Jun

14

It’s Time For Commissioner Stern To Jump From The Chopper

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I don’t watch a lot of episodic prime-time network TV. Two main reasons, first and foremost the lack of time. I constantly say to my beautiful bride of almost 25 years, that I wish that there were 28 hours in the day, then I would get at least 2 hours of sleep at night! If I am not on the site, or watching sports on TV, then I usually find myself watching MSNBC (our condolences to the family of Tim Russert from those of us here at Slam Dunk Central.) I am trying to get as much information on the upcoming election, so much of my down time is spent watching the news.

However, I have to admit to a guilty pleasure, there is a part of me that is still an 11 year old geek! I read DC Comics as a kid, Superman, the Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, and the Legion of Super Heroes were my favorites. My top TV shows as a kid were Lost in Space, and the Time Tunnel. I love the Back to the Future trilogy, as well as the Matrix trio of films. I was big time into Quantum Leap, and Sliders. My current TV fixation is Lost, I was hooked from the first episode on. Although according to the Nielsen ratings it is a Top 20 TV show, my one friend who shared my passion for the show stopped watching after last year. Unfortunately for him, he gave up too soon, for this season the show was superb.

In case you have never seen the show, the basic plot line is a Commercial Airliner crashes on a mysterious, mystical, and somewhat magical island. The survivors of the crash are divided into two groups, one that wants to get off the island, and return home. The other group wants to stay on the island thinking it is their destiny to be there. In the season finale last month, some of the survivors were on a helicopter trying to leave the island. The chopper was running out of fuel so they dumped everything out of it that was not nailed down, and they still were carrying too much weight over the ocean. At that point one of the characters “Sawyer” a con man with a heart of gold (on television are there any other kind?) jumped from the chopper into the ocean, and swam back to the island. He sacrificed his well being for the good of the whole.

Right now the NBA is kind of like that helicopter, it is going through some major turbulence. As I wrote in a piece earlier this week, the post season has been superb for the NBA, with great performances from Chris Paul, LeBron James, among others. The Finals are the Association’s and ABC’s dream match-up, the crown jewel of the NBA Celtics vs Lakers. Ratings are up, and the series so far has been great. However Commissioner David Stern found has himself trying to put out a fire, and engaging in massive spin control.

The Association’s favorite sleazeball surfaced Tuesday as former NBA referee Tim Donaghy talked of NBA playoff games that he says were fixed. According to Donaghy without specifically naming the teams, he is claiming through his attorney that game six of the 2002 NBA playoff series between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers had the outcome determined by the officiating. Donaghy is claiming that the Association wanted the series to go seven games, if the Kings had won the game the series would have ended in six. According to Donaghy, the officials called the game with a bias towards the Lakers, assuring them the win. The Lakers would win the series and the NBA Championship.  Former Kings’ center Scott Pollard said he was not surprised by the news, that he had suspected all along the game’s outcome was determined by the officials.

This is not going away, the media won’t let it, and more importantly the fans won’t let it. ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon echoed during half time of game four Thursday night what I wrote earlier in the week. There has been a deep rooted perception in the minds of many NBA fans that the Association is somehow fixed. These feelings surfaced long before Donaghy’s crimes were discovered. As I wrote earlier in the week, for years, intelligent knowledgeable sports fans, as well as some of my peers in the media, have asked me if I thought the NBA was “on the up and up“. I have never been asked that about the officiating in MLB, or the NFL. My response has always been, that if I did not believe in the integrity of the NBA, I could never cover it, at that point it’s the WWE.

After the Donaghy situation surfaced last year, Stern instigated an investigation into other officials transgressions. The information that came back to the Commissioner, was that a very large segment of NBA referees were guilty in one way shape or form. So instead of firing the officials or fining them, Stern swept the information under the rug. Then he changed the rules, so that the former transgressions were now allowed. Needless to say this did nothing to restore the credibility of the NBA.

Commissioner David Stern had the chance last Summer to rectify this situation, and forever take that cloud of doubt that has hung over the Association away forever. He failed miserably! In my opinion, there is only one thing left for David Stern to do, jump from the chopper to save the NBA.

I am also nominating the perfect man to be the next NBA Commissioner, Bill Bradley! A former U.S. Senator, former Presidential candidate, Rhodes Scholar, Eagle Scout, and former NBA player with the New York Knicks. The man ran for President, and the only bad thing they could find on him is he was too boring! The man will instantly restore credibility to the Association.

Commissioner you have been in office for a long time, and you have done a lot during your tenure. The Association, has a global presence now, and that is all your doing. But Commissioner, it’s time to jump, before you get pushed!

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Jun

14

All The Front Runners Are Jumping Off The Kobe Band Wagon

Filed Under NBA PLAYOFFS, SDC COMMENTARY | 1 Comment

If ever there was a song that best expressed the emotions that sports fans have of professional athletes, it would have to be the old Janet Jackson song “What Have You Done For Me Lately“. You can have a 56 game hitting streak, and then not hit for the next seven games, and you will hear catcalls and boos from your so called fans. It’s the nature of the business, in the NFL, MLB, and the NBA. You are only as good as your last performance.

We live in an age of hyperbole, the significance of the words “great, and the greatest” have lost their lustre. Too many members of my profession overuse the word on far too many athletes. Let’s look at the bottom line, you have to be a superior athlete to make it up to the pros even for a “cup of coffee.” Other wise these men could not command the money they make. Now once we get to that rareified air, we can break it down further. But instead of using the perfectly respectable terms above average, or good, media members especially on television use the word great repeatedly. Jeff Van Gundy up until the Lakers lost Thursday night to the Boston Celtics, must have called Kobe Bryant the “Greatest Player on the Planet” at least two or three times in every quarter of the series.

Earlier this week, ESPN.com starting making the Kobe/M.J. comparison. I personally thought it was ludicrous, but I have a lot of respect for ESPN.com, and they are certainly entitled to their opinion. It also is not by any means the first time that I have disagreed with the views of ESPN. You might remember, at the end of the last century that the Network chose their “Greatest Athlete of the 20TH Century.” They named Michael Jordan, I myself would have gone with either Babe Ruth or Muhammad Ali. That is one of the cool things about sports, everybody has their opinions based on their own criteria, it’s all subjective!

Is Michael Jordan the greatest player in the history of the Association? You can make a valid argument that he is, but there are many other players that could also qualify. Bill Russell won 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons, a mark that will never come near to being approached. And he played against the most dominant center of all time Wilt Chamberlain. I would say that is pretty special! Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire NBA season. I would say that is pretty special. Magic Johnson won five NBA Titles in 12 seasons, before he retired prematurely after contracting the HIV Virus (he came back for 32 games in 1995-1996, but was a shadow of himself.) Jordan got six Championships in 15 seasons. Julius “Dr. J” Erving believed he could fly long before M.J. ever laced them up at Chapel Hill. But he spent part of his career in the old ABA, and then came into the NBA when it was at it’s lowest ebb of popularity. If Larry Bird had walked off into the sunset after the 1986 season, he would be looked at as even greater than we regard him today. From the 1979-1980 campaign, through the 1985-1986 campaign “The Hick from French Lick” won three NBA Championships, and won the NBA MVP Award three years in a row. Only two other players in the history of the Association accomplished that, Russell, and Chamberlain. But he was beset by injuries starting in 1987, and his numbers suffered because of it. So as you can see M.J. is not a lock for “Greatest NBA Player Of All Time.” One of the greatest without question, but as I wrote earlier, it’s a subjective call.

However ever since Michael retired the media, and I think at least to a certain extent the Association itself, have been looking for the “Next Jordan.” Many players have had the label put on them but were not able to live up to the billing. Harold Minor, (please!) Grant Hill, Vince Carter, but the last few years it has been Kobe. Now please don’t misinterpret what I am writing, Kobe Bryant is an extraordinary player, and one of the bestplaying the game today. But the “Greatest Player on the Planet?” Not in my eyes. Kobe will turn 30 years old on August 23. He right now is at the apex of his career, he may have, one, two or three more incredible seasons, but then the downward trend will begin. LeBron James will not turn 24 years old until December 30, can you even imagine what he will be like at age 30? It boggles the mind, to think what he could possibly accomplish! If you are a NBA General Manager which player would you choose?

So how does the Janet Jackson song fit in you ask? Well Saturday on ESPN.com they have changed their tune, now the Los Angeles guard in their eyes is no longer worthy of the Jordan comparison. ESPN columnist Marc Stein wrote an article saying that many thought that the Finals were going to be a coronation for Bryant (actually, this was the first I heard of this, I thought Boston was favored in the series!) Stein also wrote that Bryant will not be saddled with the Jordan label after this series. The last time I looked, basketball is a team game. I have always gone by the theory you need three great players to win a NBA Championship. Bird, McHale, and Parish, Kareem, Magic, and Worthy, Jordan, Pippen, and Grant. If one player could win a NBA Championship, Chamberlain would have the 11 rings, not Russell.

A former member of the Cleveland Indians, told me in the Tribe locker room one day he always gives the following advice to rookies. Pay no attention what they write in the papers, or say on the talk shows. You will never be as great as they say you are when you are having a good streak. And you are never as bad as they say you are when you are scuffling. As Janet Jackson sang long ago the attitude of sports fans towards their athletes is “What Have You Done For Me Lately“.

Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Jun

14

ESPN: Mason: Worst L.A. Sports Loss Ever?

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Jun

14

ESPN: Doc Rivers On The Celtics’ Game 4 Win

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Jun

14

ESPN: Phil Jackson On The Lakers’ Game 4 Loss

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Jun

14

Fizdale Tabbed As Heat Assistant

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??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale

David Fizdale isn’t a household name in the NBA - unless you’re a Miami Heat fan or follow the team.? Miami Heat fans will become more familiar with him as according to the Associated Press, Fizdale was hired by the team as an assistant coach.? Fizdale began his NBA career as a video assistant with the Heat during the 1997-1998 season; he has also spent the last 5 years as an assistant with the Godlen State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.? He has also served as an assistant coach at Fresno State and the University of San Diego.

Jun

14

New NBA Hires Under Scrutiny

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While it is true that the proverbial hot seat doesn’t exactly apply here, you have to admit that the most recent NBA coaching hires will be under the microscope - deservedly or not.? In this case, I am referring to Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro, Detroit’s Michael Curry, Phoenix’s Terry Porter, New York’s Mike D’Antoni and everyone’s favorite NBA nomad, Charlotte’s Larry Brown.? Here’s what to expect:

  • Vinny Del Negro

When I heard about this hire, the first thing that came to my mind was, “What were they thinking?”? Perhaps this was a case of desperation or perhaps the Bulls know something that the rest of us do not know.? Be that as it may, one thing is for certain: Del Negro has never coached in his life and will have to be a quick study for his tenure to be successful.?Because the Central Division is in complete overhaul mode, Del Negro’s job will be difficult, at best.? A seamless transition may be asking a bit much, but that’s what is going to have to happen if Del Negro wants to keep his job in?Chicago, especially?with the dysfunctional roster he has inherited.?

  • Michael Curry

Curry, unlike Del Negro, has some familiarity with his roster, having been a player and assistant coach for the same team that hired him.? And Curry has some leadership ability as he was the former head of the players’ union; where there may be doubts are as to whether he can draw up X’s and O’s competently.? But I think that Pistons president Joe Dumars is more concerned about Curry getting the most out of his roster and getting them properly prepared for the playoffs - assuming Detroit gets that far.

  • Terry Porter

In my estimation, Milwaukee dropped the ball by letting Porter go after just 2 seasons; so what if he missed the playoffs once during that stretch?? As it were, Porter didn’t have much to work with, so the Bucks even going to the playoffs is an achievement in and of itself.? That aside, Porter will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to lead Phoenix to the next level - in this case, the NBA championship.? At least he has a core of players to work with - Shaq, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire.? But he has big shoes to fill as their last coach was one Mike D’Antoni.? Which leads us to….

  • Mike D’Antoni

One would think that a successful coach such as D’Antoni would get some slack at their next coaching stop, no matter where that may be.? But this is New York, so that probably isn’t going to happen - especially with the expectations being as high as they are or will be.? But D’Antoni has some things working in his favor: he has a proven track record as he led the Phoenix Suns to 50+ wins while he was there.? He also has team president Donnie Walsh in his corner; Walsh, as is his tendency, will be creative in molding this Knicks team into one that D’Antoni has a fighting chance with.? Let’s hope their owner doesn’t get heavy-handed and meddle.

  • Larry Brown

Typically, a Hall of Fame coach wouldn’t make this list, but you have to remember, this is the Charlotte Jordans Bobcats we’re talking about here.? The Bobcats need a healthy Sean May and Adam Morrison and it wouldn’t be too surprising if there’s a roster shakeup - which may or may not affect whatever team chemistry the Bobcats have at the moment.? Brown is going to have to be a true magician to make this club competitive - with a little help from Michael Jordan.? Perhaps Brown’s presence alone may add between 5-10 wins next year, so who knows?? But all of this aside, this will - or should be - Brown’s last NBA coaching stop.

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