2011 NBA Draft Recap - Western Conference

...and here is Part 2.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks - The NBA Champion Mavericks went into the draft needing a more stable swingman considering Caron Butler's injury and the impending free agency. Out they came with Rudy Fernandez from the Portland Trail Blazers, a scorer who was unhappy in Portland and will certainly help Dirk on the perimeter. The rich get richer..no surprise here.

Fernandez joins the Champion Mavs

Houston Rockets - Just moments after picking Marcus Morris, the Rockets swapped Brad Miller and a future first round pick to the Timberwolves for Donatas Montejunas and Jonny Flynn. In Morris and Montejunas, the Rockets possibly have their future front court and if not, at least capable backups. Daryl Morey always seems to pick great role players/semi-star players, but never picks players who develops into superstars. He's the Basketball equivalent of Billy Beane.

Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizzlies had one pick in the second round and came out with Josh Selby. Selby who was a top ten recruit out of high school, just a year ago joins a team that already has Mike Conley Jr. and Greivis Vasquez. Perhaps the Grizzlies would have been better served to draft a European project center who might need to take over if Marc Gasol leaves in Free Agency.

Selby probably would have been better off to stay another year at KU.

New Orleans Hornets - The Hornets, who are owned by all the other owners in the NBA, picked Josh Harrelson from the University of Kentucky and traded him to the Knicks..for....cash. Right, that doesn't sound fishy at all. Meanwhile, expect Harrelson to join the pantheon of Brian Cardinal, Brian Scalabrine, and Mark Madsen as white guys who you cannot believe are in the league.

Josh Harrelson...hahahahhahaha

San Antonio Spurs - A pick that would have been declared a bust had any other team picked him, Cory Joseph was picked 29th overall by the Spurs. They also traded George Hill for Kawhi Leonard and David Bertans, perhaps an indication that the suits in San Antonio are looking to life after Tim Duncan/Manu Ginobli/Tony Parker.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets - Carmelo Anthony seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. The Nuggets swapped Raymond Felton to the Blazers in exchange for Andre Miller - George Karl's man-crush, and the Mavericks' first round pick of Jordan Hamilton. In addition, the picked Kenneth Faried from Morehead State. Faried has a legitimate chance to be a major contributor with the possible departure of Kenyon Martin via Free Agency so all in all, a great draft for the Nuggets.

I'm David Kahn and I should be fired by now, but.....

Minnesota Timberwolves - KAHHHHHHHHHN! Who knows what this guy is thinking any more? Whether it is being unable to find a trade partner for the #2 pick in the draft, or firing Kurt Rambis right after draft night, or making 30 trades to acquire second round picks, Minnesota failed. At least, Rubio is coming over after 300 years.

Ricky Rubio is here to save me (LOOK AT THAT HAIR!)

Portland Trail Blazers - Trading a point guard who fits your system (Andre Miller) for a point guard who likes to run (Raymond Felton) to play alongside a former franchise player whose knees are both shot (Brandon Roy) is not a good strategy especially when you don't have a GM (Paul Allen, you idiot). Picking an overrated Duke guard at #21 (Nolan Smith) is just icing on the cake.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Early Thursday, there were rumblings that the Thunder were looking to move into the top ten to pick Jonas Valanciunas by offering Eric Maynor. Well they kept Maynor and also picked Reggie Jackson from Boston College, who was rumored to have been promised to be picked by the Heat. Well done Sam Presti.

Utah Jazz - After the Jazz took Enes Kanter and broke all of Washington D.C.'s hearts including John Wall's, they proceeded to take Alec Burks with the twelfth pick. What would have been smarter and a much better PR move, especially in Salt Lake City, would have been to trade up to #10 and pick Jimmer Fredette. Could you imagine the craziness that would ensue in Utah?

Don't cry Enes. John Wall wanted to play with you too.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors - As much as I hate on Mark Jackson, it seems like his first draft was a winner. After picking former Laker Mychal Thompson's son, Klay, at #11, the Warriors drafted Charles Jenkins from Hofstra in the second round and traded for the infamous Jeremy Tyler. The selections of Thompson and Jenkins imply that Monta Ellis could be on his way out much sooner than later and Tyler gives the Warriors a player to develop on the inside.

Now, this..is just hilarious.

Los Angeles Clippers - Sure the Clippers picked Trey Thompkins in the second round - a pick that looks to be a steal. But, what decides how this draft turns out for the Clippers is how well Kyrie Irving ends up. Remember, the Clippers traded Baron Davis and their first round pick to the Cavaliers for Mo Williams, a clear salary-dumping move. If Irving turns out to be a perennial All-Star or a Hall of Famer, well, let's just say Blake Griffin will no longer be a Clipper after 2013.

Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers picked Darius Morris from Michigan in the second round. The point guard should be eased into the rotation next year and will hopefully replace Derek Fisher...by yesterday. Solid pick.

One of these guys doesn't belong in the NBA..Guess who?

Phoenix Suns - What's with the Suns picking the less heralded twin? First Robin Lopez from Stanford several years ago and now Markieff Morris from Kansas. I'm not a big fan of the Morris twins, but hopefully he plays enough defense in what should be Steve Nash's last year in the desert.

Sacramento Kings - Can you imagine Jimmer Fredette, Tyreke Evans, and Demarcus Cousins hanging out after practice? This needs to be a reality show ASAP. Jimmer now has the responsibility of keeping basketball in Sacramento - nothing he can't handle. Hell, he could keep the Devil from doing evil.

Jimmer Fredette, coming to save the world at an NBA arena near you.

2011 NBA Draft Recap - Eastern Conference

NBA DRAFT 2011 - EUROTASTIC
 
The draft is over and now there is definitely nothing to look forward to all summer sportswise until the NFL starts up again.Training Camps will be brimming with the usual controversies and questions like "Who will be the starter at Quarterback for the Redskins - John Beck or Rex Grossman or Speedy Gonzalez?" or "How many times will Albert Haynesworth be arrested?" or "Will the Dallas Cowboys' roof collapse again?" or "Will Cam Newton's dad make his own salary with the Panthers?"

Apparently Newton has looked good in Panthers' players-only workouts

 
Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics - The Celtics ended up with two Purdue Boilermakers - JaJuan Johnson and E'twaun Moore who will no doubt eventually buy into the Celtics' philosophy of defense, rebounding, and scowling and trash talking players who are a foot shorter than you.

From Purdue, Indiana to Boston, Massachusetts

New Jersey Nets - MarShon Brooks has a chance to become the best shooting guard in this draft. He was an absolutely unstoppable, at times, scorer for the Friars and he could continue to fry (get it?) in the NBA. Jordan Williams from Maryland is undersized, short-armed, and though he dropped quite a few pounds, a bit overweight. Either he makes it as a great rebounder in the league, or he is out of it by 2013 and is shooting in an Israeli gym with John Gilchrist and Nik Caner-Medley.

Jordan Williams, post-weight loss. Too bad his arms didn't grow.

New York Knicks - Iman Shumpert provided one of the few WTF moments of the first round when he was taken by the Knicks. Spike Lee didn't even know his name! In a draft that was especially deep at guard, the Knicks picked a guy who most had going in the late first round. At least he plays defense..

Philadelphia 76ers - Nikola Vucevic was a player I really liked out of USC, but this pick does not really help the Sixers. Vucevic does the exact same things that Spencer Hawes does, albeit better. Lavoy Allen in the second round will not make the roster, but was probably given a shot because he is a hometown kid.


Toronto Raptors - So the team that needed the most help coming into this draft next to the Cavaliers has one draft pick and picks a guy who they will have to wait for at least a year...What? Valenciunas is apparently the next Ilgauskas so hopefully he's worth it for Bryan Colangelo.

Valanciunas isn't coming over..atleast not right now.

 Central Division

Chicago Bulls - The Bulls came away from this draft with Jimmy Butler from Marquette and forward Malcolm Lee from UCLA. Two hard working kids from reputable college programs will join a team that is built around defense - is anything more ideal? Butler's story is great (read it on ESPN.com), but I think Lee is the better player and will have a bigger impact.

Jimmy Butler has perhaps the best story in the Draft. Good for him.

Cleveland Cavaliers - In the first round, the Cavs selected Kyrie Irving and....Tristan Thompson?! For a team that is looking to revitalize interest in the team, the Cavaliers selected an awfully raw player. It would have been smarter for the Cavs to take Derrick Williams with the first pick and then pick Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker at 4, but they didn't and ended up with an unusually raw Tristan Thompson.

Tristan Thompson at #4? Really?

Detroit Pistons - One hell of a draft for a team without a coach. If they know what they're doing they will sign Bill Laimbeer to be their coach. Brandon Knight could be the best player from this draft, but it's going to be tough considering the guard rotation on the Pistons - Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Tracy McGrady, etc. Kyle Singler and Vernon Macklin are great pickups in the second round and both those guys have the talent to make the roster.

Leonard heads to San Antonio to become the new Bruce Bowen

Indiana Pacers - The Pacers traded Kawhi Leonard and David Bertans to the Spurs for George Hill to be their starting shooting guard and thus ends any speculation of OJ Mayo to the Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks swung a trade several hours before the draft and picked up Stephen Jackson and Tobias Harris. Harris is multi-talented and might be a starter in Milwaukee soon enough. Jackson replaces Maggette and it's always a good thing when you trade away Corey Maggette.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks - The biggest news from the Hawks during the draft was the traded that didn't happen of Josh Smith to the Magic for a package including Jameer Nelson. The Hawks picked up Keith Benson from Oakland in the second round and he could become a good backup in the league.

Charlotte Bobcats - Rich Cho could win executive of the year even after trading for Corey Maggette. However, he could lose it after picking Bismack Biyombo and Kemba Walker. I'm not a big fan of Walker and Biyombo is anything but a sure bet. At least the Bobcats are ten times more athletic and can finally play Coach Paul Silas' defense.

Bismack Biyombo is a physical freak..whether he can play basketball is unknown.

Miami Heat - Norris Cole goes from the unknown confines of Cleveland State to possibly becoming a major role player on the most hated team in the history of time. Soon enough he will enter Eddie House territory.

Orlando Magic - Orlando had a very good draft, adding Justin Harper from Richmond and DeAndre Liggins from Kentucky. Harper gives the Magic another three point shooter and Liggins is a very good player who was a late bloomer for the Wildcats. None of this matters unless the team finds a way to re-sign Dwight Howard next offseason.

Harper gives the Magic another three point shooter.

Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton give the Wizards two players who can play both the forward spots interchangeably. I really don't understand the purpose of drafting Vesely he's a Euro who can't shoot..Maybe the way I think is wrong, but if I am building a team around my point guard of the future, I am giving him as many weapons as possible, especially weapons on the perimeter that are available for the drive-and-dish. Many fans preferred Singleton with the 6th pick so finding him at 18 was a pleasant surprise. Shelvin Mack in the second round should help shore up the backup situations in the back court, but I would have preferred Josh Selby, a player who has more home-run potential and a potentially great running partner with John Wall. All in all, a solid draft for the Wizards, but nothing spectacular.

Jan Vesely and his girlfriend making out..the highlight of the draft by far

In honor of Deshawn Stevenson: How Does My Dirk Taste?

In this short of a time span, on the basis of just one act, has any athlete gone from being well respected to being utterly disdained as quickly as Lebron James? Even OJ, who became notorious for the famed high speed chase, *allegedly* (see what I did there?) killed someone. All Lebron did was follow the rules and choose to join up with some other superstars and signed with another team...right?

If the Glove don't fit, you must Acquit

Technically, yes. In reality, no. Lebron's act had sports fans across the country shivering in their boots. Imagine if every superstar decided he couldn't do it all for the team that drafted him and joined together with other superstars and formed super teams and the rest of the teams couldn't compete? Imagine if every superstar had the ego the size of Mount Everest and would not admit to any flaws? Imagine if every superstar choked in any playoff series in which they were trailing? Imagine if every superstar had a receding hairline so bad he moved his headband up 2 centimeters every year? Imagine if every superstar had their mom banged by the Delonte Wests of the world and their girlfriends *allegedly* banged by the Rashard Lewises of the world?

Wow, the Wizards really don't like Lebron...

This is why everyone hates Lebron James. A guy who refers to himself as "King" James and has "The Chosen One" tattooed on his back should live up to his name and carry the burden and win every championship possible. MJ never refered to himself as His Airness. Kobe never refers to himself as Black Mamba. Only Gilbert Arenas referred to himself as Hibachi and we all know how that ended up. Lebron is on most nights, the most talented player in the league, but he does not have it in him, YET, to win a championship by himself.

No.Just no...

Before I completely crucify Lebron, let's not forget his partner in crime - Dwayne Wade. Despite his early series heroics, Wade wasn't much better. At least when Lebron isn't scoring, or isn't looking to score, or isn't looking to move, or isn't looking to even be on the court, he plays defense. Wade...not so much. Out of the big three, and I've said this before and I'll say it again, Chris Bosh was easily the best player in the playoffs. There will be arguments that without Lebron, the Heat don't advance past the Celtics or the Bulls. Let's just put it this way - without Bosh, the Heat don't make it past the 76ers. His inside presence really made things a lot easier for the similarly skilled Lebron and Wade, but let's get to what is really important - the Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks - coming to a 30 for 30 near you.

The Mavericks have to be one of my favorite champions of all time. Coupled with my fandom of the Wizards and my love for white players, there are simply way too many great story lines about the Mavericks. Let's take a look -

Is Cuban smoking a Cuban? (hahaha..)

Dominique Jones - OK, seriously all I know is that this guy is from South Florida and was a rookie. I'm pretty sure trips home to South Florida are going to be very enjoyable from now on.

Rodrique Beaubois - For several years, the Mavericks were rumored to have been in the trade hunt for nearly every all-star or any player worth a damn possible. Many a time, the trade fell through. Why? Because of the Mavericks' reluctance to include Beaubois. Before this season, Beaubois was viewed as a rising star, but because of a late-season injury, he didn't get much scratch down the stretch in the regular season and was inactive for many games in the playoffs. Something fishy is going on - sources say Beaubois' playing style on offense clashes with Coach Rick Carlisle's philosophy.

Corey Brewer - I'm sure many of you remember Corey Brewer from his Florida days. A former lottery pick of the Timberwolves, Brewer was traded to the Knicks in the Melo trade and then released signed by the Mavericks. Just keep in mind, once Jason Terry becomes too old to play, Brewer is ready to step in. Also keep this in mind Lebron fans - Corey Brewer has two NCAA Championships and a NBA championship. What does Lebron have? Prom King?

Corey Brewer, when he was relevant.

Ian Mahinmi - Mahinmi was actually a first round draft pick of the Spurs from France and you know if the Spurs draft a foreign guy - Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Tiago Splitter, Fabricio Oberto, etc, - he has to be good. It took Mahinmi five years to contribute and he was a solid third string center for the Mavericks.

Brian Cardinal - Brian Cardinal, Brian Scalabrine, Paul Shirley, Mark Madsden, and Fred Hoiberg all hold a special place in people's hearts. They're in the part of the heart that allows you to think..."WTF How the hell is that guy in the league?" Seriously, I don't know. All I remember about Cardinal is, he had one ridiculous season, which wasn't even all that ridiculous - 10 ppg and 4 rpg with the Warriors - and was signed to an absolutely insane contract with the Grizzlies. For as much crap as people give him, he's a very solid three point shooter and is a good enough rebounder and passer that you can overlook his footspeed, which might be slower than a snail's...which has no feet....

Brian Cardinal, ex-Wizard..

Caron Butler - The former third star of the Wizards along with Arenas and Antawn Jamison is the first out of the three to win a championship. Butler, for much of this season, was the second best player on the Mavericks and when he injured himself and was declared out for the season, many thought the Mavericks' season was over. This is a great story, especially if you're into inspirational people. Butler was a drug dealer when he was a teenager, who eventually turned it around and is now a NBA champion and by all accounts, a class act. Good for him and good for Racine, Wisconsin.

Caron Butler, ex-Wizard all star....

Peja Stojakovic - The great thing about the Mavericks winning the championship is how close so many of these players have gotten and yet fallen short. No one on the team had a NBA championship before this season. Peja, for a while, was challenging Dirk for the best Euro in the league and was the second best player on the Sacramento Kings of the early 2000's. By the way, how weird was it seeing Mike Bibby and Peja play against each other for a NBA Championship?

Deshawn Stevenson - Just some facts: Deshawn Stevenson, when he was 20, had sex with a 14 year old. Deshawn Stevenson was drafted in the first round by the Utah Jazz as a high school phenom for his offense. Deshawn Stevenson, when he was being drafted, was compared by the geniuses at NBADRAFT.NET to Michael Jordan. Deshawn Stevenson, left the Jazz because he clashed with Jerry Sloan, one of the most respected coaches in the league because he didn't want to play defense. Deshawn Stevenson, as a Wizard had an epic war of words with Lebron James which included Soulja Boy and Jay Z. Deshawn Stevenson, during one season, shot 24% from three point range. Deshawn Stevenson hit three three pointers in the Heat's face in Game 6. Deshawn Stevenson is a NBA Champion.

Deshawn Stevenson, ex-Wizard gangsta.....

JJ Barea - JJ Barea, after being named a honorable mention All-America during his senior season at Northeastern, went undrafted. That's right - AN UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT BEAT THE MIAMI HEAT.


Brendan Haywood - When the Wizards drafted Haywood in 2001, everyone assumed it was just a Michael Jordan pick, considering Haywood was a four year senior for Matt Doherty's Tar Heels. It literally took Haywood five years to learn how to play the center position. During his duration with the Wizards, here are some of the names that he battled with for playing time - Jahidi White, Christian Laettner, Charles Oakley, Etan Thomas, and Calvin Booth. Not bad for a guy who was once dubbed "Brenda" Haywood for being too soft. With Tyson Chandler (who Haywood once had a fight with on the court when Chandler was with the Bulls) becoming a free agent, don't be surprised if Haywood is the started at center next year for the Mavericks.

Brendan Haywood, ex-Wizards Center..just something about the Wizards..

Tyson Chandler - Tyson Chandler, the most successful out of the three high schoolers drafted in 2001 - Chandler, Kwame Brown, and Eddy Curry - would most likely not have been  a Maverick had he not failed the physical when he was traded to the Thunder. Instead, the Hornets shipped him to the Bobcats who then in turn, traded him to the Mavericks and that single move, might have been the best move the Mavericks made all of last year.

Jason Terry - There is not a day in the world that Jason Terry doesn't thank God or whatever else he believes in for the Hawks trading him to the Mavericks before the 2004-2005 season. There will also not be a day from now on that he doesn't thank his own clutch-ness and ice-water in his veins for winning Game 6 and making sure that championship tattoo didn't become one of the biggest blunders of all time. Just another nugget - Terry and Bibby were backcourt mates when the University of Arizona won the National Championship in 1997)

Bibby and Terry leading the Wildcat huddle in college

Shawn Marion - There was a time in the past ten years that one could have said Shawn Marion was the best small forward in the league. When Marion was part of his own big three in Phoenix with Steve Nash  (who needs a championship badly) and Amare Stoudamire, he was perennial all-star. His defense of Lebron was critical to the Mavs winning the championship and if it weren't for the ugliest shot this side of Chuck Hayes, well, I might actually enjoy watching him play.

Jason Kidd - Kidd was originally drafted by the Mavericks to form another big three - the three J's - Kidd, Jim Jackson, and Jamal Mashburn. After then being sent to Phoenix for Michael Finley (remember him?) where he dawdled and played with such greats including Rex Chapman and Tom Gugliotta, Kidd was sent to New Jersey for Stephon Marbury where he really made a mark, leading the Nets to two straight and the two most boring NBA Finals. After he was traded back to the Mavericks for Devin Harris, a trade which was wildly unpopular at the time it was made - Harris went berserk in the first several months in New Jersey - Kidd finally settled into his role as an old man and resident point guard who is slower than molasses, yet makes a crucial steal and knocks down several three pointers - a la Derek Fisher for the last three years. Just a note to Kidd - don't play for another two to three years. Retire now.

That bottle of champagne cost $90,000...what a cool German.

Dirk Nowitzki - One of my favorite players ever. As everyone knows, I love white players, but do people know that he was actually drafted by the Bucks and traded to the Mavs along with Pat Garrity for Robert Tractor Traylor (who just died RIP)? Nowitzki has redefined the power forward position. I was listening to Brendan Haywood today on the radio and he made a very good point: big men from Europe are not soft because they play on the perimeter; they are just raised that way. In America, if a tall guy is playing basketball, we logically tell him to get as close to the basket so he can cherry pick and annoy the hell out of all the shorter guys. In Europe, they actually teach you to hone your skills...imagine that! Dirk now enters the conversation of the top 20 players of all time and will forever be part of this debate - Nowitzki, Charles Barkley, or Karl Malone? As much as I love Barkley - probably my favorite player of all time (inspiration for fat people everywhere) - Nowitzki has definitely surpassed him and Malone...I'll make my case later, perhaps in a future blog. This is already as long as Lebron's embarassments....

No Ammo, you have two championships...AND LEBRON HAS 0!

The NBA Finals, Shaq, and Gays.

The NBA Finals

After what seems to be an eternity, I'm back to blogging. Apologies for the extended delay...I have been busy with my life and other such trivial things...but let's get back to business.

The NBA Finals are finally here and after Game 1, 70% of fans and the media are ready to write off the Mavericks. Not so fast my friends. The biggest question after Game 1 as I tweeted/facebooked/social media'ed is this: Is Miami's defense really that good or did Dallas just have an off night shooting the ball?

Next, I hear Nowitzki will try a blindfolded behind the back shot...

Dallas shot 37 percent and outside of Dirk - no one on the Mavs really got going and the big German didn't exactly have a fantastic game either. This really can't happen again. Dirk, is going to give you atleast 25 points and 8 rebounds. He needs help - one or more of Terry, Marion, Kidd, Peja, or Barea have to go off. I have a feeling that the supporting cast won't shit itself. Another crucial element to watch is Dirk's finger, but I'm assuming Dirk has enough of a killer instinct to take some pain killers and play through it.

"Yes, of course I'm no where near MJ"

However, the antithesis to what I just said is the way Miami plays defense. Whether it be man or zone and especially when Miami rolls out a lineup of Haslem/Bosh/Lebron/Miller/Wade, they have enough length and footspeed to crowd the passing lanes and discourage ball movement - something the Mavericks are exceptional at. By the way, Mike Miller is hurt again and was seeing leaving the arena on Tuesday night with his shoulder in a sling...shocker.

Ex-Wizard Mike Miller injured again...by the way what is up with that haircut?

Dallas' defense is fine. The Heat weren't exactly setting the roof on fire with their shooting, but they do have Lebron James and Dwayne Wade and of course the most underappreciated all-star in the league - Chris Bosh (who by the way has probably been the best of the big three in the playoffs). The Mavericks can't afford to slack on defense, but defense wasn't the problem on Tuesday. It was the rebounding.

"I've been in the league for ten years and I still suck at free throws and my name is not Shaq"

Despite Brendan Haywood's missed dunk (what a joke), he played considerably better than Tyson Chandler and it would serve Rick Carlisle well to play Haywood over him. When Haywood was in the game, Miami seemed to get less offensive rebounds - the Heat had  80 shots total and the Mavericks only took 67..that's a BIG difference.

They key to this series might be mental. Keep in mind Dirk and the Mavs have been labeled as soft and chokers in the past and Lebron has The Decision and his inability to win a championship hanging on him. Something has to give and I still believe in the Mavs.

Shaq's Retirement

First of all, Shaq retired. Secondly, he retired over Twitter...what?! The changing of the "media guard" has been swift and a huge kick in the ass to traditional media. Usually, players retire by holding a press conference or by leaking it to their favorite reporter...but not any more. Shaq, an early enthusiast of Twitter announced his decision through a video and all I have to say is...it's high time he did so.

Easily the most dominant big man of my lifetime

I wasn't alive when Wilt and Kareem played and by the time I really started watching basketball, Ewing and Olajuwon, though good, were nowhere near their primes, and easily, by miles, Shaq was the best center I have ever seen play. From 1999-2003, he was a beast...and easily the most athletic player in the league for that time period as well. People say Shaq was an athletic specimen early in his career, when he used to run the floor and didn't weigh more than 300 pounds, but think about this - Shaq was able to do all those things AT 340 pounds in 2001 and 2002.

"Shut up Scottie. I'm still the best player ever. No one cares what you think."

Pound for pound (pun intended), he is the most dominant player I have ever seen. Jordan was good, talented, and despite what Scottie Pippen thinks, the best player ever, but Shaq was just unstoppable. There was no one in the league who could guard him for those years when he was in his prime. The ball would go into the post to Shaq and there were only two possible results - either he scored or he kicked it out to a teammate for a wide open shot. The last several years have been sad to watch especially with the Cavs and the Celtics, but many players ride around on different teams in the twilight of their careers - see Joe Montana with the Chiefs and Michael Jordan with the Washington Wizards.

Despite this debacle, Jordan is still the best player ever.

Homosexuals in Sports

When Rick Welts came out of the closet, the sporting world went crazy. I still don't understand to this day how this is a big deal. He's gay...he's a front office executive...he has as much to do with the basketball being played on the court as you and I do. He is never going to step on the court and will most likely never be in the locker room with players. Charles Barkley said on Mike Wise's radio show on 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C. that he has played with gay players. Honestly, at this point, with the country angling to become more liberal than ever, the debate over whether it would be weird is outdated and archaic. No one cares as long as you are good enough to play.

Hi, I'm John Amaechi and I'm gay and Tim Hardaway hates me.

 Other Shenanigans:
- There are eight ex-Wizards in the NBA Finals - Juwan Howard, Mike Miller, Mike Bibby, Zydraunas Ilgauskas, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, Deshawn Stevenson, and Brian Cardinal and yet the Wizards/Bullets have not been to the finals since 1979. Go figure.
-The most underrated storyline of the NBA finals (at least around Washington D.C.) is the continued battle between Deshawn Stevenson/Soulja Boy and Lebron James/Jay-Z. Once again, good is on Deshawn's side. (Throws up the hand to the face)

I almost miss this....ALMOST

-If you believe in conspiracy theories, David Stern has to consider the ramifications of the Heat winning the championship. The NBA is heading for an inevitable lockout and the last thing the NBA needs is for a whole legion of fans to be pissed that the Heat won the championship and might do so for the next five years. Just something to watch for.
-Is anyone as excited as I am for the new X-Men movie. James McAvoy was absolutely awesome in The Last King of Scotland (if you have not seen that movie yet....you have issues) and is sure to be a beast in the X-Men movie as well.

James McAvoy = STUD

-How did the Cavaliers win the first and the fourth picks in the draft just a year after Lebron left.....hmm.....WTF.
-It's June and no one cares about baseball.
-Look for the Wizards to trade up from #6 to #3 and draft Enes Kanter. I've been hearing some things, but that's all I'll say for now.

John Wall's future running mate?

 -Please bring football back...at least free agency. I can't take an entire summer of just baseball talk.

Bye Bye Jim Tressel....

 -Jim Tressel's resignation has to send shockwaves throughout the entire college sports world. Every major school is a possible target and it would be greatly entertaining to listen to the conversations between School Presidents, Athletic Directors, and Head Coaches.

and hello Adarsh Kannan...I definitely have the cooler sweater vest and glasses.