Friday, July 15, 2011

Maybe You Can Have it All

So really I wanted to talk about Derek Jeter and his 3000k hits, but I'm too late. Congratulations to the man. He is and will always be my favorite baseball player, possibly even athlete.

The real reason I wanted to write was because Entourage starts its season next week and if you don’t know, it’s the last one. Now, for years I have been watching Entourage. I started watching during the second season. The show, at that time was very fresh and unknown. In fact, up until maybe season five, I only had three friends who watched it (Stephen, Dave, Lu). Today, everyone watches Entourage. I guess you can’t blame them. It’s captivating.

Those early days were the best for me. There was an exclusivity that went with watching Entourage. It was just so raw and underground, which sounds weird to say, but it was. I didn’t know any of the actors except maybe Jeremy Piven. The reason I knew him? He was the funny gay guy in Rush Hour 2. YouTube that ASAP if you've never seen it. Over the years Entourage has grown into a force in the television industry. It’s basically Sex and the City for guys and maybe some women, who knows.

The reason I think Entourage resonates with so many men is because it’s what we want. Money, women, friends, success, those are things most men are looking for, but can never attain. Entourage let us all live that life somehow. For 30 minutes every Sunday, between watching football, it takes the audience into a different world. And that world is, for lack of a better term, fucking baller.

Do you remember the first episode of season 5? Seriously, the opening scene is them in Mexico, with "Return of the Mack," blasting and beautiful women carrying in fresh caught fish from the ocean. That’s not how the average man lives, but you felt it. Entourage isn’t just about those moments that seem unattainable though.
The relationships the guys have are really important to the show. In the beginning the show was focused a lot on Vince, but overtime everyone really developed as a character which was great. We all know a Vince, the leader of the crew, but we can more so relate to Drama, Turtle and E. Each group of friends only has one Vince, like the Lakers only have one Kobe, but each team needs role players.

It’s hard to accomplish anything meaningful in life alone. It’s always better to share success and memories with other people.

Before I leave them out, Ari and Lloyd are probably one of the greatest duos in comedy history. Lloyd!!!!! I'm going to miss that. I’m going to Miss Ari's infamous quotes. My favorite I think and I’m doing this off memory so it may be wrong is, "Dana you've probably let enough guys finger your asshole that eventually you let them fuck it. And now you think you have me bent over with your finger in my ass hole. But I will not be fucked and Vinny will not pee in a cup, not for you, not for anyone!" That was genius.

My friend Stephen kind of put Entourage in perspective for me. He said something like "Entourage came out when we were 14, so it was kind of our coming of age show." He's right; Entourage is the show that defines the last 7 years of my life. This is my generations Seinfeld, Mash, Cosby Show; those are bad comparisons, but fuck it. Entourage is our show. Guys like me and unlike me are Entourage fans. Entourage has given me a guide to live my life by....now I just have to do it.

As a side note. The women in the show are great too. Sloan, who doesn’t want that to be your girlfriend? Ms. Ari, who doesn’t want her as a wife? Dana Gordon/Amanda Daniels/Shauna Roberts, those are some women who pull weight.

This show has everything. It’s going to live forever. Hollywood won’t change and neither will friends.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I F*cked Up...Knicks need Melo'

No the apocalypse is not upon us, but yes I am blogging again so soon. Like the title says, I fucked up. The Knicks definitely need Melo', but at what price?

After watching the squad get destroyed by the Lakers I realized having Melo' would be ideal. I'm not one of those people that says "by any means necessary." Fuck that. I want him, but at the right price. The deal that came out today had us giving up 3 starters (including Felton and Gallinari) plus Eddy Curry and getting back Melo' and Billups.

My problem with this is, nobody wants Chauncey Billups. Yes he can still ball, but he is old. Felton is much younger and playing way better. I just think it would be stupid to make that trade, which is why the Knicks didn't. I don't want to see Danilo go, but if he has to, I'll live.

In my perfect world we get rid of Wilson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Anthony Randolph, a draft pick we acquire from who knows where and we get back Carmelo. That to me sounds perfect. Anthony Randolph is a solid young player he just seems to have some character issues, which George Karl could fix.

Anyway, my homie inspired me to try the Melo cleanse starting tomorrow. No meats, no sweets. Anthony has been ballin' out, besides last night, since he finished the cleanse. Lets see how it works on normal people.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Not feeling Melo'

What up blog world? Its been a while, but I'm back with something on my mind. I dont want the Knicks to pick up Melo'.

Is Anthony one of the top five or six guys in the league? No question, but come on Knicks. Lets have a little pride and some balls. Amare is the center of the team right now and I think we should continue to build around him.

Landry Fields, sleeper of the draft, is quickly turning into one of the better swingmen in the game. Danilo is finally turning into the man we all thought he could be. Not only can he shoot, but he can put it on the ground and finish. Both of those guys would be gone if we pick up Melo. Is Anthony better than them? No question.

I just hate the direction the league is going in where everyone feels they need to team up to win. New York is a blue collar city and right now they have a blue collar team. Amare is the tough leader and Felton is second in command. I love this squad right now because they have so much room for improvement.

The Knicks arent a championship team right now, but does Melo' even make them one? Not in my opinion. We would still have to compete with the Celtics, Magic, Heat and then the Lakers in the finals. The Knicks need a big time center. I like Turiaf a lot, but hes not going to take us to a ship.

I like Melo' a lot hes one of my favorite players, but I want the Knicks unchanged. Most may disagree, but I think we have something great going. We'll see waht happens.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Early Season Thoughts

Its been a while since I got on here. Today seems like a good day to share my thoughts though.

Best Team(Right now)- Spurs

I said it. The Spurs are rolling. Tim Duncan is healthy and aging with grace. Tony Parker lost his girl, but he hasn't lost a step on the court. Manu looks great as a starter. Its a different feel having him in from the start of the game. Richard Jefferson is back to being himself after an off season last year. The Spurs are real contenders. Are they the team to beat in the west? No, that would be the defending champs from LA. Should the Lakers be worried? I think so. Once Bynum comes back the Lakers are officially the deepest and best team in the league; however if he isn't at full strength then it wont help them. As of right now the Spurs are playing the best basketball in the league. I'm impressed.

Rookie of the Year- Blake Griffin

This is kind of that "no shit" moment of the day. Blake Griffin is on another level compared to all the other rookies. Hes explosive, physical, and determined. If the Clippers were 15-8, Blake would be getting early consideration for MVP, but they suck. Its the Clippers though, they always suck. This guy is going to be a star. Could you imagine one day seeing Clippers vs Lakers in the playoffs? That's something basketball fans would love, especially if it could happen this year or next. Anyway, Bleezy is the best rookie hands down.

Surprise Team- Knicks

Wow, my Knicks don't suck for the first time in a long time. Amare is coming on strong as of late, putting up over 30 a game over the last six games. Raymond Felton is a perfect fit in New York. Hes tenacious and has some flare, which fans in New York love. The biggest surprise from the Knicks has been Landry Fields. He seems like a plain Jane type dude to me, but hes making an impact. Over 10 points a game and over seven boards a game. The Knicks look poised to make the playoffs and that's a good thing for the league. If New York and LA are in the playoffs the NBA is in good shape. If the Knicks keep this up they may be able to make some noise come April.

Early Season MVP- Derrick Rose

Please watch a Bulls game if you can. Rose is the most entertaining player in the game right now. He can take it to the hoop, hes developed a jump shot, and can even step out and shoot the three ball. Rose has matured so much in such a short amount of time. He kept Chicago afloat while Boozer was out and now he looks to take them to the next level. If this team can gel and really put the pieces together, I could see them in the Eastern Conference Finals. They wont get to the finals, but they could get close. I think Chicago is one shooting guard away from being a championship team. With that said though, they have an amazing point guard in Rose that can overcompensate for his team's deficiencies.

Its been a great month and a half so far. I cant wait to see what else is in store for this season.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Fav 5: Centers

Ah, finally I'm back and this is going to finish this series. I have had a lot going on lately, personal stuff. When life hands you lemons, doesn't mean you have to make lemonade.


#5 Vlade Divac 

Okay, he flopped a lot, I'll give you that. Divac could ball though. He was so smart with the ball. He always knew the correct decision to make with the ball, whether it be a pass, shot, or strong take to the rim. Like his boys Mike Bibby and Chris Webber, I love Vlade for his days in Sacramento. He held down the middle with those guys for a number of years. That Sacramento team is one of the greatest teams to never make the finals. They were the definition of team work and Vlade was their leader. Not to mention Vlade was a trailblazer for other players coming out of Europe. ESPN 30 for 30 are the best.

#4 Patrick  Ewing

I'm a Knicks fan. Ewing had to make the list. He carried the Knicks for years. In fact putting the team on his back may have lead to an early demise of his knees and body overall. He never won a ring, but he did make it to the Hall of Fame.I must say that isn't totally bad. Sure, every player wants a ring, but the Hall of Fame is pretty special. Knicks fans are still waiting for the next Patrick Ewing. Please God, let it be Amare.

#3 Hakeem Olajuwon

The dream had moves for days. His soccer background made him quick on his feet. He beat his opponents not only with his physical ability, but his intelligence. I don't know if the league will ever see another big man quite like "The Dream." Remember when he put in work on David Robinson? Yikes. It happens to everyone I guess. He did some work with Dwight Howard over the summer, so maybe we'll see his game pick up now as well.

#2 Marcus Camby

I don't even know why. Camby's just always been a guy I liked. He cant do too much on offense, but makes up for it with his rebounding and defense. He's 36 now and still playing just as well as he always did. I don't have much to say about Camby just because I'm not even sure why I like the guy so much, but he gets respect.

#1 Shaq

The Diesel is a man among men. No player has ever been as dominant. Well Jordan was dominant, but even he didn't shoot 60% for his career. Let me not get anything twisted, Jordan is the best ever, but Shaq is no joke. Sure now days he isn't ripping down backboards and tossing opposing centers, but hes still a force. In his prime Shaq was the best player in the league. 3 time Finals MVP. We'll never know who needed whom more, Shaq or Kobe, but I think the big man could have done it with someone else. Kobe obviously can do it now too with Pau. Maybe they never needed each other? Anyway, in my opinion Shaq is the best center of all time. Maybe he'll cop another ring with the Celtics this season.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fav 5: Power Forwards

Damn, does anyone slack as much as I do? If you don't know what I'm doing by now then I really cant help you out. Its in the title of the post. Anyway lets get it going.

#5 Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol is the most skilled player in the post in today's NBA. His efficiency and smooth moves around the hoop  are incredible to watch. Sure he hasn't showered since 2002 or 2003, but that dirt and grime makes Pau the man he is. He was a leader for the Grizzlies for a number of years and has become a superstar in LA. If your team is playing LA you almost have to turn away every time they give the ball to Pau. The reason? You know he is going to drop two points on his defender and their is nothing anyone can do to stop him. Pau is still relatively young and considering his game isn't built off athletic ability, we should be seeing this domination for years to come.

#4 Tim Duncan

If the Dos Equis man is "The Most Interesting Man in the World" then Tim Duncan has to be "The Most Boring Dude Ever." Sure his personality is...different, but Tim can ball. In fact, he's probably the best power forward in the history of the game. Lets see, four rings,  two MVP trophies,  12 time all-star, All NBA team 13 times. Wow. Talk about distinguished. Duncan's been a terror on the court since his days at Wake Forest. Hes the most fundamental player I've ever seen and it makes him great. Nothing flashy, just the stuff coaches try to teach young kids coming up. Of course he does it at a much higher level, and has some of the best footwork ever seen, but that's beside the point. Tim Duncan is arguably the best player of the last decade along with Kobe. Some may find this crazy, but look at the accolades and team production and an argument can be made. Not to mention Timmy was a beast on defense. The guy has a vertical of maybe 7 inches, but can block almost any shot. Duncan has excellent timing. Now days Tim Duncan is slowing down and may only have two or three seasons left, but people will always remember him for winning championships and playing the game the right way.

#3 Chris Webber

Some people are never going to forget what went down with C-Webb in college, but I'm not one of those people. I could care less about it. When I think of Webber I think of one of the best all around players I grew up watching. Webber was a handful on the offensive end. He could shoot the 17 footer with ease, he had the post moves, he had the mean dunks, and he also had some of the sickest passes for a big man. When Webber got the ball on the low block he was either going to face up and score, throw a sick behind the back pass, or put a crafty post move on you and finish the play. I'll always remember his days in Sac-Town and the joy that team brought to me. Him, Divac, Bibby, Stojakovic, Christie and all the other players made the west interesting when LA was running the league. The whole Tim Donaghy scandal now makes me wonder if that Sacramento team could have won a ring, but we'll never know. What I do know is that C-Webb doesn't get the love he deserves from the basketball world and people should check out his highlights.

#2 Kevin Garnett

KG is the realest dude in the NBA, which makes him one of my favorite players ever. Raw emotion is a given with this guy. He plays every game like its his last and lifts his team to new heights at all times. KG spent pretty much all of his good years in Minnesota with a sub par supporting cast. The reason for that is because KG is a loyal guy. He could have skipped out on the team after his contract ran out, but he stayed and earned an MVP award in the process. Garnett regrets it now, but I think a lot of people respect what he did. Hes even the one who publicly told LeBron not to waste his time in Cleveland. Talk about good looking out. Although KG is a great scorer, rebounder and defender, none of that is running across my brain right now. All I can think about is the skinny man with huge heart. He may not be the best power forward ever, but he definitely is one of the most memorable players of all time. Oh and he got his ring with Boston. Lets see what "the old guys" can do this year.

#1 Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk is kind of the Jackie Robinson of this list. Hes the first European/white guy to be number one, but that should not surprise you. Dirk has been blazing his own path since he came into the league. German, 7 foot, baller, that's the best way to describe Dirk. Hes without a doubt one of the most skilled offensive players in the history of the game. Jumper, hes got that. Fade away, hes got that. Ability to go to the rack, yep. You see where I'm going? This guy can do it all on offensive. He completely revolutionized the position. I'm not sure if I'll see a power forward ever again quite like Dirk. Hes almost a shooting guard with height. Its just wild to think about the things he can do on the court. Dirk is till chasing that elusive ring, but he still has a couple of good years left. Will he win the ring? I don't think he will unless he has another big name. He needs a LeBron, Durant, Melo or Wade to compliment him. But that doesn't look like its going to happen anytime soon. Dirk's ability to do it all on the offensive end at an efficient level makes him my favorite PF of all time.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Top 5 Small Forwards

So you all know the drill by now. Well if anyone reads this, they know the drill. Here we go, top 5 Small Forwards.

#5 Tracy Mcgrady

T-Mac was the man during the early-mid 2000s. This guy went from a potential draft bust to a superstar. Once he left Toronto and established himself in Orlando it was a wrap. He showed he was an elite NBA player. T-Mac could shoot, drive and rise up to throw it down on his opponents. One of the great things about T-Mac was that he hit the most difficult shots. He didn't care about who was on him or what angle the shot was at, he was going to take it. I think people will always remember when Mcgrady torched Tim Duncan and the Spurs for 13 points in 33 seconds to win a game at the buzzer. That is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen on a basketball court. Go try to hit six jumpers in 33 seconds, I promise it wont be easy. Its kind of sad what has become of T-Mac's career. So many injuries, so many missed games, I just hope he can bounce back this year. Time will tell.

#4 Carmelo Anthony

Melo' is a beast. He is truly someone I enjoy watching. One thing that is dope about Melo is the fact that he doesn't look like LeBron. He comes from the Antoine Walker/Paul Pierce body sculpting class more so than the LeBron/Len Bias class. Anyway, Melo' is one of the best players in the league right now and will be for many years to come. He is a lot like T-Mac was back in his glory days. Anthony literally has no weaknesses on the offensive end. He can bang with you in the post, drive around you, rise up over you, or J it in your face. Melo' has the best mid-range game in the NBA right now. His pull up jumper is so clean and so pretty. I feel bad for anyone who has to defend him. In fact if you do have to defend him...take the night off. Melo' is going to light up any defender and probably make them look foolish at some point.

#3 LeBron James

I know a lot of people don't really care for the man anymore, but he can ball. LBJ is the greatest physical specimen to play basketball. Hes 6'8, weighs as much as a line backer, and runs like a track athlete. LeBron James is incredible to watch, from the dunks to the chase down blocks, he does it all. What LeBron does better than anyone is attack the hoop. There is no one, and I mean no one, who wants to challenge LeBron James mid-air. He may not have a clean offensive game like Melo', but Lebron is super efficient. He gets the looks he wants and half the time he converts. On top of being a great scorer, hes a great passer and rebounder. LeBron is a triple-double waiting to happen. In Cleveland he literally did everything for the team. I can't wait to see what he does in Miami once he joins D-Wade.  F*ck the haters LeBron, do what you do.

#2 Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson AKA Grandma-ma was a beast at UNLV and a monster when he first got into the league. I don't remember much of his early days, but from the highlights and game footage I can tell he was no joke. What I remember most about LJ are his days with the Knicks. Johnson was the emotional leader on the team and was one of the main reasons the team was able to get to the NBA finals in 1999. One of my favorite moments in basketball history is his 4-point play against the Pacers which put the Knicks in the finals. LJ was hobbled by injuries throughout his career, but he carried on like a warrior. I have nothing, but the utmost respect for him. Thanks for the memories brah.

PS- I know he played PF more so than SF, but PFs is going to be packed next week. 

#1 Vince Carter

Air Canada. Half Man/Half Amazing. The best dunker EVER. Vince Carter is my favorite small forward of all-time. He was an extremely bad dude. VC is the best dunker in the history of dunks. the 2000 dunk contest was the most amazing thing I had ever seen when I was a 10-year-old. He jumped so high and threw it down so hard. 360s, Windmills, between the legs, this guy could do any dunk. He truly was an amazing athlete. It wasn't just the dunks either. Carter was an overall great scorer. He hit tough shots and wasn't scared to go up on anyone. He dunked on ever great shot blocker of his time. Carter is still in the league and still doing his thing today. He may not be Air Canada anymore, but he still gets it in. I don't know what his legacy will be when his playing days are done, but I'll always remember him as one of the most entertaining players of his generation.