You Ever Caught for Carlos Zambrano?

You ever caught for Carlos Zambrano... ON WEED???

Last November, voters in Massachusetts overwhelmingly decided to decriminalize marijuana. If less than one ounce of marijuana is found in your possession, then the maximum penalty is a $100 fine, with no criminal record of the incident. The good people of Massachusetts basically stated, "If you smoke weed, then who gives a shit? We got better things to worry about." And with good reason, because honestly, if you think smoking marijuana is a crime, then move to Malaysia and get a job with the government, you will fit right in... You jackass.

Better still, go work for the WWL.

Geovany Soto tested positive for Marijuana during the World Baseball Classic this passed Spring and unlike the good people of Massachusetts, ESPN decided they should make a big deal out of it. However, ESPN does not treat these stories with the same gravity as they would, say a PED story. When Manny Ramirez tested positive for whatever the hell he tested positive the mood down in Bristol most closely resembled a funeral. At times it felt as if Manny was some kind of victim. At best, he was a cautionary tale, rather than an outright cheater who should exposed and ridiculed for his actions. Most likely, however, ESPN was simply mourning the loss of a default story line; Manny went 0 for 4 in the game, but look! He has dreadlocks! Oh, Manny.

Contrast the tone of the Sotojuana story with that of the Manny saga. ESPN was derisive with Soto, even to the point of being hypocritical. On the one side, ESPN wants to embarrass Soto, painting him as some kind of fool that deserves to be mocked because, well, only clowns smoke weed, right? But then out of the other side of their mouth, they make light out of the situation.

Banter

Stu Scott: Stone Cold Soto's apparently more concerned with appeasing his craving for munchies, then boosting his OPS.

/Chuckles

Neil Everett: Yeah, his numbers might not be high as last year, but he most certainly is...

/Guffaws.

Ahem, but seriously kids, smoking weed is wrong, and Mr. Soto has really set a bad example.

Stu Scott: Wrong like Cheech n' Chong... Oops!

/Explosions of laughter.

Now of course ESPN needs to report this information to it's consumers. But it's the manner in which it is reported that is an issue. Either it just report it, condemn it, or defend the guy. After you do that, leave it the fuck alone. But ESPN can't help itself. The next day after the report surfaced, writers over at the WWL just couldn't resist referring to Soto in a dismissive tone. From Friday, June 26th:

[The Cubs win] and they can thank Geovany Soto, of all people, for that.

And as the headline from the scoreboard read:

...Soto atones as Cubs top ChiSox

Atones for what? Every night after a game, players descend upon their favorite restaurant, bar, or club and get drunk. They don't get tested for alcohol that night or even the following morning and fans go blissfully unaware of the previous nights shenanigans. Except in the case of one Nick Adenhart. Not only was the driver that hit Adenhart's vehicle drunk, but so too was Adenhart, as well as Adenhart's driver. To my knowledge, we don't have intensive laws against high-driving, and to date, there haven't been many (or any) deadly car accidents because the driver was driving high, and only going 20 in a 35... Because the driver was so high.

The Adenhart incident is a tragedy and there is no attempt to paint the departed in a negative light. We have all either gotten behind the wheel, or allowed some other impaired driver bring us home, while drunk. But, which is the the greater threat? Getting high, or getting drunk? The results seemingly speak for themselves, but the decision is ultimately yours.

One thing is for certain, this was not Soto's first meeting with Mary Jane and it certainly won't be his last, he'll just more careful about the timing. So, if a 26 year-old man can climb his way into the Bigs, getting high on occasion (or often), and (most likely) not seriously endangering his or anyone else's life, then what is the issue? No, weed does not necessarily impact performance. No, he should not have to apologize for his actions. No, children do not take their pot-smoking cues from professional athletes who have tested positive for dope. Yes, you are ignorant if you think otherwise.

So pump the breaks, ESPN. Either laugh it off and chalk it up to the over-hyped non-sense that it is, or just report it as news. Shit, I got high this morning and still went to work. Think my boss or anyone else around me knows? Aside from the other person that's high, the answer is "Hell nah." Whatever you do, don't mount your high horse and make this young man feel any worse than he already does. He's already been embarrassed more than he should have been and doesn't need you piling on (as if he needs it, have you seen the dude's numbers lately? KILLING my fantasy squad). It's just some weed... There's no slippery slope here... Take a cue from Massachusetts and for once, ride a refreshing wave of just apathy.

Deadly Manuevers, pt. 2

Rondo Revisited


Salary and free agent "positioning" considerations aside, why would a team would even consider attempting to replace a performing fixture in your starting lineup? Why roll the dice and gamble on chemistry or even leave anything up to chance in the bumper car race to the free agent class of 2011? A better question might be, what's wrong with simply riding Rondo? Homoerotics aside.

As mentioned previously, Rondo's numbers have improved with each passing year that he has been in the league, in both the regular and post seasons. We can take a closer look here:

Season MP - - FG% -- FT% - ORB - DRB - TRB - AST - STL - TOV - PTS
06-07 - 1831 - .418 -- .647 --- 74 --- 218 -- 292 -- 297 -- 128 -- 137 -- 501
07-08 - 2306 - .492 - .611 ---- 78 --- 244 -- 322 -- 393 -- 129 -- 147 -- 814
08-09 - 2642 - .505 - .642 --- 100 -- 316 -- 416 -- 659 -- 149 -- 209 - 953

Of course, 2007 was a watershed for Rondo considering the arrival of two superstars to the mix. However, if you notice, the big boost in production did not come until the 08-09 season. Nearly 100 more rebounds, over 250 more assists, and 100 more points between this season and the last. These improvements are HUGE and there's no reason to believe that they are going to recede, or even level out, at least in the near future. Rondo is a freakish specimen, considering characteristics such as his outlandish wingspan (Bilas!) along with his speed and leaping ability, and as his confidence continues to grow, so too will his aggressiveness, and when Rondo is aggressive, he is at his best. At least based on what we saw in the Chicago series versus what we saw in the Orlando series.

And of course, Rondo has his drawbacks. Dude can't shoot worth a damn. But, as his numbers suggest, his shooting percentage is actually on the rise. Of course, this has more to do with his ability to get to the hole rather than to hit a 12-foot jumper. Plus, as we've seen, Rondo generally has very little trouble taking the ball to the basket, especially in transition. Many would argue that the only reason he has these opportunities is due to his teammates ability to occupy the defense, but isn't this always the case for any driving guard? And since when does a point guard need to be able to consistently knock down mid-range jumpers? If you recall, Jason Kidd has never been a great shooter nor a scorer, yet has been an institution in this league for nearly 15 years, twice leading his (below average) team to the NBA Finals. Kidd made his team better by being a decent defender, a solid rebounder, and a great passer. Rondo already has two of these capabilities, and is well on his way to achieving the third.

Perhaps the greatest concern for Rondo is his attitude. There have always been signals; a sour face here, a flip of the hand there, but nothing ever seemed like it was too much of a cause for concern. However, recent reports have surfaced with respect to Rondo's coachability and whether or not this could even become a bigger problem as Rondo approaches his contract season in 2010.

Whether or not Rondo's seemingly curious decision-making on the floor is a direct result of this "problem" or not, is difficult to say. However, this developing spat certainly complicates the contract issue at the end of next season. The Celtics could indeed end up losing their starting (premier) point guard, and receive nothing in return, and all as a result of some trade proposals gone bad and a loose-lipped executive. And that wouldn't be good for anyone. Well, maybe except Rondo.

Perhaps what is most bothersome about this situation is the lack of loyalty exemplified by certain parties. Now, this might come off as naive or idealistic, or even naively idealistic, but I am speaking more in terms of fanbase. Many Celtics fans seemed to jump at the chance of potentially removing Rondo from the roster. Sure, some had lofty notions of landing a big acquisition at the end of next season, and removing the "Rondo contract question" from the equation would certainly boost that possibility. Primarily, however, the cat calls have been focusing on Rondo's inability to perform (If I want to see missed layups, I'll go watch my son's youth games). Clever.

We have already looked at the numbers, so there is no reason to indulge these nonsensical accusations, but is there not something to be said for cultivating and maintaining homegrown talent? Boston fans used to hate the Yankees. Primarily, because they would always beat the Sox, but also because of the Yankees propensity for buying their talent. The Yanks would always seems to have an endless supply of talent due to their supreme wealth, so that they could always replenish diminishing resources. However, in recent years (and since the Sox have sort of turned the tables), Boston fans don't seem to mind bringing in outside talent to get the job done, even if their homegrown talent is the real reason for their success.

But, in this case, it just seems unnecessary.

As demonstrated, Rondo is a rising star. Is he going to be Chris Paul? No. Is he going to be Steve Nash? No. But he is going to be a prime-time point guard for years to come (and one who will play better defense then either of those two just mentioned). Plus, he has been making all-star guards such as Nash, Billups, and Iverson look foolish for the last two years, and did get the better of D. Rose in this year's playoff (No offense intended to anyone there. Just the fact is all). And when has his attitude been an issue up until this point? Prior to the advent of the "Big Three", Paul Pierce was not a popular cat in Boston. His attitude truly was a problem, but when he got what he needed, things changed. Pierce's attitude, however, was actually affecting the team. When and where has Rondo's attitude truly impacted the Celtics performance? Was it during their championship run?

What the Celtics should do is address that which is for certain; Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and even Kevin Garnett are approaching the end of their respective terms both with the Celtics and in the NBA, meaning that talent replenishment is going to be necessary. Also, considering last night's draft, if even a third of those first 9 point guards taken pan out, then there is going to be a serious need to match up at the point for years to come. This is compounded by the pre-existing rising talent level across the NBA at the position. Therefore, why not let Rondo know that he belongs right where he is? Make him happy, give him a long-term home. This will ensure not only that not all of the Celtics current talent is out the door by 2012, but also that they can match up with just about anyone in the back court. For the league is getting smaller and smaller, so why not hold onto one of the "biggest" point guards in the league? Or, the Celtics can risk being tormented by him for the next 8-10 years when he suits up for another team. The choice is theirs.

Instead of rolling the dice, the Celtics should consider Rondo to be their future. Look how frustrated Rondo gets in transition. The Celtics are currently a slow and/or old team. Rondo is fast and young. Too often is he alone in the break, leading to him simply pull the ball back and setting up the offense or, in the worst case scenario, putting up a difficult shot in the face of an odd-man defense. Why not support this style? Adding a free agent such as Shawn Marion, getting younger, and pushing the ball could really open up Rondo's potential even more. They don't have to be the Phoenix Suns circa 2005, but the Celtics could flourish in the Rondo era if they play to this strengths. Rondo is a beast in the open court, it's when things slow down that he has difficulty. If the dinosaurs are on their way out anyway, and Rondo is here to stay, then why not roll with it?

Why not just roll with Rondo...?

Rock CriDick - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix

Upon initial inspection of the latest release from French pop rockers, Phoenix, it's easy to gloss over the emotion behind the effort. The album is a lesson in hypertension. Bloated veins giving way to jittery fingers, and a hard, fast rhythm all hide the fact that a simple, beating heart is at the center of this phenomena. The main question being, is Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix simply a well-timed summer album, perfect for outdoor dance parties and white-knuckled road trips, or is it something to be reveled in at one moment, yet only casually appreciated over time? Or rather, is it a timeless album whose true depth will only be revealed in time, when our common tragedies cause us to hearken back to comforting imagery and enduring spirit that is carried throughout each track?

In a recent interview, Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars stated that the goal of this album was to combine songs 'that wouldn’t make sense together, except that they were played by the same band.' When first running through the album, Phoenix' Strokesy approach seems to suggest that Mars may not have fulfilled this particular goal as each song seemingly blends together and seamlessly. Whether it's the general pacing of each song, their trademark wavering guitars or Mars' penchant for rolling word-repetition, the album, at least at first, seems to be sonically cohesive.

However, this superficial consistency seems to fall apart upon repeated spins. Look no further than the segues between tracks 2 > 3 (1901 > Fences) and 3 > 4 (Fences > Love is Like a Sunset pt. 1). The flow established at the beginning of the album is disrupted when things begin to slow down for a time. So perhaps Mars is able to achieve the goal set forth at the outset of this particular project.

However, Phoenix tips their hand at this very point, even betraying their original intent. Behind the gangbusting pop from which the album charges forth, lies a deep melancholy. Fences' 80's synth pop reels the delirium in for a time, weighing down the whole affair and discussing the barriers form over time come between ex-lovers. Love is Like a Sunset plays like a Nine Inch Nails track gone soft, although I'm sure even Trent Reznor has had his heart broken as well. By the time the pace picks back up, the subject matter of the album has been revealed, so much so that not even the sharp pop/rock of Lasso can hide the album's therapeutic aim. Mars missed his mark, but we're all richer for it.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix successfully reminds us not to judge a book by it's cover. While the band's pop wizardry comes off as something breezy or even transient, the subject matter of the album seems to betray this impression. Your neighbor's grass might be greener than yours, but that still doesn't mean that all is well behind the front door and inside the bedroom. Even Franz Liszt and Mozart themselves encountered the ugly at some point or another, yet both were able to rise above it and create beauty in spite of it.

And not to completely indulge in the emo side of things, for this album's overarching energy and execution are still the main reasons for it's relevance, but Phoenix' existentialist approach to such inevitable darkness is the reason why the album succeeds on so many levels. Rather than resort to anguish and quietude, Phoenix is able to harness the energy, accept for what it is and embrace the best way the know how; transfer it through their aptly-honed pop sensibilities, and in a consistent fashion. So, if love truly is like a sunset, then why be concerned with what the night has to bring? Why not squeeze as much pleasure and beauty out of these inescapable events and the memories they provide? It's all just fuel for the fire Phoenix' fire anyway.

FSD Mock Draught 1.1

Welcome to FSD's first annual NBA (Lottery) Mock Draft. We have studied the game film, met with individual GM's, and have successfully determined the EXACT draft order for tonight's event, so ***SPOILER ALERT***, read no further if surprises are your thing.

So, why are we only looking at the first 14 picks of the draft? Well, for consistency's sake is all (of course!). You see, the whole issue of luck does not disappear once the official NBA Lottery is completed. No, sir. For no matter which prospect a team selects, there is always an element of risk and nothing is a sure bet... Also, we were only able to get in touch with so many GM's, so ahm... the data was ahm... compilation was an...

Look, we're just too lazy to go through all 30 picks, okay?! Jeez. What are you my 6th grade algebra teacher or something? Anyway, onto the picks!




1. Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin - PF Oklahoma

This is the obvious choice, though we've got word that Ricky Davis is making a late push for Thabeet. Apparently he can't decide who is funnier-looking after a fat blunt.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Demar DeRozan - SG USC

The addition of DeRozan gives the Grizzlies the most capital letters in the League, and their own "Big Three" of ball-hogging swingmen with questionable character issues.

OR

Abstained

Nobody wants to play in Memphis. No, seriously...check out their Team Roster http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/roster?team=mem , courtesy of espn.com

3. OKC Thunder

Hasheem Thabeet - C UCONN

Thabeet's presence in the paint on the defensive end is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Thunder, much to the dismay of Ricky Davis. Picture this guy in a cowboy hat and chaps:

4. Sactown Kings

James Harden - G Arizona State

The 1st round pick assured to have the most irrelevant NBA career goes to the most irrelevant NBA team last season. A match made in heaven.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Ricky Rubio - PG Espana

This is a really a shame since Rubio thinks he's a whole lot better than he actually is, much like Gilbert Arenas, Antwan Jamison, DeShawn Stevenson...shit, this entire squad has an inflated self-image. Therefore, he would have been a perfect fit for the DC circus. Instead young Ricky will be drafted by the Wolves and then held as a poker chip for some sloppy team that wants to waste lots of money on a player who will be terrible and probably end up murdering a hooker prior to the Freshman-Sophomore game during All-Star weekend.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

Tyreke Evans - PG Memphis

Did y'all know that Brian Cardinal AND Mark Madsen are on the Wolves? Truth be told, I actually think this would be a good pick for them. Their frontcourt is respectable (maybe a bit generous) while their point guard situation is uglier than Kevin Love's chinstrap.

7. Golden State Warriors

Jordan Hill - PF Arizona State

When Andris Biedrins is your top rebounder, oh and when your team sucks pretty bad, it might be a good indicator that you have issues. Hill can move, rebound, score, and is shit from the free-throw line, so he should fit quite nicely into the Warriors offensive schema.

8. New York Knicks

Jonny Flynn - PG Syracuse

Last night, Jonny Flynn declared that Jonny Flynn became a household name during this year's Big East Tournament. I guess it would be safe to say that Jonny Flynn was no longer a household name after the pounding the Orange took from the Sooners in the Sweet 16. And so, continuing in the long line of this point guards with inflated-egos heavy draft, Mayor Flynn should fit right in with this pathetic New York Knicks team, that somehow can't even figure out how to lose correctly, yet still manage to talk shit as if they earned the right.

9. Toronto Raptors

Gerald Henderson - SG Duke Blue Angels

It's safe to say that G Money is certainly going to miss his long-time point guard who just ran off to Syracuse. Therefore, the G Spot is really hoping he gets drafted by the Dinos so that he can be as close to his old his old matre as possible. G Whiz wants to make sure that although he is still gonna be on a soft, unsuccessful basketball team, that at least Greg Paulus will be able to watch the games on basic cable in his dorm room... G Unit.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Stephen Curry - PG Davidson

Buckaroos are a small town market, and so they are looking for someone who could thrive in such a situation. Enter STEFAN Curry. Due to Curry's above average vision he could potentially thrive on the Bucks offense because there are so many options. People such as Michael Redd and ahm... They also have ahm... Well, perhaps Curry's excellent speed and explosiveness to the hole could serve the Bucks well, considering all of the holes they have on offense. So long as their vast collection of goofy, below-average postmen can stay out of the way, they should be all right in a non-playoff contender kind of way

11. NJ Nets

Terrence Williams - SG Louisville

TerrBear is the kind of stud who can walk in as a rookie and make drastic changes to even the lowliest of squads... If Devin Harris ever decides to give up the fucking ball. The Nets could have the most athletic back court in the league next year, in addition to the least athletic front court in the league. So, it's kind of a wash. But whatever. T Will is for real.

12. Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Young - SF Pitt

Sam I am doesn't really make sense for the Bobcats considering they already Gerald (Yo, String. Where the fuck is) Wallace. But aside from that, their next best swingman is Vladimir Radmanovic? Jesus Christ, Bobcats, get it together. With a guy like the Sam Pig in the equation, the Bobcats could have just enough fire power to make it into the playoffs next year. Or not enough fire power to make it right back into the lottery next year, which wouldn't necessarily be the worst thing either.

13. Indiana Pacers

Ty Lawson - PG North Carolina

If the Pacers were smart, then they would take Brandon Jennings with this pick... But when has anything associated with Indiana ever been labeled as "smart", or "wise", or "intelligent". If you said the Indy 500, then you were dead fucking retarded. I'm not sure why Ty Stick has dropped so far in the draft projections. Maybe it's a question of durability, or maybe it's that Duke products have better fortune in the NBA... Gross.

14. Phoenix Suns

Tyler Hansbrough - PF UNC

Well, why the fuck not? But most likely because this team has managed so poorly over the last two years by Capt. Kerr and company, that why not continue to let the shitty decisions keep rolling? My heart says Psycho T is going to be a huge, embarrassing failure in the NBA. However, my instinct tells me that he carves out a niche somewhere, averaging 8 pts. 8 rebs. and 6 broken noses throughout his carrer... It just won't be the with Suns is all.

Note: I intially had Omir Casspi - C, The Homeland here due to the Suns adherence to spending as little money as possible in the draft, while combining that with players who will contribute little-to-known in the near future, and the gaping hole left by Shaq. But my power got usurped.

Post-Lottery Projections:

- Count on the Bulls taking yet another big man from a "championship program" with glaring holes in his game and can't score in the post.

- Brandon Jennings' Euro team is elated to find they can "stash" him in the NBA for a few years to save some money.

- B. Lee complements Ricky Rubio on his choice of hair product. Rubio responds that without other players on the floor, his hair product cannot realize it's full potential.

- I make an ill-advised BJ Mullens joke.

- Whoever drafts Chase Budinger gets pumped about him winning a dunk championship in 7 years as the 9th man on a playoff team.

- The Jazz draft a player of non-color.

- Stuart Scott pretends to be a person OF color.

- Guys get drafted in the 2nd round who nobody has ever heard of.

- Ricky Rubio Fun Fact: Hates playing Solitaire.

- No less than 4 completely irrelevant trades involving marginal bench players and future draft picks are made faster than ESPN can create "Tale of the Trade" diagrams.

Picks who will most outplay his draft position: Ty Lawson, Darren Collison

Picks who will suck the hardest despite elevated draft status: Rubio, James Harden, Blo-Jay Mullens

Enjoy an evening of Stern sans Stephen A. everyone!

Deadly Manuevers

What's the going rate for a 23 year-old point guard that averages a near double-double every game, has plenty of playoff experience, and a championship ring to boot? Apparently not much in the eyes of the average Celtics fan.

Take a look at Rondo's 08-09 per game stats:

12 points - 8.2 assists - 5.2 rebs - 1.86 steals

In relation to all point guards this season, Rondo ranked:

3rd in rebounds (Behind Paul and Kidd)
2nd in rebounds per 48 minutes
3rd in offensive rebounds
5th in total assists
5th in total steals
2nd in FG% (Avg. 10 attempts per game)

And had fewer Turnovers than Chris Paul, Deron Williams, or Steve Nash

In relation to all guards, Rondo ranked:

6th in rebounds (behind Kobe Bryant and Andre Iguodala)
5th in offensive rebounds

Plus, these numbers (Pts, Assts, Rebs AND FG%) have risen each year since he has been in the league, and why should they not continue to do the same in years to come? Especially when he is only 23 years old, and is nowhere near his peak.

And just take a quick look at his 2009 Playoff numbers:

17 points - 10 assists - 10 rebounds - 2.5 steals (Yes, a Trip-Dub average)

Best Ast/TO ratio of performing PG's*
2nd best St/TO ratio of performing PG's*

(Performing PG's, meaning ample playing time)

The point of all this is, do not kid yourself; Rondo is a very good basketball player who is still on the upswing and has valuable experience in the league, and is a top 5 point guard in the NBA, right NOW. (Paul, Williams, Kidd, Parker...)


The Argument:


The Celtics run is obviously coming to an end. Ray Allen becomes a free agent at the end of the 2010 season. Paul Pierce is getting older and is a free agent/potential retiree at the end of the 2011 season. KG is getting older and will his body hold up if he continues to be the focal point of both the offense and defense?

So what does the future hold, talent-wise and financially for the Celtics?

Everyone knows what is coming around the corner...

2011 Free Agent List:

Lebron James
Dwayne Wade
Dirk Nowitzki
Yao
Pau
Amare
Shane Battier
Chris Bosh

... To name a few.

This is a bigger lottery than any draft could ever provide. The goal here for many teams in the next year is to dump as much money as possible. It's like a big game of Hearts. Dump your high cards, and give them all to the sucker (who has no chance of shooting the moon) so that you can afford to purchase the services of one or some of those superstars mentioned above.

In 2 years time, Rondo is also a free agent. No doubt, the Celtics will need to offer Rondo some serious money, and potentially a max contract. So, is it then wiser to trade (dump) Rondo now while his stock is high in order to avoid this showdown, and as a result, get something in return? And all the while, ensure that you don't take on too many long-term salaries that could impede entrance into the 2011 rodeo?

It seems that this is the idea if this recent trade proposal with the Pistons:

Ray Allen (2009: 18 million, 2010: FA)
Rajon Rondo (2009: 2.6 million, 2010: 3.7 million, 2011: FA? Max deal?)

for

Rip Hamilton (2009: 11 million, 2010: FA)
Tayshaun Prince (2009: 10 million, 2010: 11 million, 2011: Free Agent)
Rodney Stuckey (2009: 1.8 million, 2010: 2.7 million, 2011: 3.8 million, 2012: FA)

So, the Celtics shed Ray Ray's contract early in order to maintain competitiveness in the East, without taking on any long-term, cap heavy contracts. AND, avoid a future collision with Rondo by trading him away and gaining a serviceable to good point guard for the next few years to come. And of course, keeping them well in the hunt for some 12-point buck in 2011.

2009 Starting Lineup?

PG Stuckey
SG Pierce
SF Prince
PF Garnett
C Perkins

6th Hamilton


The Real Zone:


Rip's 2009 playoff stats:
13 pts, 5 assts, 3 rebs

Tayshaun's 2009 playoff stats:
4 pts, 1 asst, 3.5 rebs

Stuckey's 2009 playoff stats:
15 pts, 5 assts, 2 rebs

And a combined 4-game sweep.

To be honest, this just feels like shuffling the deck. Are the Celtics slightly better next year as a result of this trade? Maybe, if the chemistry works. They get younger and have more insurance in case a Pierce injury occurs. Also, they avoid Rondo contract negotiations and a potential huge contract on the books. But, come the end of next season, aren't the Celtics still in the same boat? Ray Ray's contract is gone regardless of the trade possibilities this season. Pierce is still signed through that year, in addition to the new Prince and Stuckey contracts. And if Stuckey continues his improvement, then what stops him from demanding big money come the end of 2011? Either way, if/when a big time free agent comes through the door in 2010, the Celtics still could be left looking for a point guard what's it all said and done? So, in neither the short term, nor the long-term do the Celtics appear to be better off.


The Case for Leaving it the Fuck Alone


All teams need to replenish their talent in time. This can be done via the draft, trade, or free agency. Free agency is often the quickest method of doing this (see Celtics pre-2008, then post-2008), because development and risk are removed from the equation. However, chemistry is no guarantee. The teams, that have been successful over the last few years have all had great chemistry. The teams that have fallen short (Cavs, Lakers in 2008) have not. The Pistons seems to have zero chemistry these days which would seem to be the root cause as to why there have been in such rapid decline over the last two years. So, why even try and bring on these additional players?

If the goal is winning, and preferably, winning championships, then you want to set yourself up for this by going with What works, or in other words, the safest bet. Now, if the Celtics set themselves up properly for 2011, then they could certainly land a big star. However, what will the supporting cast look like? Will it look like the Cavaliers? One star, and a bunch of serviceable role players? How's that working out so far? This seems to be how everything is shaping up with the shedding of Ray, Paul, and Rondo and the addition of less-proven players (whether it's the half of the Pistons starters, or some young guns from Memphis).

Instead, why not keep your young, proven, potentially elite point guard and roll with him? You have not one, but two HUGE contracts coming off the books in two years time, and next year you still have basically the same championship team from a year ago. Meaning, they can still compete for a title next year, and in two years (no matter what Rondo gets or does not get), you are still in contention to land a big free agent, using Pierce's money. And then, you have at least one year of KG, Rondo, and a big time (and hopefully young) free agent to be named later. A pretty solid core, this is shaping up to be. A draft pick here, another free agent there and you have yourself not just a solid supporting cast, but you have yourself an elite point guard, an all-world Power Forward, and a superstar.

Check the math, sort it out, and get back to me. I want Rondo on my team. I need Rondo on my team.

The Rhythm is Gonna Get You

As if it were possible for the Miami Dolphins to get any softer/more difficult to take seriously. It just happened...

Gloria Estefan recently purchased a stake in the Miami Dolphins ensuring positive support from middle-aged white men looking for some additional spice in their lives, but negative gains from those who prefer balls with their sports. According to sources, the Dolphins are looking to make gains in the vast Hispanic demographic in Miami-Dade area and believe that the Miami Sound Machine could facilitate some headway... If this were 1985.

And if Dolphins management is looking to make some real, positive gains into the Hispanic community, maybe it's the vaginal mascot that is the real issue. It lacks the necessary machismo that your target audience appreciates.


So, we here at FSD have come up with with a few suggestions for new team names:

The Defectors

The Mojitors

The Vices

The Pride (No, not like the Lion... Like the Gay)

The Rubber Rafters

The Parrotheads

Heat Nuggets (Cross-promotional opportunity! Synergy!)

The Jaywalkers

The Castrators (Better than Castro's Ballbag)

The Sound Machine

Ponder this??? Whose musical crimes are more egregious; Gloria Estefan's or Jimmy Buffett's?

Follow-up question; is it better to burn out or to continue making shitty music for all of my aunts and uncles to enjoy at sold out stadiums each and every fucking summer?

GO AWAY!