After a hiatus, Halftime Hype returns...
The playoffs have come around and guess who's been leading the Los Angeles Lakers thus far? If you guessed Kobe Bryant, you're incorrect. The native New Yorkers of the squad, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest, have kept their team afloat. Indeed, Pau Gasol has shot a poor 4-for-19 from the field (21%), while Bryant only scored 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting in Game 2.
Interestingly enough, throughout the course of the season, Odom and Artest probably received more criticism than any of their teammates. In fact, when Odom won the Sixth Man of the Year award on Wednesday, Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke wrote of how the forward's new reality show would provide a major distraction. Although Plaschke's column was credible, the versatile Odom responded with a commendable 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
True, Odom did not have a notable outing in the first game of the series - 10 points, but only one board to show for 30 minutes of playing time. However, unlike the rest of the team, the media, and Lakers fans, he wasn't phased by a Game 1 loss to the lowly Hornets. When everyone flipped out about Gasol's no-show, Odom shrugged it off.
"There isn't a player in the world who plays a sport that hasn't had a bad game," Odom told reporters.
Then there's his buddy from Queens, Artest. The former defensive player of the year has been averaging 15.5 points, 45.5% shooting, a couple three's a game, and 8.5 rebounds during the series. The 11 boards Ron grabbed on Wednesday night was a season-high. Yes, this is the same guy who began the month with point totals of 7, 5,9, and 2. There were multiple dry spells during the season, too. About a month before the All-Star break, TNT analyst Charles Barkley asked, "Does Ron Artest know the season has started already?"
Well, Artest is certainly aware that the playoffs have started.
"Ron was probably the best player we had out there," Coach Phil Jackson said after Game 1. "Kobe had a lot of points, but Ron was, I thought, keyed and ready to go and played well."
In retrospect, if someone predicted Gasol would average 8 points and 5.5 rebounds in the first two games, I would be skeptical of the Lakers' chances. If someone told me that Odom and Artest would be the key players, I would laugh. Sure, Bynum has been big - that was to be expected. Okay, Bryant scored a ton in Game 1. Yet, it is interesting that the players who constantly received flak for their unimpressive stat sheets during the season are the ones being praised during the playoffs.
Although the end result of this season and last season were the same, the unique paths to the title were quite different. In '09, the Lakers actually seemed to care about the regular season. This year the Lakers played like high school seniors: as long as your results/grades aren't too poor, you could still get to your destination (the college you want to go to, in the case of a high school senior; the NBA Finals in the case of the Lakers). Last year, the Lakers were also under more pressure to win a ring. Frustration was mounting and Kobe could not let another year go by without adding jewelry; that ring belonged to the Lakers. This season, it was "been there, done that. Don't stress about this loss; focus on the title." Still, in both circumstances the Lake Show finished as the best in the West.
There was no question about his desire to win, though. During the ring ceremony at the season opener, Artest stayed in the locker room, "sick to his stomach", according to his agent. As written in Lee Jenkins' article for Sports Illustrated, "It's not that he didn't want to see the rings (he downloaded photos of them onto his phone)...It's that he didn't feel he deserved the privilege. Even in the days leading up to the Finals, when ABC asked the players to pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, Artest refused to touch it." What's more, Artest, in a way, had predicted this championship long ago. After the Lakers lost to the Celtics two years ago, Ron met up with Kobe in the locker room - or more specifically, when Kobe was in the midst of a shower - and ensured that #24 wouldn't be let down again. Ron would come to the rescue. Indeed, he did. He stepped up in the playoffs, forced Durant and Paul Pierce into tough shots, and even had some notable offensive games of his own (Game 3 against Utah; Games 1 & 6 vs. Phoenix; Games, 1, 6, and 7 in the NBA Finals). Without him, who knows how Game 7 would have ended.
Just to clarify, during the offseason, the Lakers made offers to both Artest and Ariza. It just so happened that Artest responded sooner than Trevor. Some may point to the stat sheet and note that Ariza has statistically performed better than Artest in free throw percentage, steals, blocks, point, rebounds, and three pointers made. But the Lakers didn't sign Artest for his stats, per se. They signed him for his ability to defend. And these past few games, although played against the higher-scoring offenses in the league, have shown that his defense is rather valuable.
To address Ariza's amazing stats, though, I'd like to say that he wouldn't be able to attain those numbers as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Even with Kobe Bryant, Pau, Lamar, Bynum, and Pau, there's still only one basketball to go around. There's no way that Ariza would be able to average 16 points a game. In fact, he'd be doing a good day's work if he consistently scored 10. Nevertheless, Trevor is a great guy, and I'm glad to see him succeed in a new role with the Rockets.
Ariza's performance after departing the Lakers reminds me of another (former) Rockets player, Von Wafer. When Von played for the Lakers in the 2005-2006 season, he only averaged 4:30 and that was only in the sixteen games he played, albeit during garage time of the arguably the worst Lakers season in a decade. Despite the fact that Kobe and Lamar were pretty much the only threats on that team, he was never given a chance to show his game. I remember when my friends and I would play pickup games and dub the least-talented participant "Von Wafer" (it was either that or Slava Medvedenko). Anyway, when fans finally saw his entire repertoire in Houston last year, he averaged 19:23 in 63 games, quite an increase in playing time. He also proved he was a good shooter, 44.7% from the field and 39% from behind the arc.
What I'm trying to say is that Lakers fans shouldn't just read the newspapers and assert that GM Mitch Kuptchak made a mistake. The Rockets got exactly what they needed - and so did the Lakers. While Ariza was capable of guarding a quick forward, teammate Lamar Odom rightfully told reporters that Ron can guard anybody from the 1 to the 4 (positions). It's likely too early to embark on a complete assessment, as surely there are still some Artest antics that await us. At the moment, though, it's safe to say that the Lakers made the right decision.
With all due respect, Ron Artest is already a bizarre person - without alcohol. To hear that he sipped Henessey during the intermission of NBA games, that's not only weird and scary, but also dangerous. Playing a game of professional basketball is already a tiresome task that takes a toll on one's body. I would imagine that having alcohol simultaneously makes a player feel that much worse. At first I was nearly speechless. But after examining the different elements of the story closely, I realized there were multiple points that contributed to the widespread reaction.
First of all, the fact that Ron Artest would come out and admit to drinking, much less throughout games, is unbelievable. OK, so you did something outrageous - really outrageous - that doesn't require you to share it with the rest of the world. There have certainly been alcoholics amongst the NBA. I don't know how many actually took out the brew during games, but I'm sure they had their own odd ritual. Surely there must have been a handful to celebrate victories with a toast. Then again, I've never heard about those cases so, at the moment, I am just speculating. Ron, however, is a different story altogether.
Another reason for such shock is lack of testing by the league. With steroids playing such a prominent part in athletics, and not just the MLB as we saw with Rashard Lewis, you'd think that the NBA would actively try to prevent such things. Granted, alcohol has its stark contrasts with steroids, but it still is a force that meddles with a player's body. And even if the NBA wasn't on the lookout of such seemingly lawless behavior, I would assume that a member of the coaching staff or a teammate would have noticed Mr. Artest's habit and done something about it. Heck, his teammates probably did have an idea of the situation. Regardless, the entire Chicago Bulls organization that he was with during his time of drinking should have stepped up and found help for Ron.
Then, after it seems like all has been said and done, Artest tries to justify it by bringing in children. I would be somewhat outraged if I suspected he was joking. But once again, he has defied the limits of logic and, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times, that: "The whole purpose of the testimony was to share the problematic times in my life with the youth. There's a lot of kids out there right now going through the same things I was going through and they're able to relate." Really? People have gone through the same thing as Ron Artest? I know he implies having alcohol issues, but did he honestly think that his testimony, with no particular message, would help lead to sobriety? Even if he did, can anyone really "relate" to Ron Artest?
The last piece that comes in to focus is the impact that this could have on the Lakers. Despite the fact that he represents the Lakers and he didn't represent the organization well with his confession, Artest's comment shouldn't have any long-term reprecussions for his current squad. GM Mitch Kuptchak and Phil Jackson clearly knew what they were getting when they signed him. Besides the fact that he's a beefy defender who can score points, they knew the extra oddities that came with the package. The "distraction" part was bound to appear at some point, and luckily it hasn't taken away from productivity on the court. Well, actually Phil wants Ron to be more agressive. The sole way Artest can do any damage from his comments at this point is if the league decides to suspend him for a seperate set of comments made about Joey Crawford's officiating of last year's playoff matchup with Houston vs. L.A.
The bright side about the confession is that Artest has declared his drinking days (during halftime) are over. It's horrible to think about how all that alcohol must have affected his liver and performance during the second-half of ball games. It's also unfortunate for the organizations, mostly the Bulls, who were the culprit of such disreputable nonsense.
Also, I think there needs to be some perspective to the situation. Like Phil said, Artest probably didn't do it every single game during an eighty-two game season. Plus, I'd much rather have my player/teammate (depending on whether I am a coach or teammate) have a periodical sip of cognac than shoot up drugs at halftime. Artest was ultimately able to break his tendency without directly taking any time off because of it. On the other hand, you have players like Chris Anderson, Jeff Foster, Michael Beasley, Delonte West and others who had to miss practices, games, and albeit other team function as a result of their severe issues. When looking at Ron's actions in the context of other possibilities, what he did was definitely more acceptable than such things as steroids injections or adultery. After all, at the end of the day, Ron Ron was just chilling out.
Needless to say, what's done is done. To this moment I don't know whether to be more shocked about Ron Artest drinking or justifying his confession with the involvement of children. Anyway, Ron Artest is now sober and nothing stands in his way from contributing to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are still one of the most dominant teams in the NBA and as long as the organization keeps a watchful eye on him and Ron takes care of himself, the sun will still shine in Los Angeles.
You win some, you lose some. Finally, the man made up his mind. After weeks of ongoing negotiations, rumors of heading to South Beach, and pure pandemonium Lamar Odom has chosen to resign with the Lakers. The report initially came from Halftime Hype's longtime fav, J.A. Adande, with L.O. reportedly earning $33 mil in the next four years. This move doesn't just equalize the playing field between an Eastern Conference dominated free agency, but almost ensures another ring for the Lake Show.
Even before Odom was resigned, if you think about it, the Lakers still had the pieces necessary for contention: clutch shots and the IQ of D-Fish, the best player in the game, Kobe, one of the best defensive players and total mad-dog, Ron Artest, finesse, post-play, and some mid-range game in Pau, and lots of potential ready to burst at any time from Bynum. However, you and I can only imagine the stress on these starters - after all, the once infamous "Bench Mob" is no longer much of a threat.
Odom's acquisition actually does several unique things. First off, it buys Ron Artest more time to learn the triangle offense and get settled in. I predict that Lamar would be starting during the initial stretch of the season, maybe just a few games, until Ron Ron gets the hang of things. Secondly, once Artest does start, fans and the team alike can be sure that the Lakers' five on the floor won't plummet when a substitution is made. Plus, there's always that possibility that Artest gets thrown out of the game and a replacement is needed right away.
Before one gets too carried away, though, one should examine what Odom turned down. The Trailblazers, a team that has desperately been negotiating with free agents but all to no avail, was ready to pay the champ $40 mil in 5 years - slightly, less than his current contract. The Heat, on the other hand, who seemed anxious to sign Lamar after hearing D-Wade's demands, offered a deal of $34 mil for 5 years - equal to $6.8 mil a season.
So far, there's nothing to my knowledge that could've changed Odom's mind other than a bit more cash. Although, there was news that his teammates, Fisher and Kobe, were trying to reach his cell, but that was happening weeks ago. Maybe L.O. couldn't help but to nostalgically remember his days in the Sunshine State. After all, in his lone season with the Heat, he averaged 17 points and about 10 rebounds. He also was healthy (and talented) enough to start in 80 games, a career-best which he's only matched once. And if he chose to venture off to Portland, he would be arriving to a young team and would play the role of the wise veteran (translation: the whole team would look up to him).
It may have just been the championship giddiness that caused the delay. Of course, in the end it probably came down to money - and the possiblity of winning another championship.
"Free Agents. Neither free nor agents." - Tony Reali
This offseason may have been the fastest when it came to snagging the stars, or whoever was available. And while there are still moves to be made, players to be dealt, and GMs to be criticized, we can step back and observe the reformation of the NBA. Despite a couple commendable acquisitions by Detroit, the league is still a Western powerhouse. But in the last few weeks, the game has changed and individualistic superstars and young guns, I mean, next season's top athletes, have hypnotized general managers from sea to shining sea.
I think it's fair to say that this summer belongs to the blooming role players; the athletes claiming to switch teams in order to pursue a title and the reserves who are trying to make their way onto SportsCenter. Despite next year's star-studded festivities, it is the free agency of 2009 that will have equal weight in determining the outcome of dynasties. Lebron James and the rest of the unrestricted gang can wait 365 more days for contract attention. Now, we wait and see how the rather expensive "free" agents of today will drive their team to victory and entice superstars to join them. Will Ron Artest keep Kobe satisfied? Will the Diesel have enough left in his tank to persuade the King to stay? These answers are just as important and will surely have an effect on where the future Hall-of-Famers are in the future.
Mo Money, Mo Problems in Motown
As many analysts have already pointed out, Chanucey Billups was the key to the Pistons' championship runs. Unfortunately for Joe Dumars, he learned that the hard way and let's just say it took its toll. He not only further decreased the legitimacy of the Eastern Conference by way of destroying his franchise, but also commenced a very forgettable era in team history. This was a team that could always be found at least in the quest for a ring and was a consistent contender. Of course, much to Dumars' regret, the team took an unfortunate slide with the Billups-Iverson trade in which he dealt away the heart and soul of his squad for the arrogance and individualism of A.I. To make matters worse, he brings in newbie coach Mike Curry and fires him at the end of the season. Way to channel out your anger.
I'm not exactly sure which side to take on this deal, but if I had to make a stance right now, I am rather critical of these signings. Rip Hamilton wasn't able to make his typical contributions coming off the bench this year and I don't see how the team is making progress by having him play the same role this season. Ben Gordon is capable of scoring forty and shouldn't go completely unnoticed as a Piston, but how are Hamilton and Gordon going to share minutes? I just don't see it going well in Detroit, economically and sports-wise.
With the addition of Villanueva, this team only gets stranger. What was once an intimidating front court led by Big Ben, Rasheed, and Tayshaun, only continues to live through the Prince. There still is the veteran presence of Antonio McDyess, but as his age he can only do so much to improve this team's chances in the postseason. The integration of youth to this team may indeed have been detrimental to this once fruitful group. With any other team, a slow injection of young blood likely increases the number of victories, but not with the Pistons. Sure, Stuckey and Maxiell have shown they can play. But now, poor Charlie carries a heavy load and while I do expect him to receive plenty of mintues, but he shouldn't be accepted by fans any more than he was in his previous stop.
Consensual Compromise?
Basically, the Los Angeles Lakers traded the youthful Trevor Ariza to Houston for tenacious Ron Artest. Fans, at least in Los Angeles, have had mixed feelings about the signing of Ron Ron, or more importantly, the departure of Ariza. Trevor had played a critical role in this season's championship run, known in large part for his timely, game-changing steals in two Western Conference Finals games. Might I add, these steals came during a series in which the Lakers had been heavily doubted and many foresaw the Nuggets advancing to the Finals. He had been the obedient player off the bench for most of the season and humbly deflected nearly every compliment he received. There was always somebody else, in his opinion, who deserved just as much credit for his own accolade. It was this modesty and dare I say it, timidness, that is gone in Los Angeles.
Nevertheless, this wasn't a bad move at all, to contradict what local Los Angeles Times sports editor, Bill Plaschke, had been preaching. After the faliure against Boston a couple of years ago, the Lake Show was dubbed as a no show in the weight room. Around the league, they were the fabled softies and were too weak to make the trek up the mountain. Artest now gives them that grueling defensive presence; he has silenced the harsh critics of years past. I won't go as far as to say that he is the proverbial "missing piece in the puzzle", because in a championship team there's never really an entire piece that's missing. But the Lakers are now, in my mind, favorites to win it all - again. Right now, they are a three-headed monster consisting of Kobe, Pau, and Artest. Overcome them, and greatness should be yours.
As far as Artest is concerned, he's in the right place. Like numerous other journeymen in the association, he too is looking for a team living in the moment and desiring the ultimate prize. Despite the small tangles with Kobe, #24 and Ron Ron have a greal deal of mutual respect for each other which means that egos shouldn't be a problem. Plus, Ron and Lamar go way back to AAU ball and have been friends for quite awhile. Hopefully for Jerry Buss and Lakers fans, this move will clinch an Odom re-signing.
From Houston's perspective, they also went the right direction. Management realized that the fountain of youth in Aaron Brooks had spurred them so far, even without Yao Ming, McGrady, and at times, Artest. And it's not just Brooks that brought success, but also the fresh legs of Von Wafer, Carl Landry, and Luis Scola who all compensate for the slow-footed starting center. It's about time that people recognized the cornerstone of this franchise and it's no longer the sleepy-eyed McGrady; it's the next generation of ballers on the Texas squad that will allow them to go after their goals. I heard the stat somewhere that on paper, Yao and T-Mac have played five years together, but the total number of games they've actually played together doesn't even total to three seasons.
For Ariza, his departure could make-or-break his future. While he was in Los Angeles, he got plenty of attention for his hustle on the defensive end, emphatic jams on offense, and as of late, a developing jumpshot. I have faith that he will only add to his athletic abilities in Houston, but I question his impact. When Lamar Odom came to Los Angeles, even though he was a very versatile player, we discovered that he wasn't exactly capable of playing with the pressure of second-fiddle. With Ariza, I see the same qualities, and at this stage in his career I honestly doubt that he is ready to serve as the second string and play forty minutes a game. Now that we're finding about the situation with Yao and T-Mac, Trevor could very well be forced to play superstar minutes and in that case, provide superstar contributions. He's leaving Los Angeles on a good note, which means his concern is to keep the momentum going.
More Banter in Beantown
The Celtics have beefed up their front court by adding Rasheed Wallace to their roster. Prior to this transaction, the Celtics were already the league leaders in technical fouls. Now, I'm wondering the Garnett-Wallace tandem will go down in record books as the most loud-mouthed front court in NBA history. It's no secret that the C's needed a center - which leads me to the critical analysis of this move. Danny Ainge should have searched for someone to play the 5 and didn't need a PF. Sure, Sheed gives you a dynamic range and is a tough assignment for the opposing defender. But this isn't about Wallace's talent.
Another point that should be recognized is the age of the starters. I know that living in the moment beats the wait-and-see game in which GMs wait a season to snag stars. In spite of that doctrine, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace are not exactly the youngest bunch. Injuries could very well slow this team down, maybe even more than they did earlier this year. We saw how much of an impact KG's absence had. Imagine if KG and Ray Allen went down during a crucial stretch. Or if Pierce and Rasheed were working a few weeks with the trainer as oppose to getting playing time. Fatigued veterans are just as helpful as inexperienced rookies.
With that said, the Celtics were still a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference last year. We also saw that Ray Allen still had phenomenal leadership qualities in the midst of clutch situations. Had KG not been hurt, the Celtics could have very well defeated Orlando and get past Cleveland to make a second consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals. Some may argue that they could've beaten the Lakers - again. Boston is still a dominant force in the league and despite their age, they still remain championship-caliber contenders.
In future posts: Turkoglu's next stop, "Matrix on the move", and more analysis of the free agency
