Last night Allen Iverson became the sixth player in Philadelphia 76ers franchise history to have his jersey retired. Iverson was one of the most controversial athletes in NBA history. He also ranks amongst the best scorers in NBA history.
Iverson was selected #1 overall in the 1996 NBA draft. At that moment the NBA would undergo a wave of change. Iverson ushered in the hip hop era. He grew an afro, acquired numerous tattoos, froze Michael Jordan in his shoes and played with a reckless abandonment rarely seen in an NBA player.
You can describe Allen Iverson as a player in many ways. He was an uncanny scorer and phenomenal athlete during his youthful days. He was also stubborn and at times a head coaches nightmare. One thing you never doubted about Iverson was his effort. He came to play night in and night out. 26.7ppg for his career speaks itself.
Iverson is likely a first ballot hall of famer. The day he enters the hall of fame will certainly be unique as Allen has never been shy about expressing his emotions. Allen Iverson may be retired but his contributions to the NBA are evident. Brandon Jennings, Isaiah Thomas and Chris Paul all have elements of Iverson's style in their game.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Knick Misery
This will certainly be one of the bleakest post I have written thus far this year.
The Knicks are 21-38, they're currently in 11th position in the east, they've lost five consecutive games and are in grave danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010. New York has no first round draft pick this summer, Carmelo Anthony can opt to leave the Knicks this summer, Mike Woodson is on the hot seat and the team lacks any legit trading pieces. The Knicks are currently a disaster.
Mike Woodson is a blue collar coach. That's what makes him special around the NBA. He demands maximum effort from his players. At this point is seems as if the Knicks just aren't responding. Mike Woodson deserves to stay on as Knicks head coach. James Dolan and the roster the Knicks assembled failed this season, not Mike Woodson. If the Knicks decide to make a coaching change I'd suggest they hire someone whose name rings bells. If not keeping Woodson is a no brainer.
Carmelo Anthony had a dejected look on his face as his coaches and teammates embraced him while exiting the game last night against Golden state. Carmelo is a warrior and will give his all until the last second has elapsed. This latest losing streak may have heavy implications on Carmelo's decision to return to the Knicks.
The Knicks are 21-38, they're currently in 11th position in the east, they've lost five consecutive games and are in grave danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010. New York has no first round draft pick this summer, Carmelo Anthony can opt to leave the Knicks this summer, Mike Woodson is on the hot seat and the team lacks any legit trading pieces. The Knicks are currently a disaster.
Mike Woodson is a blue collar coach. That's what makes him special around the NBA. He demands maximum effort from his players. At this point is seems as if the Knicks just aren't responding. Mike Woodson deserves to stay on as Knicks head coach. James Dolan and the roster the Knicks assembled failed this season, not Mike Woodson. If the Knicks decide to make a coaching change I'd suggest they hire someone whose name rings bells. If not keeping Woodson is a no brainer.
Carmelo Anthony had a dejected look on his face as his coaches and teammates embraced him while exiting the game last night against Golden state. Carmelo is a warrior and will give his all until the last second has elapsed. This latest losing streak may have heavy implications on Carmelo's decision to return to the Knicks.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Whose coming out of the west?
Thus far this season the NBA's Western Conference has been a wide open race. With only a quarter of the season remaining much is left to be decided in the standings. Miami and Indiana are the only teams in the east that resemble a championship contender.
This year the west is where you can find the meat and potatoes. Phoenix is currently 8th in the western conference with a record of 33-24. Memphis is only a half game behind looking to climb into the final playoff spot. If Phoenix were a member of the eastern conference they would currently be in third position. Hosting a first round playoff series would be a realistic proposition. Instead the Suns are in a dog fight for their playoff lives. Their is a great discrepancy between the east and west this year to say the least.
Match-ups will play a key factor in who wins the west this year. The safest way to get out of the first round is to lock up the number one seed. If the playoffs began today Phoenix would be the only team I'd immediately count out. The Warriors and Mavericks are both wild cards out west. Both teams have the potential to win two or three series on the road. Of the top four teams home-court advantage is most important to Portland. The Trailblazers are as talented as any team in the NBA. If they can manage to finish strong and get one of the top two seeds they'll be as tough as anyone come playoff time. The fans in Portland are similar to the twelfth man in Seattle. Fans from the northwest are extremely passionate about their teams.
The Clippers and Rockets fall in the same category. Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are the leaders of their teams respectively. Both have arguably been the best at their position in the entire NBA since entering the league. Neither has a championship trophy to show for it. Success in the playoffs comes down to defense for both of these teams. Both teams have shown the ability to score in bunches at will. A first or second round series between the Rockets and Clippers could break scoring records.
San Antonio and OKC are probably the favorites to rise from the land of the giants. Kevin Durant is looking to start a legacy of winning. Tim Duncan wants that fifth championship. Five rings gives him one more than Shaq and one less than Kareem. His place in NBA history teeters on wither or not he can capture yet another championship. A finals MVP would be nice too.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Danny Granger
Danny Granger certainly got a raw deal from the Indiana Pacers. Granger was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade deadline package that sent back #2 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen to the Pacers.
Remember the motor city brawl the Pacers were involved in at the Palace in Auburn Hills? The franchise suffered through some tough years following that incident. Granger was selected with the 17th pick of the 2005 NBA draft. At the time the Indiana Pacers only averaged around 9,000 fans per home game, one of the lowest totals in the NBA. During the 90's Indiana boasted one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA. Market Square Arena had some of the most colorful and supportive fans in the NBA.
Granger managed to stay healthy his first three seasons with Indiana, playing in 240 of a possible 246 games. His scoring average steadily increased from 7.5ppg, to 13.9 his second year and 19.6ppg during his third season. The Indiana Pacers had a superstar in the making.
Granger's fourth season in Indiana was yet another break out year. He averaged 25.8ppg and 6.1rpg. His shooting developed as well averaging a career high 40% from three point range. This was also the first year the injury bug hit. He missed a then career high 15 games.
Over the next few years Granger would struggle with nagging injuries. The wrist, knee and ankle to name a few. He still managed to produce when healthy averaging 18.7ppg in 2012, his last full season in Indiana. He missed 20 games that year. Granger's attitude and defensive presence obviously bothered the Miami Heat challenging them to a tough six game series.
Indiana began last year with high expectations. With Granger sidelined to begin the year a void needed to be filled. Lance Stephenson and Paul George both stepped up unexpectedly. George has the potential to be a top five player in the NBA. Stephenson has a world of talent. The Brooklyn product has a chance to have a better career than Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury. Granger played in just five games last year before shutting it down for the season. Indiana would go on to push the eventual champion Miami Heat to a seventh game.
This year has obviously been a struggle for Granger. He is 30 years old, the prime of his professional career. Who could argue with him for expecting more minutes? After all he's the individual most responsible for turning things around in Indiana. Instead he has been the consummate professional. The Pacers have been the best team in the east thus far this season. They've made no secret that getting the number one seed and hosting the playoffs in their building is their main goal.
At this juncture Evan Turner is certainly an upgrade. The Pacers have players that will eventually seek a higher pay day, thus the window of opportunity is certainly closing for Indiana. The Pacers front office must have been thinking this when they decided to pull the trigger and get this deal done. Winning a championship is Indiana's priority and rightfully so.
Basketball is a game but the NBA is a business. I would have made the same decision given the opportunity. Tough decisions have to be made on occasion. Danny Granger's contributions to the Pacers franchise should not be forgotten.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Respect Nowitzki
Judging from last nights game winner at MSG Dirk Nowitzki is still a major force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Last year Dirk scored 17.3ppg, the lowest since his rookie year. This year he upped his scoring average back to 21.7ppg. His overall production is still consistent. He's shot a career high 91% from the stripe while pulling in 6rpg and 2.9apg.
Rewind back to the 1998-99 season. Yes Knick fans the same season you nearly received the key to the city alongside the Yankees. Dirk lacked confidence as a rookie. He averaged 8.2ppg and 3.4 rebounds per contest. He thought it was a bad decision to come to the NBA so early and apparently Dallas Maverick fans felt the same way. Dirk was often booed during his rookie season.
Fast forward to the 2005-06 western conference semi's. The Mavericks forced the defending champs to a game seven on their home court. Trailing by three with less than 60 seconds remaining, the onus fell on Dirk's shoulders. As the teams leader and the sole reason the Mavericks were even relevant during the 2000's Dirk would have the ball in his hands no matter what. At this point Dirk was known as a sniper from downtown, capable of pulling up at any point past half court. Everyone in the building expected Dirk to shoot a three and have a great shot at making it. Dirk did exactly the opposite. He received the ball at the top of the key. He then proceeded to pump fake, get his man off balance and drive to the basket for the three point play. Dallas would knock off the defending champs on their home court. They would make it all the way to the NBA finals only to lose to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. This was Dirks message to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire and any other big man who viewed Dirk as just a shooter.
Fast forward once again to the 2010-11 NBA finals. The Miami Heat handle Dallas pretty easily in game one of the championship round. Down the stretch in game two Wade poses after knocking down a corner jumper giving Miami a comfortable lead in the third quarter. Apparently Miami thought they had Dirk's number. Wade and LeBron James even went as far as to mock Dirk who was suffering from a cold at the time. Big mistake, this time Dirk would have the last laugh. LeBron was obviously still uncomfortable playing on the biggest stage. Dallas would go on to capture the NBA title and celebrate that same night in South Beach.
Dirk's averaged 22.6ppg during his 16 year career. Like Steve Nash Dirk is close to averaging the shooters triple crown for his entire career. Nash is a 6 foot guard. Dirk is a 6"11 forward/center. Needless to say its a bit more impressive of an accomplishment on Dirk's behalf.
Is Dirk the greatest shooter to ever play in the NBA? Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Larry Bird or Ray Allen may beg to differ.
Dirk has gotten better almost every year during his career. He is a tireless worker and historically underrated. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest big men to ever play in the NBA. Respect Dirk!
Rewind back to the 1998-99 season. Yes Knick fans the same season you nearly received the key to the city alongside the Yankees. Dirk lacked confidence as a rookie. He averaged 8.2ppg and 3.4 rebounds per contest. He thought it was a bad decision to come to the NBA so early and apparently Dallas Maverick fans felt the same way. Dirk was often booed during his rookie season.
Fast forward to the 2005-06 western conference semi's. The Mavericks forced the defending champs to a game seven on their home court. Trailing by three with less than 60 seconds remaining, the onus fell on Dirk's shoulders. As the teams leader and the sole reason the Mavericks were even relevant during the 2000's Dirk would have the ball in his hands no matter what. At this point Dirk was known as a sniper from downtown, capable of pulling up at any point past half court. Everyone in the building expected Dirk to shoot a three and have a great shot at making it. Dirk did exactly the opposite. He received the ball at the top of the key. He then proceeded to pump fake, get his man off balance and drive to the basket for the three point play. Dallas would knock off the defending champs on their home court. They would make it all the way to the NBA finals only to lose to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. This was Dirks message to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire and any other big man who viewed Dirk as just a shooter.
Fast forward once again to the 2010-11 NBA finals. The Miami Heat handle Dallas pretty easily in game one of the championship round. Down the stretch in game two Wade poses after knocking down a corner jumper giving Miami a comfortable lead in the third quarter. Apparently Miami thought they had Dirk's number. Wade and LeBron James even went as far as to mock Dirk who was suffering from a cold at the time. Big mistake, this time Dirk would have the last laugh. LeBron was obviously still uncomfortable playing on the biggest stage. Dallas would go on to capture the NBA title and celebrate that same night in South Beach.
Dirk's averaged 22.6ppg during his 16 year career. Like Steve Nash Dirk is close to averaging the shooters triple crown for his entire career. Nash is a 6 foot guard. Dirk is a 6"11 forward/center. Needless to say its a bit more impressive of an accomplishment on Dirk's behalf.
Is Dirk the greatest shooter to ever play in the NBA? Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Larry Bird or Ray Allen may beg to differ.
Dirk has gotten better almost every year during his career. He is a tireless worker and historically underrated. Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest big men to ever play in the NBA. Respect Dirk!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Tough loss for Knicks VS Mavericks
If the Knicks were having somewhat of a consistent season a loss of this manner could be considered tolerable. With tonight's 110-108 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks the Knicks fall to an embarrassing 21-36. The Knicks are a veteran team that came into the season with high expectations. With that considered a loss like this is not a moral victory. Its a gut wrenching slap in the face when your clawing for a playoff spot.
New York trailed by eight with 1:30 remaining on the game clock. After a furious comeback spurned by a Tyson Chandler three point play and a game tying Carmelo Anthony three pointer the Knicks were in prime position to get the win. Carmelo Anthony was spectacular scoring 44 points. I hate to pin point any blame what so ever on a guy that carried his team offensively for much of the game. However, Carmelo made two bone headed plays to end the game. Absolutely no ball movement on the Knicks last possession forced a horrible shot clock violation. Dirk Nowitzki is too good of a shooter to get a clean look at the basket to end the game. Carmelo didn't want to foul Nowitzki. Not putting a hand up lead to Dirk getting a clean look and banking in the game winner.
During Vince Carter's youthful days as a member of the Toronto Raptors he was known as a huge Knick killer. Vince had the fountain of youth going tonight scoring 23 points on 7-12 from downtown. Vince knocked down three point bombs effortlessly the way he's done his entire career.
Tonight the Knicks had opportunity after opportunity to pull ahead. Pablo Prigioni's two three pointers in the fourth quarter were huge in a losing effort. The Knicks certainly showed fight tonight. The team came up short yet the effort was present late in the game. Once a team quits on its coach the need for a coaching change becomes urgent. The Knicks are still playing for Mike Woodson.
New York trailed by eight with 1:30 remaining on the game clock. After a furious comeback spurned by a Tyson Chandler three point play and a game tying Carmelo Anthony three pointer the Knicks were in prime position to get the win. Carmelo Anthony was spectacular scoring 44 points. I hate to pin point any blame what so ever on a guy that carried his team offensively for much of the game. However, Carmelo made two bone headed plays to end the game. Absolutely no ball movement on the Knicks last possession forced a horrible shot clock violation. Dirk Nowitzki is too good of a shooter to get a clean look at the basket to end the game. Carmelo didn't want to foul Nowitzki. Not putting a hand up lead to Dirk getting a clean look and banking in the game winner.
During Vince Carter's youthful days as a member of the Toronto Raptors he was known as a huge Knick killer. Vince had the fountain of youth going tonight scoring 23 points on 7-12 from downtown. Vince knocked down three point bombs effortlessly the way he's done his entire career.
Tonight the Knicks had opportunity after opportunity to pull ahead. Pablo Prigioni's two three pointers in the fourth quarter were huge in a losing effort. The Knicks certainly showed fight tonight. The team came up short yet the effort was present late in the game. Once a team quits on its coach the need for a coaching change becomes urgent. The Knicks are still playing for Mike Woodson.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
My NBA Mount Rushmore
LeBron James recent statements about his NBA Mount Rushmore during an interview with Steve Smith has definitely ruffled some feathers. King James listed Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson as his four greatest NBA players. LeBron went as far as to say by the time he's set to retire someone will need to get bumped from that list. LeBron certainly has a great shot at being one of the greatest players to grace the NBA hardwood. At 29 years of age he is on pace to break numerous records and leave his own imprint on the league.
My NBA Mount Rushmore happens to differ from LeBron's. These are the four players I would have on my NBA Mount Rushmore.
1. Lew Alcindor/ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a no brainer in my opinion. Numbers speak volumes for this individual. 19 All Star appearances, a six time NBA champion, two time finals MVP and the all time leading scorer in NBA history. After Wilt Chamberlin's playing days were over he was often quoted saying that the only player that gave him problems man to man during his career was Lew Alcindor.
2. Magic Johnson is arguably the greatest team player in the history of organized American sports. Magic lead the Lakers to five NBA titles during the 1980's. A three time finals MVP, 12 time All Star and three time regular season MVP. Magic was at his best when the stakes were high.
3. Michael Jordan seems to be the consensus pick for everyone and rightfully so. Michael struck fear in his opponents in a manner in which no current NBA player possesses. Six NBA championships as well as a six time finals MVP speaks volumes. Need I say more.
4. Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American organized sports to ever live. That is not an argument. 11 time NBA champion, 12 time All Star and five time league MVP. Russell could have scored more, he also could have won less. The NBA was a small time league back then. Today you would be hard pressed to find a player that possesses the qualities of Russell. An amazing defender, extremely intelligent and historically unselfish. It's a shame that anyone could leave Russell off their NBA Mount Rushmore.
That's it that's the list ( Tony Kornheiser voice )!
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