Tony Parker and Eva Langoria recreate Grease!

OK folks, first of all, this is not a new video, apparently it's a couple of years old, yet still worthwhile. Now I must confess, one of my all-time guilty pleasures is the movie Grease. I've seen Grease more times than any other movie, even more than Menace II Society, Carlito's Way, The Killer or Usual Suspects.

This video was originally removed from the web, but the smart guys over at Fanhouse have it on their site (with no embed code, the bastards!), so you'll have to mosey over there to watch it. Still can't get over that hair, and no this doesn't make me like you guys any more... sorry.

Extreme Makeover: Don't Give Me Any Ideas.

Dustin over @ Undercrown originally posted this pic. It's from the executive bathroom at the Rose Garden, (where the Trailblazers play). I would so get this popping in my bathroom.

...and please, no jokes about 3 point shooting.

A Christmas Carol.

This video gets run every year, it's still a classic. "Jingle Bells" courtesy of Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson and Will Blalock.
Enjoy the holidays!

My Christmas Sweater.

To tell you the truth, I'm not the most festive fella. You won't see me getting my Bing Crosby on, however, I will likely be dipping into the egg nog. But the good folks at Undercrown have something in their Holiday 2009 Collection that will definitely get me in the spirit.

The Pick & Roll hoody is only available in red, so take that Santa! The graphic is so fresh and so clean. Of course only the ballers know that this little play is the most surefire way to get 2 points, and really can't be stopped with the myriad of ways it unfolds. See: Stockton and Malone.

I guess I will have to see if I'm naughty or nice if I end up getting my Christmas sweater this year, but come on, what else would I rather be wearing on Dec. 25th when I'm watching Kobe vs Lebron, (I can see the puppet commercials already)?

I Know This Is Old But...

I can only describe this in one word.

THUD

The sound Iverson makes when he goes down is like a dead body dropping. Even if you missed the action, you would still turn to the person next to you and ask, "What was that noise? What did I miss?"

Penny For Your Thoughts?

Although my basketball season(s) are well underway I'm pretty stuck on which shoes I'd like to ball in. I always felt the Nike Penny 1/2 Cent was kinda slick when it dropped, and while it's well documented that I'm not a fan of hybrids, (the 1/2 cent is made up from five different Penny sneakers) these work.

While there is no Lil' Penny advertising campaign underway for these, if you're wondering what the real Penny Hardaway is up to now? Well our good man Charles Barkley has already posed the question.

"Where My Dogs @?"

I'm a dog lover, I have a 2 year old Jack Russell named Blue and he's my guy. My love for sneakers almost rivals my love for my dog although sneakers have been in my life much longer. The joke around the house is that Blue is a destroyer, any chew toy put in front of him has a life expectancy of about 8 hours. Yet while he hasn't taken a penchant for chewing on footwear, I wonder what he would do with this?

The folks over at the London design collective Vinti Andrews took the Air Jordan 5 and re crafted it into a canine... none too shabby. Giving new meaning to "walking the dog" this purebred will not heed the words of the Dog Whisperer. Now can someone talk to Jordan Brand about making dog booties for the winter?
Bonus pic of the Air Max Dog.



Thanks to Freshnessmag for the tip.

New York Knicks Fans Are Being Entertained, But Not By The Knicks.

Lawrence Frank gets fired today but really, what did the Nets expect with that roster and all of those injured players? The real coach who should be on the hotseat is Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks are 3-14 with a better roster and healthy bodies, however Knick fans seem to find themselves way more entertained then by watching an actual game. Take a look.



Thanks to Truehoop for the link.

It's Time.

While the NBA season officially started yesterday, I'm taking in the Raptors home opener tonight. But you can always count on the good people at Brand Jordan to get your mind right. The new "Break to Build" spot features Team Jordan members Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and the newest to the fam Dwayne Wade.


If you play sports on any competitive level this will get you amped, and if you don't, it will get you amped for the season. If the the editing, the score, the energy don't do anything for you, then... maybe you need to find another hobby.

10 Bold Predictions for the Raptors This Season.

Fifteen years.

Fifteen years of NBA basketball in Toronto, it seems like just yesterday. With another season, comes another set of predictions and expectations. Are we settling for the same thing? Check out my top 10 boldest predictions for the Raptors on AOL.

Tammy Sutton-Brown > You.

While much of the WNBA love is reserved for Candace Parker, there's someone from my backyard that needs to some shine. As a professional basketball player, Tammy Sutton-Brown has an occupation not too many Canadians (men or women) can brag about. Currently playing in the WNBA Finals she also plays in Europe during the offseason. I profiled her briefly previously in Sway Magazine, but recently travelled to Indianapolis to take in the WNBA Eastern Conference Championships as her Indiana Fever were playing against the Detroit Shock. Check it out here on AOL Sports Canada.

The Stanley Cup > Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.

For the uninformed, the Larry O'Brien Trophy is awarded to the NBA champions every year and was named after the former NBA commissioner. For the less informed the Stanley Cup is the trophy bestowed upon the best team in the NHL and is named after the former Governor General and hockey enthusiast. Growing up Canadian, the Stanley Cup is one of those iconic things you are just familiar with, like the golden arches. My earliest memory is Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders jubilantly hoisting the cup over his head in the early '80's. Conversely, Magic Johnson and the Lakers holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy and getting drenched by champagne is stuck in my psyche. While each trophy holds it's own significance with it's respective sport, the Stanley Cup only stays with the winning team for the year of their reign, they don't get to keep it, so it's time is limited. Furthermore, each member of the winning organization gets to have the Cup for one day, which makes up for interesting pictures like this...


The above photo was taken at Mario Lemieux's house this summer. Aside from being one of the NHL's best, he's also principal owner and Chairman of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is how they get down folks! A book came out in 2001 entitled "Why is the Stanley Cup In Mario Lemieux's Swimming Pool?: How Winners Celebrate With The World's Most Famous Cup" which clearly illustrates that this isn't the first time the Cup has taken a dip in "Super Mario's" pool. A simple Google search of the Stanley Cup Trophy pulls up pics of players drinking out of or eating from the Cup, even sleeping with it, never mind the women posing suggestively with it, and those are the pics we have seen! When it comes to the Larry O'Brien it's mostly parade day pics and locker room stuff, nothing special, nothing risque. Is it because each NBA Champion gets their own trophy so there is no sense of urgency or significance? Or is it the hockey players passion to covet and obtain such an iconic symbol that drives them to go crazy?

With the Cup, there is only one, (or three rather), but if the Cup could talk, I'm quite confident there would be a number of NSFW stories and TMI to be shared. Can our good friend Larry O say the same? Likely not, which is why The Stanley Cup > The Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Kinda NOT Like A Big Deal - Jerry Stackhouse Gets Dunked On.

When Lebron James got dunked on, aside from the fact the Nike reps handled it poorly, it was a big deal. But seriously, Jerry Stackhouse a 15 year NBA vet, who's at the end of his career and doesn't even have an NBA contract gets dunked on and it's news? He's a 35 year old man, who's knees have left him, trying to stop John Wall a young buck going to the hole. If this is Sports Centre worthy then allow me to send in my 1-on-1 video of my 12 year old nephew beating me at 21.

Please.

Don't Criticize... Hyperize!

Another video I love. Mo Williams, Kevin Durrant, Rashard Lewis and Andre Iguodala are straight west coastin' on this one. Of course DJ Quik is behind the beats, (and lyrics I'm sure), but all these guys come off with a smooth delivery. Throw in some retro styling and I'm already on my fourth view. I wish Mo would rock that jheri curl this season! LOL

Complete & Utter Randomness 4.

One of the best videos I've posted on this blog, not hoops related but when watching this video I was hit with an immense sense of serenity and peacefulness. Words are words, but the video speaks for itself.

Enjoy.

The Many Faces of Jamaal Magloire.

Yours truly recently profiled Toronto's own and Miami Heat centre Jamaal Magloire for Sway Magazine. Aside from his commitment to giving back to his hometown and being a Caribbean culture activist, he recently re-upped with the Heat. Hopefully he can play next season like he did in the playoffs last year, if not I'll still have to write posts like this.

"Sugar" Ray Emery comes back swinging.

Oddly enough, this is not hoops related, heck it's not even a ball that does or doesn't bounce, but yours truly has done another column for the fine folks at AOL Sports Canada. The subject? The goalie everyone loves to hate... Ray Emery. It's interesting how he gets booted out of the league for doing less than Sean Avery, but I don't touch on that in my piece. I'll use the intro that they put in front of my piece to speak on it. Feel free to rate, hate, vote, comment or what have you, thanks.

For Ray Emery, an underdog that no one is betting on to come out on top, a successful return to the NHL would be sweet redemption. But to quiet his doubters, the new Philadelphia Flyers goaltender can’t rely purely on his physical skills. Mentally the decisions and choices he makes on and off the ice, as opposed to the catlike instincts he utilizes in the net, will be far more important, writes Duane Watson.

Read it here.

If The NBA Had Late Night TV Writers Instead...

Every time I see NBA players on late night television it's hilarious. Why? Likely as they generally have some great writers to make sure it's as funny as it should be. We all remember Chris Bosh on Jay Leno during last year's playoffs, this year Jimmy Kimmel steps up. With an NBA version of the Dating Game pitting Amare and Grant Hill of the Suns against Dahntay Jones and Chris Andersen of the Nuggets, it's The Team Mating Game in a battle of who knows their teammate better.

No need for me to break it down any further as you can just watch, but could you just imagine Kobe hosting SNL and doing some funny skits? Could he ever let it go for once and just have fun?

....Nah.

For my pre-draft workouts I'm training with Leroy Smith.

I wonder if Tim Grover and the folks at Attack Athletics can compete with this?

Rajon Rondo be on that Red Bull.

Rajon Rondo has elevated his game this year, particularly in the NBA Playoffs. Proving he belongs in the discussion of the league's elite point guards, we now have an idea on why he's so fast. Rondo is the first NBA endorsee for Red Bull energy drink.

Stephen Curry's Draft Stock Plummets.

Despite the New York Knicks successfully winning the 8th pick overall in the NBA Draft Lottery last night, rumour has it they will not be drafting Stephen Curry as previously reported. The 6'3" guard's draft stock has recently plummeted due to new developments. A New York Knicks insider, speaking on condition of anonymity explained that concerns stem from Curry's off court activities and not the apprehension of his stature as an undersized shooter.

"We think Stephen is a great kid and an exceptional scorer but he really can't rap", he goes on to say. "If this were Utah or Minnesota even, this may not be an issue. However we're talking about New York city, the birthplace of hip-hop." While I wasn't aware that Curry's rap skills were even in question, I was directed to his little dalliance with the M.I.C. on Davidson's "I Love Commons" a remake of Asher Roth's "I Love College."



Curry is easily the worst rapper on the song, making everyone else in the video come off like Eminem and Jadakiss. With two simple verses he's cemented his place as the worst rapping basketball player ever beating out Kobe and Cedric Ceballos. Former NBA coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy agrees, "My man the Notorioius B.I.G. must be rolling in his grave right now" he says. "I've been down with hip-hop for a while, and that has to be some of the worst bars I've ever heard. New York won't stand for that, not when you have guys like Hova and Jim Jones sitting courtside at the Gardens."

Representatives for Curry were unavailable for comment.

Nike Hypermax Tennis Ball.

The first time I saw these online I was going to post, but I've obviously been quite lazy lately. After seeing them again over at Kix And the City, I was reminded how "flavourful" these are. Yes that's a part of my lexicon, only because of these shoes, I never dug the Alife X Reebok "Ball Out's" as I thought they were a bit much, but sign me up for a pair of these. The new Nike Hypermax Tennis Ball, doesn't have the flywire but they've replaced it with extra flavour. There should be text on the bottom of the soles saying "Don't tread on me."

Kobe & Lebron: Most Valuable Puppets... FAIL.

Not to throw disclaimers about like CP3 tossing alley-oops to Tyson Chandler, but I love Nike. For the most part, I love their kicks, their marketing is always on point and they don't joke around with the technology and R&D they put into their products. However, their recent campaign with the current and previous league MVP's is pretty much gar-bage. After seeing the first spot I felt they did little to capture the personalities of these two guys. I mean, maybe that was Lebron 5 years ago and possibly Kobe 5 years from now, but that's still being extreme. Yeah it's puppets and while the excessive chalk was funny, it all got tired after the first 30 seconds. I let things slide the first time as the swoosh got a pass on the strength of their previous track record.

Now, there's another spot with the two marionettes, if the puppetry looks familiar it's the same work you've seen in Kanye West's "Champion" video, (which I still believe is a Nike commercial). With this new Three Rings commercial, it leads me to believe there is a series of spots with Nike feeling their two posterboys will be facing each other in the NBA Finals. Not a radical idea, although the Houston Rockets seem to have missed that memo, maybe there's still time to create a Chris "Birdman" Andersen puppet?

What baffles me most is how much Nike has missed the mark here. While hardly funny, they are nothing like their real life counterparts, and don't need to be. But they could have played into some of their characteristics and made it more comedic. Or it could have been stronger if they actually voiced it, yet I'm actually surprised these were even approved. Especially in light of Kobe's alleged creative control demands on the Spike Lee directed Kobe Doin' Work documentary.

Who signs off on these? Lebron came off better in this one, yet Kobe looks like a clown, or better yet the Cookie Monster. I mean really, Jim Henson must be rolling in his grave right now.

Are You A Breadwinner?

These guys make priceless TV. I don't know what I'm going to do when the playoffs are over.

Chris Webber's Bread Challenge.

Camraderie

I managed to see one of the last Indiana Pacers home games this season which was against the Cleveland Cavaliers. What amazed me, aside from the fact the fans cheered almost as loudly for the Cavs as they did for the Pacers, was how much of a team the Cavs are. Prior to tip it seemed like non-stop hugs and daps between all players one through twelve, trainers... everyone got love. Aside from the Cavaliers league leading success this season and their penchant for having fun, this is a team that's a family and trusts one another. All of this starts with Lebron James and trickles on down, whether it's the bench rooting the starters or the starters rooting the bench this is a talented bunch to watch that you can't help but root for. Maybe that's why they get the love in every arena around the league.

Obviously the video is a play on the Heineken walk in fridge commercial, but if that many shoes showed up for me and my boys, that would be a likely reaction.

Good looking out to my man MaZe at Kixandthecity for the tip.

Mon-ey, Mon-ey, Mon-ey, Mon-ey, Mon-eeey.

There are two things I find incredibly entertaining one obviously is basketball, the other is WWF wrestler Ted DiBiase, (I'm old school the "F" stays). For those unfamiliar with the "Million Dollar Man" he would always find ways to dehumanize people in the name of a dollar and then basically cheat them out of their potential winnings. Yeah it's cruel, but DiBiase pretty much steadily got his a** beat anyhow.

First Impressions: Nike Zoom MVP Trash Talk.

Remember when the world first started to go green and restaurants started using napkins from recycled materials, yet they were as coarse as sandpaper? Well that's sort of how the Nike Considered project started in the spring of 2005. With a goal of reconsidering both design and environmental impact to deliver products that looked utterly different from anything ever created; Nike delivered footwear that lightened it's environmental footprint, but didn't necessarily rub people the right way, being a little too avant garde on the style spectrum. In our modern society, many want to be ecologically cognizant, but really don't want to sacrifice aesthetics or comfort to do so. Well as usual, the folks in Beaverton, Oregon have an answer for that with the newest edition to the Nike basketball family.

Even though Steve Nash won the NBA MVP Award in 2006, Nike is calling his newest signature shoe the Zoom MVP Trash Talk, I'm assuming the MVP stands for "most valuable planet". It's little secret Nash cares about the environment just as much as he does setting up his teammates with assists, they drop on Earth Day, April 22nd no less. With that in mind this edition reduces the fiber content by 30%, utilizes environmentally preferred materials and comes in a box made from 100% recycled fiber. So now that you can ball with a clear conscience, how do the shoes perform?

Despite the fact that the Zoom Kobe IV's set off a low cut basketball furor, Canada's finest baller has been sporting lows for a long time now. While the Trash Talks aren't as light as the Kobe's they don't tip the scales that much heavier. When I first slid my foot in, I was pleasantly surprised with the abundance of support. This is largely attributed to Nike's optimal motion midsole architecture which offers a solid base for the foot, yet still provides great lateral motion. Also within the heel of the shoe is an additional Dri-Fit lined sleeve with a pull tab to keep your foot in place. Conversely the toe box is strikingly comfortable with an increased sense of feel allowing you to get a great feel for the court when pushing off cutting or turning.

I'm assuming this is where Nash & Nike would say this was developed like a soccer shoe/football boot for that very reason and I would have to give them credit for it. Obviously designed for the spirit of play that Steve Nash typifies, I've played in them twice and while it offers the free flowing mobility to run, it definitely doesn't leave you second guessing the support or balance you would need to break, cut or turn.

While there is much hoopla over the Trash Talk's ecological merits, it's a solid performance shoe. If you were none the wiser you wouldn't have had a clue that the leather, suede, nubuck and patent patches on the shoe are scrap fabric from the cutting room floor or that the shoelaces are made from 100% recycled polyester. The Zoom MVP Trash Talk is a strong, yet light shoe that offers the mobility, feel and comfort for a top flight NBA athlete, and while I'm apparently not on that level, it came pretty close to feeling like it... at least my feet did.

March Madness!

I will confess, I don't follow college hoops as closely as I used to. Throughout the season I check in on the rankings periodicaly, we always know who has the strong programs and who the top coaches are, but for the most part I don't buckle down until tourney time. This is when the cream rises to the top, when that college player they have been harping on all season really proves they have the grit and pedigree to carry their school to destiny. Honestly, there is no better basketball than March Madness, on any given night anyone can win, and it delivers some of the most exciting basketball the tournament so far has been a perfect example.

While there were upsets, no Cinderellas have been invited to the Final Four dance with the Elite Eight consisting of 4 number ones, 2 number twos and 2 number threes, the best of the best are here. I didn't complete a bracket at the beginning of the NCAA's, so it would be presumptuous to sit and pick a winner based on who's left. What I will guarantee though, is some exciting basketball and some great moments, however, you don't have to follow college hoops that closely to know all of that.

"Bosh Baby Drama" Is Poor Journalism By The Star's Feschuk.

Well everyone loves drama and Chris Bosh is in the middle of it. Amidst allegations of abandoning the mother of his child and cutting off financial support during her pregnancy, the Raptors power forward is under a lot of scrutiny. I'm not one to comment on court cases before they've been ruled on, but regardless of fact or fiction this is news. Society wants to know everything about our athletes good or bad, however we tend to hone in on the bad. With the Raptors dismal season some people would love to have something to point to, or explain how it all unraveled yet I don't think this is the reason.

As a writer, and someone who is a fan of basketball, I consume all information on the sport and it's players. Unfortunately while it is newsworthy, I feel this story is not a story for a "sports columnist" to write. This is a personal matter, and Bosh's status by virtue makes it a public one, but there are no merits to this story being connected to his on court play or the Raptors performance. "sports columnists" shouldn't be trying to get their Maury Povich or TMZ on with sensationalist journalism making "deadbeat dad" comments.

Oh I know Feschuk, you didn't make the headline, "Your editor wrote it." You are a sports writer, not a celebrity insider, nor are you a family matters analyst. You're a reporter but you report on basketball, if a player murdered someone would you be writing the investigative story for the Star? I think this is in bad taste, I'm not saying this to absolve CB4 of the accusations he is facing, I just think that you should know better.

However I'm sure you'll find out next time you're at a Raptors practice, or in the locker room, or when you are trying to get any news or information from players. I'm sure they would be glad to sit and chat and have a latte with you, knowing any misstep they make off the court is just as fair game as any move they make on it. I think you'll really have to rely on twitter as a source for quotes as I don't think anyone will be talking to you.

If you are going to pin this crappy season on Bosh and his baby drama you really haven't been paying attention. I think you really need to take a bigger look at the picture here, and maybe you haven't been following this ball club as closely as you would have us believe. But then again, you are a sports columnist right?

Protect Ya Neck.

Awesome yet scary at the same time, no more words necessary.

Steroids In The NBA?

I just read an interesting story on Fanhouse posing the question if the NBA has a steroid problem, which I recommend you read.

A lot of the discussion centres around speculation on Golden State Warrior Stephen Jackson's 8th NBA season which is shaping up to be the best of his career. Jax is posting career highs in scoring (21.2), assists (6.6), rebounds (5.0) and most importantly minutes, clocking in at 40 a game, leading the league. Now no one has any knowledge or info that he has been taking any performance enhancing substances, the speculation comes from him performing at such a high level later in his career.

While I'm not here to put Stephen Jackson on the stand, I'm saying that it is entirely possible that players would do whatever is necessary to gain that competitive edge. With only so many spots available in the NBA and the "perception" that steroid usage is not a basketball thing, the league may want to stop worrying so much about what people are smoking, and start determining if people are injecting.

NBA TV, Where Objectivity Happens.

I love this highlight almost for as much as the reaction by the hosts as much as what actually happens. Generally, I find C-Webb and Gary Payton to be a little extra most of the time. But here they are just some normal dudes loving watching a guy getting crossed over. I would be going off the same way with my boys.

Patrick Chewing.

NBA great and Orlando Magic assistant coach, Patrick Ewing must have been paid handsomely to do this Snickers commercial. I found myself watching it over and over again, not sure if I'm in love but definitely entertained.

If only one lesson is learned it's never stop under the net on a basketball court if a 7', 275 pound beast is coming your way, (while eating a Snickers bar of course). You think Patrick was secretly wishing it was Michael Jordan?

Smush Parker Spits Venom At The Mamba.

I don't really know how to call this one. First of all, I'm not sure when this interview went down, (likely after his time in Los Angeles), but Smush Parker calls out Kobe Bryant as the reason behind the Lakers problems. Now Smush definitely has been putting it down in NYC and has the rep and respect on the asphalt, but he doesn't come close to what he's accomplished on the hardwood.

As an NBA player, he has played on 6 teams in 5 seasons, and ironically his best career stats are in LA playing with the guy who he is dissing. I don't know where you are right now, (truthfully, it's not worth my energy to look), but as a player who is trying to find his place in the league you may want to think twice before shitting on one of the league's best. I'm just saying.

Thanks to SportsbyBrooks for the tip.

The Big Show?

Shaquille O'Neal has been spouting off at the month on some dumb shit lately. Recently targeting Chris Bosh and Stan Van Gundy and even saving some choice words for Patrick Ewing. Now, most of the time he's kidding or he will just lay the facts down as they are, but I feel like now he's taking it to new levels of ignorance. Almost like he's trying to get his WWE on.

Yes Shaq, you are the most dominant player in the game and yes you're having a great season this year, but come on dude. Only because it was his birthday this week, and Outside The Boxscore came through with this classic video, I'll let it slide.

L.A. L.A. Big City Of Dreams.

Ice Cube and Snoop are west coast rap icons and die hard hoops fans. Sitting courtside whenever possible, and players in the NBA Entertainment League, the two G's always represent for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Backstage on the set of Snoop's new TV show Snoop After Dark, they're discussing which Lakers jersey's should be hung from the rafters. But Kobe's #8 jersey? Not so fast my friends, I hope you guys haven't been enjoying too much of that Cali Cush. You can't hang up someone's jersey while they're still wearing it, and you can't retire Kobe's without retiring the Diesel's.

Fortunately this is definitely way better viewing than watching Paris Hilton's freestyle with the Doggfather.

Thanks to Peace Magazine for the tip.

Twit Happens.

Some people have asked me about the irregularity with my blog posts? "Irregularity" would be putting it mildly actually, but getting bogged down with some poorly timed deadlines hitting simultaneously had a big deal to do with it. The other half of the story is my new lil friend Twitter. If you're not familiar with Twitter, here it is in their own words:

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

It's basically micro-blogging, or status updates and you're limited to 140 characters per post. You're able to include links to share information with others, and you can "follow" other people's feeds, or they can follow you. Shaq, and Chris Bosh are some of the more active twittering NBA players among others. By now, you've likely heard about Shaq's Twitter Diner adventure, but really it's a great place to connect with people, get information and share ideas with others.

At least you know where to find me when I'm not around. Feel free to follow me, www.twitter.com/thatguysweets.

Please Forward This E-Mail To Bryan Colangelo.

Last night my best friend DG came through with tickets to the Raptors game.
The Raptors after a hard fought game eventually beat the Timberwolves 110 - 102, I lamented to him how everyone was getting excited about this victory. Beating a team without their best player that has an 18-38 record, despite how hot they have been lately is what they're supposed to do.

I thought his response was interesting and I'm posting it as it raises some good points and questions, honestly the e-mail may be better suited in Bryan Colangelo's inbox. Feel free to forward it along.

DG: Be grateful for the win, we lost to Oklahoma City.

Realistically speaking, can Calderon, Bosh, Bargnani and Marion(or other FA) constitute the core of a winner in the NBA? I like Marion but most championship teams have a guard or sf who can create off the dribble. I have seen Jose do that but not sure if he looks to beat his man as his first option.

So assume:

Bosh is a 20/10 guy every night
Bargnani is a 20/5 guy every night
Marion 15/10 guy
Calderon puts up 15 and gets 10 assists

The insert whoever else at the 2/3, Graham, Parker someone else.

So this is best case, your key guys are putting up 70 points a night, we know there is no depth so that’s a big problem if anyone is hurt.
Do you feel we can challenge in the East? On paper it looks good, but when I think about it, even with those numbers I don’t see us beating Cleveland or Boston, Orlando maybe.

So I think we have overlap in the 3 & 4 (Bosh, Marion, Graham), no real depth in the PG spot or even the SG spot. The other thing is Bargnani and Bosh have to show me they can step up and play against good teams.

Don’t want to start rebuilding again, but can we win around the three key pieces we have? If so what do we need to add, what will it cost?

Introducing... The Big Jabbawockee!

The Postman Cometh.

Got a little something in the mail today, well the box was a bit larger than a little. It's always nice to be thought of, and the good folks at Nike Canada looked out. I guess someone is reading my blog cause everything I've written about recently was in the box, a pair of Air Force 1's, pair of Air Jordan 2009's, and a pair of flip-flops. Ok, so I haven't written about flip-flops, and while I haven't started mentally making outfits I've figured out that they will likely all get worn on the same day, AF-1, (daytime), AJ2009 (gametime), flip-flops (post-game).

And no I'm not showing off, I'm just showing, if you have your own blog and people sending you stuff you can do it too. Big ups to Beleza!

Why Football/Soccer Is Better Than Basketball.