Women are NBA Stars!

Have you ever noticed the parallels in life between Sports and Hip-Hop.  They go hand in hand, the budding superstar has to take down the seasoned veteran in order to gain respect in the league. 

Young Money recording artist Drake once rhymed "I could relate to kids going straight to the league/ when they recognise that you got what it takes to succeed /and that's around the time that your idols become your rivals/ you make friends with Mike but gotta AI him for your survival /damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous/’cause we wanna be them and they wanna be us."

The same dialect applies to women and men.  Surely you have noticed that most women these days date like the typical man does.  You know; a team, a collection of people that all have different roles to play.  Whether it is the superstar who you want to marry, or the rising star that is too childish to take out in public but always delivers a great time. 

Women are NBA Stars! 

Don't believe me?  Just look at their bios compared to your favorite NBA stars....

1.) LeBron James

Introducing the queen of your castle!  She has all the right specs that you look for physically, and constantly performs at the highest level.  Although its been said she has commitment issues, she does seem to be very loyal to her friends. 

You want to wife her, but every time you put her on the big stage she does not perform at the level that you are used too.  Decisions, Decisions..they all come with consequences, hers seem to just lead to more questions. 




2.) Carmelo Anthony

This one has you puzzled!  She is the talk of the town, but is not consistent enough for you to anoint her as the 1.  Sure she just came on the scene, but she was supposed to shut the city down!  This one was supposed to make you whole. 

There a flashes of it, but nothing consistent, not like what was advertised.  You want her to have your back (defense) but she hasn't bought into the system yet.  Time will tell, she said wait until next year, but you want results now. 


3.) Kobe Bryant

The best there is out there.  You know that she is the one, but you are always looking for the next best younger thing. Don't you realize she has been performing at such a high level for so long.  Who else has done that? 

Sure, you may find a riper, more vibrant woman, but will she deliver in the clutch like this one?

Her attitude holds her back, because she knows that she is the sh&%!  Maybe its time you did too..



4.) Kevin Durant

Everybody wanted her on their team last year; and rightfully so, she almost won the MVP. 

She's young, 5'10 (more like 6'10 but that would be weird), incredible range and the humility that all parents appreciate.  How is she not the one? 

You wonder if the pressure of being Next will catch up to her, if it does you will have put all of your stock in one person.  You may have to live with the upside on this one and take a chance.







5.) Derrick Rose

This is no ordinary Rose..this is the real deal.  The true MVP of the league, that came up too fast.  She was the hometown hero that stayed home and is poised to deliver. 

You know her from way back when, but she was not this nice. 

As they said in the movie Life "Little Ms. Mary Rose don' grown up."

Can she be the one?  Its been a while since you've seen her.  Better make good on your second time around. 

Now you see?

Women are NBA Stars too.

Peace,
Agent34

Where's the L-O-V-E For Melo?

"More money more problems, gotta move Carefully"-Jay-Z Aint no Love (Heart of the City)

On this Valentines Day as many people confess their undying love to one another or celebrate the single life; I pose the question..Where is the LOVE for Melo?  Rapper Jay-Z states in his 2000 classic that as your bank account grows the more careful you need to be....like having a $65 million dollar contract waiting on you to sign.  Enter the plight of Carmelo Anthony.

There are only 10 days remaining until the trade deadline, which seems like an eternity in the Melo-drama that is surrounding the Denver Nuggets star.  He has reportedly been traded to New Jersey, Houston, New York, and even the Los Angeles Lakers.  So why has nobody dived head in on one of the top 5 players in the league?

The Knicks want him, but are they willing to gut their roster to get him?  The Lakers seem to be content on sticking it out with Andrew Bynum, although I'm not sure they wont regret that later.  Bynum provides plenty of upside, but he's had upside for 5 seasons now.  Carmelo is a sure thing!  While I too do not want Pao Gasol as my only wall between the rim and defenders, Melo is a pure scorer.  He can free up Bryant even more, and they will have a superstar in the wings when Kobe exits.  Good plan?  I don't know but Melo is still playing wondering when his break will come. 

The constant flirtation by teams has got to be taking a toll on him and his family.  He was just married last summer, but he has to feel like a contestant on the Bachelorette waiting to be chosen.  I feel you Melo, there are a lot of us out here waiting to be chosen.  With only this season remaining on his deal Carmelo holds the final card; the Big Joker if you will, and when you are single and ready to mingle that's a beautiful thing. 

Happy Valentines Day!

-Agent34

Race Relations in the NBA (MLK Edition)

Does Racism exist in the NBA?

Some would argue that out of all the perfessional sports, the NBA is the most racist free of them all. 

Think about it.  Most of the more popular players in the NBA are African American and  roughly 77% of the players are black.  So is it safe to say African Americans are well represented in the league?

A closer look will tell you than in most sports; the race that is most dominant on the field/court also has the higher pressence in the front office...but not in the NBA. 

Michael Jordan stands alone as the only African American majority owner in the NBA. 
Being an owner takes a large amount of capital but a deeper look shows even more variances.

There are only 4 African American presidents in the NBA and people of color only hold 21 % of team senior administrative positions. 

I am worried that the people who bring the fans into the stands, sell jerseys, sign autographs and make organizations rich have little to no say on how the NBA is ran. 

At the annual 2010 Racial and Gender Summit the NBA recieved an (A) for their efforts in being one of the most diverse in mens pro sports in America.  One has to take in consideration that an (A) comes from the fact that other sports are even worse than the NBA and noting how far (loosely use) we have come since the birth of the league. 

Comissioner David Stern has consisitenly set the bar on hiring practices and pushed the envelope for other sports to follow, but is it enough? 

Point blank and simple RACISM exists in the NBA, maybe not on the surface but its there. 

The league is well represented on the court, even on the coaching sidelines but not in the front office nor in ownership.  There should be more representation from a person of color in those positions, to settle for 36% is to say that not even half is ok. 

On this MLK day remember that a dream was realized by thought provoking conversations that sometimes were racey, and tough to swallow but packed with truth and justice. 

Some such conversations need to be continued even in the NBA.

-Agent34

Are The Magic Back?

Yesterday the Orlando Magic made a blockbuster trade landing them Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu in separate deals.  They gave up on the struggling Rashard Lewis shipping him to DC and moved Vince Carter to Phoenix; who struggled mightily in the playoffs last year. 

Do these trades really help?

I have to admit that when I first heard about the trade I reacted like most fans and said "Oh, its a wrap for the Eastern Conference." 

Now that I have taken a closer look, I raise the question.  Does this really help Orlando?  The answer is maybe.  But maybe not...with a strong emphasis on not.  The NBA is all about match ups and I'm not sure how much good Orlando did in creating match up problems for others, but they did raise some concerns for themselves.  Someone forgot to tell GM Otis Smith that he is in a division with the Miami Heat; you know winners of 12 straight, the team with the Big 3 in Bosh, Wade, and LeBron.  Who is going to guard those guys?  Maybe the plan is to let it fly and try and outscore everyone, because they sure wont be playing any sort of defense with that roster. 

It will be interesting to see them in action next game.  I believe Rashard will gain some confidence back now that he is out of Orlando, and VC should benefit with playing Steve Nash ( I can see the oops flying already). 

Oh and I hope Agent Zero finally reappears, that #9 guy was not as fun...

Peace,
Agent 34

2010-2011 NBA Power Rankings (Pre-Season)

1.)  Who else deserves the #1 Ranking?  Phil Jackson looks to go for a record 3rd 3 peat, and Kobe should primed to match MJ's ring count at 6.  New additions of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes wont hurt but Bynum must be healthy.

2.) The C's are loaded!  How many teams have a second unit that can possibly beat your 1st team?  Shaq is in Gang Green and should be a force in a limited role.  They figured it out late last year, I wouldn't be surprised if they make a deep playoff run again.

3.) The new big 3 have only logged in 3 minutes of action this pre-season.  With Wade sidelined until the opener, they are not deserving of a #1 or #2 spot.  However, once we get to see 3 future Hall of Farmer's on the court at the same time, all in their prime..well then we will
                    reevaluate. 

4.) Compared to other teams Disneyland had a pretty quiet offseason.  Duhon is the new backup point guard and JJ Reddick will push Vince Carter for minutes but everything else is the same. 

5.) I don't know why but I like the Mavs.  They made some positive pickups in the offseason in Chandler, and Beaubois should provide a spark each night. Dirk has to be Dirk almost every night though, but they have the pieces.

6.) Kevin Durant is the trendy pick this year to win the MVP.  Is he ready?  He looked ready in the summer helping the USA to a gold in the Worlds.  His teammates outside of Westbrook and Harden look shaky.  The Lakers wont take them lightly again -- see Denver 2 seasons ago.

7.) Chicago missed out on the Big free agents but they settled for Carlos Boozer.  He is a double double waiting to happen and should pair up good with Noah on the boards.  Just cant help but think about Boozer, Melo and Rose on the same team.  Hmm...

8.) The Jazz acquired Al Jefferson who was a beast in Minnesota to replace Carlos Boozer.  Can he do that on a winning team?  I think he can, and the Jazz should hover around the 5th seed in the West.  They will be no easy pushover come playoff time.

9.) The Spurs are missing something, and that something may be the talented center Splitter who they selected to pair up with Duncan.  Coach Pop vows to insert the running game this year, makes since to get some easy buckets. 

10.) Jennings and company put a 1st round scare in the Hawks without center Andrew Bogut.  That was a favorable match up for them, and I don't expect them to win a series this year or their division.  Teams will be ready for the Deer. 

11.) Is this the year that Greg Oden stays healthy the entire season?  If Oden can stay on the court then they will be trouble.  Rudy Fernandez wants out, but you cant tell when hes on the floor, as he looks like a 6th man of the year shoe-in so far this preseason.  Oh yeah and Brandon Roy is still there. 

12.)  They played so hard down the stretch last year without Yao, imagine how dangerous they will be with him.  They lack perimeter defense with Kevin Martin at the 2, but Courtney Lee and rookie Patrick Patterson should make immediate impacts. 

13.) The Suns will take a step back this year in my opinion.  Sure they have Nash and a happy go lucky offense but Hakim Warrick is no Amare.  Good to see Hedo back on a team with a shot, but they will fall short of the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference.

14.) If Mel were actually going to be in Denver the whole season then they would be ranked higher.  C'mon he is in a NY state of mind and they need to pull the trigger on this trade sooner than later if they want to have a chance at the post season.

15.) Amare looks like the man for the Knicks and rightfully so..but I want Melo in NY!  Nuff said..

16.) The Hawks have made no significant upgrades this offseason so they should be satisfied with making the playoffs and bowing out in the second round...again.  (Yes I'm upset and I live in ATL)

17.) I really like their young nucleus of talent in Mayo, Gay and Thabeet.  Z-Bo is a monster and if Thabeet can figure it out on the fly this year then they will be a threat out West.  I like them to make an OKC type run this year.

18.) The Elton Brand signing 2 summers ago never made any sense, and it still doesn't today.  Too many athletes built around and old classic .  This team lack identity but they do have some talent in AI2, Holiday and Turner.

 

19.) The Bobcats signed Shaun Livingston and Kwame Brown and lost their starting point guard in Raymond Felton.  They will not make the playoffs and Brown will likely ride into the sunset either mid-season or at the end. 

20.) Can you blame CP3 for wanting to leave N.O?  They brought in Ariza but I'm not sure that will be enough.  After Melo jumps to NY then New Orleans will have a troubled star on their hands. 

21.) They have loads of young talent in Wall, Blatche and McGee.  Once you factor in the unknowns of Josh Howard, and of course Gilbert Arenas you have either a sleeper team or a combustible one. 

22.) The Clippers should be ready to make a run at the playoffs with Blake Griffin looking every bit like the ROY.  I expect them to lose a lot of close games, but they will play hard each night.

23.) Golden State has a solid nucleus of talent in Curry, Lee, and Ellis.  However, gone are the other good talents such as Randolph, and Morrow.  They wont make the playoffs but will be fun to watch.

24.)  I really like this team, and I will be personally pulling for them all season.  Tyreke Evans is a stud (Charles Barkley voice) and Cousins will be a force down low..add in their other reserves and you have a decent bunch that will compete every night.

25.) The Pacers are still in my opinion 1 year away from breaking through.  There are only 8 playoff spots (Technically only 4-Mia/Bos/Orl/Chi) and I don't see the Pacers grabbing any of those.

26.) Who is more dissapointed the players or the fans?  Byron Scott will make them competitive but thats about it. 

27.) Michael Beasley gets a fresh start in Minnesota and he looked sharp in the pre-season.  Sadly, the Wolves lost 20/10 Al Jefferson and that is a tough void to fill. 

28.)  Canada, Oh Canada!  No Bosh = No playoffs! 

 

 

 

29.)  They have no true identity..think about it?  A handful of players with no legitimate go to guy in the clutch.  Trade assets galore though, Joey D has got to make a splash in the Big D.

30.) The Nets have got to prove to the world that they are better.  If you think about it they have only added a 19 yr old unproven rookie -- Derrick Favors.  Lottery bound.

You will forgive LeBron by Game #...?

After the fallout of the "Decision" a lot of people jumped off the LeBron Express and felt betrayed by his actions to bolt for South Beach. 

We as students of the game always can find some way to move past the personal decisions of players and just focus on the game while other fans can not.  So, how long before people jump back on the Heat bandwagon and start claiming LeBron the best ever..again? 

Lets take a look at some of the upcoming games that the Heat have and see the timeline for LeBrons return to Worldwide Fame. 

1.) Heat -vs- Pistons Tues Oct 5th
This is the first glimpse of the new look Heat with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh all on center court in exhibition   After a no look alley oop from Wade to LeBron could the masses truly forgive him on Day 1?  Too soon?  Ok lets move forward.

2.) Heat-vs- Celtics Tues Oct 26
In the first regular season game the new Big 3 takes on the old Big 3 (literally) plus some new additions in former teammate of Wade and Lebron; Shaquille Oneal.  After the Heat dismantle the Celtics in the first game of the regular season ESPN will praise the Heat as Championship Contenders.  Will people love him now?

3.) Heat -vs- Magic Fri Oct 29
Superman and company will welcome the Heat to Orlando in this division showdown.  Will Dwight have a field day on the opposing Heat big men, or will LeBron be motivated to go for 50 since Dwight Howard thinks Kevin Durant is a better player than him?  After only a week into the season most fans should be getting the itch to root for King James again. 

4.) Heat -vs- Cavaliers Thurs Dec 2nd
Hopefully LeBron takes out an ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer personally thanking the fans for their support over his 7 yr career with the Cavs.  If not LeBron could lose some ground as he takes on his old team that he left behind for South Beach.  He will want to play good, but not too good to embarrass the franchise that he was supposed to lead to a title. 

5.) Heat -vs- Lakers Sat Dec 25th
The match up that we will have all been waiting to see thus far is here.  Heat/Lakers on Christmas Day!  If King James and company can dismantle the Lakers (like his Cavs did last year) then EVERYONE (and I mean everyone outside of La La Land) will crown the Heat.  If the Lakers lose they will bounce back, but from a PR standpoint this is a must win for LeBron James and the Heat. 

Peace,
Agent34

Decisions, Decisions!

Every decision in life comes with some sort of consequence, some good and some bad. 
In the case of LeBron Jame's decision to bolt rainy Cleveland for the Miami sun we will have to wait and see. 

One thing I do know is that this team is going to be GOOD!  I mean really GOOD!  Think about how you are going to try and stop 3 All-Stars on the same..in their prime.  Did you see what the Boston 3 Party did in only one year, heck they could have potentially won 2 in 3 years.  People will say the emergence of Rondo helped them, but Rondo is not Rondo without the big 3.  The 3 Amigos (my nickname for them) will draw so much attention that a new star will be born in Miami.  It could be 3rd year guard Mario Chalmers who is certainly capable of knocking down open shots if left open. 

All in all I believe Bron made the best decision for himself.  We are all selfish by nature, and if you weren't then you would not truly be alive.  Lebron has been a machine since he was in the 9th grade, said all the right things, played for the home team and never really got in trouble.  If he is shunned for wanting to win championships in his own right then so be it.  Jordan would have left Chicago if Pippen did not come along, you know why?  Because they would not have won a single title without him.  True, LeBron had the team to do it last year but fell short; now he has a new lease on life and should be a force for the Heat.  This Heat team has 3 of the 5 starters from the USA Basketball team that won gold.  Not sure how much stock goes into that but I do know that the Lakers could not beat Cleveland last year, and they struggled against a scrappy Heat team only to be bailed out by a Kobe 3.  Depending on the way the seeding ends up in the East I am picking them to go to the Finals. 

I am a fan of Basketball first, teams second, and players last.  Most people root for individuals and not the team, but in the case of Cleveland LeBron is a wanted man.  I cant wait to see the new Miami Heat take the floor against the Lakers on Christmas and LeBrons homecoming in October.  This has never been done, so of course some people want truly understand.  The 3 amigos are trendsetters and I look forward to seeing how this decision turns out for the King.