Too Much Dwama

The Magic are offering way too much power to a certain tall person. Dwight Howard was told he could chose both head coach and GM of the Magic if he chooses to stay in Orlando. That is insane. That's too much to make one player happy and a big slap in the face to SVG. 
Howard hasn't bitten on anything yet in Orlando, meaning he just doesn't want to be there right now. 
My solution? Let him go and get the better end of a deal. The Magic can get a solid return for Howard and keep SVG (not losing the chemistry and relationship the coach has with current members). 

 I think the Magic should grab as much as possible for the big man, even though he wants to remain in the city for the season and "win" a championship. 
 After last nights win over the Heat, I think Howard has win fever, beating one of the top teams to beat and possible contenders for the title.
 But this could be the drive Howard needs to seriously dominate and lead the Magic as close as humanly possible to a ring.


Ty


image from:
fullcourtpumps.com

MVP RACCE

Friendly competition in the NBA. All those 30+ games is making the race interesting.

LeBron scores 30+ 2 consec.
DWade score 30+
Kobe scores 30+
Dirk scores 30+
Durrant scores 30+

Let the games begin. I am pumped for the playoffs.

MVPs

I didn't see the all star game but the stats showed some things. The Battle of LeBron and KD seemed to be the story, with LeBron slightly outstating Kevin Durant. KD wins MVP though as the West beat the East. It's really easy to assume that these two teams in the finals. So let's break down some team stats:

Record: Both 27-7
PPG: Heat - 103.7 (1st), Thunder 102.68 (3rd)
PPG Diff - Heat +9.36 (2nd), Thunder +6.44 (4th)
FG% - Heat .488 (1st), Thunder .475 (2nd)
3PT FG% - Heat .398 (1st), Thunder .347 (14th)

OKC is dominating the league in blocks at 7.88 BPG. Miami is in 15th, at 5.12 BPG.

As for their star players:
LeBron - 27.4 - 8.1 - 6.8 APG (In 42 club, 42.3), 36.7 minutes per game.
Durant - 27.9 - 8.1 - 3.4 APG (Not in 42 club, 39.4), 38 minutes per game.

The 42 club is a very exclusive group of players who have averaged over 42 in a combined PPG, RPG, APG. LeBron Is the only player in the league on average for the group this year.

Active players who are have reached the 42-Club:
Kobe: 1x
LeBron: 3x
Kevin Garnett: 1x
Dirk: 1x

As a total, you have to call the Heat the best team in the league undisputed. As for players, you have to give season MVP race to LeBron. To those who are saying Kobe should undoubtedly be MVP, his shot selection this year has been horrid and I can't agree with that choice. 
Regardless, I believe the finals match up will be Thunder and Heat. My next post will be my projected playoff predictions.  





Image from:

hiphoptitan.com

Lincompetent?

No, the title takes it a little too far, but J-Lin definitely had his ass handed to him in Miami last night. The Knicks lost 102-88 after leading in the first half, despite horrible shooting and a poor handle on the ball. Lin had a game high 8 turnovers and Stoudemire had 6. Reckless for a team that had only 14 assists TOTAL.
The guards of the Heat - Chalmers, Cole and Wade - kept Lin to 1-11 shooting Baron Davis shot 0-7 and Carmelo Anthony shot 7-20 (Who does he think he is, Kobe?).
The big 3 (2 1/2) shot 28-55, with James almost hitting a triple double with 20-9-8, 5 steals and 2 blocks. 

Could Lin's NBA stardom be over as fast as it appeared? I doubt it, everyone has those game where the ball just jumps out of your hands and the shots can't get through the rim.
Mike D'Antoni - ""He didn't have the legs. He played last night. It happens. It was a learning experience ... We probably just played maybe arguably the best team in the NBA."
Partly true, but as I wrote previously about the shortened season, the youth of Lin should prove able to prevail in back-to-back's or back-to-back-to-back's.
I think that this was just a case of a far more superior team, continuing to keep their streak rolling. The Heat want first and they're going to plow through many more teams like they did Lin and the Knicks last night. 
The Heat are on a 8 game win streak, all by double digits.

Just for fun, here are some words you cold say about last night.
Lincompetent, Linane, Linauthentic, Lincombustable (he's not on fire!), he's still Lincubating.

Take this lightly, it's all in fun.

Image from nydailynews.com

Great Read

As a post-MJ basketball fan, it's hard to grasp how the league used to be. I got this book from my girlfriend for Christmas and I strongly suggest any NBA fan to grab it for a good read. Lots of facts and a good knowledge to help create an idea of how the NBA became the NBA.

The Book of Basketball: The NBA According To The Sports Guy

Although I think Simmons remains slightly biased (despite countless statements otherwise), it's still unbiased enough to get all the facts to the reader.
It's really hard to disagree with Simmons on almost the whole book. He knows his stuff and presents it in a way that anyone can grasp.
 From how the league came to be, to the top players EVER and the greatest team imaginable, it has plenty to keep any fan happy.
He uses a comedic approach and some of his footnotes are LOL worthy.

I strongly, strongly suggest this as a read.

Year of the Heat

The season is half over. The Heat are on top. LeBron, D-Wade and the rest of the Heat seem to be breezing through the season, now at a 6 game win streak. They finally seem to be in, "the zone". They lead the NBA in FG%.485 and 3PT% .400. Not a bad spot to be.

This year, the condensed season could be just what the Heat need to finally bring home it's inevitable title since bringing the "big three" (more like 2 and a 1/2) together.  The lack of days off are proving to be a task for the older teams and the younger teams seem to be thriving on it. This will automatically cut out some major threats in the playoffs.
The Lakers and Celtics being the major 2, that are struggling with a condensed season and even more with the Lakers after trading Odom and Gasol trade rumors kicking up again. Kobe himself said to either get it over with or leave us the eff alone. (Not those exact words but you get the picture). For now I'm saying count those teams out of at least the first round.
Along with that, the East is just a weaker conference. 7th and 8th place teams (Knicks and Celtics) aren't even floating above .500. If this trend continues you can bet on a Chicago and Miami final (both also with highest pt diff. 9.1-9.2). But until that both teams should breeze through the playoffs conserving some much needed energy.
The West has a much more competitive conference with 9 teams above .500 and their veterans proving more versatile (Spurs on 11 game win streak).

The biggest factor in the Heat winning a title will be LeBron's composure during crunch time games in the playoffs. He's been to one finals, but that's it. Now that they've had 1 1/2 years to gain whatever chemistry is there and find their game it's now or never. Especially after LeBron claiming he'd like to return to Cleveland in the future.

Either way, it's going to be a good, youth filled playoffs. I think for the Heat, it's a good of a year as ever to bring home another title. 

Image from

beinglatino.wordpress.com

Midseason Issues for Vets

Is the compressed season proving to be a big disadvantage for the veterans of the NBA? The best guess is, yes. Tonight is the 3rd game of a back to back to back for Miami, who seem to not let them bother them. But is it for some other teams like the Lakers (opened the season with a triple header on Dec 25-27)? Of course. Lets look at some mid season stats and teams leaders.
Top teams in the league:
1) Chicago - Derrick Rose, age 23 (Same age and birthday as me, clearly a successful day for earth)
2) Miami Heat - LeBron James, age 27 (D-Wade and Bosh average 28.5)
3) Oklahoma C - Kevin Durant, age 23
4) Phil 76ers - No player in top 40 scoring but. average age 27.5)

No big surprise? Let's assume the average peaking age of a NBA star to be 26-28, so some of these teams aren't a surprise to be leading the standings (Heat will make top 4 in east over next 6 years if roster stays).
But let's look at the last 3 champs (who happen to be old teams):
1) Mavs - Dirk, age 33 (Coming off a title, 4th seed so for. Struggling. 2OT game a few nights ago with a score of under 100, Dirk missed 2 game winning, end of period shots.)
2) Lakers x 2 - Kobe, age 33, point leader playing very selfishly (5th in west [5, 6, 7, seed all have same record]Big time struggles in LA, slowly falling apart. I project 8th seed and a first round knockout by OKC 1st seed).
3) Celtics - Paul Pierce, age 34 (Struggling, 7th in east)

The shortened season has been injury filled, back to back, back to back to back game filled and youth dominated. As the season goes on we can only expect the 30+ year old stars to fall even more off of their game and the likes of Blake Griffin, KD and D-Rose to stay fresh.

I project Boston missing the playoffs by having a spirit spoiling losing streak in the near future, making it a fighting battle back into an 8th seed. NYKs, now with Lin making a 2nd half rush for the Knicks, and finally finding some chemistry with Melo and Amar'e.
My picks for the 2nd half of season bloomers and floppers are:


2nd half bloomers are: West - Memphis Grizzlies/Portland and East - NY Knicks
2nd half floppers are: West - Lakers and East - Celtics (Unless KG has a career game soon, to light the fire)


What do you think about that?

Images from:
http://eye-on-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/28345356

blog.fansaloon.com

Lakers 2012

Horrible performance by LA today. If they want a PLAYOFF spot they need to switch it up. Horrible shot selection and FG%, The only reason a win was feasible is because they played the Raptors (94-92 final).

And no, Kobe didn't try to make it interesting by missing so many shots. 

I followed LA Nation on twitter and their play by play was hilarious. Trashing Kobe for the shot selection most of the game (especially last quarter), then he makes the game clinching shot and he's the man. Hilarious. IF you want to make the playoffs, Kobe needs to change his switch from "ME", to  "TEAM" mode very soon. Title? Not this year folks. Unless, Dwight Howard somehow lands in LA in the next month or so, but that's becoming less and less likely.

tylerrpritchard@gmail.com

Congrats Kobe! ... shooting guard argument.

Just a congratulations to Kobe Bryant who passed Shaq (28'596) on the NBA all time scoring list last night. Kobe now needs under 3000 points to pass Wilt Chamberlain on the list. Although that's really not feasible this year, next year it should be an easy feat, if he can remain healthy. Maybe even passing Michael Jordan can be a goal for Kobe next year.
 His career average is 25.4 points in 1'128 career games. He is also the only top 10 all time scorer with more than 1'000 3PT shots made (1'456). The next closest is Michael Jordan with 581 and then Karl Malone with 85.
Kobe is ALSO likely to pass MJ this year of next in free throws made. He's currently number 5 on the list.  Jordan in the 4 spot has about 150 more made free throws, with almost identical averages. 
Kobe is also in the 3rd spot for playoff scoring, behind MJ (1) and Abdul-Jabbar.

Statistically, if Kobe passes Michael Jordan in point totals, does that give him right to be called greatest shooting guard (or player) ever? What about if he gets another ring?

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane is throwing up equally good numbers as Kobe, career average 25.4PPG (Lower rebound, higher assist averages). The bigger debate is that Dwyane Wade wants to make his team mates better and is willing to give up the clutch shots when needed. If Wade can keep up the pace, is he a possible candidate for best SG?
Playing with LeBron has caused a drop in his PPG and APG. But again with the selfishness debate, that's a price he is willing to give. Trade off STATS for possible RINGS.
No matter how many rings LeBron and Wade win in Miami, Wade will always have one up.

What are your thoughts? I've never really seen Jordan in his prime so I can't make an honest debate outside Jordan's stats.  
Leave a comment.

LeBron James: 20th Best Player Ever

True? Not true?

At his age and accomplishments, that's a bold statement. But in a book I'm finishing, this was the spot he was given. The biggest fault us fans give LeBron is that he doesn't want to WIN as much as he wants to put the WOW in his games. During clutch and late game situations, he can't produce as full potential. BUT you can be guaranteed a few highlight reel plays EVERY game.
   At his age and his current team/contract, how many titles would be feasible for LeBron to end up with in his career? 2? 4? 7? What are your thoughts? Will he get 1? The book also claims that if he gets one this year, he'll automatically move up to number 15 on an opinionated greatest ever list.

Reasons why LeBron will get a title in Miami

1) Playoff totals consistency and Wade
     LeBron's career averages (27-7-7) and his playoff averages (28-8-7) prove he can perform just as well in the playoffs, but slacks off in crunch time. Wade could be considered one of the kings of clutch. Add his consistency with Wade's crunch time performing and I think we're guaranteed a title with both on the same team.

2) Supporting Cast
    At least 2 other 20+ PPG performers in Wade and Bosh. 3PT threats in Chalmers and Miller. Young slashing threat in Cole this year. Compare this to his time in Cleveland and I think you can easily see a title in Miami's future.

3) 2012  Eastern Threats
     Boston, LA Lakers, Knicks are all proving disappointing in the 2012 seasons. The only threat at the moment is Chicago, all others are Western teams (OKC mainly). Miami on the other hand are finally gaining chemistry.

Regardless of LeBron's career, title or not, I still will find myself watching just for the WOW factor that all of his games seem to have.

Name the show...

I grew up on this show.

Steve Nash

image from

http://mediagallery.usatoday.com

NBA.com poll today asked, "Should Steve Nash be in the All-Star game?"

Are they serious? Is that a real question?

Nash leads the NBA in assists (9.9PG!!!), 15.5PPG and is top 5 for FG at .550. How can you not take this into consideration for an All Star game. If you are Canadian, how can you not check off his name and vote. I'm ashamed if you don't go to NBA.com and vote him in right now. Take pride in the best Canadian point guard EVER.
This season he is at 31 minutes per game, this may be his last year as an elite point guard, so make it happen for him.

Nash has been in 7 All-Star games and won 2 MVPs.

Nash is a pure offensive point guard, which is what makes an all star game exciting, all out flashy offense. So put in the game so we can watch some flashy passes and nice shooting. It's your duty as a Canadian.

GO AND VOTE FOR STEVE NASH.

24 pts in 1st quarter!!

Big loss last night for the heat. James scored 24pts in the first quarter, the Heat were up by 17pts in the first quarter. And then lost. I watched the TV companion and was shocked. How could they blow this? They shot well, 46% but couldn't GET the shots. AGAINST THE BUCKS.

5 game win streak over, but it just... that can't happen. If you want to win a title. I watched a video  of LeBron in grade nine talking about how he has the attitude that he doesn't just want to win. He wants to embarrass. I expected him to come out in the 2nd and continue from his amazing 1st quarter but it was a no go.

New fitness article today or tomorrow...

Bench press

This is one result from the searching on flickr for bench press.

Photo credit: Colin Rose

Not what I was looking for. But this should be motivation to start your fit lifestyle today. You can do it and you should do it. The hardest part is starting so I'm making it easier by not giving you an option. Start getting fit, today.

LOOKING FOR A HOBBY?

Due to demographic interest, 14DBB is being revamped. Will be up hopefully within one week, 100% COMPLETED.

As for what's going on, a lot. If anyone is familiar with graphic design as a hobby or occupation please email tylerrpritchard@gmail.com for details on a project.

Please email me any questions or request on a subject for a possible article.

The biggest news, if you're certified and are interesting in making a pass time out of writing small fitness, nutrition or sports articles (sports training, progression, coaching... NOT major league analysis or recap) then email me ASAP. Looking for 1-2 writers to help contribute to site content. 

This site is totally voluntary.



Kobe drops the 40pts streak...

*See below

...with a 30 point game against the Heat. Still a great showing, I smell a scoring champion, but I'm definitely not smelling a top 4 team. I really, really hope some sort of trade gets initiated soon. Odom was to big a role player to lose. The void needs to be filled. They've got their superstar in Kobe, 2- top tier bigmen in Gasol and Bynum, their role point guard in Fisher. 
Odom trade was a bad mistake. His personal feelings interfered with a pro

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant

Big game tonight, let's see Kobe get another 40+ shall we? Shane Battier is solid on d but if Kobe gets on a streak he will no doubt be unstoppable.
LeBron will be without D-Wade, but that shouldn't be an issue if his jumpers are on target. I'd much rather him drive and put the Lakers big men in trouble early. Get Gasol and Bynum in foul trouble then there's little presence to stop a drive. I wish I could watch this game, but too bad sucks to be me.

I was on the bb.com forums and realized everyone online is hostile, and everyone needs to just relax and take it down a notch.

Hopefully I'll be adding another project to the 14 day series soon, and I hope it'll be more popular than the bodybuilder series. Details on that coming up soon.

Any questions please contact me, if it's about training, nutrition or anything.

14-Day BodyBuilder project is started, link is above. Excited and nervous about it all at once. Check it out. ^^^^^   = ]

I'm about halfway through "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons. If your a sports fan, not just an NBA fan, a sports fan, I suggest looking at this book. Gives great insight on the older NBA and takes a relentless look at some of the leagues stars. Takes it to Vince Carter. Tears him a new one. Bill Simmons has a great knowledge of the league and you really learn a lot. I've only been a NBA fan for 2-3 years but I really got stuck reading about the old league.
Things like Chamberlains 100 point game, where I've always wondered how it was possible, gets clearer through his explanation of the league and how the players rolled then.
The only thing I noticed that I wish wasn't present was a bias for the Celtics (even though he claims there isn't one). As soon as his passion for the Celtics get explain the bias is just floating around in my head the whole time. Maybe it's there, maybe not.
Regardless check it out, buy it, it's really worth a read.
 As well the argument that there will never be another MJ, ever, is a little too certain. 5, 10 or even 40 years from now there very well could be a player that tops MJ. It's just something you can't state. Maybe we'll have perfected cloning and there will be a team of 3 MJs and 2 Shaqs at their prime tearing up the NBA. With 3 LeBrons on the bench chatting with 4 Kobes. Who knows... who knows.

Be yourself, then learn to love that self. 

Feels good to type without regard for errors.

This will be for my own freedom. No formalities, no editing, no spell check, hell, no periods

I will try to post here as much as possible and it could be about anything.

Kobe
Bryant has been playing like a young man in the league the past week. 40+ in 4 straight games, so he deserves a kudos. Playing like a man who wants the scoring title. But the Lakers still can't get in the groove (sitting in 5th). As good as Kobe is I can't help feeling that the CP3 and Dwight Howard trades (or lack there of) did nothing but hurt the team morale and chemistry. Not to mention they lost Lamar Odom (WTF. A tier 2 player/big man with great shooting) The Lakers will not be as successful this year unless a trade happens, as soon as possible. Is a Gasol /Howard still possible as the season goes on, or are the Bulls determined to get him? With Howard you can almost guarantee a finals caliber team, or will it be similar to a Wade/James/Bosh situation. He's a free agent this summer, so he's going to move (my guess, is the Mavericks).

Heat
With Wade out now the teams on a 3 losing streak, but you'd think with the remaining talent that wouldn't be that big of an issue. Regardless the Heat are still looking like a team where the chemistry just isn't there yet. Still to me a guaranteed playoff seed, but will the James curse halt them in the 1st or 2nd round? It's still way too early to assume, but it's still something I can't help assuming.


 Leave you with a question, if you were only allowed 5 songs to workout to for the rest of your life, what would they be?
 

Yah buddy!

Coming soon...