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Archive for April, 2009

Now on the Tee…: Utah Jazz

Apr 28

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Trev Smith | No Comments

As the NBA Playoffs push forward, the participants become ever fewer. One team’s ascension to the next round must logically correspond with another’s fall. As the vanquished head home for the summer and begin organizing their respective golf vacations, The On Deck Circle will pay our respects and give each team its last rites via the running segment “Now on the Tee…” Up next, the Utah Jazz.

Someone get Ty Pennington on the phone. We have an extreme makeover to get to out in Salt Lake City. “MOVE THAT BUS!”

This offseason will not bring simple décor upgrades or furniture reshuffling for the Jazz. Major remodeling and restoration will be necessary to see them reach any kind of meaningful success next year.

Sticking with this (painful?) home reno analogy, at least the Jazz have an excellent foundation (Deron Williams) upon which to build their house for the future. Just how the rest of the current structure is brought into whatever model rises next November is still to be seen.
More after the jump!

Hoops Addict Article - Lakers/Jazz Game 5

Apr 28

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Outside Writing, Trev Smith | No Comments

One step closer to LeBron, as I’m calling this first round series win.

Trev, well, he goes into a bit more detail. The Lakers Mantra - Survive and Advance

Now on the Tee…: Detroit Pistons

Apr 27

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Trev Smith | No Comments

As the NBA Playoffs push forward, the participants become ever fewer. One team’s ascension to the next round must logically correspond with another’s fall. As the vanquished head home for the summer and begin organizing their respective golf vacations, The On Deck Circle will pay our respects and give each team its last rites via the running segment “Now on the Tee…” First up, the Detroit Pistons.

The kings are dead, long live the King (James). The perennial Beasts of the East are no longer a part of the playoff landscape, though really it would be a stretch to suggest they ever presented more than a mere speed bump for LeBron’s merry men.

All season long Detroit proved that these were not your older brother’s Pistons; they were no longer a collective that leaned on one another for strength while drawing inspiration from always outworking opponents, and instead had morphed into a slow, uninspired, uninterested group of quitters.
More after the jump!

Hoops Addict Article - Lakers/Jazz Game 4

Apr 27

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Outside Writing, Trev Smith | No Comments

Hmmm, curious that there is no Game 3 review up on HA Trev (at least, not in your author history).

Trev’s back, proving once again he is a far more committed writer and fan than I. Game 4 review here.

Hoops Addict Article - Lakers/Jazz Game 2

Apr 27

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Outside Writing, Trev Smith | No Comments

Game 1. Game 2. Same difference to the LakeShow.

Trev, Souljah Boy Tell ‘Em about it.

Hoops Addict Article - Lakers/Jazz Game 1

Apr 27

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Outside Writing, Trev Smith | No Comments

The title says it all. The Lakers need no ‘Amazing.’

Hoops Addict Article - Lakers Season in Review

Apr 27

Posted by Trev Smith in NBA Ball, Outside Writing, Trev Smith | No Comments

Oops, sorry about the delay on this one Trev. I’m sure you didn’t notice, what with all the giddy school-girl-crush smiling you’ve been doing during the NBA playoffs.

Trev reviews the Lakers’ regular season right here.

Jackson Playing Mind Games with King James? Top Players I’d Build a Franchise Around

Apr 24

Posted by david-bonan in David Bonan, NBA Ball | No Comments

What was Phil Jackson thinking saying that he’d take Dwight Howard as the player he’d be most likely to build a franchise around? Nothing against Dwight Howard, but isn’t there this guy named LeBron James in the league who is pretty good? Even Dwyane Wade? Maybe Jackson is trying to get under James’ skin to get him angry for a potential showdown if the Cavs face Jackson’s Lakers in the much-anticipated NBA finals?

We know James is a competitor and whether or not he wants to admit it, he wants to be the best in class, the showstopper in the NBA. Kobe has had the spotlight on him as the best player in the league and Kobe’s been seen as the leader of the USA Dream Team but James wants to assume that role, and he’ll want it soon. If he keeps playing like this, he will get it. Alright, Kobe is awesome – and it’s sad to say because he’s only 30, but he is getting old. Sure, you could build a team around him and you’d be immediately good but his body will catch up with him and it will be difficult for him to lead a team a few years from now. The following is a list of players I’d build a team around, assuming a 5-year future:
More after the jump!

Week 4 (and a bit of 3) of The Ultimate Fighter: US vs UK

Apr 21

Posted by Ray McIlroy in MMA, Ray McIlroy | No Comments

I’ll start by apologizing for missing last week: I’m sorry, let’s get caught up. The younger Browning may be worse than his brother, since he started being a jackass before he even earned his spot in the house. The upside was that it sparked a discussion in which everyone else agreed that people would respect one another and their things, and that the use of bodily fluids was off limits.

Frank Lester KO’d himself going for a takedown, which earned Kiel Reid his spot in the house. Post fight we got to watch a groggy Lester trying to trash talk Kiel Reid who was celebrating like he had just beat Fedor.

Thankfully Jason Dent only took a couple minutes to feel out Rob Browning’s skills before just beating him up until the ref stepped in. Dent utilized some fantastic knees to the body on the ground.

So our teams are now set as we begin the first regular episode of The Ultimate Fighter: US vs UK.
More after the jump!

What’s Better: No Experience or Losing Experience?

Apr 17

Posted by david-bonan in David Bonan, NBA Ball | No Comments

That’s what we have in the NBA Western Conference 4/5 matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets. This seems to be the most intriguing first round matchup in either conference. The Blazers, the second youngest team in the NBA, come into the playoffs on a hot streak having won their last six and ten of their last 11. The Rockets had a chance to wrap up their division and the second seed in the Western Conference with a win at Dallas in their regular season finale, but had a fourth quarter collapse and lost home court advantage and have fallen to the fifth seed.
More after the jump!