James Harden has been a disgruntled employee of the Houston Rockets for some time now. And Wednesday, his dream finally came true….he was shipped out of Houston to Brooklyn to join his buddies Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
As talented as these 3 human beings are, there is no guarantee this project will result in a championship.
Only time will tell, but unless this perfect storm of psychos falls just right, it could be a long, drama-filled, ENTERTAINING, DUMPSTER-FIRE!!
LeBron James is going to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Re-read that. Let it sink in. Still sounds weird, doesn’t it??
While he could have dragged out his decision, creating another ‘Summer of LeBron’, he wasted little time. NBA’s free agency moratorium period began on July 1st at 12:00 a.m. Just 17 hours later, LeBron informed the world, via Klutch Sports, he would be donning purple and gold next season.
**The moratorium period runs from July 1st through July 6th. This means free agents may discuss, and announce contracts, however can’t officially sign on the dotted line until the end of this period.**
LeBron’s move to one of the most storied franchises in NBA history is not surprising. It’s never a bad idea to join forces with Magic Johnson, while carrying the torch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant have kept lit for over 40 years. His contract, however, is surprising. LeBron James has made the one-year contract cool. This method has allowed LeBron the freedom to skip town the second stuff hits the fan, maximize his earning potential, and keep the ball in his court. How many idioms can I squeeze into one sentence?? The answer, apparently, is three.
LeBron’s contract: 4 years, $154 million (4th year player option)
LeBron is giving Magic the most valuable gift imaginable; time. Having the peace of mind that LeBron won’t be going anywhere for a minimum of three seasons is priceless. Now, Magic can shift, shape, and maneuver accordingly.
Which naturally begs the question: Who ELSE is coming to La La Land??
Everyone and their grandmother assumed Paul George to the Lakers was a done deal. However, he and Russell Westbrook’s party burst that bubble before midnight on Saturday….
Will the San Antonio Spurs acquiesce to Kawhi Leonard’s demands, and trade him to the Lakers?? I don’t know. They want a King’s ransom, and the Lakers should give it, but just because I say it doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
Will the Lakers sign Demarcus Cousins?? They should. They have a meeting setup with Cousins, so the world will see how far Magic’s smile can carry him.
Final Thought
The NBA is the big winner here. The league is better, and happier, when the Lakers are good. It’s also beneficial when the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and other big markets are competitive too. Two-out-of-three ain’t bad. There was no better era in basketball than the 1980s: Showtime Lakers vs. Bird’s Celtics. There’s no guarantee this will be that, but if the Lakers bring in another top-10 player this year, and Klay Thompson next year, ya never know.
Thoughts. Questions. And concerns. You know where those go….
Deandre Ayton was selected with the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Considering Ayton was an Arizona Wildcat, this should be a seamless transition. Ayton can be summed up in two words; physical specimen.
At 7’0″, 261 pounds, Ayton should contribute at the NBA level immediately. While I like Ayton’s game, I believe the Sacramento Kings were gifted the best player in the draft.
#2
Marvin Bagley III. What experts call unpolished, I call raw talent. Bagley’s game fits the NBA perfectly. He is a skilled scorer and rebounder with a high motor. His energy level, and ability to outwork opposing big men, will lead to a long, successful career in the NBA. The Phoenix Suns may regret passing on Bagley.
#3
The Dallas Mavericks must love them some Luka Doncic. They traded the rights to Trae Young, and their 2019 protected (top-five) 1st round pick, for Doncic. I don’t care who you are, international players are a complete mystery. The track record of players from other countries is less than stellar, and all of the tape in the world can’t paint the whole picture. The NBA and international games differ so greatly, international stars either excel right away, or crash and burn.
There’s no in between.
By the way, Trae Young will be the biggest BUST in this draft!!
The New York Knickerbockers
Por fin, I am NOT mad about a Knicks’ 1st round pick; Kevin Knox. While I believe Collin Sexton is a star in the making, the Knicks couldn’t pick a player who wasn’t available (Sexton went 8th to the Cleveland Cavaliers). The Knicks’ only other option was to choose Mr. injury-in-waiting, Michael Porter Jr. The Knicks, as well as 12 other teams, felt Porter Jr.’s injury was too risky to gamble on, as he fell to the 14th pick (Denver Nuggets).
The question is: Will Michael Porter Jr. be the next Joel Embiid, or Greg Oden??
You know where the comment section is. USE IT!!!!
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
With their backs headed in the direction of a wall, the Cleveland LeBrons looked to handle their business, at home. They shot out of the gates, grabbing a 12-point lead (16-4) through the first 4 minutes and 40 seconds of the game. However, they, along with the rest of the world, would soon realize it was Kevin Durant’s night. Durant dropped 13 points in the 1st quarter, bringing the Warriors within one (29-28).
A theme would develop, as the LeBrons would find themselves up 13 points (50-37) with 4:06 to play in the 1st half. However (lol), Kevin Durant’s 11-point 2nd quarter brought them within six (58-52) at halftime. It was an unfortunate pattern for the LeBrons, who lacked the foot-on-throat mentality all night.
And now, sit back, relax, and enjoy our halftime show….
Annndddd, we’re back.
The Warriors did what they do in the 3rd quarter. They scored 31 points. Did you know, in this year’s playoffs, the Warriors have scored at least 30 points in the 3rd quarter 13 times?! No, that’s not normal. And the seven times they didn’t reach the 30-point mark, they scored 19, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, and 29 points. Yup, like I said, not normal.
Despite the Warriors holding a two-point lead heading into the 4th quarter, the LeBrons hung tough. LeBron James, as always, did his thing (despite the commentators stating he played poorly multiple times):
33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals (in 47 minutes)
The LeBrons reclaimed the lead with 3:11 to play, but again, their foot never got within three feet of the Warriors’ throat. Even with Stephen Curry having one of the worst shooting nights of his career, his lone three-pointer (1-10) came at an extremely opportune time. The Warriors closed the game on a 14-5 run, including a Mortal Kombat Fatality Move by Kevin Durant:
Like, love, or hate the Warriors, you have to appreciate the stone cold look on Durant’s face following this ENORMOUS three-pointer. That look probably stemmed from his unreal performance:
43 points (15-23), 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal
110-102, Warriors. 3-0, Warriors. NBA Dynasty (soon to be three-out-of-four championships), Warriors.
Well Cleveland, there’s always next yea—-
Oh, sorry!
Will the Cleveland LeBrons get swept?? If you don’t think so, please explain yourself, then….seek psychiatric help.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
“Nothing is certain but death and taxes….And the Golden State Warriors winning the 2018 NBA Finals.”
That’s the original quote — I promise.
Poor LeBron
I feel bad for LeBron James.
At this point, it’s nearly impossible to rationally feel any other way. He’s giving everything he’s got (as always), and it’s simply not enough. People who constantly find ways to criticize LeBron James should find a bridge….and jump. **Don’t actually jump off of a bridge, but at the very least, punch yourself in the face….
Sunday night, the Warriors took a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals, after a historic 122-103 victory. Stephen Curry hit NINE three-pointers, breaking the record for made three-pointers in an NBA Finals game. Curry broke Ray Allen’s record (8) from the 2010 NBA Finals when he was a member of the Boston Celtics. Curry finished game two with 33 points on 9-of-17 from three-point range.
Usually, a series doesn’t start until a home team loses a game, but this one, is over. The Cleveland LeBrons never stood a chance. They’re overpowered. They’re outmanned. Simply put, they’re outmatched. No, no, there’s no unless LeBron today. He already went superhuman on the world, in game one, and that didn’t work.
So fat lady — start singing.
Ohhh, The Mets
The New York Mets lose (2-0) in ways only the New York Mets can lose:
An opposing player stealing home
and
A sacrifice-fly to 2nd base
When words can’t possibly do this level of ineptitude justice, we go to the YouTube:
And one more time, for good measure:
I was going to put a video of the sacrifice-fly to 2nd base that scored Willson Contreras (as pictured above), THE CATCHER, but I couldn’t find it!! I guess the world didn’t want something that awful recorded on video. I understand Luis Guillorme is 12 years old, but there’s no reason for that — EVER!!
Are the Mets Cursed?? Do the LeBrons have ANY chance in the NBA Finals?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
With the NBA Awards Show rapidly approaching, they’re going to need to add another category; Dumbest Person In The World.
There’s no need to keep you waiting in suspense. JR Smith is going to win by unanimous vote.
Thursday night, JR Smith took dumb, stupid, idiotic, moronic, mindless, senseless, and dense to a whole new level.
Watch….then we’ll talk:
WOW!! Just, wow.
So, let’s start with the game, which is getting completely overshadowed by JR Smith’s mind numbing I.Q. This game was a lot closer than anyone expected. Kevin Love played like a real guy (21 points and 13 rebounds) after being cleared from the concussion protocol hours before tip-off. And LeBron James was, well, LeBron James:
51 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block (in 48 minutes)
Even in defeat (124-114 F/OT), he continues to climb the all-time rankings.
The problem is, LeBron scored 51 points, shot 59.3% from the field, and his team still lost. We can hem and haw over “missed” calls and an overturned charge all day long, but the fact is, the Cleveland LeBrons are staring a 1-0 deficit in the face.
**Okay, let’s hem and haw anyway. LeBron James sacrificed his body to draw an offensive charge on Kevin Durant with 36.4 seconds remaining in regulation. The referees, however, determined they couldn’t determine whether LeBron’s feet were outside the restricted area.
Looks pretty clear to me….
Evidently, the referees have the prerogative to overturn the call, for any reason, under the guise of “we were checking if he was in the restricted area”. While that whole premise is bogus, they got the call right in the end. So, if the result is correct, does it matter how they got there??
AND NOW, without further ado, let’s dissect JR Smith’s (scary) thought process with 4.7 seconds left in regulation. **Clearly, the game was tied at 107.** Watch the replay again, and you’ll notice Smith, just prior to George Hill’s free-throw, has his hands in the air, looking in the direction of his bench, trying to figure out the score. So when he rips down a great rebound, and makes a bee-line toward half court, it’s because HE THINKS THEY’RE WINNING!!!!
HE THINKS HE’S SUCCESSFULLY DRIBBLING OUT THE CLOCK!!!!
You’ll also notice LeBron James absolutely lose his mind. When LeBron realizes Smith is driving a 6th of the way across the country in the WRONG DIRECTION, he vehemently points at the basket, as to say, “go that way idiot!!!!”
Yes, George Hill could have made the free-throw. And no, there’s no guarantee the LeBrons score in the final 4.7 seconds (even if Smith didn’t have that face/ass transplant surgery). And Yes, the LeBrons could have won the game in overtime. But JR Smith didn’t help their cause.
My favorite part was JR Smith’s post-game experience, after having time to collect his “thoughts”:
“No, I knew we were tied,” Smith said. “It’s just, I thought we were going to take a timeout because I got the rebound. And then I looked over at Bron [LeBron James], and he looked like he was trying to call a timeout. So I stopped. And then the game was over.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
While that story is completely fabricated, he did provide the rest of the world, outside of Cleveland, a wildly entertaining moment. Especially for Knicks’ fans. But hey, Knicks’ fans are entitled to a good laugh too….
Is this the biggest blunder in NBA Finals History?? Can the LeBrons possibly bounce back from this??
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
For those who jumped on the Celtics/Rockets’ bandwagon (you know who you are)….please hang your heads in shame NOW. Both “favorites” stared down a 3-2 series lead, giving themselves two chances to win one game. But neither, had a chance.
LeBron
Call it scrappy. Call it ugly. Call it whatever you want, LeBron James willed his scrap heap of teammates to another NBA Finals. His 9th to be exact (8th in a row). Game 7 resembled a different time in the NBA. A time when there was no shot clock. Because nothing screams awesome like an 8-6 victory.
The Cleveland LeBrons beat the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeBron did what LeBron does: 35 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 blocks
One of those blocks (as pictured above) was ridiculous!! While Terry Rozier has serious hops for a little guy, he should have thought twice before trying to throw the hammer down on LeBron. When a picture doesn’t do it justice, we go to the video tape:
If we’re being honest, and we always are, that was a foul. The refs clearly didn’t have the balls to blow their whistle there. Either way, all I can picture is Terry Rozier in a dark video room ALL SUMMER. There may be crying. And there may be a half empty bottle of scotch….
While the Celtics will be watching the NBA Finals from home, they’ll be back. Their core is too young, and too talented, to be kept down for too long. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s primes are going to coincide with the (eventual) decline of LeBron James. That bodes well for Celtics’ faithful.
The Warriors’ Dynasty
Again, those who thought the Golden State Warriors were going to be denied their 4th consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, are silly.
I don’t want to hear about Chris Paul’s injury. That’s NOT why the Warriors are representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. The Warriors are representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals because the Rockets shot 7-for-44 from three-point range in Game 7.
7-FOR-44!!!!
That’s impressively bad.
Trevor Ariza won’t soon forget his Game 7. Ariza went 0-for-9 from three (0-for-12 overall). Eric Gordon’s 3-for-12, and James Harden’s 3-for-13 didn’t help either.
The Warriors’ core-four did what they do, combining for 90 points, in a 101-92 victory.
And now, they’ll take on the one-man band people call the Cleveland Cavaliers. This series is not going to be entertaining, or close. Each Warriors’ victory will be by an average of 20 points. LeBron automatically buys his team one victory. If he goes INSANE, he’ll grab a second win on his way out the door. But the LeBrons LITERALLY have NO CHANCE here.
Does LeBron stand a chance?? How many games will he win?? Post your crazy predictions in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
One does not simply beat the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors….beat themselves.
The Warriors Backed Themselves Into A Corner
If I told you James Harden would go 0-for-11 from three-point range in Game 5, you’d tell me the Houston Rockets would lose by 20 points. Fear the beard in December, shave the beard in May.
By the way, it makes me happy that James Harden is the biggest choke artist in sports since Phil Mickelson….
So, I’m not sure what’s wrong with the Warriors. How, the best team the NBA has seen in 20 years, can beat their opponent by 41 points one night and lose to them twice over the next four days is beyond my brain power.
The Warriors’ depth has taken a slight hit with Andre Iguodala missing the past two games, but that shouldn’t keep the Warriors from beating the hapless Rockets. James Harden and Chris Paul shot a combined 11-for-40 Thursday night — and still won (98-94). That makes no sense.
For the 2nd consecutive game, the Warriors carried a lead into the 4th quarter. And for the 2nd consecutive game, they wilted down the stretch. Kevin Durant, the world’s 2nd best player (it’s not even that close), went 0-for-4 in the 4th quarter. Down 95-94, with under 50 seconds to play, the Warriors had, not one, but two chances to take the lead. Both failed. And then, with under 10 seconds left, Draymond Green fumbled away their last ditch effort.
Watch butterfingers:
That is the Warriors past two games in a nutshell. They’ll head home, down 3-2, looking to force a Game 7. LeBron James, and his band of misfits, will look to do the same.
Boston Celtics @ Cleveland LeBrons: Friday @ 8:30 P.M. EST on ESPN.
Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors: Saturday @ 9:00 P.M. EST on TNT.
The Islanders Did Something Smart?!
The New York Islanders, despite their recent history, made a smart decision Tuesday. They hired the ‘GM of all GMs’; Lou Lamoriello. Lamoriello, best known for turning the bottom feeding New Jersey Devils into a perennial powerhouse, will take the reigns for the Islanders.
This is brilliant.
While Lamoriello will technically be called ‘President of Hockey Operations’, he’ll be the GM, the President, the CEO, the Mom, and the Dad, all at once. You don’t hire the best to ever do it, and then NOT turn over full control.
Lamoriello spent 27 years as the Devils’ GM. In their 1st season, they had a winning record. They made the playoffs in 22-of-27 seasons. And they won three Stanley Cups in five appearances.
Decent….
This hire is GREAT for a multitude of reasons. No Islanders’ fan should be upset, this week. But this hire was made for one reason; SIGN JOHN TAVARES!!
Apparently, Tavares is “pleased” with the hire — as he should be. The question, however, remains: Will Tavares sign on the dotted line for the Islanders????
Still have confidence in a Warriors/LeBrons rematch?? Is hiring Lou Lamoriello the best decision the Islanders have ever made?? Spill your guts in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
So, I’m not sure what’s wrong with the Warriors. How, the best team the NBA has seen in 20 years, can beat their opponent by 41 points one night and lose to them twice over the next four days is beyond my brain power.
Dave Talks Sports 