Jason Richardson Should Never Bet Again!

Philadelphia 76ers and former Michigan State Spartan's alumnus Jason Richardson lost a bet to Milwaukee Buck and former Duke standout J.J Redick over the weekend. Their former college teams played one another and by now you know the rest. Michigan State didn't seem to put up much of a fight by losing 71-61 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Richardson lost the bet and this is his punishment:

Not a bad look!

Oh, and before all of the Michigan State fans out there go nuts, don't worry. Richardson made sure to do this once he finally took the Duke gear off a little while ago: JRich, that is better than sending it to dry cleaning!
 

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(Video) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Subtracts Big Bird

We all know how much Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stresses education. The NBA Hall of Famer epitomizes the meaning of student-athlete as he is a proud UCLA alumnus. The 7'2" Jabbar made a special visit this past week on Sesame Street to see an old 8'2" friend name Big Bird! Kareem, who loves to teach, decided to educate Big Bird and his friends about SUBTRACTION.


Kareem has been retired close to 25 years now, I'm pretty sure he could substitute teach somewhere in the United States. Only problem he may encounter is if he teaches math, he may find himself without a children because of SUBTRACTION!    

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Kevin Ware’s Top 10 on Letterman Show

Five days since that misfortune injury to his right tibia against Duke, Kevin Ware was all smiles Thursday night on the Davide Letterman Show. Prayers all over the country have been showered toward Kevin since his incident and was nice to see him in a humorous state as he was able pick a little fun on himself. Letterman, who is known for his witty top 10 list turn Ware into an instant celebrity.
Here is the Letterman Top 10:

"This goes from a terrible tragedy to bit of a miracle, doesn't it?" Letterman said, chatting with the sophomore before Ware read the Top 10 List of "Thoughts going through Kevin Ware's mind" after he broke his leg: 

10. "What was that loud cracking sound?" 

9. "I hope this doesn't leave a bruise."  

8. "Hey look, my tibia!"  

7. "Ouch."  

6. "Did it go in?" 

5. "Oh boy, hospital food." 

4. "Tape it up, Coach, I'm staying in."  

3. "They fired Leno?"  

2. "Heat then ice? Or ice then heat?"  

1. "At least my bracket's not busted."

It's good to see this young man with a smile on his face and I hope for a speedy recovery for him.

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MOVE ***** GET OUT THE WAY!

I don't know who to blame, Chris Paul for setting Brandon Knight up or DeAndre Jordan for his posterizing dunk on Brandon who was simply trying to draw a charge.  Not only did he fell taking the charge; but the ref had the nerve to call Knight for a blocking foul!  Oh, that was the least of his worries!
What is the most humiliating thing that can happen to anybody that plays the game of basketball.  Well it sure ain't shooting an air ball.  Fans in the stands can shout out air ball, air ball, air ball, that's not a big deal, it's no different from shooting a brick, everybody does it.  I can relate to the embarrassment Brandon Knight is going through, I can remember 20 years ago playing high school basketball against the mighty Raytown South Cardinals, who had two beast on their team over 6'9".  One of them name Chris Lindley (God rest his soul) received the ball at the free throw line on a fast break. Little old me, standing a whopping 5'9, was going to take one for the team and draw a charge against this locomotive.  I stood there and WHAM!  My back is supine on the floor and this young man is hanging on the rim looking down at me with a smile. Stars are swirling around my head and the ref call a blocking foul.  I laid there thinking ain't this a.... well you know.  I sat up and I saw a bunch of my classmates pointing fingers at me as the crowd was roaring.  Well I learned a lesson that day..... Get the hell out the way!

As I stated in the beginning, I know how you feel Brandon Knight, the humiliation of being dunk on is by far the worst thing that can happen in the game of basketball, especially if you are a member of the National Basketball Association.  Each human highlight move is shown repeatedly on Youtube, local sports news, ESPN, and not to mention if it's a national televised game.  The instant replays, over and over, PAUSE IT!......and over again.  We use text messages, emails, social networks and talk radio just in case some poor chap didn't get a chance to see Brandon Knight's demise.

Brandon Knight's Demise

 

Well boys and girls that is what you call "the dunk of the year" by @deandrejordan Best dunk I've ever seen in person. #turnup
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) March 11, 2013

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Is Mark Cuban Really A MFFL?

For those who don't know what MFFL means: Mavs Fan For Life.  It was Mark Cuban's, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, way of saying jump on board and I will take you to the promise land.  Well, I did, in fact he made me a big believer, soon as he took over a dismal team that was far from irrelevancy back in 2000.  He orchestrated a squad, led by future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki to two NBA Finals, winning one of them back in 2011.  Whom, 2011,  seems like a distant memory now, especially when Mark Cuban did the inevitable.
He dismantled a NBA championship team. Not since, Michael Jordan, Chicago Bull's teams in the late '90s did we see a such thing.  Instead of challenging for a repeat, he decides to render the services of Tyson Chandler.  Chandler, who played one season with the Mavs, is the best center in Dallas Mavericks history.   Cuban had an opportunity to use the amnesty clause on Brendan Haywood in order to keep Chandler, instead he elected to watch Tyson leave for free agency without compensation.  Funny thing about it, he held onto Haywood the year after the championship, only to use the amnesty clause on him during this past offseason.  Other intrigued pieces to the championship were Caron Butler (who was injured but still valuable), J.J. Berea (who was the smallest Maverick but added valuable points off the bench), Deshawn Stevenson (who provided toughness and gritty defense), and Jason Terry (who was the heart and soul, a true Maverick, who walked and talked a NBA championship for the Dallas Mavericks).

Amnesty Clause: The NBA's next collective bargaining agreement may include some form of "amnesty clause," allowing teams to eliminate bad player contracts under certain conditions.

Is the sky falling?  MFFL, take a deep breath and ask yourself, "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON AROUND HERE?" Has Cuban lost his mind? YES!  Okay, deep breath taken, what are you going to do MARK CUBAN?
Mark Cuban has been preaching that the most important thing today is financial flexibility; his plan was to be a central figure in the 2012 trade market.  Since he has owned the team, he has never had flexibility to land free agents because money is always tied up.  The team is getting old and its the first time the Mavericks can possibly add a superstar to play alongside Dirk.  "Okay, you have my attention", intrigued Mavs fan.  On paper, it sounds like a slam dunk.  Grabbing Deron Williams who is from the Dallas area and  somehow luring Dwight Howard.  Now I understand why we would get rid of Tyson, to get Dwight, makes sense to me. Jason Kidd already said he would sign back because of his relationship with Deron Williams.   The 2012 free agency was to be an upbeat time for MAVSNATION, as we were to start the season better than ever.  Only one thing, Cuban didn't land that big fish, didn't close the deal on a superstar free agent.

Excuse me, doesn't Mark Cuban star on the ABC hit show, Shark Tank?  On his show he is an investor looking to capitalize on small business owner inventions.  He is pretty savvy and the show demonstrates why he is a shrewd business man.  Is Shark Tank  the reason why Mark Cuban couldn't land a top free agent this summer?  Marcel Mutoni from Slamonline wrote an article about the top free agent Deron Williams being pursued by the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.

According to Deron Williams, one of the biggest reasons he’s not a Dallas Maverick today, is that Mark Cuban didn’t show up for a meeting.
Cuban was busy taping his TV show “Shark Tank” in California, and sent Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle and GM Donnie Nelson to meet with the free agent superstar point guard.
This did not sit well with D-Will, who felt that his questions about the direction Dallas was taking were left largely unanswered.

Deron Williams fell through and stayed with the Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic gave Dwight Howard up for a cup of coffee to the LA Lakers.  The Mavericks couldn't even keep old man Kidd, who belted to the Knicks to play with former teammate Tyson Chandler.  Flexibility, now that's funny, the Dallas Mavericks have all this flexibility in the world and can't sign a single superstar to play with Dirk.   The only option for the 2012-13 season was to sign journeymen (Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, O.J Mayo, Dahntay Jones and Darren Collison) to one year contracts.  As a MFFL, I am so ecstatic!  Watching a team with a record of 16-23 each night.  This is what the MFFL had envisioned for our big free agent season.   Just two years removed since the Dallas Mavericks fans witnessed their first NBA championship and now their beloved team can't even compete for the 8th seed in the western conference.  So Mr. Cuban, why are you being so brass now, and telling the basketball world you are ready to deal for players now?  According to Brad Townsend, a reporter for the Dallasnews.com., Mavericks owner Mark Cuban declared that there was a 100-percent chance that the Mavericks will try to make a trade before the Feb. 21 trade deadline.  Monday, Cuban practically stated his intentions in a Jimmy Johnson-esque three-inch headline, saying,

“We’re letting everybody know the Bank of Cuban’s open. And if it’s the right deal, we don’t mind taking back money. But we’re not going to do a trade just to do a trade. It’s got to be worthwhile.”

Only one problem Mark Cuban,  no one wants to come to Dallas.


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BBWAA? Who Needs The Hall Of FAME!

The most anticipated day in the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) has finally come and gone and yes of course they have spoken loudly with their pens selecting who they think is worthy of getting into their precious Baseball Hall of Fame.  This year baseball has taken a closer interest in who is voted in because of the elite and polarizing names displayed on this year's ballot; and yes this is the only time these so-called sportswriters finally get to stick it to the likes of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens while remaining anonymous.

Well if I were a betting man, I would say that both Bonds and Clemens are not surrounded by friends and family today, waiting for that phone call from the BBWAA telling them about their induction into the Hall.  It AIN'T happening today.  No one is getting in.  The hall of fame voters have made their decision to select no one in their exclusive fraternity all because of P.E.D.s.  Now we get to listen to BBWAA take center stage today, explaining their actions, like we give a crap on why the likes of a Curt Schilling, Mike Piazza or a Jeff Bagwell were not worthy enough to enter the Hall this year.  I'm sure as years will pass, their stats will improve tremendously and it will allow these player to squeeze into the Hall with the minimum 75% they need to make it.  When you decide to keep the all-time hits leader out, the all-time home run king who has 7 MVP awards out and the 7 time Cy Young award-winning pitcher out then your reasoning is pointless.

Speaking of Pete Rose, the best advice he could give Bonds and Clemens is to hope they never get inducted!  Hall of Fame!  Who Needs the Hall Of Fame!  For over twenty years, baseball has kept Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame for admitting to gambling.  As much as Rose belongs in the Hall, the attention he receives is far greater than any member in Cooperstown.  The same attention will be for both Barry and Roger.  I mean lets face it, all three men would forever be linked together as the greatest players not to be enshrined.  When was the last time you heard the names of George Brett, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Johnny Bench and Hank Aaron.  No one is talking about them.  We have been talking about Pete Rose's fate for the two decades now. If you are Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, you want to be the topic of conversation.  What is the old saying, any positive or negative news is good news.  You both have demanded the spotlight in your playing days, and both of you will continue being the center of the baseball world for many years to come.  Don't get me wrong, the Hall is a special place; but for you two, if you really want to go, buy a ticket.  I'm sure you will get a few laughs when you see some of your own artifact inside the museum.  Look at the bright side,  you made mega bucks playing a little boys game and you will never have to payback a single dollar for your transgressions! Your records don't have asterisks beside your name so take it with a grain of salt and accept the deal you made with the devil.

Someone please tell me what is the big deal about the Hall if you are not putting in the best players?  It's a museum where the best of the best show up once a year, wearing their golden jacket honoring the neophytes to the frat house.  Each new member receives a plaque and gives a speech, talking about the good old days.  Why would anyone be interested in this years Hall of Fame class that has selected no new members.    If the agenda in 2013 was to punish the likes of Craig Biggio, Curt Schilling, Mike Piazza, Fred McGriff, Jack Morris, and Tim Raines, you have done just that.  I can only imagine what Cooperstown will look and sound like this summer (CRICKETS....LOUD CRICKETS!)
I have a family member that said baseball 20 years from now will be competing with the NHL for survival.  Good job BBWAA, you have had your day now go away.
 

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The 7 John Doe of the NBA

How many times have you sat in front of the TV during the NBA draft and wondered who in the HELL did my team just draft?  What country is he from again?  Why did they draft him?  I've never heard of this guy, can he play?  Instead you always hear about international players being drafted and stashed for years to come.  What is our reaction?  "There goes another wasted pick!   We could have had this player who is ready to play right now.  Believe it or not, international players have proven very well in the states in recent years. Let's take the San Antonio Spurs for example.  Tony Parker (Belgium) and Manu Ginobili (Argentina) have both been part of three NBA championships playing with the likes of Virgin Island's own Tim Duncan.  There are other superstars such as Dirk Nowitzki (the greatest international player of all-time), the Gasol brothers, Andrei Kirilenko and Andrea Bargnani who have all played at an all-star level.  But there is a new crop of international players making their wave in the NBA today.  The 7 John Doe of the NBA are:

7.  Houston Rockets Omer Asik #3 Center

Houston Rockets tried all summer to lure the likes of Dwight Howard to their organization at all cost.  Instead, he took his talents out west to LA LA land.  As a cancellation prize they picked up a back up center name Omer Asik from the Chicago Bulls.  Who is second year OMER ASIK?  Hmmmm from Turkey?  He was an afterthought, especially when they made the blockbuster trade to acquire James Harden.  Have you seen his numbers?  No afterthought anymore. Mr. Asik, in his first game as a Rocket grabbed an astounding 19 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks.  However, he did go scoreless missing all seven of his attempts from the floor.  Since then, he has managed 4 double doubles in 7 games.  His early season average is 10.5 ppg, 12.9 rbs, and 1.3 blks a game.  James Harden maybe a sexier trade pickup but OMER ASIK is starting to turn some head himself.

6. Denver Nuggets  Kosta Koufos #41 Center

First off this Kosta Koufos is from America, go figure; but he does have Greek decent and also plays for the Greek national team.  The 7 foot, Kosta Koufos,  played his college ball at The Ohio State University.  He could easily be part of a trivia question of who was the guy to replace Greg Oden at OSU (then again, who is Greg Oden)?  Kosta is in his fourth year in the NBA and has finally found a home in Denver.  In his first six games of the season he is averaging 7.4 ppg, 6 rbs, and 1.9blks.  He has already posted his first double double of the year with 15 points and 10 rebounds against Utah Jazz.

5.  Minnesota Timberwolves Nikola Pekovic #14 Center

The Yugoslavian center started off playing in the Euroleague before making his way over to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  He enters his third season with the Timberwolves and has taken on a more active role since all-star Kevin Love has been out with an injury. Pekovic has shown that he can muscle with anyone in the low post as he is averaging 15.3ppg, 6 rbs, 1 blk in the first 7 games. Nikola has two 20 point games so far.  The Timberwolves front court of Andrei Kirilenko and Nikola Pekovic will be even tougher when Kevin Love returns from an injury.

4.  Minnesota Timberwolves Alexey Shved  #1 Point Guard

Alexey Shved is a Russian born player who has been in professional basketball since 2006.  At the age of 16!  He is a member of the Russian national team and has played majority of his professional ball in Moscow before joining the Minnesota Timberwolves.   Like his teammate Nikola Pekovic, Alexey benefits from injuries to Rickey Rubio, who is sidelined with a knee injury.  Alexey is a 6'6" versatile player that can play the 1 or the 2 guard.  He has range and a quick release.  He is currently averaging 9 ppg, 3.9 apg and 3.1 rb in 7 games.  His season highs so far are 16 points and 7 assist.  He is getting valuable experience in his first year as he is seeing around 22 minutes a game.


3.  San Antonio Spurs Tiago Splitter #22 Power Forward

This Brazilian basketball player is probably the most recognizable player out of the group.  Not for his play, but because the  ESPN's personality Stephen A. Smith's screams his name out in embarrassing fashion.  TTTIIIAAAGGGOOO SSSPPPLLLIIITTTEEERRR!!!!  I don't know any team that recruits international players better than the San Antonio Spurs organization.  Splitter is in his second year with the Spurs and has earned the trust of coach Gregg Popovich.  Tiago is averaging 6ppg, 4rbg and 0.9blks while giving an average of 15 tough minutes a game.  Against the Lakers earlier this year he produced 9 points, 9 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block shot.  He is getting valuable playing time in crunch time, and if Popovich endorses him then you know he can play.  Oh and one thing, Tiago...... Stephen A. Smith has given you enough motivation to take care of business!

2.  New Orleans Hornets Greivis Vasquez #21 Point Guard

This Venezuelan basketball star played college ball at Maryland University.   Greivis Vasquez was the top point guard in the country his senior year receiving the Bob Cousy Award.  The 6'6" point guard was traded from Memphis in 2010 to run the point down there in New Orleans.  Vasquez is averaging 12.8 ppg, 8.8 apg and 4.2 rbg in 8 games.  His signature game so far was 24 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds against the Houston Rockets.   He is comfortable at the point guard position and should be able to put up consistent numbers from that position.

Orlando Magic Nikola Vucevic #9 Center

Nikola Vucevic played three years of college ball at USC.  The Switzerland native is in his second season in the NBA and was part of the Andrew Bynum/Dwight Howard trade this past summer.  The Orlando Magic franchise are benefiting from Vucevic early play.  After 8 games he is averaging 11.1ppg, 8.4rbg and 0.9blks so far this season.  He has recorded 4 double doubles with his best game coming against the Phoenix Suns.  He managed to  put up 18 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists.

These players maybe average JOE right now; but each of them deserve some mentioning.  Which player do you think has a chance to be the next Dirk Nowitzki, Pau or Marc Gasol, Manu Ginobili or Anderson Varejao?
 

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