Chasing History

Here we are almost halfway through the NBA Season and so much has changed, while a lot has remained the same throughout the league. The emergence of the Celtics as one of the All-Time Greatest teams is the biggest story of the season.  After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers lastnight; Boston has pushed their win streak to 19 and setting up a showdown in LA for 20 in a row on Christmas Day. 

1971-72 Lakers won 33 Consecutive Games...

If Boston wants to achieve this feat they will first have to match the 22 game win streak (2nd All-Time) that the Houston Rockets put up last year on their late season playoff run.  To put these Celtics in perspective, dont forget that they are the defending NBA Champions and historically are supposed to be still in celebration mode following the ring ceremony on opening night.  But these guys are different led by a fiery leader in Garnett who seamingly injects heart into even the less exasperated  players (Ray Allen-Shows the same emotion he portrayed as Jesus Shuttlesworth in He Got Game) and its contagious on the defensive end; where championships are won I might add.  The C's have already written themselves a page in the history books as they just set the record for most wins by ANY celtic team.  Thats saying a lot seeing as how they won 11 straight titles, and that is something that will NEVER happen again.  Stay tuned as we see how far this improbable run will last and if we could see our first repeat champs since the 2002..Lakers.  See you in LA.

Merry X-Mas,

Agent34

What's In Your Deck?

Over the last week several albums have hit the shelves; some with high acclaim while others have floated under the radar.  Here is a list of LP's that stood out from the rest...

Q-Tip:The Renaissance-This is the sophomore LP from the legendary member of The Tribe Called Quest.  After his first solo joint Abstract  was welcomed with lukewarm reviews, The Renaissance shows what a Hip Hop album is all about.  Tight beats, Real lyrics, and soulful samples makes this cd one of the best of 08.  The album has a highly touted guest list with vocals from Corrine Bailey Rae, Raphaell Sadiqq, D'Angelo and production from Kanye West.  Once you get past the fact that he hasn't been overly relevant lately, you will understand why Hip Hop can never die with pioneers like Tip still refusing to hang up the mic. 
Hot Tracks: Getting Up, Wont Trade. You, Life is Better
Rating: *****

Kanye West:808 and Heartbreak-Kanyeeezeee totally went to the left with this one.  If you listen to Kanye for soulful samples and clever word play then this is not the album for you.  Heartbreak showcases the annoying usage of auto tunes(t-pain effect) but with a twist.  It took me 3 listens to this cd to actually come to grips that this is a Pop album and not  a Rap album; which helps to understand the brilliance that comes with it.  The beats on this album are up to par with his other cd's, but Kanye is a featured "singer" this time around.  Most of the production is kept in house and the only guest spots are from Young Jeezy who shines on "Amazing", and a lackluster Lil Wayne on "See You in my Nightmares"  Overall, the album is solid; and can not be truly appreciated for years to come. 
Hot Tracks: Amazing, Heartless, Love Lockdown, Street Lights, Coldest Winter
Rating: ****

Peace,
Agent 34 

My NBA Power Rankings (November)

These are the second batch of Power Rankings, but the first since the season kicked off 2 weeks ago. A lot has changed in that small length of time, lets see how your favorite team stacks up...

Team             Rank                 Record                     Synopsis                                                                  

        1.                     7-1                     Sure the Lakers stumbled against the Pistons, but when you                                                         are beating opponents by an average of 21 ppg you probably shouldn't lose at home.

          2.                      9-2                  In 1 week Boston knocks off the unbeaten Hawks then    

                                                           loses to the Denver Nuggets at home. Whats up with that?

 

        3.                        8-2                LeBron has scored over 40 points in 3 out of their last 5

                                                        games, but the bigger story is the play of Mo Williams.

                                                        Batman may finally have a Robin in Cleveland.

        4.                       7-3                 A.I seems to to be fitting in just fine after that big win in LA
                                                        on Friday. If Detroit can somehow duplicate that scoring
                                                        balance; they will be tough to beat come June.

        5.                     6-3                 Remember that hot 6-0 start that had Atlanta thinking playoffs
                                                      again? Well 3 losses later the hawks have landed after the
                                                        Nets gave them 2 L's out of the 3. Hurry back Josh Smith.

        6.                     8-3             Phoenix would be higher on this list if they could just be more
                                                    consistent. After an ugly loss to the Rockets, then a Huge win
                                                    over the Pistons; you never know which team is going to show
                                                                    up.

        7.                     5-4             The Hornets are really relying on CP3 to go for 20-10 every
                                                    night. The bench is a major concern for this team; but on the
                                                    bright side the James Posey trade is working out..except for that
                                                    3 Kobe hit to seal the Laker win. (Ouch)

        8.                 6-4                 With Mr. Big Shot in town Melo is free to take any shot he
                                                    wants, and the team looks like they are playing a little bit of
                                                    Defense. Big win in Boston should stamp the approval for the
                                                    A.I Chauncey switch.

         9.              6-4                 Mike D'Antoni has the Knicks firing on all cylinders..on the

                                                offensive end. Theres still no defense in New York but if they keep

                                                playing hard the playoffs could be back in the Big Apple.

        10.             6-4                 The Jazz just seem to keep getting it done even when they didn't
                                                have D-Will for the majority of the season thus far. Quality minutes
                                                from the bench have kept this team afloat; particularly Paul Milsap
                                                and Ronnie Brewer.

        11.             7-3                 Dwight Howard may have to be Superman the entire season
                                                (30pts, 19bds, 10blks) as he was the other night. Lack of
                                                firepower in the back court may hurt them down the stretch. Hedo
                                                and Rashard Lewis are both playing well though.

        12.             6-4                 Oden could be finding his footing 10 games into the season, but
                                                they play of Rudy Fernandez has people talking about Rookie of
                                                the Year. This Blazer team is deep and should make the playoffs if
                                                Roy continues to play like an All-Star.

        13.             5-4                 Bosh and O'neal seem to be fitting together perfectly which bodes
                                                well for the maturation of this team. Now only if Bargnani can live
                                                up to the hype of being the #1 overall pick.

        14.             4-5                 For a minute there I thought the Spurs looked old and washed up,
                                                then the young guys started earning their paychecks. But with
                                                Parker out for 2 weeks they will continue to hover around .500.

        15.             6-4                 Yes they are leading in their division, so one may ask why they are
                                                ranked lower than the Spurs and the Hornets? I'm just not sold on
                                                this team yet, there doesn't seem to be enough balls to go around
                                                                and Yao slows the team down when they are built to run.

        16.           5-5                 Boy do they ever miss Shaq in the paint after Portland killed them
                                                on the glass last week. I don't think Marion is the answer, so look
                                                for the next big trade to involve him for some front court help.
                                                Then the playoffs could be a strong consideration.

         17.         4-6                 Can you believe Golden State is 2 games under .500 without Monta
                                              Ellis? Captain Jack is living up to his nickname, while Al Harrington
                                              wants out as fast as possible. Once he is traded and Ellis comes
                                              back they may make a late season run..again.

        18.        4-5                 Vince and Devin Harris took apart the once unbeaten Hawks not
                                            once but twice in the same week. They are a matchup nightmare,
                                            especially when Yi hits 5 three pointers in 1 night.

        19.      5-5                 Imagine you drove an old car that was rusty but got you from point A
                                            to B then you get a shiny new car and have no idea how to drive.
                                           That sums up the Sixers, who are still learning how to use Elton Brand
                                        while remaining true to pushing the ball up the court. Hope they figure it
                                                            out soon, the East is no slouch this year.

        20.     5-5                     Rose is starting to figure it out, but when the jump shots aren't falling
                                            this team is horrible to watch. Gordon and Deng are not the players
                                            of the future that the Bulls thought they were, so look for someone to
                                            go via trade in order to address the needs in the front court.

        21.     5-6                     Its hard to figure the Bucks out, especially since Redd is still injured.
                                            Once he gets back we will finally see what this team is made of.
                                            Kudos to Scott Skiles for getting the most out of this rag-tag group
                                            while Michael Redd heals up.

        22.     4-7                     The Kings are struggling to score the ball, and with the return of Brad

                                            Miller some of the youngsters will have to now sit. 1 bright spot is the

                                            play of Bobby Brown(not that 1)who seems like he will be around

                                            the league for quite a while...cant say the same for Reggie Theus.

        23.     3-6                     MJ wants to buy the team from Bob Johnson, but what he needs to

                                            do is go buy a scorer who he can pair up with Plastic Man 2 Gerald

                                            Wallace.

        24.     3-7                     Who knew Dallas would struggle this bad..I DID! Avery Johnson
                                            was wrongfully ran out of town leaving Rick Carlisle to sort out the
                                            mess. Out of there 3 wins 2 came in Overtime, not sure this team has
                                                            an identity.

        25.     4-5                     The Pacers play hard every night, and that can't be said for every
                                             team. Give them credit for beating the C's first, but they wont beat
                                            too many teams with the lack of fire/star power in the starting lineup.

        26.     1-8                     Ok, so 2 of their 8 losses came to the Lakers who started out red
                                            hot, but home losses to the Warriors and the Kings aren't acceptable.
                                            I wonder if Baron is re-thinking his decision to move back home?

        27.     1-6                     Gilbert Arenas is one of my favorite players, but when he comes
                                            back he will not be enough to bring the Wizards out of the Eastern
                                            Conference cellar .

        28.     3-7                     Memphis has to love what they are getting out of rookie sensations
                                            O.J Mayo and Marc Gasol. They have a solid foundation with
                                            Conley and Gay; and will be very competitive in the future. Love how
                                            they competed with the Suns on the road.

        29.     1-8                     The clock has to be ticking on Randy Wittman if some improvement
                                            is not made. Oh, and it doesn't help that out of the top 5 rookies
                                            Love is having the smallest impact. The biggest stat that jumps out is
                                            the 0-6 record on the road.

        30.     1-9                     OKC is giving up an average of 100ppg! Defense has to be
                                            emphasized if this team wants to make any noise in the ultra
                                            competitive west.

Peace,
Agent 34 

No Playing Time, No Trade..No Problem?

Here is a look at a few players who are in NBA limbo with no resolution in sight.  Most of the time when a player cant crack the rotation for his respected team, that team would either waive him, exercise a buyout, or trade him for another player with equal or lesser value.  But..when your name happens to be Stephon Marbury or Antoine Walker doing any of the above is never as easy as it sounds.  Lets take a look at both players and see how they are in NBA limbo with no resolution in sight.

First up is Starbury whom some consider a pass first point guard who helped run the Knicks once proud franchise in the ground. After 2 failed attempts at Resurrection with Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas new head coach Mike D'Antoni has publicly stated that he will not play or trade Marbury; because he does not see the guard in the Knicks longterm plans.  Here is the main issue, Marbury is one of the highest paid players in the NBA with $20 Million due to him this year (whether he plays or not) and because of his brutal contract it makes him 10x's harder to trade.  So why not a buyout?  Well, at a $20 Million price tag and the fact that the Knicks lead the league in paying luxury taxes you can imagine why new G.M Donnie Walsh doesn't want to go down that road.  However, I feel for Marbury in the fact that he sounds like a changed man (nothing like this) when he says he wants to fit into the system and be the leader of the team.  Not only is he not been giving a chance to lead, he has not played a single minute in the Knicks 5-3 start this year.  I'm confused as to how a team can "afford" to not play, trade, or waive a player of his stature versus just sitting him on the bench.  Look for Marbury to seek arbitration on the matter and either force a trade or a buyout on the grounds that the Knicks are sabotaging his career.  Some potential suitors include the Bucks, Raptors, and maybe the 1-6 Wizards who desperatly need a point guard while Gilbert Arenas is injured. Stay tuned to see what happens to Starbury; but for now he sorely resides on the Knicks bench. 

Next up is my guy Antoine Walker who is one of the most misunderstood players in NBA history.  After leading Kentucky to the 1996 NCAA tittle, he was the most sought after player in that highly touted draft class.                                                                                                        

 

With a seal of approval from his Airness, Walker started his career in Boston following in the shadows of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.  Paul Pierce and Walker combined for a lethal tag team as they led the C's to the Conference Finals during their tenure together.  Ultimately the 2 were split up and now Antoine is currently sitting it out on the bench of the Memphis Grizzlies.  With a salary that is due to pay him $9 Million this season, he is the highest player on his team; and also the least amount of playing time.  The Grizzles refuse to play Walker even though he is perfectly healthy and able to contribute.  Even though Walker is notorious for his shot selection (.325 on 3's) I still don't understand how a team can afford to just sit him. and force him to travel and practice everyday.  Both of these players are on the downward swing in their respected careers, but put them on a contender and see how they produce; like a Michael Finley or Allen Iverson.  I hope the NBA takes a look at teams that are not buying out the contracts of veteran players in an effort to save luxury tax money, and also not playing them which sabotages their trade value.

Honorable Mentions-Eddy Curry:New York Knicks

                                    

Peace,

Agent 34

On the Hip-Hop Side...

Here is an extended trailer for the upcoming Biography of the Notorious B.I.G. Gravy who is actually a good up and coming rapper does a great job of portraying Biggie, as well as Derrick Luke who represents Diddy in the film. Other co-stars are Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace, and Anthony Mackie (8 Mile) as Tupac. Check out the video below...

Peace,
Agent34

Get Your Fashion Game Up! (NBA Edition)

Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, but Fashion is clearly visible whether one is a trend setter or follows trends. NBA players used to be incorrectly labeled as Hip-Hop thugs who had no sense of fashion outside of what you may find in a club. However, plenty of players dressed in suits for games before Commissioner David Stern implemented the "Dress Code"; which requires players to wear a jacket and less jewelry to and from games. In order to understand how far we have come when it comes to fashion, we must pay homage to the old school while praising the new school. Hopefully along the way you will learn the Do's and Don't s, even if your favorite player wears it. LoL.

80's
1985 Draft-Karl Malone 1986 Draft-Chuck Persons

Clearly Fashion was all about color in the 80's and these former players differently lived up to the standard. Karl Malone wore 3 different shades of blue and a square tie (never do that) for his big day. Nothing I found topped Chuck Person and his pink and white prom tux that of course included a comber bun.






90's



1991-Larry Johnson 1996-Lottery Picks

The 90's are well represented in these 2 pictures as you have LJ a.k.a Grand-Ma-Ma still holding on to the 80's with a vintage Miami Vice look. But..When you are the #1 overall pick in any draft you kind of get a pass for wearing white pants. The 1996 draft was the one that changed the NBA, it is arguably the best class ever (well maybe the 03 class). This group was headlined by Starbury, KB24, Ray Allen and Allen Iverson. The hood and overall street culture was represented with this class which helped re-launch the NBA into a new era.

2000's
2003 Draft-Lebron James 2005 Draft-Joakim Noah
Lebron clearly took his time picking his suit in anticipation of being the #1 overall pick. The 3 piece gray suit is a classic look no matter which hat you have to put on. Now to my right we have the definition of what NOT to wear in any setting. Joakim Noah chose to wear a Searsucker suit...what is that? Yeah had to ask my pops about that one since it its straight out of the 70's. LoL.



I leave you with a classic cut from Outkast...Enjoy!
We used to crush this in High School..So Fresh and Clean Clean.

Rookie Rankings (October)

The 2008 NBA Draft came with a lot of Buzz; as this was to be the first class that would be affected by the 1 yr College Rule imposed by the NBA.

So how will the Rookies fare on the next level? Nobody really knows, but we can always debate and argue all season until the Rookie of the Year is crowned,

I have divided them in 3 categories..Superstars, Sleepers, and Busts. Just like the Power Rankings; these will be updated every month, so bring a good argument to the table if you don't agree with my pics.







SUPERSTARS

1. Mike Beasley-In my opinion he is the most ready out of any of the other rookies in the entire draft. After torching foes in the Big 12, he should see the floor and the ball plenty in the Sunshine State. The only downside is I'm not sure which position he will play, but after seeing him in action during the preseason its obvious that he can get his shot off while playing the 4. His care free attitude makes for a great interview but could backfire in the business driven world of the NBA. He is my pick for R.O.Y, cant wait to see how he pans out.

2.
O.J. MAYO-Yes I have Mayo at #2, not because I think he is the second best player in the draft but because he is the most dynamic. Not only is he ready to step in and produce right away, but has the potential to be the #1(probably Gay) scorer on the team. For some reason Mayo reminds me of Kobe (yeah Kobe) if he had went to school for a year. The explosiveness will come, and the fact that he can play both guard spots all but ensures him to be able to dial up his own number. It will be a close race between him and Beasley for R.O.Y.


3.
DERRICK ROSE-Some may wonder why the #1 overall pick comes in third on my list but its for good reason. Point Guard is the toughest position on the floor in the NBA and maybe in all of sports. Not only will he have to adapt to the speed of the league but also learn how to become a leader on a team with established players and egos. Rose struggled in the preseason but showed flashes of brilliance late, it will take time to see him in rare form as he was in Memphis during the NCAA tournament. Long term he has the potential to be the best player to come out of the draft.





SLEEPERS

1.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK-The athletic guard out of UCLA raised his stock with little fanfare, but may be the steal of the draft. He can play both guard positions and is turning into a great compliment for Kevin Durant and company in OKC. If he learns to become a lock-down defender(he's already close) then at 6'4 he will give most point guards problems in this league.








2.
ANTHONY RANDOLPH-At 6'10 200 pounds, one may think he is not ready for the wear and tear of an 82 game NBA season..until you see him play. With a smooth left hand stroke, Randolph is a dynamic player that can run up and down the court in Golden State and make plays on both ends. Don't be fooled by his size he can actually handle the rock as well, which gives Don Nelson plenty of options whenever he decides to play small ball. Randolph likely wont be R.O.Y but will make an impact and see the floor in Golden State.





3.
ERIC GORDON-Derrick Rose's old teammate finds himself coming in third on this list but its not in spite of his talent. He will have the luxury of being able to study the game under Cutino Mobley and Baron Davis during his rookie year in L.A. I doubt he will crack the starting rotation in the guard happy offense unless he continues to drop 29 like he did 2 nights ago in the pre-season. Great range and an underrated defender.





BUSTS

1.
Danilo Gallinari-Is it me or does he even look liker Darko a little bit. LoL. Still scratching your head over how the Knicks took him with the #6 overall pick? Yeah me too. After a lackluster preseason it looks as if Gallinari might start his career off in the D-League. According to sources since Gallinari missed significant time in the preseason he may be regulated to the NBA's farm league in order to get his wind and stamina back. Not sure why teams are so high on young foreign players who have to be twice as good to off set the learning curve that is the NBA. At only 6'8 I don't see how he fits into the system in New York, or even breaks the rotation. The upside is he is only 19 years of age, so he can only get better. For now, he is my #1 Bust pick for the year.


Hope you enjoyed the Rookie Rankings, if you favorite rookie did not make the list then drop a comment and state your case.

'Peace
Agent 34