(Quote and player combo from Tim Grover’s Jump Attack, page 71. Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
One can say, can’t one, that Michael Jordan has “paid the price of sacrifice” with his very reputation, attaching his name to the once-woeful Charlotte Bobcats? Not long ago, some wiseacres joked that MJ must’ve made franchise decisions from the comfort of a golf course or at the poker table. Now? These Bobs have risen from laughingstock to middle of the pack. Heady territory, I know. From the Cape Fear Sports Report:
Amazingly, the Bobcats moved up to #15 in one of the ESPN NBA power rankings. With a couple of roster moves and a change of attitude, Larry Brown has been able to take Charlotte from being amongst the NBA dregs, to a team that can beat any one on a given night.
And,
Any coincidence also that the Bobcats have looked hungrier since MJ started showing up for a few games? How can you not play harder with the greatest-of-all-time looking on? I guess most guys in the NBA need a little motivation to get up for all 82 games, but with Michael Jordan just showing some interest in the team’s success and sitting courtside, you can forget about needing motivation.
Things that don’t directly affect the game seep into the subconscious; having Michael cheer you on has to good for the mind. We’ve also seen Michael get on people… it ain’t where you want to be, ask Bill Cartwright.
The non-shooting hand, or the “off-hand”, is there merely to balance the ball so that it doesn’t slip off your hand.You should never push the ball with your off hand.
No doubt all you Rokomaniacs have already read Dave Feschuk’s article about Roko and his iPhone. Yes, Roko does like to surf the ‘net, but what else does he do with his Appley-sweet gadget? Here is
The Top Ten List: Things Roko Ukic Does with His iPhone
Ukic, who was all of about four years old when the Pistons were in the midst of their glory years in late 80’s says while looking up at the banners “Detroit had the Microwave, Vinnie Johnson, right? Do you think he was as good as the other guy in Boston, Dennis Johnson?”
Jones didn’t give an answer. Well, Roko, Pete Marasmitch is up to the challenge. Here is your best-of-seven matchup,
Verdict: I like the creativity of LCG’s poster, but it’s hard to beat Larry Bird’s short shorts and li’l can of celebratory beer. Dennis
2. Nicknames “Microwave” vs. “D.J.” Verdict: Vinnie
3. Most viewed video
Vinnie’s:
vs.
Dennis’:
Verdict: Vinnie
4. Rings Vinnie’s: Detroit Pistons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 (2) vs. Dennis’: Seattle Supersonics in 1978-79; Boston Celtics in 1983-84 and 1985-86 (3) Verdict: Dennis
5. Last championship teammates
Vinnie’s: Joe Dumars Bill Laimbeer Dennis Rodman Isiah Thomas
vs.
Dennis’: Danny Ainge Larry Bird Rick Carlisle Kevin McHale Robert Parish Bill Walton
Verdict: Tough one. Vinnie’s mates have more star power; Dennis had more stars. Tie
6. Peak PERs Vinnie’s (17.6 in 1982-83, Detroit Pistons) vs. Dennis’ (17.0 in 1980-81, Phoenix Suns) Verdict: Vinnie
7. Career PERs Vinnie’s (15.2 over 13 years) vs. Dennis’ (14.6 over 14 years) Verdict: Vinnie
B. Arthur in today’s National Post suggests that, given the choices this summer at the small-forward slot, Hedo Turkoglu will be a free-agent target for your Toronto Raptors. That makes sense considering Shawn Marion would want a raise from his current $17 million, but might Matrix accept a smaller deal with the Raptors? After all, his production has declined, and there’s that little thing called The Economic Meltdown.
I sure hope this deal gets done. As sources say, it hinges upon Jermaine O’Neal proving himself healthy enough, which is significant considering how the Raptors have gone lately; I wouldn’t be surprised if JO hurts himself against the Hawks today going up against Zaza Pachulia’s big noggin.
“Head, move!!!”
So, if we can get over this Sputnik-like hurdle, maybe Pat Riley would deign to give us Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, resulting in:
C: Bargnani, Voskuhl, Jawai (IL) PF: Bosh, Humphries, J. Graham SF: Marion, Moon, Kapono SG: A. Parker, Solomon PG: Calderon (IL), Banks, Ukic
With the addition of the Matrix, our mediocre perimeter D would improve for the balance of the season. On the other hand, Jamario Moon would lose a few minutes, I dare say; he’s practically a Marion Lite, isn’t he? What do you say, 2RR and GMTR: Time for fantasy GMs to trade Moon?
And with the addition of Banks, our point guard slot gets pretty crowded. Don’t know what he’s capable of, but I’m guessing the answer is “not much” judging by his lack of minutes for the Miami Heat. On the other hand, Banks got $9 million remaining over the next two years, which kinda demands that you find some use for him — maybe he can rediscover that 12-points-a-game form that got him that big contract in the first place. So it could mean fewer minutes for Roko.
Anyway, this move would be great for the team overall. Even if Marion pulls a Mourning, we still have his expiring contract. Hurray for cap flexibility.
As you may have noticed, I’ve changed the header and a few sidebar items over the last little while. Pete Marasmitch: Combining Pistol’s flash and Smitch’s smash was a super, super clever title, if I do say so myself, but it doesn’t really represent what this blog has become.
Hence, you see more evidence of Our Roko being the focus of this site. I think it’s fitting for Pete Marasmitch to follow Roko Ukic, being a 6′5″ guard with Maravich-esquemoves, on the team formerly coached by Sam Mitchell (a.k.a. “Smitch”).
And I’ll be sure to keep searching for a higher-quality photo for the header — please feel free to direct me to one.
