tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31075160602627337182024-02-21T04:55:40.073-08:00STATING THE OBVIOUSWhere Sports and Life Meet...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-75303560094070450972020-09-25T20:59:00.001-07:002020-09-25T21:03:29.823-07:00Robert Kirkman's Secret History of Comics <span ;="">As the creator of his own comic book series "The Walking Dead", Robert Kirkman regularly displays the artistic movement that obviously was instilled in him early on by the influence of the comic book genre. Like most of us, fanboys and fangirls alike, he knows much of the history of the novel literature which we all grew up reading.</span><br><br><span ;="">In his new series, "Secret History of Comics", Kirkman attempts (and succeeds) to reveal more than what most originally know about their favorite comic books and the characters within those pages, and most importantly their creators. There are six installments which break-down, yet build-up, the pillars upon which comic books stands. To see the blood, sweat, and tears that went into building these institutions is to behold the beauty of the art and the sheer genius of man itself. To be able to draw inspiration as well to learn life's lessons, now that is the true secret history which Kirkman may have truly intended reveal. </span><br><br><br><br><span ;=""><i>▪</i></span><span ;=""><i><u>The Mighty Misfits Who Made Marvel </u></i></span><br><br><span ;="">The pilot episode of the series starts at the top. The top of the hill that is, as Marvel Comics, the biggest brand in the industry of comics, is dissected piecemeal in a effort to show what comes first when it comes to comic books: the chicken or the egg? Although this metaphor is appropriate for the narrative of this particular bit of history which Kirkman has chosen to enlighten fans about, it cannot replace the real question being asked by Kirkman: "What is more important to the success of a comic book: the artistry or the writing? </span><br><br><span ;="">Stan Lee and Jack Kirby represent the two sides of that coin. Lee was always responsible for the writing which pushed the genre to places it had never been before, while Kirby drew subject matter in a way which had never been seen before. They literally performed a 1-2 punch to the head of their competitors, which propelled the popularity and viability of the characters of Marvel Comics to heights previously unseen. </span><br><br><span ;="">Ultimately, like most uber-sucessful rock bands, fixer-upper reality shows co-hosts, and three-peat championship-winning Los Angeles Lakers teams of the beginning of this century who don't know a good thing when they have it, the dynamic duo (trio if you include the contributions of Steven Ditko, and you should) at Marvel began to rip apart at the seams. Each individual believing himself to be the reason for Marvel's success. It almost ripped asunder an institution which had begun to inspire generation after generation. The world needed them. Together.</span><br><br><span ;="">In the end the two would reconcile. And although there was much to be salvaged, much had already been lost. Once again proving that man needs one another to be a success. Most importantly, he needs to share.</span><br><br><span ;=""><i>▪</i></span><span ;=""><i><u>The Truth About Wonder Woman</u></i></span><br><br><span ;="">William Moulton Marston believed that people illustrated their emotions in four different ways: Dominance, Inducement, Submission, Compliance. He also believed strongly in feminism and the truth. Marston invented the systolic blood pressure test, a system designed to reveal whether or not a person was lying based upon the way their emotions triggered changes in their blood pressure. It actually became one of the tenets on which the polygraph test is based upon. </span><br><br><span ;="">Most importantly, Marston also is recognized as being the creator of the iconic heroine known as Wonder Woman. He was not alone in his inspiration for designing a character whom women, as well as men, hold in high esteem. His wife Elizabeth Holloway and his extramarital partner Olive Byrne both played a huge role in the creation, as well as the continual development over time, of Wonder Woman. Interestingly enough, his wife's suggestions about the behavior of women also influenced him to invent the aforementioned blood test. Marston, along with his wife, had been heavily involved in the suffragette movement, believing that women should hold the power to vote.</span><br><br><span ;="">Patty Jenkins, director of "Wonder Woman", believes that Marston was a "very forward-thinking feminist mind and [that] he was also very interested in truth." Not </span><span ;=""><i>the</i></span><span ;=""> truth, but truth. Jenkins found those two things fascinating "because [they have] everything to do with the hero that has been created, and everything to do with what equality takes." </span><br><br><span ;="">At his core, Martson prescribed to the theory that women are "love leaders" as well the idea of "loving submission." The latter can be described as the approach of men giving themselves completely over to the power of women, thus rendering man to be a less-destructive entity in society and the world in general. Meaning if Adolf Hitler had given himself entirely to Eva Braun, as well as other tyrants to their better halfs, then quite possibly the world could be a better and different place to live in. That may be stretching the notion, but you get the idea.</span><br><br><span ;="">Marston not only felt that women should be the "emotional leaders", but also leaders in the political forum on a global scale; going as far as predicting that in the not too distant future that women would be the benefactors of a matriarchal revolution, as they are better suited to lead. As far as he was concerned, "feminism is the path to peace."</span><br><br><span ;="">Unlike other popular comics of the times, Marston imbued his Wonder Woman with storied based on "psychological theories and ancient mythologies." Educating and enlightening his readers not only about the world around them, but about a world before them as well.</span><br><br><span ;="">Everything happens for a reason. There is no such thing as a coincidence. It is the truth that Wonder Woman never would have been created without the threesome of Marston, Holloway, and Byrne, no matter how you view their union. The ties between Wonder Woman, feminism, World War II, and ultimately the change in how countries around the world viewed women are too numerous to enumerate, but a single bind ties many. William Marston is the reason for the ties that bind, like Wonder Woman's lasso, compelling all to truth.</span><br><br><br><span ;=""><i>▪</i></span><span ;=""><i><u>The Trials of Superman</u></i></span><br><br><span ;="">This installment of the series explores the creation of what may quite possibly be the greatest superhero character of all. </span><span ;=""><i>The</i></span><span ;=""> definition of the superhero, was created by two high-school classmates, who had sought for years to create the perfect comic book character. In Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, had found that perfection.</span><br><br><span ;="">The duo had formed an icon among icons. An image to represent all that a true superhero should strive to be. A character shaped by the greatest characteristics known to man. A virtuous being. A super man. How could he receive any other moniker but this? </span><br><br><span ;="">Created at, during, and for a time when man, especially the men of this great country named America, needed someone and something to believe in. More importantly, someone and something greater than themselves to follow and inspire, this hero did more to buoy the spirits of a nation at war, than any government or political leaders and activists would at the time. Sensational and inspirational was he! Imagine growing up during the time when a vicious dictator sought to bend the entire globe to his will. Seemingly doling out crushing defeat after crushing defeat to any and all comers. What a time to be living in. Yet, how could one be alive? </span><br><br><span ;="">The period of time in which Superman came into existence was a period characterized by hope and despair: The Great Depression. No American was truly alive during that time, unless they were wealthy or well-off. This period of extreme hardship due to lack of finances and resources affected most if not all Americans. </span><br><br><span ;="">Along came the first "superhero" who would help to aid in showing Americans, and the whole world in general, that they could believe in something greater than themselves. Not only was Superman created to be a larger than life character, he was created as an ideal. An ideal based on the better part of man; on the best attributes he has to offer the world at large. Superman was also created in the image of another ideal: the American way. Superman indeed would be based on truth and justice. </span><br><br><span ;="">As mentioned, Superman was brought into existence by two young men, Siegel and Schuster. The friends had longed to create stories about science fiction and had done so in fact. They created literary pieces featuring science fiction and art and published these stories in their own magazine. Yet they yearned to truly impact science fiction and the genre which generally accompanied it: comic books. And they would. Forever!</span><br><br><span ;="">The story of the creation of Superman is beautiful, wonderful and unique in of itself. The story of the control of Superman? Well that is a tale quite sordid, truth be told.</span><br><br><span ;="">In the 1930s when comic books were beginning to emerge, the genre road the backs of limited topics and characters such as detectives, cowboys, and astronauts. These were the types of subject matter mostly young men (and possibly some women) found appealing. The creative resources were limited. Mythology was not yet prominent, and remained mostly rooted in classical literature. Siegel and Schuster, again, would change all that.</span><br><br><span ;="">Enter Superman. No one had ever seen anything like him. No one had ever experienced anything like him. Armed with superhuman strength. Blessed with superhuman attributes. Born on a world not our own. Living amongst us, clandestine with a secret identity no less.</span><br><br><span ;="">And, just as he was bursting onto the fictional scene with nary a comparison, changing the game forever, the same thing was happening in the real world, as he burst upon a publishing scene which was devoid of comic books. The genre had yet to be invented, or at the very least, truly distinguish itself from other literary forms of artwork. Again, enter Superman. The brilliant brainchild of Siegel and Schuster would need a place to call home.</span><br><br><span ;="">Comics at the time existed on and between the pages of newspapers the form of the "comic strip". There were no actual "comic books". There only was the publishing industry. Publishers of course published. And publishers of course made money. It was the money part of the transaction which drove the industry. Publishers would offer a mere pittance to artists and writers for their creations. Once those creations were handed over to publishers they were then published repitiously nationwide and worldwide to the tune of great revenue. Although artists and writers received compensation it paled in comparison to what the publishers were raking in.</span><br><br><span ;="">So imagine when Siegel and Schuster were offered the grand sum of $130 ($10 per 13 pages of content) for the creation and release of Superman to two prominent publishing partners. Businessmen named Harry Donenfeld and Jack Lebowitz to be precise. You would imagine their initial hesitancy. You would then consider their financial plight: Turning down that sum of money ($130 today would be equivalent to the sum of almost two thousand dollars) during a time when the entire country was reeling financially, was nothing to scoff at. </span><br><br><span ;="">Decisions. Decisions.</span><br><br><span ;="">Siegel and Schuster decide on turning over the rights to Superman to Donenfeld and Lebowitz. Both men are the owners of D.C. Comics and plan to use their purchase to showcase Superman to the world. And to the world he was showcased to great fanfare. Within three months D.C. Comics would sell 1 million copies of Superman comic books. To say that the character of Superman took the world by storm back then would probably be an understatement considering he has an almost similar effect in this day and age.</span><br><br><span ;="">As the popularity of Superman soared just as high and fast as the character itself, the fortunes of Siegel and Schuster plummeted even as they were employed by D.C. Comics to do what they had always dreamt as high-school classmates: pen their greatest creation, The Man of Steel. They received no royalties or any significant compensation from their deal with D.C Comics. And to their chagrin, although they were able to finally bring to the masses an artistic masterpiece they had toiled on since childhood, they would never truly reap the financial rewards and benefits that D.C. Comics receives to this day. That would not sit well with Siegel and Schuster, but more on that later. </span><br><br><span ;="">Speaking of benefits the world has benefited from Superman. A symbol of truth, justice and the American way, the S that is emblazoned on the suit of the man who would save us all, is an icon only surpassed by the symbols of the crucifix and the Star of David. That's saying something. Speaking of truth, justice, and the American way, the factors of the due process of the legal system and the ideology of capitalism would combine to ultimately prevent Siegel and Schuster from having their day in court. </span><br><br><span ;="">Well they would have their day in court, but wouldn't </span><span ;=""><i>have </i></span><span ;="">their day in court, as they would lose a continuous legal battle with D.C. Comics for the rights to ownership of the character that was Superman. The character that </span><span ;=""><i>is</i></span><span ;=""> Superman would continue to be the sole property property of D.C. as it is to this day. An American dream deferred, by the absence of sense, trust, and honesty. </span><br><br><span ;="">Eventually, three decades later Siegel and Schuster were finally recognized for the contribution of their greatest creation. A creation, albeit fictional, which has left an indelible mark on the consciousness of comic book readers and non-comic book readers alike. An impressive feat to say the least. A feat only a superman could pull off. </span><br><br><span ;="">If it wasn't for Superman there may never have been comic books. </span><br><br><span ;="">A sobering thought indeed.</span><br><br><br><span ;=""><i>▪</i></span><span ;=""><i><u>City of Heroes</u></i></span><br><br><span ;="">Comic books are the baby of the city. Birthed in the slums and ghettoes of Every city, USA. More specifically, conjured from the minds and imaginations of the inhabitants of the greatest city known to man: New York City. From Bob Kane's </span><span ;=""><i>Batman</i></span><span ;=""> to Jack Kirby's </span><span ;=""><i>Captain America </i></span><span ;="">to Stan Lee's </span><span ;=""><i>Spiderman</i></span><span ;="">, these superheroes originated from artists and writers who had been influenced by every element of New York City.</span><br><br><span ;="">To say that comic books and the city are not synonymous, is to say that the chicken can exist without the egg (or vice versa). Funny how that analogy keeps coming up. It seems, however, to be quite appropriate for the series of comparisons that are making these revelations. </span><br><br><span ;="">From their inception in the 1930s and throughout their development over the following decades leading into the end of the 20th century, comic books carved out a distinctive imprint in society and culture by tackling head-on the issues in society and culture that the more "respectable" genres of writing and reporting failed to address. Topics such as racism and drugs, issues which plagued the country on a whole, yet were more prevalent within the inner-cities. Comics gave a voice to the oppressed in the face of injustice when others would not. For an artistic movement considered fleeting upon it's introduction to now be held in such esteem and burdened with the responsibility of being the only lifeboat in a sea of controversy, the ascension was nothing short of remarkable. Comic books had arrived and it no longer solely had the attention of some of the city and some of the nation's youth. It now had the whole city, and with it the whole nation. For the city, New York City, represents the best of what the United States has to offer.</span><br><br><span ;="">The tragic events of 9/11 would forever change the genre in terms of perception and reception. As much as comic books had become an activist in it's own right prior to the worst terrorist attack on American soil, it became something much more after the carnage of that fateful day. A new narrative arose that day. The hero. No, not the superhero, but the hero. The hero who lives in all of us, amongst all of us. This is what comic books and the characters it has familiarized us with over time taught it's readers in that moment: How to bear the unbearable. </span><br><br><span ;="">It also sent the definition of what is a superhero or a hero for that matter in a wholly different direction. The anger that ensued Americans after 9/11 split itself in many ways. Initial patriotism and the unifying bond that came with it gave way to suspicion about subsequent government legislation and response and ultimately divisiveness amongst Americans, and nowhere was this reflected more than in the panels of comic book pages. New York City was in turmoil and so were its superheroes. Essentially the Patriot Act gave way to "Civil War". No not that civil war, but Marvel's. The allegories abounded, to say the least, in most comic books. A message was being spread: National Security or Civil Liberties? You make the choice. </span><br><br><span ;="">Maybe most importantly, overall, 9/11 changed the way that villains and superheroes would be written going forward. Criminals were now truly the terrorists they always were. And superheroes? Well in order to deal with a more deadly threat they in turn became more deadly themselves. Enter the role of the "anti-hero". The lines were now blurred. Everything that comics had valued prior to 9/11 became prioritized in a different manner. Just as in real life, villains and superheroes no longer operated in the black and white. Grey had become the color of the day. Duality had become the name of the game. If it was happening in the city. It was going to happen in comic books. As CNN Contributor Van Jones succinctly states: "9/11 didn't just change facts. 9/11 changed fiction." Jones draws parallels between the superhero characters of the modern era which adorn New York City and those of the Roman gods in the city of Rome during their zenith. How they exist to show us mere mortals the way. The way to hope and a life worth living.</span><br><br><span ;="">Maybe it is because of this duality, as a result of 9/11, that comic books and the movies and television series on which they are based have become more real. </span><br><br><span ;=""><i>▪</i></span><span ;=""><i><u>The Color of Comics</u></i></span><br><br><i><span ;=""><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> "Black people have never been in control of their own story in this country. People should tell their own stories." - Michael Davis</b></span><br></i><br><span ;=""><i><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">"One thing that comic books always communicated to me is two things: heroes and possibilities. And if you don't see yourself as a part of that then who are the heroes, and what are my possibilities?" - Derek Dingle</b></i></span><br><br><span ;="">Derek Dingle. Denys Cowan. Michael Davis. Dwayne McDuffie. All prescribed to the theories above. Four men. Four African-American men, who would affect the legacy of comic books. Forever.</span><br><br><span ;="">Milestone Media began as nothing more than an idea, the way most things that are a success or failure begin. The four men mentioned above, comic book afficianados themselves, believed that the world in which they existed in the figurative sense did not quite mirror the one in which they lived in reality. Artists all, they found themselves doing what they had always dreamt about, for whom they had always dreamt about. Yet something was still lacking. </span><br><br><span ;="">Marvel and D.C., the pillars of the comic book medium, controlled distribution of most of the popular material which had driven the industry for decades. However the issue which befell most (if not all) of the driving content of both giants was the lack of diversity with regards to race represented within its pages.</span><br><br><span ;="">Enter Cowan, Davis, Dingle, and McDuffie. These four, innovators all, whose accomplishments achieved the distinction of being both daring and noble, changed forever the landscape of comic books</span><span ;=""><b> </b></span><span ;="">upon their inception of Milestone Media. The dearth of minorities represented between the pages of comic books changed virtually over night. </span><br><br><span ;="">Supported by D.C., as far finances and distribution were concerned, Milestone Media and its roster of heroes featuring a more diverse and ethnic section of the human race instantly carved out a niche for itself amongst the stalwarts of the industry. Milestone Media's characters were not just black, nor were they just about being black. They aimed to be more than, well, black. They desired to tell the story about every man through the use of any man. </span><br><br><span ;=""> </span><br><br><span ;="">The four visionaries who are mentioned deserve to be much more than the proverbial "footnote in history." These men and the art and opportunities which they created from their efforts added immensely to the culture itself. Maybe more importantly it was nothing short of a movement. A movement in the direction of change. A change which would bring with it a new voice. The voice of not just one man, but every man. </span><br><br><span ;=""><u><i>▪</i></u></span><span ;=""><i><u>Image Comics: Declaration of Independent</u></i></span><br><br><span ;="">Jim Lee. </span><br><br><span ;="">Rob Leifeld.</span><br><br><span ;="">Todd MacFarlane.</span><br><br><span ;="">Erik Larsen.</span><br><br><span ;="">Marc Silvestri.</span><br><br><span ;="">Jim Valentino. </span><br><br><span ;="">Whilce Portacio. </span><br><br><span ;="">Seven names synonymous with the peak of the mountaintop as far as the artists who drew (as well as created) some of the most popular characters in comic books. Tired of the "constraints" placed upon them at the institution Marvel, one of the two pillars which hold the comic book universe in place, the other obviously being D.C. the collective decided to do what the boys at Milestone Media did, head out on their own in an effort to stake their claim. Artistically speaking. </span><br><br><span ;="">Initial success would give way to ongoing issues. Although the art of new and exciting characters was excellent, their stories were lacking. Emphasis was put on presentation much rather than substance.</span><br><br><span ;="">In the end the Image brand, along with the entire comic book industry in general, would become the makers, as well as the victims of their own demise. Preying on their consumers own speculation about the true value of comic books they were purchasing at record pace. This would be their kryptonite externally speaking. Internally hubris and competition were eroding them from within. The autonomy they had built their stake upon, now biting the hand which fed it. The rules they formed Image around, meant to liberate, yet protect them, would lead to anarchy. An example in why constraints and restraints, although similar in definition, can often be interpreted in another way: One confines while the other protects.</span><br><br><span ;="">Eventually ego, relentless ambitions, as well as a downward spiral in sales throughout the industry as a result of the backlash towards speculation would fracture the company, but more importantly it would change the relationships with the artists who considered themselves friends. </span><br><br><span ;="">However great the significance of their collapse it is mitigated to some degree by some of the positives within the industry as a result of the aftermath. Security for the artists to be precise, or "creator ownsership", a deal which is "right and fair and proper" as one comic book writer categorizes it. An increase in page rates took place as a result and exclusive contracts between artists and publishers is now the norm. </span><span ;="">Also, technically speaking, some of the industry standards such as digital coloring as well as the premium paper on which they were printed became the industry standard. </span><br><br><span ;="">To say that Shuster and Siegel would be proud of this progress almost a century after creating Superman would be an understatement. </span><br><br><span ;="">Thankfully the boys at Image share another similarity with the boys at Milestone in that they were able to resurrect themselves, and in turn, experience a renaissance of sorts. Serving as the go to source within the medium for niche comic books. </span><br><br><span ;="">In a way the seven artists who struck out on their own to start Image Comics, 85 years after Shuster and Siegel fought to retain the rights to their creation of Superman, draw many parallels between another figure who fought for "independence" within his place of business. Curt Flood anyone? It also reminds us that success can separate instead of bring together it's creators, similar to what took place between Lee and Kirby, and that in the end it's almost always about the journey rather than the destination.</span><br><br><br><br><span ;=""><b>* </b>These six separate illustrations on the history of comics surely help to paint a picture of a movement most thought they were already familiar with. Beyond these stories, however, is a look at the true nature of man and woman and how this behavior has shaped the world in which we live. If there is anything to be learned it is this: Just as in the comics, life allows the author to write his or her own story. Now what story could be better than that?</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_200925_235323_478.sdocx-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-15981411150368625622020-09-23T13:57:00.001-07:002020-09-28T06:35:55.002-07:00A Date With Destiny<div>It's as if LeBron James & Co. are sort of coasting through these playoffs. Granted they have lost the first game of each round to upstarts that were touted on giving the Los Angeles Lakers the best run for their money only to have their respective dreams go pop💥 inside the #bubble. </div><div><br></div><div>And now The Finals are in sight. The Lakers should be able to douse the flames 🔥 of the latest hottest upstart. Yet what possibly awaits for them on the Eastern side of things may be the fight that they are looking for.</div><div><br></div><div>The Miami Heat, barring a reversal of that which has transpired thus far (at this writing they were up 2-1 in a best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals), will be the foil that eagerly awaits LBJ & Co. Eagerly it would seem because, as the great Michael Wilbon points out, their feerless leader is the only player in the league with a .500 winning percentage vs the King🤴🏾. </div><div><br></div><div>Jimmy Butler would be that feerless leader. Jimmy Butler is the only NBA player without a losing record in their career vs LeBron James. A mark of 17-17 to be exact. (Thanks again for those numbers Mr. Wilbon). </div><div><br></div><div>We won't get into everything about his background. All you need to know is that it made Butler tough.* It also makes sense that Butler would find a team with the same DNA which resides in him, in the form of the Miami Heat. Pat Riley and Erik Spolestra are about as tough as it gets this side of Gregg Popovich and Bill Belichick. </div><div><br></div><div>What seems like ages ago, both Riles and Coach Spo had the King 🤴🏾 in their employ. You know the history of that relationship and its time in South Beach: mutual respect on both sides. Mutual respect which may have fell by the wayside when the King 🤴🏾 informed these men that he would be taking his talents back to his hometown of Akron for the benefit of the city of Cleveland. Riley would be crestfallen about the departure; opposite of the elation he most certainly expressed upon the King's 🤴🏾arrival. </div><div><br></div><div>Riley doesn't seem to be the vindictive type. He also doesn't seem to be the type to let memories of "little things" like the departure of "a king and his court" fade away into the far recesses of his mind.</div><div><br></div><div>It would seem then that the basketball 🏀 gods have divined a path of jurisprudence that will result in a meeting at the mount between the two factions, as facilitated by their teams. Riley, not that he could ever be accused of being vindictive (as mentioned), will finally have the opportunity to prove to LeBron why he should never have left the Sunshine State.</div><div><br></div><div>A victory in The Finals, would not only add to his trove of rings as a player, coach, and front office executive, but even decidedly more important, would keep the 4th NBA Championship (which LeBron so obviously craves and desires in his quest to be entered into the pantheon of NBA players who have won four, five, or more titles) out of his reach. At least for now. At least for this, the longest season in NBA history. </div><div><br></div><div>Riley has his foil in the form of one Jimmy Butler. Will the opportunity to finally show LeBron why he should have finished his career in South Beach be within his grasp? Will Butler be given the opportunity to show that he is just as tough as one LeBron James? </div><div><br></div><div>We already know Butler's personal W-L record speaks to that toughness anytime he and James have occupied the same 94 feet. What we don't know is if there will be a date with destiny that involves the Heat and the Lakers deciding the fates of their respective franchises and, almost more importantly, their respective leaders: James and Butler. </div><div><br></div><div>Time will tell. </div><div><br></div><div>Maybe this thought process will not ever even matter if and when the Lakers and Celtics bump heads in The Finals. Again. For a record-setting twelfth time. If that happens we will have afforded ourselves, once more, the best that the NBA has to offer. </div><div><br></div><div>Just don't tell that to Riley, Spo, & Co.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>*Note When Butler left the Philadelphia 76ers to join the Miami Heat last summer I questioned the move. I felt that Butler appeared to present himself seemingly as a selfish individual who wanted the spotlight all to himself. That notion couldn't be further from the truth than the Sun is to Pluto. He has found the team that he was meant to be with. He has found the executive and coach that believes in him. He has found like-minded teammates that believe in him as he does them. Most of all, he believes in himself<br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-15512630034270660302018-04-11T12:03:00.001-07:002018-07-12T11:18:13.263-07:00It's Spring Again<div dir="ltr">
Spring is here and with it the usual occurrences that take place during the season. The days are getting longer. The air is getting sweeter and warmer, although you could barely tell this time around as the random nor'easter continually reminds us that winter is always coming, if not going. </div>
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My son is in school now and as a prekindergarten pupil he is learning and experiencing the same things that his father did at that age, if not more. Easter egg hunts, spring concerts, and the like, mark the occasion of the season. However, one event sticks out from all the rest: the viewing of the cherry blossoms. </div>
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My son attends school in New York, arguably the greatest city and state in the known world. Many great things are here in abundance. However one thing we don't do is as great as how the District of Columbia does do: the cherry blossom. Although I did not realize this as a child my son's age growing up in Brooklyn, thankfully my mother did. She would make it her point of duty to make sure that her children, in time, would realize this also. Lord knows that we do now.</div>
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My sweet, dear mother passed away earlier this year, and I do miss her so. It has been a vague and surreal experience, which has left me not quite sure how to be. I've told friends, family, and colleagues that this being the first time my mother has ever died, I'm not exactly sure how to go about it. (My mother taught me to find the humor in everything). It is to say the least, a wholly different outlook and a seemingly muddled forecast, for myself at least.</div>
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Thankfully the lessons and exposures which my mother provided for us throughout a lifetime, have appeared in a timely fashion, almost as a lighthouse in a tempestuous current. Those trips to Washington D.C to stroll the National Mall and to tour various important sites and locations in our storied nation's history have come back to serve me in a time of need, possibly always as my mother had intended.</div>
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So something as seemingly simple as my son's first foray into the significance, symbolism, and more importantly the meaning of these incomparable beautiful trees has lent itself to me reconnecting to someone and something I have always been connected to: my mother and her love. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-15929562184065825682017-11-22T09:16:00.001-08:002019-01-21T09:02:43.731-08:00The Promise <div dir="ltr">"And there it was on a Sunday night in plain sight for all to see. </div><div dir="ltr">A beacon of light, the promise of hope, finally in MSG..."</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">These lines ring true like a sonnet or some poem, and they may as well come off sounding as the epilogue to some literary fantasy. For with most, the promise of a bright future for the New York Knicks has often appeared as such: a fantasy.<br>
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Against the Indiana Pacers, in the ninth game of an 82-game season, the Knicks were able to defeat a team whom themselves had been playing well; as well as playing well beyond the expectations that had been placed upon them by others at the start of the season. The Pacers balanced offensive attack, evidenced by six players averaging double digits in scoring, held a commanding 19 point lead with little less than 2 minutes left in the 3rd frame. <br>
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Eventually this would be no ordinary game and ultimately no ordinary victory. The storylines of a seemingly insignificant game and, more importantly, the faith of turnaround which a new season provides were beginning to shape, and now they needed a producer.<br>
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Enter Kristaps Porzingis. <br>
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Coming into the game the power forward had scored at least 30 points in six of the Knicks eight games. A torrid pace to start a season to say the least, no matter for a veteran, all-star, rookie, or third-year player, which of course Porzingis is. He had never been in this position before though as he walked from the scorer's table out onto the court to re-enter the fray. You could probably count on one hand the amount of comeback victories from double-digit deficits that the Knicks had overcome in Porzingis' tenure with the team. And if any were made, he certainly had never been the one spearheading the comeback as the Knicks had always relied upon Carmelo Anthony to insulate Porzingis from those responsibilities.<br>
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Not to say that Porzingis was incapable. The time was not right. More importantly those types of opportunities had yet to present themselves. However, in the NBA, just like life, things can change in the blink of an eye. And, on September 25th, the staring contest that had enveloped throughout the season and off-season between Anthony and the Knicks finally came to a head and upper management finally blinked. A pre-training camp transaction, in which Anthony was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, would now provide those opportunities. Immediately a new narrative was formed, and with it a new story began unfolding.<br>
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After entering in the waning moments of the third quarter, in a game in which the prospect of a favorable outcome seemed rather dim, Porzingis appeared to enter another dimension. Single-handedly he immediately brought the hometown team within striking distance of victory by scoring nine straight points via an array of shots and maneuvers. He would go on to score 24 points over the final 13 minutes of the contest.<br>
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That Porzingis was at the center of a remarkable turnaround in the game was no surprise. Heck, the 7'3" Latvian is at the center of what many hope to be a remarkable turnaround at Madison Square Garden. However it was not only about The Unicorn's contributions as much as it was about the contributions of ancillary sources. More specifically, the Knicks' precocious, seemingly pre-pubescent, teen-aged rookie Frank Ntilikina.<br>
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The 6'5" French point-guard whom the Knicks had tabbed and then selected (during and after the Phil Jackson regime) with the 8th pick in this past summer's installment of the NBA draft, was the source of much discontent to most Knicks fans during the league's off-season. He played sparingly, if at all, in Summer League ball as well as in the pre-season skirmishes. Fans had no idea what to expect. That fact combined with this notion, as far as any of them were concerned, gave them the reason to be very skeptical (at best) about the prospects of success for this young professional. Even more so for the team on a whole.<br>
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Yet there he was and there they were. Ntilikina and Porzingis. Arms and legs. Hands and feet. All 14-plus feet of limbs. Clogging the lane. Stifling penetration. Blocking shots. Tipping, deflecting, stealing. Them and the Knicks. Reawakening the ever faithful MSG crowd. Reawakening the ghosts of the gritty Knicks teams of your father's generation. Changing the tide and momentum of the contest. Perhaps even changing the prospects and fortune of a franchise. On one single night. </div>
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In the fourth quarter, Porzingis would continue his scintillating start to the season. Scoring, as well as assisting on, crucial baskets down the stretch of a game, which only moments before had seemed already lost. Whether hitting shots from the elbows (now his go to spot for his go to move which basically consists of shooting over the top of any defender) to the tune of a career high 40 points or using the threat of this newly formed prowess to find his new running mate Ntilikina as they executed the "two-man game" to perfection for two major three-point baskets from the rookie in the final moments to complete a stellar comeback performance. <br>
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Ntilikina scored 10 points and registered seven assists, but it was not just the about the numbers he was able to record. Rather it was the way he was able to put his imprint upon the game, as well as on Porzingis to some degree. The young point guard always made sure that the ball ended up in the capable forward's hands, both early and late in the shot clock. Following the lead of the Jarrett Jack, the veteran point guard who also has helped to spearhead the Knicks productive showings as of late. </div>
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[Jack replaced point guard Ramon Sessions three games into the season after three straight losses and has been a steady influence on Ntilikina. The Knicks have won five of six games since the change dating to the Pacers game. They have gone on to win four out of the next seven for an overall record 9-7.]<br>
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Ntilikina and Porzingis were in middle of everything the Knicks did on offense and defense in the most critical moments against the Pacers. It was a joy to behold. Possibly one enough to emote the slightest warmth within the hardened heart of any ardent Knicks supporter. <br>
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To say that this particular game against the Pacers, stuck between two decent stretches of basketball in the infancy of a season which is hopefully the harbinger of promising things to come for what has been a perpetually moribund franchise, is a ton of pressure to heap on the significance of the outcome of a defining performance for two players and one team; but it is. Quite frankly, it appears so. Because a display like this is just what it is: a promise of things to come.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-36053404037402848472017-09-18T10:21:00.002-07:002018-07-12T11:22:32.340-07:00TOP FIVE NBA PLAYERS OF ALL-TIME (POSITION) <div style="text-align: center;">
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<u><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">NBA ALL-TIME TOP FIVE AT EVERY POSITION </span></i></b></u><br />
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<b><u>POINT GUARD</u></b><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Earvin "Magic" Johnson</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Oscar Robertson</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bob Cousy</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">John Stockton</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jason Kidd</li>
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<b><u>SHOOTING GUARD</u></b><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Michael Jordan</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kobe Bryant</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jerry West</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Clyde Drexler</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Reggie Miller</li>
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<b><u>SMALL FORWARD</u></b></div>
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<li>LeBron James</li>
<li>Larry Bird</li>
<li>Kevin Durant</li>
<li>Julius Erving</li>
<li>Scottie Pippen</li>
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<b><u>POWER FORWARD</u></b></div>
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<li>Tim Duncan</li>
<li>Karl Malone</li>
<li>Charles Barkley</li>
<li>Dirk Nowitzki</li>
<li>Kevin Garnett</li>
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<b><u>CENTER</u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bill Russell</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Wilt Chamberlain</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Shaquille O'Neal</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Hakeem Olajuwon</li>
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This obviously is one man's list. Created to satisfy and disturb, placate then upset. The Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus is quoted as stating: "<i>Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.</i>" Consider this to be the latter. </div>
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It was difficult to leave Isiah Thomas off this list. Oscar Robertson is the toughest player to categorize. Quite simply he could easily be in the top five at both backcourt positions. Quite simply he could very well be listed as a top five small-forward as well. The man was that good.</div>
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The center position was another position were one could spend all day and night deliberating as to who goes where. I'd like to see you argue with what Bill Russell did on the collegiate, international, and professional level. </div>
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Only the Michael Jordans and Magic Johnsons of the basketball world and lineage have achieved similar accolades during their distinctive careers.</div>
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Kareem Abdul Jabbar rarely looks up to anyone, literally or figuratively. He may however have to look down, in a show of respect and reverence that is, to Russell, as he was never able to garner an Olympic gold medal in basketball similar to Jordan and Johnson. Abdul-Jabbar chose to boycott the 1968 Olympics which saw the United States win their seventh gold medal in a row in the sport. It is a forgone conclusion to come to the realization that Jabbar would have won the one thing which is now absent from his trophy case. </div>
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These things matter and then they do not. </div>
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I have always contended that Magic Johnson may be the greatest basketball player of all-time, based upon what the game of basketball is. The very nature of it being at its core a team sport. How then could one player who when at his zenith could become all five players on the court at anytime due to his passing as facilitated by stature, awareness, and I.Q. not be considered to be the greatest? </div>
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If Jordan was the index finger marauding as the trigger finger on the firearm of any offensive attack, then Johnson was the hand which held the firearm and pointed it in the proper direction to do the most damage. Johnson also may have had the more difficult task of running an entire team. </div>
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In contrast, Jordan was a cold-blooded assassin with a singular approach who could do it all when necessary. He did what he knew how to do better than anyone else. Especially when it mattered: the playoffs. </div>
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Ultimately it is difficult to choose between the two, at least for me it is, considering how I view the game now after watching it for most of my life. It also is hard for me to choose between the four when you invite Russell and Abdul-Jabbar into the the discussion. In my estimation these four just may be the most accomplished of all-time in NBA and basketball history.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-12800801418277958422017-09-05T19:34:00.003-07:002017-09-05T19:34:47.053-07:00MURDER BY NUMBERSThe UCLA Bruins squeaked by the Texas A&M Aggies 45-44 Sunday night, on this the first weekend of the college football season. Anyone who did not see the game could safely assume that this was a game that came down to the wire based upon the score alone. In a contest which was decided by a point, one could also imagine that the game itself may probably have been a back and forth affair, by either two potent offenses, or two teams that had no interest in playing defense. These are all possibilities.<br />
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However, a lifetime of watching football has taught us that the score, important as it may be to deciding the final outcome, does not always reveal to us exactly how a game transpired. Such is the case with Sunday night's affair between the Bruins and Aggies. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Bruins found themselves in a hole, of the 34-point deficit variety, late in the 3rd quarter. They would rally to win, scoring the game's next five touchdowns for the score that flashed across your screen, as you dozed soundly, already put to bed by the score of 44-10 late in the 3rd quarter.<br />
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There have been games in which teams despite winning the turnover or possession battle (you know those little nuances of the game which generally ensure success) still ended up losing to the team that turned the ball over more than they or did more productive things with their time of possession than the team that actually possessed the ball longer. Although infrequent, it seems to happen all the time. This is why I am never blown away when I see a comeback in football. Football seems to mirror life in a multitude of ways almost too numerous to enumerate here.<br />
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One particular way in which it does seem to parallel the real world is with regards to late starts and procrastination. People delay and procrastinate all the time. Some, it would seem, thrive on it. It's not a formula one would suggest as the way to success, but it does let you allow the notion that when the task at hand is put off, whether directly or indirectly, there may or may not be the chance that the job can still get done. Dependent now upon how compliant the ancillary components of whatever it is that is trying to be achieved is willing. There still is a chance, and a chance is all you need.<br />
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Now back to the Bruins-Aggies game of Sunday night vintage. This particular contest featured another way that a close score, or any score for that matter, could be interpreted. The comeback. A team gets down by a considerable margin to another team only to mount a comeback of extreme proportions often resulting in an epic win soon to become an "instant classic". The term "unanswered points" usually gets bandied about during the broadcast of said event. Enlightening the viewer or tuner of how quickly the tide can turn into an avalanche.<br />
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Earlier this year, fans of the NFL were treated to another "epic" comeback, this time on the greatest of stages, the Super Bowl. You would have to be living under a rock to have no idea about what transpired in that particular contest. Down in similar fashion, with regards to time and score, the New England Patriots overcame a 25-point deficit at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, ultimately emerging victorious and hoisting yet another Lombardi trophy.<br />
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So, it happens. Teams race out to big leads based upon what seems like their opponent's taking to heart the notion of "Murphy's Law". Anything that can and will go wrong does, resulting in huge deficits. However sometimes the football gods are in the business of leveling the playing field and "Murphy's Law", momentum, the tide, or whatever you want to call it decides to change dancing partners. It is then that the outcome which was played out in Super Bowl LI, and most recently this past Sunday night in California, becomes a reality. No one questions how scoring happens when one team gets down and another goes up, but yet questions abound when the team that was down gets up and the team that was up gets down as far as the score is concerned. Life has taught us at times that "things were all good just a week ago." Things change and life changes with it. Same as in sports, same as in football. Professional or collegiate. No one ever says: "Things were all good just a half ago. Just a quarter ago. Heck, just five minutes ago." But they should.<br />
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"This is why you play the game...", or something close to that is what the great broadcaster Chris Berman trained us on when any two opponents collide on any given Sunday, or any given Saturday for that matter. With apologies to Mr. Berman, "...and this is why you play the game until it's over..." should be the other part of that great saying. Expecting a certain outcome before a game commences is one thing. After all, expectation is the mother of disappointment. Is it not? Expecting a certain outcome once a football game starts and begins to develop? Well now, that's just sheer torture. The type of torture that both Bruins and Aggies fans were feeling on Sunday night.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-46598692176907169072017-08-06T22:46:00.001-07:002017-08-06T22:46:36.112-07:00From Worst to First<p dir="ltr">The worst kind of writer that you can be is the type of writer that I have been: one who does not write. So then, how could I call myself a writer?</p>
<p dir="ltr">In elementary school a teacher once shared with the class the notion that "what you are to be, you are now becoming." I did not totally grasp the severity of the situation at that time, but as with most things in life you begin to understand the deeper meaning of words and events through time and experience, and this particular scenario is no different. What I am to be I have now become, a writer who has not written.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well not a writer who has not written entirely, but rather a writer which has not wrote enough. Not nearly enough. And for this I apologize. Not to you who reads this, and certainly not to I who writes this, but to the stories, the articles, and the essays themselves. For not applying the due diligence to research. For not displaying the ability to focus. But most of all, for not taking the time to just write. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So once again I sincerely apologize. Not that you were waiting. My stories were. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I will not make them wait any longer.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>[*Editor's Note: "There will be appearing from the date of this entry </i><i>archived pieces which were intended for release and </i>c<i>onsumption earlier."]</i></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-80648784404088133932017-02-14T21:49:00.002-08:002017-02-17T06:33:55.605-08:00It Was Written...Is this season just a prelude? Is this, the 2016 NBA season, the 71st installment of such, which has now spilled into 2017 calendar year, a prologue of a story which many believe is already written? The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the former the defending champions and the latter the recently reloaded, are the two teams most expect to be the finalists by the time The Finals roll around in June. And with good reason. The two have split the title of NBA Champion between themselves over the last two seasons and have shown no signs of letting up. Most believe the Warriors to currently hold the edge over the Cavaliers as they added a former MVP by the name of Kevin Durant to a team which boasts a two-time MVP of its own in Stephen Curry. The Cavaliers themselves are a well-oiled machine, pulled by the locomotive that is LeBron James, and need to make no argument for why they will be there in the end as well. And although for most, that this season is already a forgone conclusion, barring major injury or act of God, there does not seem to be a palpable pulse beating in either the direction of apathy or intrigue. And it is not as if there should be a definitive feeling either way.<br />
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The 1990s saw the Chicago Bulls win six championships during the decade. The Bulls won back-to-back-to-back titles twice, as those reigns were broken up by some mere mortal's quest to be decent at baseball, ultimately winning their six championships over the span of eight years. The notion that the Bulls would have won eight in a row, while adding Hakeem Olujawon, to the list of Hall of Famers such as Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Gary Payton to succumb at the hands of the aforementioned mortal, stands as plausible. Imagine if the 90s did provide eight consecutive titles crafted by Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson. It would be akin to the Boston Celtics era of dominance in the 1960s provided by the efforts of the incomparable Bill Russell and Red Auerbach. These two dynasties during the height of their powers gave NBA fans at the time the same result over and over, whether they wanted it or not. Whether good or bad for the league, it is what it was. The same way in which it continues to be it is what it is today.<br />
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To say that the state of the NBA as it pertains to winning a championship or two is monopoly-driven endeavor, would be to acknowledge the history of how championships are one and spread out amongst not the entire league on a whole, but to a special select few franchises. Namely those that have been able to field teams which combine great teamwork and coaching with superstar talent and the killer-instincts that accompany said talent. The teams who fall under this distinction are those whom we name readily when it comes time to talk about just who has hoisted a championship banner in their respective arena's rafters. The aforementioned Celtics of the 60s fit the bill. The Los Angeles Lakers and (once again) Celtics teams of the 80s do as well. The previously referred to Bulls of the 90s are revered to the point of worship. The Lakers of the first three years of the new millennium take a backseat to no one. And the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat teams of recent memory give of fresh reminders of just how this thing works. In short, everyone gets invited to the party, but not everyone gets to dance.<br />
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As this season reaches the All-Star break, the fact that this campaign is more than halfway complete is a notion that is not lost amongst both players and fans alike, although both entities may process the thought in entirely different manners. For the player, to know where his team currently stands, and to understand what lies ahead within reason and within expectation; the opportunity to substantiate or create anew the narrative that this season is becoming, his is the perspective of faith and hope. The fans do the same as well, although their approach is one of hope and prayer. For some a hope that we get the championship round we all expect, and for others a prayer that this is not the beginning of a back-to-back-to-back-to back (well you get the idea) and forth between the Cavaliers and Warriors that completely excludes their own teams. You know, the ones that never get invited to dance that last dance.<br />
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The season <i>is</i> a prelude. Although it differs greatly from a book already printed for publishing, words, letters, and characters deeply embedded and unchangeable, an NBA season is quite similar in its structure and presentation. The difference between the two is subtle, yet sublime. The difference? The ink has already dried on the pages of the literary work of art. The ink is <i>still</i> drying on the pages of the annals of NBA history. Already written. Awaiting the drying breaths of air to be drawn and blown from the lips of players on teams that were already written.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-5696073058587512312016-12-18T16:54:00.001-08:002016-12-18T16:56:52.030-08:00AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT: A Voice In Support of A PhilosphyThere are no ethics in the NFL, and why should there be?<br />
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Every NFL team, from the players to the coaching staff to the front office has an obligation to win. At all costs.<br />
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The Seattle Seahawks and their head coach Pete Carroll have recently come under fire, stemming from their decision to fake a punt with less than five minutes to go in the fourth quarter of a game in which they led by three touchdowns. The game, which was played last Thursday night, saw the Seahawks ultimately complete their rout of the Los Angeles Rams 24-3, as the outcome was never in question.<br />
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Another Thursday Night Football game, another blowout.<br />
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At first, there was consideration from this scribe that this maneuver may have seemed a trite bush-league. I mean come on, faking a punt up 21 points! It even sounds funny.* However, "upon further review" it dawned that this is nothing new. More importantly, it may even be something to be lauded, if not appreciated.<br />
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A few seasons ago, 2007 to be exact, during their undefeated, record-setting, record-breaking run to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots under the stewardship of their incomparable head coach Bill Belichick, continually and routinely, almost as if in their sleep, ran the score up on their opponent from week to week. Some of the outcomes were closer than others. The majority being blow-outs on the scoreboard, but the message was clear: This is a professional league. Players get paid to perform. ALL. THE. TIME. There is never a moment to take a play off. There are only so many possessions and plays within those possessions to be treasured with the utmost respect. For at any time, the game, and the momentum it totes so carefully, can shift.<br />
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There have been games in which teams trailing by three touchdowns have overcome such a deficit. The instances are many, albeit far and few between, to provide evidence of such, but rest assured it does occur. Opposing teams have scored three touchdowns in less than two minutes as well; similar to what took place between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers a month ago when both teams traded back-to-back-to back touchdowns, the Cowboys being the one to fall on the right side of the coin in that affair. So the game can change, and the tempo and momentum can increase at any point in time in a game, and it is there which lies the reason as to why teams should never take their foot of the gas, take their foot off the throat, take their foot out the...well, you get the point. So for Carroll to take the friendlier (read: less aggressive) approach with about five minutes left in the game it would be the football equivalent of sacrilege. The football gods are watching. Always watching.<br />
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There are various other instances where the supposedly improbable suddenly became probable. This is why coaches like Belichick and Carroll (who themselves are from the Bill Parcells School of Coaching) do what they do. They are not putting their destiny and fate in the hands of anyone else but their own. They get paid to win, not to make sure that the other team is feeling good about themselves.<br />
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Yes ethics and morals do matter...in all walks of life. Yet, as is the case with most things, there is a time and a place for everything. The football field is not one of them.<br />
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* Not that it was funny, but the punter, Jon Ryan, who faked the punt, after a gain of 26 yards on the play was concussed on the ensuing hit. Imagine that. You fake a punt up 21 points and get your punter knocked out. It provided a measure of hilarity to the whole situation. For the Los Angeles Rams it provided a measure of retribution to the fake.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-27648008470625321482016-12-05T20:51:00.005-08:002017-08-09T08:22:51.007-07:00QUICKCAP: Sacramento Kings vs New York Knicks (12/5/16)<p dir="ltr">The New York Knicks, with balanced scoring from their back-court and front-court, beat the Sacramento Kings 106-98 Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, and have now won eight of the last ten games they have played in front of the hometown crown. They also notched their third victory in a row, and now stand with a record of 11-9 after the first 20 games of the season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Knicks, with leads of 21 points in the first half, and 20 points at the beginning of the third quarter, were able to stave off several runs by the Kings, including a 16-0 run in the same quarter, and never relinquished those leads. The Kings were able to close within a point on several possessions, but were never able to tie the game or take the lead after the Knicks were able to establish control of the game from the second quarter until the final buzzer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Timely baskets by the guards Derrick Rose (20 points) and Brandon Jennings (19 points), as well as Carmelo Anthony (20 points ) and Kristaps Porzingis (15 points), ultimately made the Kings' runs come up short. Although they were threatened at various stages of the game the Knicks never panicked and composed themselves productively on the possessions they needed most; defensively as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This game had the makeup of a blowout due to those 21 and 20 point advantages, and although the Kings made their run, as most NBA teams do, they never quite could get out of the hole that they dug for themselves. Sound familiar? Usually this is the Knicks alibi and prescription for heartbreaking losses of this type. In seasons past, and even at times this year, it usually is the Knicks playing the role of the Kings, falling behind early, only to make a run late, but never quite able to get over the hump themselves. Leading to many a frustrating night, for Knicks fans, and players alike.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thankfully this is a new season and thankfully these are new Knicks. Going into this season, with so many unfamiliar faces added to the roster, it was the sentiment of this scribe that we (as well as the Knicks themselves) would begin to have an idea of this team's identity after about twenty games or so. And, after twenty games, it's safe to say that these Knicks are destined to be much better than their 15 and 30 win counterparts from the last two seasons.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These Knicks <i>should</i> most certainly win 45 games, and <i>could </i>possibly win 50 or better. 15 win improments in 2 to 3 season increments is certainly not astonishing, although it is nothing to blink at, but the notion that these Knicks could be embarking upon something of a special journey, gives rise to the sentiment that they may indeed be worthy of doing some real damage this season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">[Editor's Note: <i>This</i><i> piece originally was intended to appear during </i><i>the</i><i> </i><i>New</i><i> York Knicks 2016-2017 campaign.</i>]</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-60331161895109429552016-11-29T21:40:00.001-08:002016-11-29T21:40:02.581-08:00QUICKCAP: New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards (11/17/16)As per their lighting-quick leader point guard John Wall, the Washington Wizards raced out to an early lead and a barrage of 3-pointers allowed them to extend their lead to 27 points in the 3rd quarter as the home team defeated the visiting New York Knicks 119-112, who like themselves were playing on the second half of a back to back.<div>
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Let's not dwell on this one for too long other than to point out a few positives from a situation which was mostly negative. Back to backs aside, the hope that the Knicks would be able to put on a strong showing on the road after an emotional victory at home the night before were quickly dashed as the Wizards hit three after three and were basically offered valet service for any drive into the Knicks paint as they seemingly scored at will. That being said, even after falling behind by almost 30 points the Knicks did not succumb. </div>
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Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings once again answered the toll scoring 27 and 17 points respectively. They were able to spearhead a comeback of epic proportions, as the Knicks offense blew up for 47 points in the fourth quarter. However they fell short in their quest to tie or take the lead in the final frames of the quarter. </div>
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Give credit to coach Jeff Hornacek for leaving his starters in the contest despite the deficit and the fact that this was their second games in as many nights, if not just to see them get back in contention and to see what different line-ups could provide after the Knicks initial lackluster effort.</div>
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Rose, as mentioned before, put forth a season-high output in points and even caught a powerful two-handed dunk on the break over and around a helpless Wizards defender. </div>
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These may seem like few and inconsequential positives, but in the construction process that is season's version of the Knicks, these positives will suffice in forming their own part of the foundation that they so desperately need.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-9801806640917753642016-11-28T21:16:00.002-08:002017-08-09T08:20:58.456-07:00QUICKCAP: Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks (11/28/16)<p dir="ltr">The Russell Westbrook show, a season-long performance in its early stages, literally hit the big stage tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder played to rave reviews, albeit Off Broadway in the World's Most Famous Arena. The Thunder, along with the uncanny yeoman's effort which Westbrook routinely supplies usually in the form of triple-doubles (as he did tonight), defeated the New York Knicks 112-103. Turning what was an 11-point 1st quarter deficit into a "knock 'em down, drag 'em out" beatdown.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Knicks, as mentioned before, squandered an early lead by allowing Westbrook his usual forays into the paint. Wrecking havoc to the tune of his 8th triple double of the season as he finished with a line of 27 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists, along with contributions from Enes Kanter and Steven Adams, who scored 27 points and 14 points respectively. The Knicks seemingly could not, nor did not want to, provide the effort defensively that was needed to support their offensive output.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The objective to winning in any sport is to outscore your opponent, especially in basketball. This, however, does not mean that in order to be victorious that it is all about scoring points. Defense matters. Keeping your opponent from scoring as much as you do ultimately is the deciding factor between wins and losses. The ancillary components of the game come into play as well in support of the success of teams in the form of taking care of the ball via not turning the ball over. Securing rebounds on the defensive side of the court matter as well. These seemingly minute, but critical, aspects of the game have always played a hand in how any team on any given night will fare against another team. Handle these functions of the game and you will find yourself if not at the very least in contention in most contents. Excel at these functions of the game and you will find your team at the top of the standings, year in and year out. And yet, in the effort to be a more cohesive unit, these are some of the issues that continue to plague Knicks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Seventeen games in, with a record of 8-9, after seemingly finding their way and their identity in propelling themselves to an 8-7 record, the Knicks have now lost two in a row. No the sky is not falling, as the need to panic this early into the season reeks of the desperation which has emanated from the bowels of Madison Square Garden for what feels like the last decade or so (minus lackluster playoff appearances from 2010-2012), but the signs are alarming enough. Are they harbingers of what might finally do in this version of the Knicks? Or is this something that can be corrected by alot of tape? No, not the tape that is used to stabilize joints and limbs, although that would seem helpful as the Knicks looked as disjointed and wobbly as ever on both sides of the floor, but tape as in watching film and figuring out exactly what will be the Knicks approach to defending (pick and rolls especially) and not being out-hustled and out-worked on the defensive glass. Also up for review: What to do offensively in the waning moments of games when possessions are crucial and the conversion of shot attempts can decide a game, whether ahead or behind.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Knicks for now continue to be a work in progress. Pieces of the puzzle to their identity continue to be put into place. Tonight Russell Westbrook and the Thunder knocked most of those pieces out of place.</p>
<p dir="ltr">[Editor's Note: <i>This</i><i> piece originally was intended to appear during </i><i>the</i><i> </i><i>New</i><i> York Knicks 2016-2017 campaign.</i>]</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-34573948837502956472016-11-17T20:09:00.000-08:002016-11-17T20:17:23.363-08:00QUICKCAP: Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks (11/14/16)The New York Knicks bested the Dallas Mavericks Monday night 93-77, upping their sub-.500 record to a count of 4 wins and 6 losses. Ten games into the season it would stand to reason that they are far from near they want to be; hopefully 20 to 30 games into the season this will not be their narrative. Playing another team in recent days devoid of two of its starters, a team who themselves has been putting on a poor display, the Knicks did what they were expected to do, and put a reeling Mavericks team out of its misery.<br />
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After an ugly start by a seemingly disinterested first team, the Knicks looked to their second unit to bail them out of an ugly first quarter in which they shot poorly from the field and seemed to resume the same porous defense that has been their calling card in their previous two losses. To be fair, both teams seemed hard-pressed to even be able to hit the side of a barn on most of their attempts, initially turning the game into a barely watchable contest as both teams aimed to find cohesion.<br />
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The second-half turned into a much better deal for the Knicks, with contributions from the unlikeliest of sources. Such as shooting-guard Justin Holiday, who continues to show flashes on both ends of the court and is making it difficult for coach Jeff Hornacek to keep him on the bench. Holiday started the second-half, and the length and energy which he provided helped to add another dimension to the usual contributions from Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.<br />
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An ugly win it may have been from an aesthetic point of view, however a loss under the aforementioned terms would have painted a much uglier picture than the one the Knicks are currently attempting to create of themselves. We will just have to see if this is the beginning of their version of a masterpiece.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-61312569785226107692016-11-12T20:40:00.001-08:002017-08-09T17:46:12.777-07:00QUICKCAP: New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors (11/12/16)<p dir="ltr">The Toronto Raptors beat the New York Knicks 118-107 tonight, and although the game was played north of the border, leagues away from the southern regions of this great country, the New York Knicks still found a way to pay a repeat visit to ATL. ATL in this case being: another tough loss.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once again they played hard, and maybe even a bit smarter than the way they did last night in Boston, however they found themselves still falling victim to the same deficiencies that have been ailing them so far in the infancy of this season. Most notably on the defensive side of the basketball court.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yes it is still early. Very early. And time will only tell if the trends which have made themselves visible so early on will be prevalent throughout the season. However the way that the Knicks have been playing defensively is a bit alarming. Numbers can be analyzed as much as possible to reflect the Knicks ineptitude in the defensive department, but in this case they eye-test is probably the one in which they are failing the most. To see them allow teams to come and go as the please is to know that a step-up in that area is direly needed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Picking up on the notion that every quality team in the NBA has an identity and that teams on the cusp of being quality teams have to find their identity, standing at a record of 3-6, no where near being into the quarter or mid-point of the season, one expects that the Knicks should be closer to that realization 25 to 40 games into the season. Will they be a quality team just on paper or will they be a quality team on the floor as well? Once again, time will tell. Until then a stop or two on the defensive end with the game in the balance won't hurt. In fact, it will help.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-57383425184512732142016-11-12T09:06:00.001-08:002016-11-12T19:53:43.004-08:00QUICKCAP: New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics (11/11/16)<div dir="ltr">
The New York Knicks let a prime opportunity to beat the Boston Celtics get away from them last night succumbing 115-87. Despite playing in front of a hostile crowd at TD Garden, but with the added bonus of the Celtics being short two regulars in Al Horford and Jae Crowder, they most certainly could have won. </div>
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The game itself was officiated in a subpar and inconsistent manner, however the Knicks did not lose because of that. Carmelo Anthony being ejected toward the late minutes of the 3rd quarter did not help either, but even after his dismissal from the contest the Knicks still had a chance. </div>
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The deciding factor was the Celtics grit and toughness. They controlled the game from start to finish. The Knicks out-rebounded the Celtics on the offensive glass quite decidedly, but turnovers negated those advantages. The Celtics just wanted it more and it showed; and this is not to say that the Knicks did not play hard because they did, they just weren't smart enough at times.</div>
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You have to take care of the ball! The Celtics make you work hard for everything and you can't make it easy for them by giving them extra possessions. Charles Barkley on TNT Thursday night said it best: "The good teams in the NBA have an identity." The Celtics without a doubt have theirs, the Knicks on the other hand are still searching for their own. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-50590125802369633832016-08-30T19:07:00.000-07:002016-09-01T14:46:31.089-07:00Opportunity Knocks<div dir="ltr">
Sitting at exactly 130 games played, and with 67 of those games recorded as victories, the New York Yankees continue to find themselves embroiled in contention for a post-season berth. Thirty games or more prior, this scribe detailed exactly what it might take for these damned Yankees to do just that: contend for the post-season. Well with 32 games left to play, seemingly a game a day for the rest of this month and all of the next, the Yankees can put themselves in position to do something that would be as amazing as the feat they achieved back in 1978, albeit under less strenuous factors and a wholly different landscape considering how teams make the playoffs in this day and age of baseball, a wild-card or two notwithstanding.</div>
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Most have already given the Yankees no shot at making the post-season. And most, to this point, are seemingly correct in their position, for the Yankees have given no indication that they will indeed make it in...to this point. Were the season to end to today they would obviously be correct. And, when the season ends and the Yankees do not make it in they would be correct then too as well. And therein lies the issue. To think and believe they will not make the playoffs is right, however stating that sentiment now is wrong. The season though, does not end today. It still allows though, for the proverbial hot streak. And here we go.</div>
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For any to pronounce the Yankees as D.O.A. they may be permitted to do so. The fat lady is already humming, and she may not even need to raise her voice any louder in order to do the job. This is all well and good, but consider this at your own peril, or the peril of the Yankees as it were. The circumstances of the 1978 season are in stark contrast to what these Yankees face. Yet, the hill is just as steep. Yet, all a player ever asked for is the opportunity to play another day. And this is what the Yankees have currently, the opportunity to play another day. Hoping for the opportunity to have the opportunity to play another day. For all that they have not done, it still cannot be counted out. For others, not just that 1978 team, have achieved such a feat. Baseball is the ultimate game of averages, is it not? Then let it play out and see what these last 32 games have to offer. The offer of an above average month of productive, winning baseball. The offer of a hot streak. The offer of opportunity. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-73661004620772849562016-07-19T14:40:00.001-07:002016-07-21T14:34:44.878-07:0070 Chances: To Be or Not To Be<p dir="ltr">The <u>second</u> game of a four game set versus the Baltimore Orioles, being played tonight, finds the New York Yankees smack dab in the middle of mediocrity. At 46-46, after competing (not sure if you could really call it that) in 92 games of a 162 game season, the Yankees find themselves with 70 games left with which to really finally get, not just their heads out of water, but their whole selves entirely, after being submerged for much of this season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Last season the Yankees garnered a spot in the playoffs (although some would say a spot in the play-ins) by winning 87 games; enough to qualify for the 2nd wild-card. They subsequently lost to the Houston Astros, but the fact that they had given themselves a chance, albeit miniscule to compete for a title, is something that was not lost to this scribe. Getting in, if even for a little bit, is way better than getting left out. For so many reasons. If those need to be explained to you, then you haven't really been paying attention to that which you have been observing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">More importantly there is a question to be answered. Rather, a few. The main one being do the Yankees give up on a season which has given its fans more ups and downs than the see-saw at the local neighborhood park? (Ugh, I'm getting sick already!) Do they turn the individual attractive pieces of a team which has not performed well collectively into assets for future campaigns, or do the they stay the course and see if those individual pieces turn into more of a collective whole? Although there is no reason to believe so as evidence has not been provided to this point to give assurances to those notions. No matter, it must be stated that in many situations in life, especially in the world of sports that it takes a while for things to change, and then it doesn't. Things and situations that are seemingly dour and morose forever, sometimes suddenly right themselves and become the opposite of what they were to begin with. (Once again, should you feel the need to have this explained or examples pointed out, you truly have not been paying attention to the sport you have been watching or much less the world you are living in).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Such could be the case for the Yankees.<br>
Could such a case be <i>these</i> Yankees? It could. If the Yankees were to win 20 or more games than they lost of the next 70 for a record of say 45-25. They would finish the season with 91 wins. (Four more than last year, mind you.) And potentially make the playoffs depending upon how the landscape of baseball, as it hits its home strectch, around them forms. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Is this a 91 win team? Who knows? Will the Yankees win more than they lose over these last 70 games? Who knows? <br>
This is a question asked of the front-office, to be answered by it's players. They may not know it yet, but rest assured we will when they do.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-51924124861266075322016-04-13T14:37:00.001-07:002016-04-13T14:54:10.251-07:00Warriors! Come Out to Play!<p dir="ltr">If you are a Golden State Warriors fan, tonight you sit upon the precipice of greatness; all with baited breath, mind you. This season, for all intents and purposes, has been a referendum on the almost incomparable greatness of the Warriors; namely their roster, their chemistry, their spirit, and most importantly their philosophy. A season  in which they have raced themselves at a torrid pace, some would say in an effort to dispel innuendo, speculation, and conjecture regarding the legitimacy of the championship they so now are fervently defending, has led to this penultimate moment: the chance to surpass the '95-'96 Chicago Bulls all-time single regular season total for victories of 72, with the 73 of their own.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at stake for the Warriors fan is their opportunity to defend two titles. One being Steph Curry's personal mantelpiece hardware, the MVP award for a season which made him look as if he wasn't even giving it his all last season (another way of saying a player of his caliber being able to find yet another ceiling to reach for). And the second but most important of all, the one which really matters and will make all the dynamic things that Warriors have done, singularly and collectively, pale in comparison, would be to win the Larry O'Brien trophy. Again.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Will all three baskets get filled for the Warriors fan? Without a doubt the MVP will be handed to Curry, quite possibly unanimously. So that's a given. And that same fan would most certainly place their money on the Warriors in tonight's potentially record-breaking contest vs the Memphis Grizzlies, a team who by the way to date had employed 28 different starting lineups (the most in the NBA this season) because well, they have employed 28 different starting lineups. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Once again, the kicker, for said fan, would be the ability if all three things come to fruition to enjoy the type of season that the '95-'96 Bulls fan enjoyed. Your best player (in this case Michael Jordan) winning MVP, your team setting the all-time record for victories  (72), and your team winning it all to punctuate the whole deal. </p>
<p dir="ltr">If this is to be the outcome and the Warriors cement their legacy it goes without mentioning that their fans will be euphoric to no end. It is now we will see if it is all meant to be. And it starts tonight.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0East Bronx, Bronx40.845226 -73.85367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-67795211902719671902016-04-12T14:52:00.001-07:002016-04-13T14:50:01.787-07:00One Rule To Rule Them All<p dir="ltr">When it comes to certain things in life and the approach with respect to how those things are formulated, there is usually one rule. And whatever it is, that rule, once agreed up, supercedes all other rules below it. Everything delineates from that point forward. Take the science of math for instance. Within this science are hard and fastened rules from which all answers and outcomes flow. We know that when you add a negative to a positive you get a negative. Or that  prime numbers are... These are the rules and they govern the empirical process for how things get answered, discovered, or for this particular case, built.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Dallas Cowboys are facing one such conundrum in the form of a top-five pick (#4 to be exact) in this year's incarnation of the NFL Draft. A team with the potential to compete for the ultimate crown next season, but beset with a myriad of holes to fill in order to make that novelty a reality, the Cowboys are in dire need of creating that one rule for themselves which will supercede all, as they approach the best way to check-off everything on their shopping list.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Should they draft the quarterback they so desperately need as evidenced by last season's debacle? Should they go after the sexy speed rusher at the DE position that has long been a need since they let loose Demarcus Ware a few seasons ago to free-agency as a cap casualty? Or do they address a porous secondary by grabbing a dynamic cover man to A)-Finally get the DB they so desperately need and B)-Possibly select just the best overall talent available in the draft, and at that #4 pick (providing that they do hold onto their current position). Option B obviously serving as the final rule on the list: Drafting the best talent period.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Looking at each scenario based upon each rule for that scenario can and will yield something interesting, no matter the approach. If they decide to go after a quarterback they will choose whomever they feel is the best (or best available) and look for their DE, DB, and WR or RB (they need one of those too) with their subsequent picks. If they decide that an edge rusher is the more pressing concern for the success of defensive-coordinator's Rod Marinelli's defense then they will start there and find their QB and WR later on as well. And finally, if they decide to go with the best player, regardless of need or position, then that is what they will do and the remaining selections which the Cowboys front office will make at that point in time will be evidence of them going in that particular direction, fundamentally speaking. In fact with each approach by the rule that is being adhered to, the evidence of those picks will become to make obvious just which rule the Dallas Cowboys believed in at that time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So, if Joey Bosa is called you know which rule is in place. If Carson Wentz or Jared Goff are called we know which rule is being employed. And if a player like Jalen Ramsey is selected , a talent which can take care of a few needs in one (best player/DB), then it becomes evident once more just which way the 'Boys are headed. And that is hopefully to the top.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0East Bronx, Bronx40.845226 -73.85367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-63218860207777850942016-02-23T22:32:00.000-08:002016-02-23T22:33:24.056-08:00WHERE WE AREThe beauty of where you <i>are </i>is the ability to look back and see where you <i>were</i>. Only two seasons ago the Cowboys were one Dez Bryant catch away from possibly going to the Super Bowl. One season later they decided against bringing back one-third of their formidable trio of Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, and Bryant when they chose not to re-sign the aforementioned Murray. A decision which may or may not have come back to haunt them in the form of Romo's left shoulder injury suffered in Week 2, on a play which could have involved the sorely missed running back by the possibility of Murray making a block on the defender who subsequently injured Romo, after a botched blocking assignment by Murray's replacement Joseph Randle, or even the remote possibility that if Murray was there that day that they Cowboys call a running play for him, thus avoiding the Romo injury altogether, and although this is pure speculation and conjecture, it still stands as a possible outcome had Murray still been there.<br />
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However everything happens for a reason, and the reason stands in this case that although last year may have seemingly been a lost season (for various reasons as previously discussed), it may have provided the answer for the problem that last season created (and for the forseeable future): the need for a quality, starting-caliber quarterback. Romo's absence and his understudies own version of absence, even while competing on the field, point to a glaring weakness which can be strengthened immediately in this spring's NFL Draft. Whether it be any of the two outstanding prospects currently seated at the top tier of the NFL wish list for teams without quarterbacks, Jared Goff or Carson Wentz, the Cowboys must seriously consider taking one of the two with the pick they currently own at the fourth spot.<br />
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Considering their abysmal 1-11 record during Romo's absence, defense and special teams notwithstanding, this was the season of the absent and missed quarterback for the Cowboys. That said, the Cowboys ought not be absent of mind and miss out on the opportunity to draft their next Roger Staubach or Troy Aikman. Heck even, their next Tony Romo. Romo like his idol Favre, could tutor another Cal stud in Goff, similar to the way Favre did for Aaron Rodgers, and we all know how that worked out. The Cowboys owe it to themselves to get the most important position on the field filled. A position which showed and proved to them to be the flash-point for everything they did (and did not do) last season. If the Cowboys are looking forward to something in this year's draft, they need only to look backward at last season.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-60483229073130764562016-02-11T21:47:00.001-08:002016-02-11T21:48:29.064-08:00DIRK DID DALLAS<div dir="ltr">
A bit disappointed about the recent remarks expressed by the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the topic of Dirk Nowitzki's career. Abdul-Jabbar went on record the other night at a function at George Mason University when asked if there was another NBA player who may have had a shot in their repertoire as indefensible as the sky-hook shot that he employed on his way to establishing himself as the greatest scorer in NBA history, and possibly the most accomplished basketball player of all-time on every level (high school and college included, although Bill Russell could make an argument). "You asked about Dirk Nowitzki," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Dirk Nowitzki's shot is very hard to block, but I don't think that he was able to have a dominant career because he couldn't do other things. If he could have shot like that and rebounded and played defense and blocked shots, then he would have been all-around, and he would have gotten more credit. He was like a one-trick pony."</div>
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It seems Abdul-Jabbar gave a response which included more than assessment of Nowitzki's difficult to defend shot, his patented one-legged fadeaway, which a reporter suggested in comparison to Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook. And that's okay. If you know anything about the man who has owned two names throughout one lifetime, distinguished in their own right to the point they hold their own weight respectively, Alcindor and Jabbar, then you are not shocked by this comprehensive reply, but rather his opinion of a player who many consider as one of the greatest of all time. A player who in my estimation was the greatest mismatch in the Association anytime he stepped on the court. It's not that I have a problem with Abdul-Jabbar critiquing Nowitzki's game, and taking it to task for that matter. Rather it is the notion that he seems to not appreciate the approach that the 2nd greatest international player (behind Tim Duncan) and the greatest European player of all time (behind no one) took to land just five spots behind him on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Nowitzki admittedly offers that he could never compare, and for that matter, should never be compared to the player most consider to be the greatest player of all time.</div>
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But that is not what this is about, as far as Abdul-Jabbar's criticism in concerned. Nor is it about the court of public opinion possibly misconstruing or taking out of context exactly what Abdul-Jabbar's comments where intended to incite, whether positive or negative, whether truthful or untrue, and whether fair or unfair. This is to clarify the distinction between a "one trick pony" and the man who holds claim to all the accolades mentioned in support of his stellar career. Never forget that Nowitzki was often the focal point on many a 50-win Dallas Mavericks team, throughout his 17 year NBA career. Ok, check that, he has <i>always</i> been his team's focal point during his heyday (which seemingly appears to be ending more painlessly than Kobe Bryant's 19 year career), especially when Steve Nash took his budding MVP-type talents to Phoenix. He led his Mavericks to a championship in 2011 over the Miami Heat, besting the newly minted "Big Three" triumvirate of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, a team who many a team lay prostrate before until their defeat at the hands of Nowitzki, and his own "Big Three", Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, and Jason Terry. They may have been more like the posse of The Three Musketeers with a D'Artagnan of their own to lead the way, but they knew how to get the ball in his hands of Nowitzki in Game 4 of those same 2011 NBA Finals, when he led them to a series-tying victory that led the Mavericks out of the jaws of a 3-1 deficit they surely would have found difficult to surmount. Clutch would not begin to describe the assortment of highlights in this man's canon.</div>
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Dirk Nowitzki deserves better than to be mentioned as the one trick pony that most who follow the NBA would find misleading a moniker. He may not have been as multi-dimensional as the person who called him that or even some others whom he looms above on the career-scoring list. Lesser players have been called worse, and they should, however, this is not a statement that should be associated with this player, much less his body of work.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-72066436778211746192016-02-11T20:07:00.007-08:002016-02-11T20:16:11.640-08:00THINGS WE LEARNED FROM SUPER BOWL 50: Peyton's Place<div dir="ltr">
Leading up to Super Bowl 50, there was an innocuous stat which related something to the fact that the team wearing the white version of their uniform had won an alarming percentage of the games versus the team wearing colored uniforms in the last dozen or so Super Bowls. There also was the awareness that if Peyton Manning won this championship battle against the mighty Carolina Panthers he would then have the right to claim the sole spot at the top of the heap as the quarterback with the most wins of all time. An even 200 on the left side of the ledger. The ultimate referendum for his case as arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. Oh, and by the way, he would also be the first quarterback, ever, to win a Super Bowl for two different teams. It's not that those things mattered. It's just that they were some things to consider, heading into the big game.</div>
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Kobe Bryant had a throwback game for the ages the other night, scoring a game high 38, at the feeble age of 38, to lead his Los Angeles Lakers to a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He, like Manning, is approaching almost two decades playing the respective sport in which they have dominated. He, like Manning, is on the precipice of calling it a career, with Manning yet to officially sign-off on the notion the he is all but washed up. It brought to mind a certain sentiment entering Super Bowl 50. Could Manning, at the geriatric age of 39, win one for his own personal Gipper? Could he dig in deep to that bag of tools and find the right piece for the job one more time for one more game? Could we see a rendition of a renaissance similar to the one Bryant had drawn only days earlier? The odds seemed unlikely, and judging by the sub-200 yards of total offense that the Denver Broncos generated (the lowest ever for a Super Bowl winning team mind you) for the entire game, that moment most certainly never came to pass. </div>
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It didn't need to. And most importantly it didn't have to. Manning has spent the better part of his career being the focal point of his team's attack. Even in Indianapolis, during the heyday of the Colt's version of the Dallas Cowboys Triplets, it was he who took the brunt of the blame when a team he had once again positioned to get into the playoffs faltered, whether by his efforts or lack thereof. Throughout his career he was the quarterback every scout, coach, and fan knew he could and would be coming out of the University of Tennessee: the ultimate franchise quarterback. The guy who could win three or four games in a season on his own, for the same team he was guiding perennially to ten-plus wins in a season every year, when it was just part of the expectations that were placed upon him. His naysayers would always mention that he could not even compare to his brother Eli, because he had won two Super Bowls with the Giants. Now that Peyton has won two Super Bowls, for two different teams and won 200 games, the first quarterback ever to hold this distinction (he can now cross those two things off of his NFL bucket list), there is no way (as of right now) that you can compare baby brother to big bro. This was never Eli's cross to bear, rather it was Peyton's really. It became his reality. Every season. And, most often, he would fulfill those expectations. Not that this is a referendum on the <i>middlingness</i> of one Eli Manning, although he has won two Super Bowls he has also anchored teams that have missed the playoffs entirely in multiple seasons. A disparaging remark which could never be made about Peyton (at least when he was healthy). Much is made about the futile efforts of Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills in their four forays into the "big game." However, not enough credit and appreciation is given for the sustained success of taking care of business in the regular season, and giving one's team a shot at contending for a title almost every year of one's career. This, as of now, is the definition of the difference between Peyton Manning and Eli Manning's respective careers. But this is not that time, nor that place...</div>
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So then, it was not necessary for Peyton to have a stellar game. The type of game that he's produced before. He has had those types of games before and still his teams would let him down. This victory in Super Bowl 50, which may have brought an end to this particular part of his career arc, would prove, just as the pitcher who pitches great and loses, or better yet, pitches poorly and wins, that which we all knew. That he has justly deserved a 2nd Super Bowl win for some time now. So it was that he relied on the strength of this 2015 version of the Denver Broncos. A team who, just two Super Bowls ago, fell prey to the type of defense they employed against the Panthers on Sunday night. The type of defense that makes you feel their hits. Years, even eras, later.</div>
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Another general sentiment amongst this scribe leading up to this game was the possibility that this current version of Orange Crush could be one for the ages. Would we be talking about them in the same manner that we do championship winning defenses like the 1985 Chicago Bears or the 2000 Baltimore Ravens? Judging by the expression on the up-till-that-point seemingly invincible Cam Newton's face it was definitely a defense for the ages. One of the Panthers players, okay it was Brandon Marshall, was overheard in winning locker room after the game saying something to the effect of how proud he was to play for the team that had the "best defense ever" to win a Super Bowl, with a face so serious Mike Singletary might have blinked. And for a moment the statement deserved some serious consideration. Yes, they may not be the '85 Bears, or even the '00 Ravens for the matter, but who they are are the 2016 Super Bowl champion Broncos, a team with a defense who's arguably had to deal with the most complex and explosive offenses the NFL has seen to date. And that is not even including the team that they recently defeated in the Panthers, who, although they may have been the highest scoring team in the NFL, with the greatest point differential; admittedly the benefactor of a solid defense and special teams who did much to aid the offense through scores off turnovers and favorable field position for the offense to capitalize upon, but rather the victories over the vanquished potent attacks of offenses led by the multiple-championship winning talents of Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady in their run through the playoffs just to have the opportunity to play in the big game and do all that has been described. So yes, in an era where quarterbacks and offenses are having their way week in week out during the course of an NFL season, we may just have to consider their place in the pantheon of all-time greatest defenses.</div>
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Peyton's got his place, and the 2016 Bronco's defense does too. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0East Bronx, Bronx, NY, USA40.892892772600888 -73.84653664659708740.868885772600891 -73.886877146597087 40.916899772600885 -73.806196146597088tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-14713957681735051872016-02-01T05:25:00.001-08:002016-02-01T21:15:28.631-08:00Treading Warriors <p dir="ltr">Sunday night's blase mid-season contest between the walking in place New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors, who play at pace which no one would confuse with the word slow, a seemingly innocuous pummeling by the team on the left (coast that is) to the team on the right, is continuing to provide on a nightly basis evidence for which, just how much the mercury needs to travel in the opposite direction for teams competing (and much less hoping to compete) with the championship-defending Warriors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On their way to another of the routine patented "plus-fifteen" beatings they've been handing to the rest of The Association (Yes San Antonio Spurs that includes you, Tim Duncan or not), a 116-95 systematic dismantling of the recently revamped Knicks machine of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and company, a mundane 1st quarter, was followed up by the kind of quarter you would expect from a team which has taught us to forget about the kinds of things you should expect, at least when it comes to a basketball team. The Warriors converted 14 of the 17 field goals they attempted, for a whopping 82% for the quarter. They attempted four 3-point shots, and were flawless in that area as well as they missed not one. The only area of the court in which they had a minor hiccup with during that period was the charity stripe as they went 5-7, for a modest 71%. Maybe the most telling stat of the quarter would probably have to be Stephen Curry "only" playing seven minutes, with the Warriors relying on the four-headed monster of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston, and Harrison Barnes for the bulk of the minutes. Just for thought: Usually a team's "one-two punch" are it's leading two scorers, however the Warriors third scorer may actually be the "two" in the aforementioned punch. A luxury no championship-level team that I can think of in recent memory employs. Numbers and percentages don't tell you the whole story when it comes to this team. They really do not.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The question was asked of Knicks head coach Derek Fisher immediately following the game during the press conference held in the bowels of the World Greatest Arena, an arena whose world's greatest fans had just witnessed the world's greatest team, how a game like this one highlights their need for a second scorer. "Tonight [as opposed to other nights?]" or something to that degree was the reply. A thinly-veiled incredulous response to a reporter's misguided query to a game he obviously may not have really been paying  attention to. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And it happens; to the best of us even. You witness this efficient of an offensive machine every bit as productive as the greatest teams of all time: the 1927 Yankees, the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s, and you begin to forget the fuel which creates the fire currently burning up the hardwood at an arena near you. Defense. This was not a game that was going to be decided upon whether Anthony would find help from another source, whether expected or unexpected. Rather, and Fisher painfully knows this is the reason, it was a game decided by which team would play the better defense, generally speaking the recipe for success in the NBA and in most sports for that matter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And don't get it fooled. Despite the ability to put up iconic second quarter numbers the Warriors know how to defend. On a championship level. But more importantly. As it pertains to a team such as the Golden State Warriors, their adversary better have the wherewithal to sum up the funds to pay for the kind(s) of defense it takes to stop this team. For they come at you in waves. Yes, basketball is a game of runs, which, are waves in and of itself. The kind of waves that come at you when you play the Warriors however are the waves of a different sort. They are the type of waves a team, any team, much less a team like the Knicks, who are still finding their way, drown in. The Association could use a lifeboat right about now. Alot of arenas are underwater.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0East Bronx, Bronx40.845226 -73.85367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-73008720992046158272014-08-28T20:15:00.001-07:002014-08-28T20:39:05.608-07:00NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER!<div class="p1">
Recently, New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert expressed his optimism about the triangle offense which will become the Knicks new offensive system in the upcoming season. Recent hires, president of basketball operations Phil Jackson (it feels so weird, yet so cool at the same time to say that) and coach Derek Fisher are expected to employ the tenets of the triangle offense to a Knicks team that ran an isolation-heavy offense last year, and Shumpert expects to provide a different measure of production this year. Shumpert believes that he, as well as other members of the Knicks roster, will be able to contribute a bit more, and showcase the skills that one cannot show when he is asked to be one-dimensional and rather predictable. And he's right. The triangle should allow him to put the ball on the floor more, cut and drive, and more importantly move without the basketball into positions that should allow him to be put into more effective spots on the basketball court, as opposed to the singular approach to the game he was required to execute as he watched Carmelo Anthony or J.R. Smith dribble the clock down before deciding to shoot or pass to "the corner"for the conventional baseline three. </div>
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Not that he was not adept at the shot (which he was), but Shumpert can provide so much more. A solid to spectacular on-ball defender, he has showed flashes of brilliance on the offensive end from time to time since he was drafted unceremoniously by the great Donnie Walsh, the general manager at the time for the Knicks, who has always had an eye for talent. He has come up big before in games that matter. Game 6 of the 2013 playoffs comes to mind. Although the Knicks would lose an elimination game to a much more determined Indiana Pacers squad, Shumpert would provide the only shot-making help for Anthony on that night, scoring 19 points, hitting 5 threes on the night during critical junctures in the game. As mentioned, even though the Knicks lost he showed glimpses of the player that he can become when given the opportunity and the confidence. The recently departed Mike Woodson,as good a coach as he could be for the Knicks last season, actually may have undermined Shumpert in both departments allowing for his lack of opportunity by running the offense that he did, and by his constant line-up juggling, due to injury at times, but mainly because he may or may not have trusted Shumpert completely (which ultimately led to Shumpert's lack of confidence in his role on the team). Granted Shumpert is now two years removed from an ACL injury which usually requires two years before a player mentally can trust the newly sound joints, so some of the responsibility may not rest squarely a Woodson's feet.</div>
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All of this said, can Iman Shumpert actually (and finally) have the breakout year that Knicks fans have expected of him since it became apparent that not only is a great defender, but a dynamic athlete,with a propensity for tough shot-taking and tough shot-making as well? Could the triangle offense, combined with the new-found confidence in his body and his role under the stewardship of coach Derek Fisher (who I might add himself was a great on-ball defender and clutch shooter) lead to a stellar campaign for Shumpert and the Knicks? There is only one way to find out, as this upcoming season holds all the answers.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107516060262733718.post-63190602491446965202014-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:002014-06-23T15:43:46.218-07:00It Was All Good Just A Year Ago...<div dir="ltr">
When Glen Grunwald was unceremoniously relieved of his duties as general manager of the New York Knicks prior to the recently concluded 2013-2014 NBA season it signaled an end to the brief period of composure and consistency, hardly synonymous with Madison Square Garden, which had begun to permeate throughout the organization up until that point. The move came and went, largely unannounced by NBA insiders and hardly recognized by casual observers, but it would serve as a harbinger for the Knicks disastrous 2013-2014 campaign, signaling to the aforementioned observers of the Knicks, and the NBA at large, that all was still not well at Madison Square Garden. James Dolan was still in charge.</div>
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Fast-forward to the present. Derek Fisher, the former Los Angeles Laker (amongst other teams he has played for), has been recently installed as the head coach of the Knicks. The third hire of such a kind in the last three years, he has been on the job for all of less than two weeks. It has taken him less time than that to assess the situation at hand as it pertains to the current roster he has been given, as well as Carmelo Anthony's impending free agency. [As of this writing reports are that Anthony has indeed been true to his word of opting of his current Knicks deal (as is his right) a few hours early of the intended June 24th date he had given the media and Knicks front office.]</div>
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Fisher believes his team can win, and now. And why not? This is a Knicks team that won 54 games just a season before this season's 37 win debacle. Plagued by injuries to key players, player suspensions, and general dissent and apathy amongst the troops, the Knicks did their best to underwhelm the same city they had overwhelmed last year with thoughts of a title pursuit. So which team really is the Knicks team? That's hard to say depending on who you ask. If you ask Fisher he will say yes. </div>
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Contingent and dependent upon the place where Anthony will sign in free-agency, a lion's share of what Fisher believes is tied into the fate that is the destination of that signature. A player of Anthony's stature is considered to be the building block of any organization. A team with championship aspirations would be fortunate to have him on their roster. Fisher knows this. He also knows that Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, Andrea Bargnani, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Raymond Felton (yes even Felton) are all better than the record they produced last year. Yes it true that you are what you record says you are. The great Bill Parcells was unwavering on that issue. The Knicks are the team that produced 37 wins last year. At the same time they know that they are also the team that won way more than that the year before; the year in which there was as much stability and veteran leadership as there was talent and athleticism. That year there was a veteran point guard who helped to spearhead a great start to that 54 win season. A veteran point guard turned coach who was able to turn around a moribund New York City-area basketball team the same way that the Knicks hope their veteran point guard coach can do for <i>their</i> New York City-area basketball team. </div>
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Jason Kidd was that player and that coach and now Derek Fisher finds himself in the same position. Fisher feels that he will have the same impact on this roster that Kidd had on the Knicks a season ago and with the Nets this season, and who's to doubt him? He knows what impact good communication, a respect for authority, and a willingness to buy into the same ideals as a team will bring. He has seen it. He has been it. Regardless of whether or not Carmelo Anthony re-signs with the Knicks Fisher knows and believes that this is a roster built to win when it is clicking on all cylinders. Now that he has been handed the keys, let's just see what a little body work and under-the-hood repairs will accomplish. You don't need two weeks, let alone a year, to figure that out.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995561251457541410noreply@blogger.com0Bronx, NY 10466, USA40.8887394 -73.84778740000001640.8647324 -73.888127900000015 40.912746399999996 -73.807446900000016