Thing to Start With

I didn’t see a single minute of basketball yesterday.  I had to chaperone a winter crowning at a high school, obviously.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to talk about.

Thing to Address

This comment was pretty well thought out.  It questioned my theory that the Lakers are vulnerable to a strong inside attack, and made me think.  Let’s delve in to that.

First, let’s look at Minnesota, Toronto, and Portland.  These are obviously not championship caliber teams, and therefore can’t really matchup with the Lakers.  Hence, their inside games won’t really affect the outcome.  That’s easy to agree upon, right?  I mean, the Lakers had a big man score 20 against them in 4 out of 6 of those games and still won, so obviously those teams just aren’t good enough to beat the Lakers, regardless of the strength of their inside game.  Moving on.

Next we’ll look at Houston and Phoenix, good teams that might be able to win a playoff series.  For starters, one of the Phoenix games could be ignored as Shaq did not play.  However, in the game Shaq didn’t play, Amar’e Stoudemire went for 21 and 11.  In the game Shaq did play in, he, Amar’e, and Boris Diaw were all in double digits.  Houston, on the other hand, has seen Yao Ming held in check during their two matchups with the Lakers.  Well, kind of.  He went for 12 and 8 their first matchup (in 23 minutes) and 19 and 17 in their second.  Of course, Carl Landry had 12 and 6 during the first game and 20 and 8 the second game.

This leaves Boston, Cleveland, and San Antonio.  Boston is hard to make a case for being an “inside” team, as their main big man (Kevin Garnett) shoots 72% jumpers and their other post players are Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby.  Cleveland features players such as Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao playing large minutes at post spots, negating that position’s offensive production.  Yes, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a good scorer, but as stated in the comment, he’s best when shooting jump shots.  The LeBron as inside threat is a fallacy.  Yes, he gets to the rim better than any other player, but this isn’t a true “inside game.”  When the Cavs need a basket, they don’t go to LeBron in the post.  They get him the ball outside and let him create.  You wouldn’t call Allen Iverson an inside threat just because he gets to the basket.  Not to mention, 61% of LeBron’s shots are jumpers.  San Antonio, as mentioned, has beaten the Lakers.  In that game, Tim Duncan scored 20 and had 10 rebounds.  In the game the Lakers won, he had 15 and 8.

Now, given all this evidence (along with two losses to Orlando where Dwight Howard had 18 and 12, then 25 and 20), I think it’s fairly easy to conclude that the Lakers do struggle with teams that have talented inside players.  However, for a team to beat the Lakers, they have to have more than just an inside threat.  They have to be surrounded by other players who are going to contribute effectively, not Wally Szczerbiak and Jamario Moon.  Orlando has that.  They have a guy in Howard who can punish the Lakers inside, and then they have Turkoglu and Lewis outside to make the Lakers pay for doubling down.  As much as I like Pau (he’s my favorite player in the League), he can easily be overwhelmed physically.  That’s why the loss of Bynum hurts so much.  He too is prone to being manhandled inside, but he’s still a pretty decent defender.  But the biggest problem is that his loss puts a bigger burden on Odom and Walton to be tough inside defenders, which isn’t their specialty.  Finally, the chance that the Lakers and Magic meet again this year is slim, but if they do, it’s for a title.  That doesn’t necessarily bode well for Los Angeles.

Without further ado:

Hey Mr. Augustin Man, Play a Song For Me (LAC at Charlotte):

Every day, I remind myself of just how glad I am that I flipped my view on Augustin right after the draft.  Originally, I was thinking: okay, small guard without demonstratively awesome passing ability who makes tough shots but seems to just barely get them over the outstretched arms of college defender.  He seemed poised to be an inefficient jumpshooter and a defensive liability.  Then, Augustin appeared to me in a dream.  He was wearing golden robes and looked all shiny-like, surrounded by baby animals and thriving vegetation.  When I awoke I was a changed man; I was a believer.

Or else I’d be really struggling to get my foot out of my mouth right about now.  I still think Brook Lopez could’ve been a neat fit with the roster, and now you’ve got all kinds of awkward with Raymond Felton.  But if Augustin continues to grow and to thrive under Larry Brown, I don’t know how you could say that it wasn’t worth it.  Tonight he should have a chance to thrive against the Clippers, and notably against a rookie that I was completely wrong about in Eric Gordon.  On the bright side, I wasn’t wrong about the Clippers.  They are pure dagnasty terrible.  Get well soon, Kaman.  I still demand to see the Randolph-Kaman-Camby frontcourt.

Rumor Has It (Phoenix at Philadelphia):

That movie sucks, but this game has a chance to be the game of the night.  Yeah, weak slate, I know.

No one cares about the Suns’ actual games anymore, right?  Everything’s devolved into the Amar’e sweepstakes?  Lovely.  The Mavs fan in me is delighted at the idea of a Western power floundering its way out of the playoffs, and the idea that the Suns should trade Amar’e is pretty hilarious.  Especially when you put that factoid alongside this rumor that the Suns might be interested in Tyrus Thomas.  Doesn’t that just blow your mind?

But this game really does have the potential to be a lot of fun.  Consider it Detroit v. Philly redux, only if Detroit had a stronger commitment to interior offense, a weaker defense, and with the Philly kids a year older and a year wiser.

Oh, by the way: the Sixers have offered Elton Brand and Mo Cheeks’ contract for Amar’e.  Plug that one into your trade machine, suckas!

So Needless to Say, I’m Odds and Ends (New Orleans at Memphis):

Watching the Hornets without their three best players is awesome.  An:d by awesome I mean miserable.  And by miserable I mean hilarious.  Almost as hilarious as 80s synth pop.  No official word on David West’s status after his clubbing of Mike Miller, but I’d bet on a suspension.  More Sean Marks means a funny-looking win for all of us, and possibly a win for the Grizz.  OJ vv. Devin Brown?  Rudy Gay v. Rasual Butler?  These are the marquee match-ups that make February so great.

Slightly related musing: If you removed the three best players from any team, who would have the best remaining team?  I think it’s safe to assume it’s not the Celtics.  Blazers, maybe?

PHIL?  PHIL CONNORS? (Houston at Milwaukee):

Bad game after bad game after bad game.  I can already hear “I’ve Got You, Babe” playing in my head.

I was willing to grant the Bucks with a certain level of intrigue before the injuries took over, but I have a feeling watching this game will just be watching Ramon Sessions.  The Rockets are undeniably the better team, and yet their assembly of more talented parts is no trail mix.  There’s no compliment, there’s no cohesion, and it should be worrisome for Rockets fans the world over.  Fingers point to T-Mac, but it’s not all on him.  At what point do we call the Artest acquisition a wash?  Two steps forward and one step back is always the story with this team, although it’s worth noting that sometimes a step results in a minor injury.  No matter how you slice it they’ve got a lot of work to do.

One Quick Thing About the Lakers/Cavaliers Game

It’s obvious that the Lakers are the best team in the league right now, and that’s without Bynum.  Sweeps over the Cavs and Celtics prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt.  Of course, their kryptonite is Orlando.  A very strong inside attack is a problem for the Lakers, but you knew that.

Thing I’ve Been Wrestling with Since Last Night

Is it worse for the Hornets that they can barely beat Minnesota when they don’t have Chris Paul?  Or is it worse for Minnesota can’t beat the Hornets even though they didn’t have Chris Paul?

My first thought was, “geez, the Hornets supporting cast is barely better than the Timberwolves.”  But then I thought, “geez, the Timberwolves aren’t good if they can’t beat this bad of a team.”  Then I thought, “geez, why do you think the word ‘geez’ so much?”  My answer: it’s worse for the Hornets since they’re supposed to be contenders.

Thing I Need Your Opinion On

I had a men’s league game yesterday.  The team we played was talking trash the whole time, and I just went about my Pau Gasolish business.  We were up by 15 with about 40 seconds left when I got fouled for some reason.  I went to the free throw line and sunk my first one.  For the second one I did this:

Most of the crowd was laughing, WHICH WAS THE POINT.  But, I definitely heard the other team saying, “how’s he gonna be disrespecting us looking like Luke Walton’s dad?” 

Here’s where I need help; was this “disrespectful?”  In my mind, I’m taking the piss out of people caring so much about a men’s league, plus they’d been chippy the whole game.  I’m not too worried about it, but I’d like a ruling.

Thing That Makes My Wife Awesome

While discussing Valentine’s Day plans (DON’T FORGET) she said, “let’s do something during the day so we can be back for the Dunk Contest.”

Every time I watch the Cavs, I’m overwhelmed by a lot of the improvements they’ve made. Most of these were pre-West’s injury and none of them were on display on Sunday when the Lakers pounded them in the second half.  They have more weapons than they have in the past, with West and Williams and Gibson and Szczerbiak.

And yet, for some reason, time and time again, and again on Sunday, Anderson Varejao does things that he has no business doing. To be clear, we’re going to go ahead and provide Andy and all the Cavs fans a list of things Varejao should not do in a game. Ever.

And to start, a little reference.

1. Dribble.

2. Dribble and then shoot.

3. Attempt to formulate a solo offensive move.

4. Post up with anything but the intention to pass it to LeBron or a guard.

5. Attempt a drop step hook.

6. Attempt a jumper from anywhere on the floor except the left baseline, and then only if there is less than four seconds on the shot clock.

7. Attempt a hook shot.

8. Attempt a drive-and-kick.

9. Fail to focus on rebounding in pursuit of “setting up for a shot.”

10. Keep that ridiculous haircut.

11. Ignore LeBron, Mo Williams, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Boobie Gibson, JJ Hickson, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Sasha Pavlovic if they are even an ounce more open than he is.

11. Pass to Ben Wallace underneath for the “easy basket” as there is no such thing as an “easy basket” with Ben Wallace.

12. Attempt a basketball move that is not rebounding, tapping back a rebounding, or handing the ball gently to a guard following a rebound.

13. Consider himself an offensive threat.

14. Attempt a putback if there is anyone A.taller B. the same size C. within three inches of his height defending him.

15 . Drift away from the lane for any other purpose but timeouts or to run to the other end of the floor.

16. Get a perm.

17. Try and flop more.

18. Gamble on steals.

19. Ask for an extension.

20. Think about shooting.

Andy, Cleveland fans, basketball fans, and the concepts of efficiency, aesthetics, and righteousness appreciate your cooperation.

Every criticism for poor shot selection and inability to play clutch down the stretch that Kobe would deserve? LeBron deserves. The stat sheet shows he had a good game, but he absolutely failed on both ends of the floor today.

This season may be academic. With Nelson out, and the Lakers having swept both the Celtics and Cavs, is there anything else that needs to be said?

Also, that’s the Lamar Odom that I grew to love in Miami. Perverted and twisted, but the same.

I’ve recently come to the understanding that I am an Amare Stoudemire apologist. I’m not thrilled with this discovery. It’s a little too… kind for my tastes. But as the bile bubbles over in Phoenix towards Standing Tall and Talented, I find myself defending Amar’e's selfish, immature behavior and defensive liabilities more and more.

Amare Stoudemire was an MVP candidate last year.

Not five years ago.

Not ten.

Last year.

He’s averaging 20.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

This is a down year for him.

Okay, I’ll stop with the one line paragraphs. But I’m tring to make it clear how absurdly ridiculous the turned tide against him is. This is a 6-10 power forward with touch, range, the ability to move in transition, who is for large parts of games unstoppable. A bad game for him is one with less than 15 points. And for all the discussion of defense and effort and commitment, you can have all of those things but if you’re playing in the NBA and not for San Diego Technical Institute of Marine Biology, you need to put some freaking points on the board.

And yet there we are. The fans have turned on him. And not “maybe we should trade him” turned. “He sucks and he’s a bum and he’s not half the player Shaq is.” Which should never be said at this point in their careers unless you’re talking about actual physical size. Or if the game is mouthing off things that help absolutely no one including yourself.

Now, Ziller’s already pointed out that much of the criticism is a sham. Yeah, he’s struggling. But really? You’re willing to bet the farm that a 26 year old stunning power forward who came back from microfracture surgery isn’t going to bounce back? He’s not allowed a rough stretch? Oh, he’s never been good at defense, Mike D’Antoni just cleverly disguised him as an All-Star caliber player. Got it.

Let’s talk about his defense. This is something I’ve noticed and I wanted to point out. Now, Amare’s not good at defense. He’s not. He’s unfocused. He drifts. He doesn’t commit. He lacks resolve. But several times in the Warriors game on plays that seemed like were his fault, I noticed the same problem with what happened in the Tim Duncan three pointer last year in the playoffs. Amar’e tries so hard to stay with his man so he’s not criticized for leaving him, that he leaves players open. If you curl around Stoudemire, he’s going to stay right where he is. And point. But he’s not going to chase after a guy, leaving his man open for the entry pass.Now, you can call this a lack of basketball IQ, but not laziness. That’s bad coaching. A player shouldn’t be afraid to make a play. But that’s what I keep seeing from Amare. He’s so terrified about getting screamed at for leaving his man that he’s not leaving his man to stop the shooter.

Okay, but that’s only part of it. He’s clearly just not the player he used to be. He’s just not dominant. And this has been a while. He really hasn’t been all that great since…

Shaq became the focus.

Spacing is a ridiculously tentative element in the NBA. The Mavs last year had their biggest issue on the break when the Mavericks would all run to the same places they had for four years and Kidd would run right up someone’s backside. Conversely, the Knicks seem to be constantly amazed that there could be lanes that open. Stoudemire? Stoudemire has had a 300 pound loudmouth move into his apartment, eat all his cheezewhiz, hang up on all his calls when he’s on the other line, take up the DVR, drink all his Sunny D, and hit on his girlfriend. The acquisition of Shaq was supposed to create a dominant twin towers in the post. But in those combinations, one player is always the primary scorer alpha dog. And if Shaq is in your paint, he’s the alpha dog.

I’m not saying it’s Shaq’s fault.

Wait, yes I am.

It’s exactly Shaq’s fault. What’s more infuriating is that Phoenix fans have actually fallen for it. They truly believe that Shaq’s little resurgence, which has been conspicuously absent against playoff teams, I might add, will be what takes them deeper into the playoffs (deeper than multiple conference championship appearances and several six game series against the eventual champions, but hey, they act like they never got past the first round with D’Antoni). But let’s make this real simple. If you’re relying on a 37 year old center with conditioning issues who has trouble going in back to back games to lead you to a championship? You might as well say you’re starting Mr. Snuffleupagus. And for every soundbyte, for every “leadership” move, there’s another swipe to Amar’e.

I read the comments Amar’e made that enraged fans this week. Particularly this nugget.

““Me being one of the leaders and an all star you can put it on me.  I am not one of the Captains. You can’t put too much blame on me. It’s not supposed to be my job to rally the troops.””

It’s immature. I’m not denying that. It’s not what you want to hear. I’m not denying that either. It’s contrary to the best interests of the team. You can’t deny that. But this is a guy who was being built up as the future of the franchise. And instead, he’s got a guy who can’t always play in back-to-backs telling people he’s the problem. He’s been undermined. If you tell a member of a team, “We don’t want you to be a leader,” you can’t then get mad at them for not being a leader. He should take it on himself. That would be the best solution. But Amare’s never been in a position to learn that. And in the season that should have been his to grow into that role, Kerr cut the legs out from under him and piled the Big Shaqtus on top of him.

Phoenix is washing its hands with ‘ Stoudemire. And when he goes elsewhere and flourishes in a system that’s not Kerr-Porter, everyone will marvel and wonder, just as D’Antoni rebuilds the Knicks into contenders, Diaw and Bell have Charlotte playing respectably, and Phoenix continues to sputter into nothingness. The writing on the wall is in big, giant, neon letters, and yet no one seems willing to read it.

I know this may seem like a hopeless time for fans of certain teams. That there’s no chance for anything good to happen, ever. That next season is a far off destination only filled with more misery. But to the weary I say…

DEAR GOD, WATCH BLAKE GRIFFIN.

Via: The Dagger.

For those of you that believe this is a horrid trade and yet another example of the pathetic management skills of one Mr. Michael Jordan and company, feel free to go ponder Rob’s vial of pure vitriol.

First, a primer for the uninitiated.

I did a piece last year with several bloggers of rebuilding teams and through it I came to several central concepts. The first is that you need to trade your best remaining star player with the biggest contract over the age of 24. The second is that you need to invest in young players and not commit any longterm money to veterans until you have a solid basie of contributers. And the third is that you have to have patience.

From these ideas it’s easy to see why I would hate the moves that the Charlotte Bobcats this year. They added veterans, often with poorly rewared , longterm contracts, and haven’t done anything to clear space for them in 2010, AKA the Free Agent Auction Mana From Heaven.

Odd thing? I love the moves they’ve made. LOVE.

Let me take you back.

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