OJ Mayo and Phat Stacks

Unfortunately, this is the crap that goes on when the NBA won’t let kids go straight to the league and NCAA happily accepts the one-and-done crowd.

Southern California is also being penalized two scholarships because of dismal academic performance in basketball. Nice job by Tim Floyd; who would have ever expected that OJ Mayo would do something like that?

Though, I really don’t blame OJ as much in this as Ron Guillory. OJ was just doing what a lot of very talented kids do when they become accustomed to getting plane tickets and clothes and shoes from AAU programs, which are funded by the shoe companies anyway. Are we really going to expect kids who grew up with nothing to know the difference? (It’s OK to take from this guy, but bad to take from that guy? (Come on.)

Everybody in basketball knows the game. You give kids enough so that they are reeled in by guys like Guillory, who will deliver them to the agents when they turn pro. For the most part, college coaches aren’t even part of the equation. What’s Tim Floyd supposed to do? Say no? Tell the kid he can’t come play at USC?

The amazing part of this story is how f’n greedy and arrogant Guillory is. First of all, Bill Duffy has to cut off the money supply because he spent too much, which is hilarious. Then, he supposedly gets around $250K but only spends about $30k of it on OJ. Then, when he decides he can’t split the money with this other dude, he obviously thinks the dude is going to just go away silently. Big, big mistake.

Rams Football in 2008

The St. Louis Rams were known as the Greatest Show on Turf from 1999-2001 (and 2003), but after the debacle that the Rams have converted into, I’ve begun to believe that the new name of the team should be called the Most Myriad Injuries on Turf, the MMIOT (sounds like the abbreviation of a massive multiplayer RPG). Bulger hasn’t been able to stay healthy because the offensive line hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and with the said offensive line not being able to stay healthy, the backups have had to come in and serve as an aid the past few years, and even THEN they weren’t able to stay healthy. Orlando Pace, one of the league’s all time greatest tackles, was lost for the season in 2007 after he was injured during the second series of week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. I knew then that the season would be strenuously horrid. Still yet, Bulger played terrible football, and to rectify those woes, a cohesive unit needs to concoct between him and the rest of the offense.

Watching Marc Bulger fall to injuries, posting his worst season as a professional. Watching the line deplete more and more. Watching Steven Jackson not be able to play well, and himself fall to injury, as the line collapsed almost as soon as he received footballs from hand offs, having nowhere to run except backwards. Watching Drew Bennett underachieve all year with a nagging hamstring injury. Watching Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce be the only guys who were able to make plays, even though they didn’t have too many chances due to Gus Frerotte being manhandled in the backfield. Speaking of Frerotte, watching him drop a snap on the one yard line against Seattle ranks somewhere in the top 25 as one of my most personal disheartening moments of the 2007 NFL season. Watching the defense play better than anybody expected, with the offense playing like a load of crap (which is the opposite of what I expected). All of those factors — ALL OF ‘EM — killed me and every other Rams fan in the world.

But it’s a new year, and Marc Bulger has been said to be more mentally prepared than any player on the Rams’ roster right now. Studying, staying focused, understanding the game even more (exploits that he didn’t know before), and most of all that’s expected of him, a playmaking QB ability to deliver the ball at all costs. He’s healthy and ready to return to the field in August and September, but the question still lingers: Can Bulger and his five offensive line cohorts stay healthy enough so that he doesn’t fall on his ass on 95 percent of the plays in one game? That question’s going to be up for debate until the start of the season.

But the Rams’ O-Line is making changes. Orlando Pace is at full strength, and since his injury, has been working out in the weight room, staying strong and healthy as can be. Word’s out that Pace is going to be healthy for this next season, which may possibly be his last in the league (all up for speculation until the next off-season to hear his decision). Alex Barron has to be sweating right now, unless he’s been newly disciplined. Leading the league in false starts the past two years, he has a lot to prove to his coaches in ‘08. A pretty good blocker, he makes too many mental mistakes like what I was just talking about — the excessive penalties are uncalled for, and he has this season to confirm whether or not he’s a legit NFL starting offensive tackle.

Pace and Barron aren’t the only two guys on the Rams’ line that’s going to be proving their worth in ‘08. The Center position is up for grab between veteran Brett Romberg, young’n Mark Setterstrom, and other young’n Dustin Fry. All three will get their chances at center unless one completely blows the other two out of the water, which I don’t see happening. Richie Incognito will be back healthy in ‘08 and ready to show the rest of the NFL how rough and tough he is (trust me, he is). His assertiveness shows on all levels, especially those annoying unsportsmanlike conduct penalties! Learn how to conduct yourself, Richie!

A quick few words on Steven Jackson: in my opinion, he’s the second best running back in the league (behind LaDainian Tomlinson). The reason I say he’s better than Adrian Peterson is because I’m not a what have you done for me lately homer like many people are. Peterson had an awesome rookie campaign, but I’m not the type that jumps on the bandwagon of a rookie player for their one credible season over a guy who’s experienced and has proved to me that he can play football. Jackson, if he has an offensive line that decides they want to block for him (lucky for Peterson, ‘All Day’ has Steve Hutchinson and a great o-line cast compared to Jackson’s mediocre third stringers), he’ll be in Hawaii next February — I guaran-damn-tee it. Oh, and if you’re sitting, staring at your monitor with disbelief because the guy who’s writing this blog is putting Jackson over Peterson, well, if Peterson matches his season last year, and Jackson under performs again, THEN I’ll throw Peterson over top of Jackson on these silly, stupid, idiotic top 10 position lists. Until then, suck it up and learn football analysis and morals instead of becoming a what have you done for me lately fan. I’m sick and tired of it.

The Rams’ receiving corps will be without a well known Rams legend this year (I’m trying not to mention his name in this, but I will: Isaac ‘the Rev.” Bruce), and the top two wide outs listed on the depth chart will be Torry Holt and Drew Bennett. Holt had a quality 2007 season, but it wasn’t as up to par as his other seasons have been for the past eight years he was in the league. Entering his 10th season in the NFL, he’s slowing down, but he’s still a big play receiver, which surely still holds up his moniker, “Big Game.” Drew Bennett was sought out as a disappointment for the Rams in 2007 (but then again, who wasn’t?). The newly acquired receiver from the Tennessee Titans to replace Kevin Curtis was brought in to provide an exceptional slot receiver to open up holes for Isaac Bruce (second mentioning) and Torry Holt. It didn’t happen. Bennett was hampered with a nasty hamstring injury for the majority of the year, and suffered through intermittent pains through on until the end of the season. Now healthy, Bennett says he’s more focused than ever to contribute to the Rams as a number two receiver. The number three is up for grabs between Dane Look, Dante Hall, newly acquired Reche Caldwell, rookie Donnie Avery, and even rookie Keenan Burton. Al Saunders took over the offensive coordinator job in the off season (was with the Rams during the GSOT days, by the way), which leads me to believe that this offense is going to be a speedy one, which will cause for flashy, quick receivers streaking down field, catching [hopefully] touchdown strikes from Marc Bulger. It would be nice to see Donnie Avery slip in at the number three receiver and make an immediate impact, but that needs to be taken care of in moderation.

The defense is really shaping up. The defensive line is one of the youngest in the league, with the Rams adding UVA D-End Chris Long with the second pick in the Draft. With Long lining up next to Adam Carriker and [either Clifton Ryan (who had a quiet, excellent year last season) or Claude Wroten (more on Wrote in a bit] being the counterpart end to vet Leonard Little, the line should pose some threats to opposing teams’ offensive lines this season. Not to mention, the linebacker core will make a big impact on rushing quarterbacks as well. Will Witherspoon, in lieu of Little’s problems, made a huge impact on taking down QBs and pressuring them all season in 2007. Brandon Chillar bolted for a contract in Green Bay, but the Rams will be replacing Chillar at the strong side with either young Quinton Culberson or vet Chris Draft. Pisa Tinoisamoa, returning from injuries, will be returning to healthy form as well, but questions are lingering around Rams’ message board forums on whether he can stay healthy and motivated or not.

The Rams’ quick defense is affected deeply by its play in the defensive backfield. Tye Hill, after an injury plagued season, is happy to return as a healthy corner, feeling that his role on the team will be successfully fulfilled in 2008. O.J. Atogwe was a snub in the pro bowl in 2007, as he lead the NFC in interceptions, having a breakout year (one of the very few good seasons that a Ram had last season). Corner Jonathan Wade has improved over the off-season, getting bigger and bulkier. The skill of the Rams’ defensive backs will depend largely on these three guys. I would throw CB Fakhir Brown into the mix, but his egregious off the field problems are duly noted.

For The Record

The Spurs exacted their revenge on the Hornets two nights ago in the AT&T Center, with Manu Ginobili [injured, I might add] and Tony Parker putting up a combined 63 points (and the show put on by Chris Paul was nothing less of spectacular, either). Not to mention Duncan had a ‘quiet’ great game (which he usually does, but the box score can’t tell you the story). The two teems meet again tomorrow night at 8 eastern for game four.

What I don’t want to see in this series in the home team winning every game. It will be another dotted line drawing across the ‘balance’ until game 7. Like the Hawks and Celtics. And if it’s going to be like that, the Spurs — who ARE a modern day dynasty — are going to have to finish off this 0-2 smugged that was dubbed to them when people realized they had never came back down that far in a series. It wouldn’t put it past me if they did it. They know how to win more games, and they have more experience than the Hornets. Yet, experience can be overrated. The Hornets have experience. They’ve played basketball together the whole season. Some facets of last season. A few the season before that. The players’ college/high school careers. They have experience, so the experience card may be a little overplayed, but what if you’re saying it’s overplayed when you’re debating about/against a pro team that has the highest winning percentage out of any since 1999 (.700+ for the modern day NBA dynasty)

The Spurs know how to balance the tempo of games. I’m not saying they’re going to be perfect in every game and close out the other team, but they knew how to the other night. With the Hornets drawing back in, the Spurs shut them down by playing their usual style of basketball — smart, fundamental, winning basketball. I’m still not ready to write off the Spurs, because they can easily get back into this thing due to how damn good they are, but they are going to have to keep on matching up with the Hornets’ speed when they run amok down the court just like they proved they could do the last game. If they do that these next few games, and continue to shut down the Hornets perimeter attack and force them to shoot closer jumpshots and shots in the paint, the series will be one for the Spurs.

However, Hornets’ coach Byron Scott — who’s been one of my favorite coaches in the league, ever since he was wrongfully screwed out of the New Jersey Nets’ job after leading them to two NBA Finals — is smart enough to know that the Hornets have to continue to spread the court, then at times attack the painted area, getting the “old” Spurs to run the floor and be as active as the “young” Hornets. With Ginobili continuing to heal up, the Hornets will be healing up their emotions from game 3, but I expect a bloodthirsty rampage to occur Sunday night.

Does Kobe Bryant Deserve the NBA’s MVP?

The NBA MVP is Kobe Bryant. Winning it over LeBron James, Chris Paul and Kevin Garnett. Lakers fans vouch for Kobe’s performance during the regular season and the Lakers’ top seeding in the Western Conference echelons for the playoffs. He scored, he passed, played effective defense, made the team better in other facets, etc. But, as I was saying on SportsAttitude’s blog, it could have been given as part of the lifetime achievement gig.

LeBron James of the Cavaliers posted up around 8 RPG and 7 APG, with 27-28 PPG on 48.4 percent from the field. Kobe Bryant, for the first half of the year, posted excellent numbers all-around and the Lakers still played at a high level. When the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol, the team became even better and so did Kobe. But that’s not diminishing Kobe’s performances. That’s just adding a level of frustrating on LeBron’s part where he has received less than stellar help in Cleveland. Ben Wallace’s big contract? Check. Wally Szczerbiak’s streaky shooting? Check. Delonte West’s missing layups? Check. Now do you understand the big picture? The speculation that Kobe had better numbers last year is sort of laughable. He’s taken what? Three less shots this year and, with better teammates, vastly improved his all-around game and sharpened it. Not to mention last year his team won 42 games and were beaten to death out of the first round by Suns.

Kobe deserved the MVP, but what about LeBron James? What about Chris Paul? If LeBron had somehow willed the Cavs over top of the enthralling Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference, would this award have been further influenced by LeBron’s part? What if New Orleans had stood atop the Western Conference instead of the Lakers? Would that have supported Paul’s case? It’s difficult to say, folks, but I think you can make cases for both. And that’s what I’m going to do. Hypothetically speaking.

The Lakers finish second in the Western Conference in seeding, with the Hornets sitting at the top of the Western Conference perch, does CP3 receive the MVP award to ensconce it behind all his other basketball achievements?

Kobe was ahead in the MVP voting for a while, I think. Or in my mind anyway. The reason why is because I talked to a lot of sportswriters (who had the highly vied-for ability to vote) who were talking about him being a lock for the MVP. Remember the Lakers/Mavericks game, which I think went to overtime, about a month or two ago? Kobe hits an insanely whacked up layup, Dirk hits the 3 to tie the game, and Kobe puts on a show in overtime to put it away? Remember that? I think that could have had a lasting impact on this decision. But I digress. Chris Paul’s had a year that no other 3rd-year player that I’ve seen in a loooooong time has had. It was definitely not a one man show in New Orleans this year, but Paul prolonged the effectiveness of the team by making it so much easier for the Hornets to stretch the court. However, you have to remember that when you have a healthy Peja Stojakovic bombing 3’s, a healthy David West impacting the game [quietly to casual fans], and, of course, Tyson Chandler bouncing back from last year. He played a little bit with the U.S. team during the summer and, if you ask me, that made him a more confident player. It’s easy to notice in his style of play. So, Paul didn’t do it alone this year, definitely not; but his impact was well noted, and if you would have gave the MVP to him, I don’t think anybody would have detested it.

Say the Boston Celtics don’t have as good of a year as they’ve had the Cavaliers manage to be in first in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs, or at least second — considering the Celtics do have the same type of year. Does this affect LeBron James or does it just give Kevin Garnett that much more credibility than before?

Look at it this way — LeBron James has next to nothing on his team. Now, that may be a statement that might bite me in the ass, because Daniel Gibson is nothing to talk down to. Zydrunas Ilgauskas will give you the occasional solid performance (for how long, though?), and you’ll have the rest of the shooters on the team shooting well. But what do you do when shooting is locked up and you can’t get your teammates involved any more than you have already (LeBron easily does that, though)? They still have Ben Wallace’s ridiculously large contract (and tonight, as we speak, as the Celtics take on the Cavs, he’s sitting out of the game due to dizziness. I hope he’s OK, but that just further argues my point alone). Don’t be a homer, don’t tell me that LeBron has a decent supporting cast, because that’s not true, and we all know it. Cleveland has had five seasons to get him some help. Entering the 6th LeBron season in Cleveland, it’s well known that Cleveland has made a sorry effort to get him help. They gave him a couple of shooters, a Drew Gooden who’d rather post up a defender and turn around for a chipping, bricking fadeaway, and a Larry Hughes who didn’t fit well in the Cavs’ system, or, as I like to say, didn’t enjoy playing Robin to LeBron’s Batman.

Kobe deserves the MVP award, but if you think about it, can you really say that it was a true award, or do you think it was a lifetime achievement? I’m going with the lifetime achievement route. Again, reiterating, I’m not denigrating his performance this past season, but if it was me I would have handed over the award to Chris Paul or LeBron James, two guys who have just as much, if not more [of] an impact on their team as Mr. Bryant does. But, to each his own. Kobe Bryant is the MVP, and if the Spurs lose, I can only hope that Paul puts on a show against the Lakers and throws it back into these MVP voters’ faces.

And the Finalist who will win American Idol is. . .

David Cook.

Look, I’m not a huge American Idol enthusiast or am I an avid watcher of the show. If my top profession wasn’t to be a sportswriter/sports journalist, then it’d be a music journalist (I know I’m sounding pompous, but I happen to know talent when I see it). In 2006, during American Idol’s 5th season, I stated, during the top 11, that Taylor Hicks was my pick to win it all. He did.

I gave the 2007 A.I. a pass, failing to watch a single episode during season 6 (and from the sounds of things, I’m glad I did).

In comes 2008, season 7, and I’m checking out the auditions that were showing in February and catching a good gist of who the 100 or so people that were admitted to the opening rounds of the nascent season. Upon hearing David Cook’s couple of performances, I said aloud (yes, I say things aloud sometimes because it’s easier to remember things that way), “This guy could be good, maybe great.” And from then on I established him as my pick to win season 7 of American Idol. And I even have several witnesses to have heard me say that.

In comes the top 24, and Cook starts off — during 1960s week — by singing the classic Happy Together and sharpening a spin on the hit that it made me an instantaneous believer that THIS was the guy who would catch America by storm this year. One of the cool things about D-Cook is that he’s an intelligent dude — a self admitted word nerd and voracious writer (anybody who can write — and write well — gets a thumbs up from me).

The next week — 1970s week — he had another excellent performance, whereas he chose to sing Free’s All Right Now. And while the song was already considered rock, Cook turned it up a notch and into another gear by adding a quick and concise guitar solo in the middle of the ‘cover’. He made a few lyrical mistakes, but he quickly compensated — not overcompensate, like many do — making up for the error(s).

If I’ve learned a lesson from this year’s A.I., it’s that the top 24 weeds out the best from the rest. No-talents like Danny Noriega (reminded me of one the punks that would rather bode well on an inane MTV show), Jason Yeager (his high pitch was the most annoying thing I’ve heard in years) and Kady Malloy (albeit hot, was boring and sang boring songs. Not to mention she had the “dumb ass look” on her face every week, which usually meant ‘You’re sent to hell’ in A.I. But since it worked with Kellie Pickler in season 5, I’ll give Kady a pass on the dumb look, but still a blast at her poor song selection) were ousted by votes casted.

However, every year there’s always a loop hole that allows one or two near-no-talents into the top 12. This year that was Kristy Lee Cook (no relation to the best finalist on season 7 of A.I.). I understand that country music is more popular than what most people seem to believe, but jeez, she was in the bottom 3 how many times this past year? Five or six? I can’t believe Michael Johns, a much more talented singer, was jettisoned from the show a week before her. This is the vibe that exudes the glimpse that American Idol can be a popularity contest and that the voting is rogue. But I digress. Though, that leads to me to this:

I haven’t watched American Idol for almost two months now. Not even the elimination shows (it’s obvious that D-Cook was going to get this far, anyhow). Albeit I’m going to watch it not next week (going to be on the road next Wednesday), but the week after for the finals show. I have a feeling it’s going to be David Archuleta and David Cook, with A.I. Finals commercials going nuts with “David vs. David” premises, drawing in silly casual watchers due to their weirdo ads. Yet, I have a bad feeling that D-Cook, a performer that — in my opinion — is five times better than what Chris Daughtry was during his season 5 year, could lose out to Archuleta for the single fact that Archie is more popular to the crowd, and people love heartwarming stories of seeing a young kid win over somebody that’s more talented in every facet possible. Archuleta doesn’t have a variety of voice change-ups when he’s singing, and that should hurt him, but because this show is based more on popularity than singing (even though Cook’s singing has gotten himself this far alone), it’s Archuleta’s to win, and it’s a shame.

Troy’s Thoughts #1

I guess your eyes are less sore this time since the new TSTOS banner is up. The one that I’ve had the past couple of days was apart of the test that I was using a year ago during the innate era of TSTOS. Tell me your thoughts on the banner if you want — I like it a lot, especially because it’s new and adds substance to this 220+ post blog. And since it’s new, I’m going to add a new segment to TSTOS. Since the name is Troy’s Thoughts on Sports, I figure I would write a post every so often speaking about random thoughts on sports (and sometimes more than sports). So, without further ado, enjoy the first edition of Troy’s Thoughts.

Troy’s Thought No. 1
What’s up with the FSN Midwest guys touting Rick Ankiel as Babe Ruth? I’m a huge fan of Ankiel,
and I understand the significance of the conversion he made from pitcher to bloodthirsty hitter, but to compare him to the Big Bambino is like comparing 5 gum (circa 2007) to Trident gum (circa 1960). Trient has (was?) doing it for much longer and will not sit down for 5 gum. But I digress.

Troy’s Thought No. 2
Chris Cooley’s thoughts on the drug testing by the NFL (sourced by Jim Rome on Jim Rome is Burning) was hilarious. His intricate recounting on throwing back six glasses of cranberry juice and letting it loose while some ‘old man’ was ‘checking his package out’ was hilarious. There seems to be something about athletes from D.C. that are avid bloggers (Gilbert Arenas to name another)

Troy’s Thought No. 3
I wouldn’t mind seeing some kind of [salary] cap in baseball, but it’s far less focused on right now compared to all that baseball is looking into right now. Ranting and raving about everybody’s boy, Jose Conseco’s, new book, Clemens/McNamee, Clemens’ involvement with the Mindy McCready chick when she was 15, all the other steroids, the jettison of Barry Bonds, etc. is all prominently ahead of the Yankees/Red Sox monopoly games that are played every year. But ESPN will be glad to force feed us Yankees and Red Sox allllllllll the time. Wooooooooo! Yay for Troy spending a ridiculous amount of money for MLB Extra Innings ONLY TO WATCH the Cardinals!

The Demises of all Demises

The 2007-2008 NBA season could mark the end of several eras of its teams. The uprising boosts of the New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers are now the two premier top tier classes of the Western Conference, probably — and hopefully — instigating future rivalries with each other that will live out through the years of the days of Chris Paul and David West against Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

However, the Seven Seconds or Less era and Fundamentals era is coming to a close.

The Suns’ era is more imminent — albeit not fully over — because of D’Antoni leaving (allegedly to Chicago), which means they’ll pretty much start over. And for a coach to preach defense to them, that will instantly make Steve Nash an even bigger defensive liability and liability itself since his MVP days are clearly over with. And Shaq is as old as dirt, and his contract is one of the most overbearing pieces of crap out there.

As for the Spurs, their series isn’t nearly over, especially since they haven’t even played at the AT&T Center in San Antonio yet. However, the way the Hornets have been running the floor against the current day NBA dynasty is mind boggling. The Spurs are looking older and older while the Suns are looking younger and younger. David West has had a huge series and Chris Paul has been — as usual this season — lighting it up. With Peja Stojakovic being left wide open for 3s, however, the beast in the Spurs may awaken. The best head coach in all of basketball, Gregg Popovich (in my opinion), is easily (yes, easily) the best coach in the league at making adjustments. So I’ll be surprised if the Spurs play as bad as they have these last two games. Yes, you can’t double team every player on the court, but the Spurs are (or were?) so good defensively that they don’t need double teams, just containment.

However, looking back, the Spurs must win these next two games or it will definitely be New Orleans’ series to lose since the way they’ve been playing doesn’t look like it’s going to lessen in levels any time soon. San Antonio’s time is coming to a close, and if they want back-to-backs, they’ll need to pull out a couple of coming of age (isn’t that a fitting title?) performances over the next four (maybe five) games.

Doc, We Got a Problem

The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks have played in a surreal 7-game series, completing on Sunday.

The Celtics won 66 games compared to the Hawks’ 37. That’s nearly 30 more games won by the Celtics. Not to mention the Hawks’ record resembled one of a measly lottery team. If not for playing in the ugliest Eastern Conference the NBA has seen in years, Atlanta would be sitting at home, at a bar, or somewhere, watching the Celtics take on somebody else. Except it’s them. And they’re forcing a game freakin’ 7.

The Celtics only lost 10 road games in the regular season. In six games against a completely inferior team, they’ve lost 3. Composures are being disbanded (Paul Pierce and his outrageous calamities), crowds are getting into it fiercely (the largest crowd Atlanta has had in years!), and there’s a coach who is being beamed at in the minds of Celtics fans. Doc Rivers.

Rivers’ head was called upon last year for the awful 24-win season the Celtics posted. Following their magnificent 66-win year, completing the biggest turnaround in NBA history, Doc was touted as one of the best coaches in the league. Fuck you What-Have-You-Done-For-Me-Lately-Fans. The Celtics’ success this season should be owed preeminently to the assistant coaches and coaches all around who have helped amalgamate the team’s chemistry during practices. Except you don’t see them pacing the sidelines during games.

Remember when I said that Doc Rivers absolutely sucks at drawing up plays in basketball, that I had never heard of him drawing up a formidable or fundamental play EVER? I am right. Tonight, the Celtics took some of the more idiotic shots I’ve ever seen in my life. Down 96-89, Rajon Rondo drove to the hole, wasting no time, tossing the ball off the top of the backboard only to appease my suspicion that the ball would land in Josh Childress’ hands. Still yet, despite silly plays (Ray Allen pulling up — OFF THE DRIBBLE WITH TWO ATLANTA HAWKS ON HIS ASS — and miserably missing a three) that the Celtics incurred, they battled back and turned it into a 97-95 game with a little over a minute left. Moments later, Joe Johnson hit a step back watch-me-fade three to up the score to 100-95. Right after that, another Doc Rivers’ screw up turned into another Ray Allen kick out to James Posey, whereas James Posey hit one of those ‘bullshit’ threes that made the game 100-98. To make it short, Joe Johnson hit a few free throws and the Celtics failed to win game 6.

Game 7 in Boston. I’ll go out on a limb and say the Celtics win, but this was an ugly series for Boston to say the least. They played under par, and I hated seeing it happen, especially as an ardent lifelong Celtics fan. It was hard to swallow when the 4th quarter 0:00 buzzer rang and I knew there’d be a game 7. I guess I feel a little bit like the way Dallas Mavericks fans felt last year when Golden State took them down. Except that last year’s Golden State team is much better than this year’s Atlanta team. Jeez.

Iron Man, Sports Haters, AJ and Mike D’Antoni

In about half an hour I’m going to go out and check out the 10PM special premiere (well, the premiere here anyway) of the movie Iron Man. I’m pretty excited to see it, because so far it’s gotten raving reviews rather than gauche ones. And even if I’m not the type of guy that’s interested in a high amount of Sci-Fi Action-Adventures, the action and story of this movie has gotten me hooked and reeled, hence why I’m wanting to go out and watch it.

I’m convinced that people who hate sports are closet sports fans. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, regardless of their beliefs, etc. But I also believe that people have secondary opinions. Much to be disclosed in the closet. Take this guy for example. Heck, he’s a pretty damn good writer, but he laments to his readers that he dislikes sports. Yet, he’ll throw in a sports term in his post title. Good way to deceive people, I guess.

Avery Johnson was fired by Mark Cuban and Co. yesterday afternoon, and it was announced that the probability of Mike D’Antoni staying in Phoenix as the Suns’ head coach is up in the air. First off, I’ve always been a big fan of Avery. I’m not going to go out and read his book (it doesn’t appeal to me), but I appreciate him for what he accomplished with the Spurs (’99 championship) and for his accolades as the Dallas Mavericks’ coach. I remember hearing a few months ago that Avery wanted Dirk out of Dallas to acquire Kidd. It didn’t happen, albeit still acquiring Kidd, but the Mavericks drove themselves into a pit, losing to the Chris Paul-led New Orleans Hornets in the first round playoff series, thus coercing the Mavs to jettison AJ after two consecutive first round ousts.

As for D’Antoni, I have to hand it to him. He integrated Steve Nash into the system (which was/is a system that Nash was/is used to anyhow). He built up a young team and strove to lead them to the NBA Finals. However, in four seasons, in was smacked by the Spurs three times and the Mavericks once. Two Western Conference Finals appearances. A second round oust. And this year, a first round loss to the defending champions. If the Suns do get rid of D’Antoni, mark my words that Nash will become a big liability over the next couple of years due to a new system being comprised.

Is Jeff Kent a Hall of Famer?

Jeff Kent should finish his career in the top 50 all-time in both HR and RBI. That’s quite an accomplishment for a second baseman. Coupled with the fact that he was also once league MVP - will that be enough to get him elected to Cooperstown?

I asked the question because I really can’t make up my mind about him. I mean is a 2nd baseman just a guy who wasn’t good enough to play short? Does he get extra credit for being the best hitter at his position? As far as hitting — Kent has more total bases already than Wade Boggs (but fewer than Jim Rice).

He had his best years with the Giants (during Bonds’ peak steroid use), so that’ll raise concerns, although Bonds and Kent seemed to hate each other, so who knows. He only has 2350 hits; with a couple of decent years (say he retires end of ‘09), maybe he’s got 2600 or 2700. That still puts him in a gray area. Never been known for his defense, so he doesn’t really compare to a Ryne Sandberg type (also certainly was never much of a team leader). And he only finished top 5 in the MVP voting once. I say he’s more likely to be a Dave Parker or Dale Murphy type that hangs around the HOF ballot for a decade, but never gets in.

Though, to counter the above paragraph, there’s a few points I want to make:

1.)  Kent will have the benefit of the writers deciding on Alomar before Kent’s turn comes up. Kent has Alomar beat in every major offensive category. I’d argue that Alomar was the better player but Kent will have the better offensive numbers.

2.) Kent will also have the benefit of the writers deciding on Mike Piazza before Kent’s turn comes up. Nobody would argue that Piazza was great defensive player. Piazza’s merits will rest solely on being the best offensive catcher in history (Yogi Berra scoffs at that idea). If you vote for arguably the best offensive catcher — shouldn’t you also cast a vote for the best offensive second baseman?

I think those two things could play a major effect on the mindset regarding Kent when the time comes for a vote.

It should also be noted that Chase Utley is a great player and a great person (from what I’ve read). If Utley has a great season(s) - the comparisons will be made to Kent’s great 2000 season when he had 33 HR, 125 RBI, 114 runs while hitting .334. The comparisons between Utley and Kent will only help Kent.