Bringing back the retro 70's basketball style

On a fitting day such as Leap Day a part of basketball history is being relived in the new comedy movie, Semi-Pro. I like the idea of a historical piece on the ABA league. Back then the short shorts were in as well as the puffy afros. It was a time when white guys never rushed shots and made a good 10 passes on each possession. The object I think back then not to outscore the opponent, but to see how long you could play keep away from them. Plus witnessing a white player dunk was a rarity. Only until stars like Julius Erwing entered the league did the real razzle dazzle finishes evolve.

In an era where disco was popular the players all sported the thick sideburns and briskly mustaches. The knee high socks were a big deal too for some reason. If an athlete chose to maintain such an appearance today he would definitely feel out of place and probably be heckled to the point of no end. Today some players like to wear the headbands, color-coordinating them to their jersey. In the 70's, uniforms were so tight on players defenders probably uncomfortable guarding them so close. The headbands looked so snug that it was cutting off oxygen to the brain. I did like those red, white, and blue regulation basketballs though because at least you could spot them easily on the court if had suffered from poor farsighted vision.

Warm-up drills seemed to set more on a serious tone in that era than they are now. No screwing around was allowed and a routine of fundamentals was expected. That meant no missed layups. If players failed to maintain 100% accuracy the coaches benched them for long periods and made them run extra suicides in practice. Today's penalties in the NBA are a far cry from the stern repercussions in the 70's. For getting a physical confrontation with a coach could result in a player being banned from the league. I can only imagine back then what would have happened to former Golden State Warrior Latrell Sprewell if he would've lashed out and tried to choke his coach.

Shaq settles in with Suns yet the big fella needs time to get in shape

The lowly Miami Heat must be feeling like the most unlucky team in the NBA. Sure they managed to end an 11-game losing skid, but that won't get rid of the bitter sting which will last the rest of the season. A week or so ago I made it clear how I felt about the Shaq trade. Phoenix definitely caught the better end of the deal while Miami completely disregarded how it would effect the franchise and minimize Dwayne Wade phenomenal efforts. Now the worries of playing for a real stinker are over for Shaq. He showed vast progress in last night's win over the (Okay Memphis sucks big time in the West this year though Shaq still deserves credit for getting a double-double).

Thanks to the nifty passing from Steve Nash and the star power surrounding the Diesel things are starting to look up for him with the Suns. No longer does he have to shield his ears from the relentless echo of boos and be expected to abide by former Coach Riley's pointless offensive play sets (like these strategies ever worked earlier in the season, Pat) None of that bothersome chatter is a problem for him anymore. The 127-113 win over the Grizzlies Tuesday night showed the big fella in a whole new light. His improved performance of 13 points and 11 rebounds was only overshadowed by second year rising star Rudy Gay who notched 36 points for Memphis.

It appears as if Shaq is making a nice fit for his new team (In my eyes I can only see him as a Miami Heat player no matter how bad they suck). What I'm concerned about is his minutes on the floor. Last night he only played 24 minutes which has got to change. I know Grant Hill and Steve Nash will be sucking up most of the minutes, but it's high time Shaq really works on improving his endurance. The mobility obviously isn't what it used to be and that's understandable at his age plus with the injuries.

Come playoff time, however the lumbering up and down the court will be a crucial factor. I just don't want to see Shaq get lazy and start cherry picking and not getting back on defense. If the superstar veteran center stays fit (maybe take a little extra time to practice free-throws) he'll regain his dominance in the low post and heighten his defensive presence. Best of luck on the rest of season Shaq!

UNC overpowers Wake Forest 89-73

Still without their star point guard the Tarheels are doing just fine against their ACC rivals. Behind the power play of Tyler Hansbrough the offense isn't a problem. Sunday it was all gravy for the Heels as they duked it out against Wake Forest at Chapel Hill. Attacking the rim UNC took an early lead and carried it into the second half. Both teams shot the ball well in the game.
North Carolina hit 56% from the field while Wake connected on 48%. Hansbrough once again took command inside pouring out 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Forward/guard Danny Green cleaned up around the goal with 9 rebounds while adding 15 points.

Free-throws missed really hurt the Demon Deacons down the stretch as they only made 8-of-17. James Johnson was their high scoring with 22 points. Expected to get a decent seed in the
ACC tournament Wake will have to turn up their performance a notch and not be running on flumes come tournament time. At 26-2 UNC isn't worried about their placement in the tournament, but when Ty Lawson will be ready to rejoin the squad. If all goes well hopefully he'll be back by 2 week of March if not sooner. The Tarheels really flourish with his speed on the court and his ability to run the offense and excel on fast break chances. Can't wait to see him return and help give the Tarheels a push during March Madness!

Personal reflection on recent NBA trades

Several teams were in the market to swing deals for a chance to compete for the playoffs. This week a few good trades were made as several players packed up their bags and were relocated to a new home. The Cavailers, Sonics, and Bulls worked out a 12-player deal which favored the 2007 Eastern conference champs. Ben Wallace and Joe Smith came over from Chicago being added to the Cavs roster along with Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak from Seattle. In exchange the Cavs dealt starters Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes and 2 other players to the Bulls and bench players Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to the Sonics. What a raw deal for Seattle! They practically got nothing in this wide range transaction.

I think the Bulls did okay. They definitely need another good post player and rebounder which they now have in Gooden. Maybe Hughes will find his scoring touch and be consistent for them. His minutes will drop when Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich return from injuries. He'll be a regular reserve at that point filling limited minutes on the court. I'm just glad the Cavaliers didn't throw Big Z in the mix because I think he deserves to stay in Cleveland and be part of a championship team there. The Cavs and Lebron need his scoring efforts.

The other trades involving Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd were big too.... for the Hawks and Mavericks anyway. Bibby makes for a good veteran leader who runs the offense on a young team with rising stars. Dallas willed their way into retrieving Jason Kidd going as far as adding retired forward Keith Van Horn to the list of names in the trade. The Nets can kiss their playoffs hopes goodbye. I really think they undervalued Kidd, sending him, guard Antoine Wright, and forward Malik Allen to Dallas mainly only acquiring real talent in Devin Harris.

The other guys (not worth mentioning) were just tossed in to free up space on the roster. It's a shame Harris has to suffer because of Mavs owner, Mark Cuban's obsession for championship glory. I feel they still can't beat a hot, streaky team like the Warriors if they meet again in the postseason. Too bad the Mavs won't capture an NBA title this year. Now how do you like them apples Cuban?

Baron Davis nets game-winner against Celtics

The heroics of Baron Davis continue as the Golden State Warriors find a way to close out another nail-biter in the final seconds. Without injured guard Stephen Jackson on the court somebody had to rise to the challenge. Everyone in the stadium knew who was going to get the ball in the final possession. Davis drilled a tough 20-footer fading away to give a dramatic 119-117 victory. This was a great game! It's too bad I didn't get to watch it. The prime time veteran performer paved the way for the Warriors with 29 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. Baron Davis certainly has become Mr. Clutch.

Constant lead changes in the game made the ending even more thrilling than usual. The Celtics brought the firepower on offense as well with Ray Allen sinking 11-of-17 shots for 32 points. With Boston started a run in the 4th quarter Golden State countered with a run of their own. Warriors guard Monta Ellis capped off a complimentary scoring effort next to his teammate's finishing the game with 26 points. As an added bonus which put the Warriors over the top was that 4 players combined for 98 points. That is hard for any opponent to overcome.
*Find out about ongoing Golden State rumors and news at: http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/section/Rumors

It's incredible how poised the Warriors are in the West, now owning a 33-21 record. In a tight race with so many good teams in the conference they're going need big wins like last night to capture a playoff spot and I believe with BD at the helm it's going to happen. Facing their greatest competition will be against the Spurs, Suns, Lakers, and Hornets. This gutsy, full-throttle Golden State team is on a mission and won't be denied. Their upcoming schedule looks good as they play Atlanta, Seattle, and Philadelphia. Can't wait to Baron explode one night and drop 50 points! Go Warriors!

Lebron earns MVP honors at All-Star Game, East prevail

It was an amazing All-Star weekend in New Orleans. The Rookie Challenge, Three-Point contest, and Slam Dunk contest were all very entertaining. It was the first time in NBA history a Super Man cape, tiny basketball goal, and birthday cupcake were used in the Slam Dunk contest. Dwight Howard came up with some creative, inspiring dunks to win it. The Raptors Jason Kapono captured the Three-Point shooting trophy for the second straight year, scoring a 20 in the final round. The real excitement though came from the All-Star game. It was a fast-paced, hot-shooting contest with several lead changes.

In the end it was Lebron James who stole the spotlight and received the coveted MVP award. He nearly completed a triple-double with 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. He was a big part of the East's run late in the 4th quarter as was Ray Allen who knocked down 3 consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes. The Celtics guard scored 28 points (10-14 FG). The leading scorers for the West were Brandon Roy, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire. They all had 18 points a piece. Both sides shot at least 50% from the field and showcased several monster alley-oop dunks.

I'm glad to see Lebron get named the MVP because he earned it. Also, the Hornets Chris Paul was very deserving of getting selected to the All-Star team and it was good to see him play. Kobe probably would have made the game closer if he played more than 3 minutes due to injured pinky finger. With Kevin Garnett also out of action the disadvantage kind of even itself out. I hope next year the East push the West to the limit and again pull off a victory.

Stackhouse public riff screws up anticipated trade between Mavericks and Nets

The wait continues for Jason Kidd who expected to be part of a deal which would send him to the Dallas Mavericks. He's in limbo right now, wanting out of a unpleasant situation in New Jersey. As chronciled in trade reports a deal involving the Mavericks Devean George and Jerry Stackhouse was in the works in exchange for the Nets veteran star point guard. Unfortunately, the league may not let this happen since earlier this week Stackhouse publicly stated he'd remain with Dallas for the rest of the season, but be given 30 days off as required in the NBA's contract buyout policy. Of course his remarks struck a nerve with the league.

Still a deal can still be put on the table between the two teams, although changes will be in order for new players involved in a trade. Out of everyone I feel bad for Jason Kidd. He must be miserable in New Jersey and is linked from one rumor to the next which amounts to nothing other than hot air. For a veteran who is so consistent, making solid contributions every game and is a league leader in triple doubles he certainly deserves to be on a winning team. For a short while I thought the Cavaliers would make a move to get him yet that quickly frizzled away. I'd rather see Kidd stay in the Eastern conference. He would be a driving force for a top contender come playoff time.

I'm not sure if Stackhouse will stay with the Mavericks, but he may have shot himself in the foot by not keeping quiet about the proposition. Sure he also wants to go to the playoffs, but there is no need to tell that to the media at this point. Surely other teams will be pursuing trades before the deadline and have their eyes of a few potential acquisitions. Everyone could come out ahead in a deal except for the Knicks. They might as well forfeit the rest of the season and say better luck next season. Now if the Celtics could reel in Jason Kidd they'd be practically unstoppable in the East.

North Carolina nudges by UVA, 75-74

A battle of two ACC teams ensued last night in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite the disparity in records it was a nail-biter between the Tarheels and Cavaliers. I wasn't that surprised considering how well each team plays at home. Tyler Hansbrough's jump hook put the Tarheels ahead with 22 seconds left. He finished the game with 23 points and had 7 rebounds. UVA hung around with the Tarheels in the second half and at one point held a 5-point lead. It was their unability to get stops in the final minutes which sealed their fate.

Senior guard Sean Singletary had another outstanding game producing 27 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. It's too bad he didn't get much help from his teammates on the offensive end. The rest of the starting lineup only combined for 20 points. UVA shot 38% on field goals to UNC's 53%. With a missed free throw by the Tarheels the Cavailers had a chance to score on the other end for a game-winning shot by couldn't coral the ball. Unfortunately with the loss they fall to 1-9 in ACC play and 11-12 overall. No. 5 North Carolina see their record expand to 23-2 and 8-2 in the conference. It's a shame these two teams won't face each again in the season, Tuesday night's game was a real thriller.

Raptors' Chris Bosh a rising You Tube sensation

I had no idea Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh was such a good actor and possessed the gift of mimicry. His performance on the court speaks for itself, but seeing him improvise a character in front of the camera is quite amusing. Recently Bosh has aired a few You Tube videos, disguising himself as a character named Blane Harrington, who's a rich Ivy league graduate requesting an interview with the All-Star forward. Check it out on the yahoo NBA sports blog. It's really funny as is another parody video by Bosh where he campaigns to get votes for the All-
Star game.

Seeing as Bosh went to college at Georgia Tech I wonder where he developed the knack for method acting. Looks like he's a natural performer on camera and probably has a few other characters yet to be unveiled. I think it would be hilarious if he impersonated sports commentator Byrant Gumble, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson (just like the way he talks), and Sir Charles Barkley. Most likely, the Blane Harrington character could be blended best with Mr. Gumble. Making history on and off the court may really give Bosh great notoriety. Who knows he may get a part in a movie.

While the star forward is goofing off in his free time the Raptors are still playing well. They're in 2nd place in the Atlantic division with a 27-22 record. For a young team with a good mix of talent the sky is the limit for them. Behind Chris Bosh the Raptors bid for consecutive playoff appearances. Hope to see more of his funny videos in the future and heres to his continued success in the NBA!

Curt Schilling hoping to avoid surgery

Staying healthy is a real issue for most aging veterans in Major League Baseball. They have to stick to a regiment of rehab and rest if they what to endure another season. That's what Curt Schilling wishes will be the cure for him. Trying to avoid season ending surgery on his shoulder is one of the main issues. Boston feels it's in their star pitcher's best interest to explore all his options. Both have agreed the rehab and rest will be the measure taken. I think Schilling has 1 or 2 seasons left in him before he retires. He's had a heck of a run with the Red Sox.

The credentials are there for him to get into the Hall of Fame. Schilling owns three World Series rings, 2 with the Red Sox and 1 with the Diamondbacks. Also is a Cy Young winner and among active pitchers with the most career strikeouts is in the top 10. Capturing another World Series title with Boston would be icing on the cake. I think the tough veteran pitcher will be okay if he doesn't overextend himself and takes it one step at a time, not trying to rush his progress. As long as he stays active while showing signs of further improvement at the start of Spring Training everything else should fall into place.

Shaq headed out of Miami, such a travesty

After all the years of dedication and drive to an NBA championship the Miami Heat call it quits on Shaquille O'Neal. Of all the rotten things to happen to a struggling team, losing such a strong leader is truly a slap in the face. Why take away the heart and soul of a team? Evidentally the Heat have lost all faith in Shaq and are willing to trade him to the Suns for two bench players in Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Miami what the sh*t is wrong with you?

I know Shaq is getting old, more prone to injury, and doesn't possess the quick hop or step he used to, but that doesn't mean the organization the big fella resurrected ought to give up on him. Depleted and worn down as the Heat are this deal still doesn't seem right. Why not have waited until the end of the season to trade Shaq? I hate to say this since I once admired him, but damn you Coach Pat Riley for not sticking to your normally sound principles and backing your veteran star center. As far as I'm concerned I don't care to see you in Miami anymore either, so go take a hike pal!

Okay, the lousy owner is the main guy responsible for setting up this sour deal. He really deserves a good swift kick in the ass. Let's face it the Heat aren't going to make the playoffs and maybe not even finish next to last place in the Eastern conference. Bringing over a talented veteran and a not so impressionable young guard isn't going to give Miami the lift they need. Give me a break they could've worked out a better deal than that.

So Shaq has to pass a physical and the deal is in stone so to speak. Well, Shaq's teammates must be bummed out (except the ones wanting extra playing time). How do you think Dwayne Wade feels now? He's been battling with an injury off and on and dealing with the nonstop scrutiny of his team. Nobody apparently cared about his opinion of whether Shaq should stay or go. This travesty will be embedded in sports history. A truly sad day for Heat fans, knowing the central icon who gave life to the franchise will be departing. What a shame no more goal-shattering dunks for Shaq in Miami.

N.C. State edges Wake Forest 67-65

Once again it was another North Carolina team having their way in an ACC matchup. This time it was against a cross state rival. Sunday it was a tight contest though as N.C. State hung on to close out the game against Wake Forest. Paving the way for the Wolfpack was Gavin Grant who was the leading scorer with 17 points. The game came down to the final seconds as N.C. State's Ben McCauley slammed home a dunk on a put back as time expired to put the Wolfpack ahead and give them a 67-65 victory. Before that overtime was nearly forced when a shot was sinked by Wake's Ishmael Smith with 5 seconds left to go.

This one was a low scoring affair with good defense all around. Wolfpack center J.J. Dickson pulled down 14 rebounds and scored 10 points, filling valuable minutes on the court. Both teams shot under 40% from the field. Neither could find the range to knock down threes in the second half either. Behind the home crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina the Wolfpack garnered a extra bit of energy, but the game really could've gone either way. Wake falls to 14-7 on the season while N.C. State notches a 13-7 overall.

Tarheels stomp Boston College 91-69

After suffering their first loss of the season against Maryland a swift turnaround was in order for the no. 4 ranked Tarheels. Determined to bounce back they put the petal to the metal and shifted into overdrive. Ty Lawson orchestrated the up-tempo run game and pushed the ball on almost every possession. As usual the game plan worked and the fans in Chapel Hill got treated to another high scoring blowout. It was a solid all-around team effort from UNC. Tyler Hansbrough was the team leading scorer with 18 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Deon Thompson followed up his teammate's performance with a career-high 17 points in the 91-69 win.

Allowing Boston College to cut into a big lead before halftime Coach Williams was so irate he jerked all the starters from the court and inserted his bench players. When the starting 5 returned they all contributed in some aspect or other. The starters all reached double figures in scoring and refused to let up on the pressure they applied to Boston College. Ty Lawson helped cap off another strong performance by the Heels dishing out 10 assists. His health will be critical for the Tarheels late in the season. Having another key guard go on the shelf after the loss of Bobby Frasor due to his ACL injury could be devastating.

North Carolina bumps it's record up to 20-1 and 5-1 in the ACC. They're slated to face Duke next week. February will put UNC to the grind. They'll finish out the schedule playing Clemson, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, UVA, Florida State, and Duke one more time. Each team other than Duke and UNC has lost 3 games a piece in the conference. Once again the two top teams reign supreme in the conference.