1st off, Transformers 1 was my favorite movie so I was hoping the 2nd one delivered.
It did. I freaking loved it. I'm going to see it again tomorrow.
Basically, they took everything I loved about the first one (giant robots engaging in deathmatches, a ton of explosions, awesome cars and, of course, Megan Fox) and doubled the amount of it in the second. That means twice as many robots and more like 10 times as much Megan Fox screen time. Oh, did I mention I saw it in IMax? So it was super huge? Yeah. That much better.
The other day, I heard someone complain about character development. Ummm.....did you not notice that its a movie based on giant robots? From another planet? who can transform into normal things so we don't notice? Do you really think things will be logical? I mean this is the only movie EVER based on a line of toys. That's right. The toys came before the movies or TV back in the day.
Were there plot holes? YES!!!! But that isn't the point of the movie. I was entertained. It gave me everything I wanted. That's what matters. So, don't complain to me that it was completely ridiculous. I already know. As a matter of fact, its part of why I love it. That and I'm a nerd. But, we won't think about that.
Its my favorite movie now. End of story.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
On The Eve of Free Agency
First things first, I gotta talk about Teague, since I was too lazy to write the rest of my draft thoughts. I think they did the best they could with the pick but I'm not sold on Teague. He could be good if they get a veteran mentor for him.
#1 on my wish is Andre Miller. He's a veteran PG who can keep everyone happy. I've loved his game for years. I think he's perfect for what the Hawks want to do. I don't think they'll get him to sign with us, but I hope they do. I do think that they need Bibby back if they don't get him. Those are the only guards I think they'll do well with.
Now, I've thought alot about how Crawford fits with in with the team. He could either play point himself, let Joe play PG, bring back Bibby or bring in someone new. I think a crunch time line up could be Bibby/Miller/whoever else at the 1, Crawford at the 2, Joe at the 3, Josh Smith at the 4 and Horford filling out the lineup. That's 3 (4 if Smith puts it together) shot-makers with Horford and Smith for put-backs. I like that line-up alot.
I also think we need center depth. We need to either resign Pachulia or sign a new big man like Gortat, Birdman Anderson or Channing Frye. Also, I'm a big fan of Soloman Jones, but I am sorta biased because I have a slight connection to him.
I don't even wanna think about what other teams are gonna do right now.
#1 on my wish is Andre Miller. He's a veteran PG who can keep everyone happy. I've loved his game for years. I think he's perfect for what the Hawks want to do. I don't think they'll get him to sign with us, but I hope they do. I do think that they need Bibby back if they don't get him. Those are the only guards I think they'll do well with.
Now, I've thought alot about how Crawford fits with in with the team. He could either play point himself, let Joe play PG, bring back Bibby or bring in someone new. I think a crunch time line up could be Bibby/Miller/whoever else at the 1, Crawford at the 2, Joe at the 3, Josh Smith at the 4 and Horford filling out the lineup. That's 3 (4 if Smith puts it together) shot-makers with Horford and Smith for put-backs. I like that line-up alot.
I also think we need center depth. We need to either resign Pachulia or sign a new big man like Gortat, Birdman Anderson or Channing Frye. Also, I'm a big fan of Soloman Jones, but I am sorta biased because I have a slight connection to him.
I don't even wanna think about what other teams are gonna do right now.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The NBA Draft: Picks 1-10
The NBA Draft: It's like Christmas except we can all complain about what we got without seeming rude. Seriously though, this is one of my favorite events of the year. Normally, I don't have to wait long to see my Hawks pick but they actually are way back at #19 this year. Awesome.
Blake Griffin went #1, obviously. Now, it remains to be seen if he can change the culture of the Clippers or if he bolts at first chance.
Memphis will regret taking Thabeet at #2. I'm calling it. He's 7' 3. Yeah, yeah, I know. You can't teach size but come on. He's so damn soft. He got abused by Dejuan Blair several times and even got beasted by Goran Suton. GORAN FREAKING SUTON! And you expect me to believe he will develop?
James Harden to OKC is a solid move. He's the best shooting guard and that is what they needed. But, personally, i think Rubio is going to be special. Like Steve Nash except better. His shot can be fix but his feel for the game can't be taught.
Tyreke Evans to the Kings. This one is kind of a head-scratcher. I've read alot of love for this kid in the past week but he's still a project. I don't think he'll be better than Rubio but i heard a comparison to Joe Johnson, which is possible. They're built similarly. I guess it could work.
The T-Wolves pick back-to-back point guards. I'm confused. To be sure, I think they were unquestionably the two best players available but one is short and the other weak. Neither is a combo guard. They have to be planning to trade one. I think it'll be Rubio for three reasons: he'll get better value in return, he doesn't want to play in Minnesota and Johnny Flynn is a better leader. I think Rubio is the better prospect but Flynn is what the Timberwolves need- a tough-as-hell point guard who has proven to be a leader and possess a non-stop motor. I love Flynn's game.
Curry to the Warriors. Dumb unless they trade him. They have Monta Ellis. He's a combo guard who is on the smallish-side of things. Curry is a combo guard who is rail-thin. They just don't fit together. May be going to Suns though, which would be perfect for him to learn behind Nash.
Knickerbockers pick Jordan Hill. Eh. Best available player but any of the last four picks would have been more appreciated. From what I've heard, Hill runs like he's got lead in his shoes.
Raptors pick USC G DeMar Derozan. I like the pick only because he is the anti-thesis of everyone else on that roster. He is a high-flyer and a tough player with a terrible jumpshot.
Milwaukee picks Jennings, who was so afraid that he would be the last player picked in the "Green Room" (where the NBA puts players likely to be drafted high so they can come on stage) that he decided not to come. Not only did he not get picked last, but he wasn't introduced until after the 14th pick. Not a good sign for his maturity. I do like his game though.
I'll do the rest later. I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.
Blake Griffin went #1, obviously. Now, it remains to be seen if he can change the culture of the Clippers or if he bolts at first chance.
Memphis will regret taking Thabeet at #2. I'm calling it. He's 7' 3. Yeah, yeah, I know. You can't teach size but come on. He's so damn soft. He got abused by Dejuan Blair several times and even got beasted by Goran Suton. GORAN FREAKING SUTON! And you expect me to believe he will develop?
James Harden to OKC is a solid move. He's the best shooting guard and that is what they needed. But, personally, i think Rubio is going to be special. Like Steve Nash except better. His shot can be fix but his feel for the game can't be taught.
Tyreke Evans to the Kings. This one is kind of a head-scratcher. I've read alot of love for this kid in the past week but he's still a project. I don't think he'll be better than Rubio but i heard a comparison to Joe Johnson, which is possible. They're built similarly. I guess it could work.
The T-Wolves pick back-to-back point guards. I'm confused. To be sure, I think they were unquestionably the two best players available but one is short and the other weak. Neither is a combo guard. They have to be planning to trade one. I think it'll be Rubio for three reasons: he'll get better value in return, he doesn't want to play in Minnesota and Johnny Flynn is a better leader. I think Rubio is the better prospect but Flynn is what the Timberwolves need- a tough-as-hell point guard who has proven to be a leader and possess a non-stop motor. I love Flynn's game.
Curry to the Warriors. Dumb unless they trade him. They have Monta Ellis. He's a combo guard who is on the smallish-side of things. Curry is a combo guard who is rail-thin. They just don't fit together. May be going to Suns though, which would be perfect for him to learn behind Nash.
Knickerbockers pick Jordan Hill. Eh. Best available player but any of the last four picks would have been more appreciated. From what I've heard, Hill runs like he's got lead in his shoes.
Raptors pick USC G DeMar Derozan. I like the pick only because he is the anti-thesis of everyone else on that roster. He is a high-flyer and a tough player with a terrible jumpshot.
Milwaukee picks Jennings, who was so afraid that he would be the last player picked in the "Green Room" (where the NBA puts players likely to be drafted high so they can come on stage) that he decided not to come. Not only did he not get picked last, but he wasn't introduced until after the 14th pick. Not a good sign for his maturity. I do like his game though.
I'll do the rest later. I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Trade: Jamal Crawford to the Hawks
I love this trade for one reason. We gave up NOTHING.
I mean, yeah, technically we traded Speedy Claxton and Acie Law IV, but neither contributed anything the past two seasons. Claxton has been injured since we signed him. And I think Law may have been a player but Woodson is a screw-up so what does it matter?
Crawford is an established player. I don't know what they'll now do with Bibby though. They may re-sign him, move Crawford to the point or re-visit the JJ-at-PG experiment they tried when they first got him. Teague (more on him later) is too young to play it full time.
My only problem with this is I don't know if Woodson can handle all the egos. I'm actually kind of scared of it.
Golden State just wanted Crawford gone. At any cost. So they took back a player with and insurance payed contract in Claxton and a still-could-develop PG in Law.
I mean, yeah, technically we traded Speedy Claxton and Acie Law IV, but neither contributed anything the past two seasons. Claxton has been injured since we signed him. And I think Law may have been a player but Woodson is a screw-up so what does it matter?
Crawford is an established player. I don't know what they'll now do with Bibby though. They may re-sign him, move Crawford to the point or re-visit the JJ-at-PG experiment they tried when they first got him. Teague (more on him later) is too young to play it full time.
My only problem with this is I don't know if Woodson can handle all the egos. I'm actually kind of scared of it.
Golden State just wanted Crawford gone. At any cost. So they took back a player with and insurance payed contract in Claxton and a still-could-develop PG in Law.
Trade: Shaq to Cleveland
This move is not what everyone thinks.
This was not Cleveland really wanting Shaq's skills. They wanted his salary. Or rather, they wanted it off the books. O'Neal's 20 million dollar a year contract is due to run out after this season, which basically frees up enough money for Cleveland to not just re-sign LeBron James, but gives them enough space to go after one, possibly even two other free agents. Say, Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh. Or Steve Nash and A'Mare. Or any other of the plethora of free agents available next summer.
As for this up-coming season, Shaq'll be a big body in the middle. I doubt he'll average more than 17 and 9. That's best case. I say he averages around 15.5 and 7.5. In that area.
On the Suns end, they just wanted to start over. They got back a 2nd rounder, a 2-guard who won't average more than 15 minutes a game and the corpse of Ben Wallace plus 500,000 dollars or roughly what it cost to feed Shaq this past season.
This was not Cleveland really wanting Shaq's skills. They wanted his salary. Or rather, they wanted it off the books. O'Neal's 20 million dollar a year contract is due to run out after this season, which basically frees up enough money for Cleveland to not just re-sign LeBron James, but gives them enough space to go after one, possibly even two other free agents. Say, Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh. Or Steve Nash and A'Mare. Or any other of the plethora of free agents available next summer.
As for this up-coming season, Shaq'll be a big body in the middle. I doubt he'll average more than 17 and 9. That's best case. I say he averages around 15.5 and 7.5. In that area.
On the Suns end, they just wanted to start over. They got back a 2nd rounder, a 2-guard who won't average more than 15 minutes a game and the corpse of Ben Wallace plus 500,000 dollars or roughly what it cost to feed Shaq this past season.
Trade: Vince Carter to Orlando; Alston to NJ
Damn. Orlando may have some staying power.
I think that, with this move, Orlando got rid of my main criticism of them (that they have no fourth quarter closer). Sure, Carter is past his prime, but he doesn't have to carry this team. He only has to be a part of it.
Getting rid of Alston was a must, not because of the way he played, but because Van Gundy destroyed his confidence in Orlando with the way he played Nelson in the Finals when Alston had been playing so well. Alston had to have been thinking, "I get us here and then get dumped? What the F***!?" It was a terrible move on Van Gundy's part.
New Jersey was mainly cutting salary but they did get a really nice young player in Lee. Kid has a lot of talent and poise and Orlando may come to regret trading him. Alston will back up Harris, which may throw his game off.
I think that, with this move, Orlando got rid of my main criticism of them (that they have no fourth quarter closer). Sure, Carter is past his prime, but he doesn't have to carry this team. He only has to be a part of it.
Getting rid of Alston was a must, not because of the way he played, but because Van Gundy destroyed his confidence in Orlando with the way he played Nelson in the Finals when Alston had been playing so well. Alston had to have been thinking, "I get us here and then get dumped? What the F***!?" It was a terrible move on Van Gundy's part.
New Jersey was mainly cutting salary but they did get a really nice young player in Lee. Kid has a lot of talent and poise and Orlando may come to regret trading him. Alston will back up Harris, which may throw his game off.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Trade: Miller, Foye to Wiz and 5th pick to T-Wolves
I think the Wiz got the better end of the deal, if Miller finds his trigger finger again. If not, they are stuck.
T-Wolves seem like they're in limbo. They're new Prez, Khan, is trying to put a stamp on his own team.
Overall, i honestly don't think this trade shakes the NBA landscape. The only thing that held the Wizards back the past year is health. They just need a better doctor. They get Arenas back and they have a team.
T-Wolves seem like they're in limbo. They're new Prez, Khan, is trying to put a stamp on his own team.
Overall, i honestly don't think this trade shakes the NBA landscape. The only thing that held the Wizards back the past year is health. They just need a better doctor. They get Arenas back and they have a team.
Trade: RJ to Spurs
Damn, this is just ridiculous.
Richard Jefferson to the Spurs
Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas to the Bucks.
The Spurs gave up Bowen (who dropped off the map last season), Thomas (who is at the tail end of his career and could get bought out and resigned in the middle of the season) and Oberto (the only real contributor of the three) for a in-his-prime 20 point scorer when that is exactly what they needed? Wow.
Plus i actually think that this makes the Spurs deeper. It moves Mason to the bench and gives them a legit 6th man. Udoka fills the rest of Bowen's shoes like he started last season. All they need is a decent center and backup. . Much as i would hate to see him leave, ZaZa Pachulia would be perfect for the Spurs. And there has to be another guy out there who they can sign.
***NOTE: later on in the day, the Bucks made a side deal to send Oberto to the Pistons for Amir Johnson. So they got rid of the best player they got. Man, what a salary dump.
Richard Jefferson to the Spurs
Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas to the Bucks.
The Spurs gave up Bowen (who dropped off the map last season), Thomas (who is at the tail end of his career and could get bought out and resigned in the middle of the season) and Oberto (the only real contributor of the three) for a in-his-prime 20 point scorer when that is exactly what they needed? Wow.
Plus i actually think that this makes the Spurs deeper. It moves Mason to the bench and gives them a legit 6th man. Udoka fills the rest of Bowen's shoes like he started last season. All they need is a decent center and backup. . Much as i would hate to see him leave, ZaZa Pachulia would be perfect for the Spurs. And there has to be another guy out there who they can sign.
***NOTE: later on in the day, the Bucks made a side deal to send Oberto to the Pistons for Amir Johnson. So they got rid of the best player they got. Man, what a salary dump.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
sigh
So, I'm sittin here, doin' nothin tonight and i get on facebook and see pictures of some friends and it made me jealous. Why? Not completely sure. I certainly do not want to be in their shoes but for some reason, I am jealous of their happiness. I'm disappointed in myself, even if i know its human....yada yada. It doesnt matter. There is no reason i should feel this way. None. I have a great life. I go to college. I have no real substantial problems but dam does this suck for some obscure reason.
ok. i'm done bitchin. sorry
ok. i'm done bitchin. sorry
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I've actually been doing something.
I've been at working at Rabun Gap at the basketball camp Coach Cox has put on. I've mainly just been assisting with the various coaches that come in. I try to help out and I'm on a few players more than others. Mainly, b/c they are better than the other kids and they need to set the example. Plus, I've put Nikola through some workouts that I've seen the coaches at Winthrop do. Nikola, for those of you who don't know him, is playing college basketball at Southern Weslyan next semester. I think that's how you spell it. He's working really hard.
Overall, the experience is great for me. It's a step in the right direction in terms of getting the job I want in the NBA. Not a huge step, but a step nonetheless. Plus, if my master plan falls through, I'm buildign contacts to be a college coach. That isn't a terrible step down.
I go home on Friday. Spending the night somewhere on Thursday, most likely with Ben P. Just trying to have fun. Family vacation a week from that. Really, not a ton going on for a while after camp. Call, text or message me if you want to hang out or something.
I also have Skype now. My screename is Shaqtus. Thats from Murph.
Overall, the experience is great for me. It's a step in the right direction in terms of getting the job I want in the NBA. Not a huge step, but a step nonetheless. Plus, if my master plan falls through, I'm buildign contacts to be a college coach. That isn't a terrible step down.
I go home on Friday. Spending the night somewhere on Thursday, most likely with Ben P. Just trying to have fun. Family vacation a week from that. Really, not a ton going on for a while after camp. Call, text or message me if you want to hang out or something.
I also have Skype now. My screename is Shaqtus. Thats from Murph.
NBA Finals
Magic vs. Lakers.
First, I would like to say that I was dead wrong about Cleveland. I thought that LeBron's singular greatness would be able to take down a team who doesn't really have a single go-to player in the clutch. However, Orlando's taller defenders harassed Williams, Gibson and West into missing a ton of shots and knocking them out of rhythm (thanks, Conrad Hayes). So, it was literally 1-on-5. Worked well in Game 5. Not so much games 1, 3, 4 and 6. Game 2 could've gone either way. So, we have a Finals that features the Best Closer in basketball and the team that goes Closer-by-Committee. Which obviously works decent.
Obviously, the biggest story thus far, which is surprisingly centered around the Magic, is the possible return of Jameer Nelson. Yet, I really don't think it'll have a huge impact. He hasn't played in 4 months so there is the rust factor. There is a team moral thing that could be a factor but, in all honestly, I don't think it's a good idea for him to play. Rafer Alston got you to the Finals. Why would you risk damaging his ego by bringing back Nelson? What message does that send? "We trust you to get here, just not win?" I think it's dumb. Not to mention the risk of Nelson doing like Gilbert Arenas and coming back before he is healthy and injuring himself further.
Now for how I view the matchups.
Point Guard: Alston, Anthony Johnson and maybe Jameer against Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. While Fisher has the most experience, both he and Farmar couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat right now and still are playing more than Brown. Plus, all three have played absolutely terrible defense. Alston has played very well since coming over from Houston (A move by GM Otis Smith that should get more attention), AJ has been serviceable in limited minutes and I already talked about Jameer. I think clearly, Orlando has the edge here.
Shooting Guard: Courtney Lee has played well and so has Pietrus (much as I dislike him) but the real matchup is J.J Reddick vs. Kobe Bryant.....ok so I can't even take the joke that far. Lake Show
Small Forward: Hedo Turkolu vs. Trevor Ariza. No question. Ariza has played fairly well but still struggles to shoot from beyond the arc and Turkolu is actually pretty good at a lot of things. Magic
Power Forward: Rashard Lewis vs. Lamar Odom. I'm only putting Odom b/c he'll get the bulk of the minutes due to how much Bynum has sucked. Lewis can shoot the lights out and can drive and score. He's a decent rebounder but don't expect more than one or two double-digit nights from him. Odom can rebound, pass, score and is a really good defender when he tries. Not that he tries often. I don't like him. He is way too soft. So, I give the Magic the edge.
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Pau Gasol. Most would immediately give the edge to Howard but I'm not so fast. Not because I think Gasol is as good as Howard. He isn't. But Gasol offers so many things on the offensive end. He's a smart, willing passer, he can score and rebound. He's gifted. He's also softer than a baby's bottom. I think it's a wash. Really.
Bench: Gortat, Lee, Reddick vs. Sasha, Walton, Bynum. Eh. I don't like either, really. Wash.
Coaching: Phil vs. Stan. Really?
I don't want the Lakers to win but I do think they will. I don't really like either team. LA in 6.
First, I would like to say that I was dead wrong about Cleveland. I thought that LeBron's singular greatness would be able to take down a team who doesn't really have a single go-to player in the clutch. However, Orlando's taller defenders harassed Williams, Gibson and West into missing a ton of shots and knocking them out of rhythm (thanks, Conrad Hayes). So, it was literally 1-on-5. Worked well in Game 5. Not so much games 1, 3, 4 and 6. Game 2 could've gone either way. So, we have a Finals that features the Best Closer in basketball and the team that goes Closer-by-Committee. Which obviously works decent.
Obviously, the biggest story thus far, which is surprisingly centered around the Magic, is the possible return of Jameer Nelson. Yet, I really don't think it'll have a huge impact. He hasn't played in 4 months so there is the rust factor. There is a team moral thing that could be a factor but, in all honestly, I don't think it's a good idea for him to play. Rafer Alston got you to the Finals. Why would you risk damaging his ego by bringing back Nelson? What message does that send? "We trust you to get here, just not win?" I think it's dumb. Not to mention the risk of Nelson doing like Gilbert Arenas and coming back before he is healthy and injuring himself further.
Now for how I view the matchups.
Point Guard: Alston, Anthony Johnson and maybe Jameer against Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. While Fisher has the most experience, both he and Farmar couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat right now and still are playing more than Brown. Plus, all three have played absolutely terrible defense. Alston has played very well since coming over from Houston (A move by GM Otis Smith that should get more attention), AJ has been serviceable in limited minutes and I already talked about Jameer. I think clearly, Orlando has the edge here.
Shooting Guard: Courtney Lee has played well and so has Pietrus (much as I dislike him) but the real matchup is J.J Reddick vs. Kobe Bryant.....ok so I can't even take the joke that far. Lake Show
Small Forward: Hedo Turkolu vs. Trevor Ariza. No question. Ariza has played fairly well but still struggles to shoot from beyond the arc and Turkolu is actually pretty good at a lot of things. Magic
Power Forward: Rashard Lewis vs. Lamar Odom. I'm only putting Odom b/c he'll get the bulk of the minutes due to how much Bynum has sucked. Lewis can shoot the lights out and can drive and score. He's a decent rebounder but don't expect more than one or two double-digit nights from him. Odom can rebound, pass, score and is a really good defender when he tries. Not that he tries often. I don't like him. He is way too soft. So, I give the Magic the edge.
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Pau Gasol. Most would immediately give the edge to Howard but I'm not so fast. Not because I think Gasol is as good as Howard. He isn't. But Gasol offers so many things on the offensive end. He's a smart, willing passer, he can score and rebound. He's gifted. He's also softer than a baby's bottom. I think it's a wash. Really.
Bench: Gortat, Lee, Reddick vs. Sasha, Walton, Bynum. Eh. I don't like either, really. Wash.
Coaching: Phil vs. Stan. Really?
I don't want the Lakers to win but I do think they will. I don't really like either team. LA in 6.
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