NBA Draft Review

Seeing that my Wimbledon prediction was correct — I said Ivanovic over Sharapova, and sure enough Ana made it to the 3rd round, and Maria only to the second.  Now, to make it worth our while, I would have to find another Slavic babe to support, and I cannot be bothered since my readers are clamouring for the NBA Draft Review.

I have been reading all day in the service or you, the loyal reader, and what have I found, the experts don’t agree.  Love-Mayo trade benefits Minnesota.  No, Love-Mayo trade beefits the Grizz.  Rose surely over Beasley as Rose is a winner.  Beasley over Rose as Rose is too quiet and you always go for size.

So I figured, why the heck am I studying these opinions, especially since you are more interested in my unique take, versus a preview of something we will not know for 4 years.

So here goes.  Of course, should I read anything going forward, I will be certain to update this post.

First a few observations:

1. Jay Bilas is too nice of a guy.  He likes everyone and they all ‘have a place in the league.’  Hey Jay, basketball is the most competitive sport from a draft perspective.  On average, like 3 guys make an impact, and a lot of first round picks don’t make it.  Take this year, after Mayo, there were ???  Can you imagine this in the NFL draft where a fifth round pick has a good chance of making the team. (Oh, and how many guys can possibly be ‘long, but need to improve their shooting.’
2. Draftees are also considered to have ‘length, a good motor and lots of upside.’  At least two of these are valuable in Porn stars too, and I woujld not want Ron Jeremy playing the 4.  Maybe the 12, but not the 4.
3. The other thing I like is when a player is traded for cash. They never say how much.  What if it were like a few 12 packs of Bud? 

(1) Derrick Rose – Bulls – PG Memphis – HT: 6’3 WT: 205 – SI GRADE: 10	Player Profile
I like this pick.  He showed me more in the NCAAs than anyone else.
		(2) Michael Beasley – Heat – PF Kansas State – HT: 6’10 WT: 235 – SI GRADE: 10	Player Profile
What up with the ‘bad guy’ complex such that the Heat were supposedly not interested.  Um, and OJ Mayo has no baggage.  Speaking of….
		(3) O.J. Mayo – Timberwolves – PG/SG USC – HT: 6’5 WT: 200 – SI GRADE: 9 – traded to Grizzlies	Player Profile
OJ goes to Memphis, which I think is a win for them.  He has more ability compared with Love — see below.
		(4) Russell Westbrook – SuperSonics – PG/SG UCLA – HT: 6’3 WT: 189 – SI GRADE: 9	Player Profile
OK, my soon to be OK Sonics take the first ‘upside’ guy.  That always worries me when it is all upside after 2 years on college.  He did not start at point and has no offensive game, but if he can defend…. Don’t you get more at #4?  To my point, the NBA dsraft is T-H-I-N!
		(5) Kevin Love – Grizzlies – C UCLA – HT: 6’10 WT: 271 – SI GRADE: 9 – traded to Timberwolves	Player Profile
Love goes 5th and is traded to Minnesota.  He is undersized and under athletic but fundamentally sound.  The only guy who has ever had ‘fundamentally sound’ used as a compliment was Tim Duncan, and he was NOT described as too short, too slow or unathletic.  But hey, bring back the long outlet pass and I am happy.
		(6) Danilo Gallinari – Knicks – SF Italy – HT: 6’9 WT: 209 – SI GRADE: 9	Player Profile
Best Italian speaking player drafted since Kobe Bryant!
		(7) Eric Gordon – Clippers – SG Indiana – HT: 6’4 WT: 215 – SI GRADE: 9	Player Profile
He is actually only 6′ 2″, can only shoot (cannot pass or handle the ball), already appears fat at 19 years of age, and will be playing for the Clippers.  No math necessary.
		(8) Joe Alexander – Bucks – SF West Virginia – HT: 6’8 WT: 230 – SI GRADE: 8	Player Profile
I like Joe Alexander but not sure how he is 8th best player.  he does speak Chinese which would have helped with Yi Jianlian, but then Yi was traded to Jersey.  Maybe Richard Jefferson needs a guide to Szechuan v Hunan.
		(9) D.J. Augustin – Bobcats – PG Texas – HT: 6’0 WT: 180 – SI GRADE: 8	Player Profile
I love small guys, as I am one, but DJ was worked by Rose in the NCAAs, so think what Deron and CP3 will do to him.  Charlotte, and MJ, are the worst talent evaluators — Adam Morrison anyone?
		(10) Brook Lopez – Nets – PF/C Stanford – HT: 7’0 WT: 260 – SI GRADE: 9	Player Profile
Stanford twins — these are like the Collins twins with better afros.
		(11) Jerryd Bayless – Pacers – PG/SG Arizona – HT: 6’3 WT: 199 – SI GRADE: 9 – traded to Trail Blazers	Player Profile
I like this pick.  Why?  No idea — never saw him play, but think he has lots of ‘upside’ 🙂
		(12) Jason Thompson – Kings – PF/C Rider – HT: 6’11 WT: 250 – SI GRADE: 4	Player Profile
Rider?  Um, Rider?  Sure, lots of all-stars come from nothing programs.  Hey, take him in the second.
		(13) Brandon Rush – Trail Blazers – SG/SF Kansas – HT: 6’6 WT: 210 – SI GRADE: 7 – traded to Pacers	Player Profile
Will be playing with his brother Kareem in Indiana, which is fine until Kareem gets cut, then what will Brandon do?
		(14) Anthony Randolph – Warriors – SF/PF LSU – HT: 6’11 WT: 220 – SI GRADE: 9	Player Profile
Biggest Upside of the draft, which is perfect for a team that has made the playoffs once in fifteen years, and drafted other upside guys like Patrick Bryant, and Brandaon Wright.  And they only wasted a 14, not a 2, like those wasted on other Upside guys from LSU like Tyrus Thomas and Stromile Swift.
		(15) Robin Lopez – Suns – PF/C Stanford – HT: 7’0 WT: 255 – SI GRADE: 7	Player Profile
I like the Suns, but their time is over.  Sideshow Bob’s hair will be fun to watch though.
		(16) Marreese Speights – 76ers – PF/C Florida – HT: 6’10 WT: 245 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
Another upside guy.
		(17) Roy Hibbert – Raptors – C Georgetown – HT: 7’2 WT: 275 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
OK, here is a change — not an upside guy.  7′ 2″, slow and cannot rebound.  Should be great!   At least Toronto is under no illusions.
.		(18) JaVale McGee – Wizards – PF/C Nevada – HT: 7’0 WT: 237 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
His mom is Pam McGee, who played on the USC Trojans that won the women’s NCAAs with Cherly Miller, so he will be the first NBA player whose mom was better; kind of like Reggie Miller was the first to have a sister who was better.
		(19) J.J. Hickson – Cavaliers – PF North Carolina State – HT: 6’9 WT: 242 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
Freshman.  One year at NC State — recipe for success.
		(20) Alexis Ajinca – Bobcats – C France – HT: 7’0 WT: 220 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
He average like 5 points and 5 rebounds in France.  Are you f’ing kidding.  This is the worse overseas pick since the Sonics took Mohammed Sene, who average 3 points and 3 rebounds in the Belgian league.
		(21) Ryan Anderson – Nets – SG/SF California – HT: 6’10 WT: 240 – SI GRADE: 4	Player Profile
Best pick of the draft.  Can take the 4 outside.  Can post up the 3.  Long, Tons of Upside
		(22) Courtney Lee – Magic – SG Western Kentucky – HT: 6’5 WT: 200 – SI GRADE: 5	Player Profile
Never look down on a Hilltopper.
		(23) Kosta Koufos – Jazz – PF/C Ohio State – HT: 7’0 WT: 265 – SI GRADE: 7	Player Profile
He sucked in college and is unathletic.  Kevin Love will dominate him. Heck, Courtney Love would dominate him.
		(24) Serge Ibaka – SuperSonics – PF Congo – HT: 6’10 WT: 220 – SI GRADE: 6	Player Profile
They have drafted Sene, originally from Africa, this guy from Congo, Petro (from France via Africa, and RObert Swift, from Bakersfield, Califonia – what with the Centers from the Dark Continent?
		(25) Nicolas Batum – Rockets – SF France – HT: 6’9 WT: 210 – SI GRADE: 7 – traded to Trail Blazers	Player Profile
French and traded for Darrell Arthur — mistake
		(26) George Hill – Spurs – SG Indiana U./Purdue U.-Indianapolis – HT: 6’2 WT: 180 –	Player Profile
IUPUI (note the true college name to the right)?  That alone makes this a joke.  MVP of the Summit Conference?  Even more of a joke.
		(27) Darrell Arthur – Trail Blazers – PF Kansas – HT: 6’9 WT: 225 – SI GRADE: 8 – traded to Grizzlies	Player Profile
I just like it because he was dissed and traded 3 times on draft night.  Will probably be rookie of the year.
		(28) Donte Greene – Grizzlies – SF/PF Syracuse – HT: 6’11 WT: 226 – SI GRADE: 7 – traded to Rockets	Player Profile
Next Carmelo — or not
		(29) D.J. White – Pistons – PF Indiana – HT: 6’9 WT: 251 – SI GRADE: 5 – traded to SuperSonics	Player Profile
Actually, good pick as he is solid and this was late.
		(30) J.R. Giddens – Celtics – SG New Mexico – HT: 6’5 WT: 205 – SI GRADE: 5

 OK, supposedly this guy has off court issues.  But more important to me is that he played at NEW MEXICO?  I would be more concerned about On Court Issues!

For the Second Round I just make some observations, since with the exception of Gilbert Arenas – first pick in second round — high schoolers — Monta Ellis — and Intl Players – Manu — this round does not matter.

Joey Dorsey — the next Ben Wallace — love players who totally scare me to look at

Mario Chalmers — if he does not hit that shot, he does not even get drafted

Luke Richard Mbah a Moute — best Cameroonian Prince ever drafted

Devon Hardin — TOTALLY underrated from Cal — steal of the draft

Omer Asik — I think he was MVP of the Turkish league

Mike Taylor — first draft pick from the NBDL because he was kicked off the team at Iowa State.  Iowa State?  Not exactly the rules of Andover there, so what exactly did he do

Sausha Kaun — will make more money playing in Russia — need I say more

I could go on, but I doubt you have read even this far!  Tune in again in three years to see how I did.

Refs and the NBA

I was going to write that no one, NO ONE, on the Lakers can stop KG down low, but as long as he insists on playing 20 feet from the hoop, Boston is vulnerable, but that is too obvious a story line.

So let’s go with the Donaghy game fixing scandal.  My guess is that there is some truth to what he says, but regardless, the NBA is the only league where this could actually gain credence.  Just off the top of my head, let’s compare poorly officiated games in the major sports leagues, including college.

NFL — SB XL was poorly officiated and the Seahawks suffered, but no one thinks it was to get Pittsburgh the fifth ring.  And if accused sex offender Jerramy Stevens could have held onto the ball, the Hawks would have won. 

Other than that game, as a Niner fan, I have to go back to the phantom defensive holding and PI calls against Lott and Wright, respectively, against the Redskins in the NFC title game.  Fortunately, the Theismanns were worked by the Raiders in the Super Bowl.

Baseball — Umpring can be bad – see Atl v Marlins in 1997 with Livan Hernandez getting a strike zone the width of the Panama Canal, but that was just poor umpiring.  Before that, you have to go back to Don Denkinger’s crap call in the 85 series that cost the Cards a title.  Again, Denkinger was incompetent, not corrupt.

Hockey — OK, maybe not a major sport, but Brett Hull’s OT goal for Dallas with foot clearly in the crease did cost the city of Buffalo a shot at the title.  But figure this was the officials being tired from like 3 OTs.

College Hoop — Biggest blown plays were by players — Fred Brown passing to Worthy; Chris Webber calling timeout.

College Football — 1990 Colorado getting a fifth down to beat Missouri and then goes on to win National Title.

So no real conspiracy theory in any of the sports, just incompetence.

However, different story in the NBA where it seems to be accepted that the home team always gets more calls, etc.  Plus recent history includes:

– Lakers getting 27 fourth quarter free throws versus 9 for Sacto in game 6 of Western Conference Finals in 2002.  This had epic repercussions because if Sacto wins and goes on to win title, Chris Webber is vindicated, and Shaq and Kobe are underachievers.  I always thought their legacy as a dynasty was somewhat suspect as this game and the utter collapse by Portland resulted in two of their three titles.  The Bulls never seemed so ‘lucky.’

– Donaghy officiated the game 3 between San Antonio and Phoenix last year that highly favored San Antonio.

– Boston’s 38-10 free throw advantage in Game 2 this year.

– Miami winning the title because as one long time Bill Simmon’s reader wrote at the time — “I just passed gas on my couch, and Dwyane Wade got to shoot two free throws.”

I could go on, and I have not even hit the 90s — non-call on Jordan pushing off on Russell in Utah-Bulls II — but the fact that it is so easy to recall NBA games affected by the refereeing and the tendency to think that this story might be (partially) true does discredit the league.

Worse than Spygate perhaps, unless you are one of the Pats victims.

Latrell Sprewell

Ex-Warrior, Knick and Timberwolf Latrell Sprewell never ceases to amaze.  For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Sprewell, he is the recipient of numerous awards.

Father of the Year: This award was given after one of Sprewell’s daughters was mauled by his own pitbull — ripping off her ear.  Sprewell’s response was basically, to paraphrase, ‘these things happen; she should not have been playing with the dog.’

NBA Man of the Year: This was in response to his, of course, justified choking of then-Warriors coach PJ Carlesimo when asked to do something egregious, like put more effort into practice.  While Latrell did have to chill out the rest of the season on the suspended list, he was able to sign the following year with the Knicks for, I believe, $69 Million Dollars.  This will be important later on.

The Gilligan Award: Latrell received this award for living in Milwaukee, on a yacht, yes a yacht.

Husband of the Year: Won when he was having a child support legal battle with his ex, who lives in NY state with his kids, even the one, presumably, missing an ear.

Regular Guy Award: Back when his last contract was up in 2004, Minnesota offered him 3 years and $21M; to which Mr. Sprewell replied that he could not accept the contract since he ‘had to feed his family.’  Hmmmmm, if you cannot feed a family of almost any size on $7M per year, you must have expensive taste.

The latest award for Mr. Sprewell is

Financial Advisor of the Year (aka Mr. Subprime Mortgage): Despite the aforementioned $69M contract, plus the other monies he made playing in the NBA, Mr. Sprewell’s home was recently foreclosed.  So you see, economic hardship and the Subprime crisis do not affect only the poor.  Nope, this recession affects the rich too.  (Oh, and should I mention that Commodore Sprewell already had lost the boat.)

Only a matter of time before Spre makes it all up with his own reality series alongside Suze Orman and James Cramer.

 

Why the Sonics are Leaving Seattle

So my loyal reader may or may not care that the Sonics look like they are going to Oklahoma — good luck signing free agents.  Anyway, up here in the Pac NW, there are many questions as to why the league and Commish are not at all supportive of the Sonics staying. 

I think we know why.

Read the following from an email exchange between Clay Bennett, owner of the Sonics, and Commissioner David Stern:

“You are among the very few, notwithstanding our relative brief actual physical time together, that have significantly affected my life.  I view you as a role model, as an extraordinary gifted executive, a deep and passionate thinker, and a person with a rare and unique charisma that brings out the best in everyone you touch.  You are one of my favorite people on earth.”

What?  My goodness, my wife wishes I were so romantic.  Who writes this stuff?  Bennett is rich enough to own a professional sports franchise, and Stern, technically, works for him…..

Creepy.

Hopefully the Hornets and CP3 will come to Seattle — I would miss Durant, but not Clay.

Lebron at 12 Feet of Altitude

If you have not seen this dunk, you must — and watch the Slow Mo too. Wow!

Who do I Root for in the NCAA’s?

So I have been trying to ramp up on college hoop with Selection Sunday only a week away.  But in addition to studying up for my bracket, I also like to find a rooting interest since my team will not qualify, and even when it does, it exits early.

So easy to root for the underdog, which I will — Rider?  But among the favorites, not one of them is likeable really.

UCLA?  Some say I should root for them as I am a Pac 10 guy. I have never subscribed to that theory.  I do like their coach and their players seem like standup guys, but having the refs hand them two games this weekend was rather repulsive.  I cannot stand Stanford, but that was no foul.  I love Cal, and that was a foul.  (BTW, why do my UCLA friends range from Pat Buchanan to Pat Robertson when it comes to being objective?)

Memphis?  Be serious.  The players will all be in the Riker’s Island league someday.  Calipari?  Slick guy with no ethics.

North Carolina?  Great win over Duke.  Psycho T is the real deal (for a college player), and perhaps their D is not as bad as advertised, but hard to root for them and Coach Williams, as he seems like a jerk to me.

Duke?  Do I really have to spell it out about the holier than though Blue Devils and Crazies?

G’Town?  Maybe.  I don’t think they can win it, not when your 7′ 2″ Big Man supposedly has a good day against Louisville when he has 12 points and 6 boards.  At least GTIII is more likeable than dad.

Louisville?  Pitino?  See Calipari above.

Texas?  Carryover from Mack Brown — no support from me.

Guess I will have to wait a week to see someone to root for with an actual chance to win.

NBA Trade Review

Before I get to the trade review, a quick thought on last night’s Tennessee v Memphis, #1 v #2 Matchup.  Final score was 66-62, Tennessee.  While I was pulling for Tennessee, as I figure that those Memphis players who don’t make the NBA will be playing in the Federal Corrections Institute league, one stat stood out.  Memphis is a horrible free throw shooting team.  They shot 47% from the line last night.

To put this in perspective, I went out and shot baskets today, for the second time in a month, but also the second time in 10+ years, and I hit 32 of 50.  For those who don’t know me, I am FAR FAR FAR from D1 hoop skill, much less NAIA.

Enough Said!

There were lots of trades, so instead of forcing you to read through least impactful to most, let me save you the trouble (and keep you on the site) by starting with the most important ones.

1. Detroit gets Juan Dixon; Toronto gets Primoz Brezec.

For those of you in the NBA All Ex-Yugoslavia Fantasy League, this is an important move……

2. Lakers get Pau Gasol and 2010 2nd Round Pick; Memphis gets Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittendon, Aaron McKie (who was coaching, yes coaching, the 76ers) and rights to Marc Gasol and 1st round picks in 2008 and 2010.

What a steal for the Lakers.  They go from 1st or 2nd round exit to probably with San Antonio for West Conference Champions.  You have to hand it to Mitch Kupchak.  Looked like he was going to drive the team down the toilet after trading Shaq, and then trading the best player they received in return, Caron Butler, for Kwame Brown (worst overall #1 ever; worse then Joe Barry Carrol).

However, last year Kupchak refuses to trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd, which was smart as Kidd was not going to result in a Lakers’ world title.  Then he does not trade Kobe to Chicago. He hangs on to Bynum, and then gets Gasol for no one that will ever have an impact in the NBA.  The 1st round picks are worthless as they will be in the 20s.

Now the Lakers have two scoring options in Odom and Gasol, they are young, and they have the most deadly player in the NBA, Kobe, who can smell Michael Jordan-ville with a title or two.

When Bynum comes back they will be even more formidable, and they already beat Shaq’s Suns without Bynum.

3. Phoenix gets Shaq; Miami gets salary relief (oh, and Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks).

Most people did not like this move, but I did for only one reason — Phoenix was not winning the title with Marion.  Shaq may not make the difference, but they had to do something.  Other options may have been better, but this makes the Western Conference super interesting

In fact, Phoenix title was taken away last year in Game 3 against the Spurs when Tim Donaghy officiated.  No one has said anything, but that was a poorly officiated game and somewhat suspect for a now convicted gambler.  The Suns got doubly-screwed when Stern suspended Amare for game 5. 

Net net: Shaq or no Shaq, window closed.  Too bad.

4. Dallas gets Jason Kidd, Malik Allen and Antoine Wright; New jersey gets Keith Van Horn, Devin Harris, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, DeSagana Diop, 1st round draft picks in 2008 and 2010 and cash.

Two things about this trade — I love Kidd, as I am Cal guy, but he does not bring the title to the Mavs.  The upgrade from Harris is not key enough, and the loss of any defensive presence down low now that Diop is gone hurts.  Having Erick Dampier as your low post presence — well….

Plus, if it is any indication, Chris Paul lit Kidd up for 32 points, 11 assists, 9 steals and 5 boards in Kidd’s first game with the Mavs — ouch.

The second piece of this trade that I love is that Van Horn had not played since the end of the 2006 season.  However, since he never officially retired and the Mavs never officially relinquished his rights, he could be used in a trade.  The Mavs just had to sign him, and to make the numbers work, they, actually New Jersey, is going to pay him $4M (FOUR MILLION) just to sit on the Nets bench for 8 weeks.  Absolutely Amazing.

Awesome trade for New Jersey, who should never have resigned Vince Carter over the summer and they would be sitting even prettier.

5+. Other trade notes

• Ok, I figure the Cavs are moderately better for having Ben Wallace, if he is rejuvenated, and the outside shooting of Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, but not enough to get by the Pistons.  It is still relying on LeBron and maybe one guy hot from the outside.  Wallace is older, slower and still cannot throw the ball in the ocean.  LeBron is still a Knick or Laker at end of 2010
• The flip side of this trade is Chicago.  They made a huge mistake signing Ben Wallace, a poor man’s Tyson Chandler, when Chandler was already a Bull and cheaper.  Then they would not part with the pieces to land Garnett or Kobe.  Now they get Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes and some other NBDL guys.  See ya Paxson.
• San Antonio getting Kurt Thomas from Seattle. Probably a good move in that they get some more size down low, but in the end, the Spurs-Lakers comes down to can the older Spurs hang with the Lakers.  I think not, but we will see.  Key player will be Ginobili.
• Utah getting Kyle Korver is the other one to mention.  Normally, a good 3 point shooter is not worth mentioning, and Korver certainly cannot guard anyone, but he gives Utah something they did not have, and they have gone like 20-4 since the trade.  Twenty and four?  Still won’t make the finals, but nice move nonetheless.

There you have it.  The rest of the active trade deadline will not mean anything. 

I see the Lakers and Pistons in the Finals.  But will preview that or change my mind later.

Shaq – Kobe, Battle of Tenn, Broadcasters

Don’t forget that tonight is the return of Shaq — against the Lakers no less.  They say he will play about 20 minutes — must be the Phoenix altitude.  The saddest part is that it is not on TNT, so no Charles Barkley.  I predict a Lakers victory despite the added oomph of Shaq — we will see.  Tonight at 6pm PST.

Saturday is #1 v #2 in College Hoop — Memphis v Tennessee.  For those withut a rooting interest, I would pull for the Volunteers.  First of all, the Tennessee coach, Bruce Pearl, was once ostrcized for turning in another program for recruiting violations.  What?  This code of silence thing is ridiculous.  If another team is cheating, badly enough to get caught, then that is there fault. This is like blaming the neighborhood “snitch” for giving details to the police on drug dealing while trying to clean up the hood.  Speaking in that vein, Memphis players have had numerous fights, domestic violence charges, solicitation offenses, yet somehow they emerge unscathed, save for a suspension against a crappy team.  Coach Calipari is beyond most of these coaches — he would suit up Charles Manson at the 2 if the guy had 3-point range.  Game is Saturday at 6pm PST.

Lastly, NW Correspondent K-Hag submits the following:

“So Mariners’ broadcaster Dave Niehaus has been elected to the baseball hall of fame.  I know there is a broadcasters’ wing, so it isn’t as if you’ll see Niehaus adjacent to Roberto Clemente or Lou Gehrig … but the notion of inviting members of the media (or just guys that have called games in play by play sense), whether it’s Peter Gammons or Jack Buck, into the Hall of Fame and saying their contributions to the game were as significant as a Ruth, Ted Williams, Warren Spahn – name your guy – is terribly flawed. 

I acknowledge role of media in helping bring fans closer to sport, and helping indirectly promote sport, but they shouldn’t put in similar light as the greats who actually played the game.  There isn’t a spot for agents or studio execs on the Hollywood walk of fame, the tour manager or sound guy isn’t in the rock ‘n’ roll hall of fame, and the PR flacks don’t earn the same paychecks as the CEOs.  There are presidential libraries, not vice presidential libraries … “

Tend to agree but I guess if there were a Broadcaster HOF (another story all together), who would go there other than Syracuse grads?  Would be better to have HOF Calls in each HOF, then the broadcasters would be immortalized from how they called the action — First Nominee:

Cosell — “Down goes Frazier, Down goes Frazier”

 

Hoop Dreams

So after a generation off, I decided to go out and shoot the rock again today. Thought it might be a good hobby to have since I am not interested in Golf, and Tennis and other sports usually require others, whereas, at least with hoop, if there is no pick up game, you can shoot around on your own.

I, of course, figured the SKILLZ that led me to average about 4 points per game in high school, with a career high of 10 I believe, would come back easily.  They didn’t.  Or worse, yet, maybe they did?

First of all, when did they raise the hoop?  And what with the 3 point line so far out?  I did display a vertical of about 24 inches (0.6M) when I the ball got stuck in the net, so was pretty pleased that in knocking it out I did not pull a hammy, tear an  achilles, twist an ankle, or ruin an ACL.

You always hear about NBA stars saying that they have to make 10 3s before leaving the court, or 50 free throws.  Good thing my goals are less lofty or I would still be there shooting.

I will get back into it, but certainly easier to write about hoop than to hoop it up.  Nevertheless, I will combine the two as I keep you up to date on my progress in qualifying for the U6HL (Under 6 foot* Hebrew League). 

Of course, if that league proves to difficult, I may try for the minor league U6HL- Orthodox Division.  I figure that the long coats, the beard and the hats will make it easier to take Schlomo, Chaim, Lev and Meir to the rack!

* By setting a height limit of 6 feet, 0.03% of Jews are excluded from trying out.