21 Is Not Enough?

[Required Reading: Matt's last post on the matter that links to all posts that matter]


It's a bit like getting an Ace and 10 and be left wanting an Ace and a Jack. Thus is a bit like what I feel is happening after US defeated Angola by "only" 21. Before I get to some of the more nuanced part of the argument, I would like to take a topical approach at this. A possible way to look at this victory is that even though the U.S. played quite poorly, they won by 21. Sure they didn't shoot the three well, but why does it matter? It matters because U.S. wont be able to do the press and run defense/offense against good teams? Well, exactly WHO has or will stopped the U.S. from doing generally whatever they want? Greece? They looked simply awful against Spain and looked good against an inexperienced German team that already has a relatively weak backcourt and had a Caveman trying to play point. Spain? Ricky Rubio isn't exactly Jose Calderon and is prone to giving up the ball, especially when he'll probably be matched up with CP3. Furthermore, do we really expect the most complete player in the world to continue shooting .069 from the three point line? I for one do not. And for those calling for more Redd, its not like he's lighting up the building either. Yes, I know he is the designated "zone buster" but Tayshaun Prince and Kobe has made about the same amount (give or take one or two 3s) of non garbage 3s as Redd has made. I thought the purpose of most bloggers was to get through the misconceptions? If so how is one not a hypocrite for being harshly critical of someone like Jason Kidd but not on Redd if he is not performing? Granted, the sample size is small, but you get the idea. Also, I'd like to note that some players, namely Kobe Bryant, are not showing much energy on the defensive end, a trend that should change once the U.S. starts playing higher profile opponents.


As for 2006, experience cant be undervalued. FIBA IS different than the NBA and quite honestly, as the players themselves would admit, they are a lot more comfortable now than they have ever been. This has been helping their defense, in moreso than allowing them to grab the ball off the top of the rim, as they have found a comfort zone defensively in increasing their aggressiveness especially in curbing rolls to the basket. It would look better on paper and to watch if the U.S. were hitting their threes. That much, I will grant. However, that is not enough to start like its the day after the semi finals of the 2006 World Championships.

Perhaps it is time to simply relax.

Rick Reilly Can't Pronounce Wade

A lot of good stuff about Wade's been going around the net today, especially after his strong performance against Angola (who likely as Rick notes beat the spread.) We here at MyInnerFan would like to add to Wade's good day on the tubes with this. PTI is an excellent show and today's show provided various occurrences of unintentional comedy. Now, let us turn over to Reilly (with the fun starting with about 3:10 left)

NBC Shows Its Run By Idiots Tape Delay For West Coast Viewers

In a baffling decision NBC has decided to show premier events such the men's 400m and tomorrow's much anticipated USA v China game on tape delay. I am not making that up. West coast viewers, who make up for a decent portion of US viewers are forced to watch the events 3 hours after they unfold. By the time NBC aired its "live" coverage tonight, most already knew that Michael Phelps had won his first gold and that Katie Hoff had stumbled to a bronze. In the era of the Internet (and blogs) it is absolutely infuriating that the only way to avoid knowing the results until the events are shown "live" is to avoid major news and sports news channels or to navigate NBC's poor online streams. Please, NBC, please realize that you guys are idiots and PLEASE air the most watched game in basketball history, as well as the subsequent events LIVE for everyone including the hundred million viewers on the west coast.

Manny is Hollywood

Its only fitting that Hollywood is the next step stop for Manny. Other than perhaps collaborating with Chad Johson or T.O. there is no better place for Manny's antics than the drama loving Los Angeles fans. Just look at the biggest stars in the market. Kobe Bryant, David Beckham, as well as new Clipper Baron Davis have distinct personalities, on the court/field and off. LA seems to embrace the drama as additional free (we all know how important free things are considering the price of gas) excitement and entertainment. The laid back LA atmosphere should help Manny, as should his upcoming contract as currently most doubt that he will command 20 mil after his blatantly detracting actions while with the Red Sox this year.

As a general rule, unless you are gift wrapped some transcendent player, (*cough* Kevin Garnett *cough*) horrible GM's find a way to mess things up. This was the case with Kevin McHale making the move for Kevin Love. As is the case with Ned Colletti making the move for Manny. What did the trade do at first impact? Well, Manny's defensive liability probably will make Joe Torre play Juan Pierre and even Andruw "baseball's Kwame Brown" Jones before the skilled and superior overall player in Andre Ethier. Honestly, most informed Dodger fans will agree with me in saying that Joe Torre should man up and play Ethier and Kemp along with Manny. We already have Berroa at SS, so we do not need a 3rd (arguably 4th) automatic out in our lineup in Jones. Furthermore, it makes much more sense for Ethier to be hitting behind Manny than the over the hill Jeff Kent.

Finally I'd like to start the put the hot seat on Larry Bowa campaign. In the last few days, some ridiculous calls by the 3rd base coach......