Thanks to all the defenders who represented Knicksdefense in my two game absence. I had to take care of some business that kept me away from the computer, but I caught both games and still root for the orange and blue in the 19 or so remaining Knicks games that have yet to be played out this season.
Nate put up 45 last night, wow! A career night for Nate, congrats for him as he was able to do it against his college teammate Brandon Roy’s team, the Blazers. Against Steve Blake, Nate basically had his way, but Blake had the last laugh when he hit the pull up jumper in the lane down to force overtime, and once Brandon Roy got going in OT, the Knicks had lost their sixth straight. We had no Crawford, Randolph or Curry and yet Nate, in starters’ minutes and field goal attempts, almost accounted for their missing production by himself. I always thought Nate could average 20+ in starters minutes but 45 is quite an accomplishment from the third year guard. Nate can score the ball on pretty much anyone in the league because of his quickness and shooting ability.
Defensively, however, I kind of cringed when during the Cavs game, Nate had to switch and pick up LeBron who went right through him (LeBron does that to EVERYONE anyway), or when last night Nate had to do TWO jump balls against Joel Przybilla, who stands at 7’1″. He does get a lot of mileage out of his 5’8″ frame, but defensively, there are going to be times Nate isn’t going to have the advantage out there. He has to continue to work on that as well as his distribution skills.
I liked some of the spin moves Chandler used last night, and hope to see more from this talent in the remaining weeks of the season. I’ve been saying all season, Free Wilson Chandler. Too bad Randolph Morris wasn’t able to play (for whatever the reason).
My interpretation of the remainder of this Knicks season is like many of yours, I don’t/won’t root against my team, but I want to see the kids play more, and if we get more ping pong balls as a result of it, I’m not complaining.
It seems like this is the third straight season Knicks players are dropping off like flies as the season comes to a close. Why are injuries a recurring theme come March and April on the New York Knicks? Is conditioning a problem? I’ll leave that to you to decide, but I have heard that the Knicks sometimes have 30 minute practices, a far cry from the grueling sessions you hear about from Riles and Van Gundy.
The next Knicks game is slated for Monday in Dallas. Around this time last season, Stephon had a similar high-scoring game in that all the Knicks were out with injuries, and Steph was feeling good and put up 43 against the Mavs. That was a make-or-break type game last season, because the team gave 110% and when they didn’t win, I think it ended up breaking their spirit in hopes of securing a playoff spot. You remember the game right? Mardy played clutch down the stretch, and Renaldo had the below monster dunk on Harris. We had won 31 games by that game, which was on March 30th 2007. The Knicks have won 18 games thus far this season.
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Here’s what the Knicks should do. Hire West or Kiki as gm, fire Thomas and make Rick Carlisle interim coach. If Carlisle finishes strong then give him an extended contact.
Keeping Thomas around will only stop the development of the knicks young players. Thomas is a cancer.
knicks fans deserve some glory
they should not have to become accustomed to losing
they should not be desensitized to recurring 7 game losing streaks throughout the season
knicks fans deserve a team that competes for 48 minutes every night
a knicks team that works as hard as they do
derrick rose and ron artest this summer is a start,
but it is going to take MORE than that to become legit again.
fundamental change must occur. attitude, philosophy and the losing culture must be eradicated from the knicks’ psyche.
this team should be overhauled for defensive excellence. the players that don’t fit that description are the ones that should be moved for bargain basement prices.
I concur wholeheartedly with KnicksD @ post 152…
I don’t think an overhaul of the roster is necessary, for we do have some serviceable pieces, but the philosophy and culture of this team must change if we expect to compete with the elite in this league.
I can’t even stomach these Knicks. I’m tired of this shyt. Enough is enough.
BX: I guess I didn’t mean overhaul, because I do think we have some keepers, but what i meant was that our emphasis has been on aquiring statistical players, when it should be on how the team plays on the court together. as clyde says about 10 times each game, “cohesion.”
reminds me of the USA teams that were getting bronze for a while instead of the gold. They brought in Jerry Colangelo to find the right mix of role players, shooters, defenders, rebounders ect, and now Team USA looks poised to reclaim the olympic gold and bring it home where it belongs.
Exactly KnicksD…it’s not about getting the “best” players, per se…it’s about getting players best suited for what you’re trying to accomplish as a team, with the operative word being “team”
The sum has to be greater than it’s parts.
Cuban pulls a page from Dolan and the MSG Media Policy Guidebook. Full article in BSPN.
[Cuban said his point is that if he allows one blogger in, then out of fairness he would have to allow all of them, even if it's just a suburban teenager who runs a fan site. Instead, he said it's better to keep them all out.
"My choice, my decision," Cuban said, adding that he hasn't discussed it with the league office. "We brought it to their attention after the fact. I think they recognized, look, it wasn't a blogging issue, it was a space issue. If you run out of space, you've got to put the velvet rope somewhere. So what do you do? Do I say, 'Oh, you're major media, you can get in and little mavsforum and mavstalk and mavswiki, you can't get in?' I'm not going to do that."
Working out on a treadmill, Cuban laughed and said his presence was OK because he's there "as an owner, not a blogger."
Actually, Cuban rarely writes about the Mavs or the NBA on his blog any more.
"I can't be completely honest about basketball because of the league," he said. "The No. 1 rule for me in blogging is being honest.]
You’d think we’re on to something here Blogzilla. I like the line about being honest about basketbal because of the league. He’s talking about the N.B.A. rule.
KFLL
Choose your favorite
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiMmY_xzNfs&NR=1
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdNDdXP6bM8&feature=related
KnicksD and Bronxboy
I agree it’s time to change the culture of the Knicks.
Keep the pups and players not contaminated by the current regime…
And
Send packing all the malcontents and team cancers.
I’ts heading towards spring and it’s about time the Knicks organization does a spring cleaning of sorts.
I’ll still watch the remaining games b/c I want to see what cohesion and level of play the kids have to bring to the table.
I don’t expect us to win with the rooks
But I do expect to see them work throught their rust, and rookie/pup mistakes.
All I hope for now is competitive basketball.
Last night was the straw that broke my back.
In with the new out with the old (to bad it can’t be Dolan also)!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03112008/sports/knicks/rose_sweet_to_isiah_101432.htm
Mr. Spitzer:
Since you won’t be needing your rewards points from the Emperor’s Club card, can I have them? Thanks.
If Isiah had an Emperor’s Club card, we would make the playoffs this year. Moral of the story: don’t fuck with subordinates. Hire a temp and pay in cash.
That dude’s in some trouble (Spitzer).
ON TANKERS AND STANKERS
Bad news “TANKERS”: it ain’t over yet. (LOL). The countdown begins now. Please note that New Jersey has fallen with six losses in a row and Chicago has lost two in a row. Atlanta may be the sleeper, but they are not a legit playoff team either. The Knicks remaining schedule is easier. Of course, Curry being out makes it a little more difficult but the Curry is not necessary for this collection of players to pull off a season ending winning streak. The Knicks have only for games left that one might suggest they can’t win (Orlando, Detroit, New Orleans and Boston), but by the time they play Boston and Detroit those teams will be giving their benches major minutes and the starters major rest in preparation for the playoff battles. The Knicks have 18 games to go and are only 8 games out of the last playoff spot behind Atlanta.
Now let’s see. Is Atlanta going to make the playoffs? Atlanta has games remaining against Houston, Washington, Orlando(2), Chicago (2), Philadelphia (2), Boston and Toronto. Hmmm. They also play the Knicks three more. Hmmmmm. If Atlanta lost just those 13 games (including the (3) Knicks games) and beat the other Eastern Conference lottery/8th spot contenders (Milwaukee, New Jersey, Memphis, Indiana, and Miami plus the LA Clippers, the Knicks would only need to go 12 and 4 to beat Atlanta to the playoffs which is still in line with what needs to happen to beat out Chicago and New Jersey. I believe that against Atlanta the magic number is 10 (any combination of Knicks losses and Hawks wins starts summer vacation). (Against New Jersey the number is now 11). (Against the Bulls the number is 12).
The script has been written, or has it. What if that script is that one of the worst teams, in terms of image and won-loss record, all season long surprises the world and makes the playoffs. And in a seven game series against the Goliath Boston Celtics the New York Knickerbockers take the series to . . . . . o’k, I can’t see a script beyond a 4-1 drubbing, but you get the point.
The NBA is going to be watching this one closely. Who is intentionally racing in which direction?
TANK YOU VERY MUCH, Tankers.
______________________________________________________________________
Statesman,
It is great to see you back talking smack (Yes, I did say that the Knicks have a better” chance of getting to the playoffs with Jamal in the starting lineup than with a mentally troubled Marbury on the team. I still hold that view. Hasn’t wavered and hasn’t been disproved.). Who else would consistently inspire me to slap some organic factual enhancement on top of their posts. Welcome back my friend.
I see that your break did not make you rusty and that you still have an aversion towards detail – you continue to fight that “nuance allergy”, aye. (I bet you never saw a detail that you couldn’t ignore). I like Scoop Jackson ( (Xavier Grad, Baller, 15 year Journalist). I searched for his “Tanking” article on ESPN.com and could not find it. Please send the cite at your convenience.
I look forward to seeing Scoop’s certification that the Spurs tanked the season by holding Duncan out in 1997. Otherwise, my guess, assuming you didn’t miss some detail, again, in his article is that he is speculating like you. Speaking of details, you are correct that I challenged your assertion that the Spurs tanked to championship status. But you missed the detail that Duncan was out because of a combination of back injury and broken foot which caused him to miss most of the season, all but six games in fact. Give me the info that says that Duncan was ready to play and contend for a playoff spot. Give me the info that shows the Spurs consciously decided that Duncan was ready, coming off a broken foot, to help them compete.
What I do know is that the Spurs finished 16 games out of the 8th spot. He broke his foot on December 24th and was expected to be out at least six weeks, with a screw in his foot, which would have taken him to about Feb 14th when they were 12-36 with about 34 games left (17 against solid playoff contenders). Additionally the Spurs were much of the season with four of their top six scorers as Charles Smith missed 65 games with an arthritic knee, Chuck Person missed the entire season and Sean Elliot missed 43 games with tendinitis in his right knee.
(Well, I’ll be. You did miss a minor detail. I found the Scoop Jackson article and as usual you did miss a few details. See Scoop Jackson agrees that is unethical and immoral but tanking serves a purpose You crack me up. Let’s point out a couple of those details.
Scoop wrote: It’s time to start losing with dignity. Not losing like you’ve been doing all season long, but losing for a purpose; on purpose.
And that purpose’s name is Michael Beasley.
Yes it’s wrong, unethical, immoral and downright sinful. But someone had to say it,
He also said:
This is not the time to be naive. It ain’t the time for amnesia to set in, as if this hasn’t happened before. I’m not going to say Cleveland laid the blueprint in 2003. I’m not going to say Orlando threw in the towel when Dwight Howard made it known he was skipping college. You’d never catch me saying San Antonio held David Robinson back from returning from his injury in 1997 to improve their chances of getting Tim Duncan. I won’t even say that last year Boston was plotting to get Greg Oden and it backfired.
I’d never say any of those things. But I will say that, during the last 25 years in the NBA, teams have had notoriously b.a.d. seasons (especially after the All-Star break) when certain prodigies are due to enter the draft. )
And that proves that the Spurs tanked how? You make me laugh. Good way to start a day.
___________________________________________
Statesman,
So, unless I missed a detail in your reference to Scoop Jackson, I take it that you agree with his statement that “tanking” is “wrong, unethical, immoral and downright sinful.” I believe that Scoop has his tongue in his cheek, but assuming you agree with the premise and that he is serious, I am totally unimpressed and more importantly unpersuaded by such a shallow and unethical position. Just because a married man needs some pussy and can’t get it from his wife, doesn’t justify frequenting a prostitution joint even though it is illegal.
So you can shout that position in the loudest valley or from the highest building in the City and it still doesn’t make it right. You can tank and it still doesn’t make it right. And if you get caught tanking, you get exactly what you deserve for being a cheater by intentionally trying to gain an advantage and throw games. Whether you throw games to win a bet (Pet Rose, Donaghue, Black Sox) or to get a better lottery position, it is still cheating and unethical. There. Somebody had to say it.
(That does leave the interesting question of whether it is ethical to let your son or daughter eventually beat you in an athletic competition in order to boost their confidence and ego? Hmmmm. There are quite a few differences and distinctions aren’t there? I’ll leave that query and thought for the Defenders to chew on?)
__________________________________________
Speaking of tanking, now Wade’s knee is so bad that he can’t get out of bed. Out for the season. Seal the ping pong balls. Wade-Marion-Beasley. They could use a tempermental PG couldn’t they? At least the PG would have better looking OPPORTUNITIES in South Beach than the marketing girl.
Spitzer was primed for political greatness. This is really sad. The power of the p.
Hey, I feel bad for him. He just wanted a little action. Decent looking guy, in good shape. He worked hard. He deserved the lobster.
He may have deserved the lobster, but he ended up with the crab. Either way, his nutz are getting pinched.
Lives, While you chewin’ on whether you should tank for your son, the truth may overtake you!Just enjoy the ride.Been there, done that.
If you stank, you don’t have to tank, and we…..
On another note, check this out!Love this man!Now I love him more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_KKyw8V-l0
Ponder and enjoy!
You’re right about the power of the p. Fools and kings alike have fallen for the illusion. It usually ends up not being better than what you already had anyway when the smoke clears. Keep your head clear, because p really does fall from the sky and if you are not paying attention, you’ll be hemmed up answering uncomfortable questions from your wife or worse yet, in a courtroom.
Then too there’s AIDS, but I’m sure they’ll have a cure for that soon.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not jumping on the guy too. I’m just saying he’s human and that almost anyone in his position could get caught up in the same type of foolishness. I thought that Bill Clinton during his presidency deserved a bj. It seemed like he probably wasn’t getting broke off at home soooooo…he falls for the first diksmoker that comes along. Needless to say, he could’ve done better; but at the same time he could’ve gone JFK on her azz and killed that bi+ch, Ms. Lewinsky. You know he wanted to say “I did not have sex with that fat bi+ch” in his speech to the American people, but it got edited out. Firstly, no one wants to admit that they hit the fat girl. “I was drunk.” “It was dark.” “I hit my head on a rock and passed out. When I woke up, she had my pants down and was performing oral on me.”
More than likely Spitzer is staying in office so he can negotiate for a lenient charge, like a “You were in a room where you thought a hooker was going to be” charge. Which isn’t actually boinking. It’s more like being in a room of somebody else’s house that just happens to have some pot burning in a bong. There no proof that you toted, but you were in the room. Were you going to smoke that? You can’t prove that. Maybe you planned to counsel whoever was going to.
Whaaaat?
I’m just bloggin’.
Lives,
Blazin’ LAP. Most useful and I endorse that message.
JayBee,
That’s some funny $#!+ in #165. You can bet they have a cure…they created it.
KFLL
TMan at #166. I already know the reality of that one my brother. It does present an interesting, but quite frankly easily answered, question though.
I’ve seen that Smokey performance before. That was a helluva piece.
Speaking of “piece”, I really do feel bad for Spitzer. He was very useful and an advocate for the common person, the consumer. It’s a shame that his own consumption will do him in. The power of the “P” is more devastating than any hurricane. It is all consuming and confuses me as to how men can “rule” the world when women have the weapon of choice.
The brother blew it, but the choices are tough ones. Not all of us can abstain like former Laker A.C. Green. When people like Kobe get caught up, you wonder why they don’t just go and buy some. Then they buy some like Spitzer and you wonder why don’t they just go out and use their power to woo some. Then they woo some like Clinton or Guliani or Prince Charles and you wonder why they don’t just stick with what they got. Then when they stick with what they got, Like McGreevey , you . . . opps skipped to the wrong track. The point is that you can’t win for losing in this country. Perhaps A.C. Green is right — abstain my brothers, abstain. . . . . . . .then call me in a few years and tell me how that works out for you.
Lives,
Pure poetry right there.
O’k. I wanted to respond to some other posts this afternoon, but my phone is being relentless. Gotta go to the Bat Cave but a quick shoot out to BARF’s “Blame Game” answers. They were fun to read. States I enjoyed your too but as usual you missed the details, the “specific questions” my brother. (LOL). I am so glad you’re back. (BTW, certain of your musings had me crying tears). Peace folks. Keep it going. I think my regular posting season ends with the magic number so mlet’s make it good.
“Keep your head clear, because p really does fall from the sky and if you are not paying attention, you’ll be hemmed up answering uncomfortable questions from your wife or worse yet, in a courtroom.”
My 13-year old car has no scratches, no dents, never been in an accident.
Appreciate the concern.
Outside the Lines with a piece on Isiah within the next 30 minutes. The show is on now.
Drive Slow, homie.
Jibber Jabbering
Cooley & ‘Lives’
I believe that it is Immoral & Unethical to lose intentionally in Sports. Unfortunately Basketball
in the NBA has a Director (Stern) that determines which Script eventually will see day-light. I agreed
that changes needed to be made, to make the sport more appealing, but to eliminate the “Power Game”
by encouraging flopping has given me a different perspective. Stern’s new brand of ball
would have neutralized Wilt,Moses, and all other guys that perfected the drop-step. In addition the Superstar
call or non-call has made me very cynical. Would I ever tell a young person to play to lose? NEVER
I would just play the young guys, because in the NBA they do not get the calls. Ask the Lone-Rogue Ref.
Has TANKING been done in the NBA? Yes on a regular basis. Has it been done successfully? See Cavs & Spurs.
‘Lives’ yes I was speculating, just as you are speculating about Steph’s mental condition. I never saw
David Robinson’s injury report,(have you read Steph’s mental report), but rumors were rampant that he could return,
but the Spurs realized that they were too far out of the playoffs, so they sat him down for the rest of the year. Remember, Robinson missed the 1st 18 games, came back for a couple of games, was hurt around Xmas, and expected
to be out 6-weeks (or until early Feb). He never played again, and Sean Elliott was also shut down for the
season, (is that enough detail). The Spurs drafted Duncan, and SHIPS have been won. “Lose now, Win later”
Also maybe the Director Stern told Dolan that if he settled he suit, eliminated the appeals, then Stern
would make it worth his while, the LOTTERY.—I’m just SPECULATING, you have the FACTS.
Great game last night!!! More PING-PONG-BALLS.
There will be a Rose in the Garden!!!!
(this Rose got game).
Peace & Blessings
Can’t go no slower.
Why am I always the last one to the DAMN posting party. Good Shyte Defenders!
@Statesman,
I never believed you would tank a game or even encourage another to do so. I can read between the lines, but your point is well taken, and STEADY, TMAN, HAREWOOD, and YOU have been talking about the NBA Script Writers for a minute. It is the same in every sport. These Professional sports leagues and the NCAA are the last legs of Monopolies in our culture…along with a few entities in Hollywood…
@Harlem
You were spitting FIRE in your posts…Way the represent….Today the MSM is reporting Spitzer’s may have been down for 6 years now. Well we know now his p can’t be too little to work the middle, cause he’s been quite busy laying down the LAW and and SIGNING LOTS OF BILLS…Hey, Ho’s got the right to LOBBY too (Tea Bagging works for me)…For some they’re Core Constiuents…DUH!!!
@LIVES
#163 was one funny and sure nuff “Ooops There It Is” post. Keep on keeping on Resident Poet! WELCOME BACK Statesman and African…You all keep getting your groove on before you move on…
Keep it POPPIN!
Then I may need to cop a ride.
JayBee man, we may need to talk offline about the virtues of big women, even “fat” women. And there are virtues my friend. Sometimes siz don’t matter and sometimes it does. (LOL) We’ll talk at the draft. LGK (My Knicks Post Qualifier).
In the words of Senator Clay Davis, “shhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt.”
Statesman
Welcomeback
Somewhere along the way I posted about what direction the Knicks should head towards should the playoffs slip further from their grasp. My point paralleled the one you made today. I will never condone intentionally tanking but I do recognize that an organization can shut it down somewhere along the way and start featuring or extending significant minutes to the yout. That move is ok by me b/c it kills two birds with one stone. It gives the coaches, viewing public, and potential suitors for headcoaching or GM vacancy an early preview of what they have to work with in terms of servicable players within the bench, it gives those hardly used players an opportunity to get burn in live NBA competition and helps along their development and immersion in the league, and lastly it puts the team in a position to play competitively while avoiding the stigma of intentionally TANKING the season.
My point during the last part of the rant was that the yout want to go out and compete b/c the incentive is still there in that they don’t have a fat gauranteed contract as do the seasoned vets, and they want to make a name for themselves.
From ESPN.com on Duhon
Guard Chris Duhon, who was benched for the Bulls’ game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday for missing the team’s morning shootaround, was disciplined a second time by general manager John Paxson for making flip comments about the punishment.
It’s unclear what action Paxson took Monday, but it’s expected Duhon will be benched a second straight game Tuesday when Chicago takes on the Utah Jazz.
“I did meet with Chris,” Paxson said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “We obviously talked it out. Obviously when things go badly, they go badly. I’m disappointed in what happened in the last couple of weeks, but … I’ve dealt with it the way I feel was right and we’ll move on from there.”
During Sunday’s telecast, it was revealed that Duhon had not received permission to attend Saturday’s college basketball game between his alma mater, Duke, and North Carolina. He reportedly slept through the shootaround.
Duhon’s response to the benching may have led to the second discipline.
“I don’t play anyway, so it doesn’t have that much of an effect on me,” Duhon said, according to the Sun-Times.
Duhon later was interviewed on WMVP-AM 1000 and said he didn’t expect to return to the Bulls next season.
“I probably won’t be back,” Duhon said, according to the newspaper. “I don’t know what the summer has for me.”
Duhon is averaging 5.8 points and 4.1 assists
Boy and I thought Chicago was doing so much better than us according to the MSM? Duhon anyone?
O&B, I agree. I happen to think the Knicks can win with the youngsters. Whether they do or not is a different story.
Watch Indiana, Milwaukee and Chicago tonight. Indiana should beat Seattle but the losses bring us closer to the 8th spot. Chicago is going down.
Do any of these teams really want to play the Celtics in the playoffs? Will they gift rap the seed and plant it in Isiah’s Garden. Well, I agree with Tman, that if you stank, you don’t need to tank. And all of these teams stink to high heaven. Enjoy the ride.
The Best thing about Basketball is that if the team you LOVE makes the playoffs…..
it’s sweet! I believe that ONLY LIVES AND STEADY DO THE MATH!!!!!!!
PEOPLE ….WE R MUCH BETTER OFF THAN ANYONE WOULD HAVE YOU BELEVE!
I believe( KNICKSDEFENSE HELP ME HERE) that HAHN copyied my report on the Knicks schedule from KnicksDefense,
and it appears almost verbaitum in his blog today…my count down for the playoffs!
FUCK ALL TANKERS…… let me leave you with a repeat… Hold on to your heart!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymcjOD9UtVY&feature=related
Peaceman,
Can you post that “sad and lonely” song like you(I think it was you) did last month?
“I remember when my heart broken………….”
Feeling a bit down.
Let’s go Knicks
Peaceman,
Nice touch on that Genesis clip. We all have to start somewhere. It usually starts with Genenis and in Genesis, it was the truth.
No doubt that you were copied. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. From “Let go, let God” to “Let it Be” or from Adams to Beatles. What’s a lil’ copyin’ among friends? Knickerbocker please!!
KFLL
Lives
I, as usual, am taking the middle ground in the tank fest debate. The Knicks are still mathmatically alive so hope is there for those who look for that miracle rally. And as you’ve gathered the Knicks ahve tried the veteran squad of big salaries, and it hasn’t worked. It’s the youts turn to show how they flow and if it gets the Knicks an 8th seed… well then the merrier.
Peaceman here’s a song for you and those holding out to the bitter end.
And to all the Defenders who stand by their convictions (except drossman of course haha!)
Won’t Back Down!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHJMp5bz9u8
DLT.
That song is really a very popular song growing with sales every day!
I love the what you connected to the way the Knicks make us feel …a lot this year!
This babe is a fox ..so here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnKRpvsgO0Y
Enjoy my brother…I’m really sorry I broke her heart! LOL
This one is for the New York Knicks
Here’s to the team and the organization once again…
Rising Above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3zVe4gcoEw&feature=related
Yes we will rise above!
Tell me these lyrics don’t capture the soul of the Defenders?
I dare you!
Rise Above (Lyrics)
“Rise Above”
Jealous cowards try to control
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
They distort what we say
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
Try and stop what we do
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
When they can’t do it themselves
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us, it’s no use
Society’s arms of control
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
Think they’re smart, can’t think for themselves
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
Laugh at us behind our backs
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
I find satisfaction in what they lack
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us, but it’s no use
We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us, it’s no use
We’re born with a chance
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
I am gonna have my chance
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
We are born with a chance
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
And I am gonna have my chance
Rise above, we’re gonna rise above
We are tired of your abuse
Try to stop us, it’s no use
Rise above
Rise above
Rise above
We’re gonna rise above
We’re gonna rise above
We’re gonna rise above
Whaddup Peacman
Thought You’d like the songs I put out.
Well at least the spirit of those songs.
Me entiendes?
Keyshia looks like side piece approaching jump off class hoping she don’t remember the ride to the Bat Cave.
And regarding the NBA script that has already been sniffed here by Definsider…get a loada dis: from BSPN
Lakers center Andrew Bynum ran on a treadmill Tuesday for the first time since injuring his left knee two months ago.
Bynum temporarily dislocated his kneecap and sustained a bone bruise early in the third quarter of a 100-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 13 when he landed on teammate Lamar Odom’s left foot while going for a rebound.
“He’s coming along well. He’s progressing,” coach Phil Jackson said before Tuesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors. “It’s not as fast as he’d like to, but we’re looking at the big picture here.
“We know that he makes a big difference in our team, but ultimately the organization feels we don’t have to rush him into anything and jeopardize the situation.” [END]
And we all what that situation is–gettin’ him in a NY State of mind.
KFLL
O&B,
I appreciate your diplomacy in addition to other traits in your deft posting, however I am not sure that your position is a middle ground. There is tanking on purpose and there is not tanking on purpose. Then there is losing as a by-product of development or addressing other priorities.
Arguably Miami is tanking, but what is the point of driving your most valued, already injured asset when there is no conceivable (or numerical) chance of achieving the goal of post-season play. Just because a player is willing to go the extra mile when he has a team and organization with a chance to win a championship does not require or justify the same risk when there is no possibility of post season play. Sitting Wade is acceptable. Asking Wade to play below his skill level and ability, such as missing shots intentionally, is not.
It’s one thing to hope your team continues to lose because it increases the team’s chances in the lottery. It is totally another to make a conscious decision to intentionally lose games. Is it done? Of course. Boston clearly was tanking games with a corp of healthy vets riding the pine in crucial moments. It was from the idiotic responses from Doc Rivers. It was clear the team made a policy decision. Doc was offered job retention and told losing would not hurt him. When the lottery gambit failed they had backup: a Celtic Spook Sitting Inside The Door in Minnesota. They tanked, but it didn’t work.
So we will find out the Patriots cheated their way to a dynasty, The Celts practically cheated their way to the promise of a dynasty and who knows what the Red Sox did to imitate a dynasty. All Hell Boston).
Using the Spurs as an example of successful tanking is incorrect. It does not prove the point. Not only was their losing unintentional and the result of having a lousy team, they were not the worst team with the best chance to win the lottery. Memphis and Boston were among the worst teams and what did losing do for them. Yes, right, nothing. So why take an unethical and immoral position when it doesn’t even guarantee your goal.
It is certainly more likely that we will lose with effort than win with it: that is what we have been doing for a good part of the year. It is also true that Stern and the NBA have a major dilemma. There are few reasons for the teams vying for the eighth playoff spot to try so hard as to avoid vying for a higher lottery spot. Certainly an organization will make decisions with the reality that the long term reward of a lottery prospect will be better than the prospect of getting an ass whupping from the Celtics. No doubt there are competing concerns and the NBA needs a solution: perhaps the NBA should create a panel that picks a date during the season to end the lottery race based on the perception that numerous teams are giving the appearance of tanking. For example, the committee would have met after the first playoff positions were secured and determined that the bottom ten teams are so close in terms of how bad they are, that the season for the purposes of the lottery would end on March 12th. This would not be announced until March 12th. That would end the discussion of tanking for the remainder of the season, allow almost equally bad teams to have a chance at the lottery without cheating. It should not matter whether one of the teams eventually makes the playoff. So what? That team is usually pretty bad anyway (Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee and Seattle suck but deserve lottery chances). And there is little one can do about the possibility that teams will tank all season long. One could argue that the Knicks, Grizzlies and Timberwolves have been doing just that. But those teams would be very few and the purpose of this rule change would to preserve the integrity of the game overall to prevent the notion that NBA teams would quit and cheat in mass.
If the “lottery position” season was ended today by the NBA Lottery Committee (composed of David Stern, another lawyer and three Stern-robots), it would make the NBA that much more exciting. There would be no talk about tanking, but about the heated Eastern Conference battle for the eighth spot to battle the Boston Celtics. There would be little internal confusion within organizations attempting to decide how to move forward or how to appear to remain within the spirit of the game but take advantage of the reality of their season record for a chance at long term improvement.
It is time for the NBA to be creative and to end this tanking discussion once and for all.
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States,
I see you’re resorting to the diversionary tactic of excusing one incorrect action by comparing it to a past action that has nothing to do with the issue at hand. If you read a lot of Cosmopolitan and Essence, like me, you would know that this is a favorite tactic of husbands and boyfriends who just refuse to straight up admit their error. According, to one ivy-league psyche major, the tactic often appears when men are caught cheating or doing something else wrong and they try to excuse it by referencing a past act by their partner. “Baby, yeah I know I kissed her, but it’s no different than the emotional bond you had with Tyrone five years ago,” or “Sure I had sex with her, but it was really about me choosing to be with her like you chose to be at your job when I needed you here. Yeah, I know you pay most of the bills, but I have needs too.”
Yes, the point being that me speculating about Marbury doesn’t make your speculating about the Spurs right or me wrong about your speculation. In fact, I’ll go one step further and let you know that what you call speculation regarding Marbury was more like an “evaluation” of obvious facts including his own statements about his mental state and emotional changes. Cute try though.
I’m expecting you to sharpen up, because I am only as sharp as the posters around me.
Before you respond, I admit the Essence reference was BS. I just look at the pictures. Reading is overrated.
“Keyshia looks like side piece approaching jump off class hoping she don’t remember the ride to the Bat Cave.”
O’k Steady, you know every once in a while I need and want a translation. Give me “jump off class” and why she doesn’t want to remember the trip to the Bat Cave. I want to determine if I agree with your assessment. I got “side piece” which may be right, even though she’s got a “main frame.” Please explain.
‘Lives’,
You are missing the point w/ the Spurs, intentionally. It is not about being the “worst Team”, in the
league. It is about improving your probability of receiving one of the top two-picks, in a two-player
draft (Beasley & Rose). In addition, a top draft pick is an asset that gives you flexibility. Jay-Bee
was correct when he stated that the Celtics Tanked and only received Jeff Green. What he did not write
was that Jeff Green became Ray Allen, a pivotal piece in the Celts run this year. The Knicks need
players & flexibility heading into the draft. Playing your Vets to win 26 games will only hurt your draft position and your flexibilty.
‘Lives’, an Ivy League Psyche-major has published a paper on “Oldest Child Syndrome”,(OCS). It talks about the
oldest sibling having to be RIGHT, on every SUBJECT. In their mind they are always BATTLING their younger siblings
to show they are the SUPERIOR, and they KNOW the most SHYT. This plays out in every aspect of their life.
I am sure this does not apply to you, but maybe someone that you know, (lol). OCS IS SOME DANGEROUS SHYT.
‘Lives’ the study was affirmed by those who have older siblings(LOL).
OFF FOR MY MORNING RUN.
Peace & Blessings
Lives @ 197
Your following lines summed up what I was thinking but couldn’t quite express (B/c there is a fine line in what you are saying).
“Arguably Miami is tanking, but what is the point of driving your most valued, already injured asset when there is no conceivable (or numerical) chance of achieving the goal of post-season play. Just because a player is willing to go the extra mile when he has a team and organization with a chance to win a championship does not require or justify the same risk when there is no possibility of post season play. Sitting Wade is acceptable. Asking Wade to play below his skill level and ability, such as missing shots intentionally, is not.
It’s one thing to hope your team continues to lose because it increases the team’s chances in the lottery. It is totally another to make a conscious decision to intentionally lose games. Is it done? Of course. Boston clearly was tanking games with a corp of healthy vets riding the pine in crucial moments. It was from the idiotic responses from Doc Rivers. It was clear the team made a policy decision. Doc was offered job retention and told losing would not hurt him. When the lottery gambit failed they had backup: a Celtic Spook Sitting Inside The Door in Minnesota. They tanked, but it didn’t work.”
With regards to your suggestion that the NBA determine a mandatory cut off date to determine the draft positioning of the bottom 5-10 teams. There is some logic there but only if the date set isn’t a constant and consistent date.
Why I say this is b/c if the league sets a mandatory date, say for example the all star game, to determine draft positioning going foward, what might result is poor pre all star game performances by weak and borderline weak teams that will only make a push for a playoff spot after the break. The inducement is suck intentionally early on then get your horses all out after the set date to make a playoff run, two prizes result, a high draft pick and if that team with a high draft pick reaches the playoffs then that team will get the opportunity to give it’s players post season experiences, which counts a whole lot in the NBA.
The converse is picking a date any date arbitrarily somewhere between halfway, a third of the way, or three fifth of the way throught the season. That sort of arbitrary decision may give rise to the perception that Stern his assistant liar, and his drones are favoring certain teams by granting to them high draft picks, when the season has yet to be determined.
I don’t know if you will recall but some time ago I wrote a two part article on rules I would suggest the league consider in helping to curtail the impression, and perhaps even the possibility, that teams intentionally tank games.
I will need to dig up that article, don’t know if you or any other defender can help me there b/c I thought the rules I proposed had some merit in that the gist of those rules were to punish teams who appeared, by way of their losing streaks or losing streaks by a series of blowouts, to be intentionally tanking, and created a series of inducements and penalties for lottery bound teams to play competitive basketball. The plan would have even rewarded the team on the cusp of the playoffs that just fell short, and would apportion lottery balls depending upon objective crteria, and would also have rewarded the teams somewhere between the stankiest team and the playoff cusp team by alloting powerballs to teams whose performance, again by objective criteria, indicated their commitment to competitive basketball.
Help me out here, I can’t dig up that article.
I hope you will recall it Lives b/c I think you and I at this juncture are on the same wavelength with our mutual derision with the prospect of intentinally tanking games.
Good day to all the defenders!
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