I have been here for nigh on month now. It feels new and old at the same time. The new is the living with someone other than my mother, the new climate - I'm not used to 80 degrees in October - , and the whole not having a job thing.
The old, well that would be the fact that no matter where you go, no matter what the locale or how beautiful the sunset is, people are still people. Which more often than not, I am learning, means ignorant and mean spirited.
Now that is not to say that the people of Hawaii are like the folks back in NY. Far from it, they don't honk horns, speed through intersections, or flip off other motorists. In fact from a distance they are rather nice.
But up close, you see something a bit different.
Well I did anyway.
Looking for a job through a temp agency means walking into any situation and being willing to deal with whatever crap is thrown at you. Be it dis-organized bosses, rude co-workers, or a work environment that is less than satisfactory. I'm used to that, I expect it basically.
But for whatever reason, my experience with a particular moving company left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Now I'm more or less a fan of manual labor. Dirty Jobs is as close to Hall of Fame television as anyone can get. So having to movie furniture is not an issue to me.
On my first day though, not knowing how things work, I guessed I expected a bit of...leadership when it came to moving stuff. You know like, where are we going, what do you want me to do, and what exactly is a dolly?
You get none of that working with these folks. In fact, I had to wait about half hour before I got a "good morning" everyone looks at me, looks away and keeps to themselves. Again to be expected for the most part. New guy, temp, whatever. Still, when someone says hello to you, don't turn your face away like I have the plague.
Throughout the rest of the day, after dealing with that nagging feeling someone might get when passing through a small town, the "you are new and as such not to be trusted" feeling. I realized one thing.
The stereotype about Hawaiians and Samoans being strong, is not really a stereotype. Its more like a reality.
Granted, I am not in the best of shape, but strength is the last thing to go. So I figure I could hold my own. And I did, for the first 2 hours. These guys went non-stop for 4, breaking at lunch time and picking the pace back up again as if it was still morning after breakfast. It's the kind of stamina that you don't see all the time. Kinda humbling.
But I digress. For all their strength, they were less than welcoming to the new guy, or at least the new black guy. There were two other temps that seemed to get on fine.
After talking to my girlfriend, Sylvia, she let me in on a little social phenomenon.
When a native Hawaiian sees a tall black man walking down the street, they don't cover their pocket books, or feel the need to protect their children.
They think you're military.
And while that is a bit...odd...even more so is the fact that some folks don't like black guys from the military.
Why?
Because they actually have marketable skills that get them jobs native Hawaiians don't. There are a good number of army bases on the island of Oahu. A good number of those soldiers are African American. Once their tour of duty is over, many just stay on the island. Figuring their is nothing back on the mainland calling them back, so why bother. They go and apply for jobs, and seeing as how being trained to work on a team and follow orders are considered skills worth having, they get the jobs. Hawaiians who may have at least a high school diploma but not the extended education, don't. That leaves them feeling a bit bitter. And with the recent economic downturn, that heightens already tense feelings.
Go figure, I go from being a negative stereotype that would get me arrested for my skin color, to being another stereotype that would get me ostracized for my skin color, since that skin color means I have an education.
A negro just cant win.
That's just a bit of my experience so far in the Aloha State. I aim to write more and share those stories with all 5 of my fans.
Have a good one.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Is Jay Cutler right, or suffering from a man-period?
You are an employee, you have been hired to fill a specific role in your company. You have been filling that role to the best of your ability. Even if the stapler does not work right, or the copy machine keeps printing that weird black line down the middle.
One day you're sitting in the break room and lo and behold you find out the head honcho is looking for someone else to fill YOUR job.
How do you react to that?
Well most of us would feel a pang of fear in our hearts, the thought of loosing our jobs, our salary, in this economy is enough to make most men's knees knock. Some of us would try and suck up to the boss, try extra hard to be seen a good light.
Some of us say "screw you guy" and go find a job for yourself before the ax falls.
Which it seems is what Jay Cutler tried to do.
I cant blame him for it. Coming off a Pro-Bowl Season where he led the NFL's second best offense. He apparently knows how to play the position. Josh McDaniel's who up until this point has never led an NFL team decides he'd rather go with the devil he knows in Matt Cassell. The former New England QB who led the Pats to the playoffs under McDaniels' tutelage.
Funny thing is, Cassell ended up going to Kansas City, the Broncos rival. While McDaniels has to spend time trying to rebuild a relationship. Except he didn't wanna admit he tried to make the trade happen in the first place.
So now thing again, you work at a place, boss looks for your replacement, replacement does not come. Do you stay mad at the boss? Do you shrug and keep balling? What do you do?
Since I live in the normal people world, I would stay mad, but keep that on the down-low while looking for a new gig. No need to piss the wrong person off before they stop being the wrong person.
But Jay Cutler does not live in normal people world, he lives in the "get a 10 million dollar paycheck for signing your name" world. And since he lives in that world. I cant really blame him.
If you don't trust someone why bother working for them. Always wondering if they are willing to make sure you don't get screwed over, or in this case, keeps the running back in to make sure Sean Merriman doesn't rip your facemask off.
Sure Jay could say "well you know that Cassell guy plays for my rival, I could stay here and wax his ass twice a year." But he's too upset, and with the way the NFL works, that may happen anyway.
So Jay Cutler, stay mad, try to get out of there.
Its what most real working stiffs wish they could do anyway.
One day you're sitting in the break room and lo and behold you find out the head honcho is looking for someone else to fill YOUR job.
How do you react to that?
Well most of us would feel a pang of fear in our hearts, the thought of loosing our jobs, our salary, in this economy is enough to make most men's knees knock. Some of us would try and suck up to the boss, try extra hard to be seen a good light.
Some of us say "screw you guy" and go find a job for yourself before the ax falls.
Which it seems is what Jay Cutler tried to do.
I cant blame him for it. Coming off a Pro-Bowl Season where he led the NFL's second best offense. He apparently knows how to play the position. Josh McDaniel's who up until this point has never led an NFL team decides he'd rather go with the devil he knows in Matt Cassell. The former New England QB who led the Pats to the playoffs under McDaniels' tutelage.
Funny thing is, Cassell ended up going to Kansas City, the Broncos rival. While McDaniels has to spend time trying to rebuild a relationship. Except he didn't wanna admit he tried to make the trade happen in the first place.
So now thing again, you work at a place, boss looks for your replacement, replacement does not come. Do you stay mad at the boss? Do you shrug and keep balling? What do you do?
Since I live in the normal people world, I would stay mad, but keep that on the down-low while looking for a new gig. No need to piss the wrong person off before they stop being the wrong person.
But Jay Cutler does not live in normal people world, he lives in the "get a 10 million dollar paycheck for signing your name" world. And since he lives in that world. I cant really blame him.
If you don't trust someone why bother working for them. Always wondering if they are willing to make sure you don't get screwed over, or in this case, keeps the running back in to make sure Sean Merriman doesn't rip your facemask off.
Sure Jay could say "well you know that Cassell guy plays for my rival, I could stay here and wax his ass twice a year." But he's too upset, and with the way the NFL works, that may happen anyway.
So Jay Cutler, stay mad, try to get out of there.
Its what most real working stiffs wish they could do anyway.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How to make an NBA MVP
Kobe vs. LeBron vs. Wade
Thats the MVP Race
Of the three, who deserves the title?
To help with definitions, MVP means most Valuable Player. Which player is the most important to his team in a way no other player could match.
Soooo here's how it stacks up
LeBron seems to be making the best case so far. He scores rebounds and passes the rock as well as any player at any position in the league. His team without him would be a lottery team, barley able to get to 15 wins. Outside of Mo Williams there is no one on that squad that could average 20 points a game. (Makes you wonder what the hell their GM is doing)
Wade is the poor mans candidate, injury bug, loss of superstar in Shaq with shotty talent to boot. His team is 4th or 5th in his conference, a feat which only asks that you win about 3 or 4 more games than you loose. He has Shawn Marion, and Michael Beasley, not to mention an aging Jermaine O'Neal and that Moon fella who dunks with legs bout as wide as a lizard tail. He puts up big numbers true, but not wins. Thing is he has the talent, at least on paper more talent than the Cavs. He has taken a team to the championship, so you have to ask whether the talent, while good, is the right kind of talent for him to be playing with.
Kobe is...Kobe. No other human being in the history of basketball has had to deal with the crap he's had to. Granted some of it is his fault. fellas, bending girls over against their will is baaaad. He came out of high school, much like LeBron, took a team to a chip, or two, or three. He is fighting not only tough defenses, but the legacy of Michael Jordan, a demigod in sports. He's beaten back Vince and Tracy for that crown and now he's taken out this new troop of swingmen *a blog for another time* His team is like the Heat, full of talent. He's got Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Tervor Larry Brown doesn't know good talent when it kicks him in the ass Ariza, and countless other guards and forwards with a 2o -something center who has the physical tools to take over the league just sitting there WAITING to play.
Wade is disqualified, the team he plays on - with good coaching - could have a similar record, much like the 76ers. And while is performances are awe-inspiring he does not carry the team the way an MVP should.
With LeBron and Kobe going toe to toe, you might give it to LeBron on first glance.
I mean he's turn shit into diamond in like 3 years. Which is remarkable.
BUT
Kobe did it better.
Yes no. 24 has more talent. But with the exception of Gasol, most of that talent was un-tapped. Odom couldn't keep it together, Ariza could have simply quit after being traded from NY, and most of the other guys are draft picks or euro players that aren't known for toughness.
But Kobe made them tough. He made them a good defensive team. He made the hungry, as if the fire in his belly spread througout the team like a Cali wildfire. Kobe brings a drive and a hunger to surpass greatness only LeBron can understand. And even LeBron avoids the Jordan comparisons, he's content with being compared to Oscar. That drive and hunger seeped into the fabric of the Lakers. Alot of times really competitive players push away teammates. The star can poke and prod and even jeer his teammates in an effort to make them play better, but it does not always work. Resentment can happen pretty fast. Kobe learned the balance between good leadership and sticking his foot into peoples rectum. And it's giving good dividends.
Does the ZEN master have something to do with it. Sure, but its the same as it was in the 90's he cant do it without the best and most important player in the league.
Kobe.
Thats the MVP Race
Of the three, who deserves the title?
To help with definitions, MVP means most Valuable Player. Which player is the most important to his team in a way no other player could match.
Soooo here's how it stacks up
LeBron seems to be making the best case so far. He scores rebounds and passes the rock as well as any player at any position in the league. His team without him would be a lottery team, barley able to get to 15 wins. Outside of Mo Williams there is no one on that squad that could average 20 points a game. (Makes you wonder what the hell their GM is doing)
Wade is the poor mans candidate, injury bug, loss of superstar in Shaq with shotty talent to boot. His team is 4th or 5th in his conference, a feat which only asks that you win about 3 or 4 more games than you loose. He has Shawn Marion, and Michael Beasley, not to mention an aging Jermaine O'Neal and that Moon fella who dunks with legs bout as wide as a lizard tail. He puts up big numbers true, but not wins. Thing is he has the talent, at least on paper more talent than the Cavs. He has taken a team to the championship, so you have to ask whether the talent, while good, is the right kind of talent for him to be playing with.
Kobe is...Kobe. No other human being in the history of basketball has had to deal with the crap he's had to. Granted some of it is his fault. fellas, bending girls over against their will is baaaad. He came out of high school, much like LeBron, took a team to a chip, or two, or three. He is fighting not only tough defenses, but the legacy of Michael Jordan, a demigod in sports. He's beaten back Vince and Tracy for that crown and now he's taken out this new troop of swingmen *a blog for another time* His team is like the Heat, full of talent. He's got Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Tervor Larry Brown doesn't know good talent when it kicks him in the ass Ariza, and countless other guards and forwards with a 2o -something center who has the physical tools to take over the league just sitting there WAITING to play.
Wade is disqualified, the team he plays on - with good coaching - could have a similar record, much like the 76ers. And while is performances are awe-inspiring he does not carry the team the way an MVP should.
With LeBron and Kobe going toe to toe, you might give it to LeBron on first glance.
I mean he's turn shit into diamond in like 3 years. Which is remarkable.
BUT
Kobe did it better.
Yes no. 24 has more talent. But with the exception of Gasol, most of that talent was un-tapped. Odom couldn't keep it together, Ariza could have simply quit after being traded from NY, and most of the other guys are draft picks or euro players that aren't known for toughness.
But Kobe made them tough. He made them a good defensive team. He made the hungry, as if the fire in his belly spread througout the team like a Cali wildfire. Kobe brings a drive and a hunger to surpass greatness only LeBron can understand. And even LeBron avoids the Jordan comparisons, he's content with being compared to Oscar. That drive and hunger seeped into the fabric of the Lakers. Alot of times really competitive players push away teammates. The star can poke and prod and even jeer his teammates in an effort to make them play better, but it does not always work. Resentment can happen pretty fast. Kobe learned the balance between good leadership and sticking his foot into peoples rectum. And it's giving good dividends.
Does the ZEN master have something to do with it. Sure, but its the same as it was in the 90's he cant do it without the best and most important player in the league.
Kobe.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hello Giants Defense
How bout those G-Men.
Coming off a two year run where their defense got almost as much media coverage as the fella that shot himself in the foot. The Giants decide they want to add talent, add bodies, add speed to a pretty good defense.
3 Cheers for Jerry Reece. There's a man who knows how to build a football team.
You get 3 or 4 good defensive ends (Tuck, Osi, Kiwi, and throw in Canty with Dave Tollefson - just cause he's a nice guy), a good rotation of defensive tackles (Alford, Robbins, again Canty, and Rocky Bernard). They're needed to make sure the linemen dont tie up linebackers and safeties.
Then you get linebackers that can run and hit...alot...as far as that goes, it was a bit touch and go.
Carlos Emmonds wasnt THAT good. And Antonio Pierce is slower that Corey Widmer in his hay day. Yeah he likes to hit at the line of scrimmage, but Brian Westbrook is a problem. And if Felix Jones really develops, you could see alot of recieving touchdowns from guys that wear numbers 20-49. Michael Boley is supposed to be an athletic backer who can cover, but that now means we have ONE guy that can do that, and he's not proven it to me yet. So that's still a question.
Our secondary is rounding into shape. Corey Webster is a poor mans Nnamdi Asomugha. Ross needs to stop getting beaten on double moves. Kenny Phillips wants to live up to the Sean Taylor legacy of scaring loudmouth wideouts when they come across the middle, lets hope he does. And Michael Johnson plays with a chip on his shoulder, something every good saftey needs.
If everything works out, this could be a top flight defense. I wont say world class, we dont have a world class football player on that defense. Pierce thinks he is, but all that makes him is an angry linebacker with an ego. Osi and Tuck play hard and make big plays. But no one is truly afraid of them just yet. We dont have anyone that the D can rally around when you NEED someone to rally around. They dont have a face for that defense yet. Nor does it truly have a personality. Yeah Spags made them aggressive, but that's just the scheme. They dont have a style yet.
The never say die style of Ray Lewis, or the want to kill like Brian Dawkins, or the quiet swagger of a Derrick Brooks. We dont have that just yet. But we're getting there.
With the way things are going, we might get close.
Coming off a two year run where their defense got almost as much media coverage as the fella that shot himself in the foot. The Giants decide they want to add talent, add bodies, add speed to a pretty good defense.
3 Cheers for Jerry Reece. There's a man who knows how to build a football team.
You get 3 or 4 good defensive ends (Tuck, Osi, Kiwi, and throw in Canty with Dave Tollefson - just cause he's a nice guy), a good rotation of defensive tackles (Alford, Robbins, again Canty, and Rocky Bernard). They're needed to make sure the linemen dont tie up linebackers and safeties.
Then you get linebackers that can run and hit...alot...as far as that goes, it was a bit touch and go.
Carlos Emmonds wasnt THAT good. And Antonio Pierce is slower that Corey Widmer in his hay day. Yeah he likes to hit at the line of scrimmage, but Brian Westbrook is a problem. And if Felix Jones really develops, you could see alot of recieving touchdowns from guys that wear numbers 20-49. Michael Boley is supposed to be an athletic backer who can cover, but that now means we have ONE guy that can do that, and he's not proven it to me yet. So that's still a question.
Our secondary is rounding into shape. Corey Webster is a poor mans Nnamdi Asomugha. Ross needs to stop getting beaten on double moves. Kenny Phillips wants to live up to the Sean Taylor legacy of scaring loudmouth wideouts when they come across the middle, lets hope he does. And Michael Johnson plays with a chip on his shoulder, something every good saftey needs.
If everything works out, this could be a top flight defense. I wont say world class, we dont have a world class football player on that defense. Pierce thinks he is, but all that makes him is an angry linebacker with an ego. Osi and Tuck play hard and make big plays. But no one is truly afraid of them just yet. We dont have anyone that the D can rally around when you NEED someone to rally around. They dont have a face for that defense yet. Nor does it truly have a personality. Yeah Spags made them aggressive, but that's just the scheme. They dont have a style yet.
The never say die style of Ray Lewis, or the want to kill like Brian Dawkins, or the quiet swagger of a Derrick Brooks. We dont have that just yet. But we're getting there.
With the way things are going, we might get close.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Nate Robinson, more than meets the eye?
He short as all hell, loud, obnoxious, and plays with effort and energy for a full 48 minuets.
He's Nate Robinson.
He's a football player. A former cornerback to be exact.
Yes yes he only played in college, and probably would not have recieved much interest from a pro football team. I mean, he's shorter than Antwan Winfield.
But the characteristics he puts on display while balling for the Knicks are the same things that make for a good cornerback, for a good football player. Foremost of those traits would be the ability to "forget the last play".
Football - You give up a first down? Dont stress it, go back and try and make an interception.
Basketball - You just had a turnover? Dont stress it, hustle back, get a steal and start all over again.
Football - It's 3rd down and you're dog tired? So what, it's 4th quater and you've been working out like a dog for an entire summer. Suck it up.
Basketball - It's under a minuet left in the 4th quarter and you're dog tired?
Football - The dude you are guarding is about a foot taller than you? So what, when it's a jump ball you go and fight for that ball, no matter what
Basketball - The guying up for 2 points is 2 feet taller than you?
I am a sports fan, but in my own personal sports trinity, football is at the top. No other sport can grant you the kind of...guts...it takes to get knocked down and rise again over and over again like football does.
It's something I have noticed in other players too. Like Charlie Ward, who while not near as flashy played good defense and never truly lost his cool. (anti-semitic statements aside)
Allen Iverson was a high school player, and while he is all heart based on his own unique design...that kind of never-say-die attitude gets honed on the gridiron. Matt Harpring of the Utah Jazz played football as a student, he's known for being more toughness and technique than talent, something you find alot off in the football.
On the flip side of that, the football player in Robinson gives rise to the parts of his game that irk most viewers.
He can be too aggressive, always having faith in his abilities when smarts and following the gameplan should be paramount. That has calmed down with time, and given a few more season could be another asset.
He brags far too much, each dunk for him is like a DB making a big hit on a small wideout, or deflecting a pass. It is more acceptable on the grass, where there are 35 to 40 seconds when the huddle has to be gathered and the defense set up again. On the hardwood, you make a big play, the other team does not wait for you to gather your senses. You have to stay focused, and Nate has a big problem with that.
Be that as it may, there are few player that arent ELITE ball players that I'd rather have on my team.
At his size, you forget what it is he can do. You forget about the vertical leap, and the intensity. He get's underrated. Which is why I love it when he scores 30 against a guard 6 inches taller than he is.
Blame on me being raised by a short woman, but the underdog will always get my vote.
He's Nate Robinson.
He's a football player. A former cornerback to be exact.
Yes yes he only played in college, and probably would not have recieved much interest from a pro football team. I mean, he's shorter than Antwan Winfield.
But the characteristics he puts on display while balling for the Knicks are the same things that make for a good cornerback, for a good football player. Foremost of those traits would be the ability to "forget the last play".
Football - You give up a first down? Dont stress it, go back and try and make an interception.
Basketball - You just had a turnover? Dont stress it, hustle back, get a steal and start all over again.
Football - It's 3rd down and you're dog tired? So what, it's 4th quater and you've been working out like a dog for an entire summer. Suck it up.
Basketball - It's under a minuet left in the 4th quarter and you're dog tired?
Football - The dude you are guarding is about a foot taller than you? So what, when it's a jump ball you go and fight for that ball, no matter what
Basketball - The guying up for 2 points is 2 feet taller than you?
I am a sports fan, but in my own personal sports trinity, football is at the top. No other sport can grant you the kind of...guts...it takes to get knocked down and rise again over and over again like football does.
It's something I have noticed in other players too. Like Charlie Ward, who while not near as flashy played good defense and never truly lost his cool. (anti-semitic statements aside)
Allen Iverson was a high school player, and while he is all heart based on his own unique design...that kind of never-say-die attitude gets honed on the gridiron. Matt Harpring of the Utah Jazz played football as a student, he's known for being more toughness and technique than talent, something you find alot off in the football.
On the flip side of that, the football player in Robinson gives rise to the parts of his game that irk most viewers.
He can be too aggressive, always having faith in his abilities when smarts and following the gameplan should be paramount. That has calmed down with time, and given a few more season could be another asset.
He brags far too much, each dunk for him is like a DB making a big hit on a small wideout, or deflecting a pass. It is more acceptable on the grass, where there are 35 to 40 seconds when the huddle has to be gathered and the defense set up again. On the hardwood, you make a big play, the other team does not wait for you to gather your senses. You have to stay focused, and Nate has a big problem with that.
Be that as it may, there are few player that arent ELITE ball players that I'd rather have on my team.
At his size, you forget what it is he can do. You forget about the vertical leap, and the intensity. He get's underrated. Which is why I love it when he scores 30 against a guard 6 inches taller than he is.
Blame on me being raised by a short woman, but the underdog will always get my vote.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Welcome Mr. Wilcox
Im not the biggest fan of the way Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni does things.
However, sometimes, even people you aren't a fan of do something you have to give em credit for.
Like trading for Chris Wilcox.
To be fair, HE didn't make that move, Danny Walsh did. The new GM has been making moves ever since he stepped through the doors of Madison Square Garden. He's been cleaning house and cap space like a French Maid gone mad.
Throw away Isiah, that was a big step, when you consider how close the two were. Keep a few coaches, but for the most part empty out a septic tank for a front office. Trade for Chris Duhon, who while he isnt flashy, or what I consider clutch he's good for the first 3 1/2 quarters.
He then brought in Al Harrington, a scorer among scorers who could flourish long term in this system.
Now he brings in Chris Wilcox. Another athletic forward/center that can run and TRULY finish at the other end. Not jump as hard as he can just for an almost dunk like David Lee.
Dont get me wrong. David Lee is a damn good player. He gets far more rebounds than he has any right to. Takes black eyes and bruised jaws like a pro-boxer. For the run-and-gun Knicks, he's their tough guy. But he does NOT jump out the gym. And with the beating he takes, his body may not last more than another 4 years in NYC.
Wilcox gives their first true high flyer. (No disrespect to lil-big man Nate, but 6ft 10in flying at you is alot scarier than 5ft 7in.)
On a fast break, most defenses try to cover as many passing lanes as they can. Filling spaces that force the offensive player leading the break to look left and right and -if the D does it's job- have to reset to run a half court set.
Thing is, not many defenses can defend above the rim.
That's where Wilcox comes in.
Granted, in his best year he averaged 14 and 8, but that was on a team with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Two scorers who handled the ball and shot exceptionally well from behind the arc. Not to mention the point guard issues the Sonics/Thunder have had since GP left.
But MAN can he dunk.
D'Antoni is like a football coach with a set plan. He knows he wants to run and will bring in players that can help him do that. The aforementioned players do that with some success. Much like Nash, Diaw, Bell, Barbosa, and company did. They just lack their version of Amare.
Wilcox does not have that level of ferocity, or that smooth a jumpshot for a big. But he can run and jump just as well. And I dont want to see the run-n-gun Suns in MSG. Just something close.
And they are not too far off as it stands. Hopefully the play better defense.
Let's keep looking and see how it goes.
However, sometimes, even people you aren't a fan of do something you have to give em credit for.
Like trading for Chris Wilcox.
To be fair, HE didn't make that move, Danny Walsh did. The new GM has been making moves ever since he stepped through the doors of Madison Square Garden. He's been cleaning house and cap space like a French Maid gone mad.
Throw away Isiah, that was a big step, when you consider how close the two were. Keep a few coaches, but for the most part empty out a septic tank for a front office. Trade for Chris Duhon, who while he isnt flashy, or what I consider clutch he's good for the first 3 1/2 quarters.
He then brought in Al Harrington, a scorer among scorers who could flourish long term in this system.
Now he brings in Chris Wilcox. Another athletic forward/center that can run and TRULY finish at the other end. Not jump as hard as he can just for an almost dunk like David Lee.
Dont get me wrong. David Lee is a damn good player. He gets far more rebounds than he has any right to. Takes black eyes and bruised jaws like a pro-boxer. For the run-and-gun Knicks, he's their tough guy. But he does NOT jump out the gym. And with the beating he takes, his body may not last more than another 4 years in NYC.
Wilcox gives their first true high flyer. (No disrespect to lil-big man Nate, but 6ft 10in flying at you is alot scarier than 5ft 7in.)
On a fast break, most defenses try to cover as many passing lanes as they can. Filling spaces that force the offensive player leading the break to look left and right and -if the D does it's job- have to reset to run a half court set.
Thing is, not many defenses can defend above the rim.
That's where Wilcox comes in.
Granted, in his best year he averaged 14 and 8, but that was on a team with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Two scorers who handled the ball and shot exceptionally well from behind the arc. Not to mention the point guard issues the Sonics/Thunder have had since GP left.
But MAN can he dunk.
D'Antoni is like a football coach with a set plan. He knows he wants to run and will bring in players that can help him do that. The aforementioned players do that with some success. Much like Nash, Diaw, Bell, Barbosa, and company did. They just lack their version of Amare.
Wilcox does not have that level of ferocity, or that smooth a jumpshot for a big. But he can run and jump just as well. And I dont want to see the run-n-gun Suns in MSG. Just something close.
And they are not too far off as it stands. Hopefully the play better defense.
Let's keep looking and see how it goes.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bye Bye A-Rod story
A-Rod came clean.
Ok?
He came clean.
He told us what he did, he apologized. Now he gets to make more money than I will see in 5 lifetimes.
I’m over it.
You should be too.
Yes taking steroids are bad. Joint degeneration, depression, and other side effects make it obvious that taking the stuff is a bad idea. Anyone with a brain would go, "You know Hulk Hogan aint looking too good right now, maybe them roids is a bad move."
Except for the fact that it wasn’t against the rules.
Rules are important. They tend to let people know what you DONT WANT THEM TO DO.
If you dont have the rule...well how can you be mad about them breaking it...it wasn't there.
So now it is against the rules, and he apologizes and you are mad at him for breaking a rule that wasn’t a rule because the powers that be didn’t want it to be a rule.
Huh?
A-Rod looks like the bad guy in the Russel Crowe movie Gladiator who didn’t get why people love Maximus instead of him. I get that.
He doesn’t relate to many people, and still does not seem to have his own personality. Like Kobe when he couldn’t decide if he wanted an afro, or a baldie.
BUT
He did the right thing the best way he could do it.
That counts for something, especially since he didn't like...kill anyone.
The issue is over.
Let it go
Ok?
He came clean.
He told us what he did, he apologized. Now he gets to make more money than I will see in 5 lifetimes.
I’m over it.
You should be too.
Yes taking steroids are bad. Joint degeneration, depression, and other side effects make it obvious that taking the stuff is a bad idea. Anyone with a brain would go, "You know Hulk Hogan aint looking too good right now, maybe them roids is a bad move."
Except for the fact that it wasn’t against the rules.
Rules are important. They tend to let people know what you DONT WANT THEM TO DO.
If you dont have the rule...well how can you be mad about them breaking it...it wasn't there.
So now it is against the rules, and he apologizes and you are mad at him for breaking a rule that wasn’t a rule because the powers that be didn’t want it to be a rule.
Huh?
A-Rod looks like the bad guy in the Russel Crowe movie Gladiator who didn’t get why people love Maximus instead of him. I get that.
He doesn’t relate to many people, and still does not seem to have his own personality. Like Kobe when he couldn’t decide if he wanted an afro, or a baldie.
BUT
He did the right thing the best way he could do it.
That counts for something, especially since he didn't like...kill anyone.
The issue is over.
Let it go
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
