BURN, BURN it all DOWN! What a game, Lakers vs. Blazers! This time it was on our turf up in the Rose City. The Blazers are back running on 100% again. Everyone is back off the injured list. James Jones and BRoy are back, and boy did it help. Words cannot explain this game, but I sure and hell will try to put it down. 

Everyone was just straight killing it tonight. Even then newest edition to the team “Cookie” Von Wafer. BRoy has been nursing an ankle injury since the All Star break and has had no time to rest it. He missed the last two games and decided to make his debut back against the number one team in the West, and he was sensational. The Golden Boy was ‘dipsy doin’ everyone from Walton to the Mamba in the City of Roses tonight. I was told after the game that Walton could no longer have children because of the nasty crossover BRoy threw down on him. On a lighter note the world rejoiced as they heard of the news that finally the Walton finally could no longer produce horse faced athletes.

I thought about not writing about the officiating on this game but I just could not resist. It was by far the worst game of officiating I have ever seen. It honestly looked like they were trying to help the Lakers out. Every call went the way of the Lakers, it was just crazy. But who cares? The Blazers beat the Lakers once again in our fair city. The Lakers just cannot seem to get a win in the Rose Garden. The Blazers record against the Lakers in the Rose Garden is 17-6. The Lakers have the second worst record in the West when they perform in the Rose Garden.

When I say everyone was on fire I mean it. So now the breakdown! (You guys have been asking for it, so now I will give it back to you)

-Steve ‘The Turtle’ Blake was shooting lights out from the three. He went 5-9 behind the arch and finished with 15pts

-BRoy, or what I like to call him ‘The Slo Mo Fo Sho’ busted LA up with 20 points, 12 assists and 5 boards. He looked like a fullback tonight just mowing euro trash down.

-Jarrett Jack, the unibrow has them shook. Not to mention this guy looks like a descendant of ET Cassell. Best game of the year hands down for him. 21 points, 10 assists. 

-The Vanilla Gorilla wants to fight; you can see it in his eyes. Kobe didn’t want any; neither did the spokesman for ‘Soul Glo Euro’ Pau Gasol. The White back had the dodecagon on the boards tonight. 

-LMA was moon raking the hell out of everyone tonight. People started calling him the L-Train, but the L-Train is always parked, so Ill stick to LMA. 22 points, 8 rebounds. Ill say it once again, I would much rather have LMA’s 20 and 8 over Zebo’s 20-10 any day. Thank you Pritch!

-The Definition had a ho hum game, but who cares its Martell Webster, his damn name is ‘The Definition’. Still had good contributions from him with 9 points, and some added energy we needed.

-Trout, he is the future. I don’t think I have ever seen such an oxymoronic style of shooting. The form is so damn ugly but the follow through brings a tear to your eye. Trout is my man; I don’t even think they pay this guy with money. I heard he only plays for pulled pork and bbq spare ribs. I carry around a $100 gift card from Reo’s Ribs in my car hoping I will see Trout one day so I can give it to him. The dude loves his BBQ; I mean he is from the Oktibbeha County. BBQ is a way of life there.

-LLCoolJ, ‘Lakers Loathe Cool James’. He played a pretty darn good game for not playing in four weeks. I’m so glad he is back. The Blazers are 21-8 when he plays.  

-Baron Von Nilla Wafer played some good minutes this game and it looks like The General will be keeping him in rotation.

LA your streak is over. But Kobe still deserves another Championship and an MVP to go with it. No haters here, all respect is due to that guy.

This game in my mind is going to have to be the defining moment in this season turns around. The Playoffs are not out of site quite yet, they are far away, but this team is the only team I believe that could make a run for it, the position they are in is tough, but the West is crazy and anything could happen. 

They have this town on pin cushions every night but little known fact about Portlanders is that we are all masochists so we enjoy it!

More! More! More!

Greg Oden is sporting his new bad ass look. He looks like BA Barackas. He looks tough as hell. Keep that look man, just add the three lines above the ear. Grow it out and it will be crazy. You just need some crazy chains, and maybe you could roll around with some crazy ass white dudes in a bad ass van. Maybe Joel, Serge, and Steve can fight crime with you. Serge could be Face, Steve could be Murdoch, and Joel could be Hannibal.

Anyway man it looks bad ass. Keep it up, and keep pounding those weights.

I pity the fool that tries to dunk on me.

Here is a picture of it in HD

Sorry Greg, I had to do it.

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Von Wafer from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Taurean Green, it was announced today by general manager Kevin Pritchard.

Wafer, 22, posted averages of 1.3 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes in 21 games this season for the Nuggets.

“We want to thank Taurean Green and wish him all the best for the future, which I think will be a bright one in this league,” said Pritchard. “We had a positional need to fill with some of the injuries we’re having to endure and with Von Wafer we think we’re getting a player who can provide us with some offensive firepower.”

A third-year pro out of Florida State, Wafer was originally selected in the second round (39th pick overall) by the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. During 38 career games with the Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets, he averaged 1.2 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes.

Green, 21, was selected by the Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft (52nd pick overall) out of Florida. In eight games with the Trail Blazers this season, he averaged 2.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 5.5 minutes.

Now on to the good stuff. This is a horrible trade in my mind. Taurean Green never got a chance to prove himself. He led the National Championship team Florida Gators last year in points, and he is a spark plug. He did great in the D-League and summer league. The guy never got a chance to play. I understand that the Blazers do have to many PG’s but what is the point of this trade? I see no gains. Granted the Blazers are thinking that this guy can be developed like Trout, but I honestly cannot say anything about Von Wafer, other then his name is cool.

Taurean was a town favorite, maybe because he was goofy, and he seemed like a stand up guy.  But for some reason this trade actually bothers me, and upsets me. I cant put my finger on it, but it does.

So here is Von Wafer. I know what you are all thinking, he is not white. But with a name like that you would think so. But none the less I welcome him aboard. It has been heard though that he has a good shot, and has springs. He as well did great in the D-League. So this is a “meh” trade for me.

Well Sir Charles Barkley better known as the Round Mound got caught running his mouth again. The thing is he makes a lot of sense, but he stumbles a lot when he is talking about something he really does not know a lot about, so he comes off a little unintelligent. He also announced he will be running for Govenor of Alabama in 2014. I love his is utter disregard for everything. I wish I had the kahones to just say whatever was the first thing that came to my mind, even if it was wrong.

Once again this video shows how most athletes and movie stars should stick to the profession they know. But I guess you really cant say anything about that anymore, just look who got elected as the Governor of California.

But none the less this is a funny video. I love Sir Charles he is funny as hell.

Here is the link, since Breitbart and wordpress dont mix.

http://www.breitbart.tv/html/48184.html

So Here it is from a couple angles. It looks like a layup that was thrown in. Granted it was cool, but in sure and hell was no dunk. The Height and speed he had he could have pulled it off. Don’t Know why he didn’t, maybe he just got excited.

You be the judge, should it have counted. It was bad ass and he sure could have pulled it off, but he did not even touch the rim.

The SeattleSuper are no longer going to be playing in Seattle after this season says David Stern. I was reading some local NW rags and I stumbled upon this article from the Tacoma News Tribune. Now I am not sure if anyone else has reported on it or not. But it looks like this thing is official.

In the commissioners words he is quoted saying “the Seattle SuperSonics are moving to greener pastures.”

In his strongest statement concerning the team’s bleak future in Seattle, during his annual press conference at All-Star Weekend, Stern essentially said the team will relocate to Oklahoma City, either after this season, or in two years if forced by court order to fulfill the remainder of the team’s lease at KeyArena.

Further, Stern said the Sonics ownership group this week offered to pay for the final years of the lease agreement, along with money still owed on the construction bond used to refurbish KeyArena in 1994, an amount nearing $30 million.

Stern said the Sonics’ offer was turned down.

“I accept the inevitability at this point,” Stern said, when asked if he was convinced the Sonics would leave Seattle. “There is no miracle here.”

However, according to information obtained by The News Tribune, the city reportedly asked for the Sonics to submit a buyout offer this week. Marty McOmber, spokesman for Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, said he was not aware if someone from the city had asked the Sonics to submit an offer.

“It’s completely inappropriate for Commissioner Stern to be revealing conversations between lawyers, period,” McOmber said. “Any offer that has been made has was completely inadequate to cover the losses and damages as a result of losing the Sonics. This is apparently some sort of collusion by David Stern and Clay Bennett to hijack this team and take them to Oklahoma City.”

Stern spoke at length about Seattle’s situation during his 40-minute talk, and seemed resigned to the Sonics playing elsewhere, even if a current court case between Seattle and the Sonics is ruled in the city’s favor. That court case is scheduled to begin June 16.

“We know how to observe court orders and we do a pretty good job of that,” Stern said. “So if the court says if they are not free to just pay and leave, then they won’t just pay and leave. But if they are, then they will be gone.”

Dan Mahoney, a spokesman for Bennett, declined to comment on Stern’s statements or the team’s buyout offer.

“It’s apparent to all who are watching that the Sonics are heading out of Seattle,” Stern said.

So this is pretty shocking news to me. I have always been a fan of the Seattle franchise, its always fun when they come down and play the Blazers. But I think this is something that just has to be done. I do not know what it will do to Kevin Durant and the rest of the team, but as a franchise a smaller venue will work out a little bit better for their business model. The city really is not cooperating so it is best to cut and run.

So what do you all think of this?

Wow, what a fun night of entertainment. I love All Star Weekend. But as always the highlight of All Star Weekends is the Slam Dunk contest. Rudy kind of was a dud, and Moon got knocked out as well after the first round. But Dwight Howard was a man on a mission. His first dunk was insane he busted out an off the backside of the backboard dunk in the first round to hit a perfect score of 50. Gerald Green busted out the birthday cake dunk, where he blew a candle out on a cupcake, the cupcake was mounted on the back of the rim.

But Dwight “The Flight” Howard threw down the crazy props. He put a Superman cape on and put down a ridiculous throw down pass to dunk from about a step ahead of the free throw line. Then he went straight for Gerald Green’s jugular. He threw up the ball caught it with his left hand, with his left hand he threw it off the backboard then slammed it down with his right hand. I was up off my seat. It was crazy! Words cannot really describe his dunks.

I am still disappointed by the amount of dunker’s that they have in the contest now. They need about 6-8 total players, tts too short, needs to be longer, and we need to see more dunks.

Was a crazy night and I hope none of you missed it.

So what do you guys think, is the NBA Dunk Contest back?

JKidd has just been picked and blocked by a “B Team” forward. Things just hit the fan.  Devean George has control of his contract and he can veto the trade if he does not like how it will turn out.

“After Dallas beat Portland on Wednesday night, Mavs coach Avery Johnson said there was “zero” chance the deal would get done, but added that was “as of now.”

George then said there’s still a chance things can be worked out. He was waiting to meet with his agent, Mark Bartelstein, to discuss their options.

“We’re not trying to hold things up or be difficult, but just like teams make tough decisions all the time — about cutting players or making trades — they do what’s best for their team, and it’s my obligation to do what’s best for Devean,” Bartelstein said during the game. “You don’t want to stop teams from doing their business, but we don’t feel like it makes sense at this time.”

Whether this is a setback or a deal-breaker will be determined in the coming days. The trade deadline is the afternoon of Feb. 21″

The Nets want expiring contracts so they can free up the cash flow in the next coming years, and the thing is the Mavs really have no one else to put up with a small expiring contract. So that means two things. Both the Mavs and Nets are going to have to put up more players from both sides so that the cash flow is allocated correctly, and that the contracts some what match. The second would just be a death to this trade.

In my opinion I think this will still happen no matter what. Cuban wants him bad, he wants a ring bad. To me it is a bad business move on his part. He wants instant gratification, instead of being patient. But I understand his urgency; Dirk is not getting any younger so if they want to get the most out of him they need to put players around him that match his skill level, no matter the age.

Ill say it now, THIS TRADE WILL HAPPEN.  Devean George is using this to his advantage that all this is, it’s a bargaining chip. He is doing this because he wants, and needs to get more out of this for himself.

Read more info over at EPSN.COM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3244818

So after being snubbed once by the fans, and then snubbed once again by the coaches, then the power gods of basketball shine down upon Ray Ray and say “You may enter”. By “power gods” I mean a short little Jewish guy named David Stern & Co. Ray Allen will finally get a spot on the Eastern All Star team. Allen will be replacing Caron Butler who is out with left hip flexor strain.

I truly believe Allen should be on the team. But with so many good players in the league how do you just choose 10-12 players. It’s sad that Tough Juice will not get to play since he has been playing some incredible ball. But I expect us all to see him on the starting lineup for next year.

So what do you all think? Is Ray Ray deserving of this? We will most likely see Agent Zero chiming in on this tomorrow, offering his negative Zen like proverbs. But that’s what we expect out of Zero the Hero.

So honestly can you guys & gals think of anyone better in the east to fill that spot?

A great article written by Seam Meagher of the Oregonian. He thinks the reason the Blazers are in this losing slump is because James Jones is out injured. I agree with him for the most part, but if one teammate is out then someone else should step up. That is what a team is. Great article.

Original story. 

“How does the 3-point affect the Blazers success? The addition of James Jones (currently No. 2 in the league in 3 point percentage) this season has been huge for the Blazers. His ability to stretch the defense and create space, while hitting threes, and been a critical component of the Blazers offense. While Jones is Portland’s best threat from outside, he’s not the only Blazer that can hit the deep ball. Brandon Roy, Steve Blake, Martell Webster, Jarrett Jack, and now Travis Outlaw have all shown the ability to contribute from beyond the arc.

Portland has been one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the league this year (currently ranked 5th), thanks in large part to the addition of Jones and improved ball movement. One reasons Portland is a better team overall this year is the improved shooting. And when Portland’s offense is rolling, it translates to the defensive side.

With Jones in the lineup, the Blazers attempt, and make, more three pointers. And the news of Jones sitting out three to five more weeks really hurts the Blazers:

“I think it’s a huge loss,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. “You talk about the know-how that he brought to this team. He helped our young guys out on the floor, with spacing, and then just with his ability to shoot the ball.”Jones, who was acquired from the Phoenix Suns in the offseason, is averaging 9.1 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench and developed into a crucial player this season.

In addition to his long-range shooting, Jones has become a valuable locker room leader and calming presence on the floor for the NBA’s youngest team.

He developed into a reliable fourth-quarter performer and played his best basketball when the Blazers were in the middle of their 13-game winning streak.

Let’s compare and contrast ….

During the Blazers’ 13-game win streak:

W vs. Memphis, 12-22 (54 3-pt.%); Jones 4-4
W vs. Miami, 7-17 (41%); Jones 4-6
W vs. Milwaukee, 9-18 (50%); Jones 3-5
W vs. Utah, 8-17 (47%); Jones 0-1, Webster 5-8
W vs. Golden State, 6-18 (33%); Jones 4-6
W vs. Utah 2-11 (18%); Jones 1-2
W vs. Denver, 6-16 (38%); Jones 3-5
W vs. New Orleans, 7-20 (35%); Jones 1-5, Roy 2-4
W vs. Toronto, 10-21 (48%); Jones 0-3, Webster 4-5, Roy 3-5, Blake 2-4
W vs. Denver, 9-25 (36%); Jones 2-5, Webster 4-8
W vs. Seattle, 7-19 (37%); Jones 2-3, Blake 2-4
W vs. Minnesota, 8-19 (42%); Jones 2-4, Blake 4-5
W vs. Philly, 9-20 (45%); Jones 1-2, Blake 3-5

Over the last 10 games (3-7):

L vs. New Orleans, 8-26 (31%); Jones 3-8, Blake 4-9
L vs. Houston, 5-12 (42%); Jones 0-3, Roy 2-3
W vs. Atlanta, 5-16 (31%); Jones 2-4, Outlaw 3-4
L vs. Cleveland, 3-14 (21%); Jones 0-1
W vs. New York, 7-22 (32%); Jones 0-2, Blake 3-4
L vs. Denver, 9-22 (41%); Jones DNP, Webster 3-6, Jack 3-5
W vs. Chicago, 3-17 (18%); Jones DNP, Jack 2-4
L vs. Detroit, 0-8 (0%); Jones DNP
L vs. Indy, 3-13 (23%); Jones DNP, Blake 2-4
L vs. Houston, 2-6 (33%); Jones DNP

Joe Freeman has more on Jones’ importance in The Beat:

He does a lot of the little things that coaches love and fans ignore. He understands the nuances of the game and how he fits into the Blazers’ offense. He talks and directs on the floor and he rarely takes a bad shot. We sometimes wonder aloud at press row why he doesn’t shoot more.Jones provides this almost too-nice team with some attitude and nastiness on the court. And off of it, in the locker room, he’s been a calming veteran presence on the NBA’s youngest team, the guy who downplays big wins and shrugs off lackluster losses.

He may just be the most underrated component of the Blazers’ success this season.”