Back from vacation

Welcome back to the season everybody! After taking a brief hiatus from posting, I am back as well. NBA 09-10 so far looks to be a good conclusion to this resurgent decade of basketball. There are so many story lines that are happening right now it is hard to pick which ones to write about, but all three games from yesterday will be a good start. I will talk about them and their implications for the season:

Lakers vs. Clippers
After Griffin went down, I couldn't help but wonder if this team is destined to be the Chicago Cubs of basketball. Continually awful, disappointing, and never able to catch a break, even in the form of a talented first draft pick. The Lakers, without center extraordinaire Pau Gasol, looked slightly sloppy, but had no real need to try hard or play well. Kobe is dominant as always, Ron Artest crazy as ever (the hair/shorts combination is unbeatable), and Phil Jackson cool, calm, and collected. I think this team is probably still the favorite in the league and nothing I saw yesterday changed my mind.

Blazers vs. Rockets
There is plenty of excitement for Brandon Roy and the Blazers up here in the Northwest. In fact, I have them as the third best team in the Western Conference this year. Last night did not help their image though. After a good preseason, Greg Oden was hot and cold. The cold felt really cold to me. There were a few times after a silly mistake or characteristic foul that he looked up in desperation, the agony plainly painted on his face. The crowd desperately wanted him to succeed and took to cheering every time he touched the ball, but to no avail. He had some good blocks, but against a very mediocre Houston bunch. They certainly looked like they were feeling the lack of all of their stars. I expect to see Portland get better and Houston too probably. I hope that Oden gets better over the season, but I remain sceptical. I can't help but see him as a sort of tragic case, never living up to his potential. He would do very well under a coach like Doc Rivers who could ask for the best that he could do and no more.

Celtics vs. Cavaliers
Clearly the most exciting match up of the evening, it was a good game to watch. The Rondo issues have not cleared up and neither has KG's knee. If they both do, which is a big if, then this team should be favored to win a championship. What excited me most from Boston was their depth and defense. Both have been discussed extensively all off season, and both did not disappoint. I actually believe that this bench could start and make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Paul Pierce is looking good, and Rondo is still immensely talented and quick. KG was obviously hurt still. As for the Cavs, they were not very exciting. LBJ is truly a gift to this sport. He is so immensely talented that teams seem content and almost used to him putting up 38 points. Boston, which played good defense, was not stunned nor even surprised when James would drain a 3-point shot with hands in his face. Their philosophy seemed to be "Well, he can't outscore all 10 of us, so we should be good." It is my opinion and fear that this is still the case with the Cavs. James is amazing, the rest, mediocre. When push comes to shove, the Magic and Celtics will have an answer and Lebron won't be able to outgun the entire other team.

The lasting message from last night? Thank God for basketball.

The Return of J.R. Rider?

Though only a rumor at this point, it appears that Isaiah "J.R." Rider may be primed for one of the most surprising NBA comebacks in recent memory. Undeniably, the 38-year-old guard has roller-coasted his way to one of the leagues most volatile careers since he was selected 5th overall by the Timberwolves in the 1993 NBA Draft. Although Rider hasn't played in a game since the 2001-02 season when he appeared in a whopping 10 matches for Denver, his agent reports that Isaiah has "been working out hard". According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, this stringent level of effort is met by "playing pickup ball with local college guys in suburban Phoenix". Something tells me that whatever jokes might arise regarding the possible effectiveness of such a workout regimen would only give the feeling of shooting fish in a barrel. I'm just going to move on.

The following article will look at this recent come-back news in context of JR Rider's overall career, but first I can't resist the opportunity to point out his bizarre similarity to Jason Kidd. Rider and Kidd both attended high school in the town of Alameda, California, only 2 years apart. Both having March birthdays, Rider and Kidd went on to attend traditionally non-powerhouse collegiate basketball programs in UNLV and UC Berkeley. Despite this, only 3 picks separated their respective top 5 selections in the NBA Draft. Both are strong rebounding guards. All of this may seem like coincidence, and I am even willing to concede that it could just be something in the Alameda water that pushed the players to similar domestic abuse troubles, but then again...

There must be something to the fact that both players boast assault charges on the records stemming from a dispute over fast food. Granted Kidd's assault was prompted by being denied a french fry and Rider's by receiving the wrong flavor of Jack in the Box milkshake (see number 9, add physical altercation), but aren't we just splitting hairs here? How many people, let alone NBA players, can put that on their resume? Just remember, everything happens for a reason... I'll let you know when I figure out what it is.

In the end, I'll concede that it would be an unfair comparison. But only on the basis that, while Kidd has certainly compiled an impressive list of domestic abuse and anger related problems, he has also shown at least a slim measure of remorse. Rider, on the other hand, has never been shy about unabashedly piling it on. It would be an insult to Rider's legacy to simply lump him in with the general NBA populace of dime-a-dozen troublemakers. That's the minor leagues and the last place that this deity of deviance belongs.

Back to the roller coaster. In his prime, Rider was a tangled mix of explosive talent and volatile behavior. On one hand, JR Rider is remembered for the sensational "East Bay Funk Dunk" that won him the 1994 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest and left Charles Barkley stammering that it was perhaps "the best dunk (he'd) ever seen". He's also remembered for the college Dunk of Death when he knocked a defender out cold with a knee to the head. In his rookie season, Rider scored 30+ points 3 times in one month and was named to the All-Rookie First Team, but also managed to miss the first practice of his NBA career (*He repeating this feat by showing up late to his first practice with Atlanta). Both within the single month of December, 1995, Isaiah completed what Timberwolves' announcer Tom Hanneman called the "Play of the Decade" and served a team suspension.

While leading the Hawks in scoring, Rider also managed to be immortalized in Atlanta basketball lore via the “J.R. Curse”, referring to the 9 year playoff drought that followed Rider's demoralizing stint with the team. The powerful black mark left by having traded for Rider is believed to have resulted in the firing of Atlanta GM Pete Babcock as well as the forced resignation of Hawks coach Lenny Wilkins.

Rider has always stood by his delinquency as if on principle. When the NBA ordered drug counseling, he refused, racking up $200,000 in fines. When suspended 3 games by the Hawks for arriving late to a game, he demanded his release rather than submit to the punishment. Really, find me a reasonable comparison. Despite such free cash flow for violations and fines, Rider's rebellious spirit was never satisfied. He was even caught evading phone bills by charging an illegal cell phone to someone else's account. I get the feeling it was more out of habit than a lack of money.

With upwards to 2 dozen arrests to his name, JR Rider has been cuffed for everything from felony cocaine possession to assault, grand theft auto, domestic violence, rape, public gambling, parole violations, marijuana possession (laced with cocaine), failure to complete community service, kicking a woman in the back at an autograph signing, kicking a female sports bar manager, and, my favorite, a kidnapping and battery in which he forced a female acquaintance into his car and proceeded to speed through Marin County with his car door open, holding the screaming woman down. Even though a subsequent court order banned Rider from the county, he was there once again a few weeks later, becoming involved in a car chase that resulted in an auto accident. The incident chalked up another charge of cocaine possession, battery, and police evasion for his record.

Rider's more mundane basketball related issues include instances of threatening to have a reporter killed, going into the stands after a fan, spitting on fans, and violating the league's anti-drug policy. Here is an objective list of incidents and violations committed by Rider during one of his relatively well behaved years with the Portland Trailblazers.

Oh yeah, and in case you're wondering if this pattern is merely a leftover from wilder days, the grand theft auto example is less than a year old. So whether or not it turns out that Isaiah Rider still has the athleticism at age 38 that allowed him to be effective nearly a decade ago, at least we know we'll be getting plenty of Funk in the Trunk, "Slammin' hard like a monster dunk!" (see JR Rider rap track, 1994). When it comes to his finely honed nose for trouble, that's what he built his legacy on and damn he's still got it.

With all that said, it's only appropriate to finish with a vision of Rider's future in his own words from a recent TNT interview regarding his past and the possibility of playing in the NBA again. Openness, commitment, regret. It all seems to be there in a surprisingly eloquent package. If I were in his chair, I'm not sure I would go out of my way to remind everyone that "actions speak louder than words", but like he says, "The proof is in the pudding".

This Month's Media Gems

It's that time again to review the most recent developments in the realm of arguably NBA-related media. In a new twist, this month will begin the first of a set of themed Media Gems installment. This month focuses on the category of just plain strange. So without further ado, here are this month's awards:





1) Strangest Casting Decision:
According to various reports last month, the world should brace itself for a new basketball movie that cross-breeds the likes of Queen Latifah, rapper Common, NJ Nets President Rod Thorn, and a handful of unspecified Nets players. The film is reportedly a romantic comedy, to be called "Just Wright", about the love story between an athletic trainer and the basketball player she is rehabilitating from injury...













Aside from the obvious, this award was given primarily according to my emphatic agreement with Ball Don't Lie that the film severely miscast its focal NBA team. If the Houston Rockets can't even land a movie role about debilitating sports injuries, I don't know what this world is coming to.

2) Strangest Disguise
When Steve Nash wanted to play some pick-up basketball in Beijing this month, he tried to blend into the local culture by wearing a disguise. Nash attributed the photographs and stares to the ineffective nature of his disguise, stating "As soon as I walked on they recognized me. It didn't really work," but perhaps there was another explanation. Maybe it had more to do with the fact that he looked like some sort of Horace Grant, a British school girl, and an Indie Pirate. Who wouldn't bust out their camera? I think the pictures speak for themselves, you decide.

3) Strangest and Most Humiliating Roster Decision

After playing for the national champion Lakers last season, Vujacic was cut from his native Slovenian National Team this month. Maybe there was some underlying injury or commitment issue, but let's just say that Pao Gasol, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli have all had injuries hold them out of recent Olympic play and you can bet that they weren't cut. Poor machine.

4) From the Vault: Strangest Match-up
This classic Jordan clip sees the NBA great, along with a variety of other stars including Dominique Wilkins and Larry Bird, facing off against Kenny Rogers at his 1988 Classic Weekend. Country music, roasted chicken, and basketball. Who knew it could be such a winning combo? The commentary by Lakers' Chick Hearn is priceless.

Iverson a Bobcat?

Once again it sounds as though Allen Iverson may be headed to the Charlotte in a deal that could be made official next week. Check out this analysis via Hoop Doctors of how Iverson might fit in with the Bobcats as well as a more critical article regarding some difficulties of the move. At the essence, Charlotte would look to improve its NBA-worst scoring along with its floundering tickets sales. After all, the Bobcats certainly do need to do something if they hope to move any of their "new" hornets style jerseys. The team made a number of acquisitions last season toward such an end, but apparently "DeSagana Diop", "Boris Diaw", and "Vladimir Radmanovic" just didn't have the right ring to them.

It appears that Charlotte is Iverson's first choice and it would perhaps provide him with a last chance to edit the remembrance of his career. However, playing time, chemistry, and money could prove problematic. It's also not that hard to guess what effect a reunion with former coach Larry Brown might truly have. Despite post split back-peddling, a transcript of their time together in Philadelphia still says a lot.

The Iverson-Brown saga begin over a decade ago with back-handed compliments on both sides including: "I know he's a good coach. He's proven he's a good coach. Whether he's the best coach for me, I don't know," and, "If you put yourself up as one of the best players in the league as an All-Star, there's going to be more responsibility placed on you. If you don't want that responsibility, don't ask for a big contract." At least the latter shouldn't be much of a concern next season. The real $21,973,500 question will be whether the Answer has answered his own questions regarding his former coach. (Sorry, I couldn't resist...)

In this vein of reflection, Iverson provided some ambiguous updates on his twitter account (cerca August 19th). Like most of the trade rumors surrounding the point guard this summer, they clear up little, but comments like "Playing every game like its my last!" definitely exude classic Iverson heart and determination. In the end, I have to admit that I would be interested to see the results of a Iverson-Brown reunion. For me, there isn't much of a downside for either party. Maybe the Bobcats have to spend another year shifting personel in pursuit of that 8th playoff spot. Maybe Iverson self-destructs and is forced to accept a more lucrative deal in Europe next year. Either way, the Bobcats get some attention and AI gets back on the court. In the short term, I can't see how it could really do much but help both parties involved. Comments? Let me know what you think.

Western Conference Power Rankings

First of all, I need to preface this by stating that Vince's post (see below) were truly brilliant, some of the best I have ever seen. Secondly, I'd like to make a prediction about the playoff teams in the west and see what you all think.

1. Lakers- Not a hard decisions at all. It will be very difficult for anyone to deals with this teams length + Kobe. The only hope for the rest of us is that Artest initiates a nuclear meltdown in the playoffs.

2. Spurs- The Spurs will be back near the top of their game with Duncan and Parker getting healthy again. The addition of Jefferson will not hurt at all, either. They will suffer with the loss of Bowen, however, and this lack of a perimeter defender will hurt them in the playoffs.

3. Blazers- I like what I saw last year and now that they have a real pg, I see no reason why they can't keep making progress on their breakout season of last year.

4. Jazz- With the trade rumors dying down, it looks as if Boozer will stay on for one more campaign. He may be a bad defender, but keep in mind that he is still one of the best 5 pfs in the league. He can do 20 and 12 any game, and does well offensively in the Sloan offense. This team was the third best team in 07-08 and I expect them to regain some of that swagger.

5. Nuggets- This team played well last year, but I still can't take them seriously for some reason. They fall a little next season.

6. Mavericks- This team is a bit of a wild card, but I am predicting that all of the random pieces that were bought up last year will somehow fall together into place. We shall see, though.

7. Hornets- Chandler is gone, the financial situation is terrible, and Chris Paul is only one man. I think Okafor is a good defender, but I can't see him elevating this team. I see this team as sinking, and inevitably CP3 bailing ship.

8. Thunder- With the Rockets losing Yao, T-Mac, and Artest, they won't make it this far. I'll give this young team a chance and predict that they slip in right past the Suns for the 8th and final spot. Good luck to them against the Lakers.

CELTICS - HELLS NO

THAT'S ALL FOLKS.

LAKERS REPEAT

WE ALL KNOW IT'S GONNA HAPPEN. 2010, BABY - THE DYNASTY RETURNS.


P.S. Kenyon Martin's lipstick tatttoo - TERRIBLE.