On My Mind – Transition from Diesel to Hybrid

End of an Era

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As you already know, Shaquille O’Neal (aka. Shaq, Diesel, Shaq-daddy) announced his retirement via Twitter yesterday.

Although I loved and cherished the era of Shaq in the NBA and will miss watching him play dearly, I’m not here to babble on about all that..

The fact of the matter is, Shaq’s retirement is quite significant in that it may be the last time we ever see such a low post dominant center for many many more years. You may argue that Dwight Howard is a dominant center and I would agree with you, defensively. However, offensively there are no longer any centers that can dominate the game on the block the way the Diesel did back in the day.

Nowadays, the NBA’s big men seem to drifting further and further away from the basket, which in retrospect is a wonderful asset to have, diversifying a team’s offensive schemes. But this advantage is usually nullified, as more and more players continue to fall in love with their jump shot.. and as we all know, that jump shot is one moody and inconsistent spouse.

I hope to see more players develop into post-up big men who can dictate a game’s pace, a team’s offensive or even the league itself the way Shaq did.

And now for the mushy part..

Shaq you will be missed, your on court dominance and your off court spirits — Never will there be another player like Shaquille O’Neal. . .

Sheg-it-out!

Top 10 Career Moments (Also very funny, Shaq’s Top 10 Quotes — Click)

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On My Mind – Ironic Ending

Phil Jackson: Unbreakable Legacy

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On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2011 Playoffs. After winning 2 NBA championships in their most recent 3 NBA Finals appearances, this year, the Lakers seemed uninterested, lethargic and lacking an edge.

But this blog just isn’t about the Lakers..

It’s about Phil Jackson.

The winning-est coach in NBA history, 11 NBA Championships in 13 Finals appearances.

He coached two of the greatest players of all-time in Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, guiding them to 6 and 5 championship rings respectively. Other notable players, Hall of Famers Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman and future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal all enjoyed wide success with Jackson.

Although he did not develop it, Jackson evolved and perfected the Triangle Offense. His style helped lead the 1995-96 Bulls team to a 72-10 record, which is the only team to ever win 70+ games in a season.

Lucky Guy! Don’t you think?

Jackson won in his first 9 championships in three-peats, first 3 with MJ and co., then another 3 in MJ’s return and 3 more with Shaq and Kobe. . . and after winning 2 in a row, Jackson had rightfully returned for the perfect ending, the one we all dream of, for one last season, one last run, for one last three-peat, one last title. . .

Instead, the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2nd-round of the Playoffs, being blown out by 30 in the elimination game.

And just when you thought matters could not get any worse. . .

Two Lakers players were ejected for flagrant plays and the Lakers had lost.

The man we all believed to be one of the luckiest, smartest and illustrious coaches in the world was disgraced, humiliated and let down, seemingly leaving the courts an apparent loser.

Despite this unfortunate ending, Jackson smiled, joked and embraced his own exit from the game of basketball at his press conference. Evidently thankful for his career, its opportunities and his unfathomable success during his 20 year run. . .

. . . then with one final smiling remark, Jackson stood, thanked the media and left the basketball world an apparent indisputable winner.

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Are You Kidding Me? – How the.. What the.. Ahhh!!

Will to Win

CASE 1: Rondo Returns!!

Boston Celtic, PG, Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow in yesterdays win over the Miami Heat, after falling awkwardly under opposing guard Dwayne Wade.

I know, the image is disgusting!

Initially, you might think…
he’s out for the season??.. out for the series??.. out for the game??

.. What?? he’s coming back?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Rondo wrapped it up and just came right back!

What an ANIMAL!!

CASE 2: Grizzlies Rally!

The Memphis Grizzlies came back from 16 down in the 4th quarter to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and take a 2-1 lead in the best of 7 series.

Led by the “Best Power Forward in the League” Zach Randolph’s 21-21 night offensively but it was Memphis’ tenacious defense has me pondering over my picks.. and I’m worried. . .

If they play lock down D for 48 min, and Memphis could go all the way to the Finals, especially facing Dallas.. (Disappointed in Lakers)

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