BMack's All-Time NBA Starting 5

ESPN has been running their most overrated/underrated players for each position, which eventually got me thinking about my all-time starting 5 in the NBA. Here would be my starting 5...

PG - Magic Johnson
SG - Michael Jordan
SF - Larry Bird
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Shaq

I think that starting 5 would be any other starting 5 you can put together. I am really interested to hear everyone else's thoughts. Could you come up with a better starting 5?

Jalen Rose Going To Jail

A Michigan judge has sentenced former NBA guard Jalen Rose to serve 20 days in jail for a drunken driving crash along a snowy suburban Detroit road in March (sentenced actually to 92 days overall, with all but 72 days suspended, he also gets 1 year probabtion).

I usually going on a whole rant about how he is rich and should've got someone else to drive, which is damn true, but you know how I feel about that, so I will just give Jalen a little credit.

He admitted what he did, and even old the officer that he had six martinis that might, and pleaded guilty to the charge. 20 days in jail sucks, but it could've been worse and I hope ESPN doesn't fire him over this. He admitted what he did, he is going to serve his time and should be allowed to move on with his life once he has.

Does This Rondo Quote Bother You?

As has long been suspected, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo admitted to Yahoo! Sports that the trade of his good friend Kendrick Perkins in late February had a bigger impact on the team's mental focus than it should have.

"It wasn't like the man passed away or something," Rondo told Yahoo! Sports reporter Marc J. Spears. "I think we put too much emphasis on it. It's a business. He got traded. He's very happy where he's at. We still talk, and I'm always going to have his back. It shouldn't have affected us the way it affected us (WEEI)."

I sometimes worry about what goes on in Rondo's head. Throughout the season it seemed like he played up to the competition, but would play down to it as well if there wasn't something to prove. Then there was this whole Perkins trade mess, and it really did seem to affect him. To a point I understand it, but with this team aging by the day and Rondo is becoming the leader of the team he needs to have a stronger head then this. From this quote I think he has learned that. Like he said "it's a business", and no matter what happens you have to come in and do your job.

Rondo proved a lot to me in terms of toughness when he came back from that horrible elbow injury. I think over the next year he needs to become more and more of a leader. The obvious thing is developing the last parts of his game that keep him from being the best PG in the game (free throws, outside jump shot). He doesn't have to be good in those two areas, but he needs to at least make it respectable. If he can't hit free throws then it stops him from going to the rim, and if he can't hit the outside jump shot no one feels the need to play up on him.

The bottom line is if this quote is true it kind of makes me disappointed in the entire team. They are a veteran team and they should've been able to move on from this and not let it affect them as much as Rondo said it did.

Dear Larry Brown, Go Away!

The Star Tribune reports Larry Brown will be the next person to interview with David Kahn for the Wolves head coach position, although it is not known when the meeting will take place.

I hope this happens just so I don't have to deal with this guy on the Celtics. He could be a good fit for the Celtics, as he is usually good with Vets, but I am so sick of this guy's act and most likely he would jut end up quitting on the team half way through the season. For the Wolves this makes no sense. He has shown in the past that he isn't very good with young players, and that's basically all the Wolves have. With the tempo they are going to need to win I actually think Don Nelson makes the most sense. They need to run up and down the court and play like the Warriors did when he coached them. Fast paced, lots of scoring.

Lawrence Frank Headed To Detroit

I hate how the Celtics are starting to be Patriots-esque when it comes to the assistant coach position. Last year we lost one of the best defensive coaches in the business with Tom Thibodeau and now it looks as Lawrence Frank is taking his talents to Detroit.... ugh.

I don't blame him as Doc Rivers will be with Boston until he dies and it's always better to be a head coach than an assistant coach. However, if I were Frank I would have really considered waiting it out one more year and see if you can pick a better job than Detroit, as they are a mess. It'll be interesting to see who the Celtics get an assistant. Larry Brown is rumored because he and Doc are close, but since I despise that man, I would hate to see him on our bench. Hopefully its some token guy like Mike Woodson or they promote Armond Hill who has been a bench coach forever and he deserves it and he was really nice when we chilled at Cigar Masters.

Just The Latest Asshole Move from Andrew Bynum

Lakers Center (for now) Andrew Bynum is in the spotlight again for the wrong reasons. Bynum was ticketed recently for illegally parking in two handicap spots.

He was hit with a $353 parking ticket for parking his black BMW in two marked handicapped spaces outside of a Bristol Farms market in Westchester, Calif.
Bynum reportedly slammed his car door and drove off when NBC4 reporters sought a comment from him.

Someone tell this guy his bum knee doesn't make him better than some poor old lady just trying to get some milk and some cat nip for Fluffy. What an asshole. And you know the only thing worse than parking in a handicap spot without a pass? Parking in TWO handicap spots without a pass.

Like those assholes at the store who park diagonal across two spots because they don't want someone to hit their car with a door or a cart. "Look at me, everyone. My car is nice!"



Meanwhile, you have to park in butt-fuck-Egypt because this knob-slobber took up the only two spots that were close. That sounds like Andrew Bynum to me.

NBA 2011-2012 Schedule (Maybe)

Well, the NBA released its 2011-2012 schedule yesterday despite the fact that most league analysts are predicting a lengthy lock-out and many players are considering going overseas.

Here's a look at some of the big games on the schedule.

11/1/2011 CHI @ DAL, OKC @ LAL
The season will tip-off with the defending Champions, Dallas Mavericks hosting the Chicago Bulls who made the EC Finals. The 2nd half of that double-header will feature the Los Angeles Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kobe v. Durant.

12/25/11 DAL @ MIA, BOS @ NYK, CHI @ LAL
Everyone usually gets pretty pumped for the Christmas Day games. I know it is always a way for me to escape the family chaos for a few hours. This year we'll get Dallas visiting South Beach to play the Heat. Should be a big crowd, huh? No way people in Miami show up to fill that stadium on Christmas day.
The Celtics will also battle on Christmas Day, this year against New York in another episode of this budding rivalry. That will be at MSG and the Lakers will also host Chicago that night. (That is an awesome lineup of games. Fuck presents and stockings...I'll be stuffing my face with cookies in front of the tv)


3/4/12 Heat @ Lakers
Always an entertaining game, and it should be a good crowd because it is in LA...not Miami.



And a look at the C's schedule -

11/2/11 CLE @ BOS
They'll open up at home against Cleveland. Boring.


11/16/11 BOS @ MIA
The first meeting against Miami will be on ESPN. If they actually play this game I'm guessing Boston will be pretty fired up. Fuck Lebron. He's good at knock-out though.


12/22/11 NYK @ BOS
In order to build up some drama for Christmas Day the C's will host the Knicks. This could work really well if it is a close game, maybe OT. Get some good vibes going for Christmas.


1/11/12 DAL @ BOS
First crack at the defending champions. Jason Kidd is a wife-beater.


1/16/12 OKC @ DAL
Sour taste in the mouth from the loss to them at home last year. Hopefully, they can get rid of that. Fuck Westbrook.


2/9/12 LAL @ BOS
First showdown with the Lakeshow and Kobe and that candy-eating, chubby chasing Lamar Odom.


2/12/12 CHI @ BOS
How are we getting all these teams at home? C's record might be awesome heading into trade deadline. Also, fuck Derrick Rose. Let him shoot. (Sorry, K)


2/16/12 BOS @ CHI
I like it. Close game could be fresh in their minds. Should be good action. Joakim Noah is ugly.


3/4/12 BOS @ NYK
C's visit the Garden on ABC. Fuck Spike Lee. He's a clown.


3/11/12 BOS @ LAL
Only trip to LA, also on ABC. Mike Brown. HAHAHAHA


3/25/12 BOS @ SA
C's visit the Alamo on ESPN. Fuck Tony Parker. He cheated on a dime piece.


4/5/12 BOS @ CHI
This one could be huge for EC seeding. Fuck Carlos Boozer.


Close the season with Philly, New Jersey, Washington, Charlotte, New York and Orlando - in that order. That could be huge for seeding.

My prediction is that the NBA schedule will probably start some time around December or January. I really don't think they want to miss the All-Star Game which will be in Orlando this year. That's a big weekend for the NBA and if you're gonna have that you'll have to start at least a month or two before hand. It'd be great if they've resolved everything by Christmas so we can get those games on Christmas Day.
No word yet on how the schedule would actually play out if they miss games. My guess is it would be altered to fit in an even amount of conference and division games for every team. But I'm not sure. The NBA is coming off an epic season, so I really hope they get it together.

Shaq Already Causing A Rukus

"The Miami Heat, they've got a lot of great players, the `Big 2.' They will be back," O'Neal said from Louisiana during the broadcast, when discussing the NBA finals and how Dallas was able to beat Miami for the title.

See I've been saying this for a year now, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are the Big 2 and Lebron is the role player. In the playoffs Bosh was much more of a factor than LeChoke. Bosh had more of an impact against Boston, Chicago and Dallas. LeChoke on the other hand cost them the finals with his non existent play.

The Heat would be a lot better off if they traded for a PG like Paul or Williams or a Center like Bynum or Howard for LeBron James. It's evident that those 2 positions would help the Heat out a lot more than a timid luxury position.

Yao Officially Retiring Tomorrow

It's a shame that injuries forced Yao Ming's hand into retiring. It also sucks that Yao Ming's career will be surrounded by "ifs". He is 7-foot-6, played eight seasons for Houston, but has missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.

He was an 8 time all star, selected 1st by the Rockets in 2002, and averaged 19 points and 9 board a game. Unlike most big men he was a good mid range and free throw shooter as well. When he first came into the league it was awesome watching him play, some of the greatest games were watching him and Shaq play. But that Rockets team just seemed cursed, between him and Tracy McGrady, no one could stay on the court long enough to do damage, and that's why they could never get passed the 2nd round.

However, unlike many analysts, I don't believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. He may have been an international icon, but he hasn't played enough. At the end of the day he will be another foreign born huge guy who's health got the best of him. I always rooted for him to come back and even this offseason I was thinking maybe the Celtics could get him on some type of Shaq like deal. Again it's a shame that at 30 he has to retire and his career has came down to "ifs".

Couple Of Celtics Notes

ESPN caught up with Rondo recently and he discussed a bunch of topics, but there were two things that were noteworthy...

On his dislocated elbow: "It's the most pain I've ever been in playing ball. I'm feeling a little pain now, but the swelling is down. The only thing is there's swelling in my joint. I'll be fine, it just takes time. I've got a couple more weeks that I'm off, as far as rest and the repetition of weights."

On potentially playing overseas: "It's something my agent and I have spoken about. A lot of things go into playing overseas, a lot of little things to take care of. For me, right now, I'm just focused on getting healthy -- getting healthy and getting better for my team next year, the Boston Celtics (ESPN)."

You just knew that elbow was going to take a long time to heal, but since I think we all know they are going to be missing games this year due the lockout I am not concerned about it at all, and he doesn't seem to be either. As for playing overseas, I like everything he says. If the lockout becomes a long term thing he can jump on somewhere, but there is no reason to be deciding such things now. Actually, I loved everything Rondo said in this interview. He was asked if the Big Three have another run in them, and he basically said they do, because no one sees how good of shape these guys are in. He was also asked about the lockout, and said that he didn't give a shit, he just wants to get healthy and win another title for Boston.

The other note for the Celtics is Paul Flannery was on WEEI on the other day and discussed the chances of the Celtics getting Dwight Howard...

"Here’s the pitch: Come play with a defensive-minded, pass-first point guard in Rondo and for coach Doc Rivers (a strong selling point, by the way), and you’ll be joining forces on one of the truly historic basketball teams as they transition from one era to the next. Did we mention the 17 banners? Bill Russell? You might have heard we're building a statue for him (Celticsblog)."

Although, I agree with the author of this post that the Nets are still more likely in my eyes (just seems like Howard would like being in New York), I do think that the Celtics have a great case. Rondo is the perfect PG for a guy like Howard. I mean remember the beginning of last year when Rondo was making Shaq look like an All-Star again? I do. So, imagine an actual All-Star getting those passes. I do hate Howard, I think he is a loser and cares more about his imagine then rings (which is why I see him with the Nets), but if there is a coach that could reach him it's Doc.

Lawrence Frank Finalist For Pistons Job

Pistons' coach search is down to Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank and former Hawks coach Mike Woodson. The report goes on to day that Woodson is said to be the favorite of Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations, but the owner is said to have been blown away by Frank during his interview. I would think Dumars would get the say here, but I guess you never know.

I hope Frank doesn't get it for a couple reasons. First, I think it's a shitty job and that the Pistons are far from being good again. I just think if he sat back and waited he could find something better. Plus, who wants to live in Detroit?

On top of that, I hate to see the Celtics lose another assistant. I know they could find someone else, but I watched this happen to the Patriots and say what you want about their success, but eventually it does wear on a franchise.

NBA Lockout Might Have Just Got Worse

"The NBA holds back eight percent of each player's salary to make sure total salaries don't exceed 57 percent of BRI.

It turns out player salaries for the 2010-11 season fell below the 57 percent threshold and it was reported on Tuesday that the NBA owes $160 million of the escrow fund to the members of the NBPA (ESPN)."

I had to look up what BRI meant, it means "Basketball Related Income". They really could've just said that instead of having me have to Google that, but whatever. The 160 million is going to have to get paid out and when it does it is just going to make things easier for the players as the lockout progresses. The only way I see basketball being played again is if the players cave in. They really do need to give something back, and it seems like the owners are in the right for most of what they are asking for.

Anyways, with this money and players going overseas to play it could just make this whole lockout process even longer. As positive as a spin as I put on the NFL one, since I still don't think they will miss regular season games, I am not at all about the NBA one. I think they will miss AT LEAST half the season, if not the whole thing. So you might want to start getting into hockey to get you through the winter, or college hoops.

I do have one question. If there is no season do they have a draft the following year?

Racist Or Funny

Tough to decide on this one...

There's a chance we may find out if Wade accepts a job offer from a Chicago-area KFC, where he worked as a teenager.

Because of the NBA lockout, the fast-food, fried chicken restaurant said it will make a $250,000 donation to the company's Colonel Scholars program in Wade's name if he agrees to work at a local KFC drive-thru window.

The idea originated when Wade tweeted "Any1 hiring?" once the lockout became official. KFC general manager John Cywinski then wrote a letter to Wade saying he could be of assistance.

"We couldn't help but notice your recent tweet about looking for a new line of work in light of the lockout," the letter said. "We're always looking for folks with precisely your qualifications — initiative, teamwork and the ability to make buckets in a hurry (sun-sentinel.com)."

HAHAHAHAHA. Sorry, but that is damn funny. I think the funniest part is how this owner wrote back to Wade. "Ability to make buckets in a hurry" is fucking hilarious, but you have to wonder if someone is going to take this whole thing the wrong way. I doubt there is any chance he would do this unless it was a one day thing, but it is actually a great idea even if it is just for the day. I mean imagine the publicity KFC would get if Wade is there for an 8 hour shift? It'll be well worth the $250 grand they would throw to a charity, so I think he should do it.

Anyways, I found this hysterical.

This Is Going To Be Awesome...

Shaquille O'Neal may have retired as a player, but that doesn't mean he won't be visible this upcoming season. There is a report that Shaq plans to work for TNT.

Shaq will join Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and most importantly Charles Barkley. Sorry there is no way this is going to fail. Barkley is already the most entertaining "host" in the NBA and Shaq will only make it that much better. The one liners, and absurd comments out of these two are going to be unreal. Finally a reason to root for a full NBA season (sorry, but you have to admit the Celtics would be may better off playing 1/2 season).

Details For Bill Russell Statue

DP and I have been saying for years now there is no reason why there isn't a Bill Russell statue. I know he didn't want one, but too bad he deserves it and did too much on and off the court for him not to get one. Well, it's finally being taken care of.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced Monday that a statue of Celtics legend Bill Russell will be sited at City Hall Plaza. They are still picking between offers between 3 different finalists (Fern Cunningham, Ann Hirsch and Antonio Tobias Mendez).

Still don't really understand why this isn't in front of the Garden. I know I have said it before, but I think there should be a line of all the greatest players from the Celtics and Bruins heading into the Garden. They already have Orr, and Russell would've been cool to be right next to him. Then they could add Bird, and so on through the years.

Ummm, How Come This Wasn't Implemented Years Ago?

This is the most genius idea that I have ever seen in my life. How the hell did we overlook such a beautiful idea until now, I would have killed for a Celtics/ Sox/ Steelers ring pop.

Whoever, made this idea better make them country wide because this is an idea that all of us should partake in. I don't care if this ring is for Dallas, it symbolizes LeBron losing. I would wear this ring everyday of my life before the season resumes.

Deron Williams Heads To Turkey

Deron Williams is headed to Turkey if their is a lock out in the NBA this season. He signed a deal worth 5 million dollars.

This is the 1st major player signing overseas, and probably will be the 1st of many coming in the next couple of months. It's weird figuring all of these players have options compared to the NFL. I hope everyone that signs a contract has an opt out clause in case the lock out ends.

This same club says Kobe Bryant and them have mutual interest.

Mickael Pietrus To Celtics?

Mickael Pietrus made some interesting comments that has been hoping he ends up on the Celtics (whenever there is a season)...

"A lot of teams are interested in me, like the Lakers and the Celtics," Pietrus tells L'Equipe via translation from HoopsHype. "This came from the best player in the world: Kobe Bryant. He told me two months ago that he would like to see me with the Lakers."

Obviously the Lakers would seem like the front runners for him, but I hope the Celtics take some interest in this guy. He is a great defensive player, and could be a nice asset as that "wing defender" (that should be on the list yesterday) that the Celtics have been looking for. Not sure why I am a big fan of Pietrus, but it started when the Celtics played the Magic in the playoffs a couple years ago. He just seems like a guy who would fit that "team defense" philosophy the Celtics are so great at. The question is how they would get this done. I would think it would be some kind of sign and trade with Big Baby might get it done.

Michael Beasley Doesn't Get It

Beasley was ticketed for possessing marijuana and speeding in the Minneapolis suburb of Minnetonka last week, police said on Wednesday.

Capt. Scott Boerboom said that an officer stopped Beasley around 3 a.m. on June 26 on Interstate 394 after clocking him going 84 mph in a 65 mph zone. He said the officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car.

The officer allegedly found 16.2 grams of the drug in a plastic bag under the front passenger seat of Beasley's car. Beasley told police the marijuana was not his, but belonged to a friend whom he had just dropped off. According to the report, Beasley cursed when an officer pulled out the bag.

The possession charge is a petty misdemeanor that carries a fine of $128.

last year, I thought the former 2nd round pick turned the corner in Minnesota, but apparently he is just a bigger shit head than I thought. Drugs have always run rampant in his career, and was even forced to go to rehab, so seeing he just had 16 grams of pot isn't really encouraging. As for consequences, none will happen because there will be no testing enforced during the lock out, so it doesn't matter.

Beasley I feel could be a great player in the NBA, I mean he averaged 19 points a game last year and if he focuses on his head and defense, I don't see why he couldn't be an all star one day.

Trade Rondo?

So on the Radio this morning I was hearing rumors about trading Rajon in a deal that involves Dwight Howard or Chris Paul back this way.

I love Rajon, I do, he's my favorite Celtic player of all time, But if the Celtics were going to knock down the Big 3, this makes sense. As much as I despise Chris Paul he is a great pg, he can create his own shot, defend and pass the ball really well. Also, if we could get Dwight Howard, you do it. Dwight is a beast of a center and if we can do a deal involving Rajon for Dwight you gotta do it. I know there would be secondary players in a deal, but if we are going to rebuild and stay relevant than we do it.

I also saw this crazy trade rumor too:
Celtics get: Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Paul, and Emeka Okafor
Hornets get: Rajon Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal, and a signed Glen Davis
Magic get: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and a signed Jeff Green (plus maybe a future pick or two)

Yea it wouldn't happen, but you know what, it's crazy to dream.