NBA season is here and THE WIRK v THE RICK is ON

I'm going head to head with my buddy Ricky at www.believeinthestreak.com since it's the 1st night of the NBA season.  It's all for "love of the game", but since we're known to spend some time in a Las Vegas sportsbook, we figured a friendly competition could be fun.

We're both starting with 1000 units.  We'll iron out the rules when he calls me, but here's a starting point.

For obvious reasons we seemed to both want to stay away from the Washington Wizards v Cleveland Cavs game.  Why?  Garbage teams are very difficult to bet for or against.  Wagering on basketball is difficult enough without adding that level of unpredictability. 

As you can see, we both like the Miami Heat to cover -6.5 tonight.

Ricky is taking the over +185.5 in the Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers game.  I'm comfortable taking the Lakers with the line -9.  I don't like over/unders.  Betting totals is an interesting skill, that I haven't mastered.  Plus, with it being the 1st game of the season, Dirk Nowitzki being day-to-day and Kobe Bryant "questionable", I don't know where the scoring will come from.

Game ON.

THE WIRK

I'm an international winner ~ Stampede Casino, Calgary

After many flight issues, I finally flew to Calgary today.  On the plane, I sat in seat 13F and watched two movies (i.e.  No Strings Attached and Owning Mahowny).  Owning Mahowny stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and is based on true story of Dan Mahowny.  Mahowny is a guy from Toronto who worked in a bank and had a crazy gambling addiction.  When I got off the plane, I saw that my "tweety bird" had texted me.  That's random.  Based on all those weird events, I went to the casino and won $400 in 2 hours.  I left and planted myself in front of a TV with enough time to watch Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was a strange day, but it had "winner" written all over it from the start.  My life is goooooood.

The Stampede Casino in Calgary offers 2X odds at the craps table and a $5 minimum.  There is only one table.  Blackjack is also a $5 minimum.  Roulette is a 50 cent minimum.


THE WIRK

Already over the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs - Let's keep it moving please

I'm not going to lie.  For me, fatigue is setting in with the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs.  I'm ready to start the Conference Semifinals.  I'm glad that teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Lakers decided to finish up tonight so that we can keep it moving in the NBA on the road to the Finals...

Is it just me or was that Atlanta Hawks v Orlando Magic match-up incredibly painful to watch?   I couldn't get into that series AT ALL.  Thank goodness they kept that game off of TNT tonight.  There is no question that Orlando is worse after the big trade.  As a result, any plan to visit the "new" Amway Arena will be postponed yet another year (i.e. at least).  As for the Hawks, I like Jamal Crawford and have enjoyed the way he's matured as a player, but without Coach Woodson, I just can't actively support this team.  I don't feel like they play inspired basketball.  I remember the Joe Johson Craigs list ad.  Needless to say, I'm taking the Chicago Bulls in the next series.

In contrast to the Hawks v Magic series, I never wanted the Dallas Mavericks v Portland Trail Blazers match-up to end, but all good things...  I enjoy watching the Blazers.  I like the play of LaMarcus Aldridge.  I believe in Brandon Roy and want him to succeed.  The games he played AFTER he complained about his playing time showed me that he wanted to EARN his minutes.  I think he apologized for going to the media to vent his emotions.  I'm glad that he learned that his play speaks for itself.

The Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers series should be HOT, but I think the Boston Celtics v Miami Heat will be more exciting.  I remember the Nike Party during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles this year.  I saw Dirk Nowitzki joking around with Kobe Bryant and flashing him the "L" (i.e. loser symbol).  Sure they shared laughs, but you know the saying ~ "There's truth in humor."  I'm sure that Dirk and the Mavs would like to eliminate the Lakers.  I'm also confident that Phil Jackson would like to leave the Lakers as a WINNER.  I don't question Kobe's heart.  After seeing the way he looked at Pau Gasol, after Gasol had a few "oopsies" in Game 5, I don't want to get on Kobe's bad side.  ****  Seriously.  If looks could kill, the Lakers would be a man down.

As for the eagerly anticipated Celtics v Heat match-up, I really hope that the Celtics manage to "Beat the Heat".  Earlier today I read Jay-Z's Life+Times blog post about Chris Bosh.  I was irritated on various levels after reading the post.  For the sake of completeness, I'll post my comments here.  Here are my comments (forgive the capitalization): "people don't like bosh for a variety of reasons. he actually believes he's at a level that puts him in the same category of wade and james. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. bosh's perceived bravado, ineffectivenes, crying, and whining are a few of the reasons why he's the subject of criticism. nobody likes a pompous whiner that's unreliable when it comes to productivity. the heat are wade's team. d wade should get the final shot. bosh should realize that it's an honor JUST for him to be "nominated".

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read Jay-Z's post about Bosh yourself, here: http://bit.ly/lkVV8p

That's all I have for now.  Like I said, I'm already starting to feel the fatigue of the 1st round.  In my head, I'm already "on to the next one".

****  Oh, and if you're one of those people that watched the NFL Draft today, I really don't know how you do it...  After I heard Cam Newton went #1 to the Carolina Panthers, I lost interest.


THE WIRK

I watch Champions... Who are you calling Jinxsee?!?!

I've been noticing something.  If I watch a team live during the season, chances are they win a championship.  Cases in point:  UConn, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Green Bay Packers. 

Interesting.  Who wants to give me a ticket to watch their favorite team play?  I'm lucky!

That's right...  Who are you calling, Jinxsee?!?!  :-P


THE WIRK

Tweets from the Lakers v Heat game ~ Funny

My Tweets from the Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat game...  The most recent ones are towards the top.

• @Cristina_Doral I think big zydrunas' presence on the floor made all the difference
• @MagicJohnson great picture! Didn't even look at it til they showed you and Riley on tv. Duh - Pat = Riley!
• I should've known that when Magic mentions "Pat" he means "Riley"
• Playoff atmosphere at the AAA #lakers v #heat. Miami with 2 pt lead, with about 90secs left.
• You think the #Heat tell #Zydrunas not to shoot? He's open & can make 10 footers. He can also miss a 3 pointer like every1 but #Bibby.
• @ochocinco I've seen it with possession arrows.
• In response to his tweet about refs changing a call when a player "complains"
• #Odom goes right at & over Zydrunas & camera shows Khloe #Kardashian clapping! Are we showing all WAGs after their men score? #Lakers #Heat
• After 3, #lakers up 70-68 on the #heat.
• #Bosh misses both free throws... Seriously? That's right! He's more comfortable getting the ball down low. #Lakers v #Heat
• Lakers up 6 with about 3 left in the 3rd... #Lakers v #Heat
• "#Dampier cannot handle it" as he loses the ball... Put in #Zydrunas. #Lakers v #Heat.
• #Kobe just picked up his 3rd foul... #Lakers v #Heat with about 8 left in the 3rd... Tied at 55.
• I want to see #Artest compete in the NBA skills challenge... At least he stuck with it! #Lakers v #Heat
• I like Marv Albert and Mike Fratello, but do they make the same hair appts? Their hair is the same color. #TNT Buddies!!! #Lakers v #Heat
• Chris #Bosh drove the lane and missed once (and maybe even twice) #Zydrunas had to finish for him... Bosh is terrible. #Lakers v #Heat
• @MikoHorn Awww ~ Me too!!! After all these years still wish him the best! Plus he saved my life years ago, so he's good in my book :-P
• In response to her tweet that she "hearts" Zydrunas.
• Dear #Zydrunas, please recommend your barber to Matt Barnes. That Caesar cut was over with Clooney and ER. #Lakers v #Heat
• Come on, #Fratello! Let's not dog #Ilgauskas... #Cavs loyalty :-P
• Chris Bosh did come out aggressive vs. Lakers....and got in foul trouble. To the bench. Lakers up 12-10 in spirited start.
• 1st quarter and about 6 mins in and #heat aren't crying YET. #Lakers up 3.
• The Heat's arena is half empty, and the half that are there are Lakers fans.
• With #Dampier as their starting center the #Heat deserve to lose EVERY game. "Dampier not able to finish" what's the o/u on that quote?
• "whining and bitching like a little girl" - Charles #Barkley regarding the Miami #Heat

THE WIRK

Lakers v Heat and Knicks v Mavericks ~ Should be a great TNT doubleheader

Last Christmas, I went to Madison Square Garden to watch the Chicago Bulls take on the New York Knicks.  After the game, I hopped on the Acela and went to DC as fast as I could.  I wanted to get in front of a TV, as soon as possible, to see the Miami Heat take on the Los Angeles Lakers.  I expected a big game, but what I got was a blow out.  The Heat dominated the Lakers, and I was left disappointed.  All I wanted for "basketball Christmas" were victories for the Knicks and the Lakers, but I was only .500.

Well today isn't Christmas, but TNT is giving us a great doubleheader.  The Knicks and the Lakers are in action tonight. 

Does Bosh intimidate you?

The early game (i.e. 7PM ET) has the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami taking on the Heat.  I'm taking a shot and calling it right now.  I think the Lakers win tonight.  They're on an 8-game win streak, and I think they'll get their 9th win tonight.  As a result, I predict that the Heat will lose, increasing their unenviable streak to 6 losses in a row.  I want the Lakers and Kobe Bryant to avenge the loss on Christmas Day.  Further, I want to see how Chris Bosh tries to prove his value after his absurd statements following Tuesday's loss.  ****  I won $5 when the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Heat, and I'm ready to go double or nothing with my friend. 



The Heat's "2 and a half men" trying to rebound

As for the New York Knicks v Dallas Mavericks game tonight (i.e. 9:30 PM ET), I don't really know who I want to win.  I like Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki.  I still need to see the new-look Knicks live now that Carmelo Anthony is on the roster, but I might just hold off and wait for the playoffs.  ****  Wow, it felt good to type "Knicks" and "playoffs" in the same sentence sans sarcasm.  Ultimately, I'm just hoping for a competitive game. 

****  I took the pictures used for this post at the Heat v Wizards game on December 18, 2010.



THE WIRK

Los Angeles Lakers water, a tall drink of water I can carry proudly

I travel a lot and tend to get dehydrated by constantly being up in the air.  I resent the fact that I can't bring a bottle of water to the airport and have to buy a water bottle, after I clear security.  ****  The cynic in me thinks it's a conspiracy from the Coca-Cola company to sell more water, but that's a whole other post I don't feel like writing.  Anyway.  Anything for safety, right?!?!

As I cleared security and begrudgingly entered the gift shop at LAX to buy a bottle of water, I was pleased to see these purple bottles of water.  Los Angeles Lakers water. 

These tall, purple bottles of water (i.e. celebrating the back-to-back NBA Champions) brought a smile to my face. 

I didn't open the bottles to drink the water.  Instead I plan to keep them on my shelf. 

Too cool!

THE WIRK

Wizards try for 2 wins in a row on Wednesday against the Magic

The Washington Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday, 115-100, and captured their 1st victory on the road. Now, the Wizards can reflect on their 1-25 road record as they prepare to battle the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

The Orlando Magic were in action on Sunday also, and they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a margin of 14 at home. The final score of that game was 89-75. Magic star, Dwight Howard, came up big with 31 points and 13 boards.

Let's go ahead and state the obvious. The Orlando Magic will prove to be a more significant challenge to the Wizards than the Cavs, even though the jury is still out as to whether the mult-team trade between the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards made the Magic a better team.

****  This picture was taken at the last meeting between the Magic and the Wizards in DC.  Ironically, both Rashard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas are exiting this picture on opposite sides.  "Shortly" (aka days) after this game, both players would be traded to the other team. 

Let's face it. Sunday's Wizards v Cavs match-up was one to watch for all the wrong reasons. For the same reason people "rubberneck" at car accidents, people tuned into the Wizards v Cavs game. 

Wednesday's Wizards v Magic match-up will be intriguing if not to see if/how Gilbert Arenas and Rashard Lewis play against their former squads. Rashard Lewis missed his 2nd straight game with a sore knee on Sunday, and I haven't heard if he'll return for Wednesday's game. Gilbert Arenas, the former poster boy, for the Washington Wizards has had his scoring drop 50% since the trade to Orlando. He only averages 8.1 ppg now, but now (i.e. to be fair) he's coming off the bench.

The Wizards v Magic game won't be the most exciting NBA game on the Wednesday night schedule, but it will be compelling for many basketball fans as we draw closer to the NBA All-Star break.

Most likely, "NO ~ the Wizards won't win 2 in a row on the road."

However, stranger things have happened. Don't forget... The NBA is where "amazing happens".


THE WIRK

ESPN NBA doubleheader tonight ~ Lakers v Knicks and Suns v Jazz

So Deron Williams is on the ESPN crawl and he says, "I would never force Sloan out of Utah."  Well, of course he has to say something...  I don't know about you, but I'm going to be firmly planted in front of my TV tonight.  Yes, it's going to be a "wild" one.  ESPN is offering me more drama and excitement this evening than a night out with my friends can promise.  To paraphrase the current catchphrase for the NBA, I'm ready for amazing to happen. 

Last night the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled it for the Boston Celtics by defeating the Celtics on a night when Ray Allen made history.  Ray Allen surpassed Reggie Miller to become the all-time 3 point leader.  The Lakers surged in the 2nd half to defeat the Celtics, so I'm going to guess that Kobe Bryant et al will be tired tonight.

My prediction for the first game of the doubleheader is that the Knicks play big tonight and defeat the Los Angeles Lakers.  Last night, I was catching up with a friend and he brought up the fact that tonight will be Phil Jackson's last night coaching the Lakers at Madison Square Garden.  Needless to say the game became slightly more intriguing, and I thought about hopping on a train to New York City.  

Ultimately, I decided to cool my jets and watch at home.  Phil's last game at the Garden...  I can't believe it.  I'm still hoping Phil pulls a "Brett Favre" and comes back next year.  I'm not ready to see the Zen Master go, and with the Lakers playing the way they are ~ I think it's obvious that the team still needs him.

I think after a day of rest and losing the the Los Angeles Clippers (i.e. read "Blakers", as in Blake Griffin's team) that the New York Knicks will deliver a quality performance and win for their fans.

Enough about that.

Late last night, Steve Nash tweeted about the Phoenix Suns getting to .500.  After last season, if you would've told me that the Suns were going to be a .500 team this close to the NBA All-Star break, I would've called you a liar.  Obviously, I knew that the loss of Amare Stoudemire would be significant.  Seriously, though...  .500?!?!  This is a team that made it to the Western Conference Finals last year.

Regardless tonight's 2nd game of the double headers should be a good one.  I predict that the Suns come out blazing and the the Utah Jazz under perform.  I'm also very curious to hear if the reception for Deron Williams changes from previous games.  I can't feel the pulse in Salt Lake City (i.e. on this side of the country), but I can't imagine that the "Utah Jazz" faithful are thrilled that Jerry Sloan is gone. 

The first game is at 8PM.  Order your pizza by 7:30 to make sure it's delivered before the opening tip.

To recap my predictions:

Knicks defeat the Lakers.

Suns defeat the Jazz.

THE WIRK

Lakers crush the Cavs, and LeBron tweets about karma

For those of you not on Twitter, I have no idea what it's going to take for you to get with the times if you're a sports fan.

Check the latest Tweet from Lebron James (aka KingJames on Twitter): "Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

Yeah, the Cleveland Cavaliers just got blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Cavs were without Anderson Varejao, and the fact that that makes such a difference is sad in itself.  The final score of the game was 112-57.

Ouch.

I think that the Cavs should offer Ted Williams (i.e. the man with the voice) more than an announcing job.  Perhaps they should let the man try out for the team.  It couldn't get much worse...  Could it?!?!

Ugh.  I'm not a fan of contraction for the NBA, but I do think based on some of the box scores I've been seeing that the NBPA and NBA should explore the idea of a mercy rule.  Some of these teams are just horrendous...

I feel bad for Byron Scott.


THE WIRK

If you can't stand the (Miami) Heat, you're unhappy with the NBA right now

If you can't stand the Heat, you're not loving the NBA right now.

The Heat went into Los Angeles and whipped up on the Lakers.  Merry Christmas Lakers fans!  You got a lump of coal.  Actually, you got hit with a bag of coal (i.e. grifters' style).  Ouch.  As someone who was rooting for the Lakers and raced to find a TV upon returning from the Chicago Bulls v New York Knicks' game, I was ready for the marquee match-up that the NBA and anyone that loves basketball was expecting.  Even Mike Tyson tweeted asking simply, "Lakers or Heat?".  ****  I may have transposed his tweet, but it doesn't matter.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost last night to the San Antonio Spurs.  I'm not that surprised since the Spurs were home, and they're playing tough ~ but I am surprised that while the Heat are scorching, the Lakers are stumbling.  To me it looks as though the Lakers need a swift kick to wake up...  Maybe it's Phil Jackson's strategy to pull a Doc Rivers' and have his team "chill" during the regular season and then dig down deep in the playoffs.  I don't know...

I can tell that Kobe Bryant's getting annoyed and frustrated.  I'm getting annoyed and frustrated...  I looked at the box score of last night's game briefly, and he's still the one carrying most of the scoring burden.  That's to be expected.  I just wish, one of his teammates would step up and start scoring also.

It's a long season, and I want to believe that the Heat won't have an easy road to the NBA Finals, much less an NBA Championship.  As it looks right now, and granted we haven't hit the NBA All-Star break just yet ~ Heat fans can almost bank on another championship ring...

If it's not LeBron scoring it's Dwyane Wade...  ****  I'll admit again, that I am a Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley, and Erik Spoelstra fan.  Don't worry, I'm not jumping on the Miami Heat bandwagon.  I'm just admitting that it's impossible to ignore them and look the other way anymore.  This isn't a problem for me, because I just sit in the stands or watch the games on TV.  This is a problem for the players who go against them night after night and choose to watch the show as opposed to compete. 

My friend went to the Knicks v Heat game last night in Miami.  In one word he described Wade's 40 point performance, "AMAZING."  My friend doesn't play for the Knicks, but I wonder if the Knicks had the same reaction...  Man, I hope not.

Come on: Lakers, Spurs, Knicks, Mavericks, Jazz, Celtics, etc.  I realize that the Heat are like crazy Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction ~ they will not be ignored, but...  It ain't over, til it's over guys.  It's a long season...  COMPETE!!!


THE WIRK

Mavericks fans ~ Take time out to pray for Dirk Nowitzki's knee

Dirk Nowitzki left last night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a sore right knee.  The Mavericks defeated the Thunder, 103-93. 

Dirk had an MRI scheduled for this morning.  I haven't seen/heard the results of the MRI yet...

Let's hope for his and the Dallas Maverick's sake that it's nothing serious (i.e. or even nothing at all).  The Mavericks have the best road record (i.e. 11-1), and Dirk has once again been putting up All-Star numbers (i.e. about 24 points and 7 rebounds a game ~ almost a double-double).

It's no secret, he's become one of my favorites this season, and it's also no secret that the West is stacked.  Therefore, if the Mavericks are going to contend against the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs during this long NBA season, his team "knee'ds him to stay healthy.  ****  Yes, "knee'ds" is corny, but I like it.


THE WIRK

Aside from Joe Montana, Karl Malone and Kareem ~ Do men really wear Shape Ups?

‎Am I really supposed to believe Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wear Shape Ups? 

Dear Skechers: Please stop airing that commercial.  As an old school, Los Angeles Lakers fan I love Kareem, but Karl Malone has to go!



Actually, now I'm curious.  Aside from Joe Montana (i.e. yes, I saw his commercial too), Karl Malone, and Kareem ~ do men really wear Shape Ups?


THE WIRK

Quick Poll: Who should coach the Miami Heat ~ Riley v Spoelstra?

There has been a lot of chatter about who should be head coach of the Miami Heat. 

I have been a fan of Erik Spoelstra ever since he was on the other end of the bench (i.e. from Pat Riley).  Believe it.  Why?  Because I think he's cute.  ****  In the interest of full-disclosure, I'm half Filipina.  Spoelstra started his career with the Miami Heat as video coordinator and is currently the head coach (i.e. after more or less being hand picked by Riley). 

I never really watched the Miami Heat, until Riley joined them in the mid-90s.  I remember watching the Heat go against the New York Knicks in the late-90s and the physicality of those games.  ****  I'll admit that I probably should have been studying, since I was in medical/graduate school at the time.  Sorry, dad.  Haha.  There's no question that Pat Riley has had amazing success as a head coach.  Riley, the current Miami Heat team president, has won 5 NBA Championships as a head coach (i.e. 6 if you count when he was an assistant). 

Riley made me a Laker fan when I was younger, because I couldn't take my eyes off of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Byron Scott, and A.C. Green.  ****  Til this day, I have a poster of the Los Angeles Lakers in my mom's house and a framed Magic Johnson picture at my dad's house.  I dare both of them to get rid of either item.  When most girls dreamt about going to the beach or Disney World, I dreamt about going to The Forum.  Incidentally, I never made it to The Forum, but I have been to the Staples Center twice.

It wasn't The Forum, but I was still happy

Back to Miami...

With the trio of Chris Bosh (i.e. I can't believe I just typed his name), Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James performing below public expectations (i.e. notice I said "public" and not "my"), the chatter about a change in leadership has increased in volume...

What do you think?  I remember watching a debate about players v coaches.  A former NBA player argued that players are judged by whether or not they have a NBA Championship ring.  Coaches, he argued, are judged by their win v loss percentage.  In another article a case was made that a coach should be judged by his record v expectations (i.e. games that you should win count less, because you SHOULD HAVE won them anyway).

There's no question that the final score of the Miami Heat v Indiana Pacers, was a game that the public "expected" the Heat to win.  My buddy is in Vegas right now and he texted me that the money line was Indiana +425.  That was a nice pay out for anyone who had the nerve to bet it.  He also texted me that, "Every time the Heat lose, an Angel gets his/her wings."  But I digress...

What do you think?  Do you think Pat Riley could get more out of the Miami Heat (i.e. than Spoelstra) or is it just growing pains as the team develops its own style and rhythm?  Oh, and I have to ask:  Do you think Riley will replace Spoelstra this season?


THE WIRK

Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash, and trade rumors ~ Say it isn't so...

What is going on with the Phoenix Suns?  About an hour ago, Steve Nash (Twitter name: the_real_nash) tweeted the following, "Alvin Gentry, 'if steve gets traded I'm going with him.' Makes me wonder what Alvin and I would go for on the open market? #jockstrap&6pack"

Anyone with any knowledge of basketball cannot argue the value of a talented, hard-working point guard.  The point-guard bring the ball down the court.  In a system that numbers players, the point is #1.  All eyes are on the point guard as the ball crosses mid court.  The point guard can make or break a team.

Nash is one of the heralded NBA draft picks in the class of 1996.  Yes, he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns, but I don't think I paid any attention to him until he started to play with Dirk Nowitzki as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.  Anyone that follows the NBA knows that Nash went back to the Suns in 2004.

Last season the Suns were successful although last year they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.  I was at the game in Phoenix over Memorial Day weekend (i.e. May 29, 2010 to be exact) and watched as Phoenix lost with a score of 111-103, after Kobe Bryant dropped 37 points.

Before the opening tip, Game 6 of the 2009-2010 Western Conference Finals

Kobe being Kobe

With the Los Angeles Lakers as the defending NBA Champions, they're definitely the team to beat.  I'm not sure where the Phoenix Suns will end up this postseason.  With Amare Stoudemire gone and Nash the subject of numerous trade rumors, it has to be unsettling for Suns fans.  The Suns offense is exciting to watch and I'm not sure who'd they get to replace him. 

After all of my years following professional sports, one thing I've learned is that no one's job in the NBA is secure, no matter what he has accomplished.  However, as someone who finds herself cheering for the Suns in the playoffs, I hope Nash stays in Phoenix.


THE WIRK

NBA Media Day was yesterday and Training Camp has begun

Yesterday was the "start" of the NBA Season with NBA training camp opening up and Media Day!  For those of you that don't know, media is a busy day for those involved in the NBA.  It's like the first day of school for your favorite NBA athletes.  They get their hair cut, some wax their backs (i.e. I swear), and make sure they're camera ready when they have their pictures taken, talk to the press,  and answer questions about the offseason and what they expect for the upcoming season(s).

I was busy yesterday, so I didn't catch (i.e. see/hear) any of the action, but I'm sure that seeing Carmelo Anthony in his jersey served as some (i.e. perhaps temporary) consolation to Denver Nuggets fans.  Further, I can't imagine how different media day was for Cleveland Cavaliers reporters compared to the previous 7, now that LeBron has, "taken his talents to South Beach". 

Keeps your eyes open, because cities that aren't used to an NBA presence during the year often host the teams during training camp.  I know that some franchises have left their "homes" in order to focus on the upcoming season (i.e. the Phoenix Suns are in San Diego, the Minnesota Timber Wolves are in Mankato, the Miami Heat are at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, etc.).  Years, ago I was in Hawaii and saw several men in purple and gold.  Sure enough, I was in the pool that afternoon and noticed Brian Shaw sitting in a chair.  Yes, boys and girls.  The Los Angeles Lakers held their training camp in Honolulu that year and could be found around the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss walking the beach in Hawaii

Forget preseason, I'm looking forward to the first NBA game of the season!  For those of you still relishing in last year's NBA Championship, here's a DVD so you can re-live those moments :-P


THE WIRK

Rick Fox ~ Only reason for me to watch Dancing With the Stars (DWTS)

I enjoy watching Dancing With the Stars.  In previous seasons, there's usually been someone that I've rooted for in the competition. I caught myself rooting for Jason Taylor (i.e. a fellow University of Akron Alumnus, former Miami Dolphin, and current New York Jet) because he's ridiculously handsome and we went to college together.  Most recently I caught myself cheering for Pamela Anderson because she's "likable" and seems genuine.  Actually, right now I'm watching "Kate Plus 8" and I'm remembering the terrible performances of Kate Gosselin.  ****  Incidentally, can someone PLEASE give me $5 every time Kate says the word paparazzi?!?!!  Alas, I digress.

I just noticed the current line-up/cast for the upcoming DWTS season and let's just say I'm not impressed with the list of people I saw.  Granted, the season hasn't started yet.  However, there is no POSITIVE visceral reaction that I feel (i.e. that would really compel me to watch the show) when any of the following names are mentioned:  Brandy, Jennifer Grey, Margaret Cho, Audrina Patridge, Florence Henderson, Bristol Palin, Michael Bolton, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, David Hasselhoff, Kurt Warner, Kyle Massey, and Rick Fox.

OK - I may have spoken too soon.  Former Los Angeles Laker, Rick Fox, is attractive and I've seen him most recently in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League.  However, I don't know how compelling he'll be on the dance floor. 

This is going to be a rough season with such a lame cast...  I predict terrible ratings.

For those of you that stuck with this post, here is the footage of Pamela Anderson dancing the Rumba.  It's hot...  If you haven't seen it ~ you're welcome.




THE WIRK

2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions ~ Brazil to win it all? Agree or Disagree?

With the USA eliminated from competition, I'll admit that I've tuned out of the World Cup.  If walking by a TV, with a match on, I'll stop and check the score ~ but I really have no idea anymore about who I want to win.

I received the following message today from my good friend, Kanak.  I found it funny that she even sent it, since she's not a sporty person.  To be honest, I nearly fell out of my seat when she texted me (i.e. during Game 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics series) that Sasha Vujacic needed to shave!  I couldn't believe the girl even had the TV on still, much less was watching and cared enough to read the names on the jerseys.  She said she checks into this blog ~ and now I believe her. 

Further, being that she lived in Brasil/Brazil, she does have interest in soccer/futbol. So here are her 2 cents and predictions for the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Here's what SHE wrote:

" Ok...Soooo I wanted to send my predictions to you.  I know you aren't that into soccer, but I am super EXCITED, and you are the only one that might half way care now that the US is out."

• Argentina will beat Germany easily, to face Portugal next (i.e. who will beat Spain today and move on to beat either Paraguay or Japan). 

1st half ~ Spain v Portugal (Photo taken by, Wirk Part 2)

• I couldn't care less about either of those teams and who wins that game (i.e. Paraguay v Japan).
• Brasil/Brazil (will make it to the semifinal because they are playing the Netherlands for the spot, and if they lose to them I just have to hang my head in shame...lol!.  
• Brasil/Brazil will probably face Uruguay (i.e. even though Ghana was looking strong, I don't think they can beat Uruguay), as a face-off for the 1950 World Cup Final, but hopefully with inverted scoreboard (2 x 1 Brasil, this time).  
• Argentina will make it to the semi-finals for sure.
• I don't care what people say about Germany, I don't think they are going.
• Final Brasil/Brazil v Argentina, neighbor x neighbor, mortal enemies.
• And if all goes well Brasil/Brazil will be the NUMBER ONE! Woohoo!"

****  What do you think?  1950 World Cup?  What is "inverted scoreboard"?  Is she right? 


Kanak, for THE WIRK

2010 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers pregame video

For those of you that have never been to the Staples Center, here's the video that was shown on the scoreboard before the Los Angeles Lakers home games (i.e. during the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics).

I shot the video before Game 6.  Enjoy!




THE WIRK

Ron Artest's NBA Championship post-game interview and celebration

So many people are so quick to hate and not congratulate.  Have you see, Ron Artest's post-game interview after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 7 for the NBA Championship?  The sincerity in his emotions and the joy in his actions and his voice are visibly and audibly genuine.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest Ron Ron fan, but I cannot help but like him after watching him come up huge in a couple of games in this series and after this interview. 

Sports are one of the few forums where men will actually let down their guard and let out their human vulnerabilities.  Men can play the game like boys and still come out champions!



Want to know what happens after the interview, when Ron went to "the Club".  Well, according to the following ESPN article by Sam Alipour, Ron Ron went out to "the Club" in full uniform and then eventually gave his uniform to Chris Brown.  Why not?!?!  It's Ron Ron...  He's come a LONG way from the Pistons-Pacers brawl.  He's a Champion now.


THE WIRK