Quick Thoughts

1.    Marbury Happenings:    One of the few subplots actively brewing in the NBA right now is the Knicks' dealings with Stephon Marbury.  Before this week, there were strong rumors that Marbury was going to be released and the Knicks were going to buyout the $22 million left on his deal for 2008-09.  The situation is very interesting because there really are a myriad of options here.  Granted, the Knicks won't be very good and Marbury has been a complete headache the last few years but it is not … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

1.    Gold:    In reality, the United States only lost one Olympics in a row but the feeling of futility has been palpable in the World Championships in 2002 and 2006 as well.  So, now the United States has returned to gold in the Olympics and the question is what does this all mean? I suppose it does touch on all of our jingoistic pride but winning the Olympics doesn't validate (or invalidate) the notion that the United States produces the most and best basketball players in the world.  But … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

1. Team USA Is A-Coming:    With the Olympics has approaching, we find ourselves again watching another Team USA take a shot at the gold, that has eluded them to varying degrees since 2000.  When we examine this issue, we are quick to point out a few things.  The idea that the United States hasn't won the gold isn't some sort of silly national shame.  Rather, the world has improved, the rules of international basketball (shorter court, three point line, and length of game) encourage upsets, and … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

1.    Some Summer League Fun:  Here we are nearing the dead zone of the NBA year.  Most of the major NBA free agents are taken care and a few trades may pop up in August and September and the Olympics won't be coming until that time either.  The only games right now are those wacky summer league games.  I thought I'd go through and throw out some fun names that we haven't seen for a while: … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

1.    Champs and D:    We've taken a step back from the season thanks to Ed Weiland's excellent draft coverage but now it's time to take a quick look back at the Celtics' run.  In the end, the Celtics excellent defense coupled with the inability of the Lakers to match up with Paul Pierce gave Boston another banner.  Indeed, the Celts' were the best defensive this year (number one in points allowed per minute), but this serves as a nice jumping off point to test the old adage that "defense wins … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts