Dario "The Realist":
Why do you love reggie bush so much? I don’t know. He is overrated Louis. Seriously……. He gets way more attention than his production warrants.
Louis "The DeadLock Saints Fan":
From memory alone and watching the game and not from stats, Duece is a much better short yardage back than deuce is as far as pounding it in there.
As I said I made my determination about Deuce long before looking at the stats. I look for end results and not how you did it. Yeah Deuce pounds it in there but the stats still don't lie and my eyes didn't lie to me before the stats. Since Deuce has been our Starting running back we have always been a below average short yardage team, even back in the Haz days.
Louis:
Minnesota- Peterson and Taylor – Peterson was explosive north and south hit the hole runner and Taylor is more of a look for the hole and not as explosive
Chester Taylor is a BEAST. I think he is just as explosive as Adrian Peterson, but than I think the O-line really contributes to that tandem, and don't bring up the pro bowl because Adrian Peterson was the only player out there actually trying like a crazy man. :)
Louis:
I meant Ron Dayne and TJ Duckett are NOT power backs.
I think Meachem will contribute unless he gets hurt again. Pierre punches it up in there pretty good I think he fits the mold of an emmitt smith type back as for as running style. After the Chicago game the Chicago defenders commented on how hard Pierre ran and how hard he was to tackle. Size doesn't always determine the type of back you are. Big back doesn't always = power back, and Smaller back doesn't always = scat back. Ron Dayne and TJ Duckett are considered true power backs. Walter Payton was not considered a scat back. I believe that Reggie and Pierre can be complimentary backs. I have always saw something different with Deuce. Yes he does pound it up in there but there was far too many games I have seen over his career where it is 3rd down and we need a couple of yards and he gets stopped in the backfield. I think that had a little to do with Faine being the center and he always got blown up in obvious short yardage situations, but Deuce is really not that effective in short yardage situations. I have seen him run over his share of people but it doesn't seem to translate in short yardage. Just so you know I made that decision about Deuce long before I saw his stats in short yardage situations. People can say what they want about Reggie but when he sees the sticks he will punch it up in there and get the first. The only time I have really seen him get stopped on short yardage is when Faine and the O-line was getting blown up.
Dario:
From memory alone and watching the game and not from stats, Duece is a much better short yardage back than deuce is as far as pounding it in there.. However, Reggie is not as bad as people may think because he dances and scats and seems to be able to get those short yards. That is from memory alone. My only problem is that Pierre and Reggie are close to the same back as far running style. They both are quick, make people miss back and Duece was a run over you type back. It represents a problem because Pierre does not change the pace when he comes in the game for Reggie. The top 5 dual back systems last year had two or mutliple different types of backs:
Minnesota- Peterson and Taylor – Peterson was explosive north and south hit the hole runner and Taylor is more of a look for the hole and not as explosive
Jacksonville – Drew and Taylor – Drew is shifty, dancing small runner and Taylor is bigger, physical
NYG – Jacobs, Ward, Bradshaw, and Droughns – Jacobs power but good feet, Ward more of a straight ahead power guy, Bradshaw is shifty, Droughns is like Ward
Tenn – Chris Brown and White – Brown is a hit the hole shifty north and south runner and more explosive, White is straight ahead power back
Oak – Fargas, Jordan, Rhodes – Rhodes is hit the hole, shifty north and South, Fargas is shifty, hit the hole north and south, Jordan is more of a big shifty back
How would you describe Thomas and Bush and do you think they will be an effective tandem?
Do you expect Meachem to really contribute if you had to say RIGHT NOW?
Louis:
1) Honestly, between you and I, what do you NEED to see from Reggie Bush next year?
I don't NEED to see anything out of Reggie Bush because I believe that he is a decent player and has the potential to be outstanding. If I had to pick one thing that he needs to work on is for him to protect the ball in traffic. If you noticed in the situational stats that I sent you just about all of Reggie's fumbles came in traffic up the middle. I also think that he needs to stop listening to fans and the media and just play his game. How many times have you seen him run up the back of the blocker in open field trying to follow the block. I think he took the first step in improving himself this offseason by participating with the team in the offseason workouts. I don't think Reggie understood the power of the the NFL offseason training program last year. I really believe that working out with them will get him stronger and more prepared to play NFL football. People also seem to forget that last year Reggie was only healthy for like 7 of the 12 games he played and it was obvious that something wasn't right those last five games when he played hurt. I believe he will come back and have a very good year this year.
2) With the focus on defense this offseason, is it possible that our offense could maybe decline from year 2 to year 3?
I think the Saints made a smart move by not re-signing Faine. How many times in watching the Saints did Faine ge t blown up in the running game. I think Faine was a liability in the running game and with Goodwin in the lineup you will see a drastic improvement in our running game. I really believe that the saints will address offense in the draft, because of their focus on defense in Free Agency. It is rumored that they are interested in Mendenhall or Forte.
A) My biggest concern is tight end and receiver where we have not made any upgrades. I think we should be trying to look at some small impact players at both positions similar to what we did on defense last year with Jason David, Simmons and Kaesviharn. Otherwise, we can get into 3 5 or 6 games and realize that our receiver core is weak. With basically the same core from year 1 aside from Meachem and Horn ( although I believe Patten is a Horn clone), the defenses can really catch up to our offensive philosophy. OR, do you think and Mr. Payton think that he is a genius and can pass the ball with Zedrick at receiver?
You said that the core is the same as year 1 but I believe that Patten is an upgrade over Horn, which is obvious when you compare production from last year. Also if Meachem performs the way I expect him to you have 6'3" 4.3 40 guy who can catch and get YAC. I think the staff is not worried about the core because of their expectactions from Meachem. I believe a starting 3 of Colston, Meachem and Patten is a very good WR core.
B) If Duece does not recover, are you worried at all about our short yardage runningback?
I think with Goodwin in as center we won't have short yardage problems. Although many people don't like to admit it Duece really wasn't that good of a short yardage back. It seemed like no matter who was in the backfield we got blown up in obvious short yardage situations. In 2006 on 3rd with < 3 yards to go Duece only averaged 2.2 YPC which means he didn't even get the 1st. In comparison Reggie averaged 4.0 YPC in the same situation last year. In 2006 Reggie averaged 6.0 YPC on 3rd < 3. The stats don't lie and really think about how many times have we needed a yard with Deuce and he couldn't get it. Check out the stats for yourself.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5470/situational;_ylt=Aj_0euKYoi_UIYAq5A5HSsP.uLYF?year=2006
C) What kind of player do you see Meachem being?
I hope Meachem can be what he was in college. He has the physical tools to be good and the perfect compliment to Colston. I will reserve judgement til I see him in training camp.
Dario:
1) Honestly, between you and I, what do you NEED to see from Reggie Bush next year?
2) With the focus on defense this offseason, is it possible that our offense could maybe decline from year 2 to year 3?
A) My biggest concern is tight end and receiver where we have not made any upgrades. I think we should be trying to look at some small impact players at both positions similar to what we did on defense last year with Jason David, Simmons and Kaesviharn. Otherwise, we can get into 3 5 or 6 games and realize that our receiver core is weak. With basically the same core from year 1 aside from Meachem and Horn ( although I believe Patten is a Horn clone), the defenses can really catch up to our offensive philosophy. OR, do you think and Mr. Payton think that he is a genius and can pass the ball with Zedrick at receiver?
B) If Duece does not recover, are you worried at all about our short yardage runningback?
C) What kind of player do you see Meachem being?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sorry- Conversation Bloggers vs. Traditional Sports Writers
I will re-read every post before I actually display it. Sorry. My material should read and flow a lot better but in a rush, I publish it without re-reading it. Here is another conversation I had with a friend of mine:
I am glad you liked it man. Thanks.
Man....... I don't have HBO. I might have to try to catch it on youtube or something. I would be interested to see that show. It is weird that they say bloggers are messing everything up. I think that as the flow of information expands and increases, there can and should be more than one way to report the sports news. As a sports fan, I won't give any credibility to a blogger who does not make sense about sports anyway. Additionally, if you are a true fan of whatever team you cheer for, I can't see any possible scenario where you will not be able to add something credible to the sports world or at the least, your favorite team's or city's sports world. I am sorry to say to those old school writers but when it comes to sports, if you have the same information, it is all on how creative you can present it. You don't need any credentials for that. They can not get mad because a blogger is getting the same access to the information that was exclusive to them for years. I think that is better because you can get a different perspective on sports instead of the traditional view which brings me to the portrayal of african americans in the media. The internet is good for that also because it allows other viewpoints to be heard and you can do it without having a major media source behind you. With this format, the viewing public is not entirely swayed by one source. To add to that, I think ESPN needs some competition because they are moving to an area where they pretty much dictate the success as far as a fan's perception of professional athletes. They have moved a lot into the off the field stuff and the way they spin it dictates a person's like or dislike for the player. It is similar to why people but the name brand over the generic at the store. Sometimes the name brand is not better but it is better to stick with what you know.
Also, the more money the athletes makes, the more the athletes will disconnect from the Sports Reporter because they don't need the media as much anymore to become insanely popular or rich like Howard Cosell and Ali did years ago.
Anyhow, if I can catch it on youtube or by someones house, I will let you know.
On Wed, 4/30/08, moses cage
wrote:
From: moses cage moses_cage@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: The Night of the Hornet: THe Untold Story of a Hero
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 3:15 PM
Great piece Dario. I enjoyed that bro....real talk. The last paragraph gave me goose-bumps. Did you catch the HBO special "Costas Now" last night (it's coming on again tonight)? Bob Costas held a forum on the media's coverage of sports. I thought you'd find it interesting b/c one of the topics was the changing ways people get their sports information. In particular, they discussed the dying relevance of traditional sports writers and columnists due to the increasing numbers of bloggers and internet sites such as deadspin.com. Mike Wilbon, Dan Patrick, Mitch Albom and others were very critical of the bloggers, insisting that bloggers don't have the resume' or credentials to add anything positive to the sporting world. The show also discussed the way race plays a factor in the media's coverage of athletes, the emergence of sports talk radio, and the disconnect between the athlete and the reporter. It was a really good show, and I think you'd enjoy it.
I am glad you liked it man. Thanks.
Man....... I don't have HBO. I might have to try to catch it on youtube or something. I would be interested to see that show. It is weird that they say bloggers are messing everything up. I think that as the flow of information expands and increases, there can and should be more than one way to report the sports news. As a sports fan, I won't give any credibility to a blogger who does not make sense about sports anyway. Additionally, if you are a true fan of whatever team you cheer for, I can't see any possible scenario where you will not be able to add something credible to the sports world or at the least, your favorite team's or city's sports world. I am sorry to say to those old school writers but when it comes to sports, if you have the same information, it is all on how creative you can present it. You don't need any credentials for that. They can not get mad because a blogger is getting the same access to the information that was exclusive to them for years. I think that is better because you can get a different perspective on sports instead of the traditional view which brings me to the portrayal of african americans in the media. The internet is good for that also because it allows other viewpoints to be heard and you can do it without having a major media source behind you. With this format, the viewing public is not entirely swayed by one source. To add to that, I think ESPN needs some competition because they are moving to an area where they pretty much dictate the success as far as a fan's perception of professional athletes. They have moved a lot into the off the field stuff and the way they spin it dictates a person's like or dislike for the player. It is similar to why people but the name brand over the generic at the store. Sometimes the name brand is not better but it is better to stick with what you know.
Also, the more money the athletes makes, the more the athletes will disconnect from the Sports Reporter because they don't need the media as much anymore to become insanely popular or rich like Howard Cosell and Ali did years ago.
Anyhow, if I can catch it on youtube or by someones house, I will let you know.
On Wed, 4/30/08, moses cage
From: moses cage moses_cage@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: The Night of the Hornet: THe Untold Story of a Hero
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 3:15 PM
Great piece Dario. I enjoyed that bro....real talk. The last paragraph gave me goose-bumps. Did you catch the HBO special "Costas Now" last night (it's coming on again tonight)? Bob Costas held a forum on the media's coverage of sports. I thought you'd find it interesting b/c one of the topics was the changing ways people get their sports information. In particular, they discussed the dying relevance of traditional sports writers and columnists due to the increasing numbers of bloggers and internet sites such as deadspin.com. Mike Wilbon, Dan Patrick, Mitch Albom and others were very critical of the bloggers, insisting that bloggers don't have the resume' or credentials to add anything positive to the sporting world. The show also discussed the way race plays a factor in the media's coverage of athletes, the emergence of sports talk radio, and the disconnect between the athlete and the reporter. It was a really good show, and I think you'd enjoy it.
Conversation about Avery
The thing we got to realize is that maybe Dallas just overachieved when they got to the finals and that was due to coaching. Maybe they was not as good as they showed in 2006. Remember that they got lucky and beat San Antonio on a last minute Giniboli foul on Dirk in Game 7 in 2006. Also, Duncan was playing with plantar fasciitis that year. I had them rated as the third best team this year in the West. Boy, was I wrong. I admit it. I was equally wrong about Phoenix too!!!!
I think Dallas had to make a change somewhere. There was a report than Avery asked Cuban to trade Dirk last year. Now, that may or may not be true but it is interesting. Dallas sold out the last three years in the playoffs so you got to make a change somewhere without a doubt so it had to be the coach or a huge player shakeup. Most GM's would keep the player and fire the coach and that is what happen.
Also, we all know Dirk is good but in addition to being soft, he does not make other players better around him because he shoots too many jumpshots. Therefore, he does not draw as many double teams and he does not get to the line as often as he should.
Also, JOSH HOWARD has to go either way. How can you talk about smoking and go to a party and don't deliver on game day? THAT's pathetic!!!!!
Lastly, from a pure basketball perspective, I give you your credit on Jason Kidd. He obviously was the wrong move and he is old and his jump shot is his fatal flaw. However, I still hold the opinion that they can rebuild faster this way because even without Kidd, Dallas still had the league's highest payroll this year.
With all that being said, maybe they should have traded Josh Howard for Artest or Magette because something is wrong there whether it is his response to a coach or his overall heart. He should have been killing Peja. It is easy to look at it in hindsight though. Your point about Kidd is interesting because the Mavs practicing after Avery canceled is a weird underlining meaning to your coach. It says we don't need you and we can do it without you. Lastly, it just so happen when Kidd was a Mav. Lol!!
From: Elgin E Suggs [mailto:ESuggs@CBI.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:07 PM
To: Dario MobleySubject: RE:
Avery Johnson got fired dog...jason kidd did it again.
I think Dallas had to make a change somewhere. There was a report than Avery asked Cuban to trade Dirk last year. Now, that may or may not be true but it is interesting. Dallas sold out the last three years in the playoffs so you got to make a change somewhere without a doubt so it had to be the coach or a huge player shakeup. Most GM's would keep the player and fire the coach and that is what happen.
Also, we all know Dirk is good but in addition to being soft, he does not make other players better around him because he shoots too many jumpshots. Therefore, he does not draw as many double teams and he does not get to the line as often as he should.
Also, JOSH HOWARD has to go either way. How can you talk about smoking and go to a party and don't deliver on game day? THAT's pathetic!!!!!
Lastly, from a pure basketball perspective, I give you your credit on Jason Kidd. He obviously was the wrong move and he is old and his jump shot is his fatal flaw. However, I still hold the opinion that they can rebuild faster this way because even without Kidd, Dallas still had the league's highest payroll this year.
With all that being said, maybe they should have traded Josh Howard for Artest or Magette because something is wrong there whether it is his response to a coach or his overall heart. He should have been killing Peja. It is easy to look at it in hindsight though. Your point about Kidd is interesting because the Mavs practicing after Avery canceled is a weird underlining meaning to your coach. It says we don't need you and we can do it without you. Lastly, it just so happen when Kidd was a Mav. Lol!!
From: Elgin E Suggs [mailto:ESuggs@CBI.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:07 PM
To: Dario MobleySubject: RE:
Avery Johnson got fired dog...jason kidd did it again.
The Night of the Hornet: The Untold Story of a Hero
I did not realize what I was actually watching. I did not realize how tremendously important that this series was. Maybe I did not realize this because I had been away from New Orleans for the last four years. To be honest, I do not even feel like I belong in New Orleans. I am a New Orleans native but personally, I feel that I am not really "New Orleans". I am not the essence of New Orleans. I can honestly move back away in less than a year from now. In spite of all these things, I still feel the unearthing bond that The Hornet has had on this series. On Nov. 9, I got a $10 ticket for the New Orleans Hornet vs. San Antonio Spurs game. On ESPN.COM, it says that 15,000 people were there. That is incorrect. I was there. I know. I bought one ticket and moved all the way around to the center. My view was marvelous and I did not care who was there because I am a basketball fan. That is not the point though. As the year went on and the Hornet won more and more, you could feel as well as see the difference in the slight buzz around the Hornet. They won game after game on the road and the PEOPLE began to take notice. There were more tickets sold and as each game passed, there was less wiggle room for me with my $10 ticket. It was starting to become more and more evident that people were starting to show up. I pegged it as "FAKE FANS". Where were all these people at in the beginning? Where were all these people at when THE Hornet played Minnesota and there was just a little over 8,00 people there? I have a habit of looking at things that way. Don't ask me why.................
Cut to the All-star Game: David West and Chris Paul are voted into the game. The festivities are being held in New Orleans. The Big EASY is hosting it's first all-star game. Impressive? Well, it was still not to me because I was there. I was not at the game but I was out every night meeting and greeting the visitors who entered the city. I would think an event like that would draw a much different crowd. Well it didn't. However, it is what it is and it was still gratifying because the Hornets were only one game out of first place and like I said, I am a fan of the NBA. So, the second half of the season starts and you begin to wonder if the Hornet has a chance. No, they won't win the west. Besides, they are a young team and they don't have the post up game that is needed to continue to win consistently. But guess what Mr. "Smart %$!^" Mobley?
They do. They continue to win and not only that, Chris Paul continues to throw alley-oops to Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic continues to hit threes and David West is consistent as ever in only his second full season as a starter. Amazing............ Almost in a blink of an eye, I try to go to a Denver game on January 28 and it is sold out!!! What? A Hornet game is sold out. What is happening here? Not only does the game sell out but the crowd diversifies. There are more adults from all parts of the city and there are more scalpers working the sidewalks outside of "THE DOME". Man, I guess I will just miss this one because I can't get tickets.
"Hey. How about them Hornets?"
"Are you going to the Hornets game?"
"Man, that Chris Paul is a beast."
"The Hornets might have a chance."
"I am staying home tonight to watch the Hornets game because that is the only little enjoyment I get."
This becomes the sounds that I hear everyday almost in each encounter with anyone I know. Wow!!!! Even the causeway bridge has it's digital display reading "GO HORNETS!!!!!"
Am I convinced? Yes.......aaah but NO. The cynic I am still has that slight facial expression. That slight doubt that Byron Scott is not a good coach and The Hornet is just a good regular season team. My basketball mind just has to tell me that because it works like a well oiled machine.
PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!! #2 SEED!!!!!!! What? I told you!!! Those negative words still come out of my mouth as the Hornet easily and without a doubt has became a good team as fast as the rain in New Orleans goes from a slight drizzle to a climatic down pour flooding many parts of the city.
Can they beat Dallas though? Can they beat a well seasoned team that JUST MADE the finals two years ago? Yeah........If I had to choose anybody to play, I would want to play Dallas. I believe they are weak and we can beat them. I even picked the Hornets in my NBA.COM bracket to beat Dallas is 6 games........ But............They are too young to do anything else.
"are you going to that hornet game"
"Yes. I will go."
Let's rush home from work and get ready to get to the game by six. Besides, this is a playoff game and I have never been to an NBA playoff game. Man, my stomach is kind of twitching because they are down 52-40 at halftime. I told you!!! I predict a lost. David West is shaken and the experience Dallas team is too much. It's no big deal but why is my friend noticeably in a less jovial mode than he was before? I think nothing off it and go on because my basketball mind was prepared for a Hornet let-down.
SECOND HALF. Chris Paul Shot......Chris Paul layup.......Chris Paul layup....Chris Paul Shot..... Peja ices the game with a three.
What happened? The Hornet wins game 1.
In the literal sense of my description, it seemed like the game turn around and even faster, I find the Hornet leading the series 3-1.
"I knew it. I picked the Hornet in my NBA bracket"
Game 5:
"Hey. I am coming over to watch the game."
"Okay"
Man, my dad is coming over to watch the game. I got to go to Wal-Mart to have something for my guest. As the game starts, I am seasoning and cooking the steaks, potatoes and brocoli. The game is actually on but I have to cook this food and clean first before I can watch the game. My dad, in his infinite wisdom moves from my couch to the floor so he can see the game a little better. He has had problems with his eyes the last month or so. He cringes with every play. He screams on every bad shot. He curses on every Dallas made shot. Contrastingly, I only sparingly watch the game as I have to try to maintain myself as a good host to my dad. The Hornets are up by 10. My dad proclaims:
"This is not a job for a basketball fan. This may be a job for a butcher because the Hornet might slaughter the Mavs."
But wait........... Up 12, Down 9, Down 8, Down 5, Down 3..... New Orleans takes a timeout.
As the game continues, I notice my daddy is in a quiet disappointed mode. He knows the Hornet should have wrapped this game up but now the finish is beyond his control and he can only sit in quiet disbelief after the explosive outbursts from before seemed to be in vain.
"YES!!!!!" Hornet win.
I began to talk about the next series. I began to talk about what the Hornet had to do to compete with San Antonio. I began to analyze the Bruce Bowen and Chris Paul matchup. My energy was easily higher now that the game was over and that is when...........
My dad was even more quieter than before. He laid there slouched over with his hand on his head as if he had a throbbing migraine. He had to calm down and relax because the worst was over. The Hornet had won. This night was not about me. I had realized what this night had meant. See, before I could not understand because I am not New Orleans, I don't feel like New Orleans, and I will probably move away from New Orleans soon. However, a part of me was still there. My dad, who was my father, was New Orleans. He was Jazzfest. He was Mard Gras. He was the french quarter. He was Hurricane Katrina. He represented going to a deli and eating a hot sausage sandwich for lunch. He represented gumbo, jambalaya and Bourbon street and he was proud of it. He represented every thing New Orleans was not and everything it is at the same time. For all the crime, drugs, racism, crooked political representation, years of frustration with the New Orleans Saints, poverty, homeless and anything else, the one thing you would not and could not take from New Orleans and my dad this night was that New Orleans was winner. A winner again despite everything they are not and everything they are. The Hornet won. The Hornet, for one single night, swept all the bad memories away of all the tragic and horribe things that had happened to New Orleans and transformed NEW ORLEANS back into the winner that they know they are despite detractors like me. The Hornet did that. The Hornet made that possible. The Hornet was a Hero and My dad was proud of it.
Cut to the All-star Game: David West and Chris Paul are voted into the game. The festivities are being held in New Orleans. The Big EASY is hosting it's first all-star game. Impressive? Well, it was still not to me because I was there. I was not at the game but I was out every night meeting and greeting the visitors who entered the city. I would think an event like that would draw a much different crowd. Well it didn't. However, it is what it is and it was still gratifying because the Hornets were only one game out of first place and like I said, I am a fan of the NBA. So, the second half of the season starts and you begin to wonder if the Hornet has a chance. No, they won't win the west. Besides, they are a young team and they don't have the post up game that is needed to continue to win consistently. But guess what Mr. "Smart %$!^" Mobley?
They do. They continue to win and not only that, Chris Paul continues to throw alley-oops to Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic continues to hit threes and David West is consistent as ever in only his second full season as a starter. Amazing............ Almost in a blink of an eye, I try to go to a Denver game on January 28 and it is sold out!!! What? A Hornet game is sold out. What is happening here? Not only does the game sell out but the crowd diversifies. There are more adults from all parts of the city and there are more scalpers working the sidewalks outside of "THE DOME". Man, I guess I will just miss this one because I can't get tickets.
"Hey. How about them Hornets?"
"Are you going to the Hornets game?"
"Man, that Chris Paul is a beast."
"The Hornets might have a chance."
"I am staying home tonight to watch the Hornets game because that is the only little enjoyment I get."
This becomes the sounds that I hear everyday almost in each encounter with anyone I know. Wow!!!! Even the causeway bridge has it's digital display reading "GO HORNETS!!!!!"
Am I convinced? Yes.......aaah but NO. The cynic I am still has that slight facial expression. That slight doubt that Byron Scott is not a good coach and The Hornet is just a good regular season team. My basketball mind just has to tell me that because it works like a well oiled machine.
PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!! #2 SEED!!!!!!! What? I told you!!! Those negative words still come out of my mouth as the Hornet easily and without a doubt has became a good team as fast as the rain in New Orleans goes from a slight drizzle to a climatic down pour flooding many parts of the city.
Can they beat Dallas though? Can they beat a well seasoned team that JUST MADE the finals two years ago? Yeah........If I had to choose anybody to play, I would want to play Dallas. I believe they are weak and we can beat them. I even picked the Hornets in my NBA.COM bracket to beat Dallas is 6 games........ But............They are too young to do anything else.
"are you going to that hornet game"
"Yes. I will go."
Let's rush home from work and get ready to get to the game by six. Besides, this is a playoff game and I have never been to an NBA playoff game. Man, my stomach is kind of twitching because they are down 52-40 at halftime. I told you!!! I predict a lost. David West is shaken and the experience Dallas team is too much. It's no big deal but why is my friend noticeably in a less jovial mode than he was before? I think nothing off it and go on because my basketball mind was prepared for a Hornet let-down.
SECOND HALF. Chris Paul Shot......Chris Paul layup.......Chris Paul layup....Chris Paul Shot..... Peja ices the game with a three.
What happened? The Hornet wins game 1.
In the literal sense of my description, it seemed like the game turn around and even faster, I find the Hornet leading the series 3-1.
"I knew it. I picked the Hornet in my NBA bracket"
Game 5:
"Hey. I am coming over to watch the game."
"Okay"
Man, my dad is coming over to watch the game. I got to go to Wal-Mart to have something for my guest. As the game starts, I am seasoning and cooking the steaks, potatoes and brocoli. The game is actually on but I have to cook this food and clean first before I can watch the game. My dad, in his infinite wisdom moves from my couch to the floor so he can see the game a little better. He has had problems with his eyes the last month or so. He cringes with every play. He screams on every bad shot. He curses on every Dallas made shot. Contrastingly, I only sparingly watch the game as I have to try to maintain myself as a good host to my dad. The Hornets are up by 10. My dad proclaims:
"This is not a job for a basketball fan. This may be a job for a butcher because the Hornet might slaughter the Mavs."
But wait........... Up 12, Down 9, Down 8, Down 5, Down 3..... New Orleans takes a timeout.
As the game continues, I notice my daddy is in a quiet disappointed mode. He knows the Hornet should have wrapped this game up but now the finish is beyond his control and he can only sit in quiet disbelief after the explosive outbursts from before seemed to be in vain.
"YES!!!!!" Hornet win.
I began to talk about the next series. I began to talk about what the Hornet had to do to compete with San Antonio. I began to analyze the Bruce Bowen and Chris Paul matchup. My energy was easily higher now that the game was over and that is when...........
My dad was even more quieter than before. He laid there slouched over with his hand on his head as if he had a throbbing migraine. He had to calm down and relax because the worst was over. The Hornet had won. This night was not about me. I had realized what this night had meant. See, before I could not understand because I am not New Orleans, I don't feel like New Orleans, and I will probably move away from New Orleans soon. However, a part of me was still there. My dad, who was my father, was New Orleans. He was Jazzfest. He was Mard Gras. He was the french quarter. He was Hurricane Katrina. He represented going to a deli and eating a hot sausage sandwich for lunch. He represented gumbo, jambalaya and Bourbon street and he was proud of it. He represented every thing New Orleans was not and everything it is at the same time. For all the crime, drugs, racism, crooked political representation, years of frustration with the New Orleans Saints, poverty, homeless and anything else, the one thing you would not and could not take from New Orleans and my dad this night was that New Orleans was winner. A winner again despite everything they are not and everything they are. The Hornet won. The Hornet, for one single night, swept all the bad memories away of all the tragic and horribe things that had happened to New Orleans and transformed NEW ORLEANS back into the winner that they know they are despite detractors like me. The Hornet did that. The Hornet made that possible. The Hornet was a Hero and My dad was proud of it.
Final Suns vs. Spurs Game As Seen Through My Eyes
82-81. Steve Nash just hit a fadeaway jumper on Kurt Thomas to put the Suns up by one. Finally!! TNT goes to commercial and again I lay with one leg crossed tuned in to what seems to be a game that will go down to the wire. Kurt Thomas just hit a free throw to tie the game. 82-82. Doug Collins analysis almost certainly coincides as the next Spur's free throw goes through the net for a second time. Suns Pick and Roll and Nash misses the shot. The shot clock is down to six and Tony Parker just hits his first jump shot of the game to put the Spurs up 85-82. Nash brings it down to other end and "NASH HITS THE TRIPLE" as Kevin Harlan over animates this event like always. 85-85 is the score. The Spurs attempt a shot on the other end and it is blocked by Stoudamire. I don't even know who took the shot. The action goes back and forth. The Suns come down and Nash loses the ball to Parker. What the hell? Parker drives down to the other end and he is fouled.
First Free Throw goes IN and then barely comes out. Parker calmly but noticeably fatigued sinks the other free throw to give the Spurs a one point lead. 86-85 .........DAMN!!!!!!! Turnover Suns. That is three turnovers in the last four minutes. Spurs come down on the other end and Duncan misses a jumper on the screen and roll. DANG!!!!!!!! Another turnover for the Suns. This time, Boris Diaw is the culprit as he throws a cross court pass into the front row. Parker comes down and hits a jumpshot. 88-85 Time Out Suns...............
Right before the Commercial Break Kevin Harlan states that the Spurs are 30 seconds away. Man, at that moment, I feel the inevitable which is THE SPURS walking into the next round with the proverbial "DON'T ACCEPT ME BUT YOU WILL RESPECT ME" swagger. The commercials are over.
Hopefully, my feeling of another Spurs victory will pass. The game is back on. What? A stat shows that the Suns have missed 17 free throws. What a different game it might be huh? The Suns come out of the timeout and I expect them to take a three. This will probably be another wild Nash three that he will make. Who takes the three?
NOBODY!!!! WHAT????? Diaw scores an easy bucket in the post on Ginoboli. 88-87 Spurs. I hate commercials. Let the Damn game play!! Who wants to see that stupid commercial of a random guy swinging a golf club in his DOCKERS? Autotrader.com. I have seen that commercial a million times tonight. THANK YOU!!! The game is back on:
2.2 second differential in the game clock and the shot clock. 88-87. Spurs by one. Spurs are set to inbound the ball. Duncan inbounds to Ginoboli and he is fouled by Raja Bell. Before he even shoots it, I KNOW HE MAKES BOTH!!!!!!!!..................86% Foul shooter................ Swish. He hits the first free throw.........Here comes the second..................HE MISSES!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!! I WAS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!! 89-87 with 5.7 seconds to play and the Suns have a chance. The Suns have the ball and are facing elimination. HOLY.................... Another Commercial...... Here we go again. acuevue.com. Who cares? GAME BACK ON:
My prediction of the next SUNS play is pick and roll for Stoudamire and Nash instead of going to Diaw in the post which they have been doing the whole game. That is what I would do. Please go for the win. The rule is to go for the win on the road and the tie at home. TURNOVER BY PHOENIX!!!!!! That was a sorry way to end the game. BAD CALL!!!! It looked like it went off of Bowen. I hate Bowen. Ginoboli fouled....HE hits the first...He hits the second......91-87 Here comes Nash on the other end, Miss Nash.......Rebound Suns........Miss Giricek. Giricek?? Unbelievable!!!!!!!
The Spurs crowd cheers as I can only sit on again in disgust as the Suns fail to prolong the inevitable. Duncan Fouled and to the line.......Duncan misses the first.... Duncan hits the second. 92-87. The camera flashes to David Robinson. I never liked him as a player. SHUT UP KEVIN HARLAN!!!!!!!! They show Shaq and his sweaty face. 2.3 seconds left ....5 point lead...GAME OVER.... Phoenix goes home again with there heads down...
GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!!!
First Free Throw goes IN and then barely comes out. Parker calmly but noticeably fatigued sinks the other free throw to give the Spurs a one point lead. 86-85 .........DAMN!!!!!!! Turnover Suns. That is three turnovers in the last four minutes. Spurs come down on the other end and Duncan misses a jumper on the screen and roll. DANG!!!!!!!! Another turnover for the Suns. This time, Boris Diaw is the culprit as he throws a cross court pass into the front row. Parker comes down and hits a jumpshot. 88-85 Time Out Suns...............
Right before the Commercial Break Kevin Harlan states that the Spurs are 30 seconds away. Man, at that moment, I feel the inevitable which is THE SPURS walking into the next round with the proverbial "DON'T ACCEPT ME BUT YOU WILL RESPECT ME" swagger. The commercials are over.
Hopefully, my feeling of another Spurs victory will pass. The game is back on. What? A stat shows that the Suns have missed 17 free throws. What a different game it might be huh? The Suns come out of the timeout and I expect them to take a three. This will probably be another wild Nash three that he will make. Who takes the three?
NOBODY!!!! WHAT????? Diaw scores an easy bucket in the post on Ginoboli. 88-87 Spurs. I hate commercials. Let the Damn game play!! Who wants to see that stupid commercial of a random guy swinging a golf club in his DOCKERS? Autotrader.com. I have seen that commercial a million times tonight. THANK YOU!!! The game is back on:
2.2 second differential in the game clock and the shot clock. 88-87. Spurs by one. Spurs are set to inbound the ball. Duncan inbounds to Ginoboli and he is fouled by Raja Bell. Before he even shoots it, I KNOW HE MAKES BOTH!!!!!!!!..................86% Foul shooter................ Swish. He hits the first free throw.........Here comes the second..................HE MISSES!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!! I WAS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!! 89-87 with 5.7 seconds to play and the Suns have a chance. The Suns have the ball and are facing elimination. HOLY.................... Another Commercial...... Here we go again. acuevue.com. Who cares? GAME BACK ON:
My prediction of the next SUNS play is pick and roll for Stoudamire and Nash instead of going to Diaw in the post which they have been doing the whole game. That is what I would do. Please go for the win. The rule is to go for the win on the road and the tie at home. TURNOVER BY PHOENIX!!!!!! That was a sorry way to end the game. BAD CALL!!!! It looked like it went off of Bowen. I hate Bowen. Ginoboli fouled....HE hits the first...He hits the second......91-87 Here comes Nash on the other end, Miss Nash.......Rebound Suns........Miss Giricek. Giricek?? Unbelievable!!!!!!!
The Spurs crowd cheers as I can only sit on again in disgust as the Suns fail to prolong the inevitable. Duncan Fouled and to the line.......Duncan misses the first.... Duncan hits the second. 92-87. The camera flashes to David Robinson. I never liked him as a player. SHUT UP KEVIN HARLAN!!!!!!!! They show Shaq and his sweaty face. 2.3 seconds left ....5 point lead...GAME OVER.... Phoenix goes home again with there heads down...
GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What is going on here?
Marvin Williams is playing. He is averaging 10.8 points for the series. You forgot to mention one name and that is Joe Johnson. He took over in the fourth last night along and Josh Smith followed with him. Johnson is a beast. He is the most complete offensive player on there team and as smooth as anyone in the NBA. He had 20 points in the fourth quarter!!!!!!!! KG will have to earn his stripes this playoffs. It is no more loud talking and all that mummbling and talking to himself. For real, What is that? Seriously, when Pachulia got in his face, I did not see the Celtics respond like a great team would or should respond. KG had 12 of his 20 after that incident but it still was not enough. Kobe had 14 points in the last five minutes last night. That is a huge difference!!! I think he is content with taking a backseat in the scoring area. Like you said, he has to play like a man BUT they will beat the Hawks. Detroit will be tough for Boston because you won't intimidate Detroit. Doc Rivers said the series does not start until a team wins a game on the road. Should this team with three future hall of famers and the best record in the league have this type of mental attitude against the hawks? What is going on here?
On Tue, 4/29/08, White, Jarrett P
wrote:
From: White, Jarrett P Jarrett.P.White@conocophillips.com
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 10:56 AM
I think they have match up problems with the Hawks. I haven't been following them as a team but I know of their individual players. Is Marvin Williams hurt? Bibby is battle tested, Joe Smith is a Baller, Josh Smith is better than I thought, and Al Hartford is a grown @$# man. Childress is solid. I just think that this is Boston's first real challenge. A lot of teams probably rolled over for them during the season. I just haven't seen that playoff intensity from them. This might just be a wake up call for the Celts, Garnett unparticular. He can't be content with being the "Hype Man." He has to be a dominant big man. They have messed up and gave the Hawks confidence. They'll win the next two though.
From: Dario Mobley [mailto:dadeo23@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:47 AM
To: White, Jarrett P
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
KG got rattled after the incident. I question him before and still now. The Celtics might not win it. I guarantee you this. The Pistons and Lakers and Spurs will win on their home floor and then what will they do?---
On Tue, 4/29/08, White, Jarrett P
wrote:
From: White, Jarrett P Jarrett.P.White@conocophillips.com
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 9:58 AM
The Hawks balled out last night.
On Tue, 4/29/08, White, Jarrett P
From: White, Jarrett P Jarrett.P.White@conocophillips.com
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 10:56 AM
I think they have match up problems with the Hawks. I haven't been following them as a team but I know of their individual players. Is Marvin Williams hurt? Bibby is battle tested, Joe Smith is a Baller, Josh Smith is better than I thought, and Al Hartford is a grown @$# man. Childress is solid. I just think that this is Boston's first real challenge. A lot of teams probably rolled over for them during the season. I just haven't seen that playoff intensity from them. This might just be a wake up call for the Celts, Garnett unparticular. He can't be content with being the "Hype Man." He has to be a dominant big man. They have messed up and gave the Hawks confidence. They'll win the next two though.
From: Dario Mobley [mailto:dadeo23@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:47 AM
To: White, Jarrett P
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
KG got rattled after the incident. I question him before and still now. The Celtics might not win it. I guarantee you this. The Pistons and Lakers and Spurs will win on their home floor and then what will they do?---
On Tue, 4/29/08, White, Jarrett P
From: White, Jarrett P Jarrett.P.White@conocophillips.com
Subject: RE: WHAT YOU THINK
To: dadeo23@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 9:58 AM
The Hawks balled out last night.
Under Six Minutes
It was about 11:30 last night and I had to get up at 6:30 to go to work. The LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets were in the fourth game and it was a close game and I was struggling to stay up from sheer exhaustion. At that point, Reggie Miller, who was the color commentator for TNT stated, "It is under six minutes and it is Kobe Bryant's time." Kobe had only 17 points at the time and had scored only two points in the second half. At that time, something clicked in his head. It was almost like he had heard what Reggie Miller said. He was being guarded by Kenyon Martin who is a physical defender and was doing a better than average job on Kobe. Kobe had committed three turnovers until he turned it on. He scored 14 of his 31 points in the final 5 minutes. The first shot was a whirling, twirling spinning fade away jump shot from the top of the key that everyone knew only a few players in the history of the game could make. Suddenly, I jumped up from my sleep focus position and began to feel energized as if it was me who made the shot. Oh, by the way, the shot was on Kenyon Martin who played the best and most discipline defense of the night but could only look on in amazement as Kobe hit the shot in his face with the shot clock winding down to 0 seconds. Next, Kobe squared him up and hit a shot just inside the three point line that it seemed like he had missed time and time again. However, this time he swished it through and at that moment, I realized the greatness of the moment so not only did I sit up in the bed, I got out of my bed and began to watch the game as if it was 6:00 pm on a Friday night. The next time down, J.R. Smith ended up guarding Kobe and without any hesitation, he went right around him and finished at the rim with the left hand and got fouled. He followed that up with another acrobatic fadeaway drive to the basket and 3 free throws. Love him or hate him, criticize or praise him, Kobe Bryant has something inside of him that other players simply don't have. While Kobe Bryant was orchestrating his symphony like Beethoven, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, who are considered amazing players by most basketball enthusiasts, digged as deep as they could inside there soul only to realize that no matter what they said or did at this moment, Kobe Bryant was not going to be denied. He was not denied and he delivered possession after possession out- dueling J.R. Smith, Iverson and Anthony all at once. Even in a 3 on 1 duel, Kobe still believes he can win. Like I said before, it was almost like he had heard what Reggie Miller had said and at that point, he flipped the switch on his lawnmower and mowed the Denver Nuggets down like a patch of grass that was just beginning to grow. At the matured age of 29, Kobe Bryant has place his self in a room only reserved for the likes of Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Jerry West and all of the other great players who had that extra ummmph that propelled them time after time in a pressure situation.
Monday, April 28, 2008
THOSE OLD SAINTS
For the first time that I can ever remember, the New Orleans Saints have done something that makes everyone in the Big Easy cringe when thinking about this upcoming season. Unlike in 2003, when the Saints traded for Jonathan Sullivan, the Saints actually have a bonafide stud. Sullivan was without a doubt, a sorry reaction to the Saints wanting Dwayne Robertson who got swiped up by the Jets. From watching Ellis on video, his middle pressure will immediately help the Saints pass rush. Now hopefully, we won't have The Luke McNown's of the world having almost 10 minutes to find 52 year old Galloway down the middle. Is it me or does Galloway get all of his highlights for the year against the Saints? As bad as Jason David was last year and TRUST ME, he was horrible, you have to wonder if David would have only been terrible instead of horrible if he had some small resemblance of a pass rush. The Saints were tied for 19th in sacks last year with a total of 32 and 28th in interceptions with a total of 13. In the NFL last year, of the teams that had less sacks than the Saints, only one team made the playoffs and that was Indy and that is because Dwight Freeney missed 7 games. The Giants led the league in sacks and GUESS WHAT? They won the Super Bowl!!!!!!!!!! Look, I am not asking for a Ravens defense or A Steel Curtain. All I am asking for is a defense that may win a game or two for us by creating some resemblance of a turnover. If our defense wins 2 more games last year, we go 9-7, possibly win the NFC SOUTH and possibly make the playoffs. I predicted 9-7 last year but I thought we would miss the playoffs even with that record. I would have been wrong. Although our defense still has some questions in the secondary and at linebacker, I feel a lot better going out and struggling to get a ticket before every home game. By the way, I would have season tickets if I was living in New Orleans the past four years. My other random thought on the Saints is Dan Morgan. I know.........I know.......... he has never played a full season but I think he is the key. Last year for Carolina, Dan Morgan had 22 tackles in 3 games. Just to put that in perspective, Mark Simoneau started 16 games last year and had 70 total tackles. Scott Shanle had 68 total tackles in 12 games. I think we are all in agreement that Vilma is a player but without the acquistion of another linebacker, Morgan has to play like that reckless player he was in 2004 when he had 70 solo tackles and 101 total tackles in 12 starts. Is he injury prone? Of course he is but how many defensive players that you know that played for The Univeristy of Miami and is not supremely talented. Besides, we are getting him for pennies so the reward outweighs the risk. If he plays ten games, that is ten less games Simoneau and Shanle is on the field. I love Simoneau as a person and I would probably listen to him if he was a consultant on how to get ran over by blockers but that is not the case so let's hope we acquire some insurance for Morgan and that Dan Morgan returns to his Pro Bowl form.
NBA Playoffs so far
Okay. Right now, I can consider my Pick 'N Roll Bracket on NBA.com a success. So far, it seems like all of my teams I picked will make it out of the first round. Most competent NBA fans had the same picks all the way through but some people stumbled on two series that are 3-1 a piece. Some people thought the Phoenix would beat San Antonio and some people thought that Washington would beat Cleveland. If you can believe it, I had Phoneix at first but my superior NBA mind told me otherwise and I changed it in the nick of time. I realized that I simply tried to break down the series too much and not stay with the basic prinicple of any Spurs series. THE SPURS WILL KEEP ANY GAME CLOSE BECAUSE OF THEIR DEFENSE AND IF YOU CAN'T STOP A GINOBOLI- DUNCAN PICK AND ROLL, YOU WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY LOSE EVERYTIME. It really came down to me saying do I think Ginoboli or Nash is a better finisher at the rim? That was easy. Ginoboi is much better at being a dual passing and scoring threat when he has the ball in his hands and as good or not good as Steve Nash may be, his limitations is his athleticism so he will have a tough time scorer over a bigger defender if he is forced to shoot the ball. On top of that, enter Bruce Bowen and you have a Suns lost. Now, the Suns actually came out and showed some heart or is it really heart? Chris Webber, who is a fake superstar in my mind ( that is a entirely different blog), said it is easy to win a game being down 3-0 at home and then go back to San Antonio and lose. His biggest thing was where was this effort in Game 3? I hate to agree with a guy who called timeout at the end of a game WHEN HE DID NOT HAVE ANY and missed tons of clutch shots in his career but for once, I agree with him. The Suns futile attempt to say we did not want to get swept now only cost the team another flight to San Antonio. Who cares? You still lose and now a few more Nash supporters are probably getting in the Chris Paul line.
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