Heat are getting worked by the Celtics, and no one in Miami cares

The past 2 weeks, as soon as I land, the first person I've seen on TV is my ex... Thank you, ESPN (i.e. sarcasm)...  I'm loving the fact that the it's the 3rd quarter and the Boston Celtics are beating the Miami Heat.  There are so many empty seats in the American Airlines Arena.  Told you all the bandwagon jumpers would jump off, just as quickly as they jumped on.

The only time Heat fans will support the team is in the finals.  I know.  I was there for Game 5, in 2006, when they were up against the Dallas Mavericks.  Miami won that game (i.e. with a score of 101-100) and eventually went on to win the NBA Championship after winning Game 6.  That season Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade were both members of the Miami Heat, and Riley was still coaching.

Here are a few pictures I took at the game. 

I'm a huge Pat Riley fan

With Dirk Nowitzki at the line,

the crowd chants DA-VID HASSEL-HOFF

Dwyane Wade with a dunk. 

Game over

Based on LeBron's strong performance, I wonder if he is going to use his "I can't do it all by myself," speech (ala Cleveland) in the post-game press conference when the Heat lose...

Anyone remember these quotes from Jeff Van Gundy? 

"They will break the single-season win record [of 72],” Jeff Van Gundy said. And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers’ 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year."

Hey, Jeff Van Gundy, guess what?!?!  The Heat just lost two games in a row!!!  How about them apples?!?!  So much for your prediction, but hey ~ at least you had the nerve to take a shot! :-P


THE WIRK

Sports: Athletes and houses ~ free agency, trades, and real estate

It's been a rough day...  I woke up this morning after having a nightmare that my parents bought the house I used to live in, when I was engaged a million (ok, so it wasn't really a million) years ago.  The house is the one he and I picked out when we were dating.  He actually proposed to me in the backyard on the deck by the water. 

The house is also the same house where he and his current wife (i.e. who I used to hang out with and was once engaged to his former teammate) resided once I left town and they coupled up.  But, that's all neither here nor there for the purposes of this blog...

Needless to say, I was bothered by the nightmare.  I woke up angry.  Later in the day, I decided to Google my old address and wouldn't you know that house is for sale?  Actually, it was listed 10 days ago!  Scary coincidence... 

I've always been someone who can sense when there's a problem or when something is happening.  I get a feeling about people and things and most of the time I'm right.  Obviously, I'm not batting a thousand or I'd be wealthier and more successful in my professional and personal relationships ~ but I've learned not to ignore my gut feelings.

The owner of the house has always said that Cleveland will always be "home".  He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1996 (i.e. 1st round, 20th pick).  Based on the effort to sell this house, all signs point to that not being the case.  I can't speculate on what I don't know, so I'm not going to say for sure that he hasn't purchased another home in Ohio.  I don't really care.  Obviously this won't garner as much attention as LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland, but for someone like me, I have to say I'm a bit surprised. 

I looked through the pictures on the house listing and am surprised to see so few changes in the house that I once called "home".  Of course, the woman that "replaced" me tried to renovate it and make it hers (e.g, redoing the kitchen, expanding the terrible closet space), but at the end of the day ~ that's still the house that he and I picked out for our life together and the house that she moved into AFTER I left. 

Admittedly, I wanted the house in Gates Mills, but he always wanted to live on the water.  ****  I conceded since he was only my boyfriend at the time and life was hard enough with him injured and on crutches.  When we were house-hunting it was my job to climb stairs or descend downstairs to check ceiling heights to make sure that a 7 footer could stand upright without hitting his head.

That reminds me.  One of the coolest basements I'd ever seen was John Hart's.  He's the former General Manager of the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers.  Damnit, ironically I just read his wikipedia page and it says that he currently serves as senior adviser, baseball operations, for the Rangers. Ugh, I was just in Texas for the World Series!!!!  Anyway, John Hart had one of the best collections of baseball memorabilia I'd ever seen.  Baseball posters, stadium seats, signed baseballs and bats. It was awesome.  I remember walking down there and calling up the stairs to my guy, "You really need to come down here!" and watching him precariously negotiate the stairs and low-ceilings on his crutches.

It's not uncommon for athletes to sell or rent their homes to other athletes.  Free agency, trades, seasonal work, and retirement are part of the business of sports.  I watched MTV Cribs before and saw Shaquille O'Neal's Miami house.  It used to be Rony Seikaly's and Shaq put his Superman touches on it.  I remember Shaq and Shaunie remarking that it was nice to move into Rony's house because things were built/customized for a taller man (e.g. door heights). 

Here's one for you...  In the master bathroom the sinks were higher than your average sinks, to make it easier for him to wash his hands.  Um, that's fantastic.  What about people who have normal heights?  Do you know how gross and annoying it is to have water drip down your arm onto your sleeves?  I wonder if the toilet in the master bathroom of my old house is still raised.  It was elevated to the point that Danny Ferry once gave me a "step stool" as a joke for Christmas, since he was concerned my feet would dangle.  I never used it, but I still have the stool.

When a veteran Cleveland Cavalier moved out of his home after being traded, Damon Jones a "new Cleveland Cavalier" (i.e. at the time) moved right in.  That house was featured on an episode of MTV Cribs.  Seriously?!?!  I've been in that house many times (i.e. numerous parties, dinners, and random nights).  It's not that extraordinary.  I can't find the episode anymore. I can only find the unaired clip.  See for yourself with the following link.  Never Been Seen: Damon Jones: "Damon Jones lets us look behind his fully stocked bar, and gives us a spin in the chair in his private barber salon."

When I get around to it, I might post some pics of the house from back in the day or I might not, since it doesn't really matter.  I'm debating on whether or not I even want to post a link the listing, and at this time I'm deciding against it. I don't need/want my former address published. 

Mi "old" casa, es su casa ~ for almost $2 million.  The stories I could tell ~ priceless...


THE WIRK

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics ~ Thoughts from the 3rd Quarter

Getting ready for the start of the 3rd quarter.  Thankfully I finished eating dinner.  Just heard the "LeBron isn't a bad guy" speech for the 100th time.  Whatever.  To quote Billy Joel, "You can speak your mind, but not on my time." 

****I don't realize why people think they can change my mind.  I've never been one to be swayed by the arguments that have been provided.  I don't understand why people can't just agree to disagree.  You can have your own opinion about LeBron.  I don't try to change your mind.  So ask yourself, why it's so important for you to change mine?

• Charles Barkley has lost a lot of weight.
• Ray Allen just drained his third 3 from the corner.  It still electrifies the crowd.
• With 7:11 left in the 3rd, Zydrunas is checking back in. 
• He just had a chance at a shot in the key a foot or 2 ahead of the free throw line and passed the ball.  Hmmm... 
• Shaq just missed his free throw.  A few Celtics went into the lane to slap him 5.  I think Zydrunas almost went into the lane to do the same, but he caught himself.  Weird.
• Zydrunas is fouled by Big Baby Davis, so he's at the line.  He missed his free throw. 
• Pierce just got called for a foul, but LeBron charged.  It's a bad call.  No bueno. 
• LeBron has 16 points, and the Boston lead is only 10.
• Wait, Ray Allen just drained another 3, so the lead is back to 13.
• Pierce looks like he might be a little banged up now.  He looks like he's wincing on the bench after LeBron ran into/over him.
• Whoa!  Who's the guy sitting next to the left of Pierce?  Uh oh.  Pierce is headed to the locker room.
• Big Baby Davis shoots and scores over Zydrunas ~ so much for 7 feet of defense...
• In case you didn't know, Ray Allen would like to inform you that the NBA Cares.
• Is it just me, or is Boston looking like they let up a bit? Miami has cut the lead to 10.  Score is 53-63, but Boston is still up.
• LeBron just scored another bucket.  He has 25, and the Boston lead is cut to 6. 

Hmmm, looks like in typical NBA fashion ~ the game will be decided in the 4th.


THE WIRK

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics ~ Thoughts during 1st Quarter

Opening night for NBA action, and since I'm "trapped" watching the game I figured I'd start a string of bullets to collect my thoughts as I watch and listen to this Miami Heat v Boston Celtics game.  I will admit, right now.  I'm from Ohio.  I used to be a huge LeBron proponent.  I am/was very familiar with the Cleveland Cavs organization and I'm still DISGRUNTLED and ANNOYED with "The Decision".  I understand, LeBron had the right to leave.  I'm one of those people that thinks that THE WAY he did it, was classless. 

Oh, and I must mention that I saw his latest Nike commercial earlier today.  I think it sucks.  And "Yes," LeBron, you ruined your legacy.

• I want the Boston Celtics to win tonight. 
• I want the Miami Heat to go 0-82.
• Poor Craig Sager, having to interview Chris Bosh before the game.   I wonder just how bad, Miami's record has to be, before Bosh will stop getting interviewed.  I'm tired of hearing that Miami's 3 (i.e. Wade, LeBron, and Bosh <--- I think I just threw up in my mouth typing "Bosh") didn't have much court time together.  Sooo sorry, there wasn't much rehearsal time due to injuries...  That's LIFE.  Suck it up. 
• It's good to see Steve Kerr on TV again.  Hmmm, that reminds me of that I used to date a guy that looked just like him...  ****Not sure what that means or how it's relevant, but this is my blog so I can include whatever I want.
• LeBron is still doing the chalk into...  Guess that's gonna stay.
• Shaquille O'Neal as a Celtic...  I hope it works out for him and for Boston fans better than it did during his stint with the Phoenix Suns.  I want to see Boston succeed with Shaq...  However, I must admit I don't expect much out of the big fella.
• The score is Miami: 8, and Boston: 14.  I am thrilled.
• Dwyane Wade is 0-4 from the field right no.  Game is a little boring.
• They just showed Erik Spoelstra.  Ok, I'm back to being interested in this game again.
• Not only is Wade 0-4, he as 3 turnovers and just sat down on the bench.

End of the 1st Q ~ Heat 9. Boston 16.  Ugh, now they're showing that stupid Nike commercial again.  How long is this commercial?  It feels like it's 7 minutes long...  Yuck.


THE WIRK

Follow your favorite athletes on Twitter

If you're not following your favorite athletes on Twitter, you're a fool. 

In this day and age, celebrities and athletes use Twitter to connect with their fans.  As opposed to having thousands of "friends" in their business, it's easier for them to put out their own messages in tweets.  Everything from ticket give-aways, autographed pictures, jerseys, etc. is up for grabs for the lucky trivia winners or quick responders. 

Larry Fitzgerald has contests for his fans to win autographed items.  Chad Ochocinco will tell you when and where he's having lunch.  Serena Williams has tweeted that it may not have been the smartest move on her part to go through an airport carrying a tennis racquet, if she wanted to go unnoticed. 

Earlier today (i.e. and 25 minutes ago) I saw the following tweet from THE_REAL_SHAQ, "send me links 2 ur fav dance videos n I will give @celtics home opener tix & jersey to my fav 1. must include #shaqvs".

You can add Shaquille O'Neal at the following URL: http://twitter.com/THE_REAL_SHAQ
You can add Larry Fitzgerald at the following URL: http://twitter.com/Lfitzgerald11
You can add Serena Williams at the following URL: http://twitter.com/serenawilliams
You can add Chad Ochocinco at the following URL: http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco

I've seen Shaq at Disney World before and he is just one of the many fun-loving and humorous people (i.e. athletes, entertainers, writers, friends) who I follow.  His tweets make me laugh.  Get in on the action, create your own network, and tweet people.  What are you waiting for?!?!

To get you started, here's a URL for a site that provides a directory of Twitter users:  http://twitter-athletes.com/index.cfm.  From what I can tell they verify the accounts, but of course use your common sense. 

As a bonus (i.e. since Justin Bieber is on Shaq Vs tonight, here's a picture for you of LIL WIRK, when she was a wee-little girl.  Notice the "Bieber" haircut, before the Bieber fever even existed! 

Yes, indeed, a woman ahead of her time :-P


THE WIRK

The Cleveland Cavaliers and I are "on a break"

As a Cavs fan, I have to ask, "Why am I friends with this guy?"  Ryan is just one of a few Celtics fans that were out Thursday night and wanted to talk about the game.  Seriously, he's a great guy and one of my many friends that I debate sports with regularly.  In case you are blind and didn't notice, he's also a huge Rondo fan...  During the game yesterday and after it, Celtics fans celebrated, while Cavs fans like myself were numb to the world.
-----------
So, what did you do on Thursday night? Did you do/see anything good? As for me, I made it home just in time for the 2nd half of a heartbreaking game of basketball (i.e. Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics series). When I made it home, the Cavs actually had the lead.

You know when you're in a relationship and it's not going well ~ but you wait it out and hope that it gets better?  Well, last night I broke up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Actually, technically, I guess you can say we're on "a break".

The team mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted me.  Our relationship had such great promise this year and then it just fell apart. 

I feel cheated.  I feel misled.  I wanted more than they could give.  I've decided ~ I'm going to see other people.  I don't really care what the Cavs do.  It's time for me to cover baseball and other sports topics of interest.  ****  Actually, this morning I heard a rumor that someone on the Cavs slept with someone else's wife.  I made some phone calls and sent some texts and then learned that supposedly, it's a variation of that rumor.  I'm not going to go into details on this blog, because I don't know if it's true or not.  However, my sources are usually good...

Back to my relationship with the Cavs.  You are who you hang out with, and I believe that there is a lot of garbage on the team.  Antawn Jamison is not a winner.  Anderson Varejao is terrible and every time he touches the ball, I want to scream.  My last memory of game 6 is him launching a 3 pointer and missing (i.e. but you knew he missed it without me telling you, right?!?!).  Another Varejao image is him trying to stop play because he was bleeding.  Varejao if you're bleeding, keep bleeding - but NEVER stop playing defense or "offense".  Actually, NEVER play offense either.  I prefer you that if you must step on the court that you NEVER touch the ball.

I watch the Real Houseweives of New Jersey.  Yes, I like trash TV.  I was watching last week, and I heard the best quote from New Jersey matriarch, Caroline Manzo.  She said, "You hang around garbage long enough, and you start to stink."  That's what I think about some of Lebron's supporting cast (i.e. especially Varejao).
I didn't believe in the Shaquille O'Neal trade being the answer.  I like Shaq, and  I believed in his effectiveness years ago. Although I'm an Ilgauskas fan I recognize he can't play forever. I think Mike Brown should be fired. I also blame Danny Ferry, but then again I blame Danny for almost everything. I blame Ferry for the oil leakage in the gulf, global warming, overweight america, stock market crashes, and rain. It's always Ferry's fault.

Lebron.  Now comes the part where I jockey being a fan and being human.  I believe Lebron will stay in Cleveland.  I also believe that if the Cavs were to win a NBA Championship that this was the year for it to happen.  I can't imagine what it feels like in Cleveland today.  I know how it felt when I went to sleep last night.  I cried.  I actually cried because I know, that they (i.e. the city, the team) know, that this was "supposed to be their year".  I don't know if the rumors are true.  I believe the dynamic is flawed.  I hope Lebron doesn't become the new Brett Favre (i.e. stay, go, stay, go) and hold the Cavs hostage.  I do believe he does want to be recruited, but I do believe he will stay home.

As an Ohioan and a Cavs fan, all I can do is hope.  As I said, the Cavs and I are "on a break" and there's no time for tears, it's baseball season!


THE WIRK

Basketball Wives ~ I'm almost scared to watch...

I've already read, Rita Ewing and Crystal McCrary's book, Homecourt Advantage years ago and recognized the characters of my past in print.  I say, "characters" because I've never met the authors, but I know the personas and type of people that are written about in the book, because I lived it for more than 4 years.

Anyone who's on the periphery or dead center in the game and maintains a relationship, personally or professionally with someone associated with professional basketball can identify with the book ~ and if he/she disagrees, then he/she is lying.

The way to survive in the "circle of trust" is to not air your dirty laundry about the fraternity.  Loose lips sink ships.  The sororities of women (i.e. in the family lounge, in the stands, and in the hotel lobbies) do not mix.  You're either a respected member or you're a joke/threat.  Wives and girlfriends don't appreciate new faces.  Anyone new, has to earn trust.  See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil and everyone can survive, "peacefully".  I could write post after post with crazy details and stories, but I won't.  This blog isn't about that, and no one wants their business out there.  Everyone thinks being a NBA wife or girlfriend is easy.  It is not.  Sure, everyone thinks that money makes it all better, but money doesn't fix everything.  Sure for the women relationships start and end, but contracts keep their men on TV, in ads, and in the papers.  Love is beautiful and can be difficult, but breaking up is hard to do when so many people have their nose or want to put their nose in your business.  Sooooo...

OK, after being sent the link and a few emails about Basketball Wives, Season 1, I'm finally downloading Episode 1.  I have mixed feelings about what I think I'm going to see.  I doubt there's anything that'll really shock or surprise me, I've been there and done that and whatever I haven't lived, I've seen...  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ~ but those years sure were interesting! 

According to EW.com (Entertainment Weekly's online presence), "VH1 has ordered eight episodes of a new reality show called Basketball Wives that will reveal what it’s like to be married to, dating, or done with an NBA player. Participants include Jennifer Williams (wife of Eric Williams), Evelyn Lozada (ex-fiancé of Antoine Walker), Mesha O’Neal (wife of Jermaine O’Neal), Royce Reed (mother of Dwight Howard’s son), Faith Rain (Udonis Haslem’s girlfriend) and Shaunie O’Neal (wife of Shaquille O’Neal), who will also serve as an executive producer."

I have no idea what I'm about to see, and I'm curious how honest these women are going to be.  I know I wouldn't want all of my business thrown out there for public consumption.  Some secrets and stories I'll take with me to the grave, because they're no one's business...  I saw that Shaq (i.e. who is resting and not playing tonight as the Atlanta Hawks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers) has referred to the show as "televised revenge".  Well you know the saying ~ "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

The next episode of Basketball Wives is scheduled to run on April 18.  The show is on Sundays at 10PM EST on VH1.

Here's an oldie but a goodie for you, Skee-Lo's, "I Wish".  You're welcome.




THE WIRK, an NBA ex-fiancee

Cavs dominate the Knicks, Shaq's surgery, LeBron's Jersey and Trivia

Ok - I'm a little "sported" out, so some quick basketball bullets and then a quick write-up about an intellectual sport ~ trivia...

BASKETBALL

• My friend asked me what I thought about his decision to take the Knicks +11 last night. Yeah, you read that right... He wanted to take the Knicks +11 over the Cavs!?!?! Yeah, I couldn't believe it either.  Needless to say, he lost.
• Yesterday, Shaq had surgery yesterday on his hand in Baltimore.  He's out for 6-8 weeks (depending on who you read)... Playoffs begin on April 17.  Enough said. 
• LeBron completed the paperwork to change his jersey number to 6... If you're a Cavs/LeBron fan, get ready to cough up some $$$ to be "current"...  If the league approves the change, look for LeBron to go to #1 in terms of jersey sales.  I'm a Cavs/LeBron fan, but I don't buy jerseys. Personally, I'm not in favor of athletes changing jersey numbers (i.e I realize that #6 is his Olympic number etc.). Why all of a sudden is LeBron abandoning #23? It's not as if it was a surprise that Jordan was #23...   The simple answer is that it "Must be the Money". 
• According to Brian Windhorst, "Players do not directly benefit from merchandise sales, however. It goes into a league-wide pool that is distributed to teams and then players based on seniority."
• I just checked the current collective bargaining agreement to find the exact wording ~ but let's face it, no one who reads this blog really cares about the specific wording...  Anyway...  Back "in the day" I've seen the checks that come out of the "pool", and they're not too shabby (i.e. for us in the "general population").  Further, if I remember correctly, the players received the checks three times a year.  Regardless, at the end of the day, those checks are nominal compared to the salaries these guys are pulling down.  Unless the player is a 2nd round draft pick I doubt he cares strongly about his share of the pool.  Incidentally, I've spoken to a few 2nd rounders and those are the guys that are also saving their per diem...  Lol.

Lessons Learned:

1. Don't bet the Knicks EVER against the Cavs.
2. A jersey number change equals an increase in NBA player "pocket change".

TRIVIA

Yesterday I went to trivia.  Moral of the story.  Go with your gut.  There was a question about the shortest Bible verse and the question was about for "whom Jesus wept".  For some reason, the name "Lazarus" came to mind.  Sure enough, that was the correct answer.  Random.

We went into the fnal round (i.e. 1 point away from the lead) and the category was "Michelangelo".  The only work that came to mind was "La Pieta", since I'd seen the piece while I was at the Vatican in October 2009.

Here's the picture I snapped of La Pieta, when I was at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

I was joking with my teammate to write it down as the answer, before the question was even read.  Well, the question was something about the only work that Michelango signed ~ and sure enough, the answer WAS "La Pieta".  Unfortunately our team answered the Sistine Chapel...  Oh well...  I could've sworn that no one signs statues.  Do you see Michelangelo's autograph? I don't...

Don't worry team ~ we'll get 'em next time!

Lessons learned:

1. I just might be a little psychic... 
2. Listen to the voice in your head (i.e. unless of course it's telling you to do something harmful to someone else or yourself ~ you didn't really need me to tell you that.... did you?)

Go Cavs!

Don't forget to get your LeBron #23 jersey, while you can :-P



THE WIRK

Can we all agree now that the Cavs don't need to be afraid of the Celtics?

Yesterday, I received a message from a friend who asked me what I thought about him betting the Celtics +2.5 v the Cavs.  Paul Pierce was going to be out, and the Celtics were at home.  The person, who sent me the email, mentioned that he'd just watched a game where the Cavs didn't play much defense and were hoisting 3 points shot, etc.  To be honest, I hadn't caught the last couple of Cavs games (i.e. or maybe I had, and just don't remember them).  Anyway, since I hadn't "seen" the last couple of games, I told my friend he'd probably be OK. However, I added the caveat, that I didn't like "betting againt Lebron".  ***I've been catching plenty of games (i.e. college and pro) lately on TV, and they're all beginning to swim in my head.  I'm almost to the point where I want to start traveling again, so I can experience something "new" and hopefully more memorable. 

So here's what happened.  Yesterday, I went to a Women in Sports Media Panel event; and therefore, missed the first half of the game.  However, I managed to get out and catch most of the 2nd half of the Cavs v Celtics match-up.  I actually figured that the Cavs would start out hot and have a huge lead v the Celtics, and that the Celtics would rally back on their homecourt for the win.  Why?  Because the Cavs haven't won on the Celtics' homecourt in their last 9 tries...  I checked out the play-by-play summary, and it turns out that my assumption was correct, INITIALLY...  Why "initially"?  Well, by the time I planted myself in front of the TV and looked at the score in the 3rd Q, it was a relatively close game (i.e. working off memory it was 78-77, I think ~ but exact numbers aren't important here). 

At around the 9 minute mark in the 4th Quarter it looked as though, my initial guess would be incorrect.  The Cavs kicked into gear and started SCORING.  The Celtics might as well have sat on the bench and watched as the Cavs surged, since the scoring was so one-sided.  In that final quarter, Mo Williams made four 3-pointers, and the Cavs BLEW OUT the Celtics 35-14.  Yes, you read those numbers correctly.  Wow!  Can you imagine the feeling on the Celtics bench and the feeling in the hearts of all the Celtics' fans out there?  I can only imagine what Bill Simmon's tweeted during the game...  ***Just went to my Twitter and it looks like Bill was surprisingly quiet.  Also, "Thank you," to everyone who contacted me regarding my Twitter account getting hacked last night.  I'm not promoting the use of Viagra, but if it works for you and you're happy ~ "YOU'RE WELCOME".

Final score of the game was 108-88, and the Cavs finally won a home game in Boston.  Boston, I actually still need to hit that venue...  ***Remember, I'm trying to hit a home game for every professional basketball, baseball, and football team.  I'm up to 59 venues, right now.  The last time I saw the Celtics in town (i.e. verses the Wizards earlier this month), Paul Pierce went to the floor injured and Kevin Garnett was playing in one of his first games back, since he was coming off of an injury.  Everyone in my sports and social circles were telling me that as a Cavs fan, I needed to be scared of the Celtics.  Well, I've said it many times before and I'll reiterate it now.  The Celtics are "old", not  healthy, and not to be feared.  Last night's performance is further evidence that the Cavs should only be concerned with Orlando in the East.

Speaking of Orlando...  The main reason Cleveland picked up Shaq this season, was to add a large presence and be able to give up 6 quality fouls when the Cavs go against Dwight Howard in the playoffs.  Shaq left the game last night with an injury to his right thumb.  Did you see the video?  Why did "Big Baby" Davis challenge Shaq to a "Thumb War"?!?!?  Aren't they both LSU alumni, so can't there be some level of respect?  Lol.  Who knew "Mean/Bad Baby" Davis played a little dirty?  Anyway...  With an injury to Shaq, and Zydrunas not re-signed yet ~ the Cavs are vulnerable in the middle and must rely on Varejao's defensive play.  It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Varejao's basketball skills...  I must give credit where credit is due, and Varejao did play well last night.  However, I continue to keep my finger's crossed EVERY TIME he steps on the court, and pray that he doesn't become a liability and ruin the Cavs' (i.e. and MY) dreams of an NBA Championship.

Back when the Celtics were a "threat", April 2009

But even, then the Cavs blew the Celtics out...

Go Cavs!!!


THE WIRK

The 1st game without Big Z as a Cav ~ the Cavs win streak ends...

So the matchup I was looking forward to all week is on right now and I have to admit, I'm bored. Moreover, from the looks and sounds of it ~ the crowd at the Q is bored also...  (****Incidentally, I just checked Twitter and Bill Simmons posted the same sentiment about being confused that the crowd was dead...  See, I'm not alone.) The score is Denver 100 and Cleveland 99 with 2:13 left on the clock in the 4th.  It's GO TIME and it seems like everyone is in a haze in Cleveland.

Question:  Why is Jerry West at the game?

OK - so I'm watching this game and something's missing for me.  Where's Zydrunas?  Oh, that's right - he's probably at home watching the game also.  I was working today, so I missed Danny Ferry's press conference.  It's probably for the best though, because I'd imagine it was geared more towards welcoming Antawn Jamison to the "promised land of the East".  I did look to see if there were any quotes from the press conference of interest ~ and to be honest, I saw nothing.

This is such a tight game ~ Denver is up 106 to 103 and...  Oh wait ~ LeBron James just hit a 3 and the crowd goes wild, 48.5 on the clock...  Ok, so the game is now tied.

Let's go ahead and state the obvious.  LeBron is the star and leader of the Cavs.  Everyone in that organization bows down to King James.  The owners, management, and coaches may be paying, "leading", and teaching him, but let's face it ~ they're all subjects in King James' court.

Ok, Chauncey just missed his shot ~ we're going into overtime.

Back to the point I was trying to make.  We all value leadership and there are many different kinds of leaders in this world.  Iron-willed dictators exist, who threaten and intimidate others, to make sure people fall "in line" under their regime or else you die by the sword.  There are also more passive leaders who gently prod you into a direction that allows you to reach your goals and (with finesse) steer you towards self-actualization.

Every leader needs someone on which they may rely.  Jordan needed Pippen.  Magic needed his supporting cast.  And yeah ~ I can't help, but think Lebron needs Zydrunas.  I remember when LeBron lept into Zydrunas' arms when the Cavs made it to the Finals in 2007.  The image is everywhere.  I'd include it in here, but I don't want to steal someone else's pic.  LeBron had to seek Zydrunas out on the court and then jumped into his arms for a big bear hug.  That picture says something.  That's the type of relationship and veteran leadership that is palpable.  That's the type of relationships oganizations strive to foster between a veteran and the future/heart of a franchise. 

I can't help but think that for the next few games, until a buyout is executed and Zydrunas returns to the Cavs (i.e. fingers crossed if that's the goal) that LeBron can't feel that someone/something is missing out on the court also.  LeBron is 25 years old and Zydrunas is 34...  Both have spent there entire professional career with the Cavs organization and it's no secret that Zydrunas holds the record for most games played as a Cleveland Cavalier.  They both have grown up playing basketball for the Cavs.

WTF.  TNT just switched to the Celtics game!  Ok. TNT went back to the Cavs game.  Denver is up 116-113 with 30 seconds left on the clock... Lebron just drove ~ WOOHOO "AND 1".  Nene just fouled out.  Maybe this game will go into D-OT...  I like it when great games don't end!!!  OK - we're tied at 116 now.

Carmelo Anthony just hit for 2 with 1.9 seconds to go.  Denver up 118-116.  Time out called by the Cavs.  TNT is back to the Celtics v Lakers game.  Wow.

Some people are going to say this is a post-All-Star weekend let down for the Cavs.  Nah, I have a different theory.  I think the dynamic has changed for Cleveland and for me, it's OBVIOUS that LeBron needs Zydrunas on the court.

Ugh ~ LeBron slipped once the ball was inbounded to him, threw up a 3 ~ but missed.  The win streak is over now.  I think it was 13 in a row.  LeBron's not happy.  He just walked off the court.

Back to my point, and yes ~ I'm BIASED, but I'm also CORRECT.  LeBron especially, but the rest of the team also, needs Zydrunas on the court.  Shaq is 38 years old.  38 years old...  Wow.  All the years in the league and Shaq can't deliver extensive quality minutes.  Zydrunas can ease that burden.  Zydrunas was supplanted this year with the Shaq trade and never complained about coming off the bench.  In interviews Shaq referred to Zydrunas, not as his back-up, but as his partner and that says something.  When Zydrunas was snubbed on the night he was supposed to break the record for most games played with the Cavs franchise, LeBron was the most vocal teammate and the first to call BS.  He went to Zydrunas' defense and publicly stated that he thought his teammate and friend was treated poorly.

If Lebron was an "Emperor with new clothes", Zydrunas would be the one to tell him to stop running around naked and to go and put some clothes on AND THEN he'd either pick up a hard foul or set a screen so LeBron could hit a game winning shot....

There's a mutual respect and genuine closeness between LeBron and Zydrunas.  In relationships, they say "If/When you love someone, set them free." I don't believe this cliche was meant to be used in NBA trades.  I hope there was a "wink wink" agreement (i.e. after a contract buyout and 30 days) and that Zydrunas is brought back to the Cavs.  However, I can't help but think that Zydrunas feels hurt/angry at the fact that the franchise dealt him away.  After all the surgeries.  All the surgeries ~ that left him with "cuts/indents" in his hips, scars on his foot, and sets of crutches in his garage...  All the phone calls from the previous ownership (e.g. Gordon Gund) and visits from teammates both current and present when he was rehabbing (e.g. Coach Woodson and yeah, Danny Ferry)...  The man was going to retire years ago, but he stayed, rehabbed, and played for all of you because that's all he EVER wanted to do.

It makes me angry.  It makes me upset.  I don't play fantasy basketball.  I would never make a good General Manager because I'm not into the business of looking at contract dollars and seeing who needs to be dumped.  I am more human than that, and I can see relationships and chemistry.  Good luck, Cleveland.  You messed up, big on this one.  Lucky for you, there's still a chance that the situation can be made  "RIGHT".

Actually I think I remember reading some of Danny Ferry's comments from the press conference.  I remember reading that Danny said something about Zydrunas' jersey being raised to the rafters once his career is over.  DUH, THANK YOU FOR STATING THE OBVIOUS!!!  What's next Danny?  Are you going to tell us that "water is wet"?  Come on...  The point is, Zydrunas' career is not over ~ you know it and I know it...  Everyone knows his CAVS jersey belongs on his back, with him running up and down the court. 

THE WIRK