An absolutely abyssmal performance on the road tonight for Carolina. Clemson's MO under Coach Purnell has been full-court pressure that often leads to easy transition buckets for the Tigers. In discussing the game with a friend earlier today, I said that the Heels could not turn the ball over and expect to compete, much less win. It was that simple. Well, they finished with about 73 turnovers, so mission not-so-accomplished. I'm not writing any more about this game for fear of being too reactionary. Just know that I did laundry from the twelve minute mark on of the second half. Also, know that Roy Williams' tie was gawd awful. Burn it Roy. Finally, know that I wore untested "Carolina Gameday" boxers tonight that I received for Christmas. Needless to say, I will no longer be wearing these drawers on gamedays.
Moving on to something new for this college hoops season: The Blue Team will feature team notes on each ACC team I get to see play in person. As you know, I work every home basketball game at Virginia Tech courtside and get to see at least nine ACC teams (including the Hokies) every season. Tonight, the Hokies opened ACC play by beating the Miami Hurricanes 81-66. VT actually led 48-13 at one point late in the first half, so this was never much of a game. However, there are still a few decent takeaways on the Canes despite their poor performance, so let's delve into the first set of ACC Notes.
The initial quality that jumps out about Miami is their athleticism. Every single guy on this team looks like a stud athlete. They are very smooth and fast. That being said, the collective skill of this team is not all that good. Shooting is streaky, turnovers are frequent, and good decision-making is not always present. They remind me a lot of Eddie Sutton's Oklahoma State teams of recent years, just not quite as good. However, Miami is going to be tough to beat when they defend well and can get out and run a lot, as not many teams are able to keep up with the Canes.
From an individual standpoint, no one player really jumped out to me as "the guy". Dwayne Collins is supposed to be option one, but he is still inconsistent. The Hurricanes did not do a good job, especially early on in this game, of getting into their offense. Every set seemed to get blown up, either by a turnover or just good defense from the Hokies. As a result, Collins was not a factor. He did completely sky over Victor Davila for a put back in the second half, so you know the tools are there. He's probably just waiting to unleash 30 & 13 on the Heels later this year.
Durand Scott, a freshmen guard from New York, is going to be a good one for Miami. He was a 4* recruit coming out of high school and really showed great burst and toughness tonight. He was frustrated with his team & his individual play at times tonight, but I think was the typical "New York competitiveness" coming out. He is a physically strong kid and will really be a good scorer once he hones his jumper.
Likewise, Reggie Johnson, a redshirt freshmen from North Carolina, shows a lot of promise as well. He is a big body, very much reminding me physically of current Tar Heel Deon Thompson when he was a rookie. He is not polished, but seems to use his size well and can at least man up defensively. If Frank Haith & his staff can work with this kid, Johnson could develop into a force before his Miami career is over.
On the flip side, sophomore Dequan Jones was a 5* guy coming out of high school, a huge recruiting get from Haith & Co. However, he is the definition of "athletic without skill" right now. Sure, he can rebound and defend, but he doesn't have much handle or a consistent jumper. I reckon he's going to improve and his body is off the charts, but the basketball skills have not caught up yet for this guy.
Overall, I think Miami is going to be alright. They took a lot of bad shots tonight, making some but missing more. I'm sure playing in a tough road environment did not help, but they seemed to lose composure and get rattled (reminds me of another team that lost on the road in the ACC tonight). However, there are four seniors on the team, so hopefully these guys will take it upon themselves to pull their team together and get better. I think I just a caught the Canes on a bad night tonight and we'll see the real Miami develop to the tune of 9-7 in the league. The battle, of course, will be with the selection committee to get past their atrocious non-conference schedule and snatch a bid.
One other quick note related to the Canes. They have a guy, whom I assume to be a senior in school there, who serves as a team manager. He sat on the end of their bench tonight and did all of the manager things: water, stools, clipboard, towels, etc. He also lept to his feet after nearly every made basket, clapped with far-too-enthusiastic vigor, and screamed at the officials on more than one occasion. It was bad enough that I noticed the other "end of the bench guys" (trainers, stat guy, strength guy, etc) discussing his behavior after a particularly strong reaction/meltdown in the second half. Somehow the Hokies' student section, the Cassell Guard, did not notice how into the game this guy was. But let me tell you, he heard them anyway. Every "Uuuuuuuu suck" or "Just like foot-ball" chant by the students was met by a slew of f-bombs, glares, and fidgety body language. I really thought this kid was going to lose it and strangle someone for yelling at his beloved Hurricanes. It's a long season dude, and you've got seven more ACC road environments to visit. You might want to chill out and relax, because if another school realizes how into the game you are, you could find yourself the target of their chants. Worse yet, if you snap on an official, Frank Haith will be looking for a new manager. It's just a game man.
We'll get to another ACC Notes segment next week, as the Boston College Eagles come calling to Blacksburg. I doubt I'll bother with a formal UNC breakdown at any point, given the amount of coverage the Heels already receive. We'll save the Hokies for later in the season, after they have developed a bit more. In the meantime, enjoy watching NBC screw themselves & Tennessee scramble to find a new coach not named Butch Davis.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Observations from Bob Uecker's Seat
Every college basketball season, I get the chance to watch a lot of ACC Basketball up close and personal. Sunday night led me to Chapel Hill to "work" the Tar Heels vs Hokies affair. Thanks again to Bill, Mike, & Damian for allowing me to tag along. Here are a few thoughts from the game at the Smith Center:
- First, the Hokies' side of things. Virginia Tech played hard the entire game, but clearly ran out of gas. Malcolm Delaney was outstanding the first half, but his bum ankle and being a touch out of game shape seemed to catch up to him in the second frame. Not to mention the job Marcus Ginyard did on him defensively.
- The Hokies, as discussed many times over in our office, still need a consistent third offensive option or will have to rely on the "total team effort" to provide points. To me, it looks like Dorenzo Hudson can be that guy if he does not press so much. Relax and let your offense come to you. Dude plays hard too.
- Coach Greenberg really remains fairly composed when facing Carolina. He and his staff seem to emphasize staying poised in tough road environments and it works well against the Heels. Sans the blowout in Chapel Hill during the 2006-2007 season, the Hokies have played Carolina very tough in the four seasons I've been at VT.
- While already a decent squad this year, the Hokies could be really, really good next season. No major players graduate from the rotation and one would not expect Delaney to leave for the pros following this year. So, bring everyone back, add in a stud transfer from UF named Allan Chaney, plus two solid recruits that will contribute immediately and you could have a very good Virginia Tech lineup in 2010-2011.
- Moving on to the game atmosphere a little bit...the Smith Center was barely 50% full five minutes prior to the game. Then, the National Anthem ended and it was 95% full. Guess everyone was racing in from the cold still?
- Anoop Desai, Carolina alum and one of last year's American Idol contestants, sang the anthem. He and his parents sat right behind us - very nice people. His father was right amused by the parade of hotties coming up to Anoop for pictures. But what he didn't see were the two girls sitting across the court from us on the front row trying to take his son's picture during the game. Anoop is still a Carolina celeb, I reckon.
- People always joke about Duke's insane number of student managers, but the Heels have a ton as well. I'm not sure what everyone's role is, but most of the row immediately behind the scorer's table is full of students who assist the basketball program in some way, shape, or form. They don't all run out and mop up sweat during the game or pass out water to the players, but they did all seem to have pre-game and post-game duties.
- Dr. Holden Thorp, the Chancellor at UNC, sits right behind the TV commentary guys across from the scorer's table. The lady next to him, whom I presume to be his wife, Patti, jumped during the "Jump Around" segment of pregame festivities with as much enthusiasm and vigor as I have ever seen. The chic was basically raising the roof. Very...nerdy, yes, but incredible support from the presumed Mrs. Thorp.
- Also during pregame, Carolina has implemented the UNC Drumline into the starting lineup introductions. I assume this just started this season after the addition of the new lights, but correct me if I am wrong. Either way, I don't recall ever hearing of this at any other schools around the country. Anyone know of any?
- One quick officiating note: they botched the injured player/who shoots the foul shot ruling. Under the new rule for this season, the coach of the team that commits the foul is granted the chance to appoint a foul shooter from among the remaining four players on the floor for the injured team. Had the foul on Davila been intentional or flagrant, then Virginia Tech would have been able to select the player to shoot. In this case, Roy Williams should have been given the choice of the four players on the floor to shoot the free throws (he likely would have chosen Terrell Bell from the four on the court at the time). In any event, it worked out for the Tar Heels because freshman Ben Boggs checked in and missed the front-end of the one-and-one.
- Now, moving to the Carolina side of things. First off, Dexter Strickland is really fast in person. I know he looks it on TV, and no, he's not nearly in the Lawson/Felton/Kenny Smith category. But when you see him in person, that's probably the first thing you notice. He's also very smooth. Going to be a great player for Carolina no doubt.
- Tyler Zeller really struggled Sunday night. Big Z seems to excel against shorter opponents, but has a bit of trouble with 1) big and physical because he's not strong with the ball all the time; and 2) quick players, including guards coming in and stripping rebounds. He definitely brings the ball down low too often and is very robotic at times. I'm sure you've heard the Eric Montross comparisons (tall, white, gets down the court well, baby hook), but I currently think of him closer to a more offensive-minded Kevin Salvadori, who was a teammate of Montross. Chill out, Z will end up better than Salvadori (who was no slouch by his senior year & got a sniff in the NBA), but he is comparable right now.
- Finally, for people who have freaked out about this team, keep in mind the comparisons that have arisen with the 2005-2006 Baby Heels who were led by David Noel (I thought Adam Lucas referenced this in passing following a recent game, but I'm striking out on the link again). That team started out 1-3 in league play, then 2-4. They fell out of the polls all together a few times that season, including after the home loss to Dook in early February (shouts to Burt for making the down-and-back with me from Clemson that day/night/early morning). Eventually, Carolina climbed back to #10 in the polls. Now imagine if that team had been without David Noel & Reyshawn Terry for a few weeks and that's what we've had recently with Ginyard & Graves missing. Somehow this team is still ranked #13 (ridiculous and clearly based on talent, potential, and the name on the jersey) and will be fine if they "get it". Point: getting Marcus & Will back healthy, contributing, and, most importantly, leading, will make this team look a lot better.
I think that's enough from Sunday's game. We'll hit up some more topics later this week, including the NFL playoffs and Carolina's football recruiting. Thanks to everyone who texted compliments on the purple shirt last night. As I told G Elliott, purple is very "in" this season. Be good ya'll.Monday, January 04, 2010
Tha Crossroads
Now tell me whatcha gonna do
when there ain't nowhere to run
and whatcha gonna do
when there ain't nowhere to hide
when judgement comes for you
- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - "Tha Crossroads"
I thought The Blue Team was dead. Not enough time on my hands to write, yet too much to say. Too many other things that are more important to do. But one bad night of hoops can change your entire perspective on shi-...stuff. Plus, when someone asks, "hey, what do you think?", the Blue Team obliges.
"Tha Crossroads" is a touching rap song off the E. 1999 Eternal album of legends Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It is an ode to homies fallen, specifically Eazy Mother-Effin' E, who had just died of AIDS. The point of the song, besides honoring lives lost, is about those left on this earth making a decision with what to do with their lives; how one reacts following adversity, in this case the loss of a loved one.
I think you know where this is heading. The 2009-2010 Carolina basketball team is officially at its crossroads. For each individual, for the coaches, for the team as a whole: whatcha gonna do? This question is not at all unfamiliar: I asked the same thing of last year's team. Most every team who wins anything in any sport goes through a "whatcha gonna do" moment in its season.
The difference for this year's Tar Heels is this question has been building gradually over a month or so. A bad half against Syracuse? Ok, they're better than everyone thought. A bad ten minutes against Kentucky? Alright, it was the first road game. 103 effing points given up to Texas? Maybe Jerry Jones' video board really is too big. But the disconcernment has snowballed with lackluster wins against non-conference foes in recent weeks.
The last three weeks of December are the most important weeks for a college hoops team. First, players go through exams and need to focus/stay eligible (after all, they are student-athletes). Next, there are tons of practices due to the NCAA restrictions on practice hours easing up with students gone for the holidays. That means a lot of time to bond and get better. Finally, you generally get to play against some lesser competition many of those games, which means that big wins and confidence should result if you have a good team.
Therein lies the problem. Carolina has not had a single game this season that it played well for a full forty minutes. Numerous writers have commented on it & Coach Williams has pointed it out, but it wasn't really a problem until tonight's loss to College of Charleston. There's really no need to dissect the loss; it happened, it's over. The reaction moving forward is ten times more important than exactly what went wrong. But, big picture, a number of things have to change:
1) Health. Marcus Ginyard & Will Graves are not Magic & Larry. But they're two of the few veterans on this team, and the best defender and shooter respectively. The prescence and consistently solid play of these two individuals is imperative to this season's success. Duh.
2) Youth. I don't think this is going to change, and what I mean is the inexperienced guys are going to continue to be a bit up-and-down the rest of the season. But, some level of consistency has to emerge from all of the young guys. Notice I did not say "freshmen". I mean everyone not named Marcus Ginyard or Deon Thompson.
3) Defense. Coach Williams said early in pre-season practice that this team had a chance to be very good defensively, going as far as to say they had the ability to be better than the 2005-2006 team protecting the house (tried to find a link, but failed. Here's the best I could do). That has absolutely not been the case. I likewise prognosticated this summer with friends that this team would win more games "ugly" than the other teams under Roy, with good defense and rebounding. A "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" type of team. Again, wrong. I think everyone expected the youth to be a problem, for there to be some bad shooting nights, and to see some turnovers. But terrible defense? The breakdowns have been the only consistent trait of the Heels on the defensive end of the court. More than anything else, this absolutely, positively must get better if this team wants to reach its potential.
I realize that Carolina won the National Championship last season. It is not the end of the world if 2009-2010 is a "down" year that ends in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. But this team still has a lot of talent, a lot of depth, and a lot of potential. The Heels will get better - Coach Williams won't have it any other way. I keep telling everyone who's ready to jump off a cliff that by the time they host Dook in Chapel Hill, this squad is going to be very good. I still believe that 100%. But, I don't play. I'm not on the team. To quote The Rock, it doesn't matter what I think. The team has been knocked down and now they are the ones who have gotta answer the bell.
So again, here we are, a year later. Another team that's not buying in entirely, not playing the type of defense you have to play to be successful. Judgement has come for the Tar Heels and there ain't nowhere to hide. The coming weeks will tell us how they react at their collective crossroad.
when there ain't nowhere to run
and whatcha gonna do
when there ain't nowhere to hide
when judgement comes for you
- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - "Tha Crossroads"
I thought The Blue Team was dead. Not enough time on my hands to write, yet too much to say. Too many other things that are more important to do. But one bad night of hoops can change your entire perspective on shi-...stuff. Plus, when someone asks, "hey, what do you think?", the Blue Team obliges.
"Tha Crossroads" is a touching rap song off the E. 1999 Eternal album of legends Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It is an ode to homies fallen, specifically Eazy Mother-Effin' E, who had just died of AIDS. The point of the song, besides honoring lives lost, is about those left on this earth making a decision with what to do with their lives; how one reacts following adversity, in this case the loss of a loved one.
I think you know where this is heading. The 2009-2010 Carolina basketball team is officially at its crossroads. For each individual, for the coaches, for the team as a whole: whatcha gonna do? This question is not at all unfamiliar: I asked the same thing of last year's team. Most every team who wins anything in any sport goes through a "whatcha gonna do" moment in its season.
The difference for this year's Tar Heels is this question has been building gradually over a month or so. A bad half against Syracuse? Ok, they're better than everyone thought. A bad ten minutes against Kentucky? Alright, it was the first road game. 103 effing points given up to Texas? Maybe Jerry Jones' video board really is too big. But the disconcernment has snowballed with lackluster wins against non-conference foes in recent weeks.
The last three weeks of December are the most important weeks for a college hoops team. First, players go through exams and need to focus/stay eligible (after all, they are student-athletes). Next, there are tons of practices due to the NCAA restrictions on practice hours easing up with students gone for the holidays. That means a lot of time to bond and get better. Finally, you generally get to play against some lesser competition many of those games, which means that big wins and confidence should result if you have a good team.
Therein lies the problem. Carolina has not had a single game this season that it played well for a full forty minutes. Numerous writers have commented on it & Coach Williams has pointed it out, but it wasn't really a problem until tonight's loss to College of Charleston. There's really no need to dissect the loss; it happened, it's over. The reaction moving forward is ten times more important than exactly what went wrong. But, big picture, a number of things have to change:
1) Health. Marcus Ginyard & Will Graves are not Magic & Larry. But they're two of the few veterans on this team, and the best defender and shooter respectively. The prescence and consistently solid play of these two individuals is imperative to this season's success. Duh.
2) Youth. I don't think this is going to change, and what I mean is the inexperienced guys are going to continue to be a bit up-and-down the rest of the season. But, some level of consistency has to emerge from all of the young guys. Notice I did not say "freshmen". I mean everyone not named Marcus Ginyard or Deon Thompson.
3) Defense. Coach Williams said early in pre-season practice that this team had a chance to be very good defensively, going as far as to say they had the ability to be better than the 2005-2006 team protecting the house (tried to find a link, but failed. Here's the best I could do). That has absolutely not been the case. I likewise prognosticated this summer with friends that this team would win more games "ugly" than the other teams under Roy, with good defense and rebounding. A "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" type of team. Again, wrong. I think everyone expected the youth to be a problem, for there to be some bad shooting nights, and to see some turnovers. But terrible defense? The breakdowns have been the only consistent trait of the Heels on the defensive end of the court. More than anything else, this absolutely, positively must get better if this team wants to reach its potential.
I realize that Carolina won the National Championship last season. It is not the end of the world if 2009-2010 is a "down" year that ends in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. But this team still has a lot of talent, a lot of depth, and a lot of potential. The Heels will get better - Coach Williams won't have it any other way. I keep telling everyone who's ready to jump off a cliff that by the time they host Dook in Chapel Hill, this squad is going to be very good. I still believe that 100%. But, I don't play. I'm not on the team. To quote The Rock, it doesn't matter what I think. The team has been knocked down and now they are the ones who have gotta answer the bell.
So again, here we are, a year later. Another team that's not buying in entirely, not playing the type of defense you have to play to be successful. Judgement has come for the Tar Heels and there ain't nowhere to hide. The coming weeks will tell us how they react at their collective crossroad.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
This Blog is Looking a Little Blue in the Face...
It's been long enough, Blue Team. Nearly two months without a post? Enough already, write something so people can begin wasting time at work and in class again. Somehow I've managed to not write anything on Michael Vick, Brett Favre, Serena Williams, Carolina's hoops schedule, Kanye West, the MLB pennant races, or the nude jogger in Waxhaw, NC (no, it's not anyone in my family...I don't think). The obligatory college football & NFL previews were also temporarily shelved. But, in honor of Mark McGwire, let's keep all that in the past and move forward...sort of.
The NFL season is only a week old and yet it has already surprised us in numerous ways. Though there were not that many "upsets" once the games actually ended, there were some incredible games and finishes where we might not have expected them. Keep this in mind: every season, there are probably 4-6 teams that are going to make the playoffs, barring a major injury. There are probably 6-8 teams that barring a miracle, make-a-movie-about-it season, are not going to make the playoffs. Everyone else looks about even on paper in mid-September. You can seemingly count on Pittsburgh, New England, & probably the New York Giants this year. I'd argue that's all. Indy has defensive issues and a ton of new coaches, Tennessee's QB is still Kerry Collins, San Diego apparently is going to continue playing down to the level of its competition, Baltimore is stuck behind Pittsburgh and doesn't have a go-to offensive weapon in the AFC. Philadelphia is replacing the late Jim Johnson as its Defensive Coordinator and always must deal with a fragile QB & RB in MccNabb & Westbrook, Minnesota & Green Bay both have system challenges (Minny's offensive changes around Favre & the Packers transition into a 3-4 defense), and the Panthers...well, they suck. Even though the "playoff locks" don't always end up being dominant, they generally are going to finish in the top six of their conference. My point is this: there aren't as many locks this year. Bill Simmons has said that he feels the NFL has entered the "Tyson Zone" of unpredictability and I would agree with that; the above analysis helps show us why.
That being said, I think the AFC looks pretty simple this year. The Patriots, Colts, Titans, Steelers, Ravens, & Chargers are all solid. I also like the J-E-T-S to be good under Rex Ryan - lowered expectations and not dealing with the Brett Favre hoopla will help this team. Give me 6 of those 7 in the post-season. The NFC is a bit tougher, as the Giants, Iggles, Vikings, & Packers are the only team I'm counting on for much right now. The NFC South is pretty wide open and the NFC West just shouldn't put a team in the post-season anymore. The only "sleepers" I'll give you are the aforementioned J-E-T-S and Coach Singletary's 49ers (might they manage 9-7 and a division title?). I'm not counting New Orleans as a sleeper, as it wouldn't surprise anyone if they are very, very good this season. The Super Bowl smells like New England vs Green Bay to me, with the Pats coming out on top.
A quick aside: I checked out ESPN.com's NFL Predictions chart last week and noticed a startling trend: no one picks an NFC team to win the Super Bowl. Out of 16 guessers (cause that's all they're doing: guessing, just like you or me), not a one picks a National Football Conference foe to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Weird.
Moving on to the hometown Panthers, last Sunday was obviously awful. The entire team played poorly, but Jake Delhomme was clearly the worst, giving the Eagles possession of the football five times by himself. Add this performance to last season's post-season debacle and you get this. Of course, he's not the only one under fire. Apparently a 38-10 loss at home in the FIRST GAME of the season, after going 12-4 and winning the NFC South last season, is worthy of John Fox's job coming into question. Sigh.
The Panthers are 0-1. Just like Cincinnati, just like Arizona (Remember them? The team who murdered the Pamfuzz in the playoffs last year?), just like Tennessee. You don't get two losses for a bad performance like that. Now, don't get me wrong: I don't think 2009 is going to be a great season for the Carolina Panthers. The schedule is tougher, the depth is thin, and their best run stuffer is already done for the season...the karma is just not there for this team. Then again, last season started with its best player punching out its big-money defensive back in training camp and still ended up 12-4 - some karma, huh? Anyway, I do not foresee 12-4 again, but I also do not think we're headed for 4-12 either. Things often snowball in the NFL, so it's important to right the ship and get a win in at least one of the next two games (at Atlanta, at Dallas) so the team isn't staring at 0-3 and having to deal with the media and fans tearing them to bits. Even at 1-2, the season can easily be salvaged. So don't risk breaking your leg jumping off the bandwagon yet. Breath, stretch, shake and let game one go.
Moving to the college game, I have not had the chance to see a lot of games thus far. I did catch the Carolina game at UCONN (what an ugly game), I've seen Michigan play and win twice thanks to being in Michigan for Labor Day (congrats again to Gracie and Ryan), and I was able to watch USC squeak by The Overrated State University (henceforth my name for the Buckeyes). Of course I saw the employer, Virginia Tech, in both its effort versus Alabama & Marshall. The Hokies will be fine, typical 10-2 or 9-3. But my Tar Heels...I'm concerned. Health is far too big of an issue and it's only September. The offensive line was thin in May and is anorexic now, special teams are shaky, and the wide receivers have not given me any reason to be optimistic for this season, sans Erik Highsmith's two big 3rd down conversions last Saturday. The defense has done a nice job thus far, but the offense must find a way to put consistent points on the board and be able to move the football like they did during the fourth quarter at UCONN. My 8-4 prediction is starting to feel more like 6-6. Sigh again.
But in other news, Carolina did win the 2009 National Championship. Happy sigh. I feel better.
No promises, but The Blue Team seems to be back in bidness. We'll turn our attention to more of the world of sports again sometime soon. Bye bye bye...
The NFL season is only a week old and yet it has already surprised us in numerous ways. Though there were not that many "upsets" once the games actually ended, there were some incredible games and finishes where we might not have expected them. Keep this in mind: every season, there are probably 4-6 teams that are going to make the playoffs, barring a major injury. There are probably 6-8 teams that barring a miracle, make-a-movie-about-it season, are not going to make the playoffs. Everyone else looks about even on paper in mid-September. You can seemingly count on Pittsburgh, New England, & probably the New York Giants this year. I'd argue that's all. Indy has defensive issues and a ton of new coaches, Tennessee's QB is still Kerry Collins, San Diego apparently is going to continue playing down to the level of its competition, Baltimore is stuck behind Pittsburgh and doesn't have a go-to offensive weapon in the AFC. Philadelphia is replacing the late Jim Johnson as its Defensive Coordinator and always must deal with a fragile QB & RB in MccNabb & Westbrook, Minnesota & Green Bay both have system challenges (Minny's offensive changes around Favre & the Packers transition into a 3-4 defense), and the Panthers...well, they suck. Even though the "playoff locks" don't always end up being dominant, they generally are going to finish in the top six of their conference. My point is this: there aren't as many locks this year. Bill Simmons has said that he feels the NFL has entered the "Tyson Zone" of unpredictability and I would agree with that; the above analysis helps show us why.
That being said, I think the AFC looks pretty simple this year. The Patriots, Colts, Titans, Steelers, Ravens, & Chargers are all solid. I also like the J-E-T-S to be good under Rex Ryan - lowered expectations and not dealing with the Brett Favre hoopla will help this team. Give me 6 of those 7 in the post-season. The NFC is a bit tougher, as the Giants, Iggles, Vikings, & Packers are the only team I'm counting on for much right now. The NFC South is pretty wide open and the NFC West just shouldn't put a team in the post-season anymore. The only "sleepers" I'll give you are the aforementioned J-E-T-S and Coach Singletary's 49ers (might they manage 9-7 and a division title?). I'm not counting New Orleans as a sleeper, as it wouldn't surprise anyone if they are very, very good this season. The Super Bowl smells like New England vs Green Bay to me, with the Pats coming out on top.
A quick aside: I checked out ESPN.com's NFL Predictions chart last week and noticed a startling trend: no one picks an NFC team to win the Super Bowl. Out of 16 guessers (cause that's all they're doing: guessing, just like you or me), not a one picks a National Football Conference foe to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Weird.
Moving on to the hometown Panthers, last Sunday was obviously awful. The entire team played poorly, but Jake Delhomme was clearly the worst, giving the Eagles possession of the football five times by himself. Add this performance to last season's post-season debacle and you get this. Of course, he's not the only one under fire. Apparently a 38-10 loss at home in the FIRST GAME of the season, after going 12-4 and winning the NFC South last season, is worthy of John Fox's job coming into question. Sigh.
The Panthers are 0-1. Just like Cincinnati, just like Arizona (Remember them? The team who murdered the Pamfuzz in the playoffs last year?), just like Tennessee. You don't get two losses for a bad performance like that. Now, don't get me wrong: I don't think 2009 is going to be a great season for the Carolina Panthers. The schedule is tougher, the depth is thin, and their best run stuffer is already done for the season...the karma is just not there for this team. Then again, last season started with its best player punching out its big-money defensive back in training camp and still ended up 12-4 - some karma, huh? Anyway, I do not foresee 12-4 again, but I also do not think we're headed for 4-12 either. Things often snowball in the NFL, so it's important to right the ship and get a win in at least one of the next two games (at Atlanta, at Dallas) so the team isn't staring at 0-3 and having to deal with the media and fans tearing them to bits. Even at 1-2, the season can easily be salvaged. So don't risk breaking your leg jumping off the bandwagon yet. Breath, stretch, shake and let game one go.
Moving to the college game, I have not had the chance to see a lot of games thus far. I did catch the Carolina game at UCONN (what an ugly game), I've seen Michigan play and win twice thanks to being in Michigan for Labor Day (congrats again to Gracie and Ryan), and I was able to watch USC squeak by The Overrated State University (henceforth my name for the Buckeyes). Of course I saw the employer, Virginia Tech, in both its effort versus Alabama & Marshall. The Hokies will be fine, typical 10-2 or 9-3. But my Tar Heels...I'm concerned. Health is far too big of an issue and it's only September. The offensive line was thin in May and is anorexic now, special teams are shaky, and the wide receivers have not given me any reason to be optimistic for this season, sans Erik Highsmith's two big 3rd down conversions last Saturday. The defense has done a nice job thus far, but the offense must find a way to put consistent points on the board and be able to move the football like they did during the fourth quarter at UCONN. My 8-4 prediction is starting to feel more like 6-6. Sigh again.
But in other news, Carolina did win the 2009 National Championship. Happy sigh. I feel better.
No promises, but The Blue Team seems to be back in bidness. We'll turn our attention to more of the world of sports again sometime soon. Bye bye bye...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
From That "Prospective"...
Three more quick thoughts on the Okafor/Chandler trade. First, please note that my displeasure from the trade is largely related to the quality & durability of the two players involved. Strictly from a basketball sense, it just is not an even trade. In my opinion, this holds true even if Tyson Chandler stays healthy for two seasons. I just think Okafor's consistency is more valuable. From a long-term financial standpoint, it does provide tremendous flexibility.
Second, and work with me here: if you're the management team of the Bobcats, how do you come to the conclusion that the same player you signed to an extension last summer is no longer a good fit? Seriously, click on that link and read the release from ESPN.com about the signing, paying special attention to the quotes from Rod Higgins and Larry Brown. Does this trade mean they had their doubts even then about his long-term place in Charlotte? The team just signed him to that ridiculous deal in order to trade him a year later? I doubt it; that would take far too much forward-thinking on behalf of the Charlotte organization. But ok, let's say you signed Okafor to that deal and then, a year later, had buyer's remorse. You decide you made a mistake, that he's not a good fit for this team, that you just don't want to pay him all that money; whatever the reason, you decide he needs to be traded. Ok, fine. But, he's durable and a double-double big man, plus he's never in trouble or bad for team chemistry and the best you can do for him is Tyson Chandler? Samuel Dalembert (2 years, $12.1 million in 2009-2010) from Philly, Chris Kaman (3 years, $10.4 million in 2009-2010) from the LA Clippers, Joel Przybrilla (2 years, $6.8 million in 2009-2010) & an expiring deal from Portland, Jamal Crawford (2 years, $9.36 million in 2009-2010) from Golden State earlier in the summer, or any other number of players might have been had for Okafor. Heck, why not play out a year with Tracy McGrady on the roster (McGrady & Chuck Hayes' expiring deals for Raja Bell, Okafor, and VladRad). Better players, with potentially more offensive skills, expiring contracts, or whatever the team desired were available. You just can't tell me the best offer for Emeka was Tyson Chandler.
And third, if you are going to trade a player of Okafor's ability, why not force a team to take one of those three bad deals off your hands too? Diop's is the worst and the longest, but he's just not getting traded for anything other than a seemingly more useful player with an equally bad contract. Nazi plays the same game as Okafor, just older and not as well, so including him would have been tough. But, what about VladRad? Why not force a team to take him and either get back an expiring deal or a more useful player (hey, anybody for a conventional power forward or a scoring guard)? It wouldn't work in all situations, but I think a bit more exploration might have been prudent.
Oh well, what's done is done. The team has traded the original face of the franchise and there is no turning back now. I have not read anyone (other than Scott Fowler) that approves of the deal for the Bobcats. John Hollinger went as far as to say "What are the Bobcats thinking?". Time will tell on this trade, as it does most. I was very, very critical of the Raja Bell & Boris Diaw for Jason Richardson & Jared Dudley swap initially, but it has been good to this point (fine with trading Richardson, but thought they could have done better for him - much like this trade. Let's see if Diaw can continue to play motivated for three more $9 million years). Forgive me if I don't rush out to buy a new Tyson Chandler jersey though.
Second, and work with me here: if you're the management team of the Bobcats, how do you come to the conclusion that the same player you signed to an extension last summer is no longer a good fit? Seriously, click on that link and read the release from ESPN.com about the signing, paying special attention to the quotes from Rod Higgins and Larry Brown. Does this trade mean they had their doubts even then about his long-term place in Charlotte? The team just signed him to that ridiculous deal in order to trade him a year later? I doubt it; that would take far too much forward-thinking on behalf of the Charlotte organization. But ok, let's say you signed Okafor to that deal and then, a year later, had buyer's remorse. You decide you made a mistake, that he's not a good fit for this team, that you just don't want to pay him all that money; whatever the reason, you decide he needs to be traded. Ok, fine. But, he's durable and a double-double big man, plus he's never in trouble or bad for team chemistry and the best you can do for him is Tyson Chandler? Samuel Dalembert (2 years, $12.1 million in 2009-2010) from Philly, Chris Kaman (3 years, $10.4 million in 2009-2010) from the LA Clippers, Joel Przybrilla (2 years, $6.8 million in 2009-2010) & an expiring deal from Portland, Jamal Crawford (2 years, $9.36 million in 2009-2010) from Golden State earlier in the summer, or any other number of players might have been had for Okafor. Heck, why not play out a year with Tracy McGrady on the roster (McGrady & Chuck Hayes' expiring deals for Raja Bell, Okafor, and VladRad). Better players, with potentially more offensive skills, expiring contracts, or whatever the team desired were available. You just can't tell me the best offer for Emeka was Tyson Chandler.
And third, if you are going to trade a player of Okafor's ability, why not force a team to take one of those three bad deals off your hands too? Diop's is the worst and the longest, but he's just not getting traded for anything other than a seemingly more useful player with an equally bad contract. Nazi plays the same game as Okafor, just older and not as well, so including him would have been tough. But, what about VladRad? Why not force a team to take him and either get back an expiring deal or a more useful player (hey, anybody for a conventional power forward or a scoring guard)? It wouldn't work in all situations, but I think a bit more exploration might have been prudent.
Oh well, what's done is done. The team has traded the original face of the franchise and there is no turning back now. I have not read anyone (other than Scott Fowler) that approves of the deal for the Bobcats. John Hollinger went as far as to say "What are the Bobcats thinking?". Time will tell on this trade, as it does most. I was very, very critical of the Raja Bell & Boris Diaw for Jason Richardson & Jared Dudley swap initially, but it has been good to this point (fine with trading Richardson, but thought they could have done better for him - much like this trade. Let's see if Diaw can continue to play motivated for three more $9 million years). Forgive me if I don't rush out to buy a new Tyson Chandler jersey though.
Top 5 Tuesday: Bobcats
Top 5 Tuesday returns! Today's topic: Great Moves in Charlotte Bobcats history. Straight to the countdown we go...
5)
4)
3)
2)
1)
There you have it folks, the five greatest moves ever by my hometown Charlotte Bobcats. What an incredibly difficult list to construct, so many outstanding choices.
More thoughts on the Okafor trade later. Ben brought up a good point in the "Comments" section of last night's post and I have two other things to mention as well. I'll try to get to that later today.
Yeah buddy, rollin' like a big shot
5)
4)
3)
2)
1)
There you have it folks, the five greatest moves ever by my hometown Charlotte Bobcats. What an incredibly difficult list to construct, so many outstanding choices.
More thoughts on the Okafor trade later. Ben brought up a good point in the "Comments" section of last night's post and I have two other things to mention as well. I'll try to get to that later today.
Yeah buddy, rollin' like a big shot
Monday, July 27, 2009
Gotta Go Shopping: Okafor Trade Analysis
You know, I had a lot to do tonight. There is a pile of clean laundry (whites & towels) laying under my feet on the sofa. There is more dirty laundry to wash in the foyer. I have a proposal to do for work and a 9:30am meeting to get ready for, not to mention a new employee starting tomorrow (shouts Waddle). Wrestling is on, being hosted by Shaq, and the Cardinals and Dodgers are on ESPN. Most importantly, I have a passport to apply for and a flight to book for a wedding/trip to Canada. So how did I spend my Monday evening?
Because of the Charlotte Bobcats, I was driven to playing the drums, trying a new beverage, and trying to digest the latest trade by MJ & Co.
The drums? A subpar effort on some Billy Joel, Boston, and The Band. New groups to drum to, but not my best. The drink? Orange Crush + Captain = Orange Creamsicle-esque beverage. It was good, but I think it would be better as a frozen treat. The trade? This potential trainwreck.
With the trade still in discussion, I hesitate to write too much on it. However, if I don't write tonight, it's not happening this week. Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler, huh? Not so much, 'Cats, not so much.
A few quick notes, then some analysis. First, I find it odd/funny that ESPN.com broke the news of this trade that was apparently agreed to in principle on Friday, as opposed to the Charlotte Observer or a Charlotte news station digging it up. As much as I have defended Rick Bonnell, the Bobcats beat writer for the Observer, it is a bit frustrating that he did not have the scope on this deal first.
Second, Scott Fowler of the Observer has already written an article defending the trade. I know this only because that is what the headline says. I will read his piece only after I finish writing this, as to remain close to my opinion only. However, I would have put $100 that someone, perhaps multiple writers, would defend this trade in the hometown paper. Maybe it is part of the gig; don't totally offend the folks who you need a future story from. And as an amateur blogger, I have no inside information or expert knowledge that a professional might. But, seriously, can someone at this paper please call a spade a spade for once?
And third, this trade (should it happen) is not your average NBA trade for Charlotte. Okafor, though not an NBA superstar (or even All-Star), is/was the face of the Bobcats franchise. He was our first ever draft pick. He is incredibly active in the community. He is unfailingly polite, articulate, and reliable off the court. Though fans may have some frustrations with his lack of offensive development, he still holds a special place within the community. Gerald Wallace might be the team's best player, but Okafor is the most recognizable. A deal like this can only further bury the Bobcats far away from the area's sports spotlight.
Now, let's try and look at this trade objectively. My first reaction, on a -10 to +10 scale (-10 being "I absolutely hate this deal" and +10 being "Oh my Lord, what a steal"), was a -2. After stewing on it for an hour, I went to about a -4. That's where I am as I write this. Why? Let's look at the +/- of the deal:
The negatives:
- Tyson Chandler costs more money short-term than Emeka Okafor. According to Hoops Hype, Chandler is due $11.85 million this season, with a player option (which he will surely exercise) next year for $12.75 million. Okafor is only due $10.5 million in 2009-2010, and $11.5 in 2010-2011. That's about $2.5 million more for Chandler. For a team that is supposedly pinching the pennies just to try and re-sign Raymond Felton and a couple low-dollar free agents, does it really make sense to add salary?
- Tyson Chandler is not as good a player as Emeka Okafor. According to ESPN.com's Trade Machine, this trade would cost the Bobcats 6 wins next season. Chandler's PER is 13.4 while Okafor's is 18.0. Granted, Chandler had a rough, injury-plagued season last season, dropping his PER...which makes me wonder why the Bobcats would trade for him. To further illustrate, consider that Chandler has averaged a double-double in only one season in his career: 2007-2008, thanks in large part to the assists of Chris Paul on his dunks. On the other hand, Okafor has averaged a double-double in all five of his NBA seasons.
- Tyson Chandler has not been as durable a player as Emeka Okafor in recent seasons. Not only did Chandler miss 37 games last year, but he has never played in all 82 games in his career. Okafor has done that both of the last two seasons. In addition, Chandler was traded this past season to Oklahoma City, only to have the trade rescinded due to a failed physical (concern over his toe injury). In fact, New Orleans was so desperate to get rid of him and his salary that they were only getting back Chris Wilcox & Joe Smith in the deal, both of which would have left the Hornets at season's end. Now, instead of dumping Chandler for next to nothing, they get back a durable double-double machine. And the Bobcats get back...well, all of those same issues that made the Hornets want to get rid of Chandler for next to nothing.
- Tyson Chandler, even if healthy and playing at his best, does not bring a lot of what the Bobcats could use. This team really, really needs a big guy who can get easy baskets. Not dunk-off-a-dump-off baskets, but back-your-guy-down-and-score baskets, a la Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, or Pau Gasol. Whether or not this is at power forward or center does not really matter, but it needs to happen. Yes, Boris Diaw is effective as an offensive weapon, but he is not that type of scorer (although I will admit that he's been very good for this team...thus far). For a team to be an efficient offense/tight defense squad, a low-post threat who shoots a high-percentage is necessary.
The positives:
- The Bobcats save a ton of money from 2011-2015. Chandler will likely walk after the end of his deal, or at least earn whatever type of contract he might get from Charlotte (less than what was due Okafor, I'm sure) after two years. That's great, flexibility is key in the NBA. But, that logic also admits a major mistake by the Bobcats' management team: re-signing Okafor to a 6-year deal worth that much money to begin with prior to last season. We just did it! Now, my philosophy is that you only sign marquee, super-duper stars for more than four years and more than $12 million/year at any point in the contract. So yes, I thought the Okafor contract was a bit much when they did it. But, I did see some logic: double-double machine, face of the franchise right now, premium for a big man, and they seemingly had the money to spend (at the time). Since then, the organization has added the $26.5 million over 4 years for Diop & nearly $13 million for 2 more years of VladRad, crippling its short & long term space. In essence, those two added contracts have helped generate the "need" to rid the team of a questionable long-term deal of a solid, if unspectacular, player.
- The Bobcats, specifically Coach Larry Brown, wanted a taller center. This does make some sense. It was clear when Brown signed off on adding Diop to the roster that he values size at the 5-spot. His preference was further driven home by rumors of Samuel Dalembert becoming a Bobcat (he of the equally ridiculous contract). Okafor played center at UCONN, but is a bit undersized at the center position. Long arms, but not a lot of vertical. The really good centers in the league just tear him up (see Howard, Dwight). At the 4-spot, Okafor is way too slow to go out and guard anyone with a face-up game (see Bosh, Chris) and never provided the offense necessary from most power forwards. Chandler, at a legit 7-0, does give Coach Brown a taller, more athletic center. This is honestly a good thing in this trade.
- The Bobcats may have a valuable trade piece for use around January 2011. I believe, and I need to check to make 100% sure, that even after Chandler exercises his player option for 2010-2011, he can still be traded to another team. This would mean the Bobcats would have the ability to trade his $12.75 million worth of salary for another player or two from a team looking to free up cap space after the 2010-2011 season ends. Of course, the Bobcats could also just let Chandler play out his deal and use that cap room to attack a free agent or two of their own: VladRad & Nazi's deals both expire that same summer, meaning that the 'Cats could have as much as $25 million to spend in the summer of 2011. That does require two things to happen though: 1) free agents have to actually agree to play in Charlotte; and 2) the Bobcats have to still exist in Charlotte.
In summary, I see the long-term benefit of this deal after typing all of this out, especially the above point about all the cap room. However, for a team that was "making the playoffs next season" (2009-2010), it sure doesn't look like they have improved in the short-term with this deal. They have further crippled their short-term cap room and no doubt drove away some more fans (do these "fans" even exist?) by trading the face of the franchise. I am therefore officially assigning my trade evaluation as a -3 on this deal. This franchise needed to make a decision to preserve cap room last year or figure out a way to go for it and they made the wrong decision.
As for me, I now have to buy a new Bobcats jersey. My #50 is no longer in style. Personally, I'm planning to wait until this team gives me a long-term player who's worth spending $60 on. Call me in the summer of 2011 I guess.
Because of the Charlotte Bobcats, I was driven to playing the drums, trying a new beverage, and trying to digest the latest trade by MJ & Co.
The drums? A subpar effort on some Billy Joel, Boston, and The Band. New groups to drum to, but not my best. The drink? Orange Crush + Captain = Orange Creamsicle-esque beverage. It was good, but I think it would be better as a frozen treat. The trade? This potential trainwreck.
With the trade still in discussion, I hesitate to write too much on it. However, if I don't write tonight, it's not happening this week. Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler, huh? Not so much, 'Cats, not so much.
A few quick notes, then some analysis. First, I find it odd/funny that ESPN.com broke the news of this trade that was apparently agreed to in principle on Friday, as opposed to the Charlotte Observer or a Charlotte news station digging it up. As much as I have defended Rick Bonnell, the Bobcats beat writer for the Observer, it is a bit frustrating that he did not have the scope on this deal first.
Second, Scott Fowler of the Observer has already written an article defending the trade. I know this only because that is what the headline says. I will read his piece only after I finish writing this, as to remain close to my opinion only. However, I would have put $100 that someone, perhaps multiple writers, would defend this trade in the hometown paper. Maybe it is part of the gig; don't totally offend the folks who you need a future story from. And as an amateur blogger, I have no inside information or expert knowledge that a professional might. But, seriously, can someone at this paper please call a spade a spade for once?
And third, this trade (should it happen) is not your average NBA trade for Charlotte. Okafor, though not an NBA superstar (or even All-Star), is/was the face of the Bobcats franchise. He was our first ever draft pick. He is incredibly active in the community. He is unfailingly polite, articulate, and reliable off the court. Though fans may have some frustrations with his lack of offensive development, he still holds a special place within the community. Gerald Wallace might be the team's best player, but Okafor is the most recognizable. A deal like this can only further bury the Bobcats far away from the area's sports spotlight.
Now, let's try and look at this trade objectively. My first reaction, on a -10 to +10 scale (-10 being "I absolutely hate this deal" and +10 being "Oh my Lord, what a steal"), was a -2. After stewing on it for an hour, I went to about a -4. That's where I am as I write this. Why? Let's look at the +/- of the deal:
The negatives:
- Tyson Chandler costs more money short-term than Emeka Okafor. According to Hoops Hype, Chandler is due $11.85 million this season, with a player option (which he will surely exercise) next year for $12.75 million. Okafor is only due $10.5 million in 2009-2010, and $11.5 in 2010-2011. That's about $2.5 million more for Chandler. For a team that is supposedly pinching the pennies just to try and re-sign Raymond Felton and a couple low-dollar free agents, does it really make sense to add salary?
- Tyson Chandler is not as good a player as Emeka Okafor. According to ESPN.com's Trade Machine, this trade would cost the Bobcats 6 wins next season. Chandler's PER is 13.4 while Okafor's is 18.0. Granted, Chandler had a rough, injury-plagued season last season, dropping his PER...which makes me wonder why the Bobcats would trade for him. To further illustrate, consider that Chandler has averaged a double-double in only one season in his career: 2007-2008, thanks in large part to the assists of Chris Paul on his dunks. On the other hand, Okafor has averaged a double-double in all five of his NBA seasons.
- Tyson Chandler has not been as durable a player as Emeka Okafor in recent seasons. Not only did Chandler miss 37 games last year, but he has never played in all 82 games in his career. Okafor has done that both of the last two seasons. In addition, Chandler was traded this past season to Oklahoma City, only to have the trade rescinded due to a failed physical (concern over his toe injury). In fact, New Orleans was so desperate to get rid of him and his salary that they were only getting back Chris Wilcox & Joe Smith in the deal, both of which would have left the Hornets at season's end. Now, instead of dumping Chandler for next to nothing, they get back a durable double-double machine. And the Bobcats get back...well, all of those same issues that made the Hornets want to get rid of Chandler for next to nothing.
- Tyson Chandler, even if healthy and playing at his best, does not bring a lot of what the Bobcats could use. This team really, really needs a big guy who can get easy baskets. Not dunk-off-a-dump-off baskets, but back-your-guy-down-and-score baskets, a la Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, or Pau Gasol. Whether or not this is at power forward or center does not really matter, but it needs to happen. Yes, Boris Diaw is effective as an offensive weapon, but he is not that type of scorer (although I will admit that he's been very good for this team...thus far). For a team to be an efficient offense/tight defense squad, a low-post threat who shoots a high-percentage is necessary.
The positives:
- The Bobcats save a ton of money from 2011-2015. Chandler will likely walk after the end of his deal, or at least earn whatever type of contract he might get from Charlotte (less than what was due Okafor, I'm sure) after two years. That's great, flexibility is key in the NBA. But, that logic also admits a major mistake by the Bobcats' management team: re-signing Okafor to a 6-year deal worth that much money to begin with prior to last season. We just did it! Now, my philosophy is that you only sign marquee, super-duper stars for more than four years and more than $12 million/year at any point in the contract. So yes, I thought the Okafor contract was a bit much when they did it. But, I did see some logic: double-double machine, face of the franchise right now, premium for a big man, and they seemingly had the money to spend (at the time). Since then, the organization has added the $26.5 million over 4 years for Diop & nearly $13 million for 2 more years of VladRad, crippling its short & long term space. In essence, those two added contracts have helped generate the "need" to rid the team of a questionable long-term deal of a solid, if unspectacular, player.
- The Bobcats, specifically Coach Larry Brown, wanted a taller center. This does make some sense. It was clear when Brown signed off on adding Diop to the roster that he values size at the 5-spot. His preference was further driven home by rumors of Samuel Dalembert becoming a Bobcat (he of the equally ridiculous contract). Okafor played center at UCONN, but is a bit undersized at the center position. Long arms, but not a lot of vertical. The really good centers in the league just tear him up (see Howard, Dwight). At the 4-spot, Okafor is way too slow to go out and guard anyone with a face-up game (see Bosh, Chris) and never provided the offense necessary from most power forwards. Chandler, at a legit 7-0, does give Coach Brown a taller, more athletic center. This is honestly a good thing in this trade.
- The Bobcats may have a valuable trade piece for use around January 2011. I believe, and I need to check to make 100% sure, that even after Chandler exercises his player option for 2010-2011, he can still be traded to another team. This would mean the Bobcats would have the ability to trade his $12.75 million worth of salary for another player or two from a team looking to free up cap space after the 2010-2011 season ends. Of course, the Bobcats could also just let Chandler play out his deal and use that cap room to attack a free agent or two of their own: VladRad & Nazi's deals both expire that same summer, meaning that the 'Cats could have as much as $25 million to spend in the summer of 2011. That does require two things to happen though: 1) free agents have to actually agree to play in Charlotte; and 2) the Bobcats have to still exist in Charlotte.
In summary, I see the long-term benefit of this deal after typing all of this out, especially the above point about all the cap room. However, for a team that was "making the playoffs next season" (2009-2010), it sure doesn't look like they have improved in the short-term with this deal. They have further crippled their short-term cap room and no doubt drove away some more fans (do these "fans" even exist?) by trading the face of the franchise. I am therefore officially assigning my trade evaluation as a -3 on this deal. This franchise needed to make a decision to preserve cap room last year or figure out a way to go for it and they made the wrong decision.
As for me, I now have to buy a new Bobcats jersey. My #50 is no longer in style. Personally, I'm planning to wait until this team gives me a long-term player who's worth spending $60 on. Call me in the summer of 2011 I guess.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Reason for my Absence
I just wanted to issue a quick apology for the lack of posts recently. A vacation was planned following the week of the NBA Draft, as I journeyed to Garden City, SC with the family. However, I just have not gotten back on the writing bus, as a few of the most loyal Blue Teamers have pointed out.
With that said, I need some prayers folks. Work is very rough right now, as I am having trouble with hitting my sales goal. As a quick summary, I had a great season two years ago, thanks in large part to one major account. Last year proved more challenging, and I suffered a bit from lack of focus and the need to really learn my craft in a tough economy. This year, I re-focused and eliminated a number of distractions from my life in hopes of success. It has not worked. The big account from two years ago, which allowed me to buy my first house, flat-screen TV, furniture, and a sweet pair of UNC shorts, is in peril. If I lose this account, there is no way I will hit my goal this year and will suffer greatly because of it.
Needless to say, I am down and frustrated because of it. The last three weeks, including my "vacation" time, have been filled with self-doubt and wallowing in pity. In efforts to be honest about it, I'm throwing out my personal/professional life on this blog. Some of you know me well, others not much at all. But, I ask each of you to throw a prayer up for me. For discipline, positive thinking, and persistence. For the many accounts I need to close business on to happen, including saving the big one (they need financing - anyone want to invest in some real estate?). For me to work harder than ever before. And for God to do His work in my life as a whole.
Ya'll, this is not life or death, and I'm not trying to paint it as such. It's just that my professional life means a lot to me, as I love my job and what we do. But, do me one other favor and don't ask too much about it. I'll update as things happen, but I don't really want to/can't talk too much about it. I would just appreciate the prayers right now. I acknowledge that either way, God is good all the time and completely in control of everything according to His will.
Don't ever give up, right?
With that said, I need some prayers folks. Work is very rough right now, as I am having trouble with hitting my sales goal. As a quick summary, I had a great season two years ago, thanks in large part to one major account. Last year proved more challenging, and I suffered a bit from lack of focus and the need to really learn my craft in a tough economy. This year, I re-focused and eliminated a number of distractions from my life in hopes of success. It has not worked. The big account from two years ago, which allowed me to buy my first house, flat-screen TV, furniture, and a sweet pair of UNC shorts, is in peril. If I lose this account, there is no way I will hit my goal this year and will suffer greatly because of it.
Needless to say, I am down and frustrated because of it. The last three weeks, including my "vacation" time, have been filled with self-doubt and wallowing in pity. In efforts to be honest about it, I'm throwing out my personal/professional life on this blog. Some of you know me well, others not much at all. But, I ask each of you to throw a prayer up for me. For discipline, positive thinking, and persistence. For the many accounts I need to close business on to happen, including saving the big one (they need financing - anyone want to invest in some real estate?). For me to work harder than ever before. And for God to do His work in my life as a whole.
Ya'll, this is not life or death, and I'm not trying to paint it as such. It's just that my professional life means a lot to me, as I love my job and what we do. But, do me one other favor and don't ask too much about it. I'll update as things happen, but I don't really want to/can't talk too much about it. I would just appreciate the prayers right now. I acknowledge that either way, God is good all the time and completely in control of everything according to His will.
Don't ever give up, right?
Monday, June 29, 2009
All the Bobcats Need for 60 Wins Is...
Following last week's NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats have not changed a great deal. Two rookies will join the team and hope to make an impact. Neither will be able to lead this organization to 60 wins, but I know someone who will - LeBron James. Yeah, you should probably keep reading...
After concluding my rundown at the end of the NBA Draft's first round, the Charlotte Bobcats made two 2nd round selections which have not been discussed. Derrick Brown, a forward from Xavier, was chosen with the 40th selection. Clearly, since I had placed Brown 15th in the first round in my Mock Draft, I like the kid and think he could be really good. Definitely a guy who will make the roster and potentially contribute this season, if he gets some playing time behind Wallace and VladRad. Brown has a funky offensive game, but is athletic and smart. NBADraft.net makes the comparison to Derrick McKey, in large part because he's a lefty and 6-8. I would personally like to see Brown continue to fill out a bit more and try his hand at the 4-spot and evolve into a David West (former Xavier forward as well) type - an undersized, strong, sweet-shooting pick-and-roll guy. The Bobcats also selected Robert Vaden in the 2nd round and promptly traded him to OKC for $$$.
At this point, where does that leave Charlotte's hoops team? In need of a superstar. Just like a week ago. Sure, some depth was developed from this draft. But, I don't think the team is any better for it, as a VORP evaluation would show (Value Of Replacement Player). There is no substantial upgrade to drafting Henderson & Brown than signing a backup at the 2 & 3 spots for this season.
Going into the 2009-2010 season, the Bobcats still need to unload a contract or two if they can and try to use the saved dollars to help with a free agent or two. More than anything right now, some scoring off the bench would be nice. A combo guard who can drop 15 points in the 2nd & 3rd quarters of a game...explosive for stretches...potentially able to help out in the 4th quarter...Allen Iverson anybody? A college friend and I discussed this possibility via Facebook messages last week and I claimed to be in the "No" camp on looking at AI. I remain there today...but only because I don't think he could accept that type of role in Charlotte. If he continues playing, Iverson should look to a contender like Boston (if they don't re-sign House) or Orlando or Cleveland to contribute and know his role off the bench as opposed to a still-building team like the 'Cats. That being said, he would provide exactly what the team needs and might be open to playing nice under Larry Brown & MJ...just a thought. A backup at the 4-spot is still necessary, as Rick Bonnell points out today. I can't see either of his preferred options materializing, but I think he has the right idea. A more-likely scenario would involve trading Nazi and/or VladRad for a backup at the 4-spot with a bad contract, or just going cheap and re-signing Juwan Howard.
In pondering all things NBA last week, I did construct an interesting thought related to Charlotte & Cleveland. If you took LeBron James off the Cavs and put him on the Bobcats, would Charlotte turn into a better team with LBJ than Cleveland is? The comparison here is apples-to-apples: Charlotte with LeBron vs Cleveland with LeBron (not a trade scenario). As currently constructed, I think it would be darn close. Mo Williams is better than Raymond Felton, but not a ridiculous amount. Let's say Ray-Ray is 85% of Williams. LeBron would essentially play the 2 for the 'Cats since Gerald Wallace is a 3, so you'd have to compare Wallace to Delonte West as a swingman-to-swingman comparison (moving Raja Bell to our bench). Gerald > Delonte, easily. Now, here's where things get interesting: would you rather have Diaw/Okafor or Shaq/Varajeo (assuming he is re-signed)? It's probably advantage Cleveland, but not by that much. I do think Shaq can be a dominate force for another year or two, but how healthy will he stay? And next to LeBron, how good could Diaw's passing skills look? How many more easy dump-offs would Emeka receive courtesy of King James? Cleveland would definitely have a depth advantage with Big Z in the post vs Diop/VladRad, but I'd give Raja Bell the nod over Daniel Gibson and the DJ Augustin/Gerald Henderson combo is better than whatever turd sandwich Cleveland can piece together for it backcourt backups this year. And coaching is not even close: a big + for the Bobcats.
My point in this ridiculous hypothetical is two-fold: 1) The Bobcats have a lot of the suppoting cast pieces in place for a great team - they just lack the super-duper star to make it happen; and 2) Cleveland's supporting cast, minus a 37 year-old Shaq, is just not that good (as was shown in the playoffs vs Orlando). I think that illustrates just how good LeBron really is, along with just how sucky Cleveland would be without him. I honestly believe that if you add a LeBron or a D-Wade to the Bobcats that you instantly have a 60-win team, but you could probably say the same thing about ten other non-playoff teams in the NBA as well.
Of course, in reality, none of this matters a bit because it ain't happening. However, next summer when there are free agents available, the hope is that MJ & Co can lure a player based on "the pieces are in place around you, we just need a stud to elevate us to the next level", similar to what Orlando attempted with Rashard Lewis. Sure, it won't be LeBron James, but what about Joe Johnson or Michael Redd? Maybe the 'Cats become at 53-win team at that point. That's really the only hope for becoming a great team, a potential contender, since a major trade would take away a large chunk of the supporting cast that is in place. One thing you cannot argue based on this exercise: one player in the NBA can make all the difference, and the Bobcats don't have it.
Enough on the Bobcats for a week or two, I promise. I know there is a limited amount of folks who care about the NBA, much less a 35-win team in an ambivalent market. We'll take a more diversified look at the world of sports later on this week. Peace up, A-town down.
After concluding my rundown at the end of the NBA Draft's first round, the Charlotte Bobcats made two 2nd round selections which have not been discussed. Derrick Brown, a forward from Xavier, was chosen with the 40th selection. Clearly, since I had placed Brown 15th in the first round in my Mock Draft, I like the kid and think he could be really good. Definitely a guy who will make the roster and potentially contribute this season, if he gets some playing time behind Wallace and VladRad. Brown has a funky offensive game, but is athletic and smart. NBADraft.net makes the comparison to Derrick McKey, in large part because he's a lefty and 6-8. I would personally like to see Brown continue to fill out a bit more and try his hand at the 4-spot and evolve into a David West (former Xavier forward as well) type - an undersized, strong, sweet-shooting pick-and-roll guy. The Bobcats also selected Robert Vaden in the 2nd round and promptly traded him to OKC for $$$.
At this point, where does that leave Charlotte's hoops team? In need of a superstar. Just like a week ago. Sure, some depth was developed from this draft. But, I don't think the team is any better for it, as a VORP evaluation would show (Value Of Replacement Player). There is no substantial upgrade to drafting Henderson & Brown than signing a backup at the 2 & 3 spots for this season.
Going into the 2009-2010 season, the Bobcats still need to unload a contract or two if they can and try to use the saved dollars to help with a free agent or two. More than anything right now, some scoring off the bench would be nice. A combo guard who can drop 15 points in the 2nd & 3rd quarters of a game...explosive for stretches...potentially able to help out in the 4th quarter...Allen Iverson anybody? A college friend and I discussed this possibility via Facebook messages last week and I claimed to be in the "No" camp on looking at AI. I remain there today...but only because I don't think he could accept that type of role in Charlotte. If he continues playing, Iverson should look to a contender like Boston (if they don't re-sign House) or Orlando or Cleveland to contribute and know his role off the bench as opposed to a still-building team like the 'Cats. That being said, he would provide exactly what the team needs and might be open to playing nice under Larry Brown & MJ...just a thought. A backup at the 4-spot is still necessary, as Rick Bonnell points out today. I can't see either of his preferred options materializing, but I think he has the right idea. A more-likely scenario would involve trading Nazi and/or VladRad for a backup at the 4-spot with a bad contract, or just going cheap and re-signing Juwan Howard.
In pondering all things NBA last week, I did construct an interesting thought related to Charlotte & Cleveland. If you took LeBron James off the Cavs and put him on the Bobcats, would Charlotte turn into a better team with LBJ than Cleveland is? The comparison here is apples-to-apples: Charlotte with LeBron vs Cleveland with LeBron (not a trade scenario). As currently constructed, I think it would be darn close. Mo Williams is better than Raymond Felton, but not a ridiculous amount. Let's say Ray-Ray is 85% of Williams. LeBron would essentially play the 2 for the 'Cats since Gerald Wallace is a 3, so you'd have to compare Wallace to Delonte West as a swingman-to-swingman comparison (moving Raja Bell to our bench). Gerald > Delonte, easily. Now, here's where things get interesting: would you rather have Diaw/Okafor or Shaq/Varajeo (assuming he is re-signed)? It's probably advantage Cleveland, but not by that much. I do think Shaq can be a dominate force for another year or two, but how healthy will he stay? And next to LeBron, how good could Diaw's passing skills look? How many more easy dump-offs would Emeka receive courtesy of King James? Cleveland would definitely have a depth advantage with Big Z in the post vs Diop/VladRad, but I'd give Raja Bell the nod over Daniel Gibson and the DJ Augustin/Gerald Henderson combo is better than whatever turd sandwich Cleveland can piece together for it backcourt backups this year. And coaching is not even close: a big + for the Bobcats.
My point in this ridiculous hypothetical is two-fold: 1) The Bobcats have a lot of the suppoting cast pieces in place for a great team - they just lack the super-duper star to make it happen; and 2) Cleveland's supporting cast, minus a 37 year-old Shaq, is just not that good (as was shown in the playoffs vs Orlando). I think that illustrates just how good LeBron really is, along with just how sucky Cleveland would be without him. I honestly believe that if you add a LeBron or a D-Wade to the Bobcats that you instantly have a 60-win team, but you could probably say the same thing about ten other non-playoff teams in the NBA as well.
Of course, in reality, none of this matters a bit because it ain't happening. However, next summer when there are free agents available, the hope is that MJ & Co can lure a player based on "the pieces are in place around you, we just need a stud to elevate us to the next level", similar to what Orlando attempted with Rashard Lewis. Sure, it won't be LeBron James, but what about Joe Johnson or Michael Redd? Maybe the 'Cats become at 53-win team at that point. That's really the only hope for becoming a great team, a potential contender, since a major trade would take away a large chunk of the supporting cast that is in place. One thing you cannot argue based on this exercise: one player in the NBA can make all the difference, and the Bobcats don't have it.
Enough on the Bobcats for a week or two, I promise. I know there is a limited amount of folks who care about the NBA, much less a 35-win team in an ambivalent market. We'll take a more diversified look at the world of sports later on this week. Peace up, A-town down.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2009 NBA Draft Rundown
Somehow, it is ten minutes before the 2009 NBA Draft commences, and I’m thinking about…Michael Jackson. The King of Pop, apparently dead of a heart attack. Wow. RIP to one of the all-time most exciting and talented entertainers the world has ever seen.
On to the draft. I’ve got the Chick-Fil-A ready to go, but not without incident. I usually go in to pick up my order at the CFA in Christiansburg, and tonight was no different. However, while attempting to text about Michael Jackson and carry my food out at the same time, I managed to drop my bag of food and spill half my frenchy fries. But, this near-disaster turned into a winning situation, as I got to keep my remaining fries and get an entire second container of waffle fries too. I tell ya’ll what, the fine folks at the Christiansburg CFA treat me right. They are always friendly and make sure your experience is good.
Anyway, the Bobcats t-shirt & Carolina shorts are in place. Also, I’m hitting this draft from the new kitchen table for computer/food efficiency. Get a visual in place.
Let the record show that it is 7:22pm and I’m already annoyed with fellow UNC alum Stuart Scott. Boo-no.
Dickie V makes his first appearance for the evening. It is also the first time I’ve seen him on my HD television. He looks like a ghost on speed. He also loves Ty Lawson, which might be the kiss of death for Ty’s NBA career.
Let’s just say this one time and get it out of the way, in efforts to refrain from becoming redundant: ESPN could not have put together a worse announcing team for this draft telecast. Between errors, no substantive points, and a lack of chemistry, it is going to be a long night.
Blake Griffin goes #1 to the LA Clippers. Welcome to hell, Blake. He sounds just like Mark McGwire in his interviews: “I’m not here to talk about the past…” This is followed up by an awkward interview with the Griffin parents by Lisa Salters. Oh boy.
Hasheen Thabeet goes #2 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Here’s hoping he takes some ribs home to Tanzania with him when he goes to do charity work (Thabeet is already known as a philanthropist among his peers and the college basketball world). Good to see that Dikimbe Mutumbo passed along his Cookie Monster impersonation to Thabeet.
Over/under on how many times Thabeet gets throw around by another big man or dunked on by a wing player is 3,419 (assuming he survives six years in the NBA).
#3 pick is James Harden to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yeah, they have a team in Oklahoma. Harden was dressed by Andre 3000, complete with bow tie. Interesting pick because the word was Harden was the guy OKC thought was the best fit for their team, but Rubio is probably a higher-ceiling talent. I think Harden will be pretty solid though.
All three guys selected thus far have been very well-spoken, especially Harden. Some real quality guys this year in the draft.
My main man, Tyreke Evans, goes #4 to Sacramento. Sad times here at Casa de Kyle. He’s going to be really stinkin’ good. I am optimistic for his chances playing off the ball at the shooting guard with Kevin Martin at the 3 for the Kings. Martin is a great shooter and should open up the lane a bit for Tyreke’s driving abiltiy.
Minnesota is doing back flips right now, Rubio is still on the board.
Hey, did you know Ricky Rubio will be the first player selected in a draft to be born in the 1990s? Stuart Scott just told me that…for the 4th time. Seriously.
Rubio goes #5 to the T-Wolves…and the Madison Square Garden crowd chants “U.S.A., U.S.A” Awesome. Now they just need a shooting guard next to him. I’m interested to see what they do here at #6. Jordan Hill would make some sense too, as there is not really a pure shooting guard available that is worth the #6 pick. DeRozan maybe? Curry is more of a point guard, in my opinion, and would be tough to fit next to Rubio.
We are reminded that Minnesota has no coach right now. Why? Because they sucked last year. Why did they suck last year? Because they’ve drafted four straight shooting guards from 2005-2008. McCants (traded), Roy (traded on draft night for Randy Foye…who just got traded too), Corey Brewer (um…struggling is putting it nicely), and OJ Mayo (traded on draft night). Therefore, they still need a shooting guard.
Naturally, Minnesota takes Johnny Flynn at #6. Like Rubio, he is also a point guard. So I’m assuming Minnesota is trying to swing a trade and took Flynn on behalf of another team...? Otherwise this pick makes NO sense. Naturally, no one on ESPN points out this possibility. No one.
Johnny Flynn is seriously one of my all-time favorites to hear interviewed. He is an Avery Johnson in training.
Hey, Ric Bucher is on my TV and speculating that the Wolves will keep Rubio and Flynn. I am befuddled. At least they finally addressed the possibility of a trade.
Golden State is up and takes Stephen Curry at #7. New York fans are pissed. Aren’t they always? I am intrigued as to how the Warriors will play him next to Monta Ellis. Neither guy can defend, but then again, neither can anyone else on Golden State’s roster. I assume Curry will try out the 1-spot with Ellis playing the 2.
Sweet footage of Dell Curry as a Charlotte Hornet. Man, one of my favorites growing up. I also want to mention that watching Stephen Curry in person during the 2008 NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd rounds is one of the highlights of my sporting events career. Truly special.
There is no way the goatee Stephen Curry has is real. I don’t think he’s seen a razor in his life.
The Knicks are on the clock. They show a man of foreign descent in the crowd with a Dook hat on. No comment.
The Knicks select Jordan Hill at #8 and the fans boo. I doubt anyone would be cheered by th- oh crap, Stuart Scott literally said that as I typed the sentence. I have no real comment on Jordan Hill other than I enjoyed watching him play late-night at Arizona, but he’s really got to improve to be an NBA rotation guy.
Carolina grad Donnie Walsh interviewed by Rachel Nichols. I just wanted to point out that he’s a Tar Heel and we won the national title in 2009.
DeMar DeRozan goes #9 to Toronto (hope he has a passport), Brandon Jennings to Milwaukee at #10, and…Terrence Williams at #11 to New Jersey. The Bobcats will not have a chance to draft Williams and his Barbie backpack. I’m fairly relieved.
Bobcats are on the clock at #12 and Gramps texts in to speculate Gerald Henderson. I am hoping for Earl Clark or a trade, but he’s probably right. During the course of the three previous picks, my Rhode Island buddy calls in to discuss the draft, etc. Derrick is biased towards the Big East, but he loves Earl Clark too.
With the 12th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select…Gerald Henderson. Not the end of the world, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a great player. It could have been worse, and I’d rather have him than Williams, but it could have been better too (see Clark, Earl or Trade, Draft Day).
Gerald Jr. mentions golf and hard work in his interview with Mark Jones. He apparently battled frequently in workouts with Tyler Hansbrough. I wonder if he threw any forearms in Psycho T’s direction during those workouts? It’s ok if he did, I’m sure Tyler just flexed and showed him his National Title ring. Erich IM’s in to lament the Bobcats not taking a chance on the former national player of the year…
And speaking of, in a surprise move, Tyler Hansbrough goes #13 to Indiana. Wow. I’m quite shocked, actually. NY fans chant “overrated”. That’s alright though, none of them can read. A frat boy-in-training is shown in the crowd with a #50 NC jersey, complete with mop-top hair.
It looks like Tyler is ready to play right now during his interview with Jones. They cut to National Championship winning coach Roy Williams in the seats. ROY!
For the record, I completely forgave Henderson for his stupid forearm assault on Tyler immediately after the 2006-2007 season ended. I loved watching Henderson at Dook and would have loved him as a Tar Heel. I am also realistic that Tyler will be a good, but not great, NBA player. No major bias coming from this house.
I think it’s time for a bowl of ice cream and a beverage.
Ric Bucher is reporting a great trade rumor of Amar’e to Golden State for Brandan Wright (go Heels), Marco Belinelli, and Andris Biedrins. That would actually be a pretty decent get for Phoenix, some cheap-but-talented guys to go with Biedrins. Maybe Golden State would then flip a wing player for another big man?
Earl Clark goes #14 to Phoenix and somehow we end up welcoming Brandon Jennings, who was picked 10th by Milwaukee, to the stage. As previously mentioned, I love Earl Clark and think Phoenix got a great player.
In other news, Cousin Car wishes the Bobcats had made a run at Psycho T as well. She is pissed. “I just do not like Gerald at all,” Car says. Rhino, on the other hand, is already in search of Pacers/Bobcats tickets.
Austin Daye goes #15 to Detroit. Daye is very talented and long and skilled and all of those things. I am afraid he is also a wuss and will not be a good NBA player. At least you can bet that he’ll be better than fellow Gonzaga alum Adam Morrison.
Dickie V is on my television in HD again. Oh my. He loves Hansbrough and Steph Curry, who he claims will be a “big-time star” and the Rookie of the Year next year. Vitale also hates guys being taken on “potential”. Same song, different verse.
Chicago passes on DeJuan Blair at #16 and takes James Johnson from Wake Forest instead. I know Andrew is probably relieved. Not sure how much I like Johnson, but I’m open to seeing how it works.
Steve Kerr is interviewed and mentions multiple times that the Suns are “in transition” right now. Suns fans, I would not be renewing those season tickets unless you want to watch a train wreck of a team next season.
Yup, Andrew texts in to express affection for the Bulls & James Johnson.
Ty Lawson gets passed up at #17 by the 76ers in favor of Jrue Holiday. I forgot he was still available, honestly, even though Holiday has been sitting in the green room for two hours. I’m getting a bit concerned for Lawson, he could tumble a ways now with Teague and Maynor still out there. Word this afternoon was Portland likes him though, so maybe the Blazers can grab him at #22?
Finished with the ice cream, and debating a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. If HNC were an NBA player, they’d have to be Scotty Pippen: consistent, versatile, and overall solid. Not my numero uno cereal, but an All-Star member of the rotation for years.
And nevermind my worry about Ty Lawson slipping, as Minnesota takes him at #18. ESPN talks for three minutes before bringing in Ric Bucher to assuage the fears of fans everywhere that the T-Wolves are trying to field a midget league team by telling us that Lawson is going to Denver for the Bobcats’ protected first-rounder next year.
Funny moment of the night so far though was the flood of texts, IMs, and BBMs that just rolled in after that Lawson pick. Expletives galore, and some good versatility among those chosen by my friends. Even Coach Roy was surprised by the pick, texting me a “WTF…three PG’s???” after the pick was made.
Jeff Teague goes #19 to Atlanta. He’s going to be great for them, as I really like Teague as a quality guard in this league for a long time. Yes, more than Lawson. On a related note, Utah takes Eric Maynor #20 to play behind Deron Williams. Here’s hoping that they don’t regret passing on DeJuan Blair if Millsap & Boozer both leave in free agency.
Larry Brown is on my television and gets the “ass-hole, ass-hole” chant for the NY crowd. I also just realized the Bobcats lead the league in players named “Gerald”, with Henderson & Wallace on board. So we’ve got that going for us!
New Orleans brings us Darren Collison at #21. Kind of a reach there, in my opinion. No better than a backup in this league. They do need a second point guard, but I would have rather had Toney Douglas than Collison.
So, we still have DeJuan Blair & BJ Mullens on the board. Blair’s stock has really fallen tonight, as he was speculated as high as #11 within the last week. Mullens is destined to be a big white stiff, so maybe teams actually realized that. It has also been a quiet night in the trade market thus far, with few new deals to report.
Portland is choosing 22nd here and selects Victor Claver. He’s not coming to the US for a couple years, which would be fine if Portland had not traded up with Dallas to grab him.
Shaq being interviewed by Lisa Salters and he sends out condolences to Michael Jackson’s family first – classy move by O’Neal. Seriously. He sounds optimistic about going to Cleveland and is willing to do what it takes to be a team player. Lisa is butchering this interview, btw, as she has most of the night. Dear ESPN – please don’t bring in four folks (Stu Scott, Mark Jackson, Van Gundy, and Salters) who are not used to unscripted television for the NBA Draft. Last time I’m mentioning this (wanna bet?).
Sacramento takes Omri Casspi from Israel at #23. Jews everywhere rejoice. One time at a New York Mets game, my Dad & I watched a kid use his kippah (yarmulke) as a bowl to eat his potato chips from. I doubt Casspi will do this in Sac-Town, but if he does, Frito Lay better be ready as a sponsor.
Dallas takes BJ Mullens at #24. I guess they are willing to wait on this kid, seeing as he did not start at Ohio State (which Jay Bilas points out as I’m typing this). “Must improve: post game”. Ominous for a POST player. Next, David Stern tells us that Oklahoma City has drafted Rodrigue Beaubois at #25, followed by Ric Bucher telling us that OKC has traded him for BJ Mullens.
I have to say, this draft has not been all that exciting, sans Brandon Jennings’ sudden appearance and the three point guards that Minny has selected. I might should have watched Burn Notice live and left the draft muted on TV #2 instead of DVR-ing it. Does anyone reading this watch Burn Notice? I have watched since its inception and find it entertaining week after week, even though it is basically the same show week after week. Why is that?
Chicago is back up and grab Taj Gibson at #26. I am not sure about that one either. Aren’t he and James Johnson similar players, or at least project to the same position in the league? I would think they would need to think about a shooting guard to at least back up Ben Gordon or whoever ends up playing the 2-spot for them.
Memphis takes DeMarre Carroll with the 27th pick after a spirited discussion among the ESPN guys about how to make the team exciting. Um, I don’t think that did it.
Minnesota returns to take another point guard at #28? Nope, they select Wayne Ellington from the University of National Champions. I wish Minnesota was not trading Lawson; that would have been fun to watch them play together again.
Interview with Roy! Sweet shirt/tie combo there, Coach. I love that man.
The Knicks are now picking at #29 following a trade with the Lakers, and have also traded Q Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic. Both of these developments were reported earlier today, so no surprises there. Here’s hoping Darko does well in New York and can salvage a decent career and some dignity under Mike D’Antoni. The Lakers take Toney Douglas here, and we are to assume he is headed to the Big Apple anytime now.
Cleveland closes out the first round by taking Christian Eyenga at #30.
Final thoughts as we close out this way-too-long live rundown: this draft was drama-free. The trade market is heating up, though, and should continue for a few weeks as discussed earlier today on the blog (see below). Congrats to Blake Griffin for going #1, congrats to the Timberwolves for drafting a seven-footer in the form of three point guards, and congrats to the Tar Heels for having a lot of good players. Early-entries like Chase Budinger, DeJuan Blair, & Patty Mills last until the second round, which must be disappointing for those guys. There may be a bit more nuts-and-bolts analysis in the coming days, including some further fallout from the trade and free agent markets, here on The Blue Team – be sure to check in. Thanks for reading ya’ll, be good.
On to the draft. I’ve got the Chick-Fil-A ready to go, but not without incident. I usually go in to pick up my order at the CFA in Christiansburg, and tonight was no different. However, while attempting to text about Michael Jackson and carry my food out at the same time, I managed to drop my bag of food and spill half my frenchy fries. But, this near-disaster turned into a winning situation, as I got to keep my remaining fries and get an entire second container of waffle fries too. I tell ya’ll what, the fine folks at the Christiansburg CFA treat me right. They are always friendly and make sure your experience is good.
Anyway, the Bobcats t-shirt & Carolina shorts are in place. Also, I’m hitting this draft from the new kitchen table for computer/food efficiency. Get a visual in place.
Let the record show that it is 7:22pm and I’m already annoyed with fellow UNC alum Stuart Scott. Boo-no.
Dickie V makes his first appearance for the evening. It is also the first time I’ve seen him on my HD television. He looks like a ghost on speed. He also loves Ty Lawson, which might be the kiss of death for Ty’s NBA career.
Let’s just say this one time and get it out of the way, in efforts to refrain from becoming redundant: ESPN could not have put together a worse announcing team for this draft telecast. Between errors, no substantive points, and a lack of chemistry, it is going to be a long night.
Blake Griffin goes #1 to the LA Clippers. Welcome to hell, Blake. He sounds just like Mark McGwire in his interviews: “I’m not here to talk about the past…” This is followed up by an awkward interview with the Griffin parents by Lisa Salters. Oh boy.
Hasheen Thabeet goes #2 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Here’s hoping he takes some ribs home to Tanzania with him when he goes to do charity work (Thabeet is already known as a philanthropist among his peers and the college basketball world). Good to see that Dikimbe Mutumbo passed along his Cookie Monster impersonation to Thabeet.
Over/under on how many times Thabeet gets throw around by another big man or dunked on by a wing player is 3,419 (assuming he survives six years in the NBA).
#3 pick is James Harden to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yeah, they have a team in Oklahoma. Harden was dressed by Andre 3000, complete with bow tie. Interesting pick because the word was Harden was the guy OKC thought was the best fit for their team, but Rubio is probably a higher-ceiling talent. I think Harden will be pretty solid though.
All three guys selected thus far have been very well-spoken, especially Harden. Some real quality guys this year in the draft.
My main man, Tyreke Evans, goes #4 to Sacramento. Sad times here at Casa de Kyle. He’s going to be really stinkin’ good. I am optimistic for his chances playing off the ball at the shooting guard with Kevin Martin at the 3 for the Kings. Martin is a great shooter and should open up the lane a bit for Tyreke’s driving abiltiy.
Minnesota is doing back flips right now, Rubio is still on the board.
Hey, did you know Ricky Rubio will be the first player selected in a draft to be born in the 1990s? Stuart Scott just told me that…for the 4th time. Seriously.
Rubio goes #5 to the T-Wolves…and the Madison Square Garden crowd chants “U.S.A., U.S.A” Awesome. Now they just need a shooting guard next to him. I’m interested to see what they do here at #6. Jordan Hill would make some sense too, as there is not really a pure shooting guard available that is worth the #6 pick. DeRozan maybe? Curry is more of a point guard, in my opinion, and would be tough to fit next to Rubio.
We are reminded that Minnesota has no coach right now. Why? Because they sucked last year. Why did they suck last year? Because they’ve drafted four straight shooting guards from 2005-2008. McCants (traded), Roy (traded on draft night for Randy Foye…who just got traded too), Corey Brewer (um…struggling is putting it nicely), and OJ Mayo (traded on draft night). Therefore, they still need a shooting guard.
Naturally, Minnesota takes Johnny Flynn at #6. Like Rubio, he is also a point guard. So I’m assuming Minnesota is trying to swing a trade and took Flynn on behalf of another team...? Otherwise this pick makes NO sense. Naturally, no one on ESPN points out this possibility. No one.
Johnny Flynn is seriously one of my all-time favorites to hear interviewed. He is an Avery Johnson in training.
Hey, Ric Bucher is on my TV and speculating that the Wolves will keep Rubio and Flynn. I am befuddled. At least they finally addressed the possibility of a trade.
Golden State is up and takes Stephen Curry at #7. New York fans are pissed. Aren’t they always? I am intrigued as to how the Warriors will play him next to Monta Ellis. Neither guy can defend, but then again, neither can anyone else on Golden State’s roster. I assume Curry will try out the 1-spot with Ellis playing the 2.
Sweet footage of Dell Curry as a Charlotte Hornet. Man, one of my favorites growing up. I also want to mention that watching Stephen Curry in person during the 2008 NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd rounds is one of the highlights of my sporting events career. Truly special.
There is no way the goatee Stephen Curry has is real. I don’t think he’s seen a razor in his life.
The Knicks are on the clock. They show a man of foreign descent in the crowd with a Dook hat on. No comment.
The Knicks select Jordan Hill at #8 and the fans boo. I doubt anyone would be cheered by th- oh crap, Stuart Scott literally said that as I typed the sentence. I have no real comment on Jordan Hill other than I enjoyed watching him play late-night at Arizona, but he’s really got to improve to be an NBA rotation guy.
Carolina grad Donnie Walsh interviewed by Rachel Nichols. I just wanted to point out that he’s a Tar Heel and we won the national title in 2009.
DeMar DeRozan goes #9 to Toronto (hope he has a passport), Brandon Jennings to Milwaukee at #10, and…Terrence Williams at #11 to New Jersey. The Bobcats will not have a chance to draft Williams and his Barbie backpack. I’m fairly relieved.
Bobcats are on the clock at #12 and Gramps texts in to speculate Gerald Henderson. I am hoping for Earl Clark or a trade, but he’s probably right. During the course of the three previous picks, my Rhode Island buddy calls in to discuss the draft, etc. Derrick is biased towards the Big East, but he loves Earl Clark too.
With the 12th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select…Gerald Henderson. Not the end of the world, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a great player. It could have been worse, and I’d rather have him than Williams, but it could have been better too (see Clark, Earl or Trade, Draft Day).
Gerald Jr. mentions golf and hard work in his interview with Mark Jones. He apparently battled frequently in workouts with Tyler Hansbrough. I wonder if he threw any forearms in Psycho T’s direction during those workouts? It’s ok if he did, I’m sure Tyler just flexed and showed him his National Title ring. Erich IM’s in to lament the Bobcats not taking a chance on the former national player of the year…
And speaking of, in a surprise move, Tyler Hansbrough goes #13 to Indiana. Wow. I’m quite shocked, actually. NY fans chant “overrated”. That’s alright though, none of them can read. A frat boy-in-training is shown in the crowd with a #50 NC jersey, complete with mop-top hair.
It looks like Tyler is ready to play right now during his interview with Jones. They cut to National Championship winning coach Roy Williams in the seats. ROY!
For the record, I completely forgave Henderson for his stupid forearm assault on Tyler immediately after the 2006-2007 season ended. I loved watching Henderson at Dook and would have loved him as a Tar Heel. I am also realistic that Tyler will be a good, but not great, NBA player. No major bias coming from this house.
I think it’s time for a bowl of ice cream and a beverage.
Ric Bucher is reporting a great trade rumor of Amar’e to Golden State for Brandan Wright (go Heels), Marco Belinelli, and Andris Biedrins. That would actually be a pretty decent get for Phoenix, some cheap-but-talented guys to go with Biedrins. Maybe Golden State would then flip a wing player for another big man?
Earl Clark goes #14 to Phoenix and somehow we end up welcoming Brandon Jennings, who was picked 10th by Milwaukee, to the stage. As previously mentioned, I love Earl Clark and think Phoenix got a great player.
In other news, Cousin Car wishes the Bobcats had made a run at Psycho T as well. She is pissed. “I just do not like Gerald at all,” Car says. Rhino, on the other hand, is already in search of Pacers/Bobcats tickets.
Austin Daye goes #15 to Detroit. Daye is very talented and long and skilled and all of those things. I am afraid he is also a wuss and will not be a good NBA player. At least you can bet that he’ll be better than fellow Gonzaga alum Adam Morrison.
Dickie V is on my television in HD again. Oh my. He loves Hansbrough and Steph Curry, who he claims will be a “big-time star” and the Rookie of the Year next year. Vitale also hates guys being taken on “potential”. Same song, different verse.
Chicago passes on DeJuan Blair at #16 and takes James Johnson from Wake Forest instead. I know Andrew is probably relieved. Not sure how much I like Johnson, but I’m open to seeing how it works.
Steve Kerr is interviewed and mentions multiple times that the Suns are “in transition” right now. Suns fans, I would not be renewing those season tickets unless you want to watch a train wreck of a team next season.
Yup, Andrew texts in to express affection for the Bulls & James Johnson.
Ty Lawson gets passed up at #17 by the 76ers in favor of Jrue Holiday. I forgot he was still available, honestly, even though Holiday has been sitting in the green room for two hours. I’m getting a bit concerned for Lawson, he could tumble a ways now with Teague and Maynor still out there. Word this afternoon was Portland likes him though, so maybe the Blazers can grab him at #22?
Finished with the ice cream, and debating a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. If HNC were an NBA player, they’d have to be Scotty Pippen: consistent, versatile, and overall solid. Not my numero uno cereal, but an All-Star member of the rotation for years.
And nevermind my worry about Ty Lawson slipping, as Minnesota takes him at #18. ESPN talks for three minutes before bringing in Ric Bucher to assuage the fears of fans everywhere that the T-Wolves are trying to field a midget league team by telling us that Lawson is going to Denver for the Bobcats’ protected first-rounder next year.
Funny moment of the night so far though was the flood of texts, IMs, and BBMs that just rolled in after that Lawson pick. Expletives galore, and some good versatility among those chosen by my friends. Even Coach Roy was surprised by the pick, texting me a “WTF…three PG’s???” after the pick was made.
Jeff Teague goes #19 to Atlanta. He’s going to be great for them, as I really like Teague as a quality guard in this league for a long time. Yes, more than Lawson. On a related note, Utah takes Eric Maynor #20 to play behind Deron Williams. Here’s hoping that they don’t regret passing on DeJuan Blair if Millsap & Boozer both leave in free agency.
Larry Brown is on my television and gets the “ass-hole, ass-hole” chant for the NY crowd. I also just realized the Bobcats lead the league in players named “Gerald”, with Henderson & Wallace on board. So we’ve got that going for us!
New Orleans brings us Darren Collison at #21. Kind of a reach there, in my opinion. No better than a backup in this league. They do need a second point guard, but I would have rather had Toney Douglas than Collison.
So, we still have DeJuan Blair & BJ Mullens on the board. Blair’s stock has really fallen tonight, as he was speculated as high as #11 within the last week. Mullens is destined to be a big white stiff, so maybe teams actually realized that. It has also been a quiet night in the trade market thus far, with few new deals to report.
Portland is choosing 22nd here and selects Victor Claver. He’s not coming to the US for a couple years, which would be fine if Portland had not traded up with Dallas to grab him.
Shaq being interviewed by Lisa Salters and he sends out condolences to Michael Jackson’s family first – classy move by O’Neal. Seriously. He sounds optimistic about going to Cleveland and is willing to do what it takes to be a team player. Lisa is butchering this interview, btw, as she has most of the night. Dear ESPN – please don’t bring in four folks (Stu Scott, Mark Jackson, Van Gundy, and Salters) who are not used to unscripted television for the NBA Draft. Last time I’m mentioning this (wanna bet?).
Sacramento takes Omri Casspi from Israel at #23. Jews everywhere rejoice. One time at a New York Mets game, my Dad & I watched a kid use his kippah (yarmulke) as a bowl to eat his potato chips from. I doubt Casspi will do this in Sac-Town, but if he does, Frito Lay better be ready as a sponsor.
Dallas takes BJ Mullens at #24. I guess they are willing to wait on this kid, seeing as he did not start at Ohio State (which Jay Bilas points out as I’m typing this). “Must improve: post game”. Ominous for a POST player. Next, David Stern tells us that Oklahoma City has drafted Rodrigue Beaubois at #25, followed by Ric Bucher telling us that OKC has traded him for BJ Mullens.
I have to say, this draft has not been all that exciting, sans Brandon Jennings’ sudden appearance and the three point guards that Minny has selected. I might should have watched Burn Notice live and left the draft muted on TV #2 instead of DVR-ing it. Does anyone reading this watch Burn Notice? I have watched since its inception and find it entertaining week after week, even though it is basically the same show week after week. Why is that?
Chicago is back up and grab Taj Gibson at #26. I am not sure about that one either. Aren’t he and James Johnson similar players, or at least project to the same position in the league? I would think they would need to think about a shooting guard to at least back up Ben Gordon or whoever ends up playing the 2-spot for them.
Memphis takes DeMarre Carroll with the 27th pick after a spirited discussion among the ESPN guys about how to make the team exciting. Um, I don’t think that did it.
Minnesota returns to take another point guard at #28? Nope, they select Wayne Ellington from the University of National Champions. I wish Minnesota was not trading Lawson; that would have been fun to watch them play together again.
Interview with Roy! Sweet shirt/tie combo there, Coach. I love that man.
The Knicks are now picking at #29 following a trade with the Lakers, and have also traded Q Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic. Both of these developments were reported earlier today, so no surprises there. Here’s hoping Darko does well in New York and can salvage a decent career and some dignity under Mike D’Antoni. The Lakers take Toney Douglas here, and we are to assume he is headed to the Big Apple anytime now.
Cleveland closes out the first round by taking Christian Eyenga at #30.
Final thoughts as we close out this way-too-long live rundown: this draft was drama-free. The trade market is heating up, though, and should continue for a few weeks as discussed earlier today on the blog (see below). Congrats to Blake Griffin for going #1, congrats to the Timberwolves for drafting a seven-footer in the form of three point guards, and congrats to the Tar Heels for having a lot of good players. Early-entries like Chase Budinger, DeJuan Blair, & Patty Mills last until the second round, which must be disappointing for those guys. There may be a bit more nuts-and-bolts analysis in the coming days, including some further fallout from the trade and free agent markets, here on The Blue Team – be sure to check in. Thanks for reading ya’ll, be good.
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