- Is there a more absurd character in the game of basketball right now than Sasha Vujacic? One has to wonder what the origins are of this odd complex he holds, always manifested through some disproportionate belief in his own defensive abilities.
- The news that Chris Bosh too will be joining “the talks” is unfortunate. I had thought all along that the rumors of him wanting to be “the man” were overblown. But the most curious part of the story is the group’s acceptance of Joe Johnson. How did he manage to get an invite? No chance I am alone in this sentiment – as soon as the headline initially broke, one of these things was certainly not like the others…
- I got another moment to reflect on the man who is Ron Artest during his very awkward interview with TNT’s Craig Sager. The irony of the game’s most maligned star, possibly the most infamous character in the league’s history, is that he’s a genuinely good person, and I’m glad to see him enjoy success. With that said, boy am I glad we let him go.
- Pleasant surprise to see both series’ actually become….well, series’. I’m not sure if that was punctuated correctly. Anyhow, I entered the Conference Finals expecting/hoping for Lakers/Celtics – now I’m praying for Suns/Magic. Lakers vs. Celtics would invariably be a bloodbath, carrying some interesting themes pertaining to legacy, redemption etc etc. But what’s really the point if Bynum’s not healthy? Has there ever before been a series featuring four 7 footers in the starting lineups? (I know it’s not listed, but KG is 7 feet.) In any event, if the Magic continue to push the pace, a matchup with the Suns would be quite the treat, so long as ESPN promises to cut down on the number of ‘WIRED’ segments featuring Stan Van Gundy.
- Speaking of Stan, Jeff Van Gundy has been absolutely on his game in these Conference Finals. His prescience and incredulity over boneheaded mistakes heightens the entire viewing experience and overall just makes one feel smarter watching the game. (And of course it is very appreciated that Mark Jackson seems to have toned down the forced contrarianism.) A dream Finals lineup would feature Van Gundy, Marv Albert, and Mike Fratello in the booth alternating between quarters with Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins (I like Doug; I know you don’t, but I do), Hannah Storm on the sidelines, Kenny/EJ/Charles back at the studio, and conflicting subsequent trade reports between Peter Vescey and David Aldridge.
- I feel for the Suns. They finally have a bench, Grant Hill is great, and they actually have some semblance of acceptable play from the 5 spot in Frye and Lopez, but you just miss Marion and Joe Johnson. They are the elephant in the room as we come upon a likely Lakers victory. Watching them, I get that feeling I had in 2005 when I thought, “if only it were that we had last year’s lineup (Biggio, Beltran, Bagwell, Berkman, Kent) with this year’s pitching (a healthy Petite to go with Oswalt, Clemens, and Backe), I might not have this feeling that we’re about to get swept in the World Series.”
Random thoughts on the playoffs and other topics
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rahat - You're posts are always great. That said, I think you're right that no one but you likes Doug Collins. Also, I would like to point out that Peter Vescey makes up his own trade reports.
Bosh being part of "the talks" doesn't concern me. He will be methodical in his approach to FA, and knowing who is thinking what makes a lot of sense. When it gets down to looking at firm offers, he will go where he can be successful and make his money. Houston will be in the mix until he decides, at the least.
Sasha is a curious character. His season average of minutes played is only 8.5 minutes per game, and he's only played 13 minutes in the playoffs with a PER under 10.0. I guess he gets his self-image from his 5 million dollar salary.
As for Artest, I join everyone who is glad that he's gone. There is no question that he is a hard worker, but also no question that he short-circuits mentally with high frequency. Despite his abilities, I view him as a liability (a mistake just waiting to happen).
Happy Memorial Day to all of you!
patrick/Sir_thursday: I give up.
Stephen: I was just thinking about that the other day. Funny how things tend to work out in your favor.
luislandry: absolutely, I think webber is phenomenal, though we are probably in the minority on that. he's coherent, "real", and finds a way to get his point across without being obnoxious, unlike alot of the former players
Right on with noticing JVG and Mark Jackson's adjustment. However, one thing that would drastically improve your announcing/studio lineup is inserting Chris Webber SOMEWHERE. He is phenomenal in the studio, more genuinely funny and insightful than any of the TNT regulars. I'm sure with some minimal training he would be far superior to Jackson in the booth as well.
It's just series. The plural form is the same as the singular.
And to think there were hoards of Rocket fans who were incensed McGrady killed a Vince Carter trade. Too bad it wasn't true,we'd have something to thank T-Mac for.
You only add an apostrophe to denote possession. So it should be series (no ') in both cases.
/grammar nerd.
Suns - if there's a God, they will win.
series - so series' would be correct? these series' have turned into series'...that sounds very odd..
I didn't know this, but upon looking it up, the plural of series is series. Just a stupid note.
I am with you on the commentary. I have really enjoyed the Van Gundy-Jackson duo and Doug Collins has been more acceptable this year.
But onto basketball. Who would've guessed this offseason when the Suns gave away Shaq, almost traded Amare, and Steve Nash had an uncertain contract future, that we would be sitting here watching them in the Conference finals?
-ESPN Houston Rockets Affiliate- Rahat Huq - founder, editor email: rahathuq@red94.net
But now Hannah Storm is parading around in blue minidresses. Ridiculous and embarrassing.
http://susanshan.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/hanna...
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