The Hoopaholic

(Brrrrrrrrrrr) What Happened to That Boy : 4/20/10 The Amare Stoudemire Edition

2010-04-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first post of the "(Brrrrrrrrrrr) What Happened to That Boy" segment were we discuss players whom have disappeared or just epically fail in their teams time of need. Tonight the star of our show is Amare Stoudemire.
(Below the song that inspired this segment)

Well for those of you who missed it the Suns lost to the Brandon Roy less, Greg Oden Less, and Joel Przybilla less Blazers. So the talent less Blazers where able to stop the hottest player with the All-Star break and they did it with old as dirt Marcus Camby and LaMarcus Alridge. Amare did have 18 pts. but it took him 19 shots. If you watched the game Amare looked uninspired and quite frankly pathetic. It honestly reminded me of watching a father and son play, with the more talent son letting the father win. The sad thing is Amare was trying, not necessarily for the benefit of his team but for himself.

Depending on his player option Amare could be a member of the highly over hyped "free agent class of 2010". Amare is essentially playing to prove that he is worth a max contract and lets be honest his game needs to speak volumes. He has some what questionably effort some nights, that is hard for me to say I love Amare as a player. And worst of all hes injury prone. If Camby does this all series what team is honestly going to want a "young star" whom cant take advantage of a 35 + year old defender. He wants the Leborn, Dwade, and Chrish Bosh like money play like it. Sure their "Kobe stoppers" in the league, but their younger players against a Kobe whose athleticism is practically gone. Not the other way around. Amare is in his prime if he doesn't shape up the Suns wont just lose the series but he could potentially lose his millions in free agency as well.

Daily LoL: 4/20/ Noah's War

2010-04-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

So if you haven't heard Joakim Noah has his own personal war against Cleveland and its night in shining armor Lebron James. I realized citizens of both Chicago and Cleveland may actually take this seriously to some extent, but for the rest of us it provides a good laugh.

The words that started it all were spoke in a December game between the Cavs and Bulls. (See Video Below)

This along with comments made by Noah lead to Lebron taking out his anger poor James Johnson in game 1.

And still even following 2 straight play losses Noah still talks shit.

Daily Shots: 4/20/10 "The Shit Just Got Real"

2010-04-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

The playoffs have begun and honestly most of the 1st games of round one were quite the disappointment, with only home teams winning the opening games of the series. That was until " the shit just got real" with the Blazers pulling out a huge upset Sunday night. Then some more compelling games followed with an injuried Jazz team taking out the Nuggets and the Bulls giving the Cavs a run for thier money in game 2. With that said heres the top news from the 1st round so far.
Slam Online: Melo Stopper?! Matt Harpring?!
EPSN: Camby Will Continue to Defy Age With Blazers.
Si.com New Playoff Villains and the Elbow Heard Around the World.
ESPN: Bower returns to GM Hornets Look For New Coach
Quality Reads
Celtics Hub: A great article on the Celtics Defensive Looks V.S. D-Wade
Hoopaholic: What happend to Amare?!

Daily LoL: Adam Waddell

2010-04-19T22:58:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post the Marcus Camby wide open fast break dunk miss from last night. Unfortunately it wasn't available so here another dunk to laugh at.

Playoff Predictions: The East

2010-04-17T20:00:00.000-05:00

1.Cavs Vs 8.Bulls

The Bulls are a good young team and if they can land a big time player down low and a perimeter scorer they will be a real force next year, unfourtaly this isn't next year. The Cavs are just to deep to balanced.
Prediction: Cavs in 5.
Cavs X-Factor- Anderson Varejo and Shaq, they have a golden oppurity the bulls second unit is weak inside and outside Noah there only other good big defensively is Taj Gibson who is to small to guard either of them.
Bulls X-factor: Kirk Hinrich, hes a monster on ball defender they will certainly use him on Mo Williams if he can shut down Mo if will put a much more difficult work load on Lebron.

2. Magic vs 7. Bobcats

Repeat after me, Dwight Howard is a Monster. The Bobcats are the defesive darlings who are in the playoffs for the 1st time in franchise history. This could be a better seris than you think, but I think the Magics fire power will be to much.
Prediction: Magic in 5
Magic X-Factor: Matt Barnes and Michel Pertuis I believe Van Gundy will use them both on big shot jack the Bobcats best offensive threat.
Cats X-Factor: Tyson Chandler hes a good shot blocker he needs to be able to intimate Dwight and then foul Dwight when hes looking at easy buckets. If they cant stop Dwight its over.

3.Hawks vs 6. Bucks

Without Bogut the bucks don't really have a chance. Its that simple the hawks are too good in-side with out Bogut to anchor the D and blance out the bucks attack thier a one diminsional team.
Prediction: Hawks in 5
Bucks X-factor: Brandon Jennings & John Salmons need to go off Jennings did in game one and kept them alive but it wasnt enough. Hopefully Salmons to try to take other in the remander of the series, as a Buck hes averging 30 a game vs the hawks.
Hawks X-factor: Al Horford, he can make it a quick seris with old Kurt Thomas guarding him. Mismatch!

4. Celtics vs 5. Heat

The Celtics have been nothing but Drama this season, too make that worse the Big 3's age is showing. Meanwhile they play essentily D-wade and an assortment of over paid role players. So this one can really go either way.
Cletics X-Factor: Rondo, hes ill and needs to be healthy and carry this old team and thier problems on his back. If he cant, they will lose to a one man team in Dwade.
Heat's X-factor: Dwade, they will need the Finals MVP version of Dwade if they expect to win anything.
Prediction: Someone wins in 7 who i dont really know of care. I can honestly say i have no bias in this match up. Guess I'll go with the C's they have more depth on the bench and Sheed comes to play in the playoffs.

Playoff Preview: The West

2010-04-17T19:16:00.004-05:00

Okay so i know this is a little late and the Cavs Bulls game has already ended but I've had quite the busy weekend so please bare with me. With that said well start it out in the West.
1.Lakers V.S. 8.Thunder

Okay this game seems to be a popular pick to go seven games or even result in an upset. Ultimately im positive the Lakers will win, with that said i think the Thunder can steal 2 games. The thunder have the distcint advantage that is not named Kevin Durant, its Russell Westbrook vs Derek Fisher. Westbrook is playing and an allstar level and will be guarded the Fisher the broken link in the Lakers Armor. But the true mismatch in this series is the Lakers big rotation (Odom, Gasol, Bynum, Artest when hes at the 4, and the recently invgorated D.J Mbenga) V.S. the much weaker,less athletic, and less talented bigs of OKC (Collison, Thomas, and Ibaka)
Prediction: Lakers in 6
Lakers X-factor: Derek Fisher he has to be tough on Westbrook and efficient on the offensive end.
Thunder X-Factor: Thabo Sefolosha will have his hands full with Kobe, but as Kobe goes the Lakers go. If he can slow him down they have a chance.

2.Dallas V.S. 7.San Antonio

Okay alot of "experts" are saying a "surging San Antonio could make a run, their wrong. I feel the Spurs are showing their ages as bad as the Celtics, in fact i would be willing to call them the Celtics of the West. This season will come down to each teams new additions Richard Jefferson will have to be big for the Spurs to take the pressure of Mano, Timmy, and Tony Parker. On the other hand look for Shawn Marion to do what he does, shut down any perimeter player whom catches fire. Haywood is one of my favorite players and you will see why he'll give Tim Duncan all sorts of hell inside. And finally look for Caron to be Dirks pick and roll buddy when Jets on the bench.
Prediction: Mavs in 6.
X-factor for the Mavs: Defense, especially Haywood, Kidd, and Marion
X-factor for the Spurs: It will be a Texas shoot out Mano and George Hill will need to light it up.

3.Suns vs 6. Blazers

No Roy, no Oden, and no Przybilla so no series. The Suns have been freakish since the all-star break and the blazers are missing their best scoring and their best re bounder they have no chance.
Prediction: Suns in 5
X-factor for the Suns: The Second unit, when there good the Suns are a legit contender.
X-factor for the Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge needs to protect the paint with Marcus Camby, in an attempt to slow down Amare and Score a ton.

4.Nuggets VS 5. Jazz

This series could go either way, and it could be a 7 game series of a 4 game series it all comes down to the x-factors.
Nuggets x-factor: Leadership without Karl on the bench and his return unknown Melo and Billups should try to be real vocal. In helping intern coach Adrian Dantley keep control of the team and their mindset right.

Jazz X-factor: The health of Carlos Boozer, if hes healthy i take the Jazz in 7.

Daily LoL: This ones for the Mascots!

2010-04-16T22:33:00.000-05:00

Some bloopers from the unsung heroes of pro-sports, the mascots!

Daily Shots: 4/16/10 The Drama Heats Up Like Drama on the Free Way

2010-04-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

The Drama Heats Up Like Drama on the Free Way!!!

With the playoffs only a day away injuries and trash talk dominate the news today in the NBA.
Injury Report
ESPN: Roy has surgery could return if Blazers advance.
ESPN: Boozer a game time decision for Jazz.
SI: AK-47 out for 2 weeks for Jazz.
ESPN Boston: Ill Rondo expected to play for Celtics
ESPN LA: Bynum works out without pain.
Jackson Durant Feud Continues
Slam Online: Jackson pays big $$$ for comments.
EPSN LA: Jackson unsure why Durant was offened.
Trash Talk
Slam Online: Noah and Bulls look to shock the world.
Slam Online: Something to prove Joe Johnson?!
Next Year
ESPN Chicago: Wade loves CHI-town but his heart is in the MIA
Slam Online: Salary Cap Projections

Daily Shots: 4/15/10 You're Fired

2010-04-15T18:38:00.000-05:00

You're Fired ... NBA Coaches appear to be facing the flames as if the day after the regular season finale was the season premiere of the Apprentice.

ESPN:76ers Send Eddie Jordan On His Way

Slam Online:Clippers Can Ken Hughes

ESPN:T-Mac To Hang Them UP?!

You're Hired

ESPN: Grizzles Extend Hollins Contract

Playoff Drama Begins

Daily LoL: I Don't Want to Get Off On A Rant Here...

2010-04-15T18:20:00.000-05:00

Daily LoL: I Don't Want to Get Off On A Rant Here...
I don' know why but the memories of the following videos have been playing on loop in my head for the last week. Maybe its the up coming playoffs or maybe it was ESPN's 30 for 30 about Allen Iverson, well i guess well say in honor of both we present you with a multiple sport edition of the Daily LoL.

Practice?!

Playoffs?!

And finally Mike Gundy puts an age requirement on being a man.

Daily LoL: Draft Dance

2010-04-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

There been alot of draft new as of late, why cant we get some laughs out of it too? Sit back and laugh as the future #1 pick struts his stuff.

Top 5 & Epic Throw Downs: Slams of Year

2010-04-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

Our Top 5 Dunks of the NBA Season.

5.Josh Smiths game winner V.S. the Rockets, he did it vs the Magic Too.

4.Amare tells Anthony Toliver to stay in the D League.

3. Corey Brewer tea bags D-Fish.

2. Dwade acts like... well Dwade.

1. Derek Rose welcomes Gordon Dragic to his poster.

Daily Shots: 4/14/10 "Drama Drama Drama"

2010-04-14T18:59:00.001-05:00

Drama Drama Drama and were not watching Entourage......

Sit back and enjoy, we are seeing one of the most eventful and entertaining final weeks of season for a long time. Here is your basketball news from around the web.

NBA
Dino Nation Blog: Weighs in on the race between the Bulls and Raptors.
ESPN: Who exactly started the Paxson Del Negro fight? ESPN claims to have sources.
Slam Online: Dell curry stripped of ROY vote.
Slam Online: Fuel on the Fire as Bull beat Celtics, 8th spot in the east to see epic ending.
College
ESPN: Hayward to test NBA waters
Slam Online: UK grabs big recruits

Poll: NBA Rap Battle

2010-04-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

For years NBA players have attempted ill faded crossovers to rock the mic. Today we seek to answer the question who exactly is the "Best of The Worst". This could probably double as a Daily LoL segment on this site, I think everyone could agree they all should stick to playing ball.

Ron Artest

Allen Iverson

Shaq Diesel

Kobe

Daily Shots: 4/12/10 "I See Those Flashing Lights"

2010-04-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Your daily basketball news from across the web.

NBA
ESPN: Shaq Returns
ESPN: Kings Keep Westphal
Slam Online: Stan says Leborn will win MVP every year?!
SI: Roy Out For Key Game VS OKC

College & Draft
Slam Online: Johnson, Ebanks, and Jones Declare
Slam Online: Willie Warren Arrested
ESPN: Ed Davis Declares For Draft
Slam Online: UK Assistant Arrested

Daily LoL: 4/12/10 The Suns

2010-04-12T03:03:00.000-05:00

Not only are Steve Nash and Suns providing great basketball this season their giving us great laughs too. Enjoy!

1. Avatar

2. Steve Nash's Balls

3. An extra chuckle for the Spurs fans.

Epic Throw Downs: 4/14/10 The Return of a Classic

2010-04-12T02:56:00.000-05:00

What would an epic throw downs page be without possibly the greatest playoff posterization of all time.

Top 5: Players Defying Their Age. (35 and older)

2010-04-12T02:50:00.002-05:00

You always hear it every sport every day, they always say "its a young man's game". Well appaerntly its not as much as it use to be, becuse for each young player seeming to have a break out year, thiers a whiley old veteran proving thier not quite done yet. So here our take on the top 5 players in the NBA defying age.

5. The Best of the Rest: Ben Wallace & Shaq (feel free to skip to Number 4)

Okay outside my top 4 it hard to find another 35 or older player who is really defying age. Shaq probably would have sole possession of this spot if he had been healthy the whole season. Then again Shaq brings more the numbers in his quest to " win a ring for the king", he also brings veteran leadership and knack for being a big game player in the player offs. Wallace on the other hand is still doing what hes done best his whole career for a bad team, rebounding and defending. Wallace averages about 9 boards a game, Wallace also brings veteran leadership to a young team as well and a defensive presence to a soft Pistons team. Both still remain forces inside.

4. Grant Hill

The 37 year old Grant Hill's game has seemed the find the fountain of youth and its a feel good story. It was painful, especially for Magic fans to watch such a great young star and athlete plagued by injuries in what would have been his prime. It was so bad in back to back season from 2000-2002 hill only played a grand total of 18 games. Miraculously Grant has recovered and managed to play in 82 games last season starting 68 and has started and played in every game so far this season. Also Hill is not doing this for a bottom feeder but for a legitimate contender in the west. And even at his old age he can still make the highlight reel.

Stat Line :
PPG 11.4
RPG 5.50
APG 2.4
EFF + 13.99

3. Marcus Camby

Okay I don't have to say much Marcus Camby he is 36 years old and currently in the top 5 in the NBA in rebounds and top 10 in blocks. He even managed to grab 25 rebounds this year against the bulls.When you rank that high in those categories you are amongst the NBA elite in the paint.

Stat Line:
PPG 7.2
RPG 11.80
APG 2.5
EFF + 19.37

2. Jason Kidd

Like many I was skeptical when the Mavs traded for Jason Kidd, but sense arrving in Dallas he has silenced his critics and helped to futher his legacy as one of the greatest PG's of all time. Right now Kidd ranks in the top 5 in assists this season and 1st amgonst gaurds in rebounds. Kidds 3 point shot has also improved with his age he is shooting 42.5% from behind the arc this year his 2nd best average of his carrer behind the 07-08 season when he shot 46%.

Stat Line:
PPG 10.2
RPG 5.60
APG 9.1
EFF + 19.74

1. Steve Nash

Phoenix should chant M-V-P when he shoots a free throw because Steve Nash is having one of those seasons. Not only is the 36 year old two time MVP leading the league in assists, but hes also made the Suns a team many picked not the make the playoffs a dark horse to challenge the Lakers in the west.

Stat Line:
PPG 16.5
RPG 3.40
APG 11.0
EFF + 21.62

Daily Shots 4/9/10

2010-04-09T16:49:00.000-05:00

Daily shot brings you links from the hottest NBA stories of the day from across the web.

Epic Throw Downs : Dunk of the Week 4/4/10 - 4/10/10

2010-04-09T16:37:00.001-05:00

It was declared dunk of the night by NBA.com , but us here at The Hoopaholic are prematurely naming it the dunk of the week. The 6 ' 4 Rookie from LSU Marcus Thorton absolutely Posterizes the 6'7 All-Star Gerald Wallace who is renown though out the league as a leaper and defender.

Daily LoL : Your Daily Laugh Brought to You By Sam Cassell

2010-04-09T16:14:00.001-05:00

Today's laugh comes from the retired Sam Cassell whom is now noted for his appearance and antics as much as his game itself. Enjoy.

The NBA where Sam Cassell Happens

Video 2 : Notice at 40 Sec. Sam Cassell does his Trademark Big Balls Dance.

Tim Thomas Bitch Slaps Sam Cassell.

Top 5: NBA Players who piss me off.

2010-04-09T13:34:00.003-05:00

5. Joakim Noah

As a player Noah is a lovable guy. He does the tough stuff defends, rebounds, and makes the hustles plays, and he is having a break out season helping to keep bulls in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the east. With that said ever since he played at Florida he has pissed me off. Weather it his awkward build, hideous hair, gap teeth, or the absolutely hideous suit he wore on draft day, he wins more award for the NBA ugliest player. Yet some how he manages to date this girl.

Apparently God loves ugly.

4.J.R. Smith

Besides hes one day name change to Earl then back to his J.R. which he felt the need to announce to the media before think through. J.R. is possibly one of the most unpredictable players in the NBA one night hell go for 30 and lock down Kobe on D, the next he looks like the guy at the rec who shoots you out of the game.Make up your mind kid.

3. Kenyon Martin

I hate that tattoo....

2. Zach Randolf

Zach Randolf is a great player, unfortunately he look likes the black Jabba the Hut, something i just can seem to get around, in order to apprentice his game.

1. Pau Gasol

OK Noah i apologize your the 2nd ugliest player in the NBA. Other than his demeanor Gasol is the biggest baby in the NBA he whines after every call. He screams like a gorilla after every and 1, and I was hoping Petruis would kick his ass last year during the NBA finals.

Poll: The ROTY Debate

2010-04-09T12:59:00.002-05:00

In most peoples eyes the Rookie of The Year Award has become a two pony race between Steph Curry and Tyreke Evans. While Tyreke appeared to be running away with this award early in the season he has faded after the all star break. On the other hand Curry is on of very few rookies who has competed at high level and put up great numbers all season. Compare them yourself.

Curry Stats

PPG 16.9
RPG 4.30
APG 5.9
EFF + 18.30

Evans Stats
PPG 20.1
RPG 5.30
APG 5.8
EFF + 19.68

Draft Declaraton

2010-04-09T03:07:00.001-05:00

While the likes of Kyle Singler and Gordon Hayward are still undeclared slamonline.com reports a slew of prospects declaring Thursday. These prospects include Marshall freshman Hassan Whiteside, Texas freshman Avery Bradley, Oklahoma sophomore Willie Warren, Iowa State junior Craig Brackins. Read the Full article here.

Nugget Laker Recap

2010-04-09T02:30:00.001-05:00

For those of you who have already read my Dear Derek Fisher Article heres a link to ESPN’s Recaps of the game.

Dear Derek Fisher

2010-04-09T02:28:00.001-05:00

: From NBA.com

For those of you whom missed it the nuggets without Kenyon Martin managed to beat the Kobe-less Lakers 98-96. Let me start off my saying im not a Laker fan in fact I despise the Lakers and think most of their fan base is made up of the mongrels & idiots whom also cheer for the Yankees and the Cowboys. With this said if I were one of said retards I would be unimaginably pissed at Derek Fisher. So with the Nuggets up 2 following J.R. Smith making 2/2 free throws Derek fisher manages to bring up the ball run the clock down from 12 seconds to 1 and throws up a contested three which Carmelo Anthony blocked. Now i realize Derek Fisher has hit big shots in the past but look at his stat line it obviously wasn't his night.

Okay with that said im going to lay out 3 much better options for the Lakers with the game on the line.

Derek Fisher, PG

2-11

0-2

6-8

-2

Call a Timeout. They had one, but Phil's old let them play mentality got the best of them tonight. Call a time out draw up a play of the in bound basketball 101.
Give the Ball to Pau Gasol he lead the lakers with 26 and shot 10-11 from the line get it in the post and let him go to work on Nene.
With all said Nene had played good defense on Gasol down the stretch so i will now give you the best option. POST RON ARTEST JR SMITH WAS GUARDING HIM. Hell a 3 from artest would have been a better option as well he shot 7-11 from the field and 3-4 from behind the arc.

With all said and done the Lakers are continuing to concern many around the NBA. Derek Fisher and depth at the PG position remain the most noted reason for concern tonight we saw why.