Trouble in Sac Town?
How quickly things can change in a short time in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings were the darlings of the NBA last week, getting top grade in mid-term evaluations from most media outlets, and deservedly so. The Kings had a series of high-profile games against the Lakers, Mavs, and Nets, and put the SacTown SmackDown on all comers. They had achieved a great record despite extended absences from future All-Folsom Prison Forward Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Scot Pollard, Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. And Webber was starting to get serious ink for MVP.
Now what? Jackson remains out with a broken hand. Pollard suffers the same injury as Jackson in his very first game back. And now Webber turns an ankle, and is expected to miss another three weeks at a minimum. While it is true that the Kings have achieved due to their outstanding depth and talent thus far this year, they may have been showing the strain of playing thin, even before Webber's injury. The Kings have lost three straight, and are just 5-5 in their last 10. Now, let's not blow this out of proportion; the Kings aren't exactly going to be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs. But the Kings have very high aspirations this season, so high that they have to be looking at getting home court for as long as they can. This will make it VERY difficult for them to catch Dallas for the overall home court advantage, and the surprising Blazers are only three games back in their division. I don't think the Kings are exactly shaking in their boots at the thought of playing in Dallas, but given what a strong home court advantage Arco is, you know where they would rather be playing. They are only 14-11 on the road this season. Losing Webber is focusing a very large amount of attention to that fact right now in Sacramento.
This injury also virtually destroys Webber's MVP candidacy. You can't win the MVP if you only play 60 games, not in a year when there are other very worthy candidates.
Jordan/McGrady
I wonder how Michael Jordan feels, being treated like a ceremonial artifact of history? First, let me be clear: I'm all for Jordan's various comebacks. If a guy loves the game and can earn his keep on the court, more power to him. The fact that he was the greatest player of all time shouldn't become a barrier to his enjoyment of the game, regardless of the level or style of play he shows us today. In light of that, I can also understand the need and desire to have Jordan be a symbolic part of the All-Star Weekend by being selected to the team. It's an All-Star game. Give the people what they want. I have to think Jordan feels a bit awkward about it, but I think he's acted graciously so far.
Now, there is word that Tracy McGrady is willing to forfeit his starting spot to Jordan. This is being spun in a variety of ways, all the way from magnanimous gesture or ass-kissing on McGrady's part to prima donnaism on Jordan's part. I say good for McGrady. It's a great gesture, one of respect for a man he idolized and who helped pave the way.
What I'm not so sure about is whether Jordan should accept the offer. Wouldn't that just be a bit awkward, accepting what amounts to charity? I mean, we love the guy, but he didn't get voted in, now did he? Fans voted for McGrady, NOT Jordan. I think I'll lose a bit of respect for MJ if he doesn't acknowledge that fact, and abide by it. Besides, what if this isn't Jordan's last season? How many times are we going to tell him how great he is? Who steps aside next year? He's earned his kudos, don't get me wrong. But as long as he's still on the court, he's STILL got to earn them. Getting the All-Star berth, I can see. Being gifted into a starting spot like he's some kind of ambassador, while he's still thinking of playing next year, seems a bit much.
The Green Monster
They are putting 280 seats on top of the Green Monster in Fenway. The seats are said to be in high demand, and apparently are not deeply offensive to the Fenway Faithful. I guess if they don't care, I don't care. Note to self: Got to get to Fenway, before they put a big Pepsi logo on the Monster.
2:12:16 PM 
|
|
