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Playing With Fire: On J.R. Smith

August 8, 2011 in by with 5 Comments

 

Photo by Dullface from Flickr

Seven years and roughly 5,000 tattoos into his pro basketball career, J.R. Smith remains an enigma. What is evident is that he is a freakishly gifted athlete with one of the prettiest strokes in the league, who can also run an effective pick and roll and find open teammates with  beautiful passing. He’s capable of changing the entire course of the game in a matter of minutes and providing us with unforgettable moments like this. J.R. has all of the physical capabilities coaches and GMs desire; his talent and potential are seemingly limitless. However, throughout his career this mercurial (when writing about J.R. it is apparently required to use this word) swingman has lacked the necessary focus and awareness coaches demand from him. Where Kobe Bryant uses his overwhelming intensity and cold calculating approach to surgically pick apart the defense, J.R. performs the basketball equivalent of dousing oneself, the court, and everyone else in gasoline and proceeding to play with matches for the next 48 minutes. It’s not particularly smart, it’s incredibly dangerous, and really the only guarantee is that at some point or another there is going to be fire and someone is going to get burned.

Now I have an admission to make. I absolutely love J.R. Smith – everything about him. I love that almost all his threes are taken from a few feet behind the line. I love that when catching an alley oop during a regular season game he decided to do this. I love that somehow he thought it would be a good idea to fill Kenyon Martin’s car with popcorn. I love that he often changes into an entirely different pair of shoes at halftime. I love that he attempts absolutely unnecessary, yet incredibly spectacular, 360 layups. I love how last season in Memphis, after the game was well out of hand, he kept drilling threes and talking trash to OJ Mayo. I love that in his mind he has never taken a bad shot. I love that when he’s on he takes and makes some of the most ill-advised, unguardable three pointers you’ll ever see. I love that he called out Kobe Bryant. I love that despite Karl’s refusal to play him at the end of games, he came in with 30 seconds left and nearly single handedly brought the Nuggets back in Game 3 of the first round.

In the objective viewer’s mind there remains a whole lot wrong with J.R.. He’s selfish, he has an attitude problem, he doesn’t work hard enough, he has some pretty serious off-court issues, his shot selection is poor, the list could seemingly continue forever.  J.R. clashes with everything we’ve been told to believe about “good basketball”; he doesn’t play the game “the right way”.  He fails to appeal to basketball fans in the traditional sense. His game is entirely extemperaneous. That’s what makes him so fascinating to root for. It’s why some of us are drawn to him. He seems to exist outside of the basketball matrix. There’s no “should I or shouldn’t I”, he just does. Whether or not the rules apply to him, he seems to believe they don’t and that is endearing in it’s own bizarre way.

Basketball is a sport that demands a certain level of conformity. Teamwork and unity are the ultimate pillars of winning basketball. It’s no coincidence that Doc Rivers uses “ubuntu” as his team motto, or that at one time he emphasized and relied upon,  “Our starting five has never lost a playoff series”.  Creating and developing a “team” is what every owner, coach ,GM and even fan is focused on. It is the unquestioned best way for a franchise to be truly successful. When players at their essence seem to reject or conflict with this holiest of basketball ideologies they are outcast, labeled as malcontents, deemed detrimental to their team. Maybe as a fan, it’s something to accept and even appreciate. In a game that so emphasizes the whole rather than it’s parts, it’s a chance for us to celebrate individual creativity and expression. It is an escape from the norm, an opportunity to forget about chemistry for a moment, and appreciate what one man can do. These players push, prod, and experiment with the boundaries. They don’t do exactly as they’re told, they don’t fit a mold or care about convention. Yes, this can be extremely aggravating even maddening, but damn it all if it isn’t a lot of fun to watch.

Here Comes the Reign Again

August 7, 2011 in by with 0 Comments

Annie Lennox

Image by col.hou via Flickr

 

Kemp Sr. has gradually grown closer to his eldest son since first contacting him in hopes of reentering his life before his junior year in high school. The former NBA star declined to be interviewed for this story through his son, but Kemp Jr. said his father reached out to him “because he knew the kind of pressure that would be put on me because of what he accomplished.”

Via “Shawn Kemp Jr. takes the long road to familiar place” by Jeff Eisenberg

A rather long (in blogging terms) read, but absolutely worth your time. Shawn Kemp, Jr. appears to be a resilient individual who has already triumphed over various obstacles: his father’s absenteeism, the despicable chants of opposing high school fans and most importantly his own academic failures. Now he’s primed to play for the University of Washington Huskies this coming NCAA basketball season.

In some ways he appears to be a chip off the old block. As Eisenberg noted, Jr’s gait is strikingly similar to his father’s and the way he releases himself from the rim after a dunk is pure Kempian. However, the younger Kemp can’t possibly emulate the road to the big time his father took.

If we stripped away all the highlight reels and all-star appearances, Shawn Kemp would still be an important figure in NBA history. Drafted by the Sonics 17th overall in 1989, Kemp was the first American player to enter the NBA without a single second of NCAA playing time to his name since Darryl Dawkins in 1975. Kemp had intended to play for the University of Kentucky, allegedly engaged in off-court shenanigans and then transferred to Trinity Valley Community College.

As Sports Illustrated noted back in 1989, many teams were hesitant to spend a 1st round pick, perhaps any pick,  on a player who hadn’t seen competitive action since the 1988 the Indiana state high school tournament. Nonetheless,  Sonics official were believers in  Kemp’s ability to become a marquee player. Of course, they were right and the Reign Man was born. Kemp’s success made it increasingly easier for underclassmen to leave earlier and earlier and for franchises to draft them higher and higher. This process culminated in Kevin Garnett opting to forgo any attempt at college and head straight to the pros in 1995 and bottomed out with Kwame Brown’s selection in 2001.

Even if Kemp had bottomed out Kwame Brown style, he would have still marked an important point on the road of individuals exercising greater freedom against the NBA and the NCAA. We can’t honestly expect such basketball importance to germinate from the same family tree twice, but you never know. What’s for certain is that the good people of Seattle,Washington will enjoy the reign again.

Wonderisms

August 7, 2011 in by with 1 Comment

Stevie!

Photo by Luiz Fernando / Sonia Maria from Flickr


Obviously Stevie Wonder’s friend described Dawkins’ play in such wondrous detail that the legendary musician was compelled to come up with a nickname. Either that or, as Bomani Jones has argued for years, Stevie isn’t blind.

Via “Stevie Wonder gave Darryl Dawkins his ‘Chocolate Thunder’” by Eric Freeman

A dunkatronic bombshell dropped by Dawkins in an interview with Dime Magazine. If the loquacious Lovetron native is believed, Stevie Wonder came up with Dawkins’s signature moniker. Ultimately,this is not surprising since Stevie has quite the penchant for creating names, most notably for himself. At various times in his life he’s had “Stevland”, “Steveland” and “Stevie” as first names, “Judkins” and “Morris” as last names, recorded as “Eivets Rednow”  all in addition to his famous stage surname “Wonder”.

With such propitious naming skills, Wonder possibly couldn’t have stopped at just “Chocolate Thunder” for Dawkins. Maybe he had other NBA personalities in mind as he wrote some of his most famous material. And if he didn’t, I’m here to fill in the gaps.

Dennis “Fingertips” Rodman – Rodman was one of the greatest tip artists the NBA has ever seen. Even if he couldn’t snare down a rebound outright, he could always get in a well placed tap or tip, directing the ball to a spot he could reach quicker than any other player. The spirit of “Fingertips” is with Rodman as well. Stevie was indeed supposed to be through when they told him to take a bow, but being a 12-year old hell raiser as well as genius he came right back out causing havoc for the stage band which was switching members for the next act. Hence a musician yelling “what key?!”

“Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Be-Do-Todd Day” – This one’s just fun to say.

Clay “It’s A Shame” Bennett – written and produced by Stevie for the Spinners. It’s application to Bennett is clearly evident. Sonics forever!

Larry “Bird of Beauty” – An anti-drug song from Stevie imploring people to enjoy the natural high and beauty of life. Now Larry Bird wasn’t physically beautiful. That mustache was grimace worthy and his flirtation with a mullet was horrifying, but you can’t deny his brand of play was beautiful, devoid of dunks and other unnecessary showboating behavior. The Cadillac Andersons of the world could attempt to get high on dunks (or actual drugs as was the case with the Cadillac Anderson) while Bird was breathing in the equivalent of fresh air with his sweet jumper and peerless court vision. Just expunge from your mind Bird’s notorious trash talking and this connection works without a hitch.

“Spinnin’ and Spinnin’” Dwyane Wade – writing and producing this waltzy tune for his ex-wife, Syreeta, Stevie nonetheless was actually describing Dwyane Wade’s tendency to just leave opposing players dizzy and hopeless with his vicious spin moves. Poor Ken Perkins still doesn’t know where he is.

David “He’s Misstra Know It All” Stern -  As we veer ever deeper into the lockout for reasons given by owners that remain skeptical at best, cynicism engulfs us all.Including the usually ebullient Wonder. Stern serving as the mouthpiece for the Man does not rub Stevie well. If he would openly dismiss the President of the United States (Richard Nixon) not once, not twice, but thrice in song, he’ll do it to you Commissioner.

When you say that he’s living wrong, He’ll tell you he knows he’s livin’ right
And you’d be a stronger man, if you took Misstra Know-It- All’s advice

Come on, players union. Just fork over an extra 8% (or whatever the latest percentage is) of your guaranteed money to the owners. It’s for everyone’s good!

In any event, the lockout will eventually end and, baby, everything will up-tight, alright and clean outta sight… wooo!!!!

The Lowdown: Randy Smith

August 7, 2011 in by with 0 Comments

Welcome to the first edition of  “The Lowdown” a series dedicated to unearthing the many great players of the 1970s NBA/ABA and Boz Scaggs, wherever he may be
Randy Smith

They now know exactly who Randy Smith is – a sleek, quicksilver fellow with a marvelous outside jump shot and incredibly fast hands that can catch flies in mid-air and steal hubcaps off speeding automobiles.

Via the February 7, 1978 edition of  “What’s New, Harry?” by Phil Ranallo

 

Years Active: 1972 – 1984

Career Stats: 16.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 spg, 47% FG, 78% FT

Accolades: All-NBA 2nd Team (1976), 2x All-Star (1976, ’78), ASG MVP (1978)

The Los Angeles Clippers’ disappointing history has obscured (and certainly wasted) much talent over the years. The taint of Sterling and the haziness of memory has also overwhelmed the Clippers’ brief stay in San Diego and positively buried their ancestral home of Buffalo, New York. Only Bob McAdoo, by virtue of winning an MVP and three scoring titles, has managed to survive the purge of Braves memory. Well, today I’m here to reacquaint the world with the greatest Brave and, by extension, Clipper to have ever played: 6’3″ guard Randy Smith.

Smith was about as local a product the Braves could have drafted back in 1971. He was born on Long Island and later attended Buffalo State College for his collegiate ball where he averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds in four years. The Braves rather lucked into Smith’s talent though, selecting him in the 7th round and not expecting much. Much to everyone’s surprise Smith played his way onto the final roster during training camp int he fall of 1971 and he stuck around for a mighty long time. To this day, he is the Clippers/Braves franchise leader in 8 statistical categories: Games Played, Minutes Played, FG Made, FG Attempted, Assists, Steals, Personal Fouls, and Points.

Smith became the leader in these categories not because he produced out-of-this-world averages, although from 1976-79 you could put him down for 22-5-5 w/ 2 steals a game, but because of his unbelievable athleticism and conditioning that allowed him to breathlessly contribute nonstop. By some accounts he was able to do 360 dunks and by all accounts he could leap out the gym (he set the high jump record in New York State in high school) and throw down fearsome one- or two-handed jams. Teammate McAdoo sounded impressed 30 years later in an interview with the Washington Post:

“He’s been probably one of the most athletic guys, and definitely the fastest guy that I have ever played with,” said McAdoo, now an assistant coach with the Miami Heat. “Foot speed, forget it. He was the fastest that this league has ever seen. Period.”

Such praise is unsurprising since Smtih was an All-American in soccer and track in addition to basketball back at Buffalo State. This Olympian set of skills and endurance culminated with Smith setting an NBA record 906 consecutive games played between 1972 and 1982. A.C. Green has since broken the record obscuring the one thing that might’ve still made Smith relevant to the average NBA junkie.

However, even during Smith’s heyday in the 70s, his talent wasn’t fully appreciated, only making 2 all-star teams. In 1978 he finished 10th in fan voting for ASG guards. Thankfully, the coaches put him on the team and Smith erupted for 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in just 29 minutes of action off the bench on his way to MVP honors. Unfortunately, for Smith this would be his most well-remembered game.

There’s no series of magic moments in the NBA Finals or even Eastern Conference Finals to look back on for Smith and the Braves. Together with teammates McAdoo, Gar Heard, Jim McMillan and Ernie DiGregario and coach Jack Ramsey the Braves surged to relevance between 1974 and 1976. However the Boston Celtics (twice) and Washington Bullets, blocked their path to greater glory.

During these years, McAdoo was obviously the Man, but Smith was certainly second in the pecking order. In particular, his 1976 postseason play was triumphant with  22.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists while shooting 50% FG and 84% FT. The Braves even won a playoff series against Philadelphia only to be outmatched in 6 games to Boston in the next round. This would turn out to be the beginning of the end for the good times in Buffalo. Ramsay’s departure and questionable trades of McAdoo and 1977 Rookie of the Year Adrian Dantley effectively foiled any long term hopes of success for Buffalo and they headed west to California.

Smith was on board for the 1978 transfer, but he was the only holdover from the brief glory years. With Randy, Swen Nater and World B. Free, the newly christened Clippers showed respectability in their inaugural campaign but fell into the all-too-familiar morass of losing the very next season. Smith was shipped back east to Cleveland that offseason for two seasons and another with the Knicks before returning to San Diego in 1983, but by then he was 34 and called it a career after that season.

Randy passed away two years ago and with that any chance he would be properly recognized by the Clippers organization for contributions to the franchise’s history. Hopefully whenever Donald Sterling’s vulturous vice on the club is broken, the next owner will do right by Smith and the rest of the Braves cadre. Until then, James Brown will have to close it on out for Randy…

Sinking Deeper Every Day: 70+ Things This Lockout Will Withhold

August 6, 2011 in by with 4 Comments

Photo by almost something poetic on Flickr

Saturday evening. Roughly 5:15 p.m. EST. I am sitting in a coffeeshop watching choppy Ustream of the Drew League games in LA when 36 year-old Joe Smith shows he can still get up and throw down. Immediately, I get a gchat message from @outsidethenba: “If that was an NBA game there’d be all sorts of age jokes on Twitter.”

<Insert sad face here>.

I miss the NBA. I know it’s still the offseason and we haven’t missed any games and things really aren’t that different…yet. I know these things. I know that the NFL sorted things out. I know that there are lots of people who are enjoying the break from the hustle and bustle of the season. I know that bodies need to rest and batteries need to be recharged. I know. It doesn’t change the fact that I miss it.

It’s been 111 days since I’ve been in an NBA arena to cover an NBA game. You’re lucky I appreciate you all or I’d list 111 things I’m longing for.

That’s 111 days since I’ve heard the high-pitched squeal of shoes squeaking on hardwood, or the slap of a foul committed in the post or the shrill pitch of a referee’s whistle refusing to be silenced by the drone of a crowd that disagrees with the call.

I’m itching. Antsy. Beyond ready.

And I know I’m going to have to wait. I’m going to have to wait to see Kenneth Faried make Denver fall in love with him, followed by fans everywhere. I’m going to have to wait to see Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo make me tune in to every single Bobcats game. To watch DeMar DeRozan’s first 40-point game and to hear Mark Jackson mic’d up in the huddle, to see if he says “hand down, man down” and to watch the reaction of his players when it does inevitably slip out.

I’m going to have to wait to see how Kobe’s knees are feeling after a summer of rest and alternative treatment. To hear KG say dirty words that make people angry. To watch DeJuan Blair continue to amaze, impress and inspire those of us with our ACL’s still intact. To get frustrated with DeMarcus Cousins when he gives people extra ammunition to use against him and to be elated when he drops a 25-point, 13-rebound, seven-assist night.

I want to watch John Wall and JaVale McGee. I want to be relieved that McGee left planking behind in the depths of lockout hell. I want to see Brandon Jennings put on a dizzying show and then flip the channel and see Russell Westbrook playing his game, yeah, the one that often causes him to be compared to television villains because people forget how much he’s still got left to learn.

I want my Twitter to be blowing up with silly hashtags for each and every Blake dunk. I want to see Blake dunk. Over cars, over Mozgovs, over everything.

I want to be able to tweet “all blocks everything” while delighting in the joy that Serge Ibaka brings. I want to see James Harden’s beard and Kevin Durant’s backpack. I want to watch Durant drop 60…On NBA defenders. I want to watch Eric Maynor nail buzzer beaters from half court and know Zach Harper is freaking out with me.

I want to watch Tristan Thompson in Cleveland and Cory Joseph in San Antonio and then I want to enjoy watching each of them experience their hometown debuts against the Raptors in Toronto.

I want Tristan to give Kemba a run for his money when we’re talking about best-dressed rookies.

I want to see Paul George take another big step forward. I want to see Lance Stephenson take the first step. I want to see Jeff Foster get hyped and Tyler Hansbrough get offensive rebounds.

I want to see Steve Nash be Steve Nash. I want to see if Raymond Felton is in shape. I want to see Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams and Andre Iguodala make Doug Collins give super long, over the top compliments in his postgame pressers. I want to see a sophomore Ekpe Udoh. A veteran Raja Bell. A healthy Brandon Roy.

I want to see Udonis Haslem playing without ‘rows. I want to be instantly put at ease when I hear Hubie’s voice emitting from the television set. I want to tense up when I wait nervously on Thursday night to see if I’m going to be stuck with Reggie Miller’s. I want to see Shaq on TNT.

I want to get excited for Kyrie’s first double-double, emotional for the championship ring presentation and proud for Mark Cuban and Dirk Nowitzki, still smiling after this stupid wait that is keeping them from their banner. I want to see Mike Brown in LA, Dwane Casey in Toronto, Lawrence Frank in Detroit.

I want to extend my best wishes to Frank in Detroit. As much as I miss the game, that roster still makes my head hurt.

I want to see Chris Paul. Remember the playoffs? Yeah, you do. God, do I ever want to watch Chris Paul play basketball. Give me Aaron Gray and Jason Smith and Chris Paul. He’ll make it work.

I want to see Ricky Rubio.

I want to see Jonny Flynn in Houston (where he is hopefully playing well).

I want to see Dwight dominate and I want to hear us debate how good he could he if he would just <insert suggestion here>. I want to see if he stays in Orlando. I want to see Melo and Amar’e continue to get comfortable in New York. I want to see Derrick Rose continue to make Brenda Rose proud and the rest of us speechless. I want to see Jeff Teague get buckets, Jamal Crawford rack up 4-point plays, Xavier Henry get burn and I want to talk with OJ Mayo because he rewards good questions with great answers even if the team bus is leaving in five minutes.

I want to see Tony Allen go Tony Allen and play defense with his hands behind his back. I want to see Doc Rivers coaching his team. I really want to watch Rajon Rondo continue to prove why he’s an iron man and to show why he is my favorite player to watch (minus the free throws).

I want to watch Rajon Rondo shoot free throws and Shawn Marion shoot jumpers and Jose Calderon play defense. That is where we are right now.

I want it all. I don’t want to wait. I think it’s foolish that we’re on the verge of losing actual games because people can’t sort this stuff out. It depresses me. It frustrates and infuriates me. When you’ve got a good thing, don’t let it slip away. NBA, you’re coming off an incredible season and I haven’t even mentioned the boys of Miami yet. Don’t mess this up. Don’t push us away. Don’t play dumb. Play games. Please. Soon. On schedule.

In the meantime, I’ll be Ustreaming and Youtubing my life away, watching skinny, shirtless boys singing songs about Brandon Jennings and his money. Please, give me more than that. I promise I’ll give you back my full attention.

Before my internet bill is through the roof because I’ve streamed too many streetball/euroleague/national team friendly matches, before we lose Nate Robinson to the NFL, before you lose me to the dark side, let’s figure this out.

It’s been 111 days. Please, don’t make me endure 111+ more.

You Know Who I’d Like To Know More About? Refs

August 6, 2011 in by with 1 Comment

Photo by willfolsom on Flickr

 

James Herbert is the newest member of Hardwood Paroxysm and the author of Outside the NBA. He’s enthusiastic, but I’m sure we’ll beat that out of him in no short order. He begins his tenure at HP looking at zebras. Not, like, metaphysical ones. Well, metaphorical ones. But not metaphysical. I’m confused, anyway, it’s about refs. Enjoy. -Ed.

 

When the crazy Mark Wunderlich story broke a bit over a week ago, my initial reaction was basically, “Holy crap, that’s amazing. What an impressive human being.” My second thought was that, a few minutes prior, I knew precisely zero about this human being even though I’d seen him on TV approximately 3982498 times.

According to Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune, the NBA has relaxed its regulations about referees speaking to the media. This is potentially a great thing. Refs get a lot of crap and perhaps we wouldn’t be so harsh if we saw them as dudes trying to do a tremendously difficult job under enormous pressure rather than evil robots out to destroy our favorite teams. Joey Crawford knows what I’m talking about:

“I wish we could do [interviews] every day. People would find out we admit we make mistakes, and that we don’t make them on purpose. And that we’re not bad guys.”
Via “Getting to know the real Joey Crawford,” 8/4/11

Did you know that Courtney Kirkland got started on his career path because of a bet? Or that he and his friends refereed rough street games in Louisiana before getting to work Division III, CBA, and WNBA games? Or that he has a degree on computer science? I didn’t, until I read Eric Woodyard’s profile of Kirkland in the Flint Journal.

Through a few recent features, I’ve learned a fair bit. Zach Zarba’s reffing guys like Al Harrington and Jamario Moon this summer at Baruch College in Manhattan. Jason Phillips spent six years in the CBA, then three in the WNBA, after the NBA invited him to its training program. Ex-ref Bob Delaney will be at Westover Air Base tomorrow giving a speech about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — he suffered from it himself after working undercover for the FBI in his early twenties. Here, buy his book if you like.

Refs are inherently fascinating to me. They have a travel schedule that means they see their families even less than players do and we don’t often think about their work away from the court — they’re constantly reviewing their work, scouting teams, staying in shape. They’ve all gone through years of thankless work to get to the highest level, where they get to hear thousands of people boo them (and worse) while they’re trying to get it right. You don’t stick with a job like that unless you love it and you love the game.

I’d love to hear a referee go on record with how much he hates what Tim Donaghy did to all of them. I want to know what was going through Bennie Adams’ head when Kobe, uh, crossed the line. Also, it’d would be great if, the next time a controversial call becomes part of the game story, media members could just ask the refs to explain what happened rather than waiting for an official statement. Perhaps this relaxed policy on referee interviews means that in the future they’ll get to speak up more and more.

I agreed with Henry Abbott when he said we’re ready to hear edgy, personal stories about the players we spend so much time watching and discussing. In comparison to what we know about referees, though, we’re practically related to the players. If we narrowed that gap, it could go a long way toward changing the way we think about these officials we’re so quick to criticize.

Tyson Chandler and The Mavericks Are “So Far Apart”

August 5, 2011 in by with 0 Comments

Photo by MoneyBlogNewz on Flickr

In late June, after the title, the Mavericks had a period when they could have negotiated a new contract with you before the lockout. What happened?

We talked about getting something done before the lockout, but it just didn’t happen. … we were so far apart, we might as well not have even met.

via ESPN True Hoop: Tyson Chandler, speaking freely

I’ll be honest: I’m tired of talking about the lockout, and I bet many of you are as well. So, for this article, let’s pretend the lockout doesn’t exist. We’re in Tyson Chandler’s Contract Discussion World now.

This is just a one-question snippet from an interview Henry Abbott did with Chandler. The two don’t really delve into the issue much more after this question, but Chandler’s answer is rather telling of the wide variation that exists when estimating his value. When you play a key role on a championship team, this type of thing is bound to happen (just ask J.J. Barea and the team that inevitably gives him a 5 year, $45 million contract).

It’s impossible to know how “low” Dallas’s idea of Chandler’s salary might have been and how high in turn Chandler’s estimation was, but it still remains indicative of the odd contract situation that’ll face Chandler and the Mavericks before next season (whenever that is). It’s a negotiating process, so the two sides are bound to start with extremes so as to work out a beneficial agreement, but I think this problem will present itself regarding Chandler for many teams that pursue him. How much exactly are the basketball talents of Tyson Chandler worth? Before this season, he’s been frequently injured.

Of course, Chandler was a force defensively this season, arguably the second-best defender at that position behind Dwight Howard. Without Chandler’s terrific defensive anchoring and competent offense, it’s very unlikely that the Mavericks would have won the 2011 championship. Last year, Chandler had a career year in numerous aspects. His PER was a career-high 18.4, and he also boasted the best offensive rebounding rate, turnover rate, shooting percentage, and free throw shooting percentage of his career. You’d be hard pressed to find a GM that would complain about 13.1 PPG, 12.1 RPG, and 65.4% shooting (all stats per 36 minutes), along with stellar defense, from their starting center. No one will really argue that the skills Chandler provided during this past season weren’t worthy of a sizable contract. The only question that remains is his longevity. He’s not especially old yet at the age of 28, but he’s old enough to where giving him a long term, expensive contract would be a semi-questionable move (certainly not on the level of giving Brendan Haywood a 6 year, $55 million contract, of course).

Dallas, a team possessing a structure in which Tyson Chandler has clearly shown he can fit, doesn’t have a ton of cap space entering next season, and they could have even less going forward under hypothetical new CBA rules (See: aforementioned Brendan Haywood contract). They’re going to find themselves in a conundrum, with the necessity of having Tyson Chandler on the team (and they certainly will need him or a similar player in order to make use of the contention years they have left) and the realities of the contract he could command. The current NBA is center-starved, and a good center is more valuable than a good player at any other position. If the Mavericks wish to compromise with Chandler to a decent extent, they’ll be forced to possibly pass up on some younger players.

Let’s enter back into the world of the lockout, because we have no choice. Imagine, for a second (though I know you don’t want to), that we don’t have an NBA season at all. Going into the 2012 season, Tyson Chandler will be 30 years old (his birthday is October 2nd, 1982), with a history of injuries. He’ll still presumably want a sizable contract, and the Mavericks (or any other team) will likely be forced to acquiesce to some degree because of the competition for high-caliber centers. The Mavericks will be forced to make a decision, one that could turn the direction of the franchise. Do they take a chance on Chandler, a player who had great success with the organization but is aging, or do they instead seek out a less risky (likely less able) center? I expect them to vigorously pursue Chandler with the intent of signing him and hoping to continue to contend for titles in the near future, but at what point will the price be too high?

If the new CBA does indeed significantly lower the cap (and possibly institute some form of a hard cap), mistakes will be less easy to move past for teams, even ones that spend copiously like the Mavericks. The team wants Tyson Chandler, and it seems that Tyson Chandler would also like to stay with the Mavericks. But just like any business transaction, an agreement on price will be the driving point of discussion. If the two parties can arrive at a palatable price, the Mavericks will be eager to keep Chandler and make another run at a championship.

Stan Van Gundy Goes To Washington (Hopefully)

August 5, 2011 in by with 1 Comment

Photo by CrimsonMage on Flickr

Like most Americans, Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was fed up with the government’s protracted fight over the national debt ceiling.

Unlike most Americans, Van Gundy wants to do something about it.

Van Gundy, who enjoys watching political shows and reading magazines such as Time and Newsweek in his free time, said he’s thought about pursuing a career in politics once he’s done coaching. He isn’t sure what level of politics, but he has seriously considered the possibility.

via Orlando Sentinel: Stan Van Gundy Considering Career In Politics After Coaching 

As far as lockout stories go, this one’s on the fun side. Stan Van Gundy hasn’t enjoyed the recent developments in our American political system, and he’s considering doing something about it. Van Gundy hasn’t made it clear what political party he claims, and I don’t think he should. Instead, he should start his own political party (the current name is ‘The Van Gundys’, but I’m working on it) and lead a grassroots movement that leads all the way from Orlando to Washington. But for any successful grassroots movement to happen, clear tenets must be used as a basis for the movement. I have some ideas that could help with the beginnings of The Van Gundy Party:

  • A prevalence of mustaches for male public figures. Right now, Americans don’t know who to trust. The economy is teetering, the politicians are arguing, and the people are unsure. It’s as if Legally Blonde 2 never happened. What’s a good way to garner trust as an authority figure? Sport an awesome mustache. Stan Van Gundy does it, and Washington needs to take heed. No longer will almost all Democrats and Republicans yell back and forth clean-shaven.
  • Yelling is ok, but make sure it’s clear that you care about your own yelling. When Stan Van Gundy screams out “DWIGHT!” in a high pitch, you can tell that the sense of urgency in his voice is sincere. Most politicians like to yell for the sake of yelling, trying to drive home an uncompromisable point with a higher decibel level than their counterpart. Van Gundy  does it because he cares about the best end goal (A win). I think we can all get behind that type of sincerity.
  • Speaking your mind. In the lockout-controlled world we currently live in, David Stern dominates news. Back in March, Stan Van Gundy was already speaking out against what he perceived as David Stern’s domination of the NBA. Whether he was right or wrong (he was wrong), Van Gundy wasn’t scared to speak badly about an authority figure, even with the knowledge that he could easily be fined for his words. He also used the word “minions”, which automatically adds credence to his point. Politicians say what they think you want to hear. Van Gundy says what he thinks you need to hear.
  • Using logic to explain scrutiny. When politicians question other politicians on their attitudes (often through ‘negative campaigning’), they usually jump on one incident, but don’t use logic or reasoning to explain why the negative campaigning is warranted initially. Not Stan Van Gundy. When he explained the reasons behind the scrutiny of the Miami Heat, he did so in a way that incurred cause and effect, and  in a fashion that wasn’t a general personal attack.
  • Impressionability. If you want to gain advancements as a politician, it’s important that you stay in the public eye and remain relevant. One of the ways to seem important as a politician is to be the subject of comedian impressions. Dwight Howard isn’t a comedian first by trade, but he is a capable impressionist. Van Gundy’s coaching persona is impressionable, and it’s a good example to follow as a competition. Dwight’s impression of Van Gundy has a positive note, but it’s also funny. That’s the kind of impression all politicians hope to have garnered upon them.
In all seriousness, I see no reason Van Gundy shouldn’t take his talents to Washington try his hand at politicking (so glad I was able to use that word) when the time comes. Politics are a tricky, topsy-turvy game, and sometimes an outsider is the perfect antidote for fixing the flaws of the game.

Michael Beasley Should Maybe Avoid ‘Mushing’ In The Future

August 5, 2011 in by with 1 Comment

Photo by MinimalistPhotography101.com on Flickr

While the legend of Kevin Durant – who dropped 66 points at Rucker Park eariler this week - continues to grow around New York City playgrounds, Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley will be remembered for a different kind of impression: a mush.

The Minnesota Timberwolves forward approached and pushed a heckling fan in the face at Dyckman Park Thursday night, marring what was an otherwise electric night of summer league hoops.

 via New York Daily News: Timberwolves’ Michael Beasley shoves fan at Dyckman Park while playing Kevin Durant’s Team

Michael Beasley is getting into trouble once again, and hardly anyone can claim to be surprised. ‘The Beas’ has displayed tendencies in the past that have been less than helpful to the advancement of his career, and this is no different. This time, an attendee of the league pickup game Beasley was playing in apparently heckled The Beas in some way, and he chose to respond with the old “mush”, which apparently means face shove (I think we should agree to avoid the word ‘mush’ in the future, due to its vague meaning).

It’s hard to judge the exact nature of what happened with this type of report.  Anyone who has frequented their local Y or gym knows the guy who talks trash, and also the guy who doesn’t respond to trash-talking kindly. This is an odd situation, however, because the altercation was with a spectator of the game.  This wasn’t just an altercation between two players who were going back and forth at each other, it was between an NBA player and a fan. And this was no way to react to a Kevin Durant fan heckling from the stands. One would think that an NBA player like Beasley would be used to fan heckling.

That being said, it’s unclear what the fallout of this situation will be. The fan, Garland Quince, says he isn’t looking to press charges after getting his face pushed. The league is in an awkward lockout stage currently, and it isn’t going to act on this situation anytime soon. This issue may diffuse upon news about CBA negotiations and Kevin Durant scoring 284 points in unlikely games. The largest effect that this could have for Beasley is the way he’s viewed by his own team, though his standing may have already been less than secure. For a team like the Timberwolves, a team that’s desperately trying to rebuild and just drafted small forward Derrick Williams, this could certainly effect Beasley’s future with the team. Arguments and fights in pickup games happen, but this kind of behavior is still unacceptable from NBA players, or anyone.

Considering that the lockout pickup game intensity conflict bug (it’s a complicated bug) seems to have also passed to Matt Barnes, this is another day for odd, if somewhat unsurprising (Matt Barnes got into a fight while playing basketball! You must be lying!) NBA news. It’s disappointing to see any NBA player involved in a conflict, no matter what tendencies they have displayed in the past. I hope we won’t see similar reports like this going forward, as the grueling, painful lockout continues and NBA players continue to frequent the pickup league circuit.

Nate Robinson Might Go To Training Camp After All

August 4, 2011 in by with 0 Comments

 [flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOhLgApNrgM]

Robinson said via Twitter that he was ready to show Carroll he still had some football skills. “Coach give me a chance and Ill prove it to u,” he said.

Carroll said practice started at 1:30 p.m., and requested Robinson bring his cleats. Practice came and went without an appearance from Robinson. “He may be a little distracted with basketball, I don’t know,” Carroll said afterward. “If he is, he probably wont be able to do it. But if he can get focused, there’s always a chance.”

via Seahawks | Nate Robinson a Seahawk? Former Husky tweets that he wants to play | Seattle Times Newspaper.

We’ve heard this “Nate Robinson to the NFL” blabber before, and we never really knew what to do with it back then either. Trying to play football professionally when you already have a perfectly good basketball contract is virtual career suicide – less money, injury risks, just plain stupid. But then again, this is Nate we’re talking about. He did play cornerback in college. A guy who can run as fast and jump as high as he can passes all necessary bars as far as natural athletes  go, for any sport. Maybe? Just maybe?

Nah, we can’t kid ourselves. Even Robinson knows just how silly doing this would be. The potential financial fallout – both losing a current contract, and the inability to sign other ones when eligible – is too high.

What this is really about is publicity. The Seahawks obviously have absolutely nothing to lose here, and Robinson stays relevant during a time when players only make news if the score a lot at playgrounds or commit felonies. Showing up to football practice near your home is probably easier and safer than those two, and it reminds people that hey – he may not be riding Glen Davis’s back anymore, but Nate Robinson is still alive and doing crazy things.

And this is what is really important. Because we’ve had too little Nate Robinson in our lives lately. The Oklahoma City Thunder were wise to keep him out of their playoff run (give or take a few inexplicable cameos), with two far superior players in front of him on the depth chart in Russell Westbrook and Eric Maynor, but we just haven’t been the same since we witnessed Nate single-handedly win and/or lose playoff games just by deciding that now is a good time for a 29 footer, rationality be damned.

Nate Robinson can grate on us and his antics tend to balance out on the loud side more than the interesting side, but we watch the little guy for a reason. He has passion for everything he does, a rarity in this day and age, and he makes everything funner just by being the shortest and loudest guy who does it. Until we make a J.J. Barea clone with Carlos Boozer’s vocal chords, that’s how he’s going to stay. We might as well embrace him.

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