Mulching and Nesting

The Atlanta Hawks have mulched and are nesting.  They liberated themselves from the ill-advised Joe Johnson max contract and the questionable Marvin Williams contract extension.  Johnson, who struggled being the marquee player in Atlanta, will take his talents to the Brooklyn Nets while Williams will see if he can revitalize his career with the Utah Jazz.

Sometimes there is a thing as addition by subtraction.  Yes, Johnson was an (underwhelming) All Star, who averaged 17.2 points per game, but Johnson’s production and leadership did not equal his paycheck.  Moreover, he had taken the team as far as he could – a first or second round playoff lost and a destiny of mediocre draft picks. 

The Birds may struggle this season, but they are building a nest to hatch something special.  You can argue that the Hawks are now Josh Smith’s team as he is the best player on the team.  Smith has the physical potential to be an All Star and dominate player, but his mental toughness is questionable as he has the propensity to shoot 3-pointers at odd times.  Additionally, he checks out and pouts.  Smith would benefit from watching LeBron James’ performance in the NBA finals – slash to the basket and dominate with size. 

Atlanta added Gwinnett County native, Lou Williams and Devin Harris to the backcourt.  Hopefully, Coach Larry Drew will depart from the asinine policy of the Hawks’ former coach and allow rookie John Jenkins an opportunity to develop by playing.  With the addition of the above players, I wonder how they will effect Jeff Teague’s playing time.  Al Horford will continue to be a force in the paint.  However, he needs to show improved clutch play and I hope the Birds find a real center so he can move to the power forward position.

The Hawks will likely struggle this season and may not make the playoffs, but I believe new General Manager Danny Ferry is making the right moves.  Now, he needs to make a big splash with free agency.  Ferry tried to bring Dwight Howard home, but the drama king, Howard, picked the Los Angeles Lakers.  He and Kobe Bryant will have a hard time beating the Oklahoma Thunder, but his chances of winning a title are better with them and I cannot hate Howard for chasing the dream.

The Association Is Hot

Life’s been busy, but I thought I would weigh in on some of the top stories around the NBA.

Earned Not Given

I watched all five 5 games of the NBA Finals and they were must-see television.  Kevin Durant is the truth and my type of player.  He appears to be all business on the court and his jump shot is silky smooth.  He will get a ring.  Russell Westbrook’s first step makes him almost un-guardable when he is slashing to the basket.  He is definitely an emotional player, but he needs to learn how to play under control.  James Harden reminds me of Joe Johnson, and that is not a good thing.  Overall, the Thunder is a team worthy of cheering for; except for the fact they abandoned Seattle because the taxpayers did not want to buy them a new arena.  They will compete for a title next season.

Noting the above, my team was the Miami Heat.  I wanted LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, et al to get a ring.  They set out for greatness 2 years ago and said title or bust.  They fail short last season, but came back focused.  King James blossomed into the unstoppable monster we envisioned.  Some NBA players are going to regret their hate.  He may have underachieved had they keep their mouths shut.  Although D-Wade struggled through much of the series, he played big during crunch time, and I cannot say enough about the game 5 performance of the Heats’ bench.  Mike Miller may have cemented his South Beach legacy.  Can you say back-to-back champions?

 I Am Taking My Talents…

Happy trails to Joe Johnson and Mervin Williams.  You cannot deny the accomplishments of both players (many for Joe and few for Mervin), but they had taken the Hawks as far as they could.  The Birds new general manager, Danny Ferry, is gutting the team and hoping that there are such things as addition by subtraction.  I would like to see the Hawks pursue Atlanta native Dwight Howard.  It is probably a long shot, but we could use a “hometown hero”.  If not Howard, we should try for Roy Hibbert.  He is 7’2 and athletic.  Imagine Josh Smith, Al Hofford, and Hilbert guarding the basket.  Defense wins championship.

The Dream Team

As I drove to work this morning there was talk of whether the 2012 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team – Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams – could beat the 1992 “Dream Team”.  I say no and I believe the games would not even be close.  I mean no disrespect to the 2012 team, but as it stands – only 2 players on roster are on track to make the Hall of Fame and could possible compete with the caliber of the 1992 team – 5 times NBA champion and Finals MVP Kobe Bryant and 3 time MVP and 1 time NBA champion LeBron James.  Everyone else would get demolished. 

Why Not Us?

Various news outlets report that 34 year old technology billionaire Robert Pera submitted an offer to purchase the Memphis Grizzles for approximately $350 million.  The NBA Board of Governor is reportedly reviewing the specifics of the deal and will either approve or deny sale.

I wish someone would buy the Atlanta Hawks from the Atlanta Spirit Group.  The Birds need a single owner, i.e. an Arthur Blank type, with lots of money and a desire to not only spend money but also build a championship caliber organization.  Unfortunately, the Atlanta Spirit is the opposite.   They appear to lack the necessary funds and desire to spend money on marque player and coaches.  When they do spend money, they overpay the wrong guys, i.e. Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.

Alternatively, I think it would be cool if the Hawks could be a publically owned team, i.e. the Green Bay Packers.  The team would be a nonprofit and fans could purchase shares to raise profits for the team.  This ownership method would build fan support because the community would have a vested interest in the success of the team because they would be partial owners.  Who has not dreamed of owning a professional franchise? Although shareholders could not vote on personnel issues, the organization would hold an annual shareholders’ meeting and owners would have access to exclusive owner merchandise and player meet-and-greets.

Atlanta is a city that loves basketball.  We just need a superstar and team we can get behind.  Until we get quality ownership, the team and its fan base will never live up to its potential. 

The Sports World’s Piñata

LeBron James is currently the piñata of the sports world.  It matters not what he does because his actions are never enough.  People just want to hit (or more appropriately hate) on him.  Admittedly, LeBron has had some poor playoff performances with Cleveland and Miami, but his overall body of basketball work already places him in rare company.  People may argue otherwise, but King James is dominant.  He is a superstar.  A couple poor performances during the playoffs should not cause LeBron to be the piñata of the sports world.

Likewise, LeBron’s participation in The Decision should cause him to be the piñata of the sports world.  Admittedly, it was in poor taste and a bad idea, but other than that – can you think of any other off-the-court issues? I have never heard rumors LBJ abusing drug and/or alcohol.  As far as I know, LeBron does not have a criminal record.  He pursues charitable endeavors and unlike most people, he understands brand management and strives to be more than just an athlete.
Hopefully, his series performance against the Boston Celtics will help him lose the moniker of the piñata of the sports world.  It is undeniable, James singlehandedly won game 6.  His game 7 outing was amazing in its own right.  These two games should establish that he wants a NBA title and wants to be one of the greatest of all time.

Unfortunately, LBJ captured magic in the conference finals and not the NBA finals.  Now he will have the extremely difficult task of duplicating his performance in the finals.  If he fails and the Heat loses, the world will continue the hitting.  If he wins, perhaps the days of hitting (and hating) on LeBron will cease.

LeBron James Low, Liverpool Edition

I saw these on the web the other night.  I did not know that LeBron James was an European futbol fan.  He supports Liverpool FC.  Above is his tribute shoes.  I am more of a Chelsea FC guy when it comes to European round ball.

Wildcats On the Prowl

With the birth of our little one and my march toward the light of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I have missed all of March Madness.  I normally fill out the customary bracket, but this year I simply did not have time.  Although I was not watching the games, I tune in to my favorite sports talk radio station to hear highlights and discussion.  The pundits and callers all seem to agree that the Kentucky Wildcats are the best team in the tournament.  Some even wondered if the Wildcats could beat the lowly Washington Wizards of the NBA.

Since I heard so much about the Kentucky Wildcats, I decided to watch their national title game against the Kansas Jayhawks.  So far, the Cats look amazing.  They play great team defense, they rebound, and they attack the basket on offense at every opportunity.  The Atlanta Hawks could learn a thing or two from this outstanding college team.

The other thing I like about the Wildcats is they wear the Air Jordan X, which are some of my favorite Jordan sneakers.  Kentucky's version of the X are White, Old Royal, and Gray (pictured above).  Back in the day, I had the White, Black, and Gray version.

Tebow Time / Matty (Melted) Ice

Most people thought "Tebow Time" would come to an embarrassing end against the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers.  People based their thoughts on Tebow's (and the team's) poor performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, but apparently, neither the Broncos nor Tim Tebow got this message.  The much criticized star put forth an amazing effort to lead the Horses to a 29-23 overtime victory over the Steelers.  Tebow finished 10 of 21 for 316 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 50 yards and 1 touchdown.

I will be the first to admit that I have not always liked Tebow, but you have to respect the fact that the guy knows how to win the big games.  In addition, he knows how to close a game out and make the big play when everything is on the line.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons could learn some things from Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.  First, when it is one-and-done, you leave everything on the field.  You open up the playbook and you trust your quarterback to make big plays.  The Steelers dared Tebow to beat them with his arm, and the Horses pulled out all the stops and allowed Tebow to throw the ball.  On the contrary, the Giants posed the same challenge to the Falcons, and the Birds refused to even try.  Instead, they opted to continue to run it up the middle.

Second, "superstars" play big in the biggest games and inspire their teammates to do the same.  Tebow was motivating his teammates on the sideline.  Moreover, he made the throws, wobbly passes and all, that he was asked to make.  On the contrary, Matt Ryan (and Michael Turner) no-showed for the second year in a row.  While Tebow was making plays, Ryan will be remembered for his slip behind the line of scrimmage in the open field on third-down when the Birds needed a big conversion.

I would have never thought that Tebow would have better playoff stats and more playoff wins that Ryan.  Tebow time continues!   

Locked Out

I hoped the players and owners would reach an agreement an overt a NBA lockout, but  union chief Billy Hunter stated, “it’s obvious the lockout will happen tonight” and further stated “obviously, the clock is now running with regard to whether or not there will be a loss of games…” Commissioner David Stern also confirmed that he’s going to recommend a lockout.

Like most labor disputes, the disagreement centers on money.  The Association alleges it will lose $300 million this season and further contend that 22 of the 30 teams would lose money.  To minimize losses, the Association wants to institute a hard salary cap system with no exceptions, substantial reductions in length and amount of current and future contracts, and elimination of guaranteed contracts.

The players on the other hand, want a soft salary cap with exceptions that allows teams to retain free agents, an increased portion of basket related income, and maintaining the status quo on guaranteed contracts.  

If the owners are serious about restructuring existing contracts, i.e. lowering them and eliminating guaranteed contracts, then there probably won’t be a 2011-2012 NBA season because I don’t see the player’s union giving back money already promised to them.  Other issues allegedly include league revenue sharing and contraction.  I support revenue sharing; it keeps the league level and helps small markets stay competitive with the big markets.  I’m neutral about team contraction as long as their not talking about eliminating the Hawks.

I hope the parties can come to an agreement so games are missed.  Both parties will lose the public relations battle because very few people with sympathize with billionaires fighting with millionaires over the distribution of money.

Bouncing Ball in the Summer

I use to really enjoy watching the NBA draft, especially watching who went in the top ten.  I’d sit and watch with my notepad, writing down player names, height, weight, school, strengths and weaknesses, and their new NBA team.  Once I compiled that information,   I’d then create the new players on my videogame and these players would start their virtual careers in the league.

Unfortunately, last week’s draft didn’t excite me because I hadn’t heard of any of the players.  I realize we won’t find out the true value of any of these players until after year three, but there didn’t appear to be any players who could make an immediate impact.  Although it’s generally a good thing when you team doesn’t have a high draft pick, but it didn’t help matters that the Hawks first pick didn’t occur until the second round.  The Hawks drafted 6’11 and 230 pound center Keith Benson with the 48^th pick.  Scouts describe Benson as a good defender, shot blocker, and consistent rebounder.

I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t expect Benson to do much to help the Birds get to the next level of success.  I hope the Hawks utilize the free agent market to make an impact.  Rumors around the Highlight Factory suggest the Birds may try to move Josh Smith in a sign and trade deal.  This possibility scares me because Smith is the heart and soul of the club.  He’s definitely erratic and his effort is questionable, but he at least tries for the spectacular in the biggest games as compared to Joe Johnson and recently Al Horford.  However, the current roster has unfortunately reached its ceiling and Smith (and Horford) is the only ones with trade value.  Johnson would have trade value if the Birds didn’t sign him to a ridiculous contract.  It’s hard to believe that his contract is worth more money than LeBron James. 

Here are my top five free agents the Hawks should pursue if Smith is dealt:

1. Caron Butler: He averages 15 point per game from the forward position and he could take some of the scoring load off Johnson.
2. Tyson Chandler: The Hawks need a big body that’s willing to play defense and rebound.  Chandler didn’t impress me during the early part of his career, but he showed heart during the finals and the Hawks could use a player with heart.
3. Nene: He’s the only one name guy in the NBA.  His game has come along way and he averages 14.2 points per game and 9 rebounds.
4. Zach Randolph:  “Z-Bo” redeemed himself in Memphis and with averages of 22.2 points per game and 11 rebounds per game, the Hawks could use him.
5. Michael Redd: He didn’t play any games last season, but when he’s healthy he’s an excellent scorer.

I’m disappointed to hear that owners and players have not made progress on the collective bargaining agreement.  The NBA is coming off one of the more memorial finals in recent history; the league doesn’t need a lockout.  America apparently can’t live without the NFL, but the same can’t be said about the NBA.  It’s a different demographic.  According to NBA.com, the players are seeking $500 million in salary givebacks over 5 years.  The owners counter that the league operates a collective loss of $300 million.  I hope the sides can reach an agreement because the league’s previous lockout was a publicity nightmare and only the “un-retiring” of Michael Jordan saved the league from prolonged exposure.   

Congrats Mavs!

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks on an impressive finals victory.  Although I wanted Miami to win, it's hard to go against a team like the Mavs.  They weren't the most athletic bunch, but they played solid basketball throughout the playoffs and they team work humbled Miami's Big 3. 

I'm happy for Jason "the Jet" Terry, he was one of my favorites when he played for the Hawks back in the day.  It's also good to see a guy like Jason Kidd finally get a ring.  Lastly, I was never a Dirk Nowitzki fan, but after watching him score at will throughout the finals and lead his team, I'm a fan. 

National Hate LeBron James Day

I'm amazed by the level of hate placed on LeBron James and the Miami Heat after last night's loss.   One writer had the nerve to say that Miami should go ahead and break the team up and trade Bosh and/or James because they failed to win the championship.  Even worst, John Kasich, the Governor of Ohio, took shots at James by passing a resolution bestowing honorary citizenship to the entire Dallas Maverick  team.  The resolution also read, "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzik chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas, thus staying loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career."

I realize James' participation in the "Decision" was bad and his proclaimation of wanting to be a part of a dynasty with Miami was a little over the top, but I don't think it warrants this much hate.  Professional athletes change teams all the time, and as an Atlanta Hawks fan, I wish Joe Johnson and the rest of the Birds at least act like they wanted win a title.  The way people are "celebrating", you'd think Miami got swept out the first round or didn't make the playoffs.

In reality, NBA fans everywhere should be scared because the Heat were two games away from winning it all and they had only played together one year and their core group is young.  If Miami gets a point guard that can play defense and hit the open jumper, that dynasty may not be that far off.

Chosen One

The media often characterizes LeBron James as the "Chosen One", the savior of the NBA and heir apparent to Michael Jordan.  The mythos of "King James" developed early as he led St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School to three Ohio State Championships and earned the title "Mr. Basketball of Ohio" three straight years.  James graced the covers of national magazines like Slam, ESPN the Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, and ESPN televised a handful of high school games.

James surprised no one when he elected to go straight to the NBA after high school.  His performance in the league and claim to superstar status has gone without question until now.  In the span of five games during this years NBA finals, a significant number of people are questioning his "superstar credentials."

Granted, James performance against the Dallas Mavericks ranges between below average and average, but I believe a majority of this criticism is retaliation for his ill advised participation in the "Decision" where he publically "dumped" the Cleveland Cavilers and their fans.  It's amazing how one moment can turn the perception of one man from "hero" to "villain" in less than an hour (with commercial breaks).

Tonight's do-or-die for the Heat, and if James wants to truly live up to the moniker "Chosen One", he's going to have to play within the team's game plan and dominate on both ends of the floor, and remind everyone that "superstar credentials" don't disappear just because you struggle in five games, even if it's the NBA finals.

Whatever Happened to Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson, otherwise known as K.J., played point guard for the Phoenix Suns and helped them reach the NBA finals in 1992-93. I always liked K.J. because he was one of the smaller guys in the league, but he had an amazing first step off the dribble, a solid jump shot, and great court vision.

K.J. is one of only four players in NBA history to have averaged 20.0 points and 10.0 assist per game in three different seasons. He was a three time All-Star and on March 7, 2001; the Suns inducted K.J. into their Ring of Honor and retired his uniform number 7.

K.J. is currently running for mayor of his hometown of Sacramento, California.