Detroit Pistons Blogs

I'll make this post short and straight forward. Eleven losses in a row. Will that be tweleve? Then thirteen? Who knows. I think all Pistons fans are experiencing the same feeling of disappointment and

Continue reading "And Another One..."

The Detroit Pistons are in preliminary trade talks with the Minnesota Timber wolves. Players include; Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Jason Maxiell, and draft pick from Detroit. Al Jefferson along with Brian Cardinal and Mark Blounts expiring contracts from Minnesota. More to come...

Continue reading "Pistons trade rumor"

For starters, welcome back Rip Hamilton! With an impressive 18 points this game against the Golden State Warriors, Rip made sure his return was not overseen. Although Rip was the talk of the game, Rodney Stuckey was the point leader with an impressive 29 points this game.

Continue reading "Welcome Back Rip!"

Today, after receiving a pair of free tickets to the Pistons/Nuggets game at the Palace, I had a few reactions.

 

My first one was, “Hell Yeah! Free Pistons Tickets!”

 

Continue reading "Three Year Bucket List"

The other day Andre Iguodala insisted that the Sixers were not as bad as their record indicated. And then last night (WEDS) they preceded to drop a basketball game to the lowly Detroit Pistons, who are as bad as their record indicates.

Continue reading "Yet Another 4th Quarter Flushed Down ..."

Psychotic Los Angeles Lakers small forward Ron Artest claimed this week that he boozed a French cognac during games when he played for the Chicago Bulls from 1999-2002.

 

“I used to drink Hennessy at halftime,” Artest, 30, said in an interview with the

Continue reading "Ron Artest is an alcoholic lunatic"

There's no need for a clever title for this one. This isn't exactly 100% relevant to the Pistons, but I felt the need to post a few reason why Ron Artest has the reputation he has.

1. The Pistons brawl was already a reason to hate Artest, but the fact that he admitted in an interview that he still holds a grudge and wants to fight brings him to an ultimate low.

Continue reading "Who does Ron Artest think he is?"

I just got done watching the surprisingly entertaining game in Denver between the Nuggets and Knicks, a game in which Carmelo Anthony scored 50 points and the Nuggets won 128-125.

When the announcers (I watched the MSG feed, and it’s always disappointing when Mike Breen isn’t there) were recapping the game, they casually mentioned that it was a new career-high of points in a game for Melo.

Continue reading "Best Scorers Without a 50-Point Game"

After 6 consecutive losses and a 5-10 record so far, will the Pistons be able to come back?

A big question in mind is that if Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton were playing, would the number of losses be less than it is right now. It's a very hypothetical question because the chemistry of the team would be completely different. If we look at the team we have playing now, they started off strong, became shaky, and now are losing to every team they play.The losses haven't even been by a landslide. It's not the skill level that's not sufficient, but the little things in the game. That free throw someone missed, that rebound someone could have got, or lack of full effort all 48 minutes are what caused the losses.

Continue reading "Pistons, you're TAY-ring up my heart."

LeBron James makes his only trip to Madison Square Garden tonight.

 

For the past two seasons there has been plenty of talk about LeBron bolting his hometown of Cleveland for the bright lights of New York City.

Continue reading "LeBron Makes His Only Trip to "The Garden" Tonight"

WOW! I wish I can go to a game at the Palace at least once in my lifetime. I bet it was crazy in there tonight! This was one of the most exciting games I have seen in a while! With Rip and Tayshaun out, I thought the Pistons' chances for a win became increasingly slimmer. People are wondering if this game will give Dumars the push to trade Rip and Tay, but all the trading rumors are, well, rumors. The teamwork and determination from the start lasted through the whole 48 minutes. Everybody stepped it up tonight!

Continue reading "Superman can't hold up against the Pistons"

Yes, I understand it's a little late to be talking about the start of the NBA season. If I wrote this after the season opener for the Pistons, it would be a very optimistic, happy blog about our win against the Grizzlies. After that, we've had two consecutive losses. It's definitely too early to tell what to expect from the Pistons, but I would like to put my two cents in.

Continue reading "NBA season is back! Are the Pistons ..."

 It's basketball time again in the Bluff City as the Grizzlies opened the 2009-10 season by hosting the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins is not mincing words after the team's opening-night loss to the Pistons.  Stressing defense and intensity over offense, Hollins called out Marc Gasol, who put up decent numbers, saying, "Well, he didn't block any shots.  He didn't guard anybody."  The man means business.  In his mind, basketball is a team game.  He is talking the talk and he expects his players to walk the walk.  A few individuals played well tonight, but until they come together as a unit, their coach will not be impressed.

Continue reading "Pistons 96, Grizzlies 74"

Times are a changin in Detroit.  Gone are Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace.  Enter in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.   They draft three youngsters to go along with the newly acquired in hopes of quickly getting back to the conference finals. 

Continue reading "Detroit Summer League"

Leading into this years Las Vegas Summer League, post-draft whimpers continued to echo through the alleys of Detroit. Poverty stricken Piston fans were still baffled by yet another night of head scratching picks.

Continue reading "Jerebko heats up like a hot Summers, Daye"

*revised

May 1st, 2009

The Detroit Tigers will:

• win the Central Devision

• record = 92-70

• loose to the Red Sox in the ALCS

Continue reading "AARWICH – PRIDICTIONS *REVISED July 14th, 2009"

I just found my first blog that I wrote and figured I'd post it up here since it's semi-relevant to the upcoming season and what has been going on with the many changes.

27-27

Continue reading "My first blog on ESPN.com 2/22/2009"

Get ready to see a lot of Kwame Brown next season. Believe it or not, there are some in the Detroit Pistons organization that feel Kwame can be a consistent starter in this league. Some believe if given a run at 30 plus minutes, Brown will become a walking double-double. Add the ability to block shots with the best of them and you have...Kwame Brown?

Continue reading "ALL KINDS OF KWAME"

The next month or so is going to be a very exciting time for Detroit Pistons fans. Between the draft, free agency and possible trade scenarios, we'll have our interest piqued and our hopes high. But my attention has shifted to the coaching staff.

Continue reading "Dave Cowens leaves staff... coincidence?"

Are the glory days for the Pistons over?  They did not make the Eastern Conference finals and they have some free agents to take care of.  Allen Iverson, Rasheed Wallace, and Antonio McDyess

Continue reading "Detroit Pistons draft"

The Pistons could be in some serious trouble.  I dont' even see them making the playoffs in 2010.  I think they'll probably be in the lottery.  They're not re-signing Iverson.  The

Continue reading "Doomsday in Detroit?"

The Detroit Pistons goal should be to assemble a championship caliber team, free from end of the season opt-out concerns.

With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, my anxiety increases. I ponder Joe D. actually using his #15 pick on a drafty (I know, crazy right?). Worse still, he trades up to snag a guy that might possibly help his Detroit club in the future (ensuring a cap hit of $2-$4 million out of the gate).

Continue reading "TAY @ THE 2"

Why did Darko fail?  I blame Larry Brown.  For 2 and a half season with the Pistons, Larry Brown never played Darko meaningful minutes.  Darko got about 5 minutes of burn per game, all coming in garbage time.  Someone in the media even nicknamed him "The human victory cigar", because he only got on the court after the game was decided, a Pistons win or loss.  How the hell can you expect a young talent to improve if he's playing once or twice a week for 5 minutes?  You have to throw rookies and young guys into the mix and let them make mistakes and learn.  Darko never got that chance, and was completely mentally destroyed from the hellish years in Detroit.  Now, some say with Rasheed and Ben Wallace on the team, there was no room for Darko in the rotation.  Mehmet Okur was getting some of the backup time, but really?  Darko couldn't sniff the court, at all?  He couldn't have gotten in at the end of a quarter or two and worked up a sweat?  Learned a few things?  He was the #2 pick!  He had to have

Continue reading "Why did Darko Milicic fail?"

I'm going to ignore the whole "Cavaliers not winning the Eastern Conference" thing and move on to something I find much more important.

The NBA has been using old memorable footage for their "Where will amazing happen this year?" commercials. Admittedly, these are really cool. They've taken Magic hitting the baby-hook over the Celtics, Kobe alley-ooping to Shaq, Bird with the steal and passing to DJ for the layup; memorable moments. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go here: 

Continue reading "Where Amazing Happened"

Here, open up your wallet and grab out that $20 bill.

Look at it.

Smell it.

Taste it.

Well, maybe not taste, but you get the picture.

What I'm trying to get at is in these rough and tumble economic

Continue reading "Detroit Rock-bottom"

Since my last post I've received heated opinions from some fired up Golden State fans regarding my Rip Hamilton for Ellis and Randolph trade. G.S. fans are obviously a little smarter then I thought. So let me be clear. Although I'm a Utah Jazz and Golden State Warrior fan, my heart lies with the Detroit Pistons.

Continue reading "Let's play GM part II"

If Kobe Bryant expects to win a championship this June, he needs to trust his teammates more. If he doesn't, the Lakers will not only struggle to win the Finals, they may have trouble even getting there. Last night's loss to the Houston Rockets, putting them down 1-0 in the series, is to me, enough cause for concern. Phil Jackson needs to sit down Kobe and tell him the same thing he told Jordan: trust your teammates more.

Continue reading "Memo to Kobe: Be like Mike"

This is an exiting time for Detroit Pistons fans. With around $20 mil., valuable trade assets and a league focused on shedding salary (ether to get under the cap or get ready for 2010), it will be fun to play GM.

Continue reading "Let's play GM"

In continuation of my post on 04.30.2009 it’s time to take a look at the East and everything it has brought us so far.  And to think, it’s only the first round!

 

Detroit Pistons versus Cleveland Cavaliers.  There’s quite a few of us who are still scratching our heads and trying to figure out where the positive for Detroit was in the Billups/Iverson trade.  Winning their games by an average of 15.5 points, Cleveland sent the Pistons home for the season with just one question: “How quick can we get Allen Iverson out of a Pistons jersey?”  A quick side note: Cleveland is averaging a higher winning margin on the road than they are at home this post-season.  That’s not good news for Miami or Atlanta.

Continue reading "Playoff Excitement Part 2: Beasts of the East"

November 4, 2008.  Remember that day?  I do.  I was stepping out of the shower getting ready for work when I noticed I had a new text message.  "Pistons traded for Iverson!".  The first thoughts that went through my head was that Mr. Big Shot was probably gone.  Sure enough, I was right.  The Pistons went ahead and traded their on & off the court leader for a player who has no clue what team basketball means (this would clearly prove to be true later in the season...).  Well, I thought, this team is full of experienced veterans so we should be alright.

Continue reading "Fourth Quarter..."

"There's no analysis here...what happened?!" - ESPN's Steve Levy, 4/27/09

The New Orleans hornets suffered the all-time-tying worst playoff loss in NBA history yesterday, getting stomped on 121-63 by the Denver Nuggets. Don't wet yourselves, Nuggets fans. The Hornets just played THAT BAD. Here are the Top 10 Reasons why they shouldn't bother showing up for Game 5:

Continue reading "Top 10 Reasons the New Orleans Hornets ..."

I'm a Kobe fan. Huge Kobe fan. He's practically my generation's MJ. Nothing against MJ, I just never saw him play much. I went to the United Center once, when I was seven, and all I remember is Scottie Pippen's crew-cut and cotton candy. Also, I'm from D.C., so the fact that MJ ruined the entire development and chemistry of an up-and-coming Washington Wizards team, just so he could milk a little more limelight, doesn't really sit well.

Continue reading "Why Lakers fans should worry about ..."

Anyone who saw game 2 of the Cavs/Pistons series and didn't turn it off at the end of the 3rd quarter saw the Pistons mount a vigorous comeback. At the end of 3, Cleveland led 77-50, and the game wasn't even that close.

Continue reading "Signs of Life?"

NBA Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers  

Cavaliers SF LeBron James, most likely as season MVP will be a handful, even for Pistons SF Tayshaun Prince. PF Antonio McDyess gives the Pistons a slight edge over PF Anderson Varejao. C Zydrunas Ilgauskas has outplayed C Rasheed Wallace this year. 

Continue reading "DETROIT PISTONS VS CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 4/18/09"

Possible yes, probable no.

That's putting it layman regarding your Detroit Pistons and their chances of winning a seven game playoff battle against a red hot Cleveland team that dose not lose at home. It's virtually impossible. HOWEVER, there is a slight hint of an outside chance. Unfortunately for us Pistons fans, there are multiple scenarios that absolutely must occur for them to shock the world with an upset.

Continue reading "NO GRAY IN PISTONS POST SEASON"

The Detroit Pistons were up against the Chicago Bulls tonight and lost 91-88. This game put the Pistons as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern conference, which will have them play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. After the loss against the Indiana Pacers, this game looked more like a struggle. The beginning of the game was indeed a little bit of a struggle, but the Pistons were able to take the game under their control by the end of the first quarter. The rest of the game was very close, head-to-head, even to the last 15 seconds. During the last stretch, the Bulls were able to play under pressure and beat the Pistons. This isn't what any of us wanted, but like Hamilton said before the game, the Pistons should be glad to be in any position in the playoffs. Will this make a difference in how far the Pistons will be able to get in the playoffs? If the Pistons keep their heads on straight and are focused like they were for the 3 games before the loss against the Pacers, I don't think that the Pistons will have to worry about the Cavaliers. I don't know what happened tonight, if it was just that the Pistons weren't mentally prepared for this game or if the Bulls were better, but let's hold our heads up high. We have seen a different side of the Pistons over the past week and we should expect

Continue reading "We can't say it's BULL because the ball don't lie."

Final Score: 113 - 86.

Sheed wasn't kidding when he said that the Pistons are ready to step their game up. If the Pistons continue to play like they did Wednesday night, there is great hope for them in the playoffs. THIS is the team I know and love. I've been waiting for this and I know all you other fans have too. I knew it was going to be a good game after watching the first 2 minutes. Yes, 10 points within the first 2 minutes. They brought their A-game and the Knicks weren't ready for it. Richard "Rip" Hamilton (#32) scored the most points, 22 points to be exact, and had the most assists for the team. Of course, the rest of the team contributed to this victory. Each player was a prominent player this game and were all looking for a win. This is the chemistry the Pistons have been searching for all season. It's crunch time and the Pistons are finally ready to play. After this game, the Pistons are now No. 7 in the East, right next to the Chicago Bulls.

Continue reading "The Pistons RIPPED it up ! (NY Knicks)"

'Our swagger will come with the playoffs,' said Rasheed Wallace (#30).

When I heard this, it made me so happy! I know so many people have given up on the Pistons, but I've stuck with them through this rough season. I wrote a blog about a month ago on my ESPN page when the Pistons were officially at .500 about how we can't give up hope; Rasheed Wallace is saying the same thing. It's great seeing that the team still has their game faces on and are ready to give 110%. This season hasn't been their best, but it's been rough. The Pistons went through many changes this year including a new coach, the loss of Chauncey Billups, trying to adjust to the new balance of playing with Allen Iverson, and a fairly young team. It's been a very frustrating season for the fans and players, but chin up! It may be very ambitious, but if Sheed believes that they can pull it together, I do too.

Continue reading ""No one on the corner has swagger like us.""

The Chicago Bulls suddenly look like a winning basketball team. With tonight's win over the Miami Heat, The Bulls tied the Detroit Pistons for 7th place in the playoff race.  They are in the inside, looking to solidify themselves for that elusive perch.

Continue reading "Bull's Rush to Make the Playoffs"

Before this season began, I was once again hyped for the Pistons to once again make a deep playoff run. With basically everyone returning and Jason Maxiell finally getting his time, there was no way t

Continue reading "What was Joe Dumars thinking when ..."

I don't understand what Joe Dumars and the Detroit Pistons are thinking. To watch the trade deadline dwindle away with nothing to show other than a side ways move to the clips, was maddening. Its almost as if this organization thinks its doing its fans a favor by being in the playoff race.

Continue reading "ANOTHER OPERTUNITY PAST"

 As a portland blazer fan, it is hard for me to want a trade. Trades, especially midseason, can screw a team. shank them to high heavens and back. When we are talking about, sending youth away for a "proven" commodity, we don't know how that youth is gonna ball when he is a big assed man, no longer smooth like babies bottom. Jermaine O'neal for Dale Davis, anyone? That shit is not always a good idea! LaMarcus Aldridge is not an inside beast, but he can jam it with authority and hang time. So I'm glad we apparently got off the Amare band wagon. Amare Stoudemire deserves his props, he can dunk it. He can energize a building. He sometimes wears cool goggles. And he's physically huge.  But he's got more NBA milage. And he's got, potentially future knee complications from his microfracture surgery, the same as Oden, but worse. Longer recovery. Came back and left again. DO we need our two main bigs with bad knees, or at least bigger risks? Aldridge, less Nba Miles, younger, less prone to injury. He may not be the physical specimen, but the dude's only 23. Give him time for those things. He'll end up.. 70 percent the size of stoudemire, but with a better jump shot, and hopefully some defense and motivation! horrah!

Continue reading "Blazer trade scenarios"

Always an interesting time of the NBA season, when all of us fans sit and wonder which NBA superstars are on the move. This year, there are some really big names that are on the trading block. Lets look at a few of them, hey they just might end up on your favorite team.

Continue reading "The NBA Trade Deadline is right around ..."

I can hardly watch anymore its just ugly watching the Pistons this season. How do you go up by so much to lose it in the last four minutes. That game was depressing. I have never liked Allen Iverson I

Continue reading "Why the PIstons are pissing me off"

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics have indeed renewed there once coveted rivalry. The Lakers have had a very sour taste in there mouth since last year's NBA finals and this year they have come to play against the Celtics. The Lakers, yet again must learn life without Andrew Bynum. And this year things will be different. They match up so well with the Celtics. Kobe and Gasol against Garnet, Pierce, and Allen. One of the Celtics three will always shoot themselves in the foot. The Lakers bench is devised of quick, nagging, humble assassins who have come to love there role of being Kobe's sidekicks. The Celtics bench is devised of a Big Baby, a Leon Powe and a cold blooded Eddie House. I guess you could throw in an ineffective Tony Allen, as well.

Continue reading "Battle at The Garden"

How long will Pistons fans have to suffer this time, before Joe Dumars admits his mistakes. The Curry Project is, has been and will continue to be an abysmal failure. Anyone with an I.Q. above 50 or that of Tanya Harding, Ron Artest and George W. Bush combined, knows the reason Dumars even hired Puppet Boy was to have control of the team without having to pull an Isiah Thomas a Pat Riley or a Kevin McHale. I get it, it's fun to be the Puppet Master. And although I was against the move, I understood the concept and hoped for the best. Now I'm fed up! Enough is enough! Puppet Boy's getting out coached at every outing. Joe D.'s way to intelligent not to see this. It's about pride and maybe a small sense of loyalty. I don't care! He will never have the respect of the players as the head coach. It's not because he's unproven, it's because he's a push over.

Continue reading "THE CURRY PROJECT"

The Mavs finished the month of January 8-7 for the month. There were some surprising wins and losses that are equally surprising.

On 1/4, they lost by 20 points to the Memphis Grizzlies who are at the bottom of the Southwest. On 1/11, they lost to the Sacramento Kings who have been struggling the entire season. Then on 1/21, they lost to the Milwaulkee Bucks in a blowout by 34 points. Other blowout losses this month also include the 28 point loss to the Phoenix Suns on 1/9 and the 24 point loss to the Boston Celtics on 1/25.

Continue reading "Dallas Mavericks Inconsistent Through January"

You may have heard about the Rasheed Wallace for Elton Brand rummer. This is a bad idea. A panic move. Prior to Brands streak of injuries he was one of the top post-up power forwards in the league. And if he was available for 3 years 30 million he would be a deal. However, as of now, he refuses to run the floor and his stats are declining on a team with less talent then the Pistons. Not to mention he has trouble staying healthy. Plus his contract runs through the 2012/13 season @ over 18 million. By then we'll be wishing we still had a 38 year old Wallace. Trust me, we should let him stay Philly's problem.

Continue reading "SAY NO TO BRAND AND YES TO THE FUTURE"

Maybe Michael Currywas right, maybe he was wrong moving Rip Hamilton to the bench instead of Allen Iverson.  I personally think it was the wrong decision.  Both have been starters all their careers but the difference is AI DOES NOT PLAY GOOD DEFENSE.  That has been the Pistons problem as of late.  Granted Rip is not a all defensive team starter or anything but he does play a lot better defense than Iverson.  The Pistons let teams take big leads on them and then they are trying all game to come back or keep up with teams.  If Rip was in the game from the sart there might not be such a big hole to come out of.  Rip needs someone to create a lot of his shots from screens or picks.  Iverson could come in against the other teams secon unit and dominate them.  The one good thing is that Rip is scoring like the old Rip scored.  Allen Iverson should put his ego aside and do what is right for the team, but he will not and it probably will be an early exit this year for the team as Cleveland and Boston keep getting stronger and better looking by the game. 

Continue reading "PISTONS: Maybe Rip should come off ..."

The starters for the 2009 NBA All-Star game were announced on TNT Thursday night, and once again, the fans demonstrated the decision should not be theirs. Detroit’s Allen Iverson received 1,804,649 votes proving that 1,804,649 NBA fans don’t know what they’re talking about.

Continue reading "Fans Rob Harris, Wrongfully Reward Iverson"

OK! OK! Pistons fans...step back, take a deep breath, relax and read. There's reason for concern, but don't toss in the towel quite yet. Let's discuss a few options first.

Continue reading "DON'T PANTIC - LOOK AHEAD"

Great game last night versus the Mavs by the way. Chris Andersen's game was extreme. His two blocks were incredible. You gotta give him credit. He's 5th best in the league for blocks per game-1.93. Ya he's up there with Marcus Camby. Furthermore, that half court steal/buzzer beater was phenomenal and put him in the top 15 best 3-point shooters, ha! Ya, he's only taken 4 all season but still. And what about those rebounds?! 10 rbs last night along with his 15 points. Very nice.

Continue reading "Da Nuggets Most Interesting Stats!"

The Celtics finally lost, and although many in the sports world would have you believe that the sky is falling, I for one am not entirely convinced.  Give credit to Kobe and the Lakers, they played hard on Christmas day and earned their win.  They were physical with the Celtics and very aggressive on both ends of the floor, forcing Boston turnovers and making big shots when it counted, but I'm not worried, and I don't believe that the Lakers have redeemed themselves at all for the turd egg they laid in last season's Finals.  Since when does winning one regular season game at home count as a statement game?  How does one victory on National TV even come close to making up for a humiliating 39 point ego-ectomy (to use the basketbawful terminology) of a defeat in basketball's biggest game of the year or the three embarassing losses that preceeded it?

Continue reading "Are They Who We Thought They Were?"

It's only fitting that I start off my first blog talking about the New York Knicks, simply because lucky for me I was 10 rows behind the basket at Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons, a game that saw the Knicks drain three's from all over the floor and play with more energy and cohesiveness then they showed the last two games combined.  With Nate the Great still nursing that hamstring, Duhon played all 48 minutes and Jared Jefferies added a much needed lift to help the Knicks end there three game losing streak and get the W. But the story here is Al Harrington's play Sunday, he was hitting three's, hitting the open man for the three, playing D and rebounding, he provided a big spark for the Knicks.  Watching him play, only convinced me more that this team is going to compete and that he can be a difference maker for the Knicks.  I'm beginning to see why Donnie Walsh has always found a way to get Al Harrington on his teams!  Walsh has made some great moves for the year 2010, moves that could land the greatest person ever to where the number 23 , and it's not your AIRNESS,  it's LeBron James! Don't worry I'm well aware that Lebron James is 6 NBA championships behind Jordan, so let's just say the greatest person RIGHT NOW to where number 23 ok?  If I'm going to mention some of the good things I must mention some of the bad and I have to admit Donnie has also made some not so great moves,  the big one being Stephon Marbury,  and you had to see this coming, it wouldn't be a Knicks conversation without uttering the name Stephon Marbury, the thorn in the side of everyone in the Knicks organization from Dolan right down to us, the fans. But although I can't argue that it could've and should've been handled better than it was, ultimately the right decision was made, which is not letting Marbury anyway near the rest of the Knicks, HE was the one thing holding them back from actually being a team, and now that the dust has settled on the trades for the future and the Marbury fiasco, the Knicks can focus on being the team they've been working hard to be. With a few new weapons and a lot more unselfish play, the new Look Knicks are only starting to reach the surface of their potential! And  Noooo, I'm not delusional, the Knicks potential doesn't go further than sneaking in the back door of the playoffs with the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference but for now, if they can get consistent and play like they did against Detroit, the Sky's the limit, and in the Knicks case the Sky's the 8th seed. 

Continue reading "Wish Upon A Starbury..."

In light of the recent developments of the tragic figures of Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury, I have come up with a solution.

Players like these, that have no concept of the fact they are

Continue reading "What To Do With Iverson and Marbury"

Okay, so things are not going well for the Detroit Pistons right now.  Yes, it was ridiculous how the Minnesota Timberwolves blew them out at home-it was even pathetic.  They are 4-5 since trading for Allen Iverson, after starting the season 4-0.

Continue reading "Detroit Will Be Okay-Give Them Time"

Rajon Rondo should bake a nice cake with the words "thank you for trading Chauncey Billups" written in icing on the top and send it to Detroit Pistons GM Joe Dumars.  It wouldn't hurt if all of the Celtics helped (even Scalabrine), but Rondo in particular should take the lead on this one.  Stop scratching your heads and looking confused and don't ask why, you should know very well by now that some rambling, tangential diatribe of an explanation is forthcoming...

Continue reading "Raving About Rondo Part Deux: A Pat ..."

Celtics fans have nothing to worry about.  They showed everyone tonight that they are still the same dominant team that won the title last season. 

 

They beat the Pistons for the second time this season, in a game that was never even close.  They played physical in every phase of the game.  They out-hustled the Pistons, out-rebounded the Pistons and out-defended the Pistons.

Continue reading "Celtics Sound Off Crystal Clear Message"

Kendrick Perkins with his league leading 7th technical right before the half?  I am surprised the Celtics lead the league in technical fouls this season and more shocked that Perkins leads the team.  Are the Celtics getting a little too boistrous after their championship? 

Continue reading "Second Half Should See More of Same"

I find myself truly excited to watch the Detroit Pistons play the Boston Celtics tonight.

 

I am not excited because the game might be a close one or because I think the Celtics are going to win.  I am excited because this game could go a long way toward indicating what to expect the rest of the season.

Continue reading "Can't Wait To See It!"

Ruben Patterson once claimed he was the Kobe stopper, then routinely got lit up for 30 points whenever he faced him. Many have tried to contain Number 8 turned 24 and few have had success. James Posey and Paul Pierce and the zone defense of the Celtics shut Mr. Bryant down during last season’s finals.

Continue reading "Tayshaun Prince the Official Kobe Stopper"

Barely two play dates ago, we saw Suns guard Steve Nash and forward Matt Barnes serve their respective suspensions for that rough Houston incident. Shaquille O’ Neal was involved in that incident but was meted a fine for trying to defend his teammates.

Continue reading "Now it’s Shaq that Gets Ejected!"

Andrew Bynum learned a valuable lesson about playing well near the basket from his friend and former teammate Kwame Brown on Friday night.

"I haven't really been attacking, so I'm going to start attacking on the block," Bynum, a 7-foot center, explained after the Lakers' practice Sunday. "I haven't scored much off the block. ... I'm just not being aggressive. I need to assert myself on the block. I haven't done anything like that.

Continue reading "Why you shouldn't hate the Lakers"

Before we crown the Lakers world champs for the 2008-09 season, let's taper down the myopia and look at this team from an unbiased viewpoint. The Detroit Pistons sent the Lakers back to reality after easily winning at Staples Center on Friday, Nov. 14. I discovered three things from that game.

Continue reading "LAKERS ARE STILL NOT A FINISHED PRODUCT"

Dear Antonio,

Greetings!  I thought i'd write you to congratulate you on your successful separation from the Denver Nuggets, and to offer some advice to you about how to spend your next thirty days of unemployment before resuming the endless grind that is the NBA season.  As a sportswriter and a liberal arts college graduate, I am an expert in not having a job, so you should read carefully and really consider what I have to say.  Normally, I wouldn't give away my secrets to jobless success for free, but for you, I'm willing to make an exception.

Continue reading "For Your Consideration: An Open Letter ..."

It's been a while since the Detroit Pistons haven't been near the top of the league. Their players buy into the team concept, they play good defense, and they are consistently well coached and well managed from the front office.

Continue reading "What is Joe Dumars thinking?"

Well I'm 3/3 in calls so far. I didn't get to watch the game because it came on a Friday night, but I did see the results. I'm not really going to elaborate or comment on the game because that's old news now. What I will speak on is Carmelo cutting those signature cornrows! His hair is crazy nappy! And breaking news about Allen Iverson going to Detroit for Chauncy Billups and Antonio McDyess!!! What is Detroit thinking? It's a good pick-up for the Nuggets who have now become an overnight contender, as it seems to be the theme nowadays. 

Continue reading "Lakers vs. Nuggets 2008"

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

Continue reading "Inbound link contest winner announced!"

Man, what an offseason. Who would’ve thought that after the whirlwind season and trade deadline we just experienced, we would have an equally crazy summer?

In one year, we’ve seen moved: The Kid and Jesus, Pau, Shaq, Bibby, J Kidd, Big Ben, Wally World, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Jermaine O’Neal, Marcus Camby, Richard Jefferson, and T.J. Ford.

Continue reading "Bad Dude = Bad News"

This week on Comcast SportsNet Northwest they've been showing Game 6 of the 1990 Western Conference finals in the NBA. Being an Oregonian and Blazer fan it brings back vivid memories. I was nearing the end of my first term away from home at Southern Oregon State College (as it was known then) in Ashland, and a large group of friends were all Blazer fans. We got together to see them on TV every game it seemed.

Continue reading "Back in 1990 with the Portland Trail Blazers"

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

Continue reading "Inbound link contest - Win $100!"

Over the past 6 years, Tayshaun Prince has quietly averaged 14 pts and 5 boards a game, while shooting a solid 45% from the field. But it's the little things Prince does on the court that don't show up on the stat sheet that got him selected to the Team USA roster bound for Beijing, a team desparate to regain Olympic glory after an unthinkable second place finish in Athens in 2004, led by none other than Prince's former coach Larry Brown.

Continue reading "Prince Beijing Bound"

ATLANTA -- With a swipe of his pen, Mike Woodson will remain as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Good move.

When things go wrong, the coach often gets the blame. But has any coach in recent professional sports history inherited more of a mess than Woodson, whose four years on the job has been marked by a complete overhaul of the roster, a 13-win season, mostly empty seats at Philips Arena, a failed move by then-general manager Billy Knight to fire him, and a nasty ownership spat that still sits unresolved in the courts.

Continue reading "Woodson has earned the right to stay ..."

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.  I’m way too burned out on the Celtics/Lakers nostalgia trip to really engage this, but I think that this is worth pointing out (mostly because it’s an opportunity to poke at the national sports media for their laughably predictable analysis and Finals picks).  I just find it somewhat strange that after so many years of going for the same fools gold, the talking heads of the Association can’t figure anything out. 

Continue reading "Cyclical History and Boxing Tips"

It's shocking to me that the Bulls and Doug Collins haven't gotten together yet. It's as though owner Jerry Reinsdorf bought Collins a drink, chatted him up, then got his phone number, and then puts in a few calls without asking him on a date. It's a good thing there aren't many other suitors, otherwise Doug would have moved on by now.

Continue reading "What are the Bulls waiting for?"

Of his three seasons in Detroit, I think Flip Saunders did his best coaching job this year. He developed the young players and showed he wasn't afraid to let them battle through mistakes. And as a result, he kept the starters' minutes down. I thought he pushed all the right buttons in the Orlando Magic series, too.

Continue reading "Was firing Flip Saunders the right decision?"

The Detroit Pistons are now on their search for a new coach. Flip Saunders was released today.

“Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular seasons,” Dumars said in a statement. “However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change. “I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team.” - Joe Dumars

Continue reading "Flip Saunders fired"

If you're a Pistons fan, it's hard not to have a soft spot for Rasheed Wallace. The way The Palace fans bellow out his name -- "Sheeeeeeed!"-- when he's on the low block. The way he talks: "We ain't afraid of them cats, man." The way he gets booed on the road, only to silence the crowd with the stroke of a dagger 3.

Continue reading "Should 'Sheed Stay or Should 'Sheed Go? (Part 1)"

Growing up, I was hooked into sports by two things: The Fab Five at Michigan and Barry Bonds. Of course, we all know how that worked out. The Fab Five apparently never existed, and Barry ... well, you know his story.

Continue reading "Pistons, Wolverines, A's: Welcome to My Blog"

Ready to kick it old school?  David Stern is (kudos to anyone who sends me a photo of Stern wearing a track suit and break-dancing on a piece of cardboard), and so am I.  The Eastern Conference Finals gave us all a taste of the old school NBA rivalry between the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, and now we're fixed for a main course of only the choicest and most intense NBA rivalry in the history of the league.  That's right, we are headed towards a Lakers v. Celtics NBA Finals for the first time in 21 years, and I've got to admit (even though it's damaging to my masculinity) that I am giddy about the prospects of this match up.

Continue reading "Throwback"

MLB: 

Chipper Jones: .400 watch
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/05/30/braves_0531.html

Cubs make up deficit to beat Rockies
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/980331,CST-SPT-cub31.article

Continue reading "Link Day (5/31): From Chipper to ..."

Throughout this series, I've thought the winner would have to do two things: shoot better from the field and play great defense.

Last night, the Lakers took more shots than the Spurs--85 to 74. Going into the final quarter, the Lakers held a razor-thin 64-63 lead over the Spurs.

Continue reading "Lakers beat Spurs to reach NBA Finals"

What a night of basketball it was! The ESPN pundits summed it up perfectly when they were asked to describe the game in one word: "Phenomenal", "spectacular", "thriller"...you can easily add "awesome" to that list.

Continue reading "Back on the Bigger Scene"

The Boston Celtics went up 3-2 in their series with Detroit with a big win at home on Wednesday night.  To me this means that the Celtics have basically clinched this series, because I dont think

Continue reading "Celtics Pull Out a Close One, Perkins comes up big"

I know, I know, that's a really convoluded headline for a basketball blog post, but there's a good reason for it that I'll hopefully be able to articulate somewhere in this rambling tangent of drivel (and besides, I know that if Ray is reading this that I got at least one good laugh out of the title).  Want an explanation?  Ok here it goes:

Continue reading "Bastardizing Physics Without Resorting ..."

Ugh, last night's loss left a bitter taste in my mouth to say the least.  I'm trying to fin the proper words to describe it, but it's proving more difficult than I had anticipated.  I could say that this loss was deflating and/or disheartening, but I'm not sure that it was all bad and completely demoralizing.  In fact, despite the loss, there were a few things that went well for the Celtics that I could see them using to recapture the edge in this series.

Continue reading "Silver Lining?"

Now that the first games of the Conference Finals are out of the way with the home teams coming up trumps in both, I would like to share an interesting thing that caught my attention regarding the teams that have come thus far. Celtics, Lakers, Spurs, and Pistons ...

Continue reading "Same Old, Same Old..."

Today's tangent is inspired by Raymond (shockingly, with me on this one) and Matt Stauffer, who has posed a challenge to me by asserting that the Celtics will lose to either Detroit or the winner of the Western Conference for a few key reasons.  Following the game one victory for Boston, I thought I'd address a few of his concerns (convenient that I waited until a resounding Celtics victory to start talking smack, isn't it?).  Hey, hey, easy now, I'm not fixin' to start a war or anything, in fact I respect the feedback and the fact that somebody is actually reading my posts (anyone else? ...Beuller?).  I'm only out to address the argument and provide as complete a rebuttal as I can, so without further delay, let's get started.

Continue reading "Hungry Like the (Former) Wolf"

No doubt, Spurs fans are loading up on the throat sprays and getting ready to shout "GO! SPURS! GO!" Might seem like a breathtakingly boring battle cry for one's favorite basketball team, but the Spurs since 1999 have won four NBA championships (including that "asterisk" year of 1999 that Shaquille O'Neal likes to whine about--especially now since he's enjoying his off-season). After squeaking by the New Orleans Hornets* in Game 7, they now face the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are hungry for two reasons:

Continue reading "Western Conference Finals for San Antonio Spurs"

As I watched the Hornets-Spurs game last night, I had no idea whom I wanted to win.  The Hornets?  The Spurs?  It wasn't so much that I was rooting for my favorite of the two, but I was looking for the opponent that couldn't match up with the Lakers.  It was a great game, but in the end, I think I did want the Hornets to win.  With Tony Parker maturing and Tim Duncan his usually great stoic self, the veteran Spurs always somehow find a way to win unspectacularly.  I've always like the Spurs since the George Gervin days, but I will always choose my Lakers over the Spurs anyday...

Continue reading "And so it begins!!!"

You have to say that the Detroit Pistons have built a pretty successful organization in the new millennium. While the term "dynasty" is usually reserved for sports teams that put together a string of championships, we can surely make an exception for the Pistons.

Continue reading "Pistons: Beasts in the East"

Just an interesting tidbit that defies the conventional dialogue of the mainstream sports media these days.  Everybody with an opinion and a metaphorical megaphone (be it a sports blog or a tv show on ESPN) has been critical of the Boston Celtics this postseason for their inability to win on the road. 

Continue reading "No Place Like Home"

This past weekend was incredibly hectic and I haven't had the time to watch my basketball or even sit down with a moment to myself at the computer to write.  I promise that I'll have more coming soon, hopefully tonight or tomorrow.  I would write more right now, but I only saw the first two games of Cleveland v. Boston, so my perspective on the series is very incomplete.

Continue reading "Coming Soon to a Sports Blog Near You"

What the heck was that? The game clock malfuctions at the end of Quarter 3 in Game 2 of the Pistons/Magic series...Chauncy Billups drains a 3 with the clock stuck at 4.8 seconds.... there's no way to know whether it would have counted (w/out accessing the instant replay and using a stop-watch...which is apparently too complicated for the NBA)...and so referee Steve Javie effectively shrugs, ("eh, who knows"), raises his arms and delcares the 3-pointer is good.

Continue reading "Steve Javie, shame on you!"

Although the Bulls season is over, there is plenty of basketball left in this season. The first round is about halfway done, and so far, there haven’t been too many surprises. I don’t think it is a shock to most people that the Spurs are over the Suns even with the addition of Shaq, Chris Paul is proving he is worth all the MVP-hype and the Lakers are back to being one of the most dominant teams in the league. The only series that is shaping up to be the most intriguing is Pistons vs. the 76ers, where the seventh seed holds a 2-1 lead over one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Continue reading "Pistons Facing Long Road"

They are finally here.  After months of riveting basketball and a Western Conference race that went down to the last night of the season, they are here.  Of course, I would be talking about the 2008 NBA Playoffs.  The playoffs that have a chance to be the best in a long time.  When was the last time a 50-win team is an 8 seed and has basically no chance of winning their first round season?  When was the last time 2 of the best teams in the lead and 2 of the 5 teams that have a chance at winning it all, met in the first round?  Forget all of that, when was the last time people were excited to begin the 2 month stretch for the title?  Before any of this can begin we must take a look at each series and make some (gulp!!!) predictions.

Continue reading "NBA PLayoff Preview: EAST"

Yesterday, I wrote about the Celtics easy schedule heading into their likely first round match up with the Atlanta Hawks.  Today, after watching Cleveland lose to Larry Hughes and Ben Gordon and the Chicago Bulls (the only reason they even get a nod is because of Noah's last second defense on King James, otherwise I'd feel fine about disavowing their existence), I'm just itching to unnecessarily criticize the Cavs and explain to my massive audience (there's at least four of you by now, right?) why I'm salivating at the mere thought of a second round playoff match-up with Cleveland.

Continue reading "I Swear I'm Not Crazy..."

The only problem with having 60 wins, is having 60 wins.  The better the record, the more a team becomes a favorite, the more they're expected to win.  And ultimately, constant pressure starts pushing down on them like a fat guy in a kids top bunk bed.  It can be difficult for a team (or a frightened kid below), especially a great one.   I didn't even mention the Patriots. 

Continue reading "Celts Reach Sixty With Help of Bill Bixby"

On Saturday night the Suns defeated the Nets 110-104.  Not exactly an impressive victory, but with Steve Nash a bit hobbled, suffering from shoulder spasms, the Phoenix big men kept the Suns afloat, and lead them to a much needed win, as every win seems necessary at this pivotal point in the season. 

Continue reading "Suns Within 1 of Top Spot in West, ..."

Tonight at 7pm EST we get a look at the cream of the Eastern crop in the Boston Celtics as they play host to the Phoenix Suns, in a game that is sure to have all the intensity of a possible NBA Finals preview. 

Continue reading "Suns vs. Celtics a Possible Finals Preview"