NBA Trades: Champs and Chumps Part 2

     This season’s trade deadline was a real doozy.  All stars and superstars, draft picks and cash were all major pieces moved around, changing the whole outlook  of the NBA landscape, especially the playoffs.  With these major trades, some end up as champs, while others end up as chumps.


Popping a Pill

Chicago Bulls receive Flip Murray, Acie Law IV and future draft pick (possibly 2012), Charlotte Bobcats receive Tyrus Thomas


Champs: Charlotte got an athletic albeit mistake-prone shot blocker and post presence, but the success will be measured by how patient Coach Larry Brown will be with him.  If Brown can be patient and teach him, he could be the final piece the Bobcats need to finally make the playoffs.  The best part is, Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent by the end of the year, so if the experiment this year doesn't work, they can always throw him out.


Chumps: The Bull's encountered internal strife with Thomas butting heads with Coach Vinny del Negro, and the bad part is, they made it public.  With everyone knowing Thomas was a headache, the Bulls couldn't get much more than they got.


Catching Salmon

Chicago Bulls receive Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee Bucks receive John Salmons, two second round picks and a swap of 2010 1st round picks


Champs: The Bull's redeemed themselves with this one.  Wanting to be a player in next year's free agent bidding war, they were able to dump Salmons's big contract in exchange for expiring contracts, one of which (Warrick) is actually becoming a useful player in his first two games.  All they lost was Salmons, whose play was sub standard for them.


Chumps: The Buck's obviously are targetting a run at this year's playoffs, but dumping two expiring contracts would hamper them in getting a free agent next year.  This year's run to the playoffs had better be worth it.


Three's Company

Houston Rockets receive Kevin Martin, Hilton Armstrong, Jared Jeffries, swap of 2011 draft picks with New York and New York's 2012 draft pick, Sacramento Kings receive Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, Larry Hughes, New York Knicks receive Sergio Rodriguez, Tracy McGrady.


Champs: Rarely does a trade have three happy parties, but this trade seems to do the trick.  The Rockets get their big time scorer in Martin, secured their future with picks and get this... they got below the luxury tax line too. GM Daryl Morey is a freakin' genius.  The Knicks got rid of more contracts (Jeffries) and headache (Hughes) and they brought a buzz to interest fans in McGrady.  Since McGrady's contract is expiring, they will still be in the running to grab to marquee free agents if they are lucky.  The Kings got a lot of financial relief by removing Martin, and they figure to get more by buying out Hughes.  While they lost a scorer in Martin, they got a solid Landry in exchange and they also cleared the way for Tyreke Evans to emerge as the star he seems destined to become.


Going Green

Boston Celtics receive Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry, New York Knicks receive Eddie House, Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens and conditional 2nd round draft pick


Champs:  The Celtics are hurt and aging and they needed a shot in the arm.  Robinson, while seemingly mentally unstable or immature at times, can provide the Celtics a secondary ball handler and an athletic presence who can drive to hoop and create his own shot.  If there are concerns about his maturity, the grizzled Big Three will keep him in check and besides all Boston gave up were Eddie House (who seems to have lost a step) and players they never even used.  The Knicks are pretty okay with themselves too, reuniting Eddie House with Coach Mike D'Antoni and getting rid of Nate the headache.  The three players they receive have pretty small contracts, so they won't impede their chances of signing big next offseason.

NBA Trades: Champs and Chumps Part 1

     This season’s trade deadline was a real doozy.  All stars and superstars, draft picks and cash were all major pieces moved around, changing the whole outlook  of the NBA landscape, especially the playoffs.  With these major trades, some end up as champs, while others end up as chumps.


The Butler Did It

Dallas Mavericks receive Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson, and Brendan Haywood, Washington Wizards receive Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross, James Singleton


Champs: Mark Cuban has always said money would be no object if a trade made sense.  Caron Butler makes sense for the Mavericks, giving them an all around player they thought they had in Shawn Marion.  Butler can and probably will be a greta complement to Dirk Nowitzki on offense, giving old hands Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion a chance to concentrate on distributing the ball and playing defense, respectively.  As for Haywood, well, any seven footer with any smidge of desire to play defense would probably be better than Erick Dampier.


Chumps: The Wizards were looking to dump Butler’s salary and dump is the best word for it.  Apparently not having enough hijinks from Agent Zero, they pick up malcontent Josh Howard, Mr. “I won’t stand up for the national anthem because it’s oppressive to black people.”  The bad part is, Howard’s energetic and all around play, which was his redeeming factor once, has not been seen in months.  The others?  Singleton and Ross are great defensive, hardworking players, but they won't be world beaters anytime soon.


Et tu Marcus?

Portland Trail Blazers receive Marcus Camby,   L.A. Clippers receive Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw


Champs: Portland GM Kevn Pritchard continues to weave boardroom magic.  Basically, in the words of an unidentified Clipper, “getting our best defensive player for a back up guard.”  With Outlaw injured anyway, the Blazers lose almost nothing, but gain a defensive presence to finally alleviate their center woes caused by the losses of Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla to injuries.  The trade also might help make Andre Miller more at home, now not having to worry about Blake starting over him.


Chumps: Wow. Man, I love Steve Blake and his multiple assists per game, but wow.  Clippers are just well, being the Clippers.

‘Tawn Trade


Washington Wizards receive Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Al Thornton, Cavs' 2010 draft pick, rights to Emir Preldzic, Cleveland Cavaliers receive Antawn Jamison, Sebastian Telfair,  L.A. Clippers receive Drew Gooden


Champs:  Obviously sensing that adding Shaq may not be enough against an apparently gelling Orlando Magic and a recovering Boston Celtics, the Cavs opened their wallets yet again to snag Antawn Jamison.  The former All Star provides the Cavs outside firepower, and an ability to create his own shots and get to the line.  The best thing about Jamison is not his scoring but his locker room presence.  He will be, as with his stints in Golden State and Washington, the ultimate professional and a calming presence on a team where even the two superstar “leaders” are big crybabies.


Chumps:  Washington is officially beginning its rebuilding phase…. with a mid-level talent and an old center with enough screws in his feet that he once set off a metal detector?  It’s one thing to shed salaries, it’s another to just dump players.  I mean, Al Thornton will bring some positive things, but they could have gotten more.  The Cavs were desperate to get Jamison, so the Wizards probably could have gotten a better deal if they played hardball a little longer.


(to be continued)

Shorts: Big and Small (Deal)

     The 2010 NBA All Star Weekend is over and a part of history, but not all of its activities were big deals.

BIG Deals


Venue - The main attraction for this year's festivities was the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium.  Expecting a mammoth crowd of over 90,000 people, everyone was awed as over 108,000 people packed the venue to watch the All Star Game.  The 2010 All Star Game now has the world record for the largest crowd to ever watch a basketball game and this bodes well for the ticket sales for Manny Pacquiao's fight against challenger Joshua Clottey, which will be in this same venue.

Steve Nash - My main man had a dream weekend for himself, starting with lighting the Olympic torch in his hometown Vancouver, Canada, then beating much younger players over a decade younger in the NBA Skills Challenge and then dishing out an impressive 14 assists in the NBA All Star Games.  Not bad for a 36 year old people said Phoenix should abandon.


Paul Pierce - The Celtic franchise player had a dismal first foray into the Long Distance Shoot Out, so he really looked forward to redeeming himself this year.  Redeem himself he did, as he scored 20 points in the finals to beat rookie Stephen Curry and "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups.

Dwayne Wade - With all the talk of the West's plans to feed hometown hero Dirk Nowitzki passes to make him MVP, Wade went about his business and got the MVP award for himself, while having fun doing it.  The Miami Heat star collected 28 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 steals, proving he can be the biggest deal in a team full of big deals.






small Deals

All participants of the Slam Dunk Contest - This year's crop of contestants, DeMar De Rozan, Gerald Wallace, Shannon Brown and eventual champ Nate Robinson, produced one of the most boring Slam Dunk Contests ever, barely getting the crowd on its feet, save for 1 or 2 dunks.  While I think it's stupid that people keep calling for the abolition of the Slam Dunk Contest (since all dunks have supposed to have been seen already), these guys didn't help the popularity of the contest at all.

George Karl - The coach of the Denver Nuggets had his third try at coaching an All Star Game but third time was not the charm for Karl, as his West team lost to the East by two, 141 to 139.  His coaching stint included what seemed to be a final play where all players were confused at what to do, leaving Carmelo Anthony to throw up a hurried three pointer in an effort to win the game.  While the All Star Game is a no bearing exhibition match, wouldn't it be nice to win one, George?


Sophomores Team - While they have an excuse (Derrick Rose did not play), the Sophomores Team undoubtedly are disappointed in themselves, losing to the Rookies Team, 128-140.  The loss snapped the Sophomores' 7 year win streak and gave the rookies only their second win in 10 years.  The rookies were led by game MVP Tyreke Evans who scored 26 points and Da Juan Blair, who scored 22 points and grabbed 23 rebounds (the game's first 20-20 game).  I wonder if this crop of Sophomores will ever live it down.


photos courtesy of Getty Images and Ball Don't Lie

Fifty Peso Previews: Half Season Check Up

     Back in October, before the NBA season started, I made my fifty peso previews, making fearless forecasts for the each team's season would go.  As with predictions go, I had my fair share of right and wrongs, so I did a check up.


So Wrong, Shaking the Head is Not Enough


     Some predictions of mine were just so wrong that I winced when I reread them for this article.  Goodness.


New Jersey Nets

     Seeing the talent of this team, I predicted a good season for the Nets despite their rebuilding plans and ownership change.  Instead, the Nets, with an absolutely horrendous 4 win 48 record, is on pace to become history's worst NBA team.  The Nets seem to have a young core of competent talent in Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts, but this season, the Nets have lost several close games, been victims of R-rated blow outs and been a venue for some internal strife as well.  Yikes.




















Washington Wizards

     With their version of the Big Three returning healthy and trading for scorers Randy Foye and Mike Miller, it was but natural to predict the Wizards to return to former playoff glory.  Now with their head-scratching play and gun suspensions, the Wizards have amassed a horrible 17 win and 44 loss record, second worst in the NBA.  The inhabitants of U.S.A.'s capital have once again disappointed and trade talks concerning Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are swirling around.


See?  Crazy Does Not Reside Here


     Some of my predictions were in line with popular opinion, but some were met with skepticism.  Well, I'm not the "boy who cried wolf," as you can see.


Oklahoma City Thunder

     I foresaw for the Thunder a season of playoff spot hunting where not too many people did.  Many claim the Thunder are too young, too inexperienced to stake a claim for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. The young guns of OKC have rewarded my faith in them, carting a 30 win, 21 loss record, good enough for 6th in the playoff seeding chart.  Kevin Durant has become every inch of a franchise player, running a close second to Carmelo Anthony in the NBA scoring race, and Russell Westbrook is fast becoming an elite playmaker, constantly flirting with triple doubles.  Look for the Thunder to keep that spot and make me look good.


Houston Rockets

     Many wrote off the Rockets as Yao Ming went down with injury and Ron Artest left for the Lakers.  I didn't, because I have faith in Daryl Morey and his scientific, by-the-numbers way of picking players.  I predicted the Rockets to fight for a playoff spot , and right now, the Rockets, on cue, are sporting a 27 win, 29 loss record and fighting for a playoff spot.  It's really a joy to watch the Rockets and their brand of smart, scrappy basketball and this season has been quite magical for a team with only one lottery pick (Shane Battier) and 4 late 1st round to second round starters.

Alternatives

     The times are tough.  Economic downturn, foreclosures and whatnot are making things difficult for everyone.  Now, people have been forcd to tale on second jobs just to make ends meet.  This got me thinking about star athletes and if they had to take on second jobs, which ones would they be good at?

Steve Nash (NBA/Phoenix Suns)


     Nash is a certified wizard on the basketball court and even at 36, he is still making great plays in the NBA.  It cannot be argued that the Canadian is one of history's most creative guards and this creativity is not confined to the basketball court only.  If he were forced to take on another job, independent filmmaking might be a good choice for him.  Ever the internet buff, Nash has been making fun short videos and vitamin water commercials and they are appearing everywhere from facebook to youtube.  As evidenced by the video above, he would have a shot as a filmmaker.  Of course, Martin Scorsese need not be worried.  James Cameron might though.


Roger Federer (Tennis/ATP)

     More than his historic runs in tennis (16 Grand Slam titles, over 20 straight finals and semi finals appearances), Federer's "Killer Instinct," is what astounds people.  Obviously, he possesses a tremendous mental game to allow him to be both consistent and transcendent against his opponents, despite the mounting pressure of all these younger players constantly challenging him.  This mental game, coupled with the cold, machine-like efficiency he wins with would make him a great HR Director.  With the companies downsizing, they need someone tough and efficient enough to not only decide who to let go, but also inform them of the bad news.  If there are any doubts as to the ability of the world's number 1 tennis player to break people's hearts, hopes and dreams efficiently and coldly, just ask Andy Roddick and Andy Murray... after they stop sobbing.


Tiger Woods (Golf/PGA)

     His endorsements have dwindled and he hasn't played in a while, so Tiger might have to start looking for a second job.  Well, his life has already been turned into a circus, so why not join one?  The circus could always use a juggler and Woods has clearly demonstrated he can handle that job.  If there are any doubts, just check out what he has done so far.  Since turning pro, he has handled endorsements, marriage, kids, (allegedly) affairs with 14(!) different women, all the while winning a tremendous amount of titles and being golf history's most dominant player.  That man can juggle people.  He may want to start with golf balls first before chainsaws though.


Lebron James (NBA/Cleveland Cavaliers)

     The King has repeatedly asked us to be witnesses, and all we have witnessed from him is great play, no championships and pretty bratty behavior.  So far, he has refused to shake hands, flicked a tray of gatorade into the crowd and danced goofily with teammates when blowing out opponents.  If he did need a second job, he would be perfect as a product tester of Evenflo Baby Products.  If the products work well enough that the prissy Cavalier doesn't complain or moan about it, it will be good enough for our children.  With that, Lebron would no doubt not shake my hand...


Paeng Nepomuceno (Bowling)


     The greatest amateur bowler in the history of the world continues to play (and win!) in the bowling circuit, but if he did need to look for a second job, he has shown he is ready.  The 4-time World Cup Champion showed up on ABC TV5's dancing show and not only put up a great showing, he ended up winning the contest!  Combine the win with his in-shape physique and movie star looks, he would be a great D.I. (dance instructor).  Ladies would line up to dance with him, although he should prepare himself for a visit from Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao first.

Shorts: Justice

     Even in the world of the NBA, justice is not always easy to come by.  Sometimes, justice is served but more often than not, like in the real world, stuff just comes out unfair.





Water Works


     The NBA recently fined the Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James USD 25,000 for unruly behavior.  In a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James complained to the referees when he felt he was fouled on a drive in play.  His excessive complaining led to a technical foul, and when he was substituted, he proceed to flip away a tray of cups containing gatorage and/or water into the stands, wetting several people in the process.  Such a tantrum is boorish behavior in itself, but to kick things into the stands could go on to hurt the spectators, something that is a definite no no.  If the NBA suspends for a season someone who goes into the stands for attacking fans, kicking something into the stands should get a bigger punishment than USD 25,000, which is nothing to a superstar earning over USD 50 million a year. 


Suspended Animation

     After pleading guilty to gun possession, the Washington Wizards' eccentric guard Gilbert Arenas was suspended by the NBA for the rest of the year.  While the NBA union was all set to protest this action, I'm glad Commissioner David Stern dug in and stood by his order.  The suspension would deprive fans of Agent Zero, but a year's suspension without pay may be what Arenas needs to finally understand the gravity of his so-called "prank" of bringing guns to the locker room.  The move also is a good warning to other NBA players who like to bring guns "for protection."


Star-Crossed

     While I don't expect the NBA coaches to completely agree with my list of All Star reserves , I was completely disappointed and disheartened with the selection of Al Horford.  While Horford has seen his game grow leaps and bounds, his competent numbers of 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds (career highs), plus 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks are still no match to two other possible, better selections.  The New Jersey Nets' Brook Lopez (18.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 blocks) and the New York Knicks' David Lee 19.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists) are currently more deserving of recognition.  While they may be playing on bad teams, they both are the main men of the team, giving their bad teams consistent number every game, something that is difficult to do on bad teams.  If the NBA coaches were'nt looking for a center, then another better choice would be Horford's teammate Josh Smith (15 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 blocks).  Smith, who is the Hawks' second or third option behind Joe Johnson and possibly Jamal Crawford, does way more than Horford for the Hawks anyway.  

Shorts: Bench Points

(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.)

     The NBA announced its list of starters for the NBA All Star Game 2010 and as written in my last post, the starters were all the early vote leaders, except for Tracy McGrady who was overtaken by Steve Nash (Thank Heavens!)  and Dirk Nowitzki.  Now, I take a stab at the reserves and while the NBA coaches may differ in their views, I confidently state that my picks are all deserving NBA All Star status for 2010.  (Note: I'll be picking two guards, two forwards, a center and two from any position for each All Star team.)

Guards

Eastern Conference: Joe Johnson, Rajon Rondo

      I've already stated my case for making Johnson an All Star this year in my previous post, so I think no elaboration is needed.  Rondo, meanwhile, has elevated his game another notch yet again, daring everyone to overlook him as an All Star.  Currently, averaging 14 points, 4.1 rebounds and 9.6 assists, Rondo's case for inclusion in the annual event is not merely his impressive numbers, but also the fact that the young pro has emerged as the Celtics' most significant player.  Even the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have categorically stated that the Celts' need Rondo to win.  Coming from those three, that's a heck of a reference.

Western Conference: Chris Paul, Monta Ellis

     Chris Paul would've been my starter and he certainly deserves a reserve spot if he doesn't start.  On the other hand, I have been riding Ellis and his ability (and refusal) to be a leader, but his game and his numbers cannot be denied an All Star spot.  This year, "Mr. Moped" is averaging career-highs in points (26.7), assists (5.5), and steals (2.2), keeping the oft-injured Warriors competitive in a lot of games where they shouldn't be.  Ellis is also playing a whopping 42 minutes a game, even playing without relief in at least 5 games already.  He may not want to, but he is emerging as a leader whether he knows it or not.

Forwards

Eastern Conference: Chris Bosh, Danny Granger

      There is no reason why Bosh is not starting other than he is playing for a small market Toronto team, so he definitely deserves a reserve slot.  Indiana's Granger is another deserving All Star.  The only bright spot in a horribly struggling Indiana Pacer team, Granger has bucked injuries to average impressive numbers, 23.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals.  Playing in the All Star Game would be a silver lining in this dark cloud of a season.

Western Conference: Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki

      While I thought to exclude Dirk from the starting line up, he definitely deserves to be an All Star this year.  The big German continues to carry the big load for the Dallas Mavericks and he is the main reason the Mavericks are one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference.  His numbers 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1 steal and 1.2 blocks should be more than enough to guarantee a reserve spot.  As for Durant, like I stated before, this kid has been dominant, scoring 30 points or more in 13 of his last 16 games.  Why shouldn't he be an All Star?

Centers

Eastern Conference: David Lee

     In my previous article, I felt Lee almost overtook Howard as the East's top center going by the numbers, so he should at least be an All Star reserve.  

Western Conference: Chris Kaman

     He is my preferred starter as he gives the Clippers a reliable player day in and day out.  In such an inconsistent team as the Clippers, having a "throw back", "real," back to the basket center is a godsend.

Two Other Players

Eastern Conference: Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace

     There is no sophomore slump for Lopez as he has been the most consistent player for the lowly Nets.  Averaging 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 blocks, Lopez is the proverbial bright spot, giving eternal optimistics like me hope that the Nets have some sort of a workable future in them.  Wallace too has stepped up this year, averaging 18.6 points, and amazing 11.3 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks  and most importantly, keeping himself healthy and available.  While Stephen Jackson and his mid-season arrival gets all the credit for the Bobcats's surprising play this year, Wallace must not be overlooked. 

Western Conference: Brandon Roy, Tyreke Evans

     It's been a tough year for Roy and the Blazers, with them experiencing a freakishly huge amount of injuries.  Roy has carried the Blazers through the rough injury patch, but ironically, as the players started coming back, ROy has gone down with a strained calf injury.  Despite this, Roy is averaging a commendable 23.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal, definitely All Star material.  The Sacramento Kings rookie Evans has had a magnificent rookie season, leading the Kings and making them to be more competitive than their opponents would want.  While coaches shy away from picking rookies for the All Star team, Evans possesses transcendent skills, averaging 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals, which are absolutely amazing for a rookie even (or especially) on a bad team.

photos courtesy of new.yahoo.com, heycoach.wordpress.com

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

My Final Plea

     There is no hiding the fact that I have absolutely no faith in Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. and utter disdain for his antics.  I'm getting that out of the way so that everyone can read this with a grain of salt.  In light of recent developments including his outright declaration of disinterest in fostering peace through Philippine Sports, I just feel this has to be said.


     Peping's presence and leadership in the POC is detrimental to the health of our sports programs and he should do the country a great service by resigning.


     I could go on and on about my personal feelings about how he effectively threw away the youth development program I had laid out when I was National Youth Bowling Coach, but I figured to make my case more "admissible," I will try to keep this 80% facts and 20% feelings.  


Report Card

     Since Cojuangco took over as president in 2005, the Philippines participated in 3 South East Asian (SEA) Games, 1 Asian Games and 1 Olympics.  Three of those 5 events were unmitigated disasters. The '07 Thailand SEA Games performance was the worst in history (a 6th place finish overall).  Meanwhile, the 2006 Qatar Asian Games were no better, with the Philippines placing 19th (well below SEA Games neighbors Malaysia and Thailand) winning only 4 golds.  The Olympics?  Well, how about one? As in one big fat egg, with the country winning no medals in the regular sports with just a couple in wushu, a demonstration sport.


     The recently concluded 2009 Laos SEA Games offers no solace as well, with the Philippines ending at an "improved" 5th place, a place we never even heard of just three years and 1 Peping ago.  The only feather in the cap was our 2005 Philippines SEA Games performance, where we finished first overall.  That feather, however, still comes with a black eye, as allegations of misplaced/misused funds continue to hound the POC almost 5 years later.


Smoke Detected

     In his tenure as POC president, Cojuangco, ever a "sportsman" as he claims, became an active president and got involved with several National Sports Associations (NSAs) in an effort to help.  These lucky NSAs were archery, basketball, billiards, bowling, cycling, equestrian, swimming and wrestling.  Four years into Cojuangco's presidency, each of these associations have already experienced major leadership trouble and controversies, and each of these sports have underperformed in the tournaments mentioned above.  Furthermore, only 1 (basketball) has shown any semblance of a viable and significant youth development program since 2005 and that one is being bankrolled by Manny Pangilinan.  Now, it would be quite a debate to prove Cojuangco caused all these messes, it's just a little too convenient that these were the only sports that encountered these problems.


     In times like this, where life is hard enough as it is, few people in power remember the importance of sports; that many count on it as a source of national pride and problem distraction.  That is why this Peping problem is a problem that must be solved with some urgency.  


     I've written about this many times, but before I alienate people with my dogged insistence, this will be my final plea.  I have not decided on who to vote for president, but I am leaning towards fellow Atenean Noynoy Aquino, so this is my plea to you, sir and to your other rivals.  While I don't mind presidentsiables taking their time on touchy issues like the reproductive health bill or President GMA's prosecution, I want a president who will decidedly act to save Philippine Sports, our foremost source of pride.


     My vote is for sale.  Assure me that you will remove Peping Cojuangco from Philipiine Sports and you have my vote.  


photos courtesy of abs-cbnnews.com and philippinesfunwall.wordpress.com

Shorts: Speaking Out

(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.)

2009 is now part of the history books, so I figured I would celebrate the new year by speaking out. 

Living the Dream

     By now, everyone has read, watched and debated the still-in-negotiations Manny Pacquiao - Floyd Mayweather fight, and everyone has formed opinions about it.  Most citizens of the world have surmised that this is now Pacquiao's fault, as his insistence to refuse random blood testing seems to be the only sticking point to making the fight happen.  The way I see it, that's just, as the English say, bollocks.  As much as Mayweather has the right to demand a blood test no professional fighter has ever been asked to do, Pacquiao has every right to refuse it too.  Yes, the blood to be taken is minimal, but at best it is still a minor distraction to Pacquiao's pre-fight routine.  I believe greatly in the importance of mental prepartions and doing or undergoing something unusual is no way to prepare for a fight.

     On a personal standpoint, I would love for Pacquiao to keep up in refusing blood testing.  Why will it again be the Filipino who will accommodate to a foreigner's request?  Manny is the pound for pound king.  This is one of the few times a Pinoy can call the shots and it would be disappointing if the world's most well-known Filipino accedes to foreigners demands as many have done over our history.

Do They Still Make 5th Place Trophies?

     Do I live in Planet Zog or something?  Reading all the write-ups about Team Philippines' performance in the SEA Games, I do not sense the outrage or disappointment in anyone's tone.  In fact, some writers listed this year's fifth place performance as an "improvement."  Now, it is an improvement from 2007's 6th place debacle, but my goodness.  Who should ever be happy about fifth place, except countries who have never reached fifth.  The Philippines used to battle for the top three spots in the overall medal tally in every SEA Games and now we have been reduced to celebrating fifth?  This can only mean two things.  This could mean that everyone has given up on our athletes and sports programs or it's a "white wash" style propaganda unleashed by the Philippine Olympic Committee.  If we are going to be happy placing 5th in the SEA Games, we might as well not participate.  I have met a lot of our national athletes.  I know we can do better than fifth and we should be disappointed with anything less than a top three finish.

Even a Broken Clock Tells the Right Time Twice

     It is no secret that I believe the Philippine Bowling Congress is in deep dudu because of certain characters and their boneheaded decisions, but as the sub title suggests, they got something right this time.  Word is, the PBC has hired Jun Trasporto, a Filipino with Canadian citizenship, as the new head coach of its national team.  Jun is one of the bowling world's top 100 coaches and is certified, both in coaching by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and ball drilling by the International Bowling Pro Shops and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) .  In fact, he is proficient enough in drilling that he is a ball drilling instructor and a co-author of the drilling manual the IBPSIA uses.  We had a chance to hire him three years ago, but he was soon snatched up by Korea, who proceeded to win big in the 2006 Men's World Championships and Asian Games and then later by Qatar who also won big two years ago.  He will undoubtedly bring a lot of innovations and technical proficiency our bowling national team has never seen or heard of before, and if they listen (that's a big if, though) it can only mean good things.  I mean, I've been coaching for 10 years and I'm also a silver-certified coach, but I learn something new every time I talk to him.  The PBC can "tell the right time" a second time by letting Jun take over our youth program as well.