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afroken12
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Name: Andy
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Metro: Boston
Birthday: 2/12/1985
Gender: Male
Interests: i used to collect basketball cards. I used to collect keychains too. I enjoy long walks in large cornfields.
Expertise: beating nba2k2 opponents, striking people out in wiffleball
Occupation: Student
Industry: Engineering
Message: message meEmail: email me
Website: visit my website
Member Since:
8/28/2002
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| New Blog found here:
ballerrr.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading.
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| 7:30 PM
Why is David Stern getting booed? Definitely not by Knicks fans, because as you can see here he rigged the 1985 NBA draft to give you guys Patrick Ewing. Maybe it's Jerry West (Memphis GM) and the 25 remaining Grizz fans (recently added to the list of endangered species). Nah, it's probably just Doc Rivers (Celtics head coach) and Danny Ainge (Celtics GM).
I overheard this recent exchange
Danny Ainge:
"David, now I can't say this any clearer: we deserve the #1 pick this year...don't make me do something I'm gonna regret. Does the word "MOB" mean anything to you?"
David Stern: "Yeah. I AM the mob. I run this show."
(slamonline.com)
7:36 PM
"And with the 1st pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select..."
#1 Greg Oden (OSU)
For everbody who's been following the NBA draft the past few weeks/months/years...this one was a no-brainer. The consensus #1 player, barring serious injury or a massive cocaine overdose tomorrow night (RIP Len Bias), Greg Oden is a future perennial all-star in the same mold as Bill Russell. Scouts, coaches, and GMs have also been more than impressed with his attitude, calling him one of the rare superstars who wants to be coached (like Tim Duncan and his 4 NBA championships)
One thing going against him...he looks like he's 45 years old. I wonder if the state of his body will eventually catch up with his looks. In 10 years he'll be walking with a cane.
Stuart Scott: "Now real quickly, who looks older, you or LeBron James?"
7:41
Proposed trade between Seattle and Boston:
Ray Allen for Delonte West, Wally Sczcerbiak, and this year's #5 Pick
7:42
#2 Seattle selects Kevin Durant (University of Texas)
Another no-brainer, one of the most exciting players to come out of college since I was born. To be able to lift 180 lbs ZERO times on the bench press, yet dominate the college game as a freshman is ridiculous. And as Portland Trail Blazer's GM Kevin Pritchard mentioned on ESPN Radio yesterday, he views that as a strength. "Imagine if he were hitting the weight room".
7:47
#3 Atlanta selects Al Horford (University of Florida)
Smart pick by Atlanta, although a little confusing as they selected a similar yet inferior player (Shelden Williams from Duke) last year. He was though, the best player on the board and will be a force at power forward starting on Day 1 out in the Leastern Conference. It does seem like Billy Knight has some power in this organization, as word was that he was lobbying hard for Horford while the Hawks ownership was pushing for Yi Jianlian (read below) for marketing reasons and his "loads of untapped potential". To all three of you Atlanta fans, you now know where to direct all that old hate mail.
Billy Knight
General Manager
Atlanta Hawks
Centennial Tower
101 Marietta St. NW, Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30303
7:52
#4 Memphis selects Michael Conley, Jr (OSU)
Fills a great need here, as Memphis has been throwing not-so-mighty mouse Damon Stoudemire and Chucky (fill in the blank) Atkins. One columnist claims he's as fast as Allen Iverson...now is that Iverson now or Iverson his rookie year? Either way, this kid is fast and although he's only played a year of college ball, they say he's NBA ready. The Grizzlies just added a key component in getting them back to the playoffs.
7:56
Wow, ESPN announced that Boston just agreed to draft Jeff Green and send him with Wally and Delonte to Seattle for Ray Allen.
7:57
#5 Yep, Boston selects Jeff Green (Georgetown).
I don't like this trade at all. Let's revisit it:
Proposed trade between Seattle and Boston:
Ray Allen for Delonte West, Wally Sczcerbiak, and this year's #5 Pick
As a Celtic fan, I can't be too happy. Although Allen returns to the New England area (he played college ball at UCONN, where I actually got the chance to see him play pickup while at summer camp), I wonder how he will coexist with Paul Pierce, two superstars who need the basketball to be effective. However, he is a huge upgrade over Wally, who was running around on a peg leg, as well as real live leprechaun Delonte West (red hair and all). West will be a solid player in this league for years, but never a star. I can see why the Celtic brass made this move...they needed to let Pierce know that they plan to win while he's still in his prime...and in doing so they were also able to acquire one of the most well-liked, seasoned sharpshooters in the league.
It looks good on paper, as of now Boston will have the following starting lineup:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Al Jefferson
C: Kendrick Perkins
We'll have to see how it turns out in November. I still don't like the deal. On second thought, the only reason why I don't like this deal is because it didn't involve Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, or Lamar Odom/Andrew Bynum.
Seattle on the other hand, has ushered in a new era. They plan to part rays with Rashard Lewis, and now have replaced Lewis and Allen with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Seattle shouldn't do too much damage in the next year or two, but give them a few more and this team could be a perennial powerhouse in the West. All that, however hinges on the development of their hoard of underskilled, overvalued, big men. Is Jim McIlvaine still on contract? However, Seattle may still be a player in this draft, as they do have an offer on the table to the Hawks, with Luke Ridnour potentially leaving for the #11 pick. This move would make sense for the Hawks, who are still without a true PG.
Seattle's projected lineup:
PG: Earl Watson
SG: Jeff Green
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Chris Wilcox
C: Nick Collison
8:03
#6 Milwaukee selects Yi Jianlian (China)
This should be interesting. Yi's agent didn't even allow Yi to work out for Milwaukee or Minnesota, as now he's heading to one of the smaller markets in the league. From what I hear, Milwaukee didn't miss much in the workouts, because I'm pretty sure anybody who's played international/semi-pro ball could look good matched up against a chair. It's alleged that Yi's actually 23 years old, whereas his birth certificate claims he's 19. However, in China, its apparently really easy to fudge up the certificate, and like Danny Almonte, we may never know...
 vs 
This brings up a number of concerns with Yi. First, if he actually is older than he says he is, the fact that he played so well in international play as a "youth" now means nothing at all. Secondly, he refused to work out against other players, and there is really no way of knowing how good this kid will be (Dirk Nowitzki or Nikolos Tsikitishvili?). He's a 7 footer who can shoot and slash, but come on now, a lot of his play in the Worlds came with his team already behind pretty big (China sucked) and all the highlight reels are of him going against 6'3 Chinese power forwards. Nothing against the Chinese basketball system, but it's years behind in quality-of-competition in commparison with the Europe and the US. Lastly, he's skinny. The fact that he's not aggressive on a regular basis and has never really dominated a game or an opponent from what I've heard don't indicate that someday, this guy is going to be dominating the NBA. I just don't see it. Not everybody has the killer instinct, the competitive edge, or controlled aggressiveness (note: controlled, not Ron Artest) needed to dominate the NBA on a nightly basis, and I don't think Yi comes close.
8:07
Yi's english isn't that bad...though he speaks like 4 words a minute. I just want to see him bust out in Chinese and ESPN broadcast subtitles. For his sake...and for my sake, as a Chinese American.
8:10
#7 The Timberwolves selected Corey Brewer (University of Florida).
This guy is already a solid defender and is one of the most athletic and dynamic players in this draft. He is also a winner, coming off of back-to-back championships at Florida. One question is when he will develop his offensive game. He's not a bad shooter, but not nearly consistent yet to succeed in the pros. The bigger question is, what's going to happen to Kevin Garnett, as his situation will definitley make an impact on the T'Wolves future for years to come.
8:17
#8 Charlotte selects Brandan Wright
Not very strong, not very polished, and not yet ready to contribute. But hey, he's athletic and he's a Tar Heels alum, something in common with a certain Bobcats brass (MJ). That must be it.
8:25
#9 The Chicago Bulls select Joakim Noah (University of Florida).
As much as I love watching this guy play, as much as I hear about his amazing leadership qualities, as much as he's accomplished in the NCAA, and as big as his hair is under that bulls cap, I can't see how the bulls could ever run out a lineup with any two of the following: Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas, and Joakim Noah. Although these ugly fellas will you give you all-energy and all-defense, they'll give you zero offense. None of them can score on a consistent basis.
What I can't wait for though, is for both Ben Wallace and Joakim Noah to let their hair out at the same time.
8:29
Just saw the Lebron James/Jimmy Kimmel ESPY's commercial. I didn't vote for Lebron James. Did he win the NBA title? Thus, neither should you.
Ladanian Tomlinson, baby.
Lebron will get his in no time.
8:32
#10 The Sacramento Kings select Spencer Hawes.
No offense to 7 foot white guys, but what's this guy's ceiling? Brad Miller? I hope he turns out well because its time that more teams returned to developing and utilizing dominant big men. He's not very athletic, not a great defender, and not a great rebounder, and this showed at the college level. He's going to need to improve dramatically in order to make an impact in the pros. Nice kid, I hope he does well in Sactown.
At least he has the Jim Halpert thing going for him.
 
8:38
#11 Atlanta selects Acie Law, IV.
Won the Bob Cousy award winner for the top college point guard, fills an immediate need at PG for the Hawks. Although he's more of a scorer, he'll have to learn to be a more well rounded PG. All of a sudden, these Hawks have a bright future...bye bye Speedy Claxton and your 0-9 shooting. Now if only they could find a legitimate coach.
8:40
Mike Tirico holding up the new Hawks jersey, "The hawk got a little meaner this year."
Now The Hawks REALLY mean business!"
8:59
#12 Philadelphia selects Thaddeus Young
Kinda surprised at this pick here, as Young plays a similar position as Rodney Carney, last year's 1st rounder. There may have been a better pick here, but at least they didn't select Jason Smith or Josh McRoberts...yet
#13 New Orleans selects Julian Wright
Does he remind anybody else of a young, raw Josh Howard? Projected to be a great all around player, although he doesn't yet excel in any category. It will be interesting to see how his game develops, as he has shown flashes of greatness.
#14 The LA Clippers just selected Al Thornton.
A little old (he's like 24 or something), he's experienced and ready to contribute immediately. A great scorer, he's a good selection for the Clippers. What the Clippers need to do now is move Corey Maggette, as he also plays SF and clearly can't coexist with Mike Dunleavy or Clippers management. As one Clipper staff remarked, "sometimes he looks like an All-Star...the rest of the time he looks like the headless horseman."
9:05
#15 Detroit selects Rodney Stuckey
Stuckey impressed scouts with his workouts, and could be a find for the Pistons. However, the Pistons have larger issues at hand, with the possible departure of Finals MVP Chauncey Billups and coming off of two lackluster (at least in the end) seasons.
9:10
#16 Washington selects Nick Young
There doesnt seem to be a consensus on this kid. Many scouts and GMs say he's going to be an explosive player, who already has a superb knack for scoring. Others aren't as sold. However, he does give Wizards nation some hope, as they can probably plan on losing Gilbert Arenas to Free Agency next year. He also has a touching story, which has been turned into a documentary and been shown at the LA Film Festival. For his sake, I hope he doesnt follow the same DVD-NBA-NBDL trajectory as Sebastian Telfair.
Didn't hear a thing he said when being interviewed by Stuart Scott...technical difficulties?
9:14
Portland trades:
Zach Randolph
Dan Dickau
Fred Jones
New York Knicks trade:
Steve Francis
Channing Frye
Knicks fans rejoice. They're now all of a sudden a force in the East with Zach Randolph. Although there may be some character issues there, Randolph is a beast down low, putting up huge numbers in the West. Now that he's in the East, expect even more. And to think, they got that for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. Steve Francis and Channing Frye. Just had to say that again. Francis is washed up, and Frye will never be as good as Randolph. Who knows, maybe Francis will get a knee transplant, have a resurgence in Portland and ultimately retire, one year before Portland wins the whole thing. Maybe it's like the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's...treasure"? Maybe Isaiah knew what he was doing all along.
Somebody please shut up Steven A Smith!
9:15
#17 New Jersey selects Sean Williams (Boston College)
Good fit for New Jersey, as he brings instant energy and defense down low. He also brings two bags of weed and a penchant for jumping out of windows with handguns.
9:25
Steven A. Smith must have been one annoying kid. Does he practice his angry voice?
On that note, I'm out, and this concludes my experiment.
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| 
Fenway Park (Boston, MA). Boston Red Sox/New York Mets 6.27.06. Sunset. 
PNC Park (Pittsburgh, PA). Pittsburgh Pirates/Detroit Tigers 6.30.06. Day & Evening. | | |
| Congrats to the Chicago White Sox of 2005!
And Congrats to all the White Sox fans out there.
Over the past two years I've spent here in Chicago, I got the chance to see and experience what it means to be a White Sox fan. From going to numerous games at US Cellular, I got to see just how different White Sox fans and Cubs fans are, as I pointed out in one of my previous entries (see July 24th), drawing much ire from Cubs fans. At times, being at US Cellular reminded me of being back in Fenway...actually hearing the crowd chanting, and "diehards" yelling...compared to the rather quiet confines of Wrigley. Sure, I bet Wrigley can get loud when things matter, but seriously folks, when is the last time's things mattered for the cubbies when not involving steve bartman?
Okay, I know I don't have any right to criticize Cubs fans at this time, but what I'm really trying to say is that I wish Chicago just cared a little more that the White Sox won. Maybe this is only what I've been seeing, living on the north side, whereas all of the south side is partying up. Maybe not.
Anyways, back to the WHITE SOX. I've gained a lot of respect for Ozzie Guillen, and I can't say I've enjoyed any other accented sports-figure more. I didn't think the White Sox would pull it out. But they did. And, while the World Series games were somewhat boring to watch, this team deserved its first World Series title in 88 years.
And finally, the real reason why I'm posting...
This is how a TRUE Chicago White Sox fan supports his/her team:
This is how Jimmy supports his team. Game 4 of the World Series, innings 1 through 4.
Jimmy - "Yesterday I talked to a guy in my lab who is a converted Cubs fan from NY now rooting for the Sox tell me that he got two tickets to the World Series. And I'm hearing about people who know absolutely nothing about the Sox, let alone baseball, attempt to get tickets, or who have actually gotten tickets. 'Excuse me I think I just threw up a little in my mouth' ...haha." - Cheon
Man, I feel bad. I gave him enough flak for having the cahonas to think that the 2005 Chicago White Sox would be voted the best team in post-season history. Yeah, sure they went 11-1 overall, beating the LA Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros...but best team ever? Yeah, my butt.
Before we went to bed, he noted how ESPN Sportsnation was conducting a poll of the best postseason team in the past 20 years. (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=thepulse).
Before we went to bed last night, the White Sox were #1.
As of right now?
SportsNation Rankings: Best team of the last 20 years (16,594 votes)
1. Boston Red Sox, 2004
2. New York Yankees, 1998
3. New York Yankees, 1999
4. Oakland Athletics, 1989
5. Chicago White Sox, 2005
6. Atlanta Braves, 1995
7. New York Mets, 1986
8. New York Yankees, 2000
9. New York Yankees, 1996
10. Cincinnati Reds, 1990
Well enough of that. Chicago, enjoy your White Sox. Northwestern students, enjoy the White Sox. Make it down to US Cellular, its right next to Chinatown.
Two great years of postseason baseball. First the Red Sox, and then the White Sox (while I'm still here in Chicago). Northwestern football is ranked #21 in the Associated Press, and playing Michigan for homecoming this weekend. What a great time to be a sports fan.
...
Sure, there are more important things in life than sports...there are more important news headlines out there, such as Harriet Miers' withdrawal of her Supreme Court nomination bid. Sometimes its nice to revel in the fact that your favorite sports team or athlete just accomplished something great. Sometimes its good to take a break from "reality" and go nuts for the sake of sport or entertainment. Even if that means yelling your brains out at your TV screen, thinking that you can "will" your team all the way to victory. Rather, it's more a sense of knowing that what you do in front of your TV screen, what you're wearing, and what you yelling will help your team win. Trust me, I do this all the time. While it is important to recognize what's really important here in life, and to recongnize the somber realities of poverty and injustice worldwide...I also find it important to be able to enjoy the smaller, simpler things of life. To recognize, appreciate, and celebrate human accomplishment...which is just as much a part of life as is pain and suffering. because to be unable to enjoy life would be simply inhuman. | | |
| What a terrible way to end the season.
I don't want to hear any more about it.
Congrats, Chicago. I've already been to three of their home games. I guess I'll be rooting for the White Sox.
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