tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77779152020699300732024-03-05T02:41:11.808-08:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has BegunCorey Rockafeler presents: NBA RAW.The revolution has begun and the truth shall be spoken. NBA RAW is redefining how NBA basketball is covered. Call it game-changing, franchise-player journalism, radio, and TV.
We give you an insightful, provocative and informative view of NBA basketball-from an insider's perspective. We bring it- raw and uncut. Corey Rockafeler is your personal NBA insider. The radio show is www.blogtalkradio.com/nba-raw Sunday's at 11pm. Call in 646 716 9542Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-86890044628268065032015-05-17T08:25:00.001-07:002015-05-17T08:25:17.433-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: EDITOR'S NOTES-Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW -CLIPPERS...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2015/05/editors-notes-corey-rockafeler-nba-raw.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: EDITOR'S NOTES-Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW -CLIPPERS...</a>: The Clippers choked! You can try to spin it, re-frame it, and then spew out feel good character-building niceties. The unvarnished truth...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-6329363336502432442015-05-17T08:23:00.002-07:002015-05-17T08:23:57.055-07:00EDITOR'S NOTES-Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW -CLIPPERS -HOW WILL THEY RESPOND?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Clippers choked! You can try to spin it, re-frame it, and then spew out feel good character-building niceties. The unvarnished truth remains-Clippers melted like ice cream on a hot July day. Up 3 games to 2, playing in your building, with a chance to define your post-crazy uncle Donald Sterling era by making the conference finals for the first time in your 45-year history, and what happens? You are outscored 40 to 15 in the 4th quarter, brick 16 of the 22 shots you hoist up, oh and then you are out-rebounded for the game by 16. Not to pile it on, but you are not beaten in the 4th quarter by near-MVP and offensive flopper extraordinaire, James Harden, you get beat( no disrespect gents) by Corey Brewer and Josh Smith? Are these are your father's Clippers? A team exemplified by abject incompetence for nearly a quarter century- chronically bad talent decisions( yep Michael Olowokandi with the first overall pick in the 1998 draft over Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce), parsimonious ownership unwilling to pay players, a coaching revolving door, and of course the litany of Sterling's racial transgressions( that other owners conveniently ignored).<br />
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The moment of truth is here. Doc Rivers, CP3, Blake, and DeAndre will have to come up BIG in a defining game 7 on a hostile court against the invigorated Harden and Howard-led Rockets. If not, a tsunami of pivotal questions will need answers. Should Doc Rivers be coach and GM? Does Jordan-who has already expressed an interest in the Dallas Mavericks leave as an unrestricted free agent? Will the Clips find a young 3 and D stud wing to replace Matt Barnes? Then add a 2-guard with size , and lets not forget the anemic bench. Success can forestall the inevitable but so long.<br />
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Doc Rivers may have changed the culture, but we are now speaking of an unprecedented collapse. Only 7 teams in NBA history have come back from 3 to 1 deficits. That includes the Olajuwon-led Rockets in 1995 when the beat the Phoenix Suns on their way to their second straight ring. We will, know the results ladies and gentlemen in a few hours. Otherwise it will a very long and hot summer in L.A.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-72805469914094200482015-03-01T22:09:00.001-08:002015-03-01T22:09:14.285-08:00In Memoriam: Anthony Mason<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pde8Q2GNr1E" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-22693184841110387662015-03-01T21:32:00.001-08:002015-03-01T21:32:21.436-08:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler-NBA RAW -Anthony Mason-A hero for...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2015/03/corey-rockafeler-nba-raw-anthony-mason.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler-NBA RAW -Anthony Mason-A hero for...</a>: There are some sports figures who exert a much larger impact than their statistics. These unique players transcend the moment. They embody...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-30657554823514458592015-03-01T21:19:00.000-08:002015-03-01T21:32:07.006-08:00Corey Rockafeler-NBA RAW -Anthony Mason-A hero for the ages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are some sports figures who exert a much larger impact than their statistics. These unique players transcend the moment. They embody an approach and a style of play that creates an enduring bond with fans. Anthony George Douglas Mason, a multi-skilled, self-made NBA All Star best known for his unbridled ferocity and intensity was such a player. His untimely death at 48-years old, weeks after suffering a massive heart attack, leaves a gaping hole in the fragile psyches of legions of ardent New York Knick fans.<br />
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Long before Marshawn Lynch's " Beast Mode, "there was " Mase in Your Face." This nimble 6 -7 ,250 pound chiseled block of granite with shoulders broad enough to carry the hopes of championship-famished Knick fans became a instant hit in New York. Mase authored an unyielding take-no-prisoners, win-or die-trying style of play with the powerhouse Knick teams of the 90's. Knick fans are a tough, discerning, sophisticated bunch who recognize two things-heart and effort. Mason gave them an abundance of both. The Springfield Gardens,Queens High School star was one of them. Mason along with Patrick Ewing, and fellow bruiser- resident enforcer, Charles Oakley, formed one of the most physically imposing front lines in NBA history. Their forte' was in an in-your- face, not-in-my house type of defense crafted by coach Pat Riley. Together, along with another fan favorite, John Starks, they triggered the most sustained success in franchise history making the post-season for 10 straight years( 5 with Mason). Their success culminated with a grueling 7-game loss to the Houston Rockets in the 1994-95 NBA Finals.<br />
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Mason was a lot more than just a bruiser. He was uniquely gifted. He had the handle of a point guard, the deft foot work of a dancer, and the uncanny passing ability to play point forward. But defense is where Mason carved out his niche. The self-proclaimed " the locksmith" due to his ability to "lock down" opposing scorers. Mason had breathtaking defensive versatility. He could guard 1 through 5. It earned him NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995( also leading the league in minutes played), 1996-97 All-NBA Third Team, NBA-All Defensive Second Team( both with Charlotte Hornets) and an NBA All-Star trip in 2001( with the Miami Heat).<br />
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Part of Mason's every-man appeal was his circuitous path to the NBA. He was drafted in 1988 in the third-round by the Portland Trailblazers from little known Tennessee State University. He was then cut . Mason's grit-and-grind show took him everywhere from Turkey, Venezuela, the CBA, USBL, two abbreviated NBA stints( with the Nets and the Nuggets), until a fateful summer in 1991. Playing summer ball in the Catskills, new Knick coach Pat Riley caught a glimpse of Mason playing. Mason was like a man playing against boys. The rest as they say is history.<br />
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At the time coach Riley was better known for his viscerally entertaining, aesthetically pleasing brand of NBA ball called Showtime. Adorned with five rings and former cast that included Hall Of Fame talents like Kareem, Magic, and Worthy, Riley went against the grain in New York. He recast the Knicks into a rough and tumble ,bruising style of defense -first gladiators . He found a perfect center piece in Mason. The Knick post season wars with the Michael Jordan led Bulls were legendary. These were grueling ,win-or die, heavyweight slug fests akin to the Ali- Frazier epic boxing battles. The Knicks may not have won any titles, but they electrified the city and were feared everywhere they played.<br />
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Mason would play five years for the Knicks before being shipped off in a trade with Charlotte for Larry Johnson. Statistically Mason would enjoy his best years with the Hornets averaging 14 points, 9 boards, and nearly 5 dimes over three seasons. He would then be reunited with Pat Riley for 1 year in Miami before spending his last two years with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mason retired in 2003 with career stats of 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds,m and 3.4 dimes.<br />
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Like many of us, Mason had his transgressions. But no one can ever dispute he gave the game of basketball everything he had and then some. Anthony Mason was my hero and a hero to millions of Knick fans worldwide. We loved you then Mase and and we will always love you. God bless you brethren, You will forever be in our hearts. Mase in your face.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-88453465907990222752015-01-04T16:49:00.001-08:002015-01-04T16:49:00.690-08:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler -NBA RAW -Stuart Scott : Lifetime...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2015/01/corey-rockafeler-nba-raw-stuart-scott.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler -NBA RAW -Stuart Scott : Lifetime...</a>: Sometimes it takes just a single name:Jordan,Pele,Montana,or DiMaggio to conjure up potent visceral images of winning and accomplishme...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-76348651274997813592015-01-04T16:42:00.002-08:002015-01-04T16:48:02.408-08:00Corey Rockafeler -NBA RAW -Stuart Scott : Lifetime MVP Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes it takes just a single name:Jordan,Pele,Montana,or DiMaggio to conjure up potent visceral images of winning and accomplishment. These icons and their iconic endeavors are seared into memory banks to be replayed on demand for years to come. But just as there are memorable professional sports athletes,there are also relevant non-athletes closely linked to sports who are as memorable . ESPN sports anchor Stuart Scott is one of those individuals. Stuart is also one of my heroes. Since 1993- his first broadcast - he has been a nightly guest in my home and someone I have had the good fortune to meet on several occasions. Right as I was leaving church service today my son Miles sent me a text message to inform me the Lord called Stuart home. My eyes immediately began to tear. I had to head to the nearest men's room for a private moment to cry and pray. Stuart Scott was not supposed to die. No, not now and not for a long time. Although, Scott has been battling a rare form of cancer since 2007, he had emerged stronger and his doctors were optimistic for a full recovery. His July 2014 speech at the ESPY awards where he received the Jimmy V award was as indelible and brave as anything you will ever witness on live television. "When you die, it doesn't mean you lose to cancer," Scott passionately stated. " You beat the cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live." He took a prideful moment to speak with a father's pure love and admiration for his two daughters Sydni and Taelor. He then bought Sydni up on stage , "come on up and give dad a hug because I need one." There was not a dry eye in the house.<br />
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Stuart was as much as a game-changer as the sports figures he spoke glowingly about. His infectious energy, inimitable spirit was contagious to all. He was like a multi-sensory Red Bull. Scott was a new generation sports broadcaster who gave a new generation of athletes their own voice. He emboldened their personal journeys with a sense of authenticity style, and swag not previously seen or heard. The players all related to Suart. He was one of them. What athlete did not want to end up on ESPN with Scott exhorting: " boo-yah, " , "as cool as the other side of the pillow," to " you ain't gotta go home, but you gotta get the heck out of here, " Scott became a cultural touchstone with his own hip sports lexicon. He was popular with sports fans from Brooklyn to Berlin.<br />
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It was no secret that battling cancer is mentally, physically, and emotionally exacting We knew Stuart Scott was a warrior and he would emerge victorious. The Lord however had another plan for our brother.<br />
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The greatest compliment you can say about someone is they made your life better. Stuart Scott made a lot of lives better. Like Kobe, Iverson, or even Namath, Stuart Scott forever changed the landscape. Like all great ones his impact will endure forever. Stuart Scott was a great broadcaster but most importantly he was a great person. I love you my brother and may God bless you and welcome you in heaven.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-78692191310958284362014-11-23T20:45:00.001-08:002014-11-23T21:19:47.016-08:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW -ICYMII.C.Y.M.I ( In Case You Missed It). Welcome to our first NBA RAW I.C.Y.M.I<br />
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~ Looking at the 76ers- Knick game on Saturday, was a tad bit cringe-inducing. It was sort of like watching the the tallest midget contest. At least the 76ers know they are in tankapoolza. What is the excuse for the Knicks? Oh yeah, Melo in ESPN magazine saying he wants to be known as a "taste-maker" and "more than just a basketball player." Interesting priorities. How about starting Melo with being know as a guy who is more than just a defensively-deficient, prodigious ball-dominant scorer who rarely makes his teammates better. I think that would be a better staring point after 10 years in the league huh!<br />
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~ Staying in New York, the staunchest defenders of the triangle all realize an inescapable truth- you have to have the right players for this triple-post offense ... like say a true post player. That means Zenmiester and his acolyte coach , D. Fish are making a fatal mistake. They have neither the post presence, nor the high-hoops IQ players needed to make the triangle work. Memo-create a system that fits your players. After all that is what good coach's and GM's do.<br />
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~ Denver Nugget, center, Javale McGee comparing himself to up and coming superstar Anthony " the brow" Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans is ... how can we put this delicately.... delusional. With all due respect, Javale you are not even on the same planet with AD. Now if you were speaking in terms of height, my humble apologies.<br />
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~The Clippers were supposed to be contenders right? Blake, CP3, DeAndre....NOT. The Clippers are not only playing soft, they have no perimeter defense-unless you still think 35-year old Matt Barnes is the answer. Offensively, they are still way to reliant on the ball-dominant CP3 to create with pick-and-rolls. Elite defensive teams know this will and take ball out of Paul's hands in the post-season. There is no one else to create of the bounce. Sorry Jamal Crawford. Get ready for another post-season flame out.<br />
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~ Barring another injury( well they seem happen every year) to Andrew Bogut, the Warriors will be the team to beat in the West along with the Spurs. They still need a viable back-up at the 5. But the second unit is fortified with Iggy, Harrison Barnes and David Lee. With the Splash brothers on the perimeter, Draymond as the stretch-4, Bogut in the paint, these boys can play on both sides of the ball. Watch out.<br />
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~Milwaukee may not be ready for prime-time, but they are assembling some great pieces and playing D. They have the 4th best D in the NBA allowing opposing teams only 97.7 points per 100 possessions. With a front line of the Greek Freak,Antetokounmpo, John Henson, and Larry Sanders all at near 7 feet tall with 7-4 wing spans, they can defend the perimeter, the interior, and embarrass all those dumb enough to think they can make ESPN highlights of the night. Coach J Kidd has these boys playing hard. With another lottery piece, and some battle-scarred veterans this team will be a contender in two years.<br />
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~ Get familiar with the name Emmanuel Mudiay. The soon to be top 3 pick is a franchise point guard with all the tools to be a superstar in the league. Instead of playing for Larry Brown at SMU, Mudiay is playing pro hoops in China for the Guandong Southern Tigers. He is a walking triple-double. Imagine John Wall with a J, and Rubio's vision, and Rondo's D. This kid is REAL<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-67622022576744913102014-10-12T23:28:00.001-07:002014-10-12T23:28:04.102-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW's 2014 Rising star spotl...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2014/10/corey-rockafeler-nba-raw-2014-rising.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW's 2014 Rising star spotl...</a>: Albert Einstein once said, " imagination is more important than knowledge." So picture a category- defying NBA player with suc...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-60278854505303329962014-10-12T23:16:00.004-07:002014-10-13T08:16:44.537-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW's 2014 Rising star spotlight-The Greek Freak-Giannis Antetokounmpo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Albert Einstein once said, " imagination is more important than knowledge." So picture a category- defying NBA player with such ethereal skills he can single-handedly change the way the game is played on both sides of the ball. Before you can say "holy hyperbole," hear me out. At nearly 7-feet tall with a 7-5 wingspan, this phenom sports a handle like Magic, has vision like J. Kidd, defensive disruptive skills like KG, and can finish in transition like Vince. His nom de guerre is so cool, my six year old calls it out during his games. Second year, Milwaukee Buck phenom, Giannis Antetokounmpo, aka "The Greek Freak" is a sort of a video game creation come to life. With a Quetzalcoatlus type wingspan, gigantic hands, tremendous length , and jaw-dropping athleticism, Antetokounmpo is the NBA's latest match-up nightmare.<br />
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What makes Giannis so unique is his elite skills on both sides of the ball. Sure we have the newest NBA prodigies :Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, and Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs, but none match the totality Giannis's skill set. On the offensive side of the ball, he sports a point guard's handle with an innate ability to change speeds and directions . He can create off the bounce, make plays for his teammates, post -up, face up and blow by opposing bigs, and finish strong at the rim .In transition, watching him get out and fill the lanes with those gazelle-like strides is a thing of beauty. If that is not enough, he is also sporting a new Magic Johnson baby hook across the lane.<br />
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In addition, his hoops IQ belies his abbreviated NBA tenure and tender age-19. He has a preternatural feel for the game. The way he moves off the ball, slashing, cutting, curling to the basket, perpetually moving makes him unguardable. Giannis is as fundamentally sound as you will ever see in someone so young. You Tube has become his personal highlight reel. See him in last nights preseason game against the Chicago Bulls. He blocked Taj Gibson's shot and then sprinted down the court on the same play for a thunderous dunk. This past summer in August, with Greece playing Turkey, Giannis covered 72 feet in two dribbles before slamming it home.<br />
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Defensively, he has the ability to disrupt a game the way few players can. He can be a shut-down wing defender and a true rim-protecting big. Last year you would see him flying in from the weak side- the way a young Amare Stoudemire did- to smack away a shot. In a point guard-driven, pick-and-roll league, Giannis can also chase shooters off the 3-point line, and hedge and recover on picks, Giannis also causes total chaos in the passing lanes and forays to the rim with his massive wing span and length. Last year the Bucks gave up nearly 7 points less with Giannis on the court. He also held opposing bigs to a below league average 14.2 PER.<br />
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Although Giannis put up modest numbers last year in 77 games for the woeful Bucks playing only 24 minutes: 6.8 points, 1.9 dimes, 4.4 boards, one could see the glimpses of this game-changing talent.<br />
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With new coach Jason Kidd as the guiding force, expect to see some very creative and imaginative offensive experiments. Kidd already has Giannis playing point forward .The one glaring weakness in Giannis' game is his perimeter shot. Once he gets that down, he will become a perennial all-star. Giannis Antetokounmpo has injected some much needed hope into one of the NBA's worst run franchises . With the No. 2 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, stud small forward, Jabari Parker now on board, things may shine a bit brighter in Buck town. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls the Giannis Antetokounmpo show is not to be missed. You are about to bear witness to the next superstar in the NBA.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-2619518269387629702014-09-30T06:42:00.001-07:002014-09-30T09:47:54.279-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Hello, David Blatt. Welcome! My name is pressure.<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello, David Blatt. Welcome! My name is pressure.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Someone famously said, pressure makes diamonds and it also
makes ex-coaches. Oh yeah, that was me! Over in Cleveland, rookie Cavalier head
coach, David Blatt will soon find himself hurtling toward a collision course. This road will be littered with swollen expectations and intense pressure. Its hard to imagine
Blatt ,or Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert, had this in mind a few months ago. Blatt signed on this
past June for a three-year deal worth $ 10 million At that time , the
biggest issue was who the team should take with the No.1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft: Jabari Parker, Joel Embid, or Andrew Wiggins. The wounds of taking Anthony Bennett with last years No.1 pick were still very raw. To say Bennett "underperformed" is an understatement. But, its still way too early to call the out of shape, very raw 20-year old a bust.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Faster than you can say, Holy King James! The Cavaliers signed their prodigal son, unrestricted free agent LeBron James, traded their 2014 No. 1 pick
Wiggins, last years No. 1 Bennett, and Miami's 2015 protected first round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for stretch-4
extraordinaire Kevin Love. Now add point guard prodigy Kyrie Irving and rabid
Cavalier fans are happier than a ton of Republicans at Eric Holder's
resignation party. Enter the Cavalier version of the "big three." Since King James skipped town and took his prodigious
talents to South Beach, the Cavs ( and the city of Cleveland) had sunk into abyss of blame, owner-led
histrionics, and dysfunction. 97 wins -215 losses, three head coaches(
including the same one twice, Mike Brown) , and hope of a better tomorrow as
the primary lubricant. But in sports,as in life, its better to be lucky than
good. <o:p></o:p></div>
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LeBron, Love, and Kyrie notwithstanding, championships are won on the court-not in the
blogs, media, or fantasy drafts. As we saw with Miami's "big three"
Wade, Bosh, and LeBron it took time to gel. Chemistry is a delicate alchemy. Forget about Miami losing to the Mavericks in the 2010 NBA Finals
4 games to 2, there were spasms of doubt throughout that first year. LeBron and
Wade took turns on offense with Chris Bosh scratching his head wondering
what his role would be. Then you add many naysayers doubting whether LeBron and
Wade could even play together. It was only after that tumultuous
first year did the Heat get it right. They would make the Finals
four straight years and win back-to-back rings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blatt operates at a demonstrable disadvantage as a first
year coach-there is no learning curve. This team is expected to win
multiple rings-NOW. Okay, we have heard the paleo-refined, 2.0 LeBron preach
patience to the championship-famished Cleveland fans. That and a token will get
you through the first few losing streaks. But , Blatt does not have the luxury
of a championship-ring laden GM like Pat Riley, to intervene and stand up for
his coach. Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert may a a billionaire. but his hoops cred
is.... nil.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Conversely, Blatt can boast of some real global hoops
cred. He recently led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a surprising upset over Real Madrid
to win the 2014 Euro League championship. As a result he was named coach of the
year He also guided Russia to a bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics and won an
Italian league championship in 2006 with BenettonTrevisio. To his credit, Blatt
is known to be an excellent communicator with a flair for offensive
innovation., Since he played college ball under the legendary coach Pete Carril
at Princeton, we can expect a free flowing motion offense. That will be an
immense departure from the unimaginative inert offensive style of former Cavs coach
Mike Brown .<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another plus for Blatt is the symmetry and balance of his
new "big three." LeBron can use his ethereal talents to create,
penetrate, facilitate. post-up, or just take over a game as needed. Love can
play inside or outside, has a great deep game, and will be the recipient
of many great passes from LeBron. Irving has one of the best handles in the
game, and will excel in the pick-and roll. Questions still abound, however, over Irving's durability and leadership. The later he will learn from King James.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Managing international players and NBA superstars are a
whole different sort of hard and soft <o:p></o:p></div>
skill set. Expectations are high and patience will be short.
As Brandon Sanderson said in the novel, The Way of Kings, " Expectations
were like fine pottery. The harder you hold them, he more likely they are to
crack."<br />
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We'll speak again David in May. Welcome to the NBA.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-55328251312937450602014-08-18T10:48:00.001-07:002014-08-18T10:48:21.476-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Eric Bledsoe is NOT a ma...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2014/08/in-theory-unfettered-capitalisms_17.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Eric Bledsoe is NOT a ma...</a>: In theory, unfettered capitalism's free market tenets allow for the highest price the market will bear. In essence, $10 for a cup ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-5826093628575608932014-08-17T20:47:00.001-07:002014-08-17T20:47:40.954-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Who is Thon Maker?<a href="http://video214.com/play/1NaZitLCMIQ1Z1181WfXDg/s/dark">Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Who is Thon Maker?</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-65782900076693281812014-08-17T17:59:00.005-07:002014-08-18T10:45:44.322-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Eric Bledsoe is NOT a max player -yet.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: black;">In theory, unfettered capitalism's free
market tenets allow for the highest price the market will bear. In essence, $10
for a cup of coffee will sustain itself only if there are enough folks willing
to pay $ 10 for it. In professional sports the doctrines are the same. Last year, the
New York Yankees did not think second baseman , Robinson Cano was worth a 10 year $240 million contract. The Seattle Mariners did and signed Cano. So why
has one of the NBA's rising stars, Phoenix Suns point guard, Eric Bledsoe come up empty in his request for five-year contract north of $
80 million ?</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">For one, he is a only a restricted free agent-not unrestricted where he
can go to the highest bidder. Hence, his Phoenix Suns team has all the leverage. Moreover, like too
many professional athletes, Bledsoe has also misjudged his value- and is probably
getting bad advice from his coterie of </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">advisers</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;">In his abbreviated
tenure (4 years) in the NBA the 24-year old Bledsoe had just become a starting
player last year on the high octane Phoenix Suns team. Here he was paired with another point guard Goran Dragic. The dual lead guard pairing has become de riguer in the NBA. In a point
guard dominant, pick-and roll- league, having 2 lead guards allows teams to
have multiple scoring options to initiate offense This is particularly critical when defenses overload
the floor on the strong side A second lead guard allows you to create and attack from the weak
side. Last year Bledsoe put up career numbers on a Suns team that outperformed expectations
and nearly made the playoffs. Bledsoe averaged nearly 18 points, shot 47.7 %
from the field, 35.2% from downtown, averaged 4.7 boards, and dished out 5.5
dimes. Very impressive numbers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"> In addition, the supremely athletic, long-armed Bledsoe is a defensive demon. Point of attack defense is vital to NBA teams with deep
post season aspirations, Bledsoe was the ONLY point guard in the top fifty in
defensive plus minus numbers(<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">DRPM:</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Player's estimated
on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per
100 defensive possessions). Bledsoe was number 13 in the entire NBA at 3.97 and
number one for all point guards. With that said, the Sun have offered Bledsoe a four-year, $ 48 million contract. That would rank in the "good but not great category" with fellow up-and-coming </span><span style="font-size: 21.111112594604492px;">point</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> guards such as Ty Lawson at $ 12 million and Jrue Holiday a $ 11 million.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Bledsoe is also turnover prone. When he acts as the lead ball handler, the Suns turnover rate jumps nearly 15%. In transition situations, Bledose is turning the ball over nearly 19% of the time-not a great sign for a player who excels in the open court. In the post season, when games slow down and become more half court oriented, Bledsoe will not have he transition </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">opportunities</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> he has during the regular season. As defenses tighten , he will have to shoot more from the perimeter. Bledsoe shoots only 32% in catch-and-shoot situations. Another searing indictment of his offensive woes, Bledsoe ranks 55th out of all NBA point guards in offensive plus minus numbers( ORPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team offensive performance, measure in points scored per 100 offensive possessions).This is not what you want to see in a player positioning for a max contract</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">I am a huge Eric Bledsoe
fan and feel he is one his way. With that said, his on the court performance
is not worthy of a max contract. His stint as a lead guard is much too short. If
he </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">is insistent
on securing a max contract-earn it. Do what Greg Monroe is doing. Take Phoenix’s</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> qualifying offer worth a little more
than $3.7 million this year and then become an unrestricted free agent. Yes, there is a
risk. But “scared money don’t make money.” Your call EB.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-50343314194649768492014-07-13T19:47:00.002-07:002014-07-13T19:48:07.416-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW : Wiggins plus .... for Kevin Love? Absolutely! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Very few sports figures can deliver the summer blockbuster movie drama like LeBron James. In his latest iteration, of the "Traveling Man," King James has decided to take his talents back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes,that is not a misprint. Faster than you can say, haven't I seen this movie before, questions abound over the reunion of James and Cavalier owner, Dan Gilbert. Gilbert, is better known in some circles as the author of the infamous jilted owner open letter, where he excoriated LeBron and blamed him for everything but the 1929 stock market crash. NBA basketball marriages, as in politics, make strange bed fellows. Grudges be damned when it's about two-time NBA champion, 4-time MVP, home town hero( or villain), and best player on the planet.<br />
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Now what? James' arrival has injected hope back to a city still reeling from his soul-crushing departure. James will enjoy oracle status among Cleveland's collage of rising stars. It starts with the super talented, yet fragile and defensively deficient point guard Kyrie Irving. At only 21, Irving has played in 174 out of 215 games in his 3-year NBA career. There are already many question over his durability. Were not even mentioning the college toe injury that saw him play in only 11 games at Duke. You also have 2013 number one pick, Anthony Bennett( notice I have not used the word bust, way too early) and of course this years number one pick, uber-athletic, Andrew Wiggins. Sprinkle in under sized power forward, Tristan Thompson, wily veteran center, Anderson Varejao, and swing man Dion Waiters, 3 first round draft picks in 2015, and you have the framework of something special-albeit with a rookie coach. But with so many alluring assets, and the specter of a new " Big Three, " the trade machine is now operating at full throttle. Enter Kevin Love.<br />
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Kevin Love, the offensively prodigious, rebounding machine, and 2015 unrestricted free agent has already mentioned if traded to Cleveland he would consider signing an extension. Ya think! Do the math! LeBron, Kyrie, and Love? Toss in a few key rotation players, and you will have an extended run at multiple NBA rings. Hoops media is already ablaze with potential trade scenarios involving top pick Andrew Wiggins. The Cavaliers are already saying there is no way Wiggins will be traded in any package for Love. Notwithstanding, the stroke of brilliance in the return of the prodigal son, James, no one is confusing Cleveland with being a Spurs East. This is a team with a meddling owner and a marginal front office. Let's not confuse luck with exceptional competence Wiggins for Love, in any package is a no-brainer.<br />
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Although supremely athletic and very talented, Wiggins has already been miscast as a franchise-altering talent: he is not. This has been presciently pointed out by the absurdly talented NBA analyst and writer Jonathan Tjarks, Wiggins has a number of holes in his boat. Applying a universal baseline devised by Tjarks similar to the five tool metric in baseball, and you get a qualitative measure for evaluating NBA talent. The five measures are: creating your own shot, creating shots for others, shooting off the pass, rebounding, and defense.<br />
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Looking at the surface, it's easy to get viscerally excited over Wiggins. 19 years old, 6-8, 200 with a 7- foot wingspan. But with further scrutiny. Wiggins projects to be a taller Andre Iguodala( an elite rotation player).Wiggins is not a particularly skilled ball handler, passer, or shooter. His demonstrative athletic advantage will be less so in the NBA His already too high assist-to- turnover ratio also shows me a player who is yet to develop the elite hoops DNA to think he game( and see things before they happen). So with our new five-tool baseline, Wiggins grades as very good at not elite.<br />
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Conversely, Kevin Love is an ELITE NBA talent. This season he just missed with 12.5 boards of becoming only the fifth player in NBA history to average 26 points, 13 boards and 4 dimes for a full season. Wilt, Kareem, Billy Cunningham, and Elgin Baylor are the four. Love is also coming off a season where he was third in PER and EWA( Estimated Wins Added) behind LeBron and Durant. It should also be noted he is doing this with a second rate supporting cast. Let's also factor in the C word-chemistry. Love is perfect fit with Kyrie and LeBron. Those two excel at breaking down defenses leaving Love with plenty of open looks to knock down perimeter shots on drive and dishes. Moreover, you get positional versatility with Love. Due to his court vision,and superb passing skills, you can run high-low offense with he and LeBron. Love can go to either high post or blocks and so can LeBron<br />
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With Cleveland's three first round 2015 picks, and an abundance of young talent, Wiggins moves the trade needle to get Love from Minnesota. Rule 101, of NBA elite front office management- know the value of your assets. Its simple-Love is an franchise talent, Wiggins is not. The only drawback would be Minnesota insistence of taking back Kevin Martin's bad contract.contract. That is is a no-no. Martin's matador defense with Kyrie's defensive woes would be toxic. To balance out the LeBron, Love,Kyrie "Big Three,"Cleveland will need a long 3 and D 2- guard, and an athletic rim protecting center who can defer the pick-and roll and cover for Love's porous defense.<br />
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Cav fans, welcome back to hoops relevance. Minnesota fans, losing Love is not the end of the world( or maybe it is). Miami, you have two rings, plenty of memories,and great weather. Cavs pull the Love trigger. Remember what I said about luck.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-78111795350663571582014-07-06T19:09:00.001-07:002014-07-06T19:09:13.461-07:00Copy of Corey Rockafeler-NBA RAW 2015 Top NBA Picks<a href="http://video214.com/play/y7QoSQfytdmgpDbgXKlEKg/s/dark">Copy of Corey Rockafeler-NBA RAW 2015 Top NBA Picks</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-15061179288391562882014-06-22T21:53:00.003-07:002014-06-22T21:53:10.247-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rock...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2014/06/nba-raw-nba-247-365-online-radio-by.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rock...</a>: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rockafeler | BlogTalkRadioUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-39958050742308486462014-06-22T21:53:00.001-07:002014-06-22T21:53:09.216-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rock...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2014/06/nba-raw-nba-247-365-online-radio-by.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rock...</a>: NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rockafeler | BlogTalkRadioUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-33973800713602215812014-06-22T21:51:00.003-07:002014-06-24T19:35:13.409-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: Melo and Knicks- Time for a "conscious uncoupling." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes Gwynenth, I have appropriated your relationship nom de guerre-albeit one drenched in pretense. Everything on this planet has a shelf life. That includes sports. A parting of the ways- a "conscious uncoupling"-if you will, between the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony would be best for all involved. Melo has fulfilled his pre-season promise of opting out of his contract to get his first ever taste of free agency. Congrats big guy! Who can blame Melo? He is coming off one of his best offensive seasons ever. He was an offensive beast on a team so poorly coached it was painful. Despite ex-coach Mike Woodson's excruciatingly perfunctory and unimaginative offensive play calling, Melo was a awesome . He posted careers highs in everything from offensive rating:113%, offensive win shares, 8.1% , win shares, 10.1% , and 3-point percentage at 40.1 % . In addition, Melo had the second highest PER( player efficiency rating) of his career at 24.4 % and nearly eclipsed his previous career high in true shooting percentage- 56.8%. Who can forget his offensive outburst against the Bobcats where Melo dropped 62 points, breaking a franchise record held by Hall of Farmer, Bernard King.<br />
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Defensively, Melo played with a passion and grit seldom seen. It showed as he snatched a career high 8.1 boards during this past season and showed the vocal on court leadership many had previously called him out on. But after making the post season every year in his 10-year career, the "close but no cigar" season was a complete air ball . Melo gets no blame. Instead it falls on a structurally flawed Knick team and abysmal coaching for this major disappointment. To exacerbate matters, the Knicks receive no recompense for their mediocrity. They traded their first-round pick to the Toronto Raptors in the disastrous Andrea Bargnanni trade. Such is life under a dysfunctional, poorly run organization where true leadership is non existent amid the paranoia of clueless owner Jim Dolan.<br />
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Now enter Zen master, Phil Jackson as president and the latest savior asked to resuscitate a flat-lining organization. Who can doubt Jackson's basketball DNA? He is the owner of eleven championship rings, guiding the careers of a few guys named Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Kobe and Shaq. You would think this is a match made in hoops heaven right? Now add new Knick coach, acolyte Derek Fisher, Phil's star pupil ( or second star pupil, the first guy Kerr didn't exactly work out as planned) and now we're cooking. The right people finally seem to be in the right seats, right? Therein lies the rub. Despite the over public overtures and media genuflections for Melo's game, Jackson is not sold . In private, Phil has significant reservations on Melo being the cornerstone of a championship team. Phil, like many enlightened hoops purists, see Melo for what he is-a dynamic prodigious scorer, elite-but only one side of the ball . One of the best scorers in the NBA, Melo's has some Mount Everest sized holes in his game. He is an iso-heavy, ball dominant, volume scorer who does not elevate the play of those on the court. Melo's game ,as presently constituted, does not make his teammates better. He attacks to score- not to make plays for teammates. Melo is not proficient in creating scoring opportunities for others. He has yet to master that delicate balance.<br />
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One can say, what about rebounds? OK, point well taken. But consider, Melo is now a stretch four. Averaging 8 boards a game is expected. Defensively, Melo has gone from bad to average. He defensive rating of 108% and defensive wins shares of 2.5 are nothing to write home about . Melo represents he general managerial conundrum- how do to justify giving a non-franchise player, franchise money? Yes he will put fannies in the seats, but as one GM said privately, " you will not win a championship, with Melo as your best player. Don't' think that sentiment is lost on Phil Jackson . There is a reason Melo has only been past the first round of the playoff only twice.<br />
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This is why Jackson has called Melo out on accepting less money, to give the team financial flexibility to chase two max players in 2015 . Jackson knows at 30 years old, Melo is who he is. Giving him a max $ 129 million, 5-year contact will not win this Knick team any rings -unless LeBron comes aboard. One source says, " Phil likes Melo at $ 16 to $ 17 million per on back-loaded deal." He adds, " Phil will not lose sleep if Melo leaves."<br />
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Conversely Melo's declaration of " winning is the only thing matters, " also rings hollow. Melo forced his way out of Denver to New York team that had to be gutted to pay him. The depleted Knick team was lacking depth , assets, and financial flexibility. All the things they would have had if Melo was more strategic and waited until the off season when he would have been an unrestricted free agent With the lock out looming, Melo wanted to get paid. Lets not fool ourselves.<br />
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In addition, what has Melo been doing for the past ten years in the league? Working on his defense? Nope! Learning how to make plays for his teammates? Nope! Leaning to move without the ball and be less iso-heavy? Nope! Was he taking a page out of Jordan, or Kobe's book and always adding to his overall game? You have that answer. <br />
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Houston or Chicago may offer a more playoff ready team built to contend now for a 30-year Melo with a shrinking window. But Melo the Knicks are better off without you and you without. It will finally allow the Knicks to do something they have not done in years-build organically with the right leadership .<br />
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Melo you rode into Gotham city was super hero poised to deliver a ring for championship-famished city.But along the way you forgot Robin needs his Batman. And although we love you and will miss you, your are not Batman. Some times the truth is uncomfortable and not easy to digest. Good luck Melo. We wish you all the best with your quest for a ring.<br />
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PS Phil, every one has a plan until they get hit. Its your ball, and the clock starts now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-35283821171277299222014-06-22T21:00:00.001-07:002014-06-22T21:00:00.255-07:00NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rockafeler | BlogTalkRadio<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nba-raw#.U6emOKwGq_c.blogger">NBA RAW. NBA 24/7 -365 Online Radio by Corey Rockafeler | BlogTalkRadio</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-14312744021952978832014-05-26T21:51:00.001-07:002014-05-26T21:51:16.455-07:00NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW- Mark Cuban's obtuse and ...<a href="http://nba-raw.blogspot.com/2014/05/corey-rockafeler-nba-raw-notes-from.html?spref=bl">NBA RAW: The Revolution Has Begun: Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW- Mark Cuban's obtuse and ...</a>: Henry David Thoreau, the great American poet and philosopher once remarked: " It's not what you look at that matters, it's what...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-71742001255902847112014-05-26T18:49:00.004-07:002014-06-13T18:07:33.893-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW- Mark Cuban's obtuse and opaque world view.Henry David Thoreau, the great American poet and philosopher once remarked: " It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." So immediately after Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA basketball team Dallas Mavericks, pronounced his views on race,fear,and bigotry, I began to wonder what does his world look like? I am a huge Mark Cuban fan. His passion for the game to his willingness to confront the NBA on everything from poor officiating to defending his players, is a welcome respite from the staid old-boys ownership hierarchy. So it came as a bit of surprise when I listened and read his views on Donald Sterling and Cuban's own inherent prejudices. Cuban characterized the NBA's inexorable ejection of Clipper owner Donald Sterling for his racially incendiary remarks as " very,very slippery slope, ..... because you can't legislate stupidity." Later in a separate interview, Cuban mentioned " if I see a black kid in a hoodie, and its late at night, I am walking to the other side." He then added, " If on that side of that street, if there's a guy that has tattoos all over his face-white guy, bald head, tattoos everywhere-I'm walking back to the other side of that street." At first glance this seems quite innocuous and refreshingly candid -a billionaire NBA owner speaking to the point we all harbor some inherent biases. <br />
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I beg to differ. Bravo to Cuban for the very public pronouncement of his very linear and parochial views on race and bigotry. Notwithstanding his apology to Trayvon Martin's parents for the ill advised " black kid in a hoodie" metaphor, Cuban seems stuck on stupid for his continued defense of his choice of words. In Cuban's world are all black kids in hoodies to be viewed as predators? What about the black kid with hoodie who may be a A+ plus student at on his way to the gym to work out after being accepted to Harvard? Or what about the black kid with the hoodie who holds down two jobs who happens to be going to the store late at night to buy Pampers while his wife is at home watching the children and studying for her nursing school exams? This dangerous and opaque logic is what George Zimmerman used when he profiled and killed Trayvon Martin utilizing the specious "stand your ground" defense. So excuse me for not engaging in the congratulatory genuflections for Cuban defense of the scary black kid in the hoodie proposition. Ok, Mark, I get it, your cool, you can say you hang with Magic, know Jay Z, roll with Floyd Mayweather,......some of my best friends are black......OK, got that! But, this paternalistic condescension is hackneyed and as appetizing as a four day old egg white omelette. </div>
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To exacerbate matters, Cuban continues to parade in his robe of self-denial by totally missing the point on Donald Sterling. Sterling is NOT being forced to sell his team due to the racial venom he spewed on the dubious V. Stiviano recordings. Rather, it is his well chronicled history of racial discrimination. Did Cuban conveniently forget in 2003 and 2006 Sterling was sued for discriminating against Black and Latin tenants in his rental properties? The 2006 lawsuit resulted in a record payout of $ 2.723 million to the Justice Department. Actions trump words! These recent tapes of Sterling's racist bile is simply his denouement. If former NBA commissioner David Stern had not played ostrich with the other NBA owners, Sterling would have been banned long ago.</div>
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Cuban, like many NBA owners, dwell in social and cultural cocoon. I venture to say, neither Cuban nor his NBA owner brethren are vacationing in the South of France with people who don't look exactly like them and share their same world views. So excuse me if I give Cuban a flagrant foul for his ersatz defense of Sterling and his own trite views on race,fear,and bigotry. Mark, if you want to do something dramatic expand your world and step out of your cultural comfort zone. You might learn a thing or two.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-42865290978003473572014-04-13T20:01:00.001-07:002014-04-19T22:09:59.061-07:00Corey Rockafeler Presents NBA RAW 2013 -2014 AwardsTime for the games to begin. The second season is upon us. The 82-game mentally exacting, physically draining, emotionally grueling grind is over. It is now win or go home time. With all but a few playoff spots solidified, its time for the annual NBA RAW 2013-2014 annual awards.<br />
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<i><u><b>MVP</b></u></i><br />
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Its KD by a hair. Yes, you can make a case LeBron has posted better across the board numbers in everything from true shooting percentage, to rebound rate and should win an unprecedented five MVP's in six years, surpassing Bill Russell (as the only other player to win four MVP's in five years). But, after capturing his fifth straight NBA scoring title,this is Kevin Durant's year. He is leading the league in points per game at 31.9 and has scored more clutch points than any player in the NBA with 163. He is posting career highs in everything from 2-point field goal percentage (54.9%) ; 5.5 assists, 30.1 PER( player efficiency rating) wins shares per 48 minutes( .303); offensive rating ORtg of 123, and he has done all this with alpha dog # 2 Russell Westbrook missing over 35 games. In addition, Durant has developed a better understanding of the game and is defending better. He is also excelling as a facilitator and creator, not just a scorer. So unlike the scoring-heavy iso-ways of Carmelo Anthony, Durant impacts a game even when he is not scoring. Kudos to KD for his first of many MVP Awards.<br />
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<b><i><u>Defensive Player of the Year</u></i></b><br />
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The usual DPOY candidates Dwight Howard, Roy Hibbert, and Tyson Chandler are all having a significant defensive impacts for their teams this year, but few are doing as well as Joakim Noah As we know emotions are contagious. Noah has imbued an injury-depleted team Chicago Bulls team with a will, tenacity, and resiliency few players in the NBA can mach. From his non-stop motor, excellent hoops IQ, to his leadership on both ends of the court, few players this year in the NBA can match what Noah brings defensively EVERY night. He is posting career highs in defensive win shares( 6.3) and win shares( 10.7), and is doing it without the teams top two players. Derrick Rose has been out all season and Luol Deng was traded . Despite this, the Noah led Bulls are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Throw in Noah's an unheard of 5.4 dimes a game, and you can make a case the Noah is deserving in the MVP voting. Poppa Yannick is beaming somewhere in Paris.<br />
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<b><i><u>Most Improved Player</u></i></b><br />
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Yes, I initially thought Anthony Davis would be the one to win our Most Improved Player. He is averaging 20 points, 10 boards while leading the NBA in blocked shots at 2.9 a game, and enjoying the fourth highest PER in the NBA at 26.54. You can also make cases for Toronto's DeMar Derozan and Indiana's Lance Stephenson. But, our pick is Goran Dragic running the uber-fast paced Phoenix Suns attack style offense . Not only is his Suns team the surprise squad of the year, but they are battling for the last playoff spot after being picked in the preseason for this years lottery . One of the reasons is the stellar play of Dragic. He is posting career bests across the board: 20.4 points, 21.5 PER; win shares 10.3; OWS 8.5, DWS 1.9; TS% 60.6, all while shooting 50.1%. May I add ,he is doing all this from the field with no interior presence. How to you spell PAID( which is what he will be in 2015 as an unrestricted free agent)<br />
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<b><i><u>Sixth Man of the Year</u></i></b><br />
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For a former lottery pick burdened by unmet expectation, this was break out year for DJ Augustin. It is not easy playing for 4 teams in eight years, but Augstin has found a home with Bulls. He is a guy that has been on fire since the all start break. He has averaged 16.1 points, dished out 4.3 dimes, while shooting 42% from downtown, and playing tenacious perimeter D. Hard work does pay. Go DJ, its your birthday.....<br />
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<b><i><u>Rookie of the Year</u></i></b><br />
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Sure the Sixers suck. Tell me something we don't know. But, MCW is special. Michael Carter Williams is leading all rookies averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 dimes, and 6.1 boards. I know its the Sixers. But this kid can ball. Hmmmmm,......MCW sounds better than MWP( sorry Metta).<br />
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<b><i><u>Most Disappointing Team</u></i></b><br />
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What do you get when you have the leagues most clueless owner, a GM who was previously fired (yeah the same guy who hired Isaiah Thomas), and a coach who treats strategy and adjustments with the same disdain as four day old liver salad? You get the Dolan-led Knicks. As if the Dolan virus was not enough, now you don't make the payoffs( despite the second largest pay roll in the NBA), you don't have a lottery pick( gave that away when you gutted the team for Melo), and your best player-Melo-is talking up the Bulls. The upside, you have Phil Jax and dreams of 2015 free agent bonanza. Sound familiar? I guess the Dolan 14-year plan didn't work out so well. Well JD you will always have your wing-man Zeke to watch the Brooklyn Nets excel in the playoffs<br />
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<b><i><u>Coach Of The Year</u></i></b><br />
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There are many choices here. Dwayne Casey leading the Raptors to a Atlantic title. Thibs in Chi town, doing what he does-just win baby. Jeff Hornaceck and the over achieving Suns team transformed as D'Antoni 2.0. But, after a quick internal debate, the choice is simple. Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA and the coach of the year. Not only do the Spurs have the best record in the NBA, but Pop has elevated pacing and strategy to a new level. very few coaches have such a layered and nuanced understanding of the game.<br />
PS Pop, you can smile sometime, Stern is no longer commissioner.<br />
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<b><i><u>Leagues Worst Owner</u></i></b><br />
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Dolan has become synonymous with utter managerial incompetence and perpetual cluelessness . Not to worry JD, Jim Buss from the Lakers is on his way to stealing your shine.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-62518020027897898242014-03-16T21:13:00.002-07:002014-03-16T21:14:03.474-07:00Corey Rockafeler NBA RAW: The legendary sublime iconoclast, Phil Jackson versus the L.W.O. Jim Dolan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now what? After a decade and a half dance with futility that would make Sisyphus wince, a ray of light has emerged. The newest merchant of hope is the iconoclastic master of the sublime, adorned with enough championship hardware even the most pessimistic Knick fans are rejoicing. Phil Jackson, a former New York Knick player, and the winningest NBA coach in history, could not have scripted this one any better. The 68 year old NBA oracle is set to sign a five year $ 60 million deal to become president of the New York Knicks. Jackson has won two rings as a Knick player( ironically their only two championships) and a record 11 rings as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He will split time between New York and Los Angeles. That is the easy part. The hard part is insuring he has full autonomy over all basketball decisions and can purge the stench left by the Dolan virus. Jim Dolan, New York Knick owner, has long cemented his record as L.W.O( leagues worst owner). As president, Jackson will confront deep and structural problems within the Knick organization . Jackson will have to counter the institutional dysfunction and ineptitude created by the clueless owner Jim Dolan. It's not just eight coaches since 2001, six GM's, two complete winning seasons, and only one playoff series victory, it is the fatally flawed Dolan philosophy and culture. Dolan has run the Knicks like a small time family business. From his paranoid management style, to the gulag type cold war media policy, Dolan is the antithesis of smart management. The stark contrasts between the sublime iconoclast Jackson, with the linear parochial incompetence of Dolan seems to be a match made in the place that is really, really hot. But Dolan, who has defied the adage even a broken clocks is right twice a day, may not have much of choice but to cede full control to Jackson. There is no basketball owner as reviled as Jim Dolan is with Knick fans. Championship-famished fans are so livid at Dolan's chronic meddling and pathological incompetence they are staging a protest March 19 in front of the Garden.<br />
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Conversely, Jackson's appointment could not have come at a better time. Although, the Knicks are riding a six game winning streak, they have been a bust this season. Despite the leagues second highest payroll, they are close to failing to make the playoffs, but as only Jim Dolan can do,they will also have no draft picks. Those were lost in the trade for bust Andrea Bargnani( a number one pick in 2014 and two second round picks).<br />
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Jackson is also faced with rebuilding a roster he previously called clumsy. At the time, Jackson said: " Stoudemire does not fit well with Carmelo. Stoudemire's a really good player, but he has to play in a certain system and a certain way.Carmelo has to be a better passer. And the ball can't stop every time it hits his hands." Not only is that sentiment true , but is is reflective in the Knicks record with Melo and Stat . When they are on the court together, the have a defensive rating of over 112 and a offensive rating of only 102.<br />
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Moreover, the Zen master, Jackson favors control and his sui generis is the triangle offense. This is the inverse of the inert, unimaginative, and predictable iso-ball authored by current Knick coach Mike Woodson. The triangle offense is a free-flowing style of play driven by picks, cuts, spacing, ball and player movement. It is not a point guard driven system, and allows all five players to assume multiple positions on the court and keeps defenses off balances because they can not key on just one player. In essence, it is the opposite of Melo ball. The Knicks under Jackson will also face the decision of whether free agent o be Melo is the kind of player Jackson will want to pay $ 22 million a year to at age 30. Then factor the salary asphyxiating contracts of Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, and Bargnani. 2015 seems to be the focal point instead of next season. That is due to the cap room coming from the expiring contracts of Chandler, Stoudemire, and Bargnani.<br />
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At least Knock fans can dream again. Hopefully the Dolan nightmares are a thing of the past. But someone when it comes to wrong way Dolan, his virus is seldom benign.<br />
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Good night Red Holzman! May your force be with us.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777915202069930073.post-31885096542398212292014-02-09T20:49:00.002-08:002014-02-09T20:49:16.941-08:00Corey Rockafeler and NBA RAW present: "The Existentialist" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eoTHWQs17GWwCi03HksSd_D7hgvaLgrRZILju1TRB61meIcinLQGfsuMn1UqYT7gWlrsmcOmTNfDKOOKCpFOgdyA-VjYeQ2wP8jBQ494FXalPkEN_ZIzKOSR1oTxtaPmQlYYTOoLoa8/s320/Existentialist1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eoTHWQs17GWwCi03HksSd_D7hgvaLgrRZILju1TRB61meIcinLQGfsuMn1UqYT7gWlrsmcOmTNfDKOOKCpFOgdyA-VjYeQ2wP8jBQ494FXalPkEN_ZIzKOSR1oTxtaPmQlYYTOoLoa8/s320/Existentialist1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Mix a dab of Kierkegaard, a sliver Sartre, a pinch of Camus, with a dash of Hollinger, and portion of Chappelle. What do you get? You get NBA RAW's " The Existentialist." Henry Thoreau once said, "it is not what you look at, but what you see." The truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Our new feature column, explores the surreal, the sublime, and the absurd goings-on in the NBA<br />
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~~ How bad do Knick fans feel? I heard a fan dare utter Isaiah Thomas would be an upgrade over One-Way-Woody. Please call a priest for an exorcism.<br />
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~~ I will say this when it comes to Woodson, a old Bavarian proverb comes to mind: " What is the use of running when we are on the wrong road?"<br />
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~~ Sorry, I am bottom feeding, last one on the Knicks. Hey Dolan how's that 14-year plan going? 477 wins, 593 loses, 7 head coaches, and 1 playoff series victory. Perhaps the old aphorism about a broken clock being right twice a day does not apply to you.<br />
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~~ Speaking on being wrong, is Joe Dumars in Detroit, grandfathered in because of his ring in 2004 as a GM? Ok in 2008, he signs Ben Gordon to 5-year $ 55 million dollar deal. Then you sign Charlie Villaneuva to a 5-year $ 35 million deal. In 2012 you out do yourself by signing Josh Smith to a $ 54 million year deal, and Brandon Jennings to a 3-year $ 24 million deal. Firing coach coach Mo Cheeks does no solve the problems unless you follow him put the door?<br />
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~~ Josh Smith, every time you take another cringe-inducing 3-pointer, you make the fans in Atlanta very, very, very happy.<br />
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~~ Paul Milsap or Josh Smith? My point exactly.<br />
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~~ Saying J Kidd is not as bad as you thought, is sort of like saying your girlfriend is not that ugly. A championship payroll and 8th seed team is called under performance.<br />
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~~ Yes Raptor's GM Masai Ujiri took advantage of the team in New York City I said I would not mention anymore.<br />
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~~ No, the Milwaukee are worse than you though. Try barely watchable.<br />
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~~ The Pacers are not the hot blond, rather the woman you marry.<br />
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~~ Can someone tell Rudy Gay to call Monta Ellis. There is hope for unrepentant, inefficient, ball-stopping gunner who see the light.<br />
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~~ For those less erudite NBA journalists( I use that term very loosely) , please stop using the Cavaliers to make your specious arguments the NBA drafts are not a sure thing. Try mentioning s that little word called competence and then follow it up by referencing the Thunder and Spurs.<br />
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~~ Please do not take the Heat lightly. Yeah, that Heat team who I think won two straight rings<br />
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