Kobe and LeBron Nike Commercial...Sort Of

The NBA's slogan for this seasons Playoffs is "Where Amazing Happens" and they have used old footage of their top stars in various t.v. spots.  However, I haven't found them to be as compelling or as personal as last year when they had the split faced opponents saying the same slogans.

Now Nike has a new commercial spot with Kobe and LeBron as puppets, and it pokes fun at the two biggest draws in the NBA.  Check it out and let me know how you like it.



Peace,
Agent 34

40 Games..40 Nights Round 2

The first round of the NBA Playoffs are in the books and there was not too many surprises, other than the young Chicago Bulls giving the world champs all they could handle. I went perfect in the 1st round (check earlier post predictions) and I think I have the 2nd round figured out as well. Check out my pics and let me know if you see things differently.

Cleveland -VS- Atlanta

This will either be a competitive homestand for each team or a blowout sweep by the Cavs. The new MVP of the NBA LeBron James, will have his team geared up at home and I don't see the Hawks winning a game in Cleveland. However, the Hawks are in rhythm after beating the Heat and could possibly, possibly catch Cleveland napping in Game 1. But, that's not going to happen. Its hard to ignore how well the Hawks play at home, and I do believe they can win 1 if not 2 in Atlanta. Josh Smith has been huge at home (20ppg) and awful on the road (11.0) so we will see how he adapts to this series. Joe Johnson will be the key to getting the Hawks going out of the gate, and if he gets hot from the 3 point line this could be an interesting series.

Prediction: 4-2 Cavaliers

Boston -VS- Orlando

The NBA's Defensive POY Dwight Howard looks to lead his Magic Men past the champs. Can they do it? Umm, I'm going to say NO! The Magic have a good team, and they have pushed themselves into contention in the East with their record alone. However, the Boston Celtics are on a roll (Ray Allen) and the role players such as Scalabrine and Big Baby are growing up fast. The playoffs are all about match ups and there are two key ones to watch. With Courtney Lee out for the season, JJ Reddick will be the starting 2 guard that will have the task of cooling down Ray Allen. Nuff said. The second match up is Glen "Big Baby" Davis on Rashard Lewis. This could go either way, because Davis has size wight on Lewis, but Rashard likes to step out on the perimeter so Davis will have to adjust his game. Rondo and Skip will be an interesting match up and also Hedo Turkoglu and Paul Pierce is another one to watch. I don't see the Magic beating the Celtics at home, and look for a KG sighting somewhere near the middle of this series..mark my words he will return.

Prediction: 4-3 Celtics

Los Angeles -VS- Houston

Why Ron Why? Why did you say "Brandon Roy is the toughest player I've ever guarded" Hmm Really! Well there is this guy named Kobe Bryant who takes everything to heart, and I'm sure he heard those comments. Not only was that directed at him Ron gave him a challenge by saying "He's the only player to ever score 40 on me." Well guess what, you want it you got it. The Lakers are no longer a 1 man band and should beat the Rockets in 5 games. One big key for the Lakers will be the health of Andrew Bynum whom they will need to help stifle Yao Ming in the paint. Kobe will get his, but how well will reserves Shannon Brown, Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Trevor Ariza play? The games will be competitive and sometimes chippy, but it will live up to the hype.

Prediction: 4-1 Lakers

Dallas -VS- Denver

Its time for people to start taking the Nuggets as serious contenders for the title. They play excellent defense and their offense is one of the best in the league. Carmelo Anthony is emerging as a star in the media while leading his team into the semi's of the Western Conference Playoffs. I like the Nuggets (as if you can;t tell) to not only beat the Mavs, but also rival the Lakers in the Conference Finals. J.R Smith is a lights out shooter, meaning he can shoot lights out, or shoot you out. Lol. That will be something Coach George Carl will have to monitor closely, but its a great commodity coming off the bench. Chauncey Billups will be the floor general in this series as everyone seems to relish their role on this team. Denver swept the season series 4-0 and I only have them losing 1 game. Sorry Dallas.

Prediction: 4-1 Nuggets


Peace,
Agent34

Most Anticipated Albums of 09 (Part 2)

We have seen a few of the highly anticipated albums of the year already drop with great success, but what other artists are on pace to drop a classic. Here are a few...

KID CUDI

The Cleveland based rapper has hit it big recently with his single "Day N Nite" that is a club banger going into the summer. He first hit the mainstream when he lended his vocals to Kanye West on "Welcome to Heartbreak". However; he is no 1 hit wonder, the Kid has followed it up with 2 or 3 other singles that are starting to gain rotation on the radio. "The Sky Might Fall"-Feat Rick Ross, "Poker Face"-Feat Kanye West/Common, are two of my personal favorites.





EMINEM-RELAPSE

Marshall Mathers is Back! On May 19th Em is dropping this highly, long overdue album and is garnering rave reviews. I am still a little skeptical as to which Eminem we will be blessed with. the Marshall Mathers (fun and games) or Slim Shady (dark side). Two singles have been in rotation starting with "We Made You" and "3a.m.", and lets not forget about the street single "Crack a Bottle" featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. I am still a little skeptical of this album, but I am hoping Em will produce another classic to rival his previous works.





Peace,
Agent 34

40 Games..40 Nights Round 1

Its that time of year again for the NBA Playoffs.  Here are my predictions for the 1st Round of the 2009 Playoffs.

CHICAGO -VS- BOSTON

If KG was in the lineup I would have picked the Celtics in sweeping fashion..but hes not and the Bulls are quite capable of upsetting the champs.  The series is currently tied at 1 game a piece so this prediction isn't too much of a cheat.  I have the C's advancing in 6 games.  The Bulls stole game 1 (Paul Pierce missed free throw would have iced it) and ill give them 1 at home with the champs finishing them off in Boston.  Rose will shine as he did in game 1 and show that he was worthy of that #1 pick, and Rondo will prove why he should have made the All-Star team over Devin Harris. 

Prediction: 4-2Celtics


DETROIT -VS- CLEVELAND

There is a reason why LeBron is alone on this picture, because the King sits alone on the throne..for now.  The Cavs will not be challenged in this series, and I see a sweep in 4.  Detroit basically sent Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets for nothing, yes A.I basically gave them nothing if hes not available for the playoffs where it matters the most.  Imagine if they would have traded him for Rafer Alston how much could he have helped.  We know you aren't trying to win now Joey D so maybe you guys should have just let Charlotte make the playoffs for the 1st time in team history.  Detroit will keep it interesting at home, then LeBron will go on a tear attacking the rim like he did 2 years ago. 

Prediction:  4-0 Cavs
HOUSTON -VS- PORTLAND

 Ok, so Portland got smashed in the first game of this match up but I had them on the outside looking in from the start.  They are a young and exciting team but not playoff proven and I'm not sure if they can compete with the Rockets and that enormous burden of finally getting out of the 1st round.  The Blazers should win game 2 and maybe another 1 late but I have the too much Yao Ming and the Rockets should win in 6.  By the way once they win does T-Mac still shoulder the load of not getting out of the first round?  I think so.

Prediction: 4-2 Rockets





DALLAS-VS- SAN ANTONIO

The Spurs and the Mavs separated geographically by miles but years in age.  San Antonio has officially gotten old (to me) and with the loss of Ginobli they should wear out by game 7.  The combination of Josh Howard, Dirk Norwitzki and a little Jason Terry and Kidd mixed in should do the Spurs in, especially after stealing one from the Spurs at home.  The series is currently tied, and I have Dallas winning big at home and closing it out in 6 or 7.  Since I have to make a decision lets go with the Mavs in 7 (for drama) led by Norwitzki hitting a walk off 3 for the game. 

Prediction: 4-3 Mavericks



NEW ORLEANS -VS- DENVER

Carmelo Anthony hasn't made it out of the first round, and this is the year he finally does.  The Hornets are good and CP3 is great but without a healthy Tyson Chandler and a sub par (I should have stayed in Boston) James Posey the Nola will fall in 6.  They will play hard at home because they always do, but will never overcome the altitude of Denver and their long front line of Birdman, K-Mart, and Nene. 

Prediction: 4-2 Nuggets







UTAH -VS- LOS ANGELES
Is it me or are the Lakers destined to win the trophy this year?  Sort of like how everyone knew that Boston would figure it out last year I have that same feeling about LA.  The Jazz have the unfortunate luck of facing LA in the first round; if it was round 2 or maybe the Western finals they may have had a chance.  Too much balance for LA will wear the Jazz down every game and Kobe wont even have to go for 30 in order for them to win in 5 games.  Not having Okur in the lineup will definitely put them close to a sweep but I'll give them 1 win in Utah...just to be nice. 

Prediction: 4-1 Lakers



PHILADEPHIA -VS- ORLANDO

In game 1 Philly came out the gate swinging; took a shot in the mouth, got knocked down and delivered a knock out punch to the Magic.  Orlando seems as if they were reading the press clippings and living up to the hype as they pushed the lead to 18 in game 1, only to let the 76ers back in the game.  Not sure why Stan Van Gundy put his version of the human cigar (JJ Reddick) and pulled other starters to start the 4th quarter.  With all that said, the 76ers played as good as they can play and will only win 2 or 3 more games.  Look for the Magic to get Dwight Howard going early and often in game 2 then the 3's will start to fall.  Also, Hedo Turkoglu wont go 1 for everything he shot again so the Magic march on to round 2.

Prediction: 4-2 Magic

MIAMI -VS- ATLANTA

Since game 1 has already transpired I'll keep it real and say that I picked the Heat to win in 7.  Now, with that being said the Hawks will win in 6.  They looked like a team with something to prove while trouncing the Heat in the process.  All of a sudden D-Wade looked normal and the supporting cast looked lost as the Hawks won by almost 30 in a packed out Phillips Arena.  The Heat cant afford for Wade not to go for 30, heck to not go for 40 puts them in danger most nights, because that team feeds off of his energy.  Kudos to Joe Johnson and Josh Smith for getting ATL a big win in game 1.  So do I get to change my pick?  Of course I do. 

Prediction: 4-2 Hawks

See you in Round 2...lets see how many teams ill have left then.

Peace,
Agent 34

Will this be the Year for Melo?

The NBA Season is coming to a close and the playoff picture is starting to shape up to be a great one.  Sitting in the #2 spot in the Western Conference are the Denver Nuggets.  Surprised?  Me Too.  They have quietly put together a great season and Carmelo Anthony is leading the way.

Once Chauncey Billups came aboard the offense has been clicking and the defense has defensive intensity has been at an all time high.  Denver has won 53 games this season and have won 9 out of the last 10 with a 2 game lead on San Antonio for the 2nd seed out West.

Throughout Carmelo Anthony's entire career he will be compared to Dwayne Wade and LeBron James in the infamous class of 2003.  Stephen A. Smith wrote an interesting article around the time Melo was suspended 1 game for refusing to come out at George Karls request.  The fallout between coach and player plus the 15 games missed from the injury cost him a rightful spot on the All-Star Team. 

Now, Melo has put the childish ways of his past behind him and is focused on getting the Nuggets out of the 1st round for the first time in his career.  Not only are the Nuggets poised to make a playoff run; the buzz in Denver has pegged them as the odds on favorite to de-thrown the Lakers out West.  I know that sounds crazy giving that the Lakers are fighting for the #1 seed in the league, have only lost 16 games, and that they swept the Nuggets in 4 games a year ago.  Lol.  Somehow this isnt the same team..if they are healthy and click at the right time they can challenge the Lake Show and set up a showdown that has been brewing since 2003.  Melo -Vs- LeBron.

This match up I believe will be far more intriguing than Kobe -Vs- LeBron (which is the way it may end up) only because I think we could all agree that the Cavs cant beat the Lakers 4 times.  Sure the Celtics did it last year, but they had 3 All-Stars and a defense out of this world.  But the Lakers have Bynum this year, and Ariza and a bench that is unforgiving.  But, a Denver/Cleveland final would be wide open, I mean are the Cavs that much better than the Nuggets?  Melo and LeBron basically cancel each other out in the scoring department, and the role players on both teams are good.

This is my dream match up for the finals.  If the Nuggets can get through the crowded Western Conference then they will be road and battled tested to go in Cleveland and win a game or two.  The order of importance from that 03 class is..
1) LeBron
2)D-Wade
3)Chris Bosh
4)Melo

If he can win big this year in the playoffs then he can change the order, and solidify himself as a true Superstar in this league.  Or Not...

Peace,
Agent 34

Becoming a Servant Leader!

This post will be a little more personal, less basketball more about life.  I was feeling like a heathen over the past week and made it my business to get my lazy self back into church.  Isn't it funny how when you haven;t been to church in a while it seems as if the sermon is directed at you?  LoL. 

The topic was about Servant Leaders!  The term was "coined" by Robert Greenleaf whom has written various works on the topic.

Definition according to Wikipedia-Emphasizes the leader's role as steward of the resources (human, financial and otherwise) provided by the organization. It encourages leaders to serve others while staying focused on achieving results in line with the organization's values and integrity.

The pastor went on to explain that the true Servant Leader was Jesus. 
John 13:5; 12-15 (GW) offers great insight as to how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples after they had been traveling all day.  Here is a snippet of the verse.. "Then he asked his disciples, do you understand what ive done for you?  You call me teacher and lord, and you're right because that's what I am.  So if your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you must wash each others feet.  I've given you an example that you must follow."

Just imagine the same person who created you actually washing your feet.  Wow.  Makes me feel humbled but also gives me empowerment to become a better leader.  When your confidence is high most leaders feel as if they are invincible so I hope this is motivation for all of us to get better.

One of my favorite quotes of All-Time- "Steady growth leads to Excellence"-Alexander Graham Bell

                            I WILL BE GREAT

Peace,

Agent 34 

 

Shaq -VS- Lebron (Pre-Game)

By now I'm sure even the most average NBA fan has seen LeBron's pregame ritual of taking pictures of his teammates before tipoff..right? Well if not here are a few clips of King James getting his troops fired up. This has sparked some uneccesary controversy from the likes of Charles Barkley (not the biggest LeBron fan) on whether or not this should be acceptable as a pre-game ritual. Also, its worth mentioning that LeBron still does his signature "powder toss" in front of the scoring table as well.

Now, the Great Shaqctus has taken it upon himself to openly challenge LeBron to a pre-game celebration contest in which the fans will judge the winner. Here is a clip of what Shaq and the Suns came up with the other night verses the Wizards.
Shaq Goes Bowling

The Big Aristotle says that LeBrons intro is "weak" and that he has an unlimited array of ideas that he will be unleashing if King James accepts the challenge. I'm not sure who will be the winner but I know Shaq is a pretty creative guy, especially after seeing the 300 pounder transform into a Jabawackee.

So who do you think will win the contest? My vote is for Shaq. He's a seasoned vet with more experience in getting the crowd involved.

Heres a few more pictures to help you decide who is more entertaining, and remember this is pre-game only.





















Peace,
Agent 34