X Marks The Spot : Breaking It Down Since '05!

Hindsight Is 20/20

2009-05-27T07:11:00.005+08:00

I never expected that 3 games deep into the Eastern Conference Finals, I'd be reduced to writing about "what if" scenarios. I really do not want to, but with the Cavaliers being thoroughly outplayed by the Orlando Magic in each of the first 3 games, I don't think I have much choice.

The focus of my frustration today has to be about the missed opportunity the Cavaliers had in not trading Wally Sexyback this past February.

I know, looking back on it now(and given the Cavs' current state) would be too easy and way unfair to the Cavaliers front office. Heck, back then, I was in support of staying pat. Sure, being able to get a low-post threat (Amare Stoudemire, Brad Miller) or another wingman (John Salmons) would have been way better than Wally World. But what if it ruined the Cavs' chemistry? The Cavs were having a monster season, and bringing in a player expected to play a big role on the team could have been disastrous. After all, Wally wasn't exactly playing terribly; he was doing just enough to contribute at least something. Therefore, I must admit that I was perfectly happy back then.

But things change. As pointless as this may be - and you could even say this is nothing but a desperate attempt by a fan to make sense of Cleveland's struggles -, I still think it's somehow worth revisiting.

The Orlando Magic have exposed a glaring deficiency on the Cavaliers' part. The Cavs just can't defend the Magic very well. Orlando's stocked with plenty of bench help, capable bigs and good shooting. Cleveland, on the other hand, lack those three. It would be premature to label Mo Williams as a bust, but he has to walk the walk and step up. Delonte's struggling and Zydrunas has been reduced to a three-point shooter.

And worst of all, the Cavs' bench isn't doing its part at all. And this brings me to Wally Szczerbiak. Dude isn't even playing anymore! Not saying that he should get more time on the floor because he hasn't done much in the Playoffs, but this is the guy Danny Ferry decided not to trade for (maybe) a more valuable piece.

What if they were able to trade him? What if, instead of Wally, they're playing either Brad Miller or John Salmons (or both???) off the bench, bringing an offensive punch to counter Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat? Instead of watching Ben Wallace butterfinger the ball out of his hands, it could be Brad Miller knocking down open J's. Instead of cringing at the sight of Delonte West defending Turkey's Finest (to be fair though, Delonte does a good job bodying up), it could be John Salmons forcing Hedo to take tougher shots.

It's all pointless now because it's now late May and the Cavs are down 1-2, but I hope Danny Ferry uses this series as a warning. I hope that win or lose, he gains much from this experience and goes into the off-season looking to upgrade the Cavs' sore spots. Superman and his Super Friends have shown the King and his Witnesses they are not invincible. And while it's too early to count the guys in wine and gold out, the reality is that they need much more if they hope to make things easier for LeBron James.

Sucks that we didn't know this back in February, huh?

Photo Credit goes to NBA.com

Wrong Answer

2009-04-27T10:08:00.015+08:00

And just like that, they were gone.

I'm talking about the Detroit Pistons, once the gatekeepers of the Eastern Conference, now relegated to first-round fodder for the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers.

It's sad, really. I still remember clearly way back in 2004 when, with Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace still in tow, the Pistons surprisingly defeated the Hall-Of-Fame-laden Los Angeles Lakers in just 5 games. Being a big Laker Hater, that was a very good time for me, especially since nobody (not even me) would dare think that the Lakers would lose. Aaah, the joy of ignorance... While the Lakers imploded due to a certain feud - remember that? - the New School Bad Boys slowly picked off the unassuming Western power.

That's a really nice moment, one that I'll remember forever.

However, it's the 26th of April right now, and I just saw a flash of red completely consume some white. Turns out the Pistons have just been eliminated from the 2009 Playoffs. By the Cavaliers. In the First Round. As an 8th seed. On a 0-4 sweep.

Now, I don't want to be bold just for the sake of it, but it's pretty obvious that the Pistons are done. Their stars are aging, their coach is a rookie, and they have absolutely no depth. On top of that, they just traded their floor general for Allen Iverson.

Yes. Allen Iverson.

You see, the Pistons were supposed to put up a fight. Regardless of the early returns of the "Answer Experiment", they were still supposed to be better than the Heat, Bulls, and Sixers. Supposed to.

I must admit, I'm not the biggest A.I. fan out there, but there is no denying the man's talent. I mean, he led the Sixers all the way to the Finals in 2001, even stealing Game 1 in L.A.! I have tons of respect for this dude. This man is a baller, hands down.

There is one thing, however, that I just have to question about him: his decision to sulk if not made a starter. Really, A.I.??? You're pushing 30 now, your career on its downswing, and you still choose to focus on whether your name gets called out during player intros? I just don't get it. Guys your age would gladly take lesser money (Karl Malone, The Glove), come off the bench (Antonio McDyess) or just altogether ride the bench (Mitch Richmond) in exchange for a shot at the Championship. For real, you refusing to merely come off the bench was a bit too much. They were counting on you, man! They traded Chauncey Billups for you. The least you could've done was try harder... After all, you'd still be getting your playing time (let's face it, Walter Herrmann ain't taking your minutes) and your salary's still the same. Is coming off the bench really that bad that you'd forget how sweet you have it?

I know, the Pistons with Iverson would still lose to the Cavs, but they could have avoided the King if only Iverson accepted any role he had to play. Looking back is pretty pointless now that Detroit's season is done, but Iverson should have made a bigger difference. Had he played well, they probably would have drawn an easier opponent (they beat the Magic last year and the Celtics are the walking wounded).

It just sucks because what Allen did was something you'd expect a teenager to do. From a future Hall-of-Famer, however? He really should have known better.

I still love you, A.I. I'll never forget the way you played (and actually still do) with so much heart, courage, and passion. And I'm hoping your reluctance to give in is still due to that burning belief that you're still the man. But please, also face facts. Think deeply about it, balance and work it all out, and come back stronger next season. Just don't, under any circumstance, let this mess happen once more.

Photo Credits: Pistons-http://www.nba.com/pistons/history/champions_200304.html & A.I.-http://izuzquiza.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/alg_iverson-foulcall.jpg

All The King's Men

2009-03-12T04:46:00.009+08:00

Man, did I really write my last post way back in August of 2008???

Anyways, it's good to be back! A lot has happened since then, but I just could not find enough time to write a meaningful post.

Now is no time for that.

So, I'm here in the Huntington Beach, California right now. Been here since Jan. 13, in fact, and the first thing I set out to do was look for tickets to an NBA game! I know they would not come cheap, but I also didn't expect nosebleed seats to be that unaffordable.
Remember, by that time, there was the Lakers-Cavs game coming up in a few short weeks, so I first looked for tickets to that match-up. Much to my dismay, the cheapest seat cost $ 250 bucks! The CHEAPEST! Damn... I didn't have money that time (though even if I did, I doubt I'd spend it on that), so the Lakers were just not an option for me right now.

With that, I set out to look for the woeful Clippers' tix. Goshdarnit, they'd have to be cheaper than the Lakers, right?!?! I stumbled upon the Clips' 3-Game Flex Plan, where you choose three games at a (slightly) discounted price. They had two sets with about 10 teams each, and you could only choose three from one group. It was slightly disappointing, as the Cavaliers and Celtics (a game the Clippers would surprisingly win) were grouped separately. I really wanted to see KG just completely lose it, but there was no way I wasn't "witnessing" a LeBron James game... Luckily, there were still a lot of good teams in the Cavs' group. We eventually decided on watching the Lakers (KOBE!!!), Spurs (EVA!!!), and the Cavs. I wanted to watch CP3 and his Hornets instead of the Spurs, but figured that the robot known as Tim Duncan would be retiring soon, and I owed it to myself as a basketball fan to watch him play his game one time.A week after buying our tix, we set out to watch the Clips get demolished by the Lakers. It was bound to be a sure Clippers loss, as they were missing Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, and Marcus Camby at that time. Sure enough, the scores were as far apart as me and Kricket are, and Bynum totally dominated the paint, scoring a career-high 42 points! Kobe Bean was also fantastic, notching a trip-dub so effortlessly it almost made me a Laker fan.

Then, just last week, we watched the Spurs take on the doomed Clips, now fielding Baron Davis and Marcus Camby but missing Eric Gordon and the others. I mean, if you're playing Mike Taylor heavy minutes, you know something's up. It was too hard to get up and cheer for that game, as the Spurs easily killed all energy in the arena en route to a blowout victory.

Nice.

If the trend continues, then I can expect another Clippers loss against the Cavaliers. After all, if the Lakers and Spurs could beat the Clips, surely the Cavs will. Right?

So, me and my mom arrived late in L.A., about an hour and a half before tip-off. We immediately headed out to the ESPN Zone, a sports bar of some kind that serves the BEST burger I've ever tasted. This day, however, with the King playing his last game in L.A. this season, the place was packed! Most restaurants here have frontdesks to help you get seated, so we could easily see the lines formed outside. Great. After not eating all afternoon, I'd be entering the arena hungry.

Not only that, but since my bro had to go to school that night, we had an extra ticket worth $ 40. I tried scalping it just outside the Staples Center, which was crazy since there were two police officers a few steps from me (I didn't know if scalping is illegal here or not, but the scalpers all acted shady). I approached this dude who sold and bought tix, but he wouldn't buy mine 'cause they were nosebleeds.Inside, the place was crazy. The crowd was obviously not a Laker crowd, as LBJ jerseys were everywhere! I liked this, since I really planned on chearing for the Cavs all night long.

LeBRON!!!

I just love this dude. He seems reserved at times, but the way he acts around his teammates is just the opposite. As serious he is on the court, he is way playful off it. I see him dance around along with his teammates before the game. His youth is evident in these rare instances.

By halftime, the Clips had a huge lead. The Cavs came out flat tonight, passes not so crispy, and shots just not falling. The Clips also played good D on LeBron, always forcing him to go where there is help D, essentially taking him out of the game early on. LeBron seemed to be cruising up to that point, however.

Zach Randolph even manages to hit a three-pointer. I make a mental note of this.

Fast forward to the start of the 4th, with the Cavs down by a staggering 17 points. To the Clips (!). Just my luck, I thought... The one game that really mattered to me (and probably my last one watching live), and the Cavs would go on to lose... Badly.

However, my luck starts to change slowly but surely. First, the Cavs play some serious D and LeBron starts straight dominating, ninja-ing his way to the paint to score. Then, during a timeout, the video announce board announces a spectacular promo for upcoming Clipper home games. $ 18 bucks gets you one ticket (probably worth around $ 30), 1 hot dog ($ 4), 1 drink ($ 3), and even a $ 10 gas card (though it isn't Chevron)! Imagine??? This wouldn't have to be my last game, after all!

With the Clippers crashing HARD, the Cavs close the gap to the three with just over a minute left. The Clips displayed some admirable will to lose, favoring individual "heroics" over good team play and allowed the Cavs to get back in it.
BOOBIE GIBSON HITS THE 3!!! Tie game, and the place goes wild! There'a a Cavs fan two rows up from where I sat, and another one 3 seats to my right. However, there's two old(er) men just below me who are Clips fans. One even clapped in my face (it is ON!) when the Clips made a big shot. But the Cavs just won't quit, taking a 2-point lead with seconds left.

The Clips finally wake up and after swinging the ball around, Al Thornton nails a HUGE trey to put the Clips up one! Another dude gets up, turns around my way, and shouts in my face (in a playful but serious manner) and just straight looked intense. I LOVE THIS GAME!

Timeout Cavs, and LeBron dribbles around until the Cavs find a wide-open Mo Williams for the trey!!! YEAH!! Place goes wild! Curiously, the people below me were silent. I wonder why...

With 6.6 seconds left, and the Cavs up by two, Zach Randolph decides to throw up a 30-foot trey which he... AIRBALLS! Hahaha. Stupid. I knew hitting that trey earlier would bite the Clippers in the ass. I managed to shoot a video of that particular sequence, and that was me laughing toward the end. Trust me, I fully expected to get tackled by the men below after laughing out that loud.

The crowd goes silent as Mo Will ices the game. Clippers lose once again, but more importantly, Cavaliers win!

Just a great way to end the 3 games. Watching the NBA was just a pipe dream to me just a few short years ago, but now I just witnessed one of LeBron's finest performances. It's like LeBron knew I would be there, and him tallying a triple-double was a special gift for me. I love the PBA, but nothing beats watching the NBA live. From the die-hard fans cheering even the hopeless Clippers on, to the action on the floor, everything just works magically.I'm glad to have had the opportunity to do this not once, but three times in my life. I would've been perfectly happy just watching ANY game, but to witness an NBA game this exciting in a sold-out arena with some of the most passionate fans (I see you, Clipper Darrell and Dude-Who-Wears-Viking-Helmets-And-Dances-Wildly) in the whole world?

Priceless.

BAMBOO!!!

2008-08-25T14:05:00.017+08:00

So, it's been more than a week now.

The coolest day of my life, that is. One week has already passed!

See, I've always been a big fan of Bamboo. This goes all the way back to '96, when I first heard "Kisapmata" on the radio. Up until that point, I never really cared much for Pinoy music. Maybe it was my age or something, but amazingly, Ace Of Base simply appealed to me more. Yeah...

But all that changed once I heard Rivermaya's "Kisapmata". Being exposed to Pinoy music was like opening a gift that had been sitting on the shelf for months. The next thing I know, I was hooked on music by Side A, the Eraserheads, South Border, and the like.

Above all that, though, I remained a big fan of Rivermaya.

Back in the age of cassette tapes, the only way to acquire these tapes was to physically hunt them down and purchase them from the store. This might not seem all that hard, but when the nearest record store from your house is four (!!!) freakin' hours away, you really don't have much of a choice. So, really, since I was only maybe 9 or 10 at that time, I could only go out when my parents did. And at that period, they had just moved to Davao, so there was no way for me to buy the albums. Looking back now, I truly pity myself... It got to the point where I resorted to imagining what the album cover looks like! Countless days where spent on me waiting for the songs to be played on the radio, then pressing "Record" as soon as the DJ stopped yapping. Yeah, it was pretty desperate, but without MP3s and the internet, I didn't really have a choice. So, basically, I had a collection of songs that either: (a) had some random dude introducing the song or (b) started during the 2nd line of the song. Nice.

So, really, it wasn't really surprising that when I finally arrived in the "land of no traffic", Davao City, I immediately went to the mall and purchased their first two albums. Great. Now whenever we would accompany my dad on one of his trips to Gen. Santos or Cagayan de Oro, we would blast Rivermaya non-stop! Especially fun considering it was a noisy (at that time) album and the pick-up we rode on was full of 40 and 50-somethings. Good times, indeed.

And all this brings me back to why I wrote this piece.

Bamboo.

When he made his comeback, I was really unsure of how I felt about his music. I never really liked "inspirational" songs. To me, they always sounded too "preachy". So when they released "Noypi", I was probably the Filipino who felt unmoved by the cut. And man, when I think about it now, I feel so f*cking stupid. Not feeling probably the only great modern song that empowers and applauds the filipino spirit? Shit. I really deserved all the stupidity I felt, and then some.

Eventually though, with Kricket's insistence that I appreciate the new Bamboo's music, I finally did. The more I listened, the more I felt the emotions. It was nothing like how I saw it before. This was like looking at an object from a fresh perspective, with a new renewed sense of purpose. Merely hearing the music didn't do it justice. It was more than that, and thankfully, I understood it now. And right then and there, it was over. I was once again hooked on the band. Only now, it was more than just music to me. Now it was art.

So imagine my surprise when Kricket told me she could score free tickets to Bamboo's concert! Through some weird way, she knew the drummer (Vic Mercado) and a friend of Nathan Azarcon (the bassist).

And when the band hit Davao for a small concert way back in February, we were there. In another pleasant surprise worthy of lots of hugs and kisses (YEAH!), Kricket somehow managed to have us stay at Nathan and Vic's hotel room before their concert.

A quick refresher, just to clarify the magnitude of this event...

Me=BIG Rivermaya fan=reluctant Bamboo supporter=turned BIG Bamboo supporter

So, really, do I need to even describe how I felt when I met a member of the Philippines' greatest band EVER!?!? But it doesn't even end there. Meeting them in person is icing on the cake already, but talking to them and hanging out with them for hours? That's chocolate-syrup-on-the-icing-on-the-cake-sprinkled-with-macadamia-nuts good. Crazy.

So, by the end of the night, me and Kreng managed to score some autographs, we managed to walk to the stage with Nathan and rocked out to every Bamboo hit. Perfect.

Like all good things, though, there must be an encore. And on August 16, 2008, the encore occurred.

It was unfortunate that Kricket couldn't bless me with her presence then, but it was a good night all the same. This one, I have to give it up to Buddy once more.

Similar to the last time, I was once again granted backstage passes (pinch me). Seeing how the band prepared was crazy, and at that time I felt like the dude from Almost Famous, awestruck yet trying to act all cool.

So, with a glass of J&B in my hand (thanks, Bud!), we lost ourselves in the music once more. Don't think I exaggerate, because let's face it, every one of us has done this before. And it feels so gooood.

Honestly, by then, I was waiting for the "catch". There was just too much good happening that I half-expected something out of the blue to bring me back to reality. Maybe I spill a drink on my jacket, or I unexpectedly stumble while jumping... Anything.

But really, it was as if everybody knew it was my birthday and they were helping me celebrate it. As if the free tix aren't enough, I was invited to hang out with Nathan and Ira Cruz after the gig. Damn. So yeah, I guess you could say I PARTIED WITH ROCK STARS!!! It was great chillin' with these guys, which were only made better since they were all so down-to-earth and natural. Absolutely no posturing from these dudes.

After a few more drinks and numerous photo requests, it was time to call it a night. My head was throbbing, my body was dead-tired, and I had to wake up early the next day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Stuff like this only happens once (or twice, in my case) in a lifetime, and you just have to go all-out.

A week later, I still can't get over this. The craziness that occurred is still fresh in my mind, clear as crystal. On my way to work, I still blast "Probinsyana" full volume, non-stop. My voice is still hoarse, the result of shouting along to the songs still being felt. I still tell these tales to anyone who shows even a faint hint of interest. And despite this... No, scratch that... Because of it, I feel good.

I FEEL F*CKING GOOD.

LIVE v 2K Part 2: Lookin' Good, LIVE!

2008-08-16T11:39:00.008+08:00

In the first part of my series, I documented how I fell out of love with the NBA Live series by the 2006 edition.

For Part 2, I have to be fair. Unlike past Live editions, when their "new features" were about as useful as a 3-pointer at the buzzer when your team's down by four, 2009 actually seems very innovative.

It's going to take a lot for Live to win me back, but so far, everything they've shown looks interesting. And really, we have to admit that this could be the next step in sports games. As much as Live's gameplay emulates a sport which is nothing like basketball, we have to give them due props for trying to move the sport forward. As soon as I typed that last sentence, I sneezed... Guess my body's still not used to giving EA Sports compliments.

You can find the full list of features here, but it's all smoke and mirrors. Yeah, they're cool (or so it seems), but it's their jobs to make them sound cool. Only a fan knows which features are truly important, so let me enumerate the things NBA Live '09 has going for it.

Dynamic DNA - "...which evaluates Player DNA that breaks down how a player scores, Team DNA that rates how the players on the floor play as a unit and Tendencies that refer to the percentage a player drives left, right or shoots from each spot on the floor."

This is the single biggest reason why I even started writing this series. When I first read about the Dynamic DNA, I was blown away. A system that updates player stats and tendencies based on real-life performances?!? Wow. Remember the days when we were stuck with whatever rating the players had? Yeah, we could tweak their ratings, but it would have been inaccurate. And it would have been a lot of work. And more than that, it was their tendencies that really needed editing. It's common in the actual NBA for a player to adjust their style to fit their new team better. And somehow, that was never reflected in video games before.

Another great thing about this is the Team DNA. I hope they can somehow incorporate this into the way the CPU constructs their franchise. It really annoys me to no end when CPU makes random trades that does their team more harm than good. Yeah, you traded your best PG for a stud C, but what use is it when you already have a stud C in your team? Hopefully, this Team DNA gives each team its own identity to build around on. So, in a perfect world, the run & gun Phoenix Suns would never trade for a player like Shaq (oh, wait...). And as the years go by, this would also (hopefully) allow a team to change styles. Using the Suns again, when Steve Nash retires, then obviously the helter skelter style would have to change (unless the CPU is smart enough to develop a PG similar to Nash's style). Now that the team revolves around Amare Stoudemire, then hopefully they'd target players that complements his style. Or the CPU could decide to "rebuild". The possibilities are limitless, but I seriously doubt that they would extend to the Dynasty Mode for this year. Wish this could make its way to the game by next year, though.

The other thing that EA Sports does really well is present their product in the most authentic way possible. If you are new to the basketball game market, you'd immediately think that Live is the one to own. And for that, you have to give EA props.

From hyping their games months before the release date, holding mega-parties, granting interviews to NBA superstars and locking in the ESPN license, EA Sports has the marketing aspect on a stranglehold. And when it comes to features, they continuously cook up every NBA fans' dreams.

First off, one thing that I always liked about Live is their FIBA license. Yeah, the rosters' player ratings are appropriately inferior, but how classic would it be to match up the US with Spain? Or how about using Greece and Argentina? Just one more example of how EA knows how to sell games. Next thing we know, they'll have the WNBA license ready for next year.

Their presentation is also always slick, and their soundtracks always feauture more big-names. Not saying 2k should go mainstream, but they definitely could take a page from EA and try to crank up the hype machine like never before. The last thing I would want is EA locking up the NBA license the way they locked up the NFL's. Hell, even 2k's college ball game has been cancelled!

As for the other features, some of them were found in 2k8's games. The playcalling system, lockdown control and NBA Academy are basically just rehashes of 2k's games.

So far, the gameplay of Live seems much improved (although eerily similar to 2k's), but there are still some animations that are nowhere near natural. Honestly, it looks much like a less polished version of NBA 2k8, and right now, 2k9 should really blow 2k8 out of the water. But let's reserve judgment until we see more.

Basically, the Dynamic DNA is the one thing that could possibly leapfrog Live back to respectability. If this feature truly changes the way players and teams play, then this will be a success. But if the technology proves to be too advanced for the gameplay, then it's all for nothing. The promise is there, let's hope it works out.

For Part 3, I will talk about how the basketball game world can improve more, and updates on how 2k9 is looking. But for now, check the latest preview out for NBA 2k9. Makes you wish it's already October, eh?

LIVE v 2K Part 1: The Falling Out

2008-08-11T13:41:00.009+08:00

* PART ONE OF AN ATTEMPT TO BREAK DOWN NBA 2k9 & NBA LIVE '09 *

When it comes to basketball games, it really boils to just two titles: EA Sports' NBA Live series, and 2K Sports' NBA 2K series.

Back on the PlayStation One, I was a Live guy. Granted, it was essentially the only basketball game around (Sony's ShootOut SUCKED), so it was really no contest. But still, back then it was a very good game. It was the first game to allow mid-air passing, a season mode, full stat tracking and even feature a "defensive stance" button.

My love for Live continued into the PS2. Although the 2001 edition sucked big-time (worst rebounding physics ever), they made up for it the next year and actually offered a playable game. Then, a few years later, they would introduce the use of the right analog stick. This made the game feel more natural, as the right analog stick basically acted as the player's "arms". Want to steal left? Flick it to the left side. Want to pull off a crossover going to the right? Done. I remember reading the ads and previews for that game, and it only increased my hunger. Back then, I had no idea of the official release date, so I would call the game store everyday just to know if they had it on stock.

This addiction continued up until NBA Live 2005 (pictured above), which I consider to be the greatest Live ever. Just like Chris Paul and the Hornets, everything clicked in that title. By this time, I feel that EA had perfected the balance between offense and defense. You had strong offensive groups (Sac-town, what up!) that could shoot the lights out every game. But in addition to that, defense wasn't just an afterthought. Yeah, you had strong shooters, but you were allowed to play great defense, too. Defense that actually prevented the opposition from scoring, mind you. Back in a time when paying Ben Wallace $ 10+ mill per year seemed like a pretty great idea, Live was the king. Just remembering the Saturdays when we would play until 4:00 am comforts my soul.

But then, by 2006, Live started regressing. In Dwyane Wade's cover year, I started my "fallout" with Live. The game had transformed into a shootfest, one that negated any defense at all. Yeah, you could go "steal-crazy" (like I did with King James and Laura Hughes), but it felt more like a bug. Activate you damn superstar power, and simply press the steal button and voila! You're suddenly running the break. B*llshit.

I had been hearing lots of great things about the 2k series by then, so I decided to buy the 2007 editions of NBA 2k and Live. I bought Live '07 first, and after playing one quarter of it, I decided I was done. The game was just terrible. How could the graphics get worse every year? Damn.

So, despite my strong dislike for Shaq, I bought 2k7. I remember buying it the day before the final exam of a subject I was thisclose to failing. Asking me to not play it asap was like asking Ruben Studdard to "take it easy" on the buffalo wings.

Anyways, upon playing it, I was blown away. Here was a game where the players actually planted one foot, pivoted, before they ran in the other direction! I'm not joking, those were the things that mattered to me. Simply put, this was everything Live was not, and I was thankful for that.

Hell, when everybody was buying an XBox 360 for Halo and Mass Effect, I bought it primarily to play NBA 2k8. Right now, I've answered 120+ trivia questions correctly in the game, which should tell you how much I play this game. This is true next-gen basketball, with numerous animations, much improved gameplay and a deeper Associaton mode. How can a basketball junkie not love this?!?

However, I haven't been hearing a lot about NBA 2k9. Considering it's scheduled to be released in early October, to not have more info available is seriously confusing. They do plan on releasing one, right?

This worries me because Live is seemingly going all out for NBA Live 2009. I'm certainly no 2k fanboy. And I have no qualms giving Live credit if they truly deserve it. But Live does this year after year. They promise a great set of features, they guarantee us improve gameplay, they swear to us improved A.I., but like Tracy McGrady, they never come through. So that's why I would much rather see 2k cranking out the hype machine by now. They always seem to deliver on their promises and their gameplay is pretty much set in stone. Any improvement should only make the game that much better.

Right now, that's Part 1 for 'ya. I plan on doing this up until the release of both games (and maybe even beyond that). There's so much more to discuss, after all. When it comes to basketball, nothing is too much. Nothing.

For Part 2, I'll be talking more about NBA Live '09's impressive and staggering list of innovations. If there's one edition that's likely to bring me back to Live's arms, this could be it. Crazy.
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Epilogue: Glad to see Jay and Kanye teaming up to change the game once more. Not that this is surprising, but damn this song will be a hit.

Last 5 songs played on my iPod:
1. POD - Tenacious D, "The Pick Of Destiny"
2. Superstition - Stevie Wonder, "The Music Of Stevie Wonder"
3. B*tches & Sisters - Jay-Z, "The Blueprint 2"
4. Reason Why - Rachael Yamagata, "OST: The Last Kiss"
5. Dahil Sa'yo Sa Himig Ng Aking Gitara - Hale, "Twilight"

Freedom (Or Something Like It...)

2008-07-28T21:18:00.006+08:00

The date was July 17, 2008.

The place, the United States Embassy in Manila.

And the time, it was early in the morning.

We left Bulacan at around 4:30 am, hoping to avoid the grating traffic. We can't be late, can't play with fire. Not today, at least. This was a very important day.

What happens today could very well decide if I will be able to go to the USA.

So, there we were at Baywalk at around 6:00 am, two full hours early for our interview. I was groggy and sleepy, but I'm glad I woke up early today. I've never been to Manila Bay at this time of the day, and I must say, I'm missing out on a lot here. As polluted as Manila is, I thought the air here was fresh. I can see why numerous people would want to wake up at 5:00 am and jog here.

Anyways, as luck (or lack of it) would have it, my documents needed for the appearance were incomplete. Instead of having the last page of my papers stamped with "$ 131.00", only "$ 31.00" was stamped.

It was 7:30 am when I found out about this, so in 30 minutes, I had to find a way to somehow put a "1" there. The VISA officer probably felt my desperation, so she offered me a postponement. I had to be there again by 10:00 am, otherwise my interview (and the f*cking $ 131.00 I paid) would be nullified. Sh*t. And to make matters worse, BPI opens at 9:00 am. Great.

We went to the nearest BPI branch we knew (the UN Avenue branch) and basically conducted a stakeout. It was really funny... I know how cautious and scared of robberies these banks are, so it must have been weird for them to see this car parked directly outside of their office an hour before they were supposed to open. Haha. And for us to tell them we were waiting for the dude who carries the keys to the vault (who I shall dub the "Keymaster" from this point on), well, let's just say the security guards were earning their pay at this moment.

So we waited and waited for the Keymaster to arrive. The wait eventually turned into a guessing game, where we tried to determine whether the person entering the bank was the boss or not.

Sample quote: "'Di yan yung boss, tingan mo, ang pangit ng kotse oh..."

And so he arrived. He was a little dude, the guy you'd never think holds the key to moolah. But he was nice. Unfortunately, he wasn't of much help. He politely directed us to another branch of BPI nearby (I think it was the Dewey Ave. branch?). He told me that was the office that dealt with problems like this, since it happens often. WTF?!?! Not exactly the best endorsement for BPI...

At around 9:00 am, I finally got BPI to correct their error. So we hurried off to the Embassy, and thankfully we were able to get inside. I really think that the appointment times are useless, as we weren't even questioned inside.

So there we were, waiting for our turn. I have to credit the Embassy here, the whole process was very seamless. Though the waiting time was a bit long, it was never a hassle. As an IE, I admire it. As an applicant, I love it.

While inside the interview room, I noticed that the person sitting in front of me is LA Tenorio of the Alaska Aces. I fought the urge to ask him what the hell he was doing here when the PBA season was in full swing. Then I remembered, his team was eliminated the previous week. Since I like him as a player (and former Blue Eagle), I didn't rub it in his face.

*By the way, since I saw him on US soil, does that technically mean I've met a basketball player in the US?*

Anyways, my grandma and I were called for our turn. I thought the interview would take place inside a room and we would all sit together and discuss stuff. I was wrong, though... We were asked to stand up during the whole interview and answer his questions by speaking at the mic/radio hybrid attached on the glass. It was really awkward.

The interview lasted about 5 short minutes, and in that span of time, we had to convince him we were coming back here. I can't say I really got to unleash my whole "I love the Philippines so much I just have to come back" speech, since he was directly asking my grandma the questions.

At the end of it all, he didn't trust us. He didn't believe we'd come back. And to think, I shaved the goatee I grew for 4 months for this.

And there it was. We were denied a VISA. We wouldn't be going to the US anytime soon. The leave-with-no-pay, waking up at 3 am on a perfectly good day to sleep, the $ 131.00 application fee, the stakeout at BPI, everything... It all went down the drain. In 5 freaking minutes.

And you know what? I'm actually relieved. And truthfully, I was happy.

Yes, the sting of disappointment was undeniable. It was the US, after all. But overall, though, I was kinda glad that I wasn't leaving Davao yet.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to be with my family again... But right now, I'm loving life alone. This is the first time I've been left behind for an extended period of time, and somehow, I feel good about it.

Right now, there's too much to leave behind. Kreng's still here. My closest friends are here, some of my relatives are here, and I'm still loving my job. Hell, ever since my mom left, I've gotten so much more involved in her business. I was given a taste and an idea of how to run a business, and right now, I think I'm doing a decent job. Since I have so much time to myself, I've even found the time to play more basketball than I ever did before.

As much as I thought life would be harder with them not around, the exact opposite has happened. My life has slowed down, and I feel more relaxed lately.

See, all these were just pipe dreams when they were still here. Now, they are facts.

I never meant for this post to sound like I like it better when they're not around. Or that I feel like I can truly live on my own right now. Very far from that, in fact.

What I mean is, with them not around all the time, I've been learning new tricks everyday. How to spend money wisely, paying (though not with my own cash) the bills, thinking of ways to cut costs, knowing your limits, learning the value of good health, etc. The importance of all those things have been amplified the second they went to the US. And right now, I'm still feeling things out.

And the denied application only means more opportunities to grow.

For that, I can safely say that it was truly a blessing in disguise.
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Epilogue: Music is a universal language. And music tells so much about a person. So in an effort to let you know me better, here are the last five songs shuffled and played on my iPod. Interpret them however the hell you want to.

1. "Believe Me, Natalie" - The Killers, Hot Fuss
2. "I Got A Woman" - The John Mayer Trio, TRY!
3. "I Want You" - Common, Finding Forever
4. "Hola' Hovito" - Jay-Z, The Blueprint
5. "Light Powered" - Deastro, Ghostly Swim

What's In A Championship?

2008-07-01T22:44:00.006+08:00

Ok, I know everybody's talking about the past Draft these days, but I got something else on my mind...

Is the NBA Championship all that it's cracked up to be?

To avoid further discussion, YES. Yes, it is. It truly is the greatest prize in the sport, the sole goal (ideally) of any professional basketball player.

But somehow, I keep asking myself: is it really the best gauge of a player's greatness? I mean, if Player X puts up virtually the same stats as Player Y, but Player Y happens to win more titles in his career, is he truly better? Or is there something else there that we just don't see? Or, more importantly, does he deserve to be seen as the greater athlete?

And really, despite all the hoopla that is the NBA Draft and the impending Free Agency period, I keep coming back to this one topic. Maybe the high of seeing the Celtics win is still fresh in my mind, or maybe it's because I don't really know most of the players in the Draft, but this is one thing that I keep thinking about.

And it always brings me back to two players.

Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett. Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan. Big Ticket, Big Fundamental.

You see, as recently as 2006, it would have been blasphemous to say that Kevin Garnett was on the same level as Tim Duncan. Talent-wise, you might be right. But in everything else? Nuh-uh. Tim Duncan was always the better player, the smarter leader, the greater teammate. Kevin Garnett was always the "lovable loser", a transcendent superstar with street cred to match that just couldn't seem to win anything substantial.

The stats? They played to a virtual stalemate. Timmy D averages 21.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 51% FG, and 2.4 BPG. KG? He averages 20.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 4.4 APG, 49% FG, and 1.6 BPG. Really, they were always thisclose to each other in terms of stats.

So why all the love for TD while KG was left in the cold? Simple. The rings. The titles. The chips.

Throughout the years, Tim Duncan was seen as the champion between the two. He's boring as hell, sure, but he was a proven winner. He brought four titles to San Antonio and won the Finals MVP thrice. As charismatic as Garnett was/is, all that really matters is the ring count. And up until 2008, the scorecard read: Tim Duncan: 4 & Kevin Garnett: 0.

But somehow, that changed this past June. Kevin Garnett suddenly got his. The prize was his. And just like that, claiming that KG is as good as Duncan suddenly didn't sound that ridiculous. There were doubters, obviously, what with Paul Pierce winning the Finals MVP, but there was no more doubting that Kevin Garnett was now a "winner".

And, really, that's what's led me to make this post. That's what made me ask the all-important question...

Why? Why just now? Why not then?

Why did it take me (along with so many other people) just now to recognize the realness? Why is my heart and my mind suddenly comfortable with KG being a "champion". But more importantly, why was it hard for me then to recognize his excellence when he was playing much, much better? Better than he did this year. Or at least just as well. Why?

To put it bluntly, this really made me question the tags we place on so-called winners. Yes, of course their excellent play led them to their titles. And yes, they aren't really chopped liver. But, in my mind, it could also be because of the situation they were placed in.

Remember, when Kevin Garnett was drafted back in '95, he played for an unidentifiable Minnesota team. No real history yet, no pride, no great players on board to teach him the game... And by his second year, he was producing well.

Contrast that with the Tim Duncan Robot, who was placed on a team that had David Robinson, Avery Johnson and Sean Elliott. All proven winners, all with playoff experience.

Not to take anything away from Timmy D, though, because he's clearly elite, but man... Could his job be any easier?

I hope by now you catch my drift. But if not, it's simply this. Assume KG was in Duncan's place... Still believe he'd have lost all those first-round match-ups? Titles really are important, believe me. But maybe it doesn't really tell us the whole f*cking story.

Maybe Minnesota wasn't really KG's fault.

Maybe he's a victim of dumb management.

And maybe, throughout the years, he was truly as good as Tim Duncan.

And we only recognize that now? For shame.
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P.S. I really wanted to post this separately, but I don't know much about boxing to dedicate a whole post to it. But I am EXTREMELY elated my fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao dominated once more.

And to the people befuddled by my sudden KG love, this video probably has a lot to do with it. Enjoy.

SLAM: Pop Goes The Diesel

2008-06-26T13:41:00.008+08:00

By now, NBA fans will surely have seen Shaq's impromptu "freestyle" that really puts Kobe Bryant on blast.

It was harsh, yeah, but did we really expect anything less from Shaq? I mean, this is the same dude that called Erick Dampier a WNBA player and referred to the Sacramento Kings as the "Sacramento Queens". So, really, was that surprising?

That's not even considering his complex relationship with Kobe Bryant.

But, perhaps more surprisingly (or not), is that we have yet to hear from the Black Mamba.

Well, I was on my daily visit to SLAM and Russ Bengston took it upon himself to issue Kobe Bryant's potential rebuttal. And man, this sh*t bites harder than Nas' "Ether".

This is so cot-damn funny it should be considered an instant classic. I only wish Kobe would come out and post this sh*t on Youtube. Damn, Russ... You are a god.

The following is taken from Russ Bengston's "Pop Goes The Diesel":

Your reign on the top was short like leprechauns

Sure-thing rings lost to Wallaces and Olajuwons

You’re a true, what? You’re a true blue pr*ck

On the outside you’re happy, on the inside you’re sick

Oh, my bad, I forgot, that’s just part of your schtick

Admit it, you just mad ‘cause your career’s almost over

You’re a black hole while I’m still supernova

And while we’re on the topic of being a star

I’ll be in Phoenix in February—can I borrow your car?

Since I’ll be in the game, I won’t drive it too far

I remember when you had the Reebok Shaqnosis

Now you’re working on a coronary thrombosis

I live in the gym, you’ve got a body by Hostess

Nike makes me shoes and spots, I jump cars for fun

Tell you what, I’d rather hang with Jackass than be one

You claim to be a player, but I f*cked your wife

Yeah, that’s just jokes, but—haha—I f*cked your life

Wanna go after me for your problems, nah, that’s all on you

And those big alimony checks—those are all on you too

Watch Shaunie stack those chips while you get blue

And what’s this I hear about how you went after Kareem?

You’ll never be like him, he was part of a team

Forget about Cap, were you even better than Dream?

Please explain the MDE with one MVP?

That’s like calling yourself a forest when you’re only one tree

Russ had five, Wilt had four, even Moses had three

As for the rings, yeah, you wound up with four

But the Most Dominant Ever should really have more

You weren’t the most feared to ever step on the floor

Those three titles we won, yeah, I couldn’t have done it without you

At least I can admit it, how ‘bout you, Shaq-Fu?

It’s always all about you—the big center of attention

But you ain’t notorious, never had that dimension

Coulda stayed in L.A. but you had to have that extension

You can score in the paint, can’t get it done at the line

Say “I hit ‘em when it matters” and everything’s fine?

Those ugly-ass bricks don’t take from your shine?

Nah, I guess not, but while it may not hurt your fame

It’s something to consider when you’re benched at the end of the game

And now new guys are coming through to rip that S off your arm

Bad enough you lost your game, now you even lost your charm

What ever happened to you, when did you get so bitter?

Used to be a champion, now you’re a quitter

Could have done more in Miami if you only got fitter

If you couldn’t take the fire, should have stayed out the Heat

You’re so out of shape you can barely THINK on your feet

And they even took your badges, that I’m sorry to hear

Because at least then you might have had another career

Call yourself a cop? You’re nothin’ but a pig

And rhyme all you want, you can never be Big

I’m a Laker for life, you’re just another man on a journey

In fact, don’t ever speak to me, just call my attorney

Keep playing with fire, you ain’t gonna burn me

You think you can spit? Like those six Grammies mattered?

You never were sh*t, but I’m glad you were flattered

You never really could rhyme, got carried by many

Kind of like how it worked with Dwyane, Kobe and Penny

People only rhymed on your records because they knew you had money

You think they laughed at your jokes ‘cause they thought you were funny?

Always thought you was Vito when you’re really a Sonny

As for your movies, they laughed WITH you, as far as you know

But maybe you should go back to school, like Neon Boudeaux

And hey, my coach came back, unlike Mike D’Antoni

He chose the KNICKS over you, you big f*cking phony

You think you a horse, but you barely a pony

I’ll be in Beijing this summer, going for gold

You could be too, if you weren’t so old

Face it, you mad, that’s why you came at me first

If I show you my trophy, will it slake your MVP thirst?

I got to stay home, you got displaced.

As years go by, your memories erased.

What was that, Diesel? How does your ass taste?

Shouldn’t you know? You’re the one sh*tfaced.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow.

Blogging To The Next Level

2008-06-23T17:09:00.008+08:00

I started this blog just for the hell of it. It seems to be the "in" thing now, and I thought it'd be cool to join in on the fun. After all, it really is fun to write, and it's nice to be able to put your thoughts out there.

Slowly (as in snail-slow), my blog has picked up a few regulars. So I started scouring around the net for more blogs and saw some nice-looking blogs out there. I soon noticed that there was a lot more to blogging than just writing, and what was once considered merely an avenue for my ramblings has turned into sort of like a mini-column. This wasn't purely about writing anymore, folks. Like with cars, there has to be a peaceful balance of style and substance.

So, as recently as two weeks ago, I decided to really up my blogging game. With Kricket's help, I was able to find a better (but not perfect) template. I know skulls and bones ain't really my thing, but damn if that template didn't look hella nice! But don't worry, I'm not emo.

And soon after, I put up some nice YardBarker and BallHype buttons in every piece I wrote, even non-basketball related ones. And I must admit, it doubled my traffic. It went from one to two!

All kidding aside, though, it really did help in gaining some mild exposure. As you can see in Kricket's heart-warming homage to my short stint as a featured blogger, this piece somehow stumbled its way onto YardBarker's Top Stories for the Day. Needless to say, that made me very happy. I know it's not much, but it was a solid start. Along with that, my last two pieces surprisingly garnered around 20 "barks", which is definitely a big step up from my previous mark of zero. Hell, my story was even linked to, once!

Now, yes, I admit first-hand the disgusting self-love currently going on here, but please don't mistake this schoolgirl giddiness for arrogance. I am simply in a great mood because, let's be honest, it feels good to be recognized for something you worked hard on. It just feels nice that, in some weird way, this has turned into something that not only I enjoy.

But that's only part of the reason why I wrote this post.

Like I said above, blogging is starting to evolve. What was once purely about writing has now grown into a mini-industry of sorts. Case in point: the ability to make money.

Yup. First, it was about the content. Then, it somehow became about the appearance. And now, it's more like running your own business.

And that's really what I want to share with all of you right now. I recently read a post on The Sports Dollar on how we can get rich off blogging. And yeah, it's probably skewed towards the sports bloggers, but there are some tips there that are applicable to most blogs, too. Sometimes, maybe, you change BallHype to Digg, but it's not that complicated.

Basically, that's all I wanted to share. Maybe most of you have done way more to promote your blogs than I have... But if you haven't, then maybe it's time to seriously consider upgrading your blogs.

Shit, like I said, we can make money off this! And while writing is still the main thing, it's nice to get some cash on the side. I don't wanna get rich alone... We're in this together!

Here's the link to start you off: 80 More Tips To A Better Sports Blog

Life & The NBA Finals

2008-06-18T13:01:00.022+08:00

Yes, it's all over.

I realize that I may be a little late to the party. Simply posting game notes right now would be absurd and pointless. Surely so many other people have done a better and more thorough job than I could possibly do even on my best day.

So, right now, with reality and lucidity setting in, I feel I can write a much better piece than I could have written right after the Celtics were crowned. So far, I can feel the (undeserved, inappropriate and frankly, out of left field) Celtic hate fleeting my body. Gone, too, is that sudden and creepy impulse to cheer for the Lakers (and Kobe, no less)!

That will not be the most bizarre realization I will have, however. As soon as the Finals concluded, thoughts just poured into my mind. Not entirely about the NBA, mind you, but also about life. There's just too many great stories and characters here that simply deducing it to "winners" and "losers" just doesn't do this series justice.

We all know the story by now. After years of toiling away for the Wolves, Kevin Garnett finally manages to break on through to the other side. Watching his post-game interview, seeing just how happy and relieved he was, really gave me goosebumps. I'm not exactly his biggest fan, but it was just so sweet to see him get his ring. If not for the fact that I was at work during that moment, I bet a tear would've been shed.

It just feels so good because his victory is sort of like a validation that hard work truly pays off. I didn't always believe that, especially since I value "smart work" more than "hard work", but it works. KG just proved it.

It's inspiring because here was a guy who was mad-talented (who certainly had enough clout to influence management) but kept it classy throughout the years. He may have shown some frustration (who hasn't?) but it was always of the "get me some help" variety instead of the standard "ship my ass out". He didn't want to leave 'Sota, he always wanted to stay. Even as recently as the 2006-2007 season, he was begging for Iverson to come to his team. Only when it seemed hopeless did he finally give up on the Wolves. Yet, when he won his title, he never forgot Minnesota. Loyalty. Apparently, wolves are also familiar with the concept.

Then, here was this dude named Paul Pierce, who just wouldn't let his team lose. Here's a dude who, knowing that his window is slowly closing, just up and decided to take matters into his own hands and never let this one slip away. Remember the regret you felt when you didn't ask out that one special girl? Well, P-Double asked his out, and closed the deal to boot. The sense of urgency I saw in his every drive was phenomenal. It's called "seizing the day", and boy, did Paul ever seize.

And that's just from two players. I won't even write about Rajon Rondo playing on a broken foot, Ray Allen putting family first but still knocking down 7 treys in the series clincher, and Doc Rivers' rise to prominence after his stint in coaching hell.

But on the other end of the spectrum, we have the Los Angeles Lakers, who suffered a humiliating meltdown at the hands of the Celtics. Yes, they deserve more credit than they are getting right now. After all, they did still beat the defending champions.

Still, though, you can't help but feel a little disgusted at their performances. Once again, Lamar Odom crumbled in the Finals, but it's not like the Spurs were chopped liver. I truly believe that if we are to conclude that Odom is unable to play in big games, then he would've done it way back when they were battling the Utah Jazz. As it stands, however, LO only played consistently terrible against the Celtics. And I think it has to do more with lack of effort than anything else. Same goes for Pau Gasol, who only seemed interested in playing during portions of a game.

And I think that's the biggest reason the Los Angeles Lakers lost. They didn't want it enough. Maybe they became over-confident, or maybe they quit so early into the series. I can totally see it happening, though. They must've felt like for the next 5 years or so, they will be strong championship contenders. And that they can afford to let this one slip, because -MAYBE- they believed they will be in the Finals again next year. Which is not guaranteed, at all. I'm sure Kobe Bryant doesn't feel this way, and neither does Derek Fisher. But what about the rest of this young team?

It's like all those times we say to ourselves, "there's going to be a second chance"... But what if there isn't? What if that opportunity never presents itself again? Then what are you left with? Nothing but regrets.

Of course it's unrealistic (not to mention physically impossible) for us to grab every opportunity out there. Ultimately, we will have to let some of them go. But that's where priorities come into play. We have to understand what's important, and as far as I can tell, winning a championship is probably the greatest prize in the sport. This is the time when we lay it all out there, similar to the times we worked so damn hard to get a diploma, or conquering fear just to be able to drive. It's that desire for something so great that makes us put our body and mind through so much, and somehow, that's what I felt was missing from the Lakers this year.

Apologies if this turns out to be a tad preachy, and there's probably so many more events that better show the strength of the human body and mind, but this is the most recent reminder that, should we want it enough, we can get it.

Like Kevin Garnett shouted emphatically, "Anything is possible!"

And for the first time in my life, I find myself agreeing with KG.

Thanks for reminding me what I need to do, dog. Congratulations.

Photo credit again goes to Getty Images, from Yahoo!

Pierce's Injury Could Be Very Real

2008-06-09T20:55:00.006+08:00

Aside from the wack officiating in the first half of Game 2, the biggest controversy could be the truth behind Paul Pierce's knee injury. For the past 3 days, I have read so much about it that I don't even know what to believe anymore.

Some say Pierce faked the whole thing, from the crumpling to the floor in agony to the wheelchair shenanigans to his eventual inspirational comeback. They claim that somebody who suffered an injury like that (and required the afore-mentioned wheelchair) simply should not have been able to come back 2 minutes later. If it was that bad, they said, then Pierce should have been unable to play-hell, walk-for a week, at the very least.

I have to admit, even I was skeptical at first. I mean, knee injuries are no joking matter, and the Lakers have Andrew Bynum as proof of that. So anytime a knee is damaged, it truly is a cause for concern. Even Pierce said he heard a "pop", so it must be real. But when he returned quicker than lions pounce on fresh meat, I sided with the conspiracy thoerists. Maybe he was indeed faking it, trying to rally the crowd and his team and basically having his own Willis Reed moment. The fact that he led the Celtics to the victory and managed to score 22 points on the night. Then, he followed it up with bullish 28 points (along with the game-sealing drive) in Game 2 to put the Lakers in a 0-2 hole. Needless to say, Pierce was giving the skeptics (or as we call them: Laker fans) plenty of ammunition to doubt the validity of his knee injury.

But along the way, I felt Paris Hilton-like (as in "dumb", not "f**ked") because I wasn't exercising the most basic of my human abilities: my common sense.

It was entirely possible that it was just a scare; that Pierce was actually hurt during that moment yet it was nothing but a momentary pain. Maybe a muscle got bruised or some other thing. I surely can't blame him for hurting and still manage to accuse him of over-selling the injury, right? Right. I was convinced that it was nothing more than a minor injury.

But just a few minutes ago, I grabbed an old SLAM magazine to browse to while eating my dinner. It was the April 2003 issue, with the "Allen Iverson-American Hero" tagline on the cover. I decided to read the Elton Brand article inside. It was an interview conducted when he was about to enter free agency. Here is what was written regarding the Clippers' drafting of both Chris Wilcox and Melvin Ely in the first round (ooh boy, nice way of reminding me of how terrible the Clippers front-office is) of the draft.

From SLAM:

".... It was even part of the reason he (EB) didn't tell anybody about his injured knee during workouts with the U.S. national team before its ill-fated, sixth-place belly-flop in the World Championships. Eventually Brand couldn't keep the secret any longer. He had torn lateral miniscus in his right knee. Hello, arthroscope.

"I was coming up on restricted free agency, whatever that is, and I was nervous," Brand admits. "I tried to play on it, and I tried to say that it wasn't hurt as bad as it was. But when I had an MRI, we saw the tear. It made sense, because I couldn't run or jump off it. I wanted to play through it, though.""

He did, however, manage to recover in time for the following season. And we know he was able to lead the Clippers back (have they ever been there?) to the post-season in 2006. So really, it's not all bad news.

Now, I have no idea how Elton injured his knee, and I really can't say which injury was worse. In fact, there could be no injury at all. But I'm just putting out there the possibility that Paul Pierce could really be injured right now. Whether the rush of playing in the NBA Finals masks the pain or he's just gutting it out, we can't discount the fact that he may be playing on only one wheel.

For some other-worldly reason, I'm rooting for the Lakers right now. Still, I can't delight in the fact that a player is injured in the biggest games of his career. I know full well how much Pierce wants a chip, and to see it slip away from him due to a freak accident is not something I want to witness.

But maybe, just maybe, we should put to rest the accusations that he faked it. And maybe start considering (and admiring) the fact that even on a bad knee, Paul Pierce just continues to pwn the Lakers, two games deep.

Besides, wouldn't you want the Lakers to beat Boston at their best?

Photo credit goes to Getty Images, from Yahoo!

BRK IT DWN: Grand Theft Auto IV & Usher

2008-06-07T13:12:00.020+08:00

Aside from the NBA Finals, there are two things that are on constantly on my mind: Grand Theft Auto IV and Usher's latest album, "Here I Stand".

And, in an attempt to somehow diversify my blog and please all you non-NBA fans out there reading my blog (yup, all three of you), I want to share my thoughts on those releases.

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV

I know this is a bit late, having been out since April, but I just got this game last Sunday. And man, I wouldn't wish the long and torturous wait on anyone.

5 hours into the game, this is absolutely the greatest game I have ever played. No, don't confuse "greatest" with "perfect", and it saddens me to hear people call this game over-rated. Just like in life, there will never be a perfect video game. There will always be compromises, whether it be due to hardware limitations, software capacity, time constraints or just plain ole' developer mediocrity.

And it is with this realization that I so readily proclaim GTA as the king of games. It's just the over-whelming details the developers have flooded us with. Everything here just screams "next-level" GTA. The city has been rendered so beautifully that you can practically hear the "booos" directed to Isiah Thomas. The people populating the city are exceptionally varied you'd swear you knew them. It's that diverse. Hell, I was walking down the street when a car intentionally ran me over because he claimed that "his car wouldn't get hurt, but you will". Crazy. Sometimes, in fact, it's enough to scare me from going to New York City.

I also like the details peppered all throughout the city. There are faux versions for all things relevant in today's pop culture. Surprisingly, though, I never expected to see Ricky Gervais performing stand-up. And let's not forget the amazing selection of music. The theme song, in particular, is both haunting and climactic.

Technically, though, this is a very big step up from previous GTA's. This is what next-gen gaming is all about. The movements and physics are so real, it really pained me to see Niko Bellic getting ran over by a car. The way their arms and legs flail wilder than Michael Flatley's is disturbing. This is not a cartoon, and I'm glad their physical movements reflect that.

5 hours in, with most of my time spent on watching the TV in my apartment (the perfect way to cap off a day of killing random dudes), I've only just begun to get to the good part of the story. But from my brief playing time, character development has been astounding. This is no random character on a rampage. Everything he does has a purpose, and just like in GTA: San Andreas, you will soon form a bond with your main character.

There are a few quibbles, however... For one, the driving aspect of the game underwent a drastic change. Whereas, in the past, handling was pretty smooth, Take-Two seemingly decided to make things more "realistic". In turn, I think they only made it worse. I bought GTA for the open-ended gameplay, not for Gran Turismo-like vehicle handling, dammit! I just want tight handling and I don't care if my pickup truck handles like a Ferrari.

Lastly, despite welcome changes, I think the combat aspect could still be improved. They made the necessary improvements (cover, blind-fire, etc.), but it still feels a bit too mechanical. The controls remind me too much of Tomb Raider. I expect this to get better.

In all, this is still one of the finest games ever made. Like I said, compromises can never be avoided, so maximizing all of your resources is key to making a great game. GTA was never meant to be the next Gears Of War. To match the graphics of Metal Gear Solid was never in their intentions. Instead, they set out to make the most immersive world out there. One that would capture life in the big city. In other words, it set out to be the perfect Grand Theft Auto. And for that, mission accomplished. Stop hatin'.

USHER - HERE I STAND

Mature. Grown man music. Underwhelming. Lost the edge.

These are just a few of the things I read bout Usher's latest disc (or, more appropriately, group of .mp3 files). And, with all due respect to the critics out there, I'd like to disagree.

These types of assessments lead me to question the mindset of our society (or maybe America's). They say that by getting married (or maybe, being genuinely happy), Usher lost his edge. He lost the sexiness that used to ooze out of his past songs. Where were the "U Don't Have To Call"'s? The jams so sex-infused they could impregnate women upon listening? "Where are those now", they ask. In all honesty, it's still there. It just so happened that they are not the lone topic Usher discusses.

They claim he wasn't being creatively musically on "Here I Stand". That it's basically the same tunes he's been singing all throughout his career. That could not be farther from the truth. Yeah, the tunes may sound slightly similar, but the lyrics sure have changed. It's pathetic how critics say he should have sticked to the getting his sexy on. After all, isn't a person supposed to grow? To somehow mature and view life from a different perspective? This is exactly what the album is... Usher's entry into the world of fatherhood. And while I am in no way being that mature soon, I appreciate the fact that Usher wasn't afraid to branch out. Jay-Z said it best on "Best Thing", "boys become men". Spoken perfectly by the newly-minted Mr. Beyonce Knowles.

Still, though, this isn't all substance and no style. It's not like Usher suddenly forgot how to churn out hits, after all. There are plenty of juicy tracks here. The lead single, "Love In This Club", is hella catchy. And it's proof that although the Usher we knew is quickly evolving, he still has the good sense to throw us a sensual jam about, yes, making love in a club. The song's remix, "Love In This Club Part 2", is equally sweet, with Usher and Beyonce playfully playing cat-and-mouse.

The new single, "Moving Mountains", is heartfelt. It's such a pleasure hearing the man singing his heart out in a struggle to win the heart of his woman back. "His Mistakes", a personal favorite of mine, was written by Ne-Yo and is perfectly sud-dued and mellow. These are songs that shows Usher's more vulnerable side, and is unlike all the other cookie-cutter songs out there.

Hell, you want variety? Try this: Usher gets his inner R. Kelly on in "Trading Places", the afore-mentioned "Best Thing" with Jay-Z is a future hit, the Stevie Wonder-ish "Here I Stand" is magnificent, the Motown-tinged "Something Special" makes you warm inside, and the bonus track "Will Work For Love" is cheery and cute, despite the desperate undertone.

See? Despite most people pigeon-holing this album as "lame", it actually isn't. A majority of the songs just focus more on the less-extravagant parts of a relationship. The songs are still hip, the mandatory big-name producers (The-Dream, Will.I.Am, Polow Da Pon, etc.) are out in full force, and he's still putting out hits. What's there to not like?

Actually, there's one thing I dislike about this. Despite being good all the way through, I think the album is much too long. At over 70 minutes, it may be too long for some people. And really, there are songs that could have been left off. It's a shame, really, because the length could prevent some people from ever listening to "Here I Stand" and "Will Work For Love".

Despite that, this has been on "PLAY" for 4 straight days now. It's that good. The last album to do this to me was the vastly under-rated "Love/Hate" by The-Dream. "Here I Stand" is a truly wonderful album, and one that I recommend buying to just about anybody out there.

Well, at least the mass population agrees with me.

The Perfect Script

2008-06-04T13:55:00.010+08:00

Tony Montana's rise from everyday thug-for-hire into a drug emperor... The death of Little Foot's mother and his eventual discovery of the "promised land"... Luke Skywalker's slow transformation from Jedi into the Sith Lord...

Time and time again, Hollywood has provided us with the greatest stories. The most exciting finishes. The toughest battles.

And this year, we have the NBA's version of a summer blockbuster.

In a fashion not unlike the most spectacular films, the NBA's two most-recognizable franchises are set to battle for the ultimate prize. Two clubs with lots of history, with the participants having so much to prove.

Can Kobe Bryant really win a championship without Shaq? Can Phil Jackson surpass Red as the king of coaches? Will KG shed the label of "un-clutch" that he has been carrying for years? Who's that dude on the Celtics wearing # 20? Will Pierce will his way into the elite group of Celtics greats?

These questions will be answered soon, when the NBA Finals commence.

But first, I'd love to put my thoughts out there to the two Conference Runner-Ups.

The San Antonio Spurs are not done, by any means necessary. Yes, they are aging, but I would not consider them old. They are still one of the smartest, most experienced teams out there. To say there are over-the-hill is akin to saying Dane Cook is funny; it's just not true. Remember, people also tagged them as past their primes when Dallas beat them in the semis way back in 2006. Yet, since then, the Spurs have been champions once more and the Mavs' title hopes have clearly been squashed.

Yes, the Spurs have lots of issues to address. Despite a core group that I see redeeming themselves next year, they really need some fresh blood off the bench. Horry's status is still up in the air, and so is Mike Finley's. But even if they do come back, it's not like they will be overly productive. Ime Udoka is a nice player and should be able to fill Bowen's blood-stained shoes nicely, but everything else needs improvement. Especially since it's looking like Tiago Splitter would rather play overseas. But still, when all is said and done, when the dust settles and when the sun (or the Suns) sets, the Spurs will be right where they were for the past decade: in the hunt for the title and the singular team that all championship hopefuls must overcome.

As for the Detroit Pistons, the cracks are starting to show themselves. I can't (and won't) say that they are doomed, but for the first time in quite a few years, the franchise as a whole is looking vulnerable. Just this day, Joe Dumars has fired Flip Saunders and openly implied to the public that nobody on the starting five is safe. This is big news for a team that has essentially kept the same starting five for the past 5 years.

I'm glad, though, that Dumars admitted that. This club needs some serious re-tooling. As good as their starters are, they seem to allow themselves to collapse in the biggest of games. Whether it's due to complacency, lack of respect for their coach or some other crazy thing that I would not put past Detroit, the facts are there. Three straight trips to the Conference Finals, three straight exits in the Conference Finals. And come October, we could be seeing an entirely different Pistons opening five. Which is what exactly they need.

But now, let's head on to the NBA Finals match-up...

By now, most of you have probably read so much about the Lakers-Celtics match-up. And just like me, maybe you would all just like to move past the smokescreens and get on with the games. So with that, let me keep things short and sweet.

Just like I said, Boston would finally slay the road demons and use their previous Game 7's to their advantage. After sending Detroit home in six, I feel like the Celtics finally learned how to effectively play together in the post-season. Ray Allen found his stroke, Kevin Garnett's offense has improved and hopefully Pierce accepts the role as team closer. The bench also played solid defense all throughout, and was capped of by Posey's steal on Prince.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have been disspelling the notion that young teams should "pay their dues" first. Although if you have a future Hall-Of-Famer, I think it's a reasonable exception. Kobe Bryant has been playing lights out, and I SERIOUSLY doubt Pierce or Posey can defend him. Hell, all Bowen had to do was guard and Kobe still handed it to Bruce.

But really, I'm making my prediction based solely on one thing...

Tell me if you recognize these names: Rudy Tomjanovich, Gregg Popovich, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley. All great coaches, yes, but also the only coaches to have won a championship since 1991. That means the past 18 titles have revolved around just 4 coaches. Stretch that a bit and you see Pat Riley winning two more with Lakers back in the 80's. That in itself is unprecedented.

But look deeper (and for basketball junkies, it shouldn't be that deep), and you'll see that Phil Jackson has half of those. But let's play "what if" and assume that had MJ not "retired", the Bulls would have won 8 straight championships. That would up his total to 11, and a good argument can be made that they let one slip away to the Pistons in 2004.

Yeah, that's a lot of assumptions right there, but the reality is this, Phil Jackson always found a way to win the title when given great talent. And in my opinion, this is a very, very good Laker team. They aren't as flashy as the Bling Dynasty, and they aren't seen as rock stars like the '96-'98 Bulls, but this team gets the job done. Everybody knows their role well. Pau Gasol is skilled offensively and is a respectable defensive presence and rebounder. Lamar Odom is starting to get his head on right and holds accountability for his play. Derek Fisher is playing inspired. The bench is a healthy mix of crazy (Turiaf) and fundamentals (Walton). In short, this is a TEAM. And I just can't bring myself to believe a TEAM as solid as this, when coached by Phil Jackson, cannot win a title this year.

This will be a battle for the ages. But, using as much common sense as I possibly can, there is only one clear result...

Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Champs 2008.

...And Then There Were Four

2008-05-21T19:34:00.006+08:00

By now, almost every blogger out there would have put out their own predictions for the Conference Finals.

Being one of them, I thought I'd join in on the fun! But a word of caution: the basketball channel in my household switched over to another cable provider at the start of the year, so since January I haven't been able to watch the NBA on a consistent basis. And even in the playoffs, I missed some great games, and that sucks. I've been doing my best to make up for it by scouring the net for blogs, articles and features, but it's just not the same.

Still, I think I've read and know enough about the teams playing to make, at least, some sensible predictions.

And with that, I present my thoughts on the NBA Conference Finals.

BOSTON CELTICS (1) vs DETROIT PISTONS (2)

Boston Celtics in 7

This is it. The dream match-up. The one almost everybody saw coming since the season began. The Cavs almost screwed it all up, but we finally have it.

I'm picking the Celtics in 7 games, though. Despite their obvious troubles on the road and Ray Allen's nightly flirtations with mediocrity, they have found ways to win. I think those tough tests should only prepare them better for Detroit, who is oozing experience and team chemistry. Ray Allen is too good not to get better (although he did shoot 3-10 in Game 1), and Kevin Garnett has somehow increased his role in the offense. Pierce showed the world how much he wants to win the title this year when he answered the call in Game 7, so I feel all the Celtcis will follow suit. Oh, and yeah, they will finally win a road game in the Playoffs.

The Pistons, I believe, will prove to be a tough test. Although you have to question their mindset. Let's not forget, this is the same team that claims to perform better when unappreciated. But with Celtics underachieving, mostly everybody favors the Pistons now. And that could rob them of their intensity. Especially Rasheed Wallace, who thrives on adversity. Detroit will still come out focused, though, and you can bet Chauncey will keep his boys in check all throughout.

Every obvious advantage goes to the Pistons (deeper bench, rock-solid chemistry, championship experience, and a clutch player), but somehow, I feel it's the Celtics' time. Paul Pierce wants it, Kevin Garnett also wants it, Ray Allen should want it, and they just survived two taxing match-ups. I think they're ready for the next step.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (1) vs SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3)

Los Angeles Lakers in 7

As much as I disregarded all conventional wisdom in my pick for the East Finals, I have to be more realistic with the Spurs-Lakers series.

Like the Pistons, the core of the Spurs have been together for so long now. Also, like the Pistons, they have been playing virtually the same core for years now, have won championships and always is a threat to win the title any given year.

But that's where the similarities end. Unlike the Pistons, the Spurs have no motivational issues, plays the same way whether they're the underdogs (HA!) or the favorites. They have one of the best coaches in the league, they never implode at the most inopportune times, and they seem to have mastered the black arts while getting away with it.

HOWEVER, the Lakers have the reigning MVP. But, unlike Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant can never be considered as "soft" or "un-clutch". And, as dirty as Bruce Bowen can be, he cannot contain The Black Mamba. With Kobe playing for something meaningful again, expect him to rise to the occasion like he always does.

The biggest question here is whether the bench will answer the call. This is a pretty young group of guys, with no one exceptional having been on a stage as big as this. Fortunately for them, they have an international champion in Pau Gasol, a Lamar Odom who seems to have turned the corner, and the valuable leadership and toughness that Derek Fisher provides.

This will be a great series, and with two coaching genuises at the helms, it's going to be fun seeing them one-upping each other game after game.

But in the end, I think the Lakers will take this in 7. The Spurs are tough, but the series against the Hornets showed they have somehow really slowed a little. And I just can't vouch for a team that deliberately hurts other players.

And yeah, the Spurs are allergic to consecutive titles.

The Great Equalizer

2008-05-14T10:11:00.010+08:00

"You Shall Not Doubt"

Why is it that we never learn? We used to do it with the Spurs, calling them "old and tired" whenever they finished with less than the # 2 spot in the West. Doubting that they'd be able to win a championship that particular year.

Well, at least we've moved on from that absurd notion. Now, despite the Spurs finishing # 4 in the West, despite being down in a 0-2 hole, despite them actually aging and tiring, we are smart enough never to count them out. Never ever.

I think it's about time we treat LeBron with that kind of respect.

For seasons now, we have been doubting LeBron's (and the Cavs') abilities to get it done in the postseason. We cite far too many reasons, and while most are valid or even clearly evident, we keep forgetting one thing.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have LeBron James.

I started to notice this last season. Everybody was pretty disappointed with him during the regular season. Cleveland's record (and LeBron's stats) somehow gave off the vibe that their superstar is coasting. People got on him for obviously not giving his 110% night-in and night-out. Faulting him for looking at the bigger picture (fresher legs come the Playoffs) and declaring that his team would not even get past the 1st round.

And how did he respond? He basically slayed the Eastern Conference Gods (the Pistons) single-handedly, bringing the Cavaliers to their first-ever Finals appearance since never and showing the world that he will dominate when necessary.

He showed his mortality against the Spurs, but hell, even the Spurs couldn't win the championship every year.

I thought that by this season, we (including me) would have learned something.

But no. People believed that the Wizards could beat the Cavs. People thought the Hawks stood a much better chance against the Celtics, and that Cleveland would never even get to sniff the possibility of beating Boston. Yet here we are, four games in the Eastern Semis later, and the series is tied 2-2. With the momentum clearly now in Cleveland's favor.

Once again, LeBron is dismissing the notion that they have gotten worse.

I don't mean for this piece to sound like a declaration that Cleveland will win the title. Far from it, in fact.

What I mean, however, is for us to start viewing LeBron James (and the Cavs) in the same light as the San Antonio Spurs. That no matter what their regular season's record is, no matter who the players are on the roster, no matter how formidable their foe is, we should never, EVER count the Cavaliers out of any game. Ever again.

As long as they have King James... As long as they have The Great Equalizer... As long as LeBron plays (he can beat you without scoring)... They can beat any team. Any team. Just ask the Pistons. Then maybe we'll need to ask the Celtics later on.

Return To Respectability

2008-05-12T11:06:00.012+08:00

Deep down inside, the nerd in me is yearning to break free. And in all honesty, I might have to oblige.

It was jump-started by Blade, made lucrative by Spider-Man, gained respectability with Batman, and now has been transformed into an art form by Iron Man.

Having seen Iron Man just last Saturday, I am convinced that the day has come for us to take comic book/video game/TV cartoon films seriously. Gone are the days when fan boys cringe at the thought of movie adaptations of their beloved franchises.

By now, simply "reviewing" Iron Man would be moot. It's either you've seen it, are planning to see it, or you're simply dead. But there is no way a sane person would miss this.

So with that, I'd love to get my nerd on and list down a few things that have me chirping about the bright future of franchise films.

3. Crossovers!!! - Why didn't they think of this sooner?! Comic books do this all the time. The X-Men appear in X-Force, Spider-Man buddies up with the Fantastic Four... Hell, even Sabrina makes occasional appearances with The Archies! So why is it happening just now with movies? I have no clue, but I certainly am not complaining. This, by itself, is enough to make me go watch the next Hulk film. Pure genius by Marvel.

2. The BioShock film - The game was the absolute bomb. The story was deep and intriguing, the atmosphere was downright twisted, and it presented to you choices that no human would hopefully have to make. In other words, it would make the perfect movie. In fact, you might even say that this is an "interactive film". But right now, only XBox 360 fan boys can relate. Rest assured, though, after the film's release, the word "Harvest" will take on a completely new meaning.

1. G.I. Joe - Need I say more? Anybody who's ever been a child will surely remember these guys. I used to think that this movie will definitely blow. This, however, changed my mind. And, man, it'll feel so good to get re-acquainted with ol' Snake Eyes.

P.S. I haven't forgotten about Watchmen (voted as one of Time's 100 best novels), I just don't know too much about it to get really excited.

The Kobe Effect

2008-05-07T23:07:00.008+08:00

With Kobe Bryant's recent coronation as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, I felt that now is as good a time as any to re-post my last piece on The Black Mamba. As someone who used to hate the Lakers, it's amazing how Kobe has changed most fans' (and the media's) perception of him. Much love, Kobe.

Originally Posted on September 13, 2007

2000 Western Conference Finals: Blazers up by 15, 3rd Quarter, Game 7. Winner goes on to the NBA Finals. Life was good.

And then the 4th quarter came. In 12 minutes, I went from hoping Portland would win to hoping LA would lose. Every game. EVER.

And, on that moment, Kobe-hating was born.

You see, I used to like Kobe. He came in at a time when skipping college was relatively rare but becoming more appreciated. KG started the movement, and Kobe was one of the first recipients of the hype machine. I even used to collect his rookie cards! I remember watching him flame out in a playoff series against Utah early in his career. I like the fact that despite airballing his shots, he never hesitated. Hell, I admired him after that! So you see, I have nothing against Kobe the person.

And then that game above had to happen. I hated LA. I hated anything associated with the Lakers. Shaquille was just too dominant a player. Kobe was just too good. Add them up, and you get three years of frustration. Frustrated why a team fielding Rick Fox and Samaki Walker in the starting lineup could win championships. Wondering why a team as balanced as Portland and Sacramento could never get over the hump. From 2000-2002, the Lakers were the best team in the world, and Kobe was probably half the reason why. Actually, I feared him more than Shaq. He was able to score from almost anywhere, able to shoot over anyone, and able to send shivers down your spine you'd start to think he was ice. So let the hate pour, I did.

But then, the scandal happened. Kobe allegedly raped (or whatever is the more appropriate term) a girl in Colorado. When first read the story, I said "Whoa. Crazy." It surprised me, but I wasn't shocked. After all, it's not like he's the only athlete, hell, PERSON, who's done that kind of stuff. A few reports here and there would be enough, I assumed. So imagine my shock when this thing not only threatened to ruin Kobe's career, but also almost destroyed his image. The media talked about it as if he killed another person. It was all over the news, it was the subject of many a magazine cover... It was basketball, for some time.

Damn, people hated Kob' so much they basically threw out common sense. It was possible, after all, that it was not rape. It could simply have been extortion. Yes, I believe Kobe did it, and even he admitted it. But I had a hard time accepting the fact that it was rape.

Anyways, that should have given me more reason to hate Kobe. That should have been the proverbial nail-in-the-coffin, the last straw. But miraculously, it did the opposite. Whereas Kobe used to seem so self-assured on and off the court, it brought him to earth. The admission of the truth, the handling of the sheer craziness that ensued, the apology... Everything. Kobe handled it well. As much as I hated him (basketball-wise), I never wished him harm.

But now, we see a new Kobe. Yeah, the swagger's still there, and the instinct is still killer. But we see someone who wants to play team ball. Who wants to share the spotlight. Who knows his place.

More importantly, we see a Kobe who's not letting a second chance pass. The stigma is still there, somewhat. But that doesn't faze him. He almost lost the tag of Best Player Alive (of which there is no doubt). But that didn't faze him. He was thisclose to losing Nike's support. But that didn't faze him. Hell, he might've almost lost his family! That didn't faze him! He still did his thing, and I've got nothing but respect for that. Kept it all in and just worked for the things he almost lost. Shit, I'm even glad he visited the Philippines last week. The love he got from the people was satisfying, and I wish I could've been there.

I'm not quick to label him a totally changed man, and I'm not saying he's suddenly perfect. But we could all learn a lesson from Kob'. Maybe he learned his lesson, maybe it's all for show. That's for God to decide.

But I'm seeing a man that outlasted the pain. Who didn't change for anyone, but just changed for the better. And I respect that. It just goes to show you that even a person as self-assured as Kobe might go through shit. The great equalizer is our response. And I don't want to look far ahead at something this negative, but I just hope I will be smart about it. Like Kobe, I hope to re-emerge unscathed and better than ever.

A Lakers jersey still won't ever touch my back. And the Lakers will still be hated to death. But Kobe? Man, I respect the dude. Give credit where credit is due.

If nothing else, give the man a f*cking chance.

The Birth Of Salocin

2008-05-07T11:56:00.010+08:00

Remember those "Things I want to do before I die" lists that cheery high-schoolers used to make? Well, I never made such a list (at least not to the point where I actually wrote it down), but I have to admit that there were some ideas that crossed my mind.

Be a DJ by night, make a music video, watch the NBA live, meet Shawn Michaels, be able to simultaneously love and hate the Los Angeles Lakers... Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

Go ahead and chalk one up for me.

We went to Samal this weekend and, between waiting for the low tide to pass and lunch to be served, a rare moment of lucidity somehow chanced upon us.

It started off innocently enough, with our "Guitar Hero PUGO" Gio strumming tasty nothings out of his guitar. As I bobbed my head to the beat looking for the perfect lyric, Jasna reeled off this gem: "Taba, taba, taba..." With a chorus in place, I started spitting random thoughts that somehow, some way, started to make sense. They were mostly Nicolas family inside jokes, so I don't really need to mention them here. But soon enough, we had created a hook, refrain and chorus and the laughs were all around. I fancied myself a lyrical genius, although I am just merely below that bar. I kid, I kid.

Later that afternooon, we decided to go buckwild with what we had. It wasn't enough for us to simply make fun of ourselves now. It was time to ice it, go mainstream, and we had to have lyrics that everybody could relate to.

So, after some much-needed tweaks lyrically and musically, "Pangalawang Tanghalian" was completed. And with it, the birth of Salocin.

But, like a pack of Jugheads, we stayed hungry. "Pangalawang Tanghalian" was money in the bank, no doubt. However, we wanted versatility, man. We wanted to diversify. And with a perfect topic to talk about (leaving for the States soon), I felt the timing couldn't have been better.

Once again asking Gio to strum anything, I was able to hum a potential chorus. After solidifying the lyrics of the chorus, it was on to formulating the verse. But we felt the melody was strong enough to stand on its own, and we wanted a song that sounded familiar but was somehow different structurally. With no mic in my hand, I started singing (yes, singing) what I've been wanting to speak about for some time now. It took a little work and polishing, but most of the lyrics were spontaneous and really heartfelt. In about 30 minutes, we were able to finish "Needing You".

With limited resources and a tight budget, we decided to just simply record the song at home. And so, we went into a dresser (which was really enclosed perfectly to trap in the sound), locked all the doors, focused and, despite the sweltering heat, completely lost ourselves in the music.

And that was that. Salocin had suddenly produced two quality songs (in our opinion) in two days. Yes, this was truly a labor of love.

All kidding aside, though, we really think highly of the two songs. Yes, they are not that complex, the lyrics ain't really that deep, the singing was often off-key and only an acoustic guitar was used... But damn, this felt good. Really good.

That's one life goal, and many more to go.

Next up? Music videos. Yeah.

Download: Needing You
Download: Pangalawang Tanghalian

A Tale Of Two PSP's

2008-04-10T10:13:00.011+08:00

Honestly, which looks better? Red? Or yellow? This has been on the forefront of my mind a few weeks now. About 3 weeks ago, I decided that I'd be buying a shiny, new PSP soon. It seems like the "in" thing right now in the Philippines, with everyone (and I do mean everyone) having one. Hell, even my friends who absolutely had no interest in video games bought their own! Crazy.

So when I had the opportunity to go to Greenhills on my leave, I started scouring the mall for the best PSP packages out there. They were all pretty much the same, all ranging from 10,500-11,000 pesos, so I went home that day pretty much set on how much I'd need to withdraw and what color I'd be buying (I chose the blue one).

Then, while texting Kricket, she mentioned that there was a new PSP available: The Simpsons Model. Look at the yellow one above. That's the one. Pretty, huh?

This only made things much worse, because now I had to decide between the yellow one and the older colors. Problem is, it costs about 4,000 pesos more than the now-bland blue PSP. Now, 4,000 pesos might be nothing to someone like, say Henry Sy, but to me it's already a big decision. It becomes that much more problematic when there's only 11,000 left on my account.

Damn, there's even going to be a special God Of War PSP coming out soon. With Kratos' face lasered on the back. DAMN.

The one thing that's sure though, is that I will get one before it's all said and done. I mean, when you're pretty much singing Patapon in your head all day long, you just have to buy a PSP.

UPDATE: I just want to greet Kricket a happy birthday!

Then & Now: Revisiting The East's Past Year

2008-04-08T22:43:00.013+08:00

Right now, I'm in Blog Mode. It's 10:47 PM over here, and I have work tomorrow... But it doesn't matter. I just had to write something tonight. It's just one of those days, I guess.

I actually posted something a few hours ago, but that was merely an introduction of sorts. Just a way of me to say that I AM BACK. Like Kanye West, I am better, faster, stronger, harder.

I was flipping through my older posts and saw my NBA Previews stuff. They were pretty cool, so I thought maybe revisiting my predictions wouldn't be so bad. I'll start off with the East, since the playoff spots are pretty much set in stone. The West is much trickier, so "ll save that edition when the playoff picture is settled.

1. Detroit Pistons - "They supposedly have some young players waiting in the wings, but I doubt they'll make that big of an impact"

Then: # 4 in the East
Now: # 2 in the East

I was wrong here, but not too wrong. First, I thought that the Bulls would take the Central Division crown, expecting a breakout year from Luol Deng. But the opposite happened, and the Pistons are just that damn consistent to slip below the 3rd spot. I also didn't expect their Zoo Crew to contribute heavily this year, but the electric play of rookie Rodney Stuckey and muscle forward Jason Maxiell were actually what they needed. This team is just too consistent, and I will never doubt them again.

2. Miami Heat - "I know they won a championship then, but I just knew that acquiring Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would blow up in their faces somewhere down the road. And this season might be that"

Then: # 7 in the East
Now: Last (!!!) in the League

Oooohhh, I love this. I (somewhat) correctly predicted that this would be a bad year for Miami, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that they would finish with the worst record in the L. I don't think anybody did, really. A team with Dwyane Wade and Shaq could result to this? Impossible! But it did, and the devil has come back to Riley to collect. I know they tell us injuries killed them, but I still believe it was the deal with the devil that did them in.

3. Boston Celtics - "I don't think they can finish atop the East because they will obviously have to go through growing pains, but by the end of the season, we shall recognize them as the best in the East"

Then: # 2 in the East
Now: # 1 in the League

You have to admit, it was pretty close. Some people were wary of saying they would be that good this soon, but I always believed they would be. I have to be honest, though... Even my prediction was a bit conservative. I expected great things, but a 60-win season in their first year together?!?! KG, now I know the Wolves' numerous exits weren't your fault.

4. Toronto Raptors - "But I am concerned about his (Chris Bosh) health"

Then: # 5 in the East
Now: # 7 in the East

If I remember correctly, Toronto's slide began when Chris Bosh went out. And despite heroic performances from Rasho Nesterovic, they currently are in 7th place in the East, battling with Washington and Philadelphia for a higher spot. I still believe this team is talented enough to grab the 5 spot, so I guess that makes my prediction pretty accurate.

5. Charlotte Bobcats - "Is Jason Richardson really the go-to guy they were looking for? In my opinion, no"

Then: Out of the Playoffs
Now: Out of the Playoffs

For stretches during the season, we've seen Jason Richardson perform otherworldly. However, he hasn't been able to do it consistently, and he certainly hasn't elevated his team into postseason contention. And considering how wide open the East is, to not even be in the Playoff race is downright embarrassing. I have to be admit, though, it's unfair to put the blame on JRich alone. The firing of Bernie Bickerstaff might be the biggest reason for this lost season.

6. Washington Wizards - "First off, I just want to wish Etan Thomas a speedy recovery"

Then: # 3 in the East
Now: # 5 in the East

Really. I wrote my preview before Gilbert missed almost the entire season, so I guess that renders my prediction as pointless. In fact, it may have made my preview look even worse. For them to lose their best player and still be, record-wise, better than Toronto? Crazy. I guess it's time to move Caron Butler to elite status. And no, I'm not forgetting Antawn Jamison at all. I will be honest, though. I really thought Andray Blatche would contribute more than he did this year. Too bad.

7. Chicago Bulls - "Welcome to Kobe Bryant's next home!!!!"

Then: # 1 in the East
Now: Surprisingly eliminated from the Playoffs

OUCH. With a single team preview, all my credibility was lost. But really. Too horrible predictions in one team preview? Damn, man. How can I recover from that. First, I boldly predict Chicago as Kobe's next home. Then, just to sweeten things a bit, I state to the world that I believe that Chicago would be # 1 in the East. Once again, OUCH! I'm not really sure if my prediction was made with Kobe Bryant wearing red and black in mind, but still it was terrible. As punishment, feel free to laugh in my face the next time you see me on the street.

8. Orlando Magic - "Jameer Nelson is a good point guard, but a part of me thinks this is as good as he can get"

Then: # 8 in the East
Now: # 3 in the East

Hell, we could even say Jameer got worse! Really, he has just been terrible this year, so I guess I was correct in thinking that he has maxed out. The other thing was Rashard Lewis. It was evident from the start that he would never live up to his contract, but to be outplayed by Hedo Turkoglu is surely depressing. At least, Dwight Howard is playing above his contract. This time, I feel happy to be proven wrong. 8th was just too damn low. Sorry, Superman.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers - "It's still all about LeBron"

Then: # 6 in the East
Now: # 4 in the East

Truer words have never been said. The Cavs are really still all about the King, but at least now, things seem to be improving. I still can't get over the fact that they stole Delonte West from Seattle, and nabbing Ben Wallace and Wally World are solid additions. I also said before that the Devin Brown signing was good, and so far, I'm right. It's far too early to tell if the trades they made will be enough, but they sure made them better.

10. Indiana Pacers - "Seriously, though, I don't really know what direction they're going"

Then: Out of the Playoffs
Now: Praying (hard) for the 8th spot

I still don't know what direction they are heading. I thought they would trade JO this season (pre or mid, I didn't care), but they didn't, and they are basically the same team they were last year. Danny Granger has been good, but we still don't know what he's made of. It's been a terrible year in Indiana, with attendance issues, injuries, and other stuff distracting the team. It's time to decide, Mr. Bird.

11. Atlanta Hawks - "This would be a very good team if only they had a Point Guard"

Then: Out of the Playoffs
Now: # 8 in the East

Well, it's a mixed bag. The Hawks played pretty well early in the season, staying above .500. However, they somehow lost a step, and even Mike Bibby's arrival didn't initially produce great results. Lately, though, they have been playing much better and just might be considered a lock for the # 8 spot. It's a start, but they still haven't signed Josh Smith long-term, so they could be back to futility in the near future.

12. New Jersey Nets - "Boring in the sense that I expect them to finish in the same way they did last season"

Then: Out of the Playoffs

Now: Out of the Playoffs

I don't know how I can say I expect them to finish like last season and then leave them out of a playoff spot. I guess what I meant by that was they were pretty much the same team as last year, and with some young East teams a year wiser, it was not a good position to be in. Turns out I was right. They have been leapfrogged by Atlanta, Philadelphia and Orlando this season, and trading Jason Kidd was probably a nice move. Now if they can just find takers for Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson...

13. New York Knicks - "Just thinking of this team makes my head hurt..."

Then: Out of the Playoffs

Now: Out of the Playoffs

I mean it. Just the fact that Isiah still had a job before the season started made me pity the New York faithful. Little did I know that it was just the jump-off. Isiah lost Stephon Marbury, we found out that Z-Bo and E-City couldn't really play together, David Lee still couldn't get enough minutes, the Garden's strict policies for the media, the sexual harassment suit, and countless other issues effectively ended this season before it even began. Pathetic.

DISCLAIMER: I know I said that they could surprise us this season... I just didn't think it would be those kind of surprises.

14. Milwaukee Bucks - "No Playoffs this year, although the future looks bright"

Then: Out of the Playoffs

Now: Out of the Playoffs

On second thought, I take that back. I'll admit that was a terrible prediction. The Bucks should have made the Playoffs this year. Bobby Simmons was finally healthy (although ineffective), Yi Jianlian actually played decent ball early on, Redd is a great player, Mo Will re-upped and played out of his mind before the injury, and, lastly, Andrew Bogut made a Chris Kaman-like leap. He was dominating the glass, swatting shots and displaying a fire absent in his first two seasons in the L. So why are they on the outside looking in again? Beats me... The future still looks bright, but if they couldn't get it done this season, you have to wonder if they'll get it done at all.

15. Philadelphia 76ers - "The worst team in the East"

Then: Out of the Playoffs

Now: # 6 in the East

Ooops. Who knew, before the season started, that Philadelphia would actually be battling Wahsington and Toronto for playoff positioning. Obviously not me. But I'm glad they proved me wrong, since they have been playing so well in 2008 that they deserve all they have right now. This is a true team, people. My only question is, does this set them back from rebuilding their team earlier?

So there you have it. I had a lot of fun looking back to my older posts and seeing where I went wrong (or right). And, for my East thoughts, I think I did a good job. Obviously, there were some crazy claims made by yours truly (see: Chicago and Philadelphia), but I also made some good predictions with the Celtics and Heat.

I'll probably have the West piece done before the Playoffs begin or when the spots have been filled, whichever comes first.

Until then, hope you enjoyed this article.

Don't Call It A Comeback!

2008-04-08T19:03:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since I posted something here on blogspot. When I first started working for Dole (way back in June last year), I told myself I'd blog regularly. I saw it as a way to release some stress and talk about the experiences I would be facing.

I actually posted something over on Friendster, which talked about being asked to dance for the company party... On my first day!

http://robbz18.blogs.friendster.com/inside_the_mind_of_me/

Anyways, that would be one of the last posts that I would make.

Then, before the NBA season started, I wrote a few posts regarding the upcoming season. It was pretty good, honestly. Those were some passionate pieces I wrote, and I was confident that I would be able to post regularly during the course of the season. However, on January 1, Basketball TV was replaced by Balls (best channel name ever), and that pretty much ended my NBA-watching ways. Days turned into months, and here we are... It's nearly the end of the regular season and I wasn't able to post anything at all.

So, before this bloggin' feeling completely escapes me, I would like to re-announce my intent to blog regularly. I plan on making my blog better than ever, and with the help of Kreng, I'm pulling out all the stops to make this possible. I have high hopes for this one, my friends. I have lots of topics I want to discuss. Let's hope this time, it lives up to the hype.

Peace.

NBA Eastern Conference Preview

2007-10-15T16:36:00.000+08:00

Last week I posted my Western Conference preview. It took me a while to gather my thoughts for the East preview because I've been going back-and-forth with my buddy in Canada and our convo was almost exclusively about the East. So I kinda exhausted all my East energy.

But now, I'm recharged and ready to take on the very confusing East. Off the top of my head, there are probably 10 teams with a realistic chance of making the Playoffs... That's not counting the Bobcats and New York, who could really surprise us all.

But enough talk, here's my thoughts on all the East teams.

1. Detroit Pistons - Basically the same roster as before. They supposedly have some young players waiting in the wings, but I doubt they'll make that big of an impact. This team still heavily relies on their starting lineup, but losing C-Webb (for the time being) will be a big blow. I really cant figure out why Mohammed doesn't fit the Pistons, but oh well. This is still a very solid team, although I believe the window has closed the moment Ben Wallace left for Chicago.

2. Miami Heat - The Heat!!! I can't believe what's happened to this franchise... I know they won a championship then, but I just knew that acquiring Antoine Walker and Jason Williams would blow up in their faces somewhere down the road. And this season might be that. Dwyane Wade's injury seems to get worse with every report I read, and Shaq recently suffered an injury of his own. If your healthiest player right now was once a new kidney recipient, you know there's trouble. Losing Kapono was huge, but I dont think he justified the money given to him, anyways. I don't really hate the Heat, but I have a really hard time liking them. This is a confused franchise... They are good enough to be considered contenders (mostly because of the "name" of their players) but are really mediocre. All hope rests on Wade's (aching) shoulders. Note: What if they somehow acquired Damon Stoudamire?

3. Boston Celtics - There are lots of people out there who took the conservative route and were slow in giving them credit, choosing instead to focus on their thin bench. But any time you put three HOF-qualit y players on one team, they will be good. Really good. People tell me to look at what happened to Lakers in '04. But remember, they had a Karl Malone nearing retirement, a Gary Payton that was nowhere near what he was in Seattle, and a feuding Kobe and Shaq. That will not happen in Boston, as KG and Ray Allen are two of the most professional guys out there. And please, don't forget that they are still in their primes! And in Ray's case, you dont lose your shooting touch with age. I dont think they can finish atop the East because they will obviously have to go through growing pains, but by the end of the season, we shall recognize them as the best in the East.

4. Toronto Raptors - From top to bottom, this is one of the best-built teams out there. When Jose Calderon (who could start for half of the teams in the L) is your back-up PG, you know you've done a great job. Not that Colangelo needs my seal of approval. Once again, they will depend on Bosh to lead them to the playoffs. I have no problem in believing that... But I am concerned about his health. Seems like he just cant stay completely healthy. And for a team that is really young when you think about it, they will need a leader. Signing Jason Kapono and Carlos Delfino was smart, but they aren't franchise-changing. In some ways, I think of them as somewhat similar to the Bulls. Very solid all-around, but you have to wonder how far they can take it. Good thing they have Chris Bosh, though.

5. Charlotte Bobcats - Is Jason Richardson really the go-to guy they were looking for? In my opinion, no. The guy is nice and exciting, but I just can't see him as someone who you can expect to lead a team. He's sort of like a poor man's Vince Carter, and that's not really good. It's more of a "best player available" scenario, and they were just the team with the money to spend. And I don't really get the signing of Matt Carroll when you already have Ammo. Have they given up on him already? But they have a pretty good foundation in place. Re-signing G Wallace was nice, and Felton should break out this year. Okafor is a beast down low, and it's so hard to find one of those right now. Maybe not this year, but I expect them to make the Playoffs next year.

6. Washington Wizards - First off, just want to wish Etan Thomas a speedy recovery. As for the Wiz, it's still a three-man show, although I have been hearing a lot of good reports about Andray Blatche lately. If he can develop into a Gerald Wallace-type of player, they should be very happy. Gilbert Arenas will continue his dominance (in a contract year, no less) and we can expect consistent production from Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. All in all, this team is basically the same as last year's. Which is good, in a way. But not enough to get them anywhere near a championship. Still, though, it should be a fun ride.

7. Chicago Bulls - Welcome to Kobe Bryant's next home!!!! I know I may be getting ahead of myself over here, but Bryant going to the Bulls would be a match made in heaven. As for this season, they should also be (almost) the same team like before. They have a really good set of players, but I dont know... Something about them screams "Not good enough to be champs!!!". I think it was pretty stubborn of the GM (John or Jim?) to not trade for KG. So I hope they don't miss the opportunity to land KB24. Ben Gordon is good, but he's very streaky, although he is becoming more consistent. Kirk Hinrich is a pretty good PG, but I can't see him leading his team a la Deron Williams. Ben Wallace is slowing down, but it's nice to have backups like Noah and Ty Thomas. But I wonder: Are the Bulls silently regretting trading away LaMarcus Aldridge?

8. Orlando Magic - WTF?!?! 118 million $ for Rashard Lewis?!?! Cot damn, what was that all about? You would think the Magic would be happy to chill for now and use the newly-created cap room to build around Dwight Howard. Instead, they signed oft-injured forward Shard Lewis to a ridiculously expensive and long deal. He's not Allan Houston, but he's not exactly LeBron either. And as a result, they had to let go of Darko Milicic. You really have to question this franchise-crippling move, as they will now have no flexibilty at all. I just don't know what came over them. They better hope Lewis stays healthy (which he isn't right now) and plays to his "max player" (HA!!!) status. Jameer Nelson is a good point guard, but a part of me thinks this is as good as he can get. In 2 years, they will regret signing Lewis the same way they did with Grant Hill. Stupid.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers - It's still all about LeBron. And now, more than ever, he will have to carry the team for a full season. The Cavs are a really good defensive team, but they can't hide the fact that they are offensively-limited. Zydrunas is quickly aging before our eyes, and Gooden somehow can't stay consistent. Add to that the fact that Varejao and Pavlovic may not come back at all, and you have a team that could go from East Champs to not being mentioned as contenders. Daniel Gibson must prove his worth now that he is expected to play more, and Devin Brown was a good signing. Why can't he stay in one team, I will never know. Other than that, I can't get too excited about them. Not saying LeBron will go to New York, but he will definitely leave if things don't change.

10. Indiana Pacers - You know, this is actually the hardest-working team in the League. Why? Because they never seem to leave the treadmill they're on. Seriously, though, I dont really know what direction they're going. As a team, they are good enough to make the playoffs year in and year out, yet doesn't pose much of a threat to really challenge the big boys in the East. And with the East getting stronger, a first-round win is not expected anytime soon. Individually, they are facing the same dilemma. Jermaine O'Neal is good, but not elite. As good as he is, maybe it's time to anoint him as a very good role player instead of franchise player. Their second-best player, Danny Granger, is the same. Jamaal Tinsley is very good sometimes, sometimes not. The Pacers should make a decision now. Rebuild and tear down the core of the team or be satisified with semi-mediocrity? They should trade JO while he still has value.

11. Atlanta Hawks - This would be a very good team if only they had a Point Guard. Really. Just one really good point guard, and this team is a threat to make the Playoffs! Josh Smith is primed for a breakout year, although this is still (and should remain) Joe Johnson's team. Getting Al Horford was nice, and it was smart of them to not draft for need. He should be a great player down the line, but will probably struggle early. What can I say... This is a team with loads of potential, but it remains to be seen what will happen. I wish them success, if only because I like Joe Jo... But they still have a long way to go. Note: What if they traded for Luke Ridnour?

12. New Jersey Nets - They had to re-sign Vince Carter. Fail to do so, and you extremely limit Jason Kidd's options. It seems like Kidd will never age, so I expect the same numbers from him. The key here is health. If Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic all get to 100%, they should be a very scary team. And that's not counting Josh Boone, who showed last year that he is a decent ballplayer. Not re-upping Mikki Moore was very smart, and he won't be missed at all. Boston Snackbar seems to improving a lot, so he will be the first guy off the bench for the Nets. This team is exciting in the sense that they have highlight reels in Vince, Kidd, and Jefferson. Boring in the sense that I expect them to finish in the same way they did last season. But it got me to thinking, now might be the perfect time to trade Richard Jefferson for JO.

13. New York Knicks - What else is there to write about them, really? Just thinking of this team makes my head hurt, so I just have this to say... Please give David Lee the minutes he deserves.

14. Milwaukee Bucks - What is up with the Bucks getting players that have publicly declared their unwillingness to play for the franchise??? First, they draft Yi Jianlian, then they re-sign Charlie bell. Good thing Mo Williams decided to stick around, otherwise this might be the one of the most chaotic teams heading into the season. I actually applaud them for not giving into Yi's demands, but I seriously question re-signing Bell. Why sign a guy who didn't want to be there anymore? And more to the fact, why give Bell an 18.5 mil contract? Is he even worth that? Anyways, this is a good team, with enough versatility and firepower to make the Playoffs. Redd has shown he is capable of carrying the scoring load of the team, and Andrew Bogut should improve again. However, there are major questions regarding the team's health. No Playoffs this year, although the future looks bright.

15. Philadelphia 76ers - The worst team in the East. Andre Iguodala will put up great numbers, but you have to wonder how he will respond to defenses focusing on him extensively. Good thing he can pass it out to Kyle Korver, and better that Andre Miller is there to feed him easy baskets. However, Sammy Dalembert will probably never justify his enormous contract. The time is now to trade Andre Miller, so they can go full-blast on their rebuilding plans. It's going to be a long season in Philly...

Here are my picks to make the Playoffs.

1. Bulls
2. Celtics
3. Wizards
4. Pistons
5. Raptors
6. Cavaliers
7. Washington
8. Magic

The Western Conference Preview (Pre-Season)

2007-10-10T15:46:00.000+08:00

Here's my thoughts on the West teams. I just really wanted to put it out there this early. It's always fun to look back and see how we did with our predictions, so let's do this!

1. Dallas Mavericks - It sucked what happened to them last year, so you have to wonder how they'll respond. Or more appropriately, how Dirk will respond. He's never been known to have that tough mentality, so you have to be worried about him. Other than that, it's more of the same for them. They won't dominate the League like last year, but they will still be in the Top 4. The X-factor here is Devin Harris. He just signed a contract extension and looks to breakout in a big way this year. I have a feeling he will, although the Mavs really could use Darrell Armstrong's steady presence.

2. Phoenix Suns - This will be the team to watch in the West. So many underground stories that could possibly surface during the course of the season. I fully expect Marion to remain in Phoenix, though. Amare's little injury scare last week will probably not matter much, and will continue to be the best center in the West. It's been years now and the Suns' playing style still hasn't netted them a title, but last year's was theirs. This year, they should take the next step. But Kurt Thomas will be greatly missed, and they need another veteran big man (Charles Oakley or PJ Brown). But Skinner is more than capable, and will end up a great signing. Nash will be his usual excellent self, while Barbosa could improve a lot. They're my early pick to win the Championship.

3. GS Warriors - I not only expect them to make the Playoffs again, but I expect them to improve in their regular season record. Whether that will translate to higher playoff seed is unknown. But I'm liking this team by the minute. They are quietly stocking up on very effective players (Ellis, Biedrins, Belinelli) and have one of the best PGs in the game in Baron. Though I somehow think that this "teamwork" they seem to have now will disappear once the going gets tough, I still half-expect them to overcome the odds when it all comes down to it. Belinelli is looking like the perfect fit in Golden State. Losing J-Rich was a blow, but not something they can't recover from.

4. San Antonio Spurs - Still the same old Spurs. What I write here now may very well be applicable next year. But the only concern is that the team doesnt seem to get any younger. They recently waived James White and traded Luis Scola (who could've made a HUGE impact), so I dont really know what they have planned for the future. It's not wise to doubt the Spurs, though... Tiago Splitter could be a Pau Gasol-type when he eventually comes to the NBA, and that is just another problem solved. Still, this current team has at least three more good years on it, so that's plenty of time to make the necessary roster adjustements. Solid all the way.

5. Houston Rockets - I dont really think this team will make it past the 2nd round (injuries will still kill them, like they do every year). But during the regular season, they will be a tough matchup. It all depends on Tracy and Yao, though. Although, to be honest, they have more capable role players this year. And also, I believe Rick Adelman will be a very good coach. They stole one in Luis Scola, and the returning Steve Francis should be a good fit. Bonzi Wells will also return, and they have Chuck Hayes as their backup PF. Not bad. There's a logjam at the PG slot, and that's where they have to really get better. With so many offensive options, they really need a pass-first PG. Getting Steve Blake would've been nice, but oh well... Right now, the best PG on their team is an SF (Battier), and that will be a problem. But I trust Rick to do the right thing.

6. Memphis Grizzlies - A very promising team. Pau Gasol is constantly improving, and now he has his running buddy JC Navarro with him. It's hard to see them getting to the playoffs with a lineup of mostly young players (Conley, Lowry, Darko, Navarro, Gay, Warrick) and no legit banger to take the load off Pau. But they will be fun to watch. Rudy Gay should improve, but not by much. He has a lot to competition. Damon is the odd man out and will probably be waived, bought out, or traded soon. Mike Miller should still be a sharpshooter, but his looks will probably decrease now. The Darko signing seems smart, but I'll take a wait-and-see approach on him.

7. LA Lakers - The Lakers are going nowhere. If Phil Jackson wasn't the coach, it would be very tough to say that they will make the Playoffs. Good thing Kwame's contract is expiring. I dont know how low his trade value has gotten, but if the Lakers can still find a good trade partner, they should pull the trigger. Otherwise, it's not so bad to let his contract run out. Lamar Odom has been the subject of many rumors, but I doubt they can get anything of equal value in return. Derek Fisher doesnt really do much for them. Remember when Fisher played for the Warriors a few years back? He was labelled a bust then. The minute he went to Utah, he suddenly was a "big" piece of the puzzle. Therefore, I'll conclude that Fisher is ony good on good teams. And this Laker team isn't. It's nice that he'll be reuniting with Kobe, but I doubt that means a hell of a lot of Ws. Next season, Kobe will pull a KG and get traded to the Bulls after both teams realize that they ain't going nowhere.

8. LA Clippers - Assuming the role of last year's Grizzlies will be the Clippers. Think about it... All-Star Forward goes down and is expected to return after the Break. Therefore, I expect the same results. No team will be as bad as the Clippers, and that may not be such a bad thing. They could land the top pick next year, and are in a good position to draft a top PG. They need that what with the current state of the position. Knight and Cassell are both injury-prone and approaching retirement ages, and Livingston's knee was completely destroyed last season. Tim Thomas still wont amount to much, and we dont know if Ruben Patterson will play the same way he did last year. I expect Kaman to improve, though. He will be the # 1 low-post scorer, and he was just really battling through injuries last year. Cat Mobley and Maggette will provide the offense, but in the West, that's not much.

9. Portland T'Blazers - We all know Oden's story. And I discussed (in-depth, actually) what positives that might entail. But focusing on this season, they will be really bad. Not as bad as the Clips, but they will be right there. Unless Aldridge makes people forget about Zach Randolph, expect even worse numbers than last year. Roy's already considering surgery this early in the season, which is never good. But still, this is a franchise that is clearly in the right direction. Let's just hope Lady Luck permits it to stay that way.

10. Denver Nuggets - Fun team to watch, looks great on paper, but very, very delicate. One (or two or all) injuries to their frontcourt will instantly keep them out of the Playoffs. And knowing Camby, Nene, and Kenyon, that is a very real possibility. Camby played tons of games last year, but you have to wonder whether he can repeat that this year. Nene came on strong last year, and should increase those numbers even more. However, he already has some little injury concerns in training camp. Getting Chucky Atkins was good, but he's not a true PG. Steve Blake was a true PG for them, and it's a shame they didn't, couldnt or wouldn't sign him. His loss will be felt. J.R. Smith has quietly regressed into a designated shooter. I cant believe how that happened, but it's a shame. He's very talented and could be a true spark off the bench if he improves his all-around game. Anthony and Iverson proved they can co-exist, let's hope it stays that way. As long as they dont meet the Spurs in the 1st round again, they should make it to the 2nd round.

11. Utah Jazz - For now, the Andrei Kirilenko fiasco has cooled down. I dont really know how the Jazz can trade him and his enormous contract, so I guess he'll stay. Deron and Boozer will continue to improve, and will lead the Jazz to several victories. Okur is a center only in height, so they will need another low-post presence. Not really to score, but to just bring the pain. I think Millsap is up to the ask, and people consistently forget his offensive skills. The Jazz are a well-oiled machine, and will get to where they got last year. The West is wide open this year (especially due to the Spurs' dislike for consecutive titles), so they can realistically beat any team. The only problem is the guard position, a spot that could've been filled nicely by Mo Pete. As it is, it will be a rotation of Almond, Giricek and Brewer. Losing Dee Brown is not big, but he had the potential to be great and seemed to have that "cold" demeanor. Losing Fisher was big, though. He's very effective in solid teams like the Jazz, so they will have to look for that championship experience elsewhere.

12. Seattle Supersonics - Looks like Kevin Durant will run away with the ROY this year. Some might question his strength, and that really is a concern, but he should be fine. All young players who entered the League once looked like sticks (KG, T-Mac, etc.), so KD has the time to bulk up. Who I'm excited about is Jeff Green. I never saw him play in college, but I like what I've heard about him. I expect him to start after awhile, and he will be a great complement to Durant. It's nice when you can team up your foundation this early in their careers, and it will be fun to see them lose (and win) together. The center position is still a question mark, though. Everybody's raving about Robert Swift (must be the tattoos), but he doesnt seem special. Long story short, they will be one of the worst in the league, but Durant should single-handedly win them quite a few games.

13. Sacramento Kings - Kevin Martin looks ready to take the next step to stardom. The Mike Bibby we saw in the C-Webb era looks gone, as he has turned into a near-chucker. He also doesnt hand out to many assists and seems to have lost that intensity he had years ago. He will still be good, though, and will probably be traded as the Kings clean house. Ron Artest is as crazy as ever, and he should provide the same numbers as last year. I dont really see this team improving that much, as they mostly kept the same roster. Spencer Hawes is done for the season, so that's not good. Another Lottery appearance seems about the right prediction.

14. New Orleans Hornets - This will be a surprisingly good team. Last year, injuries ruined their playoff hopes, but I'm not too worried because they're still young. So the main thing this year is to avoid injuries like hell. Not really promising when you're fielding David West, Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson and Chris Paul. Peja's signing seems like a big mistake in hindsight, but he should still provide about 15 ppg. The signing of Mo Pete is really big, because he is a very good team player. Paul will improve as expected, and Tyson Chandler's run with Team USA will only help him. I like this team. They're due for some good luck after all.

15. Minnesota T'Wolves - If the Boston Celtics (with Paul Pierce) had a horrible record in the East, how worse would they be in the Land of the Giants? This is a very, very young team. It's too early to tell who really got the better end of the deal, but the Wolves got some pretty good prospects. Al Jefferson seems like a sure thing, so it will be up to Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green to determine the result of the trade. Foye is expected to be the starting PG, and I hope he succeeds. Ricky Davis will play the vet (until he gets traded) and Juwan Howard should be gone soon. This team will struggle this year, as I dont think Al Jeff will dominate the way people think he will. They still have some bad contracts (Ratliff, Jaric, Blount) but it's a start. KG will be missed, though.

So there you have it, my thoughts for every Western team. Here's my playoff predictions (record-wise):

1. Phoenix
2. San Antonio
3. Dallas
4. Houston
5. Utah
6. Denver
7. Golden State
8. New Orleans Hornets

The Oden Factor

2007-09-15T11:12:00.000+08:00

I just found out about the big news. It's crazy thinking about Oden missing his first season after all the hype and everything. I guess Durant is a lock for the ROY award.

Anyways, the first thought that entered my mind was that it sucked. Of course! Losing your Number One pick for a whole season never will be positive. Especially if that particular rookie has been heralded as the new Bill Russell. So really, it's all bad.

However, if you look deep enough, you will see the "benefits" of the injury. Please bear in mind, though, that I would rather have Oden playing in Portland this season. But since reality sucks, let's all look at the positives. Let's go.

THE "BENEFITS"

1. THE FRONTCOURT - The current roster was tailor-made for Greg Oden. They stocked up on role players, pass-first point guards who shoot the ball well from deep, and complementary pieces in the front-court. Plus, they jettisoned Zach Randolph in order to clear cap space and rebuild their image. A lot of you would probably think that the Zach Randolph trade seems pretty boneheaded in hindsight. The Blazers are now left with no low-post scoring threat in a conference that punishes frontcourt weakness. I don't see it that way, though. The trade of Randolph and Oden's injury will only help accelerate the development of Channing Frye and LaMarcus Aldridge. Remember, Aldridge went ballistic during the final games of last season, so with the assurance of playing time and an increased offensive responsibility, we should quickly find out if he is as good as advertised. In my opinion, he will be.

Up next is Channing Frye. He might be the biggest benificiary of Oden's injury. With Oden projected to play, Frye was considered to be the 2nd big guy off the bench for the Blazers. Pryzbilla would have to be Oden's immediate replacement because of his size, and Aldridge isn't that foul-prone. So he figures to log only about 15-20 minutes per game since he might be considered too small to play center in the West. But with Oden out, the Blazers would have no choice but to start Frye. Even if he doesn't start, they wouldn't give Pryzbilla heavy minutes! Unless they were tanking... Hmmm... Haha. Frye sucked last year, but he had a pretty good rookie season in NY. So I'll credit his shitty season to Isiah Thomas' stupidity. Maybe he never found a role last year, maybe the expectations were just too high, maybe an injury bothered him a lot. We'll never know exactly why, but I have high hopes for him. Hell, he was ranked # 220 in the recent edition of the NBA Fantasy Draft Cheat Sheet! That goes to show you how much was expected of him with Oden in the lineup.

2. THE BACKCOURT - The backcourt will benefit for all the obvious reasons, so I won't focus on this too much. It's as obvious as Kanye kicking 50's ass in the charts! The backcourt will certainly "improve" in the sense that they won't have Oden to cover for their defensive blunders. This will make Coach McMillan still preach about defense, so somehow that should affect their development. However, the chemistry between a center and a point guard takes time to develop, so it would have been nice if they could start playing together as soon as possible.

3. TEAM CHEMISTRY - It seems like it that Greg Oden will not be having a relatively injury-free career, so it would be wise to assume that his team will have to play without for stretches in a season. If so, then they will have to win together. And usually, that's a good thing. Playing effectively without your franchise player can only help you in the long run. A similar thing happened to the Raptors in the early 2000's (I think). Vince Carter was injured and his team suddenly went on a tear. The only difference is that Vince is not the team player Greg Oden appears to be. I see Oden as Duncan for the new-school, someone who understands his role on the team and will not do anything to disrupt the balance. I also expect him to gain the full trust of his teammates in 2 or 3 years, so disputes should be few and far between. Also think about the potentials of Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster. It's put-up-or-shut-up time for these two, and the Blazers will witness first-hand how good (or bad) these players will be. The upcoming season should be like training camp for the Blazers, as they will determine who stays and who goes.

4. DARIUS MILES - As bad as the reports are about Miles' health, I read somewhere that he's working extra hard to make a successful comeback from knee surgery. Assuming he makes it back at nearly 100%, he has the perfect opportunity to show he still has it. With Oden in the picture, the team's focus revolved around Greg, Brandon Roy and Aldridge. Now, he's only behind Roy and Aldridge. And as good as those two are, they will still be just sophies. Darius Miles will have to assume a leadership (HA!) role because he's probably the longest-tenured Blazer right now. I admit that this is stretching it a bit because: (a) even at full health, D-Miles was not much of a player and (b) Miles is notorious for having poor judgment (on and off the court). So it would admittedly be very shocking if Nate handed him the keys to the team. But at the very least, the Blazers would still expect substantial from him. And with Oden in the picture, I doubt he would have gotten it.

5. DRAFT POSITIONING IN 2008 - The BEST thing about the Oden injury is that despite all the positives above, the Blazers will still suck badly enough to be in a position to get the top pick next year. Yes, it is more unlikely to expect two STRAIGHT # 1 picks than to win the lottery, but even a Top 3 position in the Draft would be good. Let me simplify it for you: 2007 Blazers = 7th seed in the Draft (I think). 2008 Blazers = 2007 Blazers - Zach Randolph + Channing Frye = at worst, the 4th or 5th seed in the Lottery. Going from # 7 to # 1 last year, it isn't entirely unrealistic to believe that they will have a chance at the Top 3. It's basically the same roster as last year minus the excellence of Randolph. Take him away and this team is way worse. Yeah, I know that both Roy and Aldridge have a year's worth of experience now, but that big of a leap is very hard to do (unless you're Deron Williams). So I expect Roy and Aldridge to get better, but not enough to get to the playoffs, let alone be better than last year.

With no clear-cut # 1 pick next year (some mock drafts even projected OJ Mayo to be taken 5th overall!) and lots of good PGs available, the possibility of the Blazers nabbing Derrick Rose is very real. Or maybe even Mayo? I don't know. That's a scary thought. But even at the 5th pick, they could get a good point guard like Tywon Lawson or Darren Collison. I haven't seen them play much, but they should be better than what the Blazers have now. Either way, anytime you get a Top 10 pick, while your # 1 pick is returning that same year, it's all good. Very good.

Yeah, there are negatives, too. You lose about 15 ppg, 8 rpg and 2 bpg. Blah blah blah. But the Blazers are a rebuilding team, and patience must be exercised. Just imagine the starting lineup they could field next year. A year's worth of mediocrity could be rewarded with the franchise's return to the Playoffs.