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

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.

Giving Thanks

     While Thanksgiving is an occasion celebrated in North America, I thought it would be nice to do a thanksgiving special.  After all, our family already had our turkey this week.  This time, I list down some of the more popular sports figures and what they have to be thankful for, or at least what they should be thankful for.

Michelle Wie (Golf) - Thankful for her first LPGA win.  Maybe after this, detractors will finally ease up on her.  Despite showing plenty of promise and talent, nobody has eased up on the pressure for this young golfer to win a title.  Maybe this time, she can compete under less scrutiny.

Steve Nash (NBA) - Thankful for Coach Alvin Gentry.  The Suns have looked like the Suns of old, scoring over 100 points every game and Nash averaging over 9 assists a game.  Currently, the Suns have the NBA's best record.

Rico Maierhoffer (PBA) - Thankful for Smart Gilas Philippine National Team.  With Gilas hoarding this present batch of young basketball players, Rico has more than a good chance of winning Rookie of the Year Honors.

John Cena (WWE) - Thankful for young WWE fans.  While most older and die hard wrestling fans have tired of Cena and his antics, young fans aged around 8 to 12, have been solidly behind Cena.  This has kept Cena one of the WWE's more popular stars.

Dana White (UFC) - Thankful for old hands.  With an unprecedented epidemic of injuries to the UFC's top stars, president Dana White had to dig deep to find main event-worthy performers.  He was fortunate (or talented?) to find old hands like Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz to give him consecutive heart-thumping main event matches in sold out arenas.   

Boxing (in General) - Thankful for Manny Pacquiao.  The old sport usually referred to as the, "Sweet Science" was slowly losing its popularity with casual and mainstream sports fans due to spoiled fighters often too pampered to provide any exciting fights.  Enter Pacman, a literal human dynamo, who has captivated the world, not only boxing fans.  With his attacking brand of boxing, mainstream media who have often neglected boxing like Time Magazine, New York Times and Jimmy Kimmel show have all taken notice.

Stephen Jackson (NBA) - Thankful for inefficient General Managers.  Despite his constant disruptive behavior, expensive contract and erratic play, Jackson still found a team (a GM) foolhardy enough to take him  on to make him a franchise player.  Bobcats Managing Partner Michael Jordan has continued to add on to his litany of questionable moves by trading away Raja Bell's expiring contract to take on Stephen Jackson's terribly expensive one.

     As for me, I am thankful for my students, both in my culinary class and my varsity bowling team.  They have so far given me their best efforts and I am glad that they are seeing the benefits of their efforts.  Hopefully they keep working.

photos courtesy of sports illustrated and mmaroot.com