Ref's Clearly Blew It for Dallas!

Well well well, the playoffs have been somethin' else so far haven't they? My Cav's are coastin, and the energy and excitement all across the board has been incredible! Out of all the nonsense that has gone on (flagrant fouls, near fights, suspensions) the one thing that has gotten under my skin the most has to be the huge screwup by the refs in game 3 between the Mavericks and Nuggets. As a Cav's fan, I really do not care who wins this series; I just enjoy watching both teams play. But this type mistake is just too costly, and honestly, costed the Mavericks a win that could have manuevered them back in position with a chance to win this series.

Referees have a job too, and in that job they have to be on point at all times. In a situation like that, there should be an understanding amongst all of the refs that Dallas had a foul to give and that they would DEFINITELY take that foul when the opportunity presented itself. I don't know what world the refs were lost in, but Carmelo Anthony was clearly fouled...he was suppose to be clearly fouled...if the guy had just taken his pointy finger and gently poked Carmelo like he was the Pillsbury Doughboy a foul CLEARLY should have been called. That strategy and understanding is quite clear in that type of scenario and the refs blew it, shattering the energy Dallas had built after an impressive outing. I've heard people argue that Wright should have continued fouling Carmelo...HORRIBLE ARGUEMENT. There's a new trend in the NBA of knowing when the opposing team is going to foul you, and timing it perfectly so that you're shooting in the act of the foul (Chauncy Billups is famous for it). That was Carmelo's intent, and thats exactly why he jacked up a three pointer in that situation. He was hoping to go to the line for 3 off of the intentional foul. So, in my opinion, Antione Wright did the "right" thing by backing off after the intentional foul (which was clearly an intentional foul).

Point blank the refs blew it, and thats a hard pill to swallow if you're Dallas. THIS IS THE PLAYOFFS, where you go hard or go home. Dallas went hard, and unfortanetly may be going home a little sooner than what they deserve. Sure, they acted out of character after the game ended, but can you blame them? I probably would have lost it in that situation as well. Now you have Marc Cuban pushing camera men, arguing with Kenyon Martin's mom, and upcoming game that'll be more heated than the season finale of House M.D! All of which could have been avoided. I'm not sure how the NBA handles things like this, but there should be some action taken when a mistake of this magnitude is made. It won't bring the Maverick's opportunity for a win back, even though (in all actuality) they truly deserve one. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Marcus Thornton Could Be a Gilbert Arenas

I've been REALLY busy with work this entire week, but took a lil time out to browse some NBA Mock draft boards this morning. I ran across Marcus Thornton's name on the board, and immediately started to wonder what type of NBA player he'd be. The mock draft I happened to be looking at was property of NBADraft.net, and I was a little shocked at the fact that they had Thornton going as late as 2nd round, number 36 to Detroit. As the reigning SEC Player of the Year, and a proven energy guy and scorer (seemed like this guy scored 30 anytime he wanted last season!), I still feel like Thornton may be under the radar a little. I see Thornton as a mid to late first round pick, and personally see him as a Gilbert Arenas type of player. Think about it:

• Gilbert Arenas: 6ft. 3 inches, 215 pounds
• Marcus Thornton: 6ft. 4 inches, 210 pounds
• Gilbert Arenas: Lacked shooting guard size, and "awareness and ball handling point guard skills"
• Marcus Thornton: Lacks shooting guard size, and is said to be a good fit "as long as he doesn't have to put the ball on the floor a great deal in half court settings to create an offense"
• Gilbert Arenas: Good but questionable shooter
• Marcus Thronton: Good but questionable shooter at times
• Gilbert Arenas: Highly skilled but passed on in 1st round, drafted 31st overall
• Marcus Thornton: Highly skilled but thought to be late first to early second round pick (from 28th to 36th overall)

I know that brief comparison doesn't calculate what type of player Marcus Thornton will be, but it does give you a glance at these players' comparisons, hopefully showing you why I feel this way. Thornton (just like Arenas) should be an exciting, non traditional point guard who can flat out score! Yea, he may get a little carried away at times and take a few shots that are questionable, but you'll live with that in order to enjoy all the other things he does to keep the fans out of their seats. I hate to put a damper on the beggining of his career, but I see him (similar to Arenas) getting drafted unfairly, and proving a lot of people wrong in his first and second season (as Arenas did). His first stop will probably not be his last, as he should be one of the most sought-after free agents that summer, and land somewhere where he'll absolutely flourish (exactly as Arenas did). I'm no prophet, psychic, nor am I Nastradaumus. But I've got a good feeling about his guy. Let's just hope the injury bug vacates his journey; God knows it hasn't been easy on my man Arenas. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Thoughts

Its Friday, aaaaand playoff time; life is good! First off, I'm seriously disturbed by this Tony Allen death threat situation! I dont know all of the specifics on it, but from whats been reported, Tony Allen (of the Boston Celtics) has been recieving death threats from someone in Chicago...his own hometown! I hate to jump to conclusions, but given the timeliness of the threats, it would seem that they're connected to the fact that he's a Celtic, who happens to be playing against the Bulls. If that is, indeed, the case...I pray that Tony Allen defies "role player" laws, and goes for 50 in a game 7 of this series (btw, I would LOVE to see this series go to a game 7). Not that I want to see the guy get killed (heck no!); I just think this is absolutely ridicoulous, and what better way for Allen to discuss his disgust, than through his game??? I know it won't happen (besides, Tony Allen hardly plays these days) unless I have anything to do with it. Therefore i'll be forcing myself to play with Boston on NBA 2k9 all weekend (inserting Tony Allen in the starting lineup, in place of the other Allen) until Tony score's 50 (or until Derrick Rose reminds me of why I play with the Bulls on there in the first place, lol). IT'S COLD IN CHICAGO!

Rajon Rondo just continues to amaze me. I can remember a year ago, everyone with an opinion in the sports world, stating that Boston would not reach success with Rondo as their point guard. This guy IS the reason for their success these days. Quite honestly, he's been the most consistent Celtic thus far in this series, averaging a triple double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists a game (for those who learned to round .7 up, lol)! Sure, Paul Pierce caught fire lastnight, but Rondo has carried the Boston through with his excellent offensive play, clutch baskets and offensive rebounds, and stellar defense. No more of this "Big 3" talk; give the kid his credit!

I personally thought that it was a wise decision on the part of Steph Curry to enter the NBA draft this year. Not that it's his fault (you try playing against a triple team every night), but his stock dropped considerably compared to the previous year's cinderalla season. He's a pure shooter, and i'm a firm believer in the fact that "shooters can shoot." That may sound simple, but some would argue his ability of effectiveness at the next level. Remember that basic phrase though, "shooters can shoot."

I was deeply saddened by the signing of WR Torry Holt to the Jaguars. Not that I have anything against the Jaguars, I had just personally come up with some craaazy idea in my head that my Cowboys would sign him as our number 1 reciever. He still has a few good years left, and he brings a ton of excitement and personality to the game; I thought he would be a perfect fit! I can't say that I'm sold on Roy Williams as our number 1...guess i'll just have to wait and see. Speaking of football, those Falcons just get more and more scary. The signing of verteran TE Tony Gonzalez offically makes them one of the most dangerous teams of the upcoming season. This may be the season to bring the "Dirty Bird" dance back...I just hope Tony doesn't do it. lol. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Mutombo's NBA Legacy?

Dikembe Mutombo is just one of those guys who, just thinking of him, makes me giggle a little bit (sort of like Avery Johnson, lol). Something about the guy just tickles me, but I had no laughs for what happened to him lastnight. He some how got tangled up under the basket and his knee collaspsed in the act, most likely ending his 18 year career. People have often given Mutombo a hard time (usually due to his fairly unpolished, unorthodox style of play). But this guy has built quite the legacy for himself in the NBA...and he didnt stop there!

Mutombo is widely known for being the oldest player in the NBA. His age had become an almost standard commentary joke, until Mutombo expressed how he and his family felt about the remarks last season. He's currently 42 years old and has been in the NBA for 18 years (WOW!). Over that 18 year period, he has made himself known in the NBA, mostly for his shot blocking abilities early in his career. Everyone remembers the trademark shake of the finger that Mutombo would fire back with after denying the opposing team a basket! Everyone should also remember how this was later considered taunting and was rewarded with a technical foul a little later on in his career (give me a breeeeeak!). He's currently the second leading shot blocker in NBA history, with 3,289 career blocks! Mutombo is also an 8 time NBA allstar, 3 time All NBA, 6 time All Defensive, and a 4 time Defensive Player of the Year! While these accomplishments look great, they don't even scratch the surface of what he's done off the court, specifically for his homeland of Kinshasha in the Congo.

Dikembe Mutombo has poured in miiiiiiiiiiiiiillions of dollars into the improvement of living conditions in his homeland. In 1997 he started the Dikembe Mutombo foundation for those purposes. While he's won many presitgious awards for his humanitarian work (one of which is the highest honor in this country), his greatest amount of gratification most likely comes from his biggest project, the hospital he had built in the Congo. This was a $29 million dollar project (a lot of which was paid for by Mutombo himself), that he named after his mother who died of a stroke in 1997. The hospital, named Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, finally oppened in 2007 and was the first modern medical facility to be opened there in over 40 years! He could have easily had a portion of his check sent off to some charity he knew nothing about, but he didn't. Mutombo took his purpose (outside of being an NBA player) personal, and only cares that his people reap the benefits of that. He's a model athlete and an inspiration to me personally. We need more people in the world of sports with the heart of Dikembe Mutombo. Say what you want about him, but his legacy is golden. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Sickest Crossover Ever: Tim Hardaway or Allen Iverson?

Hangin' out here checking out some hoop videos on youtube, and I run across a video of D-Wade choppin it up about the art of the crossover. Best believe, D-Wade has had some SICK crossovers in his career thus far, one of which sent Cleveland's Eric Snow straight to the hardwood (do yourself a favor and check it out...HILARIOUS!). D-Wade did pay homage to one of the greatest crossover killers of all time, stating that (in his opinion) Tim Hardaway had the sickest crossover ever. I can't say that he made any mention to Allen Iverson though. Lets take a glance at Tim Hardway and Allen Iverson's respective crossover repertoires for a sec...

Tim Hardaway's crossover was definitely a mover. I can remember finally getting a playstation and the first game my mom bought me was NBA Live 98, with Timmy on the front cover! Playing with the Heat was a must, and as much as I tried to emulate his real life killer crossover, it left me a bit unsettled having to come to terms with the fact that the game crossover was pretty generic, making Timmy just another short, ball headed black guy on the court. lol. It was fun pretending he wasn't though! haha.

In real life, it wasn't really the complexity of the move that made his crossover so amazing; it was moreso the shift in speed and direction midway though the crossover. I can picture him now, with a Golden State Warriors jersey on, dribbling midspeed down the court, defender in PERFECT defensive position...low to the ground. Timmy looks him in the eye, does a simple, HARMLESS, dribble between one leg (forcing the defender to that very direction). Then with a quickness you never thought possible, he dribbles the ball and thrusts his body into the opposite direction leaving some dumb big man to play help side, failing miserably in the act. hahahaha. That seemed to be the scenario eeeevery time. The guy was something special...if only he had never slipped up and made that daggon gay comment. lol.



Now Iverson's crossover was a little different, but still well documented and to some (most in my generation) his crossover is the greatest of all time. Iverson came into the league with a chip on his shoulder. He was that young guy who we knew was trouble, but he represented our generation so well that we enjoyed his antics because of the exciting player it made him. I mean, come on, who else would have went at Jordan the way Iverson did? No fear, maybe a little disrespect, always seeming like he had a point to prove. That was A.I., and that was why we loved the guy.

Iverson's crossover was not for the stiff, unathletic body. You had to be very loose (almost snake-like) and quick to tackle this move. The funniest thing about his crossover is the fact that, a lot of the time, the defender knew it was coming...and still couldnt do a thing about it. Like he cast a spell on them or something. Iverson would step back to the top of the key and be given an iso with just him and his defender. Staring the defender down, he would dribble the ball to his right, then (bending his knees) he would rock his body-BAMM-left,right,left finally deciding to go left, and taking the ball with him on that last dribble (defender...nowhere to be found). The pull up jumper or top of the backbard floater goes in all net and the crowd nearly has an athsma attack (i know i nearly did watching from home, lol). Sometimes he'd even play around with you on that first dribble just to see if you're wearing skates that day or not. If so, the next time around you'd be in trouble...ask Jordan!



Its hard for me to choose one, but a beautiful thing to be able to add both of these players' incredible moves into my package as a young ball player. They were great for the game, and at the same time a headache for defenders. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Why the Celtics Should Be Afraid of the Bulls in the First Round

Ok...finally the facade has been removed and the Celtics are being honest about Kevin Garnett's injury. They've reported that Garnett could miss the first round of the playoffs and potentially the ENTIRE post season. This is nothing but bad news for the World Champs (unless you're a guy like Glen Davis who would enjoy the extra minutes). Everyone knows that Garnett is the emotional leader of this team, and that they could march back to the Eastern Conference finals off of his focus and drive alone! Boston will have to face a hungry, young Bull's team in the first round, and without Garnett, they have a lot to be concerned about. Lets do numbers:

Sure, Boston lead the regular season series 2-1 (won the first two, loss the finale), but take into consideration the change in these two teams between those 2 wins, and that 1 loss.

-In the first two games, Garnett played and averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebs, 1.5 blocks, and 3 steals. Not AMAAAZING numbers, but add his leadership and intensity to that, and the value skyrockets. The third game he didnt play at all!

-In the first game Tyrus Thomas only had 11 points, 6 rebs, and 2 blocks. In the second game he didnt even play! Third game he gave Chicago 18 pts, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. And the newly acquired Brad Miller (very key here) finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists.

-In the first two games, the Bulls got sub par play from Thabo Sefalosha (7.5 points, 2.5 rebs, 2 steals, 2 assists). But in the third game, they got a whopping 38 points, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 rebs out of the newly acquired (very key here) John Salmons.

-In the first two games the Celts relied on Paul Pierce for 15 points, 6.5 rebs, and 4 assists per game. They relied on Rondo for 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 10.5 assists. In the third game Pierce had to score 37 points, and he pulled down 7 rebounds. Rondo had to score 26 points, pulled down 5 rebounds, and had 10 assists as well. AND IT STILL WASNT ENOUGH!

The fact of the matter is, Kevin Garnett is out, and this Bulls team is a VERY different team since the acquisitions of Brad Miller and John Salmons. Tyrus Thomas is playing better basketball, and Derrick Rose is hardly looking like a rookie. Not to mention a guy by the name of Ben Gordon who's capable of turning on the switch at any given moment. We'll see if they look like deer in headlights come playoff time, but numbers don't lie. And according to numbers, the Celt's should be worried! Barely takes a genius to know that!

Adenhart: Angel in the Outfield

A day after the sudden tragic death of Los Angeles Angels' young pitcher, Nick Adenhart, the Angels were left with no choice but to bottle up emotions, and get back to business on Friday. I often wonder how hard it is, as an organization, to get past tragedies such as these. Some would say "it's just a business" and "the fans are the only one's who truly care." I'd beg to differ in a scenario such as this, and I'm sure the Los Angeles Angels would too. To express their respects to their friend and teammate, a huge photo of Adenhart was placed on the right field wall of the stadium. His locker will remain intact, and the picture's mound will be graced with his number for the duration of the season. It's a special tribute...to a guy who will be remembered as a special guy with a whole life ahead of him. Seeing Torii Hunter run to the right field wall and fist bump the chest of Adenharts photo left me with a few emotions. As an athlete I empathized with him, and understood the bond one could share with a teammate. Yet at the same time, I felt completely distant from Hunter, knowing that my empathy could never parallel what he felt at that significant moment with Adenhart; still an Angel but no longer from the picture's mound; now an Angel in the outfield. Sure enough, he'll never be forgotten. Barely takes a genius to know that!