The Duncan Point

So it did happen.

After a particularly surprising beat down loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan has announced his retirement.  There is, of course, sadness all around.  While many have recognized the effects of Father Time has had on even the Big Fundamental, they see one more possible championship run in him; or at the very least, a farewell tour like fellow retiree Kobe Bryant.

Once the initial, violent sadness dissipates, tributes will come in.  Championships will be counted (Duncan won 5 NBA Titles and an Olympic Gold Medal).  Statistics will be analyzed (He is one of only two NBA players to score over 26000 points, grab over 15,000 rebounds and block 3,000 shots). Skills will be revered (He had tremendous footwork and dribbling skills for a big man and an unflappable bank shot).  His humility will be celebrated (Players and coaches alike pick him to be the best teammate and extremely coachable). His loyalty exalted (He is one of only 3 NBA players to retire after playing more than 18 seasons with 1 team).

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Kobe and the P Word

Whenever a player retires, or a person passes away, the lure to romanticize their careers and/or lives is strong. I am, however, not a fan of Kobe Bryant, so the lure is not as strong. Yet I caution myself as I write this piece as I want to get this right.  Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA’s greatest players, will be remembered for a great deal of things; he made sure of that.  The question is, “What will he be most remembered for?”

How about his five NBA Championships?  Perhaps two Olympic gold medals will top your list.  There’s that unsavory incident of a sexual crime allegation in Denver, where he ended up not guilty of a crime, but himself confessing to adultery.  There was also a civil case that followed which was settled quietly. Maybe his Most Valuable Player Award and multiple inclusions in the All NBA lists?  There was his much publicized rift with Shaquille O”Neal which led to Shaq heading to the Heat.  How about Kobe torching the Raptors for 81 points in a single game? Everyone probably still remembers his expletive-filled rant at his teammates and team officials during a public practice session just last year.  I’m sure many would remember his renaissance man qualities, able to conduct press conferences (including his latest one) in English, Spanish and Italian.

If one remembers Kobe for any one of these, or even all of these, they would not be wrong.  They would be incomplete though.

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State of the Nation

     With President Aquino delivering his 2nd State of the Nation Address, the Filipino basketball world unexpectedly got one too, as the improbable Smart (NBA) All Stars vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas became a reality.  Here's my Basketball SONA, shortened, of course.

• Sunday's game was the first time the final pool of Smart Gilas players were suited up together.  Only Ranidel de Ocampo, who was injured, didn't play.  Question is, with 15 players in the pool, who is losing a roster spot?  Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros are probably resigned to their fate, but who will be the last cut? Is Marc Barroca in trouble with Jimmy Alapag there or are Japeth's defensive lapses costing him a spot?  Is it simply too late to add Ranidel de Ocampo?

• Coach Toroman's system is good, reason # 243:  Despite the presence of bonafide NBA superstars, the Gilas players showed nothing but determination throughout the game.  They ran the same plays crisply and none were tempted to break from the system to showboat.  In fact, the only players who seemed star struck were PBA vets Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.

• It's unfair to think that the game was "scripted" or the NBA Stars "took it easy (pinagbigyan)."  Their play was way different from Saturday's dunk-a-thon against the PBA selection.  Kobe played a ton of minutes and went after every ball.  Chris Paul seemed to be in pain yet played until the endgame.  Overall, the NBA stars attempted less dunks and lazy 24 footers, and scored on plenty of offensive putbacks and post ups.  Even Javale McGee couldn't find the time to plank.  By the 4th quarter, veterans Derek Fisher and Chris Paul were complaining to the refs and hitting guards Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.  Gilas executed well and played with a lot of gumption and they earned every bit of that 9 point loss.

• It's also unfair to say the PBA has become a bunch of has beens or "puro papogi (showboats)."  The PBA selection never had time to play together so they had no plays.  Resorting to one on one plays played right into the NBA's hands, hence the 26 point shellacking.  It is fair, however, to point out that that game is the perfect example of why the Gilas program must continue.  PBA selections may be loaded with talent, but they will never have the time to prepare for years and no one can force them to since the PBA is a private enterprise.

• Gilas players and coaches have all said it, and it is worth repeating.  The best part about the game is not that they got to play NBA stars or that we got to see them.  For 3 basketball minutes, the entire Araneta Coliseum was united behind Smart Gilas Pilipinas, chanting "Defense!"  Compared to the last time they were playing in the same venue, where PBA die-hards were booing them, the 4th quarter of that game was a heartwarming moment.  Those 3 minutes mean more to the Gilas players than people can ever imagine.

• The best closing argument to defending the Gilas program ironically comes from the mouth of a foreigner.  "You just have to support this team," says 5-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kobe Bryant.  He called the team "talented" and he marvelled at their execution.  Judging from the way Kobe scored and defended, it is easy to believe he meant every word.

     Everyone's thanking MVP for the "gift" of bringing the NBA players here, giving the country a rare chance to see NBA stars in their prime.  We are better served to thank him for another thing too.  The Ultimate All Star weekend also showed us a sight that has become all too rare.  The weekend showed us a tough, strong, talented, and united National Basketball Team that will make us proud by playing the same proud and disciplined way, regardless of who the opponents are.

many thanks to united philippine basketball and rodney torres for the pictures

NBA All Star Starters 2011

     The NBA has announced its starters for the 2011 NBA All Star Game.  Since, the starters are chosen by the fans, there's usually a debate on whether the fans got the choices right.  From the 50 Peso Seats has its own NBA All Star Starter List and let's see if they match with the fans' choices.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Center
Fans' Choice: Dwight Howard
FtFPS Choice: Dwight Howard

     Was there ever any doubt that the jolly monster from Orlando would be the slotman?  The NBA's resident dominant center (despite whatever Shaq believes), Howard is carrying the Magic yet again on his impossibly muscular shoulders.  He is averaging a career-best 22 points per game to go along with over 13 rebounds and 2 blocks a game.  His post moves are becoming more polished as well.

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Take Two

     Recently, one of my favorite blogs, "The Past and the Spurious," turned two.  In honor of tPatS and its mastermind, Tibibord,  I composed this post, brought to us by the number two.


So how has the number two inserted itself in sporting history?

• It's the number of Grand Slam titles Australian Pat Rafter won during his career.  He won back-to-back U.S. Open titles in 1997-98.

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NBA 2010 Season Awards

     With the playoffs kicking off last Sunday, it's also time to take a look at which players should receive individual recognition for their efforts.


Most Valuable Player (MVP)

     I only look for three things in my MVPs.  First, is the player putting up tremendous numbers?  Second, will the player's team absolutely lose its way without him? Last, is the player a great ambassador for the NBA and basketball in general.  With that, I only see four candidates, Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), and Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder).  All these four players satisfy the first question, but only two will satisfy each of the next two questions.  While James will in no way satisfy the third question, it is the least important of my questions, so as much as it pains me, Lebron James must be MVP a second straight year.  His numbers are simply other-worldly, with averages of 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1 block per game.  Furthermore, it is beyond obvious that the Cavaliers would be absolute crap without him.

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NBA Fantasy League Awards

     With the NBA regular season on it's final week, it's the best time to hand out my All NBA Fantasy League Awards.  Now, while some of the awardees would win the real NBA awards, the following are winners in the fantasy league world.  In short, these are this season's best players, statistics-wise.


Regular Season MVP

Lebron James - I've been giving James a lot of grief for his childish behavior and boorish arrogance, but statistics wise, this guy is a fantasy stud.  This season, James averaged 29.9 points (on .502 FG percentage and 1.7 3 pointers made), 7.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1 block per game.  He was a positive factor in at least 7 statistical categories, and in most leagues, only 9 are measured.  With a crappy line up I had in a league where I missed the live draft, I will finish no lower than 4th, thanks in no small part to James.  He may be the "King" of immaturity, but in NBA Fantasy Land, he truly is the "King."

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NBA All Star Game 2010: My Starting Line ups

     Every year, NBA fans around the world get to vote in their preferred choices for the starting line ups of the NBA All Star Game.  With the NBA set to announce the final line up of starters this week, I thought it would be nice to give my two cents, who will be voted in by the fans and who I voted for.  While I agree that fans should get to vote for who they want to watch, I still think that we should all be more conscientious about voting the right people, players who earned their spots by having a great year.


Eastern Conference


Center
Who Will Be Voted In: Dwight Howard
Who I Voted For: Dwight Howard

     While this may seem like a no-brainer, it was actually close, at least for me.  Howard is averaging great numbers (17.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2 blocks), these numbers are two year lows and he generally looks a lot less dominant this year.  In fact, the Knicks' undersized center David Lee is encroaching on his numbers as Lee is averaging 19.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1 steal per game.  Despite this, though, Howard is far and away, the world's best center right now and he deserves a starting spot.


Forwards
Who Will Be Voted In: Lebron James, Kevin Garnett
Who I Voted For: Lebron James, Chris Bosh

     The "three" spot is definitely a no-brainer.  LBJ has not let up from his MVP season as his averages (29.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists) is actually better than last year's, so his spot is well-deserved, even if he reneged on his promise to join the Slam Dunk Contest.  The other spot, however, shouldn't be given to KG.  I love KG as he remains one of my favorite players, but he has not recovered his dominance since his devastating injury last season.  KG is averaging a competent 15 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.9 blocks per game, but these are at the lowest level since his rookie year.  Meanwhile Chris Bosh, who many thought would the this generation's version of Garnett has been big for the Toronto Raptors this year.  He is averaging 23.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, .523 FG % and .462 three point % and each of these numbers are career highs.  Even with the distraction of the possibility of him leaving, Bosh has shown Toronto fans that he is indeed the face of the franchise and deserving of an All Star starting spot.


Guards
Who Will Be Voted In: Dwayne Wade, Allen Iverson
Who I Voted For: Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson

     Dwayne Wade has continued to be spectacular for the Heat, who have been competitive this season and it is because of this that Wade deserves a starting spot.  His 27.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists are the only thing keeping Miami in the playoff hunt and an All Star starting spot is well-deserved.  Allen Iverson, meanwhile, is a completely different matter.  While he has done some positive things for Philly this year, his numbers are not impressive (career-low in points) and he was quite a distraction in his brief stay in Memphis.  Joe Johnson, meanwhile, has continued his stellar, consistent play with numbers almost as impressive as Wade (21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds 4.9 assists).  What is most impressive for him, though, is he is leading the Atlanta Hawks to their best season in years, currently atop the Southeast Division.


Western Conference


Center
Who Will Be Voted In: Amare Stoudemire
Who I Voted For: Chris Kaman

     Without Yao Ming, the Western Conference has featured a host of inconsistent, but talented centers.  With a litany of inconsistent centers one has to just go by the numbers.  Stoudemire overcame a rough start to the year to help lead the Suns with 20.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.  Despite these impressive numbers, he has been wildly inconsistent and his constantly disappearing defense is one of the reasons the Suns have barely won on the road.  Kaman deserves the spot this year, after following up an injury-riddled year with great numbers like 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks.  The Clippers are playing better lately too and that should be attributed to him too.


Forwards
Who Will Be Voted In: Carmelo Anthony, DIrk Nowitzki
Who I Voted For: Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant

     It's hard to get this one wrong, but Durant does deserve a starting spot this year.  Both Anthony and Durant are averaging eye-popping numbers (Anthony 30 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and Durant 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists) and they are both leading their teams to greater heights.  No offense to Dirk, but these two guys have been dominant.


Guards
Who Will Be Voted In: Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady
Who I Voted For: Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul

     I'm not even going to talk about Kobe.  He deserves this spot by virtue not only of his numbers but also his overall toughness in playing through at least three different injuries.  T-Mac, though, is a total absurdity.  Shame on the world for trying to vote in a player who has barely played this year and who has been placed on ice by his own team.  That spot should go to Chris Paul, the Hornets' sole superstar.  Paul's averages of 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 11.2 assists are more than enough to earn a starter's spot, and considering the kind of teammates he has, these numbers become all the more impressive.


  

fredeeky.typepad.com, basketball-nba.com, bbs.hoopchina.com, balls don't lie, blog.newsok.com, chicksinthehuddle.com

Shorts: Signs of the Apocalypse

(Each week, From the Fifty Peso Seats has a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)


     When weird, unexpected things begin to happen, you can't help but think about that blasted Mayan prediction that the world will end on 2012.  If the sports world were any gauge, that prediction may indeed come to life.


Pains

     In the course of any NBA season, players from all teams will be affected by injuries, but this season seems to have taken quite a turn. Various superstars, ranging from game changers (Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, TIm Duncan) to Potential Stars (Greg Oden, Blake Griffin) have all logged time in the hurt locker.  Furthermore, some teams, like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors had as many as six players injured at a time, causing them to almost default in games. If that may not be weird enough for some, get this.  This season, no fewer than three head coaches have missed games due to illness and injury as well!  Warriors coach Don Nelson let assistant Keith Smart take over several games as he recuperated from heart problems.  Meanwhile, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy  joined his son in sick bay as he missed two games due to an illness as well.  Blazers coach Nate Mcmillan really took the cake (and looking at his growing waistline maybe ate it too) as he tore his achilles tendon, ironically while filling in for one of his injured players during practice!  Injuries may be a part of every season, but when coaches start dropping, isn't that an eyebrow raising situation?  Hey, I coached in our alumni basketball league.  Should I be worried?


Too Good?


     As of January 14, 2010, all the Filipino athletes who medalled in the 2009 Laos South East Asian Games received their full (and increased) monetary incentives from the government. Then, the Philippines Sports Commission also announced their plan of building a mall at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC), where its profits will be used to fund the athletes' training and tournaments.  The RMSC has free space as the PSC successfully (finally!) evicted the girlie bars along Adriatico St. which were distractions to both our athletes and coaches, as they "enjoyed" the bars' different "attractions."  Furthermore, the PSC announced that they have already raised PhP 16 million for the athletes' training fund in the run up to the 2010 Asian Games.  Now, all the above mentioned developments are positive developments, which should bring warmth to our hearts, but when I think about it, when has the PSC worked this well and efficient this early?  Now, thinking about how well we have it this early in the year, I shudder.  Is this really the start of good things for our sports program, or is this the proverbial "last meal" before the world goes kaput in 2012?


Peace-Fool?

     Over 12 years ago, Bret "Hitman" Hart was all set to leave the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) but he refused to lose his last match, thereby making it difficult to turnover his WWE Championship belt.  Owner Vince McMahon then cooked up a scheme that had Shawn Michaels win the belt with a questionable referee's decision.  The infamous "Montreal Screw Job" saw a frustrated Hart actually spit a loogie at his boss and leave the company in an ungracious manner.  Many thought that the screw job caused an irreparable split between the "Excellence of Execution" and McMahon, but just over a week ago, Hart reappeared on Raw as guest host, burying the hatchet with Michaels and then McMahon.  Furthermore, McMahon offered to nominate Hart's father Stu into the WWE Hall of Fame.  In fact, the two apparently made up well enough that in the last segment of the show, McMahon "kicked" Hart in a clearly scripted segment.  Now, there's talks that Bret might reappear on the show again.  While wrestling fans celebrated the moment, one has to take a moment to take stock of what happened.  To quote Bret's first line upon entering the WWE ring for the first time in over a decade, "Well, hell has frozen over."


photos courtesy of brethart.com, bbs.hoopchina.com and slamonline.com

Noy Noy for Prez?

     There has now been a growing and rumbling clamor for Noy Noy Aquino, the only son of Ninoy and Cory Aquino, to continue his parents' fight for true Philippine democracy by running for the Philippine Presidency in 2010.  Noy Noy has been deliberate, asking for some time before announcing his decision on whether to run or not.  Meanwhile, people from all sides of the political fence have raised the pros and cons of another Aquino presidency, and at the heart of the debate is Aquino being a "second generation" politician.  Will his pedigree serve him well? The sports world has its fair share of examples, which could help decide Noy Noy's fate.  

Inborn OJT

     Having a parent engaged in the same sport as you is considered a great advantage.  Growing up, you get an insider's view, especially when you join your parents when they work.  You get to see how things work, what to do and what to avoid, and perhaps, most importantly, you have your parents to look up to as an example.  

     None have benefitted more than Kobe Bryant of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, John Paxson of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the WWE's Randy Orton.  Kobe, son of former NBA journeyman Joe "Jellybean" Bryant tagged along his dad's games both in the NBA and in Europe.  While Joe struggled to find a home in the NBA, averaging only 8.7 points in his stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets, his son Kobe watched, trained and then conquered the NBA game.  Kobe, named after the steak his dad enjoyed so much, has gone on to become a 4-time NBA champion, an NBA season and finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medallist. 

     John Paxson had a relatively more low key career than Kobe, but his career is certainly nothing to scoff at.  While John's dad Jim played a mere two seasons for the Minneapolis Lakers and Cincinnati Royals before retiring, John enjoyed great success in his 10 years as an NBA player.  The heady point guard won three straight NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, including the 1992-93 championship, where his dagger-like three buried the Phoenix Suns for good.  

     Pro Wrestling has put great importance on "second generation" superstars, essentially because they are "second generation."  They have a built-in understanding of the entire game, and none have taken better advantage of this than Randy Orton.  His dad, Hall of Famer "Cowboy" Bob Orton carved a great career for himself, becoming quite a ring innovator and a well-hated heel (bad guy).  Mostly, though, "Cowboy," was just known as a sidekick, backing up "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and then later on "Adorable" Adrian Adonis.  Over the years, though, his son Randy hung around, trained and blazed a more successful albeit still ongoing career.  This early, Randy has established himself on a higher pedestal than his dad, winning world championships on multiple occasions and being a part of two dominant groups, Evolution and the aptly-named Legacy.  Before anyone scoffs that achieving things in pro wrestling is more luck than hard work, keep reading on.

Shadow Boxing

     Then, the bad news.  While having illustrious parents can help facilitate your entry into that realm, some "second generation" stars have found that that same illustriousness becomes a big stumbling block as well.  If the parent has done well for himself before, the son or daughter is often compared with his/her parents.  Sometimes, that shadow is just to hard to escape from.  

     It is this shadow that has imprisoned the likes of Paolo and Derrick Hubalde, sons of the "Master of the Bank Shot" Freddie Hubalde.  While both Derrick and Paolo have carved out nice careers in the collegiate basketball ranks, neither has come even halfway close to what their dad has done.  A multiple title winner and considered one of the Philippine Basketball Association's greatest players, Freddie seems to have set a legacy too enormous to overcome.  

     Ditto for Damien Wilkins.  The former Seattle Super Sonic and Oklahoma City Thunder player has found an NBA job for five years, averaging an acceptable 7.6 points per game.  Unfortunately for him, he has a dad Gerald and an uncle Dominique, that have established long and impressive careers that dwarf his.  Dad Gerald was a solid NBA player, playing a total of 13 seasons (12 complete) averaging double

 figures in points in all but two seasons.  Gerald's best season, the 86-87 season, saw him average 19.1 points, more than double Damien's best scoring season, the '07-'08 season.  Uncle Dominique is an even tougher act to follow.  The "Human Highlight Reel" was a multiple time All Star, Dunk Contest winner and stunning playoff performer.  It's safe to say that if Damien WIlkins wants to leave a bigger mark than his predecessors, he's got one hell of a handicap.

     While Pro Wrestling has been knocked as a "pre-determined" show, it still demands perseverance and hard work like any sport.  "Second generation" superstars like The Rock, Carlito and Randy Orton have made marks in the WWE bigger than their fathers, others have suffered under the weight of carrying on their fathers' legacy.  Names like Scott Putsky and Sim Snooka never became household ones, despite their fathers' illustrious careers.  Scott Putsky had a mere short stint with the WWE, his career completely dwarfed by his dad's.

 "Polish Power" Ivan Putsky had a career that spanned over two decades with the WWE, giving him a chance to win the World Tag Team Championship (with Tito Santana) and a place in the WWE Hall of Fame.  Sim Snooka had a slightly longer and more successful career than Scott Putsky, winning a Tag Team Title as "Deuce" (with Domino) and he had a short stint with a still forming Legacy.  Unfortunately for him, it wasn't just Randy Orton that got bored with him.  He was unceremoniously released from Legacy and currently, he is nowhere to be found.  Undoubtedly, Sim has not even scratched what his dad Jimmy "Superfly" Snooka has achieved.  The Barefoot Jimmy had a career, filled with main events, for over twenty years, and it ended with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.  Even with all the "pre-destination" in pro wrestling and the distinct advantage given to "second generation" superstars, Scott Putsky and Sim Snooka discovered the glory their fathers achieved is an honor not everyone can attain.

The Verdict?

     Before voters like me decide on Noy Noy as a president, it is incumbent upon Aquino to ask himself some tough questions.  How will his being an Aquino affect him?  Will his parents' tremendous legacy be a motivation that pushes him or an obstacle that stymies him?  Does he consider himself to be Kobe or Paolo Hubalde?  Is he a Randy Orton or a Scott Putsky?  When he answers these questions, it will then be our turn to ask them.

photos courtesy of nba.com and wrestlingtradingcards.com