender, any contest, anywhere past halfcourt. It is the same jumpshot that has netted Kobe so many scoring binges and historic records. The deadliest jumpshot of all time.

Alborz Kobe Alborz KB42PAH
Alborz KB42PAH Alborz Kobe

Best Player of the Decade? Not Tim Duncan.

2009-01-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

Double Standard 1: Everyone harps on Kobe for playing with Shaq, yet no one harps on Duncan for having Manu, Parker, Bowen and other amazing players.
Shaq has played in the NBA 17 seasons, he only has 4 rings, he is not an automatic championship. In fact, he was not even in his physical prime during the threepeat championship run. He was significantly overweight almost every season during that run.

Double Standard 2: Duncan has played on a contending, elite team since he came into the NBA. Kobe has been rebuilding for 3 seasons in the 2000's (2005,2006,2007) and he may still end up with more rings in the decade.

Myth 1: Duncan has more impact for his team .

Kobe's Roles for his team:

-Primary Scorer
-Primary Defender
-Primary go to player in 4th
-Primary playmaker

Duncan's Roles for team:

-Not a primary scorer (very well-balanced scoring)
-Bowen is the primary defender (Duncan anchors the paint, but Bowen denies penetration, guards best players on other team)
-Manu and Parker are the go to guys in the 4th (Duncan also has his moments, but he is not self-sufficient)
-Parker is the primary playmaker

Myth 2: Duncan is more dominant than Kobe.

If you are going to call Duncan dominant, I guess we should call Kevin Garnett and Elton Brand dominant as well. Don't confuse dominance with consistency. The truth of the matter is Kobe is far more dominant than Timmy.

80+ point games: Kobe 1, Duncan 0
70+ point games Kobe 1, Duncan 0
60+ point games: Kobe 4, Duncan 0
50+ point games: Kobe 24, Duncan 0
40+ point games: Kobe 100, Duncan 9

January 14, 2002: Kobe score 56 points in 3 quarters. Memphis scores 59 in 3 quarters.

December 20, 2005: Kobe outscores the entire Dallas Mavericks team 62-61 at the end of the third quarter. This is the first and only time a player has outscored a team after 3 quarters.

Kobe Bryant is the only player who has can outscore an entire opposing team, you dont' get any more dominant than that. No one else has come close to matching Kobe in that regard - not Shaq, not Jordan and definately not Duncan.

Myth 3: Tim Duncan is the most fundamentally sound player in the NBA.

Tim Duncan's game has weaknessses - free throw shooting, three point shooting.
Kobe Bryant's game does not have any weaknesses. He is the most complete player in the game.

Kobe Bryant:

4 Championship (2000,2001,2002, 2009)
6 NBA Finals (2000,2001,2002,2004,2008, 2009)
1 NBA Finals MVP
2 Scoring Titles (2006, 2007)
1 Gold Medal (2008)
2 All-Star MVP (2001,2007)
1 NBA MVP (2008)
7 NBA All NBA 1st team
7 NBA All-Defensive 1st team
3 30+ ppg seasons
6 2000+ point seasons
1 SDC (1996)

Tim Duncan:

4 Championships (1999,2003,2005,2007)
4 NBA Finals (1999,2003,2005,2007)
3 Finals MVP (1999,2003, 2005)
0 Scoring Titles
0 Gold Medals
1 All-Star MVP (2004)
2 NBA MVP (2003,2004)
9 NBA All NBA 1st team
9 NBA All-Defensive 1st team
0 30 ppg seasons
1 2000+ point seasons

Head-to-Head playoff series: 6

1999: Spurs beat Lakers 4-0
2001: Lakers beat Spurs 4-0
2002: Lakers beat Spurs 4-1
2003: Spurs beat Lakers 4-2
2004: Lakers beat Spurs 4-2
2008: Lakers beat Spurs 4-1

Head-to-Head Playoff series wins:
Kobe: 4
Duncan: 2

What the Future Holds:

Lakers: By far the best team in the West, Kobe is only 30 and all his core is way younger than he is. He will play dominant basketball till age 35, and can play well even up till 37 or 38 because Bynum will be a force by then. That gives Kobe 7-8 more contending seasons.

Lakers core: Bryant 30, Odom 29, Gasol 27, Bynum 20
Cumulative Age: 106 years
Average Age: 26.5 years

Spurs: Spurs are still a great team, same experienced core that has carried them so far, but everyone knows they are done. Age has caught up with them.

Spurs core: Bowen 38, Duncan 32, Ginobili 31, Parker 26
Cumulative Age: 127 years
Average Age: 31.75 years

Lakers will likely win 2-3 more rings, while Spurs will most likely not win any more rings. Duncan is a great player, one of the premier power forwards of all-time and this article is not taking anything away from him. But Kobe is more dominant than Duncan, and make no mistake that he will finish with more rings when its all said and done.

And just for fun:

2008 NBA FINALS: Kobe Bryant vs. Boston Celtics Zone Defense

2008-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQaVvf2VOsc

Coaches in the Hotseat

2008-04-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Mike D'antoni, Phoenix Suns: Has accomplished nothing with one of the best teams in the NBA. He isn't even much of a coach, and now that Phoenix has adopted a new style of play - he is expendable.

Likely Scenario: D'antoni out - Jeff Van Gundy in. Now that the Suns have decided to play halfcourt basketball they need a half court coach. They also need defense more than anything, and Van Gundy will provide that.

Avery Johnson, Dallas Mavericks: It seems like just yesterday that Avery Johnson had won his Coach of the Year award and his team was 2 games away from the NBA title. Since then, they have gone 3-12 in the playoffs and have been knocked out for the 2nd straight time in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Likely Scenario: Avery Johnson will be fired and a new style of play will be adopted. There will also be roster changes over the off-season.

Flip Saunders, Detroit Pistons: The Pistons have not accomplished anything since their 2004 Championship. They lost to an inferior Heat team, then lost to an inferior Cavs team, and now they are tied 2-2 with the Philadelphia led 76ers. I exposed Flip in last year's playoffs after Lebron's monstrous game 5 performance.

Likely Scenario: In all honesty, I don't know what will happen. It really depends on the Piston's performance. I was certain that Dumars would fire Saunders after last years playoffs, but he didn't.

George Karl, Denver Nuggets: Has been the coach of a team that has lost in the 1st round of the playoffs 5 years in a row. His team doesn't play defense, and they play uninspired basketball. A lot of it has to do with their cancerous personnel, but without defense the Nuggets are going nowhere.

Likely Scenario: Goerge Karl will either remain the head coach or he will resign before he gets fired. The Nuggets will also see roster changes and player movement in the summer.

KB42PAH Alborz

2008 Playoff Predictions

2008-04-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Paul: A Leading MVP Candidate Despite Blatant Racial Bias by Mianstream Media.

2008-03-06T03:05:00.000-08:00

A True Competitor:

Chris Paul's competitiveness has to be his most overlooked characteristic as a basketball player. Whenever he gets matched up against another upper-echelon point guard, Paul makes sure to bring his 'A-game.' The true measure of competitive greatness is how you perform against the best the game has to offer. Over the past 2 weeks Chris Paul has not disappointed.

Chris Paul vs Jason Kidd:

Paul: 31 points, 11 assists, 9 steals, 5 rebounds, 1 TO ( 11-20 FG)
Kidd: 8 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 6 rebounds, 6 TO (3-6 FG)

Storyline: Paul dominates Kidd's debut in Dallas. Hornets win 104-93

Chris Paul vs. Steve Nash:

Paul: 25 points, 15 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 TO (9-21 FG)
Nash: 8 points, 13 assists, 0 rebounds 0 steals, 4 TO (1-6 FG)

Storyline: Paul dominates the game offensively and defensively, torching Nash with a 15:1 assist-turnover ratio. Hornets win 120-103.

Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams:

Paul: 24 points, 16 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, 1 TO (5-15 FG)
Williams: 22 points, 10 assists, 0 steals, 2 rebounds, 4 TO (8-14 FG)

Storyline: Paul dominates Williams on National television. The Hornets 38-15 1st quarter lead was too much to overcome. Paul finishes a monstrous 16:1 assist-turnover ratio. Hornets win 110-98.

Racial Bias Against Chris Paul:

Chis Paul has been absolutely amazing all season long, yet the media has been consistently against him. Many so-called experts didn't even have the Hornets in their top 8 seeds, yet to everyone's surprise, Paul has lead his gang to the top of the Elite Western Conference (the toughest conference in NBA History). Many misinformed sportscasters are saying that this years' MVP contest is a two man race between Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. A couple of things strike me as odd:

1) How is Lebron James a top tier candidate? Look, numbers wise, Lebron is an absolute beast. His box scores bring back shades of Oscar Robertson and he is an undisputed force to be reckoned with. No one can argue there. But, the MVP award isn't about having the best numbers or being the best player, its about being the best player on the best team. Thats the unwritten definition that the media has interpreted for the award since 1981. The MVP award is a much a team award as it is an individual award. I don't agree with it, but thats what it has been defined as. So going of precedence alone, Lebron James should not be a legitimate candidate for the award, especially if his Cavs don't crack the 50-win mark.

2) Steve Nash won the MVP award in 2005-2006 for:

A) Making his teammates better
B) Thriving in the West, despite low expectations (Amare's Injury)

That being said, lets compare Nash's numbers in 05-06 to Paul's in 07-08:

Nash 05-06: 18.8 ppg, 10.5 apg, 4.2 rpg, 0.8 spg, 3.5 TO
Paul 07-08: 21.0 ppg, 10.9 apg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 spg, 2.5 TO

Breakdown: Not only is Paul besting Nash in points, assists and turnovers, but he is leading the NBA in steals per game. Paul is the best point guard on BOTH sides of the floor, unlike Nash who is a one-trick pony that plays absolutely no defense. On top of that, Paul has lower expectations in 2007-2008 than Nash did in 2005-2006.

Steve Nash won an overwhelming victory and was being talked about all season long by the media. They put Nash so high on a pedestal that you'd think he was the next best thing since sliced bread. Paul on the other hand, isn't even considered to be a candidate by most of the media. The media is hyping the 2007-2008 contest as a two man race, even though Paul is by definition both more valuable and more deserving. This proves that either:

A) Nash's 2005-2006 MVP award was illegitimate and was given to him because he was White. Subliminally, the voters were affected by Nash's ethnicity. After all, he is vertically challenged, white, and unathletic. In a sense, he shares a lot in common with the voters. They can relate to him easily because of these mutual similarities, thus subliminally affecting their voting process. This theory, isn't too implausible to believe either. After all, Larry Bird won three consecutive MVP's, but let's not go there.

or

B) That Chris Paul is being marginalized and overlooked because he's black and because he plays in a smaller market (New Orleans), which struggles to sell out its own home games. The past 3 MVP's have all been white, and apparently it is more impressive to be good at basketball and to be white, than it is to be black. Now, many people will point out that a majority of the MVP winners have been black in the course of NBA history. But that would be a gross oversimplification of what is truly a significant issue.

Conclusion: Do I feel that Chris Paul is being marginalized because he is black? Not necessarily. In fact, I don't feel it that way. After all, all of the five leading candidates are black, so I don't feel race is a factor in this years contest. However, I do feel that Steve Nash was put on a pedestal because he was white. Anyway you look at it, there is no doubt that race has and will continue to affect MVP voting. Chris Paul is doing everything Nash did and then some, yet he isn't getting nearly the same media coverage, appreciation, or recognition. So racially, compared to Steve Nash in 2005-2006, Paul is at a significant disadvantage.

The Ballot: To me, the two true frontrunner's for the award are Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. Those two should be #1 and #2 on everyone's ballot. Then you have Lebron James, Kevin Garnett, and Dwight Howard as the remaining three candidates, although none of them is in any way deserving of the award. In the end, the winner of the Western Conference will likely take the award.

Team Midrange

2008-02-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

The mighty Celtics just got mightier through the acquisition of two key veterans: Sam Cassell and P.J Brown. Both of these players are consistent and deadly mid-range shooters. In fact, Sam Cassell is a midrange legend.

With these acquisitions the Cetlics are arguably the greatest midrange shooting team ever assembled.

Sam Cassell. Ray Allen. Paul Pierce. P.J Brown. Kevin Garnett - all lethal midrange shooters.

NBA Finals Leap Year Theory

2008-02-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Lakers are well on their way to the NBA finals. That is if you believe in the "Phil Jackson/Lakers Leap Year Theory." Either a Phil Jackson coached team or a Lakers team has made the NBA finals every leap year from 1980-present.

1980: Lakers Win the NBA Championship (4-2)
1984: Lakers lose in the NBA Finals (3-4)
1988: Lakers win the NBA Championship (4-3)
1992: Phil's Bulls win the NBA Championship (4-2)
1996: Phil's Bulls win the NBA Championship (4-2)
2000: Phil's Lakers win the NBA Championship (4-2)
2004: Phil's Lakers lose in the NBA Finals (1-4)
2008: ?

The Lakers are the current favorites to win it, but now you also have this added tidbit to keep yourself busy with. It may be a good time to start placing your bets...

KB42PAH

2007-2008: NBA's Top 10 players (Updated)

2007-11-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

List based on skill sets, completeness as a player, and value to team.

1) Kobe Bryant: Kobe is doing it all. He is on his way to winning his 1st NBA MVP award, he has his team on top of the most competitive conference in NBA history, and is doing it without even breaking a sweat. Did I mention he is playing through a torn ligament and broken bone in his shooting hand?

2) Lebron James: It is easy to forget that Lebron James is only 23 years old. Arguably the most physically gifted player in the NBA, James managed to take his Cavs all the way to the NBA finals. Despite of his post-season success and international stardom however, James possesses many basketball deficiencies as a player. He is still only a 69% free throw shooter and has a reputation of choking in crunch-time. Lebron's Impact on the game is huge and he preforms consistently night in and night out for his team.

3) Chris Paul: What can we say about Chris Paul that hasn't already been said? This guy has one of the highest basketball IQ's, making him the best 'anticipator' in this league. He has also replaced Allen Iverson as the best ball-handler in the league. Paul is just so poised and mature at this young stage of his career, he is truly a coaches dream. He is putting up remarkable numbers and has his team among the top in the toughest conference in NBA History.

4) Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett was the second-best player in the NBA for the past few years. Despite Garnett's struggles in Minnesota, his amazing skills, accentuated with his exuberant passion and insatiable hunger makes him the most dominant force in the Eastern Conference.

5) Dwight Howard: As I predicted, Dwight has led his team to the top of the Southeast Division. After winning up the Slam Dunk Contest, Dwight is on his way to winning the rebounding title, averaging a monstrous 21 ppg and 15 rpg.

6) Tim Duncan: Duncan has fallen off his game substantially. In fact, I have argued that Ginobili and Parker are more important to the teams success than he is. That being said, Tim Duncan will continue to provide his Spurs with his usual leadership and solid numbers. His poor man-to-man defense and his weak free-throw shooting are the only deficiencies in his game.

7) Yao Ming: How do you stop a 7 foot 6, 320 pound center, who is amazingly one of the best shooters in the entire NBA? You don't. The only thing stopping Yao Ming from dominating the entire league is his conditioning. When Yao gets that down - look out. Unfortunately, Yao has gone down with another leg injury. Its a tragic setback for one of the great personalities of his game.

8) Deron Williams: The Sky is the limit for Deron Williams. His amazing leadership, his flawless work-ethic, and amazing decisions on the court ensures his place among the game's elite. Williams is the second best shooting PG in the league after Steve Nash, and he will likely be in the Hall of Fame when it is all said and done.

9) Dirk Nowitski: Despite his reputation as a choker, Dirk is a top 10 player in this league. His jumper is virtually unstoppable when hes on, and he averages down double-digits in rebounds to go along with it.

10) Manu Ginobili: Manu has been the 2nd best SG in the NBA for a while now. He can do it all, and if he wasn't so unselfish, there is no doubt in my mind that he could average 27+ ppg in this league.

2007-2008 Season Predictions

2007-10-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

Eastern Conference standings:

1) Boston Celtics (Win Atlantic division)
2) Detroit Pistons (Win Central division)
3) Chicago Bulls (3rd best record)
4) Orlando Magic (Win Southeast division)
5) Toronto Raptors
6) Cleveland Cavaliers
7) New York Knicks
8) New Jersey Nets

Note: Miami will miss the playoffs.

Western Conference standings:

1) San Antonio Spurs (Win Atlantic division)
2) Dallas Mavericks (2nd best record)
3) Los Angeles Lakers (Win Pacific)
4) Utah Jazz (Win Northwest division)
5) Houston Rockets
6) Denver Nuggets
7) Phoenix Suns
8) Golden State Warriors

Note: Steve Nash is due for an injury, Amare Stoudamire had yet another surgery, and Shawn Marion will likely be dealt by the trade deadline. That said, it is easy to see why the Suns' window for a championship has passed. The 2007-2008 season will officially be their demise. With such a lack of competition in the Pacific division, I envision a healthy Lakers squad winning the pacific with a 54-28 record.

MVP: Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant
All-Star MVP: Gilbert Arenas or Tim Duncan
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant
Slam Dunk Champion: James White or Rodney Carney (candidacy not established)
Scoring Champion: Kobe Bryant
Most Improved Player: Luol Deng

Note: Tim Duncan has won both multiple regular season MVP awards and Finals MVP awards. While Duncan is not the type to seek personal accolades, I bet that he really wants an All-Star MVP for two reasons. First of, he is probably still upset about losing the Finals MVP to Tony Parker. Second, he simply has never won one before, so its a challenge. Of course Carmelo may be a candidates for the All-star MVP simply because he is a chucker, and if Kobe really wants to win it, no one will stop him .

Chicago's Smart Salary Cap Management May Bring the Bulls a Championship

2007-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Many General Managers in the NBA could learn from a man like John Paxson. While many thought that the Bulls would forever be plagued in the 'Post-Jordan era,' Paxson has proven that smart fiscal decisions can turn dreams into realities.

The young core of Chicago, commonly known as the "Baby-Bulls," raised eyebrows in this year's playoffs. Despite their underdog status, the Bulls proved they are a team to be reckoned with after they swept the defending champions - the Miami Heat - in the first round.

With the emergence of Luol Deng as an all-star, Kirk Hinrich's unquestioned leadership, and Thabo Sefolosha's lockdown defense, comes the promise of a championship. However, the Bulls are lacking a true post presence and are about one piece short of holding the Larry O'brien trophy. That player will join them within the next two years.

While many general managers tend to irrationally spend excessive amounts of cash on unproven and overrated players, Paxson understood that by spending less in the short-run, it would pay off in the long-run.

So who are the players that can make or break the Chicago Bulls' dream of a championship? Kobe Bryant and Jermaine O'neal.

Jermaine O'neal

With Jermaine O'neal having threatened to opt out, I believe that the pacers will deal him at the trade deadline. If they don't however, he will however opt out and be a F.A.

While he might desire playing for the Lakers, Los Angeles' salary cap situation might change his mind. Because the Lakers can only offer him the mid-level exception (MLE), I personally don't see him signing with LA.

One team that needs a post presence and has the financial means to sign him is the Chicago Bulls. If Jermaine O'neal signs with the bulls in 2008-2009, they will be hands-down the best team in the league.

In two seasons, the Spurs, Suns, and Heat will be pretty old and they will all ultimately end up losing key pieces of their roster (respectively - Shaquille O'neal, Shawn Marion, Robert Horry, Michael finely, etc).

If things pan out, the Bulls roster may look like this:

PG:Ben Gordon/Chris Duhon
SG:Kirk Hinrich/Thabo Sefolosha
SF:Luol Deng/Andres Nocioni
PF:Jermaine O'neal/P.J Brown/Joakim Noah
C: Ben Wallace/Tyrus Thomas

When you factor in the growth and development of Deng as an All-star, and the defensive excellence down the roster, I see this roster as the best team in the league.

Kobe Bryant

Even if the Bulls do not land Jermaine O'neal, they will be able to sign a super-star in Kobe Bryant. A trio of Bryant, Deng and Hinrich would rival that of every other team in the league.

PG:Kirk Hinrich/Ben Gordon/Chris Duhon
SG:Kobe Bryant/Thabo Sefolosha
SF:Luol Deng/Andres Nocioni
PF:Joakim Noah
C: Ben Wallace/Tyrus Thomas

This prospective team would have it all scoring, rebounding, shooting, defense, you name it.

Other teams to look out for in 2009 will be the Blazers, Celtics, Raptors, Magic and the Timberwolves.

Obviously this is all just speculation and no one knows anything for certain. One small move could change everything and make this whole thread obsolete (i.e: Kobe to Jazz), but its something to think about and John Paxson deserves much praise.

Ranking the Top Ten Players of All-Time

2007-06-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

Ranking the NBA's best is a daunting task that requires plenty of patience, analysis and consideration. Some base it on individual merits and accolades-championships, MVP awards, etc; Others base it on a player's skills, abilities, and influence on the game. Ultimately, regardless of one's position, there can exist some type of compromise.

My top 10 list All-Time would go (in no particular order):
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Magic Johnson
Tim Duncan
Shaquille O'neal
Oscar Robertson
Wilt Chamberlain
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Hakeem Olajuwon
Kevin Garnett
*Honorable Mentions: Jason Kidd, Larry Bird, Bill Russell.

Why does Bill Russell not make the Cut?

Russell fails to make the cut for several reasons.

1) Due to his era, his numbers were inflated. It was simly a different game.
2) Rule variations: No 3-second rule, No 5-second back-to-basket rule, no 3 point line. No shot clock. The list goes on and on.
3) There were far less teams back then (14 if I remember correctly), and the Celtics were the only dominant team in the NBA. They had all the talent, and all the size. That is why they won 8 in a row. So rings cannot be a determinant, as it was a far less competitive league.
4) As good as Russell was, he only played on one side of the court. He was primarily a defensive player. In today's game , he would be reminiscent of Ben Wallace.

Why did you put Garnett over Bird?

Anyone that was building a franchise would take Garnett over Bird in a heartbeat. Aside from Hakeem, Garnett is the most skilled bigman the game has ever seen. His footwork is on par with Michael Jordan's, and his fadeaway on par with Kobe Bryant's. Were it not for his unselfish nature, Garnett could realistically be averaging 33 ppg and 15 rpg per season. Its a damn shame when one realizes that he has been surrounded by a crap his entire career.

Flip Saunders is the worst coach in the history of the NBA

2007-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

I cannot even express in words how terrible Flip Saunders is. He not only deserves to be fired, but he should never again be allowed to coach in the NBA. Saunders is a worthless degenerate and lacks both common sense and basketball IQ. His atrocious coaching is the sole reason for his team's staggering loss in Game 5 vs the Pistons. Saunders' decisions in the end of the fourth quarter and in overtime will not only cost him the series but ultimately his career.

I will now proceed to tear him apart.

1) His matchups were beyond horrible. First of all, he assigned Billups, who is 6''2, to Lebron (6''9 + 40 inch vertical). Sure, Billups is a great defensive player, arguably even an All-NBA calibur one. But by doing this, Saunders is essentially forfieting the game. Where is Rip Hamilton? Sure he was in foul trouble, but your season is on the line. Contrary to popular belief, Richard Hamilton, not Tayshaun Prince, is the Piston's best defensive player. Regardless of that, neither of them guarded James in the final minutes of the fourth. Instead you had Maxiell, a bulky power forward, and Billups, a undersized point guard, guarding Lebron James. That is why James was able to waltz to the basket, nabbing himself two dunks in the process that sent the game into overtime.

2) How can any team give up two dunks consecutively to the same player in a halfcourt Setting? How moronic and incompetent can you be out there. Why aren't you fouling Lebron James, who is a notoriously bad free throw shooter? Statistically, he would have been assured to miss one. Furthermore, how do you let him waltz to the rim on the final play and get another layup, this time to seal game?

3) No other Cavaliers player was scoring out there. Lebron had scored 22 of the last 23 points for his team, yet Flip sits there idle like a paraplegic cow. Why don' t you get your ass of the bench and send him some hard double-teams? Why not force the ball out of his hands? Why don't you try to see if Pavlovic can make 8 points in a row? Instead Saunders sat there like the low-life that he is, watching not only his team's lead, but also his career, slowly melt away in the abyssal gutter of failure.

4) Why are you telling your players to play Lebron so tight down the stretch? Why? Do you want him to blow by you and dunk? How can anyone who claims to be a coach, be so ignorant, naive and utterly stupid. Why aren't you packing the lane? Why aren't you rushing a secondary defender at Lebron? Why are you refusing to double-team him? There is no possible explanation for travesty.

In short, Saunders has an extreme mental deficiency of fundamental basketball knowledge. Any intelligent basketball analyst could only writhe in pain as they watched his blistering incompetence spread like a cancer to his players. Frankly, if the Pistons lose this series, I fully expect Saunders' tenure in Detroit will be over. Joe Dumars will simply not tolerate such negligence and ineptitude.

Implications of Zone Defense and its Effects on the Legacy of the Game

2007-05-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

Zone defense is the alternative to man-to-man defense, where players guard an allotted area rather than an individual player. The NBA outlawed zone defense on January 11, 1947. It stayed this way until the 2001-2002 regular season, where the NBA legalized zone for the first time in 54 years.

WHY WAS ZONE LEGALIZED?

What was the main reason zone defense was legalized?

The NBA will never admit to it publically, but zone defense was primarily legalized to contain Shaquille O'neal. Shaquille simply could not be guarded by one man, it was just not possible. It's a lopsided mismatch regardless of whoever is guarding him. Add Kobe Bryant to that team and it is plain to see that the league would be dominated for a long time to come. Therefor, in order to even out the playing field, the league legalized zone defense.

IMPLICATIONS OF ZONE DEFENSE ON THE LEGACY OF THE GAME

The media generally regards Michael Jordan as the greatest player to ever play the game. His legacy and career achievement are continuously being compared to today's generation of athletes. These comparisons are unfair however, because Jordan never had to deal with the complexities of zone defense. Jordan had the luxury of always going against one opponent on isolation plays. Today's great players like Kobe Bryant can be doubled without the ball and have to deal with swarms of defenders all around them. Therefor, the legalization of zone defense helped to secure Michael Jordan's legacy as the greatest player of all time.

ZONE VS HAND-CHECKING

The art of man-to-man defense has all but disappeared thanks to a barrage of new restrictive rules that reward the offensive player. One of these rules is the hand-checking rule. Essentially this curtails that the defensive player cannot use his hands against the defender.

Now how does hand-checking compare against zone?

While its true that the hand-checking rule did raise scoring and increase overall offensive output from 93.4 ppg to 97.2 ppg, it still does not affect the game as much as zone defense does.

The people who say zone defense is a weak defense do not know how to play it correctly. The Detroit Pistons play zone to perfection. If the opposition has one weak player, zone is the perfect way to force that player to create his own shot and take the ball out of the best players hands. If you want an example of this just watch how the 2007 Warriors played Dirk Nowitzki in the post-season.

As a scorer ask yourself this:

Would I rather have to deal with double and triple teams on the catch, or just deal with arm-bars on the drive?

Sure defense was more physical in the 80's, however the stars back then did not have to deal with the multitude of individual attention that players get today.

Zone may be weak against a team with five strong players, but it is great against dominant individuals .

Just look how much defensive attention Kobe Bryant gets, and what he has to deal with : Teams force other players to make shots.

Double-teamed 35 feet from the basket.

KB42PAH

New Dynamics of the MVP Award, Self-Sufficiency, and why Dirk Nowitzki is not an MVP

2007-05-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

NEW DYNAMICS OF THE MVP AWARD

For the greater part of NBA history, the NBA's season MVP's have generally met these requirements:
1) Arguably the best player in the league
2) The best individual season in the league
3) The most memorable season of the year
4) A self-sufficent player

Sadly however, the NBA, or rather the media has developed a new set of criteria's:

1) "Best player on the best team."
2) Unwritten 50-win requirement
3) More collective team wins = Strong MVP candidate
4) A player that "Makes his teammates better."

Over the last two seasons, this shift in values by the media has become more apparent. The players are receiving an 'individual accolade'' based on 'team success.' While it's true that team success should be of some merit, it should not be the determining factor of the award. Unfortunately, it is.

WHY DIRK NOWITZKI FALLS SHORT OF THE MVP AWARD IN SO MANY WAYS

An MVP must be SELF-SUFFICIENT. They must to be the unquestioned leader of the team and must also be able to fend for themselves, regardless of their teammate's performances.

Dirk Nowitzki is a top 10 player in the NBA without question. However, he is not the most valuable player on his team. That honor would be reserved for Josh Howard who:

a) Is the most significant determining factor in Maverick victories. They were 23-1 when he scored 20+ points.
b) Has given the Mavericks a defensive edge and identity.

Night in and nightout he guards the best swingmen in the league, and he does a pretty good job too. Although he has problems with quick guards (Dwyane Wade, Baron Davis), he is excellent at anticipating the offensive players tendencies in the triple threat position.

Not only is Dirk Nowitzki not their most valuable player, he isn't even their unquestioned leader. There are two types of leadership, vocal leadership and leadership by example. Jason "the Jet" Terry is the vocal leader of the Mavericks, the little general that is an extension of Avery himself on the court. He is not solely the leader due to his ascribed position as the team's point guard, it's just his personality. Some people lead, some people follow.

Not only does Dirk fail to be a vocal leader on the floor, he also fails to lead by example. How can a 90% foul-line shooter consistently miss clutch freethrows and disappear in big games? It is simply inexcusable. Prior to the playoffs, I called the Warriors to win the series in 6 games, and I was even more confident it would finish that way when Goldenstate lost that heartbreaker to Dallas in game 5. Dirk had his first 'typical' MVP-type game, which had been expected of him throughout the series. However, knowing Dirk, I knew he would not show up in back-to-back games.

As I re-iterated earlier Nowitzki is not self-sufficient. How does an MVP candidate go 2-13, for 8 points in an elimination game of the post-season? How come such an elite shooter, who not too long ago won the 3 point contest, lacks the confidence to shoot over players 8 inches shorter than him?

A few days ago on PTI,Wilbon and Kornheiser said they would "recast" their MVP votes for Nowitzki if they could. I'm sure alot of people would. But whats done is done, and Dirk will accepting the award from his living room on Monday.

Recap:

- Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and Avery Johnson had more to do with Dallas' 67-win regular season than Dirk Nowitzki did.
-Avery Johnson and Josh Howard are responsible for Dallas' defensive improvements. Johnson does not reward players with PT unless they play defense, and Howard has the physical tools to harass premier swingmen in the league.
-Dirk is not self-sufficient. He lacks the ability and the confidence to take over a game by himself. His success is dependant on others. Thus they are rewarding an individual for primarily a team effort. This reflects the media's new values in the NBA.
-Dirk also falls short on leadership prerequisites required of an MVP candidate. He is not a vocal leader (Terry) nor does he lead by example.

Will Dirk win the award? Yes. But for the second consecutive year now, the MVP award will be given out to an undeserving candidate.

M.V.P = Media Voting on Popularity

2007-05-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been quoted as saying "The MVP award is a joke."

I will go into detail now about how the award has become nothing more than a media popularity contest in the last 2 seasons.

2005-2006 MVP BIAS EXPOSED

I think its ridiculous that Steve Nash has won 2 MVP awards yet has never even experienced a trip to the finals. Oh but wait, he makes his teammates better right? Wrong.

"Making your teammates better" is a popular expression that was coined by John Wooden and has been continuously repeated in the media.

No one can make their teammates better. It is impossible. You can't physically aid your teammates in putting the ball through the hoop. All you can do is give them the ball in their 'comfort zones.' You can't make them "better." Put Steve Nash on a team of 10 years olds. Will he make them better ? No. Nash has two all-stars on his team in Amare and Marion, and he is surrounded by world-class shooters. His starting-5 all shoot near or above 40% from distance. Therefor, Nash is not self-sufficient. He cannot win a game by himself. He is dependant on these world-class shooters to succeed. Steve Nash doesn't make his teammates better, he just gives them the ball and they put it through the net with their deadly shooting. It is not hard to rack up the assists when you have such deadly shooters.

KIDD VS NASH DILEMMA

Jason Kidd made it to the NBA finals in consecutive years in 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. He is a world-class defender that can hold his own against even the best offensive players. He is a triple-double machine that revitalized the Nets Franchise. Doesn't he make his teammates better? Didn't he dominate the Eastern conference and make the finals twice? Didn't he play on BOTH ends of the court?

Jason Kidd did not win an MVP either season.

ROSTER COMPARISION

Compare Steve Nash's 2005-2006 roster to Kobe Bryant's roster.

Nash has a superior supporting caste in Marion, Barbosa, Richardson, Bell, Thomas, Diaw, House - All expert shooters that spread the floor.

Joe Johnson who was on Nash's suns in 2004-2005 went to the Hawks the next season where he averaged 28ppg. So much for making him better.

Bryant on the other hand had one of the worst supporting castes in the game.

His second best player is inconsistent at best. His starting PG is an unfundamental, street-balling flake. His center, Kwame Brown, is 6-11 and can't make a layup in his 7th season.

TEAM RECORDS

Steve Nash's MVP award in 2005-2006 season was such a dishonest and deceitful decision by the media.

Phoenix played absolutely no defense giving up 106 ppg. They merely tried to outscore their opponents.

Team improvement is a huge factor when it comes to MVP voting.

Los Angeles went from a 34-48 season to a 45-37 season. An 11-game improvement.

Phoenix went from a 62-20 season to a 54-28 season. An 8-game regression.

So the media went against its own standards and not surprisingly rewarded Nash for having an inferior season.

INDIVIDUAL COMPARISONS

So not only did the Lakers have a better statistical improvement over the suns, Kobe's season trumped Nash's season in nearly every way.

Kobe's 2005-2006 season was one of the 5 best individual seasons in the history of the NBA.

He averaged 35.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 4.5 apg on 45%FG, 35% 3pT, and 85% FT.

His 35.4 ppg was the highest of the last 20 years.

He was the only player on BOTH
1) All-NBA 1st team
2) All-NBA Defensive 1st team.

He was the only player to score 2,800+ points and 180 three pointers in a season.
He had 7 games of 50+ points.
He had 27 games of 40+ points
He had 4 consecutive games of 45+ points
He had a game of 81 points, the 2nd highest scoring game in NBA history
He scored 62 points in 3 quarters, outscoring the entire Dallas team after 3 quarters -making him the first player in NBA history to outscore an entire team by himself. (That Dallas team proceeded to go to the 2006 NBA Finals.)

Nash on the other hand averaged 18.8 ppg, 10.5 apg, and 4.2 rpg on 51.2%FG, 43.9% 3PT, and 92.1% FT.

His ppg and apg both DECREASED from the previous season. So not only was his team's record worse from the last season, his individual numbers were as well.

HYPOTHETICAL CASE

Kobe averaged 35.4 ppg in the 'equality opportunity' triangle offense.' If you switch Bryant and Nash in 2005-2006, Phoenix would have been a 65+ win team, Kobe would have averaged 40 ppg and Phoenix would be highest scoring team in 20+ years.

Put Nash on Lakers of last year and they are at best a 38 win team.

PROOF OF BIAS

Kobe had one of the 5 most remarkable season in NBA history and the media's stubborn bias prevented him from getting the coveted award.

Voters have to fill out their 'top 5' candidates for the award, each slot receiving a respective number of points.

22/123 voters completely left him off of their top 5 , which is a true testament of how pathetic the award has become.

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steve Nash, and Elton Brand were the only strong candidates for the award. There were 4 strong candidates.

How is it even fathomable that Kobe could be COMPLETELY left of the ballot by ANY credible voter?

I personally felt that both Kobe AND Lebron deserved it more than Nash.

POSSIBLE EXPLANATION

I love watching Steve Nash play, he is a quality point guard that has mastered the position - at least on the offensive end.

Steve Nash, despite the fact that he is an amazing basketball player, won the MVP just because he was white. Now don't jump the gun and try to follow my logic.

The media loved him, they could relate to him.

A vertically challenged and unathletic white-guy that dominates in a big, tall, athletically-dominated league.

Most of the voters physically resemble Nash and thus could relate to him effectively and subliminally it affected their decision making process.

The decision was pure robbery.

I think they should just change the award name from MVP and call it the STEVE NASH AWARD and just give it to him for the next 8 years because he "makes his teammates better."

New Mixes on the Horizon

2007-05-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have two final mixes planned for this year.

The first one is "Kobe Bryant - The Inventor" and he second one is a non-laker mix (surprise).

I am also trying to release a mix I made last year but I am having trouble with the file extension.

Preferential Treatment of Dwyane Wade, Double-Standards, and Officiating in General

2007-04-19T03:52:00.000-07:00

Examples of Wade's Preferrential Treatment:

At Portland officials bail Wade out again down the stretch.

One travel. Two travel. Three travel.

Wade's patented traveling spin move.

Here is 1 of the 5 phantom fouls posted on youtube. He basically elbowed Dirk in the face and was rewarded with two free throws.

If this isn't evidence of biased officiating, I dont know what is.

The officials reward Wade for basically just running into people with his elbows. Why do they reward the offensive player when he is the one initiating contact? What is the defender supposed to do? Where is he supposed to go?

Examples of Lebron's preferential treatment:

Are you kidding me?

Russian four-step anyone?

How pathetic.

Why call a travel and ruin a highlight play?

Kobe Vs Wade - Officiating:

It's funny because Wade gets the most preferential treatment , while kobe gets the least. He is flat out the most disrespected superstar player ever.

If kobe got the calls wade gets, he would average 15 FTA per game.

If your going to call those soft touch fouls and phantom calls for Wade, Bibby, and Magette, then kobe should get 2 free throws on every play.

Examples of Bias against Bryant:

Made by yours truly.

He just cannot buy a free throw.

How can they miss all those slaps and reaches?

Corruption at its best.

Say what?

Listen in as James Worthy tells the tale.

STATISTICAL EVIDENCE:

http://www.82games.com/fouldraw.htm

NBA OFFICIALS IN GENERAL:

NBA officials are the worst of any sport in America.

They are all old, senile and stubborn.

The officials dont get penalized for bad calls, and they fail to use replays during disputes.

Even if they know they made a bad call, rather than change the call, they will 'make up' for the call by giving an 'iffy' call to that respective team later in the game.

They refuse to call fouls in final seconds of a game, despite the fact that a foul in the last 30 seconds should be the same as a foul in the first quarter.

Two example of officials determining the outcome of a game:

Absolutely ridiculous.

How does Joe Crawford still have his job?

I did my part by e-mailing ronnie nun and making videos, but more fans should speak out. You should e-mail Ronnie Nunn or call David Stern and tell them you're against the officiating. I would suggest boycotting their products, but that is hard to do.

WHY DO WADE/LEBRON GET FAVORABLE CALLS AND PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT?

Simple....money, marketing, and profits.

Lebron and Wade do attack frequently, so I'm not saying all their calls are illicit.

BUT,

They dont have jumpshots....they are one-dimensional players that only get their points off of layups, dunks and free throws. They lack the skill of players like Kobe, Arenas, Tmac, Dirk, Melo that can create their own shot.

So, NBA decides to bail them out.

They (NBA, media, espn, nike, converse, etc) want Wade/LeBron to be leaders of NBA....so they boost their PPG, stats, and efficiency by doing this.

Forget Wade...WHY DOESN'T KOBE GET CALLS?

A couple of reasons:

Negative Aurora

They don't like him. It goes all the way back to the colorodo incident...So they treat him with disdain.

Stubbornness

Kobe is determined on getting a call sometimes, he is stubborn, he will keep attacking and he will force the ref to blow the whistle....but a lot of times, the officials are just as stubborn as he is and they too wont blow the whistle for the exact same reason.

Supreme Domination

Face it Kobe averaged 35.4 PPG on questionable officiating,in a season were he should have gotten more free throws.

In a league where David Stern is not allowing players to use their hands on defense, that would make in impossible to guard Kobe.

You cant guard Kobe with or without your,so blowing the whistle would simply be unfair. He is too good already, if they gave him calls...it would just be unfair.Inhuman domination.

ESPN ANALYST AGREES WADE GETS PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT:

SportsNation Chris Sheridan: (12:40 PM ET) "You're preaching to the choir here, Oliver. every single night D-Wade gets three gift whistles (which even LeBron and Kobe don't get) at a minimum, and one or two late whistles, too. He's treated as preferrentially as Jordan was at the peak of his game, and it is infuriating to watch (unless you're a Heat fan). And I say all that being one of the biggest D-Wade guys around, a Marquette grad even. But it's just plain unfair to see one guy get such special treatment. It takes away from the game."

PLAYERS AND COACHES THOUGHTS:

"He gets all the calls, that's what makes him special.'' - Gerald Wallace

"It's unbelievable what he gets away with.'' - Bob Hill

"I can't believe he has the audacity to complain to the refs, he should be grateful for what they've done for him in his career. He is what he is today because of them." - P.J. Brown

"He travels on that spin move. He picks up that pivot foot... everybody knows it. Dwayne Wade can cover so much ground when he makes that move. As you know, he can go 20 feet with that spin move and get to the basket." - Phil Jackson

"You can't do nothing to D-Wade," Wallace said. "If you say boogety-boogety-boo to him, that's a foul." - Rasheed Wallace

"You are an amazing player Dwayne. I love watching you shoot free throws." - Mark Cuban

Interviewer: "Was it a little ridiculous how Dwyane Wade
got all the calls?"

Tracy McGrady: "Yeah, yeah it really was. I'll tell you man, it
seems if you were watching that game, seemed like it was
rigged. Seriously. I know the NBA.... (cut off by
interviewer)."

Interviewer: "You just got fined (sarcastically)."

Tracy McGrady: "I don't care. So what? But yeah it seemed like it
was rigged. With all the calls he was getting. Jesus. Did
you hear me? We are talking about the NBA Finals, I wish
I could say I was just kidding, and that's what it seemed
like."

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS:

Wade scores 41 points on 9 made shots, (no 3 pointers).

http://sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/boxscore/NBA_20070201_CLE@MIA

DOUBLE STANDARD:

Kobe recieved two unwarranted one-game suspensions for these "unnatural basketball acts." They deemed his intent was malicious. Since when does the league judge 'intentions' of players? Isn't God the only one that can do?

Yet none of these incidents recieved a suspension:

Clotheslines are natural acts?

In the begining of this video, D.Wade, M.Miller, J. Howard, and M. Dunleavy ALL took MALICIOUS hits at kobe, yet NONE were suspended even one game.

No suspension.

Brian Cook replicates Kobe's move one game after Kobe's suspension. No response from the league.

Dwyane Wade gets Preferential Treatment From Corrupted Official Tim Donaghy

With the game on the line, Wade drives the whole and gets another absolutely disgusting gift whistle - this time from Tim Donaghy. There was not even a hint of a foul, yet the officials try their best to help Dwyane Wade succeed

Meanwhile on the next play, Gerald Wallace gets hammered upside the head on his layup, yet no foul is called.

Here is the boxscore which confirms Donaghy's presence in the game: http://www.nba.com/games/20070408/CHAMIA/boxscore.html

After the call is made, all the players look to Donaghy's direction. This is just another fine example of double-standards, preferential treatment, bias and corruption in the NBA.

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

I personally do not like injustice. I just don't stand for it. I have come to see Dwyane Wade as a walking injustice. I just dont think he is a superstar without the help of officials.

As Martin Luther King said:

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."