By Paul Casey Gotham

After the fall

“It’s not as bad as the Theisman, but I still don’t want to see another replay.”

That  was how the better two-thirds (as opposed to the better-half) summed up the result of Rajan Rondo’s tussle with Dwyane Wade in Saturday night’s game 3 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference semi-finals. As the pair made like dice and tumbled to the floor, Rondo’s elbow grew an extension, and D-Wade nearly grabbed a spot in the Boston Pantheon of Villains right next to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Granted, Rondo’s injury was just as much his fault as it was Wade’s as opposed to Kareem who showed off his reach in Game 4 of the 1984 finals nearly sending all of New England into a Rudy Tomjanovich flashback (and that is meant with all respect) when he took a swing at Larry Bird.

After leaving the game for the locker room, Rondo, somehow, returned to action. Oh, the marvels of modern medicine. Maybe modern therapy would be more appropriate.

Perhaps the greater marvel was the Heat’s reaction to Rondo’s later return to the game. I am all for good sportsmanship, but laying off an injured opponent seemed rather confusing. There was Rondo 20 feet from the basket holding the ball in his right hand as Mario Chalmers gave him five feet of breathing room. Meanwhile, Rondo looks like Harper Lee’s Tom Robinson with his left arm dangling at his side.

Mario, he wasn’t going to take you off the dribble with a crossover. You can step up and take away his strong hand…er…only hand of use at the time. Instead, the Heat turned Rondo into a hero, and the Celtics might have grabbed some momentum.

Kerplunk

That’s the sound made by the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Splat!

A face plant if you will.

Not even a proper surrender.

So goes the legacy of Kobe. It’s been rather en vogue of late to compare Kobe to Michael Jordan. Here’s the difference. The Bulls went as far as MJ took them. Kobe goes as far as the players around him will take the team.

Funny to hear Magic Johnson, Michael Wilbon and Jon Barry discuss the demise of the Los Angeles Lakers. None of the three seemed willing to take Kobe Bryant to task. They discussed the Lakers inability to finish games against the Dallas Mavericks – well at least any of the first three games because one might question if the Lakers truly started game four.

“It’s time to make trades,” said Magic.

Why? So that Kobe can get another cast of characters to get a couple of titles before they grow tired of his ways?

No doubt Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak will make some deals, and Kobe will get some new talent around him. Dwight Howard sounds like a popular choice. Maybe he will win a title to tie MJ and possibly another to pass him. If titles are the measuring stick then Kobe has it. At some point, Kobe’s body of work has to come into play.

Remember 19-year old Kobe whose idea of a pass was an offensive rebound from his jumper. Not to mention, he only had the most dominant big man in the league playing center. That’s okay Shaq. You can go and get some boards. Then came Phil Jackson who taught Kobe Zen and the art of the post entry pass. The result was three consecutive titles. But Kobe wasn’t happy. Shaq was getting too much credit. Phil was getting too much credit.

Bye bye Shaq. So long Phil.

Hello 2004-05 with a record of 34-48. The next two years weren’t much better. Kobe started belly-aching. He needed guys around him. You mean like Shaq? The Lakers got Pau Gasol and two more rings has Kobe to claim.

Now, Kobe needs some new playmates.

Hmmm….who is going to coach?

Doesn’t matter. If titles are the gauge, Kobe has a ways to go to catch Bil Russell.

Cue the Pomp and Circumstance

Good to hear Jeff Van Gundy getting his due from Nazareth College. Honorary doctorate or not, Van Gundy deserves any notoriety he can get. It was almost worth the trip downtown to Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the hometown guy.

If nothing else, the Ph.D. can serve as a reward for the pithy wisdom Van Gundy shares on televised broadcasts. Van Gundy breaks down the game into simple terms while using pop-culture to make his point. All the while, his self-effacing humor shows that he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

He is unafraid to speak his mind and not shy when it comes to questioning convention.

Van Gundy didn’t need a degree for his insights Saturday night. When Boston’s Paul Pierce went crashing to the floor into a row of photographers, it was Van Gundy who spoke up about the proximity of camera guys.

“We have got to do something about that,” said Van Gundy referring to the lack of room under the basket.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the talents of professional camera people. But why do they need to be so close? It is just a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.

Verlander throws a no-no

Congratulations to Detroit’s Justin Verlander who tossed his second career no-hitter on Saturday.  Keep working kid. You got five more to go to catch Nolan Ryan.  Last season was called the year of the pitcher with six no-hitters. Verlander’s was the second of this season to go with Francisco Liriano tossing one earlier in the week.  Is there anyting to this trend?

Speaking of Ryan, rumor has it he doesn’t want pitch counts used with the Texas Rangers staff. That could ruffle a few feathers when it comes to the coddled athlete of the 21st century. Safe to say, Ryan won’t be in the market to acquire Joba Chamberlain.

Ryan’s seven no-hitters were mentioned on the Pine last week in a discussion of the toughest records to break. Of course, there was DiMaggio’s 56. Hershiser’s 59 1/3. UCLA’a 88. To name a few. In light of yesterday’s Kentucky Derby, Secretariat’s 1:59.40 might stand forever.

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you, readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE (1), UNE, UNO from April 11-17th that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

Chris Paul grabs my POTW.

In what might be filed under enjoy it while you can, Paul led the New Orleans Hornets over the Los Angeles Lakers 109-100 in the first game of their opening round playoff series.

Paul scored 33 points, dished out 14 assists and grabbed seven rebounds as the Hornets quieted the Staples Center crowd.

After struggling through much of the season, Paul reminded fans of what he can do. Running pick-and-rolls, the New Orleans point guard had his way with the Laker defense.

Paul scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and led New Orleans on an 8-0 run to close the game.

Who gets your POTW?

By Paul Casey Gotham

Ron Artest grabs my POTW.

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

The oft-maligned Los Angeles Laker forward stepped up when his team needed him the most. With the Boston Celtics focusing on the Lakers leading scorer, Artest dropped 20 and none bigger than  his 3 with 1:00 remaining to give Los Angeles a six-point lead and the eventual NBA title. Artest averaged 11 points during the season.

At the same time, Artest held Boston’s Paul Pierce to 18 points in deciding game.

With emotions swirling, Artest managed to have fun during his post-game comments: “Kobe passed me the ball…“Don’t shoot Ron. Don’t shoot. Whatever. POW!”

Who gets your POTW?

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 16th NBA title Thursday night. This title gives them back-to-back titles having defeated the Orlando Magic last season in the 2009 Finals. Kobe Bryant dually shared the moniker of back-to-back with his team by being named the NBA Finals MVP for the second consecutive year. And perhaps the most historic of all, Lakers coach Phil Jackson won his 11th NBA title to surpass Red Aurebach’s 10 titles.

Whether a Lakers fan or not, it’s hard to deny the significance of this night in NBA history. It took all of 1.3 seconds for the analysts to get the “Kobe the greatest ever?” discussions started.

All of that aside, the post-game celebration and ceremonies provided some of the most absurd and hilarious moments in sports history. If an insane asylum throws a surprise party, the Lakers’ post-game antics is pretty much how I’d envision it.

In case you missed it or just didn’t pay that close attention to it, here are the funniest moments from the Lakers’ 16th title celebration:

Ron Artest runs away from the celebration

The Boston Celtics had a shot at the end to come within a basket, but it fell short and Pau Gasol outletted it to Lamar Odom who wisely threw it to the other end of the floor to allow the final seconds to tick away. Fittingly, Kobe Bryant retrieved the ball, turned, and greeted his teammates who were already rushing to celebrate with the star. Ron Artest made it to him first and as Kobe tried to hug him, Ron-Ron ran through his attempt at a hug and off-camera. The Lakers team celebrated as Artest was nowhere in site.

Clearly Ron had not been prepped in proper post-game celebratory etiquette. You draw all of your attention to the star player. Or maybe Ron wanted to rush into the stands just to show NBA fans that, unprovoked, he can actually be a pretty pleasant guy. Ron Artest was a weird fit from the beginning so what better way to celebrate that all alone.

Ron-Ron thanks his psychiatrist

This has to be one of the most priceless sound bites in sports history. Doris Burke tried to interview Artest after the game while the celebration was still going on, and among his incoherent rambling, he thanks his psychiatrist thus proving once and for all that Ron Artest does not have a filter. This after he thanked “his hood.”

Jerry Buss thinks the Lakers won because they “wanted it more”

On stage, the Lakers owner was asked why he thought his Laker team was able to prevail in game 7. His response? “We wanted it more.” Really, Dr. Buss? I didn’t think the Celtics were interested in winning either. In fact, Kevin Garnett could really take lessons from the intensity of Andrew Bynum. And when they’re in the huddles, Doc Rivers could certainly spice it up a bit whereas Phil is just a spitfire of raw emotion.

There is officially no worse cliche in all of sports. They wanted it more? Is there any way possible to measure this and argue one way or the other? Well, based on that rationale, good thing the Americans wanted it more in World War II.

Kobe Bryant says it couldn’t have been done without “The Spaniard”

Later on, nearing the final stage of the “Kobe Bryant image rehabilitation project,” Bryant was pouring over how great his teammates are when he thanked “The Spaniard.” Yes, he referred to Pau Gasol by his nationality and not his name. Was this not strange? First of all, the guy’s name is onomatopoeia! His name is one of the coolest and most fun names to say. “POW!” And he decides to call him “The Spaniard?”

Secondly, the NBA is the most globally recognized sport and we have the Finals MVP labeling guys by nationality. Wonderful idea. Good thing that Slovenian hit those free throws and the tall black guy grabbed so many boards along with the Spaniard. Speaking of the Slovenian…

Sasha Vujacic and Kobe Byrant’s open display of “bromance”

Am I the only one who noticed this? These two embraced like they were separated at birth. In the huddle, after the game, in the locker room. Foreheads touching and nose-to-nose. Something was really creepy about this. Maybe it is the European-upbringing both had, I don’t know. But look at the picture above. Type “Kobe Sasha” into Google and peruse the images that come up. I swear you’ll feel uncomfortable by page 3.

Vanessa Bryant is more important than Derek Fisher

Can we just give her a jersey? Adam Morrison doesn’t use his. She is everywhere. I remember a game this season where she was outside the locker room during halftime with both kids and gave Kobe a kiss. On the podium during the trophy presentation, she stood front row. Derek Fisher was behind her. The other guy who has won 5 NBA titles along with Kobe was pushed second row to make room for Kobe’s wife and kids.

We get it. Kobe is a great family man. Infidelity isn’t even in his vocabulary. His wife and kids love him and he’s the consummate family man. Good grief. It’s like the old guy driving the corvette. Don’t make it too obvious.

Kobe Bryant references Shaq in press conference

Did not see this coming at all. In his post-game press conference (Please note: both of Kobe Bryant’s daughters were with him in the press conference, both of whom were born in wedlock with the woman he loves, Vanessa Bryant), Kobe was asked what a 5th title means to him. He responded, “I have more than Shaq” and smirked like Hannibal Lector after he stole the pen from the warden. Really? We are years removed from this childish feud and in a moment where he can display grace, he reminds us of it? My only wish was for the reporter to add, “Well, what about the Finals MVP? Aren’t you, like, still one away from matching Shaq’s number of MVPs?”

For a moment, I almost forgot that Kobe was a great guy, but the interview ended and he kissed his daughter. Good thing they were there to remind me.

Great series, even better post-series dysfunction.

AP Photo/Michael Goulding, Pool

By Paul Gotham

Brief notes on the second round of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs. Cavs

Cleveland grabbed the  one-game advantage. Is it a case of too little, too late for the Cs? Doc Rivers waited until now to call out Rasheed Wallace’s defense. It’s not like we didn’t see this coming. On the offensive end Rajon Rondo is going to need some help if the Celtics stand a chance. Does Boston have a scheme for LeBron? Was the elbow injury a case of gamesmanship by the Akron Hammer?

Hawks vs. Magic

The Hawks offer plenty of foul opportunities for Dwight Howard. Rashard Lewis will need to step up his game for the Magic. Vince Coleman will have to think about putting in some effort when closing out on Atlanta’s shooters. We will find out how good Jameer Nelson actually is. The Hawks struggled to contain Brandon Jennings in round one. Can Nelson take advantage. Al Horford vs. Howard in the paint? That should be a great match-up to watch.

Western Conference

Spurs vs. Suns

A little trivia for you. Who is arguably the best power forward in the history of the league? And on which team does he play? This same team has one of the top five point guards in the league, and this guy is coming off the bench. This team also has maybe the best triple threat guy in the league. Confused?

If Tim Duncan is not the best forward to ever play in the NBA, then who trumps him? How many point guards are there currently in the league better than Tony Parker? Can anyone question Manu Ginobili’s heart? Add to the mix George Hill, and the Spurs look dangerous.

Three years ago a David Stern interpretation of players leaving the bench area slowed the Suns. Since then Steve Nash and company have lost their way.

It will be interesting to watch how both teams try to dictate tempo.

Utah vs. Los Angeles

Jerry Sloan and crew will seek to avoid a third consecutive elimination from the playoffs at the hands of Phil Jackson and his followers. Many are suggesting Kobe has lost a step. He may be playing possum. Pau Gasol looked occasionally dominant as the Lakers took game one. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer can shoulder the bulk of the load, but Utah will need more performances like the one they got from Paul Milsap.

Got a take on the NBA playoffs? Post them here.

By Paul Gotham

Eastern Conference

Bulls vs. Cavs

Maybe the Bulls could show as much spirit on the court as their coach, Vinny Del Negro, and GM, John Paxson, show off the court. I missed the announcement of “Joakim Rules.” Maybe Vinny should consult with Joe Girardi.  It’s kind of nice how the Bulls positioned themselves to be the Cavs’ appetizer. Chicago won 10 of its last 14 to get in the playoffs. Can Derrick Rose continue getting to the basket now that it is the playoffs, and teams will actually play defense? Can Shaq get in stride after a layoff? Does Shaq still have a stride? LeBron should be plenty rested.

Heat vs. Celtics

As far as seeds and numbers go, Miami winning would fall into the category of an upset. How many would be surprised if the Heat took this series? Does it matter any more that Boston swept the season series? The Cs have dropped eight of 13. Of course, it’s not like the Heat have anyone beyond D-Wade that they can actually count on from night to night. Do you hear that Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal?

Hawks vs. Bucks

Has the potential to be the best first round series. Milwaukee will go without Andrew Bogut, but do not discount Scott Skiles and his ability to motivate the Bucks. Don’t forget, the Bucks have John Salmons who has the reputation for playing big in the playoffs. Salmons will need a great performance to thwart the Hawks.

Anyone looking for Marvin Williams will find him in Atlanta’s lineup. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson average 33 a game. Skiles’s defense should shrink those numbers.

Magic vs. Bobcats

Maybe the Vince Carter acquisition wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “Vinsanity” is averaging 16.6. More importantly, the “Iso King” is not disrupting Orlando’s offensive flow. Jason Williams is getting a second chance and making good on it. His presence along with Jameer Nelson’s make the Magic a contender. Congratulations to the Bobcats for qualifying for the playoffs.

Western Conference

Lakers vs. Thunder

You know things are not right with Lakers when Phil Jackson has to resort to mind games in the first round of the playoffs. Just when Kevin Durant showed maturity beyond his years, he goes and reacts to Jackson’s gibes. It will be interesting to see how many shots Durant takes in the first game or two of this series. He averages 20 shots per game.  What is there to not like about the Thunder’s roster: James Harden, Jeff Green, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor. They have a good, young lineup. They are just not ready to win this series.  How much of LA’s success in the long run depends on Andrew Bynum’s Achilles’ tendon?

Nuggets vs. Jazz

Denver has lost their way since George Karl’s bout with cancer has taken him off the sidelines.  Carlos Boozer is a game time decision. Both lineups pack plenty of talent. Which team will get the most mileage out of their gas?

Mavericks vs. Spurs

Oh, the intrigue. Dallas looked ready for a title run after acquiring Caron Butler. Dallas has lost just seven games since getting Butler on February 16th. Does anyone want to play the Spurs in the playoffs? How much playoff experience do the Spurs have? Tony Parker is back in the lineup.

Suns vs. Blazers

Probably the most entertaining series. There will be plenty of scoring. Portland without Brandon Roy does not bode for the Blazers making any noise in the playoffs.

Splinters

Remember when Rey questioned Boston’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace? If you don’t, click here. Bill Simmons added his commentary on the Celtics picking up Wallace. Read it here. Rey saw the smoke months ago.

Cheers to Lionel Hollins for showing Kenyon Martin how it’s done.

Give us your take on the NBA playoffs.

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

In some ancient folklore, the quest for immortality came by way of courage, loyalty, and successful battle. No currency existed; no riches, so to speak, upon a warrior’s return. The quest was more about valor and honor in one’s people and purpose.

Check Beowulf. Scandinavian folklore is entrenched with those continuing to fight well beyond what could have been suited an illustrious career for a warrior.

Check the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Sumerians had little to provide for their audacious advocates of virtue. This is why according to Sumerian legend, Gilgamesh’s friend Enkidu feared his own death should it not come in battle.

Legacy made men rich. Wealth and immortality came in consecration of something great. One’s financial gains does not concern legacy.

If sport is a microcosm of epic tales, then Lamar Odom must decide if greatness and financial wealth are woven of the same thread.

The twenty-nine year old forward became a free agent fresh off of winning his first NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have recently rescinded a three-year $27 million offer to Odom. Reports have Odom seeking a deal in the realm of five-years and $50 million. Portland, among a few other teams, might be interested in offering Odom the money he desires.

Portland seems like a fine destination for Odom. Brandon Roy has shown he can be one of the heavyweight scorers in the league, and if Greg Oden can possibly stay healthy the Blazers are an inside and outside force to be reckoned with.

However, Odom’s best chance at winning another title in the next few years has to be in L.A. The question is, in what way does Lamar Odom want to be considered rich? Does he want his money or a lasting legacy with one of the more glorious franchises in the league?

When he first came to the Lakers via the Miami Heat, Odom became the Lakers’ second option. He averaged 15.3 points a game and nearly 10 rebounds in his first season donning the purple and gold.

The Lakers saw little success during Odom’s first three seasons with the team. They failed to make the playoffs in 2004-05 and lost in the first round the following two seasons. Unfortunately for Odom, much of the criticism came to him. Many said that he could not deliver in big game situations and could handle his important role with the team.

Though critics existed then, many realize now in retrospect that neither Odom nor Bryant had the supporting cast to foster a championship run. Besides, Odom’s first three seasons with the Lakers did not see a significant drop in his overall career numbers.

The trade for Pau Gasol in Odom’s fourth season with the Lakers gave them a legitimate, and consistent, third option – Lamar Odom.

Gasol averaged 18.9 points the past two season with the Lakers. Odom’s scoring output dropped to 14.2 in 2007-08, the year Gasol joined. This past season saw Odom’s lowest scoring average yet at 11.3. His playing time also decreased as he averaged less than 30 minutes a game during the regular season for the first time in his career.

With a minimized scoring role, albeit still an important role, Odom and the Lakers made the NBA Finals two consecutive years and finally won a ring this past trip.

Now perhaps feeling his worth has somehow been proven to the league, Odom is seeking a big payday and long-term contract. Certainly one could argue that Odom is deserving or vice versa. For whatever reason, be it the business of the league, Odom threatens what could be his immortality in the NBA.

Should Odom stay with the Lakers, he and Bryant and Gasol have a unique opportunity of winning multiple championships the next few years.

Odom won’t be remembered for winning one championship. People will talk about the leadership of Kobe Bryant after years of disparagement. They’ll talk about the acquisition of Pau Gasol. They’ll extol the virtues of Phil Jackson returning and surpassing Red Auerbach with ten championships.

But why do people remember the likes of Michael Cooper, Danny Ainge, and B.J. Armstrong? Do these players cement a place in the NBA lexicon without being a part of a dynasty? More than likely not. Does any fan care how much their contracts were worth? Absolutely not. Lamar Odom has that same opportunity.

Odom may be able to get the money he seeks; his hard work over the years and performance with the Lakers certainly makes him deserving. Or maybe Lamar Odom became satisfied with just one title. Maybe, after just one title, he’s lost his desire for NBA gold.

Odom needs to understand what is at stake and consider what’s more important. It is possible he goes to a Portland, Miami, or Dallas and wins another title. Even so, he’d still be far from being immortalized like Robert Horry.

But winning with one team, especially if it can be in consecutive fashion, is something only made of epic proportions. No, fans won’t remember the numbers to this impending contract with whatever team it may be. They remember the greater good and the plural form of success.

Ancient history does not remember those who went off and won one small battle that many other men have also achieved. No – it remembers the epic heroes who returned, time and time again, and conquered over and over and over.

Beowulf didn’t beat Grendel and return home to bask in the spoils of his heroism. Gilgamesh didn’t weep for an eternity and pity the death of his friend. They’re remembered because they picked up the sword or the ax and fought on. Not for money, but legacy.

Lamar Odom deserves his ring; the Lakers could not have done it without him. Lamar Odom also deserves to give his teammates a shot at becoming an epic NBA tale to be told for years to come. After all, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol may go ahead and achieve that legacy without him.

>Clippers interested in Iverson; Sterling more concerned with ticket sales than team’s success

Yahoo! Sports reported earlier in the week that Clippers owner Donald Sterling is interested in signing Allen Iverson to – get this – sell tickets. Win games? Not important. Develop young talent. Who cares?

Sterling is correct that Iverson would help ticket sales. But, if it does not result in a better season, you would have to think that those sales would eventually return to normal at some point next season. If you recall, the Clippers had a small playoff run in the 2005-06 season. It appeared to be a resurgence for the Clippers and their fan base. That soon subsided after the following season reverted to poor business as usual for Los Angeles’ other team.

More importantly though is the young perimeter talent Mike Dunleavy has in LA. Eric Gordon has promise in the league. Plus, veteran guard Baron Davis still plays, though the possibility of him being traded always exists.

John W. McDonough/SI.com

Whoever signs the thirty-four year old guard will get the former NBA MVP at a bargain. I haven’t heard anything higher than $6 million a year and no long term contracts. The Grizzlies and Heat have also shown interest.

>Dahntay Jones signs with Indiana Pacers; Larry Bird silently building an East contender?

Amidst the rampant free agent signings this NBA off-season, lost are the role players being swept up by intelligent GMs. Dahntay Jones signed a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. Jones definitely overachieved for the Denver Nuggets during their run to the Western Conference Finals. He was a solid defender and a great rebounder from the perimeter. Someone who the Nuggets may miss more than many realize.

Though Jones played admirably in the first two rounds, his play became overtly rough and aggressive in trying to stop Kobe Bryant. His style once resulted in four fouls in less than two minutes and a quick trip back to the bench.

If Jones can find an emotional balance in his style of play, he could help the youth-laden Pacers become contenders in the East sooner than later.

Larry Bird has his scorer and go-to guy in Danny Granger, who won the NBA’s Most Improved Player this past season after averaging 25.8 points and five rebounds, and he’s starting to put the rest of the pieces in place.

>Can Phil Jackson make a system player out of Adam Morrison?

Remember Adam Morrison? The former Gonzaga player who once graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and finished second in the NCAA National Player of the Year voting? Plagued as another Michael Jordan draft blunder (selected third overall in 2006), Morrison just won an NBA Championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers without logging a single playoff minute.

Morrison suffered an ACL tear in a preseason game and missed the whole 2007-08 season. After being traded to the Lakers this past season, he saw limited playing time on a team with an already established rotation on the wings.

Currently Morrison is playing well in the NBA Summer League. Though his career might not ever reach the lofty expectations once bestowed upon him in college, he looks as though he can still be a key contributor on a team. Who better to find that niche for Morrison than 10-time NBA Champion Phil Jackson?

Jackson is a guru when it comes to finding the right roles for players and getting more out of less. Not saying that Morrison is any less of a player than he was projected to be, but right now he has much working against him. He’s basically looking at a second rookie season with the Lakers.

Morrison seems like an offensive weapon the Lakers could use when Kobe Bryant is not in the game. A viable outside threat, and someone who can use the dribble to attack with a 6’9″ frame. Here’s to Morrison proving the critics wrong next season and Jackson hopefully finding that spot in the rotation for a once deadly shooter.

Here’s a recent interview of Morrison after scoring 22 points in a summer league game. Some good footage of his play included as well:

>More from summer league: Jonny Flynn, Dajuan Blair not skipping a beat

The Big East affiliate Doug Potter got us thinking about the impact Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn would have in the NBA. If the NBA’s summer league in Las Vegas is a measuring stick, Flynn will flourish with the open floor style. He’s showcasing his array of talents quite nicely.

Dajuan Blair keeps showing just how careless it was for those teams with first round picks to pass on him. He’s easily putting up double-doubles this summer, just as he did night in and night out at Pitt. San Antonio, along with recent acquisitions Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess, have to be confident in their chances of challenging the Lakers in the West next season.

Check out some game highlights of Flynn and Blair in action from Vegas:

> NBA Question of the Day: Which team has made the best off-season acquisitions?

Here are my favorite three.

1. San Antonio Spurs – Traded for Richard Jefferson. Had Dajuan Blair fall into their lap in the second round. Signed Antonio McDyess to a three-year deal.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Lost Trevor Ariza but signed Ron Artest. They only keep this spot if they can re-sign Lamar Odom.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Re-signed veteran point guard Mike Bibby. Traded for Jamal Crawford. Gives them plenty of fire-power to go along with Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. The only questions will be if they can play defense and share shot opportunities.

There are still plenty of good free agents available, including David Lee and Lamar Odom. Check out the remainders at ESPN.

Got some NBA news or comments? Take a seat on the bench and let your ‘pickins’ be heard.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Unfortunately, Charles, for you and the many superstars who have graced the NBA, you are role models. Maybe not role models for social behavior or business ethics, but indubitable role models for how to play the game that so many kids love.

More often than not, young aspiring basketball players compare themselves to the elite not realizing that the two abilities are unmatched. The dichotomy of the “team player” and “superstar” is lost on a kid with nothing but hopes and dreams. Of course, that’s not to say that NBA superstars can’t be team players – kids just don’t recognize that quality as clearly.

Consequently, many young aspiring players get lost in their development. They emphasize the look, signature moves, and style of a superstar. The fundamentals and intangibles get lost in translation without a good parent or coach.

When I was growing up, Michael Jordan played in his prime and just like the old Gatorade commercial said, everyone wanted to “be like Mike.” Kids fought over the number twenty-three. They wore the knee sleeve void of any leg injury and stuck their tongue out.

Legitimate post players with height and strength over their opponents disregarded their advantage and traded their coach’s post moves and footwork for the patented MJ fade away. They even kicked their leg out.

Jordan was an ideal player because not only could he score many different ways, but he was also a tactical, consummate team-player. Parents across America could tell their sons and daughters, “Watch him play defense. Watch how he gets teammates involved. Watch how he coaches everyone on the floor,” aside from his obvious prowess as a scorer.

After Jordan, kids became more infatuated with impersonating the likes of Allen Iverson. Here was someone the undersized youths of America could actually relate. And what made Iverson the hero he was to the younger generations? The patented Iverson crossover.

Kids across America doubled – no tripled – their turnovers by not being able to quite get the ball to exchange hands as quickly as AI. Let’s not even discuss Mr. Iverson’s views on practice and the impact it had on basketball amateurs. And that whole elbow sleeve craze sweeping basketball players? I’m not sure, but I think AI started that after he wore one after elbow surgery for bursitis.

How many Michael Jordans are there on a team? Heck – how many Michael Jordans or Allen Iversons are there in a section, region, or state? Why not mimic someone who fulfills an important role, someone more equal to the masses of young basketball players who will forever be told to “accept their role.”

The 2009 NBA Finals contains just that player for youngsters aspiring to become better basketball players. His name is Luke Walton.

Phil Jackson, who is one Finals win away from passing Red Auerbach with ten championships, said a couple of years ago that Walton is like “yeast in bread” because of his exemplary team play. Not a bad endorsement.

Walton doesn’t even play half of the game for the Lakers, yet his importance to the team is not lost on perhaps the greatest coach of all time.

During these playoffs, he’ll usually substitute in when Kobe Bryant subs out. Why? Jackson knows that the University of Arizona product will do the little things to keep the Lakers offensively efficient without their best scorer. When Walton enters the game, so do the fundamentals of basketball.

Walton’s knowledgeable play keeps the defense constantly moving and rotating. The Laker forward understands the value of ball reversals and makes them quickly. He also makes entry passes to the post and will relocate every time he sees a post player’s chest. A valuable quality indeed.

If he’s open, he knocks down the shot. If not, look for Luke to quickly get it back to the middle of the floor either with a pass or the dribble.

Most importantly, however, Walton never does anything with the dribble that does not force two defenders to commit to him. No matter how fancy a move, it serves no value to the game of basketball if it doesn’t force defensive commitment from more than one player. It also doesn’t hurt that Walton seems to have an innate passing ability as well.

Walton’s role on the Lakers is not the result of any lack of skill. In the 2009 playoffs, Walton is shooting 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. At 6’8″, he is agile enough to guard the perimeter or the post.

The same goes on the offensive end. He usually faces up to the basket in more of a wing role, but Walton will also post up smaller players and display his back-to-the-basket skill set.

Walton doesn’t boast the flashiest of games. There exists no signature move or alluring equipment that kids can mimic. He doesn’t have to possess these though. For Walton, it’s more important to be an efficient player who contributes to the flow of the team.

Should the aspiring truly pay attention to Luke Walton when he enters in the game, you can guarantee an appreciation for the game’s intangibles. Though they may not be as tall or as natural a passer as Walton, their understanding of the game will certainly expand.

Who knows, maybe we’ll see young players fighting over the number four instead of twenty-three and twenty-four.

Besides – How many mix tapes can you find for a guy with a career scoring average under 6 points?

Jackson Hopes his Message Gets Across

thehoopdoctors.com

Much has been said concerning the flagrant fouls in the Lakers-Rockets series. The fouls have been viewed, reviewed, and the jurisdiction has gone beyond just the call on the court in every game. Therein lies the problem.

The flagrant foul calls in the NBA perhaps are too subjective on-the-court calls because flagrant foul 1 and flagrant foul 2 are separated by a single adjective yet carry different consequences.

According the NBA rule book, a flagrant foul 1 is defined as follows:

“If contact committed against a player, with or without the ball, is interpreted to be unnecessary, a flagrant foul–penalty (1) will be assessed” (Section IV paragraph a).

A flagrant foul 2 is defined as:

“If contact committed against a player, with or without the ball, is interpreted to be unnecessary and excessive, a flagrant foul–penalty (2) will be assessed” (Section IV paragraph b).

A flagrant foul is first and foremost “unnecessary.” The difference, however, between a flagrant foul 1 and a flagrant foul 2 is whether or not it is “excessive.” The problem is, what is defined as excessive?

The personal fouls help better define this. A personal foul is anything that impedes the progress of the offensive player with the following exceptions; “Flagrant, elbow and punching fouls” (Section 1 paragraph e). Even the lexicon for loose ball fouls denotes a flagrant foul if punching or elbows are involved.

Based on the description under the personal fouls section of the NBA rules, can it then be said that any elbow thrown, whether connected or not, is a flagrant foul 2? Does that define excessive? Because what is at stake is being able to continue play with a flagrant foul 1 or being ejected (and most of the time suspended) with a flagrant foul 2.

Friday night in game 3 of the Lakers-Rockets series, Ron Artest was assessed a flagrant foul 2 late in the game for his hard foul on Pau Gasol. Taking a close look at the play, it appeared as though Artest did two things right.

First, he took a proper angle to challenge the play. Secondly, he went after the ball and actually made a play on it. In the process, he body checked (which is in the definition of a personal foul) Gasol in the air and sent him hard to the floor.

See the Ron Artest foul here

Excessive? Certainly harder fouls have been committed and Gasol did hit the floor hard, but one would expect that to happen when a 6’7″ 265 pound player is making a play on the ball near the basket.

Unnecessary? What was Artest to do? Wait until Gasol was closer and heighten the chances of an and-one play? Not make an attempt to stop Gasol from scoring? As mentioned, he had a very good angle to challenge such a shot.

Now going back to game 2, where Kobe Bryant was brought into question for his actions on a box-out involving him and Artest. This particular foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1 after the game.

Off a shot attempt, Bryant has inside position on Artest. He pivots so as to seal Artest from the rebound, thus establishing inside position deep under the basket. As the ball hits the rim, without pivoting, Bryant’s elbow rears back and hits Artest above the neck.

See the Kobe Bryant foul here

This foul was certainly unnecessary. Bryant did everything right in establishing a box-out, then, by swinging his elbow, looked for an advantage when he realized his position was too far under the basket for the rebound. No play for the ball, but simply a strategy to clear space that is not established by the player.

According the rule book, Bryant used his elbow. Therefore, his was upgraded to a flagrant foul. The NBA did well in correcting this error; however, throwing an elbow that is above the opponent’s neck should be excessive and flagrant 2.

If a player uses a pivot foot with elbows flared, there is no swinging. Bryant, in this case, swung his elbow back. Since this is not defined under the flagrant foul description, it is left too subjective and thus ineffective within the fast-paced action of an NBA game.

The two changes that probably should be made in the semantics of fouls, first for personal fouls:

1) They need to establish that a successful play on the ball from a frontal angle of the offensive player is never flagrant

Any player who genuinely goes after the ball may body check the offensive player, but if a play on the ball is the intended motion, then it will not be harmful, just aggressive.

And for flagrant fouls:

2) They need to include any swinging of the arms once in an established position, including during the use of the pivot foot, is prohibited.

A flagrant 1 is an aggressive play on the ball from any angle other than the front. A flagrant 2 is then an aggressive play that involves swinging the arms in a manner that could harm the opponent.

Based on this wording, then Bryant should have received a flagrant 2 foul and been ejected from game 2. Since the correction was made after the game, he should have been suspended for game 3.

Conversely, Ron Artest should have been called for a personal foul on Gasol and nothing more.

This might not make it as specific as it needs to be, but it at least would be away from using words like “unnecessary” and “excessive” to separate minor and serious infractions on the game rules.

Then, maybe, every hard foul with two players facing each other will not draw the ire of fans and teammates. From now on, the NBA should be proactive and not so reactive when it comes to aggressive play.