Thoughts on Reggie Miller…

Feb 4, 2009

I know, its not much of a title but right now I’m extremely livid. I’m very upset at what Reggie Miller had to say about Knicks fans that were in attendance for Kobe’s 61 point game. Reggie says he was disappointed in the fans that were there because they were chanting MVP for Kobe. Now, I’m not the type to chant for an opponent, but who is Reggie Miller to be disappointed in any fanbase? Kobe is a three time champion, and he’s been to the NBA Finals five times. Kobe is also a former league MVP.

I’m not making excuses for the Knicks or their fans, but for the past 8 years, we’ve had absolutely nothing to be proud of. If the fans want to cheer for Kobe, let them. Is Reggie jealous because the Knicks fans never cheered for him? I think Mr. Miller should really take a step back and worry about his Pacers before thinking about what the Knicks fans are doing.

Elton, A 76er?

Jul 9, 2008

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that Brand has informed the Sixers that he will accept a five-year deal worth an estimated $82 million

Earlier they made a deal today that opened cap room to sign him, so it was not a huge surprise that he signed to the 76ers. Sending Rodney Carney and a 1st round draft pick to Minnesota for space.

Last year, they were 7th in the east . Now i could put them as high as 3rd seed in the eastern conference. With the two Andres in the back court and thaddeus young, brand and Dalembert at the front court, who knows the possibility of how far they can go.

Knicks Pick A Rooster!

Jul 1, 2008

Danilo Gallinari or as he is best known in Italy as “The Rooster” was the number six pick in this year’s NBA Draft. As Gallinari being a international player many fans in the united states have not heard of him thus leading to the now annual undercard event to the draft of Knicks fans booing the team’s selection. The negative response of the crowd however did not rattle the 19 year old as he was supposedly warned beforehand by his father and new Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni.

The link between Gallinari and D’Antoni had been strong even before this draft’s workouts as D’Antoni wasa teammate and is friends with Gallinari’s father for years in Italy. This connection can mean one of two things as the reason for this draft pick as either being because D’Antoni has full knowledge of the skills that Gallinari posses and this may be a steal or he is just being a good friend and paying off an old debt (hey its the knicks anything is possible). The skills of Gallinari have been constantly hyped to make him appear as the next big thing to ever come from overseas and possibly be the savior for a franchise. It is amazing how the supposed “international experts” always seem to forget that yes even though most international players are incredible on the offensive end are still below average defenders and most have never played against the athleticism of the players that star here in America. I’ve been skeptical with international players since in my opinion its nothing more than a flip of a coin as to whether the player will be a star because to every Dirk Nowitzki there is a Frederic Weis (the knicks drafted him too).

D’Antoni has made a stand in trying to do whatever it takes to change this decrepit franchise and hopefully garner its 1st winning season in 7 years. If Gallinari is not effective from the start we may see many loyal Knicks fans counting down the days until “the mighty” Jay-Z (Hov) brings his Nets to Brooklyn with what they hope his best friend Lebron James (It’s The Roc). It could also be a miracle on 34th street as Gallinari leads the Knicks to NBA glory and uplifts a franchise from jokes and ruin to honor and prestige even leading to a possible Disney movie reenacting the remarkable run (I think Mark Wahlburg will be waiting by the phone for that one) . Either way I hope as a Knicks fan that this guy does make a positive change I mean a year from now inner city kids could be fighting each other over scuffed “Rooster” sneakers than some Jordan’s.(Ha Take That Nelly!)

* Highlights Of Gallinari In Italy

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I love the holidays.

Jun 26, 2008

For those of you who have come to know me, you know that I love football. And to me, the NFL Draft is like Christmas for a guy like me. But I also enjoy the NBA Draft. So if the NFL Draft is Christmas, does that make the NBA Draft Easter? Or if we ignore chronological order, would that make it Thanksgiving?

Makes sense. Just like on Thanksgiving, the day starts off with me thinking about all the good things that could happen. “Man, that turkey’s gonna be awesome.” is pretty similar to “Man, the Knicks are gonna draft a franchise player tonight.” The difference is that the latter usually doesn’t happen. And I know what you’re thinking. “Stan, you said you weren’t going to do an NBA mock draft.” Yeah, well I lied. You and I both know I couldn’t resist. I’m a prognosticator. How could I stay away from predicting the unpredictable? Its like gambling or eating Pringles. Once you start, you can’t stop. I think I have a problem. Is there a program for people like me? Anyway, before I get too far from the topic, I’ll lay down some ground rules.

1) I’m doing this based on the information thats already out.

2) I’m doing this on the chance that there won’t be any trades. (But we all know there will be.)

With all that said, here we go.

Chicago Bulls- Derrick Rose, G Memphis: Rose is the clear cut choice here. He’s the hometown guy, he’s an impact point guard coming into a league where point guard are changing the game. Personally, I’d try to package Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Heinrich and try to acquire another pick. I don’t see how they’ll work two guards like Heinrich and Rose together into the rotation. Can’t put either one of them on the bench.

Miami Heat- Michael Beasley, F Kansas St: I’m not saying they’ll keep him, but they’ll probably draft him and wait to see who wants to trade for him. Seattle is a possibility but neither him nor Durant play defense. Besides, I can see Durant playing the 4 if he puts on some weight. I think Minnesota or Memphis would be smart to trade up here to take Beasley. Then Miami can still take a guy like OJ Mayo or Jerryd Bayless.

Minnesota Timberwolves- OJ Mayo, G USC: Remember the last temperamental freshman phenom that got drafted by Minnesota. Goes by the moniker, “Starbury”?? Yeah, that guy. I don’t know if Mayo is even going to Minnesota with all the trade possibilities, but I know he won’t be there for too long. I could totally see him leaving after his rookie contract expires.

Seattle Supersonics- Jerryd Bayless, G Arizona: Someone’s gotta be the guy to get the ball to Durant. Bayless is a bit of a shoot first type player but I think he’s smart enough to adapt his game around playing with Durant. Personally, I think Seattle (like several other teams) would benefit from trading up to take Mayo. Imagine it. Durant is a big time, crunch time scorer and Mayo would be the best sidekick in the league. He plays defense, he can play three positions, and he can score at will.

Memphis Grizzlies- Kevin Love, F/C UCLA: I originally didn’t think that Kevin Love would be a top 10 pick because of his issues with athleticism but his work ethic is pretty good and rumor has it he’s lost 15 pounds and put on some muscle. Memphis clearly lacks an inside game and if they refuse to send Mike Miller, Mike Conley and this pick to Miami in order to take Beasley, this is a decent backup plan.

New York Knicks- Russell Westbrook, G UCLA: I had to stop myself from wanting Danilo Gallinari here. Gallinari is unlike many European prospects. He’s not soft. He loves contact, he’s tall, quick, and very athletic. Plus he can shoot. My issue is that too many people are calling him an Italian version of Toni Kukoc. I’m no expert but the last time I checked, Kukoc was far from a franchise player. I’m not completely sold on Westbrook but the kid has a motor man. Plus, he’s got crazy hops and he plays tenacious defense. Thats right. Levitation homes. (Tenacious D… look ’em up)

LA Clippers- Eric Gordon, G Indiana: I was thinking Joe Alexander here, but he’s got absolutely no basketball IQ and looks lost out there sometimes. I don’t know how close Livingston is to coming back so I’d say go with a guard. (Side note: When are the Clippers gonna finally put it together and stop teasing their fans in the beginning of the season. Furthermore, the Clippers could possibly trade Elton Brand and this pick to Miami and take Mayo. Yeah, they’d have no inside game, but its the Clippers. Who cares?)

Milwaukee Bucks- Danilo Gallinari, F Italy: Remember that Mastercard commercial with Don Nelson coaching the Mavericks and he was speaking all the different languages? Could you imagine Scott Skiles having to do that with Yi Jianlian and Gallinari? It’d be like the UN on that team. I just think that’d be funny. To be honest with you, the Bucks are better of taking Joe Alexander. He fits into the Scott Skiles mold.

Charlotte Bobcats- Joe Alexander, F West Virginia: The guy with no basketball IQ would get to play for one of the greatest basketball minds in the world. Works out well. If Alexander is gone by the time the Bobcats are on the clock, I could see Gallinari going here.

New Jersey Nets- Brook Lopez, F/C Stanford: He works hard and he’s smart. The Nets lack depth in the low post and Lopez would help solidify that frontcourt with Josh Boone and Krystic.

Indiana Pacers- Kosta Koufos, F/C Ohio St: This is quite the downgrade from Jermaine O’Neal, but they can afford to take the risk since they got TJ Ford in the deal. I think Koufos doesn’t look like he’s completely into it. Just my opinion.

Sacramento Kings- DJ Augustin, G Texas: I didn’t think that Augustin would slip this far, but the Kings do need a guard and they’ll luck out if he falls this far. I also like the chance of the Knicks trading Eddy Curry and the 6th pick to the Kings for an expiring contract and this pick. The Knicks could still get a valuable guard here and they’d send that albatross packing.

Portland Trailblazers- Anthony Randolph, F/C LSU: You know the Blazers are going to do something crazy and you can’t miss it. Its like that episode of the Simpsons where the Italian mob was fighting the Japanese yakuza on the front lawn. The little one is just standing there and you know he’s gonna do something cool. The Blazers are the little Japanese dude.

Golden St Warriors- Robin Lopez, F/C Stanford: The other Lopez twin gets to stay closer to home. They might be a little overloaded in the frontcourt with this pick but they can probably use it to trade up.

Phoenix Suns- Mario Chalmers, G Kansas: Seriously, if Robert Sarver trades this pick, I’ll officially become a Suns fan so I can boo him and get him removed from the entire state of Arizona. I know people are still pissed off that he passed on Rajon Rondo for some cash that ended up going to Marcus Banks. MARCUS BANKS!!!!

Philadelphia 76ers- DeAndre Jordan, F/C Texas A&M: The Sixers need help on the inside and like I’ve been saying… why don’t the Knicks trade Zach Randolph to the Sixers with the 6th pick for Andre Miller, Rodney Carney, and the 16th pick? That way Philly gets the guy on the inside they lack, the Knicks get a younger, cheaper replacement, a good swingman, and a veteran point guard.

Indiana Pacers (from Toronto)- Brandon Rush, G Kansas: I really like this kid’s game. He’s a good defender on the perimeter, he good shooter and he attacks the basket. Do the Pacers even have a shooting guard? Holy crap… I just realized. Kareem Rush is on the Pacers. How funny would it be if the Pacers drafted his younger brother and gave him more minutes. Talk about sibling rivalry.

Washington Wizards- Donte Green, F Syracuse: A lineup with Arenas, Jamison, Butler, Green and Haywood would be pretty impressive on the offensive end. They all have to learn how to pass though.

Cleveland Cavaliers- Darrell Arthur, F Kansas: Varejao’s gone. Write that down. He’s not going to be in Cleveland for long. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you his replacement. I could also see Roy Hibbert going here.

Charlotte Bobcats (from Denver)- Roy Hibbert, C Georgetown: Okafor needs some help. I think Hibbert can help. Especially on the defensive end.

New Jersey Nets- JJ Hickson, F NC State: Honestly, I have no clue why Hickson would be good here. I ran out of ideas after Philly.

Orlando Magic- Courtney Lee, G Western Kentucky: The general consensus has Lee going here to the Magic because of their needs at the 2 guard spot. And these are the same people that drafted and barely gave playing time to JJ Redick. Go figure.

I’m gonna be honest with you… nothing else interests me here. Unless there are some insane trades, there isn’t much else that would surprise or intrigue me. However, I will say this. I’d like to see where Joey Dorsey and Chris Douglas-Roberts land. I can see either one of them falling to Memphis at 28. CDR could also end up in Boston to back up Ray Allen. Who better for him to learn from?

Last season, we saw the most draft day trades in the history of the NBA draft. Could we see more? I’d like to see more. That’d be awesome. Also, if Zach Randolph does get traded, would he be the first player in NBA history to be traded on consecutive draft nights? And if that’s the case, whatever team he ends up on officially has the dumbest GM in the history of the planet. Well, here’s hoping for a great night at the Garden. Oops, excuse me. I mean a great night at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Man, I love the holidays.

National Basketball Association