As is my understanding, America is now completely drug-free
And assuming my information is correct, who deserves the lion share of credit?
A) The formidable duo of Nancy Reagan and Arnold Drummond.
B) Jesse Spano.
C) A musically inclined child and his mustachioed father.
D) Whitney Houston.
E) Whoever this chick is.
F) The incredible, edible, yet deceptively treacherous egg.
G) The Showtime Lakers.
I'd totally forgotten about the last item, but thankfully reader Alex forwarded this gem our way. What's even cooler, he's one of the kids dancing in front of Magic, Kareem, Riles and the Gang. His memories of the shoot are below the jump.
AK
"I wish I had more memories of that day, but it was over 20 years ago so the details are hazy. I found out it was in 1987, just after they won the championship, I was in fourth grade at the time. I got to go to this thing because I knew the son of someone in the Lakers organization. We went to a recording studio on a hot summer day and the team was there hanging out. I remember Kareem in a separate recording room doing his part, so I didn't get to meet him. I also didn't get a chance to meet Magic. A friend of mine did, however, and was so excited that he got light headed and almost passed out. As for my own interaction with the team, I remember playing 80's style video games (e.g., Pac-Man, Galaga) with Byron Scott and A.C. Green. They were both very cool and friendly, Cooper was cool too."
REPOST FROM LAST THREAD
Laker Lover,
Actually, he calls the 2005-06 team a D-League team. And I don't think that's much of a stretch, considering that team started Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, and Brian Cook.
Smush Parker can't even get a job as a reserve guard on THE WORST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE -- sounds like D-League material to me.
Kwame Brown is racking up DNP Coach's Decisions on the 3rd worst team in the League -- again, sounds like D-League material.
Brian Cook is the best of the 3, and he's averaging under 12 minutes in Orlando.
Beyond that, I think he was using that term because, before reading the article, I had recently read the same thing said about LeBron this year. But Zyrdunas Ilgauskas, Sasha Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson, and Anderson Varejao aren't D-Leaguers.
Also, all the Bench Mob that were are so great for us this year were green and not worth much in 2005-06. I believe the ENTIRE bench averaged 11-12 points per game, or something like that, that year. This was even before Luke Walton's breakout year... so, it's a bit hyperbolic, but I don't think it's that much of a stretch.
Besides, if that's the only complaint you have, he makes a ton of very valid points.
I'd like to know, specifically, what you think of his recent article on statistics. Do you judge the article by its own content, or dismiss him entirely for his bias?
This is the one: http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=18
Posted by: Tucker | February 27, 2008 at 03:57 PM
AK-
Dude, you forgot Pee Wee Herman's Anit-Drug commercial!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9zFZ1L26aw
Posted by: ajax | February 27, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Laker Lover,
One more thing: If you check out the most recent article on RespectKobe.com about stats, you'll even see he edited it and changed his position.
He had said Kobe was a better rebounder for his position than LeBron. But a commenter pointed out LeBron was average among forwards but top among SMALL forwards, and he recognized his mistake and changed his position, admitting LeBron is a better rebounder.
Does that strike you as something someone who is purely a biased Kobe lover would do?
Check it out, man. Check it out.
Posted by: Tucker | February 27, 2008 at 04:00 PM
That Lakers vid is so Krush!
Posted by: ajax | February 27, 2008 at 04:05 PM
To AK/BK and the Blog fam-
All things being equal and the team being the way its with KB, bynum, LO,and fish. If the lakers had the option of Dirk or Pau. Which would you prefer on this team? And try not let thew in streak blind your judgement.
Me pesonally I would have said Dirk prior to seeing the Pau play. The one thing I never new about Pau was how fundamentaly sound he was. I've read about his abilities but to actually see them on display. Impressive. I can't remember the last time I saw a big man who's just as accurate with he's left as he would be with his right, its an amazing site really. Great passing ability and he's one of the few bigs that actually uses a hook successfully and consistantly. My choice would have to be Pau
Your takes?
Posted by: richtown | February 27, 2008 at 04:06 PM
In case anyone wanted to hear Chick rap...well here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcNSPqEi9_A
Posted by: ajax | February 27, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Ajax,
I actually found the Peewee vid more creepy than funny, so I didn't include it. But you're right. Herman may very well deserve props for wiping drugs off the U.S. landscape. Kudos to him.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 27, 2008 at 04:20 PM
G) Michael Teniente
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 04:21 PM
AK/BK, When you say America is drug free, perhaps you are referring to illegal drugs. Well, in the first place, it is a sign of spoiled society to reach that stage or be known in the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs.
America is still riddled with drugs, I mean Rx prescription drugs that contributed to the death of that actor on Brokeback. Zo got his kidney ailment due to high consumption of pain killers which in the long run damaged his kidney. Most of the seniors are taking three different kinds of medications for all kinds of "aches & maintenance". Fat people take drugs to control their eating. Sensual people take drug to hasten sexual desires. There are unnecessary surgeries such as penile enlargement, enlargement of boobs etc. Cough & Cold medications have been proven that they do not contribute any threpeutic effect on viral diseases or FLU and yet, FDA continue to patronize the use of these over-the-counter medicines. A lot of people who have no knowledge on drugs or have no link with AMA pronouncements acquire them, then later on, file class action suits which result to tort cases which eventually increase the cost of medical insurance. People are purchasing drugs driven out by propaganda without analyzing the contraindications of these drugs with other diseases and in combinations with rx prescriptions being taken. We have abused the system of consumption of drugs at an enormous level thatmakes all developed countries in Europe pale in comparison. Each individual self-medicate through internet without full knowledge of the overall consequence of what they are taking. IMO, That's the plight of legal drugs in America.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 27, 2008 at 04:21 PM
SA said:
“Sean P . . .
for you to say that the lakers of 91 were in any way a reasonable facsimile of their hey day showtime era is a gross misunderstanding of basketball . . . Although, i will give jordan a lot of credit . . . he took that series with ever ounce of basketball he could eek out. And again, u fail to say how the overall effects of scottie pippen and horace grant and bj armstrong and craig hodges affected the outcome of those games.
as for the rest of the league and your "supposed" youtube proof that all those players were so great . . i say this . . . ITS NOT HARD BEING THE SKINNY KID AT FAT CAMP. . . . in other eras, shawn kemp and charles barkley would be in the Professional Eating League. Karl Malone would have been an average powerforwards. John Stockton wouldnt be able to play point against chris paul, baron davis, tony parker and the new breed point guard.
and as reference i would like to point the Mr. Harold "the next Jordan" Miner and Mr Cedric "Lake Havasu" Ceballos and how ceballos was considered a transcendent talent for scoring 50 points. PLEASE give me a break. These players in the 90s were garbage compared to the athlete of today's NBA. I want you to tell me any one other than jordan who belongs on a top 25 all time NBA list who's prime was in the bulls era . . . . case closed”
I didn’t say that the ’91 Lakers were a reasonable facsimile of their heyday. I said that they were not old.
However, since you’ve brought up... yeah, they most definitely were a reasonable facsimile of their heyday, considering they still had most of the same players who had won back-to-backs and who, with the exception of Mychal Thompson, were still at prime ages. They were a damn fine basketball team that went 58-24 in the regular season and 11-3 in the Western Conference playoffs (beating quality Suns and Blazers teams). Nobody I knew thought that they were going to lose to a Bulls team led by a selfish ballhog. Then MJ went ahead and put up 11.4 apg on us while making the transcendent play of the series (that switch-handed layup). Sure, his teammates helped (especially Scottie who gave Big Game James fits), but it was Michael that made that Bulls team special. Looking back now, I can see how someone might have thought that was a last gasp by an ageing team, if they didn’t know the particulars. What killed us wasn’t that we got old, it was because we lost both Magic and Worthy without getting anything in return the next season (HIV and knee injury).
There you go again with the unsubstantiated assertions. Barkley kept his weight under control his down his whole professional career, despite serious back problems. That he let go of himself after he retired has no reflection on the way he played. Kemp had (and still has) drug and alcohol (especially) problems. Classy of you to mock him for that. Regardless, that’s neither here nor there when we talking about ‘96 when Kemp was at his absolute peak (especially in the finals that year, when his outstanding performance had the media proclaiming him as the next great star).
As far as Stockton and Malone are concerned, they both played at a high level for 20 years and through several eras, so to say that they would not have been successful in a any particular era has no basis. It’s especially hilarious for you to say that Stockton could not have matched up against guys like Baron Davis and Tony Parker, as if he didn’t actually play against them. Stockton was still putting up a 21.0 PER at age 40 in ‘02-03 when Parker and Davis were putting up a 16.5 and 16.9 respectively. And you don’t think Stockton could have played against these guys in his prime? This guy came in the L in its heyday for pgs (why do you think that the 80s teams played such attractive ball?). With guys like Magic, Isiah, Mo Cheeks, Dennis Johnson, Fat Lever, Doc Rivers, Norm Nixon, Alvin Robertson, Terry Porter, Derek Harper, Mark Jackson, Mark Price, Kevin Johnson & Nate McMillan roaming the courts, there were no nights off for pgs in those days.
What do Harold Miner & Cedric Ceballos have to do with anything? Every era has had its busts and loons. If that’s the best you can do to argue against the Jordan era, you need to quit posting.
The bottom line is that the 90s were an exceptionally strong era for basketball with a number of players who began in the 80s playing at a high level for a remarkably long period of time and a good mix of young talent coming in. The league did not begin to suffer until too many of those young guys faded too quickly for various reasons (Penny, Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Derrick Coleman, Shawn Kemp, Vin Baker, Zo Mourning, Jamal Mashburn, et al.) and the next generation turned out to be too selfish (AI, Marbury, Vince Carter, T-Mac, Steve Francis, Zach Randolph, Ron Artest, Eddy Curry, et al… culminating with Kobe (and Shaq) blowing up a dynasty to feed their egos). If you ask me, the nadir for the league unquestionably came in the 2000s with the Nets (the worst finals team I have ever seen… well that is until the Cavs made it last year- although they at least have a true superstar) making the Finals twice and that garbage Heat team winning the Championship. It’s only really this year that the NBA is truly back (and Thank God for that).
Posted by: Sean P. | February 27, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I wish I had seen that Lakers commercial in my youth.
Sincerely,
Ricky Williams
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 27, 2008 at 04:27 PM
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February 25, 2008 11:21 PM
Save Our Sonics' letter to NBA
Posted by Percy Allen
Before NBA All Star Weekend, Save Our Sonics sent the following letter to the seven NBA team owners who comprise the Board of Governors (BOG), which will vote in April on whether to allow the OKC relocation. Owners from the Miami Heat, L.A. Lakers, Golden St. Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs received copies of the letter (attached and pasted in full below this release).
Save Our Sonics released the following statement on Monday, February 25:
"We hope the Board of Governors, media and members of the national sports community read the attached information and carefully consider the ramifications of a potential SuperSonics move to Oklahoma City. The upcoming court case set for June is too important to hold a vote on this matter presently because the current ownership group will likely be forced to honor the last two years of its lease agreement with Key Arena. The BOG should vote "No" on the Sonics relocation or postpone a vote until the pending court case is resolved.
"In light of recent disheartening comments by Commissioner David Stern, the BOG is faced with an extremely important decision that not only affects millions of Seattle area residents, but stands to significantly change both the NBA and the entire professional sports landscape. Members of the Sonics ownership group must work with Seattle's city leadership to come forth with a reasonable plan for the future sustainability of Seattle Center, Key Arena and the Sonics."
Please direct any media inquiries to the contacts at the end of the letter, Adam Brown, Steven Pyeatt and Brian Robinson of Save Our Sonics.
To NBA team owners and vested interests:
Outlined herein are the five most compelling reasons why voting "Yes" on the Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City is the wrong decision for an NBA team owner. Please consider the following information and endorse a "No" vote on relocation this April.
The Sonics have represented the city of Seattle through the best of times − including a 1979 World Championship and success throughout the 1990s culminating in a 1996 Finals appearance − and also through the worst of times, which came under the last two ownership groups led by Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz and Oklahoma City mogul Clayton Bennett, respectively. As you are surely aware, Schultz sold the Sonics to Bennett's Oklahoma-based ownership group in July 2006. After only one year of attempting to secure a brand new, $500 million, state- of-the-art arena in the region, Bennett officially filed for relocation to Oklahoma City on November 1, 2007.
As an NBA team owner, you have a responsibility to make decisions that will ultimately lead to a thriving league for years to come. Unlike other leagues, the NBA's owners are closely connected through revenue streams that allow profitable markets to share the wealth. As primary decision makers in the league, your votes in this matter will have critical impact on the future economic growth of the NBA.
Fans have supported this organization for 41 years. It will be a devastating blow to both the city of Seattle and the entire NBA if we lose this prominent market for the following reasons:
1. Fan Support Determines a Sports League's Profits
Seattle has been one of the NBA's most celebrated markets since its inaugural year in 1967. By allowing this move, David Stern is disrespecting one of his most loyal fan bases and disregarding 41 years of local support for the league, opting instead to mortgage the future financial sustainability of the NBA in order to please his friend, Clay Bennett.
NBA fans in Seattle will obviously be crushed by the move, but the impact will ripple into other markets across the nation. Fans will wonder: If this can happen in an historic NBA market like Seattle, couldn't it happen to my favorite team as well?
Hoops fans across the nation will sense a widening disconnect from team ownership and become apathetic about supporting a league that could show such contempt for fans. This move would signify the beginning of the end for a fan's league. The NBA may not recover from such a massive public relations disaster, as the league has recently struggled to reconnect to fans the way it did in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
2. Seattle is the Gateway to the Surging Asian Market
One of the highest rated NBA games this season was between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets - or the matchup of Chinese superstars Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. Commissioner Stern opened the revenue floodgates by pouring NBA marketing dollars into China, and the country responded with record interest in the league. In December 2007, more than 200 million Chinese tuned in to watch the battle of its homeland stars, as 16 of 19 Chinese television stations carried the live broadcast in mainland China. [1]
Seattle is a leading center of Asian culture in the United States, with more than 507,000 Asian citizens (14.4% of the population)[2] contributing to the area's booming business, engineering and technology industries. Why would the league choose to uproot one of its primary gateways to the blossoming Asian market?
Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners established the international sports business model by marketing its Japanese star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to national and international success, but the potential revenue ceiling in China is significantly higher if the NBA takes advantage of its cornerstone Asian market in Seattle.
The league certainly won't gain any international revenue from having a team in Oklahoma City.
3. Seattle is a Superior Market to Oklahoma City
The following statistics demonstrate the advanced revenue potential of the Seattle market compared with the Oklahoma City market:
Population:[3]
o Greater Seattle: 3,524,000
o Greater OKC: 1,240,967
Median Family Income:[4]
o Seattle: $70,133
o OKC: $48,162
Seattle is consistently named as one of the best cities in America, and Forbes recently ranked it fourth among the Fastest Growing Cities in America,[5] with a 22.7% projected GMP growth by 2012. To abandon this market would be akin to moving the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers to smaller cities. The league simply wouldn't be the same, and David Stern has already stated that Seattle will not get another team if the Sonics move under Bennett.[6]
Journalists across the nation published their disapproval of losing the Seattle market, repeatedly coming to the conclusion that "there is no conceivable way the NBA would benefit from having the Sonics move from the nation's 14th-largest market to the 45th. [7]"
4. Fans in Seattle Deserve a Chance to Keep Their Team
Clay Bennett and his Oklahoma City-based ownership group purchased the Sonics with the full intention of moving the team to Oklahoma City, as stated publicly by minority owner Aubrey McLendon.[8] This contradicts numerous public statements made by Bennett stating his desire to find a solution to keep the team in Seattle.
""[Clay Bennett and I] didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle, we hoped to come here [to Oklahoma City]," McLendon told the Oklahoma City Journal Record in August 2007. "We know it's a little more difficult financially here in Oklahoma City, but we think it's great for the community and if we could break even we'd be thrilled."
The NBA and its team owners should not settle for "just breaking even." Commissioner Stern fined McLendon $250,000 for these comments, but even more telling are the other dealings of this ownership group since purchasing the Sonics.
While asking for $400 million from taxpayers to build an exclusive, world-class arena in Renton − a Seattle area suburb located 12 miles south of the city and its season ticketholder base − the Bennett ownership group repeatedly touted the economic and community benefits of having an NBA team in the region.
Bennett's group even conducted its own economic feasibility study to convince legislators to vote for its last-minute arena proposal.[9]
Unfortunately, the proposal did not receive a vote after Bennett refused to provide key financial details deemed necessary by the legislature. Unlike Blazers and Seahawks owner Paul Allen, Bennett's plan did not include any stated investment from the team itself, leaving a huge gap in the feasibility of the proposal. Bennett then filed for relocation with the NBA, attempting to void the final two years of the team's lease at Seattle Center's Key Arena, which runs through 2010.
The city of Seattle filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Bennett in order to hold him to the Key Arena lease, and Bennett's group contradicted itself yet again in court, stating: "There will be no net economic loss if the Sonics leave Seattle."[10] Which is it, Clay?
The NBA should not look kindly upon one of its owners stating that its teams have no benefit to local communities.
While the Sonics current home, Key Arena, is the league's smallest venue, the city has expressed interest in re-working the terms of the lease and expanding the building to become a world-class venue. The city built Key Arena for $104 million in 1994 with 80% taxpayer-appropriated funds, following guidelines specifically approved by the NBA and team officials in the Ackerley ownership group, which said "[Key Arena] is going to be as good as any building in the NBA." And it was - for a few years, while the team perennially finished at the top of the Western Conference in front of sold out home crowds. [11]
It is simply unfortunate timing that other cities began building huge, more advanced arenas such as Chicago's United Center and Denver's Pepsi Center shortly thereafter, putting Key Arena behind the curve almost immediately after its construction. These and other new world-class arenas, however, were built using private funds or as a partnership between ownership and the city - something Bennett has declined to approach.
Despite the city's numerous attempts to reach out to Sonics ownership and broker a deal that works to keep the Sonics in Seattle, Bennett refused to even meet with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels regarding any plan besides his own.
Adding insult to injury, Bennett & Co. decimated the Sonics chances to be successful on the court by trading its two All-Star players, fan favorites Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. These moves effectively ensured the team would be terrible, driving local fans out of the arena, intentionally minimizing revenues to facilitate relocation and making a mockery of the team. In 2007, Bennett's group fired Sonics legends Lenny Wilkins, Jack Sikma and Detlef Schrempf from their positions with the team, further distancing the current organization from anything that could be considered part of the Sonics celebrated past.
"They didn't give it a chance," former Sonic and current Celtic Ray Allen told the Chicago Tribune. "You need good veterans around to be successful. But it was a decision they made." [12]
On the same day the Sonics miraculously drew the second pick in the 2007 NBA Draft and the rights to prodigal forward Kevin Durant, Bennett was in Kansas City exploring arena options to move the team. He has no respect for the city of Seattle and its thousands of loyal Sonics fans.
It is now abundantly clear that Bennett only wanted to rob Sonics fans from the start, with no regard for the team's history and 41 years of support. A great NBA owner builds ties with the community; he doesn't sever them and then pour salt on the wounds.
When Mark Cuban purchased the struggling Dallas Mavericks in 2000, he invested heavily in the team and the city, building the franchise into a dominant force and a pillar of the community. Other NBA owners have also made sizable investments in their host communities, strategically developing political and business relationships to help secure public funding for arenas. Prior to filing for relocation, Bennett spent only a few months actively attempting to secure a local arena. During this period, he failed to evaluate the political landscape or engage the fan base, refusing to hold a single meeting with the Seattle mayor's office to discuss options within the Seattle city limits. Bennett never employed a local advertising agency, and he never took reasonable steps to convey a hopeful message to the general public and fans. The Sonics have not made even a pretense of looking for local options since May of 2007.
As business partners, it is appropriate for NBA owners to expect a somewhat equitable effort on the part of all parties. Owners in markets such as New Jersey, Sacramento and Orlando worked hard in recent attempts to secure venues, but Sonics ownership is attempting to shortcut the process and put its own interests above that of the league as a whole by engaging in a high publicized legal battle to void the final years of its lease. As part of this process, the Bennett ownership group has risked the goodwill of the fans and publicly stated that NBA teams bring no value to this community.
A legitimate local ownership group would be willing to work with the city and find a constructive solution to keep the Sonics in Seattle.
5. The New Orleans Hornets are Struggling to Survive
In the wake of the tragedy Hurricane Katrina inflicted upon the city of New Orleans, the Hornets were transplanted to Oklahoma City, where fans embraced the team for two seasons. As New Orleans rebuilds, the Hornets moved back to play at New Orleans Arena at the start of the 2007-08 season.
(Save Our Sonics would never want to deny New Orleans fans their team or encourage a Hornets move to save our own team. We do, however, see the need to present the following facts so NBA interests can make the most informed decision possible on this matter.)
At the time this letter was pressed, the Hornets held a record of 33-15, good for second best in the tough Western Conference. Yet the team is second to last in the league in attendance, drawing a meager 12,453 fans per game on average,[13] a number that is further inflated by free tickets given away within a business model that relies heavily on subsidies. This is a young, exciting team with an MVP candidate in Chris Paul, but the city cannot seem to rally behind them as it has for the NFL's Saints before and after Katrina.
The Hornets recently signed a lease that allows them to relocate after the 2009-2010 season if they fail to reach an average attendance benchmark of 14,735 through that portion of the contract.[14] At this rate, there is no doubt that attendance will be lower than this figure, and the Hornets will be looking for a new home in 2010, conveniently also when the Sonics lease at Key Arena officially expires.
The Sonics, by contrast, are the third worst team in the NBA at 13-36, yet they are only fifth-worst in attendance figures, averaging 13,476 fans despite widespread doubt that the team will even play in Seattle past 2008. This Sonics team, without its two recognizable All-Stars − and with out-of-town ownership insulting the community while publicly facilitating the OKC move ¬− still outdraws the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Hornets on a nightly basis. More importantly, Key Arena is filled to 79.3% capacity each night versus 65.8% in New Orleans − this figure also puts the Sonics ahead of the Charlotte Bobcats (74.7%), Minnesota Timberwolves (77.8%), and New Jersey Nets (76.1%) in attendance.
Make no mistake about it: Seattle is a basketball city and Washington is a basketball state, with such NBA stars as Brandon Roy, Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Marvin Williams, Martell Webster, Luke Ridnour, Spencer Hawes, John Stockton, Detlef Schrempf, Michael Dickerson, Aaron Brooks and Doug Christie having grown up in the area. By voting to allow Seattle's longest running professional team to move, owners are denying themselves a city full of talent and potential billions in financial support. This is the city that set NBA attendance records by drawing more than 39,000 fans to a 1979 game in the Kingdome.[15] This is the city that rocked for the Sonics throughout the 1990s, as teams led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp dominated for much of the decade.
Recent NBA team moves and expansions to smaller markets have unequivocally failed financially (Vancouver to Memphis, Charlotte to New Orleans). If Oklahoma City has truly earned an NBA franchise, however, it makes sense to either grant it an expansion team (SOS's preferred solution) or move the Hornets, only since the latter is likely to move and already won the adoration of OKC fans.
The battle for the Sonics is still in U.S. District Court, which set a date of June 16, 2008 to hear the case - right in the middle of the NBA Finals. In light of recent scandals (Tim Donaghy and Malice at the Palace), the NBA cannot afford this bitter fight causing another public relations disaster, which would only soil its credibility and evoke outrage from disrespected fans around the nation. The NBA is a business, but this business can only be run with the full trust and support of its paying customers - the fans.
Please carefully consider the above arguments when casting your vote on the Seattle SuperSonics relocation issue. The facts are clear: Seattle has earned its team through decades of loyal support, and fans deserve more than Bennett has given them. If the involved parties swallow their pride and sit down at the negotiation table, a reasonable agreement to keep the team in Seattle can surely be reached. Key Arena is a beautiful venue for fans to watch basketball, and an efficient remodel can implement the proper revenue streams for ownership to profit financially in this top quality market.
Feel free to contact our organization with any questions on this matter. Vote "No" on a Sonics to Oklahoma City move this April. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincere regards,
Adam Brown - Brian Robinson - Steven Pyeatt
Media Advisor Co-Founder Co-Founder
(206) 919.3778 (206) 349.6447 (206) 276.6708
"(Clay Bennett) doesn't care if the Supersonics are Seattle's most successful and storied franchise. Or that the team has 40 years of history and heritage and Hall-of-Famers. Or that the league will suffer greatly if a franchise moves from one of its most cultured and cosmopolitan markets to - - - Oklahoma City! Good lord, this is like the Rockettes leaving Radio City Music Hall for their new permanent home at the Mystery Dinner Theatre on I-Drive!"
- columnist Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, November 2007.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Source: "Yao vs. Yi Matchup to Set Record TV Ratings." Dec. 9, 2007. www.crienglish.com
[2] Source: "The Greater Seattle Datasheet." 2006. www.cityofseattle.net
[3] Source: "U.S. Census." 2006.
[4] Source: "Best Places to Live." Money Magazine. 2006. www.cnnmoney.com.
[5] Source: "In Pictures: America's Fastest Growing Large and Small Metros." www.forbes.com. Jan. 30, 2008.
[6] Source: "Stern: NBA Won't Return to Seattle if Sonics Leave." Associated Press/Seattle Times. Nov. 8, 2007.
[7] Source: "Oklahoma City Sonics? NBA should just say no." The Daily Herald. Feb. 3, 2008.
[8] Source: "Sonics co-owner McClendon fined $250K." Seattle Times. Aug. 23, 2007.
[9] Source: "Economic Benefits of the King County Events Center." April 2007. www.eventscenterfacts.com.
[10] Source: "Sonics: City Wouldn't Miss Us." The Seattle Times. Jan. 18, 2008.
[11] Source: "Nothin' But Profit: Winning no longer key to new NBA." The Seattle P-I. May 15, 2006.
[12] Source: "Sonics Choose Low Road." The Chicago Tribune. December 10, 2007.
[13] Source: "NBA Attendance Report." January 24, 2007. www.ESPN.com.
[14] Source: "Hornets Sign Lease Extension." The Oklahoman. January 10, 2008. www.newsok.com.
[15] Source: "Relocations Hurt the NBA." The Daily of the UW. January 11, 2008.
Posted by: JOseph | February 27, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Tucker- I dont usually look at stats to determine who should be the MVP so I browsed over the article. MVP to me means more that just stats, its about how valuable to your team a player is and what type of leader a player is.
Kobe is in the top 3 for MVP voting but I cant see how any player can be more valuable than Nash or Lebron. When I watch those teams and those guys go out of the game the teams fall apart for the most part. Alternatively when Kobe goes out I dont see the same drop off on the lakers this year. I did see a stat on 82games.com that basically suggested that the drop off for on/off court was the greatest for Lebron and suprisingly second was Jamison for the wizards.
But even more than that I look for things like how a player responds to adversity, what they do during the games to encourage or coach their teammates and intangibles. I like to watch Nash encouraging his teammates to keep shooting even when they miss because they are good shots. That is something Kobe is doing more this year and one of the reasons guys are playing better in my estimation.
But if I had to vote today I would give the MVP to Garnett but it would be hard to argue against giving it to Kobe or Lebron or Chris Paul, although I see NO fading down the stretch.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 27, 2008 at 04:32 PM
I have the chick rap on the CD that came with the Chick Hearn book, its got some classic moments including the
Chalupa Chalupa call from his nest and the famous all star game with Chick and Johnny Most from the Celts. That was classic how easily those two worked in tandem without ever having worked before.
Long live Chicky Baby.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 27, 2008 at 04:36 PM
ajax,
Wow. I'm not sure my life is better for seeing that.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 04:42 PM
They probably meant well
And they probably got some kids off drugs...
But man that song sucked :) They should have teamed up with Michael Jackson or LL CoolJ to make that song. I'm sure plenty of singers would have volunteered.
Posted by: Bynumite | February 27, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Suns without Nash or Cavs without LeBron analysis isn't that simple.. they struggle because their coaches do not teach a system and leave it to their ball dominant player to make decisions every single time. This will inflate the respective player's stats, but, it doesn't lead to a championship. You have to enable more than one player to be a playmaker. That has truly been the growth on the lakers.. the individual players -- the younger players maturing, the new player in Gasol having high IQ and Kobe now "enabling" it as he has gained the trust. Success breeds success.
Posted by: Lakerfan | February 27, 2008 at 04:52 PM
And add to your list of cool 80's videos, you have to wonder what Baron Davis does in his spare time playing up their in San Francisco.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=5890782
Posted by: Bynumite | February 27, 2008 at 04:56 PM
joseph- congratulations on posting one of the longest posts ever.
Posted by: ajax | February 27, 2008 at 04:57 PM
"Nash or LeBron?" I repeat to myself as I read a post above... "who wrote this drivel?"... then I scroll down...
Oh. Okay, that makes a lot of sense.
When I read comments without seeing who wrote them, I often find myself in a situation like I just mentioned... wondering who in the world would say such ridiculous things, and then when I stop myself and look before reading the rest, it all makes sense. I think we REALLY need to have the names appear first before the post, it would save people a lot of time in having to read stuff by people who... shall we say... don't exactly make a lot of sense when they post.
Enough about that.
I never knew Wes Matthews could rap so well... with his silky smooth voice and stunning shades, he could have went platinum!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 27, 2008 at 04:58 PM
AK,
Jessie Spano??!! lol, that brought back some memories.
Wasn't she just hooked on caffeine pills? And caffeine is so prevalant around society nowadays! I guess she didn't do a good job....The More You Know!
"I'm so excited, I'm sooo scared!"
thanks for making me laugh since I have a long day of work.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 27, 2008 at 05:07 PM
My grandmother called. She wants her blue blocker sunglasses back.
Posted by: Will Hicks | February 27, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Baron Davis skating around to New Edition...wow!
Posted by: ajax | February 27, 2008 at 05:19 PM
What about the US Senate? They've done a bang up job eliminating drugs from its final stronghold, professional athletics!
Posted by: Benjamin | February 27, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Amateur writer makes a case for Kobe not being the MVP (does that sound like a hater or what, why not just say who should be the MVP). People tear him to shreds for his poor grammar, poor reasoning, and half-ass job of making his case. Pretty sweet stuff:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11094-NBA-Boston_
Celtics-New_Orleans_Hornets-Lets_be_truly_honest_
Kobe_Bryant_does_NOT_deserve_the_MVP_award-
260208
Then he follows up his original writing with lamer writing because some of the respondents weren't just Laker homers:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11173-NBA-Boston_
Celtics-New_Orleans_Hornets-Los_Angeles_Lakers-NBA_
MVP_Kobe_Bryant_does_NOT_deserve_the_MVP_part_2-
270208
I was entertained, but my recent sense of humor grew up on the internet.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 27, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I think it was all because of the Lakers. Actually I think it was the words of wisdom coming from athletes like Kareem, and he is on now:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/kareem/
Posted by: Bianca | February 27, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Laker Lover,
I agree with you on stats not necessarily correlating to MVP.
However, if you read that article, it doesn't have anything to do with the MVP. That site does have an article making a case for Kobe as MVP, but it doesn't base it on stats. The article I was referencing is the one that talks about stats.
It's not about the MVP race at all. It's just an article about how one should properly compare stats in context, and it uses Kobe and LeBron as examples.
Regarding the MVP race, who has overcome more adversity than Kobe? Bynum went out, Kobe kept us winning. Ariza out. Pau Gasol joins us late, Kobe made the transition completely seamless. And how about his pinky? And all the other injuries and sickness and stuff he's played through? No one else has done that. How about putting together the best record in the West, despite having the 3rd toughest schedule and the fewest home games in the entire NBA, so far? And despite the fact that the Lakers were rebuilding on the fly this season? No one has overcome more obstacles than Kobe.
About your intangibles, like Nash encouraging his players to shoot when they miss: Kobe does that. Bill Plaschke's recent article points that out: http://tinyurl.com/2k8ves And Plaschke's a Kobe hater!
Anyways, if you want to read his case for Kobe as MVP, it's here: http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=17
And it's not based on stats. It's based on everything you mentioned and MVP should be, and more.
But what I was referencing was something completely different. It's just about statistics in context, and has nothing to do with MVP. That's this one: http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=18
Posted by: Tucker | February 27, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Laker Lover,
One more thing, about LeBron and Steve Nash. Lakers fans have made that same argument in the past for Kobe, the whole "he's the most valuable to his team" argument, and it's been true. But it's not how the rules work. LeBron's team may need him more than any other team needs any player, but they're not hitting the 50+ wins that's required.
Nash, well, he technically meets the requirements. But there are others having more outstanding seasons than him. Also, if you don't think the Lakers struggle without Kobe, you must not have watched the Seattle game. What kind of run did Seattle go on as soon as Kobe got ejected? I don't remember the exact numbers, but when he went out, the Lakers had their biggest lead, and then they went completely flat. They won that one mainly because of the lead he'd helped them build up to that point.
Posted by: Tucker | February 27, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Sorry about the horrid formatting of my post.
Just search for "Kobe Bryant" and "Matt Homdis"
Then you'll get to an article Kobe Bryant doesn't deserve the MVP, etc., whatever.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 27, 2008 at 05:51 PM
So, explain why 3/4ths of them are wearing sunglasses.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 27, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Tucker,
I also noticed the author of respect Kobe made that change regarding rebounding stats. He's intelligent and intellectually honest. Sure he digs Kobe, but he presents an outstanding case why it's reasonable to do so.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 27, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I don't get it, the thread?? Do I have a brain freeze or something?
Posted by: AN 1 | February 27, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Benjamine:
I basically skip any links to the Bleacher Report. Their articles are completely inferior to normal blogger posts on this blog.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 27, 2008 at 06:04 PM
with classic anti drug messages like this, i wonder how i made it through the eighties without developing a freebase habit.
also; sean P for president.
that was an extremely reasonable and knowledgeable argument, made with solid evidence and without personally attacking the guy you were arguing with.
on second thought, what are you doing on this blog?
nah, i'm just hating. there are some really intelligent people posting here. also some who are not so much, but what the heck, we all have our off days.
Posted by: phred | February 27, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Not sure what to think of this thread so I will go with Trivia.
Name this Laker Player who said after the Championship:
Out of the mud, grew a rose....
LakerTom, you don't get this I will be disappointed in you.
BD
Posted by: BD | February 27, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Benjamin,
I concur with Laker(s) Tom. Bleacher Report is just a place for bloggers who want to have a prettier look of their post. Its just a fan sight, written by fans, for fans. Lots of homeriffic stuff.
The sight can be fun, but not to be taken too seriously.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Suns Fan,
Here you go…..
Normally I would choose not to reply to you, but my tolerance has been low for chaffing type mongers like you. I will attempt to minimize my quotes, and I encourage other bloggers to move on to other entries-postings of concern.
What I don’t like about your posting characteristics are the following:
1.You crash this blog with out respect and put down our team. You don’t even realize that we belong to a team of hierarchy. Whether it is 5 years, or fifty years; my team has excelled in competition and the spirit of battle, and has entertained millions of fans. You claim that “We Can’t get that name of our finger tips” in regards to Shaq. You are merely experiencing the arrival of Shaq to his 4th team who only has 2 and ½ left in his contract.
2.One of your first posts was asking the K Bros if they were actual Lakers Fans. There is a small bio to the top right where you will find a picture of Brian and Andrew. Underneath that is a short biographical paragraph that clearly states that they are Laker fans. You claimed that we had our blinders on. That made me suspect already of your comprehension. Maybe the sense of sight was unavailable in certain portions of your visit to the blog that day?
3.You brag and on this site which isn’t your home team. You use punch lines like “I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HATE THE SUNS” “WHOS YOUR DADDY” and “Cowards.” You should count yourself lucky that some bloggers here have patience of a stoic monk, and carry replies to some of your meaningless posts. Perhaps it is a combination of them having kids and being fans since the earlier era pre “Showtime.” I for one find it atrocious that you use these written signatures and chants in making a point. Learn for Sonny Belfast, he is probably one of the most welcomed blogger by a nemesis, The Sacramento Kings.
4. I believe you are a hypocritical poster. If someone replies to your post without a challenge, you call him or her a smart blogger. If they challenge your post, you show disdain for them. You berate other bloggers by complimenting the only people who are in agreement or reply to you. (See your post in compliment to Nemaia Faletogo and Eagle Boy. “The Smart Bloggers.” So does that make everyone else dumb on the blog?) Also, you will say that you don’t think about me but you will throw your pundits in calling me “The Coolest Kid in class.” Another example when someone called you an idiot, despite them adding that it was a joke, why would think that being an “idiot” is not suggestive?
5. You postulate assumptions, and turn them into definitive facts in your world. (Hello Big Bird to Mr. Snuffulapogus) What do I mean by that? Here’s one example : You claim that PJ is biting your teams style about having an eighth man rotation. (Larry Brown had an 8 man rotation.) Not to mention we have Bynum, Mihm, Ariza and Vlad injured. I believe that would make it a 10-12 man rotation. How is the non-injured Piatkowski doing?
You also said “You say you don't respond to me, but what your are doing is responding to my comments thru other bloggers.” Well if the other bloggers never responded to you, I would have never replied to them. Plus, YOU ARE POSTING ON THE BLOG!
Are you forgetting that it has been a while since I directly sent a post to you? Besides this is a blog; I am allowed to comment other replies and other posts. Afterall, you did comment on Championship chants by other members with out them wishing for a Suns Fan to invade and insult our Basketball and Blog Harmony. More importantly, Frank Rizzo and I were in exchange. I clearly typed Frank Rizzo.
I have stopped vying for non response towards your posts. It was my 2nd response and that was long gone.
You ask me in third person (Still don’t get that): “Are you a Fire32 hater?”
No.
You’re just that guy on the blog…. That guy like some people viewed Mike T, Gunner, and KL. (Previous members before your time. Though I have nothing bad to say about those guys.) I Miss them actually.
In my eyes, you still have room for me to respond. But I will be selective and hopefully you will see my end of the opinion. Trust me, I will gladly compliment you once you realize my points.
To use a third person impression (since you used one) from one of my favorite commercials.
(In a heavy Chinese Kung Fu Master Voice/Tone)
“You don wanna feel bad in blog, You wanna hotpocket!”
Posted by: Charles | February 27, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Bynum I sure hope you are injecting sea minerals 24/24
after watching the game again. Do we ever miss his rebounding and defense. Bynum is clearly the Golden Key to the Championship.
King Kong get well and hurry back. Go Lakers!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | February 27, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Charles
Beautiful rebuke for that troll,(fire32),keep it cranking!!
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | February 27, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Suns again getting killed. Utah losing too. It's a good night for the Lakers.
Posted by: troy | February 27, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Phoenix going down again... HAHAHA
Posted by: BD | February 27, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Who cares about drugs? I'm clean! And the Hornets are about to sweep the season series with the not having Funs.
107-88, five minutes left in the game.
HAH! Shaq-fu.
Posted by: mel | February 27, 2008 at 07:10 PM
It pleases me to no end that Shaq ruined the Suns it seems...
The Suns got about 20 more games to get it to together but either way they are at least 5th in the West! I'm hoping they drop to 6th seed so we wont have to see them at all (I feel like Shaq is more dangerous in the playoffs).
I would have fun beating the Nuggets in the 1st round, New Orleans in the 2nd, and Dallas in the 3rd!
Posted by: Korey | February 27, 2008 at 07:18 PM
If you all get a chance please tune into the suns game because CHRIS PAUL is taking Nash to the CLEANERS.........wow.....
He just made Nash look 50 years old....................
Posted by: Thirty2 | February 27, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I am telling you guys... the Rockets just have to continue to hold their ground... because I see "DEA TEAMS" :)
Either Phoenix or Denver won't make the playoffs ... trust me on this one... and looking at their schedule..it is more likely that the Suns won't make it.
Posted by: Maxximo | February 27, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Charles!
Your response to Suns Fan was monumental.
Fricken monumental.
Go Charles!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 27, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Boris Diaw ..........Boris Copperfield..............That guy can just vanish into thin air............please dont compare him to Odom ......
Please..
Posted by: Thirty2 | February 27, 2008 at 07:30 PM
LOL
I don't know if bt the time you guys see this, it will be already changed....
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
The Phoenix just lost and on the standings they place
1.Hornets
2.Phoenix
3.Lakers
LOL
Whoever is working with that computer to change places, is probably is dispair to see the Lakers in 1st place.
Posted by: Maxximo | February 27, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I've been going through these threads and I haven't enjoyed a few things, so it's time for me settle some things.
First, MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT...LUKE WALTON SUCKS. I don't give damn if that offends you. I'm not appraising his character as a human, I'm assessing his skill set as a basketball player, which, as a fan, I have the right to do. No doubt, Luke Walton sucks, nice guy or not.
He has no athletic ability, he's slow, and he has very little basketball skills. I've been saying this for 2 years on this blog, nothing new from me.
In addition, I've challenged anyone on this blog to demonstrate just how Luke Walton has a high, so called, basketball IQ. I contend that he doesn’t have a high basketball IQ, and I’ll prove it…
* If he had knowledge of the game, then he would compensate for his lack of physical skills. Yet, he hasn't consistently provided any above average contribution in any facet of the game.
* If he had a high basketball IQ, then he'd be a proficient rebounder, since he would utilize his IQ to predict the trajectory of shot and anticipate positioning for the rebound. However, his rebounding is sub-par at best.
* If he had a high basketball IQ, then he'd train his muscles and hand/eye coordination to accurately make shots in a preferred position on the floor. However, he constantly misses long range, mid-range, and short range shots.
* If he had a high basketball IQ, then he’d use that IQ to best compensate for any injury he may be experiencing, so that his offerings as a ball player would not be compromised (eg Kobe, when he had a bad right shoulder, learned to shoot with his left hand). Luke often gets injured and fails to figure out how to make the most of his compromised ability.
* If he had a high IQ, then he'd make accurate passes in anticipation of where the preferred position of his teammate should be on the floor to ensure a good quality shot attempt (a la Steve Nash). Luke fails to this, often times accumulating turnovers.
* If he had a high basketball IQ, then he’d minimize committing critical errors at bad moments during the game. It's on the record that he’s cost us at least 2 games for not taking key shots and key moments.
* If he had a high basketball IQ, then he’d study the games, its nuances, his abilities, and he’d make improvements during the offseason. Luke has gotten worse since last year.
Now, I've stated my contentions and I've backed it up. Luke Walton is a sub-average basketball player and he has average to low basketball IQ. I invite ANYONE with a differing view to debate this issue, or shut up an accept it. Your silence confirms you submittal to my points.
SECOND: Anybody who fails to appreciate the ability of Kobe Bryant is either ignorant, biased (re: can't get over the Denver thing and the social politics behind it), or intentionally assuming this position because he/she needs Blog Attention. Some idiot blogger here actually thinks Garnett should win it over Kobe. How stupid is this. Garnet doesn't have the individual ability that Kobe has, he doesn't have the mental resolve that Kobe has, and Garnett has 1, if not 2 players on his OWN TEAM THAT ARE JUST AS GOOD, IF NOT BETTER THAN HE IS. Period, end of story.
Remember, if an opinion is qualified, than it's a legitimate contention. If an opinion is blurted and abandoned, it's a bullsh*t attention seeking device.
Posted by: troy | February 27, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Ahh, there's few things better than coming home and seeing that the Suns are getting spanked by the Hornets. Especially since AK and I were the only two people on the blog saying this trade makes no sense for the Suns. The Suns are now 2-3 since the trade and giving up 111 ppg since the Shaq trade was made.
Posted by: Xodus | February 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM