Bed Of Rosers has returned. I was out of the office for a few days and when I was here last week, I was working on other stuff like Best Of's and getting some new equipment installed in the studio. Anyways, here's some thoughts on what has happened since Rudy Gay beat the Spurs:
-Tigers manhandled Georgetown. Roy Hibbert is a big stiff. Dorsey was dominant. Georgetown is not what we thought they were.
-Grizz continue to lose. Trade Pau. Trade Miller. It's not good when 2 of your 3 best players are soft and can't perform late in games. I also get the sense that the rest of the team doesn't respect this guy. Pau also looks like he's lost a step after those foot injuries. Get something. Get anything. If you trade Pau, I bet you will have your largest crowd of the season the next home game. People just want change. We've seen this too much.
-Tigers beat Arizona. Jerryd Bayless didn't play and neither did Brailmaier (sp?). I thought this would be tougher than Georgetown just because Arizona seems to have better athletes. Put those 2 players on the court for ARZ and they could've pulled the upset. Not very impressed, but not disappointed with Memphis in this one. Robert Dozier has stepped his game up. That hook in the lane is virtually unstoppable. Arizona is a better team than Georgetown.
-Patriots went 16-0. Anyone surprised? I'm not. They will win the Super Bowl. Skip the playoffs. If they don't win the Super Bowl then 16-0 doesn't mean a thing.
-Todd Collins is doing what David Garrard does: not throw INT's. Take notes Jason Campbell, Byron Leftwich, and former player Aaron Brooks.
-Lakers wore short shorts last night vs. Celtics. I don't know if there's anything funnier than Andrew Bynum wearing short shorts (ok, maybe Shaq).
-Pittsburgh lost to Dayton and lost more. First, Mike Cook is out for the year after tearing his ACL vs. Duke and now they lost LeVance Fields for 8-12 weeks. Tough break for Jamie Dixon. Ronald Ramon is gonna have to step up.
-Bruce Pearl's team is getting better and better. They bounced back nicely after the loss to Texas (wins over Xavier and Gonzaga). I love JP Prince. When the Vols come to FedExForum it will be the most electric crowd in that arena's short history. I'll put the over/under on fights outside the Forum at 10.
-Bill Parcells fired Randy Mueller. Can't blame him. That team needs a lot. Might as well clean house. If Cam Cameron is the next to go then I'm betting he resurfaces wherever Marty Schottenheimer coaches.
-If Terrell Owens misses a playoff game then Dallas will lose.
-The Buccaneers go 9-7 and win their division. The Browns go 10-6, don't win their division but still can't earn a playoff spot. The NFC East is the only competitive division in that conference and Dallas ran through that this year.
-Portland Trail Blazers have won 13 straight. They have some players, but you wouldn't say they have "THAT" much more talent than the Grizz. Nate McMillan can coach. Brandon Roy is the best player no one knows about in the NBA.
-Kiki Vandeweghe is apparently going to New Jersey to serve in the Nets' front office. Drop a bomb like Hiroshima. You have 3 stars and can't get over the 500mark. The Wizards lost their best player and still have their heads above water. All 3 should be traded.
Music Vid is from the Temptations...
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
GRIZZLIES WIN GRIZZLIES WIN!!!!!
I left my media pass at home yesterday so I did not get to go to the game. It wasn't on TV either (I don't know why a game vs. San Antonio would not be televised, but whatever). The had a 20 point lead in the 3rd and I think a little in the 4th too. It was cut to 10pts with about 9 minutes left and you started thinking "here we go again." Mike Miller had 31pts with 9 minutes left in the game and of course, he ended up with 31pts on the night. Ginobili's dunk tied it with 2 seconds left and you just knew the Spurs would win in OT. After all, it is the Grizzlies we're talking about. NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!!!! Rudy catches the ball at the top of the 3pt arc and shoots one high over Timmy D and it goes in. This team is very bi-polar. How do you lose to the Clippers and then beat the Spurs? The Grizz are 2-2 in their last 4. Wins @ Orlando and vs. San Antonio. Losses vs. LA Clippers and vs. Golden State. If you would've told me they were 2-2 after those 4 games I would've flip flopped the teams they beat vs. the teams they actually lost to. How do you explain this? Marc Iavaroni would say: "it's the NBA." Nevertheless, good win for the Grizz because they play @ Detroit on Friday who is coming off a big win @ Boston.
Tigers are now 9-0 for the first time since the 85-86 season. I thought Joey was going to fight the guy from Poland. One of these days he is going to snap and throw a ball at someones head. Antonio Anderson finally knocked down some shots. Derrick Rose hit five 3's outta nowhere. CDR was non-existant. This game was never in doubt to me. It felt like the UCONN game. Tigers get a comfortable lead, then get in 1st half foul trouble (Taggart, Dorsey, CDR all w/ 2), then the other team comes back. 2nd half rolls around and Memphis gets their guys back, they make a run, and get a 14pt lead. Coach Cal said Cincinnati probably beat his team to about 7 balls and that's why he was upset. That means you Joey. "You gotta get those balls." Rose hit a big 3 which was answered then Anderson hit one from the corner to put it away for good. Georgetown on Saturday. It will be electric. If you have tickets, you're lucky. If you sell your tickets, I don't blame you.
Notes:
-The Grizz have won @ Orlando and vs. San Antonio w/o Pau Gasol. What does that say about his real value to this team?
-Boston is now 20-3. Their 3 toughest games have been @ Orlando, @ Cleveland and vs. Detroit. They lost all 3. The best team in the NBA does not lose all 3 of those games. What am I saying? They are not the best team in the NBA. They could still easily win the East and play in the Finals, but once again, the NBA champion is coming out of the West.
-Alonzo Mourning is done and I could care less.
-Mike and Mike talked way too much about the Steelers/Rams game tonight. If the Rams win this then Pittsburgh has no business in the playoffs. You can't lose to the Jets and Rams and be considered a "legit" team.
-NFL Playoffs don't really matter to me. New England will win the Super Bowl. I had this argument last night with friends. They say "you never know what could happen." That's true, but when pressured no one was willing to bet that something crazy (like New England losing) will happen. It's all about New England, Indy, Dallas, and Green Bay. Wake me up for the Conference Championship games.
-Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. This douche is 19 and better get arrested for statutory (sp?) rape. God how I want to get a celebrity pregnant. K-Fed, Cash Warren and now this douche.
-I saw part of Die Hard 4 the other night. Justin Long is annoying, but not as bad as Keith Olbermann.
-Washington State basketball coach Tony Bennett was on the show the other day and he mentioned that R. Kelly is one of his favorite artists and in fact, he has a great christian album. R Kelly has a christian album? That's messed up.
-I watched the movie "Contact" last night around 2am. You know, the one with Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaghey (however you spell his name). Yea, it sucks.
-There's a 12 year old that is 7 foot tall. Here's the link: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/12/20/pkg.seven.foot.boy.kima
Somebody needs to put a basketball in his hand.
-Terrell Owens says Jessica Simpson doesn't need to be at anymore Cowboys games. I agree, she's a distraction to me too.
-Bill Parcells is the VP of Football Ops for the Dolphins. I'm glad he's off ESPN. This is all I learned from Bill Parcells: "you're quarterback has to be competent. If he's not then you're in trouble." That's an exact quote from his Friday night radio show with Chris Mortensen and Keyshawn Johnson. What a genious. Here's betting he places a call to Drew Bledsoe to see if he wants to come back.
-Stuart Scott has to undergo Chemo. I feel bad for the guy, but your lazy eye and "boo yah's" are more annoying than Beyonce's "upgrade" commercial. Please, go away for awhile.
-Lakers vs. Cavs tonight aka Kobe vs. LeBron. This is always must see TV.
-Bowl season starts tonight. None of them matter to me except for LSU/Ohio State, although I know I'll watch some of them just because it's football.
-Florida Atlantic will beat Memphis.
-Terry Bowden is apparently gaining support for the West VA coaching job. Tell me West Virginia, why wouldn't you hire this guy? Who else wants to coach in Morgantown, WV? You have a proven winner from the SEC that wants your job. Do it.
-Shut up Curt Schilling.
RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY!!!!!!!
Tigers are now 9-0 for the first time since the 85-86 season. I thought Joey was going to fight the guy from Poland. One of these days he is going to snap and throw a ball at someones head. Antonio Anderson finally knocked down some shots. Derrick Rose hit five 3's outta nowhere. CDR was non-existant. This game was never in doubt to me. It felt like the UCONN game. Tigers get a comfortable lead, then get in 1st half foul trouble (Taggart, Dorsey, CDR all w/ 2), then the other team comes back. 2nd half rolls around and Memphis gets their guys back, they make a run, and get a 14pt lead. Coach Cal said Cincinnati probably beat his team to about 7 balls and that's why he was upset. That means you Joey. "You gotta get those balls." Rose hit a big 3 which was answered then Anderson hit one from the corner to put it away for good. Georgetown on Saturday. It will be electric. If you have tickets, you're lucky. If you sell your tickets, I don't blame you.
Notes:
-The Grizz have won @ Orlando and vs. San Antonio w/o Pau Gasol. What does that say about his real value to this team?
-Boston is now 20-3. Their 3 toughest games have been @ Orlando, @ Cleveland and vs. Detroit. They lost all 3. The best team in the NBA does not lose all 3 of those games. What am I saying? They are not the best team in the NBA. They could still easily win the East and play in the Finals, but once again, the NBA champion is coming out of the West.
-Alonzo Mourning is done and I could care less.
-Mike and Mike talked way too much about the Steelers/Rams game tonight. If the Rams win this then Pittsburgh has no business in the playoffs. You can't lose to the Jets and Rams and be considered a "legit" team.
-NFL Playoffs don't really matter to me. New England will win the Super Bowl. I had this argument last night with friends. They say "you never know what could happen." That's true, but when pressured no one was willing to bet that something crazy (like New England losing) will happen. It's all about New England, Indy, Dallas, and Green Bay. Wake me up for the Conference Championship games.
-Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. This douche is 19 and better get arrested for statutory (sp?) rape. God how I want to get a celebrity pregnant. K-Fed, Cash Warren and now this douche.
-I saw part of Die Hard 4 the other night. Justin Long is annoying, but not as bad as Keith Olbermann.
-Washington State basketball coach Tony Bennett was on the show the other day and he mentioned that R. Kelly is one of his favorite artists and in fact, he has a great christian album. R Kelly has a christian album? That's messed up.
-I watched the movie "Contact" last night around 2am. You know, the one with Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaghey (however you spell his name). Yea, it sucks.
-There's a 12 year old that is 7 foot tall. Here's the link: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/12/20/pkg.seven.foot.boy.kima
Somebody needs to put a basketball in his hand.
-Terrell Owens says Jessica Simpson doesn't need to be at anymore Cowboys games. I agree, she's a distraction to me too.
-Bill Parcells is the VP of Football Ops for the Dolphins. I'm glad he's off ESPN. This is all I learned from Bill Parcells: "you're quarterback has to be competent. If he's not then you're in trouble." That's an exact quote from his Friday night radio show with Chris Mortensen and Keyshawn Johnson. What a genious. Here's betting he places a call to Drew Bledsoe to see if he wants to come back.
-Stuart Scott has to undergo Chemo. I feel bad for the guy, but your lazy eye and "boo yah's" are more annoying than Beyonce's "upgrade" commercial. Please, go away for awhile.
-Lakers vs. Cavs tonight aka Kobe vs. LeBron. This is always must see TV.
-Bowl season starts tonight. None of them matter to me except for LSU/Ohio State, although I know I'll watch some of them just because it's football.
-Florida Atlantic will beat Memphis.
-Terry Bowden is apparently gaining support for the West VA coaching job. Tell me West Virginia, why wouldn't you hire this guy? Who else wants to coach in Morgantown, WV? You have a proven winner from the SEC that wants your job. Do it.
-Shut up Curt Schilling.
RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Grizz/Warriors and boobies
Grizz lost last night. No surprise there. Rudy had 15 after the first quarter and it looked like he might go off for 40 or 50. That didn't happen either. If this team doesn't outscore you then they don't win. For Coach Iavaroni: quit worrying about defense. This team can't play it. Just committ to doing nothing but running and let this team score 110 every game. You'll take your losses, but you'll get more wins than how you're doing it now. The moment of the night came when they were doing the Dance Hall of Fame and some chick proceeded to flash the crowd (yes, boobs were shown). This has probably been the highlight of the season at FedEx Forum. The girl and her friend left a few minutes after the incident. I went to track her down and try to get her on the show today. Her friend Michelle said that she was going to find some of their other friends so they could try and bail her out of jail. Stephanie was the girl who flashed the crowd and she had nothing but cops surrounding her in the lobby. Anyways, I found out she's 35 and is visiting from St. Thomas. Apparently she's been there for the last 10 to 15 years and taking your clothes off in public isn't a big deal. Welcome back to the mainland.
It's a pretty cold and crappy day outside so I'll pick a vid that can make you laugh...Here's a quick excerpt from Dave Chappelle's "Killing Them Softly."
It's a pretty cold and crappy day outside so I'll pick a vid that can make you laugh...Here's a quick excerpt from Dave Chappelle's "Killing Them Softly."
Monday, December 17, 2007
Ballin' and some NFL pancakes
Grizz picked up a huge win over Orlando on Saturday night. Neither team was at full strength (Orlando minus Lewis and Grizz minus Pau). It's always good to see the other teams superstar go nuts (Howard had 30 and 20) and the Grizz still pick up a W. They will definitely need the same kind of offensive effort tonight vs. Golden State. Warriors will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights so this is a good spot for the Grizz to pick up their 2nd straight win.
The Tigers also knocked off MTSU Saturday night in Nashville. Dorsey was a beast. That makes the 2nd time the Tigers and Grizz have won on the same day this season. They'll both need to do it again on Saturday night.
NFL pancakes:
Baltimore blew it. Memo to Coach Billick: "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME." What's this kicking a FG crap vs. Miami with less than 15 seconds left. You're playing the Dolphins. Have some balls.
Detroit's season ended after allowing Dallas to come back. That was a heartbreaker and so they come out and can't score on a San Diego defense w/o Shawn Merriman.
I was really tired after getting off of work yesterday and so I needed to find a way to go to sleep. What could put me to sleep on a Sunday afternoon? Oh yea, the Titans-Chiefs game. It worked.
Green Bay will be in the Super Bowl. I like Dallas' talent better, but I'll take Favre over Romo in a big game.
David Garrard is doin' it. Watch out for Jacksonville. They have 2 running backs that can beat you, a QB that doesn't throw INT's and a top notch defense. They're straight as long as they don't run into Indy.
Seattle will win the NFC WEST which is pathetic. They can't win @ Carolina and they're horrible.
Giants/Redskins might have been more boring than Titans/Chiefs. Analysis? NY didn't run the ball (52 pass attempts) and Washington did (25 pass attempts). Every time I saw Brandon Jacobs touch it for NY he got like 6 yards, yet that didn't seem to register with their offensive coordinator. Now Jeremy Shockey is out for the year and Mr. Johnson told you in his classroom that the Giants would lose their last 3 games. They have to beat Buffalo next week b/c you know they won't knock off New England.
NBC, please get Keith Olbermann off my TV. He's not funny. He's annoying.
Music Vid is Redman's "Gimme One." Check it.....
The Tigers also knocked off MTSU Saturday night in Nashville. Dorsey was a beast. That makes the 2nd time the Tigers and Grizz have won on the same day this season. They'll both need to do it again on Saturday night.
NFL pancakes:
Baltimore blew it. Memo to Coach Billick: "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME." What's this kicking a FG crap vs. Miami with less than 15 seconds left. You're playing the Dolphins. Have some balls.
Detroit's season ended after allowing Dallas to come back. That was a heartbreaker and so they come out and can't score on a San Diego defense w/o Shawn Merriman.
I was really tired after getting off of work yesterday and so I needed to find a way to go to sleep. What could put me to sleep on a Sunday afternoon? Oh yea, the Titans-Chiefs game. It worked.
Green Bay will be in the Super Bowl. I like Dallas' talent better, but I'll take Favre over Romo in a big game.
David Garrard is doin' it. Watch out for Jacksonville. They have 2 running backs that can beat you, a QB that doesn't throw INT's and a top notch defense. They're straight as long as they don't run into Indy.
Seattle will win the NFC WEST which is pathetic. They can't win @ Carolina and they're horrible.
Giants/Redskins might have been more boring than Titans/Chiefs. Analysis? NY didn't run the ball (52 pass attempts) and Washington did (25 pass attempts). Every time I saw Brandon Jacobs touch it for NY he got like 6 yards, yet that didn't seem to register with their offensive coordinator. Now Jeremy Shockey is out for the year and Mr. Johnson told you in his classroom that the Giants would lose their last 3 games. They have to beat Buffalo next week b/c you know they won't knock off New England.
NBC, please get Keith Olbermann off my TV. He's not funny. He's annoying.
Music Vid is Redman's "Gimme One." Check it.....
Friday, December 14, 2007
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
Just when you thought the Grizzlies couldn't be any more pathetic this season, I came across this stat on ESPN.com:
Mike Conley leads the Grizzlies w/ 4.2 assists per game. Dude hasn't played the past 15 games. Wow, that's sad.
Mike Conley leads the Grizzlies w/ 4.2 assists per game. Dude hasn't played the past 15 games. Wow, that's sad.
Mitchell and more pancakes...
I heard Skip Bayless and that retard Rob Parker on 1st Take this morning. They were both saying how this Mitchell thing is a big deal for baseball since arguably the 2 best players of the last 20 or 30 years were mentioned (Clemens and Bonds). They couldn't be more wrong. Baseball did not suffer through this Mitchell investigation at all. People still showed up. MLB brought in record attendance numbers across the board this past season. Fans, even if they hate him, like seeing Barry Bonds hit. That's why they showed up in San Diego to watch him tie Aaron. True, the playoff TV ratings are hurting, but that's got more to do with the games being so long. Even if you TIVO a World Series game and you fast forward through all the commercials, it will still take you 3 hours to watch. Baseball is fine.
Now for more important stuff...
Cash Warren is getting paid....he and K-Fed need to start a class on how to get rich chicks pregnant
Grizz have the Clip joint tonight. Chris Kaman vs. Darko (matchup of the century). Grizz need a win. Travis Outlaw has ruined the first quarter of this season.
The Miami Heat are terrible. I bet you Dwyane Wade isn't there past this new contract he signed. They're old and you know Pat Riley isn't sticking around to watch them rebuild. D-Wade to Memphis in a few years. Make it happen Mr. Wallace. Rudy and Pau for D-Wade. Do it. Do it.
The Lakers biggest mistake was trading Caron Butler. They still have Butler and they have a big 3.
Reggie Bush and Vince Young both aren't very good. So far, I'm good on my predictions Mr. Smith.
The Philadelphia Flyers signed F Mike Richards to a 12yr, $69 million dollar extension. Who is Mike Richards and how do hockey teams have this much money?
Hakim Warrick was listed by Chris Sheridan as the 4th most likely player to be traded by the Feb 21st deadline. Good. Package him with Pau and get Nocioni, Noah, and Tyrus Thomas from Chicago. At least Nocioni and Noah will D you up.
Here's to the Miami Dolphins being 0-14 after this weekend....
Now for more important stuff...
Cash Warren is getting paid....he and K-Fed need to start a class on how to get rich chicks pregnant
Grizz have the Clip joint tonight. Chris Kaman vs. Darko (matchup of the century). Grizz need a win. Travis Outlaw has ruined the first quarter of this season.
The Miami Heat are terrible. I bet you Dwyane Wade isn't there past this new contract he signed. They're old and you know Pat Riley isn't sticking around to watch them rebuild. D-Wade to Memphis in a few years. Make it happen Mr. Wallace. Rudy and Pau for D-Wade. Do it. Do it.
The Lakers biggest mistake was trading Caron Butler. They still have Butler and they have a big 3.
Reggie Bush and Vince Young both aren't very good. So far, I'm good on my predictions Mr. Smith.
The Philadelphia Flyers signed F Mike Richards to a 12yr, $69 million dollar extension. Who is Mike Richards and how do hockey teams have this much money?
Hakim Warrick was listed by Chris Sheridan as the 4th most likely player to be traded by the Feb 21st deadline. Good. Package him with Pau and get Nocioni, Noah, and Tyrus Thomas from Chicago. At least Nocioni and Noah will D you up.
Here's to the Miami Dolphins being 0-14 after this weekend....
Thursday, December 13, 2007
George Mitchell and blah blah blah
Listening to this George Mitchell press conference is brutal. Not because I love baseball and I hate hearing about this, but because it is incredibly boring. Baseball is better when people hit home runs. Was anyone surprised to hear that Roger Clemens was named? Dude throws 96mph at the age of 45. Nolan Ryan thinks that's messed up. If Clemens is named are you surprised to hear Andy Pettitte was named? I'm not. He doesn't look roided up, but he works out w/ Clemens constantly. Sheffield and Bonds worked out together and they both happened to take the cream and clear.
Now for more important news. Chris Brown is in town tonight and, in a way, I wouldn't mind going to see this. The guy's tribute to James Brown at the Grammy's last year was nothing short of amazing. I tried to get him on the show today, but was told by his management that he's been having problems with his vocal chords and he's not doing any press. He get's to town and sleeps, does his show, drinks tea, and leaves town. Anyways, here's the Chris Brown song "Run It." I'm pretty sure this is the only song I know by him.
*NOTE* I was told by the same guy at Jive Records that Bow Wow will not be there tonight due to other medical reasons. Apparently, he's taken a leave of absence from the tour. We'll see if that's true or not.
Now for more important news. Chris Brown is in town tonight and, in a way, I wouldn't mind going to see this. The guy's tribute to James Brown at the Grammy's last year was nothing short of amazing. I tried to get him on the show today, but was told by his management that he's been having problems with his vocal chords and he's not doing any press. He get's to town and sleeps, does his show, drinks tea, and leaves town. Anyways, here's the Chris Brown song "Run It." I'm pretty sure this is the only song I know by him.
*NOTE* I was told by the same guy at Jive Records that Bow Wow will not be there tonight due to other medical reasons. Apparently, he's taken a leave of absence from the tour. We'll see if that's true or not.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I Apologize
Picking the Grizzlies to upset the Pistons last night is probably the dumbest thing I have ever done in my life. Chauncey Billups played the role of "Grizzly Killer" again. Mike Miller and Juan Carlos Navarro cannot guard Rip Hamilton (I told you that in my post yesterday, why not try Kinsey?). It was a 10pt game and it got to 8 late in the 4th, but you never felt the Grizzlies had a chance. Detroit doesn't do anything amazing. They simply run their offense. Pick and rolls with Billups and Wallace/Maxiell/McDyess, elbow screens for Hamilton, post ups for Billups, Prince, and Wallace. It's not complex, but they've been together for 4 years doing this and it was obvious. Coach Iavaroni mentioned it in last nights presser after the game. Check it out at our Grizzlies audio page. In a nutshell he was saying there is no communication on defense and that is due to the fact the team doesn't have a true defensive stopper (no one that will hold everyone else accountable for what they should be doing on D). Rudy was the one to try and step up and make plays last night and he had the flu. The veterans on this team have been nothing short of pathetic. Again, I apologize for picking the Grizzlies to win last night. I guess I see more potential with this team than they do.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Deeeeeeeeetroit Basketballllllllllllllllll
The Pistons are in town tonight. Great!This is just what the Grizzlies needed to see during a 4 game losing streak. Things I'll be watching for tonight:
1. Who defends Richard Hamilton when he runs around all of those screens? I'd make it Rudy Gay. While he can't keep up with Hamilton speed wise, he can make up with his length.
2. Will Darko step up against his former team? A lot of the guys on the Pistons team acknowledged that Larry Brown destroyed this kid's psyche. Darko's post defense has been better than most of us thought it would be. Here's betting Darko shows up tonight. If he doesn't, the Grizzlies will definitely be looking at a 15pt loss.
3. If you put Rudy on Rip then who guards Tayshaun? This is a problem Iavaroni will face tonight. There's no way Navarro or Miller can guard this guy on the perimeter or in the post. Maybe Ivy goes with Rudy on Tayshaun and tries to get Kinsey some minutes tonight to defend Rip? We know Kinsey is a better perimeter defender than JCN or MM.
4. Can Kyle Lowry defend Chauncey Billups in the post well enough so the Grizz don't have to double team? We know Stoudamire can't so if he plays 30+ minutes then it's probably a Grizz loss.
5. Tayshaun Prince is one of the few guys in the NBA who's length matches up to Rudy Gay's. Prince will more than likely defend Gay. If Rudy gets shut down (which happens to guys defended by Prince), then MM and JCN will need to step it up.
The Grizz aren't a great defensive team and you will need to play good defense to beat Detroit. Darko has to be better than usual on the inside and Lowry has to be better than usual on the perimeter. If they spark the defense, then the offense gets out and running.
This is always one of my favorite games every year at FedExForum. The Pistons fans are out in full force with their "Deeeeeetroit Basketbaaaaallllll" chants.
Grizz snap the skid tonight 107-103.
P.S.
Coach Iavaroni,
Don't even try to play Casey Jacobsen against these guys tonight. It's not worth it. Only bad things will happen. Abuse is what will ensue if Jacobsen enters the game and since I know you like him so much, you can't want that for your boy.
1. Who defends Richard Hamilton when he runs around all of those screens? I'd make it Rudy Gay. While he can't keep up with Hamilton speed wise, he can make up with his length.
2. Will Darko step up against his former team? A lot of the guys on the Pistons team acknowledged that Larry Brown destroyed this kid's psyche. Darko's post defense has been better than most of us thought it would be. Here's betting Darko shows up tonight. If he doesn't, the Grizzlies will definitely be looking at a 15pt loss.
3. If you put Rudy on Rip then who guards Tayshaun? This is a problem Iavaroni will face tonight. There's no way Navarro or Miller can guard this guy on the perimeter or in the post. Maybe Ivy goes with Rudy on Tayshaun and tries to get Kinsey some minutes tonight to defend Rip? We know Kinsey is a better perimeter defender than JCN or MM.
4. Can Kyle Lowry defend Chauncey Billups in the post well enough so the Grizz don't have to double team? We know Stoudamire can't so if he plays 30+ minutes then it's probably a Grizz loss.
5. Tayshaun Prince is one of the few guys in the NBA who's length matches up to Rudy Gay's. Prince will more than likely defend Gay. If Rudy gets shut down (which happens to guys defended by Prince), then MM and JCN will need to step it up.
The Grizz aren't a great defensive team and you will need to play good defense to beat Detroit. Darko has to be better than usual on the inside and Lowry has to be better than usual on the perimeter. If they spark the defense, then the offense gets out and running.
This is always one of my favorite games every year at FedExForum. The Pistons fans are out in full force with their "Deeeeeetroit Basketbaaaaallllll" chants.
Grizz snap the skid tonight 107-103.
P.S.
Coach Iavaroni,
Don't even try to play Casey Jacobsen against these guys tonight. It's not worth it. Only bad things will happen. Abuse is what will ensue if Jacobsen enters the game and since I know you like him so much, you can't want that for your boy.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Banana Pancakes
Random thoughts for the weekend:
-Memo to the Bears Defense: you know you're not what we thought you were when you let Todd Collins throw 2 TD's on you
-Jimbo Fisher has it made at Florida State
-Grizz need to win these next 2 games or I might just give up hope on this season because we know they aren't beating Detroit on Tuesday.
-When Amy Winehouse dies from an overdose, please don't compare her to Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin.
-My buddies Andrew and Brooks pointed it out to me last night so I'll mention it too. When did Dr. Dre get jacked? I guess BALCO is still alive in the Bay Area.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp2.blogger.com/_jTSS1sWOKdI/RuhJsfxzOaI/AAAAAAAAAto/4L9ygFxqVsc/s400/dreblog.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mahoganygirl.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-chatter-dr-dre-taking-steroids.html&h=301&w=400&sz=22&hl=en&start=17&tbnid=0HLVBaZkYUfDVM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DDr.%2BDre%2BMTV%2Bawards%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den
-Coach Cal's squad can rest up until Dec 22nd vs. Georgetown. MTSU and Cincinnati are easy wins. Cinci will be the more difficult game.
-Allen Iverson had 49 points through 3 quarters Wednesday vs. LA Lakers. Kobe Bryant had 13pts through those 3 quarters. Iverson finished with 51. Kobe finished with 25, including 6 straight points in the final 3 minutes of the 4th that gave the Lakers the lead for good. This is what separates superstars like Bryant from stars like Iverson. However, Iverson did come back Thursday for 35pts 12asts @ Dallas which ended the Nuggets 5 game losing streak in Big D.
-Jon Stewart isn't that funny. Stephen Colbert is that funny.
-Mark Mangino needs Nutri-Systems
-Darren McFadden should win the Heisman Trophy. If you take Chase Daniel off Mizzou, Tebow off Florida, and Brennan off Hawaii I still think those teams make bowl games. Mizzou runs a wide open offense just like Hawaii. Mizzou will plug another QB in next year and win 7 games. Hawaii plugs in different QB's every year and they win 9 games. Florida has enough talent that they could and would win 6 or 7 games. You take McFadden off Arkansas and they win 4 games (they would still be better than Mississippi). Felix Jones is good, but he's not Run DMC.
-I saw a mock NFL Draft the other day. Just so you know, in case you don't, the Patriots have the 49ers 1st round pick this year. This mock draft has New England taking McFadden. Once again, this is not fair.
Music Video of the Day? This one's for you Mr. Kostakis.
-Memo to the Bears Defense: you know you're not what we thought you were when you let Todd Collins throw 2 TD's on you
-Jimbo Fisher has it made at Florida State
-Grizz need to win these next 2 games or I might just give up hope on this season because we know they aren't beating Detroit on Tuesday.
-When Amy Winehouse dies from an overdose, please don't compare her to Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin.
-My buddies Andrew and Brooks pointed it out to me last night so I'll mention it too. When did Dr. Dre get jacked? I guess BALCO is still alive in the Bay Area.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp2.blogger.com/_jTSS1sWOKdI/RuhJsfxzOaI/AAAAAAAAAto/4L9ygFxqVsc/s400/dreblog.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mahoganygirl.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-chatter-dr-dre-taking-steroids.html&h=301&w=400&sz=22&hl=en&start=17&tbnid=0HLVBaZkYUfDVM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DDr.%2BDre%2BMTV%2Bawards%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den
-Coach Cal's squad can rest up until Dec 22nd vs. Georgetown. MTSU and Cincinnati are easy wins. Cinci will be the more difficult game.
-Allen Iverson had 49 points through 3 quarters Wednesday vs. LA Lakers. Kobe Bryant had 13pts through those 3 quarters. Iverson finished with 51. Kobe finished with 25, including 6 straight points in the final 3 minutes of the 4th that gave the Lakers the lead for good. This is what separates superstars like Bryant from stars like Iverson. However, Iverson did come back Thursday for 35pts 12asts @ Dallas which ended the Nuggets 5 game losing streak in Big D.
-Jon Stewart isn't that funny. Stephen Colbert is that funny.
-Mark Mangino needs Nutri-Systems
-Darren McFadden should win the Heisman Trophy. If you take Chase Daniel off Mizzou, Tebow off Florida, and Brennan off Hawaii I still think those teams make bowl games. Mizzou runs a wide open offense just like Hawaii. Mizzou will plug another QB in next year and win 7 games. Hawaii plugs in different QB's every year and they win 9 games. Florida has enough talent that they could and would win 6 or 7 games. You take McFadden off Arkansas and they win 4 games (they would still be better than Mississippi). Felix Jones is good, but he's not Run DMC.
-I saw a mock NFL Draft the other day. Just so you know, in case you don't, the Patriots have the 49ers 1st round pick this year. This mock draft has New England taking McFadden. Once again, this is not fair.
Music Video of the Day? This one's for you Mr. Kostakis.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Memphis/USC
That was a close one for the Tigers last night. USC played the Triangle and 2 to perfection for most of the game. Something woke the Tigers up the last 7 minutes of the game. Maybe it was Cal or maybe they finally said: "we're the better team, let's go prove it." This game felt like it was going to be loss up until the last few minutes of regulation and then Memphis started playing better defense. Their press bothered USC in the closing minutes. The half court defense was there for the whole game (USC shot 29%), but the press really helped get Memphis going. My buddies and I started up the conversation that it seems like when the Tigers lose, they beat themselves. It doesn't seem to be anything that the other team does. The Triangle and 2 was effective, but this team is athletic enough to beat it. It just took them longer to figure things out. I also think USC started to get tired towards the end of the game. Mayo definitely looked like the best player on the court. This was a game I think the Tigers would've lost in years past. It totally reminded me of the UCLA and Texas games 2 years ago. The only other team I can see playing them like this would be Georgetown. It is refreshing to see that Memphis can pull these kinds of games out now despite not being able to make free throws. Cal also said he was outcoached by Tim Floyd. Cal didn't seem to mind saying that at all. Is that because Tim Floyd is a friend of his? I would think so. There's no way Cal would've said that about Bruce Pearl after getting thumped by Tennessee last year. All in all it was a good win and the Tigers experience showed.
Grizz Note:
-Darko says he will play tonight @ Houston despite a sprained ankle. Good. They will need him. This team needs to get one of these next 2 against Houston or New Orleans to make up for that bad loss Monday night vs. Portland.
Grizz Note:
-Darko says he will play tonight @ Houston despite a sprained ankle. Good. They will need him. This team needs to get one of these next 2 against Houston or New Orleans to make up for that bad loss Monday night vs. Portland.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
R.I.P. Pimp C
Rapper Pimp C of the group UGK was found dead in his Hollywood Hotel. The City of Houston is in mourning. Click on the link for the story.
http://www.tmz.com
I'll now pay tribute to Pimp C with a few selections from Youtube.
TI feat UGK "Front Back"
UGK feat. Outkast "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)"
Three 6 Mafia feat. UGK "Sippin On Some Syrup"
Jay-Z feat. UGK "Big Pimpin"
Random Notes
-Grizz lost a tough one last night. They should've fouled Outlaw and that was a mistake. He just used his athleticism to his advantage and made a good shot. Grizz have got to get one of these next 2 @ Houston or New Orleans to make up for that one. Losing Darko didn't help either.
-New England did get some help from the refs, but that hold in the endzone wasn't a terrible call. Here's the flipside, would they have called the hold on the Pats if it was Baltimore driving to win the game? I doubt it, but that happens to good teams.
-Memphis has a tough one tonight vs. USC at The Garden. USC is coming off a tough home loss vs. Kansas. Now they have to travel across the country 2 days later to take on a team ranked higher than the Jayhawks. I like the Tigers 84-72 tonight. Mayo will have a big game, but Dorsey will do his thing and so will CDR and that will be more than enough.
Jay-Z turned 38 today. Music video of the day will be "Hard Knock Life." Check it.
-New England did get some help from the refs, but that hold in the endzone wasn't a terrible call. Here's the flipside, would they have called the hold on the Pats if it was Baltimore driving to win the game? I doubt it, but that happens to good teams.
-Memphis has a tough one tonight vs. USC at The Garden. USC is coming off a tough home loss vs. Kansas. Now they have to travel across the country 2 days later to take on a team ranked higher than the Jayhawks. I like the Tigers 84-72 tonight. Mayo will have a big game, but Dorsey will do his thing and so will CDR and that will be more than enough.
Jay-Z turned 38 today. Music video of the day will be "Hard Knock Life." Check it.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Weekend That Was
BCS
I have no problem with LSU playing Ohio State. I would've rather seen Georgia just because I happen to like them more than LSU, but LSU's body of work is more impressive even though I do think Georgia is playing better football right now. I would say most voters want to see some sort of playoff system. If that's the case, then they should've put Georgia in the Championship Game. You put Georgia in that game and you can say to the BCS: "look how flawed your system is, you put a team that didn't win their conference in the national championship game." That wasn't the case and so I expect LSU to beat Ohio State. Kansas making a BCS bowl makes 0 sense on every level. I really don't care to see Hawaii in a BCS bowl either but they went undefeated so they got a bone thrown at them.
Best BCS Bowl Game? West Virginia vs. Oklahoma (Fiesta)
BCS Bowl Game I wanted to see that didn't happen? Georgia vs. USC
NBA Notes:
Grizz pounded the T'Wolves. No surprise there. Win tonight vs. Portland and you've won 4 out of 5. The Grizz badly need this win tonight. Their December schedule features 2 games each against New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, and Detroit.
Tim Duncan left Sunday's win over Portland hurt. Doesn't appear to be serious. Their bench is good enough to hold the fort down until he comes back.
Miami is old and terrible. Ricky Davis doesn't care what Pat Riley tells him to do. Shaq is carbondated. Ilgauskus gives you better numbers than Shaq does. This should be the last season for Pat Riley as head coach. Turn it over to somebody young and start to rebuild around Wade. The Nuggets ran them out of the building in the first half last night.
Golden State has gotten it together after an 0-6 start. They've won 9 of their last 10 and they're actually playing better on the road (6-3) than they are at home (3-4)
NFL:
My 49ers are absolutely pathetic. No need to say anymore.
Willie Parker needs to learn to hold on to the football. Fast Willie had something like 3 or 4 fumbles in a 9 carry span last night. Steelers still got the win. That's because Cincinnati is terrible.
San Diego looks like they might be turning the corner.
I thought Jay Cutler was turning the corner....then he threw 2 INT's and 0 TD's and his team lost by 14pts to the crappy Raiders.
You could see it happening again. NY Giants get off to a fast start and then they slowly start dying in the 2nd half of the season. It appeared that way, then Eli Manning looked like Joe Montana in the 4th quarter.
The Saints are done. That game vs. Tampa Bay is one you have to win on your home field. That's a playoff type game and if you can't win it at home, you don't deserve the playoffs.
Adrian Peterson is still awesome and the Lions are reminding us that they are still the Lions. Hey Drew Smith, Jon Kitna sucks.
The Titans got just what they needed: a game vs. Houston. What did they make it yesterday? 6, 7 straight wins over the Texans?
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
LSU beats Tennessee 21-14. Erik Ainge blew this game. Everybody knows it because everybody saw it. Dude looked like Michael Hennig out there. The INT's weren't even good defensive plays. He just threw the ball right to them. Ainge had happy feet all throughout that 4th quarter and never looked at ease. This guy was projected to be a late 1st, early 2nd round pick had he come out last season. That game Saturday might have just cost him a lot of money.
I have no problem with LSU playing Ohio State. I would've rather seen Georgia just because I happen to like them more than LSU, but LSU's body of work is more impressive even though I do think Georgia is playing better football right now. I would say most voters want to see some sort of playoff system. If that's the case, then they should've put Georgia in the Championship Game. You put Georgia in that game and you can say to the BCS: "look how flawed your system is, you put a team that didn't win their conference in the national championship game." That wasn't the case and so I expect LSU to beat Ohio State. Kansas making a BCS bowl makes 0 sense on every level. I really don't care to see Hawaii in a BCS bowl either but they went undefeated so they got a bone thrown at them.
Best BCS Bowl Game? West Virginia vs. Oklahoma (Fiesta)
BCS Bowl Game I wanted to see that didn't happen? Georgia vs. USC
NBA Notes:
Grizz pounded the T'Wolves. No surprise there. Win tonight vs. Portland and you've won 4 out of 5. The Grizz badly need this win tonight. Their December schedule features 2 games each against New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, and Detroit.
Tim Duncan left Sunday's win over Portland hurt. Doesn't appear to be serious. Their bench is good enough to hold the fort down until he comes back.
Miami is old and terrible. Ricky Davis doesn't care what Pat Riley tells him to do. Shaq is carbondated. Ilgauskus gives you better numbers than Shaq does. This should be the last season for Pat Riley as head coach. Turn it over to somebody young and start to rebuild around Wade. The Nuggets ran them out of the building in the first half last night.
Golden State has gotten it together after an 0-6 start. They've won 9 of their last 10 and they're actually playing better on the road (6-3) than they are at home (3-4)
NFL:
My 49ers are absolutely pathetic. No need to say anymore.
Willie Parker needs to learn to hold on to the football. Fast Willie had something like 3 or 4 fumbles in a 9 carry span last night. Steelers still got the win. That's because Cincinnati is terrible.
San Diego looks like they might be turning the corner.
I thought Jay Cutler was turning the corner....then he threw 2 INT's and 0 TD's and his team lost by 14pts to the crappy Raiders.
You could see it happening again. NY Giants get off to a fast start and then they slowly start dying in the 2nd half of the season. It appeared that way, then Eli Manning looked like Joe Montana in the 4th quarter.
The Saints are done. That game vs. Tampa Bay is one you have to win on your home field. That's a playoff type game and if you can't win it at home, you don't deserve the playoffs.
Adrian Peterson is still awesome and the Lions are reminding us that they are still the Lions. Hey Drew Smith, Jon Kitna sucks.
The Titans got just what they needed: a game vs. Houston. What did they make it yesterday? 6, 7 straight wins over the Texans?
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
LSU beats Tennessee 21-14. Erik Ainge blew this game. Everybody knows it because everybody saw it. Dude looked like Michael Hennig out there. The INT's weren't even good defensive plays. He just threw the ball right to them. Ainge had happy feet all throughout that 4th quarter and never looked at ease. This guy was projected to be a late 1st, early 2nd round pick had he come out last season. That game Saturday might have just cost him a lot of money.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Little Love for the Grizzlies
I just now got a chance to read espn.com today and the first thing I go to is their "Daily Dime." Looks like David Thorpe is a fan of Juan Carlos Navarro's.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-071129&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos2
Thorpe lists Navarro as his leader for rookie of the year and writes this:
1. Juan Carlos Navarro, Grizzlies (6)
He's terrific when he gets 30-plus minutes; the Grizzlies are 2-1 with him as a starter. He followed his 28-point performance -- on only 14 shots -- against the Wizards with a gritty, 16-point, 11-board showing in a big win in Jersey on Tuesday. If he can maintain these minutes, he will put up enough numbers to compete for rookie of the year with the "Big 3" (who follow him here).
He lists Kevin Durant as #2. I think Durant will be spectacular even though his team is terrible. Durant will have to learn how to be more than just a pure scorer. With his 6'10'' frame he needs more than 4rebs a game too. This will come with age and strength. I'm sure the 2.1apg will go up too, but it probably won't be this year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-071129&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos2
Thorpe lists Navarro as his leader for rookie of the year and writes this:
1. Juan Carlos Navarro, Grizzlies (6)
He's terrific when he gets 30-plus minutes; the Grizzlies are 2-1 with him as a starter. He followed his 28-point performance -- on only 14 shots -- against the Wizards with a gritty, 16-point, 11-board showing in a big win in Jersey on Tuesday. If he can maintain these minutes, he will put up enough numbers to compete for rookie of the year with the "Big 3" (who follow him here).
He lists Kevin Durant as #2. I think Durant will be spectacular even though his team is terrible. Durant will have to learn how to be more than just a pure scorer. With his 6'10'' frame he needs more than 4rebs a game too. This will come with age and strength. I'm sure the 2.1apg will go up too, but it probably won't be this year.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Grizzlies/Raptors
The Grizzlies are getting slaughtered right now by Toronto. It's a 26pt lead for the Raptors with about 1:30 left in the 3rd. This game is nothing more than Toronto having much more rest than the Grizzlies. Iavaroni's squad is on the 2nd game of a back-to-back while Toronto hasn't played since Sunday. The Raptors are a better team than the Grizzlies, but not 20pts better (especially since Chris Bosh is out for the game).
Tigers and other stuff
Tigers game last night? BORING. They didn't play like a top 3 team, but that really doesn't bother me. Defense seemed to be the issue according to the paper and if you're giving up 82 points to Austin Peay then defense is an issue. I don't worry about it because this team showed against Oklahoma and UCONN that they can play D when they want to. They will do it against USC and come away with a win. The only thing that scares me about this game is that USC will come to play and they have the athletes to play with Memphis. Do they have enough athletes 1-10 to play with Memphis for 40 minutes? We'll find out next week and my first inclination is that they do not. However, if Joey Dorsey is in foul trouble then they can.
Grizzlies finally won back to back games for the first time this season. It took them 73 games last season to win 2 straight and just 14 games this season. I didn't get to see any of this game because I was at the Tigers game, but it was good to see that despite Jason Kidd (triple double), Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson going off they still got a W. We'll see if they can make it 3 straight tonight against Toronto. I was at the Toronto game last week and they should've won, but didn't really come to play. If they win tonight then Minnesota should be 4 in a row on Saturday with a chance to make it 5 next Monday vs. Portland.
So the Grizz and Tigers won on the same day. The last time that happened? tick tick tick tick tick...Answer? November 20th 2006. Memphis beat Oklahoma in Maui 77-65 and the Grizz beat Orlando 95-86 at FedExForum. That Orlando game would be the last full game Kyle Lowry would play his rookie season. He led the charge to that win over Orlando with 6 assists and made a bunch of high energy plays. The next night the Grizz played at Cleveland and Lowry broke his wrist, ending his rookie campaign.
Because this song has been in my head all day, I'll post it as my music video of the day. "Hip Hop Is Dead" by Nas.
Grizzlies finally won back to back games for the first time this season. It took them 73 games last season to win 2 straight and just 14 games this season. I didn't get to see any of this game because I was at the Tigers game, but it was good to see that despite Jason Kidd (triple double), Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson going off they still got a W. We'll see if they can make it 3 straight tonight against Toronto. I was at the Toronto game last week and they should've won, but didn't really come to play. If they win tonight then Minnesota should be 4 in a row on Saturday with a chance to make it 5 next Monday vs. Portland.
So the Grizz and Tigers won on the same day. The last time that happened? tick tick tick tick tick...Answer? November 20th 2006. Memphis beat Oklahoma in Maui 77-65 and the Grizz beat Orlando 95-86 at FedExForum. That Orlando game would be the last full game Kyle Lowry would play his rookie season. He led the charge to that win over Orlando with 6 assists and made a bunch of high energy plays. The next night the Grizz played at Cleveland and Lowry broke his wrist, ending his rookie campaign.
Because this song has been in my head all day, I'll post it as my music video of the day. "Hip Hop Is Dead" by Nas.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sean Taylor
My thoughts and prayers go out towards the Taylor family. This guy was on his way to being the best safety in the NFL. He was one guy you never wanted to see in the middle of the field. That being said, if you google this guys name you will find out he has a pretty long rap sheet. Don't get me wrong, he didn't deserve to die, but I think when this is all said and done you just might find out he wasn't exactly living like a great American citizen. I'm definitely going to miss watching him play (the thought of him and LaRon Landry in the same secondary for years to come made many receivers fall into the fetal position). He will be missed and all of the "he was turning his life around" columns are starting to come out, but believe me, this isn't the end of this story. People don't just break into rich people's houses. First off, those neighborhoods constantly have security everywhere. The people that broke in had a personal vendetta against Taylor and I'm sure it wasn't just because he's in the NFL. Something happened and we'll know sooner rather than later.
RIP Sean Taylor (1983-2007)
RIP Sean Taylor (1983-2007)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving Weekend
I don't ever want to have 3 days off of work again. Most of you would say I'm crazy for saying something like that, but I'm not a big fan of spending money and that's always what I find myself doing on days I don't work. I dropped way too much $$$$ at Best Buy and other places around the Wolfchase area. Yes, I did go to the bars every night and even ran into Pau Gasol and Navarro at Pat O's on Saturday night. They were wearing the exact same thing (leather jacket, jeans, black shirt). Anyways, I talked to him for a minute and he was pleasant. He said Marc Gasol will stay overseas this year and that more than likely he'll end up in LA next season. The weekend was fun and my boy Andy had some wasted fat girl dancing all up on him at 152 Saturday night. The bouncers even had to tell her to chill out.
Now for football:
Mississippi is terrible and Coach O is now gone. Candidates? Rick Neuheisel, Bo Pelini, Dennis Franchione, Jimbo Fisher, Ron Zook, Bo Pelini, Art Briles, Glen Mason, Gus Malzahn (now some of these probably won't even get a shot, but they were just names that came to the top of my head). They need someone that will stay for longer than 3 years. We know there is talent on that roster and the offense definitely needs a shot in the arm (Texas QB transfer Jevan Sneed could be that shot). Neuheisel's name comes up a lot and if he was hired and had immediate success, I could see him bolt in 3 years. We know Franchione isn't the most loyal guy. Ron Zook is kinda crazy and Mississippi just got rid of a crazy coach. Some of these coordinators may not get looked at because that would be "taking a chance" and Mississippi just took a chance on a guy and it was a total disaster. I would look for a guy who has been a head coach or is a head coach to get this job. I guarantee you whoever gets it will win at least win a SEC game next year. You know what the video of the day is, right?
Now for football:
Mississippi is terrible and Coach O is now gone. Candidates? Rick Neuheisel, Bo Pelini, Dennis Franchione, Jimbo Fisher, Ron Zook, Bo Pelini, Art Briles, Glen Mason, Gus Malzahn (now some of these probably won't even get a shot, but they were just names that came to the top of my head). They need someone that will stay for longer than 3 years. We know there is talent on that roster and the offense definitely needs a shot in the arm (Texas QB transfer Jevan Sneed could be that shot). Neuheisel's name comes up a lot and if he was hired and had immediate success, I could see him bolt in 3 years. We know Franchione isn't the most loyal guy. Ron Zook is kinda crazy and Mississippi just got rid of a crazy coach. Some of these coordinators may not get looked at because that would be "taking a chance" and Mississippi just took a chance on a guy and it was a total disaster. I would look for a guy who has been a head coach or is a head coach to get this job. I guarantee you whoever gets it will win at least win a SEC game next year. You know what the video of the day is, right?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
I just wanted to wish everyone out there a very Happy Thanksgiving. Wherever you go, drive safely. If I see you out at a bar tonight then come holla. Take care everyone.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Last Night and Tonight
I went to the Tigers/Arkansas State game last night. Pretty much, it was a boring game. Willie Kemp learned how to shoot. Doneal Mack's head is ridiculous. I went as a fan and not a member of the media last night. First off, I met some folks at the Saucer. I know the debate of me being an alcoholic came up on the show yesterday and it doesn't make me look any better seeing as how I went to the Saucer immediately after work, but whatever, sometimes you just want a drink. After the boring game? I went back to the Saucer. Yes, I had a few more drinks (2 to be exact) and I called it a night around 10. I was in bed by 11 and got a good nights sleep. While at the Saucer, there was a guy playing acoustic guitar. Let's just say he sucked. He kept playing Dave Matthews songs and was butchering every one of them. He forgot the words to "Jimi Thing" and "Crush." Absolutely pathetic. Don't make yourself look stupid. Sing the songs that you know. As for tonight? I'm headed to cover the Grizzlies/Raptors game and then I'm off to have a drink somewhere. There probably won't be too much consumption of the beverages tonight because I'm sure I'll do plenty of that tomorrow night. Thanksgiving night is probably the best night to go out. Everyone have a safe holiday, eat turkey, watch football, and do the damn thing. Oh yea, I owe Andrew 2 drinks now. JP Losman happened to stay in the game Sunday night and the Tigers didn't cover.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
PAY DAY
We got paid today here at 730 ESPN so there can only be one choice for my music video of the day. You guessed it. 50 Cent's "Straight To The Bank." I'm laughin straight to da bank with this hahahaha ha ha hahahaha...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Weekend Review
The Memphis Tigers basketball team won the 2K Sports Shootout benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Although the Tigers have only played 4 games, I think these are true statements:
1. They could lose Derrick Rose and still be a top 10 team
2. They could not lose CDR or Dorsey and be a top 10 team
Joey has an incredible effect on games. UCONN couldn't do anything when Dorsey played. I looked at my buddies at halftime and said: "Memphis is at least 10 points better than UCONN." Ask Andrew (www.mrjohnsonsclassroom.blogspot.com or check out my links). Of course, they won by 11. You get great at these kind of predictions when you hang around Chris Vernon all day.
Now for the Grizzlies. I'm not as down on this team as some others may be. Despite losing 3 straight, they've played hard and battled back. Iavaroni has not lost this team at all which was the case last season under Fratello. Rudy took the last shot in the New Orleans game. Good, I like it when that happens. Pau took a big shot in the Dallas game (I know it wasn't the final shot b/c Navarro missed two 3's at the end). I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we know what this team is when Pau is the go-to-guy. We don't know what this team can be when Rudy is. If I had to give my opinion on Rudy, I'd say he's going to be a Vince Carter like player w/ better defensive attributes. Now, Vince Carter's teams haven't exactly gone too far in the playoffs (except for the ECF appearance in Toronto), but VC is better than Pau Gasol. This team will still be in the thick of things by the end of the year. Remember, Baron Davis nor Peja Stojakovic have gotten hurt yet.
NFL Notes:
-New England is awesome (because JP Losman managed to play the whole game I lost a shot to Andrew. What's it gonna be next weekend Mr. Johnson? Jager, Purple Heart?
-Indianapolis is still good, but they have fallen off with the loss of Dwight Freeney
-TO won that game for Dallas. You can say "Romo threw him the ball" and that's true, but TO constantly abused the veteran Shawn Springs. Romo threw him the ball b/c Springs couldn't hold him anywhere on the field. JP Losman could've made those throws.
-DeMarcus Ware should be NFL Defensive Player of the Year
-The Ravens are done and it's not getting better soon. The defense is aging (aside from Ed Reed) and the offense is terrible. They have one playmaker in McGahee but don't have their best o-lineman (Ogden). Ogden retires, Ray Lewis will be shortly after that, then comes Samari Rolle and the Ravens are in rebuilding mode.
-Pittsburgh is bi-polar. They will still destroy Miami next Monday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTES:
-LSU will have a tougher time with Georgia than Tennessee in the SEC Championship
-Lloyd Carr is gone at Michigan (thank god)
-Michigan/Ohio State is a boring game (exception would be last year)
-knowing how insane and irrational Alabama fans are, I bet some of them are wanting Saban gone after Saturday
-Mississippi sucks (you already know that, but I just like reminding you)
WEEKEND:
I went to Blue Fin Friday night w/ Jason, Allison and 2 people I didn't know. It was kinda lame. Beale Street looked like a ghost town Friday night. We gathered at the Double Deuce after the Fin. DD was empty. Pretty much a boring night. Saturday it was Posey's birthday party at Yosemite Sam's. We got down, took some shots, sang some karaoke (Higher by Creed) and yes, I rocked.
ON TAP FOR THE WEEK:
Grizz/Sonics tonight
Tigers/Arkansas St Tuesday
Grizz/Raptors on Wednesday
I'll be at all 3. Holla.
1. They could lose Derrick Rose and still be a top 10 team
2. They could not lose CDR or Dorsey and be a top 10 team
Joey has an incredible effect on games. UCONN couldn't do anything when Dorsey played. I looked at my buddies at halftime and said: "Memphis is at least 10 points better than UCONN." Ask Andrew (www.mrjohnsonsclassroom.blogspot.com or check out my links). Of course, they won by 11. You get great at these kind of predictions when you hang around Chris Vernon all day.
Now for the Grizzlies. I'm not as down on this team as some others may be. Despite losing 3 straight, they've played hard and battled back. Iavaroni has not lost this team at all which was the case last season under Fratello. Rudy took the last shot in the New Orleans game. Good, I like it when that happens. Pau took a big shot in the Dallas game (I know it wasn't the final shot b/c Navarro missed two 3's at the end). I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we know what this team is when Pau is the go-to-guy. We don't know what this team can be when Rudy is. If I had to give my opinion on Rudy, I'd say he's going to be a Vince Carter like player w/ better defensive attributes. Now, Vince Carter's teams haven't exactly gone too far in the playoffs (except for the ECF appearance in Toronto), but VC is better than Pau Gasol. This team will still be in the thick of things by the end of the year. Remember, Baron Davis nor Peja Stojakovic have gotten hurt yet.
NFL Notes:
-New England is awesome (because JP Losman managed to play the whole game I lost a shot to Andrew. What's it gonna be next weekend Mr. Johnson? Jager, Purple Heart?
-Indianapolis is still good, but they have fallen off with the loss of Dwight Freeney
-TO won that game for Dallas. You can say "Romo threw him the ball" and that's true, but TO constantly abused the veteran Shawn Springs. Romo threw him the ball b/c Springs couldn't hold him anywhere on the field. JP Losman could've made those throws.
-DeMarcus Ware should be NFL Defensive Player of the Year
-The Ravens are done and it's not getting better soon. The defense is aging (aside from Ed Reed) and the offense is terrible. They have one playmaker in McGahee but don't have their best o-lineman (Ogden). Ogden retires, Ray Lewis will be shortly after that, then comes Samari Rolle and the Ravens are in rebuilding mode.
-Pittsburgh is bi-polar. They will still destroy Miami next Monday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTES:
-LSU will have a tougher time with Georgia than Tennessee in the SEC Championship
-Lloyd Carr is gone at Michigan (thank god)
-Michigan/Ohio State is a boring game (exception would be last year)
-knowing how insane and irrational Alabama fans are, I bet some of them are wanting Saban gone after Saturday
-Mississippi sucks (you already know that, but I just like reminding you)
WEEKEND:
I went to Blue Fin Friday night w/ Jason, Allison and 2 people I didn't know. It was kinda lame. Beale Street looked like a ghost town Friday night. We gathered at the Double Deuce after the Fin. DD was empty. Pretty much a boring night. Saturday it was Posey's birthday party at Yosemite Sam's. We got down, took some shots, sang some karaoke (Higher by Creed) and yes, I rocked.
ON TAP FOR THE WEEK:
Grizz/Sonics tonight
Tigers/Arkansas St Tuesday
Grizz/Raptors on Wednesday
I'll be at all 3. Holla.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Nothing
I really can't think of much to say today, but here are some random thoughts:
-Hard Rock Cafe has a really good burger
-bums that try to sell me stolen cd's from Starbucks are funny
-"The Thrill Is Gone" is a great song
-Joey Dorsey is awesome (I don't care if he makes it rain or beats people up..he plays with an attitude that you need in basketball...the Grizz could use a mean player like him...well, a better mean player than Dorsey)
-The Grizz will be lucky to get 10,000 people in that arena tonight (I'm watching the Tigers game...aren't you?)
-that 2K Sports commercial w/ Greg Oden and Mike Conley is terrible
-Miss Lippy's car.....is green
Now for the music video of the day. I picked up Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation" the other day and it's amazing. Here it is..."Don't Believe The Hype"
Oh yea, goin to Yosemite Sam's this weekend for some chick's b-day. Holla if you come.
-Hard Rock Cafe has a really good burger
-bums that try to sell me stolen cd's from Starbucks are funny
-"The Thrill Is Gone" is a great song
-Joey Dorsey is awesome (I don't care if he makes it rain or beats people up..he plays with an attitude that you need in basketball...the Grizz could use a mean player like him...well, a better mean player than Dorsey)
-The Grizz will be lucky to get 10,000 people in that arena tonight (I'm watching the Tigers game...aren't you?)
-that 2K Sports commercial w/ Greg Oden and Mike Conley is terrible
-Miss Lippy's car.....is green
Now for the music video of the day. I picked up Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation" the other day and it's amazing. Here it is..."Don't Believe The Hype"
Oh yea, goin to Yosemite Sam's this weekend for some chick's b-day. Holla if you come.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Grizzlies/Bucks
So I did the usual last night. Grabbed a 12 pack and headed over to a friends place to watch the Grizzlies and the Bucks. I ended up over there around the end of the 1st quarter. I did get a chance to hear my man E-Hass on the way over. Good call E on the Pau to Rudy alley. Even though the team didn't play that well, there were some good things that came to light. Darko looked impressive on the 2nd night of a back to back. Casey Jacobsen actually did something. My only issue was Kyle Lowry driving to take the game tying shot. It wasn't a terrible decision due to how frequently Lowry gets to the line. The problem is that Rudy had hit a 3 to tie the game. Desmond Mason came down and broke the tie with about 13 seconds left. GO BACK TO RUDY!!! He and Lowry look like the only guys on this team that want to take the last shot. Well, that's not totally true. Damon would, but he's old and I don't want to see that happen. We know this team will not be great until someone better than Pau Gasol steps up. Rudy looks like he wants to be that guy. Give him a chance. You give him the ball late in the game and let him create. His jumper isn't horrible and he can get to the rim at ease. MAKE RUDY GAY THE GO TO GUY!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
CHANGES
If you look at our website here at 730ESPN or Verno's Blog then you know by now that there will be a major announcement taking place next Monday on the show. I guess you could say there will be some "changes." Today's music video of the day is "Changes" by 2Pac.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Grizzlies/Rockets and Pint Night
Good luck to the Grizz tonight. They're gonna need it. So far, Yao Ming has been unstoppable (even made Tim Duncan look like Popeye Jones the other night). Grizz will need to be virtually flawless to win this one. This means don't play Casey Jacobsen.
So I left the Tigers game early last night (prob around 15min left in 2nd half) and made my way w/ some friends over to the Saucer. My buddies girlfriend, Beka, always has this thing with arm wrestling when she's drunk. Her friend, Liz, also likes to arm wrestle. Well, I had consumed enough beverages that I decided I wanted a piece of this action. I challenged Beka (I'm a tough guy aren't I?). She accepted the challenge. My friend Andy locked us in and then felt he would give Beka an advantage. It wasn't a good enough advantage and I defeated Andy and Beka. I was Saucer arm wrestling champ for the night. After the Saucer, we went back to a friends place to chill out. I ended up arm wrestling my friend Drew and proceeded to dominate him. Drew and I are good friends, but it's a competitive friendship. He thinks he can do a lot of things better than me and vice versa. I always end up being right. Well, Drew is licking his wounds and I know he doesn't want anything to do w/ JFR from now on. That was Monday night for me. It's A Bed Of Rosers. BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!
So I left the Tigers game early last night (prob around 15min left in 2nd half) and made my way w/ some friends over to the Saucer. My buddies girlfriend, Beka, always has this thing with arm wrestling when she's drunk. Her friend, Liz, also likes to arm wrestle. Well, I had consumed enough beverages that I decided I wanted a piece of this action. I challenged Beka (I'm a tough guy aren't I?). She accepted the challenge. My friend Andy locked us in and then felt he would give Beka an advantage. It wasn't a good enough advantage and I defeated Andy and Beka. I was Saucer arm wrestling champ for the night. After the Saucer, we went back to a friends place to chill out. I ended up arm wrestling my friend Drew and proceeded to dominate him. Drew and I are good friends, but it's a competitive friendship. He thinks he can do a lot of things better than me and vice versa. I always end up being right. Well, Drew is licking his wounds and I know he doesn't want anything to do w/ JFR from now on. That was Monday night for me. It's A Bed Of Rosers. BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Saturday Night
It was bumpin at the Windjammer....I dominated "Zombie" and I'll try to post pictures if I can find anybody that took some....Holla back young'n
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Karaoke Time!!!
I'm doing some karaoke tonight with a bunch of friends. It should be the greatest night ever. This is my karaoke song and so it is my music video of the day. Enjoy....
Friday, November 9, 2007
College Football Picks
I'll use this blog as my own form of philanthropy. Here are the college football picks for this week...
Arkansas pick Tennessee (take the Hogs)
Kentucky -4 Vandy (Kentucky is the pick)
East Carolina -7 Marshall (East Carolina...that's easy money)
California +4 1/2 USC (Da Bears)
Take these picks and go paper chasin'.
Arkansas pick Tennessee (take the Hogs)
Kentucky -4 Vandy (Kentucky is the pick)
East Carolina -7 Marshall (East Carolina...that's easy money)
California +4 1/2 USC (Da Bears)
Take these picks and go paper chasin'.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
American Gangsta
I saw the movie....it's incredible. Rapper T.I. actually has a role in it and isn't too bad of an actor. Anyways, one of my all time favorite songs is in the movie and it was also featured at the beginning of the movie "Jackie Brown." "Across 110th Street" by Bobby Womack is my music video of the day.
Fun with Interview Requests
As you know one of my jobs on The Chris Vernon Show is to try and set up interviews with various guests. I am responsible for getting the mullet man Dog The Bounty Hunter, Criss Angel, Joe Rogan, Chris Daughtry, etc. Well, I haven't been getting much sleep in the last week so I thought I would crash early last night. I fell asleep around 8:45 and woke up only between 11 and 12 due to the cell phone ringing (normally that would upset me, but there's something about 50 Cent's "Straight To The Bank" that wakes me up). Anyways, I didn't get to see any scores from last nights games. Well, I did see that Rudy stayed out of foul trouble last night and the Grizz finally won a game. I get to the office this morning around 10am and sit down to send in an interview request to the University of Kentucky. Kentucky is in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic w/ Memphis, UCONN and Oklahoma. I figured there's a good chance Memphis could meet Kentucky in NYC. After all, Kentucky only played Gardner-Webb last night and UCONN isn't exactly incredible this year. Memphis should beat Oklahoma and Kentucky should beat UCONN and everything would set up great for us to have Coach Gillispie on. As Lee Corso would say: "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!!!" I receive an email back from their basketball SID that goes something like: "As you should know by now, Kentucky lost last night and will not be going to NYC. Now is probably not the best time to do an interview w/ Coach Gillispie." How the hell do you lose to Gardner-Webb? Check out the aftermath of that game here: http://kentucky.rivals.com/forum.asp
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Memphis Tigers
So I went the last 2 nights to FedExForum to see the #3 nationally ranked Memphis Tiger basketball team. I must say that they were quite impressive, but didn't blow me away. Here are a few notes from the 2 games:
-Chris Douglass Roberts was the best player on the team last year and could be this year. He didn't look to good in the game vs. Richmond. Roberts forced a lot of shots, but I think that was mostly his way of saying "I'm the best player and we need buckets." Also, was in the locker room getting audio from Derrick Rose after the UT-Martin game I noticed that Roberts' locker is next to Rose's. CDR has Sean Banks locker room tag put up inside his locker. I guess that's to remind him of what not to become. More Sean Banks references to come....
-Derrick Rose is as advertised. He will be one of the best 5 players in the country by the end of the year. The kid knows how to turn it on and maybe only Ty Lawson (UNC) can match him end to end with the ball.
-Joey Dorsey WILL be the most important player on the team. Gary Parrish said it the other day on the show and I think this is something most people already believed. When Joey is in the game and is out of foul trouble then the Tigers roll. He didn't play in these 2 games and it was very noticeable.
-Jeff Robinson will be a better player as the year goes on, but I don't see much PT for him this year. He looked lost against UT-Martin and didn't play vs. Richmond.
-Andre Allen is the best defender and will be the heart and soul of the team. This guy takes pride in being from the city and putting on that Memphis jersey. He still can't shoot free throws.
-Shawn Taggart was being compared to Sean Banks in the off-season. Whoever made that comparison is an idiot. Taggart looks like a big stiff compared to Banks. Banks could take over games. Taggart will never do that. His attitude is better.
-Willie Kemp will be much better this year. His shot looked better against Richmond even though this team can't shoot very much. I also saw Willie get upset with Shawn Taggart (correct me if it wasn't Taggart) which shows he's growing more comfortable with being vocal. That's good news. This team will need him down the road (like next year when Rose is gone).
-Robert Dozier is the Stromile Swift of college basketball. This guy just comes and goes. He had a few good post moves for dunks, but he also let guys bully him around. He has not gained 20lbs of muscle. I don't care what anyone says. No way. I hope Dozier needs a heart transplant and Andre Allen offers his up.
There will be more to come as the season goes on....now for my music video of the day:
"We gonna rub yo ass in the moonshine. Let's take it back to '79."
Note: if you don't like hip-hop then don't watch it.
-Chris Douglass Roberts was the best player on the team last year and could be this year. He didn't look to good in the game vs. Richmond. Roberts forced a lot of shots, but I think that was mostly his way of saying "I'm the best player and we need buckets." Also, was in the locker room getting audio from Derrick Rose after the UT-Martin game I noticed that Roberts' locker is next to Rose's. CDR has Sean Banks locker room tag put up inside his locker. I guess that's to remind him of what not to become. More Sean Banks references to come....
-Derrick Rose is as advertised. He will be one of the best 5 players in the country by the end of the year. The kid knows how to turn it on and maybe only Ty Lawson (UNC) can match him end to end with the ball.
-Joey Dorsey WILL be the most important player on the team. Gary Parrish said it the other day on the show and I think this is something most people already believed. When Joey is in the game and is out of foul trouble then the Tigers roll. He didn't play in these 2 games and it was very noticeable.
-Jeff Robinson will be a better player as the year goes on, but I don't see much PT for him this year. He looked lost against UT-Martin and didn't play vs. Richmond.
-Andre Allen is the best defender and will be the heart and soul of the team. This guy takes pride in being from the city and putting on that Memphis jersey. He still can't shoot free throws.
-Shawn Taggart was being compared to Sean Banks in the off-season. Whoever made that comparison is an idiot. Taggart looks like a big stiff compared to Banks. Banks could take over games. Taggart will never do that. His attitude is better.
-Willie Kemp will be much better this year. His shot looked better against Richmond even though this team can't shoot very much. I also saw Willie get upset with Shawn Taggart (correct me if it wasn't Taggart) which shows he's growing more comfortable with being vocal. That's good news. This team will need him down the road (like next year when Rose is gone).
-Robert Dozier is the Stromile Swift of college basketball. This guy just comes and goes. He had a few good post moves for dunks, but he also let guys bully him around. He has not gained 20lbs of muscle. I don't care what anyone says. No way. I hope Dozier needs a heart transplant and Andre Allen offers his up.
There will be more to come as the season goes on....now for my music video of the day:
"We gonna rub yo ass in the moonshine. Let's take it back to '79."
Note: if you don't like hip-hop then don't watch it.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Grizzlies/Spurs Opening Night Review
So I attended the Grizzlies/Spurs game last night. First off, there were actually more people there than I originally thought would be. They passed out flags to the first 15,000 fans and that really made the atmosphere better. The pregame festivities were great. Michael Buffer was cool. The fruit booty did a good job on the National Anthem. Honestly, do you really care about that? My surprise of the night was Darko Milicic. He did the best he could do on Tim Duncan. There's a reason Duncan is a 4 time champion. The guy is unguardable. Tony Parker almost gave Damon Stoudamire a career ending injury in the first quarter, but that being said, Stoudamire did some good things last night. As much as I would like Kyle Lowry to start and Mike Conley to back him up, Damon is a better PG than Conley right now. You see the complaints about his lack of speed, but you look up at the scoreboard and the guys got 13 points on the board. I don't know how he does it. Now this is the time where I get to really whine. WHY DOES CASEY JACOBSEN PLAY OVER TARENCE KINSEY? Kinsey doesn't shoot the ball as well from the outside, but his mid-range game is better, his defense is better, he's quicker up and down the court, and he can create his own shot. Greg Popovich said the Grizz looked like a playoff team last night and they did. Consistency will be the problem as the season goes on. The effort was great, but San Antonio really hasn't started playing ball yet. They will need consistent double digit efforts from a lot of players each night to be successful. Ultimately, this team will make the playoffs.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
2007-2008 NBA Preview
So I will pick everything that is to happen in the NBA this season. When doing this I found that the Eastern Conference actually has more parity than the Western Conference. I can't remember the last time this was the case. Certainly it's the first time since the Grizzlies moved to town. There were a lot of moves by a lot of teams and there are more to come (Kobe). All of those factors weighed into my predictions. Here goes......
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Boston Celtics (their role players aren't incredible, but their big 3 is better than New Jersey's big 3 so that's why they'll finish 1st)
2. New Jersey Nets
3. Toronto Raptors (I don't think they have the talent that the Knicks do, but they have a better GM who knows how to assemble a roster. Watch out for Bargnani this year)
4. New York Knicks (Marbury, Crawford, Richardson, Randolph, Curry---that's a lot of talent, but not enough shots to go around)
5. Philadelphia 76ers
CENTRAL DIVISION
1. Detroit Pistons (Apparently Rasheed Wallace has lost 25 pounds. That really doesn't matter to me, they still are the best team in this division and proved it last year against the Bulls in the playoffs. Yes, I know they lost to Cleveland, but you'll see why Cleveland is where they are in a sec...)
2. Chicago Bulls (They could finish atop this division if Luol Deng continues where he left off in the playoffs)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Pavlovic and Varejao still haven't signed and it doesn't look like they will. Having said that, LeBron and co is still better than Kobe and co)
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Indiana Pacers
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. Miami Heat (The trade for Ricky Davis tells me that D-Wade could be out for a long time. Davis can fill in w/ perimeter scoring while he gets healthy. It's better to have Wade hurt now than at the end of the season (see last year). They'll get to January and have a big 3 of Shaq, Wade and Davis. They will win this division.
2. Washington Wizards
3. Orlando Magic (They overpaid for Rashard Lewis. Dwight Howard still hasn't reached his potential. A lot of people think Howard will be a superstar that can lead a team to Championships. I don't believe that. I compare him to a Kevin Garnett type. He's great and fills out the stat sheet, but you need a better player around him to win it all. Rashard Lewis is not that player.)
4. Atlanta Hawks (I like Law and Horford. In the long run, they will need to run this offense through Horford to be successful, but Joe Johnson is better right now and the Hawks will continue to be bad.)
5. Charlotte Bobcats
WESTERN CONFERENCE
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
1. Dallas Mavericks (They will not go out in the first round this year.)
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets (They made a good coaching hire and have players to play the way Adelman wants. I still can't put a team whose best player has never made it out of the first round ahead of San Antonio or Dallas.)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (Good changes. I think Darko will be a disappointment though. JCN is the real deal and has a shot at the 6th Man Award. Pau will be Pau. Rudy will average around 18ppg. Bottom line, this team will go nowhere with Pau Gasol as its best player.)
5. New Orleans Hornets (I would have them ahead of the Grizzlies because I do believe Chris Paul is better than the Grizzlies' best player, but I have a feeling Stojakovic gets hurt again.)
NORTHWEST DIVISION
1. Denver Nuggets (A full year of AI and Melo to go along with a healthy Kenyon Martin = division title)
2. Utah Jazz (They weren't a fluke last year. Deron Williams is the real deal, but the Kirilenko situation could cause problems and the bottom line is they aren't as talented as Denver.)
3. Portland Trail Blazers (They lost Oden for the year and traded Randolph. They're still good enough to finish 3rd. Brandon Roy will be improved and look out for LaMarcus Aldridge to have a breakout season.)
4. Seattle Sonics (Durant will be Rookie of the Year, but they are way too young.)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (They are the Boston Celtics of last year minus Paul Pierce.)
PACIFIC DIVISION
1. Phoenix Suns (Does anyone else even have a chance to win this division?)
2. LA Lakers (They can't trade Kobe. Or can they? The Lakers want a lot for him and Kobe wants to win a title wherever he goes. The Bulls will have to give up too much and Kobe knows they wouldn't have enough left over to win big in Chicago. The most logical places are Dallas (for Dirk), San Antonio (for Parker and Ginobili) or Phoenix (for Marion, Bell and a pack of skittles). San Antonio and Phoenix aren't happening either.
3. Golden State Warriors (They could finish with a better record than the Lakers, but that means Baron Davis will have to be healthy for another 2 years. Not gonna happen.)
4. LA Clippers (Brand is out for awhile, but they're still better than the Kings.)
5. Sacramento Kings
PLAYOFFS
Eastern Conference Seeds
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. Chicago
4. Miami
5. New Jersey Nets
6. Washington Wizards
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Toronto Raptors
1st round
Boston over Toronto
Detroit over Cleveland
Chicago over Washington
Miami over New Jersey
2nd round
Boston over Miami
Detroit over Chicago
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over Detroit
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
1. Dallas
2. Phoenix
3. San Antonio
4. Denver
5. Houston
6. Utah
7. Memphis
8. LA Lakers
1st round
Dallas over LA Lakers
Phoenix over Memphis
San Antonio over Utah
Denver over Houston
2nd round
Dallas over Denver
San Antonio over Phoenix
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Dallas over San Antonio
NBA FINALS
Dallas over Boston
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Boston Celtics (their role players aren't incredible, but their big 3 is better than New Jersey's big 3 so that's why they'll finish 1st)
2. New Jersey Nets
3. Toronto Raptors (I don't think they have the talent that the Knicks do, but they have a better GM who knows how to assemble a roster. Watch out for Bargnani this year)
4. New York Knicks (Marbury, Crawford, Richardson, Randolph, Curry---that's a lot of talent, but not enough shots to go around)
5. Philadelphia 76ers
CENTRAL DIVISION
1. Detroit Pistons (Apparently Rasheed Wallace has lost 25 pounds. That really doesn't matter to me, they still are the best team in this division and proved it last year against the Bulls in the playoffs. Yes, I know they lost to Cleveland, but you'll see why Cleveland is where they are in a sec...)
2. Chicago Bulls (They could finish atop this division if Luol Deng continues where he left off in the playoffs)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Pavlovic and Varejao still haven't signed and it doesn't look like they will. Having said that, LeBron and co is still better than Kobe and co)
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Indiana Pacers
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. Miami Heat (The trade for Ricky Davis tells me that D-Wade could be out for a long time. Davis can fill in w/ perimeter scoring while he gets healthy. It's better to have Wade hurt now than at the end of the season (see last year). They'll get to January and have a big 3 of Shaq, Wade and Davis. They will win this division.
2. Washington Wizards
3. Orlando Magic (They overpaid for Rashard Lewis. Dwight Howard still hasn't reached his potential. A lot of people think Howard will be a superstar that can lead a team to Championships. I don't believe that. I compare him to a Kevin Garnett type. He's great and fills out the stat sheet, but you need a better player around him to win it all. Rashard Lewis is not that player.)
4. Atlanta Hawks (I like Law and Horford. In the long run, they will need to run this offense through Horford to be successful, but Joe Johnson is better right now and the Hawks will continue to be bad.)
5. Charlotte Bobcats
WESTERN CONFERENCE
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
1. Dallas Mavericks (They will not go out in the first round this year.)
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets (They made a good coaching hire and have players to play the way Adelman wants. I still can't put a team whose best player has never made it out of the first round ahead of San Antonio or Dallas.)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (Good changes. I think Darko will be a disappointment though. JCN is the real deal and has a shot at the 6th Man Award. Pau will be Pau. Rudy will average around 18ppg. Bottom line, this team will go nowhere with Pau Gasol as its best player.)
5. New Orleans Hornets (I would have them ahead of the Grizzlies because I do believe Chris Paul is better than the Grizzlies' best player, but I have a feeling Stojakovic gets hurt again.)
NORTHWEST DIVISION
1. Denver Nuggets (A full year of AI and Melo to go along with a healthy Kenyon Martin = division title)
2. Utah Jazz (They weren't a fluke last year. Deron Williams is the real deal, but the Kirilenko situation could cause problems and the bottom line is they aren't as talented as Denver.)
3. Portland Trail Blazers (They lost Oden for the year and traded Randolph. They're still good enough to finish 3rd. Brandon Roy will be improved and look out for LaMarcus Aldridge to have a breakout season.)
4. Seattle Sonics (Durant will be Rookie of the Year, but they are way too young.)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (They are the Boston Celtics of last year minus Paul Pierce.)
PACIFIC DIVISION
1. Phoenix Suns (Does anyone else even have a chance to win this division?)
2. LA Lakers (They can't trade Kobe. Or can they? The Lakers want a lot for him and Kobe wants to win a title wherever he goes. The Bulls will have to give up too much and Kobe knows they wouldn't have enough left over to win big in Chicago. The most logical places are Dallas (for Dirk), San Antonio (for Parker and Ginobili) or Phoenix (for Marion, Bell and a pack of skittles). San Antonio and Phoenix aren't happening either.
3. Golden State Warriors (They could finish with a better record than the Lakers, but that means Baron Davis will have to be healthy for another 2 years. Not gonna happen.)
4. LA Clippers (Brand is out for awhile, but they're still better than the Kings.)
5. Sacramento Kings
PLAYOFFS
Eastern Conference Seeds
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. Chicago
4. Miami
5. New Jersey Nets
6. Washington Wizards
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Toronto Raptors
1st round
Boston over Toronto
Detroit over Cleveland
Chicago over Washington
Miami over New Jersey
2nd round
Boston over Miami
Detroit over Chicago
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over Detroit
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
1. Dallas
2. Phoenix
3. San Antonio
4. Denver
5. Houston
6. Utah
7. Memphis
8. LA Lakers
1st round
Dallas over LA Lakers
Phoenix over Memphis
San Antonio over Utah
Denver over Houston
2nd round
Dallas over Denver
San Antonio over Phoenix
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Dallas over San Antonio
NBA FINALS
Dallas over Boston
Welcome
I'd like to say hello out there to all the listeners and welcome you to my new blog, Bed of Rosers. This blog will a form of therapy for me, much like we do on The Chris Vernon Show. This is my way to vent about any and everything going on in the world of sports and entertainment. This actually might be the 2nd greatest blog in the world (cvernon.com #1) when it's all said and done. Next up.....2007-2008 NBA preview.
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