Between the Lines

Kobe Bryant Needs To Call Out Dwight Howard

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:34:49 -0600

Kobe Bryant Needs To Call Out Dwight Howard:

My latest column on Rant!

Superman 2.0

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:15:47 -0600

Ok. Let’s address this Shaq vs. Dwight Howard comparison. For the longest I’ve heard Howard say he does not want to want to be compared to Shaq. Yet, he took the exact same path from Orlando to L.A. like O’Neal did. But again he insists he doesn’t want to be compared to the Diesel and I personally don’t blame him.

Let’s be honest as full of life as Howard is he’s no Shaq. Yes, Dwight is the best center in the league. With hops that have made him the league’s reigning defensive player of the year. But whose his competition? Andrew Bynum who can’t stay healthy? Or maybe Kendrick Perkins whose far from a offensive threat. The truth is this version of the NBA lacks true centers so Dwight’s real competition is slim.

Whereas Shaq was the most dominate player I ever had the pleasure of watching play. He was so dominate that teams starting fouling him just to keep him from scoring. Does “Hack-a-Shaq” sound familiar?

Shaq’s offensive game was better than Howard’s is at this stage of their careers. His dominance was something my generation had never seen. To be that big, that strong, and that light on his feet? It was unbelievable. Remember when he broke not one but two backboards? Or how about when he dropped 61 and 23 against the Clippers in 2000. Or being one of only three players to be named NBA MVP, All Star MVP, and Finals MVP. The list goes on and on…

And let’s not forget Shaq’s competitive nature. He might have a larger than life personality but when he stepped on the court he was all business. Meanwhile, Howard has yet to separate the two. Its clear Dwight doesn’t want to be compared to Shaq and that’s fine with me because right now if you ask me there’s no comparison.

No Rose. No Problem.

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:18:19 -0600

Even without former league mvp Derrick Rose the Chicago Bulls are still managing to win games. Chicago will walk into tonight’s meeting with the Boston Celtics atop the Central division with a 4-2 record. But how are they doing it?

Defense has been there calling card since Thibideau signed on as head coach during the 2010 season, however, that’s not all. Along with there defensive effort it’s been their offensive balance. Loul Deng (17.7 ppg) is one of five Bulls players scoring in double figures. Four of those five players are shooting at least 45.7%.

As Chicago eagerly awaits the return of their floor general they will continue to rely on their defense and balance scoring. It’s that combination alone that currently has them 2 games above .500 on the young season .

The Search is Over!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 04:00:27 -0600

I’ll be the first to admit I thought the Lakers would be welcoming Phil Jackson back to the sideline come Monday morning, but instead the Lakers have reached a 4-year deal; with former New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns head coach, Mike D’Antoni.

D’Antoni still rehabbing from post knee surgery is scheduled to arrive in L.A. either Wednesday or Thursday. When asked about the hiring of Mike D’Antoni Kobe replied, “I love him!”

It has yet to be seen how D’Antoni’s fast pace offense will fit with the aging legs of the Lakers, but one thing is for certain it’s going to be entertaining to watch.

"I have great respect for the Buss family, the Lakers’ storied tradition and I thank them for..."

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:02:12 -0600

““I have great respect for the Buss family, the Lakers’ storied tradition and I thank them for the opportunity they afforded me” - Mike Brown”

- espn.com

This DEATH STARE from the “black mamba” will...

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:17:09 -0600

This DEATH STARE from the “black mamba” will definitely get you fired! So long Mike Brown. *chucks up the deuces*

Another One Bites the Dust

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:55:00 -0600

I think we all knew this was coming. Maybe not 5 games into the season but nonetheless Lakers coach Mike Brown has been handed his pink slip. His days in Hollywood are over. After the Lakers finished the preseason 0-8 and started this young season 1-4 the front office had seen enough and Brown was sent packing Friday afternoon.

Who will take his place? Jerry Sloan, Mike D’Antoni, what about Brian Shaw? Only time will tell.

Say it Ain't So Chuck!

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:17:55 -0600

When asked how long he wants to continue in sports broadcasting, Charles Barkley told SI.com something shocking: He’s almost done.

“I love my job,” Barkley said. “I love the people I work with. And I’m going to try to do things to keep me engaged. But I have four years left on my current deal and to be honest with you, it’s going to be a struggle for me to make it for the whole four years. I really don’t know how much longer I’m going to do this. I need something more, or something else to do to be honest with you.”

Somewhere between all the mispronounced words, and jumbled thoughts all fighting to come out of his mouth at once; we’ve grown to love Charles as a analyst for TNT. He’s funny, he’s honest, but most of all he’s knowledgeable. If he does decide to leave his analyst seat on Inside he will definitely be missed. But I’m sure he’ll succeed in anything else he decides to do!

But Chuck, do me a favor….

Don’t go!

Trouble in Paradise?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:36:25 -0600

“I’m shaking in my Nikes”- a sarcastic Kobe Bryant on whether the Lakers are worried about their early season struggles. But Kobe’s post game comments didn’t match up with his in game actions.

Bryant didn’t waste any time leaving the court after the Lakers lost 95-86 to the Jazz on Wednesday. Bryant made a beeline to the locker room with a scowl on his face as the Lakers fell to 1-4 to start a season for the first time in his 17-year career.

Howard, meanwhile, was the last Lakers player to make his way through the tunnel, lingering on the court to hug a fan and toss each of his arm sleeves, as well as his uniform, into the crowd.

Bryant’s frustration was apparent long before his final exit: He got into it with referee Ed Malloy after being called for a charge in the second quarter; he punched the ball inbounds rather than passed it when there was less than a second left in the third quarter; and he was caught on camera staring down coach Mike Brown when he was sitting on the bench during a timeout in the waning moments of the fourth.

Howard said after the game the Lakers would be better off bottling up those negative emotions.

“I think sometimes as a team we got to be able to not really show our frustrations that much,” Howard said after L.A. fell to 1-12 with their preseason record included.

It’s that “frustration”, grit, and hunger that makes Kobe loved, and hated all at the same time. His will to win is what makes him special. Dwight lacks that particular competitive gear so the emotions he shows are different.

Either way it’s apparent that Bryant and Howard have two different mindsets. While Kobe takes losing personal Dwight with his big as life personality smiles and brushes it off. It’s going to be interesting to see whose approach to the game wins out.

My money is on number 24.

Round One is in the Books

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:06:10 -0500

The Celtics came to town with one mission in mind….spoil ring night for the Miami Heat. However, they came up short. Miami won the first of four meetings with the Celtics 107-120. But the score is the last thing people will remember about this game.

The most anticipated moment of the night came midway through the first quarter when Ray Allen headed to the scorers table. Being the “classy” guy Ray is he headed over to the Celtics bench to greet his ex teammates. He and Doc shared a brief hug and handshake. He then attempted to shake hands with KG but received the coldest of shoulders. Garnett completely ignored him. Not once acknowledging his presence.

After, the game when asked about the cold shoulder he was given Ray said, “That’s KG. He probably didn’t even see me.”

Oh, no he saw you Ray he just doesn’t want anything to do with you. Allen has to realize he, himself made the decision to walk. He left Boston on his own terms and free will. So accept your decision Ray. Stop trying to be “buddy buddy” with teammates you willing left behind. Ray wants to be liked by everyone and that’s not going to happen. Even when the game was over he walked over to the Celtic bench again. Only to have one Celtic acknowledge him (Avery Bradley).

It’s over Ray. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. You can’t drain 3s in there (Celtics) faces and then expect them to give you a pat on the butt. You’re sleeping with the enemy now. Accept it. This is what you wanted right? A chance at another ring knowing it would likely be at the expense of knocking off Boston.

So deal with it.

Another memorable moment came with less than 2 minutes to go in the game. Wade drove to the basket and was fouled around the neck by Rondo. It was called a flagrant foul. After the game Wade called it a “punk play”.

I found this statement by Wade laughable because I vividly remember him (Dwayne Wade) running full speed only to intentionally level Darren Collison of the Pacers last year in the playoffs. So he knows a thing or two about “punk plays” huh?..

Having said that we did learn a lot about both teams moving forward. If the Heat can force turnovers and get in the open court with shooters such as Miller, Allen, and Lewis spotted up behind the 3 point line….they’re going to be deadly. Those shooters spread the floor for allowing LeBron and Wade to get in the paint.

Boston on the other hand has a good squad. They have size, depth, and Paul Pierce finally looks healthy and in shape. They have some defensive rotations to work on though. Can’t give up 120 points. Both teams proved last night they’re going to be the top teams in the East.

You can bet on it!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:28:12 -0500

The NBA season tips off tonight with L.A. vs. Dallas but first it’s the Boston Celtics vs. the Miami Heat! Yes, the exs are coming to dinner and Ray Allen is the hostess. Tonight’s game has so many elements, storylines, and plots. It’s like a lifetime movie. Miami will receive there championship rings prior to the game. When asked if he would be watching the ceremony Doc replied, “I’ll be in the locker room watching Homeland.” The tension has been brewing and tonight it all comes to a head. With Boston retooled to make another run at a title, and Miami as the champs looking to defend their crown. These two eastern conference rivals are on a collision course that starts tonight.

How will Ray perform against his old team? Who will keep Rondo out of the paint? How will Jason Terry affect the game coming off the bench? Jeff Green looked great in the preseason how will he play tonight? Will the rookie Sullinger get playing time? Will Miami dominate with new shooters like Allen and Lewis spreading the floor? Whose going to get the first technical foul? The first flagrant foul? Will Rondo and Ray have a pre game handshake? How will the “KG Effect” impact the game? How important will the The Truth vs The King match up be? Will LeBron continue to play out of the post?

With all these questions looming and tension rising this is sure to be a game of epic portions and drama. And I can’t wait. I’m like a kid in a candy store!

The hate is real, the talent is obvious, and the time is now. Boston……..Miami…… you ready?

Cause I am.

Let the Countdown begin...

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:02:27 -0500

There’s less than 2 weeks before the 2012-2013 NBA season tips off. While this is sure to be one of the most anticipated seasons in years it doesn’t come without debate. Who are the top 5 teams heading into the new season? Well I’ll tell you…

1. Heat
2. OKC
3. Lakers
4. Celtics
5. Spurs

Before you flip a table let me explain my logic. The Miami Heat are the defending champions so that automatically puts them at the top of the leader board. As if having LeBron, Wade, and Bosh wasn’t enough they (Miami) also went out and picked up sharp shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Both will spread the floor and allow driving lanes for both James and a healthy Wade to penetrate and dish.

Meanwhile, OKC comes in at 2. Although they didn’t make any noise this off season with mega trades they did however keep the whole gang in tact. Let’s not forget this is the same team that went to the finals last year. Do I have a problem with the fact that KD and LeBron trained together in the off season? Absolutely. But that’s a whole other blog for another day. The bottom line is OKC is young, athletic and hungry. It’s up to the rest of the west to catch up. You can’t teach youth.

Coming in at number 3 is the Lakers. Yes, they had a huge off season picking up the likes of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard but let’s remember Howard is coming off back surgery so we don’t know what to expect from him when he returns. LA is known for there blockbuster off seasons. Let’s not forget that big off season they had when they went out and got Malone, Payton and ‘dem boys. So major deals are nothing new for the Lakers organization, but we’ll see how it works out. However until then they sit at no. 3 because at the end of the day they still have Kobe Bryant.

At number 4 is the Boston Celtics. Quiet as kept the Celtics had a big off season. They lost Allen, but gained Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, and drafted Jared Sullinger, and Fab Melo. Along with the return of Rondo, KG, and Pierce. The Celtics added youth, size, and depth. They have retooled and improved at every position. Every year I hear the same cry, “They’re Old!” but yet every year like clockwork they are in the hunt for a title. Just last season they made it within two games of the finals. With the added pieces, a healthy Pierce, and Rondo leading to pack the Celtics look to be on top the east again this year. Oh, and let’s not forget there coach Doc Rivers is one of the best in the game.

Rounding out the top 5 is the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan is back. Manu is healthy. And Parker is ready to go. With there version of the big three and added young pieces they too will be a team to be reckoned with in the west. With Pop on the sideline injecting fight and will into his players the Spurs will be in hunt.

With all the shake ups, moves, and trades this off season the NBA has life again. The fight for the title is on. Who will be the beast of the east? Who will be the best in the west? Only time will tell. But I’ll be watching…..will you?

Oct. 30th the saga unfolds.

Win and Redeem?

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:25:40 -0500

As the Miami Heat inch within two games of winning a world championship it makes me wonder: if Lebron and company win a title this year will all be forgiven? Will the critics stop chirping about how non-clutch the self proclaimed “King” is? Would this title lessen the self inflecting pressure on the Heat? Will they have redeemed themselves from last year’s meltdown again Dallas in the Finals?

The answer is simple. No. It won’t.

No matter if they (the Heat) win or lose they will still be America’s favorite time to hate. There will be people who say they only won because the number one seeded Bulls lost there all star point guard in Derrick Rose. Or had it not been for the Celtics laying a big fat egg is game 6 and then running out of gas in Game 7 they wouldn’t even be in this position to win a championship this season. But even with all those factors that will not be the reason sport fans will continue to dislike the heat. They will dislike them for everything they stand for…the showboating, the arrogance, and hollywood demeanor is what people will continue to dislike about them. So the Heat can win a championship and Lebron can be named finals mvp but it won’t change people’s view on Miami as a whole. Yes, it will add a second banner to the rafters and a ring on Lebron’s ringless finger, but no matter what the same hate, and dislike for the Heat will be alive and well next season. Champions or not.

Superman was super bailed out last night!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:44:00 -0600

Last night during the Magic/Warrriors game Dwight Howard went to the free throw line 39 times. Yes, you heard me…39 times! The Warriors were shorthanded and instead of playing Howard straight up they decided to foul him and send him to the line. I’m a fan of Warriors head coach Mark Jackson I think he’s going to make a great head coach, and help the Warriors go to the next level, but this was not a good decision. Don’t bail him [Howard] out by sending him to the line. Yes, he had 45 points, but 21 of those points came from the stripe. Jackson should have allowed his team to play Howard straight up because they were in the game, even started the game on a 9 nothing run. Next time don’t bail Howard out make him earn his points. Bottom line. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

"The Big 3" look more like "The Big 1"

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:51:23 -0600

The Boston Celtics are looking old, slow, and dare I say it…over. They are officially under .500 with a record of 4-5 which is the worst start since the “Big 3” has come to Boston. KG looks like father time has caught up with him, Pierce has yet to round into game shape, shooting 36 percent from the floor in his first three games back from injury (13 of 36). Ray Allen is currently the Celtics leading scoring, but he can’t do it alone. And Rajon Rondo has been a one man fast break, but still struggles from the free-throw line and hitting his jump shot on a consistent basis. The Celtics/Mavericks game last night was like watching Wednesday night full court at the YMCA.

Having said all of that the Celtics still have time to get it together but they have to do just that….get it together. KG has to be more aggressive. Instead of settling for jumpers he needs to take the ball to the hole and show the league how he got his nickname “The Big Ticket”. He has to be a scoring threat and a staple on defense because right now he looks old, slow, and non-aggressive. Paul Pierce needs to score the ball…….period. The Celtics need him to be aggressive. He needs to take a page out of the “Kobe Bryant book” and play through injury and help his team win. The Celtics need to protect the weak side boards, and run the floor.

If the Celtics don’t turn it around and turn it around soon they are going to be in a lot of trouble because the heavy hitters in the east (The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat) aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. If the Celtics plan to make the finals this year they are going to have to dig deep and play hard. Fight for rebounds, protect the paint, and score the ball. The good news is they have a good bench, and they know how to win. Every year people count them out and every year there they are making a run for the title. But in order to keep that streak alive they [the Celtics] are going to have to turn it around and play better. Bottom line.

"Just because he [Tebow] had a great game and made four or five great throws [Sunday] doesn’t..."

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:21:00 -0600

“Just because he [Tebow] had a great game and made four or five great throws [Sunday] doesn’t mean he’s gonna be a great starting quarterback in the NFL.”

- Charles Barkley

OKC goes as Westbrook goes

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:54:00 -0600

Russell Westbrook seen the 5 year 94.8 million dollar contract Derrick Rose signed and got wide eyed thinking he too deserves the money last season’s MVP received. However, Derrick Rose is the driving force of the Bulls. He is the number one option, whereas Westbrook is the number two option. He has arguably the best pure scorer in the league behind Kevin Durant and until he realizes that the Oklahoma City Thunder won’t go as far as they can go in the west.

We all recall last year in the playoffs when Westbrook jacked up ill-advised jumpers instead of making a smart basketball play. We also recall him [Westbrook] showing his frustration and not putting the team first. This season hasn’t been much different. Although KD and Westbrook say there are no problems they are just following “NBA code 101” which is: Don’t talk about your teammates.

The bottom line is until Westbrook learns his role as a point guard which is to make his teammates better, by passing first and looking for his shot later the Thunder will not be as good as they can be. Westbrook sees all these point guards such as Rose, Williams, and CP3 getting all this attention and he wants the same, but he has to realize none of these players have a scoring champ like Kevin Durant on their team. Learn your role Westbrook, because until you do the Thunder will always fall short of a title.

Subject of the day: Locker Room 101

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:20:00 -0600

In every professional sport there are unwritten guidelines. At the top of that guideline handbook in big bold font reads: “What happens in house stays in house” . I guess the New York Jets didn’t get the memo because their guideline book is missing and as a result rumors are flying this morning. Mark Sanchez out and Payton Manning in?

It all started with rookie quarterback Greg McElroy who discussed the team’s in locker room issues calling the Jets mindset “corrupt”. After McElroy’s comments other Jets’ players found their way to media outlets breaking sports unwritten rule to never rip on teammates especially your starting quarterback. In a column written by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, various members of the team ripped third-year quarterback Mark Sanchez.

“We have to bring in another quarterback that will make him work at practice,” said one player. “He’s lazy and content because he knows he’s not going to be benched.”

It seems as though everything is unraveling within the Jets organization. Almost as if the inmates are running the asylum. Rex Ryan has lost his leadership over the team as the Jets ended the season with a .500 record (8-8), and now players are ripping their starting quarterback which raises the question whose in and whose out? With all the talk surrounding Sanchez and Colts quarterback Payton Manning possibly looking for a new NFL home its enough to make you wonder could Manning be the next face of the New York Jets? hmm…crazier things have happened.