Beginning of The End

Apologies for that last, now deleted post. I was a little overexcited right after the big win in Game 4, but I've collected myself, and have some more coherent thoughts on this series.

Look, I am really glad that we were able to steal a couple of games here in the A, but I think our little run is over. In these 7 game series, the better team tends to win pretty consistantly, and there is no doubt, the Celtics were the best team all year. I'm just glad we didn't get swept, and even showed some real heart, what with Zaza going toe-to-toe and head-to-head with KG.

Josh and Joe played out of their minds at home, but I think they're going to go back into their shell facing the domineering Boston crowd. We may be athletic and whatnot, but you can't beat experience, and we don't have it. Thanks for the two wins and the little hope the Celtics allowed this city and this fan, but all good things must come to an end. We had a good run.


Oh, and if you know me at all, you know what this is...

Another elaborate anti-jinx. Go Hawks!!! (just not too loud)

Let's Get Two!!!

Here we go Birds!!! What a weekend. I lose one team, and the other makes me prouder than I could ever say. Let's get two!!!

Christmas In April

Wow, the NFL draft. And my allegiance as a Falcons fan on the line. I know, I'm against sports turncoats as much as the next man, but I feel like I have been wronged repeatedly by the Atlanta Falcons, and if they continue the trend, I will walk away today.


2:58: Oh my God, oh my God, what is Keyshawn wearing, oh my God.

3:00: And, we're off. Apparently with a 'new streamlined presentation of the Draft. We'll see.

3:03: Some are telling me that Jake Long was selected by the Dolphins earlier this week. Tuesday, in fact. Why did no one tell me this; you would think it was covered SOMEWHERE before now...

3:12: YES!!! Great move by the Rams. Taking a good college player who will be a mediocre NFL player. Mostly, they didn't take Dorsey!!! Look, Long was very good in the highlights shown against UNC and Maryland, but how many of those kids he played are ever going to play on Sundays? Unless the AFL plays on Sundays. I don't know, I haven't done the appropriate legwork.

3:15: Great Falcons this past year recap package. Ugh.

3:19: And, I'm out. Look, Glenn Dorsey comes in and makes your team better right now, and wins you games. Matt Ryan is more than 2 years away from playing, let alone from being an impact player. Mel Kiper JUST SAID he has poor arm strength, and played from behind alot. You get behind because your quarterback didn't lead the team early. Steve Young just said he doesn't know much about he game. What is the difference between him now, or Brian Brohm later? I hate this.

Titans fans, make room for one more.

3:23: So, first time two ACC players taken in the first three. And we all know what a football powerhouse the ACC is. Yikes.

3:29: Glad to see the rumor mill didn't keep Darren McFadden on the board a long time. I'm too shocked to tell jokes right now. I wonder how long the drive is to Nashville for home games.

3:36: Okay, I'm feeling a little better. Great (easy) decision by the Chiefs, getting a legitimate playmaker. Best player in the draft. Funny Daniel will be back after I figure out the drive to Nashville.

3:40: Approximately 4 hours.

3:45: Gholston continues the tradition of NYJ futility. You can't coach playing hard, and he doesn't do that. Plus, he was 'quicker' than the rest of the mediocre Big 10, but didn't look so fast against LSU. Hmmmmmm...

3:52: "Last year's No. 7 was Adrian Peterson, who cost the Vikings $17 million in guaranteed money. This year it will likely be $18 mil. Since the Pats wouldn't pay Asante Samuel $20 mil, it doesn't seem very Piolichickian that they'd pay that much to an unknown commodity. " -- barstoolsports.com, 4/22/08

3:54: And the Aint's take a good DT at 7. And Jacksonville moves up to take...who exactly?

4:03: Anyone who takes a Florida guy off of that team is alright with me. Jacksonville, atta boys!

4:09: I joke alot about USC, and how they play an inferior style of football, but they have been pumping out good defensive players recently like whoa. Like the pick for the Bungals...I wonder what they are going to get out of Chad Johnson this year. And by out of, I mean what can they get for him in the open market.

4:14: I trust the hell out of Belichick, but wow. I would have thought he would shore up the secondary... but I trust him.

4:17: Damn, this draft is MOVING. This time last year we were on pick 7, and we just made the 11th pick. Atta boy Goodall.

4:20: And with the 12th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Broncos take Kenny Bailey, to play alongside his cousins Boss and Champ. He may have lost the naming lottery, but at least the Broncos got 'em all!

4:26: God hates the Matt Ryan pick too, as an 80 degree day just transformed into liquid Armageddon with a single thunderclap.

4:28: Panthers are jumping on the 'running back by committee' bandwagon, picking up Jonathan Stewart. Ew.

4:35: First Grossman, and now Bears have to deal with watching a Vanderbilt tackle try to protect him. They would have been better off drafting an actual Grizzly Bear. Named Ditka.

4:42: Ooh, ooh, Matt Millen is on the clock! Yay!

4:43: Traded pick? I've been robbed of the comedy of a Millen pick? This is my least favorite draft ever.

4:57: Well, Millen bounced back! Nufer, you think he was just looking for the goofiest name left in the draft?

5:03: Joe Flacco can make all the NFL throws...much unlike the new quarterback for the Falcons, who apparently has 'it'.

5:11: Very trade heavy 1st round...and very OT heavy. Is OT this year's DE?

5:20: For the first time ever, the word 'Kansas' is uttered regarding the 1st round of the NFL draft.

5:30: Kiper says this is where you see a lot of reaches in the draft. And the Falcons just moved up to take a less than decent offensive tackle. R-E-A-C-H.

5:39: Jerry Jones got his Arkansas running back, and ANOTHER running back controversy, just after they got rid of Julius Jones.

5:41: I'll bet the farm that the Steelers take the running back from Illinois...why do they show the kid on the phone, cheesing his face off before they announce the pick. Takes all the drama out of it.

5:43: I am Nostradamus.

5:48: Are the ESPN analysts drunk today? The only person making sense today is *gulp* Keyshawn Johnson.

5:50: My first pick with my new team: I'm so nervous. And we blew it. Chris Johnson is a good back, but when are we putting some weapons around Vince on the perimeter. Maybe Johnson can be the Bush to LenDale's LenDale on the Titans. Uh oh, Mel Kiper just said Thunder and Lightning. They're doomed. I mean we. We're doomed.

6:07: More O-Linemen going off the board...I wrote the following about Defensive Ends last year, and it applies to the O-Linemen in this draft: Either a lot of elite talent at the position this year, or a bunch of combine heroes who will end up underachieving. Which is really more likely?

6:13: Since I haven't done this yet...who is going to take a flier on a washed up running back late of Seattle? Does anyone really think Alexander has a future in this league any more? Not me. RIP 37.

6:18: A whole bunch of USC players being taken...but no offensive players. Weird.

6:22: Just wanted to say a big thumbs up to the NFL. Last year's first round went from 12 pm EST until 5:45. We're clocking in today at potentially under the 4 hour mark. Good for you NFL.

6:29: Good pick by the Jokes, I mean the Jets. He was a standout tight end all year, and he'll be a Dallas Clark type player in the League.

6:35: The Giants are in...and the 1st round of the NFL Draft is over in under 4 hours!!! Wow. Plus, the Champs made a great pick of Kenny Phillips from Miami to try to help continue securing Tom Coughlin's job.

Been an okay day. Beer + Wings = pretty good Saturday. Even got a new team to cheer for.

A little wary of joining a team that so resembles the Falcons from 3 years ago though: an exciting black quarterback, a dominant running game, and a strong defense. I just hope Vince doesn't have property in VA.

Have a great weekend all, I'm OUT!

Looking Back: 2007 NFL Draft

As I get prepared for the best day of the year (that has inexplicably been pushed back to 3 pm), I decided to post my draft diary of the 2007 Draft, to get me even more excited for this year.


And by more excited, I mean more terrified about what the Falcons are going to do to me this year.

12:00: And, we’re off…

12:10: Does anyone else think that the Raiders coach should grow some facial hair to demand some respect? If he starts now, he should probably have a decent five o’clock shadow by 2008.

12:20: For those keeping score at home, JaMarcus Russell’s career is now in the capable hands of the Raiders newly named quarterbacks coach, John DiFillipo, late of Columbia University. Expected competition for the starting job will include Josh Booty, of LSU fame, and Jeff Otis of Columbia…well…

12:30: Ron Jaworski thinks that the Lions are should take a quarterback…shocking.

12:32: Lions took Calvin Johnson. Glad to see common sense overcoming fear. 6’5”, 240 lbs, 4.35 40 in borrowed spikes? Yes, please.

12:37: Congratulations Brady Quinn, you are this year’s Matt Leinart, destined to be awkwardly seen waiting to be drafted. You may now fornicate with Paris Hilton, may God have mercy on your soul.

12:40: Great shot of Joe Thomas fishing as opposed to coming to New York…I really hope he becomes a Viking all of a sudden.

12:43: Ah, to dream. Nice pick by the ‘Browns’, not only to shore up a bad O Line, but also to continue to make Quinn feel awkward. (The reason ‘Browns’ is in quotes is because the real Browns are the Ravens. The team playing in Cleveland now is an expansion team that just happens to be called the ‘Browns’. But I digress.)

12:48: Tampa Bay, still on the clock. Between all the build-up, and draft specials, wouldn’t it just be responsible to have every possible eventuality mapped out, and have your pick ready? Sometimes, NFL GMs cannot be affected by what most of us would see as common sense.

12:55: Can’t argue with Gaines pick at 4, just glad they didn’t draft Quinn, only to trade him to the Lions for Johnson. No matter how much sense it would have made, I would have hated to see Calvin Johnson play the Falcons twice a year. Tremendous upside on that kid. Just ask Mel Kiper.

1:10: Very ‘meh’ pick of Levi Jones by the Cardinals, no shock, no surprise.

1:22: I wanted LaRon Landry to be a Falcon so bad…Didn’t talk about it as not to jinx it, for all the good that did.

1:28: Good for Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. Peterson goes to a team headed in the right direction, and the Vikings get a player with little nautical expertise.

1:39: Okay, I’m not going to have a heart attack, we needed defensive help, especially since Kerney left. Still, Petrino is changing the whole blocking scheme…maybe we should have picked up a lineman along the way! Maybe I spoke too soon about that heart attack. At least we have another J. Anderson on roster. Dirty bird indeed.

1:53: Ted Ginn Jr. is how I spell stretch, how about you? I’m just glad that Brady Quinn’s girlfriend is openly pouting, while she imagines her house getting smaller and smaller.

2:07: Okoye. One of the youngest players drafted ever. 19 years old. 6’3”, 305. WHAT?

2:11: Unless all of a sudden Buffalo is displeased with Losman, Quinn may fall back to the Lions in the second round.

2:19: I would love to shake the hand of the man who is in charge of drafting for the 49ers. That’s four straight strong first round draft picks. Attention NFL GMs: sometimes common sense just works.

2:26: Marshawn Lynch looked really good in those highlights, turning the corner, making good cuts, against Pac-10 defenses. Let’s see what he can do against elite speed. Then again, I said the same thing about Reggie Bush. But he’s no Reggie Bush (see Cal v. Tennessee, 2006).

2:30: Great point I overlooked; if Okoye is so good, why did his ex-coach Petrino pass on him?

2:40: Here’s to Brady Quinn falling all the way back to the Raiders, to be picked as Russell’s back-up.

2:45: What’s the over/under on the pick where Quinn’s girlfriend gets up and leaves his ass at the table? 20? An Aaron Rogers-esque 24? How low will she go?

2:55: Poor Jets fans. Picking up a Big East cornerback. He did manage to run back 2 punts against the elite speed of teams like Rutgers. So he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.

3:03: Mr. Quinn, Mr. Quinn, this is the Sugar Bowl…again. We still need you to gather your shattered hopes and dreams off of our field; we would like to start preparing for next season. Please stop avoiding our calls.

3:14: It’s official: teams would rather take a chance on a player (Justin Harrell) who missed all of last season (torn biceps) than take a chance on Brady Quinn.

3:19: No more MLS commercials during the NFL draft. That is all.

3:26: Great pick-up by the Broncos, who have developed into a defensive powerhouse, perfect for the maturation process of Jay Cutler. Always a good decision to draft a ‘too quick’ DE who was one of the principal reasons The Ohio State University looked so pedestrian in January.

3:38: I bet the Titans don’t take a quarterback. Or the Giants, or Jacksonville, or Dallas…well, you get the picture.

3:50: Would have rather seen Titans pick up a receiver; give Vince some weapons. Oh well, guess they believe in the Madden curse even if he doesn’t.

3:58: Back-to-back Texas DBs taken…I guess winning still matters to someone in the League.

4:07: Nelson taken by JAX…that’s 4 players out of 21 who have won national titles in the last two years…these things might matter.

4:17: The ‘Browns’ have traded picks with the Cowboys, to acquire Brady Quinn. He had taken his coat off, and it looked like he had resigned himself to a long day, only to be as shocked as the rest of us. Giving up a second rounder and next year’s first rounder, huh? Really?

4:30: Dwayne Bowe. Remember the name. Trust me, no matter who’s at QB next year for the Chiefs, remember it.

4:50: “This will be a draft where character matters above all else.” The New England Patriots, with the 24^th pick, select Brandon “I stomp people out with my cleats” Merriweather from the University of Miami. God bless America.

5:04: Dallas trades with Philadelphia to acquire Robert Meachem? They’d better, because Dwayne Jarrett is a poor man’s Keyshawn – attitude problems and all.

5:09: And as opposed to taking WR to spread the field opposite TO, the ‘Boys pick up the fifth DE of the first round. Either a lot of elite talent at the position this year, or a bunch of combine heroes who will end up underachieving. Which is really more likely?

5:24: The NFC South just got tougher, with the team formally known as the Ain’ts picking up Robert Meachem. Thanks for nothing, Dallas.

5:32: Now, Belichik is stockpiling late picks through trades. Kill me now.

5:45: Longest. First. Round. Ever. I’m tired, I’m angry Quinn got drafted, and I’m out.

Dear Mike Bibby...

Game 2 against the Celtics: 28 minutes, 12 points, 1 assist...


Shhhh...Or Kevin Garnett might get really mad.

NBA Playoffs Grand Finale

In case you missed my earlier picks, click here for round 1, and here for round 2.


Well, this weekend reaffirmed my love of the second season. We had 2 upsets, 1 actual (Sixers) and 1 perceived (Hornets), 1 instant classic (Suns/Spurs), and a host of potential moving forward. On to the title bouts:

Boston (1) vs. Detroit (2)
On paper, the Stones actually present an interesting matchup for the Boston Three Party. Billups will look to muscle young Rajon around, while Ray Allen will be struggling to keep up with a much more mobile Rip Hamilton. Pierce has been best defended all year by Mr. Prince, and the center match-up will be a push. The real focus of this series, the fight within the fight will be Rasheed Wallace vs. Kevin Garnett. Both present the type of inside-outside game that makes them so valuable to their team. Both are the emotional cores and leaders of their respective squads. This will all come down to who can enforce their own considerable will into inspiring their troops and willing their team to the Finals. Since this year, Garnett has been focus personified, and the team has gone as he has led.
Boston in 6.

Lakers (1) vs Phoenix (6)
As I already said, this is the marquee matchup the NBA is salivating over. The storylines that would normally exist in a rivalry series are multiplied by the addition to Shaq to the Suns. After approximately three days of harping on this being a legacy defining series for pretty much everyone involved, we'd be treated to good basketball. And alot of it. The Gasol-O'Neal showdown alone would be worth the price of admission, as would Kobe making a run at the team that has taken him out of the playoffs repeatedly in recent memory. In the end, I think KB24 shows out to his full potential and carries this thing. Remember, I may not have picked him as MVP, but Mamba is still the best player in the Association. It's true this year, just like it was true last year, and the year before that. And the Black Mamba can strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession.
Lakers in 7.

Boston (1) vs. Lakers (1)
What a fitting end to the best NBA season in recent memory, than to have it's two most storied franchises battle it out for the honor of hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. While the Lakers have given us an up and down season, and the Celtics were marked for greatness all year, both teams proved their mettle by winning their respective conferences and surviving the playoffs until this point. This series will be remembered for one thing: Kobe Bryant, and the way he imposed his will on every game. Even the Celtic victories will be colored by the best player in the NBA playing the best basketball of his career. The series ends in six, because I can't see the Celtics losing at home in a Game 7. Sorry Boston hopeful. Maybe next year.
Lakers in 6.

Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant

I love this game.

NBA Playoffs Round 2

In case you missed my Round 1 picks, click here.

Before we get to the playoff prophecy found in this post, it's time to hand out some hardware for the regular season.

Coach of the Year - Rick Adelman
This season has been one illustrating some amazing coaching jobs. Eddie Jordan in Washington lost his best player, and sewed up a five seed, Byron Scott brought basketball back to New Orleans, and Doc Rivers hit the lottery of getting Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and an assistant coach who can explain defense. But, I have to give the nod for COY to Rick Adleman because of the reaction he spearheaded after losing Yao for the stretch run. Peeling off a NBA best 22 game winning streak, and cementing a place in the record books is a good way to get my vote.

Rookie of the Year - Al Horford
Ok, here's where you ask yourself: do I believe the hype, or do I react to results? Kevin Durant had all the pundits crowning him before the season, and had a helluva season post All Star break. But he's at home. Al Horford averaged a double-double while starting on a playoff team. It's really no contest to me.

Most Improved Player - Hedo Turkoglu
Did nothing but hit big shots.




Defensive Player of the Year - Kevin Garnett
Go ahead. Argue. I dare you.

Most Valuable Player - Chris Paul
Now THIS is an MVP race. With four legitimate contenders, I do not envy the actual voters. Garnett and LeBron are eliminated because they play in the East. Sorry fellas, that's just the way it is. Which leaves us KB24 and CP3. All second half, I had thought that whoever led their team to the 1 seed deserved the hardware, and there is an easy case to make for Kobe. Not only was he his usual level of greatness, but he also provided great television with a soap opera-like season. From whining about his teammates, to the Great Gasol Heist, to jumping Aston Martins on YouTube, to claiming the number one seed, it has truly been a memorable season. But Chris Paul submitted the best PG season since Oscar Robertson. Memorable vs. historic? No contest.

Now, onto Round 2:

Boston (1) vs. Washington (5)
The Celtics will have their hands full with the only team within the Association completely unafraid of them. Owning a winning regular season record against the PGA Tour, this scrappy bunch will bring a fire that would be lacking from Boston's first round opponent. But, Garnett will continue to drive and will his team to victory as he has all year, and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Boston in 5.

Detroit (2) vs. Orlando (3)
Dwight Howard had monster games against the Stones this year, but everything else is stacked against the Magic. Their guard play is woefully unprepared for Rip and Chauncy, and Prince will be instrumental in making Hedo less of a factor. Even in light of this teams predisposition to slack off in series like this one, I think they learned their lesson from last year.
Detroit in 6.

Lakers (1) vs. Utah (4)
The biggest strengths of this Jazz team are Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. With three PGs to run at Williams to throw him off his game, and an underrated Lamar Odom checking Boozer, there is no one on Utah who can guard Kobe, who will be focused in his quest for the Finals. TNT has the rights to the Western Conference Finals, and half of their dream matchup is finalized in rather short order.
Lakers in 5.

Phoenix (6) vs. Dallas (7)
Sorry Mr. Kidd. Maybe next year. With no one to even slow down an Amare who would be MVP if we just looked post-Shaq trade, and no one to body Shaq in the post, this will not be pretty. With Amare getting physical with the Big German, I think that TNT gets the other half of the dream, ratings wise, and storyline wise. Lakers! Suns! Shaq! Kobe! Only on TNT...brought to you by The Closer.
Phoenix in 6.