You’re Only As Good As Your Superstar

I’m going to start by doing something I’ve NEVER done before….

 

I WAS WRONG.

 

That was a lot harder than I thought it’d be, but I feel better now. I thought the “new look” Cleveland Cavaliers would lose, on the road, to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While this game remained LeBron James‘ to lose, his new supporting cast provided balanced scoring off the bench (Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance Jr. all scored in double-digits).

On the other hand, only 6 Thunder scored Tuesday night. Granted, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Steven Adams all scored 20 or more points, but that’s not a recipe for success. Do you know what else isn’t a recipe for success?? Allowing Carmelo Anthony to lead your team in field goal attempts (22). Knicks’ fans know what I’m talkin’ about….

With his renewed exuberance, LeBron’s impressive February rolls on. Over his last 5 games, LeBron is averaging 29 points, 11.4 assists, and 9.6 rebounds.

The good: The Cavaliers have won 4 games in a row.

The (sort of) bad: LeBron has played 40+ minutes in 3 of his last 5 games.

LeBron is actually tied for 2nd for the most minutes played per game (37) this season. The ultimate question is: Will this finally effect the 33-year old version of LeBron James come playoff time?? It never has before, but father-time is undefeated for a reason (despite rumors that Tom Brady is immortal). All of those minutes didn’t slow LeBron down last night, as he dropped 17 points in the 3rd quarter en route to a 120-112 victory over the Thunder.

James_-37-Lead-Cavaliers-Past-Thunder-120-112

Prior to the game, LeBron was asked about collegiate superstar, Trae young. Because, ya know, everything LeBron James says is the most important thing anyone says all day. As a reporter began to ask about Trae Young’s decision to go pro, LeBron interjected, simply saying, “Decision?! What Decision?! He better go pro!!” LeBron also hinted that there may be some acting in his future….

Check out what LeBron had to say here.

trae young 2

Trae Young and LeBron James have something in common. When Trae Young struggles, the Oklahoma Sooners struggle. Over his past 12 games, Young has failed to shoot at least 39% from the field 8 times. Yup, you guessed it, the Sooners have lost 8 of their last 12 games. The Sooners now stand at 16-9 and should fall out of the top-25 after their 88-78 loss to Texas Tech Tuesday night. Young and company will look to get back on track when they take on Texas Saturday afternoon. Despite Young’s most recent struggles, he still leads the nation in scoring, and assists per game (29.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 4 rebounds).

The question is: Can Trae Young’s 6’2″, 180 lb frame succeed in the NBA??

 

Will the “new look” Cavaliers finish as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference?? Will Trae Young succeed in the NBA?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

LeBron — Is That A Smile In Your Pocket, Or Are You Happy To See Me?!

Tonight’s the night!!

The “new look” Cleveland Cavaliers will finish up a mini-road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This will be their last game before the All-Star break. Catch the action @ 8:00 P.M. EST on TNT. Despite winning 3 straight, this will be a much needed hiatus for a struggling Cavaliers team. Heading into this 3-game winning streak, the Cavaliers were 7-14 in their past 21 games. That’s what they call, not good!!

A tough matchup, in Oklahoma City, will be a good test for newly acquired Cavaliers, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr., and George Hill. I know everyone’s jumping up and down after Sunday’s blowout victory over the Boston Celtics (121-99), but it takes more than no time at all to adjust to 4 new teammates.

LeBron-James-George-Hill-Rodney-Hood-Jordan-Clarkson-Larry-Nance-Jr_-1000x600

I love how the world pretends the Cavaliers weren’t going to the NBA Finals prior to their roster makeover.

Last time I checked, LeBron James still plays for the Cavaliers. Regardless of his supporting cast, LeBron James plays in the NBA Finals. It’s practically an NBA law. Admittedly, the Cavaliers dug themselves a hole, stuck 5.5 games behind the Celtics, and 6.0 games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference. This means, without an epic comeback over the final 27 games, the Cavaliers will have to win crucial playoff games, on the road, to meet the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals — again.

First of all, do you remember that the Cavaliers weren’t the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference last year?? All the “experts” brainwashed the public, convincing them the Cavaliers couldn’t beat the Celtics without home-court advantage. So much for that….

Second of all, do you realize none of this matters?? Barring catastrophic injuries to at least 2 of the Warriors’ best players, they’re going to win the championship — again!! 

After tonight’s loss to the Thunder, yes the honeymoon will be short-lived, we’ll next see LeBron James Sunday night. “Team LeBron”, riddled with injuries, will take on “Team Curry” in an All-Star showdown.

Check back for updates on All-Star Weekend.

 

Will the Cavaliers play in the NBA Finals this year?? Will the Warriors win back-to-back championships?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Porzingis’ Early Exit Brings Knicks’ Bench To Life

kp

Here we go again.

Kristaps Porzingis exited Thursday night’s game in the 3rd quarter with a left knee injury. Get used to hearing those words. We all know how talented Porzingis is, but availability is your best ability.

At this moment, the severity of the injury is unknown, but Porzingis will undergo tests today. Stay tuned.

As he gingerly walked to the locker room, the Knicks attempted to hold on to a lead against the crosstown Brooklyn Nets. A lead that was as many as 18-points, quickly turned into a 4-point deficit. While it seemed like the same old story “on the road”, the Knicks’ bench came through in the clutch. Michael Beasley, the most confident man in America, dropped 15 points in 20 minutes. The bench scored a total of 45 points, as the Knicks picked up their 2nd “road” win of the season, 111-104.

Obviously the Knicks need Porzingis if they’re going to make the playoffs, but this squad is fun to watch (with or without him). The most amazing part is….THEY PLAY DEFENSE!! Actual team defense. Ya know..help, rotate, hustle, give effort. Now standing at 15-13, the Knicks will put their 3-game winning streak on the line Saturday night, when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

You know what means….NO, not Das Boot….

IT’S MELO’S RETURN TO THE GARDEN!!

Honestly, I think there will be a mixed reaction in Madison Square Garden tomorrow night. But, I implore Knicks’ fans not to boo Carmelo Anthony. The failures and shortcomings of the Knicks were not his fault. He was a very good player for the 7 seasons he put on the ‘Blue and Orange’.

Prediction: Thunder 107, Knicks 94

Assuming the Knicks are without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, I can’t envision their bench duplicating Thursday night’s performance. Melo will drop his usual 22. Paul George will contribute in multiple facets of the game. And Russell Westbrook will hang a triple-double on top of the tree. The question is: will Enes Kanter get up close and personal with a former teammate??

Catch all the action for Carmelo Anthony’s 1st game back at Madison Square Garden, Saturday night @ 7:30 P.M EST.

I’ll stand up from my couch and applaud Melo when he’s introduced. Then he’ll go right back to being the enemy.

 

Can the Knicks continue to win games if Porzingis misses extended time?? Will you cheer or boo Carmelo Anthony in his return to the Garden?? Tell me in the comment section below. Don’t be shy….

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Porzingis Makes NBA History As Knicks Outlast Lakers

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“I Don’t Know Is On Third”

Upon further review, it appears the New York Yankees were just getting started with the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton. Tuesday afternoon, Brian Cashman traded Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the San Diego Padres (Headley’s former team) for Jabari Blash and $500,000. This move is strictly financial. With this move, the Yankees clear Headley’s $13 million salary off the books for 2018. This leaves the Yankees approximately $30 million under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. In other words, the Yankees aren’t done here….

Who will man the hot corner??  Some say they’ll re-sign Todd Frazier to a 1-year deal. Others think Cashman will let the youngsters ‘duke’ it out. Miguel Andujar would be the favorite in the clubhouse as the Yankees believe he’ll be a starting 3rd baseman in MLB for years to come. And the theory that brings out the ‘Evil Empire’ chant, is trading for Manny Machado. I’d go the Todd Frazier route. If he’s willing to take a 1-year deal to stay in pinstripes, I’d do that as soon as possible.

Japan’s Babe Ruth Has A New Home

The biggest story of MLB’s offseason — so far — has been Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has graced the headlines with his presence this month, while deciding where to call home in 2018. This past Friday, Ohtani revealed the Los Angeles Angels had the Golden Ticket. Ohtani, to my surprise, will climb into Mike Trout’s shadow next season as a starting pitcher and DH. Reportedly, he will not play the field.

Naturally, it’s time to put a negative spin on things. Ya know, criticize others for doing the same thing they would’ve done. Even though it was reported weeks ago, the media has decided Ohtani’s October elbow procedure is breaking news — today. Ohtani had a platelet-rich plasma injection in his throwing elbow this past October. This injection is used to either reduce inflammation or avoid Tommy John Surgery. This procedure was necessary due to a first-degree sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. The bottom line is, Ohtani will more than likely need Tommy John Surgery at some point in his career. But hey, what pitcher doesn’t??

Welcome To The Kristaps Porzingis Show!!

Not Billy Joel. Not the Rangers. Kristaps Porzingis, is the main attraction at Madison Square Garden. I’m not saying Porzingis didn’t like Carmelo Anthony, but Melo being shipped out of town was the best thing to ever happen to Porzingis. As the man of the house, Porzingis is averaging a career best 26 points per game. And every so often, he has a game like Tuesday night:

37 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 three-pointers made.

*If that stat-line looks unfamiliar it’s because it’s never been done before.

More importantly, he helped secure a 113-109 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks are now 13-5 at home. The only problem is, they only have 14 total wins this season.

The Knicks are 1-8 on the road!!

And, 19 of their next 26 games are on the road. I’m officially buckled in.

 

Who will Play 3rd base for the Yankees next season?? Did Shohei Ohtani make the right decision in signing with the Angels?? And is Kristaps Porzingis a top-10 player in the NBA?? Give me all the answers in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Thursday Is The New Saturday

dodgers-beat-cubs-in-game-five-to-reach-world-series

Stupidity. Elation. Revenge. Greatness.

Thursday night was filled with all of the above — and more….

Marshawn Lynch Is A Jerk!!

We already know the elevator doesn’t go to the top floor, but Lynch hit a new low Thursday night. In the 2nd quarter, of a 3-point game, Derek Carr was hit late by Marcus Peters. This led to a healthy scuffle. In his infinite wisdom, Marshawn Lynch ran onto the field in defense of his teammates. Not the smartest move, but some would call it admirable. It’s what he did next that lands him in the ‘Einstein Hall of Fame’. Check out the sequence here. Lynch can be seen grabbing and shoving an official during the scrum. What an idiot!! He was immediately ejected from the game. He should also be fined and promptly released from the Raiders. If he’s not, I’ll be confused. He sucks anyway.

Don’t let stupidity overshadow a fantastic football game. If you like offense, and 4th quarter comebacks, and last-second touchdowns, this was the game for you!! Check out the crazy, 31-30 box score. Those are video game numbers!! The Raiders, down 9 entering the 4th quarter, completed a dramatic comeback with a buzzer beating touchdown. After 2 touchdowns were nullified, and the Chiefs lent a hand with 2 dumb penalties, Derek Carr finally connected with Michael Crabtree in the corner of the end zone. The game clock read 0:00, and after the extra-point, the celebration was on.

The Drought Is Over

After 29 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers are returning to the World Series. They defeated the Chicago Cubs, 11-1 in Game 5, and will await the winner of the ALCS (Yankees/Astros). The Dodgers had a magical season, winning a league best 104 games. And one of their lesser known players had a magical game Thursday night. Enrique Hernandez, super utility man, hit 3 home runs, driving in 7 runs. Decent.

The Dodgers avenged their 2016 NLCS loss to the Chicago Cubs, enjoying major contributions from Chris Taylor and Justin Turner. The Dodgers are hopeful their young shortstop, Corey Seager, will return to the diamond for the World Series. Seager missed the NLCS with a back injury. Maybe Seager will channel some Kirk Gibson in this one….

Melo vs. Knicks Headlines NBA On Thursday Night

16. 17. 21. No, not my locker combination, but the score differential in the 3 NBA games played on Thursday night. 3 stinkers from 3 bad teams; Lakers, Bulls, and Knicks. Luckily, the NBA and their insane offseason created storylines for months. Melo opened his season against his old team, and Little Ball made his Lakers’ debut.

Ball, Patrick Beverly. Patrick Beverly, Ball. Welcome to the NBA rook‘!! All the little guy could muster up was 3 points on 1 of 6 shooting from the field. What a shame!!

As for Melo, he was Melo. He dropped 22 points (8-20 from the field) and contributed nothing else to his team. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a superior team to the Knicks, so it wasn’t a contest. Russell Westbrook picked up where he left off, finishing with a monster triple-double (21 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds).

How Bout Dem Yankees?!

And now, it’s Yankees’ time!! The Yankees head back to Houston to take on the Astros in Game 6 of the ALCS tonight on FS1 @ 8:08 P.M. EST. Luis Severino and Justin Verlander will take the hill. I’m going to hang my hat on 1 stat (and hope it works). Verlander’s e.r.a. in starts after throwing 120+ pitches is over 6.00. He threw 124 pitches in his last start. Fingers are officially crossed.

I know who MLB is rooting for. Yankees vs. Dodgers is MLB’s wet dream. I just want the Yankees to take care of business tonight, because Game 7’s scare me.

What were you watching Thursday night?? Will the Yankees clinch a World Series birth tonight?? Tell me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Everyone Wave Goodbye To Melo

carmelo anthony

It’s official.

Everyone say, “Bye Bye Melo.”

While the majority of ignorant Knicks’ fan continue to bemoan this trade, and bash Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks’ legacy, I will applaud the trade and Melo.

Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy

Carmelo Anthony, now 33, was drafted #3 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft out of Syracuse University. He will suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder this coming season (his 15th). He spent 7.5 seasons with the Denver Nuggets before spending the last 6.5 seasons with the New York Knicks.

Career Averages: 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 45.2 FG%, 81.3 FT%

Carmelo Anthony ‘is who he is’. He’s a great scorer who’s been a decent rebounder. He plays very little defense and isn’t seen passing the ball very often. But, to his credit, he hasn’t had many superstar teammates throughout his career.

His biggest fault: He’s not Lebron James. 

I’m serious. He was drafted in the same draft as Lebron. He played nationally televised high school games against Lebron. And since they’re friends, Melo has carried this comparison his entire career. Nuggets and Knicks’ fans should applaud Melo for his contributions to their franchises, rather than criticize him for being Championship-Less.

*He didn’t offer himself his contract (and No-Trade Clause).

The Trade

This Trade was made official on Monday, as Carmelo Anthony waived his No-Trade Clause.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and the Chicago Bulls’ 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

This is a good trade for both teams. Those who are killing the Knicks, or giving them an ‘F’, don’t understand this situation in the slightest. Here’s why:

1.) Carmelo Anthony had a No-Trade Clause. This Means he needed to sign off on any deal, making it nearly impossible to trade him.

2.) Due to reason #1, this is the best deal the Knicks could have received. Those who were expecting two 1st-round picks also don’t know which way is up.

3.) $$. Isn’t everything about money?? This move gets money off the books after this season (even if Kanter picks up his player option in 2018-19).

4.) Morale. Despite Carmelo Anthony still being a good player, this will boost the attitude and environment in the Knicks’ locker room, thus leading to more productive play on the court.

This trade made sense for both teams. From the Thunders’ perspective, they didn’t give up a lot to obtain Melo, and they improved in the short-term. This offseason they acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony for Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. While Westbrook, George, and Melo may only be together for 1 playoff run, Sam Presti (Thunder General Manager) deserves a raise.

 

What do you think of this trade?? Give it a grade in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

BREAKING NEWS: Melo Has Been Traded!!


In breaking news, the Melo-Drama has come to an end. The New York Knicks have agreed in principle to trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter

Doug McDermott

And a 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

 
Melo, being 1 of only 3 players with a No-Trade Clause, must sign-off on the deal. According to league sources, the deal will be complete Monday morning.

Doug McDermott is entering the last year of his rookie contract ($3.3 Million). Kanter is under contract for this year ($20.56 Million) and has a player option for the 2018-2019 season ($18.6 Million).

The Thunder also acquired Paul George this offseason, so it’ll be interesting to see how these new additions meld with Russell Westbrook.

Stay tuned for more details and analysis of the trade once it’s official.

 

How do my Knicks fans feel?? Are you happy Melo has been traded?? 

Tell me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

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

Knicks Hire Life-Size Marionette

scott perry

They’ve done it. They’ve finally done it. The New York Knicks actually found someone who wants to work for them. It’s a Christmas Miracle in July!! And even though you’ve never heard of him he actually has NBA front office experience. Crazy right?! Knicks fans..meet Scott Perry.

Before I introduce Scott Perry, we must fully understand this hiring. Scott Perry might be the Knicks’ general manager, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be making decisions. Oh sure, he’ll make suggestions, but they may be acknowledged, or ignored, depending on what side of the bed Steve Mills and James Dolan wake up on. That sounds empowering to me!! Essentially, Scott Perry is a life-size puppet. So why would Perry take the job you ask?? Because he gets to put Knicks general manager on his resume, and his pay will increase — a lot. Now let’s meet the poor bastard.

Scott Perry has over a decade of experience, working for 5 different franchises. He has worked for Seattle, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Orlando, and Sacramento. His most successful tenure was in Detroit. Perry was the Pistons’ director of player personnel when they reached 6 consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, including 1 championship (2004). The past 4 months of his career haven’t been quite as stable. Perry was fired by the Orlando Magic (uhhh, hi red flag) in April. He wasn’t a bachelor for long though, as the Sacramento Kings hired him later that month to be vice president of basketball operations.

Okay, so he showed some resiliency in getting hired quickly, however, the Kings are letting him walk away after only 4 months on the job. What does it say when the Kings don’t want you?! Nothin’ good.

I’m not going to sit here and completely bash this move, but there are moving parts that make me slightly uncomfortable. The first is Steve Mills. Upon hiring Perry, Mills will be promoted to president of basketball operations. So Perry will have to report to Mills. Enjoy that!! Second, the Knicks will be required to give some form of compensation to the Kings in exchange for Perry. This compensation better be money, because if the Knicks just TRADED A DRAFT PICK TO BRING IN SCOTT FREAKIN’ PERRY, I’M GOING TO LOSE MY MIND!!!!

There goes another blood vessel. Oh well.

Once the dust settles on this sand storm, the attention will revert back to Carmelo Anthony. As his first order of business, what will Scott Perry “do” with Carmelo Anthony?? Trade him, keep him, or buy him out?? As of now, trade talks between the Knicks and Houston Rockets have been put on hold.

And now, it’s opening night. The theater is sold out, and the stage is yours (as Mills lowers Perry onto the stage). It’s time to start the show Pinoch….I mean Steve Perry. Break a leg!!

 

What do you think of this hiring?? What do you think of Scott Perry?? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

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!!

 

Episode #2 Of DaveTalksSports Radio!!

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!!

 

 

 

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

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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!!