Chicken dinner or loo-hoo-zuh-her?
One side of the question involves a "winner winner" and the other a mockery at the hands of Ace Ventura. And exactly what topic is being debated by ESPN's Chad Ford? Which NBA teams did themselves most righteous during this off-season and which ones shot themselves in the foot? A little time remains before training camps open, but with most notable free agents already spoken for and a few unsigned restricted fellas (Ben Gordon, Smiths Josh and J.R.) comprising those potentially swept up in (sign and) trade winds, it's a reasonably safe assumption that rosters as they currently sit will be the same when October rolls around. Thus, it's a reasonably safe time to give teams a thumbs up or down based on the summer's work.
Brief thoughts on Ford's list: I pretty much agree with his takes, although I'm not ready to declare Indiana a "winner" until they shed
Jamaal Tinsley and Shawne Williams, along with a fan base's perception
of a franchise turning into the "Jail-Pacers." But Ford nailed it on the head when pegging the Hawks as the league's worst run
organization. And why stop there, by the way? They might hold
their own judged against any squad in sports' professional big four? Seriously, how do you follow up the momentum of a surprise (and
surprisingly competitive) playoff appearance by turning Josh Childress into a European- at least get something back in a sign and trade- and allowing Josh Smith's situation to remain unsettled? That's just mind boggling. The only thing
preventing the Hawks' ineptness from becoming a nationwide joke is nobody outside (and barely anybody inside) Atlanta giving two craps enough about them to be aware, much less bother creating punchlines.
As for your Los Angeles Lakers, they bore no mention from Ford on either side of the fence, likely due to their relative lack of action over the last couple months. Not that big moves were expected. If anything, we were told by Mitch Kupchak not to expect any, fair warning which makes sense. The team's coming off a Finals appearance, meaning only so drastic an overhaul is needed. Or even possible, since the Lakers have less cap space than Juan Pierre (if you've never noticed, the Dodger OF has a VERY small head). Plus, the front office's philosophy- one that I happen to buy- is that (fingers crossed) full seasons from a healthy Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza is the equivalent of adding two theoretical free agents. As for their actual free agents, there were only two of note, and they managed to retain the more critical one (Sasha Vujacic), the tab for Ronny Turiaf's services ultimately too pricey for what could be limited minutes (and honestly, I'm guessing Turiaf didn't want the Lakers to match, painful as that is for fans and even Ronny to acknowledge). From here, I'm guessing they'll add an insurance big (I've heard Didier's name pop up talking to a few people), weigh the pros and cons between Coby Karl, Joe Crawford or "a guard to be named later," and call it a day until seeing a month or so of what they have. In my mind, an offseason somewhere between (at best) "successful" and (at worst) "didn't do anything to hurt themselves."
But that's just my two cents. What do you think? Are you upset they didn't shake things up more? Personally I'm fine with whatever moves weren't made. For example, I've always liked James Posey, but can see New Orleans regretting that contract in a couple years as age creeps up. In the case of the oft-coveted Ron Ron, I wouldn't have parted with LO for him (especially if it meant taking the dead weight of Kenny Thomas) and when you look at what the direction Sacto ultimately agreed upon, the Lakers don't have a comparable package, save perhaps one idea I came up with a while back (that could admittedly offset Artest's presence by draining depth). Thus, it's hard to get upset over something not all that realistic (or sensible, depending on the scenario) to begin with. Same logic applies to the other big names that migrated (Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Corey Maggette) or stayed put (Gilbert Arenas, Emeka Okafor, Luol Deng). There was never a prayer of getting them, and outside of the notion that good players can always help, the Lakers didn't truly "need" them, either. Assuming everyone stays healthy, I think the Laker offseason keeps them among the elite contenders.
Agree or disagree?
AK
This was poster by John Schuhmann on NBA.com. It's pretty surreal, enjoy
Kobe Bryant came out after most of the team had been shooting around for a while. He got a ball and started dribbling around casually, doing a couple half-speed dribble-fakes. Then he called Chris Paul over and seemed to be (I couldn't hear what they were saying) asking CP13 how he turns the corner on a screen-and-roll on the wing.
CP did a demonstration of how he crosses over while brushing the shoulder of his screener, while Kobe watched along with Jason Kidd, Deron Williams and eventually, Johnny Dawkins.
At the end of the conversation, CP13 was showing Kobe how he does his hard-dribble-fake-behind-the-back-pass move. Kobe shook his head, seemingly amazed. The MVP runner-up was showing the MVP a thing or two.
The whole thing took about five minutes, but it was the most interesting five minutes of pre-game shooting that I've seen on this trip.
Posted by: wow | August 05, 2008 at 07:23 PM
AK,
What going on, man? Do you feel like everyone is attacking you all the time?
You just seem like people are annoying you too easily for you--the AK Laker Nation knows and loves.
Have you hit a wall as blog overlord and really need a break? (Maybe a week on the beach in the Bahamas with you Spurs-loving girlfriend? Well, who couldn't use that [except for your girlfriend part. She's taken.])
Anyhow, I know that you and/or BK have to monitor this blog seven days a week... week... after week... after week...
It probably gets pretty tiresome, especially when nothing's actually going on in Laker Nation of any substance.
Anyhow, if you go to your dark masters at the L.A. Times and scream, "I NEED A MICKINGMOTHER VACATION DAMNIT!" Hey, we're all in support! Laker Nation will live on until you get back.
{Though I'm sure when you get back everyone will be at each others throats and Michael T. and LakerTom will find some new, bizarre means of competition for more nefarious and devious than a haiku war.}
Anyhow I hope you're well.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 05, 2008 at 07:28 PM
From Ball Don't Lie:
"This team (and I'm looking at you, Carmelo) just turns its head too much. These guys aren't used to watching for back-picks and defending cuts to the front of the hoop. Back-door screens still kill Team USA, and though the men still have the athleticism to recover and sometimes make up for it, Coach K's crew is still getting beat way too much by teams using Team USA's pressure against itself.
That pressure seems to be a rallying point, both for Coach K, and legions of observers who still think the US can pressure non-stop and bully toward the gold medal. The team racks up oodles of steals, but once those turnovers dry up, this is still a limited defensive outfit.
And it's a limited, three-point happy, offensive outfit in the half court. The team continues to make decisions that were depressing not as an American watching his country being represented overseas, but as a basketball fan in general. A long fadeaway jumper is the easiest shot in the world (and we mean that, "in the world," at this stage) to get, and there's a reason why you're usually open when you take it. Because guys like Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James can make one out of every three, though, they think the next one is going in. And that kills an offense.
But that's enough of the dour take. Team USA still kept the Aussies at bay for most of the contest, even when it was a two or three-possession difference, and it still can rout the rest of the world even playing like the Denver Nuggets (going for steals, running, scoring with either dunks or bombs)."
Sounds like a mix between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers type of ball over the last 2 years.
Well, he did mention the Nuggets.
Nuggets? NuggleHead?
LOL!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 05, 2008 at 07:39 PM
AK, thank you so much my I E browser is back on the saddle again. The plague has left the blog after raiding our files and and hopefully will not sell our contact list to the junkies.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 05, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Sasha Vujacic is expanding his empire:
http://sportscucumber.com/2008/08/05/sasha-vujacic-unveils-line-of-feminine-hygiene-products/
Posted by: EH | August 05, 2008 at 08:36 PM
The problem with Team USA is Jerry Colangelo. His vision of basketball is like the Phoenix Suns of 3 years ago.
That's why he only has one big man on the squad. That is a mistake.
I don't have a good feeling about this.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 05, 2008 at 09:04 PM
It was reported on hoopshype that Lebron announced that he would play in Europe for 50M/yr and yesterday Kobe for 40M. Whether the joke is trying to priced out themselves, there should be repercussions to a jocular outsourcing. In the Obama Administration, taxed these athletes heavily twice unless they can donate half of their earnings to the homeless of America. There gotta to be a law just like the way we treat illegal immigrants in this country, that if an American citizen chooses to work abroad except for the Armed Forces, he should also apply for re-entry with similar treatment of incoming immigrants based on preferences. On the contrary, this is the damage brought about by the Bush/Cheney Maladministration when the value of dollar has lost significantly viz-a-viz against the Euro, Pound, Yen etc. Our rich resources, valued companies, technological wealth are being bought at a cheap price while the CEO's and new billionaires are just happy for the tax write offs, options and golden handshake at our expense.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 05, 2008 at 09:15 PM
CAN SOMEONE POST LINK TO SEE USA vs AUSSIES SCORE CARD.
Thanks
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | August 05, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Mike T
"Because Michael Jordan, Gilbert Arenas and Kobe Bryant were ballhogs and those team did not play team ball and played very little defense. Michael Jordan was trying to be Michael Jordan at 40 years of age. Gilbert Arenas was barely coming to Washington to make a name for himself. And Kobe was just coming out of the Shaq years and was making up for all the scoring he missed from having to play 2nd fiddle to Shaq."
"In other words: All three situation were with guy who dominated the ball and did not play team ball at all."
So that is why he couldn't catch the ball? There is no way that you can blame the things that he can control on those guys. I understand that him not touching the ball consistently can effect is moral. But dude, look at the phoenix series where he was basically the second option he still was making the same mistakes...couldn't consistently catch the ball, still not releasing the ball before moving his pivot foot and not to mention he is the only person who's dunk percentage is almost as low as is fg%.
I don't knock who he is as a player because man to man defense from kwame was really good. But to make it sound like he is going to get better because he moved to a different city and team, and not because he actually improves in his game because he works at it is ridiculous.
Posted by: bonez | August 05, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Dear Mike T.
What will you do when I retire the flop that everyone predicted me to be. Besides being on teams with players who dominate the ball, it's my job to catch the ball when it's thrown to me. Andrew started doing that so Kobe fed him the ball more. Please write another excuse for me as to why I was so offensively challenged.
Kwame
P.S. I still love you
Posted by: Kwame Brown | August 06, 2008 at 12:24 AM
If I have to watch kobee ballhog any more in the olympics...the curse of the mamba knows no bounds. He's ok on defense, but can't match the power or imagination of D-Wade on offense. Leave the scoring to the younger, more talented playas, kobee..
Now, if D'ANTONI could suit up in place of jellybean jr., this would be an easy gold for USA.
Posted by: BUTLER | August 06, 2008 at 01:16 AM
wow,
I saw that thing about Kobe from Schulmann too. Pretty interesting. Apparently, Kobe's been asking every top player how they do their unique moves for his entire time in the league. He's an insatiable sponge for soaking up basketball information. He says his heart isn't into coach, but I think it would be almost tragic if he didn't coach given how knowledgeable he is about the game.
EH,
Funny stuff.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 06, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Mike T.,
It's not surprising you'd latch onto the GHE perspective from Ball Don't Lie. I totally agree with their take on fadeaway jumpers. I don't agree with their general assessments. I think our offense looks very little like the Suns offense. I also think our D is way better in style than the Nuggets D. We have lapses in which we forget our prime directives, but overall, I think the team is playing solid ball. I've only watched us play Canada, Lithuania, and Russia so far FWIW.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 06, 2008 at 01:41 AM
Rejected Nicknames for Team USA:
://thedaveburbarevolution.blogspot.com/2008/08/rejected-names-for-2008-us-basketball.html
Posted by: Bart | August 06, 2008 at 02:03 AM
AK, your post wasnt funny at all...it left a bad taste...i have to concur with JON.K ...
Posted by: Anomalous | August 06, 2008 at 03:34 AM
From Hoopsworld:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/
Story.asp?story_id=9697
The Lakers depth chart:
"PG: Derek Fisher/Jordan Farmar
SG: Kobe Bryant/Sasha Vujacic/Coby Karl/Dwayne Mitchell (the latter two non-guaranteed)
SF: Lamar Odom/Trevor Ariza/Vladimir Radmanovic/Luke Walton
PF: Pau Gasol
C: Andrew Bynum/Chris Mihm
Man, Luke Walton is way back in the SF position.
Wasn't it just last year all these writers were saying: Signing Luke Walton was a no-brainer?
My how things have changed.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 06, 2008 at 06:31 AM
bonez,
I only disagree with one part of your comment to Mike T. You
indicate that MJ and the bulls did not play team defense. I
disagree with you. The 1st 3 championships, MJ played with
Pippen and they were both all NBA defense. The 2nd 3
championships the bulls add Dennis Rodman. That gave
them 3 all NBA defense players.
It's actually this that irritates me about the comparisons b/n
Kobe and MJ. Since Shaq left Kobe has never played with
an NBA all-star. Pau is the first all-star caliber player Kobe
has played with since Shaq left. I hope Bynum is all that
people think he is. I know that Lamar is not what most people
on the blog think he is. We've had that conversation before...
:)
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 06, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Jon K,
I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I'm doing fine.
If you note Pfunk's phrasing of the question (heavily inferring I don't even have a reason for my opinion, pretentiously warning me to be "careful" how I answer because he'll use it later, as if that should make me worry) and also consider his long-adversarial stance towards me (completely one-sided, as I've told him my preference is that we just talk to each other as people), I think it's pretty obvious he was being contentious. Thus, my answer had some sarcasm, because the whole thing was so ridiculous (and in his case, predictable). He could have just asked why I don't think Kenny Thomas would help much and leave it at that. All the other crap is just silly, which I called out.
But I wasn't "angry" by any stretch, if that's what you were thinking. Not in the least.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 06, 2008 at 08:01 AM
REPOST - "Apparently, Kobe's been asking every top player how they do their unique moves for his entire time in the league. He's an insatiable sponge for soaking up basketball information." Posted by Benjamin
I LOVE the fact that Kobe is doing this. Once he knows how a player does his move, he becomes a much better stopper of said move. That makes him & the Lakers that much more dangerous this season.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | August 06, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Edwin,
"Our rich resources, valued companies, technological wealth are being bought at a cheap price while the CEO's and new billionaires are just happy for the tax write offs, options and golden handshake at our expense"
You mean billionaires like George Soros?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2008 at 08:21 AM
I completely disagree - I thought AK's post was freaking hilarious. If I had to wade through every single ridiculous posting on this board, I'd get a little testy sometimes, too. And I have to say, given the randomly aggressive nature of PFunk's message, I thought the tone was extremely appropriate.
OK - MIke T. is calling someone out for making an unsupportable statement?? The same Mike T. who publicly offered himself as a spiritual guru to show Kwame the power of the Lord in order to improve his game??? The same Mike T. who ran away like a b***h and posted rambling religioius rantings when the Lakers traded Kwame?? The same Mike T. who ROOTS AGAINST HIS OWN TEAM AND WISHES INJURIES ON ITS PLAYERS?????
Say what you will about LakerTom, but he's a true fan. MIke T. could learn a LOT from him.
Celtic trolls STILL roaming the halls?? I guess there really is nothing to do in Boston. I guess when you haven't won anything in 21 years, you forget how to win like you've been there before. You punks are a disgrace to your uni - you think Bird or Russell would be here, rubbing their opponent's nose in it two months after the fact? They would win with class and move on to the next season, look ahead and explore possibilities. I guess you've already convinced yourself that you're never winning another one, and need to put us ndown to make yourselves feel better.
And anyone who thinks Kobe isn't the best all-around player in the world hasn't been watching Team USA play. his poise, defensive commitment and leadership on that squad has been completely beyond reproach - as those of us who actually know what Kobe's about knew it would be.
Posted by: SBPimp | August 06, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Good lordy it looks like Mike T. forgot to take his medicine.
Seriously folks, Kwame Brown is one of the worst pieces of crap to ever put on a Lakers uniform (based on value). That piece of crap is now steaming in Detroit, and I propose we no longer discuss the pungent nature of Kwame "the cake throwing" Brown and simply ignore the deranged obsession of a single helpless sole that has forgotten to take his medicine.
Now wake up, Kwame Brown is GOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
MOVE ON.
DOOOO BEEEEE DOOOOO BEEEEE DOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | August 06, 2008 at 08:41 AM
hobbitmage
You sure it was me who said something about the bulls to mike T? lol
Posted by: bonez | August 06, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Go Tully Moxness!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 06, 2008 at 08:44 AM
AK,
Yeah, I know Pfunk was being something of jerkoff with his tone of questioning. It just seems like you've been a bit short-tempered recently in your responses.
I'm used to you being the positive one and BK being the bitter one, not vice versa.
Anyhow, if you say you're fine, then I'll just take you on your word. Perhaps it's just another misobservation of the way, way, way, way too long offseason.
{I wish the D-League too place during the offseason--then I could root for the Defenders--but that scheduling would make no sense.}
Go Defenders!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 06, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Arguing about Kwame Brown now is silly.
1. He's a Piston.
2. We'll have no reasonable idea how he'll do as a Piston until the regular season starts.
Between now and then, I propose a moritorium on discussions of Kwame Brown.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 06, 2008 at 08:56 AM
AK, I was too fast in thanking you yesterday but today the digg.com reappears as well as the usual missing personal info. hmmm.
EX, my statement is not relegated on your conservative friends but to all billionaires who amassed wealth on the blessings of your favorite President. Secondly, Soros is a currency investor and made wealth by investing on developing nations, moved his investments based on normal business conditions. Under your President, everything became abnormal, globalization has been abused to the hilt, currency changes are unpredictable, wall street prospered, standards have been relaxed, poor quality of life have littered our landscape and the ordinary wage earners have devalued their purchasing power while our sons and daughters are in and out of jobs without that stability we enjoyed in the past. Nonethless only a retired helio pilot is happy with our present condition.
On Lakers analogy, the celebrities on the courtside are happy and can shell out $2,500 any night while those in the General Admission who are paying 30-50 bucks a seat could not even buy food at the concessionaires, they smuggle on their ready made dinner nor pay 10-20 for parking but parked 10 blocks away on the street just to watch a Laker game. Realistically, if you add up the cost of gas going to Staples, food, ticket and miscellaneous easily, one can spend $ 100 just watching at the General Admission. that's a day's earning for typical fans.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 06, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I watched the third quarter of that game again yesterday afternoon and have to say, that Team USA will be just fine.
The fact that they are as athletic as they are plays a big role, but they had to play about as bad as they could play, and the Boomers played about as superbly as they could, and the USA still won by 11. I think the USA will have to play more zone in the Olympics, and intentionally didn't in these warmup games so as not to show their hand. These friendlies were little more than basics for the USA. I think with D'Antoni's presence, the running game has shown its face, but we haven't seen the pick and roll game from the USA yet, and with DWill and CP3, rolling Bosh and Howard to the hoop, there will be a lot of layups for the USA in the games. We also haven't, as I said before, seen the zones that the USA is capable of implementing. Boeheim is on the coaching staff primarily for defensive purposes. I can see the USA running some hybrid zone-man schemes like a box and 1 with Kobe on the other team's best scorer or a 1-3-1 set to prevent back picks and protect the rim from drives and cutters.
The bottom line is that no one has seen the full breadth of the ability this team has to play the international game. Why tip your hand if you don't have to?
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | August 06, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Everybody! Check this article out! A Laker hater Screenwriter. Formerly a Sonics Fan, now trying to hop the Trailblazer wagon.
http://tinyurl.com/6jwl9f
On a Portland Trailblazers blog called Blazer’s Edge, Alexie wrote: “I would root for a team composed of Jack the Ripper at the 3, Lee Harvey Oswald at the 2, Saddam Hussein at the 4, Galactus at the 5, and Lizzie Borden at 1 over the Lakers. If the Lakers were playing a team made up entirely of those giant chameleon cockroaches in that movie Mimic, I would root for the insects. Heck, I just rooted for THE CELTICS instead of the Lakers. That’s how much I hate the Lake Show.”
Posted by: Charles | August 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I'm glad other people hate the Lakers. It's because they're jealous.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | August 06, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Clips just got Steve Novak from Houston.
I'd agree with AK's post... would disagree with Ford putting the Clippers in the losers category... they pulled off a coup landing Baron. True, they got shafted by Brand but they've continued making moves, getting Camby, Ricky Davis, Skinner.... now Novak who's a pure shooter. They could be fun to watch this year.
Posted by: dave m | August 06, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Edwin,
"my statement is not relegated on your conservative friends but to all billionaires who amassed wealth on the blessings of your favorite President."
LOL! Look into George Soros - he is the money behind the Democratic party. Made his money speculating on currency.
" Under your President, everything became abnormal, globalization has been abused to the hilt, currency changes are unpredictable, wall street prospered, standards have been relaxed"
Everything became abnormal? LOL.
Globalization is the key to raising the standard of living in the third world. The WORST thing to do is to have protectionist policies which keeps third world countries products from being competitive. Europe is the worst at that, of course the protectionist policies that the (primarily) Democrats favor have similar effects.
Wall Street prospered? Not significantly - you must not be paying attention. You may be referring to the "bubble" under President Clinton.
The number of homeless has declined during the past 8 years.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Charles
Dey see us Dey see us and it feels good.
Posted by: Fire32 | August 06, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Fire32,
Thanks for the reply.
Posted by: Charles | August 06, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Man ole man, reading this blog has told me one thing about LakerNation:
MR. SENSIVITY!
It's a blog mates! Expression of opinion and smack talk.
Why so sensitive?
Can someone tell me why Mr. I Can Get Off At Anytime is averagin 13 points per game averaging the lowest FG% for Team USA? Can someone say forcing shots?
Cheers!
hahaahahahah
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM
The schedules are out --
Opening in Portland 10/28
Lakers/Celtics Christmas Day.
Posted by: HmrHed | August 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Edwin/Exhelodrvr,
As we've requested in the past, please take the purely political debates to a more appropriate forum. Either personal emails, the L.A. Times political blog, etc. But it doesn't really work here and has a habit of sidetracking discussion.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 06, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Pig -
To add to what you said, as far as I can tell, the US hasn't run an offense. I'm assuming they'll have one for the Olympics. But right now, it's a giant pickup game with the occasional big guy running up to set a screen for a little guy, and a lot of one on one play. Again, I'd have to assume they've actually got an offensive system and as you say, don't want to tip their hand.
I hope this is the case because right now, they look a little lost in their half-court sets.
Posted by: puddle | August 06, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Hmrhed -
Yeah, I saw the schedule too. After we open against Portland, we have an "away" game against the Clippers. Sounds like fun right out of the gate.
Once again, we have a home heavy first half and a road heavy second half. The longest road trip is a 7 gamer towards the end of the year (in March I think). That could really test our mettle.
The Lakers will have to work hard to get back to the summit because the West doesn't look any weaker. Could be another photo finish.
Posted by: puddle | August 06, 2008 at 10:42 AM
My reply to Mike T. on team USA was deleted b/c of missing personal info snatched by digg.com
Anyway, what I said to him how many exhibition games have you watched so far? I guess it's Canada in Vegas and Aussie, well I watched all games and in every game there was a different repertoire of offense and defense. What you saw in the OZ games is a mere exhibition trying to avoid injuries and a) Shomanship of individual talents to sell shoes for Kobe and Lebron; b) Steal and premature fast break stance leaving one man behind; c) perimeter shooting by Melo and constant pass on the crowded lane. I don't think that's the USA team in the Turkey, Lithuania that I saw. The reason why CP3, Deron and Kidd are there was to kill the zone on perimeter shooters. Coach Boeheim and Coach K were there primarily to neutralize the zone which in NCAA. If you watch the Lithuania game, they showed there how to attack the zone by utilizing Deron as the playmaker, Redd on the outside and Howard in the inside. D'Wade and Lebron were used sparingly to attract double teaming and freeing the players following them and those staying on the wing with clear shot. However, if you watched the Shanghai series, you immediately shanghai-ed conclusions that USA is unprepared for the zone. You interpret the show as the plan itself, why will they show everything in an exhibition game when they are aware everybody is watching. So Mike T, go again to your favorite topic that Kwame should be the big man in Team USA???? lol or w/ Team Lakers b/c he is the best defensive player ever...
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 06, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Counting the homeless is how we measure our ecomomic success in the USA? Sounds like a typical neo-con answer to me. Wow--what a great measuring stick. ( hey did you see the thousands that camped out in Appalachia to get free healthcare yesterday? Tell me again how perfect our system is... best healthcare in the world for those who can afford it, but hey some statistician sampling says homelessness is down---guess those numbers were in before the housing crash caused a few more)
Take a look at wages over the last 8 years--FLAT at best.
Inflation out of control.
Biggest disparity between upper and lower class ever.
Middle class is gone my friend.
If I have to I can bitch slap you silly with more facts about how our ecomomy, and how it is failing the American people, but.....
THIS IS A BASKETBALL BLOG. I come here to forget this kind of BS. Both of you take your Politico BS to dailykos.com or Bill O'Reilly's blog so you can beat the crap out of each other, and leave us here in peace to contemplate how the Lakers will reign in 09.
I'd rather see a post from Butler, or Let's go C's. It least it is basketball related.
Posted by: Mr. Yan | August 06, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Mr Yan,
"If I have to I can bitch slap you silly with more facts "
Well, based on your last post, your next one will likely be just as silly, but likely also lacking in facts.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2008 at 09:49 PM