With the second round of the NBA playoffs not starting for at least another week, I figured now would be the time to begin my new feature, the Hall of Shame. For the sake of my sanity and space, I've limited the first honorees in the Hall of Shame to five items. The Hall of Fame is something that I will begin at some point in the near future with entries devoted to a single person or entity, but I have some negativity I feel like unleashing on a multitude of people. So without further ado, let the doors of the Hall of Shame open to the following inductees:
Sean Hannity: Sean Hannity manages to be the least reasonable person on Fox News, which is incredible considering the fact that they also feature Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, Brit Hume, Oliver North, Greta Van Susteren, and Bill Kristol. His new book is a pile of tripe that makes me want to knock over the magazine and book rack at Wal-Mart every time I see it. According to Sean, everyone on Obama's staff (Obama included) are a bunch of "self-professed socialists" and "fringe activists" who are seeking to destroy America. Obama's people are fringe activists, but the Project for a New American Century (featuring Cheney and Rumsfeld) that called for a war with Iraq in 1997 and felt a "Pearl Harbor like scenario" was needed to get a war started aren't fringe activists? According to the back of the book, Hannity calls for a return to Reagan and the Contract with America to fix the country. To be fair, America is broken and needs fixing. Its broken because of the president who launched two failed wars, let a city get destroyed after a hurricane, and led with such a lack of oversight that the economy completely shit the bed. And the fucking moron (and all the cockstains on Fox News and conservative radio) forgets conveniently that the first bailout and stimulus was passed under GW Bush, not Barack Obama. Also, for the record, Reagan sucked. Not as much as Hannity however. He's a partisan hack who thinks that health care reform will cripple the country, but not tax cuts for the wealthy and wars paid for by massive deficit spending. Evidently fearmongering and saying the president hates America and plans on destroying the institutions that make the country run is also not bad for the country and certainly not nearly as bad as when the Dixie Chicks made fun of Bush. Fuck Sean Hannity.
While on the subject of partisan hacks, that brings us to our next inductee,
Bernard Goldberg: Bernie Goldberg is a Fox News contributor and author of several books decrying a liberal bias in the media. He used to work for CBS and has written a couple of books and gone on Fox frequently talking about how the media blames conservatives for everything and never mentions the liberals. Recently, he went on Fox News and said that the left wing people who oppose the new Arizona immigration statute (more on that soon) were being ignored for throwing bottles and meanwhile, the liberal media is still criticizing peaceful Tea Party protests. Real peaceful, if you ignore the weapons, signs threatening violence and the fact they are crazy, racist assholes. One would have to be to call Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights pioneer, "nigger" and shout death threats at him. He is also in a feud with Jon Stewart after he got called out for making generalizations about liberals. His three most recent books are total crocks of shit. This one names (SPOILER ALERT) Michael Moore and Hillary Clinton as the two people ruining America. It features zero, count 'em, ZERO people who would ever be considered centrist or center-right politically. This one says that the conservatives are acting wimpy while the liberals are destroying America. Right, the conservatives are wimps, since wimps ram two wars, the Patriot Act, and deregulation of vital industries down the country's throat and paint those opposed to it as anti-American. His most recent one was about the media having a love affair with Barack Obama, since Obama was forced to go on tv and denounce Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, and prove himself to be an American because the media made these bullshit things into major stories. Fuck Bernard Goldberg. He's such a bitch and for the record, there isn't a liberal bias in the media. If there was, the millions of people who protested the Iraq War would have received more coverage and a lot fewer people would be dead in the desert.
The State of Arizona: For the record, the state itself is beautiful. Its the people who live there that are fucked. The new immigration bill is so racist that its not even funny. Essentially, police have the right to ask any resident to produce proof that they are legal residents. I think it is safe to say that they aren't going to be checking the ID and paperwork of white people. Basically, anyone who is non-white and especially Hispanic looking could be forced they live here legally. Unless I took some stupid pills back when I learned basic civics and they have yet to wear off, that is RACIAL FUCKING PROFILING! I understand that illegal immigration is an issue there, but isn't there a better way to solve that problem than basically say, "If you don't look like you come from here, you better prove you are supposed to be here"? That's a rhetorical question, because obviously there is, since this is the stupidest fucking bill in recent memory.
Now is time to change gears. If I talk politics anymore, my brain might explode.
Justin Bieber: Who the fuck is this kid? Seriously? He looks like Macaulay Culkin in the "Black or White" video, except even lamer. And what's the deal with riots breaking out in shopping malls when he performs? I didn't even know people still play concerts there. I thought that stopped once Tiffany and Debbie Gibson retired from the music industry. I saw the Ninja Turtles perform at the mall once, except it was only one Turtle (Raphael) and April. It was lame, but I imagine it was better than Justin Bieber. It seems like ever since the Beatles and the Rolling Stones turned young girls' underpants into moist towelettes, each teen idol has gotten progressively more insipd.
Last but not least, while on the topic of insipid, lets have a round of applause for the final inductee into the Hall of Shame,
Stephanie Meyer: Have you ever even seen or heard anything about vampires? Trick question, as she has already admitted she knew nothing about vampires, hence them glowing in the sunlight and not burning to a crisp. Only in America can someone write a vampire series, not know anything about vampires, and make a goddamn fortune. She managed to undo decades of work from Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, and Frank Langella and make vampires completely lame. A vampire looks like this, not this. Not to mention, her books are poorly written and sexist. Bella Swan can't do anything without a man and even considers running away with Jacob. She never defends herself, or even attempts to be her own person. She just sulks, as seen by Kristen Stewart's "performance" in the movies. Her damsel in distress schtick wears thin real fast and sends the wrong message to all these teenyboppers who are into this tripe. Because of this crap, there is now the insufferable Vampire Diaries and the aforementioned film adaptations/abominations. Vampires are not supposed to be sulking, teenage romantics. They are either darkly charismatic and sinister like Bela Lugosi, sensual and sinister like Frank Langella, or just plain fucking evil like Christopher Lee. At least Angel, from the eponymous show, whooped all kinds of ass in between his sulking. Stephanie Meyer has managed to ruin vampires and vampire films for the next decade, at least. Thanks a lot, dick.
Well, that does it for this edition of the Hall of Shame. In the near future, look forward to another playoff preview, the 100 greatest albums of all time, the 100 greatest Americans of the past 100 years, and some other stuff. Feel free to leave a comment about any of the people I listed in this entry, or give me some of your nominations for the Hall of Shame.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Top Ten All Time Favorite Chicago Bulls
After Joakim Noah's awesome rant about how shitty a place Cleveland is and his subsequent 25 point and 13 rebound performance, I got to thinking about how much I enjoy having him on the Bulls. Then I got to thinking about where he would rank among my all time favorite Chicago Bulls. After that I got to thinking that this would be a great place to rank my top ten players on my favorite sports team ever. The only rules are that they had to have played when I could have seen them (so no Bulls legends like Jerry Sloan), they had to be players and not a coach (no Phil Jackson), and I am only counting their time in Chicago (so no Ron Artest or Scottie Pippen's time in Portland).
Before I get to the top ten, here are some honorable mentions:
Horace Grant: In the early 1990s, Horace was one of the most underrated players in that lineup. He blocks Kevin Johnson's potential game winner in the 1993 Finals and was always good for 14 and 8 every game. In 1994, he left and joined the Orlando Magic. He then talked a ton of shit about the Bulls and received way too much credit in some circles for Orlando's 1995 defeat of Chicago in MJ's comeback. He wasn't that important, as they won three more without him. I loved him when he played for the Bulls, and I know I said I was only counting their time in Chicago, but Horace broke my heart by leaving and helping beat Chicago. Fuck Horace Grant.
Jack Haley: The quintessential 13th man, Jack Haley was the dude who sat in the business suit for the Bulls title runs and I'm pretty sure he did that for every franchise he was a part of. I looked up some pictures to see if there was anything of him playing, but this was the best I could do (he is number 54). As a matter of fact, the most action he ever received was appearing in the "Love in an Elevator" video for Aerosmith. It was even on his 1990 Topps basketball card in lieu of stats. He never played so I can't really say he is one of my favorite players, as he never played.
Now, onto the top ten...
10.) Joakim Noah: Noah is the current Bulls leader in rebounding, intensity, and defense. He is the Henry Rollins of the team. Without him, they struggled this yaer and I enjoy watching him play. He takes the game seriously, but he also likes to have a good time. As long as he and Rose are on the Bulls, I have a reason to seriously follow them.
9.) Steve Kerr: Kerr is one of my favorite role players ever. Also, he was born in Lebanon, sharing something in common with my family. He was there to be a spot up shooter from long range and he was great at it. He hit game winners in the 1996 and 1997 finals and won a couple of three point contests. Unlike now when I cry whenever Kirk Hinrich shoots, I always felt safe whenever Kerr put up a shot. He also got into a fistfight when Michael Jordan disrespected him and earned Michael's respect. Without that, who knows if he gets to take those two aforementioned game winners.
8.) BJ Armstrong: BJ was a backup point guard in 1991 and 1992 for John Paxson and was the starter from 1993-1995. He was athletic with a decent jump shot and was a decent facilitator in the triangle offense. He also had such a babyface that he still looks like a middle schooler. He was never my favorite Bull, but he was always a good player to have on your team. I was very sad when he was taken by the Craptors in the 1995 expansion draft and was replaced with Ron Harper. I definitely thought that would be a step back, but the Bulls ended up winning 72 games. Shows how much I knew at the age of ten. He is also the agent of my number seven, who is
7.) Derrick Rose: When the Bulls drafted Rose first, I have to admit I was disappointed. I wanted them to draft Michael Beasley to fulfill the role of low post scorer. I am not ashamed to admit I was wrong, as Rose is my favorite Bull since Michael. In only his second year, if Rose continues to improve and continues to do things like school Andre Miller, he will probably become my second favorite Bull of all time. I look forward to watching a Bulls team captained by Derrick Rose and if the Bulls manage to sign a marquee big man and hire a coach that can create some offensive sets, D Rose will become the best point guard in the NBA.
6.) Toni Kukoc: When I was a kid, I always thought that Toni looked a lot like Cody from Step by Step, but upon further review they do not look alike at all. Toni, the Croatian Sensation, was always frustrating to watch. When he was on, he was a truly transcendent player. He could shoot from anywhere on the floor, and pass and handle the ball like a point guard that just happened to be 6'11. However, if he didn't get involved in the offense within the first minute or two on the floor, he would sulk and zone out of the game. When the team split up after the 1998 title, Kukoc was the top dog and I was sad to see him leave a year or two after that. He was the prototype for Dirk Nowitzki since he was a big man with a soft touch and handling skills. I wanted to rank Toni higher, but he was a little weak mentally and there are five Bulls I like more.
5.) Dennis Rodman: Dennis will end up being known for his colorful personality and woeful personal life, but he was the greatest rebounder in NBA history. His defense and athleticism were so important to the Bulls and they would not have won three more titles without him. The best way I can sum up my feelings towards Rodzilla is with an anecdote. I remember when the Bulls were playing the Orlando Magic and he got to guard young Shaq. he kept bumping Shaq and throwing him off his game. Eventually, Shaq took the ball and launched it at Rodman's face. Shaq was tossed out and Rodman celebrated. The Bulls won the game. I loved it. These were the things that Dennis could do when he wasn't acting stupid. Dennis was also very frustrating because he was getting ejected and suspended all the time. It was things like that that keep him from being any higher than five. I love him for what he was good for, but couldn't stand the negative he brought. I still wouldn't have traded him for anyone else though.
4.) Bill Wennington: Bill was Luc Longley's backup at center from 1994-1998. He also had the best hair on the team. He was a mediocre defender and not actually that great, but he had the sickest ten foot jump shot ever. I remember in 1995 when MJ came back, he torched the Knicks for 55 points. With little time left and the game tied, the Bulls needed one basket to win. Everyone and their mother thought Michael was going to take it, but he dumped it to Wennington for the jumper. He hit it and the Knicks were again vanquished. After that, he was untouchable. I remember many a time when I was watching Bulls games with my dad and Luc Longley would suck. This happened a lot, and every time this happened my dad would yell "Put in Big Bill! Play Wennington!" I love that dude (my dad, and Bill Wennington as well).
3.) John Paxson: Pax was the starting PG for the late 80s Bulls and their first two title runs and the backup point guard for the 1993 championship. He was a relentless competitor and a great outside shooter, kind of like a demented Steve Kerr. This has poured over into his professional life as GM of the Bulls, as he has been known to leave games in a fit of rage and recently tried to get into a fistfight with coach Vinny Del Negro. Paxson will forever be a legend to me for his role in two championship clinching games. In game 5 of the 1991 NBA Finals, he hit five straight jumpers in the closing minutes to put the Bulls over the Lakers. In 1993, he hit the game winning three that gave the Bulls their third straight title. "Paxson, for three...Yes!" is probably the greatest thing I have ever heard in a sporting event. I was eight years old when this happened and it was fucking amazing. The Bulls became the first team since the Celtics in the 1960s to win three straight titles. When Jordan left, I would watch my VHS copy of this game and feel better about being a Bulls fan. To this day, it still ranks as my favorite game winner ever. To me, Paxson can do no wrong, unless he joins the Tea Party or something.
2.) Scottie Pippen: The greatest second fiddle of all time, my brother's favorite player of all time, and probably the greatest individual defender since Bill Russell. Recently, there has been this movement to give Scottie more credit in order to knock MJ down a peg and raise up Kobe and LeBron, but that's just crazy and I appreciate Scottie for what he was and not what people want him to be now. He was the leader of the team, the guy who made sure everyone was involved and on the same page. Michael was on a whole different level; he couldn't relate to the Jud Buechlers and Randy Browns of the team. Scottie kept the offense running and pretty much always guarded the other team's best player. His dunk on Patrick Ewing almost made me poop my pants when I was a kid. I used to love it when he and Michael would clown people with their defense. When MJ retired, Scottie was the man and won the MVP of the 1994 All-Star game. He was so close to getting them to the title without him, but he couldn't do it. This is my problem with Scottie: He didn't always show up when you needed him. There was game 7 in 1990 against Detroit where he came up with the migraine. There was 1994 when he refused to go in with 1.8 seconds left against the Knicks because the last shot wasn't called for him. In 1998, he missed time and threatened not to go all out because he was in a contract dispute and his injury in game 6 almost cost the Bulls the game. As great as Scottie was, he wasn't the one who scored 38 with the flu or hit the game winner in Utah. I don't mean to rip on Scottie. He was always one of my favorite players to watch and you could never ask for a better second option on your team.
1.) Michael Jordan: Like there was any doubt. Michael is my favorite athlete of all time in any sport, despite his douchebag tendencies. When I was a kid, Michael was one of my idols, which is something I'll delve into at a later time. In my eyes, he was superhuman and could beat teams singlehandedly (which he could). When he retired in 1993, eight year old Jimmy Shahen cried like someone in his family just died. When he returned in 1995, it was like someone had just given me a golden ticket. In his first game back, he only went 7-19 (a stat I remember by heart and didn't have to look up) and the Bulls lost to the Pacers. I was devastated and remember crying to me parents, "He's terrible now!" Hope was restored four games later when he dropped 55 on the Knicks. When he switched from the number 45 back to his original 23, I knew it meant certain doom for the Orlando Magic in the playoffs. Then they lost the series, the first time since 1990 MJ had lost in a playoff series. I remember my friends and kids from school saying he was done and no good anymore, but that couldn't be any further from the truth as Jordan and the Bulls steamrolled people in 1996 and 1997, winning over 140 of 164 games and two titles. Then they won again in 1998 when Michael hit the game winner over Utah (and fuck you, he never pushed off). I have so many fond memories of watching Bulls games with my parents and seeing Michael play. He was an artist on the court in a way no one, not even Kobe or LeBron, could ever be. No matter how many times my mom would say that the Knicks were going to win, Jordan pretty much always put a hurting on them. I distinctly remember watching that game where he hits the winning shot against the Jazz. The Bulls were struggling with Pippen out and the rest of the team sucking ass. Michael's jumper had no legs on it and he was bricking a lot. I remember my dad yelling, "Take it to the fucking hoop!" That is exactly what he did, hitting layups and getting to the foul line at will. He then hit a layup, stole the ball from Karl Malone and hit the jumper I linked to a few sentences before. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. We all knew that that was going to be his last shot in the NBA and it was perfect. Of course he kind of ruined that with his comeback in Washington, but I'll never forget the excitement of seeing that moment live with my dad or the excitement I felt any time I saw Michael Jordan play.
Well, that is the end of this post. Feel free to leave me comments on this page or on facebook if there are any Bulls that you really liked that I missed out on or would like to share your favorite players from your favorite team.
Before I get to the top ten, here are some honorable mentions:
Horace Grant: In the early 1990s, Horace was one of the most underrated players in that lineup. He blocks Kevin Johnson's potential game winner in the 1993 Finals and was always good for 14 and 8 every game. In 1994, he left and joined the Orlando Magic. He then talked a ton of shit about the Bulls and received way too much credit in some circles for Orlando's 1995 defeat of Chicago in MJ's comeback. He wasn't that important, as they won three more without him. I loved him when he played for the Bulls, and I know I said I was only counting their time in Chicago, but Horace broke my heart by leaving and helping beat Chicago. Fuck Horace Grant.
Jack Haley: The quintessential 13th man, Jack Haley was the dude who sat in the business suit for the Bulls title runs and I'm pretty sure he did that for every franchise he was a part of. I looked up some pictures to see if there was anything of him playing, but this was the best I could do (he is number 54). As a matter of fact, the most action he ever received was appearing in the "Love in an Elevator" video for Aerosmith. It was even on his 1990 Topps basketball card in lieu of stats. He never played so I can't really say he is one of my favorite players, as he never played.
Now, onto the top ten...
10.) Joakim Noah: Noah is the current Bulls leader in rebounding, intensity, and defense. He is the Henry Rollins of the team. Without him, they struggled this yaer and I enjoy watching him play. He takes the game seriously, but he also likes to have a good time. As long as he and Rose are on the Bulls, I have a reason to seriously follow them.
9.) Steve Kerr: Kerr is one of my favorite role players ever. Also, he was born in Lebanon, sharing something in common with my family. He was there to be a spot up shooter from long range and he was great at it. He hit game winners in the 1996 and 1997 finals and won a couple of three point contests. Unlike now when I cry whenever Kirk Hinrich shoots, I always felt safe whenever Kerr put up a shot. He also got into a fistfight when Michael Jordan disrespected him and earned Michael's respect. Without that, who knows if he gets to take those two aforementioned game winners.
8.) BJ Armstrong: BJ was a backup point guard in 1991 and 1992 for John Paxson and was the starter from 1993-1995. He was athletic with a decent jump shot and was a decent facilitator in the triangle offense. He also had such a babyface that he still looks like a middle schooler. He was never my favorite Bull, but he was always a good player to have on your team. I was very sad when he was taken by the Craptors in the 1995 expansion draft and was replaced with Ron Harper. I definitely thought that would be a step back, but the Bulls ended up winning 72 games. Shows how much I knew at the age of ten. He is also the agent of my number seven, who is
7.) Derrick Rose: When the Bulls drafted Rose first, I have to admit I was disappointed. I wanted them to draft Michael Beasley to fulfill the role of low post scorer. I am not ashamed to admit I was wrong, as Rose is my favorite Bull since Michael. In only his second year, if Rose continues to improve and continues to do things like school Andre Miller, he will probably become my second favorite Bull of all time. I look forward to watching a Bulls team captained by Derrick Rose and if the Bulls manage to sign a marquee big man and hire a coach that can create some offensive sets, D Rose will become the best point guard in the NBA.
6.) Toni Kukoc: When I was a kid, I always thought that Toni looked a lot like Cody from Step by Step, but upon further review they do not look alike at all. Toni, the Croatian Sensation, was always frustrating to watch. When he was on, he was a truly transcendent player. He could shoot from anywhere on the floor, and pass and handle the ball like a point guard that just happened to be 6'11. However, if he didn't get involved in the offense within the first minute or two on the floor, he would sulk and zone out of the game. When the team split up after the 1998 title, Kukoc was the top dog and I was sad to see him leave a year or two after that. He was the prototype for Dirk Nowitzki since he was a big man with a soft touch and handling skills. I wanted to rank Toni higher, but he was a little weak mentally and there are five Bulls I like more.
5.) Dennis Rodman: Dennis will end up being known for his colorful personality and woeful personal life, but he was the greatest rebounder in NBA history. His defense and athleticism were so important to the Bulls and they would not have won three more titles without him. The best way I can sum up my feelings towards Rodzilla is with an anecdote. I remember when the Bulls were playing the Orlando Magic and he got to guard young Shaq. he kept bumping Shaq and throwing him off his game. Eventually, Shaq took the ball and launched it at Rodman's face. Shaq was tossed out and Rodman celebrated. The Bulls won the game. I loved it. These were the things that Dennis could do when he wasn't acting stupid. Dennis was also very frustrating because he was getting ejected and suspended all the time. It was things like that that keep him from being any higher than five. I love him for what he was good for, but couldn't stand the negative he brought. I still wouldn't have traded him for anyone else though.
4.) Bill Wennington: Bill was Luc Longley's backup at center from 1994-1998. He also had the best hair on the team. He was a mediocre defender and not actually that great, but he had the sickest ten foot jump shot ever. I remember in 1995 when MJ came back, he torched the Knicks for 55 points. With little time left and the game tied, the Bulls needed one basket to win. Everyone and their mother thought Michael was going to take it, but he dumped it to Wennington for the jumper. He hit it and the Knicks were again vanquished. After that, he was untouchable. I remember many a time when I was watching Bulls games with my dad and Luc Longley would suck. This happened a lot, and every time this happened my dad would yell "Put in Big Bill! Play Wennington!" I love that dude (my dad, and Bill Wennington as well).
3.) John Paxson: Pax was the starting PG for the late 80s Bulls and their first two title runs and the backup point guard for the 1993 championship. He was a relentless competitor and a great outside shooter, kind of like a demented Steve Kerr. This has poured over into his professional life as GM of the Bulls, as he has been known to leave games in a fit of rage and recently tried to get into a fistfight with coach Vinny Del Negro. Paxson will forever be a legend to me for his role in two championship clinching games. In game 5 of the 1991 NBA Finals, he hit five straight jumpers in the closing minutes to put the Bulls over the Lakers. In 1993, he hit the game winning three that gave the Bulls their third straight title. "Paxson, for three...Yes!" is probably the greatest thing I have ever heard in a sporting event. I was eight years old when this happened and it was fucking amazing. The Bulls became the first team since the Celtics in the 1960s to win three straight titles. When Jordan left, I would watch my VHS copy of this game and feel better about being a Bulls fan. To this day, it still ranks as my favorite game winner ever. To me, Paxson can do no wrong, unless he joins the Tea Party or something.
2.) Scottie Pippen: The greatest second fiddle of all time, my brother's favorite player of all time, and probably the greatest individual defender since Bill Russell. Recently, there has been this movement to give Scottie more credit in order to knock MJ down a peg and raise up Kobe and LeBron, but that's just crazy and I appreciate Scottie for what he was and not what people want him to be now. He was the leader of the team, the guy who made sure everyone was involved and on the same page. Michael was on a whole different level; he couldn't relate to the Jud Buechlers and Randy Browns of the team. Scottie kept the offense running and pretty much always guarded the other team's best player. His dunk on Patrick Ewing almost made me poop my pants when I was a kid. I used to love it when he and Michael would clown people with their defense. When MJ retired, Scottie was the man and won the MVP of the 1994 All-Star game. He was so close to getting them to the title without him, but he couldn't do it. This is my problem with Scottie: He didn't always show up when you needed him. There was game 7 in 1990 against Detroit where he came up with the migraine. There was 1994 when he refused to go in with 1.8 seconds left against the Knicks because the last shot wasn't called for him. In 1998, he missed time and threatened not to go all out because he was in a contract dispute and his injury in game 6 almost cost the Bulls the game. As great as Scottie was, he wasn't the one who scored 38 with the flu or hit the game winner in Utah. I don't mean to rip on Scottie. He was always one of my favorite players to watch and you could never ask for a better second option on your team.
1.) Michael Jordan: Like there was any doubt. Michael is my favorite athlete of all time in any sport, despite his douchebag tendencies. When I was a kid, Michael was one of my idols, which is something I'll delve into at a later time. In my eyes, he was superhuman and could beat teams singlehandedly (which he could). When he retired in 1993, eight year old Jimmy Shahen cried like someone in his family just died. When he returned in 1995, it was like someone had just given me a golden ticket. In his first game back, he only went 7-19 (a stat I remember by heart and didn't have to look up) and the Bulls lost to the Pacers. I was devastated and remember crying to me parents, "He's terrible now!" Hope was restored four games later when he dropped 55 on the Knicks. When he switched from the number 45 back to his original 23, I knew it meant certain doom for the Orlando Magic in the playoffs. Then they lost the series, the first time since 1990 MJ had lost in a playoff series. I remember my friends and kids from school saying he was done and no good anymore, but that couldn't be any further from the truth as Jordan and the Bulls steamrolled people in 1996 and 1997, winning over 140 of 164 games and two titles. Then they won again in 1998 when Michael hit the game winner over Utah (and fuck you, he never pushed off). I have so many fond memories of watching Bulls games with my parents and seeing Michael play. He was an artist on the court in a way no one, not even Kobe or LeBron, could ever be. No matter how many times my mom would say that the Knicks were going to win, Jordan pretty much always put a hurting on them. I distinctly remember watching that game where he hits the winning shot against the Jazz. The Bulls were struggling with Pippen out and the rest of the team sucking ass. Michael's jumper had no legs on it and he was bricking a lot. I remember my dad yelling, "Take it to the fucking hoop!" That is exactly what he did, hitting layups and getting to the foul line at will. He then hit a layup, stole the ball from Karl Malone and hit the jumper I linked to a few sentences before. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. We all knew that that was going to be his last shot in the NBA and it was perfect. Of course he kind of ruined that with his comeback in Washington, but I'll never forget the excitement of seeing that moment live with my dad or the excitement I felt any time I saw Michael Jordan play.
Well, that is the end of this post. Feel free to leave me comments on this page or on facebook if there are any Bulls that you really liked that I missed out on or would like to share your favorite players from your favorite team.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2010 NBA Playoffs First Round Predictions
I do believe the title of this post basically sums up the purpose of this post, so I'll make the introduction brief. The 2010 NBA Playoffs start today, April 17. For each round of the playoffs, I am going to post my predictions and thoughts on each series that is being played. So without further ado, here we go.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21) vs. 8. Chicago Bulls (41-41)
Much like last year, this season is supposed to be the one in which LeBron James is crowned champion. Last year, the Cavs were derailed by Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals. This year, they added Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison to their starting rotation and picked up solid role players like Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker. They finished this season with the best record in the NBA and are heavily favored to win it all. Chicago scraped into the playoff with a win on the last day of the regular season and finished at .500 for the second straight year. LeBron is talking a ton of shit about how ready the Cavs are and how they are super serial about winning the title. That won't stop him from celebrating each blowout over the vastly inferior Bulls like it's the greatest thing in the history of the sport. LeBron is kind of an egomaniac considering he hasn't won shit yet, but that is for another post. The Bulls need to put on a good showing in this series so they can vastly overpay someone like Joe Johnson or Amar'e Stoudemire to be Derrick "my favorite player in the universe" Rose's wingman. A couple of close games, or even two wins would be nice for my Bulls, but I don't think it is going to happen. Cleveland has too much depth and frontcourt might. Cavs in 4.
2. Orlando Magic (59-23) vs. 7. Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)
Orlando surprised a lot of people by beating Cleveland and making it to the Finals last year. I called that shit before it happened, but I guess that's of no real importance besides tooting my own horn. In the offseason, they decided to not overpay for Hedo Turkoglu and added Vince Carter to the mix and despite struggling early in the season, finished with the league's second best record. Charlotte finished above .500 for the first time ever and received their first ever playoff berth. I'm not a big fan of Larry Brown, but he has done a great coaching job and built a scrappy defense-oriented team that has beaten a lot of the league's top teams this year. I see them doing pretty well against Orlando, especially if Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis play poorly for Orlando. Dwight Howard should be able to boss around Charlotte's post players, but there is never any guarantee that he'll get enough touches to make an impact offensively. Seriously, the dude only averages 10 shots a game when he should be getting at least 15. While I said Charlotte would do well against Orlando, the Magic are too good to lose this series. Magic in 7.
3. Atlanta Hawks (53-29) vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
Atlanta started this season on a tear and has come down to Earth a bit now. Milwaukee was projected to be lottery bound this season, but the drafting of Brandon Jennings, career year for Andrew Bogut, and the midseason acquistion of John Salmons (fuck you Salmons, why didn't you play this way in Chicago the first half of the season!?), teamed with Scott Skiles' coaching turned the Bucks into a surprise this season. Skiles, as he is wont to do, turned the Bucks into (much like Charlotte) into a very scrappy defense oriented team. If Bogut hadn't gotten crippled a few weeks ago, I would say the Bucks would steal this, as I think Atlanta is highly overrated. However, Bogut's injury changes everything and I think the Hawks advance in a tough, tough series. Hawks in 6.
4.) Boston Celtics (50-32) vs. 5.) Miami Heat (47-35)
Before this season started, Rasheed Wallace said the Celtics would win 72 games, at least. He managed to help them finish 22 games off that prediction by putting together one of the most awful seasons in the NBA this year. That, combined with nagging injuries to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and infighting and complacency amongst the team, has Boston stumbling into the playoffs. A lot of the veterans on the team have been saying that the team has been saving up for the postseason, but I honestly don't see Boston doing much of anything with Garnett limping up and down the court, Ray Allen's defense crumbling, Rasheed Wallace's existence, and Rondo's abyssmal jump shot. Miami overachieved for the most part this season and have a healthy Dwyane Wade. Unless Dan Aykroyd and Daniel Stern kidnap him, a healthy D Wade and his supporting cast put Miami in the second round, where they can get smoked by Cleveland. Miami in 6.
And now, the Western Conference...
Western Conference
1.) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs 8.) Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)
The Lakers come into this playoffs as the defending NBA champs and then replaced role player Trevor Ariza with Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest. Kobe has battled injury this year and comes in pretty beat up. The team themselves stumbled into the postseason and have a lot of people questioning their cohesiveness and toughness. Oklahoma City is a surprise playoff team, winning 27 more games and Kevin Durant has blossomed into a superstar. The team is full of up and comers and will be contenders in the future. Key word here is the future, as the Thunder are not really there yet. They should make it a tough series for L.A. however. Lakers in 6.
2.) Dallas Mavericks (55-27) vs. 7.) San Antonio Spurs (50-32)
This should be the best series of the first round. Dallas and San Antonio have been rivals for years, and either team is a serious threat for the finals. Dallas is fielding a nasty team of Nowitzki, Kidd, Caron Butler, and Shawn Marion. The Spurs have mainstay Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, Tony Parker and a resurgent Manu Ginobili. Parker is playing hurt, but Ginobili is on fire as of late. Dallas has been on a tear since the all-star break, but most of their wins are close and they played some shitty teams down the last few months. If Parker was healthy and George Hill wasn't hurt, I say the Spurs take it in 6, but right now I'm not too sure. I'm gonna go with Mavs in 7.
3.) Phoenix Suns (54-28) vs 6.) Portland TrailBlazers (50-32)
Phoenix is another surprise team, as no one expected them to even make the playoffs. Steve Nash has had another career year, Grant Hill is still healthy, and Amar'e Stoudemire is playing his ass off for his new contract. Portland was supposed to be a contender, but everyone on their team has been hurt. Their best player, Brandon Roy, is out for the playoffs with a torn meniscus. Phoenix is playing so well right now and I don't think a crippled Portland will do much of anything. Phoenix in 5.
4.) Denver Nuggets (53-29) vs. 5.) Utah Jazz (53-29)
Denver was a clear cut number 2 seed for most of the season, but injuries, lack of low post scoring and a decline in energy has dropped them to the 4th seed. Utah has played through a ton of injuries and are playing pretty well right now. Both teams are terrible on the road this season, so that is working in Denver's favor, but I think between Coach Karl missing time with cancer and the team's deficiencies that Utah will eek out a win in this series. Utah in 6.
That wraps up the first round playoff preview and predictions here at Price Vincent. When this round ends sometimes in the next month, I'll post round 2 predictions. Be on the lookout for another blog sometime soon.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21) vs. 8. Chicago Bulls (41-41)
Much like last year, this season is supposed to be the one in which LeBron James is crowned champion. Last year, the Cavs were derailed by Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals. This year, they added Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison to their starting rotation and picked up solid role players like Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker. They finished this season with the best record in the NBA and are heavily favored to win it all. Chicago scraped into the playoff with a win on the last day of the regular season and finished at .500 for the second straight year. LeBron is talking a ton of shit about how ready the Cavs are and how they are super serial about winning the title. That won't stop him from celebrating each blowout over the vastly inferior Bulls like it's the greatest thing in the history of the sport. LeBron is kind of an egomaniac considering he hasn't won shit yet, but that is for another post. The Bulls need to put on a good showing in this series so they can vastly overpay someone like Joe Johnson or Amar'e Stoudemire to be Derrick "my favorite player in the universe" Rose's wingman. A couple of close games, or even two wins would be nice for my Bulls, but I don't think it is going to happen. Cleveland has too much depth and frontcourt might. Cavs in 4.
2. Orlando Magic (59-23) vs. 7. Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)
Orlando surprised a lot of people by beating Cleveland and making it to the Finals last year. I called that shit before it happened, but I guess that's of no real importance besides tooting my own horn. In the offseason, they decided to not overpay for Hedo Turkoglu and added Vince Carter to the mix and despite struggling early in the season, finished with the league's second best record. Charlotte finished above .500 for the first time ever and received their first ever playoff berth. I'm not a big fan of Larry Brown, but he has done a great coaching job and built a scrappy defense-oriented team that has beaten a lot of the league's top teams this year. I see them doing pretty well against Orlando, especially if Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis play poorly for Orlando. Dwight Howard should be able to boss around Charlotte's post players, but there is never any guarantee that he'll get enough touches to make an impact offensively. Seriously, the dude only averages 10 shots a game when he should be getting at least 15. While I said Charlotte would do well against Orlando, the Magic are too good to lose this series. Magic in 7.
3. Atlanta Hawks (53-29) vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
Atlanta started this season on a tear and has come down to Earth a bit now. Milwaukee was projected to be lottery bound this season, but the drafting of Brandon Jennings, career year for Andrew Bogut, and the midseason acquistion of John Salmons (fuck you Salmons, why didn't you play this way in Chicago the first half of the season!?), teamed with Scott Skiles' coaching turned the Bucks into a surprise this season. Skiles, as he is wont to do, turned the Bucks into (much like Charlotte) into a very scrappy defense oriented team. If Bogut hadn't gotten crippled a few weeks ago, I would say the Bucks would steal this, as I think Atlanta is highly overrated. However, Bogut's injury changes everything and I think the Hawks advance in a tough, tough series. Hawks in 6.
4.) Boston Celtics (50-32) vs. 5.) Miami Heat (47-35)
Before this season started, Rasheed Wallace said the Celtics would win 72 games, at least. He managed to help them finish 22 games off that prediction by putting together one of the most awful seasons in the NBA this year. That, combined with nagging injuries to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and infighting and complacency amongst the team, has Boston stumbling into the playoffs. A lot of the veterans on the team have been saying that the team has been saving up for the postseason, but I honestly don't see Boston doing much of anything with Garnett limping up and down the court, Ray Allen's defense crumbling, Rasheed Wallace's existence, and Rondo's abyssmal jump shot. Miami overachieved for the most part this season and have a healthy Dwyane Wade. Unless Dan Aykroyd and Daniel Stern kidnap him, a healthy D Wade and his supporting cast put Miami in the second round, where they can get smoked by Cleveland. Miami in 6.
And now, the Western Conference...
Western Conference
1.) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs 8.) Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)
The Lakers come into this playoffs as the defending NBA champs and then replaced role player Trevor Ariza with Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest. Kobe has battled injury this year and comes in pretty beat up. The team themselves stumbled into the postseason and have a lot of people questioning their cohesiveness and toughness. Oklahoma City is a surprise playoff team, winning 27 more games and Kevin Durant has blossomed into a superstar. The team is full of up and comers and will be contenders in the future. Key word here is the future, as the Thunder are not really there yet. They should make it a tough series for L.A. however. Lakers in 6.
2.) Dallas Mavericks (55-27) vs. 7.) San Antonio Spurs (50-32)
This should be the best series of the first round. Dallas and San Antonio have been rivals for years, and either team is a serious threat for the finals. Dallas is fielding a nasty team of Nowitzki, Kidd, Caron Butler, and Shawn Marion. The Spurs have mainstay Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, Tony Parker and a resurgent Manu Ginobili. Parker is playing hurt, but Ginobili is on fire as of late. Dallas has been on a tear since the all-star break, but most of their wins are close and they played some shitty teams down the last few months. If Parker was healthy and George Hill wasn't hurt, I say the Spurs take it in 6, but right now I'm not too sure. I'm gonna go with Mavs in 7.
3.) Phoenix Suns (54-28) vs 6.) Portland TrailBlazers (50-32)
Phoenix is another surprise team, as no one expected them to even make the playoffs. Steve Nash has had another career year, Grant Hill is still healthy, and Amar'e Stoudemire is playing his ass off for his new contract. Portland was supposed to be a contender, but everyone on their team has been hurt. Their best player, Brandon Roy, is out for the playoffs with a torn meniscus. Phoenix is playing so well right now and I don't think a crippled Portland will do much of anything. Phoenix in 5.
4.) Denver Nuggets (53-29) vs. 5.) Utah Jazz (53-29)
Denver was a clear cut number 2 seed for most of the season, but injuries, lack of low post scoring and a decline in energy has dropped them to the 4th seed. Utah has played through a ton of injuries and are playing pretty well right now. Both teams are terrible on the road this season, so that is working in Denver's favor, but I think between Coach Karl missing time with cancer and the team's deficiencies that Utah will eek out a win in this series. Utah in 6.
That wraps up the first round playoff preview and predictions here at Price Vincent. When this round ends sometimes in the next month, I'll post round 2 predictions. Be on the lookout for another blog sometime soon.
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