Monday, February 5, 2007
Indy
The Colts remind me a lot of those Rams squads that were so seemingly unbeatable. Ruthless offense, and a defense that could keep you in it with big plays. Except Peyton Manning is even better than Kurt Warner, and Harrison and Wayne are even more ruthlessly efficient than Holt and Bruce. The Colts pretty much handed Chicago a working by letting their defense come up with huge plays against Rex Grossman, who's a bonafide chump. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning was cutting up Chicago's formidable defenses with his laser rocket arm. Thomas Jones made a statement. Devin Hester made a hell of a statement. Here's my question: after the first interception by Grosssman in the fourth, still plenty of time left, why didn't Lovie Smith bring in Griese? Rex Grossman's a bum. Not only is he no good, he's not even the nephew of former Steelers TE Randy Grossman. He's just some other random Grossman of no pedigree. Now I'm no elitist, but this guy instills as much confidence as Kyle Boller, Joey Harrington, Tim Couch, Kyle Orton and Kordell Stewart all rolled into one. I feel sorry for Hester, Gould and Chicago's D, who did everything in their power to win. Loviee's a great coach and the Bears will be the cream of the NFC again next year. Maybe even better, when they unload Orton and Grossman. Let Griese work in a new rook.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Larry Nance
Big man was a Cleveland legend. Before we traded Kevin Johnson for him, he was also one of the primogenitors of the nasty dunk. Believe me when I say this man never "faked the funk." This was true old school get-down nastiness. He actually won the first Dunk Contest at All Star weekend.
Josh Smith Adds Dirk's Name to the List
This is the kind of block that gets followed up by the first 3 rows of the arena all yelling "Daaaaaaaaaaammmmmmnnnn..." In flawless unison. Like Craig and Smokey in Friday.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
I Swear This Seemed Obvious to Me.
This is an interesting little exchange between a Swag favorite, Bill Simmons, and Mark Cuban, who I used to find obnoxious, but who I now sort of find pretty cool. Simmons asks why not just bench a big name stud and "humiliate" him into passing up half of a huge contract. Cuban makes the obvious point that millions of dollars is worth humiliation, even to guys who already have millions. Other than that, Simmons' point is valid and Cuban answers very nicely. I had also wondered about the business sense of buyouts, listen to Cuban (from Daily Dime over at ESPN):
Our man Bill Simmons raised an interesting question in a recent chat, when he wondered aloud after Chris Webber forfeited just under $6.5 million for the right to leave Philadelphia and sign with his hometown Detroit Pistons:
"Here's what I don't get about these buyouts: If you keep doing them, what stops an overpaid player from completely tanking his situation so he can go somewhere else? ...
"Why not just keep him around, not play him and force his hand? He's already made nine figures ... who knows, he might be crazy enough to take a buyout for half his contract just to avoid the humiliation of sitting on the bench behind Steven Hunter."
So I put this to Mavs owner Mark Cuban, knowing that Simmons is hardly alone in wondering why buyouts seem to be gaining in popularity with teams who have gambled on players making big salaries, only to wind up paying them handsomely to go elsewhere and thrive when the game doesn't work out. Cuban's multilayered response:
1. "Fewer teams are taking bad contracts in trades. The Knicks, Mavs and Blazers used to be in that business. No one is anymore. Even the Nuggets traded away [Earl] Boykins to save some money after bringing in [Allen] Iverson.
2. "Financial flexibility is worth more than the players you could get back in a trade. You've heard me say many times that the concept of 'Getting something back for a player' is for the uninformed. If your team has the ability to spend money, that's worth more to you than players you are going to get for a guy with a big number on the downside of his career. So rather than trading a player and getting back junk, it's smarter to do a buyout and save some money.
3. "Because Philly was a luxury-tax payer, whatever discount Webber took, they saved two times that. That could be the difference in enabling them to do a deal or not in the future.
4. "Unhappy players are not different than unhappy broadcasters or writers. Wanna bet that the mood around the Philly Inquirer [which just endured a round of layoffs] isn't conducive to training young reporters? Wanna bet that there are reporters out there that want more space and become locker-room lawyers? You don't want people who don't want to be there in any business."
Cuban continued:
"No one feels humiliated when they get paid 20 million dollars and very few are willing to give up 10 million dollars. You can buy a lot of humiliation for 10 million bucks. Ask yourself how much you would allow yourself to be humiliated for $10 million? You can't worry about how much money the player will make [in a buyout]. Teams care about winning games and making money. Buyouts are a smart business and basketball move."
Our man Bill Simmons raised an interesting question in a recent chat, when he wondered aloud after Chris Webber forfeited just under $6.5 million for the right to leave Philadelphia and sign with his hometown Detroit Pistons:
"Here's what I don't get about these buyouts: If you keep doing them, what stops an overpaid player from completely tanking his situation so he can go somewhere else? ...
"Why not just keep him around, not play him and force his hand? He's already made nine figures ... who knows, he might be crazy enough to take a buyout for half his contract just to avoid the humiliation of sitting on the bench behind Steven Hunter."
So I put this to Mavs owner Mark Cuban, knowing that Simmons is hardly alone in wondering why buyouts seem to be gaining in popularity with teams who have gambled on players making big salaries, only to wind up paying them handsomely to go elsewhere and thrive when the game doesn't work out. Cuban's multilayered response:
1. "Fewer teams are taking bad contracts in trades. The Knicks, Mavs and Blazers used to be in that business. No one is anymore. Even the Nuggets traded away [Earl] Boykins to save some money after bringing in [Allen] Iverson.
2. "Financial flexibility is worth more than the players you could get back in a trade. You've heard me say many times that the concept of 'Getting something back for a player' is for the uninformed. If your team has the ability to spend money, that's worth more to you than players you are going to get for a guy with a big number on the downside of his career. So rather than trading a player and getting back junk, it's smarter to do a buyout and save some money.
3. "Because Philly was a luxury-tax payer, whatever discount Webber took, they saved two times that. That could be the difference in enabling them to do a deal or not in the future.
4. "Unhappy players are not different than unhappy broadcasters or writers. Wanna bet that the mood around the Philly Inquirer [which just endured a round of layoffs] isn't conducive to training young reporters? Wanna bet that there are reporters out there that want more space and become locker-room lawyers? You don't want people who don't want to be there in any business."
Cuban continued:
"No one feels humiliated when they get paid 20 million dollars and very few are willing to give up 10 million dollars. You can buy a lot of humiliation for 10 million bucks. Ask yourself how much you would allow yourself to be humiliated for $10 million? You can't worry about how much money the player will make [in a buyout]. Teams care about winning games and making money. Buyouts are a smart business and basketball move."
According to the Rocky Mountain News
Meanwhile, LaFrentz, 30, is seeing the prime of his career slip away. His contract runs through 2009, and it wouldn't be surprising if he eventually seeks to be traded. "That's talk for later," said LaFrentz, making $11.53 million this season. Rocky Mountain News
LaFrentz seeing the prime of his career slip away? Are you shitting me? Raef at 11.5 Mil and this assbag is complaining? He costs almost as much as Pau Gasol and he's whining about his damn prime. Raef LaFrentz should take a cue from Keith Van Horn and go spend some time with his family. Prime of his career... this writer's straddling the line between Op-Ed and Special Ed.
LaFrentz seeing the prime of his career slip away? Are you shitting me? Raef at 11.5 Mil and this assbag is complaining? He costs almost as much as Pau Gasol and he's whining about his damn prime. Raef LaFrentz should take a cue from Keith Van Horn and go spend some time with his family. Prime of his career... this writer's straddling the line between Op-Ed and Special Ed.
According to Spanish Newspaper El Periodico
Word is the Nets, Bulls, Miami and the Celtics want you. Which team do you think is a better fit for you? Pau Gasol: The media named those teams, but there are more teams interested, including a team in the Western Conference. Myself and that team, we want to keep it on the low. El Periodico
Wait a second... "keep it on the low." Keep it on the low? Is this Pau or Ja Rule? Why is this pansy jibber jabering to the Spanish gossip rags like Brandy to traffic cops. I just wish the Cavs were in the hunt for this guy. Perhaps something to the tune of this.
Actually that's a hell of a deal for Memphis. They get to shed like 6 mil in contract right off the bat. Then they get Damon Jones who could really flourish there and replaces Eddie Jones/Chucky Atkins, who could be gone at the end of the season. They get Sasha Pavlovic, who's young and has shown he can play, and the highly coveted Anderson Varejao. Pau gets to join up with Bron, Gooden, Z, & Larry Hughes for the biggest, most imposing starting 5 in the league.
Wait a second... "keep it on the low." Keep it on the low? Is this Pau or Ja Rule? Why is this pansy jibber jabering to the Spanish gossip rags like Brandy to traffic cops. I just wish the Cavs were in the hunt for this guy. Perhaps something to the tune of this.
Actually that's a hell of a deal for Memphis. They get to shed like 6 mil in contract right off the bat. Then they get Damon Jones who could really flourish there and replaces Eddie Jones/Chucky Atkins, who could be gone at the end of the season. They get Sasha Pavlovic, who's young and has shown he can play, and the highly coveted Anderson Varejao. Pau gets to join up with Bron, Gooden, Z, & Larry Hughes for the biggest, most imposing starting 5 in the league.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Vinsanity Can Spread
The BasketBawfellows brought this sweet piece to my attention. Sweet lord, Vince can dunk a basketball.
Another Year in the Sun
Why is it that Brett Favre so reminds of Jake Taylor from the classic Cleveland flick, Major League? Yes Jake Taylor was played by Tom Berenger, and Tom is a rugged Favre type. But there's something more. Maybe it's the way they both lead a rag tag bunch of chucks who barely belong in the league into contention. Except Jake Taylor only did it once, and Favre is apparently able to do it year after year. I'll wager straight up loot that Big Brett can take the Pack into the playoffs, in the pathetic NFC North, next season. Other than the Bears, there isnt even a strong lock in the entire NFC. Favre's a living legend. I'm happy to watch him suit up for 10 more years if he wants. Anybody who's itching to see Aaron Rodgers should get their head out of the clouds and start living in the past. We've got precious few chances left to watch one of the greatest artists of all time ply his trade. I think all 16 Green Bay games should be Sunday Night or Monday Nighters. I'm ready for one more good year in the sun with the champ!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Miami Vice
Cavs get got by DWade, Shaq and a collection of stiffs. Wade went 23 for 24 from the charity stripe. When Bronny steps to the free throw line, the charity is in the name of the other team. He went 3 for 8. DWade's line so punked Bron's, it isn't even funny. Look if you dare.
This is cause for concern. Scot Pollard's line tonight was impressive: 5 minutes, 4 fouls, 2 points and 1 turn over.
This is cause for concern. Scot Pollard's line tonight was impressive: 5 minutes, 4 fouls, 2 points and 1 turn over.
All Star Reserves
West: G- Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Tony Parker. F- Carlos Boozer, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, C- Amare Stoudemire
East: G- Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Jason Kidd. F- Vince Carter, Caron Butler, Dwight Howard. C- Jermaine O'Neal
And of course the starters:
West: G- Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady. F- Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett. C- Yao Ming
East: G- Gilbert Arenas, Dwyane Wade. F- LeBron James, Chris Bosh. C- Shaquille O'Neal
Now everyone's in a hrumph over 'Melo getting shut out again. But I wouldn't sweat it, he deserves to go, and with Boozy and Yowser on the rack, it falls to David Stern to name 2 alternates. I wouldn't be close to surprised to find out that Stern ordered the West coaches to leave him off, assuring them that he'd name the Nugget to replace Boozer. This way Stern gets to send 'Melo (and the white American audience he covets so much) the message that punching out dudes makes the NBA look bad. And 'Melo, who deserves to be an All Star, still gets to go, but the honor is tarnished by having to be an injury replacement. And the coaches essentially get a freebie choice, by getting Melo' who they wanted anyway, and getting to give Carlos the shout out he (begrudging admission) so richly deserves. I would expect Amare gets the bump to first class to replace Yao, and Stern (who may have thrown in choice of the player as a cherry on top of the sordid agreement with the coaches) will then name Josh Howard, Zach Randolph, Elton Brand, or maybe even Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol, though my money's on Brand.
Personally, as much as I like Dwight Howard, I feel like Emeka Okafor's having a better season. He posts a half a rebound less and 2 points less per game, but he does give an extra block, more steals, and almost half the turnovers with comparable percentages. And old Okey has done it while everyone hails Dwight, who he beat out for rookie of the year, as the second coming of the Shaqalacka. But Okafor's return has brought Charlotte to the brink of respectability and he's done it with no fanfare, just ruggedly under the hoop. I would also rather see Deron Wiliams, Josh Howard or Baron Davis, than Tony Parker. And I wouldn't mind Ben Gordon or Luol Deng over Chauncey or Rip. Chauncey is a stud, but missed significant time, and Rip's not as much of an uberstar, but has been a consistent boon, so I could go either way.
Progs: We'll see a nice game, with Brand and 'Melo receiving late invites. West wins it, 146-128.
East: G- Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Jason Kidd. F- Vince Carter, Caron Butler, Dwight Howard. C- Jermaine O'Neal
And of course the starters:
West: G- Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady. F- Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett. C- Yao Ming
East: G- Gilbert Arenas, Dwyane Wade. F- LeBron James, Chris Bosh. C- Shaquille O'Neal
Now everyone's in a hrumph over 'Melo getting shut out again. But I wouldn't sweat it, he deserves to go, and with Boozy and Yowser on the rack, it falls to David Stern to name 2 alternates. I wouldn't be close to surprised to find out that Stern ordered the West coaches to leave him off, assuring them that he'd name the Nugget to replace Boozer. This way Stern gets to send 'Melo (and the white American audience he covets so much) the message that punching out dudes makes the NBA look bad. And 'Melo, who deserves to be an All Star, still gets to go, but the honor is tarnished by having to be an injury replacement. And the coaches essentially get a freebie choice, by getting Melo' who they wanted anyway, and getting to give Carlos the shout out he (begrudging admission) so richly deserves. I would expect Amare gets the bump to first class to replace Yao, and Stern (who may have thrown in choice of the player as a cherry on top of the sordid agreement with the coaches) will then name Josh Howard, Zach Randolph, Elton Brand, or maybe even Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol, though my money's on Brand.
Personally, as much as I like Dwight Howard, I feel like Emeka Okafor's having a better season. He posts a half a rebound less and 2 points less per game, but he does give an extra block, more steals, and almost half the turnovers with comparable percentages. And old Okey has done it while everyone hails Dwight, who he beat out for rookie of the year, as the second coming of the Shaqalacka. But Okafor's return has brought Charlotte to the brink of respectability and he's done it with no fanfare, just ruggedly under the hoop. I would also rather see Deron Wiliams, Josh Howard or Baron Davis, than Tony Parker. And I wouldn't mind Ben Gordon or Luol Deng over Chauncey or Rip. Chauncey is a stud, but missed significant time, and Rip's not as much of an uberstar, but has been a consistent boon, so I could go either way.
Progs: We'll see a nice game, with Brand and 'Melo receiving late invites. West wins it, 146-128.
Oh no...
Good god, Doug Christie is back. And guess who's coming too... Just read this stomach turning bit from the LA Times:
Christie has signed on to be a Clipper for the next 10 days, which means he has brought along his wife, and by all previous accounts, she's a load. She will be hopping aboard the team's charter today to begin a seven-game trip, and while that might be news to the team, it was nothing compared to what I told Donald Sterling at halftime. It seems no one mentioned, "The Christie's Uncut," a movie made by Doug and Jackie, starring Doug and Jackie. I caught a little bit of it earlier in the day and did my best to describe the opening scene to Sterling. "OK, so there's this white furry bunny on the bed," I told Sterling, "and Doug is just in his underpants, a dog collar around his neck, and his wife — dressed like a maid who has more on her mind than making the bed — is pulling Doug by a dog leash and repeatedly whipping him, while he's yelling, 'again, again, again.' " Los Angeles Times
Yipes. Just yipes. She rides on the plane with the team. What is it about these two that makes me wanna puke? Oh that's right, creepy exhibitionist whores who think their tacky cliche sex life is so interesting we all need to rush to our computers to blog about them. I'm going to buck this trend, by starting a Doug Christie daily feature where I gripe about how much I don't care about the Christies and how much I hate them... just kidding. They are interesting. There's something about the ugliest dude in the world and his sexy-from-certain-angles wife and their joint plan to fashion the world in her image... and Doug could play defense. But that was 5 years ago, when he was a spry 32. Just when you thought it was safe to attend a Clippers game...
Christie has signed on to be a Clipper for the next 10 days, which means he has brought along his wife, and by all previous accounts, she's a load. She will be hopping aboard the team's charter today to begin a seven-game trip, and while that might be news to the team, it was nothing compared to what I told Donald Sterling at halftime. It seems no one mentioned, "The Christie's Uncut," a movie made by Doug and Jackie, starring Doug and Jackie. I caught a little bit of it earlier in the day and did my best to describe the opening scene to Sterling. "OK, so there's this white furry bunny on the bed," I told Sterling, "and Doug is just in his underpants, a dog collar around his neck, and his wife — dressed like a maid who has more on her mind than making the bed — is pulling Doug by a dog leash and repeatedly whipping him, while he's yelling, 'again, again, again.' " Los Angeles Times
Yipes. Just yipes. She rides on the plane with the team. What is it about these two that makes me wanna puke? Oh that's right, creepy exhibitionist whores who think their tacky cliche sex life is so interesting we all need to rush to our computers to blog about them. I'm going to buck this trend, by starting a Doug Christie daily feature where I gripe about how much I don't care about the Christies and how much I hate them... just kidding. They are interesting. There's something about the ugliest dude in the world and his sexy-from-certain-angles wife and their joint plan to fashion the world in her image... and Doug could play defense. But that was 5 years ago, when he was a spry 32. Just when you thought it was safe to attend a Clippers game...
Spen Has Arrived
We're just waiting on the Slopster to round out the Swag crew. Between myself, the good Doctor, Spenny and Slophouse McGee, we really should have all your needs covered. Stay tuned for your all your baseball & fashion leads, snippets and gossip. Spen's got ya covered. Slopster can actually do your taxes, the Doc's studying to be a doc, and I was obviously raised on the streets and just know a thing or two about balling. So stick with the SportSwag, good things are coming...
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Spen chimes in
Hey Danny Ferry, why don't you get off your behind and makes some moves. I can't believe a pale skinny white guy who went bald when he was 12 is our GM (and started at least one game at center for my beloved cavaliers, i remember, i was there). Sure, he's a standup guy. But he's a baby.
OK, I'll save Hughes and Donyell for later. I have 2 guys on my mind, well 3, that I want to pick on. #1: Damon Jones. Sure, he's shooting some triples and chipping in with a little more than 20 minutes a night. But does this team really need Damon Jones AND Donyell Marshall? Both can spot 3's with the best. But what irks me is that everyone in Cleveland was saying that we needed more 3-shooters, and with a little pressure from the man upstairs, Ferry went out and got 2 guys who are now brainwashed into thinking that's all they can do. As far as Jones goes, he's shooting 3's at a respectable 40.9% clip. That's higher than his field goal percentage. If Donyell Marshall can't just sack up and be another big body in the paint, I don't want him either.
and #2. Scot Pollard. I echo that sentiment that's probably been going around c town for a while now: why are we paying scot pollard 3 million bucks to be a big dumb cheerleader who sucks. he isn't a gamer. I'd rather have some streetballer guy with intensity than that bum.
oh, and #3: Wesley. get him some more minutes. at least he tries to play defense, mr. jones.
I could also use some help with my team in that 10 teamer. Jesus I can't catch a break. Pierce is really starting to piss me off.
PG Wade
SG J. Johnson
G Childress/Nelson/Ridnour
SF Caron
PF Al Jefferson
F Granger/Diaw/Ruben Patterson
C eligs. Chandler, Blunt, Diaw
Add to those names Chucky Atkins and an injured Paul Pierce and you have my sorry squad in a nutshell. I need 3's badly. and basically everything else. and FT% is terrible.
spen out
OK, I'll save Hughes and Donyell for later. I have 2 guys on my mind, well 3, that I want to pick on. #1: Damon Jones. Sure, he's shooting some triples and chipping in with a little more than 20 minutes a night. But does this team really need Damon Jones AND Donyell Marshall? Both can spot 3's with the best. But what irks me is that everyone in Cleveland was saying that we needed more 3-shooters, and with a little pressure from the man upstairs, Ferry went out and got 2 guys who are now brainwashed into thinking that's all they can do. As far as Jones goes, he's shooting 3's at a respectable 40.9% clip. That's higher than his field goal percentage. If Donyell Marshall can't just sack up and be another big body in the paint, I don't want him either.
and #2. Scot Pollard. I echo that sentiment that's probably been going around c town for a while now: why are we paying scot pollard 3 million bucks to be a big dumb cheerleader who sucks. he isn't a gamer. I'd rather have some streetballer guy with intensity than that bum.
oh, and #3: Wesley. get him some more minutes. at least he tries to play defense, mr. jones.
I could also use some help with my team in that 10 teamer. Jesus I can't catch a break. Pierce is really starting to piss me off.
PG Wade
SG J. Johnson
G Childress/Nelson/Ridnour
SF Caron
PF Al Jefferson
F Granger/Diaw/Ruben Patterson
C eligs. Chandler, Blunt, Diaw
Add to those names Chucky Atkins and an injured Paul Pierce and you have my sorry squad in a nutshell. I need 3's badly. and basically everything else. and FT% is terrible.
spen out
I'm helping you, maybe you can help me...
It's a ten man league, but how does this team not stick it in and break it off on these chumps? I'm in 9th place (rest assured, if you're taking advice from me, I am absolutely humiliating everyone in my two 12 man leagues). This squad seems so well rounded I can't fathom how it's not doing better:
PG- Steve Nash
SG- Josh Smith
G- Vince Carter
SF- Carmelo Anthony
PF- Zach Randolph
F- Josh Howard
C- Chris Wilcox
C- Andrew Bynum
Util- Gerald Wallace
Util- Ben Gordon
I understand the team is weak at center, and you can't be weak at the C. But still, have you seen studlier Guard & Forward corps' in your life? And the utility cherries on top. I just don't get it.
PG- Steve Nash
SG- Josh Smith
G- Vince Carter
SF- Carmelo Anthony
PF- Zach Randolph
F- Josh Howard
C- Chris Wilcox
C- Andrew Bynum
Util- Gerald Wallace
Util- Ben Gordon
I understand the team is weak at center, and you can't be weak at the C. But still, have you seen studlier Guard & Forward corps' in your life? And the utility cherries on top. I just don't get it.
Gerald Wallace: Back on Duty
Peep his average line since returning from injury:
20 pts, 9 rebs, 3 assists, 2 stls, 1 blk, 2 TOs, 53%FG, 63%FT
20 pts, 9 rebs, 3 assists, 2 stls, 1 blk, 2 TOs, 53%FG, 63%FT
Josh Smith on Fire
His average average line over the last 4 games:
21 pts, 11 rebs, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 46% FG, 81% FT, 3 TOs
21 pts, 11 rebs, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 46% FG, 81% FT, 3 TOs
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Austin City Limits
Austin Croshere would do well to savor the feeling of draining 7 triples in a game and being the focus of Dallas' offense. It will never happen again. That said; kudos to Croshere on making the most of his (very literal) 15 minutes of fame.
Swag gets Swagged
Nothing more embarrassing then busting out a grand parade announcing the return of Eddie Jones as Memphis' dude again... like 3 days before his contract gets bought out. There is good news; he's headed back to Miami. And there's no doubt right about now that the Heat could use a guard. Still, it looks like the Cap'n didn't make this one happen.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Cavs Join the Club
The extremely non-exclusive club. The NBA club that every squad in the league is either in, or about to be. The NBA Teams who've been Spanked by the Suns ('06-'07) Club. Cleveland got worked to the tune of 115-100 on national TV yesterday afternoon. In their defense; losing to the Suns by only 15 points is like beating some of the weaker teams in the league. Bron looked good as always. The rest of the team; not looking so hot right now. Especially Scott Pollard. Yeesh. What the hell is this guy doing in C-Town?
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