NBA & NCAA Basketball Truths From R. Scates

Here are a few truths I learned from the hoop world this weekend…


-I have underestimated one Rajon Rondo. I am not a fan of his ability to shoot mid-range jumpers and free throws, but I have come to appreciate his toughness and how he brings value when he is on the floor. I thought it was impressive taking on the challenge of guarding Lebron James, who is 7 inches taller and outweighs Rondo by 70lbs. Until Lebron went into the post, Rondo was doing a peskily (if that’s a word) effective job keeping Employee #6 out of his offensive comfort zone. Like him or hate him, Rajon Rondo does the little things that pick the Celtics up and provides positive energy.

-KG talks a good psycho babble and even asserts his psycho on the smaller ones in the league, but when he gets stepped to, his hands go in the air and he backs off. After Rondo ran into a hard, yet legal screen, Garnett leaned his shoulder into Mike Miller who was chasing Ray Allen around a screen. Dwyane Wade then came to the defense of his teammate and Garnett backed right on down. Buck up player…

-Dwyane Wade is a more versatile player than Lebron James

-The Los Angeles Lakers played a tired game against the Orlando Magic, bring in Carmelo !?!?! - (sorry couldn’t resist)

-I wish both, but either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers will make the playoffs. Also, Monta is an All-Star.

-On the college side basketball of things the OSU loss to Wisconsin took a lot of pressure off those kids. I think OSU will get back dominating and secure a #1 tourney seed.

-Nolan Smith has stepped up big time for the Duke Blue Devils and should finish top 3 in the National Player of the year voting.

-It’s good to see UNC ranked and back on track. It looks like the departure of Larry Drew II was good for both parties.

-Texas Longhorns are playing the type of stifling defense that could carry them deep into the tourney.


-Rod
@rodscates is the Twitter for good debates and other sports truths

Paul Silas on Michael Jordan: "If He Got In Shape, He Would Probably Average 20"

Charlotte Bobcats part owner Michael Jordan is and will arguably remain the greatest player in NBA history (just accept it.) but per  these comments from Bobcats head coach Paul Silas, His Airness still has a little NBA-caliber game in him. Here are some of the quotes:

"If he got in shape he could probably average about 15 to 20 points a game, no question, because he still has the shot," Silas said Friday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "If he got in shape, he would probably average 20 because he can get the shot off, he can make them, and he has just an uncanny knowledge of the game.



"He really understands how to play and that's why he is important to my guys and what they should be doing out there and what they should be looking for. It's just phenomenal what he can still do at that age."

Here was my reaction upon reading said quotes:

So... do they drug test head coaches these days? Sure, the thought of seeing Michael Jordan lace up some of those retro Jordans and get out on the court against LeBron, Kobe, etc is fun to visualize and simulate on NBA2K11, but let's be serious here for a second. Michael Jordan will be 48 years old on Feb. 17th. and probably a good 40-50 pounds out of "game shape". There is no way in hell he can play 20+ minutes in today's NBA and average anywhere close to 20ppg. I'm sure he can still shoot and still has that great basketball IQ and savvy, but Jordan would be a liability on defense and with his limited athletic ability opponents can simply crowd him to take away the jumper.

Could he maybe play about 10 minutes a game and get close to double digits? Yes. But 20 point a night?? Nah, playa. He's human. Or at least as far as we know he is.

-ALR

Ron Artest Hopes To Be Traded According To Source

This should come as a shock to no one, considering the recent rumblings that the Los Angeles Lakers would be actively looking to upgrade their roster and small forward is their most glaring need. According to this report by ESPN's Mark Stein, sources are saying that Ron Artest wants out of L.A. Here's some of the scoop from Stein:

The Lakers have been so uncharacteristically public about the potential benefits of an injection of new blood because they know, with a league-high $90.4 million payroll and such limited trade assets, that threatening this locker room with a shakeup move is a far simpler gamble to execute than shaking things up with an actual deal before the Feb. 24 trading deadline.

However ... I'm told that there's at least one prominent Laker who hopes he's the guy who gets shipped out in the next 20-odd days.

One source close to the situation insists that Ron Artest wants out.

Asked to react to that, Artest's agent David Bauman declined comment.

I'd never call myself an expert, but usually when an agent declines a comment in regards to his clients rumored demands something is up. Artest has admittedly been lost at times in the triangle offense and has even disinterested on defense, which is his calling card in the NBA. He's also admitted that he sees a shrink to help him with his psychological issues so this may just be crazy Ron on display. Here's a little more from the report:

I've nonetheless been assured this week that Artest -- though he hasn't outright demanded a trade and is likely to publicly deny it -- is serious about wanting to be dealt somewhere "he can have fun again" less than a year removed from the pivotal role he played in that ring-clinching Game 7 with Boston that the Lakers so nearly squandered.

An NBA player would rather go somewhere where he can "have fun" over playing for a legit title contender? Interesting. Maybe Ron Ron should schedule a few more sessions with that psychiatrist to help get his mind right.

Either way, the Lakers need to do something to shake things up. They have not played up to par against the other top teams in the league and at times they can look quite lethargic. And the Lakers aren't getting any younger with the majority of their core at 30+. Magic Johnson recently chipped in and said that maybe a change is needed to shake things up.

Hopefully something is done in Hollywood to wake this current edition of the Lakers up come playoff time. Every team in the league is gunning for them and it won't be that easy to just flip the switch and turn it on in April.

-ALR

Video: J.R. Smith Crossover On Mike Dunleavy

I hope Mike Dunleavy got a nice rate on some ankle insurance because J.R. Smith aka "Young Money" crossed him up pretty bad. In Mike's defense, defense has never been a strong suit. See how I did that there?

J.R. Smith has always had a ton of talent. I think if he fully applied himself he could play like an all-star every night. Maybe if Carmelo Anthony does end up getting shipped out of Denver by Feb. 24th Smith can finally crack the starting lineup. Which means more highlights for us to enjoy.
-ALR

Video: Leaked Trailers For Kobe Bryant's New Movie

This is easy to piece together; the Lakers play in Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood. Kobe Bryant is one of the game best and most recognizable players (if not the biggest). So it's only fitting that Nike and director Robert Rodriguez team up for a viral movie to be released during all-star weekend, which will be hosted at Staples Center in February. Here is some info about the film, per this report by the OC Register's Kevin Ding:

The movie will be released – and figures to go viral, Nike surely assumes – in its entirety in mid-February at All-Star weekend, when the game for which Bryant is the leading fan vote-getter will be played at Staples Center. It is all being done as a promotion for the Zoom Kobe VI shoe and Bryant’s new “True Colors” apparel line.

The movie will be billed this way: “The world’s best basketball player. … Biggest challenge yet. … Kobe Bryant is the Black Mamba. … A Robert Rodriguez film.”

Another day, another distraction maybe? I would say yes but if you think about it, how many Phil Jackson coached teams were without drama of some kind? And the man HAS won 11 championships, so he just might know what he's doing when it comes down to it.

Here are a couple short trailers for the movie. Enjoy.





-ALR

Kobe Admits He's Not In His Prime, But "Still Running With These Young Pups"

Fifteen seasons in the NBA. One thousand and sixty-one games played. Thirteen playoff appearances, including seven in the NBA Finals. Twelve all-star appearances. You can go one and one with the resume of Kobe Bryant before you stop to realize that he's done all of this before the age of 33. Even more amazing is that he is still arguably one of the best players in the NBA. Per this story seen over at the OC Register, Kobe comments on his age and physical ability:

"In my prime, I couldn't do the things Dominique could do," Bryant said.

"I should be nowhere near playing at the level I'm playing at right now, 15 years into the league, the draft class that I came in," Bryant said. "I'm still running with these young pups."

Basically what he is saying that he may not be as quick or be able to jump as high as he could in his younger days but Bryant is still more than capable of dominating a game, as he displayed while scoring 30 points in the final 19 minutes of a victory against the Warriors Wednesday night. There is a big difference between physical prime and mental prime, as Kobe pointed out after the Warriors game;

"It doesn't matter who's on me. Go time is go time. ... You've got a responsibility to your team to try to come through in those situations and make the right play. Tonight, I did that."

That kind of mentality is exactly why as long as the Lakers have Kobe Bryant on the floor they are a title contender. You can stack your squad with all-stars (Miami, anyone?) but if those players don't have that competitive fire it may not be enough. I think we really take for granted how great of a player Kobe truly is.

Oh and for everyone that thinks Kobe is washed up; how does 25 ppg, 5 rpg and 5 assists with 9 fingers and a bum knee in your 15th season sound? Sounds like greatness to me.

-ALR

Allen Iverson To Announce Retirement

You just had to know once Allen Iverson took that deal to play overseas the end was near... Per this translated report from Hoops World, "The Answer" is set to announce his retirement from basketball after recently injuring his ankle while playing in Turkey:

Turkish Besiktas famous import, Allen Iverson, appears close to end his career in basketball. The former Philadelphia Sixers’ guard injured his left ankle recently and can’t stand the pain anymore. Later today, he will do a press conference to announce that he is going to have surgery in the United States and will be treated here.

“Leaving the basketball world makes me sad but, sometimes, we have to accept things like they are. I can say goodbye to basketball,” he revealed yesterday.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. I'm more surprised that he lasted this long overseas. I wills ay that isn't the way I imagined seeing a true NBA icon go out. AI was a bridge to the hip-hop culture that swept through the League in the late 90's and 2000's. Iverson came into the NBA out of Georgetown and brought that killer crossover with him while making tattoos and cornrows trendy.

Iverson, an 11-time all star, leaves the game with career averages of 26.7 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.7 rpg and 2.2 steals. He won the NBA MVP award in 2001 and lead the NBA in scoring 4x. Iverson ranks 22nd in total points scored and is arguably the best 6'0 scorer in NBA history.

Ironic that his career ends after an ankle injury as he was known for breaking them with that crossover.



-ALR

Blake Griffin And Brandon Jennings Among Dunk Contest Participants

The Sprite Slam Dunk contest will be super-sized this season. According to sources, the participants for the 2011 edition of the slam dunk competition that will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles will include Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings, Serge Ibaka and JaVale McGee. Take away Jennings and the other participants are all over 6-10. Oh joy.

At least the dunk contest will have some home town flavor to it, as Griffin plays for the Los Angeles Clippers and Jennings is a product of Compton, CA which is only about 10 miles or so from Staples. I too hail from the Hub City (Compton for the outsiders) and am a long time Clipper supporter so I will be a little torn with who to root for. Needless to say but besides Griffin and Jennings there may not be much excitement in this season's edition. It's not a lot of fun to watch extremely tall players dunk for exhibition purposes. Jennings made the dunk contest rounds back when he was a HS senior at Oak Hills and it rumored to have a vertical leap that's close to 40 inches. He is currently recovering from an injury but should be healthy by all-star weekend.

 Click each participant's name above for a few of their dunk highlights.

-ALR

Dallas Mavericks Forward Caron Butler Done For Remainder Of Season

Dallas' worst nightmare seems to be on the horizon. Valuable swingman Caron Butler will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Butler was averaging 15 ppg, 4rpg and shooting around 43% from 3 while giving the Mavericks a reliable scoring option alongside Dirk Nowitzki (who is currently nursing injuries of his own).

This is a major blow to dallas' depth on the wing, where they were already lacking. The player formerly known as Shawn Marion will step in to fill Butler's spot in the starting rotation. Butler's injury may prompt Dallas to make a move to gain move depth (Jamario Moon or Tayshaun Prince would be a nice fit). Dallas is currently 2nd in the Western Conference behind San Antonio.

-ALR

Meet Jordan McCabe: 12 Yr Old Dribbling Spectacular

12 yr old Jordan McCabe from Seattle, WA has ridiculous handles period. Off the eye test, it looks like he may be gifted offensively. His shot looks good, footwork is nice and it seems that he can pass extremely well. You will have to excuse the news part of the video, I don't have editing time, but, someone give this kid a growth spurt and a scholarship!!!
Note - If you can get the video full size by clicking on it...
- @lostherod

NBA Trimester: 2010-2011 Rookie Report

As we are at the 1/3 of the way through the 2010-2011 NBA season, this is a great time to give you "That Sports Blog"' rookie rankings, top 5 and bottom 5. You can see my pre-season rookie rankings here (looking back, I wasn't too far off). On to the rankings, which are based off of draft position, expectations and overall productivity...

1. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
You've seen the highlights, the monster dunks, spin moves, and rebounds. Everyone knew Griffin would be good, but I don't think anyone saw him being this good this soon. The versatile big man is currently contributing 21.5 ppg, 12 rpg and even chipping in 3 dimes. Since his 44 point coming out party against the Knicks, Griffin has run off 20 straight double doubles. The scary thing is he's still getting better. His numbers for December; 23ppg, 13.5rpg and 4apg. He's even added in a reliable mid range jumper. He's the runaway ROY at this point.

2. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Before suffering from knee tendinitis Wall and Griffin were dueling for the top rookie spot. But injuries have caused JW11 to miss a bunch of games and limited when he has been on the court lately. Still, he's putting up over 15 and 8 dimes per which isn't too shabby for a rookie PG. His jumper has been shaky but there are signs that it will improve and with Arenas now shipped off to Orlando Wall will have more room to isolate his defender and utilize his superior speed. If he can stay on the court and off of the trainer's table.

3. Landry Fields, New York Knicks

If you're saying to yourself "Who?", you aren't the only one. Fields, a 6'7 swingman out of Stanford, has started every game at shooting guard for the much improved Knicks. He's currently 4th in rookie scoring (10.3) and leads all NBA guards in rebounding (7.5). He doesn't do much that will make you say WOW but he's been very solid all around. Not bad for a 2nd round pick.

4. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Though you may not hear much about him, Johnson has quietly put together a decent start to his NBA career. He's averaging close to double figures while shooting very well from the perimeter (.459 overall, .397 from the 3). He may struggle for minutes in the near future with the return of swingman Martell Webster but the versatile Johnson can also play the SF position in a pinch. And if you haven't caught any of his highlights, here is a sample. Minnesota may have a nice nucleus in the works if they can settle on a PG.

5. Derrick Favors, New Jersey Nets

I had Favors ranked in my bottle 5 before the season, mainly due to his young age and the spot where he was drafted (#3 overall). So far when he has been on the court he has proven me wrong. Though only getting 19 minutes of burn a game Favors has chipped in close to 7ppg and 5rpg and a couple double doubles. He has legit size for an NBA power forward and has shown flashes but until he can sustain his energy level on a more consistent basis he will continue to struggle for minutes.

Bottom 5 (based on draft position, expectations & productivity)

5. Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers

Being picked 2nd overall brings a lot of expectations, but Turner hasn't done much when on the floor to live up to them. He has struggled with his shooting so far and teams are sagging off of him and daring him to take long range jumpers. In Turner's defense he has been solid on the glass (4.4rpg) but the play making ability that was flashed during his 3 seasons at Ohio St. has yet to translate to the NBA. He did have a nice 23 point effort last night while starting at the 3 for Andre Iguodala but in contrast the performance was against one of the worst defenses in the league. Hopefully it will build his confidence and bring forth more solid performances.

4. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Cousins entered the NBA with question marks regarding his bad attitude and a label as a hot head. So far he has done nothing but transform those question marks into bold exclamation points. Cousins has been suspended by his team, thrown out of practice and displayed horrible body language on the court. And to be 6'11 and close to 300lbs, he's had a little trouble finishing in the paint. Will all that said, Cousins has a TON of talent and is still managing to put up 11 and 8 a night. If he can shake his maturity issues he still has a chance to develop into a very good NBA center in a short period of time. But that is a very big IF.

3. Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons

Monroe is another top 10 pick who has struggled to get minutes early in the season. Which is baffling because the Pistons don't have much depth at the center position. Monroe did get a few starts in early December but was quickly sent back to a reserve role. Monroe hasn't been much of a scorer but he has contributed 5 rebounds in less than 20 minutes per game which isn't bad. But outside of that he hasn't done much else.

2. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz

Take away last night's 17-point explosion against the Clippers and Hayward has been absolutely non-existent this season. He started the season as a big part of the Jazz's rotation but has seen his minutes cut to few and far between. The shooting stroke that everyone was so high on entering the season hasn't been there for Hayward and he has looked timid when given the opportunity to shoot. He's still young and coming from a mid-major program so he  may still be the adjusting to the jump in competition, but so far his play has left much to be desired from the 9th pick in the draft.

1. Daniel Orton, Orlando Magic

Congratulations go out to Orton for holding down this spot for the 2nd time. Gotta love that consistency. I really don't have much else to write about Orton as he has yet to play a single minute in the NBA, and only played parts of 2 games in the D-League as he re-injured his left knee. Orton definitely owes his agent a raise as they pulled a fast one by getting him drafted in the first round.

-ALR

Video: Tyreke Evans Halfcourt Game Winner Vs. Grizzlies

As the saying goes, one good shot deserves another. After O.J. Mayo nailed a jumper from the top of the key to put the Memphis Grizzlies ahead by one with 1.5 seconds on the clock, Sacramento Kings star Tyreke Evans buried a half court heave at the buzzer to snatch a victory away from the Grizzlies. Here's video:



The NBA; Where Amazing Happens. Indeed.

Shoutout to @jose3030 for the HD quality video. Check out his site here.

-ALR

Hey Everyone; Chris Bosh Wants You To Know He CAN Play Basketball

Yo Chris, nobody cares!

There have been many funny quotes and sound bites coming out of South Beach, and none more insignificant than those coming from Heat PF Chris Bosh. Per this story seen over at the Miami Herald, Bosh feels it is necessary for him to let everyone that he's been playing solid basketball. Here are some quotes:

“For some reason, people think I can't play basketball,” Bosh said. “It gives me an added sense of motivation. I feel in those situations, I have a chance … to go out there and do well, because I know people are watching -- just to shut them up. Just to be frank.”

I'll say it again; NOBODY CARES ABOUT CHRIS BOSH. No one ever said you couldn't play basketball. Hell, the kid has career averages of 20 ppg and 9 boards. His talent isn't in question. We just think he's softer than wet tissue paper and weak in the paint. He also says he's going to get his rebounding average up to over 10 a game. Sure you will Chris. How about getting a couple block shots and being a presence in the post? I'm just sayin'.

Clearly Bosh is feeling a little attention starved as all the ink goes to #6 and Dwyane Wade (rightfully so). We all know he's just riding their coat tails. It's cool Chris. I would do the same. But please put a sock in it and just play basketball! The Heat could really benefit from letting their play speak for them as they repeatedly make themselves sound like complete idiots (except for Wade).

The Heat are rolling right now and winning a lot of games. Sucks that they are letting their comments put a cloud over their accomplishments.

But this one's for Chris Bosh from the good people over at #LTSBlog



-ALR

Pics Of Steve Francis' Debut For Beijing Ducks

Yes you read that correctly; former #2 overall pick and NBA All-star Steve Francis played his debut game with the Beijing Ducks on the CBA (China Basketball Association) last earlier this AM.

Francis was inked to a two year deal with the Ducks back in November. He joins fellow NBA has been Stephon Marbury on the squad and also hip hop basketball icon Allen Iverson overseas. Francis only played the final 17 seconds of the game, and even still had an ice pack wrapped around his ankle (see pics below):

Well see how long Francis lasts in the CBA. He looks pretty sickly compared to his days back with the Rockets and the Magic. Good luck over there Stevie Franchise. Here's some video highlights from his finest moments in the NBA:

(photo credit: Associated Press)

-ALR

Santa Monica B&G Club First To Benefit From "The Decision"

If you recall (and how could you not) back on July 7th virtually the whole sports world was on pins and needles waiting to find out where then free agent LeBron James (now referred to by #LTSB as #6) would be taking his talents for 2010-2011 season. Yes the show was egotistic in it's execution, but there was an underlying gesture of charity that was involved with the ESPN televised program. All advertising proceeds and revenue generated were to be allocated to rebuilding Boy & Girls clubs around the country.

Good to see that some of the proceeds have actually been put to use as the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club will unveil the first completed project that was funded from the $3 million that was generated. The ribbon was cut for unveiling the court on December 16th. Here is some info from the press release:

Fox Sports radio host and anchor Deb Carson will emcee a ribbon-cutting event for the opening of the new basketball courts at the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club (SMBGC). The courts will also be used for more sports, fitness and recreation programs including tennis, baseball, soccer and roller hockey.

As much as we all criticize #6 for the "The Decision" and the manner of the show and how it played out, I have to commend James' people for following through ad being committed to their pledge. Hopefully we continue to see more of these types of positive developments of the show. Maybe that will help most people forget the actual show and remember that despite the improper and selfish in execution, the intentions were at least charitable.
-ALR

Kobe Bryant On Passing Torch To Young Stars "I Ain't Passing Sh--"

A lot of people really don't like Kobe Bryant. Maybe it's because of the cocky attitude he displayed during his early years in the NBA. Maybe it's the dismissed rape charges he had to endure back in 2003. Or maybe it's because some blame him for Shaq's exit from the Lakers. But like him or not, you have to respect the man's talent and drive. Kobe is hands down the most competitive player in the NBA and arguably the best basketball player in the league but there is a number of young talent in the NBA that has shown a  lot of promise, including Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose, with whom Bryant had a brief conversation with following a Lakers victory last month.

Per this story by Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson, when Kobe was asked if the conversation had some type of passing the torch symbolism to it, Bryant had this to offer regarding the question and regarding the all-star:

"Oh, sure, but I ain't passing (expletive)," Bryant said.

Asked if Rose has to come take the torch from Bryant, the Lakers' superstar smiled.

"He can certainly try," Bryant said.

Otherwise, Bryant lauded Rose's development and noted his developing killer instinct.

"I just told him to stay healthy and continue the job he's doing," Bryant said of their November postgame talk. "I don't think you can develop (a killer instinct). You either have it or you don't. He's had it since he was in high school.

"That quality separates players I think. With players of equal ability, it's about the engine you have inside. It certainly gives him an edge."

You can feel the competitive fire of Bryant in the connotation of the response. You can also see that Kobe has kept an eye on the younger players coming into the league trying to take his "juice". That is the mentality of a true winner; knowing your opponents and doing everything you can to stay at the top of your game.

Bryant is 32 and is currently in his 15th season in the NBA. Some say his skills are on the decline as he has a lot of miles on his body but Bryant is still second in the league in scoring and continues to play at an extremely high level. Declining skills? I don't see it that way.

The Lakers play the Bulls tonight in Chicago and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. Should be fun to watch two of the best go at it on a national scale.

-ALR

Ron Artest: The 'Good Kind Of Crazy'

You gotta love Ron Artest. How could you not? Yes he's a tad bit crazy at times, but you have to respect the fact that he's always genuine (unlike many athletes and celebrities these days). Recently ESPN spent a day with Ron Ron and he was full of comical yet honest quotes. Here's a couple from Artest:

Artest on why he does extra shooting and training after shootarounds:
"Because once I get into that gym, that ball is like a drug. When you see that ball go into the basket, that's like one of the best drugs ever. I'm addicted, and I hope the state of California illegalizes it."

Artest on the triangle offense:
"See, I can't really understand the Triangle [offense]," he admits. "There's 1,000 plays in the Triangle. It's such a challenge. I get so frustrated about it, I have to call my psychiatrist. So I just stay in my one spot in the corner. If I leave my spot, I get yelled at. Phil's gonna say, 'What are you doing over there?!?' So I just don't move."

Artest on his defensive reputation:
"Who's better?" he charges. "You gonna say Bruce Bowen [the retired San Antonio Spur]? That's just political. Nobody wants to say, 'The best defensive player in the NBA is Ron Artest.' Because who would want Ron Artest to be the face of anything?

"People try to put themselves on my level, defensively. But none of these guys have ever done what I do -- hold All-Stars to zero points. I held Latrell Sprewell in his prime to zero points. I held Carmelo Anthony to two points. I'm the only player in history to hold LeBron James to zero assists.

"Really, I feel like I'm better than I ever was. I'm just not getting to show it … I'm on Kobe's team. If he's not there, I'm on Pau [Gasol]'s team. If he's not there, I'm on Lamar [Odom]'s team. It's all right. I had my chance to have my own team -- in Chicago and Indiana -- but I messed that up. I blew it."

Artest take on life:
"My whole life has been mistakes," he says. "I know I'm going to make bad decisions in basketball. I know I'm going to probably get knocked out boxing. I might break an elbow playing football. But without pain, there's no pleasure. Without failing, there's no success. I'm a perfectionist who's not perfect."

How can you hate a player who so honestly and openly gives his take on things. One thing I admire about Artest is that no matter the situation or setting, he's going to be himself. Always. After the Lakers took home the championship in June Artest appeared on Jimmy Kimmel live in nothing but his boxers. He also says he wants to try football and boxing after his NBA career is done. Artest has recently stated that he would be donating a portion (if not all) of his 2011 salary to mental health charities in hopes that it would create awareness. What other athlete would even consider this type of contribution? I'll wait...

A lot of doubters were worried about how Artest would handle life in Los Angeles when the Lakers inked him to a free agent deal to replace Trevor Ariza, but tt appears as if Ron has come a long way from that Malay at the Palace in Detroit (remember this?). I have a lot of respect for Mr. Artest and hopefully he can keep his head in the right place.

Just don't throw anything at him and you're all good.

-ALR

Tracy McGrady On Rockets, 'Who Are They Blaming Now That I’m Gone'

Last night marked current Detroit Pistons forward Tracy McGrady's first visit to the Houston Rockets home arena, where he was spent 6 years as the star and team's leader. While McGrady put up big numbers for the Rockets (he averaged 20+ points in all but 2 seasons) he was often injured and the Rockets never made it out of the first round of the playoffs, which McGrady shouldered most of the blame for.

(remember this press conference?)


After the Pistons got spanked by the Rockets, McGrady was interviewed by the local media regarding his return to Houston, the fans reactions, and also how his career in Houston ended:

"It wasn't my fault it ended the way it did, but yeah, I regret it," McGrady said. "I want to know who they're blaming around here now that I'm gone."


McGrady has made more headlines with his commentary this season than he has with his play for the Pistons. Just over a week ago he gave his point of view on the 'Big 3' down in South Beach. And if you remember, it was his comments on wanting to be a starter after a workout with the Bulls that scared them off from offering him a contract.

I've always been a McGrady fan as he was one of the most talented and exciting players in the NBA during the last decade. He led the league in scoring when he was with Olrando and gave us a number of highlights. McGrady also was one of the classiest individuals in the league. It's sad to see what injuries have done to his abilities and him coming off the bench for less than 20 minutes a game (and throwing in only 4.1 points).

McGrady is only 31 so he may have a couple solid seasons left in him, but the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be near for T-Mac. Hopefully he can land on a title contender and get that coveted ring before he calls it quits (ala Glen Rice with the Lakers back in 2000).

Here's some highlights of what McGrady used to be (somewhere, LTSB's @lostherod is shaking his head)



-ALR

LeBron James Return To Cleveland Draws 2nd Highest NBA Ratings

Unless you were stuck under a rock or still down in that Chilean mine you were aware of the heavily hyped return of now Miami Heat SF Lebron James to the home arena of his former team the Cleveland Cavaliers. Media was all over the event (from ESPN to CNN) which of course created a frenzy with the general public and fans of all types. Security was ramped up and there was even coverage of the Heat's flight issues en route to Cleveland (like airplane trouble NEVER happens -_-).

Cleveland fans who felt abandoned by the uncrowned "King" went as far as to organize synchronized taunt chants for #6 throughout various portions of the game. So it was kind of a a big deal to say the least, and the ratings for the game last night prove that to be true. TNT's telecast of the Cavs/Heat game drew it's second largest overnight of the season with a 5.0 rating, preceded only by the 5.8 overnight delivered by the season opener featuring the Heat & the Boston Celtics (which the Heat lost).

I'm curious to see the ratings trend from the first half of the game to the second, when the Heat pulled away in a 3rd quarter where the Heat outscored the over matched Cavs 36-25 (24 poured in by James alone). Miami cruised to a 28 point victory and #6 finished with 38, 8 assists and 5 boards.

The ratings show me one thing; people love drama. The Cavs were 7-10 coming into the game and were clearly out of their league in this one. Unless you live in the Cleveland area or have NBA League Pass, don't expect to see too much more of the Cavs this season as they only have 2 more nationally televised games, 1/9 @ the Suns and 3/6 vs. the Hornets. Oh joy.

I will say this; although many (including us here at LTSB) have been critical of #6 and his antics this summer, James put on quite a performance last night. He played with an aggression that we have not seen much of this season. If he can continue to harness that energy and bring it like that in every game he may be able to reacquire some of the fan support that was so quickly jettisoned in one off season.

But uh... where was Mo Williams? I expected more than 11 points on 2-8. Dah well. Oh and the DJ spinning Snoop's "Ain't No Fun" in the fourth quarter had to be somehow intentional (paging Delonte West).

-ALR

Phil Jackson On Cavs Home Atmosphere "It’s Just An Obnoxious Place”

Phil Jackson is quite the character. I saw this over at insidehoops.com... It appears as if there is a lot of general interest regarding #6's return to Cleveland while playing for the Miami Heat, but according to a report from LA Times Broderick Turner, Jackson says he doesn't share the sentiment. Here are some quotes:

“That’s not of interest to me,” he said. “I hate to listen to the Cleveland broadcast. Their announcers are so loud on the court. It’s just an obnoxious place.”

But almost everybody will be watching on Thursday.

“That’s my night off,” Jackson said, smiling.

The "Zen Master" has had some interesting input regarding the LeBron and the Miami Heat situation this season. Maybe it's just Phil being Phil and working his mind games that he is so well known for. Maybe it's a media distraction from the Lakers own current 3-game losing streak. Either way, you can always count on Phil to stir things up a bit.

But how about getting a W tonight against the Rockets, Phil? Thanks!

-ALR