GarageGabs

Fantasy Basketball fills a definite void for many of us….it’s that time in between football and baseball, when you can just have a little fun with fantasy. Well, that doesn’t go for all of us. Personally, I take fantasy basketball pretty seriously. Pretty seriously being that I show up for the draft, edit my roster daily, and even on occasion I will drop a player who I find out is injured. Not a huge amount of dedication is required to achieve these goals.

My friend Mike however, he is a different creature. Mike, like myself is a fantasy veteran. He takes every league seriously. He takes basketball VERY seriously. Over the years, Mike has developed sort of a reputation in fantasy basketball….he’s the guy that ends up with injured players….and he’s cursed.
Let’s do a quick review:

Last year Mike had the honor of owning the following players on his team called “Death Row”- (A fitting name for much of his squad) Shaquille Oneal, Manu Ginobili, Ron Artest, Emeka Okafor, Carlos Boozer, and Kenyon Martin. Mike proclaimed early in the year that Ron Artest was the steal of the draft (4th round pick) and could very likely win the MVP award. A bold proclamation, but Mike is not one to send mixed signals. Anyone that knows anything about the NBA, knows that the group of players I listed had somewhat of a tough time last year:

Oneal: Shaq’s career took a turn for the worse last season (despite a 4th NBA Championship) as he played in only 59 games, averaging a career low 20 ppg.

Ginobili: Coming off a fantastic NBA playoff and finals performance, Ginobili was bugged by injuries all year, missing 17 games and never blossoming into the player it looked like he was becoming. He seems to be back on track this season, go figure.

Ron Artest: Mike’s MVP pick played only 16 games for Indiana before being benched(He said he’d rather rap than play ball) as they tried to trade him. He eventually would end up in Sacramento, but of course, Mike had given up on him long before he got back to playing.

Carlos Boozer: Boozer “aggravated his hamstring” early in the year causing him to miss most of the first half of the season. Again, Mike didn’t have the resources to hang onto Boozer, so he had to drop him. I picked him up upon his comeback and rode his 16 & 9 to a championship.

Emeka Okafor: Missed 56 games due to injury.

Kenyon Martin: Missed 26 games due to injury and was as likely to get a DNPCD as any 12th man in the league.

In summary, just these 6 players missed 197 games, and were hobbled in many of the games they did play in. And you thought there was a Madden Curse.
Mike never gave up though. He hung on to several of these guys early, but eventually started working the waiver wires. Mike ended up making a league high 180 moves,(the next closest was 66) and made it into the playoffs where he was one and done as the 6th and last seed. Quite an accomplishment for someone that seemed cursed.

Mike learned a lot from last year. He came into this years draft refreshed, wiser, and ready to make a bigger fantasy impact. With the 6th pick in an 8 team draft, Mike was poised to prove that there was no “Newman Curse”. He snagged last years Mr. Everything, Elton Brand with his 1st pick…..Allen Iverson with his 2nd…..Andre Kirilenko with his 3rd…. Gerald Wallace in the 5th, and sleeper Marvin Williams in the 9th. This of course, wasn’t his entire draft, I just mention these guys because they stand out in a certain way.

Which way you might ask?

In the “Newman Curse” way.

Elton Brand? He’s not having a “bad” year, but compared to what he did last year, Brand is average. He’s down in every category, across the board, most importantly, scoring which is down nearly 4 points. “Newman Curse”

Allen Iverson? Statistically he’s having a fine year; if you don’t count the 6 consecutive games he missed while the Sixers decided what to do with him. Six games is no big deal right? It is when you are dealing with your 2nd round pick, and leading scorer.

Andre Kirilenko? Missed 5 games due to injury and is currently mired in the worse slump of his career. Jerry Sloan has even spoke of no longer starting AK-47 due to lack of production. He can now currently be had on our waiver wire. “Newman Curse”

Gerald Wallace? Hasn’t played in 2 weeks due to a bum shoulder and was severely limited early in the season due to a multitude of injuries. “Newman Curse”

Marvin Williams? Mike’s super sleeper (I agreed with him) missed the first 17 games of the season due to injury. “Newman Curse”

Mike has fought through the adversity of his own personal curse with diligence to to this point in the season. He’s currently sitting in 4th place, at 79-69-2 and easily leads the league in roster moves with 63. (the next closest is a whopping 10)

The Newman Curse keeps finding strange ways to sneak in and bite Mike though, the most recent was in the case of J.R. Smith. On December 11th, Mike dropped an injury prone Gerald Wallace, and Udonis Haslem to aquire J.R. Smith and Jarrett Jack. Jack is now on the injury list due to a concussion. More interesting, J.R. Smith would play just 4 games in a Food Stamps uniform before being suspended 10 games for his role in the Nuggets/Knicks brawl on December 16th. You can’t tell me there isn’t something to this curse.

What I’d like to know is how Tony Allen never found his way onto Mike’s roster?

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I was cruising around FanHouse and found a some very nice youtube videos linked.  Inspired me to do a little searching of my own as well….so here ya go:

Lebron from over 3/4 court  (I believe this was Wednesday night)

Best Damn Sports Show Top 50 dunks:  50-21    20-1  Time warning:  Both of these are fairly long- Some of my personal favorites from the list are Kevin Johnson at 14, John Starks at 8, and Tom Chambers at 6.

Jordan dunks on Maryland- An oldy but goody

Len Bias Steals on UNC 

Larry Bird- The guy was amazing

It’s early January, and unlike many people I care about the NBA.  Not in a motherly love type way, I’m just saying I enjoy watching the NBA every chance I get.  I especially like watching some of the younger, run and gun teams get out and play.  I don’t care for this Pat Riley situation and the stir it is causing…..or not causing for that matter.  I can’t believe more people aren’t pointing out the convenience of Pat Riley’s departure….or at least spinning it.
Remember, it was just over a year ago that Riley (who also happens to be Heat president) decided to replace Stan Van Gundy with none other than himself as the Miami Heat head coach.   It’s important to remember that Van Gundy had taken the Heat to the finals the year before, only to lose a game 7 to the Detroit Pistons without Dwayne Wade and Shaquille Oneal.  At the time Gundy left to “spend time with his family” (yeah right) he had the Heat at 11-10, and was just getting Shaq into the lineup.  (Oneal had played just three games)  It was a strange time to have a coach removed.  My friend Mac would later scoff at the move mentioning that Riley wished to hog the Heat championship spotlight for himself….in short, Mac felt Riley hopped aboard the Heat bandwagon at a VERY convenient time.  In fact, many speculated that it wasn’t some passion for coaching that brought Riley back, but a more prominent Miami Heat team.  Riley loves to be in the spotlight was the theory.
The Heat continued to win after Riley took over, rolling all the way to the NBA Finals where Dwayne Wade willed them to a Championship.  Funny, I never heard one thing about Riley’s knee during that time, but then again, I didn’t even know he had knees.  It just wasn’t a story.  Riley stepped in and saved a team that couldn’t find itself, and led them to a Championship.

WHATEVER!

Now, with the Heat stuck at 13-18, and an injured Shaq and Wade, Riley is taking a “leave of absence” to have his knee fixed.  He can’t bear the pain and meds anymore he says.  Give me a break!  Dude can’t stand losing is the problem.  He’s going to step away and you’ll see him back if and when the Heat get good again.  What’s good again?  Shaq and Wade in the lineup is good again.  I give this situation a little over a month.  This is the Eastern Conference…all the Heat have to do is get that combo to the playoffs for a legitimate chance at a Finals run.

I’m sure Riley’s knee really is bothering him.  It’s just a little too convenient for me that he decides to take the time off now.  Not only are the Heat injury riddled, but Nick Saban is stealing all headlines from Riley.  It really doesn’t matter.  It’s not as if anything Riley does will make or break this team.  I’m sure if the Heat were #1 in the East right now Riley could coach through the pain.  Now he has another chance to set himself up as savior.  In a few weeks the Heat will be picking up stride.  Around that same time Pat Riley will return to the bench.  They’ll play good basketball down the stretch and make the playoffs thanks to the old ball coach.  What a gamer!

ESPN Pat Riley Poll 

Remember those “this is your brain on drugs” commercials? Dirk Nowitzki has done them one better with this compelling say no to drugs spot that is running in Germany. At least I think it is a say no to drugs spot. Is it me, or is the kid in the commercial a young Little Bow-Wow?? Anyway, it’s a bit of an abstract piece, in that it shows Dirk playing defense on the kid, and then he actually passes to the kid as well….hey, lay off, in commercial land you can be anything you want! Honestly, you really can’t rag a guy for doing an anti-drug commercial, so kudos to Dirk, even if I thought the “do you want to pet my monkey” guy from Saturday Night Live was about to jump into the scene.

Check the Video out here, via YOUTUBE

By the way, I attempted to translate the two phrases that appear at the end of the commercial and came up with the following. If anyone knows German or can do a better job of translation please do, because the second phrase makes little sense to me.
Triff Deine Entscheidung: Make Your Decision

Gib Drogen Einen Korb: Give Drugs One Basket

The NBA is scattered with players that have huge potential and never fulfill it. Guys with high upsides that are just waiting for the right situation to turn into NBA All Stars. I don’t like calling them sleepers….because you know who they are, they are just high upside guys. I watched Caron Butler in college and said to myself: “this guy is going to be a star in the NBA”. He had the total package; He was already gifted with a mans body at 6′7″, 220+, was silky smooth with the ball, had range on his jumper, could finish, and…the biggest thing….his game had a EDGE to it. Butler played with some sort of emotional edge….like he had something to prove.

Butler was chosen with the 10th overall pick in 2002 by the Miami Heat. He didn’t disappoint as a rookie making the NBA all rookie team, and led all rookies in scoring at 15.4 per game. He dropped off dramatically during his 2nd year with Miami to a career low 9.2 points per game while only shooting 38% from the field. Then came the trade. Butler was traded to Los Angeles, along with Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a 1st round pick for Shaquille Oneal. Just so you know, no one can replace a guy like Shaq…Butler couldn’t either. He spent a year in L.A. watching Kobe Bryant shoot before being moved to Washington for Kwame Brown and Laron Profit. He spent most of last season learning to fit in with the Wizards….he still averaged a career high 17.6 points per game, and was a nice compliment to Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.  With four years of NBA experience under his belt Butler was a good player.  Not a great player…but good.  He was primed for a breakout.
All Butler needed was an opportunity. With the starting SF spot nailed down in Washington and a career high 39 minutes per game, Butler is having a career year. 20 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists and 2 steals per game. Butler is putting up the numbers, and a lot of people probably don’t even realize it. The Wizards are an exciting young team, led by SUPER talented Gilbert Arenas at PG, and Antawn Jamison at PF.  Butler is giving them a potent third option as scorer, leading the team in rebounds, and playing some tough defense.

Want more?  Butler has scored in double figures in every game this season.  He’s had 12 double/doubles.  He played perhaps his best game of the year last week in a 144-139 win over the Phoenix Suns.  Butler hit 12 of 24 field goals, all 9 of his free throws, and picked up 10 rebounds in helping the up and coming Wizards end the Suns 15 game winning streak.  Butler was HUGE down the stretch, scoring 10 of the Suns 17 overtime points…..remember, Gilbert Arenas plays for the Suns…and scored 54 points that evening….but it was Butler taking and making some very big shots in that overtime period.  Butler has become a man.

I believe this is the beginning of a very nice career for Butler.  I call this year a career year, but I believe he’ll get even better.  He reminds me a lot of Scottie Pippen.  Versatile player that can do it all who doesn’t forget the importance of defense……and a scowl.

Our Denver Correspondent, Ruben Romero chimes in with some Allen Iverson “man love” and the impact Iverson will have on the Denver Nuggets

Allen Iverson

What does he bring to Denver?

I think A.I. will bring leadership and intensity to the Nuggets! Yes Leadership!!! I know what your thinking, Doesn’t Carmelo lead that team? Yes, but in a different way…Carmelo leads by example (With the exception of one sucker punch). Allen Iverson will be the vocal leader of this team. I believe that A.I. wants a championship more then ever now and is willing to do whatever it takes to win one. For example: Allen Iverson was willing to go play for George Karl who is a Larry Brown guy…These two are very close and coach very similar…For those who have been on Pluto (which is no longer a planet) for the last five years A.I. and Brown could not stand each other in Philly. Also he wants to play with Carmelo so that everything is not on his shoulders. The buzz around the Denver area is ridiculous….even more ridiculous than the Blizzard we just had!!! I am exited about these two greats playing together, it’s just too bad we have to wait 14 more games. Thanks Isiah!!!

Turns out Ruben Romero (Our Denver Correspondent) was right.  Ruben posted on late Sunday night that Iverson was headed to Denver .  I also spoke to Ruben on the phone yesterday and asked him was he serious….he told me Denver would move Andre Miller, Nene, and some picks for Iverson.
Well, a couple days later and it appears to have happened…Denver is apparently giving up Joe Smith, Andre Miller and 2 first round picks next year.  Personally, I think this works out pretty well for both teams-
Philadelphia is able to dump Iverson’s fat contract and will have THREE first round picks in next years draft.  The Denver picks are projected in the 20’s and their own pick should be lottery.  Joe Smith’s contract is expiring, so it is pretty logical to assume he won’t be a Sixer next year.  Andre Miller, in my opinion, is more than serviceable  at point guard, and if the Sixers can put some serious scoring talent around him (which is pretty likely with 3 picks in a very deep 2007 draft) they shouldn’t be on the downside for long. Seriously, 2 first round picks and Andre Miller is a  MAJOR land for Philly in this deal, especially considering the situation.
As for Denver….not to be funny but…..could Iverson be the answer?  Iverson was 2nd in the NBA in scoring to only Carmelo Anthony.  Adding Iverson kills 2 birds with 1 stone for the Nuggets.  1. They are probably able to keep their heads above water as Anthony serves out his 15 game suspension.  2. Once Anthony returns, they have perhaps the most potent 1-2 scoring punch in the NBA.   It will be interesting to see if Iverson and Anthony can co-exist on the basketball court, AND if Iverson can co-exist with Nuggets coach George Karl.  I believe both things can happen, and I think you have to consider Denver as a contender for the West now.  Only time will tell, I’m hoping Ruben chimes in on this subject and gives us more of an inside scoop.

First Iverson wanted to be traded.  Keep in mind, he has like an 18 million dollar contract that has to be moved….so, a team that can actually fit him under the cap was reportedly found….(Bobcats)….and AI pitches a hissy….I like Iverson…really do, but you can’t have it both ways.  Either you want out or you don’t.  If playing for a contender is of utmost importance then wave some of that phat contract of yours…..most contenders can’t afford a guy like Iverson and still keep the players that made them a contender in the first place.

Unhappy Iverson Scuttles Trade 

Separated at Birth

As of tonight, Allen Iverson has still not been dealt to another NBA team. With most of the league showing interest it’s nearly impossible to predict his future team, so I’m gonna stick with Minnesota. Honestly, I expected Iverson to have been moved by now. No matter what happens, the Sixers aren’t going to get enough in return to make anything of this season. Trade Iverson for some nice draft picks and move on.

Check out ESPN’s Trade Machine to play with your own scenarios.
In other NBA news the league is going back to leather balls as of January 1st. The NBA switch to a composite ball this season had players complaining of odd bounces and cut hands. David Stern finally folded and admitted the players should have had more input as to what ball is being used. Honestly, I get it…..but….really, the new ball cut their hands? I used to play ball in a gravel driveway in the rain, with a straight up rubber ball…..of course, I didn’t get paid millions of dollars, but who’s counting? I remember my hands getting dry on cold nights, and they would eventually have splits in places that would actually bleed. Made it hard to shoot basketball, but I still did.

The Suns, after starting the season 3-6, the Suns have rattled off 11 wins in a row.

Ever heard of Randolph Morris from Kentucky? Believe it or not, there is a chance that he could go pro in the middle of his junior season. I’ve never been much of a hater on kids going pro. There are too many Kobe Bryants and LeBron James’s for every failure. However, in this case….I just don’t like it. The rules make it possible for this kid to wake up tomorrow….quit school…and sign with any NBA team, rather than go through the drafting process. It’s not that I don’t think he has the legal right to do so…he does, and I’ve always felt athletes should have the opportunity to seek employment over school…if they wish. I just worry about the state of the college game. More and more kids are skipping college all together…lots of kids are playing 1-2 years, and then bolting….and now, kids can bolt mid season? Wow. The way the NBA drools over potential vs. actual talent has to make it scary for any team that has a standout player. At some point, either the NCAA or the NBA is going to have a big problem because of this.

Allen Iverson and Sixers Brass have finally had enough of each other.  Both seem to be on the same page as Iverson says a trade might be best for him and Sixer’s chairman Ed Snider said “We’re going to trade him”.  Obviously, it’s the end of an era in Philadelphia, Iverson has been a 76er for 11 years.  The team will probably be better off as they haven’t been able to put the proper nucleus around AI since their 2001 Finals appearance.  Iverson did not play in tonights 113-98 loss to Washington.  Team president Billy King said Iverson was sent home because he didn’t practice (go figure) Thursday and left Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Bulls with back spasms.  His status was to be re-evaluated after Saturday’s game with Orlando.

76ers send Iverson home 

Now the million dollar question is where Iverson ends up.   Early leaders for Iverson include Dallas, Boston, Denver and Minnesota.  Personally, I think the big leaders have to be Dallas and Minnesota.  I doubt AI ends up on another East team, and i don’t see Denver having enough to give up.

Dallas on the other hand seems a likely spot.  Marc Cuban has deep pockets, and is just the owner to think Iverson is the missing piece to a championship.  He’s probably right.  A nucleus of Iverson, Dirk Nowitski, Jason Terry and Josh Howard would be hard to beat.  It is reported that the Sixers covet Dallas guard Devin Harris, but Cuban has said he won’t trade Harris.  Interesting indeed.

As interesting as Dallas is, I believe Iverson will wind up in Minnesota.  Minnesota has a ready made offer Ricky Davis and Randy Foye, and Kevin McHale isn’t shy.

If Iverson makes it to a contender the NBA season takes on an entirely new outlook.  Iverson is a good enough player to make a pretender into a contender.  Should be an week, I expect Iverson to be moved within a few days.