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It was ugly, but San Antonio reigns again

June 16, 2007 @ 10:45 am by Eddie Johnson · Filed under Bruce Bowen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Finals, Gregg Popovich, LeBron James, Mike Brown, San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Tim Duncan The San Antonio Spurs have won their fourth title in nine years. I can’t say that is a dynasty, but they are definitely a true team and organization in every sense of the word.

The Game 4 sweep went as expected. Although the Cavaliers made a nice run in the fourth quarter, it was obvious based on their inept shooting that it was just a matter of time before the Cavaliers came back to earth. This was the ugliest Finals I have ever seen. We experienced no great plays to talk about, no unbelievable performances from individual players, no physical confrontations that you should see when a title is on the line, no complaining about the officiating and jockeying from game to game. Just plain boring. The only fans in the country that thought this series lived up to Finals were probably Spur fans.

The shooting in this series was the worse I have ever seen in any series, not just the Finals. Tony Parker won the MVP, but his performance was not the star quality that we expect on the biggest stage. I marvel at how consistent and smart the Spurs play year after year. But if you just focus on their leader, Tim Duncan, I think you learn to realize why they are so consistent. He has given the Spurs a foundation that has sprouted players like Parker and Manu Ginobili and there is no reason to think it will not continue.

During this playoff run, the Spurs were like a runner going up hill starting with Denver and Phoenix and then they just cruised down hill against Utah and Cleveland. I thought that should be the other way around. But when Dallas got upset and Detroit underachieved against Cleveland, the clean easy road was laid out for them and they took advantage just like great teams do.

I do applaud the Cavaliers and what they accomplished this year as a team. I don’t care what conference you are in, you have to have total team effort to get to the Finals and they did. The Cavaliers will learn from this loss and hopefully continue to grow because they have perhaps the best basketball specimen that has ever played the game, but the challenge for LeBron James and the Cavaliers is to get better both individually and as a team.

COACHES

Gregg Popovich simply outcoached his pupil Mike Brown in every facet of the game. I don’t think one time in this series did the Spurs have to make an adjustment to what Mike Brown did with his strategy. Popovich has the respect of his players to the point they should call him surrogate dad. I have never heard or seen a dispute among Popovich and his players since he has been coach and that in itself is unbelievable. Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan and Popovich are the three best coaches in the league and any player should want to play for them.

Mike Brown did not fight enough for his team, in my estimation. He praised his former employer too much in this series. He respected Duncan, Ginobili and Parker too much as well. The reason I make that characterization is because I never saw him complain and ride the officials from game to game, especially about how they were manhandling LeBron, or anything the Spurs did whether it was wrong or not. I would have complained big time about the foul attempt by Bowen on LeBron in Game 3. He looked intimidated and it was obvious to anyone that Brown’s friendship with the Spurs brass hindered him. I still applaud him for what he accomplished this season and he definitely has the ability to bring them back. I am pretty sure he hopes the opponent is not the Spurs.

PLAYERS

Tony Parker proved that he is fast becoming one the most unstoppable point guards ever at getting to the basket. He has a toughness that equals Isiah Thomas and that right there is the best company he could ever be in. He took over this series from the start and had his imprint on it until the sweep was complete. He also has become Duncan’s equal in terms of leadership and that should make David Robinson proud of Duncan in that the transfer of leadership that he started when TD was drafted has continued.

Tim Duncan is a model for any young basketball player wanting to emulate an NBA player. He is the consummate pro, although he has a minor flaw of complaining too much with officials. But it does not even amount to a visible dent in Duncan’s armor. His footwork and ability to create any shot off the post is so far ahead of most players that it is not even comparable. Add his unselfishness and you have a coach’s dream. I rate Duncan and Karl Malone as the greatest power forwards ever and Duncan gets the edge because of four championships to Malone’s zero.

Bruce Bowen is the most important player on the Spurs regardless of the Big Three. He guarded Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Deron Williams and LeBron James during the playoffs and still found time to concentrate and knock down open jump shots consistently. Bowen gets a lot of attention for his defensive tactics, but he is one the classiest players in the league and is well respected off and on the court. The Spurs would have been beaten if they did not have Bruce Bowen before they got to Cleveland.

LeBron James is without a doubt the future of the NBA, but only if he continues to work at the feverish pace his predecessors did. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and now Kobe Bryant had and have a tremendous desire to be the best. James can be them and more with continued hard work. I have never seen a player with his size and speed ever in an NBA uniform. He can become virtually unguardable, but as I have said during these playoffs, James has to work on his mid-range game. He has serious mechanical issues that can be corrected, but only if he is committed to getting it done. The memory of shooting 10 for 30 in Game 4 and not making a mid-range shot until after 60 attempts in the series is reason enough for James to seek help and change his bad habits. When he learns to shoot the ball, watch out NBA!

Zydrunas Ilgauskas looked very old in this series. His ability to jump is gone and foot problems over the years obviously are the culprit, but Z did not have enough fight for me – especially when he guarded Duncan. He had one good game with 18 rebounds, but his shooting went south and that’s something the Cavaliers needed in this series.

Larry Hughes was hurt most of the series, but he struggled this year even before the injury. I wrote when they signed Hughes that it was a mistake because Hughes needs the ball and that will not happen with LeBron. They will try and shop Hughes this offseason, but foot problems and contract will not allow Cleveland to get rid of him.

FUTURE

Look for the San Antonio Spurs to go after Grant Hill and a backup point guard to bring more versatility to their team. They are the oldest team in the league and it will surely start to show next year. Robert Horry wants to come back and I surmise they will allow him to, but only out of respect because Horry was not a factor during this championship run other than starting the confrontation against the Suns that led to Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw being suspended. The Spurs realize it will be extremely hard next year with Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Utah, Golden State and Denver around, but they are the champs and everyone wants what they have consistently gotten over the last nine years.

Cleveland should have one mandate and one only. Go find shooters. Heck, I honestly thought about flying to Cleveland and hanging around the locker room after the first three games. James will become a magnet for shooters now that he has shown an ability to carry a team to the Finals. The Cavaliers have all the other ingredients except that ability to make open shots. I think Daniel Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic will continue to grow, but the Cavaliers should not invest all their stock in those players just yet. I look for Cleveland to win 50-plus games and make another run next year and James hopefully will have at least improved that mid-range jumper, thus becoming the most unguardable player in the league.

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193 Comments

Richard Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 7:24 am

Coach Pop is the driver, Tony Parker is the steering wheel, Tim Duncan is the engine, Manu Ginobili is the transmission and the rest are the tires. This car is fastly become an antique but a classic one. Love the Spurs and what they bring to the table. Can’t exactly say I was excited about the Finals but when they played Phoenix, that was good. Here’s to Parker riding 2008 on an MVP high, and the SPurs finally repeating in 2008, oh I know you all will hate that, lol.
Lupe Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:26 am

I am now saddened that the season is officially over. I hope Phoenix does not get weaker, because of the rumors that they need to get under the cap. If they do trade someone sadly it needs to be Marion due to age, plus I think he always disappears against good defenders (i.e.-Bruce Bowen, 05′, 07′ playoffs). I have been a huge LeBron fan since he came to the league, hopefully he adds a jump-shot, and continues playing his heart out. Well congrats to the Spurs, and I expect LeBron to go to the Finals again very soon. Laters.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:43 am

I was really curious about how you are going to write about Amare’s and Diaw’s suspensions after this game.
Thanks for not surprising me…
thegreatest Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 10:42 am

Lebron needs to emulate who?

MJ—Yes; Magic—Yes; Bird—Yes, but emulate KOBE?!? the most selfish and non team oriented of the greats he is so prematurely mentioned with? Increasingly I realize that intellect is not the beacon that guides many so called NBA fans — the ability to score 50 points every other night is nothing to be to proud of when it comes at the expense of the team you should be leading and the players you should be making better. Kobe simply refused to include his teammates in the game when they were eliminated inthe first round this year…I can still see kobe dribbling baseline and looking off a completely alone teammate who broke under the rim for an easy two…Kobey looked right at him and could have made the easy assist…but no…that was too much.
Edin Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 11:30 am

Eddie, I’m just curious … how many rings did you win?
cam Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 11:44 am

I guess all the Suns afficionados will cry about that call forever. Never mind their star did not have the maturity to follow the rules. As far as the finals being boring–EJ may think so–everyone has an opinion. I’m not a Spurs fan, but I truly enjoyed the finals, and watched every game. I thought Tony Parker’s performance at points was spectacular. But EJ is a Suns fan, so everything that he writes should have an asterisk beside it. Lack of complaining about the game 3 foul–somewhere I read that the team policy is no complaining–I guess EJ didn’t read that bit of info.
Dan Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 12:08 pm

Classic blog Eddie. I only had to read one line of “I wouldn’t call them a dynasty” before I realized that you still had your Suns blinders on. Stop trying to act so unbiased all the time, you obviously dislike the Spurs, seeing they beat your Suns once again in the playoffs this year. How is 4 titles in 9 years, 3 in 5, NOT A DYNASTY! If your Suns ever get to one it’s going to be a miracle.
RilkI Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 12:44 pm

I can’t agree with your analysis. Your article about the Spurs gives me the impression that someone asked you to write something good about the four time champions, you refused, and then they put a gun to your head and forced you. That’s how it sounds.
I think if the Spurs fooled around and played less fundamentally sound basketball in games 3 and 4 and lost only to win in game 6, you’d actually like them more. Your complete lack of enthusiasm for the classiest organization in the NBA is strange.
I hope all Suns fans get therapy this summer to get over their loss. But don’t watch replays of Kurt Thomas grabbing Duncan’s shorts or Raja playing exactly like Bowen, because it will ruin that “we are angels and everybody else cheats” complex that you all seem to have.
Alex Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

You know this Blog entry is tainted when you talk about the 3 best coaches in the league and Pat Riley isn’t in the picture. Never mind coaching, I’ll put Pat Riley’s record as a GM over Popavic’s. If the Spurs don’t cag out the Tim Duncan this conversation is completely irrelevant.

Boooo Eddie Johnson.
Alex Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 12:57 pm

If the Spurs don’t *cag out the Tim Duncan draft*If the Spurs this conversation is completely irrelevant.

And Tim Duncan is stuck in Boston wasting away 10 years of his career.
Rashidi Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 1:55 pm

Maybe Suns fans wouldn’t complain as much if Horry were suspended for more than a pathetic two games. He has had a history of bad behavior, and look at what players in the Knick/Nugget altercation got. How many of their punishments fit the crime?
Mae Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 1:55 pm

I would like to state to all of the people who are slightly in a way com-plaining about the finals between San Antonio and Cleavland. Most
people found it boring because there weren’t any flashy, attention
seeking players on the winning team. The San Antonion Spurs are
truly classic as well as disciplined young men. Even, if they had
tatoos, they were not visable. I think that anyone who is regarded
as a truly highly professional individual, such private markings
should not be on display for the world to see. If you watced the
games and observed the differences between the San Antonio
team and the Cleavland team, togetherness as well as consistency
played a key role in the outcome of the game for the winners.
As a teacher who teach students everyday, I can truly say with
accuracy that tatoos, earrings etc. can and does sometimes become
an individual distraction within itself to the individual whom it is a part of.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 4:52 pm

Rashidi you’re wrong: Suns fans even didn’t interest with Horry and his suspension. Because after 2 games suspension, he’s eleminated from Suns series.
Horry didn’t deserve more than 2 game suspension in that case.
Flagrant foul? Nearly all of the players are doing that.
Suns fans are trying to find a reason why their terrific offensive squad couldn’t reach the fianls.
In 2005 they said they were experienced.(True)
In 2006 they said Amare is injured(True)
In 2007 they are saying Amare suspended(True)
All of those are true. But not enoguh to explain the failure. Amare played in 5 of 6 games in Spurs series and Spurs won 3 of them without any doubt. The toughest game Spurs won in that series were the 5th game which Amare didn’t play.
That’s why. Most of Suns fans are still can’t see the main reason. They are not coaching well, their 7-men rotation isn’t enough and they can’t win without defence. They should realize these facts.
noah Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

omg, i can’t believe suns fans are still complaining…

eddie, i’m curious which spurs you think the spurs are most likely to be less effective next year. Finley will fall off a bit (if he even returns), but if they replace him with Grant Hill or somebody similar (moving Manu into the starting line-up again and keeping Jacque Vaughn), the drop-off seems minor. Bowen relies so little on athleticism, it seems unlikely he’ll truly be much worse. It seems to me that the Spurs’ biggest risks are (1) Ginobili, who always seems right on the verge of complete implosion; and (2) Oberto, who might not re-sign. Losing Oberto without a solid replacement seems disastrous, as is a Ginobili implosion as he’s their only real off-the-ball perimiter threat.

But I’m sure you have 250 reasons why I’m dead wrong!

Also, if Larry Hughes is available, isn’t he a perfect fit for the Spurs?
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 7:08 pm

Why are you Spurs fans crying so much? Lets call a spade a spade. Am i saying anything out of line about the suspensions? give me a break. That suspension was the single most important story of the playoffs and i am sorry you Spurs fans continue to feel guilty about it. I write exactly what i feel Happened. I am not here to please The Spurs, Cavs or Suns fans. i am here to state the truth. I will have hoops hype put up a poll and ask the fan’s what single most event changed the course of the playoffs and i guarantee it will be the Dallas lost and The Suns suspensions. Maybe then you Spurs fans will calm down and enjoy your championship.
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 7:12 pm

Onur

the only posts you put up is about the suspensions. you must feel guilty?
Eric Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

I dont think anybody feels guilty for the suspensions, except when suns fans try to discredit the spurs by bringing the suspension thing up and try to suggest that the championship is tainted, its really kinda annoying. If the suns dont stop whining and look to the real reasons of why they lost, maybe they’ll get into the finals, until then all they can do is DREAM about a championship and moan their bad luck. BTW how is 4 championship in ten years not a dynasty????? Must be that suns homerism that Barkley was talking about…. Eddie why cant you be like Barkley and say something bad about the suns for once???
tim Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 8:13 pm

I don’t live in Phoenix or San Antonio. The nba team from my city was knocked out early and so I don’t think anyone in our city has strong loyalties to either the Suns or Spurs. With this said, I haven’t met a single NBA fan that doesn’t think the following:

1) The Spurs are a championship quality team and so you can’t say they don’t deserve to be a champion again;
2) Steve Nash was the true MVP of the league again even though the sports writers couldn’t swallow their pride and give him the MV3;
3) With this said, we will never know who truly was the best team this year because of the suspensions.

Spurs fans can complain because this year’s nba champion will always have an asterik in most fans minds and the Suns fans can complain because they feel ripped by a league office that doesn’t know when to stay out of the playoffs.

I think the rest of us simply are sad that the best series of the playoffs, maybe the true nba finals, was so significantly effected by the league office.

Here’s hoping that Stern and co. will learn from this year and get a better perspective on their role and how to set and apply rules.
Richard Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:02 pm

Can we ever discuss the actual article and not focus on the Conference Semis, it’s over along with the 2007 Finals but this article isn’t about the Conf Semis so let’s drop it all together. This has dragged on for over two blogs enough is enough, and I’m a Spurs’ fan.

Chances of the Spurs repeating in 2008 would be a better topic.
Who are the Spurs going to pursue over this summer is another.
What will the Spurs do with those picks (3)
Where’s Kobe going, is he going?
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:22 pm

Richard thank you. i wrote a nice article about the Spurs and these guys still are crying. get over it. If you guys are crying whose holding the baby?

Now i have a guy wanting me to be like Barkley. Next thing you will ask me is to say GINOBILIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! lol Eric you and everyone else listen to this statement and hear it loud and clear. Just because you have a few people not saying exactly what you want to hear, it is their opinion. In my estimation and it was backed up by the ratings. This series was downright ugly. That is not an indictment against San Antonio or Cleveland per say. it was just the match-up made it ugly and it was.

I think the Spurs, Suns and Mavericks will be the favorites for the next three years and then we will see a drop off.
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:31 pm

Edin

i did not win any, but i tried 17 times and couldn’t get there. , but i will tell you this Edin. When i was growing up i wanted to be sucessful at the highest level of basketball and guess what, out of millions that try to get to that level i made it. So in essence my ring was reaching my goal of making the NBA and i stayed for 17 years and now work in the NBA as well.

Now Edin did you get your ring? are you enjoying your job and career? Thats what i tell the thousands of kids i have spoken too over my career. go get your ring! Does that response help you Edin? i hope so.
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:34 pm

Alex i guess it’s tainted because i did not say Riley. Riley is an excellent coach, but i said top three not top four.
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 9:50 pm

the greatest. I meant immulate with hard work to get better at the fundamental art of shooting and becoming consistent all-around. sorry you couldn’t understand.
Dan Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 10:29 pm

“The San Antonio Spurs have won their fourth title in nine years. I can’t say that is a dynasty,”

Thats all I needed to read. Your Suns Eddie haven’t done jack. They’ve made it far into the playoffs before choking away big time opportunities (almost got swept by the Spurs 2 years ago, had a great year before crumpling to the Mavs). If Amare was going to do anything about the suspensions, he would’ve gotten his team a W in game 6. The Suns got anhilated in Game 6 and the Spurs showed why they were the better team. Not to mention, that hit by Horry was hard, but if that had happened in the middle of the court as opposed to close to the tables, Nash would’ve tumbled over, gotten right back up, and nothing would’ve erupted. If your such a great analyst, you should pick up on the fact that Horry commits that kind’ve foul MANY times during the course of the season, just the slight hip check to stop play and sort of put a guy on his butt.

4 titles in 9 years, 3 in 5, is a dynasty. Hell, if the Suns even win two titles in the next few years, I’m sure you’ll write that they’re a sensational dynasty, one that deserves to be in the Jordan/Bird cateogry….right?
Eddie Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 11:31 pm

what does that have to do with me saying they are not a dynasty yet. i am not comparing them to the suns sir. i am really starting to believe that you Spurs fans feel guilty. i wrote a nice article about the Spurs and you homers still can’t be satisfied. I understand the national media will not give you the pub you deserve because of that suspension, but stop blaming it on me and enjoy the title.
Eric Said,

June 17, 2007 @ 11:40 pm

The tiltle feels great Eddie, and no I dont expect u to say GINOBILI since u aint exactly a big fan of the spurs, but i do want u to crticize the suns a little since its not like the suspensions were all due to the fault of one party. Thing is ppl want the ideal article, they want a article that has no traces of bias in it, that satisfies all readers, that provided all sorts of insights without offendind anybody. Thing is, such articles dont exist, since as humans we are naturally biased. So Eddie, I’m sorry your nice article has too much bias in it to be considered nice by some, but then both u and readers are biased, so i guess the argument never ends.Anyway I’m curious to know,you spent only four years in phoenix and seems to love that team becuase of it, yet Barkley seems to dislike them despite his mvp there…….how is that so???
Dj Quest Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:30 am

Wow… I read most of the comments and I am finding it hard to believe the Spurs fans are this annoying. I mean c’mon people, YOU WON THE TITLE!! You should be so happy but instead it seems like the majority of readers are still trying to get their “respect” from Eddie. Bottom line, the Spurs won. Who cares what anybody writes/says just shine the ring and make the peasants kiss it while kneeling. Yes, the series wasn’t even close to competitive and that is a testiment to TD, TP, and POP (Ginobli is overrrated) so why are you all riding Eddie so hard??? Gosh, I wonder what would happen if the Spurs had lost??? I am a Lakers fan and a Kobe fan, but I love and RESPECT the hell out of the SPurs for their consistency. Kudos for the ring… but Spurs fans, y’all gotta learn to be better winners…

Peace

Quest

PS Eddie- Did some clown try to question your NBA credentials by inquiring about the number of rings you had… wow, that’s gutsy (and straight rude). I know that cat NEVER played professionally anywhere (probably no college either… perhaps JV in HS as a Senior)
RilkI Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:33 am

Rather than saying “the suspension” was the most important event, why not call a spade a spade and say Amare leaving the bench and running on the court was the most important event? If that had been Kirilenko, Dirk, or any other non-Sun, you wouldn’t be arguing for not enforcing a very intelligent rule. Amare iis an incredible athlete who did something very dumb and was punished for it. That doesn’t strike me as very unusual or unfair. I was watching that game with my best friend, who is a Suns fan, and as soon as Amare starting moving my friend yelled at the TV set, “NO, Amare, no!!”
cody Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:26 am

It was a good flop by Nash but his teammates dont have any sense. Grow up Amare, its basketball. These Suns fans are still cryin? Wow

Go for Five 5
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:41 am

Eddie, never become BARKLEY. He’s a funny guy, but he always try to be dunder spotlights by agressive comments.
You asked a auestion about feeling guilty. I will be honest to you:
I’m NOT feeling guilty about suspensions, because i honestly think that those were Diaw’s and Amare’s mistakes and my team was innocent.
Are the other Spurs fans feeling guilty? I’m sure they aren’t. They are trying to explain suspensions are not Spurs or Horry’s fault. They are making their statements again, because most of Suns fans’ and NBA writers are still blaming Spurs and Horry in that case.
Eddie, the only question I want you to ask is: Do you really think that Diaw’s and Amare’s suspensions are Horry’s or Spurs’ fault? Or is that their foolish mistake? After your answer, i’m going to focus on celebrations. Lol
Stephan Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:05 am

Hey Eddie,

ever since I read your blog - it’s really fantastic and honestly, I think you bring everything on the virtual paper which needs to be said.

Horry should have been suspended for the remainder of the Spurs-Suns games. Hard playing is okay, but this was obviously more then that. Worst part was that players from the Spurs have not been suspended for leaving the bench, but Amare and Diaw (I guess it was this way, somehow remember this).

After all, the Finals where ugly. Though we have no possibility in Germany to watch them, I could see the summaries on NBA.com and they sucked. I can’t remember one single play which excited me - in fact, the only thing I remember is Lebron hitting the rim couple of times.

Regarding his mechanics, what exactly is awkward there? Him moving while shooting comes from driving hard around screens, as much as I could have seen; his arm-mechanics looked ok, so could you describe what exactly is his problem in terms of mechanics ( I read your old article, but just wondering if you see mechanics as him moving while shooting or his arm/hand mechanics).
Regards and congrats to the Spurs!
Stephan
Connie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:37 am

First off, to illuminate my personal bias, I am a Suns fan and have been so for well over 30 years. Second of all, EJ writes his “nice little article” that DARES to say that the Spurs championships isn’t a dynasty. Well, that’s EJ’s opinion, and WOW, look how that p.o.’s the Spurs fans. They focus on that one point to the exclusion of all others. He DOES compliment the Spurs handily. But you have to focus on that one opinion. Are you guys that insecure in the belief and appreciation of your team? EJ’s opinion that the Spurs don’t have a dynasty could be his contectual reference with the Celtics (esp. the first incarnation, augmented by the second) and the Bulls. Compared to those teams, the answer would be no. I personally believe that the answer is YES, the Spurs do have a dynasty. But it’s a matter of semantics. ##### Someone wants EJ to be more like Barkley and bash the Suns. Are you joking? Barkley is still bitter towards the Suns because when they traded him to Houston, even though it was in the best interest of both parties, and it was the time to do it, it was the Suns choice (Jerry’s) and not his (Charles’) Charles tries to act objective, but if you really study him, you can see how he gets the little digs in. Read Jack McCallum’s book “:07 Seconds or Less” for more insight into Barkley. EJ only played a few years for the Suns, but he provides color comentary for many of their games on the local TV affiliate. He is the best color commentator that they have, BY FAR. (that’s an insider wink to those who know what I mean) He is insightful, intelligient, articulate, objective, and not above criticizing the home team when warranted. That said, how could he broadcast all those Suns games, know the coaches and the players as well as he does and the kind of men that they are (see McCallum) and not be biased to some extent? The Spurs fans that are not appeased by his lack of gluteal-kissing here should work on their stretching and flexibility and perform said maneuver on themselves. ##### Yes, the suspensions hurt the Suns, and changed the complexion of the series. However, there are always adversities to overcome in the quest for ultimate excellence. What if Amare’ had been injured? He might have been out for more than 1 game. The Suns did have the tools to win it all this year, but their coach choose to use a short rotation all year long, in the marathon that is the NBA season. It finally caught up with them against the Spurs. The Suns almost pulled out game 5 against the Spurs, despite using only 6 players. (plus Pat Burke for 3 minutes) They just ran out of gas and never recovered, carrying over to game 6. So the suspensions hurt, but they were not the ultimate factor. The Spurs just were a deeper, and better team. ##### Thanks, EJ for your great work on the tube and here in print and don’t let the illegitimate children get you down! BTW the word is emulate.
Martin Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:22 am

Eddie i both agree and disagree with you post, because in a sense i think spurs is a dynsaty based on the fact that they have been the top 5 teams in the leauge for 8 years so I think they deserve to be called a dynasty but maybe its just a feeling but i thin maybe they arent. But they won the championship and they damn right deserved it but to everyone who says that the suns should have won didnt so get over it and focus on next year they lost because the spurs was the best team this year period.
Rick Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:22 am

Why exactly do the Spurs need a new back up point guard? Their 3rd PG, Beno Udrih, is at the level where he could be a starter for some teams. What the Spurs need is some more young projects at SF/SG to replace Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley in a few years time. They have plenty of capable C/PFs and PGs.
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:25 am

I can’t really understand most of the replies towards Eddie’s article. I absolutely do agree that the Spurs are not a real dynasty, I just don’t see them like a dynasty, they don’t make such impression, because they don’t seem to be around each and every year and on the very same level although their roster is one of the most stable in the NBA. But I do believe that they maybe just won’t make it to the finals again next year although they’ll definitely be solid all season long. Can you imagine this would happen with the 90’s Bulls, the 80’s Lakers and Celtics or even the 00-02 Lakers? You just knew that they are the best and you can count on them each and every year but you couldn’t say that about the Spurs during any of all the previous seasons. Try to look at it from this perspective and you just have to adjust your thinking. This is the way I understood it and I believe this is what Eddie meant too. And let the Suns thing be alone, that doesn’t belong here at all.
The finals was plain ugly, agree with that too. I was constantly asking myself if this is truly all we get this year. All of you Spurs fans try to see it from your perspective but that’s not objective at all. I’m an European and I can easily judge that this was one of the worst finals I’ve ever seen. As a matter of course, both teams and all the players deserve a credit for all they did but there was just no NBA Finals thrill to it AT ALL. Hopefully next year we will witness some TRUE wars again.
Also agree about Kobe, Lebron is a tremendous athlete but he’s still nowhere near Kobe’s level, no doubt about that. And it’s a shame the Lakers don’t rebuild as we all wish, it’s also a shame to see Kobe go but that’s truly the only possibility for him right now I believe. Let’s hope he finds a team with some real championship potential.
John Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:33 am

Spurs fans crying about a simple article that dosen’t give credit to the Spurs orginazation.. seems like your team whinning is rubbing off on the fans.. I agree with EJ there is no way that the Spurs are a dynasty, you need to win back to back to be even consider a dynasty.

Everyone with a brain knows that if it wasen’t for the suspensions we would of beaten you guys, heck even a very kowlgeable Spurs fan who which I know for a long time said that you guys got a break. Nobody knows who the best team is becouse the Suns were crippled on game 5. sorry to say that but that’s the truth. So please just stop your whinning about not getting respect and enjoy you title with an asteric becouse as far as I’m concern you should sent your “Thanks you” card to Mrs. David Stern. When we get Kobe on the Suns you guys are going to be extinct…….
Gerry O Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:44 am

Everytime Spurs reign, NBA suffers…..They are not good to watch since 1999 in that ugly victory also over the Knicks. The series over the Nets is also comparable with this year. Their plays were there since Naismith invented basketball. You can hardly saw the grace and degree of difficulty to entice. There were teams before who made swept but at least they were able to entertain.
johnnyx3 Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 8:31 am

As a Spurs fan, I do not feel a bit of guilt about the suspensions. I’d have preferred that they didn’t happen to see what ‘other’ type of excuses anti-Spur or Suns supporters would have come up with after being eliminated. But, rest easy knowing that I do not lose a minutes sleep knowing that nobody from the Spurs organization nor any Spurs fans in the arena that night forced Amare and Boris off the bench. Hard fouls have been in the league since I’ve began watching basketball. Rather the 2 game penalty against Horry was right will vary in the eyes of the fans as there is room for interpretation there. The suspensions for leaving the bench are there to keep small altercations from escalating into larger, more uncontrollable ones. I can certainly understand and support that.

Maybe Suns fans should direct their blame where it’s due? To the players who did not regard a well defined league rule and the coaching staff that has not disciplined it’s players well enough to beforehand to keep them from leaving the bench in such an altercation?
cam Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 8:57 am

“The San Antonio spurs are the NBA champions for the fourth time and there’s plenty of blame to go around.” That’s the tag line to the title of this blog entry. Complimentary?

the “spurs”=no capital
the “Cavaliers”=deserve a capital letter
Michael Bennett Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 10:22 am

Eddie - Good article, good times… I like your notes about Zydrunas “Top 5 Center” Ilgauskus and Larry Hughes. The Cavs need to ship them if they can… I still think they can get someone of value in return. That would be nice to get a defensive guy or even just a role shooter for either/both of them. The Cavs need to become the small ball team they are destined to be - LeBron in transition, LeBron going to the basket early in the shot clock and kicking out, LeBron this, LeBron that…

And, yes, I don’t get it. If I was a Spurs fan, I wouldn’t care if someone wrote an article bashing their ‘boring’ style of play or their lucky route in getting there. The record books now say the Spurs won, so WHO CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK? If the Bulls won the Championship, you could say what ever you wanted to, and NOTHING would phase me. I’d be happy until the next June.

I heard LeBron already hired a shooting coach… His initials are E.J. (GO TO CLEVELAND AND DO SOME LOBBYING, EDDIE!!! - Or, go to Hawaii, because LeBron’s probably taking the family there). I think you are oblidged to help him. You were so vocal about his shot throughout the Playoffs, he obviously needs help, and THIS would make him complete. You have to. It’s the rules.
RockHound Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 10:28 am

“Spurs are boring” bla bla bla…”NBA Ratings the worse with Spurs” bla bla bla…”San Antonio Dirty” bla bla bla…

Its old guys…San Antonio DOES NOT care if YOUR ratings are bad (for crying out lound you have every American Idol reject singing the National Anthem), they don’t care if Phoenix gets a bruise from a hard foul, they don’t care if EVERYONE thinks the Spurs suck or they’re boring or they’re old. No body cares. We don’t want respect. We don’t want you to like us…infact…if you paid any attention to the media, you’d see that San Antonio is feasting over the fact that everyone in the league is disgusted with us. We apsolutely love it! The fact is, we are a small market and don’t get media attention.

I will say this though, I’m enjoying my fourth title with this city. Yes, the FOURTH! Man…it feels great to suck four times!

p.s…just for you’re viewing pleasure…Here are the Franchises with most wins - EVER…Boston Celtics 16, Minn.-LA Lakers 14, Chicago Bulls 6, and San Antonio Spurs 4.
space Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 10:30 am

the spurs are champs. no denying it. they get a lot of calls but still great team. nevertheless, the competition they faced every finals except the pistons always seemed subpar to me. honestly we aren’t going to get magic vs bird epic matchups every year but i hope the east retools. 7 east teams are a couple pieces away from being really dangerous. hey, east: let’s make it a contest next year.
anyway, the spurs are dynasty with an *asterisk.

10 REASONS THE SPURS ARE not A DYNASTY:

1. they won in the shortened year [1999] which just feels empty

2. fans root for the suns harder and truly feel that dallas made it last year only
because there was no amare and the spurs made it this year because of a
calculated body check [a difficult but VALID case]

3. major players who helped them win LEAVE then it seems more like a system’s
success.
— david robinson [hall of famer]
— ginobilli replaced steven jackson [who remembers that?]
— a new center almost every year, malik rose, nestoric, etc?

4. signing former juggernaut players like brent barry and michael finley [two
former/recent 20pt scorers] makes it seem as though the hired guns essentially
got you through the finals [seriously consider how much they helped]

5. your former asssitant coaches leave, install your core defense on their
new teams and are successful? it takes away from the validity of your team’s
success & talents if 2nd rates can get there with the same scheme
[consider this: who successfully duplicated the triangle?]

6. no true repeat year. could never manage in the strong west.

7. playing the laydown cavaliers and previously swept nets who were a minor
challenge from a weak conference

8. parker [formerly erratic and jumperless, now one of the incredible stars of
their last two championships] was trade fodder at one point [parker and a
benchie for jason kidd. what point guard shouldn't excel with duncan on the post
if parker is that interchangeable is that a dynasty? would the lakers have traded
kobe? the bulls pippen? and speaking of da bulls:

9. MICHAEL's forced retirement... the general consensus is that if michael jordan
weren't forced out he would have handily defeated the spurs in 1999, their 1st
championship year. he smacked them around during the regular season

10. most importantly: the spurs could NOT get past the shaq dominated lakers 3
consecutive years even in the laker's down year where they were swept. they
got to the top ONLY AFTER the stronger, more athletic, superior team was
dismantled after 2002 [just like they did in 1999 when chicago got cut up]

the reality is the slower and surer turtle won the race than dominated the field. its open for interpretation. only if they go again next year can you begin to talk. but who really will watch that tired tripe unless they lose?
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 10:39 am

A Spurs fan with 1 last comment about the Suns series (not crying about it, or feeling guilty). The SUns lost 4 times to the Spurs, and unfortunately, for 1 game, they were shorthanded — even more so by D’Antoni only playing 6 1/2 guys. The SPurs were w/o Horry for the last game, not the equivalent, but nonetheless..
It’s like in 2004 — Derek Fisher’s shot, right or wrong, cost the Spurs Game 5 at home. If they were the “better” team, they would have marched into LA and taken Game 6. They folded, lost the series, and it was to hard to say they were the better team. They took the 1st 2 and then lost 4 in a row.
Same with the SUns — if they were the better team, they would not have lost 4 times.
Isn’at it said that the better team wins a 7 game series?
As for Eddie’s article, I thought it wat great. I actually agree — the Spurs are the most successful franchise in the last 10 years, but until (we) can defend the title, it’s hard to say “dynasty”. Don’t worry, that’s coming in 2008.
RockHound Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:19 am

As David just said…that’s the point that matters…the Spurs have shown over and over that they can and have taken care of the Suns. The fact of the matter is that the Suns are just not built to beat the Spurs. I give them great credit…they are a wonderful team with great skills and athleticism. But to say that the series was decided by a hip check? Come on! You had all your guys in Game 6? Why didn’t they win? Ohhh….i know….i saw that slow mo replay where duncan poked Amari in the eye “a la” the Three Stooges. He probalby should have been ejected from the NBA for that.

Its just pathetic to have so many sore losers out there. Your team wasn’t the strongest…

The rational that you guys use are pathetic…such as the earlier comment i read about “the Spurs only won b/c the East was weeker”…No sh!t? Are you kidding me? I thought they would have won b/c the east was stronger, faster, and sexier!

Blame sorry @ss Stern for that one.

Spurs don’t have a dynasty, I think most people would agree. The whole dynasty ordeal is being hyped up by the media. 99% of the US probably couldn’t even define what a real dynasty is anyway. We’re not a dynasty so what…move on. Can we talk about anything that has meaning? Or at least use a little more mature realistic rational while posting some of these comments?

Ps…Good article Eddie. Just lame comments.
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:24 am

Space

that was an excellent post. wall of fame is on your horizon.
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:25 am

Connie

excellent post as well.
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:29 am

Stephan

Lebron brings the ball up to his shooting position from across his body and what that does is block out his target for a split second which in essence forces him to lean. I encourage all to purchase the video http://www.jumpshotclub.com and then you will appreciate my judgement on shooting.
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:31 am

Onur

if you read my prior posts i said that Amare and Boris would get suspended. They did make a mistake no doubt about it, but it was not a dumb mistake to do what they did in defense of their leader being knocked down.
RilkI Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:43 am

Well, here’s how I celebrated: a few gin and tonics at the bar, poking fun (nicely) of my three friends (all suns fans) who were with me, and putting the Spurs in context with the long and beautiful history of professional basketball. It’s true, Duncan is an understated guy. So was Artis Gilmore, aka The A Train, one of my favorite players as a kid. My advice to Timmy: keep the calm demeanor but grow out that ‘fro, bro. Serious! The kids’ll love it! Willis Reed, the great Knick center, looked and spoke like a college professor. He wasn’t outrageous in the ordinary sense, but he played in the finals with a broken leg! It’s hard to argue with that.
I can’t really think of someone to compare Parker to… he’s less prolific and more efficient than Tiny Archibald. He raps in French, is engaged to an American actress, and at 6 ft, scores in the paint at will. The times are-a-changin’.
Ginobili represents the new foreign player– he plays defense! and although he is clearly one of the top three players on the team, he doesn’t complain about coming off the bench. He’s a better passer than Parker, and along with his Argentine team-mates, reminded us Americans in a humbling fashion that when five stars take the court with the mindset of “gimme the ball’, they ain’t gonna win a gold medal against a true Team. If the Spurs sign Luis Scola this summer, they will have 3/5ths of the best modern day non-american team playing in San Antonio. It’s like Darwin said: adapt and advance.
My bet is the Spurs want there to be people out there who think of them as boring, especially GMs and team presidents. That way, when it’s time to draft players or make trades, others go for the flashy stat-stuffers who can’t play D, and the Spurs grab another team-mate.
My final wish– the Spurs find a way this summer to sign Gerald Wallace or Desmond Mason. Too expensive? OK, Matt Barnes.
Regardless of our disagreements, let’s at least agree to this: going all summer without NBA basketball really sucks. Later.
RockHound (San Antonio) Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:48 am

Eddie,
Apparently Grant Hill will be a hot item this off season.

Me personally, I’d love to see Hill and Finley on the same floor.

Any thoughts as to where he’d fit in the best?

The fact is that he needs a team that can support his required deminsihed minutes due to his physical condition. I love the guys game and you hate to see someone like Hill and Amari’s prefessional career get screwed up by these physical conidtions.
RockHound (San Antonio) Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:51 am

In all honesty, I can’t see Parker hanging around (unless Eva makes him stay in SA). I see Parker as wanting the lights and glory and fitting in with a team such as the Lakers. It sucks and hurts to hear myself that way, but its just a hunch. The guy will be absolutely amazing in his coming years. If he nails that three pointer like he master his jumpshot, he’ll be a terror to any team.
Bis Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:51 am

Ten reasons the Suns are not a dynasty:

1. Can’t win a single championship

2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. See #1
Bis Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:14 pm

More reasons:

1. The NBA is Rigged! David Stern wanted a small market, low scoring team to win– that way profits would be much lower– and so he instructed the refs to cheat!

2. Amare’s defense is so good, so unprescedented, that it mesmerizes and blinds the refs and instead of getting down on their knees to worship him, they, in their confusion, call him for a foul.

3. Hold on– my excuse machine is broken. It’ll be up and running again in a minute.

4.God doesn’t like Canadians. He likes the French, the Argentinians, the Slovenians, and the Virgin Islanders, but he hates Canada! God is so unfair! I’m so mad at Him right now!

5. If the Spurs are so great, why can’t they cure cancer?! No! Instead, they selfishly collect championship trophies!

6. Dammit– the machine broke again.

7. Oh yeah? Well the service at the Hooter’s in Phoenix is MUCH BETTER than the service at the San Antonio Hooter’s. And the wings are SPICIER!
Bis Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:30 pm

Future articles for EJ to write:

“Phoenix lost, but at least they looked stylish while doing so”

“Defense is for boring crybabies”

“Blocking out is for boring crybabies”

“Why Robert Horry should get the gas chamber”

“Has anyone even checked to see if Ginobili’s green card is valid?”

“Spurs championship should be taken away because new evidence hints that Brent Barry stole a bag of M&Ms from a 7-11 when he was eight years old”
LBJ Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:31 pm

I’m with you 100% Eddie. And I think deep down there are even some Spurs fans that will agree as well. Almost the entire season everyone from ESPN, Fox, TNT, S.I. etc knew who the top teams were and everyone expected to see Dallas, Phoenix, Detroit, or SA play one another.

We all know what happened to Dal and Det. But the biggest playoff story was the suspensions and how it MAY have changed the outcome of a 2-2 series with 2 of 3 games reamaing being played in PHX. As Eddie was saying he tried for 17 years to reach the Finals and win. Barkley tried, Ewing, Malone, Stockton, the last thing you want is for a series to come down to a call. But now it’s the tougest part of the year. Not football or NBA basketball. I agree Rilk I it’s going to be a long stretch.
Dr.Hibbert Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:34 pm

Space post is excellent? Really?

1- 1999 “feels empty”? Is this really a good reason? To me it doesn’t feel empty…is this a good enough reason to consider the Spurs a dinasty?

2- “fans root for the Suns harder” is an excellent reason why the Spurs are not a dinasty?

3- major players leave…this is true, but the foundation of the franchise is still the same (Duncan, Popovich) and in the last 3 titles (in 5 years…which you could consider a “mini” dinasty by themselves) you had the same core, with TD, Pop, Manu, Tony and Bowen.
The Lakers had Rice, Harper and A.C.Green as starters in their 2000 team, and no one in their 2002 roster!

4- ??? That’s what every team does to stay on top. The Lakers “hired” McAdoo in ‘81 - ‘82, after the ‘79 - ‘80 title…the Celtics added Walton in ‘86 and he was a big part of their team (6tm man of the year).

5- I see it the other way…it just tells you how good the system is.

6- this is a valid point.

7- true…but no one question the Lakers for beating a lesser opponent in the finals (3-peat era). You have to look at the road to get there: this year the finals where the easiest round for San Antonio.

8- Parker was “trade fodder”, yes…for Jason Kidd in his prime, this doesn’t make him “interchangeable”…would the Bulls have traded Pippen? Well actually Krause tried it a few times and Michael had to stop him… .

9- who knows? Probably…but is it an “excellent” reason? Something that never happens, for which there’s no proof??? So if I say “the Spurs would have beat an old team that needed every ounce of Jordan magic to win the year before, with Pippen and his bad back, and Rodman growing crazier every year” I give an excellent reason why the Spurs are a dinasty?

10- The Lakers brought back their first 7 scorers from the year before in 2003, plus Shaw and Medvedenko (9th and 11th).

I don’t know if they’re a dinasty, I don’t even care if they’re called a dinasty (it’s just a word!!)…but those were not good points, except 1 (number 6).
LBJ Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

That was a nice post Connie! Now that’s worth an award Eddie.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:00 pm

Space– between 1999 and 2003, the lakers won 3 and the spurs won 2. Then, while the Lakers self-destructed, the Spurs got along and won 2 more. I will always contend that Pippen’s Trailblazers should have beaten the Lakers. Shaq got away with fouls galore in that game 7. He played a lot of minutes with 5 fouls and there were at least 4 or 5 very suspect calls. He should have fouled out. The most important point though is the Lakers are no longer contending while the Spurs will be one of the favorites to win again in ‘08. The Spurs are a minor dynasty right now. The major ones are: Celtics of late 50s and 60s. 11 championships in 13 years. Wooden’s UCLA teams of the 60s. Jordan & Pippen’s Bulls: 6 rings that probably would’ve been 8 if Jordan didn’t “retire.”
cody Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:17 pm

You people are idiots and show your jealousy to extreme. The fact is Spurs are THE CHAMPS. It doesn’t matter how they did it, the fact is they did it, AGAIN. Something that most of you have not done. So while you all are crying and whinning about past calls that mean nothing we are gonna live it up and get ready to do it again. This is no fluke. You will never change. There will be even more crying next year when the Spurs Dynasty takes you down again. Sorry you guys are having such a rough time with this. These guys are a class act and they do it right. They will continue to dominate especially when you losers keep complaining and crying because they feed off of it. Sorry babies!
SA SPURS WORLD CHAMPS 99, 03, 05, 07
az Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:22 pm

“I never saw him complain and ride the officials from game to game”

ahahahahahahaha. so mike brown should have been crying and whining all game like the genius dantoni, huh? look how good that did dantoni - he got knocked out too and looked like a baby in the process. maybe the perpetual losers the suns can learn something from the cavs, quit making excuses for your own mistakes and bad play. in the long run, that might help them out.
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:43 pm

Cody, sorry, this has nothing to do with jealousy, that’s maybe how you feel about it. OK, the Spurs did it again and truth is nobody will ever ask how, the fact is they are 4 times champs. What I say - and the majority of us here - is that they simply DON’T look and feel like a dynasty and they DON’T produce any thrill with their game the way the previous champs did. Personally, I have no problem to consider the Pistons a dynasty (if they didn’t lose the spirit), I can even imagine the Heat building a dynasty (although that will probably never happen). It’s about the individual players, about the show they can put up. The NBA is about show, emotions, huge performances and just everything we expect it to be. There may be top 10s or top 20s or whatever summarizing why the Spurs are or aren’t a dynasty, I don’t care, there are always 2 opposite views to one thing. The only fact that matters is that they simply are no exciting team to watch and their rings are nowhere as memorable as those won by Magic, Larry, MJ, Shaq or Kobe. That’s all I can say, this is just the way it is and we all know it.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 1:53 pm

You can count many reasons to prove Sprus aren’t dynasty, this depends on how you want to see Spurs. If it would make you happy space, bring new 10 reasons. But I have to answer first 10.
1- Did 50 games season provide an advantage to Spurs in 1999? Didn’t Spurs have a play-off record as 15-2? It was one of the best play-off record in NBA history, so where is the asterisk?
2- Fans of the Jazz are harder, because of the offensive foul of Jordan in G6 98. So are they a dynasty too?
3- Major players left and Spurs still contending. Is it a bad thing for a dynasty? What is Lakers doing now after Shaq left?
4- Most foolish reason. Brent Barry was a juggernaught player? We spend him full MLE, he didn’t joined us a bargain deal. And Michael Finley. The dynasties shouldn’t sign a former all-star veteran? Where is the rule?
5- WTF? Assistant coach or something causes not being dynasty…
6- Repeat is the main reason for the people who are trying to prove it. But whjat happens if Spurs wins 50 titles in next 100 years with one year blank? It will be a dynasty or not?
7- Playing weak Cavs causes not to be a dynasty. Let’s build a very strong team, and win 3 championship. If the opponent in the final weak, you can’t call it dynasty. Rubbish.
8- Lakers didn’t talk about trade, they did it(Shaq trade). So they aren’t dynasty.
9- Bullshit. Jordan retired and Spurs won the championship. So what?
10- Most importanly, Spurs passed Lakers in 4th year after their three-peat. Plus they did it after losing all of heir core players.
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

as for Space: the only valid argument is lack of defending the title.
Did he give an “asterisk” to Houston’s 2 championships the 2 years Michael played baseball?
The shortened season was actually harder on the Spurs older team as they played an average of 3 1/2 games per week as opposed to 2 1/2 (and they won 12 in a row, went 15 and 2 and had Sean’s Memorial Day Miracle shot).
Ginoboli did NOT replace Jackson — both were on the 2003 Championship team. Jackson was a free agent and got caught up in the numbers.
Parker was NOT going to be traded for Kidd — Kidd was a free agent and the Spurs were doing their due diligence, even though most fans were against it.
Yes, we bring in older players to fill spots — that’s why we have the experience in the play offs when it goes mental (isn’t that why Cleveland missed all those open shots?)
And PLEASE quit bringing up regular season records — they don’t matter in the play offs. That’s why its called the 2nd season.
And Yes, we never got by those Lakers. So what?
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

You can list 100 reasons Onur but nothing will change the fact that Duncan, the core of the team, although being very effective, is probably the most boring player NBA has ever seen and so is the entire Spurs team. Even if we agree that this is a dynasty then this is definitely the least exciting one there’s ever been. To me it looks more like the Spurs win everytime there is (unfortunately) no one better, for whatever reason. But this is not what we want the NBA to look like, easy to be admitted by everyone I believe. Enough said.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

If the Spurs are not a dynasty, then they must be downgraded to this label: NBA team with most championships and highest winning percentage in the past decade. That sounds pretty good to me. Any disagreements now?
RockHound Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 2:43 pm

I find it hard to believe no one finds Parker and Ginobili exciting. The only reason you find Duncan boring is b/c San Antonio doesn’t attach a microphone to its goal like Dallas and Phoenix to hear the ball magically echo throughout the stadium when it goes through the hoop.

PUtting Amari and Marion aside, I guess its really exciting to see Phoenix run to the three point line everytime and shoot a three…only to see it drop ever other time…

But that’s the exciting part right? They play an exciting game, but still loose….hmmmm….very exciting!

Glad Phoenix fans are paying to only be entertained up to the playoffs…oh wait…sorry…i ment the first round of the playoffs.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 2:53 pm

I’ll never be able to stop the “boring” comments from you guys, but if you look at the Spurs from a world marketing perspective, they’ve helped the NBA immensely. There are literally millions of new fans in France (thx to Parker), Argentina (thx to Ginobili and Oberto), Slovenia (Beno and fmr Spur Nesterovic), Turkey (fmr Spur Hedo Turkoglu) and many other places. The TV ratings in the US are down a little, but worldwide they are way up and there’s a good chance that sometime in the upcoming decades basketball will challenge soccer as the most popular sport on the planet.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

Look at the voting this year for NBA all-defensive team. The votes are cast by the 30 NBA coaches. No fan bias. No sportswriter bias. You’re not allowed to vote for someone on your own team. Duncan and Bowen are voted to the first team. So is Raja Bell. Getting Bell was a smart move. Marion just misses being on the all-nba second team. Advantage: Spurs.
Parker receives some votes. Ginobili receives some votes. Francisco Elson receives one vote. Nash: no votes from opposing coaches. Amare: no votes from opposing coaches. LeBron: no votes from opposing coaches.
I think it’s clear that the Suns knew defense was their weakness and that’s why they acquired Bell and Kurt Thomas.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:24 pm

The TV ratings were down this year more because of the sleeper announcers and the ABC telecast than the players and teams.

Give me Marv Albert, Bill Walton or Kevin Harlan… All of those guys love the game so much, they’re funny, they’re always excited and they have the best on-air voices. ABC had - Mike Breen is actually a puppet, much like Pinnochio (I found his maker - His hair doesn’t move), Mark Jackson never makes sense and takes fifteen minutes to get a non-point across, and Jeff Van Gundy is, well, Jeff Van Gundy.

Does anyone remember the old NBA on NBC song? I’m sure some of you are humming it right now. That got people going… It makes the game exciting. ABC/Disney cleans up the game, and makes it too robotic, and it’s bland.

I was rooting for Cleveland (obviously), but it is fun, as a basketball fan, to watch greatness ie San Antonion Spurs basketball. It’s not run-and-gun, small-ball, Phoenix/Golden State/Seattle basketball, but it’s excellence on-court… and, that’s exciting to watch… unless you’re a non-fan.
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:31 pm

I always said I like Michael Bennet’s posts, but c’mon Michael. Bill Walton?? The only reason to listen to him is to make fun of him. Everytime someone makes a basket he’s the most “underrated” player of all time.
I’ve met him before and he’s a nice guy but somehow I don’t think all the cannabis made it out of his system.
Other than that — right on!!
RockHound Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:32 pm

God I hope the games never go back to ABC and their damn cross court robo camera!

Here locally (San Antonio) we have some amazing telecasters such as Sean Elliot and Bill Russell. They really break down the game and very informative. Lance Blanks used to be one of my favorites until he left.
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:33 pm

Hammond, ok, now we can talk about lots of other aspects of the Spurs but still - yes and no - I’m from Central Europe and I believe the popularity of basketball around here hasn’t changed that much. The NBA pushes the boundaries by its recent initiatives but that’s mostly because the US market has been saturated. The audience may shift a bit from country to country based on its active NBA players but, overall, there’s not that much change. Besides, you say Spurs help NBA world marketing and what about Yao and China? What about Dirk and Germany? And all the others… But then again, in the vast majority of European countries basketball is, unfortunately, not even the top 5 option and I don’t believe that will change any time soon… although it’s a shame for every basketball fan because mostly it’s only because people don’t really understand the game…
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:49 pm

Pepe– I absolutely acknowledge Yao and Dirk, no doubt– What I meant is that the Spurs have a very international team and not just one international player.
Also, the Spurs have popularized the idea of taking a chance on an international guy rather than picking a college guy when your team has the 26th or 27th pick, which is what the Spurs always have. Out of necessity, they widened their draft horizons and it has paid off well– thay have an all-star back court without ever having been in the lottery.
Johnnyx3 Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 3:53 pm

Onur Tucanboylu,

excellent post to rebutt Space’ post.

(whether it’s true or not is of no importance which is the reason Eddie and the rest of the anti-Spurs won’t recognize it since it opposes his/their stance)

Personally, I can care less what folk feel about our team. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed 4 championships and have only had to endure 1 really hard year which paid off in the long run. At the end of the day, our team has brought us the joy of championships while many other teams have brought their fans straws with which to grasp at in their attempt to a) discredit the Spurs achievements or b) excuse their teams lack of achievement.

Thankfully, there’s really only one team who has fans that are so ‘bitter’ while most other teams fans are far more tolerable and much less dillusional.
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:07 pm

Hammond, did you know that the Spurs have a guy stationed in Holland whose sole responsibility is to seek out European players? Next on the horizon — Ian Mahimi — a ROdman clone, only skinnier and classier. Not sure if he’s ready for the NBA yet, but remember, Pop kept Ginoboli an extra 2 years in Europe after drafting him and that paid off.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

Pepe– I will admit that mass marketing and popularity have a downside too though. When i was watching that last Spur/Cav game at a bar there was a girl there who kept asking her boyfriend why some shots were worth 3 pts, some were worth 2 pts, and some only 1 point. “It doesn’t make any sense,” she concluded. Later she said the only reason she watched was because “LeBron is so cute.” But then she started rooting for S.A. because “Tony Parker is even cuter..”
I’m a basketball purist and snob so it drives me nuts to be watching a game and having someone ask, What’s a pick? What’s the paint? If he’s called a center why is he standing off to one side? Who’s Bill Russell???
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:11 pm

David– that would be a nice job to have! The one I’m watching for is Luis Scola. This might finally be the year he comes over.
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:23 pm

Hammond, problem with Scola is there might not be enough room and if they still have to buy out his contract for a lot, I think they’ll either pass or trade the rights. Oberto proved to be a great pick up.
To wit : 18 of the 23 points scored in the 4th quarter of Game 4 were by Argentina. How’s THAT for a stat !! lol
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:31 pm

Pepe, you claimed that Sprus are playing boring basketball and Duncan is the most boring player.
First let’s explain Duncan, after that Spurs. What makes Duncan boring?
Let’s look at what he does.
1- Footwork: Look out to Duncan’s feet when he gets the ball. He has an excellent footwork. He can put his defender behind in his first step and runs to the rim in his second.
2- Fakemaster: He fakes the defender and makes him out service in any case.
3- Bank-shots: He has a trademark shot from the glass and it’s a masterpiece. Defender can’t block that shot and it’s very hard to score a bank shot where Duncan shoots.
4- Assists: He made 8 assists in G2 against Cavs. He has a great vision and can find the unmarked teammate under double-teams. His passes to Oberto(Especially in Utah series) are excellent.
5- Block: He can block anyone in the league and anytime in the game. He comes from weak side, or he blocks his defender in one-on-one. He’s awesome in this area.
6- Defense: He is one of the best defender’s in the league. He can defend his man without spending much energy and by applying only basic defensive rules.
So please tell me. Please… How can Duncan be boring by doing those?
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 4:42 pm

And now ı’m asking why Spurs is boring. I’m going to analyze Spurs players objectively.
1- Parker: He’s one of the fastest player in the league and he can drive inside within fear. He can lead the team fast-breaks, makes tones of kayups between 7 footers. He’s a trademark shot, teardrop. Boring? No
2- Ginobili: He’s one of the best white back-court player in the world. He can dunk, he’s fast, he can dribbles inside like Parker. He can shoot three, he’s a great winner and a clutch player. Boring? No.
3- Bowen: He’s dirty. But he’s the best periemter defender in the league. His defensive stance is absoltely perfect. He can shoot thre from baseline. Boring? In offense: Yes. In defense: No
4- Duncan: Read previous message.
5- Oberto: He has a great basketball IQ. He is a warrior under the rim. He can’t dunk, but he can pass the ball efficiently. Boring? Neutral
6- Finley: He was a great athlete and he still have some fuel in the tank. Boring? Of course not.
7- Horry: One of the most clutch player in NBA history. He can dish assists(6 assists in G1), he can block the ball(5 blocks in G1), and can hit three. Boring? No
8- Barry: Shoots three and a good ball handler. Boring? Mostly
9- Others: Elson, Vaughn are ole players and both can be boring.
So look at the Spurs squad. The key players are not boring, team can play run&gun against Suns and can play half-court against Cavs. Spurs is a chameleon. Don’t blame them if you’re boring during their games. They only adjust to their opponents.
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

Onur, only comment is that Bowen is NOT dirty. He’s aggressive and somewhat on the edge, but not dirty. Only crybabies like Ray Allen think he’s dirty.
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

Onur… whatever facts & figures you come up with, it does have very little impact on what most of people do feel about the Spurs. OK, I’m not taking away your passion for Spurs basketball, but to me it makes a lot of difference to watch Duncan and his Spurs and to watch all the others who were mentioned here already. The problem is that this thread became too much of a “Spurs fans vs. the rest” type of debate. I also believe you keep picturing Duncan & his team a little too ideal compared to what they truly are in real life, mostly because they are “your” team and I understand we all are biased for our players/teams.
And how can Duncan be boring? Hm I guess it’s just because he is, plain and simple… Effective but exciting as sleeping pills… Just why do so many people think the same way?
Btw. saying they only adjust to their opponents… hey, give me a break, now that’s really a little too much hm?
Pepe Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

Anyway, here’s my stance - let’s stop arguing who’s more exciting and who’s not, that makes no sense; the Spurs have another ring, the 06-07 season is over, now let’s better hope next year we see some tougher battles in the playoffs and in the finals in particular ;))
WILLIAM LIMON Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:42 pm

I dont comment often but when it’s against the truth, the truth has to
be the truth. Hey Mr thegreatest you think kobe is nothing compared to bird, magic, and mj. Where is the kobe hater circus located? I will love to tell them what a great job they are doing of hating the truth…
what is the truth? ask yourself, why do i hate kobe so freeking much…
Because he is freeking so good… and you know it…and it burns…and the hate builds up…..why.because to the haters he will never be a winner..
He has a super crappy team that he by himself took to the playoffs 2 years in a row, of course he can’t win with that sorry team. But what do kobe haters do? blame kobe! And now we have kobe calling out the Lakers
(about time) man! kobe is running the show and still all you could do is hate.
Kobe haters listen… the fact that kobe has allready done amazing things
(81,63,3 point records,50 or more like crazy kobe and wilt in the mudaxxxxxxx house) that alone puts kobe in his own planet…so kobe haters dont feel bad… i understand the hate… keep on hating…we know why you do it…ohh yeahh..you think the lakers are stupid to let kobe go….he is L.A… trust me, there more kobe fans then laker fans…
He is the perfect baller…and if kobe does leave L.A. the next place he goes just got blessed…. kobe.and tupac…Los angels…will always love..
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:45 pm

Why don’t Spurs fans stop complaining. Listen no matter what you say, you can and will not change the opinion that the championship was Phx-Spurs and you won without the Suns at full strength. Now does that mean the Suns would have won? No , But it can be argued tremendously because they won game 4 with Amare dominating and they did not have him for game 5 when they continued to dominate for 3 quarters without him and ran out of gas. so there you have it and face facts it will not go away—-so enjoy number 4 and stop thinking you will change peoples opinion.
John Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 5:45 pm

whinning!!!!!!!!! That’s all the Spurs fans do… So EJ wrote what is apperantly his opinion and you guys want to blast him becouse you don’t agree with him??? You guys are boring,you guys got lucky that Amare got suspended and that’s all to that. Enjoy it and please stop your crying.. Who cares what people say about you guys you are the Champion of 06/07 season…. Some of you guys act like you guys need to prove something……or is it guilt????? If the shoe fits, please Spurs fan wear it..

Spurs 06/07 Champions!!!!*

*They didn’t really beat the Suns becouse of some susupensiens… GO SUNS!!!
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 6:02 pm

Eddie, with all due respect,

we’re not complaining — we’re defending. When we won in 1999, * for the shortened season. In 2003 * ’cause Dirk was injured. In 2005 * due to Horry’s “lucky” shot in game 5. Now * for the suspension. Those are the breaks of the game. That’s why they play 7game series.
Like you told me — without Duncan we would only win 30 games.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 6:40 pm

David– Word is scola wants 9 mil/3 years. The buy-out is smaller now too. It’s doable, but we shall see.
Bowen is annoying, like all great defenders. The “dirty” label is funny because it supposes that every ref in the league is either too dumb or too biased or simply unknowledgable about the game to see it. Danny Fortson is dirty. The reason Bowen gets tangled up with opponents is he’s playing them tight, unlike Vince carter, leBron, and many others who play off of their guys and float in the defensive scheme hoping for errant passes or steals– more exciting but less effective from a defensive viewpoint.
lloyd Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 6:40 pm

Thanks Eddie for your article. I am a Spurs fan. I didn’t think the players should have been suspended, but they were. This could be the only rule that has been consistently applied every time by the NBA. The rule was not changed at the last NBA meeting, I believe, because Mr. Stern wants it to stay in place. He got his way. Everybody will have to keep living with it, unfortunately. We were robbed of seeing a crucial game. We all lost.

So here’s what will happen next year. The Suns, Mavs and Spurs will seek to address any weaknesses on their rosters as they all make some off season moves. They will all explore making a big splash. All three teams will get stronger. Who is that one player who could give them the edge, over the other two teams?

And then, next year they will go after it again, fighting for home court advantage when the playoffs come around, and hopefully we will get to see 2 series between the best 3 teams. Dallas won’t flop again, the Suns will come even harder than this year, and the Spurs will try to repeat. It’s what will be fun to watch in next year’s playoffs. Whichever team is left standing will easily handle the representative from the East. The ratings will drop, naturslly. Either the Suns, Mavs or Spurs will be crowned as next years champ. It will be fun to watch the western conference.
lloyd Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

How long do the Spurs stay with the old guys? Barry, Horry, Bowen and Finley? Which ones do you expect to return?

If it was me I might be tempted to replace Horry with Scola. Trade Barry as he makes over 5 mil. Bring Bowen back for sure, and Finley if he doesn’t opt out and leave. Maybe trade Udrih, Butler and Elson. Re-sign Bonner and White.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 6:50 pm

I feel no need to defend the Spurs. I guess I just like professionals who win. I like Federer more than some of the louder and more obnoxious tennis brats. He’s a winner. I liked Borg more than Connors or McEnroe. I like Tiger and Els more than John Daly. Daly’s life is more eventful, that’s for sure, but I don’t need that stuff. I like Jerry Rice better than Terrell Owens. That’s it– what’s wrong with that?
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:03 pm

Bowen is probably the most active in the community here in SA. He just got a wonderful write up in the paper about his involvement in several endeavors. Dirty ball players don’t do this. They don’t give back.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:12 pm

c’mon Eddie– there are all sorts of interesting things being written here and the only two you compliment are Connie and Space, the two anti-spurs! Those two were not the best written responses here, they were just the two you most agreed with. I think the reason so many people are reacting to you is that you are so obviously biased. Dr Hibbert’s response to Space was well done, but you neglected it. What faults, if any, do the suns actually have, other than being “unlucky”?
Michael Bennett Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

david - Rasheed Wallace is probably one of the NBA’s most charitable players. He gives more of his own money away than the majority of the league’s players. Yet, on court, he’s a vicious competitor who plays dirty ball (last year’s elbow that cut Z’s head) and cries and complains more than any other player in the league.

So, your comment of “dirty ball players don’t do this. They don’t give back.” is simply untrue.

Bowen IS one of the dirtiest players in the NBA. He has to be. Because he’s not the most athletic, youngest, or gifted, he must use every advantage possible. So, he gains the edge by scrappy, dirty play. That is something that is well known and obvious.

And, his on-court persona does NOT reflect his off-the-court actions. It’s two different worlds.
Hammond Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:30 pm

Michael– why don’t the refs call him for more fouls? Stern and the NBA have no reason to favor Bowen and every reason to penalize him if he’s dirty, but it doesn’t happen. I know you don’t think it’s rigged… Are all of the refs clueless? You know that’s not the case. Bowen is hyperactive and annoying, like Artest, Raja, Pippen, etc.– but he’s no Bill Lambier or Danny Fortson…
david Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:37 pm

Michael, I agree with Hammond. I think Bruce is on the edge .. in your face, but not dirty.
I didn’t know about Rasheeds charity work –thanks. But I think David Robinson still holds the record of $5M for the Carver Center here in SA.
He was and is a class act.
Eddie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:45 pm

Hammond

i like your posts. if you reflect back on Michael Bennett —he and i went at it big time. No favorites here. i like all the posts that do not get personal.
Bis Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 7:47 pm

The Suns are the champions in your hearts and that should be good enough. So what if the nba doesn’t recognize it? George Bush should give Amare the congressional medal of honor for protecting that sweet canadian, Steve Nash. This year has been a rousing success and next year the Suns will win yet another unoffical trophy! That’s a dynasty of we=shoulda-wons for them. Ain’t no stopping us now. But just in case, remember, global warming is affecting phoenix more than it does other cities, what with the over night lows in the 90s, the water shortages, coyotes running loose, mexican border issues, and a woman governor. When, I mean if, we don’t win next year there will be an absolutely valid and irrefutable reason.
Connie Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 8:24 pm

David: You say that you are defending the Spurs. A word of advice, don’t. A wise man once said: “Don’t defend yourself, you friends don’t need it, and your enemies won’t believe it.” I think that’s pretty good advice, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind, especially posting on a blog like this. ##### And to Hammond: that’s funny that you call me “anti-Spurs”. Yes, I am a Suns fan, but your logic is faulty. Did you actually read my post? It doesn’t seem like it. My one sarcastic comment was directed at the obnoxious Spurs fans (not all of them) and not at the team. I complimented the team. I said they were the better team. I do agree that they don’t particularly play real exciting ball, but you’ve got to hand it to Pops, he gets the job done. ##### Personal note to EJ: (I’m the guy who chauffeured you and Jerry to the channel 12 studios the morning after you were named 6th man of the year. You were pretty non-communicative (how out of character is that? although it was early in the A.M.) until I brought up your Alma Matter and your college coach, Lou Henson. I guess you figured if I knew that, I wasn’t too much of a stiff, even if I was just a glorified cabby back in those days.)
cody Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 9:35 pm

Give me a freakin break. Excuse after excuse after excuse. Nobody in Spurs country is crying. We are just defending the best Basketball team in the country. Just like they do against their opponents. You say boring because you don’t watch every game the Spurs play. Yes Duncan isn’t flashy, he’s classy. Besides what 7 footer is exciting anyway. How can it be boring when the King of the NBA is in the Finals. Oh I forgot, Bruce Bowen took him to school. Maybe the NBA should do away with Defense, then all of yall could be happy. We could let Kobe or even LeBron take any shot they want just for ratings. Come on people you know it ticks you off cause little ole San Antonio dominates your “high market” cities year after year.

Get over it Suns Fans, you’ve got a good team if you could manage to get away from all the politics. Nash is awesome, but man forget about the fouls. He is lights out when he wants to be. Marion is a great player and Raja Bell can play some serious D. I think Amare needs to grow up, I never have seen someone act so stupid. They get a good center and a couple of bench players and LOOK OUT.

Sorry for all the harsh words, but it really bothers me when a group of guys strive hard to be the best on and off the court and they get trashed by all of you looking for some chump kid to score 80 in a game. I call it a true Dynasty because they do it as a team, and because they will REPEAT. Drive For 5. Go Spurs Go

That is some funny stuff Bis
Richard Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 9:40 pm

In all fairness Space most of what you said may have facts but the Lakers 2002 team was not broken up, the Lakers 2003 team was broken up because the Lakers lost to the Spurs in 6. Also, even though the Lakers won in 2002 it became apparent that after 2001’s destruction of my Spurs that the Spurs acquistion of Bruce Bowen really was the true turning because he made Kobe work hard and had a few shots fallen, as in 2004’s lost to the revamped Lakers, it could be argued that the Spurs would or atleast could have won the title those years also.

Considering the fact that the Spurs’ have been revamped over the course of these 4 championships it is not fair to call them a dynasty but let them win in 2008 with Parker, Duncan, Ginbili and Bowen and the term DYNASTY should truly be considered. I personally don’t like to use the term for any team not lead by Bill Russell because that was a dynasty and the closest thing to that we’ve seen was the Bulls and that still a little off from that.
william limon Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 10:06 pm

ey… for all the ko-BE aficionados… and also for the ones who hate on him because they know he is good…Mm..the best good..chex this vid-

kobe bryant the greatest of all time….youtube.com…He is the one…
Michael Bennett Said,

June 18, 2007 @ 11:11 pm

How the f%#k did this turn into a Kobe blog again? Come on. Let’s focus.

There’s always a big reason or excuse as to why a team won/wins for the fans on the losing/other side. When MJ beat the Lakers in 1991, it’s because Magic was old and the Lakers didn’t have a center. The, in 96-98, the East was weak. Then, the Shaq & Kobe Lakers faces weak teams coming out of the East. Then, the Spurs real championships were the Suns/Dallas series. Come on!

The team that won the Finals is THE BEST TEAM IN THE NBA. They are the champs. It’s so easy to give your hypothetical explanation as to IF this would have happened, IF that would have happened… Let’s look at the facts.

And, the facts are that the San Antonio teams of 99-07 are some of the best in history. They have great components that match up well at almost every position. And, they’re really good at both ends of the floor. AND I DON’T EVEN NECESSARILY LIKE THE SPURS. I love the Cavs. And, foremost, the Bulls. And, Phoenix is one of my top 5 teams. But, a line has to be drawn.

If Amare wouldn’t have come off the bench in G4, then he would have played in G5. THAT’s the only certainty - NOT that it would have been a closer series… or that Phoenix would have won… or whatever other hypothetical you want to believe. That’s the difference between championship teams and not. Little things like that.

BEST TEAMS EVER:

- The Jordan Bulls
- The Russell Celtics
- The Magic Lakers
- The Bird Celtic
- The Duncan Spurs
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 1:04 am

Pepe just a brief answer why so many people are thinking Duncan is boring:
Most of the spectators wish to see dunks, flashy moves, alley-opps or something like that in the games. We can’t blame them for this, but Duncan serves much more than these to a basketball spectator. Only refined basketball spectators can enjoy and understand Duncan’s fan in the game. He’s a seven footer with excellent ball-handling and great basketball IQ. His nickname is “Big Fundamental”(Named by Shaq). You can see that kind of players once in 20 years(Jabbar was the previous).
I never bored while watching Duncan. That’s not because i’m a Spurs fan. I became a Spurs fan since Duncan arrived there. That’s why the people who says “Duncan is boring” has not enough basketball culture in my opinion.
Pepe Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 6:59 am

Onur, I absolutely do agree with you. I know a little something about basketball and I know that Duncan is actually one of a few in the world. I do understand his game and I’ve never said he’s not good - I believe TD is just fantastic as a player. But still, I believe that even the people with the highest basketball culture watch the NBA for certain reasons that are in common with the rest of the audience. It’s great to watch teams like the Spurs who just seem to have the right team chemistry and play with ease and fun. On the other hand, it’s even the NBA that tries to sell itself a little differently - it always tried and still tries to be the top of the top, to offer the most thrilling basketball stuff there is, why else would we actually even watch it hm? I believe there are awesome basketball players and teams and leagues all around the world, I could just stick with our European leagues and be happy to watch classic games around here, why do I actually need to watch some American-based league? Do you watch our leagues? I guess not because our leagues, as I know them, don’t try to be what the NBA managed to be. And I’m not blaming the NBA, it’s great that there actually is something like that. But it’s the NBA that tries to prove it’s the best, that it can build dynasties and shock people with incredible performances and present unbelievable individuals. I know what quality basketball is but I still want what the NBA claims it has to offer. So when I see teams like the Spurs - although playing some wonderfull basketball, no about about that - winning an NBA title in a lackluster final series I ask myself - is this what I’m watching the NBA for? Sorry Onur, I guess that’s just not it. This is nowhere comparable to what MJ and Pip produced, or what Magic and Larry showed us, this, to me, is just the best of the rest. The NBA has got more to offer, I’m sure of that. We’ve experienced it and I hope we’ll see that again. Hope you got my point now.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 7:40 am

Pepe a point: I’m from Turkey and that2s why I’m in European basketball. You know Efes Pilsen, the winner of Korac Cup. I attended most of Efes games in Euopean cups.
There are a huge difference with “our” leagues and NBA. The players are more talented, the guys are more athlete and so many reasons. That’s why, I watch NBA.
But i personally don’t like All-star games, if there isn’t a fight for win in it. I also don’t like the teams who doesn’t play hard defense. I don’t like to see games like 120-110 os something like that.
Efes is a hard defensvie team in their history, and maybe that’s why i’m angry when teams’ and players don’t try to play defense. That’s why I like Spurs game, they are playing pure and simple. They are beasts in the defense, they have many options in offense. I’m waking up in 4 a.m. and watching Spurs play-off games live on TV. I didn’t bored in final series except the first half of first game. Be sure that Spurs played a kind of European basketball and you could like if you watched it.
Pepe Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 9:00 am

All right Onur, got it. You’re right in what you’re saying. But I still feel like the Spurs just ain’t quite what we’ve been used to with the previous champs/dynasties (whatever we call it). But let’s admit one thing - at least the way I perceive it - this is all the current face of the NBA and most of us are only getting used to it. It’s all obvious for human nature, maybe in a few years we will argue in here like: …hey, what about the Spurs, you remember them? Those were the real champs, the real dynasty; the youngsters these days are just no match to them… ;)))
TonyEb Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:11 am

I am tired of the astericks comments.
Why isnt anyone talking about astericks for Cleveland reaching the finals.
If Gilbert and Butler were healthy. If Detroit played a lil more seriously? Now if the suspensions didnt happen.
Bullshit
All this is part of the game. And hoops hype better not be paying anyone who doesnt know this.
Last year Duncan was hurt, where is the astericks for the heat.
And mind you, spurs had already beat this Suns team at their home. and since the were so good. Amare was rested and came back and notin happened. They still lost.

THERE IS NO ASTERICKS. THE BEST TEAM WON. BEST TEAM = BASKETBALL SKILLS, HEALTHY TEAM AND SMART TEAM (KNOW THE RULES) IF NOT YOU WONT EVEN WIN A GAME.
Dalang Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:15 am

I’m a NBA fan from China.This seaon I have watched 50games at least. I don’t feel excited in watching finals, even less than some other regular-season games. Series so boring,why? The wide gap between east and west.
Although I like Lebron so much, I think he will not get his champion title in future five years. It’s right that they gotta the No.1 in east, but can’t you see that the ratio of winning to losing in regular-season games is lower than five teams in west. That means they are at least weaker than 5 west teams just ranging simply from the ratio and not taking account of the difference that east are weaker than west as a whole. Even though they can get the ticket to finals again next year, they would face a strong opponent who has absolute predominance to them. James is undoubtly a superstar, but the rest players of Cavaliers are not strong enough to help him to defeat the west teams except that they add some good assistants as Pipen to MJ and James gradually grow to be a real leader. That may like MJ. Growing needs time.At the end a star will be changed into a god.
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:41 am

Connie, thanks for the good advice. Even as a Spurs fan I have to admit that the last series was boring. But as is said above, so is the All Star game — I mean really, who cares about that?
The Spurs simply take what’s thrown in front of them…they (nor does any team) get to pick whom they play.
I watched on NBA TV in the wee hours a replay of Boston Philly Game 7 Eastern Finals (have no idea what year) …they looked no more polished than any teams playing today. Bird hit some big shots in the 4th (as did Manu…but please, I am not comparing him to Bird) and their shorts were shorter. The most notable difference, and it’s what Eddie has stated, is that they played more of a mid range game.
Hey, basketball evolves as does everything.
Hammond Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:50 am

Connie– I did read your post Connie and this is how it struck me. The positive words were there but not the positive feeling. If you assign a 10 yr old kid to write a short essay about why eating vegetables are good for you, he will say all the right things in the essay (vegetables have vitamins, they’re better than junk food, etc), but the heartfelt enthusiasm won’t be there. If you ask that same kid to write about video games, the essay is bubbling over with excitment. Your post had that kind of scrunched face I-wish-I-didn’t-have-to-say-this find of feeling for me. A sort of begrudging, foot-dragging admission that the Spurs did in fact win the championship.
Sort lf like saying this: “Hey Bill, even though your kid is slow and boring and over-rated, and even though that other kid probably should have beaten him, I want to congratulate you for his success!” Ouch.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:54 am

I don’t understand how you can be a true fan of the NBA and say the All-Star game is boring… or the Spurs are boring. Or, any team is boring…

I take trips around the country to watch various teams play in their home court and see all the teams. My most recent trip, at the end of the year, for VERY cheap, was seeing the Charlotte Bobcats visit the Milwaukee Bucks. Most people would rather not go, but as a true NBA fan, you get excited about watching any NBA players. So, I focused on the great parts of the game. It was VERY exciting to see young Walter Hermann emerging as a really good NBA player that can dunk, shoot, get to the basket, etc. - SO IT WAS ACTUALLY EXCITING.

So, I’d reevaluate what you think is boring OR how much of a fan you actually are if you think any NBA game is boring. These guys are the best athletes in the world, the most fine tuned, best conditioned leapers and runners. And, every game is fun to watch.
johnnyx3 Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 11:34 am

Correct me if I’m wrong, but a dynasty is a label applied to a ‘team’ that is able to accomplish certain goals.

Should the rotation of players really impact that label or do we just not want to give the Spurs their due. The more I read, the more I realize that this is one of the few remaining straws available to grasp at? Generally, you don’t say the “Larry Bird” Dynasty or the “Michael Jordan” Dynasty. You say the Bulls Dynasty of the ’90s or you may even associate Jordan with that Bulls team, but in the end the dynasty title is assigned with a team. Now, if you’re hesitant about giving the Spurs that title I’m fine with that, but please use logical arguments.

Logical arguments:
- They have not repeated
- They only appear in the finals every other year

Illogical arguments:
- The players are different
- The shortened year title doesn’t count
- Somebody on the opposing team was injured
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 12:00 pm

Michael, sorry…I guess I’m not as passionate as you. If I were in Milwaukee I might try to score a ticket but I would never go there to watch that.
As far as the All Star game, to me it’s boring because all that wonderful offense and “showmanship” come at the expense of no defense, so how real is it.
I don’t like the Academy Awards either. It’s like all these celebrities need awards to make themselves feel good about all the $$ they make for bad movies lol
The only reason I said the Spurs series was (a tad) boring was because after Game 3 there really was no drama left — just a matter of when.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

You may not like the Academy Awards, but let’s not forget what movies are all about. It’s not like you say where “celebrities need to make themselves feel good about all the $$ they make for bad movies”… The Oscars celebrate the best of the best in their profession. Every profession does it. Plumbers have a top-ranked plumber awards for best service and what-have-you. Remember, movie-makers make movies for YOU. They want you to go on a ride. Even bad movies are made to entertain the mass audiences. And, no one sets out to make a bad movie. Yes, there are people involved in movies that want to solely make money, but, again, that’s in every profession. I’d lighten up about the Academy Awards. Remember, celebrities are only celebrities because YOU go see their movies and YOU buy US Weelky and YOU watch Entertainment Tonight.

As for the NBA, I’m not saying I’m more passionate. I’m just saying that it’s the greatest sport in the world. Some games might be more fun than others, but it’s the NBA- THE best thing ever.
Pepe Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 12:56 pm

Michael you expressed one very important thought and I have to agree with you, I feel the same way. In my country there is only one TV channel broadcasting full NBA games and, unfortunately, all season long we only get to see the Mavs, Spurs, Pistons and Heat, ocasionaly the Lakers, Suns and maybe couple more top teams, just because the responsible people believe they wouldn’t get their TV ratings with other teams. Come playoff time, guess what - we only see those top teams again. No surprise that many of us are just sick of some of those teams. That’s probably another reason why I just feel a little tired of the Spurs… Anyway, I love the NBA, I love everything it brings and hell, I do want to see all 30 teams, I do want to enjoy the full potential the league has to offer, each and every team has got players I’d pay to watch them play.

…it’s the greatest sport in the world. Some games might be more fun than others, but it’s the NBA - THE best thing ever - I guess we might as well conclude this thread with this, there’s nothing more that needs to be said
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 1:02 pm

I agree with you about the NBA being the best. I just don’t like to live vicariously thru others. Yes, there are Plumbers awards…but they aren’t televised and there’s a reason for that …”and now for the best sump pump flush out after a major flood…and the nominees are…”. I also disagree about people making “bad” movies — those are the ones that never get released and go straight to video, then late night cable where I get to see them because my kids wake me up !! lol

Michael, now that Basketball is over, take a look at these shows like Entertainment tonight — how much do you really want to keep on hearing about Anna Nicole Smith — my god that poor woman took a month just to get buried. I liken all that to the same people who want to watch these award shows. I guess I’m not one for pomp and circumstance. As big a SPurs fan as I am, their “celebration” was soooooooooo dull. People waited hours after the parade to hear Bruce Bown basically introduce the players, as if you didn’t know who they were at the END of the season !! I only saw it on TV ’cause my 5 year old got a kick out of it (for about 15 minutes).
We agree on something — what the hell are we gonna do until October?
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 1:22 pm

Pepe - You need to get NBA League Pass through DirecTV. I don’t know how I’d function without NBA League Pass. It allows you to see 99% of the games, and there’s usually at least one game a week on NBATV, which is broadcast in HD, like the TNT, ABC and ESPN telecasts. They must have DirecTV where you live… Right?

david - My whole point about the celebrity thing is that you can’t blame them. They are who they are. Their business calls for them to be filmed on camera. But, that makes up less than 1% of the lives, so judging them based off the six minute segment you see isn’t really fair… or right. And, I’ll answer your quetion of “what the hell are we gonna do until October?”: Come up with 1001 trade scenarios for Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, and don’t stop until we get it right! Then, in 9 days, we’ll complain and gripe about the draft, which will last a good solid month. July 1st is transaction day. That’ll be a blast. And, summer league starts soon thereafter. The summer is packed with NBA!!!
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 1:30 pm

Michael, I’m not judging the celebrities, just these televised vehicles. But I’ll get off that. There’s plenty of soap opera in the NBA, starring Kobe especially. A buddy in NY thinks he’ll land with the Knicks for David Lee and some draft picks (which ones I have no idea — i thought they were all leveraged…merci Isiah). He said that would just make the Lakers of the East. (Hey maybe Miami will trade Wade for Kobe — now wouldn’t THAT be funny!!)
Seriously, you think Phoenix would really trade Amare? I think his immaturity gets the best of him, but he is sooooo young.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 2:38 pm

Amare seems to be mature from what I can see. He owns a couple of businesses in PHX. And he plays and practices hard. He’s added things to his game each off season.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

I think that Amare COULD be traded - there were reports yesterday talking about Garnett for Amare. So…

I think teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls are going to have the biggest off-seasons. They are both SOOOOO close to making one move and getting a ring. So, the possibilities are endless in both of those cities, especially with Phoenix hiring Steve Kerr as GM.

I think Phoenix can let go of Shawn Marion and get a better piece to their puzzle. If they got someone big (a PF or C) for him, they could then outmatch San Antonio. But, who are the options? I don’t know many. Getting Jamison for Marion doesn’t seem intelligent. You let go of easy buckets and good defense for long range shooting… the only sense is if Shawn Marion IS actually that much of a distraction in the locker room and elsewhere. But, he’s a very vuluable player on both ends of the floor. If I was Phoenix, I’d only want someone like Luol Deng in exchange. But, if I was the Bulls, I wouldn’t let Luol go for anything in the world (except LeBron, Duncan, Kobe or MAYBE Dwyane Wade). Sending Amare to Minnesota for Garnett would be fun and interesting and might do it… for a year or two, but these guys are getting older.

Chicago can’t just rely on the draft to solidify their team. They should go after Garnett or Kobe with creative packages. They should offer the Lakers their entire backcourt (Hinrich, Gordon, Duhon) and Ty Thomas if necessary. And, maybe get Turiaf or Cook, too. They should try and pair Kobe with Luol. THAT would be niiiece. Or, if they’re going after Garnett, they might have to get another team involved, because Foye is valuable. So, Hinrich or Gordon might have to go to another team for a forward to go to Minnesota. But, the Bulls need to propel themselves into the top 4 teams in the league, which they can do if they’re very smart… and lucky.

We’ll see… Eddie, any thoughts?
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 2:50 pm

LBJ - What does owning business have to do with being mature? I own businesses and I’m about as immature as it gets…
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 2:54 pm

It takes some level of maturity to run a business. Now certian types of businesses you may be able to get away with being “immature”. But if you’re running businesses where your face or name is on them. You have to handle things right to have success. Plus look at his track record. With all the issues around him he’s kept himself focused on his career. I think that says a lot. I’m sure Eddie would agree.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 2:57 pm

Jamison is a little bigger than Shawn and he can create his own shot better as well.

And the Suns traded Deng to the Bulls so if they wanted him they would’ve kept him after they drafted him. I don’t think the Bulls will part with Deng all.
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

LBJ…by Amare’s immaturity, I mean even before the Suns / Spurs series started (or maybe after game 1) he was talking to the media about the Spurs being a “dirty” team..yadda yadda yadda. He was still “talking” after the Western Conference Finals were over.
Not to beat a dead horse, but a couple of years ago, he dunked over Duncan, drew the foul, fell on the ground and did 10 push ups. I told my wife, not only was he going to miss his free throw (ever taken a shot after lifting weights?), but that would piss off Duncan enough to win the game, which the SPurs did in overtime. All the while listening to Bill Walton talk about how a great offense will beat a great defense every day. Eddie might agree with that !
Michael, I run a business as well and I’m an idiot! So there !
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:10 pm

By the way, does AMare actually RUN his businesses? If so, then props. But being smart has little to do with maturity, as Michael made that point about Rasheed
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:12 pm

The Bulls were my pick last year to come out of the East with the addition of Ben W. Funny, if Detroit still had him, then I’m not so sure LebBron would have cake walked his way to the finals.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:15 pm

I’ve never seen him do 10 push ups…..LOL That’s a certian tech right there.

And yes some businesses are run by idots….LOL I guess if you have the right people doing the real work then it can happen. We’re not talking internet/ebay type stuff though.

At any rate he’s not one of the guys you hear about getting DUI’s or the million other things you hear and see on the news. He is firery which I love. I think any good team needs a guy who isn’t affraid to speak out. And Bruce Bowen is dirty. I saw some things on YouTube that were crazy!! That kick was just flat dirty. I play ball and I’ve played in parks and anywhere there was a game since I was 10 and I’ve never seen anyone try something like that. And you know there are a lot of uncordinated people at the parks…..LOL
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:19 pm

We can argue about being smart/mature all we want but the bottom line is he’s not like Rasheed and he’s made it through a strange upbringings. But hey we all have our opinions.
Eddie Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:32 pm

Guys Amare is extremely mature. He has a way to go with his growth as any young man. All you have to do to understand to see if he is Mature or not is the fact he came back from a devastating knee injury and made the All Star team and first Team All NBA.

This was accomplished by hard dedicated work in rehab. Thats Maturity and drive.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:39 pm

I agree. My argument was that owning a business has NOTHING to do with being mature. The real quesiton is: Does Amare have enough maturity to turn his personal accolades and accomplishments into a championship season for his team?

I don’t know the answer to that. I’m hoping for it and against it. I’d like to see a Bulls/Suns re-match in the Finals next year, and it looks like they’re going after the same players (Kobe, Garnett). But, I want to see the Bulls win.

Amare is one of my favorite players. Like you said, Eddie, he has the All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star appearances, he’s averaged 29 ppg, he’s proved to be a valuable player, but… Can he be on the floor to lead his team to a Conference Championship?
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:41 pm

I think with all that goes on with celebs and ball players nowadays people are surprised when they DON’Thave cases pending. We should be happy when a guy just goes out and plays well for there respective team. For some reason people are always trying to knock someone for something. But I realize that it’s part of success.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:44 pm

Rings don’t have anything to do with maturity. How you conduct yourself period does. I was trying to speak of on another side to Amare. As far as what happens off the court. Being a good ball player doesn’t mean your mature either.
MJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:45 pm

I would agree with Eddie…thats some serious maturity. At the same time, he needs to learn how to watch what he says about opposing teams/players. Regardless of that he thinks, its a distraction and unnecessary. Talk AFTER you win the series if you want. Not before…don’t awaken a sleeping giant….
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:45 pm

I guess sometimes I forget just how young these guys really are, but all things being equal I thought LeBron handled himself better than Amare. I’m not taking anything away from his talent –he is extremely gifted . But as Michael said, can he be a leader ?
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 3:56 pm

LBJ you are very accurate — these guys we’re talking about really behave exemplary and stay out of trouble and give back. It’s refreshing, and frankly that’s the standard here in SA.
We went through the Alvin Robertson years (he is still in and out of jail) and Pop just won’t stand for any nonesense.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 4:00 pm

Hopefully this offseason will be eventful. I’m surprised there isn’t more talk about Gerald Wallace. He can certianly help quite a few teams. I would kinda like to see him stay and see what they can build there with the Bobcats. They have some nice pieces.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 4:01 pm

Robertson is still in and out of jail to this day?!!?!!
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

I didn’t follow him much other than knowing he was a great steals guy for some time. And a pretty versitile guard. I had no idea he had legal issues.
david Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 4:45 pm

he can’t keep his hands to himself…there was something a couple of months ago where he broke into a “girlfriends” appt and that violated his parole. Shame because he was a great player.
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

Very sad. One of only 4 players to ever have a quad/dbl.
howard Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 6:19 pm

OK, here’s how it is going to go. The Spurs will not only win next year, they will win the year after that. They have TD, Mr. GREATNESS himself, Top 10 NBA player of all-time. Then there’s Tony “Quicksilver” Parker, Manu Clutch-obili, 4B, Big Bad Bruce Bowen, wiley Robert Horry and the rest. I think the Spurs are only a little better than Phoenix but they will find a way to win just like this year. The only team that can really beat the Spurs on a consistent basis is Dallas. But I think the Mavs have lost a lot of confidence. The Spurs should look for younger players to remain viable; I would forget about aquiring Grant Hill. Why don’t they just go ahead and aquire the Old Man in the Mountain, geez.

The Spurs will three-peat (oops, I hope I don’t owe Pat Riley money for using that word–he copyrighted it). You heard it here first.

Mr. Bennett, I know they weren’t a dynasty, but one of the best teams I ever saw was the 1972 Lakers with Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, two Top 10 all-time NBA talents on the same team. Wilt concentrated more of defense than offense. Gail Goodrich was a good shooter and their forwards, Happy Harriston and Jim McMillian, although a bit small were fast and althetic. McMillian was one of the best swingmen in the NBA at that time and West was a truly big time player. What I remember most vividly is Wilt in the low post holding the ball out at arm’s length. His hands were huge. If they weren’t the best team of all-time, they were one of the most enjoyable to watch.
Cody Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 10:41 pm

I would trade Amare for Garnett in a heartbeat. I think he is very immature. Garnett will get them over that hump.

Michael B I can’t believe I am saying this but I have agreed with you on these posts (this article) and I appreciate the long deserved respect you gave to the Spurs.

Who should the Spurs Acquire in the off-season? All we have heard is possibly trading Beno Udrih. Believe it or not he is probably the best shooter on the Spurs, he just doesn’t get to the basket and isn’t real quick like TP. Is there any good PGs available out there? Or do they need another? Also, I think we will see some of James White next year coming off the bench for the Spurs. Any thoughts?
LBJ Said,

June 19, 2007 @ 11:37 pm

I don’t know about KG for Amare. I love to watch them both play but the age difference is a big key. If you’re looking to win in the next 3-4 years only then yes KG is the best choice. But he’s 31 and he’s carried that team on his back for 12 years. Amare did have the microfractue surgery but he’s 24 and he’s had more help during his time in the NBA. Plus if I’m not mistaken KG can opt out at the end of next season like Shawn Marion.
Cody Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 12:43 am

check out this video of Manu Ginobili. You can’t tell me he isn’t a super star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt_Cf6-6TmE
Cody Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 12:49 am

I would take KG. How long are you going to have Nash? Perfect setup. Sincerely I hope it never happens because they would be tough to beat.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 10:06 am

I think the Kobe 24-second video has to be addressed. I waited a couple of days because I thought it would blow over and someone (Eddie) would retract their earlier statements about “Kobe was right”. But, I can’t hold back any longer…

Again, I’ll start by saying I love watching Kobe play basketball. I know he’s really, really good and I’d love to see him in a Bulls jersey. Okay, okay. I don’t think he’s the best in the game - he’s top 3, okay? I HAVE to say all that to remind the Kobe-Boyfriends to not attack without proof.

But, in light of this “recent” (May 30) video, I have to call him out again. A lot of people think he had the right to be mad at his current situation, which I agreed with. I think he should have kept it private, but okay. We’re past that. But, SHOULD HE BE TELLING KIDS WITH A CAMERA HIS THOUGHTS ON HIS BOSS AND ANOTHER TEAMMATE??? AT A MALL??? Come on. Show some (I hate this word) tact. He HAS to know that this day-and-age with YouTube and blogs and WiFi, that this video would show up. Did he want it to? I think the answer is becoming more and more clear. But, that’s just not right. You don’t do that to a teammate. You don’t say that stuff publicly about one of your guys. If you can’t admit that, I don’t know what’s wrong. You can be mad, you can disagree with the management of you team, but to say that about a teammate… ugh.

Kobe Groupies come out, come out, where ever you are…
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 11:16 am

If I were the Lakers I’d dump him now while you can still get something for him.
Michael, do you live in Chicago?
Michael Bennett Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

Yes, sir.
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 12:40 pm

I’ll be there in August (Merchandise Mart) … great city !!
Michael Bennett Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 1:26 pm

That’s fun… GREAT sports city - Bears, Bulls, Sky, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Fire… not to mention Shoot The Bull, the annual 3-on-3 b-ball tournament.

I will say I’ve been to almost half the NBA stadiums/arenas and I’ve never experienced anything like when Michael Jordan used to be announced in the starting lineups at the old Chicago Stadium. In Miami, it’s always only half full until half time and there’s only nine people clapping for DWade and Shaq. They like Alonzo Mourning more than anyone. In Los Angeles, when Shaq and Kobe were there, the crowd went nuts, but again, nothing compared to Mike. Same with Phoenix. The US Air is a smaller arena, but it’s not very loud. But, when they used to say “…from North Carolina, number twenty-three, Michael…” and then it went to the loudest sound possible and you couldn’t hear anything.

By the way, Eddie (and whoever else in interested) - I saw the last game EVER at the Chicago Stadium. It was called the Scottie Pippen Ameritech Classic in 1994. It was unreal - a charity game with a bunch of All-Stars playing in it. Jordan came back from baseball to play in it. He was paling AGAINST Scottie. He scored 50 that night, but Scottie shut him down the final 2 possessions. Jordan kissed the center court Bull at the end (he now has that in his trophy room). But, the most amazing play of the game was A PASS BY MARK JACKSON. He got a pass at mid-court on a break-away, 3 on 1, fllor split, and he did this fake one way, fake the other with his hands, wihtout touching the ball, then pushed the pass left for an assist on the dunk. It was incredible - better than any of Magic’s moves I’ve ever seen.

That’s all for now.
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 3:34 pm

i’ve been away for a minute, but the world wants to completely trash my words… ouch. i’m smarting. i have much to say gents & ladies.

Richard
i am WAY late, but nice car analogy on the spurs [the very 1st comment on this page]. they are the favorites to repeat in ‘08. i doubt i would be watching that finals again though.

Eddie
appreciate the support. i think i have too much spare time. i would be out hitting a playground court if it weren’t º100 degrees outside.
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:20 pm

plenty of cool posts and comments here, cody included, eventhough i am sure he’ll try and roast me later.

again for the record:
whoa, whoa & relax. simmer down, tex.
i am not an anti-spur.
as far as the spurs go they are an NBA team. they won. they play good ball. i don’t hate them. its never personal.
they never really beat the lakers while on their road to the finals, but hey the world isn’t perfect. and as far as calls go i will not begin to touch duncan’s repeated moving picks and screens throughout his previous playoff years. ANYBODY… get some film, then come talk to me. i should leave that one alone because, hey what champ doesn’t get a few beneficial calls?
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

Hey Space, watch some of Stevie Nash’s moving picks and swinging arms, then talk about Duncan. Or Kobe’s stitches required left arm swing.
Never personal, but the Spurs did beat the Lakers in 2003 (remember Kobe crying — priceless) and swept them in 1999, which really didn’t count I guess as they were coached by Rambis.
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

I am back…
in my own defense dr Hibbert [love the name], H, O, J & D

this isn’t war by any means. i appreciate the opinions and controversy. the reasons planted were all genuine and echoed by others [with equal sports and professional knowledge]. i don’t enter the arena with a blind one-sided opinion. then it just becomes a rant.
#1 the ‘’short season empty championship reason” is a really deep one.
who won the championship in hockey’s shortened season?
who won the superbowl during the NFL scab season?
baseball?
its just a season that A LOT of people do not want to put much merit into short seasons. never really a true test by normal standards. even the NBA tries to forget it. when is the last time ANYone has seen tnt, abc or NBAtv flashback to that 1999 championship? saying the spurs were fabulous champs after the ‘99 season is like giving barry bonds complete homerun credit. suspect. extremely suspect. come on.
#2 the sun’s reason is just because the suns fans argue so much that it cannot be ignored. like bush/gore and the recount [what the heck is america talking about?]. its a dumb argument— but the suns fans nationwide have turned a small thing into a national debate. hey look, they have us on it too? how low we’ve all stooped.
#9 jordan retired. too easy. no response. good luck on arguing the 6peat bulls would lose to san antonio. let’s be serious now. and the last
#10: the lakers had the spurs number till they were dismantled. nuff’ said. ha, they couldn’t even make it through utah for a good few years. did utah have a dynasty?

granted. i respect that many have other opinions and voice them. consider all possibilities with an open mind. if the atlanta hawks win 4 championships over a 9 year period staring in ‘08, are you going to call them a dynasty. PLENTY of teams have fabulous records and don’t capitalize at the end of the day: the suns, kings, mavericks.

the spurs have a general but oddly shaped core. as far as the spurs players leaving, let’s refer to this as their: “exchange-rate” , meaning what they lose/cut opposed to what they pick up. they pick up a VERY large number of recent allstars or former powerhouse A-list players. i didn’t even mention glen robinson with barry & finley. do we consider the yankees a dynasty? no. why not? because they buy tons of new players [everyone does its normal] and never really have a core, they dump a pretty high rate of significant players on a year in/out basis. their true dynasty consideration begins with their 2nd championship.

dynasty: [text book definition]
a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field : the Ford dynasty.
–another example of an *asterisk dynasty? [except they didn't win]: the pistons. they won a championship, lost one, then lost in the conference finals before their starting 5 was broken up. 3 years straight. consistency is just one of the hallmarks of a dynasty. if the bulls won after jordan retired is that part of the bull’s dynasty? not at all. its not a slight to the spurs, they just did it differently. i honestly have to say, if the spurs make one more trip to just the conference finals in strong fashion that’s [technical] dynasty cement enough for me, but its questionable now.

bottom line:
the spurs are having a GREAT run the last decade. but they HAVE NOT RUN THE TABLE for the last decade.
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:37 pm

david
i didn’t see your post til 1 second too late. you are right, but lots of guys have a move or two. i’m not singling out timmy. i think the refs need to step up on a lot of things. hey i like rambis. that’s low.
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:40 pm

bennett i agree on the duality of sports
the things that bowen does would have gotten him beaten up repeatedly if he were on a playground or street basketball court. he is a good defender who like many players use the rules of the game to his further advantage. he does stretch things a bit, but credit bowen. unfortunately people HAVE gotten hurt from his play. if he stuck his foot out a little more and amare got seriously injured on a national stage, then the league would actually have had to finally address it.

not that i am labeling him or any other guy, but community action does not keep you from being a dirty or suspect player in any sport. how much money did the bronco’s romanowski give back, or dennis rodman? i always applaud humanitarianism, but he could still go out, run over an old lady in the street and deny it. its a part of being human. we all have different sides.

dikembe, aka mr elbows [and shaq believe it or not] is as far as i know the most charitable. that’s an interesting topic for debate. who knows the top charity guys in the NBA?

—Now on to the upcoming draft.
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:42 pm

Space,

enough of 1999 — I have seen plenty of replays on NBA TV — I’m probably up later than you.
The SPurs DO have a strong core — they just bring in the “older” powerhouses ’cause they get ‘em cheap. Cuban pays Finley 14M , SPurs pay 1M. Big Dog was at the minimum veteral salary (and never really did much). Van Exel the same way. The one who made a mistake was Malne — Spurs wanted him in 2005 and he declined. He had already blown it with the Lakers in 2004 and said he didn’t ant to mess up the chemistry, although that was his best chance for a ring.
I will agree (and have said before) that I don’t think the SPurs can be considered a dynasty until they defend their title, whinh I hope will be next year. (No one has answered me yet why the Rockets don’t have ***after their 2 titles while Michael was playing T Ball).
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:44 pm

Space, sorry I like Rambis too, especially as a player. I never saw anyone play as well with as thick of glasses that never fell off lol
Seriously I did like him/
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:45 pm

Space, sorry I like Rambis too, especially as a player. I never saw anyone play as well with as thick of glasses that never fell off lol
Seriously I did like him
Top charity guy in the NBA David Robinson
space Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:51 pm

ha… his only challenge throughout rambis’ career was horace grant. grant’s did fall off a bunch of times though. no more glasses. now we’ve got the phantom of the opera mask for this decade. its funny.
the rockets… hhmmm… never considered that one. they only won 2. but if they got a 3rd even a year later i would have to say yes. malone screwed up twice. he also turned down the heat and shaq’s offer. the heat would have bumped the pistons and it might’ve been heat vs. spurs. in 2005. i would pay for front row seats to that one!
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

Maybe the Knicks will trade Isiah for Kobe ?? plus a couple od second round picks in 2026.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

I know Carmelo Anthony did more charity work/gave away more money to charities than any other NBAer last year, but I don’t know who the perennial top donor is. My guess would be Kevin Garnett (based on his $1 million donation to Katrina). But, I’d love to see a list of the top 10 NBA donors… If you can find it, post the link.
cody Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 7:22 pm

Yeah its only 4 in 9 years, but three of them were in 5years with the same core(Duncan, Parker, Bowen, and Ginobili). Should have been 4 had they not got weaseled out of the game in Dallas due to a horrible call. Not to mention the injuries the Spurs had the years in between, that they didn’t win the title.
cody Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 8:01 pm

Look, I realize that the Spurs are no where close to the Bulls, Lakers, or Celtics BUT you have to admit every year you guys cringe when your teams meet them in the playoffs. These past 9 seasons have been a product that has been building for 31 years since they joined the NBA. Not only have they contended for 9 years straight but they have made the playoffs a total of 28 times out of 31 chances. They will repeat next year (with an asterisk probably, as always) and hopefully yall can give them some credit.

Just backin my Spurs.
david Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 8:16 pm

As far as charity, doesn’t anyone ever read my posts?
David Robinson donated 5 million dollars (and raised a matching 5 million) to buile the Carver Academy in San Antonio.
He’s one of the classiest ever in the NBA
Michael Bennett Said,

June 20, 2007 @ 9:00 pm

And he retired from the NBA four years ago. We’re talking about current NBA players.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 21, 2007 @ 11:56 pm

Eddie - We need a new article from you. Any ideas bubbling? Any issues that are getting you just heated?
david Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 10:45 am

Michael, are you going through “withdrawl” ??
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 1:41 pm

Regarding Spurs vs Lakers debate:

1999– Spurs sweep Lakers, win title.
2000– Duncan misses playoff due to knee injury. That’s bad luck, but I don’t see any Laker fans saying that first Shaq/Kobe title should have an asterisk because the best player on the defending champs couldn’t play. Let’s be fair if we’re gonna throw around the asterisk.
2001– Lakers sweep Spurs. Shaq outplays Duncan. Lakers win title.
2002– Lakers beat Spurs 4-1. Duncan outplays Shaq statistically by a large margin, outscoring and outrebounding him. Shaq’s averages: 21.4 ppg, 12.2 rpg. Duncan’s averages: 29 ppg, 17.2 rpg. lakers win title.
2003– Spurs beat Lakers 4-2. Spurs win title.
2004– Lakers beat Spurs 4-2. Lose in finals to Detroit.
2005– Lakers dismantled, don’t make playoffs. Spurs win title vs exact same Detriot team.

Take sides– that’s the fun in debating, This was the best rivalry in recent NBA history. But to say one side dominated is just wrong. Head to head in the playoffs, the Lakers franchise leads 10 games to 9. in Titles, the Spurs franchise leads 4-3.
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

Options for Suns this off season:
1.Trade Marion to save money and get under the cap, saving luxury tax penalties. I think this is a bad idea. The Suns score at will– their weakness is defense and Marion’s one of the best in the league.
2. Trade Amare for Garnett. Big topic in the rumor mill. Nice controversy! This is a tough one. Amare is younger, but also has the knee issue which has the possibility of reappearing. KG is 31 (am I remembering his age correctly?). Amare’s more of a scoring machine, KG a better passer and defender. This is tough, but I would do it. It reminds me a bit of that deal the Rockets made after winning their first title: they acquired Drexler and let go of Otis Thorpe. Some said they were crazy to break up a team that had just won the title. It would be one of the all time blockbuster trades!
cody Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 2:02 pm

Here’s one for you Michael. Hehe.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/070615
cody Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

Great comparison Hammond on Spurs vs Lakers.
I would also trade Amare for Garnett. Get rid of alot of the whining and turn it into winning. I hope they don’t because they would be tough to beat.
LBJ Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

I don’t think the Suns should jump at that too quickly. Garnett has a lot of miles on him. I love his game!! But you have to consider that his 12 hard years putting the Wolves on his shoulders were hard on him. IF the Suns can pull it off without including Amare they will have a great frontline with size which is something that’s been lacking. Plus Marion won’t stay past next season anyway. And Amare has 4-5 yrs on his contract.
LBJ Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 5:46 pm

The Wolves almost have to go for the offer because Garnett want to go Phx and they risk loosing him for nothing at all. Min can even consider a separate deal with Boston if they do get Marion in a deal with Phx. This is what Min should’ve been doing 3-4 years ago. Now they don’t have a lot of wiggle room.
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 6:12 pm

LBJ– Yeah, plus i don’t know if Phoenix wants to spend more money. Problem with Boston is no wants to go there, and so it becomes diffficult to deal guys, especially guys with the possibility of opting for free agency in a year or two. Phoenix is still is a good spot– but if they hold steady and then Marion leaves next year…. then you’re down a major piece (with possibly nothing in return), have a great but older point guard, and the scenerio emerges that Amare becomes the new KG, a superstar not winning a title.
Miami pulled the trigger on the shaq deal and that worked out for them. Denver’s gamble with Iverson is still to be decided. Back in the late 90s Houston tried to team an aging Hakeem with Pippen and Barkley. I thought they were going to be great, but it turned out to be a disaster! We’ll see…..
david Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 6:21 pm

Hammond, I like your analysis on Spurs Lakers, however, Lakers lead head to head 14 - 11 since 1999. My favorite was 2003 when we got to see Kobe cry.
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 6:54 pm

David– you’re right. Sloppy math on my part. It’s not nice to take pleasure in seeing someone cry, but ok I’ll admit it– I liked that too…
If Kobe had remembered how bad losing felt instead of feuding with Shaq, he’d be in a much better place than he currently is.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 6:55 pm

I don’t get why Garnett doesn’t want to go to Boston - It’s a beautiful city, rich with sports history, pretty big market (bigger than Minneapolis), and he’d play in the “weaker” East.

Did anybody hear about the recent 3-team trade rumors sending Garnett to L.A.? I heard this scenario this morning:

LAKERS would get:
- Garnett
- #6 pick
…from Minnesota.

MINNESOTA would get:
- Ben Gordon
- Tyrus Thomas
- #9 pick
…from the Bulls.

BULLS would get:
- Kobe Bryant
- Kwame Brown
…from the Lakers.

I heard it through the grape vine. It doesn’t make sense before the draft/July 15 because of the size of Gordon/Thomas contracts, but I think all teams would benefit and be happy.
david Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 7:02 pm

I like that deal — shakes things up
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 7:05 pm

LBJ– I agree 100% that Minnesota should’ve done something years ago. That team is awful right now and sinking fast. When the Cavs got LeBron, the first thing they did is ship off Ricky Davis. How he has become option #2 for the T-wolves is a mystery that would stump Sherlock Holmes, Plus they never resigned Latrell Sprewell, and as a consequence of that non-action, I hear his family has had almost no food to eat for two years running!
Hammond Said,

June 22, 2007 @ 7:09 pm

I like that three way deal– do the salary numbers add up? It doesn;t seem like the Gordan/Thomas salaries would match KG or Kobe.
LBJ Said,

June 25, 2007 @ 11:27 am

Thanks Hammond,
It happens a lot in sports where teams hold on to a guy too long and end up paying for it. At this point you know he wants to go and you know you have to start moving in another direction. I would throw all the “not trading within the division or conf.” stuff out the window. You have to do what’s best for the franchise. You have to take the best deal for the team. That’s all that matters. (LOL@the Sprewell comment)
LBJ Said,

June 25, 2007 @ 11:34 am

I think the Bulls should look to get a low post scorer. Kobe really doesn’t address a need for them. They will have another good perimeter player if they were to get Kobe with Kirk and Luol but they need a guy that can get doubled down on the block. Garnett would make more sense for them. Maybe they can use the #9 pick to address that in the draft or use it in a trade. Or maybe Thomas will develop in time into a good player in the post as far as moves go. They are a young team other than Ben Wallace so they have some time.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 25, 2007 @ 10:23 pm

LBJ - I think that’s kind of the stock answer to all the Bulls woes. But, that’s not the only answer. If the Bulls somehow got Kobe Bryant, and kept Luol Deng, they would automatically be in the top 5 teams in the NBA. With a starting lineup of:

PG - Kirk Hinrich
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - Luol Deng
PF - ???
C - Ben Wallace

They could possibly be the best team in the NBA. Although, obviously, having a low post scoring presence would be helpful, it’s not the best and/or only solution. MJ didn’t have a low post presence in his last 3 championship seasons. I think THAT team would be the model for this new Bulls team with Kobe…

If John Paxson stops killing the deal and making public statements about it.
Hammond Said,

June 25, 2007 @ 11:45 pm

I read somewhere today that the T-Wolves turned down an offer from the Bulls the year before last that would’ve landed them Luol Deng, Tyson Chandler, and a draft pick for Garnett. McHale must be kicking himself now… I
Michael Bennett Said,

June 26, 2007 @ 6:19 am

I think McHale is ALWAYS kicking himself… he’s one of the worst decision makers in the NBA. Kevin Garnett is one of the best talents ever that will probably never win a title.
LBJ Said,

June 26, 2007 @ 11:41 am

Well it’s going to be exciting to see what happens in the next few days. As well as after July 1st. LA and Minn will have to look at what’s on the table. Minn has some pretty good rumored offers from what we’ve seen posted. Maybe we’ll see Kobe and KG moved by draft night.
Michael Bennett Said,

June 26, 2007 @ 11:31 pm

I thought you said “Sunday” Eddie. Everything okay with my favorite NBA columnist? I hope so.

Waiting for the draft???
don Said,

June 27, 2007 @ 9:20 pm

just readin thru..and everyone is talking about game 5 w/ out amare..uh..if he was playing marion and a few other would not have had the game they had..second they had a FULL roster in game 6 which was the most evenly called game of the series..what happend??? i beleive the spurs one.even amar did not use game 5 as an excuse..you can blame kerr for the flop thats caused it all..
nba Said,

June 30, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

The Cavs had no business being in the finals. The real nba finals took place when the suns and spurs played each other
david Said,

July 1, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

Don, you’re right except that it was Nash, not Kerr, who kinda threw himself backward after Horry gave him a good shove
Aaron Said,

June 20, 2008 @ 11:51 pm

Aaron…

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