You're a Champ [again]

Definitely give a BIG congrats to Kobe [Finals MVP] on winning number 4 and his first without Shaq. And another congrats to Phil Jackson who became the #1 coach with 10 championship rings. Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol added 14 and 15 rebounds in a 99-86 win in Game 5 over the Orlando Magic. Even Shaq was happy for the Kobe saying this on his twitter page: 

"Congratulations kobe, u deserve it," O'Neal said on his Twitter page. "You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it."

The climax of the game was when Derek Fisher hit a 3-pointer and Ariza hit two 3-pointers on a 16-0 run that took less than three minutes. Another reason why the series is over is because the Magic ran out of magic shooting 8 for 27 downtown.Phil maybe done now that he has 10 and he may want to go out on top. Also Jackson's contract is up and he's hinted at retirement. Bryant doesn't believe it though. 

Rashard Lewis led the Magic with 18 points, but 10 of them came in he fourth quarter and he shot 6-for-19. Dwight Howard finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Move of the Night

Sociology Degree

Congrats to Hall of Fame quarterback, Troy Aikman for graduating on Saturday. He went back to get his degree from UCLA after he left early to play in the NFL [& what a career he had]. It has been 21 years since he was last at UCLA as a college kid. He graduated with a degree in sociology. It was funny I am sure for the graduating students [such as the current QB Kevin Craft] to be getting autographs and pictures with one of your graduating members who is a Hall of Fame QB. 

You need MORE

We all know that the summer of '1o is supposedly called the summer of Lebron beacuse he is a free agent. The team that is dumping just about everybody for him is the New York Knicks. The great Michael Jordan spoke on the topic while he was golfing this weekend. He feels that New York fans would love to have him, but you need a lot more components than just one player. He feels that he should stay in Cleveland because he's done a heck of a job in Cleveland, they deserve to have him there, and he's from that area. So the picture above maybe the only picture you see of 'Bron in a NY jersey. 

Oh and for the NY fans thinking they can get D-Wade, Wade has said he will not sign with New York because of the weather.

Summer of '10

[A friend] of the Toronto power forward said Bosh has interest in playing for Miami, which would love to add him via trade this summer or free agency in 2010. Bosh will dismiss any report linking him to another team because he doesn't want to upset the Raptors and doesn't need to decide his future for 13 months. But the friend said playing in Miami appeals to him.

Future Teammates...

A potential Suns trade that would send center Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland to help LeBron James' title quest is heating up again after the idea was killed back at the trade deadline. The trade consist of the Suns would send O'Neal to Cleveland for veteran power forward Ben Wallace, who is considering retirement, and reserve guard Sasha Pavlovic, whose final contract year is not fully guaranteed. This would help both teams since Steve Nash has said the team needs more-active big men. Nash had some difficulty incorporating O'Neal's post-up game after running a system based on his skills. Also this is a plus for the Suns because the trade could save the Suns $9.9 million or even more if Wallace wants a buyout. It makes since to the Cavs because getting O'Neal would counter Dwight Howard and the Magic, who took them out in the Finals. The Cavs should do it before Shaq's window close and he retires. 

Other options could be: The Clippers are expected to part with one of their three bigs because they will draft Oklahoma forward/center Blake Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick; Chris Kaman. Marcus Camby, a former Defensive Player of the Year, Zach Randolph. Then you have Rasheed Wallace, Charlie Villanueva, and Carlos Boozer. Just pick up anybody better than what you have now. 

Wildcat Running Rampant

Well, last week we were wondering who was next at trying out the "wildcat" formation. I think we have our answer: San Diego Chargers. They were seen running it the past two days for their defense [as last year they got toasted by it]. Turner has not said 100% but he said if they feel like they can use a few plays out of it and still be effective they will use it. He feels they have the personnel to do since Ladainian Tomlinson has thrown passes before in the past. But I am sure just bout 45% of the NFL is going to be using the "wildcat" formation in some variation this season.

*Mike Vick there's still hope*

Stanley Cup Champs

Congrats to Sid the Kid Crosby and his Penguins for winning [2-1] even though nobody thought they could do it. The Red Wings could not do anything the Penguins were just determined to win the game. There was one final shot attempt that could have tied the game but it was denied. What makes this so great is the fact, the Penguins were much younger, they were playing on the road but thet were quicker and showed more energy. Again congrats Penguins. 

Big Talk

Brandon Jennings have begun smashing Rick Rubio's reputation. He feels that he is overrated and overhyped beacuse he has been playing in the Olympics and pro since he was 14. I mean I'm sensing a little jealous from the Jennings camp. I mean he [Jennings] isn't the next coming of MJ himself. Jennings then went on to say that he himself is a better scorer and better overall player. Then he said other PGs in the draft should be ahead of him [Jonny Flynn, Ty Lawson, Jrue Holiday, and Steph Curry]. Sounds like a lot of talking I just hope he can back it up. 

"When I played him he had zero points, two assists, and two turnovers, so you tell me how that was for him," said Jennings. "I can't wait to play him in Summer League. I'm just letting you know I can't wait."

Any Takers?

Well the other day, it was said that Vick would get released late into fall camp. Well, he must did not gain any interest for trade bait because today he was released. It was 5 years ago when he signed his lucrative $130 mill contract for 10 years. It will be interesting to see how many people try to look at him now. 

One Win Away

At halftime I thought for sure that the Lakers would have lost an oppurtunity to go up 3-1 but there was still another half to be played. That is when the rally started for the Lakers who won in OT 99-91. Give all the credit to Kobe Bryant, I meant the role players. Trevor Ariza scored 13 points in the third quarter to lead the spark and hit a big three to tie the game. Then you have Robert Horry, [sorry] Derek Fisher who hit the big shot to send the game into overtime. Then Fish hit another one to close the casket for the Magic who blew their chances to steal one again. The reason why the Magic are one game away from being eliminated instead of tying up the series: Free throws! [we won't even blame it on the last play]. If they learn to make those [Dwight & Turkoglu] they would have closed the game out. Now they have to win 3 straight games. OH WELL! On Sunday the Lakers will look to close them out in 5 games. 

Notes: Kobe responded from Game 3 by scoring 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists; Odom & Gasol had a big game on the defensive side; Howard had a good game [besides the FTs] scoring 16 points and 21 boards; they went to the line 17 to the Lakers 0 in the 4th; Van Gundy should really rethink his play calling too [haha..full court trap..with a 3 point lead?]; and will when he learn to put his best players on the floor [Alston played 0 min in the 4th and OT and Lee played only 7 min] ha good stuff!