Wilt Chamberlain is Philadelphia’s most historic native son. Chamberlain attended Overbrook High school in Philadelphia, dominating games with eye popping scores of 74, 78 and 90 points in single games. Upon graduation, Chamberlain had won Overbrook two city championships, tallied a 56–3 record and had broken the high school scoring record by scoring 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 per game. In 1959, Chamberlain made his debut as an NBA player, starting for the Philadelphia Warriors. The Warriors’ draft pick was highly unusual, as it was a territorial pick despite the fact Chamberlain had spent his college years in Kansas, which is not a region covered by Philadelphia. However, Warriors owner Eddie Gottlieb, one of the NBA’s founding fathers, argued that Chamberlain had grown up in Philadelphia and had become popular there as a high school player; and because there were no NBA teams in Kansas, he argued, the Philadelphia Warriors held his territorial rights and could draft him. The NBA would concede to Gottlieb’s request, marking the only time in NBA history that a player was made a territorial selection based on his pre-college roots. Chamberlain was as much of a local to Philly as LeBron was to Cleveland (Akron), and after losing consistently in Philadelphia for the duration of the 60’s, he would ask to be traded. Though the ‘67 Philly team did bring home the title, Chamberlain eyed greener, or warmer pastures. After that season, coach Alex Hannum wanted to be closer to his family on the West Coast; he left the Sixers to coach the Oakland Oaks in the newly founded American Basketball Association. Chamberlain then asked for a trade, and Sixers general manager Jack Ramsay traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Darrall Imhoff, Archie Clark and Jerry Chambers. The Chamberlain trade is regarded as the first to be acted upon in the NBA.

Never to be upstaged by Chamberlain, fellow Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is no stranger to demanding a trade. Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force for Milwaukee, a repeated scoring champion and NBA Most Valuable Player. He led the Bucks to repeat division titles for four straight years. In 1973, Abdul-Jabbar won his third MVP Award in five years and was among the top five NBA players in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal percentage. Needless to say, the entire Milwaukee organization had been focused on Kareem, and his departure was a tragedy in Brewtown. Although Abdul-Jabbar always spoke well of Milwaukee and its fans, he said that being in the Midwest did not fit his cultural needs and requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles in October 1974. In 1975, the Lakers would acquire Abdul-Jabbar and center Walt Wesley from the Bucks for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers, and Junior Bridgeman. That season, Jabbar averaged 27.7 points per game and leading the league in rebounding, blocked shots, and minutes played. His 1,111 defensive rebounds remains the NBA single-season record, earning his fourth MVP award.

Self centered melodramatic athletes are not a new trend. Nor does it mean that this personality trait can hamper the career of a future star. The problem we see as fans is the idolization that occurs with local sports figures, specifically in small markets. While the jilting LeBron gave Cleveland is still unparalleled even when compared to the departures of Chamberlain and Jabbar, Paul still can stay home in New Orleans. Players do not deserve to suffer through rebuilding projects during their prime, but public outcry and undisciplined complaints can quickly ruin the public image. It remains to be seen if Paul will get his wish, but my wish above all else, is that the new perception of LeBron will help Paul take a more respectable and amicable approach toward his future.

As the weekend fades away...

Share on Facebook

There was no speculation that Kevin Pritchard was on his way out of Portland. The first undercut by the Blazer’s owners was the firing of Penn, Portland’s vice president of basketball operations. Penn was a noted salary cap expert an integral part of Pritchard’s team, to which the Blazers said only that Penn was released for philosophical differences. The Penn firing was the first dagger in the heart of Pritchard and Penn, made comments to several reporters suggesting Penn’s firing was a message to Pritchard. The actual firing story broke just minutes before the first selection of the 2010 NBA draft. Diligent as ever, Pritchard worked through the entire draft, in spite of the public humiliation bestowed upon him. Thought of as a top NBA GM, I believe his next destination will be either in Indianapolis to replace Larry Bird or New York to fill in for Donnie Walsh.

Steve Kerr resigned as the Suns general manager and president of basketball operations. Though Kerr’s contract expired June 30, he was expected to return. Working as a GM was a natural fit for Kerr, but owner Robert Sarver’s frugality would always undermine his moves. Though extending Amar’e Stoudemire was a risk, it was a slap in the face to Suns fans and franchise figurehead Steve Nash. The lack of a new deal and an opportunity to go back to TV commentating prompted him to leave, said Sarver. Sarver noted that negotiations over Kerr’s contract played a small part in his reason for resigning, indicating his primary motive was returning to TV. His previous employer, TNT, just lost commentator Doug Collins to the 76ers for their head coaching job. Kerr joined the Suns’ leadership in 2004 when he became a minority owner and adviser for Sarver and would soon take over as GM. The Suns went 54-28 this season and made it to the Western Conference fianls. They will begin searching for his replacement, with in-house candidates in consideration.

Nets mainstay and president Rod Thorn will stepped down on July 15th. New Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov allegedly did not force Thorn out, nor is their relationship bad, but the timing is too coincidental to not expect a sea change. “They’ve given Rod everything he could want,” a league executive said, “This is entirely his decision.” The Nets don’t have an apparent in-house successor for Thorn, and the uncertainty is likely hindered New Jersey’s pursuit of free agents. Thorn was also under contract through June 30, and stayed with the team an additional two weeks to help it through the beginning of free agency. Thorn has been the Nets’ president since 2000 and was named executive of the year in 2002, when New Jersey made the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

While of all the departures Pritchards was the most improbable, the most curious was New Orleans dismissal of GM Jeff Bower. Bower spent 14-plus seasons with the club, serving various scouting, coaching and general manager positions. He served as general manager from 2001-2003, took time away, and was appointed again as general manager at the start of the 2005-06 season. Bower took over the head coaching role this past season after the Hornets relieved Byron Scott of head coach duties. Scott has a job as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers while Bower is unemployed. In a shallow public statement, the Hornets ownership said “I want to thank Jeff for all his service for our organization,” said Hornets Owner George Shinn. “Gary Chouest and I have the necessary resources and will continue to do what it takes this summer to make our team better. Under the new leadership of Monty Williams, our team president Hugh Weber and our new general manager we feel very positive about our future as an organization.” A year ago, Bower would have been listed on top five GM list in the NBA. Rumors are that the recent trade offers that have been flowing in for Chris Paul and the fact that Bower listened to them was the core of the problem.

The good news for these gentlemen is that all of them are doing what they want to do now. Pritchard will take a year at the most away, then undoubtedly be lured to the highest bidder. Kerr was always a natural in front of the camera, and could end up finishing his career on the small screen. Thorn is a near lock for retirement, and served the organization to the best of his ability. Bower is a strong candidate for many openings, and will be in the front office of an NBA organization near you in the immediate future.

As the weekend fades away...

Share on Facebook

Greg Miller, CEO of the Jazz, wrote on Twitter that a deal to acquire Minnesota center Al Jefferson is official. The deal will send two future first-round picks and Kosta Koufos to the Timberwolves. “There has been a lot of speculation, but now it’s official,” he wrote. “Al Jefferson will play for the Jazz.” The Jazz have had some bad luck over the years, but this was a coup for the organization. Expect Jefferson to start at center, Paul Millsap at power forward and for Okur to come off the bench. Al Jefferson was officially introduced as a member of the Jazz on Thursday. During the press conference,
Jefferson made it known how thrilled he was to be out of the Titanic size shipwreck that is Minnesota and joining a winner in Utah. Said Jefferson, “I think the basketball gods were thinking about me.” Jefferson will continue to put up his 20 point, 10 rebound average, but for the first time in his career, for a winning team. Williams frustration must have melted when hearing this news, as Jefferson may be the ideal fit not only for the Utah offense, but for the aspirations of a title.

The Jazz also reached an agreement with free agent swingman Raja Bell. Bell was being courted heavily by the Lakers, Spurs and Heat, but the Jazz swooped in late with a three-year, $10 million offer that turned out to be the difference. The Lakers had only $1.8 million to offer this year, making the decision that much easier. After picking up Jefferson a day earlier, the Jazz suddenly look like one of the biggest winners in free agency, which was unexpected after losing Carlos Boozer. In an effort to keep the team that much stronger, Andrei Kirilenko won’t play for the Russian national team this summer in Turkey, and the Jazz couldn’t be happier about it. Kirilenko’s conditioning was a concern after he missed more than 20 games late last season with a severe calf muscle strain. “I was thrilled with the way he came back (last fall), and he didn’t play (internationally) last year,” Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor said. “So, we hope that he keeps the weight on and we hope that he keeps working out.” Kirilenko is in the final year of his contract, so the Jazz are expecting him to have a nice season this year.

Is this team enough to truly contend in the West? While it may seem too early to tell, the Jazz are in significantly better shape than they could have ever dreamed of at the start of the year. Drafting Gordon Hayward to pair with Kirilenko on the wings will prove to be a powerful yin and yang combo with Hayward’s offense and AK-47’s D. Losing Boozer was crushing, but as we saw in the playoffs, his lack of length left him virtually useless against the Lakers – something Jefferson’s 6′11 frame should solve. The starting lineup of Williams, CJ Miles, AK-47, Paul Millsapp and Jefferson are as formidable as any team in the West – Lakers and Thunder included. As Stetsasonic said,Step on us and we’ll step on you, Can’t have your cake and eat it too… Talkin’ all that jazz…

Share on Facebook

Though I will blindly try to not contradict myself two sentences later, the NBA’s future may not reside on the hot beaches of SoBe. Does 100 W. Reno Ave ring a bell to you? It doesn’t have the cache of Madison Square Garden, the history of Boston’s north end, or the celebrity of the Staples Center. This street is in Oklahoma City, home of the Thunder. Kevin Durant has agreed to a five-year extension worth nearly $86 million. Durant, in Orlando helping the OKC summer-league team, announced the signing on Twitter last Wednesday. To tweet, “Exstension for 5 more years wit the thunder….God Is Great, me and my family came a long way…I love yall man forreal, this a blessing!”. Only 21 years of age, Durant has seen his annual scoring average increase from 20 as a rookie, 25 as a sophomore, and 30 to lead the league last year. Keep an eye towards the trail of tears, you’ll be hearing a lot more of this club in the future.

Several free agent signings and commitments occurred in the past week. Mike Miller will join the Super Friends in Miami, and rumor has it LeBron’s old buddy from the Cavs Zydrunas Ilgauskas is considering joining the club for the veteran’s minimum. In a year where large contracts are being doled out at an alarming rate, it will be shocking to see starters accept the veteran’s minimum to join the squad. Ilgauskus has made a pretty penny over his career, and would likely be able to instantly come in and start on this team. Few players in the league can say that, and it remains to be seen if it will come true. Juwan Howard, yes that Juwan Howard, is also rumored amongst the suitors for the Super Friends entourage. Perhaps Ray Jackson and Jimmy King are willing to play for the vet’s minimum as well.

What becomes of Gotham City? Surprisingly, the Knicks roster actually looks a lot better than one would expect after the huge whiffs on the open market. After inking Amar’e Stoudemire to a long term deal, the Knicks made one of the most underrated trades of the offseason. Shipping forward David Lee in a sign and trade to Golden State, the Knicks received in return forwards Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf, and guard Kelenna Azubuike. Randolph is already inked as the starting power forward in New York, while Turiaf is a nice rotational big. Aubuike, when healthy, is a solid scoring option and good energy player off the bench. The Knicks signed Raymond Felton to a three year contract, and though some consider this a stop gap, Felton can play. He’s more in the mold of a combo guard, but has veteran experience and was considered one of the top options in free agency to run the point. The Knicks should start a lineup of Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Randolph, and Stoudemire. Not quite the lineup Knicks fans were expecting after the vaunted summer of 2010, but a significant upgrade on the previous year. I’d expect New York to at least be able to crack the .500 win mark, a statement that seemed pretty shaky two weeks ago.

As the weekend fades away...

Share on Facebook

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh were introduced in Miami in an event that was carried live on NBA TV Friday night.  There was enough bulletin board material for the rest of the league given that my prediction of the “Super Friends” or “Three Mi-Egos” going 67-15 the first year may have been a bit too optimistic. The target they have self induced on their backs grows significantly with every passing day.

Introduced as the “Three Kings,” there was no shortage of confidence. LeBron was quoted as saying “they could win more than seven NBA titles”, and that winning said titles was “going to be easy.” I’ll be anxious to see in seven years how a 35 year old Dwyane Wade looks slashing to the bucket. Wade would go on to call the thrice “arguably the best trio that ever played the game of basketball.” James had switched from jersey number 23 to number 6 when he joined the Heat. This move was done to show a respect to Michael Jordan. The obvious irony being that the number 6 had been worn by one of the game’s first franchise players and greatest champion, Bill Russell. The three have athleticism teeming from their pores, but is more than a recipe for regular season success? Speculation is abound, we’ll know the actual results in approximately seven years from now.

How high is the bar set? Beginning with when the true star of the team began his legacy, here is a brief listing of famous trios in NBA \history after 7 years together:

1980-1987 Lakers: Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy
Regular Season MVP: ‘80 Jabbar, ‘87 Magic
Titles: ‘80 – Magic MVP, ‘82 – Magic MVP , ‘85 – Jabbar MVP , ‘87 – Magic MVP ( While we’re only going first 7 years together, do note that there was another title in ‘88 – Worthy MVP)
Finals appearances without a title: ‘83, ‘84
1980-1987 Celtics: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish
Regular Season MVP: ‘84 ‘85 ‘86 – Bird
Titles: ‘81 – Cedric Maxwell MVP, ‘84 Bird MVP, ‘86 Bird MVP
Finals appearances without a title: ‘85, ‘87
1990-93 Bulls: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant
Regular Season MVP: ‘91 ‘92 – Jordan
Titles: ‘91 – Jordan MVP, ‘92 Jordan MVP, ‘93 Jordan MVP
Finals appearances without a title:
1996-98 Bulls: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman
Regular Season MVP: ‘96 ‘98 – Jordan
Titles: ‘96 – Jordan MVP, ‘97 Jordan MVP, ‘98 Jordan MVP
Finals appearances without a title:

Of the three aforementioned dynasties, only Jabbar of the Lakers had a title (‘71 Milwaukee) heading into the new era. Wade (‘06 Miami) is the only player of the new three with a title. While I have mixed feelings about the “Decision”, the new power in the Eastern Conference, and the future of the league altogether, I am sure of one thing. There is a renewed interest in the NBA, and that can never be a bad thing.

Share on Facebook

Boston’s Big Three are now reunited. Orlando has made no changes to date, but this by no means makes them anything less than a lock for a 60 win season and a trip to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Even if the abundance of talent that are the stars of the free agent class unite on south beach, does this cause Mr. Bryant to lose any sleep on the other coast? Nuzzling up with his five rings should comfort any concerns he may have. The triumvirate of Wade/James/Bosh is a recipe for a regular season bonanza, something all have achieved. The ring? The O’Brien trophy? Wade claims one in what is widely considered to be the most corrupted finals in history. Not to diminish his efforts, a blemished title is still a title. James has sniffed it, getting swept in the ‘07 Finals by the final charge of the light brigade in San Antonio. He’s come close the following three seasons, two of which he was named MVP. Losing to Boston twice and Orlando in the late rounds of the playoffs, James and his inferior teammates could never make it back to the games in June. Bosh is on an island in this group. Widely considered second fiddle at best throughout his career, how he managed to wedge his name amongst the top free agent class is a mystery. Injuries, mainly knee problems, have allowed him to play in over 70 games only twice in his seven year career. The talent – undeniable. Instant titles – highly unlikely.

It’s a disgrace to the game. Watching the fans bark and banter with each other day in and day out about who’s going where. True, it has managed to spark an interest in the NBA that I personally haven’t seen for years, though I’m still unsure if it will ultimately be worth it. The dog days of the post Jordan era seem to be a distant memory. The instant riches of high schoolers ill prepared for the NBA lifestyle are fading from the minds of fans. We’ve even been rejuvenated by a harkening to the days of old with two Lakers/Celtics finals in the past three years, likely a third had the knee of Kevin Garnett held strong until the summer months. And what does the future hold for those recently invigorated by the most beautiful game in America? Cancelled free agent tours, teams presenting ideas on how to become billionaires instead of role models and winners. Have the agents finally won? Has the all powerful iron fist of David Stern softened to a paw? This summer has put the phrase “There’s no such thing as bad press” to the test.

At 9:00 p.m. tonight, his heinous reveals to the world in an hour long special on the worldwide leader where his final destination will be. If it is anywhere other than Cleveland, it is an abhorrent display of society’s current state. The heartbreak felt by Cleveland fans and Ohio residents in general will be the strongest in the history of sports. It puts the Browns leaving for Baltimore, Colts leaving for Indianapolis, and the Sonics leaving for Oklahoma far on the backburner. LeBron and the rest of us have been waiting for this moment for nearly 30 months. We all understand sports are businesses, and with a business comes tough choices. Leaving town for greener pastures or true pursuit of a championship will never be frowned upon. Those facets of the business aspect fans understand. Public humiliation and the abasement of families who have supported you since you were a teenager excite only those with insatiable egos. As we wrote here, we still believe he’s staying home and that the last minute rumors and hoopla are only for the materiality he cares about most.

Michael Jordan played the game with a pernicious intent to somehow achieve vindication from his self-instilled belief that he was not good enough. The irony, of course, is that he is widely considered the finest basketball player to ever walk the earth. James plays for a different reason. A hubris, an undying need for attention. In twelve hours, the announcement will be made and hearts will be broken somewhere in the country. Jordan never needed the attention, it’s not why he played. We all need a fuel for our motivation, and for James, this is his championship.

Share on Facebook

In Tom Brady’s first season back many have given him a somewhat subpar grade.  Upon closer look you will see that he put up his second best career numbers in some of the top categories, and this is second to the greatest QB season of all-time.  Brady’s 28 TD passes is tied for his second highest in his career, his 13 interceptions is his career average, the 96.2 passer rating is also second on the list, as well as 4,398 passing yards being his second best by over 600 yards.  These stats help lead the Patriots to the league’s 3^rd best passing attack as well as another division title.

Some may look at this last season as one that didn’t have as much “magic” behind it.  That may be true, but the Patriots had quite a few issues to deal with last season.  Those that feel he has slipped would also point to the playoff loss.  I feel that that game can simply be written off as one of those “mama said there will be days like this” games, not for Brady alone but for the Patriots as a whole.  Brady did have a fumble and 2 interceptions in that game but it is not as simple as it looks.  There were no aspects of the game that the Patriots looked good in, and not being able to slow down the Raven pass rush was one of the biggest problems.  Brady’s fumble was from a pass rusher coming around a slapping the ball out from behind. Sure, he was holding the ball too low but it was obviously a pass protection issue as well.  The first interception was an odd play, but the second was simply a ball tipped up in the air for an easy turnover.  Even though it was clearly not a good game for Brady, it was obviously more of a total team issue in that game than a breakdown at the QB position.

I am not sure if it was the ill-advised comparison of Brady’s last two full seasons, not seeing the “magic” that we are so used to seeing as far as the flash of late game come backs and dominating the weekly highlight reel, focusing too much on the playoff loss, or simply listening to “experts” not doing their homework.  For whichever reason there is far too much misinformed football roundtable chatter out there about what has been mistaking looked at as Tom Brady’s diminishing skills.  As I have shown, 2009 was certainly his second best statistical season and for sure a lot better season than most thought was possible coming off of a devastating knee injury.  One more little point for the naysayers to think about, he did this last season with 3 broken ribs and even a broken index finger on his throwing hand late in the year. I think some people need to do some reconsidering.

Share on Facebook

We have already seen one major free agent officially taken off the market. Joe Johnson, the up and down star shooting guard of the Atlanta Hawks, signed six year, $119M deal. Highly coveted by teams who considered themselves a key player away from making a run at the title, Johnson could not afford to pass up on such a lucrative contract. Minor players who were thought to be readily available are gone as well. Rudy Gay re-upped with Memphis for $80M. Amir Johnson to Toronto at $34M. Channing Frye $30M. And the guy who had told multiple media outlets he believed his days in the NBA were numbered only months ago: Darko got $20M. If you want to play for money, your best option is to stay home.

The marquee free agents seem to be destined to a similar fate. With Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert publicly announcing he would not approve a LeBron sign and trade, he subconsciously announced that LeBron would have to take less money to play anywhere else. Dwyane Wade, struggling through a messy divorce and belonging to a team with no assets to trade, is a near lock to return to South Beach and star in a one man show. Chris Bosh is the only player of the “Free Agent Big Three” who could sport a new uni, due to the Toronto Raptors organization willingness to broker a sign and trade, pending getting back some quality players and hopefully unloading some undesirable contracts in the process. This all boils down to the fact that a longer contract means an extra $30M dollar by staying with your own team. Nobody, even a professional athlete, would pass up such an extravagant offer.

The officious From The 3s NBA free agent guesses:

LeBron: Cleveland

Wade: Miami

Bosh: Houston

Boozer: Miami

Amar’e: New York

Ray Allen: Boston

David Lee: New Jersey

Mike Miller: Cleveland

J.J. Redick: Orlando

Shaq: Atlanta

Share on Facebook

A young Rasheed with Wilt Chamberlain

Philadelphia is as well known mecca for basketball as any other city in the United States. The legends that the City of Brotherly love heralds reads like an NBA All-Star weekend program. It includes heroes of old such as Wilt Chamberlain, Paul Arizin, and Earl Monroe to stars of today in Kobe Bryant, and future in Tyreke Evans. The 1993 Philadelphia Simon Gratz team’s 31-0 record and Public League championship only begin to tell the story of one of the most controversial players in the history of the NBA. Rasheed Wallace had every tangible and intangible talent a successful basketball player could request, but an unbridled temper would ultimately form a big enough blockade to prevent him from becoming one of the NBA’s all time greats. His tailor made 6′11″ frame combined with a build to bang inside meshed perfectly with his beautiful shooting touch and off the charts basketball IQ. His adeptness for rebounding and knack for defensive rotations made him severely dangerous on both ends of the court. The mystery to Wallace’s lack of living expectations is simple to solve. Talent was never an issue, it was the inability to control his emotions. Wallace remains the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All-American game.

Wallace was an undeniable force at North Carolina

The University of North Carolina is nationally considered one of the top programs in history. Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith recruited Wallace to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for his college years. Wallace would have his name mentioned alongside other great UNC recruits such as Phil Ford, James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and Antawn Jamison. Coach Smith was a crucial mentor to Wallace, assisting him in developing his body and game for the rigors of the NBA. During his time at North Carolina, Wallace had success in the national spotlight. Named an All-American by the AP his second year, Wallace ranks as the leading career field goal shooter in Atlantic Coast Conference history with a 0.635 percentage. Always retreating back to his demons, Wallace is also remembered for the fight with Andre Riddick in the 1995 NCAA Tournament Southeast Regional Final against Kentucky. Wallace led the Tar Heels to the NCAA Final Four in 1995. He left North Carolina after his sophomore season to enter the NBA draft.

Wallace was selected in the 1st round, the 4th pick overall by the Washington Bullets. As a rookie, Wallace played in 65 games, of which he started 51 for the injured Chris Webber (Does Washington now regret trading Wallace and Webber?). Wallace was selected to the rookie team for the All-Star Weekend. Later that year, he fractured his left thumb during a game against Orlando and could not return until the next season. After the season, Wallace was traded to Portland. Wallace ranked third in the league in field goal percentage with Portland. However, just as his season was slowly heading his way Wallace again broke his left thumb and was forced to miss the next month of the season, but he returned in time for a strong performance in the first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, which the Blazers lost.

Sheed disagreeing with a Bennett Salvatore call

Next season, he signed a long-term contract to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers. He began extending himself into the community more than ever, most notably with his Rasheed Wallace Foundation, but his career suffered from numerous missteps on and off the court. In the NBA season, he set an NBA record with 38 technical fouls for the season, yet balanced that by being fifth in the league in field goal percentage. The following year, he would break his own record with 40 technicals and was Wallace was also suspended by the NBA for seven games for threatening then referee Tim Donaghy on an arena loading dock after a home game in 2003. That was the league’s longest suspension for an offense that was not related to violence or substance abuse.

Wallace was named an NBA All-Star in 2000 and 2001 and led the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals in 1999 and 2000. The 2000 series against the Lakers was most noted for the underdog Blazers squandering a 15-point lead going into the fourth quarter of Game 7, a game in which Rasheed missed 3 of 4 free throws in the final minutes of a game that Portland would lose 89-84.
On February 9, 2004, Wallace was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Wallace played only one game for the Hawks, scoring 20 points along with 6 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 assists and a steal. Wallace was traded the next day in a three team deal where he would end up on the Detroit Pistons.

And along came Detroit.

The “NEED 4 SHEED” couldn’t have rang any louder than it did in Detroit. Rasheed was the perfect complement to the Pistons core of Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, and Rip Hamilton. Wallace was the strong, stretch 4/5 Detroit needed to finally raise their game above the elite of the East. Wallace helped the Pistons win an unexpected NBA title, beating the heavily favored Lakers 4 games to 1. After the championship season, he paid for replica WWE World Heavyweight Championship belts to be made for each of his teammates and presented them as gifts when the 2004–05 regular season started. He had several memorable moments in the playoffs. After the second-round elimination of the Pacers, Wallace played his best series of the postseason in the Eastern Conference finals against the 1 seed Miami Heat. He shot 50% from the floor and averaged 14.5 points per game in the series’ seven games, and saved his best for last in a decisive Game 7. Against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, Wallace was criticized for leaving Robert Horry, arguably one of the greatest clutch shooters, open for the game-winning three-pointer in Game 5. Wallace’s stalwart defense and clutch shooting helped the Pistons to split the series 3–3, but in the final game, the Pistons lost 81–74.

After signing with Boston in the offseason, Sheed was all but prepared for retirement. Even though he dragged through an oft criticized regular season, Sheed was big in the playoffs. His trademark defense and veteran presence helped an aging Boston team to the NBA finals, where they would lose in 7 games to the LA Lakers. Sheed declared before the final game that it would be his last, and after chipping in an 11 point, 6 rebound performance, made his statement final.

Wallace should be in conversations of being one of the top 20 players in NBA history. He could have attended Hickory High. He would have been a perfect piece on the Wooden era UCLA teams. His name should mentioned amongst the NBA greats, alongside Russell and Cousy, Bird and Magic, and Jordan and Pippen for their love of the game and passion to win. Instead, it is history marred by temperament and turmoil. It’s tragic that such a talent will be primarily remembered for missed free throws and being absent on a defensive rotation. Perhaps the referees can rest a little easier this offseason, but for Rasheed, it is the finale of his tenure as the poster boy for “What might have been”.

Share on Facebook

This is not a division in which the Rays should be competing. In fact, some talk has gone on in baseball this year to the notion of “floating divisions.” This was basically an idea that was started with the thought in mind that teams in the AL East are so far outspent by the Yankees and Red Sox that they never have a chance at the playoffs. This idea of floating divisions would move a team like the Rays (or the Blue Jays and Orioles) into a different division from year to year, based on a variety of competitive factors, with the idea being that this would give them a chance to compete for a postseason spot.

This argument has, at least temporarily, been put to rest by the Rays this year. In 2008 when they won the division and went to the World Series they were considered a fluke, a bit of a surprise that likely wouldn’t happen again. And yes, management will struggle to keep this team together in the years to come. But they were solid in 2009, and in 2010 they boast the best record in baseball thus far and are certainly no fluke. The Rays have basically provided the model for all small market teams out there (yes, I’m staring right at you Kansas City. Stop making excuses, get the right guys in your front office and make the necessary investments in your scouting and farm system). It may be easier said than done, and I won’t deny that it takes some luck, but the Rays, much like the A’s of ten years ago and the Twins in recent years, are showing that it certainly can be done.

The Rays have assembled arguably the best rotation in all of baseball, and a line-up that could go up against anyone this side of the Yankees and Phillies. Whether through the draft (David Price, BJ Upton, Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, James Shields, Wade Davis), or via trade (Ben Zobrist, Matt Garza) Tampa has shrewdly compiled a team that sports the best winning percentage in all of baseball and doesn’t appear to be letting up. Some pundits have gone so far as to say that they haven’t even started playing as well as they are capable. And they have done it in a cost effective manner and with a template (focus on the farm system and player development) to which any team, regardless of market size, should be paying attention.

Simply spending money doesn’t guarantee success. I could (and did) write an entire article on the Cubs inability to compete despite trailing only the Yankees and Red Sox in team payroll. Yes, a hard salary cap would certainly help to even the playing field so that a team like the Rays being successful wouldn’t be such a huge surprise. And yes, it would certainly be in the best interests of the smaller market teams if that ever happened. That said, my hope is that there is no salary cap until after Albert Pujols is making $40M per year playing first for the Red Sox so that I can stop having to watch him kill the Cubs as a member of the Cardinals. The Rays be damned, I would sign a deal with the devil to get Pujols out of St. Louis. But I digress.

With the current economic playing field as it is, it will certainly be a challenge for the Rays to keep their current roster in place long-term. It’s the hope here that the quality of baseball that is being played in Tampa Bay will result in more fan support and the capability to keep the majority of these guys in place. It’s the kind of story that gives fans in Pittsburgh and Kansas City hope. And hope is what any fan base needs. Just ask Cub fans.

Share on Facebook