October 2nd, 2008
Obviously this is not Andrea Bargnani (maybe in 40 years?). This is
Dr. Herb Greenberg, whom I interviewed for – you guessed it – Hoops Addict. Picture it: The spring of 2007. The Cleveland Cavaliers upset the “classically good” Detroit Pistons. Some blogger in Toronto harrasses Caliper into a telephone interview with its CEO. Good times.
Why do I bring this up? Well, I finally made my homer pick on Give Me The Mock and selected much-maligned big-man Andrea Bargnani. From all the articles I’ve read, it seems his sophomore campaign was a write-off, due to partly what was demanded (moving to center
and starting) and partly his health (
surgery this offseason for deviated septum and adenoid removal). Hey,
you try playing at a high level without breathing.
Back to Dr. Greenberg. He was very high on Bargnani, giving the Raptors and Bryan Colangelo the thumbs-up. After the
Italian Scallion‘s impressive rookie season, the good doctor had this to say:
That’s the kind of thing we’re very, very proud of. We did some … I wouldn’t say
“arm twisting,” because they liked him, but they knew they’d get a lot of
criticism for drafting him. I can tell you right now: He will be one of the top
eight or ten centers in NBA history. They’re happy with it, we’re happy with it.
So that was in the spring of 2007. Flash forward to January 2008, and Dr. Greenberg’s enthusiasm was decidely muted. But enthusiasm is still there – a “top-notch” player, but not top ten in NBA history.
Bargnani, 2008-2009 edition, sounds very good for the 12th round in the Give Me The Mock draft, and top-three big on the Raptors rotation.
(Photo courtesy of Caliper)
Tags: Andrea Bargnani
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October 2nd, 2008
… [Trust] yourself. It’s easy to read someone’s article telling you to
take Paul Mokeski in the first round, but when your pick is up and Paul is still
on the board, what matters most is what you think. Many of the experts out there
are no more equipped to make a decision than you are (this applies to all walks
of life). While collecting thoughts from different people is always helpful when
forming an opinion, you inevitably will take responsibility for your picks.
Trust your gut — in the end, a successful season (career, life, etc.) is much
more rewarding when you put thought into your decisions instead of copying off
of the guy’s paper next to you. This helps me now as I am ignorant to what other
“experts” think. I trust myself.
… [Think] outside the box. Popular opinions often lead to failure,
and you will be ridiculed for not thinking mainstream. Whether it’s your fantasy
team, interaction with friends, or your career, it’s important to think about
things in new and different ways and stand firm in your findings. Use statistics
in new ways, question what is accepted fact, challenge authority. I guess this
is a variation of the first in some ways, but hang with me.
And his third point, which I especially appreciate while sifting through Career Alerts:
I also learned to create opportunities if they are not perceived to be there.
You can’t sit around waiting for something to happen. That helped me get this
job, but it also helps as we continue to develop new games and content on
NBA.com.
Thanks again, Jon. I will indeed pick Paul Mokeski.
(Photo courtesy of Jon Loomer, the vain guy.)
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September 30th, 2008
It was great to hear on the radio this morning that Andrea Bargnani has been working out with Jermaine O’Neal and gained 12 lbs of upper-body muscle. Now I read via AltRaps that JO has lost 12 lbs of upper-body muscle to relieve his knees. Coincidence? I think not.
Fantasy update: Give Me The Mock is now skimming the dregs of the 12th and 13th rounds. I’m hoping to come out of it with the prerequisite homer pick.
Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Jermaine O'Neal
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September 23rd, 2008
Give Me The Mock has really caught my attention. Most of my lunch hours have revolved around that Google Spreadsheet, chatting with the other fantasy GMs and waiting for someone to pick already. Pick already!! But seriously, the mock is moving smoothly, especially since we have GMs from all over: Alaska, Philippines, Texas, Chicago…
I think I’m doing quite well for my very first live draft. Since last post, I picked up:
Hedo Turkoglu
Manu Ginobili (I know he’s hurt, likely a couple months out)
Al Horford
Jason Terry
I was glad to get Horford when I did, since we have to fill a two-center lineup. I still remember what his flailing arm did to TJ Ford, but I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. It was careless, though.
Speaking of the Raptors, I’ll post more about them when the season gets closer or is underway. Thinking about doing something for the preseason game against the Cavs (let’s talk, Carolyn).
It’s extremely tempting to go back to blogging full-bore, but – sigh – first things first.
Tags: TJ Ford
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September 17th, 2008
We’re through three rounds of the Give Me The Rock Readers’ Mock Draft (let’s shorten that to “Give Me The Mock”). I’m picking third in a twelve-team serpentine draft. Here’s who I got so far:
#3 – SF LeBron James
#22 – PG Steve Nash
#27 – PF/C Tim Duncan
I think it’s pretty good so far, but the real test will be fifth or sixth round onward.
Nels is running Give Me The Mock on Google Spreadsheet, which allows us to chat and smacktalk as we go. Kudos, Nels.
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September 15th, 2008
I think, out of some sort of favoritism, I was chosen to participate in Give Me The Rock’s Readers’ Mock Draft. How would you explain it? I’m a relative noob who considers Patrick a good blog buddy. Favoritism, I say.
What kind of lineup will Jeff’s Marasmitches end up with? I’ll post here as soon as it’s complete.
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