The "L" Word
The Lakers arrived in Salt Lake City sporting a perfect 6-0 playoff record. But conventional wisdom states that a playoff series becomes a brand new can of worms upon changing venues for the first time. Even when the now-home team has been thoroughly outplayed in the opening pair of contests, as was the case for the Jazz when they played the Lakers at Staples. Put the basketball in EnergySolutions Arena and Utah became a considerably more effective squad, as evidenced by their 104-99 win. In particular, a previously floundering Carlos Boozer seemed to benefit from a change of scenery. Those struggles in Los Angeles felt about 10 years removed as he put up a 27/20 effort and controlled much of the action whenever he was on the court. His control of the paint was a reflection of Utah's typical physicality that received more whistle-free leeway while in SLC, a style of play that often seemed to irritate the Lakers. In particular, Pau Gasol was thrown for a loop by the lack of referee love and was often reduced to a turnover in waiting. For some, the reaction could be read as a measure of Gasol's "tough get going" nature (or lack thereof). Or perhaps Gasol's subpar play was simply an extension of the tough sledding endured by other mates like Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar (who in particular seemed rhythm-free from the moment he stepped on the court).
But despite having put forward their worst foot, the Lakers can't be accused of not making a game of things. They may have come up short in the box score, but they often kept Utah on its collective heels. Shaking off some first-half cobwebs, Kobe Bryant asserted his presence, racking 26 second half points and helping his squad rediscover some mettle. If nothing else, Mamba-to-Mamba backboard assisted pass reminded even the triumphant squad who's the NBA top dog. The hopeful comeback charge was done in by costly turnovers and errant shots down the stretch, leaving the Lakers a mite short of a victory. But there was no reason to enter the locker room thinking SLC's atmosphere couldn't be overcome.
Utah's fans may not be able to forgive Derek Fisher for leaving, but Utah's players think there's nothing to forgive at all.
Rick Carlisle is the officially confirmed new coach of the Mavs. Mike D'Antoni? The unofficially non-confirmed new coach of the Knicks.
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Jazzy basketball, no-one it scares. A good team, by 20 or more would've beaten the Lakers. Jazz barely win by 5, and the only win will it be.
Posted by: Master Yoda | May 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I didn't know Mormons could be so noisy, lol. I live in a Mormon neighbourhood and they are pretty quiet around here...
I know Pau is going to play better but you have to wonder if this is why the Grizzlies were swept 3 times in the past. Okur is out playing him badly.
Like the Jazz in the first 2 games they played poorly and were still in each game. Same case for the Lakers last night.
The Lakers will adjust but will it be enough to keep this series from going 7? I'm kind of expecting it if they lose again Sunday.
Posted by: Andy B | May 10, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Also, with a third of their shots 3 pointers plus 18 TOs, you are not going to win many games.
Anyone seen Lamar?
3 shot attempts? Are you kidding me?
Posted by: Andy B | May 10, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Kobe's dunk looked more like some Allstar competition stuff.
My wife said, "is that legal?!"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I'd like to say mention that I noticed many people were strongly affected by the Lakers loss yesterday. It seems like all of a sudden many people feel the Lakers were exposed as the truly unworthy team, that every player's worst tendencies finally showed through.
Just stop it! All of you.
This Laker team is incredibly talented and plays extremely well together. Many of our players do have weaknesses that were exposed by the pressure of being undefeated in the playoffs, playing against a well-executing extremely physical team, and playing in a loud, high pressure Energy Solutions Arena.
That doesn't change where we are now and how we got there.
We're still playing wonderfully as a team.
We're still doing a great job matching up against teams with very different strengths than what we have.
Kobe is still playing MVP basketball.
Our defense is still much improved.
Farmar, Sasha, and Odom have still greatly improved this season compared to last season.
Gasol and Fisher are still major upgrades compared to last year.
We still have a legitimate title shot, we just came back down to earth with this loss.
I don't want to hear any more of this negative crap. You sound like a bunch of Phoenix fans, tearing their team apart limb from limb at the first sign of trouble.
This negative, defeatist attitude that suggests our team no longer deserves to win, or isn't good enough, or whatever has to go now.
Your negativity (rather than being thoughtfully critical) has no place in the heart of any true Laker fan. Put your heart back in and root for your frickin team.
This is far from over.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
"I'd like to say mention that I noticed many people were strongly affected by the Lakers loss yesterday"
Really? Which blog were you reading?
Posted by: Master Yoda | May 10, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Last night exposed the lakers' flaws - an unproven gasal (whose reputation for being a softee when up against physical players is now being confirmed), an predictably underachieving odum (cannot be depended upon no matter how well he occasionally plays), and most damaging of all, kobe's flawed personality.
You all saw it - how kobe ripped into his teammates following a bad inbounds pass late in the 4th. No matter that our MVP airballed twice in the final minutes and committed turnovers trying to do it all himself once again. Kobe is flawed because he is greatly talented, but combined with his overriding sense of self-importance and disdain for his lesser talented teammates, it all adds up to an infantile attitude.
When the team leader has this attitude, the team will eventually fail to bring the title. Shaq never rips his teammates on the court, and has shown the true leadership qualities despite his immense talent. He has won a title without kobe, proof enough that the lakers owe Shaq a huge debt of gratitude for helping kobe win rings.
Carlos Boozer outscored and outrebounded gasal and odum all by himself last night, a truly magnificent performance. We should give credit to the jazz.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 10, 2008 at 11:39 AM
IT IS THE END OF THE WORL MY FRIENDS - LAKERS AS WE HAVE KNOWN THEM THIS WONDERFULL SEASON WILL BE A DISTANT MEMORY!!!!
Posted by: ookboy24 | May 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Master Yoda,
I am a huge fan of yours and have great respect for your connection with The Force.
That said, you can respond in a more intelligent and thoughtful way to my post.
And do it you should.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 11:48 AM
all the lakers need to do is get pau closer to the basket, execute the offense, and the lakers will go up 3-1. As long as pau is close to the basket, the help men cant double him as easily cause the shooters will be wide open.
Posted by: greek dude | May 10, 2008 at 11:52 AM
BUTLER,
Sometimes becoming takes time. Do you expect Kobe to be perfect now?
As for "confirming" past reputations, I have a fantastic idea. Let's actually see what reputations are confirmed before we decide what people are made of why don't we? There are many games yet to play. A battle is lost, but the war rages onward.
Boozer is a great player, duh.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Lamar 3 SHOTS? He went 3 for 3 from the field are you kidding me. He has so much talent I wish he asserted himself a bit more.
Posted by: Tej | May 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Here is my take on the game; our Vet 3; Kobe, Fish, and Lo played a good game they are vets, thats what they do.. I think the only adjustments we need to make is add Mbenga for his body and muscle to the lineup and have Pau, as Bynum did (this is where we miss Bynum), change his game to a defensive presence (for this series), blocks, rebounds, and box outs. The big bodies on offensive/defensive boards will keep the Jazz close to the basket more and stop their fast break points. My second adjustment (and last one at that) would be to bring Ira in for Fish not Farmar. Ira has size and is a defensive minded guard. I believe, like AK stated the game was not all negative, playoffs are won by adjustments offensively/defensively and execution, just think if we would have at least executed, would could have stole this game.
My two cents for free…
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: JBizzo | May 10, 2008 at 12:05 PM
NBA.com had an interesting article about the guy that does personal skills training with Melo (you see him in the commercial). He also trains Agent Zero, CP3, and Elton Brand among others.
Maybe some of our guys could use him?
http://www.nba.com/features/ravin_080509.html
That is, assuming they don't already. I'm specifically thinking of Farmar whose game has improved, but I see much more potential in him.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Benjamin-
First off i enjoy your posts and while I agree with your positive comments concerning the Lakers, I too am a little mystified as to your characterization of the blog reaction to yesterday's loss. Except for Utah trolls and posts from the ever insightful- "Never"; I don't get any sense of defeatism or lack of confidence in our team. And rightly so as you enthusiastically point out.
What I think is the singular best strength of this blog is the generally balanced and often incisive comments from the Laker family here and reinforced by the K Bros even handed approach.
We all want the same thing...namely for the Purple & Gold to continue to advance, That said, 'tis best to encourage rather than scold. Lakers in 5!
GO LAKERS!
ps No mention of Vlad in your year over year review of players. Oversight or intentional exclusion?
Posted by: AZ LakerFan | May 10, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Referring to Jazz fans as all Mormon is inaccurate. It will be nice to cut out those religious stereotype. The Lakers are a very talented team. Jazz, the puny underdog, is testing Lakers' excellence. The competition will improve the Lakers if they win the series. Both teams play good basketball. Its fun to see them play. For those who really thought Lakers could sweep the Jazz, they were the optimists who are afraid of challenges. It's possible that Lakers win in 5. It'll be more fun if they take it to 7 games.
Posted by: Shu Cheng | May 10, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I'm agreeing with greek dude.
We just need to tweak.
14 assists says we weren't running the offense right. 18 TO's confirms that.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Stu Lantz said it last night. This was the first playoff game in Utah for all but Fisher and Bryant.
We'll be back Sunday with lessons learned and we will win.
Lakers in 5.
Posted by: B$ | May 10, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Shu Cheng
"For those who really thought Lakers could sweep the Jazz, they were the optimists who are afraid of challenges."
Could you elaborate, I don't understand. "afraid?"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 12:28 PM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PK8hjqLNikY
Posted by: LakerGurl | May 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM
AZLakerFan,
Thanks. I could totally be overreacting. :P I probably am. I'm reacting to a few trolls and a few negative Nellies that popped out of the woodwork. My post might have been improved if I thought a little more before I posted. I still want to stop now anyone taking the dark path of negativity toward the Lakers. There's a time and place for that. That time was the last three seasons.
As for Vlad, I just sort of mentioned what came to mind. I wasn't trying to be intentionally inclusive/exclusive of anyone.
One could certainly draw conclusions from the fact that I forgot Vlad, huh?
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I'm watching The Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer on HBO right now, and it occurs to me that Phil Jackson could use this movie in a film session today. He could make them watch it and tell them, "You played as terrible as the writing, direction and acting in this movie. Despite the fact that you guys had a few Jessica Alba-hot highlight plays, the end result is still an awful awful game tape. But despite that we only lost by 5. Tomorrow, lets give a No Country For Old Men type performance (except maybe with some Jessica Alba-Hot highlights) and we should be fine."
This is why I'm not an nba coach.
Posted by: j. d. hastings | May 10, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Fatty,
I agree with you. I think most of us thought Utah would likely win one, but we also thought the Lakers could pull off a sweep. A few less turn overs, a few more made lay-ups (that we missed) a few defensive rebounds, and this game would have been lopsided in our favor.
"afraid"? No. We don't do that hear. We have master Yoda on our side and he taught us all one very important lesson:
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 10, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Hey Butler, just because you do not like Kobe do NOT blast the rest of the guys because they had A bad game and lost. No doubt the Jazz and the Hornets will be Lakers toughest competition should they play and win the title.
Give the Lakers credit for becoming the leaders of the Western Conference considering how the season began.The Lakers have shown real growth personally and professionally!
Posted by: L Dorr | May 10, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Benjamin- Right! I'm not feeling the love for Vlad right now either, Even though you did stay safely non-committal :),He's a talented but maddening player. Anyway, thanks for the pep talk. Counting the hours until the 12:30pm tip tomorrow. Rock on bro'
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: AZ LakerFan | May 10, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Farmar clearly needs to get stronger, I don't know whether it's more base training or what but it seems obvious he needs to do some kind of "basketball" conditioning program in the summer if he wants to take his game to the next level.
Is Ariza not healing yet a further condemnation of the Laker medical staff? It just seems odd, other teams have guys go down, then... they come back! Our guys... Mihm, Kwame, Ariza, Bynum, etc. man, they go down and... they NEVER come back or not for a looooong time...
Also, as a PSA. I was just up on dirt Mulholland and the weeds are 10-15 feet high in some places and are drying out which is going to make them one hell of a fire hazard fairly soon. I don't know who to complain to so maybe one of you guys can. Why don't we hire that guy who had a flock of goats that he used to clear fire areas up in San Francisco? It seems so simple and so cheap, he doesn't have to do it all at once, just clear one area one week and so forth over a period of a few months. It shouldn't have to be a dramatic, last minute thing right before the Santa Ana winds kick in...
Posted by: TaosHum | May 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM
DVR doesn't lie.
1. Lakers can't play any worse than they did last night.
Lakers in 5
Posted by: PhilJackson | May 10, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Benjamin,
>>> I'd like to say mention that I noticed many people were strongly affected by the Lakers loss yesterday. It seems like all of a sudden many people feel the Lakers were exposed as the truly unworthy team, that every player's worst tendencies finally showed through. Just stop it! All of you.
Thank you for your post. Were it not for you and LTLF, I would feel very alone.
I've been full of disgust since reading many of the posts in Friday night's game thread. After the 180 degree change of direction since the agony of the pre-season, it amazes me how some so-called fans turn on the Laker players at the drop of a dime.
Sure, Gasol, VladRad, and the Bench Mob have not been themselves, so far in this series. But they've all been part of a roster that's gotten us farther than most of us ever dreamed of. Sure, we'd love Bynum and Ariza back to contribute. But the Lakers and us fans have to play the cards we've been dealt.
Let's hope Game 3 was a wake-up call in the most positive way it could be. These guys can still get their mojo back. A single loss is not the end of the world as we know it. Game 4 can be ours for the taking. And it should be. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 10, 2008 at 02:05 PM
TaosHum- I used to live up in Madeville Cyn so I can appreciate the danger (summer fires are very bad news) but unless those goats can fly we probably ought to look for a herd rather than a flock. Calling all shepherds...
As to Farmar, he does need to get stronger but more importantly he needs to improve his decision making and overall floor leadership. I said in an earlier post that he needs a development program as he is not quite ready for prime time. His size will always be a disadvantage so he will need to compensate for it by exercising sound judgement (beginning with job #1-running the triangle offense) and learning to be crafty. Time will tell whether he can do that but I expect him to give us some minutes in the games ahead that will help atone for his very tepid start,
Posted by: AZ LakerFan | May 10, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I'd like to echo Shu Chung's sentiments- I have no problem with trash talking opposing fans (it's the playoffs!) but I'd like to think as a group, we on the blog could do so without taking swipes at people's religious beliefs and making broad stereotypes in that area.
Not saying it's been a big problem on the site (which is good), but just putting it out there as a reminder before things heat up again in Game 4.
Thanks!
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 10, 2008 at 02:17 PM
BUTLER is a punk from the Az Central Funs boards. Do not respond to the likes of him.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 10, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I am here to offer my two cents - just what certain laker fans have been doing in phoenix lately. Such as mamba24, for example. Freedom works both ways.
I think the lakers have been overrated given the nuggets are a bad team, and utah did not play to their usual level in games 1 and 2. What we saw last night was closer to the level of competition from here on out.
I think Phil Jackson is breathing a huge sigh of relief now that his nemesis, Mike D'Antoni, is going to New York. Jackson and kobe just could never get it done against D'Antoni, so this bodes well for the lakers.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 10, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Hey Butler,
Did you hear your Sun's coach is going to write a new book once he basks in the glory of not winning anything, but acting as if he's "elite"...It should be called "Seven Assistants or Less"....because whoever will hire him would only do it with contingencies...must be nice, to be mediocre amongst one's peers and still pull in over 5 million per year. I think I'd hire 3 guys for 2 million a year plus and make them coach as a unit, then Van Gundy's funny, I admit "Big Chief Triangle" would come to fruition. It's a joke, people don't take it seriously.
Posted by: Humanamoly | May 10, 2008 at 02:38 PM
If were going to be World Champions we should be able to get a split in Utah.
Posted by: PhilJackson | May 10, 2008 at 02:51 PM
We justo lost yesterday so we could close the deal in front of the Nationat Staples in game.
Very bad game, awful indeed, by Gasol, Farmar and Vujacic.
I expect at least two of them to bounce back Sunday.
By the way, how ugly is that Baby Blue shirts that the Jazz fans wear?
Dear lord!
You can make all the noise you want. With that shir you'd look ridiculous anytime.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | May 10, 2008 at 02:53 PM
BK
Do we have your permission to talk about Larry Miller, Utah Jazz stuff that's found at all the sports wire sites?
Or has that been excluded from the site?
As long as we are respectful in our discussions of course?
http://www.nba.com/nba_news/jazz_miller_080508.html
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 10, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Fairweather-
There's a difference between discussing issues, whether of basketball or religion, or religion and basketball in this case, in an honest and legitimate way, and using a person's religion to mock or as part of trash talking. Most people know the difference. The former is certainly allowed, the latter is discouraged. It's really not all that complicated.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Kobe's a brillant talent, but an egomaniac. He's as responsible for the loss last nite and the Jazz is. In the last couple of minutes, he throws up an errant three pointer, dribbles into the lane, there's nothing there and he throws the ball away. Next there is a jump ball and Walton can't get a grip on it, the Jazz score. Coach calls timeout, and the camera shows Kobe violently yelling at Walton. What about his two error at crunch time. Don't like him, never will, he just doesn't get it, and won't get it.
Posted by: Shag | May 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Sorry to say, I have to agree with Bill Plaschke - Gasol is a marked man and I thought they would have gotten to him soon.
Now this does not mean that I am not a Laker fan or that I dislike Gasol. It simply means facts are facts. Kobe even said it during one of his press conferences in the Thuggets series - You have to play through it.
I don't care that Gasol is soft or a finesse player. That's fine. But you can't stand around glaring at the refs for not giving you a call when the other team is moving the ball down the court. That's not fair to your teammates.
And you cannot hold the ball out like your serving an entree in a fancy restaurant. The Jazz are like a bunch of hungry day laborers. They'll snatch that food and gobble it down, tray and all.
I don't agree that you need to move Gasol in closer to the basket because he'll just get pushed under it like Camby and Anthony did in the Denver series. Instead he needs to move out and create some space for Lamar.
Lamar has to step up and be the #2. He can do it. He has all the physical attributes, the grit and toughness to be the #2. Gasol can be the #3.or 4. Let Okur move out on him and set Gasol up as a decoy for LO.
I give all the kudos in the world to Carlos Boozer. The way he played last night was muy caliente. But I know, if LO accepts his role, he can take Boozer.
If LO's head is in the right place and he can accept that #2 role, the Lakers will take this series in five. That's not a prediction, it's a promise.
And Pau, please don't groan wildly anymore when you go up for shots or stare at the refs when you think you've been fouled. They'll think you are a whiner. And you're not a whiner, are you? I'm sure you're a winner.
And please treat that basketball with a little more respect. Caress it, don't shove it away.
Posted by: lotecq | May 10, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Lakers lose by 5..not bad..but not great either...if they correct the turnovers they had last night and keep fisher out of foul trouble..I think they can win tomorrow..Fisher/Kobe/Gasol/Odom will have big games...they will come to play
Posted by: drew | May 10, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Shag - it's you that doesn't get it, not Kobe. Kobe understands what it takes to win in that environment. His intensity is exactly what we need in those moments. Players jaw at each other all the tim - I'm sure Walton is over it. At the end of these playoffs, all the haters will be exposed for what they are when Kobe leads this team to the title. He is such a pleasure to watch on the floor. I'm not worried about Gasol - he'll be fine. He is in uncharted water. He is a smart guy, I'm sure he notices the gear that Kobe is in now and will come back strong in Game 4. Last nights game was inevitable, and we still damn near won it. Lakers in 5.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | May 10, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Utah is a very good team; Sloan is an excellent coach; they were down 2-0 playing at home. The Lakers have flaws, and those showed up last nightLosing like this is not the end of the world, and really shouldn't be a shock.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 10, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Hey look, us fans have the right to be critical of our team. That doesn't mean we're not fans. The diversity of opinions here is what makes this blog so special. Just enjoy the stuff you read and don't be so mean to your fellow fans, just because you don't agree with how they are are expressing themselves.
Posted by: troy | May 10, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Pig,
I nominate you for the very important (and powerful) position on this blogmunity as "Identifier of Trolls".
Use your power wisely.
Identify the Troll.
Wound the Troll.
Starve the Troll.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Why did we lose last night?
Turnovers. Poor shot selection. Expecting too many fouls.
These are all correctible. I'm not too worried.
As exhelodrvr noted, The Jazz are a very good team who play fantastic at home and they've got a Great (future hall of famer) coach.
We're the better team and we'll show it, but Laker Nation shouldn't freak out if this series goes 4-2.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2008 at 04:12 PM
troy,
You're right, but this blog has seen so many Trolls and Haters over these past difficult years, it's nice when fans see things as "glass half full" instead of "glass half empty" after this long, positive, and historic season.
These are good times. Sure things don't (and won't) always go our way, but, still, these are good times for Laker Nation.
It's always nice when a fan keeps that in mind amidst any reasonable criticism.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I don't want to pile on Butler, but I just can't stand it when people bash Kobe for yelling at his teammates. These guys are not 4 years old playing rec. ball. They should be able to handle someone yelling at them by now.
Posted by: Ed | May 10, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Brian Kamenetzky wrote at 2:17PM--
“I'd like to echo Shu Chung's sentiments- I have no problem with trash talking opposing fans (it's the playoffs!) but I'd like to think as a group, we on the blog could do so without taking swipes at people's religious beliefs and making broad stereotypes in that area.”
“Not saying it's been a big problem on the site (which is good), but just putting it out there as a reminder before things heat up again in Game 4.”
And again at 3:05PM--
“There's a difference between discussing issues, whether of basketball or religion, or religion and basketball in this case, in an honest and legitimate way, and using a person's religion to mock or as part of trash talking. Most people know the difference. The former is certainly allowed, the latter is discouraged. It's really not all that complicated.”
Thank you for those thoughtful comments Brian;
I tried to express such sentiments myself on an earlier thread here. And practically had my head handed to me with accusations of judging, lack of humility, lying, dishonestly, taking life too seriously, mental illness, or what have you. I won’t call any names since I certainly do not wish to start any of this controversy up again.
But simply wanted to thank you for those insightful words in your two posts here about excluding religion from all the sports joking and trash talking place on this blog.
Now back to basketball;
GO LAKERS! (or at least lets hope for better Sunday than were yesterday's results :) )
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | May 10, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Will like to hear from the voice of this Blog Laker Tom about last nights loss
Can you please give us your take and perspectives on how we can correct the mistakes of last nights game?
We are waiting for your views Lakertom
Posted by: A A LOS | May 10, 2008 at 05:19 PM
What are all of your thoughts regarding crytoni going to NYC?
I think the Knicks have serious culture problems, but they also have some athletes. I think having a big name coach who's had a lot of success in the league can help turn around their culture issues and my guess is that it's a signal to the players that the coach isn't some whipping boy that they can ignore.
I'm also curious if this is part of Walsh's plan to bring in LBJ.
There aren't too many big name coaches out there, and the ones who are really big aren't going anywhere. PJ isn't going anywhere. Sloan isn't going anywhere. Pop isn't going anywhere. Riley just retired.
Who's left? Brown? Seriously, he can't do much in Charlotte. Avery? Please.
I think Crytoni is the first major move by the Knicks to eventually build a centerpiece around LBJ using the run & gun offense.
What do you guys think?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 10, 2008 at 05:25 PM