Halftime Hype

I have finally reached a highly important journalistic milestone I've been pursuing for quite some time now: having my name written in my local paper, the Los Angeles Times. Make sure you all check the second page of the "Calendar" section (D2) on Sunday, June 26 and find the true identity of Halftime Hype's phenom. Look for the letter next to the picture of Drake - it's the only letter in the "feedback" accompanied by a picture.

Anybody watch the AC Milan vs. Chelsea game? In Europe, people would throw Super Bowl-esque parties and surround their television sets for such an event. In the States, we're just discovering what the game of soccer, or as it's known globally, football, is all about. It's been the national sport of wealthy, European nations as well as depressed, third world countries. Of course, though, the sport has gone practically unrecognized in America, with David Beckham's arrival three years being one of the few exceptions. Whether it's the media's fault for not bringing the game to our attention, a lack of soccer moms, or lack of American soccer players/talent, or the fact that the U.S. shelters one of the more obscure leagues in the MLS, Americans are gradually grasping the fact that this game is just as exciting and relevant, if not more, than baseball, basketball, and (American) football, the Monday Night kind.

This game featured two wonderful teams, if not cultures, in one sports match and it turned out to be truly extraordinary. They knew that by matching up these two brilliant soccer superpowers that they could sell-out a crowd of 71,000+. If only we could do that for an MLS game. There have been very few moments in MLS soccer when fans gasped as loudly as when Ronaldinho hit the post on a set play. When Chelsea fans cheered on after Drogba's goal, it was truly an amazing moment - one that so far hasn't been found in U.S. soccer matches.

If the MLS wants to achieve any global recognition, it needs to pay its players more and snag a piece of this culture. I have no doubt that American soccer fans would love to see Chelsea's Drogba, who I like to dub "the soccer version of Ron Artest" after an incident with a ref., in the MLS. The only problem is the Beckham stigma. After all the damage that Beckham has done, MLS teams may be more hesitant to experiment with European talent. Nonetheless, the MLS can't really sink any deeper. In fact, Major League Soccer can only help its popularity by signing someone from overseas. I understand the hesitation to scout Europeans. Fine, then don't look at England. Try searching for prospects in Spain, Italy, Germany, or somewhere else. If we can attract more David Beckhams, as long as they don't tarnish the image of American league soccer, prosperity will certainly follow.

Part of attracting culture, though, is retaining your own. In the past, we almost had the MLS's best, Landon Donovan, leave for Bayern Munich. Luckily for Major League Soccer, he came back. But there are others who've decided to head outside America's boundaries. Recently, we saw Onyewu, an American national team player, sign with AC Milan. One of Team USA's best strikers, Jozy Altidore, left the MLS to play for Spanish club, Villareal, and is currently on loan to La Liga team, Xerez. The youngest scorer in MLS history, our very own Freddy Adu left the U.S. to play in Portugal for Benefica and while on loan has already made nine appearances for AS Monaco. And our midfielder who enjoyed some success in the Confederations Cup several weeks ago, Clint Dempsey, has 14 goals to his name as a player for Fulham since '07. For U.S. soccer, or more importantly, the MLS, to get out of turmoil it needs to keep its own players on their home turf.

Once all the above are achieved, then the American press will swarm towards soccer. As of now, there's only one soccer columnist at my local newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, and truthfully, that's not enough. Around the world, there are entire periodicals and magazines filled with soccer from cover to cover. Television coverage isn't any better. Sure, MLS matches are televised - sometimes on ESPN's network. But let's also broadcast the world-class soccer being played in other continents. Then, instead of ending coverage there, we can show several highlights of these games on the nationally-televised SportsCenter. It's not very often that soccer is on the front page of your local newspaper's Sports section, but in the future it should be a common sight.

Soccer continues to expand in the United States. Why not show the world that we know how to play? Why shouldn't the MLS emerge as one of the top-tier leagues in soccer, let alone, in sports?

I've decided to hold off on a post about the free agency until the end of July so there aren't as many pending moves as I write. My reconsideration also gives me a chance to get back to what I love most: op-ed analysis on the overlooked aspects of the game.

In the NBA, out of thirty professional teams, there are only a handful that we easily forget about. One of them happens to be the lone team outside the United States. The Toronto Raptors are probably the most isolated team in the NBA, if not in American pro sports. There are many intriguing teams to follow, but none quite like the Raptors. They are very easily the most invisible team in the NBA and mainly known as Chris Bosh & Co. It's difficult to recall any special memories in their franchise, or any memories at all. When they're mediocre, they stay unseen. When they're victorious, very few people take the time to notice. It's this lack of persona, a particular lacking of reputation, a minimal presence that ironically, had me interested.

It's no secret that they're probably the most distant team in the association since they're located across the border. The culture and industry of Toronto may indeed be too much for American fans to handle or at the very least, we can't relate to it. Interestingly enough, though, 49% of the city is made up of townspeople not born in the land of maple syrup. Being the most populous city in Canada, you could say it's the equivalent to a foreign New York City - except without all the fame. In other ways, you could say it's the heir to Beverly Hills, with its cleanliness, safety, and actually has the edge when it comes to diversity.

But there's nothing wrong with being so distinct. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit and the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, Toronto has been and continues to be one of the most livable cities. Maybe it's part of the culture to be low-key? Economically, despite the fact that it's stock market is the seventh largest, you can watch CNBC for days without hearing a word about the trades up north. Similarly, in basketball, we rarely hear any thoughts about the Raptors as analysts are often too busy obsessing over a Lebron James lay-up or East Coast rumors.


Downtown Toronto

History Lesson: Let There be Light
The franchise was officially born in '95, and as the case with all expansion teams, the first few years were tough. It seemed as though success wouldn't be in sight anyimte soon after kicking things off with a 21-61 season. Although, there was some light at the end of the tunnel. Damon Stoudemire went on to be awarded Rookie of the Year and the Raptors were one of the few teams to a capture a victory over the historically elite 72-10 Chicago Bulls. The follwing year, they performed slightly better, only winners of 30 games. Once again, however, they matched their feat of beating the league's best, defeating three Conference Finalists, and of course, the championship Bulls. Things didn't go much better for the Raptors in their third league in the association, the ultimate lowlight being a 17-game losing streak.

But the Raptors wouldn't be the league's trash much longer. After trading Antawn Jamison for VInce Carter on draft day, the team hat once harnessed the popularity of a JV team was no longer a force to be messed with. Soon enough fans were allso enthralled by the youthful Tracy McGrady, only to have him traded right when things were getting exciting. That didn't phase many though, as it appeared everyone was mesmerized by VC. This was no longer the dull squad of the past, as the Raptors scored league attendance records in 2000, 20001, and 2002. There was finally hope for the Raptors, coached by the legendary Lenny Wilkens. While the Lakers were en route to a championship three-peat, the Torontonians were satisfied with making the playoffs three years in a row. Low-keyness coming into play? Maybe.

One of the more memorable moments in franchise history cocured during the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2000. The series had reached Game 7 and everything was on line in the closing seconds. Of course, Vince Carter would take the clutch shot. But as history has it, he misssed and many became furious upon news that he had attended his graduation the morning of the game.

Nevertheless, the 2000 Dunk Contest champ could only entertain for so long and the frnachise would never be the same afer his departure. Even with the All-Star presence of Chris Bosh, the squad still struggled. Only in the last couple of years has the team risen to a degree of vitality and typically make the highlight reels because of the show put on by their opponents. Today, if you check Wikipedia, and with many fans, you'll be enlightened to discover that this wasn't the age of Bosh, but rather the "Colangelo Era." There's a reason for knowing this history, though. One must observe just how dynamic the Toronto Raptors are and how they're (lack of) identity has transformed over the years. They may not be the most exciting team. They may not be the scariest bunch. They may not even have their own dignified ambiance (ex. Jack at Lakers games). At the end of the day, though, this isolated team rightfully demands attention.

Ed-Note: We Are All Witnesses...Sometimes
I've been thinking about writing a post devoted to the "Slam-gate" Scandal, but after listening to hours of talk radio and plenty of other blog posts, I have reconsidered. Instead, I refer you all to a post by J.E. Skeets in which he echoes a simple message: If the video hadn't been confiscated, we all would've been wooed for a week and gone back to our life. Would've been like the video below...



Ed-Note 2: Obama vs. Silva
From Charles Babington of the AP: L'AQUILA, Italy – President Barack Obama seemed pleased with the gift he received Thursday from Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, but it was bittersweet nonetheless. Silva gave Obama, a big sports fan, an autographed yellow Brazilian soccer jersey at the start of their morning meeting at the G-8 summit in Italy. During their banter, which reporters partly heard through a translator, Silva spoke animatedly of the June 28 soccer match between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams in the Confederations Cup series. The game was a crushing loss for the underdog Americans, who led at the midway point, 2-0, only to lose 3-2. Silva repeatedly said, "Yes we can," which was Obama's campaign catchphrase and apparently what the Brazilian president had in mind while his team trailed. Obama smiled gamely; if he felt Silva was rubbing it in a bit, he didn't let on."Hey, look at this," Obama said of the jersey, signed by the Brazilian team's players. "Beautiful. All right, wonderful. I like that." White House spokesman Robert Gibbs later said Obama ended his 30-minute session with Silva by patting the Brazilian's back and vowing, "we will not lose a two-point lead again."

"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