Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images

By Abbey Gotham

This past school year, I stayed for an extra two weeks in Cincinnati to continue with my work-study job in a kindergarten classroom. For these two weeks, I lived with my roommate’s family in Northern Kentucky – one of her family members being her 8 year old sister, Lauren.  Like most children at this age, she is going through a period where she lacks a filter and understanding of the hurtful interpretations of some of the things she says.  When I only had a few days left there, Christine (my roommate) and I were talking about how much we were going to miss each other this summer, and Lauren interjected, saying: “No offense Abbey, but…” before Christine stopped her.  Christine then explained to Lauren that any statement that follows those words should usually be kept to oneself.  Lauren continues and says, “Like I was saying, Abbey!  No offense, but I’m kind of excited for you to leave because once we move all your stuff, I can take that TV out of my closet finally.”  Christine sighed and I just giggled.  A few days later when I was waiting outside for my father (that wonderful man) to come pick me up, Lauren starts another statement with “No offense Christine, but…”  Christine and I immediately glance at each other as Lauren continues, “…your tan is really uneven.  Your legs and your arms really don’t match.”  During the drive home, I told my Dad about Lauren’s new line, and I thought it would make for an interesting critique of the sports world.

Shaq.  I think you’re a little late on this whole retirement train.  You spent most of this past season on the bench for the Celtics, and when you were in the game, I felt your struggles as you ran up and down the court.  No offense Shaq, but you should have retired a while ago and got a head start as a model for the Big & Tall Casual male.

Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes.  Along with many others past in college sports, you and a few of your teammates accepted improper benefits during your time at Ohio State University.  This includes selling memorabilia you obtained throughout your college career and accepting discounts at a local tattoo parlor.  Okay, I understand you are not the first college athlete to take part in these activities, but now you are not even sticking around to pay your debts!  Not to mention, you and your teammates are the reason that Jim Tressel is no longer with the program.  No offense, but using the NFL draft as a scapegoat to not have to deal with your suspension is quite immature. Not to mention, you might want to think about this. Is it true you only completed 61% of your passes in college. Do you really want to play against professional defenses?

Kobe.  I am not here to denounce your talents by any means, but you don’t seem very enjoyable to be around.  Back in the early 2000’s, you had a good thing going with Phil Jackson and Shaq and won a few titles.  All of a sudden, you couldn’t play with Shaq anymore, so he got traded.  Then you couldn’t work with Phil Jackson, so they got rid of him.  Let’s go back to your season without both of them in 2004-05.  Without those two backing you up, the Lakers were whopping 34-48.  A few years later, you have Phil Jackson again.  You get Pau Gasol and all of a sudden you have two more NBA titles under your belt.  Now, you can’t play with Pau Gasol anymore?  No offense Kobe, but you’re the common denominator here.

The New York Islanders.  Why on Earth would you sign any player to a 15-year contract?  I don’t think the question is ‘What was Rick DiPietro thinking?’ in his fight with the Penguins, I think we have to wonder what the Islanders management is thinking.  If I’m a professional athlete signed to a 15-year, $67.5 million contract, I’m thinking my motivation is going to be lowered, and I’m going to be more prone to instigating with players from other teams, even if my health is at risk.  To make matters worse, out of the past three NHL seasons, totaling up to 246 games, DiPietro has played in 39 of them.  Even if the Islanders give DiPietro an ultimatum, what is it going to be?  Play in the minors for the rest of your contract or have the rest of his contract bought out.  No offense Islanders, but signing any player to a 15-year contract is stupid.

Sergio Ramos.  Some may see you dropping the Copa del Rey Trophy as an accident, but that is one heck of an accident.  For the first time since 1993, Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey, beating rival, Barcelona, 1-0.  Also, this was not any trophy, made of silver, weighing in at about 33 lbs, and it was 35 years old.  After the bus was stopped after you dropped the trophy and it was run over, apparently policemen found eight different pieces of the trophy in the road.  I don’t understand how you have that little concern for a trophy that you won less than a day before.  No offense Ramos, but that was just stupid.  While we’re on Ramos, your theatrics, along with most other soccer players, are unprecedented.

University of Kentucky Athletic Department.  Win records do have to be consistent with NCAA regulations!  How can you miss that 42 of John Calipari’s victories from his time at Memphis and Massachusetts were vacated because of NCAA violations?  No offense UK Athletic Department, but get it together.  But, I guess Calipari lucks out on this one – he gets to have two 500 Win celebrations.

Roberto Luongo.  For a Stanley Cup Finals goalie, you appeared very mediocre at times in defending for your fellow Canucks.  Besides the fact that eight goals should not be allowed in any Stanley Cup Finals game, you appeared to be very on and off.  The Canucks made a very strong statement by coming out early and winning the first two games, but after that is when your statistics start to get shaky.  No offense Luongo, but talk about inconsistency.

Finally, we have Lebron James.  Man, was I hoping that the Heat would lose in the finals, so that I could get this opportunity.  After leaving the Cavaliers when you got the hopes up of so many fans and actually started to make the team into something that was reputable, you ditch before winning a championship and go to the Miami Heat to form some kind of ‘dream team.’  Which, by the way, next to Dwyane Wade, it is very evident that you are not the best player in the league, let alone your team.  But even on your new ‘dream team,’ you still managed to lose in the NBA finals, after probably your best opportunity thus far.  You happily welcomed the ‘Witness’ ad campaign from Nike. Don’t worry, LeBron. We are ALL watching. No offense Lebron, but for a self-claimed ‘king,’ you still don’t have a ring.

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

By Paul Casey Gotham

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

It’s been forty years since it last happened and despite the protests of some that it even get a chance to occur, including the primary beneficiary, a triple-double in an NBA game took place on Christmas day.

LeBron James gets my POTW.

Not only did James turn a triple-double, but he accomplished the feat in Los Angeles. James dropped 27, grabbed 11 boards, and dished out 10 assists as the Heat dried up the Lakers 96-80 in a game that wasn’t even as close as the 16-point difference. The triple-double was James’s 31st of his career as Miami won for the 14th time in their last 15 games.

Billy Cunningham was the last NBA player to get a triple-double on Christmas Day. Cunningham did it in 1970.

Earlier in the week, Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson voiced his opposition to NBA games on Christmas Day as did LeBron James. Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy has been fined by the league in the past for his comments about holiday games. Van Gundy switched his tact to sarcasm this year.

In case anyone is wondering, I feel a little after this week’s POTW nomination.

Who gets your POTW?

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.

By Paul Gotham

‘Skywalker’ to Present MJ

This Friday, when Michael Jordan takes his rightful place in the NBA Hall of Fame, David Thompson will present his Airness. Jordan’s decision to choose Thompson might raise a few eyebrows. After all, one would expect Dean Smith, Phil Jackson, or maybe even James Worthy to do the honors. Instead, MJ went with the North Carolina State star he emulated as a boy.

Thompson’s shot in double overtime helped the Wolfpack end the seven-year reign of the UCLA Bruins and propelled NC State to its first national title in 1974. ‘Skywalker’ won back-to-back AP Player-Of The Year awards along with the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. Over a nine-year career in the NBA, Thompson averaged 22 ppg.

David Robinson, Jerry Sloan, and John Stockton will also get their spots in Springfield this weekend.

Memphis Gets ‘The Answer’

We can leave all the tweets behind. Allen Iverson has agreed to terms with the Memphis Grizzlies. Bar-b-que, Beale Street, Blues, and AI – we’ll see how that goes over in west Tennessee.

The deal is for $3.5 million, but incentives are there to be had. It will be interesting to see how this plays out considering Michael Conley and OJ Mayo played considerable time in the Memphis backcourt last season.  Memphis coach, Lionel Hollins, will be left to construct a feasible substitution pattern.

Iverson joins a Memphis team that boasts 11 players on its roster with three years or less of NBA experience. Only Steven Hunter (7), Marko Jaric (7), and Zach Randolph (8) have more than three seasons in the league.

Iverson expended considerable energy over the past month communicating his status through Twitter.

Hey Charlie: Do My Job!

Props to the Milwaukee Bucks’ Charlie Bell who took on the Discovery Channel’s – “Do My Job” idea. Check out Bell as he farms, works as a mailman, does his time as a Wendy’s manager, and a couple other tasks.

Scab Refs?

NBA.com reported that talks between the league and its officials broke down. The current contract ended September 1. Replacement officials were last used during 1995-96.

Got some splinters? Share them here.

You can read the entire article on their web site, but here is the complete list:

1. John Wooden, college basketball
2. Vince Lombardi, NFL
3. Bear Bryant, college football
4. Phil Jackson, NBA
5. Don Shula, NFL
6. Red Auerbach, NBA
7. Scotty Bowman, NHL
8. Dean Smith, college basketball
9. Casey Stengel, MLB
10. Knute Rockne, college football
11. Pat Summitt, women’s college basketball
12. Paul Brown, NFL
13. Joe Paterno, college football
14. George Halas, NFL
15. Chuck Noll, NFL
16. Bob Knight, college basketball
17. Joe Gibbs, NFL
18. Tom Landry, NFL
19. Mike Krzyzewski, college basketball
20. Bill Belichick, NFL
21. Adolph Rupp, college basketball
22. Joe McCarthy, MLB
23. Eddie Robinson, college football
24. Bobby Bowden, college football
25. John McGraw, MLB
26. Bill Walsh, NFL
27. Woody Hayes, college football
28. Connie Mack, MLB
29. Bud Wilkinson, college football
30. Pat Riley, NBA
31. Pete Newell, college basketball
32. Joe Torre, MLB
33. Bill Parcells, NFL
34. Tom Osborne, college football
35. Walter Alston, MLB
36. Bo Schembechler, college football
37. Toe Blake, NHL
38. Sparky Anderson, MLB
39. Al Arbour, NHL
40. Amos Alonzo Stagg, college football
41. Tony La Russa, MLB
42. Geno Auriemma, women’s college basketball
43. Dick Irvin, NHL
44. Ara Parseghian, college football
45. Chuck Daly, NBA
46. Bobby Cox, MLB
47. Hank Iba, college basketball
48. Tommy Lasorda, MLB
49. Gregg Popovich, NBA
50. Herb Brooks, NHL

I figured that, for the most part, I would let the list speak for itself and just ask the rest of the bench to share your thoughts. The one thing that strikes me about the list, though, is how much more obvious the greatest coaches of all-time are for basketball and football than they are for baseball.

I’m pretty certain no one will argue that John Wooden is the greatest college basketball coach of all-time, or that the #1 spot in pro basketball comes down to either Phil Jackson or Red Auerbach. I also think that most people would pick Vince Lombardi for pro football, although I’m not entirely certain that Bear Bryant would be the consensus choice for college football. That is, I’m pretty sure one regular contributor here will disagree.

However, my point is that I’m a little surprised that Casey Stengel (#9) tops the baseball list over Joe McCarthy, who is all the way down at #22. But, more interesting is the fact that there are seven pro football coaches in the top 20 and only one baseball manager. My first inclination would be to think this is because football coaches are considered much more important to the success of their teams than are baseball managers, but could it possibly be that success with the New York Yankees, arguably the most dominating sports franchise of all-time, is discounted a little?

What are your thoughts on the list? We’d love to hear what you have to say.

>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.

Something’s gotta give between the Spurs and the Hornets. Either the World Champion Spurs will exit early or the Hornets will surrender at home – something that has only happened twice in the NBA’s second round.

The Spurs will hope to catch a little magic from the Lakers who benefitted from the Jazz showing a little too little a little too late.

After trailing by 16 at the end of the third, the Jazz made a spirited comeback and had a chance for the tie on the last possession of the game.

The Jazz came away with nothing despite two looks from behind the arc.

Kobe, who hadn’t taken a shot during the fourth quarter of game five, waited seven-plus minutes into the fourth quarter of last night’s game before sinking a couple of unconscious shots.

Of course it also helped that Andrei Kirilenko was responsible for stopping Bryant. I didn’t know Kirilenko’s homeland took pride in bullfighting because obviously Andrei has done some training to be a matador. There’s no other way to explain his defense other than ole.

It’s also noteworthy to mention that Kirilenko, who gets the highest salary on the Jazz roster and who hit 38% from behind the arc during the season, waited until the last minute of game 6 to hit his first three of the series. Of course he nailed another seconds later thanks to some faulty Laker defense.

With Los Angeles leading by six the Jazz got the ball out-of-bounds in Laker territory. What is the rule of thumb on the sideline-out-of-bounds? Keep track of the inbounder. What did the Lakers do? Two defenders went to Deron Williams who easily returned the pass to Kirilenko (the inbounder) for the wide open shot.

It was all for not as the Jazz failed to convert on the final possession.

Derek Fisher proved once again why he is so valuable. Fisher is the kind of player who takes very few shots. When he takes ‘em, he makes them count. Fisher finished the game with 16 points on 4 for 5 shooting inside the arc and one for one from behind. He also hit seven of eight from the charity stripe.
Last night’s game was one of the rare times this post-season that the visiting team took more free throws than the home squad.

San Antonio will hope for the same treatment from the zebras.

They will also need to slow down David West who has seemed like a man possessed of late. West and Chris Paul have created all sorts of matchup problems for the Spurs. Look for the Spurs to make it a half-court game in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics have to hope their game 7 against the Cavs will resemble their game 7 against the Hawks.
Now that we know a LeBron James team does not play a desperate game, the Celts will not want a close one tomorrow afternoon.

I’m trying to give ‘Bron the benefit of the doubt. I realize he is only 23, and this celebrity status might be a little too much for him, but when he makes statements like this, I just scratch my head.

LeBron, this is year number five of your career, and all you have to show for your efforts is a finals appearance. Maybe you need to show some desperation. Since you are the anointed one, we would hope you are not content with what you have done so far. Yes, we know you don’t have too much talent around you. Please consider this when making such proclamations.

A little confusing why the NBA would wait until Monday night for the Spurs-Hornets to play when they’ve been going with a one day travel schedule up ‘til now. Wouldn’t you want that game on Saturday instead of Monday night?

The silver lining to this situation would be that TNT has the coverage. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson are great entertainment. I’m not gonna lie- I look forward to the halftime show because I know I’m gonna get a laugh. All gambling jokes aside, Barkley is great. Actually, considering the amount of gambling he has supposedly done, wouldn’t a casino kinda want Barkley to keep coming back instead of alienating him from their establishment?

It’s great listening to Sleepy Van Gundy and Mark Jackson on ABC and Hubie Brown on ESPN. None of the play-by-play guys do anything for me. Maybe my dream NBA crew would consist of ‘Sleepy’ with Jackson and Brown. They could divvy up the play-by-play responsibilities and at half time Barkley, Smith, and Johnson would take over.

We can get rid of the sideline reporters; that would make the Zen Master, Phil Jackson, happy. Some good comedy when Lisa Salters volunteered to stand on an equipment trunk, so that Jackson wouldn’t have to inconvenience himself by leaning over to talk into the mike.

Looking forward to the games.