Alright, it's finally my favorite time of the year. I'll put in a few write-ups once the playoffs begin, but here are my picks for the moment:
ROUND ONE
Cavs over Bulls
Magic over Bobcats
Hawks over Bucks
Heat over Celtics
Lakers over OKC
Mavs over Spurs
Suns over Blazers
Nuggets over Jazz
CONFERENCE SEMIS
Cavs over Heat
Hawks over Magic
Lakers over Nuggets
Suns over Mavs
CONFERENCE FINALS
Cavs over Hawks
Suns over Lakers
FINALS
Cavs over Suns
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Paging Mr Alston
Updated at the end of the post
Dear Rafer, where are you? Playing street ball again? I was flabbergasted when I read that Miami's point guard got suspended because he got angry for not starting, and essentially disappeared from the team. You're telling me that a NBA professional who gets paid about $500k a year now only communicates to his employers via text messaging? Who does he think he is, Anna Kendrick from Up in the Air?
Look, I am a big fan of Rafer Alston. He's got one of the storied NBA paths, coming from community college, and streetballing himself into the pros. I loved him in Houston and I thought last year he performed admirably as starting point guard for the Orlando Magic (until coach Stan Van Gundy inexplicably shook up the roles during the FINALS?!?). This year he lands in Miami, playing along Wade, in a team that could use some skill and veteran leadership. And now he pulls this stunt?
I don't know the situation. I don't know if Alston got shafted and disrespected. Still, he's living the dream, playing basketball at the highest level, for a team that's making a push for the playoffs. I have no idea why he would go Sprewell. It doesn't make sense and it exudes arrogance. No wonder fans get mad at prima donna athletes.
Skip 2 My Lou in Houston - photo credit Keith Allison
Paging Mr. Alston - What are you thinking?
update
Word is out that Rafer is dealing with some tough family issues and decided to focus on them after his coach told him he wouldn't be playing any more. I have no idea why the coach would do that, but Rafer admits to handling the issue incorrectly. No matter, I applaud him for saying something about the matter and wish him the very best with his family situation. And I genuinely hope to see him in the league next year.
Dear Rafer, where are you? Playing street ball again? I was flabbergasted when I read that Miami's point guard got suspended because he got angry for not starting, and essentially disappeared from the team. You're telling me that a NBA professional who gets paid about $500k a year now only communicates to his employers via text messaging? Who does he think he is, Anna Kendrick from Up in the Air?
Look, I am a big fan of Rafer Alston. He's got one of the storied NBA paths, coming from community college, and streetballing himself into the pros. I loved him in Houston and I thought last year he performed admirably as starting point guard for the Orlando Magic (until coach Stan Van Gundy inexplicably shook up the roles during the FINALS?!?). This year he lands in Miami, playing along Wade, in a team that could use some skill and veteran leadership. And now he pulls this stunt?
I don't know the situation. I don't know if Alston got shafted and disrespected. Still, he's living the dream, playing basketball at the highest level, for a team that's making a push for the playoffs. I have no idea why he would go Sprewell. It doesn't make sense and it exudes arrogance. No wonder fans get mad at prima donna athletes.
Skip 2 My Lou in Houston - photo credit Keith AllisonPaging Mr. Alston - What are you thinking?
update
Word is out that Rafer is dealing with some tough family issues and decided to focus on them after his coach told him he wouldn't be playing any more. I have no idea why the coach would do that, but Rafer admits to handling the issue incorrectly. No matter, I applaud him for saying something about the matter and wish him the very best with his family situation. And I genuinely hope to see him in the league next year.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tough to be Yao
Reading about the debate in China about where Yao Ming's baby should be born makes me feel sorry for the guy. Quick recap: Yao and his pregnant wife recently traveled back to the US. His unborn girl is expected to arrive into the world in June and this trip back to the US has stirred controversy in China about whether the daughter will be an American.
Tough to be Yao Ming.
Let me remind you that this is one of the most upstanding NBA and Chinese citizens, who has never exhibited anything but class representing his Rockets team and as an graceful Chinese host during the 2008 Olympics. He championed tirelessly for earthquake relief in China a few years ago and personally donated much of his wealth. Sadly, he broke his foot during last season's playoffs and had to miss the entire season this year.
Also allow me to say that he's more than fulfilled his obligations to the Chinese national basketball team, participating in all the tournaments and qualifiers during the summer, while his NBA teammates take the summer off to rest their bodies and work on new skills. Oh, and when Yao was drafted #1, the Chinese government announced that would take half of his salary, as payment for developing him into the player that his is today.
So now there is even a discussion on where his child should be born? How selfish is that? Yao Ming and his family are human beings, not property of the Chinese government or Chinese nationalism movement. Putting aside the ridiculous argument that being born an American, the girl blessed with basketball genes could not compete for China (she's not even born yet!), why don't people consider the practical considerations for Yao and his family? Without a US passport, the poor girl would have to get a visa every time to travel with her parents, who live and work in the US.
Yao is right, this is a private matter between him and his wife. That we're even discussing this is ridiculous.
Tough to be Yao Ming.
Let me remind you that this is one of the most upstanding NBA and Chinese citizens, who has never exhibited anything but class representing his Rockets team and as an graceful Chinese host during the 2008 Olympics. He championed tirelessly for earthquake relief in China a few years ago and personally donated much of his wealth. Sadly, he broke his foot during last season's playoffs and had to miss the entire season this year.
Also allow me to say that he's more than fulfilled his obligations to the Chinese national basketball team, participating in all the tournaments and qualifiers during the summer, while his NBA teammates take the summer off to rest their bodies and work on new skills. Oh, and when Yao was drafted #1, the Chinese government announced that would take half of his salary, as payment for developing him into the player that his is today.
So now there is even a discussion on where his child should be born? How selfish is that? Yao Ming and his family are human beings, not property of the Chinese government or Chinese nationalism movement. Putting aside the ridiculous argument that being born an American, the girl blessed with basketball genes could not compete for China (she's not even born yet!), why don't people consider the practical considerations for Yao and his family? Without a US passport, the poor girl would have to get a visa every time to travel with her parents, who live and work in the US.
Yao is right, this is a private matter between him and his wife. That we're even discussing this is ridiculous.
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