Being a sports fan is hard these days.  Sports is supposed to be an escape from reality but unfortunately has become reflective of it. 

(1) Plaxico Burress was booked yesterday on gun possession charges.  (2) Starbury has been banned from the Knicks.  (3) Former New York Ranger Sean Avery was indefinitely suspended for inappropriate comments about an ex-girlfriend.  (4) Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weiss is holding on for dear life in South Bend.

(1) Everyone knows that Plaxico was stupid/unwise/whatever adjective you want to use.  The Giants were right to suspend him.  Mayor Bloomberg has threatened to throw the book at him.  He's big on anti-gun violence and is going into an election year for a controversial third term.  I generally have a favorable opinion of Mayor Bloomberg but he should have put the term limits issue to a vote of the citizens, NOT the City Council.  A Burress trial is the perfect non-partisan distraction to the election, economy, and everything else going on. 

(2) The Knicks, their fans, and Starbury are all losers in the Starbury saga. 

(3) Avery's inappropriate comments really hurt the NHL when it needs a lift.  Avery asked if a camera was present and unloaded on an ex-girlfriend.  The NHL should unload on him for a while.  Yeah, see you next season Sean.  He'll probably only get a few games but deserves more.  It's not the first for him.  Martin Brodeur didn't shake his hand after last season's playoffs and I can't blame him.  It's not only waving his stick in front of Brodeur but the trash he unloaded about Brodeur's personal life.  Not cool and I don't like the D*vils.

(4) Notre Dame fans need to take a timeout.  Yes, Charlie Weis hasn't lived up to expectations.  But who do you bring in to replace him?  The Pope?  He's busy and would probably pass on the job if offered to him.  JH, his brother Brendan, and I threw other names around earlier today via e-mail.  I don't think Jim Tressel would ever leave Columbus as he is a native Buckeye.  Urban Meyer is having fun in the sun at Florida.  Nick Saban has rebuilt Alabama quicker than I hoped almost two years ago, January 3, 2007.  Saban has said that the Alabama job is the last job he will take before retiring.  Most importantly, I don't see any of them going to South Bend because they have a better chance of being successful in their current jobs than taking the Notre Dame job.  Why tarnish your reputation? 

Why take the Notre Dame job?  OK, yes, you will make millions.  (The buyout on Weis' mega millions contract maybe the only thing that buys him more time in South Bend.)  But, you have to deal with alumni and fans who think Knute Rockne is still the coach.  The administration watches your every move.  Notre Dame's high academic standards make it hard for them to recruit the student-athlete to come to South Bend.  Let's face it, other top schools have easier academic standards than Notre Dame.  Notre Dame has become a victim of its own success.  The Irish are haunted by a 21st century "Four Horsemen" of alumni, fans, administration, and academic standards.  It results in a plague and pestilence over South Bend.

If Weis doesn't survive, I think current Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden will take the Notre Dame job if he wants it.  His main defensive assistant, Monte Kiffin, may go help his son Lane who was announced as Phil Fulmer's replacement at the University of Tennessee.  Gruden literally grew up in the job as a ball boy.  He knows all the glory and pitfalls of the job.  He has a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs.  Returning the Irish to national prominence would cap a coaching career.           

I stepped back to listen to the Knicks game tonight on ESPN 1050.  The Knicks lost but played the Trailblazers tough.  I can live with that.  Sports at last, NOT courtroom, egos, or other drama plaguing the sports world. 

I also listened to the Canadiens-Thrashers game on NHL GameCenter which rocks.  My high school French was a little rusty but it was good to listen the game.  I also texted Steve who was at the game as an after hours conference activity with Richard from the Mount Everest Base Camp trip.  Steve described the game as a "religious experience".  That's what sports should be.  Allez Les Habitants allez!  Go Habs go (Canadiens nickname)!  I'm looking forward to Steve's write-up tomorrow.

Posted by The Tank on the Sports Roller Coaster in NY.          

LeBron James has been in the New York sports pages more frequently lately as the Knicks and other teams rush to get under the cap in two years to enter the LeBron James Sweepstakes.

Yes, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash, and other free agents will also be available.  But, nobody commands the league and world like LeBron.  He is already referenced by his LBJ initials as former President Lyndon Baines Johnson once was.  Wow!  LeBron is barely old enough to legally purchase alcohol much less run for President.

The Knicks have the edge over most teams residing in the heart of the media capital of the world.  Except, the Nets.  The Nets are moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn next season as I successfully advocated almost two years ago.  More importantly, LeBron is close friends with Nets minority owner Jay-Z.  That could tip the balance to the Nets.

Therefore, the Knicks need to have a Plan B.  That's going to be hard because D-Wade likes South Beach and Chris Bosh loves playing in Toronto.  That leaves Steve Nash who lives in the West Village.  Even if LeBron signs with the Knicks, expect Nash to be reunited as the floor general in former Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo style.

The Knicks are off to a better than expected start, touch wood.  They let the Starbury issue drag on longer than necessary.  It has been and will continue to be a distraction until it is resolved.  I am not going to comment on the recent trades.

Until then, how watchable will the Knicks and Nets be?  Time for Commissioner Stern to gentle nudge the Knicks and Nets behind the scenes to make them more watchable.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

It was an honor talking again to one of my favorite athletes and people, NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson.  I first met him in Los Angeles in July 1991 when I won a bronze medal in team handball for the North Region in the U.S. Olympic Festival.  But, it was years before digital cameras so today I finally had my chance to get my photo with Magic.  Wooo!

During our brief reunion, I told him how I predicted a Lakers championship in the 2008-2009 season.  I think Bynum is a difference maker.  He gave me the thumbs up.  Keep the faith!  Go Lakers!  Go Magic!

Posted by a psyched Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.

The Bricks/Knicks beat the undefeated Utah Jazz at the Garden yesterday, 107-99.  The Jazz were my pick to win their division and were undefeated going into yesterday's game.  The Knicks are now 4-2. 

This is all without the Knicks' best player, Stephon Marbury (AKA Starbury), who has been benched.  Starbury marches to his own drummer like me.  According to ESPN 1050's Stephen A. Smith, Starbury does not have an agent.  Starbury is very religious and only answers to what God tells him too.  Starbury used to play for Coach Mike D'Antoni so I am sure that there is something more to D'Antoni benching Starbury. 

If the Knicks aren't going to play Starbury, then they should trade him and get some players in return.  This will also help free up cap space to go after LeBron James, D-Wade, or another top player in two seasons.  I think D'Antoni has shown that he is in charge and that it is his team, not the players.  Cut bait with Starbury either in a trade or buyout. 

I want retire the Bricks name to described the Knicks as Isiah Thomas is no longer the coach, the players' attitude is better, and the team is playing a better up tempo style.  However, I reserve the right to call the Knicks as the Bricks if they go back to their bad old ways.

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in NY.

It's that time of year again for my cousin Mirko, his best friend Lubo, and I to put our money where our mouths are with annual NBA teams.  Well, no money but lots of bragging rights on the line.

2007-2008 Recap: I was unfortunately correct last year as I predicted a Celtics victory in the Finals.

2008-2009 Outlook: The Lakers make up for their poor performance in Game 6 of the Finals and take it home this year.


Eastern Conference:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Orlando Magic
3. Detroit Pistons
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Toronto Raptors

Dark Horse: Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, NJ Nets.

Conference Champion: Celtics

Western Conference:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. New Orleans Hornets
3. Utah Jazz
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Houston Rockets
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. San Antonio Spurs
8. Portland Trailblazers

Dark Horse: Golden State, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers.

Conference Champion: Lakers

NBA Champion: Lakers


Local Teams: It's a mixed bag for our local teams this year.  You can't get more painful than the Knicks' 23 wins.  I have a call into Heather Locklear for some pain killers and a date. 

Seriously, I like Coach D'Antoni and his up tempo style.  He doesn't have the players he wants/needs yet (Lebron and/or D-Wade) but the team seems energized.  Everyone wants to move on from the post-Isiah Thomas era.

Knicks: 34 wins.

The Nets made lots of changes in the off-season.  Nenad Kristic signed with a Russian team.  I can't believe that Vince Carter is starting his tenth season in the NBA.  The Nets success will depend upon the success of rookie Chris Douglas-Roberts.  If the newcomers can adjust and gell, the Nets can make a run at the playoffs.

Nets: 32 wins.

Posted by an psyched Tank in NY.

It's hard to find a more painful 24 hours in sports than on Tuesday.  It started with the Mets firing Willie Randolph in the middle of the night, about 3:15 a.m. Eastern Time.  It ended with the Boston Celtics destroyed the LA Lakers 131-92 to win the NBA Finals.  I had predicted a Celtics Championship back on Halloween 2007 as part of the Boston Sports Apocalypse.  I don't like being wrong but wanted to be wrong about the Celtics because the future of the sports world and how the rest of the world may react to it.

What impact does the Boston Sports Apocalypse have on everyone else?  Mr. Met is frowning on the cover of the NY Post and that's even before Linda punches his lights out.  Steve is too depressed to write. The Yankees are dealing with Ching-Ming Wang's injury by signing on-the-wagon-again/off-the- wagon-again Sidney Ponson. 

You don't have to be Reverend Dr. Jack Van Impe to know where this is going.  Food riots.  Climate change.  Extreme heat and humidity.  Much of the Heartland is under water.  The US is about to bomb Iran.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed below 12,500 for the first time since Saint Patrick's Day.


Where Do We Go From Here:

(1) Without sports and personal repentance, we are doomed to more Boston sports championships as well as global pestilence, wars, famines, etc.

(2) If the Mets don't win this year, I will recommend that the Wilpons' fire Omar and hire Steve as the Mets next General Manager.  I know it will be difficult for Steve to be Vice President of the United States AND the Mets GM at the same time but I only need him in Washington for time breaking votes in the Senate.  If past travel patterns are indicative of the future, he'll spend most of his Vice Presidency and Mets General Managership in Pakistan, the Netherlands, or wherever you throw a dart on the map. 

You know what to do.  Pray to God/G-d/Allah/Buddha/etc for forgiveness and root for all Boston opponents.  The fate of the (sports) world lies in your hands and hearts.

Posted by a Repentant Tank at the edge of the Biblical Abyss.

The Lakers huge collapse of a 24 point lead on Thursday night gave the Celtics a commanding 3-1 lead. 

I liked Jimmy Kimmel's pre-game interview of Senator Barack Obama on Sunday.  But, I had to change the channel because I have seen too much KG, either being offered one of Bill Russell's championship rings if he doesn't win a championship and the annoying Gatorade commercials.  One thing for certain, I'll be boycotting Gatorade for the near future.  I changed the channel to CSPAN.  BTW,  Brian Lamb had a fascinating interview with Michelle Bernard of the Independent Women's Forum. 

The Lakers came out on fire in Game 5 but the Celtics chipped away.

Who will Bill Walton root for?  His son Luke who plays for the Lakers OR the Celtics he won a championship with.  On Father's Day, you can see Bill smile after Luke made a basket.

The Lakers almost folded again on Sunday.  The Celtics cut the 19 point Laker lead to about four points with about 5:17 left in the third quarter.  But, Derek Fisher hustled to get and win a jump ball.  A three pointer followed and the Lakers finally won the third quarter.

I know Steve and many other Knick fans wanted Mark Jackson as Knicks head coach.  But, I really enjoy his commentary as an analyst, especially the "fake hustle" perspective.

Former Knick Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy was Mark Jackson's broadcasting colleague.  He also made great coverage points like Vladimir Radmanovic not sealing the baseline against Paul Pierce.  Van Gundy recommended that Lamar Odom guard Pierce.  I don't know why Phil Jackson didn't make the adjustment until the fourth quarter.

The Lakers thankfully won 103-98.

Bottom Line: I know the Celtics have a 3-2 advantage and will have the home crowd behind them for Game 6 in Boston.  But, if the Lakers can force a Game 7 on Thursday, anything can happen.  I like the Lakers' chances.  Keep the Faith!  Go Lakers!

Posted by a relieved Tank in LaLa Land.

Up here in Boston, the locals are enjoying the best sports quadfecta of all time. Patriots, Bruins, Celtics, and the Red Sox all went deep into the playoffs or won a championship.

Since I can't stand to have Boston on top of all four major sports, I am rooting for the Lakers. I was excited last night when the Lakers had a 24 point lead. But unfortunately, the Celtics showed that they are true champs and overcame the 24 point deficit and won the game to take a 3-1 lead in the NBA finals. It is obvious that the Lakers have given up and the Celtics will win the title, depressing more and more sports fans in the greater New York area.

How do we undo the Boston hex on New York? Voodoo dolls is all we have left.

Posted by Steve in Boston (of all places)

Curt Schilling sat courtside for Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Boston.  He made critical comments of Kobe Bryant.  When asked for his response to Schilling's critique, Kobe responded "Go Yankees!"  Touche.

You gotta love the NBA Finals.  It brings out the intensity of fans and players alike.  Go Lakers!  Go Yankees!

Posted by The Tank in Lakerland.

Saturday through Tuesday, especially Monday and Tuesday were unseasonably and dangerously hot and humid in New York City.  Moving, much less going to the Mets-Diamondbacks game, was out of the question.

I made the right call for the following reasons:

(1) It was hotter than heck.
(2) The Mets lost 9-5.  The Mets squandered a 5-1 lead. 
(3) There was a 45 minute rain delay and the game didn't finish until about 11:30 pm.
(4) I was home to watch the Lakers-Celtics Game 3 of the NBA Finals.  Even though the Lakers missed lots of free throws, it was a great game.  Sasha Vujacic hit a three pointer to give the Lakers a 81-76 lead late in the fourth quarter.  The Lakers won 87-81.  Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 36 points.

The series is now 2-1 Celtics.  The Lakers are civilization's last hope against the Boston Sports Apocalypse.  Go Lakers!

Posted by a sweating Tank in Hot and Humid NY.

The Boston Celtics unfortunately took Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night against the LA Lakers in Boston.

They were led by veteran Paul Pierce who was injured in the third quarter.  With shades of Willis Reed limping onto the Garden floor in 1970, Pierce returned to the roar of the crowd.  Laker Coach Phil Jackson wisely took a timeout to try to stop the momentum.  But, Pierce hit three point shots including a four point play after being fouled by Vladimir Radmanovic.

Pierce finished with 22 points and the Celtics won 98-88.

I don't hate Pierce nor KG or Ray Allen for that matter.  I must root for the Lakers because I became a fan in the 1980s.  (I met former Lakers Magic Johnson and Vlade Divac in July 1991 and February 2002, respectively.).  Though I predicted a Celtics NBA Championship before the beginning of the season, I want the Lakers to win and the Celtics to lose as to prevent the Boston Sports Apocalypse. 

If you think Patriots and Red Sox fans are obnoxious, the Celtics fans will be much worse because they haven't won in a long time.  Celtics fans may not know what to do with themselves and may even totally destroy the beautiful city of Boston if the Celtics win.  The fate of Boston, the sports world, and the rest of the world relies on your prayers and the Lakers to prevent the Boston Sports Apocalypse.

Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.

 

The Knicks signed Mike D'Antoni to a four year, $24 million contract over the weekend.  I know Steve and many other Knicks fans wanted former Knick and Saint John's star Mark Jackson.  I understand that but the Knicks went with an experienced AND successful coach.  D'Antoni is good enough to adjust his up-tempo style to the personnel that he has now.  Expect a mix of up tempo and half court.  This will make the Knicks a more watchable team over the next couple of seasons until Lebron James and/or Dwayne Wade becomes available.
                                                       
That said, I think D'Antoni should have been given another year in Phoenix as should have Avery Johnson in Dallas.  Shaq wasn't 100% fit when he came to the desert in the middle of the season.  If D'Antoni didn't succeed after next season, then he should have been reevaluated and replaced if necessary.  For that matter, D'Antoni's style would have worked better in Chicago as would Avery Johnson's style in Phoenix.  That's water under the bridge and time to move on. 
                                                             
The Knicks will need to be creative in getting out of Salary Cap H*ll.  They will then be able to go after Lebron James or Dwayne Wade.  Expect the latter as Lebron is close to Jay Z.  Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lebron in a Brooklyn Nets jersey.  Plus, the Nets hold the option in 2010-2011 for Vince Carter so expect his salary to be used to acquire Lebron.  Dwayne Wade would be a great consolation prize for the Knicks.
         
Factors to Watch:         
                         
(1) Stephon Marbury is entering his contract year.  (Thank God!)  Mike D'Antoni has coached him in Phoenix before he got traded for Steve Nash.  Stephon knows this is his last chance to stay with Knicks or audition for another team.  The Knicks would be smart NOT to re-sign Stephon unless he were to win a championship next season.
         
(2) Who will the Knicks draft?  Let's hope the ping-pong balls (with a possible assist from David Stern) go the Knicks way.  Expect D'Antoni to draft and sign top level international players as he had in Phoenix and other stops in his career. 

(3) Will D'Antoni have the confidence and support of Walsh and the Dolans?  Will they cave into the players at the first sign of trouble?  If they do, D'Antoni will hang in the wind and Knicks fans will continue to suffer.  Walsh must back D'Antoni and get rid of any players who don't get with the program.  
                           
(4) Will the ghost of Isiah (in person or spirit) continue to haunt the Knicks?  Will he hold secret meetings with players to plant dissention in their heads?  Isiah is devious as a fox so the players must be on guard for this trap as everything Isiah touches turns to junk.
                                     
Bottom Line: Anyone is better than Isiah so D'Antoni was a good choice.  If you think the Yankees rebuilding process on the fly is painful, the Knicks are going to be a total renovation down to final brick, pun intended per NYC Building Code regulations.                            

D'Antoni is good enough to get the Knicks from 23 to about 35+ wins in 2008-2009 with the current "talent" and some help from the draft.  35+ wins is enough to contend for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.  Heck, Steve, myself, and all of our 23 month old to 16 year old nieces, nephews, and Godchildren could contend as Team SteveAndTheTank.com in the Eastern Conference.  The challenge in D'Antoni's second through fourth seasons is to get the Knicks to get above .500 and go deep into the playoffs.  Contending for a championship is a mathematical possibility but not likely for another four years or more.  I have a better chance of winning the Lottery, touch wood. 
                                                 
Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in NY. 

Memo to Knicks management: bring Mark Jackson home. After ending our pain and suffering by finally firing Isiah Thomas as NY Knicks Head Coach, Knicks management has a chance to win the fans back by bring back Brooklyn born, Bishop Loughlin High School and Saint Johns University educated New York native Mark Jackson.

Jackson was drafted by the NY Knicks at the 1987 NBA Draft. I was there and witnessed the dramatics live when they called his name. There was an excitement in the air, an excitement that Jackson will bring some change. We need this excitement back now.

Jackson went on to be the 1988 Rookie of the Year and have a great career with the Knicks during those years where the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan had a great rivalry with the Knicks, back when basketball in New York was fun to watch.

Mark is a native New Yorker who has played on great teams and knows the pressure of New York and the pressure of the playoffs. Like Willie Randolph he has no coaching experience. Like Willie Randolph he can achieve great success.

Bring him home.

Posted by Steve, waiting for Mark Jackson

Donnie Walsh made a great move in firing Isiah as the Knicks Head Coach a few moments ago in a conference call. 

But, Isiah remains in the organization in some unknown title according to ESPN 1050 AM.  What's Isiah going to do?  Scout? 

I didn't like Isiah as a player on the Bad Boys with the Pistons.  They were dirty but champions.  Isiah's success as a player didn't translate into the executive ranks as he ran the CBA into bankruptcy and the Raptors and Knicks into the ground.  Granted, he did have some success with the Pacers but already had a ready built team and it's hard to lose with a coach on the court like Reggie Miller.   

Isiah must be blackmailing the Dolans and/or has some kind of magical powers.  How can he get away with running the Knicks into the ground?  AND not even being contrite during a sexual harrassment suit?  Isiah literally thinks he is above the law.  What is going on?  I may have to continue my Knicks boycott until Isiah is totally gone. 

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.

The above headline isn't a rumor but more of a hope, a prayer that new Knicks President Donnie Walsh fires Isiah and hires Memphis Coach John Calipari.

Calipari is from New York as is Walsh.  Calipari coached the Nets back in the 1990s with players like Kerry Kittles.  Calipari wasn't too successful so might not be inclined to take Walsh's offer.  However, the thought of turning around the Bricks into the Knicks again might be the challenge that Calipari wants, especially if Memphis wins tonight.  Calipari will have a national title and a nearly undefeated season. 

If Calipari doesn't win, he might pass on the Bricks and stay in college.  He makes lots of money, can recruit any player in the country he wants, and is literally Big Man on Campus (BMOC). 

But if Calipari wins, isn't there part of him that wouldn't want to come home and help the millions of suffering Bricks/Knicks fans?  He would be the brightest coaching star on the world's biggest stage.  What do you say John?  I can't handle another season of Isiah.  Please come home John.

Posted by a desperate Tank in NY.

PermaGuest Outlaw Jack e-mailed Steve and myself earlier today about Donnie Walsh leaving the Indiana Pacers to join the Knicks.  Please join me in praying that Donnie succeeds Isiah as President of the Bricks ASAP to end the suffering. 

Posted by the Traveling Tank in South Florida.

I had the pleasure of meeting NYC basketball legend and ESPN analyst Len Elmore right outside of the Garden near where I currently work a couple of hours ago.

While I was coincidentially mailing Steve my deposit for our upcoming Everest Base Camp trip (touch wood) from the nearby Post Office on 32nd and Eighth, I happened to see Len. 

It was great to meet him as I had listened to him recount his personal favorite moments as a player and a fan during the Marquette-Seton Hall game broadcast last night on ESPN.  His recount of the Knicks 1970 championship was inspirational and mere days before I was born.  I hope to live to see those Knicks glory days again, God Willing.

Len was cool and down to earth.

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting Live from outside the World's Greatest Arena, Madison Square Garden.

The Houston Rockets are the hottest tean in the NBA.  The Rockets, no relation to Roger Clemens, have won 18 in a row and are now the third seed in the Western Conference.  And the last seven games have been without Yao Ming.  Incredible.

Who knows if they can win it all?  My cousin Mirko does but I am still sticking with the Spurs.  As long as the Celtics don't win, I don't care.  I am going to enjoy the stretch run and the playoffs.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY. 

You know your team is bad when they starting to promote the other team's players.  I received an e-mail today from the Knicks about LeBron James' last game at the Garden this season tomorrow night.  I have been lucky to see His Majesty King LeBron James play at the Garden and in the Meadowlands last season.  Steve and The Tank will continue to boycott the Knicks until the change the error of their ways and do not plan to attend a Knick game this season.

Posted by a vigilant Tank in NY. 

LeBron James got some much needed help on Thursday before the NBA Trade Deadline.  The Cavs got Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith, Delmonte West, and a draft pick in a three team trade with the Seattle Sonics and Chicago Bulls according to NBA.com.  Are you kidding me?  This is legalized theft.  OMG!  Unbelievable.  I am speechless.   

In other news, I am happy for Bobby Jackson who has another chance to contend with the Houston Rockets.  (I like the Hornets but this can help the Rockets escape the first round.)  The Rockets just won their tenth game in a row and got even better with Bobby.  I met Bobby at the Garden after a Kings-Knicks game in 2002.  He was a really nice guy.  Good luck Bobby!

I don't follow Portland and Seattle that closely because their games aren't broadcast that often here in the City.  But, watch out for these teams in the future.  Portland beat Seattle on Thursday night on TNT and is only 4.5 games out of the 8th spot in the Western Conference.  This is without the injured Greg Oden.  How scary will they be when he is healthy?  Don't sleep on Seattle.  Their record isn't that good now but they will be getting some draft picks plus veterans like Barry and Elson from San Antonio.  Watch when they start to gel with Rookie of the Year candidate Kevin Durrant. 

The NBA has to make a change.  Since the Western Conference is so good, I have to agree with TNT analyst Reggie Miller that the Top 16 NBA teams, NOT eight from the East and eight from the West make the playoffs.  It's just not fair to deserving teams like Portland and Seattle in a couple of years.

Bottom Line: I am so happy for King James.  The Cavs now have enough to beat the Pistons and/or the Celtics, touch wood, and anyone who survives in the Western Conference.  I am even happier than I was yesterday.  I am coming out of my steroid and HGH blues.  Woooo!

Posted by The Tank in Basketball Heaven.

Shaquille O'Neal played his first game with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night against the visiting LA Lakers.  Former teammate Kobe Bryant ruined Shaq's Suns debut with 41 points and the Lakers "eclipsed" the Suns 130-124.

Wednesday also happened to be a solar eclipse of the moon by the sun.  I viewed it about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.  NYC isn't the best place to see celestial sightings because of all of the lights but it was still pretty cool.

Where Do We Go From Here: Wow!  Tough one.

It is going to be a great stretch run for the NBA.   Only 4.5 games separate seeds 1 through 8 in the Western Conference.  Everyone tried to make moves to improve themselves like the Lakers getting Pau Gasol from Grizzlies, the Suns getting Shaq from the Heat, the Spurs getting former Sonic (and Knick) Kurt Thomas, and the Mavs getting Jason Kidd from the Nets.

I think the Mavs and the Nets got better from the trade.  The Mavs window to contend for a championship is closing.  (Their best chance was being up 2-0 against the Heat in the 2006 Finals but we all know how that ended up.)  The Nets benefitted because they got rid of someone who didn't want to be there anymore, Jason Kidd.  Kidd is a great talent but his off the court (migraine) and other issues are well documented.  He's going to the Hall of Fame but it wasn't cool how he left.  The Nets got two first round draft picks, Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, and $3 million in cash.  Keith Van Horn hasn't played since 2006 but was included to balance the salaries.  Don't expect Keith to play as he didn't officially retire but been spending time with his family and building his businesses.  He is going to get $4.3 million for not playing.  Hey, not bad work if you can get it.  God bless and good luck Keith!

As for the Knicks, ugh is pretty much all I can say.  No one wants their players and their huge contracts.  The Knicks and the Eastern Conference is so bad that you can take any five people and be a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.  For instance, "No Tip Vic" and I talked a couple years ago about fielding a team with his wife Michele and their two young children.  We would beat the Knicks and probably be competitive with some other teams in the Eastern Conference.  (BTW, "No Tip Vic" is a good person but he got his nickname from Brooklyn Brian and Brooklyn Pete after he didn't tip a waitress a couple of years ago at Ulysses, a Wall Street area bar/restaurant.  Come on bro, get with the program.)

Anyway, enjoy the stretch run.  Watch recovery from key injuries.  When will Bynam return to the Lakers?  Will Parker be 100 percent?  How will Kobe's hand hold up?  How will Shaq's hip hold up?  I am still sticking with my pre-season picks of a Spurs-Celtics Finals because the Spurs have the best coach in Popovich and the veterans.  As much as I like Doc Rivers, KG, and some of the other Celtics as human beings, I can't root for the team for obvious reasons.  Good luck everyone except the Celtics!

Posted by The Tank somewhere between the Moon and New York City.  

Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns officially on Thursday after passing his physical.

Shaq has had his share of injuries which have been caused by weight as well as wear and tear which The Tank can unfortunately relate to.

However, this trade gives Shaq time to get healthy and in shape for the playoffs which a couple of months away starting in mid April.  With Shaq on the floor, the Suns might not run as much but he's there for his low post presence on offense and defense.

Even if Shaq isn't ready this season, watch him push hard in the last two years of his career and possibly Hall of Fame career.

The Heat benefitted by getting younger with Sharion Marion and Marcus Banks to help Dwayne Wade contend again in the near future.  We can only hope that they and others stop the third part of the Boston Sports Apocalypse, the Eastern Conference leading Celtics.

As for local teams, the Nets are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.  Jason Kidd to Dallas trade rumors continue to linger.  The Eastern Conference is so bad that the 14-35 Knicks are only six games out of the playoffs with 33 games to play.  I don't think they'll make it, especially with their inconsistent play, but you never know.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

The Knicks continue to play like the Bricks and quitters that they are.
                                     
I rarely advocate quitting except in smoking cigarettes and other unhealthy behavior.  The Knicks have become an unhealthy psychological influence on the entire NYC area.  Children are most vulnerable as they are being taught that quitting pays and pays handily for the Knicks players who have quit on Isiah and the area.  I think it is time for the Knicks to either fire Isiah or cancel the season.  Since the Dolan's are being blackmailed by Isiah and/or too busy counting their ever growing Cablevision revenue like monopoly money to care, it is time to cancel the remainder of the season in a humanitarian measure.  Forfeiting the games will not differentiate much from the final result which is almost always a loss.
              
What should the Knicks be replaced with?

Led Zeppelin comes to mind.  The recently reunited rock legends did a special concert in London.  20 million people inquired for the 20,000 tickets so the demand is definitely there.  
                                     
I was too young to watch Led Zeppelin in their hey day so I would love to watch them live in concert at the Garden.  I am a big fan of reunion concerts and was fortunate enough to see The Police, Genesis, and Van Halen in 2007 at the Garden.  I am offering the Dolan's an honorable and profitable way out as they made lots of money off me last year in concerts instead of Bricks games.               

All Knicks players will be paid from the massive TV money that the Knicks make from MSG and the national (ESPN/TNT/NBA TV/etc) contracts.

Those networks would make more money from Led Zeppelin - only 1 in a 1000 got to see the London concert.  This ratio is much better than currently want to see the Bricks.

Other interested parties affected by the cancellation of the Knicks season:
         
(1) Concession vendors: I think more merchandise will be sold at a Zeppelin concert instead of Knicks games.  Who wants to buy a Knicks jersey and be laughed at in public?  You would look cooler in a Zeppelin t-shirt.
                   
(2) Knicks City Dancers: Dancers often want to get into singing and acting.  This would be the perfect career opportunity to be backup singers and dancers for Zeppelin.  They would make more money as backup singers instead of a measly $50 per Knicks game.
                    
(3) Knicks City Kids: Same as above.  They can help Robert Plant hit the high notes on some sounds with their growing and maturing voices.  It is better for the children to listen to Zeppelin instead of Fall Out Boy.  Today's youth is in dire need of musical education.                                 
                             
(4) Knicks Announcers: I think John Andres is probably more of a do-wop fan of  Dion and Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge than Zeppelin.  However, I think he would be happier introducing Led Zeppelin and providing song by song commentary than commenting on the dire state of the Knicks.

Marv Albert could stop by for old times sake to introduce "Whole Lotta Love".  Yessss!!!!
                    
Is there precedent for replacing sporting games with concerts at the Garden?

Yes, Billy Joel played 12 Garden concerts during the NHL lockout a couple of seasons ago.  I was lucky to get the last concert to the last of the "12 Gardens" which is also the title of the DVD that he released afterwards.

Are you with me?  If you happen to go to a Bricks game, please start the Zeppelin chant.  

See you at the Zeppelin concerts at the Garden. 

Posted by an excited Tank in NY.

A fly on the wall reporting from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners:

• Many New Yorkers are counting down the days until the NJ Nets move to Brooklyn.The Knicks are so bad that we are just ready to toss in the towel and become Brooklyn Nets fans.
• Its time to check out the Devils new home. The Devils moved to Newark, NJ, and anytime a new arena opens in your sports radius, you have to go see it, even a High School field.
• Yankee fans are still in denial about Clemens. While I want to believe, I know in my heart that he is guilty, just as Barry Bonds is. Andy Pettette came clean, time to come clean Roger. Too much circumstantial evidence and the confession by your best fiend only hurts you.
• The Yankees need to make an offseason move. All they did was spend a lot of money keeping the status quo.
• Mets fans are mad as hell. All Mets fans want just one thing for Christmas: a starting pitcher.
• Steve's Uncle thinks the Mets pitching is ok. While the rest of the family will trade the farm for Santna and others. Uncle Joe defends Omar saying that the Mets payroll will balloon and that you can't give up too much. The rest of the family thinks that he is crazy, time to win man!!!
• The Mets should swap Orlando Hernández and Aaron Heilman. Heilman just whines about wanting to be a starter and lacks the 90s needed to be a big league closer. He is young and has enough arm strength to give 175-200 quality innings. El Duque is getting too old to give you 200 quality innings.

 

Posted by Steve in a food coma.

Kobe Bryant scored 39 points at the Garden on Sunday to become the youngest player in NBA history to score 20,000 points.

In the post-game news conference, Kobe was asked if he wanted to be a Knick.  Kobe said he didn't want to get in trouble but he did say that the Garden was his favorite arena. 

Kobe coming to the Knicks would be like KG going to the Celtics.  It would be worth trading seven or more of the current Knicks to the Lakers for Kobe.  If Knicks fans are going to have to suffer with Isiah coaching the Knicks for the rest of the season or longer (God forbid), we should get appropriate compensation for our pain and suffering.