NBA
By David J Cohen
Thought-provoking. Insightful. Those are the kind of words that come to mind when I think of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC). Those are the same words I now associate with the “nuggets of wisdom” Ron Artest has bestowed among us all through the years. It just took some time to find them. With these in my possession I travel to a place no soul should ever go. I venture into the mind of Ron Artest.
The New York Knicks are in some trouble. Kobe Bryant got the rebound off of a Channing Frye three and now Bryant is hustling down court with the basketball in his hands like there’s no tomorrow. But, wait. All of a sudden Jamal Crawford comes up behind Bryant and swats the ball away, but then underrated newcomer Smush Parker picks up the ball and jams the dunk. Ah, same old, same old. Kind of what the Knick’s season has been like. Down, up…..down.
By David J Cohen
In another “brilliant” move by New York Knicks General Manager Isaiah Thomas, the Knicks acquired G/F Jalen Rose and a first round pick from Toronto for F Antonio Davis. At first glance, it seems as if Isaiah Thomas has manufactured a highway robbery in favor of the Knicks. However, a closer look shows that the Knicks are following a familiar road toward more seasons of mediocrity.
Okay, we all know that Kobe Bryant has something to prove in this league, right?
Okay, as long as were both on the same page, does Bryant match up to the standards of Michael Jordan–dare I say it–the greatest player in NBA history?
Antonio Davis was born on Halloween. Surely, he’s had his share of practical jokes and April Fools-like horrors regarding his birthday. He is one of the most respected players in the league mentally as well as physically. The thirteen year veteran and President of the Player’s Association couldn’t have been more terror stricken than to see his family involved in an altercation during his team’s visit to a hostile arena. It should be noted that Davis is a former Bull player, so fans of Chicago are familiar with him.
Los Angles Lakers star Kobe Bryant scored 81 points last night in a convincing win vs. the Toronto Raptors.
What?
Let me say it again:
Los Angles Lakers star Kobe Bryant scored 81 points last night in a convincing win vs. the Toronto Raptors.
Yes, you just read that statement correctly BOTH times. Kobe did put up 81, 2nd only to Wilt, and the Lakers did win again, making their record 22-19.
You all probably knew that anyways, it has been all over ESPN and its million partners all day long becoming so over-aired sports fans may be sick of it already. So now we can all put the past behind us and start looking into the next chapter of Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career.
Dallas Maverick’s coach Avery Johnson has tried to find the right starting lineup for his team, and he may have finally done just that. The Mavericks have been lighting up their opponents since the move of center DeSagana Diop to start over Eric Dampier. Dampier has found what may be his role all the way into the playoffs.
Of all the intriquing storylines and subplots of the 2005-2006 season, one has stood out. In a two-month span of time that has seen Kobe Bryant score sixty-two points in three quarters, the Detriot Pistons mentioned in the same sentence as the 95-96 Bulls, a shifting in the balance of power from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference, and as of last night, a new rivalry born,(yes, that would be Andrew Bynum versus Shaq)it has been the off-the-court development of one Allen Iverson that has intrigued me the most.
Put yourself in this position, and compare it to your current position in life, if you will: you’re making millions of dollars per year and you’re doing something you love. Sounds like a dream right?
But, what happens when you’re not mature enough to handle the situation you’re given? You’re given gobs of money to do what you love and make others happy in the process, but you act like you’re 5 years old? Welcome to the worlds of Ron Artest and Steve Francis. Perhaps they would like some cheese with that whine?
2006 has been very good to the Knick so far. With a 105-94 win against the Atlanta Hawks the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to 6 games, remained undefeated in 2006 and brought Coach Brown his 1,000th career victory. Larry Brown is now 1,000-762 in 23 seasons as an NBA coach joining the likes of Lenny Wilkens, Don Nelson and Pat Riley as the only coaches to post 1,000 victory resumes. Notice a trend amongst the four? Each was the Coach of the Knicks at one point or another in their glorious careers. Brown was happy with his accomplishment, “It’s a great feeling, when you look at this league, to be in it this long, you feel lucky.” This was the Knicks first 6 game winning streak since a span ranging from 2000-2001.