Random Thoughts

[King Glorious]

Couple of random thoughts that came into my head this evening.

First, watching the UCLA/Pitt game, I wanted to scratch my eyes out. I understand that UCLA made it to the final game last year and is one win away from making the Final Four again so the success they are having is undeniable. But I can't help but wonder if the style of play is going to hurt them in the long run. Will top athletes want to go there and play like that? I wouldn't. Athletes want to get out and play the game. Ben Howland's style stiffles them so much that I can't imagine that it's too much fun to play. The best athletes want to go to places like UNC, Kansas, Texas, etc., where coaches let them play their games. I think it's going to hurt them in the long run.

Second, while watching the UNC/USC game, I was struck by how athletic and fun the Trojans are to watch. They were eventually worn down by the superior talent of the Heels but they played a very good game and didn't surprise me one bit. U could see those guys having fun on the court. Next year, they have one of the most hyped high schoolers in recent yeard in OJ Mayo coming in. If he's as good as advertised, and if their two juniors come back next year, they could be a really good team. They would be my choice to win the Pac 10 and be a serious threat for the national title. Think about it. If u are a good high school player, could there be many better situations than USC? They are an up and coming team, play in a major conference, are located in the nations number two media market, have a new arena, and have a coach with NBA experience that could help u get there.

Third, I've always wondered why some schools don't field powerhouse sports teams year after year in every sport. The following schools should be really good every year: Arizona St., UCLA, USC, Miami, Georgia Tech, St. John's. They play in big cities (major media markets), have great weather, accept for St. John's, and play in major conferences. No excuses to why some years they aren't top notch.

Fourth, while watching Kobe Bryant go for 50+ for the fourth straight game, I couldn't help but notice a couple of things. Kobe's scoring is masking some real problems for this team. Yeah, they've been able to win the four game but they have not been playing well at all. They've needed every one of his points in all four games to barely beat some of the worst teams in the league. None of the four they've beaten are currently in playoff position yet the Lakers are struggling to barely beat them. The real issues aren't being addressed because of everyone being clouded by his greatness. Make no mistake about it, he's a great, great player. But look at a couple of things from the team during this run. They have given up 109.3 per game to Portland, Memphis, Minnesota, and New Orleans. That's unacceptable. Kobe's taken 140 shots and has 11 assists. He's taken 33 3pt shots in the four games, far too many for a player that can get to the basket at will. The team has taken 21.5 3pt shots per game. Too many. They can get away with this junk versus the teams they have played. But the good teams are going to take them apart.

[mclem10011]

Hoyas moved barely moved on, now got a tough game with Carolina on Sunday. I thought, USC was gonna take em out!

[Grits]

Originally Posted by mclem10011

Hoyas moved barely moved on, now got a tough game with Carolina on Sunday. I thought, USC was gonna take em out!

Glad they didn't. GO HEELS!!! Looking forward to Sunday.

[mclem10011]

GO HOYAS!!!!!! Lookin forward to it as well, revenge from that game back in the Jordan days!

Originally Posted by King Glorious

Fourth, while watching Kobe Bryant go for 50+ for the fourth straight game, I couldn't help but notice a couple of things. Kobe's scoring is masking some real problems for this team. Yeah, they've been able to win the four game but they have not been playing well at all. They've needed every one of his points in all four games to barely beat some of the worst teams in the league. None of the four they've beaten are currently in playoff position yet the Lakers are struggling to barely beat them. The real issues aren't being addressed because of everyone being clouded by his greatness. Make no mistake about it, he's a great, great player. But look at a couple of things from the team during this run. They have given up 109.3 per game to Portland, Memphis, Minnesota, and New Orleans. That's unacceptable. Kobe's taken 140 shots and has 11 assists. He's taken 33 3pt shots in the four games, far too many for a player that can get to the basket at will. The team has taken 21.5 3pt shots per game. Too many. They can get away with this junk versus the teams they have played. But the good teams are going to take them apart.

This is a sign of death for the Lakers. Reminds me of MJ and the Bulls in the early years.

Lets all watch Kobe. They are one bad team.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

They can get away with this junk versus the teams they have played. But the good teams are going to take them apart.

Nobody thinks they are going anywhere in the playoffs.Bunch of stiffs playing with Kobe.When KOBE doesn't play,I think the Tarheels could beat them.

The Lakers won't contend again until that dumb ********** Mitch Cupcake is fired. Trade Shaq for Odom...possibly the worst trade in the history of sports.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by pgardn

This is a sign of death for the Lakers. Reminds me of MJ and the Bulls in the early years.

Lets all watch Kobe. They are one bad team.

Everyone remembers the 63 that MJ scored on Boston in 1986. That was in game two of that series. He had scored 49 in game one. After game three, the Celtics had swept the Bulls. The Lakers are just a bad team. They've been decimated by injuries this year but that's never an excuse in professional sports. The Rockets didn't sink when McGrady and then Ming went down. U've got to play through them. They have done a decent job but Kobe saw what was going on. It's interesting that he didn't take over like this during the horrible losing streaks. They went through a six then seven game losing streak and he was playing team ball. They get Odom and Walton back and off goes Kobe. From the beginning of the season, I was counting down the days until he realized that they wouldn't get anywhere with him playing team ball. He has to take over like this for them to have any chance. I don't call him an unselfish player or even blame him. Hell, if I was Phil Jackson, I'd say that Kobe needs to shoot even more. I'd rather have him taking 15 more shots per game than having Parker, Vujacic and Brown taking them.

I just can't believe how bad the defense has been. During the four games, they've given up:

111 to Portland (averaging 94.5)
102 to Minnesota (96.2)
119 to Memphis (101.3)
105 to New Orleans (94.1)

They've been outrebounded by over four a game during this stretch. And Kobe is just totally disregarding his teammates:

39 shots, 3 assists vs Portland
35 shots, 3 assists vs Minnesota
37 shots, 4 assists vs Memphis
29 shots, 1 assist vs New Orleans

How long can he carry them like this? How long before they become totally uninterested in playing any defense (who would be able to tell) because they don't get to play any offense. They are in bad shape.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

The Lakers won't contend again until that dumb ********** Mitch Cupcake is fired. Trade Shaq for Odom...possibly the worst trade in the history of sports.

I don't agree. The Lakers were about to be put in a no-win position. Shaq had been given a medical diagnosis that would have allowed him to have surgery and sit out the next season, or a large portion of it, while still collecting over $20 million from the Lakers and still having the option to opt out of his contract, which he said he was going to do. They were faced with the prospect of losing him for nothing. That would have been horrible. Once they had said publicly that Bryant wouldn't be traded but that they would listen to offers for anyone else, Shaq was done here. People want to blame Kupchak for that but believe me, that came from the owner. So what were they going to do? They couldn't trade him to a team in their own conference. The best offers out there were the one from the Heat and there was one from the Cavs (Ilgauskas, Gooden and some other stuff). I think they took the right one. Unfortunately, they messed that up by getting rid of Butler for Brown. That was the move that hurt them the most.

The drafting of Andrew Bynum was a good move. Phil was very much against it. He wanted Sean May. Bynum was a project from the start but one that I think will pay off big time in a couple of years. If u could somehow put Bynum into this year's draft, I have no question in my mind that he would go no worse than third behind Oden and Durant and he might even go higher.

The thing is with the Lakers is that they don't have much room to operate. They ended up making the playoffs last year so they couldn't draft as high as they would have liked. They don't have any cap room so they can't aggresively go after the free-agents that they want to. Unlike in the past, players aren't lining up to come play for the Lakers. Back in the day, they were lining up to play with Magic Johnson. He was as unselfish as they come. Do u think they are lining up to play with a guy that won't pass them the ball in Kobe Bryant? I don't think so. And what's not talked about is the fact that while guys have to respect his basketball ability, not many guys like Kobe Bryant. On the surface they do. But it's a thin surface. They don't forget about how he threw Shaq under the bus with the whole Colorado thing and Shaq is one of the most loved guys in the league, if not the most loved. So it's not easy getting guys to come here.

As I said, the Brown trade was stupid. Kupchak totally blew it on that one because he extended their cap problems by another year or two. But I think that the drafting of Bynum and Farmer are moves that will help them down the line. And to be honest, I consider myself a pretty good judge of talent and I thought both of those moves were mistakes so I can't criticize Kupchak for making them.

A huge mistake, in my opinion, was bringing back Phil Jackson. Why did they need him? Phil is a guy known for taking teams that have gotten right to the brink and taken them over the hump. It's always been my contention that the Bulls in the early 90's and the Lakers when Phil got them the first time, were both ready to win and didn't need him to get it done. I've always considered him a good coach but also the luckiest in history. This team, however, was nowhere near the type of team that was in need of whatever it is he brings. I couldn't understand bringing in a coach for $12 million a season just to maybe make the playoffs and at best, win a single round. That's all this team is capable of. It wouldn't matter if Jackson, Riley, Aurbach (sp), and John Wooden were all on the bench together. They just don't have the talent. And this year, it's been obvious that the players don't have the same respect for Jackson as the older vets did in the past. I've watched Smush Parker go at it with Phil on the sidelines. Same with Brian Cook, who went so far as to toss his warmups on Phil during one game. It reached the point of ridiculousness when Bynum got into it with him the other day. Andrew freaking Bynum going at with Phil Jackson on the sidelines during a game.

This team is in disarray. Kobe can mask it by scoring 60 a game for the rest of the season. But when they get knocked out again in the first round of the playoffs, what will have been the point?

[ddthetide]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

Couple of random thoughts that came into my head this evening.

First, watching the UCLA/Pitt game, I wanted to scratch my eyes out. I understand that UCLA made it to the final game last year and is one win away from making the Final Four again so the success they are having is undeniable. But I can't help but wonder if the style of play is going to hurt them in the long run. Will top athletes want to go there and play like that? I wouldn't. Athletes want to get out and play the game. Ben Howland's style stiffles them so much that I can't imagine that it's too much fun to play. The best athletes want to go to places like UNC, Kansas, Texas, etc., where coaches let them play their games. I think it's going to hurt them in the long run.

Second, while watching the UNC/USC game, I was struck by how athletic and fun the Trojans are to watch. They were eventually worn down by the superior talent of the Heels but they played a very good game and didn't surprise me one bit. U could see those guys having fun on the court. Next year, they have one of the most hyped high schoolers in recent yeard in OJ Mayo coming in. If he's as good as advertised, and if their two juniors come back next year, they could be a really good team. They would be my choice to win the Pac 10 and be a serious threat for the national title. Think about it. If u are a good high school player, could there be many better situations than USC? They are an up and coming team, play in a major conference, are located in the nations number two media market, have a new arena, and have a coach with NBA experience that could help u get there.

Third, I've always wondered why some schools don't field powerhouse sports teams year after year in every sport. The following schools should be really good every year: Arizona St., UCLA, USC, Miami, Georgia Tech, St. John's. They play in big cities (major media markets), have great weather, accept for St. John's, and play in major conferences. No excuses to why some years they aren't top notch.

Fourth, while watching Kobe Bryant go for 50+ for the fourth straight game, I couldn't help but notice a couple of things. Kobe's scoring is masking some real problems for this team. Yeah, they've been able to win the four game but they have not been playing well at all. They've needed every one of his points in all four games to barely beat some of the worst teams in the league. None of the four they've beaten are currently in playoff position yet the Lakers are struggling to barely beat them. The real issues aren't being addressed because of everyone being clouded by his greatness. Make no mistake about it, he's a great, great player. But look at a couple of things from the team during this run. They have given up 109.3 per game to Portland, Memphis, Minnesota, and New Orleans. That's unacceptable. Kobe's taken 140 shots and has 11 assists. He's taken 33 3pt shots in the four games, far too many for a player that can get to the basket at will. The team has taken 21.5 3pt shots per game. Too many. They can get away with this junk versus the teams they have played. But the good teams are going to take them apart.

the UCLA-Pitt game, you had ex-head and assistant coach against each other. you were watching the same team and system in different color jerseys.

UNC, is the same system now that they ran 35 years ago! the only change in all that time in the 3-pt line ! Coach Williams learned his lesson well! it's great to still see a team use a 10 man rotation.

most of the city kids don't want to stay in the cities.4 of the schools you listed are pretty good football schools and repution plays a part in it.. it's sad to see st john's and depaul not good at all. the rules have changed so much and talent is more evenly distributed coaches like carnasecca and myer can't build city programs like that anymore. carnasecca used to have a big place italy and would take the team over there for a couple weeks during the summer and play.
look at some of the great old teams that have fallen by the wayside. san fransico, cincinnati, texas western (UTEP). they were replace for awhile by GT and arizona. now GT has slipped.

[Mortimer]

Random Thought:





What are they talking about!!

[King Glorious]

Lakers follow up the winning streak by losing three of four at home to Memphis, Houston, and Denver. They haven't beaten a team with a record over .500 since February 26th. Since the start of February, they are 2-9 against teams with winning records, 1-4 at home and 1-5 on the road. Way to build on the momentum built up during Kobe's streak.

[timmgirvan]

KG: you can blame the injuries or not,but this teams' dynamic is OFF. Kobe is great,but he has no cape...and Mgt hasn't seen fit to change things around for this season at least.

[King Glorious]

I understand about injuries. They can really disrupt a team. But I have seen Houston play through the injuries to McGrady and Ming. Miami lost Wade and won nine straight. Granted, it's the East but still. Maybe no team has been hit harder by injuries than the New Orleans Hornets yet even though they won't make the playoffs, they never once stopped playing hard and fighting every night with whatever they can put out there. U don't see that from the Lakers. Defense is something that any superstar or replacement for an injured superstar can play. But the Lakers don't put forth the effort on that end of the court.

The thing is, YOU know Kobe isn't Superman. I know Kobe isn't Superman. We both know he's a tremendously talented offensive player, the most unstoppable scorer in the league. But living here in Southern California, listening to the media and fans here, u would swear that Kobe IS Superman. They think of Phil as some kind of genius. They win five straight against non-playoff teams and Kobe goes off on a scoring binge and everyone thinks all is right in the world. They didn't see that the same problems still existed, even in the streak. The past four games have proven that. All this talk about Kobe being in the running for MVP is silly to me. They need an award for most outstanding player. I wouldn't have a problem with him getting that. But an MVP has to take their team not just to higher levels than they would without him, but to high levels period. As far as being most valuable to his team, I can't see how Kobe is moreso to the Lakers than:

Elton Brand, Clippers
Chris Paul, Hornets
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Wolves
LeBron James, Cavs
Pau Gasol, Grizzlies
Carlos Boozer, Jazz
Michael Redd, Bucks

To me, the MVP, the way it is decided, has to be a combination of best player and most influential to team success. In my opinion, guys like James, Nash, and Nowitzki are far ahead of Bryant.

I don't blame management for their problems as much as most people do. There just simply isn't that much they could do in most instances.

[timmgirvan]

I watched Stevie Nash the other night....and am continuing to be amazed at the flow of the game he conducts. He's my MVP!

[timmgirvan]

Laker mgt. seems to be "on a Sunday drive " at the Indy Speedway!! You'll get nothing from the Zen Master, and Mitch is layin low...and Doc plays Poker now! As long as a beer is 12.50 a cup at Staples...they won't be pressed to do much. Their product sells no matter what happens.

[saucon17]

I've given up on the Fightin Phils after 2 games

Phils bullpen go GFY

[Scav]

Originally Posted by saucon17

I've given up on the Fightin Phils after 2 games

Phils bullpen go GFY

oh wow...great use right there

[saucon17]

Originally Posted by Scav

oh wow...great use right there

The starting pitching does great job and Elmer Fudd (Charlie Manuel)
pulls the starting pitcher an you know whats going to happen when
they bring in the relievers. Choke city. I forgot to give Ryan Madsen
a personal go GFY for blowing the two games. Their going to dig
themselves into deep hole early in the season like last year. They say
Philly fans are harsh on their teams. They deserve to be after watching
this crap every year.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by saucon17

The starting pitching does great job and Elmer Fudd (Charlie Manuel)
pulls the starting pitcher an you know whats going to happen when
they bring in the relievers. Choke city. I forgot to give Ryan Madsen
a personal go GFY for blowing the two games. Their going to dig
themselves into deep hole early in the season like last year. They say
Philly fans are harsh on their teams. They deserve to be after watching
this crap every year.

You may want to put some of the blame on the Phils so far non-existant offense. They better be able to get more than 6 hits in 11 innings against Atlanta's pitching staff.