Isiah Thomas - Marbury v. Francis

Hard to believe but Isiah Thomas is spending some more money - and for a player he already has.

Where is Stephen jackson (ESPN) these days screamining about what Thomas is doing. Why isn't he saying "The Knicks already have a talented, spoiled, selfish, unable to win a big game, point guard who won't distribute properly. Is this the second coming of Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe - Clyde and the Pearl. I remember in the 70's when everyone said that backcourt wouldn't work because both needed the ball, but they became the dream backcourt for any NBA fan. But they were different. Both were winners, both were unselfish, both wanted NBA championships more than they wanted the ball and both had a supporting cast concocted to play "team basketball".

Isiah Thomas cannot build an NBA basketball team. He has proven that in Toronto, Indiana and now New York. He was a wonderful player, but for reasons that I can't explain, he doesn't seem to understand that chemistry is so important in that development. he should know. He played with Vinnie Johnson and Joe Dumars, both terrific guards, but players who complemented each other on the court resulting in wins and championships. Now, all he gets are fabulous players who will never win big. They may win a few more games here and there because Steph and Franchise will have nights where they are unstoppable, but over the course of the year (if they last that long) they will implode and with it will come the firing of Isiah Thomas.

It is only at that time that the New York Knicks can begin the arduous task of rebuilding.

Gretzkygate

I couldn't last longer without making some kind of comment about Wayne Gretzky, Tocchet etc.

Frankly, I am most distrubed about the irresponsible manner in which the New Jersey State Police have handled the matter. One of their spokespersons was featured on the Fan590 (Sports radio station in Toronto) speaking about the matter and, at times, indicating that he was unable to give particulars in light of the pending charges. Why would the Fan allow such an irrersponsible law enforcement official to appear in front of an audience, not sophisticated enough to understand the ramifications of the discussion.

Let's be clear about this. Wayne Gretzky, his spouse and buddy Rick Tocchet have not been charged with any offence as yet. The Rule of law in Canada and the United States is that a person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. Regardless of what occurs from here on in, all named persons have been tarred with the brush of impropriety and even an acquittal will leave many thinking that they "beat" the charges rather than assuming that those charges had no basis in the first place. What chance do they have of getting a fair trial in light of the way that law enforcement officials have dealt with the media.

I don't know who will be convicted or not, but until such time as there is a full and proper hearing, I remain open to the idea that these charges cannot be proven in a Court of Law and trust that if acquitted, some members in the New Jersey Police department will be dealt with accordingly.

As for the Fan590, they should stop pretending that they are CNN, or, more realtistically, the National Enquirer.

College Hoops

I really like Duke University. All of their student athletes can actually read! I also really like Coach K who keeps his student athletes in line and who consistently produces top teams within the rules provided by the NCAA. J.J. Redick may be the best pure shooter I have ever seen at any level of basketball and I am impressed by the manner in which he has developed from just a jump shooter to an all round player. He will make it in the NBA.

Their history is rich and this is one terrific team in 2006, but I really would be surprised to see them walk off with the championship when all is said and done in Indianapolis.

Teams that win it all need more than two scorers and outside of Redick and Williams, there is not a consistent 3rd scorer. In addition, their point guard position (Paulus) is being manned by a freshman who, while leading the ACC in assists, makes far too many turnovers at critical times for a team that can't afford to lose one game when the dance begins.

Against North Carolina this week, Tyler Hansborough (another freshman) held Williams in check and Duke excaped by a whisker with Redick scoring 35. If Hansborough can do that kind of job on Williams, what will the bboys at UConn do.

My sense is that UConn is the team to beat. They have great depth and two players coming off the bench who can lead them in scoring when needed. I'm not a huge Marcus Williams fan, but he is experienced and the kind of point guard you need down the stretch.

It's hard to pick an NCAA winer because one game can eliminate you, but, at this morment in time, my money is on UConn.

Sam Mitchel

The talk has been about Rob Babcock, Richard Peddie, Hoffa etc. But few have mentioned the work of Sam Mitchell. Perhaps the fact that he is still around says it all.

This guy, in his second year has done a terrific job. Many can coach when they have the horses and all wheels are moving together. But take a team with 3 rookies logging significant minutes, start the year at 1-15 and let's see where you go from there.

Sam Mitchel kept it together. He refused to panic, kept on teaching, kept on preaching fundamentals and here we are, 45 games into the schedule and the Raptors have played .500 ball since the disastrous start. The kids are developing and players like Mike James are playing better than he did under Van Gundy or Larry Brown. Chris Bosh has taken the next step to stardom and there is little doubt that of all the non playoff teams, the Raptors are headed in the right direction.

The one constant during this time has been Sam Mitchell and while he is not yet "Coach of the Year" material, he has done a fabulous job and deserves credit for turning this thing around.

Bye, Bye Jalen

So, they finally pulled the trigger and sent Jalen Rose to the Knicks where Isiah Thomas is directing the second version of the Titanic. In return, we get Kendra Davis (oops, I mean Antonio Davis). This trade will hurt attendance because no one will want to be anywhere near the ACC while coffee is being served.

Truthfully, it's a good trade because it opens up cap room and gets rid of a guy who, while he is entertaining, has never really played a prominent role in the development of the Raptors. Since they got him, they are 30 games below .500, so to find a sucker to take him was quite a trick. The mid first round selection is a loss, but they have 2 2nd round picks as well as 2 guys over in Europe, so the Raptors really don't need more young bodies. It's time to fill up with some seasoned veterans.

That brings me to the big question. Do they pay "Alston" money for Mike James? James has had a career year and brings a lot of enthusiasm and leadership to the Raptors. He has emerged as a quality scoring guard, plays good defense, and generally plays hard each and every night. However, what will he be in 3 years when the Raptors are likely to be a playoff team? He will be 33 years old, small for a 2 guard and likely a reserve. I don't pay big money for a guy like that so if he's looking for more than 3 years at big time money, I'm inclined to pass, although I have to admit that acquiring Mike James this year may have been the Late Rob Babcock's best move.

Justine Henin Hardenne

I'm quite surprised that, given the negative backlash that she received from her terrible behaviour in the Australian Open final, that Justine Henin Hardenne has failed to address the matter again and, perhaps, offer an apology for not only quitting (as she is wont to do when things are not going right) but for being as ungracious as possible in acknowledging Mauresmo's victory.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a Mauresmo supporter and don't believe she will ever win another Grand Slam, notwithstanding the quality of women's tennis, but she deserved some respect for winning the championship. Hennin Hardenne just doesn't understand her role in tennis - thank goodness we have Roger Federer who not only conudcts himself like the ultimate professional, but shows respect for the sport by honoring the achievements of players like Rod Laver.

Hennin Hardenne should undergo another name change - Justine Henin Hard On.