Update: 11:41 AM – more randomness of little relevance to anything
- By far the most maddening aspect of the Lebron James – Kobe Bryant debate (which has inexplicably reared its head once more) is that the bearing of relevant proofs such as PER is lost on proponents of the latter. Mere recognition would be a start. It is true that of the two, Bryant is invariably the more skilled, and thus by extension, better equipped to close games. But it has been a source of great amusement that this fact, put on full display in last week’s series clincher vs. Phoenix, has been pushed as validation of the flawed claim of Bryant’s overall superiority. Kobe’s pathological impulse for greatness is perhaps unrivaled in this sport, and as mentioned, the rare skillset allows for dominance in close games. But the Laker guard can’t do the heavy lifting done by James at a historic level over the course of games and entire seasons. Forget about Pau Gasol; has James ever paired with anyone even on par with former Laker Eddie Jones?
- Remember that sad ten year period when it was oft-quipped that the NBA Finals was actually the Western Conference Finals? Thank God for Celtics-Lakers. I see the 2008 champs emerging victoriously from what will undoubtedly be a bloodbath. With as much that is being said about the difference in this year’s Lakers being Artest and the physicality he brings, and Ron always being one to relish and hope to please, look for some antics or forced machismo from the former-Rocket.
- Over-under on the probability of a Vujacic-Rondo altercation? Who doesn’t see this all too predictable plot unfolding at some point: the Celtics guard torches Lakers guard Derek Fisher from the opening tip, summoning Vujacic from the bench; Sasha, somehow being of the belief in the superiority in his defensive powers gets a little too close and things get testy.
- While we’re at it, shall we take bets on likely altercation pairings? Surely Artest-Perkins at some point. Gasol and Garnett in a redux? Sasha Vujacic and reality?
- I know it has come to the annoyance of most, but I’m really digging the “Kobe Bryant must now do what every Laker great must do…*music plays*…beat the Celtics” plotline that all the major networks are pushing. I suppose I should be embarrassed by such admission, but I’m into that sort of thing.
- So the fight theme seems to have gained early traction, which I think speaks to the sad state of affairs of the Houston Rockets news cycle (google news “Houston Rockets” and I think some trash piece I excreted out on Yao-Artest 2 weeks ago still makes Page 1)…anyhow…Artest-Garnett: please God. If there is a God, this will happen. But I don’t really see how it could – neither would instigate, surely Garnett wouldn’t, seeing as how Artest is neither European nor under 6’3. But the more overlooked part at play here, which I think is misunderstood, is that Ron won’t ever maliciously start a fight. He’s not Kenyon Martin – people don’t quite understand that. For Ron, it’s more of a tribal, hierarchical/territorial dynamic with layers pertaining to manhood and patriarchy that would be more commonly found in the Middle East (I’m allowed to say that). And it took me watching him up close last year to understand that. Because honestly, after the “brawl”, like you, I just dismissed the whole incident as thuggery and scoffed at the notion by some wiser sociology types that the incident truly did stem from issues pertaining to “respect”. But that really is the case. So he won’t ever just start it just for the sake of it.
- Artest – Pierce: this will never happen, which will surely come as odd as it seems so obvious. But as I mused in the comments, the two have a very strange “mutual respect” dynamic at play as evidenced by their passive-aggressive scuffle in one of the earlier meetings this year. It’s territorial. They won’t do it.
- And of course I’m embarrassed that I’ve devoted today’s space to possible Finals altercations, but this informal voice is quite the outlet.
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