This just in.
Mike Claiborne got it wrong. Yes, I am here to acknowledge that I picked the wrong team to win the NBA Championship this year.
For the first time in his coaching career, Phil Jackson blew it. For some unknown reason, Jackson allowed himself to be sucked into the notion that his softer players were going to show up and guard someone and also go to the basket strong.
Phil was wrong and, thanks to it, so am I. Didn’t you learn anything from Toni Kukoc in Chicago? The substitution patterns were shaky at best.
Let’s not take anything away from Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Celtics. He did a masterful job in all areas. He handled his subs well; his patience and ability to not give up in the eyes of a slaughter say volumes about his makeup as a man as well as coach.
Not many coaches would have taken a team wire-to-wire like he did – even with the talent he has. Coaches tend to “over-coach,” and that is when the trouble starts.
As for those who have reminded me recently of my prediction, enjoy it while you can. As you know, it does not happen often. The next time, my hope is that the Lakers will have tougher players on the floor. No, not goons, but players willing to make the sacrifice.
To the Boston Celtics, congratulations. You deserve it. That is hard for a Laker fan to say. Now, I have said it. Happy now?
Stern warnings
If only Commissioner David Stern thought it could be that easy to just turn the page and move on.
The NBA has a problem. A big one. The issue of referees possibly fixing games, and the inference that the league encouraged it, is a serious matter. Granted, the individual who provided testimony would say just about anything to avoid a lengthy jail sentence. Heck, if I were in his shoes, Metro would not have enough busses for me to throw people under.
With that, though, comes the question: “What if he is telling the truth – or close enough to connect a few dots along the way?”
The NBA has taken a few hits over the years. Too many black players, drugs, domestic violence and – oh yes – the dress code. The league continues to flourish, but it does make you wonder.
There are eyebrow-raising incidents on a regular basis. Home court advantage has now become linked to home cooking by the officials. If there is one sport where the officiating has a direct impact on the outcome of a game, it is basketball – provided that you do not have two teams full of bad players and coaches. That happens more than it should.
The league has to be proactive and stop acting as if nothing has happened. It would not be a bad idea to share the requirements it takes to even be considered to be a referee.
The background checks and all of the grueling requirements should not be a challenge to the guy or gal who has nothing to hide.
If the league were to show its fans how challenging it is, then perhaps the image of the league sticking their head in the sand would not be so prevalent.
This league has work to do and now is a good time to clean up a potential major image fiasco. After all, protection of star players has been a tradition in the NBA. Do we want Kobe or Kevin Garnett to get a sixth foul?
While the NBA may be on the hot seat, it isn’t the only league with bad apples.
It’s just their turn to have an idiot get caught. All leagues have to remember, everyone is watching closer and there is a camera everywhere. Pictures don’t lie.