Empty the Bench

- 20 Second Timeout – Kobe has taken Rondo out of the series, forcing the Celts to adapt.
- SLAM Online – Kendrick Perkins is now doubtful for Game 6 as well. Interesting…
- OC Register – Phil’s asinine substitutions worked out? Um, no. No they didn’t.
- HOOPSWORLD – Shipping Zach Randolph to Philly actually makes a lot of sense.
- The World of Doug Christie – Dougie isn’t taking this latest Tim Donaghy news so well.
- Fanhouse – Could Andrew Bogut be in line for a max contract? Nah.
- We Are the Postmen – Athletes get blocked by the rim, too. They’re just like us!
- Bobcats Planet – Five excellent reasons not to draft Brook Lopez.
- ESPN – Taking a look at how Team USA’s roster is shaping up this summer.
- Queen City Hoops – The latest ‘Sheed to Charlotte proposal? Thanks, but no thanks.
- On Deck Fantasy – Ten NBA players who probably deserve a knuckle sandwich.
- Gossip on Sports – Comparing Celtics fans to Nazi sympathizers is not a good simile.
- My Sports Rumors – Charlie Villanueva, Mo Williams and Michael Redd are on the block.

As long as the Los Angeles Lakers survive through the 2008 NBA playoffs, Empty the Bench’s West Coast correspondent Christopher Thell will be submitting a local fan’s take on his beloved Lakers’ postseason trials, tribulations and successes. In this edition: for better or worse, LA won.

Two nights after an epic collapse, the Lakers escaped with an arduous 103-98 victory that is either a curse or a blessing for Lakers faithful.

If The Lake Show no shows for the next game, or plays in any way similar to their putrid showings in Games 1 and 2 in Beantown, they’ll get blown out in Game 6 and one might well argue that it would be better if things had just ended in Game 5 — letting the healing process begin.

However, you might also argue that Kobe and company are due for a good game in Boston – and they’ll find a way to eke out a victory – setting up that most delicious of events, a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Now that would be fun. Nothing in sports is better than watching which great athletes are able to rise to the occasion and perform admirably under intense pressure on the grandest stage. Who among the stars and role players on each team possess the testicular fortitude to play well in a Game 7? Would it be Kobe? Pierce (by far the best player on the court in the Finals so far)? Maybe Cassell or Vujacic? And how would KG handle the pressure?

In order to force a Game 7, the Lakers are going to have to play better in Game 6 than they did in Game 5.

Putting the series in perspective, after the jump…

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Rumor: Dwyane Wade could be traded to the Chicago Bulls for a package that includes the #1 overall pick in the draft (aka Memphis PG Derrick Rose).

Source: Chicago Tribune

Analysis:

Two seasons ago it looked like Dwyane Wade was the second coming of Michael Jordan after he carried his Miami Heat to an NBA title with a slew of spectacular individual performances and an onslaught of… free throws.

But with his draft classmate from ’03, a guy by the name of LeBron James, elevating his game and starpower to new levels, Kobe Bryant re-establishing himself as the world’s best all-around hooper, and the Heat sputtering to the league’s worst record in ’08, Wade is finding out the hard way that this is a “what have you done for me lately?” league.

Wade has now played in just 51 games for two straight seasons due to a laundry list of ailments that are increasingly tagging him as a significant year-to-year injury risk. Fair or not, the 6-4 combo guard has still yet to play in all 82 regular-season games over his first five professional seasons, a fact that would force any team to think twice about heavily investing in this would-be franchise player.

Dwyane Wade Photo Credit: Icon SMI

And there’s the Wade conundrum: when healthy, he’s clearly one of the league’s very best scorers, a guy who will shoot about 10 free throws a game, facilitate the offense with about 7 assists/per, and generally make things very difficult on opposing defenders. When his jumper is on—he’s a career 48% shooter—Wade can be nearly unstoppable. He’s also a plus defender who averages about 2 steals and 1 block/per.

A lot of teams would love to have the 26-year-old Wade on their squad. The injury history is a major caveat, however, which is one reason he’s finding himself the subject of trade rumors this summer.

More on the Dwyane Wade trade rumor after the jump…

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- Waiting for Next Year – Danny Ferry to Big Z: “I can’t go for that, no, no… no can do.”
- The Sports Hernia – First Michelle Tafoya’s head takes over the Finals, then the world.
- Red’s Army – Checking back in with that vaunted Los Angeles Lakers defense.
- Wizards Insider – Nothing like sitting next to Ron Artest to spice up a Finals game.
- NY Post – Julius Hodge is back with a better attitude and ready for the NBA.
- Ball Don’t Lie – As big a letdown as it was for LA fans, that was a classic game.
- HOOPSWORLD – Ten current NBA players who will make excellent head coaches.
- The Onion – Another celebrity sighting! Larry Bird (of Space Jam fame) at Game 2.
- The World of Isaac – Not only is Dick Bavetta an irritable coot, he’s also a cheater.
- The Big Lead – Walter Ray Allen has been reborn in these NBA Finals.
- People – Why bother working on your b-ball game when you have a supermodel fiance?
- BallHype – Sasha Vujacic throws a temper tantrum after being embarassed by Ray Allen.

As long as the Los Angeles Lakers survive through the 2008 NBA playoffs, Empty the Bench’s West Coast correspondent Christopher Thell will be submitting a local fan’s take on his beloved Lakers’ postseason trials, tribulations and successes. In this edition: utter devastation.

That haiku succinctly summarizes Game 4. I would write more but the sordid details of the Lakers 97-91 loss to the Celtics after leading by 24 in the first half and 20 with 7:07 remaining in the 3rd quarter are simply too painful and maddening to recount.

In the sage words of Walter Sobchak, “Aww, fuck it Dude. Let’s go bowling.”

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Get ready to hear a lot of hot air blown across the Internet and sports talk radio waves today.

Just when you thought Kobe Bean’s so-called badboy image had been swept back under the rug, the league’s MVP makes a confession about his post-game plans that are bound to reinforce the idea that he’s a flawed, hard-to-market superstar.

Indeed, there’s plenty to talk about today in regards the Celtics’ historic 97-91 win that essentially clinched the 2008 NBA Championship… and I just really, really hope that 95% of the talk revolves around the Celtics’ heroics and not Bryant’s honest, if not a bit unpalatable to The Great NBA Marketing Machine, assessment of how he’d be dealing with the loss:

“Lot of wine, lotta beer, couple shots, maybe like 20 of them, digest it and get back to work tomorrow. Nothing you can do,” he said.

OMG–a grown man is going to cope with his team blowing a 24-point lead and a real chance at coming back to win this series by having a few alcoholic beverages! Gasp! Nooooo!!

I have a suspicion that a few well-known NBA writers are going to make Bryant’s suds-centric comments from a mole hill into a mountain, which really is a shame. ESPN talking heads will be talking about this as yet another example of him being a poor role model, of him having questionable character, and about how he’s still not the kind of mature leader everyone expects him to be. I hope I’m wrong.

True–he’s the reigning MVP of the Association, one of its most enigmatic personalities, and a guy David Stern would love to employ as a dignified spokesman. But while he maybe could have chosen his words a bit more carefully, Bryant is human just like you and me. He was devastated by the loss and with his personal contributions to the loss (6-19 FG), and damnit if I wouldn’t be thinking about having a few drinks if I was in the same position too. After all the hard work it took to get here, Bryant and his Lakers were this close to turning the tide, only to see a surefire win slip through their fingers and their chances at a title with it.

It was a tough day at the office for Kobe Bryant. A really tough one. The man shouldn’t be faulted for thinking about downing few beers and.. well.. I guess a lotta wine and about 20 shots too.

Kobe Bryant Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Related: Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Postcards from LA, Boston Celtics

The celebrities will be out in Inglewood, California tonight. After a disappointing trip to Boston, Los Angeles’ star power shone bright in the last contest, lead by a high-octane offense and their charismatic superstar. Back home in The Forum these Los Angeles Lakers can regain control of the series with a strong performance tonight. But don’t expect those nagging, physical longshoremen from Boston to just lay down for these Hollywood stars…

Here’s everything you need to know about the series so far:

- Hoops Addict – A case for Paul Pierce as the biggest of Boston’s Big Three.
- Chicago Sports Review – Here’s a new thought: the Del Negro hire was a good one.
- Foul Balls – Then again, Jesse Jackson says the Bulls’ coaching hire is unacceptable, so…
- ath1337 – Ten of the NBA’s most marketable rookies-to-be. (Read: big money is on the way.)
- The Play in CA – ESPN’s photo crew had some rather amusing shots from Game 3.
- Extra Mustard – Jason Kidd has a new girlfriend to abuse. Oh, shut up.
- SSNN.com – Riding around in a wheelchair is nothing new for Paul Pierce.
- Denver Post – Everybody has an opinion for or about Carmelo Anthony these days.
- Deadspin – Michael Wilbon is a fan of big, plastic boobs stuffed into Laker tanktops.
- Celtics Blog – Doc Rivers would actually consider starting Tony Allen at the point tonight.
- The World of Isaac – “Ubuntu” as it will surely appear in 2009 dictionaries and beyond.
- Cuzoogle – The Great Garbo’s tenure with the Raptors may be coming to a close.
- Part Mule – At long last, the NBA’s All-Ugly Team has been revealed.

Rumor: Jermaine O’Neal could be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers could trade Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejao and the No. 19 pick to Indiana for Jermaine O’Neal.”

Source: Waiting for Next Year

Analysis:

If healthy, Jermaine O’Neal can be the type of dynamic low-post defensive presence and interior scorer that the Cavaliers sorely need. When playing at full strength Jermaine is one of the NBA’s better shot blockers and his skills would seem to fit very nicely alongside LeBron. “If healthy” and “When playing at full strength” are major caveats here though. A healthy Jermaine O’Neal is like a dodo bird: I’m convinced it simply doesn’t exist anymore. Any trade involving the 6-11 PF/C is caveat emptor , and that’s before you look at his inflated contract.

As hard as it may be to believe, O’Neal in his 11th season already and is just a year younger than Kevin Garnett. In those 11 seasons he’s never played all 82 games. Over the last four seasons his games played totals have been 42, 69, 51 and 44. And even among those few games actually played a majority have been at less than full strength.

Of course the Pacers are all too eager to unload the injury ravaged big man. They’ve got a new core of young players centered around Mike Dunleavy, Jr. and Danny Granger. O’Neal looms large in their legers as well, owed over $44 million the next two seasons. His contract stands as their only major impediment to true rebuilding.

Jermaine O’Neal and LeBron James Photo Credit: Icon SMI

I know he has some big fans out there, but I don’t consider Anderson Varejao to be an impact player by any means. He’s just another niche Cavalier player who can’t put the ball in the basket. It’s also conceivable that his effectiveness will be greatly reduced with increased attention paid to flopping in the coming season. The No. 19 pick is a nice piece, but it’s unlikely to net any player who will come in and make an immediate difference. Cleveland is focused in the short term on keeping LeBron happy and doing whatever it takes to keep him in Ohio.

The Cavs know there is a distinct possibility of LeBron donning a Brooklyn Nets jersey as early as 2010-11. That’s why it’s especially troubling that Big Z’s name is included here. On an offensively challenged team like Cleveland where the Celtics defense didn’t have respect for anybody but ‘Bron, Ilgauskas was one of the only Cavs who could knock down his open jumpers. He was also one of the few players on the roster who did more than just one or two things well. Also, Varejao and Big Z can come off the books as early as next summer, giving the Cavs much needed cap space to lure in a sidekick for LeBron.

So why would the Cavs want another big man with a litany of injury problems and an albatross contract? I don’t know. Again, when healthy he brings an inside presence on both ends that nobody else on their roster provides. This is a three-time All-NBA player and six-time NBA All-Star who finished third in the MVP voting for 2003-04. He’s a skilled individual. But GM Danny Ferry has to know he’s also irreparably damaged goods, right? And with only three players on the books past the upcoming season, they wouldn’t take on another major contract for an aging player, right?

Then again, this is the franchise that agreed to pay Ben Wallace over $28 million for the next two seasons…

Related: Jermaine O’Neal, LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

On the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard in Harlem sits one of the most legendary courts in the basketball universe. The Mecca of street hoops: Rucker Park. They’ve been playing in Rucker since the 1960s and over the years some pretty classic basketballers have come through, names like Earl “The Goat” Mannigault, Wilton Chamberlain, Lew Alcindor, Jr, and Julius Winfield Erving II.

Now I don’t usually get into sports movies, I prefer to just watch the real thing. But I have to say I’m psyched for the upcoming Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot (No, I didn’t get paid to write this… yet… ). It’s about the Elite 24 at Rucker Park Game from the summer of 2006 and hits theaters later this month. Directed by Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, Gunnin’ features three dudes still playing high school ball and five 2008 NBA Draft prospects including Michael Beasley, Kevin Love and Jarryd Bayless.

For those of you interested in checking out the latest and greatest ballers Rucker has to offer, the 2008 EBC season will kick off on June 16th. It’s just a shot trip up the 3 Train.

I’ve never been, but I fully intend to check it out this summer. Maybe we’ll see you there. I’ll be the goofy looking white dude nervously looking around, politely clapping and desperately trying not to make eye contact.

Hat tip to Ball Don’t Lie on the YouTube goodness

- NY Daily News – Ex-referee Tim Donaghy is ruining the NBA Finals for everybody.
- Sacramento Bee – And Kings fans are contemplating questionable playoff exits.
- The Sports Hernia – It is absolutely crucial that you are aware this is the NBA Finals.
- LA Ball Talk – Kobe dropped jaws while the rest of the Lakers hung on for dear life.
- Celtics Blog – If that’s the best the Lakers have to offer this series will be over in five.
- Brahsome – Kobe doesn’t mind all those talking heads throwing shit at the window.
- The World of Isaac – Tim Donaghy might be a thief, a liar, a cheater and a snitch, but…
- Zoner Sports – Don’t look so glum, Bulls fans. The Vinny Del Negro era could be a lot of fun.
- Ghosts of Wayne Fontes – You don’t know everything about Rodney Stuckey…
- Mixmakers – Fresh off the presses: Paul Pierce jerseys sure to be popular in his native LA.
- Bullets Forever – Everything you need to know about Gilbert Arenas’ offseason.
- Cadenaser – Garbajosa negocia la ruptura de su contrato con los Raptors (bought out).
- NBA.com – Taking a look at five of the NBA D-League’s greatest success stories.
- The Blowtorch – This isn’t the first time Lamar Odom has let us all down.
- Larry Brown Sports – Every sport has it’s problems, from steroids to cheating franchises.
- Craig’s List – trade my hot wife for 2 celts tickets! – $2 (medford)

As long as the Los Angeles Lakers survive through the 2008 NBA playoffs, Empty the Bench’s West Coast correspondent Christopher Thell will be submitting a local fan’s take on his beloved Lakers’ postseason trials, tribulations and successes. In this edition: The Lake Show finally shows up with a Finals win.

The Lakers’ performance so far in the Finals reminds me of Cool Hand Luke – they’re bound and determined to make things hard on themselves and, as much as you’re rooting for them, you get the unmistakable feeling that they’re going to come up just short.

The Lakers took a 43-37 halftime lead thanks to 19 points from Kobe Bryant, who was his usual MVP self, and 12 points from Sasha Vujacic, who provided a huge spark off the bench, shooting 4-5 from the field in the first half.

The thing is, The Lake Show’s lead should have been at least fifteen. The Lakers shot a disgusting 12-22 from the charity stripe in the first half, with Bryant and Gasol being the prime culprits, going 7-12 and 2-6 respectively. Not only that, but Paul Pierce and KG combined for only 4 points on 2-16 shooting in the opening quarters.

If there ever was a game for the Lakers to win, it was this one. They were finally playing at home and getting the calls (not bogus ones, mind you – just a fair game), two thirds of Boston’s Big Three were playing terrible, and Kobe was having a marvelous evening.

But, instead of being up fifteen or so at the half, it was only six. And instead of having a comfortable second half where they easily put away the cold shooting Celtics (34% from the field for the game – Pierce and KG combined to go 8-35), the Lakers had to eke out an 87-81 victory.

Why Lakers are finished unless “The Brie Brothers” step up after the jump…

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