Pointless Conversation

Gov: Looks like T-mac's going back to his Toronto averages.

Ken: No man, he's just the ultimate team player!

Gov: That's Kobe now!

Ken: Reluctant passer!

Gov: He passes with love!

Ken: No way, he loves the ball too much.

Gov: Yeah, enough to rape it.

Ken: I wouldn't be surprised if he did..

Opening night: A toast to Tinseltown

123 days, 19 hours, and 30 minutes. Offseason. The absolute worst time of year.

As I worked to Assimilate into my role as taxpayer and integral part of the labour force, this offseason was particularly memorable. My usual offseason birthday saw me turn well into my 20's and for For the first time in my young life, I thought about finally taking myself seriously. I thought of my health and well-being. I thought of my spiritual self. I thought of poverty, drought, and struggle. I thought of my future. A wife and 6 lil Laker fans. I thought about the betterment of my fellowman. It was about that time. The crossroads... Tiptoeing on the iceberg that separated my childhood and my life as a bonafide adult, and I was slowly falling onto the latter. Then November 1 came... Lamar drops 33 points! 13 boards! 7 assists! King Bynum dominates in his first start and the Mamba-less Los Angeles Lakers thump the title-contending suns!

Then, I thought again. God bless the NBA.

L.A. 110 - Phoenix 103

The Los Angeles Lakers. My immortal lover. How good did they look on opening night? I won't let you decide. (For most of you who don't know, this site is not, in any way, impartial)

The Good:

No Kobe, no problem. - Although my heading may sound catchy, #24 is still, and will always be, the only man that can take this Laker team to the promised land. However, The Black Mamba's absence may have worked well for Lamar and the rest of the supporting cast. If Kobe had played opening night, it might have destroyed an entire pre-season of struggling toward productive teamwork within the rest of the Laker squad. Fortunately for us, they succeeded.

The first three quarters of the 2005-2006 regular season revolved around good execution from the Lakers, perfecting the triangle, and scoring slack was happily picked up by Bryant. The last 25%, however, involved Kobe dropping his scoring average, FGAs, upping his assists, Kwame learning to catch interior passes, Lamar thriving, Mihm dying, Smush crying, and the overall flourishing of the triangle. The Lakers dominated that portion of the season and was a Tim Thomas HGH steroid scandal (which I still believe is true) away from unseating the speedy Suns.

The Bad:

Hole in the middle!

The Lakers have holes.

Andrew Bynum is a great young big man. He will become an all-star, possibly even a superstar. However, My Lakers are playing for the now. If you don't believe me, ask Mitch why he used his mid-level on the Radman (Who will play better once his shooting hand heals and stops trying to look like the Passion of the Christ). Bynum will have his 20s and 10s, but he will also have his 2 point nights, his 1 attempt outings, and the almost inevitable rookie wall. We cannot have a 19 year old starting center in a conference dominated by bigs. We will not survive.

Chris Mihm is out for the season. Ouch.

Thus, the only man that can save us is Mr. Brown. Yes, I said it. Kwame needs to continue from the momentum he finished with last year and thrive in his role as the Lakers starting center. If this can be done together with Bynum's daily Kareem filled improvement as he comes off the bench, we will be fine.

X Factor: Ronnie Turiaf is not, by any means, another Mark Madsen. This man can play, wait and see.

The Ugly:

Smush Parker is ugly. He puts the F, in fugly. If I was him, I'd be ugly. In other words, this man takes ugly to whole new level.

William 'Smush' Parker is terrible. Decision making? No can do. Defense? This man can't guard a dying snail. 'Nuff said.

We all know that Phil doesn't rely heavily on his floor generals, but come on, we need a smarter pg. Derek Fisher, Ron Harper, MAGIC JOHNSON, and now Smush?? NO CAN DO. Our offense is among the most structured in the NBA. With a point man of Smush's IQ, we cannot get past teams such as the Spurs, Mavs, and Suns.

We need to trade up by the All Star Break. Nothing less.

X Factor: Jordan Farmar can play!!! However, like Bynum, the Lakers cannot contend with a 19 year old starting point guard. If Phil can slowly assimilate him into the system and give him more second half playing time, it might just work.

The Results:

Regular season: 52-30

Playoff performance?: Another article.

Championship contenders?: A whole other article.

For now.... Go Lakers!!!

Opening Night in the NBA

Random thoughts of the day:

• Everyone thought the Bulls would be a contender this season, but blowing out the defending champs on opening night by 42 points? 42 points?!?
• Honestly, how many of you even entertained the thought of the Bulls slicing and dicing the Heat the way they did?
• Like what I've been telling everyone since the Heat won the championship last June: It ain't happening again. Face it, the Heat looked old today and that's how they will be this season.
  
• The Bulls must be feeling giddy about Hinrich. A couple of days after signing him to an extension, Captain Kirk comes out and leads them to a dominating win. Not like Kirk ever seemed to have Bryant Reeves Syndrome.
• How about the Lakers huh? They played well - moving the ball, hustled and rebounded like it's the playoffs, playing inspired ball. Did it make sense? Of course it did, Kobe didn't play! I bet they win their next game too with Kobe set to stay home while they go on a road trip to face the Warriors.
  
• And may I just say, what a pick-up Lamar Odom was for my fantasy team! 34, 13, and 6!
  
• Andrew Bynum came up huge in his first career start. Will he be able to sustain that level of performance for the whole season? My guess is that he is still a year away from consistent production night in and night out. But it will be fun to see him grow this year and be one of the up-and-coming big men in the league.
• Go Rockets!
  

Last Minute Changes

Mike Bibby is supposed to miss at least 2 weeks which leaves me no choice but to drop him in the meantime for one of my favorite players in the league - Shaun Livingston!

I actually forgot about Shaun because he wasn't ranked high in any fantasy rankings. However, he is entering his 3rd year, packed on 15 pounds of muscle, and appears ready to reclaim his spot as the best player in his draft class. Add the fact that Sam I Am is nursing some injuries and isn't 100% at the start of the season and I think I've got one of the sleepers of the season!

Fantasy NBA 10/28/06

My fantasy league conducted its Live Draft today and I'm quite pleased with the players I got. I was able to draft the players I wanted (T-Mac!), but was unable to draft other players that I coveted (Darko!). Overall, I am excited at the potential of my team to compete in a head-to-head set-up and give me a championship in my first foray into the fantasy world of the NBA.

Here is my complete roster:
PG - Mike Bibby
PG - Jason Terry
PG/SG - Brandon Roy
SG - Larry Hughes
SG/SF - Tracy McGrady
SG/SF - Luol Deng
SF/PF - Shawn Marion
SF/PF - Andrei Kirilenko
SF/PF - Lamar Odom
SF/PF - Marvin Williams
PF/C - Boris Diaw
PF/C - Andrew Bogut
PF/C - Chris Wilcox

Some notes:

• Going into the Draft, I was focused on getting players with multiple position eligibility. I think this is key in terms of having the flexibility to assign players in different positions on any given game day.
• The position I struggled drafting for is the point guard position. Given my draft position (6 out of 8), I initially targeted Kirk Hinrich to be my first point guard pick. However, another manager valued him higher than the round I was planning on picking him. My next target was Baron Davis, given that I think all signs point to him having a bounce-back season. Again another team manager picked him just before my pick. Thus, I was left with JT and Bibby as my point guards.
  
• Also got pissed when someone picked up Darko in round 8! Although, I can't say I'm overly disappointed with the player I replaced him with - Chris Wilcox! Here's hoping he duplicates his numbers after he got traded to Seattle last year.
• Lastly, I took a chance with Brandon Roy and Marvin Williams for my last two picks. I like Brandon's chances of making an impact fantasy-wise because even as a rookie, he already is more mature than the other backcourt players of the Blazers. On the other hand, despite the setback of an injury, I still believe Marv is scheduled for a breakout year and I'll be content in keeping him on the bench for now until the right time comes.
  

Rockets-Lakers Debate #2

Gov: Fuck Mavs signed George! Painful man!

Ken: What's good about it is they got him cheap!

Gov: Yeah tangina! Fucking hurts man!

Ken: Ok lang he can't play with Kobe anyway. Well, not like Kobe can play with anyone.

Gov: Fuck you! It stings! George is the spark off the bench every team needs!

Ken: Not when Kobe's there to douse everyone's spark! His nickname shouldn't be "Black Mamba". It should be "Black Hole"!

Gov: Fuck Battier!

Ken: At least he's more useful than Odom even if it's only because Lamar can't function as well as he can with Kobe sucking the life out of everyone!

Gov: Kobe has found God man!

Ken: God of rape and infinite jumpshots!

Gov: Better than back spasms and having a cousin that plays better!

Ken: Fuck that! Back spasms are unavoidable! Ballhogness is unacceptable behaviour!

Questioning The Answer

Well done Ken, well done.

The point guard has indeed revolutionized the way the game has been played as of late. They have been able to capitalize as the NBA has enacted rules that have favoured the vertically challenged. And there isn't a better example than the reigning 2-time MVP Steve Nash and two thriving futures in Chris Paul and the feisty Kirk Hinrich. However, like you said, 'shoot first little men' just never clicked.

Allen Iverson is one hell of a competitor. He is an animal. He drives the lane with no regard. Not giving a shit for elbow swingers like K-mart or nut-grabbers like Reggie 'The Fondler' Evans. He has been referred to as one of the top 10 players in the history of the sport. That's what makes A.I. the ANSWER. What do I think? Make way for the zensei's initial attempt at a controversial sweeping statement...

Allen Iverson is the most overrated player in the history of the sport.

He stands 6'O, weighs 165 lbs, and has averaged a whopping 28 ppg over his stellar career with Phili. How then, does a diehard Laker fan like myself, have the nerve to mock this midget with the heart of Spartacus?

Over decades as sports fans, we've witnessed a number of athletes who've worn their heart on their sleeve. However, in the next section, you will notice differences in heart that cannot be noticed by the naked eye of the lay sports fan...

A). Heart of a Lion - King of the Jungle. Michael Jordan. No explanation needed. Lance Armstrong. None needed. Boris Becker. Nothing. Bret 'The Hitman' Hart. Nada. Michael Corleone? Hell no!

They were all masters of their respective domains. Nothing further.

B). Heart of a cripple - When every sentence concludes with 'for his size', you know there's trouble. Iverson's incredible! For his size. Tough! Strong! Tenacious! For his size.

The other kind of heart applies to undersized, congenitally and physically challenged athletes. This is where special olympians come in. That rare category where will power rises above all obstacles.

Nate 'Tiny' Archibald. Tyrone 'Mugsy' Bogues. Rey Mysterio. The chicks in A League of Their Own. The Mighty Ducks in Mighty Ducks 3. Wheelchair athletes. One-legged sportsmen. And finally, The Answer, Allen Iverson.

They are the underdogs. The men and women that compete no matter what the odds are. And if I may steal a line from the good people at Converse, they are those who fall seven times, get up eight.

For Category B, winning isn't everything. And for A, it is the only thing.

This is where Iverson comes short. Over 9 years as a premiere player in the league, Allen Iverson has been considered among the best of his generation. What do I think? Iverson had one outstanding season. He's played 10. He can't win. But he's great for his size.

First Five: The Points Guards

You know these players. They’ve been referred to by different descriptors ranging from the positive (scoring guard), the euphemistic (shooting guard in a point guard’s body), and the bluntly negative (ball-hog; shoot first, pass later).

Upon their entry into the NBA, they were heralded by coaches, GM’s, and scouts as the new breed of point guards – talented in distributing the ball and making plays, and capable of taking over the game with their unique offensive repertoire. However, as seasons passed, it seems like these “new breed” of point men have focused more on the latter, preferring to excel more through scoring rather than making plays for teammates. Thus, critics have labeled them as selfish players who can’t run a team the right way or make their teammates better.

My opinion? Allen Iverson’s success in shifting from playing point guard when he was a rookie to shooting guard under Larry Brown has influenced other offensive-minded guards to try to follow this path. But, Iverson is a unique player who will arguably go down as the best little man in NBA history. He made the shift work for himself not so much with his talent, but more through his incredible heart and desire to do whatever it takes to win. None of these players are close to achieving what Iverson has in his career. In fact, since last season, Iverson has shifted back to playing point guard and has played even better, averaging career highs in both points and assists this year.

So until the following players prove otherwise, they will continue to be known as high-scoring guards who can score on just anybody, but can’t make their teammates better and lead their teams to success the way true point guards do.

- Stephon Marbury. Starbury entered the League the same year as AI but until now, still has not been able to shake off the perception that his teams just can’t win. Need proof? From Minnesota, to New Jersey, and Phoenix, his former teams improved so much more the season immediately following his departure from them. He openly clashed with Larry Brown last season as the Knicks suffered from the most embarassing season in its history. To make matters worse for himself, he even made the ridiculously absurd claim a year ago that he is “the best point guard in the NBA”. What a joke.

- Steve Francis. How many of you can still remember 1999 Draft night when Francis was drafted number two overall by the then-Vancouver Grizzlies? Breaking out his best prima donna pout, he demanded a trade and thus landed in Houston. Despite obvious offensive talents, his team just couldn't get into the playoffs until the arrival of Yao helped bring more balance to their offense. His inclination to dominate the ball, favor flashy plays, and pout when things don’t go his way got him traded to Orlando, where just a season and a half later, he wears out his welcome for exactly the same reasons.

- Baron Davis. In the same 1999 Draft, BD was selected by the then-Charlotte Hornets with the fourth overall pick. He immediately made an impact and endeared himself both to his team and to the fans with a combination of his relentless attacking game and his colorful persona. However, as he became the leader of his team, he developed a reputation as a malcontent. Worse, his game regressed – pounding the ball too often and relying on a shaky outside shot – and problems are again resurfacing in Golden State after last season’s rebirth.

- Jason Terry. What is it about the 1999 Draft? The Hawks chose Jason Terry in that same year and plugged him into the starting lineup as their point guard. Playing on a losing team, Terry soon became a potent scoring option for the team but questions arose about his ability to run the show and be more than just a scorer. Now in Dallas, still no one will mistake him for a true PG. But, credit has to at least go to him for accepting a secondary role in the Mavericks offense behind the Diggler.

- Gilbert Arenas. Drafted in the second round in 2001, Gilbert shattered all doubts about his game in his first two years in the League. He was signed by Washington to a long-term contract in the summer of 2003, hoping he can inject energy in the moribund franchise and create scoring opportunities for his Wizards teammates. With two All-Star appearances under his belt, he has done just that and more – creating more and more scoring opportunities for himself.

- 6^th Man - Mike James. A pleasant surprise the past season for the Raptors, Mike James had to earn his way into the NBA after going undrafted. He was first given a chance by the Miami Heat to provide a scoring punch off the bench. Five trades later, James found himself in Toronto and played his way into a lucrative contract this summer with the T-Wolves. Why has he been traded so many times in his less than 5 whole seasons? He just isn’t a true point guard that you can rely upon for great playmaking, unless of course you count creating shots for himself as part of great playmaking.

Rockets-Lakers Debate #1

Gov: The Lakers are winning 58 games next season! I can smell it! Mamba's going for 40ppg and the Zenmaster will make the rest of his pawns perform..

Ken: No way man, last season was just a fluke! Rockets will be healthy next season and thus, resume their path to a championship! T-Mac MVP!

Gov: Fuck that. T-Mac's going for his 6th annual back injury on opening night and then back spasms through 2007!

Ken: Bullshit! Kobe will just go rape someone again then go behind bars! That's where he'll score 40ppg! Only chance Lakers got is if Kwame finally realizes he's supposed to be an NBA player and actually plays like one. Flaming fa....

Gov: Fuck you but I must agree. Kwame needs to start playing like a man! At least he's better than your 'steal' - Stromile.

Ken: Yeah that was a bad free agent signing. Good thing he was traded away! Shane Battier will fit in nicely with T-Mac and Yao, though I'm disappointed Rockets didn't get another player in return like maybe Hakim Warrick or something.

Gov: That's because the Rockets are idiots. Gay will turn out better than Battier and Swift combined! You can add Kwame there as well.

Ken: I must agree, trading Gay is a huge risk. Then again, he might just end up like a Tim Thomas - world of talent, but with as much fire as an ice cube. In which case, this short-term thinking of a trade may turn our ok, especially after Battier knocks down huge open jumpers and make key defensive stops during the playoffs where the Rockets will eliminate the stupid Lakers!

Gov: Fuck that! With the progress of the Lakers in last season's playoffs because of Kobe's Make-a-Wish-Foundation type makeover, Lamar's emergence as the next Pip, Kwame's rise in testosterone levels, and Mihm's turn around left hand jump hook, next season will be incredible! One thing for sure, Lakers will be better than your Guangdong Rockets.

Ken: Nah, Rockets will be back stronger this year for sure! Odom the next Pip? I like Odom's game, but with Kobe beside him, he's just like Courtney Alexander when he played with MJ23 in Washington. And the only sure thing about the Lakers is that sooner or later Kobe will fuck up the Lakers just like he has done so many times in the past.

Jump Ball!

Welcome to The NBAsians Connection - a blog by two dudes who live, eat, sleep (and shit) everything about the NBA. Feel free to read up on our commentary on the NBA, then agree or disagree with what we have to say. It doesn't matter really, because we rarely agree with each other anyway. So let the opinions flow and the debates rage. After all, that's what makes being fans of the NBA, or any sport for that matter, the coolest thing in the world.