Author: Dave Ettinger

Dave is a Trending News Sports Writer for Athlon Sports, covering breaking and trending news across major sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, college football and basketball. With over 10 years of experience in sports media, Dave’s versatility extends to television, radio, and journalism. In addition to his role at Athlon Sports, Dave works in TV Production at ESPN, where he manages the production, editing, and processing of shows and events that re-air across ESPN's network of channels. Prior to joining ESPN, Dave served as an Executive Producer at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio, further solidifying his expertise in sports media. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from SUNY College at Old Westbury, bringing both his education and extensive industry experience to his roles across various platforms.

Aaron Judge Launches His Way Past An All-Time Great

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Hey Joe DiMaggio, can you slide over??

No, seriously, Joe, please make room on the couch.

Yeah, I know this is awkward, but we’re going to need to give your seat away.

Yes, I know he’s ginormous. That’s why we need you to move allllll the way over.

Have yourself a seat Aaron Judge.

Now, by no means am I trying to disrespect or disparage Joe DiMaggio, I am solely seeking to exentuate how incredible Judge has been this season.
Aaron Judge has amazed not only Yankees’ fans, but baseball fans all over the world. He continues to send baseballs into the stratosphere, literally at a record setting pace. When they lend they generally leave Armageddon-Size Craters in earth.

His latest moonshot launched him past DiMaggio, into 1st place on the Yankees’ all-time rookie home run list. A record that has stood for 81 years. The most impressive part?? Judge accomplished this feat in just 84 games!! Insanity!! Judge also joins Mark McGwire as the only rookies to hit 30 home runs before the all-star break. McGwire hit 33 in 1987 (he finished with 49).

It’s hard not to like Aaron Judge. At just 25 years old, he does and says all the right things. Judge’s character doesn’t need checking at the door, as he appears as humble as he is freakishly tall. When asked about breaking this record, he responded, “I wish all 30 were game-winners.” Well take a page out of the never say anything wrong Derek Jeter playbook why don’t ya??

And don’t worry folks. You won’t have to go through Aaron Judge home run withdrawal. Judge will compete in Monday night’s Home Run Derby. I expect him to win –in impressive fashion. The only problem will be when he inevitably regresses to a human level following the All-Star break, and everyone suggests the home run derby somehow ruined his home run hitting groove. Yeah, because that umbrella I opened inside the other day is really ruining my life….
Is Aaron Judge having the most impressive rookie season in MLB history?? Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Oh Yeahhh, This SHOULD End Well….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 10 Comments

tim-hardaway-jr-knicks-dunk-360

They are incompetent. The New York Knicks truly have no idea how to run their franchise. Maybe it’s because they have an identity crisis. Or maybe it’s because they have an incompetent owner. And as you know, s*** runs downhill, not up. The main problem with the Knicks has been, and remains to be, James Dolan (Knicks owner). And without a General Manager who knows what they’re doing, the Knicks are stuck in quicksand feverishly trying to dig their way out of mediocrity. Last time I checked, that doesn’t work.

The Knicks latest blunder comes in the form of their 1st attempt in free agency. No..Ron Baker does not count. The Knicks are trying to sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to a 4 year, 71 million dollar contract. Let me repeat that so it sinks in. I want this sentence to sink in to the point that it makes you sick to your stomach. The Knicks have offered Tim Hardaway Jr. a 4 year, 71 million dollar contract. AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE?!?! Just when I think the Knicks, under Steve Mills, are doing the right thing and actually rebuilding (aka Tanking), they go and do something like this.

“Ya know Lloyd, just when I think you couldn’t possibly get any DUMBER, you go and do something like this, and TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!! Still wanna go to Aspen??”

Now I, along with the other Knicks fans who are equipped with a brain, must rely on the Atlanta Hawks to save us from ourselves. See, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a Restricted Free Agent. This means that even though he has signed the offer sheet for the above contract with the Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks have the ability to match this offer. If they match this offer, they will retain the rights to Hardaway Jr. They have 2 days to make a decision. Today and tomorrow, I implore you to contact Travis Schlenk and beg him to match the Knicks offer sheet. Schlenk is the new General Manager for the Hawks.

Tim Hardaway Jr. would be a fine addition on a 2 year, 20 million dollar contract. He’s 25 years old. He’s 6’6″. And he can give you 13 points off the bench. But, he plays ZERO defense. This is not a player who deserves nearly 18 million dollars per year. Plus..the Knicks already have a Tim Hardaway Jr. His name is Courtney Lee (Lee has 3 years and 36 million left on his deal). The Knicks, in Tank-Mode, should be continuing to throw their hands up in free agency in an attempt to maximize salary cap space for next year and beyond. NEWSFLASH: signing an average bench player who plays no defense shouldn’t be part of the rebuilding process.

Oh to be a Knicks fan. It rivals voluntarily sticking your head in an alligator’s mouth. It’s not the best idea in the world, and it usually ends in excruciating pain. But hey, at least I can put loyal on my tombstone.

 

What do you think of signing Tim Hardaway Jr.?? Like it, love it, or hate it?? Spill out your emotions in the comment section below. I won’t judge you I promise.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

I’ve Got Something To Say, So Open Your Ears And Listen!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

medvedev

Why the hell are the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game held on a Monday and Tuesday night?? MLB All-Star Weekend has a much nicer ring to it. It’s no wonder baseball isn’t popular. Stupid!!

The Knicks have signed 0 players in free agency. No, Ron Baker doesn’t count. The Knicks are officially in Tank Mode!! Oh yeah, and their 1st round pick, Frank Ntilikina, has yet to play a game in the Summer League. I’m so glad he rushed back to France right after the draft just so he could get hurt….

Hey, psssttt, Daniil Medvedev — you can’t throw money at the chair referee (as pictured above). This is Wimbledon, not Jerry Springer. You lost, get over it!! My favorite part is he denied that he was implying the referee was paid off by his opponent. How stupid do you think we are Daniil?? Wait..don’t answer that.

Manny Pacquiao — I know you’re upset, but you’re not the same fighter you used to be. You’re not on the juice anymore. At this point you couldn’t knock out my grandma. It’s time to hang ’em up. Thanks for the memories.

The elephant enters the room….

Gordon Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics. I love how people think it’s appropriate to say, “hey look, another white guy in Boston.” I know people say Boston is a racist city, but not everything is about race. Imagine that.

Dan Gilbert, you are a freakin’ cheapskate!! You are worth 4.8 Billion Dollars. 4.8 BILLION DOLLARS!! Apparently that’s not enough to offer Chauncey Billups a reasonable amount to become the Cavalier’s General Manager. Allegedly Gilbert offered Billups 1.5 million dollars. Normally, a General Manager’s starting salary is a minimum of 4 million dollars. You stay classy Cleveland.

Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Damien Wilson was arrested on Tuesday night for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Because nothing says ‘Happy 4th of July’ like waving a rifle in a lady’s face. As Jim Carrey said in Liar Liar, “Stop breaking the law asshole!!”

The Knicks reaching out to Rajon Rondo to be Frank Ntilikina’s mentor is like reaching out to Tiger Woods to be your marriage counselor….

How in the world is Alex Wood not on the All-Star Team?!?! The guy is 10-0 with a 1.67 era. Oh..we have 6 relief pitchers on the roster instead?? Makes sense.

The Tennessee Titans almost lit their stadium on fire on Tuesday night. What is it with the NFL and fireworks?? JPP knows what I’m talking about. High Fiv……I mean, ummm, High Four????

 

Thanks for reading!! Enjoy your day everybody!!

You can always speak your mind in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

Gordon Hayward Takes The Road Less Travelled

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

brad stevens

When everyone is running one way, are you willing to run the other way?? I bet you are if running the other way is smart as hell. That’s what former Utah Jazz star, Gordon Hayward did on Tuesday upon signing with the Boston Celtics. While every NBA star imaginable has been taking their talents to the Western Conference, Hayward packed his bags and headed East. This will help his legacy in a BIG way. Now, rather than having to get past the Thunder, Rockets, Timberwolves, Spurs, and Warriors to get to the NBA Finals (sounds fun), there’s only Big Bad Lebron James standing in Hayward’s way. Hayward may still come up short of reaching his first NBA Finals, but he certainly increased his chances. It’s all in the numbers.

The numbers that help Hayward sleep at night are the six 0’s at the end of his contract. $127,000,000 over 4 years (max contract). That’s what the Celtics have offered Gordon Hayward. This contract will cause a domino effect in Boston. The Celtics will need to pull the qualifying offer on that ugly guy they call Kelly Olynyk, waive Jordan Mickey and Demetrius Jackson, not re-sign free agents Gerald Green, Jonas Jerebko, and James Young, and trade either Jae Crowder or Marcus Smart. Those are the moves staring Danny Ainge in the face in order to clear the necessary salary cap space for Hayward’s contract. It sounds worse than it is, and it’s worth it.

Hayward is a very solid small forward. At 6’8″, he scores, rebounds, and plays defense. He is an outstanding addition to the Celtics’ roster. Check out his stats here. This signing does a few things. First, it reunites coach and player. Hayward played under Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens at Butler University. Stevens was the coach at Butler from 2007-2013, until he made the leap to the NBA. Second, it brings the number of teams that can actually compete in the NBA to 7:

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are still the team to beat. Kevin Durant just took a $9 million pay-cut to keep their team intact, so I like their chances.

*Key Players – Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green

Spurs

The Spurs roster doesn’t look as formidable as it once did, but my days of doubting Gregg Popovich are over.

*Key Players – Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge

Minnesota Timberwolves

This is a very young but very interesting team. Don’t be surprised if in 2 years the Timberwolves are representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

*Key Players – Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, and Jeff Teague

Oklahoma City Thunder

A walking triple-double and one of the best two-way players in the NBA sounds like a good combination to me.

*Key Players – Russell Westbrook and Paul George

Houston Rockets

How many point guards does it take to screw in a lightbulb?? Apparently 2.

*Key Players – James Harden and Chris Paul

Cleveland Cavaliers

Will this be the year Lebron’s NBA Finals streak comes to an end?? I wouldn’t bet on it, but the Celtics just made the road a little more bumpy.

*Key Players – Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love

Boston Celtics

And last, but for the NBA’s sake, hopefully not least, the Celtics. Does the addition of Gordon Hayward make them the best team in the Eastern Conference??

*Key Players – Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford

I still believe the Warriors will complete the 3-peat next season, but the NBA’s super teams are multiplying, setting up a more watchable NBA season. So, we’ve got that going for us….

Do you think the addition of Gordon Hayward makes the Celtics a legitimate contender?? Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

Episode #2 Of DaveTalksSports Radio!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Good morning sports fans. If you feel you aren’t getting enough of DaveTalksSports here, and you want more, allow me to introduce DaveTalksSports Radio!! You can leave comments here or on YouTube. Make sure to follow me on Twitter @DaveEttinger2, Subscribe to DaveTalksSports on YouTube, or Like my DaveTalksSports Page on Facebook.Thanks for reading and listening!!

Happy 4th of July!! And Happy Birthday Jordan!!

 

 

 

The Judges Need Judges!!!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

jeff horn

Boxing is dead. Already old and fragile, boxing had been rushed to the emergency room, with 1 last chance at life. Saturday night, boxing seemed to stabilize, and a trip home seemed all but a certainty. Until Joe Buffer uttered these fatal words, “And NEW Welterweight Champion of the World….” Flat line ______________________________

This was the moment, as the clock approached 1:00 A.M. EST on Sunday, that sent the boxing world (and Twitter) into a frenzy. Jeff “The Hornet” Horn had just ‘won’ a unanimous decision against Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao. This was Pacquiao’s first fight in nearly 8 months. His last fight, a unanimous decision over Jessie Vargas. The only good decision of the evening was to broadcast the fight, for free, on ESPN. Fight fans all over the world were rightfully outraged by this decision. They felt they, and Pacquiao, had been robbed. Imagine if they had shelled out $80 bucks to watch this fight?! There’d be riots in the streets!!

Jeff Horn is a nice little boxer. He is 29 years old, has the heart of a champion, and now holds a professional record of 17-0-1. He hails from Brisbane, Australia. And there’s the problem. Where did this fight take place ladies and gentleman?? That’s right..Brisbane, Australia. See in baseball, the hometown scorer will turn an error into a hit, which effects nothing but an insignificant stat-line. But when boxing judges are hometown scorers, they strip championship belts from their rightful owners. If I were the judges — Waleska Roldan, Chris Flores, and Ramon Cerdan — I’d lock myself in my house for a few days.

Manny Pacquiao clearly won this fight on Saturday night. While Pacquiao (38) is not the same fighter he was 5, 7, or 10 years ago, he was able to outclass Jeff Horn in the ring. From the opening bell, Horn charged out of the challenger’s corner with a game plan in mind, keep moving forward and be aggressive. Horn wanted to keep the fight in tight, where Pacquiao wouldn’t be able to ‘tee-off’. He was able to stick to the plan, however, Pacquiao was still able to impose his will on Horn.

The 28 year old version of Manny Pacquiao would have knocked Horn out in the first 6 rounds. 

Pacquiao’s highlight of the fight came in the 9th round, where he connected with multiple straight left hands. He had Horn wobbly and nearly won the fight by TKO. By the end of the 9th round, the right side of Horn’s face looked like a ‘Paint By Number’.

The referee, Mark Nelson, even came to Horn’s corner after the 9th round and said, “Show me something, or I’m stopping the fight.” To Horn’s credit, he did show ‘something’, not only making it through the 10th round but winning it. While I gained a lot of respect for Jeff Horn on Saturday night, he only won 4 of the 12 rounds in this fight. He pressed forward, showed the heart and determination of a tough, gritty fighter, and went out swinging. But, he simply did not win this fight.

Participation trophies are a nice idea until about age 8.

Following the fight, former boxers, sports analysts, and fans alike expressed their displeasure with the judges decision. Many emphatically stating they will not watch boxing anymore. While many were already trending in that direction prior to Saturday night’s fight, this may have been the final nail in the coffin.

 

Will you continue to watch boxing?? Or are you done with the sport completely?? Pick a side in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

Injuries Have Become Baseball’s Worst Nightmare

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

yankees-white-sox-baseball

It’s supposed to be the best day of your life. A day to rejoice and celebrate that you’ve made it. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into the lifelong dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player, all that, in a flash, is gone. That was the harsh reality for Yankees’ outfielder, Dustin Fowler.

On Thursday, Fowler, just 22 years old, made his major league debut in Chicago against the White Sox (the same day he was called up). He was slotted 6th in the batting order and started in right field. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Jose Abreu popped-up a ball, down right-field, in foul territory. Fowler gave chase but ran out of room. He crashed into the half-wall, badly injuring his right knee. After two brief attempts to walk it off, Fowler’s leg gave out as he crumbled to the floor. Video of the injury can be seen here. Fowler had to be carted off the field. His 1st Major League at-bat will have to wait.

Fowler ruptured his patellar tendon and was rushed to Rush University Medical Center for surgery. His recovery and rehabilitation will last at least 6 months. Fowler wasn’t the 1st Yankees’ prospect to hit the Disabled List (DL) on Thursday (Tyler Austin – hamstring). The Yankees are making a run at the New York Mets for most injured team in New York. Here are the Yankees and Mets players currently on the Disabled List:

Yankees                                                                                           Mets

Matt Holliday                                                                                  Noah Syndergaard

Aaron Hicks                                                                                     Jeurys Familia

Starlin Castro                                                                                  Matt Harvey

Greg Bird                                                                                          Neil Walker

CC Sabathia                                                                                      Zack Wheeler

Tyler Austin                                                                                     David Wright

Dustin Fowler                                                                                  Robert Gsellman

Adam Warren                                                                                  Josh Smoker

 

Insane!! Who can compete with so many injuries?? Ahem..apparently the Yankees can (sorry Mets fans).

Injuries are not limited to the Tri-State area, as Major League Baseball seems to have a pandemic on it’s hands. There are 25 active players on each of baseball’s 30 teams (750 players available on a daily basis). 437 players have spent time on the DL at some point this season. Talk about insane!! That’s 58.3%!! And there are currently 164 players on the DL.

At the start of the season, Major League Baseball altered the terms of their DL policy. Now, 7-day, 10-day, and 60-day DL’s exist. The 7-day DL pertains to concussions and other situations, such as paternity leave. The 10-day DL, previously the 15-day DL, is for common injuries and has likely caused the number of DL stints to rise slightly. However, there were 475 DL stints all of last season, compared to 437 so far this season (through 81 games). Such a rapid increase in injuries should be alarming to the ‘suits’ of Major League Baseball. Maybe this is contributing to a decline in ratings. Fans pay to see Mike Trout play, not Eric Young Jr.

The question is, why are players more injury prone now??

Some, like Mets’ commentator Ron Darling, suggest it is today’s training style that contributes to more frequent injuries. Following Robert Gsellman’s injury Ron didn’t hold back, “These trainers, get them in a room with some of the old trainers and people that took care of baseball players and how to keep them healthy. And get them in a room and try to tap into their knowledge on how to train baseball players – not weightlifters, not six-pack wearers – baseball players. They’re doing a disservice to their million-dollar athletes that they’re paying. It’s a joke to watch this happen each and every night.”

To Ron’s point, of course players can get hurt lifting weights, but to suggest that is the main factor for an increase in injuries across Major League Baseball is blasphemous. And it actually contradicts science. An increase in injuries in baseball is not a new problem, it is simply getting worse. Here’s why:

  • Money
  • Steroids and other performance enhancing drugs
  • Schedule

Money is the answer to everything, however, in this case it is a DL enabler. If I am still awaiting my ‘huge’ contract, why am I going to play through an injury?? Performance enhancing drugs effect injuries in a multitude of ways. The decrease in drug use no longer allows someone to play through an injury. And while these drugs can provide short-term assistance with performance or recovery, they actually leave your body more prone to injury upon cycling off the drug. And finally, Major League Baseball’s grueling schedule also contributes to injuries. Players have an average of 18 days off throughout an entire season. That’s 3 days off per month. So much for having weekends off….

 

Why do you think players are getting injured at a faster rate?? Please tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

 

Chris Paul Must Hate Paying Taxes

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Clippers

A huge name in the NBA is on the move. While nothing is official until free agency begins (July 1st), the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have agreed on a trade. News broke yesterday that the Clippers would send Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for:

Take a deep breath..starting..now….

  • Patrick Beverly
  • Lou Williams
  • Sam Dekker
  • Montrezl Harrell
  • DeAndre Liggins
  • Darrun Hilliard
  • Kyle Wiltjer
  • A top-three protected draft pick in 2018
  • And last but not least, $661,000 (aka the Trade Kicker – 15% of Paul’s annual salary).

It sounds like a lot more than it is. A lot of dominoes had to fall in place, but this trade benefits both teams. Chris Paul, in his own self-interest, did the Clippers a favor. What is it they say?? There’s no such thing as a selfless act. I don’t believe that, but that’s a story for a different day. The point is, Paul could have walked away from the Clippers, leaving them empty-handed, to test the free agency waters. Instead, he grabbed the Clippers’ organization by the ear and said something to the effect of, ‘I’m going to Houston, so make this happen.’ Which brings us to the Rockets sending cash considerations seemingly all over the world for the 3 no names in the deal, and the Clippers and Paul executing a sign-and-trade deal. Goodbye La La Land, hello no state income-tax.

*This is the only way Paul could have gone to the Rockets. They couldn’t afford him as a free agent.

Now, all I keep hearing is, ‘this isn’t a good idea, Harden and Paul aren’t a good fit‘. I’m here to tell you that’s NONSENSE. You know what’s a good idea?? Putting multiple all-stars on the same team. Newsflash: that’s how the NBA works. Allow me to remind everyone that the pairing of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry was doubted prior to last season. Please stuff your revisionist history back in your pocket.

Yes, there’s only 1 ball, but on a Rockets team coached by run-and-gun Mike D’Antoni, I’m pretty sure they’ll figure it out. Paul brings a new element to the Rockets as well. It’s this little thing I’m certain James Harden has never heard of before, called DEFENSE!! Chris Paul is a premier defender from the point guard position. He also possesses one of the best mid-range games in the league from the point guard position. Yeah..this all sounds terrible to me.

The only problem the Rockets still have is the Golden State Warriors (don’t we all). The Rockets, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers, are 1 star and 1 big man away from being true contenders. Rockets’ fans should be pleased to know their team is going ‘all-in’, as they are currently pursuing Indiana Pacers’ star, Paul George. Because who doesn’t love a ‘Big 3’??

There’s another reason Chris Paul could potentially benefit from this sign-and-trade. Yup, you guessed it, MONEY. Paul, who’s 32 years old, can receive a max-contract of 5 years, $201 million.  Which begs the question, how long does Houston want to commit to Chris Paul?? While Paul is still great, the Rockets will assuredly regret the last 2 years of this contract. I say shove all those chips to the middle of the table!!

Hey — what’s the worst that can happen??

 

What do you think of this trade?? Should the Houston Rockets give Chris Paul a Max Contract?? Don’t hold it in, let it out in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

BREAKING NEWS: PHIL JACKSON HAS BEEN FIRED!!!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

phil

IT’S CHRISTMAS IN JUNE!!!! ESPN’S Ramona Shelburne reported the New York Knicks and Phil Jackson are parting ways. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! This story (the best story of the year) broke at 2:59 A.M. Who needs sleep huh?? According to Shelburne, the Knicks and Phil Jackson will officially announce the break-up early Wednesday morning.

I haven’t been this happy since Christmas morning, 1995, when I finally got that basketball hoop I’d always wanted. I haven’t been this happy since McDonald’s announced they’d be serving breakfast all day. I haven’t been this happy since the Backstreet Boys got back together. I haven’t been….Dave, we get it, you’re happy. Now shut up, and tell the rest of the story. Okay….

Soooooo, Knicks’ owner James Dolan did a radio interview in February where he vehemently expressed that he would honor the entirety of Phil Jackson’s 5-year contract. Despite having an opt-out clause written into the deal, both Jackson and the Knicks, in April, picked up the option on the remaining 2 years of the contract. “This did not make the Ribosomes happy.” No Mr. Chloro-Phyll, this did not make anyone happy.

Phil proceeded to do everything possible to try to get fired. It reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where George Costanza is trying to get fired by the New York Yankees, so he can become the Head Scout for the New York Mets. No matter what Costanza did, the Yankees wouldn’t fire him. Body suit man!! Well it looks like Phil Jackson figured it out. Jackson’s actions over the past 3 years were egregious, but this past week was the straw that broke the camel’s back. In a ridiculous interview on MSG, the night before the NBA Draft, Phil Jackson spent 5 of the craziest minutes television has ever seen taking public shots at Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis (the Knicks’ 2 best players).

This caused James Dolan, albeit 7 days too late, to put an end to the Phil Jackson era. In other words, it became Phil Jackson vs. Kristaps Porzingis. Hmmmmmm..71-year old, senile, arrogant General Manager, or 21-year old building block for the future???? Even James Dolan can see clearly enough through his piles of money to make the right choice there. Speaking of money, Jackson will now collect the remaining $24 million on his contract to sit at home and be smug in his empty mansion.

Phil Jackson got strong-armed out of a job by a player who has only been in the NBA for 2 years.

Which begs the question, was Phil Jackson the worst General Manager in NBA history??

Yes.

But more importantly, is James Dolan the worst owner in the NBA??

Yes.

Obviously I’m happy Dolan FINALLY grew some balls, but by not firing Jackson a week ago, he allowed Jackson to use the 2017 NBA Draft as his own personal litter box. Which leaves us here. Today is a great day for Knicks’ fans, but upon coming down from this high, they will realize the Knicks are still in disarray. Free Agency is just 3 days away (July 1st), and the Knicks remain the least desirable franchise to play for in the NBA. Knicks’ General Manager, Steve Mills, will be making personnel decisions going forward. Good luck Steve.

I’ll break down the Knicks’ salary cap and free agent options later in the week. For now, we celebrate!!

 

Are you happy Phil Jackson has been fired?? Please tell me everything you’ve ever wanted to say in the comment section.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

 

 

My 1st Ever Sports Talk Radio Show

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

By clicking below, you will be entering my YouTube Channel; DaveTalksSports. This audio is from my 1st ever Sports Talk Radio Show. This audition was recorded and submitted to the radio station at SUNY Old Westbury on Monday, June 26th, 2017. Assuming my professor approves my audition, I will be on OWWR, Old Westbury Web Radio, via the TuneIn Radio App. The date and time of my show is TBD (to be determined), so check back to find out when I will be on the air. Click below to listen and enjoy!! Feel free to comment or leave constructive criticism in the comment section. Thank you!!