Lockout Doozies: Part 1

Without further ado, here’s the best and worst quotes of the offseason thus far.

I am confident, check that, I am certain more doozies will be forthcoming so look for Part 2 at the conclusion of the lockout. Let’s hope there’s no need for a Part 3 or 4.

“Talk to the owner. He gave me the deal. When it comes to contracts, the players aren’t sitting there negotiating that contract. I’m sitting at home and my agent calls me, saying, ‘I got a max on the table.’ I’m not going to sit there and say, ‘Naw, that’s too much. Go out there and negotiate $20 or $30 [million] less.’ “
- Washington’s Rashard Lewis.

He’s right.

“All Haters should catch full blown Aids and Die! Do the world a favor! and rid us of you all!”
- Kenyon Martin on Twitter, in response to some criticism over his lucrative Chinese deal.

K-Mart – you’re a bum.

“I wanted to display all of my shoes, so I had this 500-square-foot closet made. I just thought this would be a cool idea, and it would almost look like a museum. I had a fingerprint sensor put on the door to make sure I’m the only one who can get in here. I mostly wear Air Jordans. All of the Jordan guys are selected by Michael Jordan himself. It’s kind of hard to tell MJ no. I have 436 pairs of sneakers in here, and they’re mostly unworn. I’ll wear all of them eventually.”
- Atlanta’s Joe Johnson.

That’s perfectly reasonable.

Read more of my article at NBAMate

February In The NBA

It’s that time again folks, when I chime in with 10 observations from the previous month’s NBA action. Let’s get straight into it.

1. Melo Did Good For Melo

He’s a one-trick pony and a very VERY bad liar, but you have to hand it to the guy. Through all this mess (that he created) he achieved the best possible outcome (for himself); a max extension with the New York Knicks. Notice the theme here? Melo’s all about Melo and always has been. But for the sake of the Knicks, let’s hope he grows up in a hurry because that mentality is going to be a problem in New York, where a first round exit will get you drawn and quartered.

The Billups acquisition was a masterstroke. He’ll be the glue that holds this thing together early and makes them a very good team from the get-go.

But as we all know defense wins championships, so let’s not delude ourselves here; as currently constructed they can’t seriously contend. The elephant in the room is Melo’s and Amar’es defense, if you can call it that (I love the way George Karl called him out on it).

And for those of you clinging to the Miami game and saying “but look, they can defend”, well sure they can, when the mood strikes them (rarely). But defense has to be a collective mindset and something you just do, not something you say you do. Remember, over the course of a seven-game playoff series weaknesses will always be exposed (by good teams).

For the New York Knicks to become championship quality, the following must happen: In the same way that Paul Pierce and Ray Allen became solid defensive players when the ‘Big 3’ came together in Boston, Melo and Amar’e must make a genuine commitment to improve at that end of the floor. I believe this is possible, but only after they get their tails handed to them in the playoffs and then come to that realisation. But with these two, it may take a while for the ‘penny to drop’.

They must be surrounded with rock-solid defensive types. Fields and Turiaf are a good start (I don’t understand the Brewer buyout), but a tough defensive center is key (Joel Przybilla would be a nice pick-up in the offseason if he comes back). And the addition of a third ‘star’ will be required to replace Billups in 2012 to tie this thing together (which I believe will happen).

Succeed on these fronts and the Knicks become a legit contender and perennial powerhouse.

Read more of my article at NBAMate

Magic must seek help on the boards

Published by http://www.dailybasketball.com/ on 08/09/2008

link: http://www.dailybasketball.com/2008/09/09/magic-must-seek-help-on-the-boards.html

After the Orlando Magic were defeated by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the playoffs, it was clear that Dwight Howard needed help on the frontline. So what did the Magic do in the offseason to address the problem? They drafted a shooting guard (Lee) and signed a point guard and small forward in free agency (Johnson/Pietrus). So once again it appears as though Howard will have to shoulder the bulk of the inside work for the Magic this coming season.

He did that and more this year with averages of 20.7 points, 14.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Starting forwards Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, despite both being 6-10, were unable to contribute much in the rebounding department with averages of 5.4 and 5.7 rebounds respectively. Both are more likely to be found at the 3-point line, as opposed to mixing it up in the paint.

Teaming Howard up with a pair of offense-minded shot-happy small forwards places huge responsibility on the young man’s shoulders. If they’re not careful, the extra workload could lead to injury or, at the very least, frustration. Not the best way to treat your young superstar and franchise player.

Currently, the Magic have Tony Battie, Adonal Foyle, James Augustine and Marcin Gortat as the only other big men on the roster. Together with Rashard Lewis masquerading as the starting power forward, and this will simply not get it done against quality playoff teams.

One of the main offseason priorities for Magic GM Otis Smith should have been to acquire a suitable power forward to play alongside Howard. That player would be someone who is willing to do the dirty work, rebound, defend and protect Howard’s back. Although he re-signed with San Antonio, Kurt Thomas would have fit the bill perfectly.

But the Magic’s best (and cheapest) opportunity to address this need came on draft day in the form of Memphis strongman Joey Dorsey. Whilst their first round selection of Courtney Lee was a good one, they had ample opportunities to trade back into the draft to select Dorsey. Between their pick at 22 and pick 33 when Dorsey was selected, there were 5 trades, meaning teams were more than willing to part with their draft pick. Had they been prepared to dangle the little-used J.J. Redick, or future draft picks, there is no doubt that Dorsey could be wearing an Orlando uniform today.

Fact is, they didn’t and they blew it. Dorsey would have been the perfect compliment to Howard. He’s a rebounding machine, a tough defender and can finish around the rim, sort of a young Ben Wallace. Bringing the rebound-focused Dorsey off the bench to play the power forward position, would have allowed Howard to concentrate on other areas of his game, such as individual defense and shot blocking.

If Dorsey wasn’t available, players such as D.J. White (29), Nathan Jawai (41), Richard Hendrix (49) and Darnell Jackson (52), could have filled a similar role and should have been given strong consideration.

If the Magic wish to compete against Eastern Conference powers Boston and Detroit, they must provide Howard with help on the boards. Teams such as Toronto (O’Neal) and Philly (Brand), who the Magic will be in direct competition with, have added muscle to their frontline in the offseason. If the Magic don’t address this problem during the season, expect to see another early playoff exit.