Celtics visit the White House

So you know I love my C's!! In all the major sports, the league champions make their rounds on TV shows, radio programs and websites alike. The champs also get to go to the White House and meet with the current president.

This year's top dogs, including the New York Football Giants, had the red carpet rolled out for them. And now, so do my Boston Celtics!!

The team made the trip just over a week ago to be honored by President George Bush.




The Celtics were afforded every luxury. Their chartered flight was allowed to land at Reagan National Airport, and they had photo ops and camera access in areas where the Secret Service would definitely be all up in that ass.

The team also presented Bush with a (parting) gift - an honorary jersey Boston Celtics jersey, which I'm sure his dumb ass would love to wear to meetings with world leaders. A $100,000 donation was also made by the team to Red Cross for Hurricane Ike relief. And this is all coming a few days after Boston awarded head coach Doc Rivers with a contract extension.


Now here's the real scoop ("Scenario" style): This blog is usually reserved for sports, but occasionally I have to expand. This, my friends, is one of those times.

I'm sure the players were happy to be in the White House as it holds such historic value in our nation's history. And I would never want to rain on my C's parade but I can't help but think that they were all looking at Bush with the crooked ass eye because the man is a fool!

Yes they had the rare opportunity to meet the Pres but it wasn't Barack Obama. Instead, it was a lame duck incompetent whose re-election further highlights the stupidity of many Americans.

Many of those looking for "change" now were the same ones who voted for Bush to stay in office for a second term. After he's done as much damage as possible, you bumbling fools are clamoring for Obama to show us the way. As you should be!

I know this was supposed to be about MY C's getting the royal treatment, but I can't wait for them to do this same thing next year (yes, we will repeat!!) with MY choice for President of the United States of America - MR. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!! cue the clapter!! (I made up the word 'clapter.' Laugh is to Laughter like Clap is to Clapter!! I know, I should give it up...)



I actually go to see Obama speak a few times, the last time being at a rally in NYC last year. The last entry I wrote about politics was about him. Check it out.



**I still love Kevin Garnett and anyone skimming this blog knows that he's my favorite player - EVER!! So what would a life-long (ok, maybe decade long) KG fan want more than anything? TO MEET HIM!!

And that's exactly what I'm going to do on Thursday!! I don't want to give away when, where, why, and how. But know this, I'll have the pics, the article and everything set for you. And don't worry, it's not illegal. But if u see me on the news...

Wish me luck!

NBA Playoffs Start TODAY!!

In just over an hour the 2008 NBA Playoffs will begin. The word excitement does not even begin to describe the way I'm feeling right now. The games will be split over ESPN, ABC and TNT so check the schedule so you don't get lost. With that said, let's dig deep into the playoffs, eh?

EASTERN CONFERENCE
The East seems like a lock when you look at all the matchups, but these are the playoffs so hey, you never know. The Boston Celtics clinched the conference title weeks ago, and finished the season 66-16. And yes, like I have said several times before, the BOSTON CELTICS WILL BE THE NBA CHAMPIONS. The Pistons, Magic and Cavs have all had solid seasons and were all shoeins for this years post season play. Other than those teams the East has been very disappointing with many calling the conference the "junior varsity" when compared to the West's strong teams. Get this. three of the teams that made the playoffs have a record of .500 and below - Toronto, Philly and Atlanta. Yeah, about that... Anyway, here are your matchups:

(1) Boston Celtics [66-16] vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks [37-45]

The Hawks are a very young team. And by young I mean very young. Their players average is 24.8 years old and has 4 years of NBA experience. I'm happy for Al Horford who, in my book, is the Rookie of the Year. The Hawks are picking up steam though. They've made some good draft picks in Horford, Smith and Childress, and the addition of veteran PG Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson have been critical. Last season Hawks head coach Mike Woodson said that if the team made the playoffs he would shave his head. Apparently he's a man of his word because he is now BALD!! I love it! Going up against a seasoned (and I use that term gingerly because my boys are not old) like the Celtics will really test them. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are all over 30 years old. All three have reached the conference finals on their own but haven't gotten any farther than that. And these guys will tell you, the great record means nothing without that championship. The Hawks will have to be great on both sides of the ball and will have to try to combat the best defensive team in the league. I have my Cs sweeping the Hawks. KG missed a few practices before the playoffs started and word on the street is his wife Brandi just gave birth to their first child. CONGRATS TO THE NEW PARENTS! I hope the baby is happy and healthy, and I can't wait to see some pics! AAAWWWW!!

(2) Detroit Pistons [59-23] vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers [40-42]
This is Detroit's 7th straight trip to the playoffs. Philly sucks and they haven't made the playoffs since '05. Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert are trying their best to support this team but it's not going to happen against the Pistons. The teams split the regular season meetings 2-2, but that means nothing in the postseason. As long as the Pistons stay focused they can knock Philly out easy. I know the Knicks beat the Pistons at the end of the season and while most called it a throw away game it's a little scary. The Pistons are a great team but I can say this matchup will not have me glued to the set or racing home to make sure I catch the games. Yawn, I'm not too interested...

(3) Orlando Magic [52-30] vs. (6) Toronto Raptors [41-41]
Two words - Dwight Howard. I'm lovin me some Superman!! He has a league best 61 double-doubles, and he was also the NBA leading rebounder, with 14 a game. Also expect at least 20 points and 2 blocks a game from the big man. Both the Magic and Raptors are great free throw shooting teams. I know we pay a lot of attention to Howard but some other guys put in work too. Hedo Turkoglu is one of 4 players EVER to average 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The trade for Rashard Lewis is a great addition, and he and Jameer Nelson are can score. The Raptors are a great story as well. There's TJ Ford, who many of us thought would never play again after several neck injuries. He returned to the game a few months back and it's great to see him healthy. I loved watching him in college and any time he's fouled hard or moves too quickly my heart and stomach jump. It's fun to watch him when he's on but it's kind of unnerving. Jamario Moon traveled all over the world playing for the CBA, USBL and even in Mexico before he finally landed in the NBA. The 28 year old rookie is making the most out of his 1st year averaging a solid 8 points and 6 rebs. And of then of course, there's Chris Bosh who can put up 23 and 9 a game. The Raptors went 10-16 to finish out the regular season and Bosh missed 10 of those games with an injury. Both teams are solid from the line, but the rest - complete opposites. The Magic are the 4th best 3-point shooting team and the Raptors are the 3rd worst at defending opponents behind the arc. By the by, Bosh and Howard are good friends but haven't spoken since the Toronto/Orlando matchup was announced. It's not just a game folks! I have Orlando taking this one.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers [45-37] vs. (5) Washington Wizards [43-39]
I have the Cavs winning this one even though they faltered late in the season. They went 15-13 since the massive trade with the Bulls so you can chalk that record up to a new team trying to find their groove. And of course, we can all expect magic from Lebron James. King James has been battling back spasms, but let's hope that doesn't affect him down the stretch. I feel for the Wizards because their best players were injured for a good chunk of the season. Caron Butler missed some time with injuries. Gilbert Arenas has battled knee issues for years and missed 66 games this season. He just recently got back on the court and is coming off the bench averaging about 25 minutes per game. And yes Agent Zero is talking junk once again. "I'm an assassin. I get buckets. I know I haven't played in a long time, but the shot is still there, so when I come off that bench, there is going to be some trouble." I believe it. Deshawn Stevenson (is hot) called Lebron "overrated." I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one dog. I know, sometimes people get a little emotional and say things to get their team and fans riled up but this one went a little too far with the comedy. Bron-Bron overrated? Never that. And there's some beef between these 2 teams, and it's the 25th time these 2 teams have played in the past 3 seasons. So what - maybe a fight or 2? Some suspensions? Y'all know me, I like the drama...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Well, we just have to watch and see. The race has been tight all season, with rankings that seemed to shift almost daily. That was especially the case over the last few weeks with three teams fighting for the 7 & 8 slots. The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are all great teams and it was possible that this this could be a year where a 50-win team could be left out of the Playoffs. That wasn't the case though because the GSW were knocked out of the playoff picture with a 48-34 record. They had a great run last season but not this time around. Too bad so sad. Shall we continue?

(1) Los Angeles Lakers [57-25] vs. (8) Denver Nuggets [50-32]
This is a 1 vs. 8 unlike any I've ever seen. Los Angeles had 57 regular season wins compared to Denver's 50. A few players have proven themselves worthy of the MVP award and Kobe Bryant is definitely one of them. 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists - yeah, def MVP caliber. The acquisition of Pau Gasol really put the Lakers over the edge, and he's pulling in almost 19 points a game. The Lakers are 22-5 since Gasol joined the team. He’s starting in place of the injured Andrew Bynum, and while initial reports were that he would be ready during the playoffs, it’s looking as though he’s not going to play in the 1st round. Frankly, it’s not as if the Lakers really need him since Gasol has filled in nicely. Gasol made it to the playoffs when he was with Memphis, but his record is a sad 0-12. I'm sure he would love to make up for lost times. I’m expecting these to be high scoring games because we’ve seen what these 2 teams can do. Earlier in the season the Nuggets racked up 168 points in a single game and they are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league averaging 110.5 ppg with the Lakers not too far behind at 4th with 108.6. And let's not forget that Allen Iverson has won the scoring title 4 times in his career. Denver PF Nene missed several months after having surgery to remove cancer from his testicle. Now, word on the street is that he’ll be out for a few more games after straining his groin. Damn, he's really not lucky in that area huh?

(2) New Orleans Hornets [56-26] vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks [51-31]
With the Dallas, Denver and Golden State fighting for those last 2 spots, any negative play could knock a team completely out of contention. That’s what I thought when Dirk Nowitzki went out with the most awkward fall, spraining his ankle and knee at the same time. Regular people would need at least 6 weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain but Dirk was back after missing just 4 games. The guy is unbelievable! Dallas is trying hard to forget about last year’s playoff after they had an unbelievable season finishing 67-15, best in the NBA. Then, somehow someway they were knocked out of the first round by the Golden State Warriors: the 1st time ever a 1 seed had lost to an 8. You know who else is unbelievable? Chris Paul. (Check me and CP3 in the pic!!) He’s averaged a double double, 21-11, and 2.7 steals in the regular season during a turnaround year for Hornets. He's quick, he can handle the ball well, and he can shoot from anywhere on the court. All of this makes him one of the top candidates for MVP. I'm not mad at that but y'all know who I want to win. Do I even have to say it?! KG baby! Let me also say that I know TOO many people who don't watch college sports but love the pros. I have very little respect for those people (when it comes to sports) because they miss out on a players growth, or in some cases regression. Not EVERY college game is exciting but dude how could you have missed Michael Beasley, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose!?!?! I just don't get it. ANYWAY! Tyson Chandler’s having a breakthrough season after several mediocre years in the NBA. Not everyone is a KG, Kobe or Lebron. I'm a big believer in the college basketball system and I think Chandler would have benefited from going to college - even for at least 1 year. That new rule was a godsend - force these young bucks to do at least 1 year. I can't get a real job without a college degree and these kids are makin milliones!?!?! I'm not bitter y'all, I swear! You can credit a lot of that to CP3 and his ability to read the court, find the open (or soon to be open) man and pass the ball. I'm not sold on the Mavs but I love a "Cinderella Story." I got the Hornets, who's with me?!!

(3) San Antonio Spurs [58-24] vs. (6) Phoenix Suns [61-21]
The Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Bansks for seasoned veteran Shaquille O'neal, a move that was either the smartest acquisition or the dumbest one ever. The Suns figured they could beat any team in the East but said they needed a big man to help them get past the Spurs in the West. Well damn - what a 1st round matchup! Big Man (Duncan) vs. Even Bigger Man (Shaq-Deezy). Amare Stoudamire has averaged more than 29 points since the Big Cactus (ha!) has been in Phoenix, but the team is 13-11. Shaq draws the double team to free up Amare, or any of the other shooters on the team, and he wears down the D. The Suns have Steve Nash who averages 16.9 points per game and 11.1 assists. Tim Duncan is a perennial All-Star, and Manu Ginobili and Frenchie (AkA Tony Parker) are quick and high flying. The Spurs have really taken advantage of the international market with Manu and Frenchi, and also Fabricio Oberto. And y'all know I can't ignore a Nigerian - shout out to my Nigerian-American buddy Ime Udoka - 3-point specialist! Let's not forget Mr. Clutch himself, Robert Horry. You can always count on him to make at LEAST one play - and that single play will win the game. I have faith in Horry - and his uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere and rescue a franchise. The Spurs are an excellent team but they lack excitement. They're like that guy that you know you should date that's crazy nerdy, boring, great job, with mad good credit that will always be there for you but you're never ready for. Instead I'm - I mean other women - are more interested in dating the bad boys, criminals, serial cheaters, etc. We can always count on the Spurs, but you're never really pulling for them to win. Sad right?! But these nice guys (sans Bruce Bowen - you dirty bastard!) do not finish last. They've won the championship every year the finished the regular season as conference champs - 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. They weren't con champs this season but never underestimate the power of the playoffs! The Suns and the Spurs both play physical. Lest ye not forget (whoa where did the biblical talk come from!?!) the Western Conference semifinals of last year. Steve Nash got bitched slapped, almost bled to death on the court, melee ensued, players got suspended, etc.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets [55-27]
Yao Ming hasn't played since January. Tracy McGrady has never won a playoff series, going 0-6 in the first round. I'm sure those 2 facts are pounding in the minds of Rockets' fans even though they went on an unbelievable 22 game win streak towards the end of the season. But how does that translate in the post season? It doesn't! The Rockets have had some guys step up and really play big for them including Rafer Alston, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes. Dikembe Mutombo is starting in place of the injured Yao, is back up to his old blocked shot, finger wagging ways. You gotta love it. Rafer Alston will probably miss the first 2 games with a strained hamstring which could be critical in the Rockets game because a PG is necessary. But these guys are going up against a tough opponent in the Utah Jazz. Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league, and AGAIN I refer to his college game. He played the same role when he was at Illinois in 2005 when the Fighting Illini made it to the NCAA Tournament Championship game but lost to UNC. I was at Northwestern University at that time, one of the Big Ten schools, and I was able to watch him live. (Luther Head too but he doesn't play a pivotal role with the Rockets. But former teammates now facing each other - it's great!) Speaking of teammates, Carlos Boozer and Shane Battier were great college players at Duke, and have both really emerged as great NBA players with the Jazz. AND these 2 teams played at the very end of the regular season, with the Jazz smackin the Rockets 105 - 96. I know I said earlier regular season records mean nothing in the playoffs but momentum is a son of a bitch. I can push you one way or another and right now, the Utah Jazz have it. We'll see if they can capitalize.

I know you guys'll be like me - glued to the TV and expecting miracles, blowouts, best of 7s, suspensions, violence, etc.

I CANNOT WAIT!!

FLEX SCHEDULE for the NBA?

Good idea, huh? Well, I think it's a great idea because if I see one more NATIONALLY TELEVISED Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls game I'm going to flip! After great seasons last year it made sense to have these teams plastered all over the air, but these teams suck ASS now!! Miami can't hit double digit wins and Chicago is still faltering and just recently fired their head coach, Scott Skiles.

On a night when there are 10 games going on simultaneously, I shouldn't be stuck watching some wack ass game by teams that are historically significant or relevant last season. It's unfair to us fans especially since we have better teams emerging in ways we never expected. "Surprise" teams like the Orlando Magic, New Orleans Hornets, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors are leading the pack but their televised games are few and far between.

It's even worse every Christmas with the same the Lakers vs. Miami! The Diesel is now in Phoenix with one of the top teams in the league, and Miami's dropping like flies. I would venture to say that come December 2008 SHAQ will be on television playing Kobe, DWade or Lebron. I love all 4 of those guys but come the eff on! Can I get some more Kevin Garnett? Some Chris Paul? Some Al Horford? Dwight Howard? Kevin Durant? Marcus Camby? Carlos Boozer? Baron Davis? Deron Williams? Tyson Chandler? Andris Biedrins? This list can go on and on...

So we can all agree that we're missing out with this rigid TV calendar. This is where the flex schedule would come in. The NFL already has it in play and most fans love it. Implemented last year, flexibe scheduling allows for quality and "surprise" teams to have their games aired nationally. As the season progresses, we're able to better choose which games are the best matchups, which could end up being different from when the schedules were first released. Sunday afternoon games are moved to Sunday evenings allowing for national exposure and optimum viewership. College football has done this for years and it's about time the NBA gets onboard.

The "Any Given __ Rule" applies to all sports; any given season any given team can be a contender. The NBA should allow the public the opportunity to follow these teams and players.

Ain't no fun if the homies can't watch none!

KG is BACK!!

The past few NBA weeks have been crazy with all the trades and All-Star Weekend. The All-Stars definitely did their thing, shout out to the EAST on the win, but I'm ready to settle into the second half of the season. As is clear by my numerous posts about Kevin Garnett and his seemingly unstoppable Boston Celtics, I'm a fan.

I relish every opportunity I get to see him in action. There have been a few televised Celtics games in the past few weeks, and while I got to see the rest of the team, KG was MIA. Garnett missed 9 straight games, including the All-Star game, with a strained abdominal muscle. It's weird, you never really notice how much you use your core until your shit doesn't work. Everything from sitting up straight to washin ya ass and of course, playing basketball.

I know I focus a lot on KG, but I'm not blind to the fact that there's a team around him. Everyone, including me, was worried about how the Celts would play without him. Looking back, it seems a bit silly to be that worried. KG's presence definitely affects the defense, but on offense, he's not their biggest threat. He's putting up solid numbers, averaging about 18 ppg, and he pulls down at least 10 boards. I think everyone would agree that KG is the heart and leader of that team, but the Celts proved they don't need him on the court to win a game.

Frankly, I would feel more secure if the Celtics didn't lose another game this season, but I'm not that unrealistic. The Celtics did their thing and were 7-2 while KG was away. Ray Allen has been always been a great player, and has been phenomenal since going to Boston this season. He's still one of the premier shooters in the league, as was proved by his 28 points in 19 minutes during the All-Star game. Paul Pierce, of course, is a has been in Boston for 10 years and is no doubt happy to finally be atop the NBA standings. Rajon Rondo is young, but getting better by the day. The Celtics are known for the Big 3, but their bench isn't too shabby. Tony Allen was a great pickup. Last January he tore 2 knee ligaments after coming down awkwardly after a dunk, and the prognosis was negative! He's made a speedy recovery and is back this season wearing a big ass knee brace, and shooting 44% from behind the arc. Shout out to Brian Scalabrine who started while KG was sidelined. I liked James Posey when he was in Miami and I wasn't so sure why they let him go. Obviously Posey would rather be in Boston right now anyway, seeing as how Shaq is gone, and Miami has yet to hit double digits in wins.

-->KG came back last night in the Celtics 118-124 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Garnett played just 21 minutes, shot 2-7, and finished the game with 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 turnovers. Yeah, just a tad bit rusty but it's ok! I'm sure he's still feeling the effects of being off the court for almost a month. He'll get stronger over the next few games, and we'll see him back at 100 percent.

YAY YAY!! (Ice Cube Style...lol)

Look at dem boyz wit the DAISY DUKES on!!

So this is the second time in about 2 weeks that Lamar Odom has been charged with a flagrant foul. I went to the game Sunday, December 23, 2007 when the Lakers came to the Garden to play the Knicks. Lamar Odom committed a hard foul against Jamal Crawford that sent him crashing to the court on his back. The refs called it a Flagrant 1, meaning the play was unnecessary.

This past Sunday night the Boston Celtics headed to LA to face the Lakers, and Lamar Odom decided this would be another chance to pick up yet another flagrant. The Lakers, as a tribute to the Lakers teams in the 80s, rocked throwback jerseys with the matching throwback short shorts. Quite the fright! I felt like I was witnessing something inappropriate; like daisy dukes are usually reserved for women, but when men wear them it belongs on an episode of Noah's Ark.

I'm assuming it was those pum pums that got Odom's junk all in a bunch, because by the 4th quarter he was off his rocker. He charged at Ray Allen like a linebacker, knocking him into the Celtics bench. He was called for a Flagrant foul. "I don't know what Odom was thinking," said Allen. "I got the rebound and he tackled me. I know this is Sunday, but this is the wrong field."

The ruling came down today and Odom will be suspended for 1 game without pay. Along with that, he was assessed a Flagrant 2, deeming the play unnecessary, excessive AND intentional. Odom will miss Friday's home game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. Celtics' head coach Doc Rivers had this to say; "I just thought he [Odom] lost his composure. I didn't think it was intended at Ray. Whoever had the ball was getting that. It wasn't anything personal. Odom's a good kid, a good guy."

The whole game was chippy though. It was way physical and there was a lot of 'Yo momma!' back and forth. Andrew Bynum inadvertently hit Kevin Garnett in the face with his elbow, opening up a bloody gash on his face. Somehow that foul ended up going against the Celtics. Refs clearly OD'd, calling 61 personal fouls, and 7 technical fouls on Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Ray Allen, Doc Rivers, Kobe Bryant, Trevor Ariza and Kwame Brown.

The Celtics won the game, 110-91, and have a league-best record 26-3. KG had a double-double, scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds, and game-highs 6 assists and 3 blocks. Paul Pierce led the team in scoring with 33, Ray Allen had 19. G Tony Allen had 16 pts, and really stepped up his play, starting in place of injured Rajon Rondo.

Funny quote:

Kobe on the short shorts - "I don't know what it feels like to wear a thong, but I imagine it feels something like what we had on in the first half. I felt violated. I felt naked. It's one thing to see films with guys wearing those things. I'd rather stay warm man. "

KG Leading All-Star Vote-Getter

Kevin Garnett will be the 2007-2008 MVP.

Kevin Garnett is also the leading vote-getter for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. Surprised? You shouldn't be. The second set of results came out today, and KG leads the pack with 1,186,690 votes. 727 of those votes came from me by the way. KG is averaging 18.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 3.6 apg. His fellow teammates G Ray Allen and F Paul Pierce are both fourth in their respective categories.

Garnett is ahead of all players, East & West, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Yao Ming, Jason Kidd, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady.

KG's addition to the Boston Celtics was the best move made in the offseason. The Celts, who finished last season 24-58, are now 23-3. A win tonight vs. the Seattle Supersonics will tie the team's total number of wins last season. Ray Allen has missed the last 2 games resting a sore right ankle. He is expected to return the the lineup tonight and face his former team. The Sonics also plan to honor Allen in a ceremony before the game for all he did for the team, including community service, during his tenure from 2003 through the end of last season. No doubt Allen will be thanking them as well for trading him to the winningest team in the league.

Return of the OGs

Things done changed yall!! Before, when someone said they were retiring, they actually retired. And STAYED retired. Nowadays people, athletes in particular, just throw that word out when they want to go on an extended vacation. Michael Jordan is the ORIGINAL OG in this fake retirement scheme. His ass retired twice! First in 1993 from the Chicago Bulls in order to uhhh, play baseball. His baseball career sank faster than the Titanic and he soon returned to his real calling, basketball in 1994. In 1998 after leading the Bulls to their 2nd three-peat (91-93, then 96-98) Jordan retired AGAIN!! Someone get this man a dictionary! Did he stay down? NOO! He came back to the NBA from 2001-2003 and played with the Washington Wizards, womp. Then he OFFICIALLY retired. I don't know though. I still get a sinking feeling that he's gonna pop up again, and lead the Charlotte Bobcats to a championship. *shudders* This offseason, there is a major shakeup. Several "retired" players are coming out the woodwork frantically waving their hands in the air saying, "Pick me! Pick me!" Let me just give you some names, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Allan Houston and Charles Oakley. Wow, yeah, isn't that crazy!? There are more players on this list but I'm only dealing with the ones I care about.

Charles Oakley is will be 44 years old in December, and hasn't played since the '03 season. I really wonder about his stamina. Sure 40+ is good for pickup games and beating up on your adolescent children, but going against some of these young guys in the NBA? I guess if a team picks him up we'll get a chance to see. Not only that, he's refusing to come back for the league minimum! He wants CAKE, not "bullshit money!" I read in an interview that he wants a two-year, $10 million contract. But according to him, IT AIN'T ABOUT THE MONEY!! First of all, no one's gonna pay a 44 year old man that much money for n-e-thing! Michael Jordan may be your best friend, but YOU, gramps, are not MJ! Verdict: Stay retired ol' ass! Stick with car washin, they say you're good at it!

Allan Houston is serious about coming out of retirement and plans to give the NY Knicks the first crack at signing him, though he is also looking into other teams. 36 year old Houston spent 12 seasons in the NBA, and hasn't played since the 2004 season. He signed with the New York Knicks in 1996 as a free agent, and played his next nine seasons there. His last 2 seasons were limited by arthritis of the knee, the ailment that ultimately forced him to retire. The past year he's done some TV work with ESPN. Even though he hasn't played in two years, he is still under contract with the Knicks and is still getting paid to the tune of more than $20 million per season. Gettin paid, not played!! (Thanks Buju!) But uhhh, last I heard, arthritis is a chronic condition. While he may be feeling good now, once he gets back into the swing of two-a-days and the real pace of the game, does he really think he'll be able to hack it? Verdict: Stay Retired! Dude, you have ARTHRITIS!!

Reggie Miller, Mr. 3 Pointer, has been retired for 2 years, and spent his entire 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He has also been on television as an NBA announcer on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Now he's being wooed by the Boston Celtics, a team that seems to be gettin high offa veterans. Reggie Miller's always been known for his clutch 3s and solid defense. Most of the guys on this list were forced out because of injury, but that wasn't the case with Miller. He just got older. Hell, you can't play forever! I actually think he'll have a better time at coming back than these prospects. He'll be 42 this month and would still be a considerable asset to any team, especially my Celtics. Yeah that's right, I said it. MY CELTICS! Verdict: Bring that ass on back!! Let's make it rain 3s on them hoes!!

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway has already signed with a team, the MIAMI HEAT!! Yes people, that means that Penny and Shaq are teammates once more!! This reunion comes more than 13 years after they both played for the Orlando Magic. That was my team back in the day!! I am very, dare I say SUPER, excited for this hookup. For those that don't remember, Penny was Shaq's ORIGINAL sidekick, way before Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. But if Penny still has it in him, I truly wish him all the best. Sure Shaq already has DWade, but it doesn't hurt to have 2 go-to guys! This was back in the day when I first really started loving basketball. I used to get Sports Illustrated mags with the tear-out posters! I had Penny all over my walls!! GASP!! Does this mean Lil' Penny is coming back too!?! YAY!! Ok, the truth? Penny left the league a hobbled veteran who had operation after operation to repair torn cartillage on his left knee. He has had at least 5 surgeries on that SAME ARTHRITIC knee! Clearly Miami saw him in action and thinks he has some juice left. One of my favorite NBA teams, I will DEFINITELY be watching. Verdict: Stay retired!! But I can't be mad atchya Anfernee! If it still works, use it. Hell, they're payin you for it...

It seems now there are more young, inexperienced players in the NBA than older, quality veterans. To counter this, the NBA, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, instituted a rule that barred players from entering the NBA right out of high school and requiring them to be at least 1 year removed from HS graduation and/or 19 years old. The result? More college freshman entering the draft than ever before. And we've seen what happens with teams full of youngins. Not much!! I mean the Boston Celtics just traded 5 young prospects for 1, yes 1, 12 year veteran. That man? The Incomporable Kevin Garnett. And he only came onboard after the Celtics picked up another veteran shooter, Ray Allen. Garnett, Allen & Pierce - THE BIG THREE baby! Check for it! Teams for too long were interested in acquiring the hottest, youngest talent available, expecting them to come in the league and catapult them to victory. They found, instead, that without the benfit of formulative years playing in the NCAA, a lot of these young guys took several seasons to mature and develop into the type of players that could not only lead, but even support a franchise. This is if it happened at all. Not everyone can be a KG, Kobe or Lebron. Hell, just look at Darko Milicic & Kwame Brown! Now some teams are chock full of babies, and are lacking the skill, experience and leadership that veterans bring to the game.

Players that have already retired but feel they have some juice left in them, are now once again needed. They have a new role in the NBA, with their leadership and playoff experience in high demand. The league minimum for 10+ year veterans is a little over $1 million and many teams are willing to eat that cost because of what these guys can bring to the table. Some, like Houston & Hardaway, left the game due to injury. A couple of seasons off and some supersize rehab has left these guys with a lot more spring in their step! Other guys left the league without the one thing they all play for, the coveted championship. The ring baby!I mean hey, Alonzo Mourning came back after kidney surgery and refused to play with a team that wasn't going to win a championship. What did he end up with? The 2006 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Zo has been an invaluable treasure for that team. When Shaq was injured, Zo became the starter, and he is STILL blockin shots crazy!

All I can say is good luck to all the rest. Hell, who am I to judge?

Just In Case You Forgot...

KEVIN GARNETT has joined the Boston Celtics!! THE best offseason move any team has made thus far. I'm lovin it!!

The Big Ticket Is In Boston!!

Kevin Garnett is my ULTIMATE favorite player of all time!! He's an amazing athlete and a perennial all star. The 6'11', 235 pound stellar forward was drafted fifth overall out of high school by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995. What later became a trend, he was the first player in over 20 years to be drafted right out of HS. In the 2006 season he averaged 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shot 83.5% from the line. His career nembers are similar at 20.5 ppg, 11.4 rebs, 4.5 asts, and 78% ft, 1.4 stls and 1.7 blks. KG has started every single game since his 2nd year in the league. He is widely regarded as the best all-around player in the league. Riding KG, the TWolves made the playoff 7 straight seasons, from 1996 to 2003, and were knocked in the 1st round all 7 years. The Wolves finally overcame the 'first round curse' and made it to the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2004 but were beaten by the Lakers. From there everyone felt they were on their way to a championship, but they haven't made the playoffs since. In 2004 he garnered 120 of the 123 first place votes and was voted MVP. He has spent his entire 12 year career with one team, something that is rare to find this trade heavy NBA era. He's just one of those great guys that you hate to see work as hard as he does without the payoff of an NBA championship.

He's passionate, supportive and a great team leader. He is respected by all; the league, his peers, his coaches, his fans and the media. While I love his intensity, effort and sacrifice, it's getting progressively harder to watch him play. His progress season after season on both ends of the ball is amazing but the supporting cast hasn't been good in years. He leaves everything he has out on the floor but in his 12 years in Minnesota, that hasn't been enough. You always know he'll give you 20-10, I mean he's done it for the last 9 years straight! No one can guard him 1-0n-1. When you really love and appreciate an athlete that gives so much night in and night out with no supporting cast, it gets more disgusting to listen to trade rumors. I've been talking about a KG trade for YEARS but Minnesota refused to let him go. Not only that, Garnett didn't want to leave. He loves Minnesota but a man can't do it all by himself. There is a culture of losing in Minny that the owners refused to do anything about. As much as management claimed to appreciate him, they lacked the common sense and weren't proactive enough to make anything happen. The Timberwolves have a bunch of young guys, and doesn't have experienced, savvy veterans like himself. They were unwilling to build a team around their superstar, and when they did get players that contributed and helped the team win, they were unable to hold onto them. Stephen A. Smith said it well, KG's only problem has been his "undying loyalty to the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise." Minnesota should have done a better job, and KG tried to wait on them to build a team around him. It never happened. "I'm loyal to a point where if someone's loyal to me, then I have no problem with that. But when that changes, it's pretty easy for me," Garnett said. Reminds me of that Tupac song, "Do For Love." Chorus - What you won't do, do for love/You tried everything, but you don't get love.

The mere hint of a trade excited me, but I always disappointed when talks fell through. The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Garnett! I'm already picturing him in the purple and gold!! Wait no, now it's the Phoenix Suns!! Here I am making plans to move to Arizona!! Still a no? Ok, now it's the Boston Celtics? Should I be falling for this one too? The Celts were coming at him around draft time and Kevin wasn't having it. The franchise is one of the most storied in NBA history, with numerous all stars, hall of famers and championships. But the the past couple of years they have been on a dizzying downward spiral. A team full young guys with little experience, no chemistry, and no confidence. It's even been said that they purposely tanked the season, losing as many games as possible so they could get a higher pick in the 2007 Draft. Now that's low. There's no reason to go from a non-contender to a sucka pretender. But after the draft, Boston acquired the 11-year pro Ray Allen from the Seattle Supersonics, and KG changed his mind. On 7.31.07 it became official. Kevin Garnett is the newest member of the BOSTON CELTICS! The Celtics got KG in exchange for sending guard Sebastian Telfair, center Theo Ratliff, and forwards Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes to Minnesota. The Wolves also get two future first-round draft picks and received cash considerations. This is the biggest deal in NBA history; trading one player for seven. "Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team," said Danny Ainge, Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Celtics.

Garnett and Allen join veteran forward/guard Paul Pierce - THE BIG THREE BABY!! All have been All-stars multiple times, all have been in the eague for 9+ years, and NONE of them have an NBA Championship. None of them have been in the NBA Finals, but they've all played in conference finals. They are sooooo hungry, and a championship is in the very near future. The chemistry is going to be off the hook! Distribution of the basketball and points won’t be an issue. Garnett is a facilitator and is very unselfish. Ray Allen is a shooting guard, and in the 06-067 season averaged 26.4 pts, 4.1 assists, shot nearly 40% from behind the arc, and over 90% from the stripe. Paul Pierce has been with the Celtics his entire career, and averages 23.6 ppg, 3.9 asts, and 6.5 rebs per game. All of these guys are mature athletes and are itching to let everyone see what they've been waiting for for over two decades, The Return of The Boston Celtics! Garnett, Allen, & Pierce, 3 consumate professionals on 1 team. And it's interesting that Allen and Garnett were both drafted by the Timberwolves and are now playing for the Celtics. Full circle. Fresh start for everyone. THE BIG THREE BABY! The Boston Celtics are back on top! The Eastern Conference is now relevant again, and the Celts have catapulted themselves from the bottom of the barrel and are among the top 3 teams in the East. and I cannot wait for the season to begin. Clearly, neither can they.