Streak over
Hi everybody!
Just got home after a hard practice. It was one of the first ones after losing for the first time in 26 games. We lost on a last-second shot against Valencia. It is the way it is. We didn’t play at the beginning of the game and those results can happen. It was a good shot for them. I realy didn’t agree with all the calls at the end of the game… But I kind of try to forget about it now. Things happen. It’s part of basketball.
Now we’re focused on the Euroleague’s Top 16. I remember last year when I played with Caja Laboral… We weren’t able to do what we needed to do. I got a lot of experience, though. We let Roma, Olympiakos beat us at home when we had a great team. Without those two wins, we didn’t have home-court advantage in the quarter finals. It really made a difference.
Playing at home means everything. The energy from the fans… Just look at the NBA Finals. In the last 10 years, only the ‘06 Heat and the ‘04 Pistons won the title without the home-court advantage. You know, the advantage depends on what team you’re playing for. Some teams have a great, great, great home-court advantage. The fans are wild, they are very hostile towards the other team. The fans can make the other teams nervous. All the drums, the chanting, the enviroment… Those things can make them a little nervous, make them speed up a little.
When you’re playing at home, all the noise you hear doesn’t matter because you know everybody is with you. And there’s only 12 players and the coaching staff against the whole gym. There’s a big difference when you know that in the back of your mind.
In the NBA, I’ve always liked Boston. A legendary stadium, great team, a defensive team and their fans. The way they’ve been playing the last two years, if they are healthy they can win it again. You know, when you’re at home you really feed off the crowd. You can hit one shot and then you get that rythm and you go from there.
TONI OF ILLINOIS
When somebody raises the question about who’s the best European player that has ever played in the NBA, I have to say somebody who I actually got to watch. I know that a lot of people will mention Drazen Petrovic and others, but I was a little young when they played. I would say Toni Kukoc. For me, he’s right up there. I’m from Illinois. Growing up in Rock Island, I can understand what he meant to the city of Chicago and what he meant to the Bulls organization. Kukoc was great. You talk about a guy who is 6-10, maybe taller, being able to handle the ball, shoot the ball, stretch the defense… And all that at a time where it wasn’t very common for European guys to come to the NBA and make a big impact. When Michael Jordan left, Kukoc was the man! People forget that he was the man. Scottie Pippen was like “This is my team, too,” but you know… It’s not. It’s Tony’s. He won three championships and played a key role on all of them.
Kukoc was a big key to the second threepeat. He made a lot of big shots. Also, to be able to stretch the D, take that pressure off Jordan. You had a guy like Toni in the screen-and-roll with MJ. MJ would penetrate or take the mid-range spot, where he loved to shoot and you help on him too much he had Kukoc wide open to hit the three-pointer.
Barcelona fans: I know he used to kill our team in the 80’s. I still love the guy.
WHITE HOUSE, COURT HOUSE
Two sides of basketball. The Lakers were in DC meeting President Barack Obama, and former Laker Javaris Crittenton was pleading guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge. Prosecutors agreed to drop a second misdemeanor, so at the end he got a good deal. He’s a young guy and he’s learned a lot. This issue might actually help his career out a lot. It could motivate him and get everything on track. Everybody makes mistakes. He did the right thing by telling the truth, and now he can focus on basketball and get his life back together. Sometimes when things happen to you when you’re young it motivates you for the rest of your career.
That’s all for now.
Visca Barça and Visca Catalunya!
anthony Said,
January 26, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
Yeah Pete i completely agree with about Toni kukoc being the best european to ever play the game of basketball. the man could handle, shoot, and pass. For me, one of the few player who could dominate a game without scoring a point. Sorry nowitzki, petrovis, sabonis or bodiroga, Kukoc was little better than you guys. If you have doubt, just ask Jerry Krause
Chris Said,
January 26, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
Saying the Bulls were Toni’s team is LAUGHABLE. Kukoc wasn’t even a borderline all-star. He shot a woeful percentage and his defense was non-existent. Phil Jackson had to bench him constantly because he was a liability on the defensive end. During the Bulls first two title runs in ‘96 and ‘97 Kukoc was horrible in the playoffs never shooting over 40% and got killed on the defensive end. Only in 1998 did he finally play good. The worst part is Kukoc was in his prime from ‘96 - ‘98 and still put up some garbage numbers in the playoffs during that time frame.
Kukoc could come up big every now and then but not enough to justify the hype that was surrounding him in Europe.
JotaErre Said,
January 26, 2010 @ 9:34 pm
Damn Pete,
Visca Barça and Visca Catalunya??? Living there less than 6 months and you been sold on that, already?
I like your blog a lot, i had the chance to meet you a few years ago here in Sevilla, and honestly, i never thought you’d develop into the player you’re these days. You’ll agree with me that the type of player you’re rite now has nothing to do with the one you were in Lugo… I doubted you when you first get to Vitoria and i gotta recognize that i was wrong. You has become a great player, a great teammate,(from what i’ve heard) and what is more important. A Champion. I can see it, every game the play on TV, people can see your focus, your desire, your heart… Congrats for all your accomplishment and keep on the good job.
Ah, one last thing, since this is a basketball website, i think you should left the politics aside. Not that you can’t have your feelings and your opinions, but Visca Catalunya,…really?
Ok, I’m out
Win it all, you have a great team, the Euroleague’s gotta be yours!!
Peace
JR
adam Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 4:52 am
hey pete
i’m a basketball fan from new zealand. i’ve only just discovered acb360, so i’ve really enjoyed watching quite a few of your games recently. one thing that has puzzled me is how you deal with the language barrier?. i saw in one of your timeouts the coach speaking in both spanish and english but what happens with the guys from all other european countries? anyways all the best for the rest of the season, hope to see you guys in the euroleague final 4 down the line.
take it easy
Isaac Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 5:52 am
Hey Pete, here is a fan from near Barcelona. I was born in ‘84, so i was a child when Toni won us in 3 euroleague finals… and i have to say that i’ve never had the feeling of hate to Kukoc. I think all barcelona fans respect him, because there was nothing to do against him… and was the kind of player who shows respect to oponents. If you add the great things he did in the last chicaco rings… I have in mind the 6th and 7th matches against Indiana (Reggie, Rick Smits, the Davis’s, jalen rose…) in the ECF, he was terrific!!!
Otherwise, I saw the game agains Valencia. And with all the respect you deserve, i think it was your worst game in a lotta time!!!! Though you tried and tried, your shots didn’t go in (they were good shots). Don’t missunderstand me, i don’t blame you for that. 1 bad game every 30??? i would sign right now for that!!!!
Keep that way Pete, Barça fans love your attitude and work!! even when buckets don’t go in!!!!
Pablo Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 7:04 am
I´m a Real Madrid suporter and i have to confese that i love watching Barcelona games because of your game style. With all that guays like Ricky “The rock star”(how can he pass like he does??), Navarro and N´Dong, I just can say that I want you to win because I´m first a basketball suporter. Well, until the Finals (hope against Madrid)!!
Pete, don´t say Visca Barça and Visca Catalunya. It could heart many people… you know what I mean. I´m from Barcelona but now I live in Madrid because of all that shit. Just say Visca Barça.
Toni Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Hi Pete,
I´m a little older than you and I saw Drazen Petrovic playing! He was the best!!!
Apologize me I don´t want a make a political forum but I have just need to explain to everybody that to tell Visca Catalunya is nothing wrong! That shouldn´t hurt anyone!!! That just means I love Catalunya…so it´s nothing wrong or against other states or places. Each one love the place where he has born or he live! So Visca Catalunya (where I born) and I love Sidney (where I´m living)!
You are so great man!! Keep being yourself.
Toni
RickJames Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 10:31 am
Drazen Petrovic
89-90 POR 77 0 12.6 .485 .459 .844 .60 .80 1.40 1.5 .30 .03 1.25 1.70 7.6
90-91 POR 18 0 7.4 .451 .167 .682 .60 .40 1.00 1.1 .33 .00 .67 1.20 4.4
90-91 NJN 43 0 20.5 .500 .373 .861 1.00 1.20 2.10 1.5 .86 .02 1.60 2.60 12.6
90-91 – 61 0 16.6 .493 .354 .832 .80 1.00 1.80 1.4 .70 .02 1.33 2.20 10.2
91-92 NJN 82 82 36.9 .508 .444 .808 1.20 2.00 3.10 3.1 1.28 .13 2.62 3.00 20.6
92-93 NJN 70 67 38.0 .518 .449 .870 .60 2.10 2.70 3.5 1.34 .19 2.91 3.40 22.3
Career 290 149 26.4 .506 .437 .841 .80 1.50 2.30 2.4 .91 .09 2.06 2.60 15.4
___________________________________________________
there Drazen Petrovic stats and the man died so, he wouldve won shit
toni kukoc was exactly the man CHRIS said he was and not you PETE
but ur from chi so its no wonder
where can i watch euroleague games live and shit online for free?
nba tv has some games but they are not live and not a great collection
pete can you let me know what kinda environment it is pllaying against a serbian team, if u have
Pablo Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 10:53 am
Pete,
I agree with you in your analysis on Toni Kukoc. One remarkable thing is that the NBA level was way better in the 80s and 90s than it is now, and therefore it was tougher for europlayers to succeed.
I had Bucks season tickets when Toni was there, and even though he was not right phisically, you could see his talent, hardwork and quality.
With regard to Petrovic, I was lucky to see him when I was a kid in Madrid and he was amazing. It was a real pity he died. Arvydas Sabonis was also a terrific player, I wish he wouldn’t have injured so many times.
Pete, I follow you and your blog. I really think you are doing a great job in a really talented team. It is very remarkable the intensity you guys have, and the bench depth of the team. Wish you guys the best in this Euroleague
Vladimir Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
Pete,
Just wait ’till you go to Belgrade and see what a real home crowd is.:)
PDC Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
Hey Pete,
i follow your blog & career here in Europe. I m not Barça or TAU fan, but i like your game a lot. For me Its absolutely oriented for the European game.
Im curious after this season which is your next destination, i read the rumors heading to NY, but, the question is “Would you accept come back to NBA if you are going to be a 10th man?
If i was you, i would go back to NBA if you have garanteed minutes. One example: David Andersen (Houston) he is playing bad, but, at least They are playing him. Houston knows european players need a traslation period (i m considering you european player lol). (Scola, Llull etc..)
In the other side, you see Marcus Brown, SA, but do not playing minutes.
If you come back to NBA i recomend you speak with coach before…or we will lose a potential Euroleague MVP for next years.
DRoseisDaMAN Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
I’m a Bulls fan, so i just can’t be objetive: Kukoc is my bet for best euro player in the history. I’m with you, Pete.
BTW, great season, keep hard workin’ man!!!!
And, there is nothing political sayin ‘Visca Catalunya’, it’s like say ‘Go Illinois’, so you can put your tongue in your fucking ass and shut the hell up.
Visca Barça and Visca Bulls.
Sburg Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
JotaErre probably Mickeal knows a lot better than you what is Catalunya, because he lives there and he seems to feel really comfortable. By saying Visca Catalunya there is nothing political on that, however by posting against it, that is politics. So, as you said, this is a basketball page so get out of here and don’t come back until you are ready to leave your hate apart.
Visca Mickeal, Visca Catalunya, Visca F.C.Barcelona
PS: Looking forward for a competition between NBA Champ. vs European Champ.
Sburg Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
F.C.Barcelona
PG-Ricky Rubio
SG-J.C.Navarro
SF-Pete Mickeal
F-Erazem Lorbek
C-Fran Vazquez
Showtime!!
Crazy Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
It is an insult to even consider Toni Kukoc over Dirk. Dirk has been the best player on a team that has won 50 games 9 years in a row and won a league MVP award. When the Bull’s “were Kukoc’s team” he averaged a whopping 14ppg, 7rb and 5asts.
I can only assume this was a joke.
Stanley Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
hola Pete. Good season so far. About the Kukoc thing, i think he is the best Euro player ever. May be he wasn’t consistant at time in the NBA, but he dominted in Europe by far, and in the NBA he was pretty good, especially playing with 2 of the best player ever in Jordan and Pippen.
Jim Nyssen Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 5:35 pm
Damn Pete you saying that Toni is the best Eurpo player ever is as bad as you saying the Knicks had interest in you. You are the 5th best player on your team they were there for Vazquez and Rubio.
Toni Kukoc=Troy Murphy
FromBCN Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
Pete, home-court adantage will be ours and we’ll be there at the Palau cheering for you.
Kukoc had real class …and you are right: his Jugoplastika team always beat us in the past. It was a great, great team. I will dare to say that the current Barça team is at that level. If it could only last for one or 2 more seasons, you’ll make history as well.
If every player in the NBA had your good sense… how many grown children playing there nowadays…
Visca el Barça i Visca Catalunya!
Marc Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
Oh man! What’s the problem of saying “Visca Catalunya”?? Only the spanish people living out of Catalunya can’t understand something as simple like that.
Pete, what do you thing about this Top16? Partizan won at Athens, basket average is very important, Efes almost won at Vistalegre… that’s gonna be really exciting! It’s time to forget Valencia and keep growing, it’s time of the truth.
We hope you to stay here a long time
Barça Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
Well said. Visca el Barça i Visca Catalunya!
MVPete!
swerv Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Pete you drank to much bulls cool-aid. Dirk is the best Euro, Kukoc would get continually torched by Dirk one on one. Kukoc was a great roll player but not even close to being an mvp. Dirk is the most unappreciated superstar player in the nba.
català Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Visca Catalunya solo es un problema para los que quereis entender otra cosa guapetones.
Congratulations Pete, see you tomorrow in Palau against Maroussi. Visca el Barça i Visca Catalunya!!!
zeto Said,
January 27, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Pete are u drunk….man do you even know what your talking…..Kukoooo is better than Dirk…..u must be kidding…..
Todd Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 12:05 am
Toni Kukoc? What? Ever heard of Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki?
WhatAJoke Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 2:50 am
Jim Nyssen, Crazy, and Swerv are the only sane people who’ve commented. To even consider Kukoc over Dirk is a COMPLETE joke. So what if Kukoc dominated Euroleague for a couple of years, and yeah, he was an awesome player…but the guy had MICHAEL FUCKING JORDAN and Pippen on his team. Dirk is hands down the best Euro player ever, its not even close. You think it was easy for Dirk to succeed in the NBA? Guy got laughed at and ridiculed for years until he finally came through. Pete Mickeal I wish you the best but you lost all credibility by saying Kukoc is the best Euro ever. I’d Dirk, then Ginobili, and Petrovic is debatable because of his tragically short career.
Alessio Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 3:32 am
Hi Pete,
I red all the comments and I think we are forgetting a european player who always made the difference in his carreer. Sasha Danilovic, even if he didn’t have any impact in the NBA (he was playing in Dallas and Miami), he demonstrates to be the best in Europe several times (last second 4 points shot, fouled by D.Wilkins to win the italian championship). This is my ranking:
Best european impact in NBA: Tony Kukoc (Pau Gasol is having a similar impact but 10 yrs l8r…)
Best european in NBA: Sasha Danilovic
YoMismo Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
only one thing for WhatAJoke,
you can not criticize if you say Ginobili is an european player. Grab a book
B. Laesch of Illinois Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
I agree. People forget about Kukoc from those Bulls championship teams. I was talking to a buddy the other day about the 72-win season and I even omitted Kukoc from the conversation. Didn’t even realize it until now. Unbelievable. Maybe it’s because he was the 6th man, but still, he was a huge part of that team. And I always hear stories about how he was considered the “Michael Jordan of Europe” before he came to the NBA.
Isaac from Girona Said,
January 28, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
Hey pete, i ‘m watching a tv show on c33 about fishing & stuff, where you said you were gonna cook some “Rape”. Was it tasty?¿ XD
You are cool by the way!
no lo entiendo Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 3:49 am
hi Pete.
i like read your blog,
But what have they done you in Cataluña?
A great player like you, that you are in Barcelona since one year, I can understand that you say Visca el Barsa, but how can you say “Visca Cataluña”? you’re a teacher’s pet, because I can’t believe that you feel it, this isn’t true. I think you’re a great player but a fake person.
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Pete Mickeal » Streak over | Drakz Free Online Service Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 5:53 am
[...] this link: HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Pete Mickeal » Streak over Share and [...]
don't be naive Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 7:55 am
To ‘no lo entiendo’:
I don’t understand what you don’t understand about Pete saying ‘Visca Catalunya’. When he was in Vitoria he said that he was very happy living here, great place, great team, great fans…bla bla bla… And now that he left, he has no problem on hurting the feelings of all people from Vitoria (including children) that have always adore him by saying that he feels absolutely nothing towards his ex-team and that he’s pleased with the decission of leaving to Barcelona.
In his own words: it’s just business. This means no feelings for nothing except for money. Who cares if it’s Tau’s money, barcelona’s money or Korean money…
Tomek R. Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 10:29 am
Toni Kukoc was great. You got that right Pete. Second threepeat would not be possible without Kukoc. Is he the best european player that has ever played in NBA? Definitely one of the best.
Goldy Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Damn cuz you got everybody fired up on here! Everybody keep your draws clean!!! Kukoc was the man in Europe and he survived on the Bulls even though MJ/Pip HATED HIS GUTS. We wouldn’t have won as many championships if we didn’t have him, end of story. All Bulls fans will remember fondly the big shots Kukoc hit and I’ll always remember him getting a dunk to seal the championship we won against Utah in 1997! Viva Rock Island and Viva Chi-town baby!!!
Scott Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Kukoc??? he was good not great - never great conistently. When its all said and done 2 current NBA players will easily take the reigns of your question as to best European players ever.
Dirk Nowitzki or Pau Gasol
B Said,
January 30, 2010 @ 12:15 pm
as a hardcore bulls fan of the 90’s, no question toni kukoc was awesome. he could come off the bench and give consistent scoring while exploding for 30+ points any night. however, the best european? i’d have to say it’s dirk nowitzki hands down..no questions…dirk is the MAN in his team, and imagine if the 90’s bulls had dirk…
jn Said,
January 30, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Before MJ came back, the Bulls were Kukoc’s team. Pippen was a great supporting player, maybe the best ever, but he could not take the spotlight.
Still, Kukoc over Dirk… no way.
Ball in Europe – European Basketball Blog » Blog Archive » Best of the (basketball) net: Salinger, supplements, Shirley and Sixers girls edition Said,
January 31, 2010 @ 4:04 am
[...] living in Europe, or just plain playing ball in the ACB and Euroleague. This week’s post features his take on the Valencia-FC Barcelona game: Barça’s first loss in 26 [...]
Barcelona-Champions Said,
February 2, 2010 @ 9:02 am
Hey, Pete! I’ve watched the video where you are with the fishermen…Absolutely FUNNY!! I’ve enjoyed it a lot. -[http://www.elsesports.cat/afons/1330 ]-. “Mickeal the fisherman”;ha ha,funny!
By the way, this Barça is, simply ,the best team. Pure spectacle. Keep at it!
Visca el Barça!!!
Darko Said,
February 5, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Hi Pete!
I like reading your columns. I watched your game against partizan! i hope that you will describe in your next column how it was playing in front of such loud crowd. do you think that last shot was regular?
BL Said,
February 9, 2010 @ 3:32 am
Dirk is the greatest European NBA player ever. It was always Pip’s team and not Toni’s team. Toni was a nice roll player. Dirk is a legit star. I would also take Pau over Toni.
I grew up in Illinois (Rock Island as well. Go Rocks! Beat Moline this week!)
Kozmicbooks Said,
February 22, 2010 @ 6:26 am
Congratulations for the Copa del Rey!
The third title of the season already. You really rolled past Real Madrid! you can imagine how good we (Barça fans) felt yesterday afternoon watching the game.
Now Maroussi!
Visca el Barça!
Kozmicbooks Said,
February 22, 2010 @ 6:29 am
And Panathinaikos….
Kozmicbooks Said,
February 22, 2010 @ 6:34 am
Uh, I almost forget.
I think Kukoc and Dirk would be the best European players to play in the NBA with Gasol also very close.
Kukoc had propbably the flair to be one of the best ones in the game ever. For me the problem was: first the bulk he gained in the USA (making him slower) and playing along with MJ and Pippen. Well who knows.
Dirk is probably one of the best shooters, but I think he lacks something (a good team?) to be on top alone.
Carla Said,
February 22, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
Pete felicidades por tu cumpleaños y también por el triunfo de la Copa del Rey ante el Real Madrid.Os merecéis la victoria!
Passalo bien el día de tu cumpleaños.
Un beso , Visca el Barça!
hotrod from RI Said,
February 24, 2010 @ 10:46 am
Pete, great blog! Good to see your doing as well as you are! Still am hoping to see you play again in the states!