With our previous success in getting Jon Beason Pro Bowl bound, and with a hat tip to K-Man and to our friends at Bobcats Planet, it's time to take a look at another Charlotte star not getting the deserved love on a national stage.
The poupularity contest known as the NBA All-Star game is just over a month and a half away. Many of the perennial best on topping the ballots, but is it out of the question that the Bobcats could have their first Al--Star in franchise history? A look at the numbers reveals that not only is it a possiblity, but were it not for the lack of national respect it could be a probability.
Looking at the most recent talleys, some peculiar numbers stick out. After being traded for each other, Allen Iverson stands at second in voting amongst Eastern Conference guards with 858,000 votes while Chauncey Billups has garnered only 170,000 votes. Given the way the two teams have performed it might be expected that the two numbers would be reveresed (can we all agree it's the Chauncey Billups trade at this point?), but by virtue of heading west Chauncey finds himself stacked against a bumper crop of quality guards. The New Jersey Nets have some of the oddest voting patterns of any franchise, with Devin Harris and Vince Carter both trailing Yi Jianlian in votes (god bless the Internet). Out west, two of the Trailblazers young studs, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have each accumulated less than 200,000 votes. Perhaps Portland's ballot shipment was being delivered by covered wagon and the NBA paid a "Native American" guide to help them across the river, only to have the wagon tip over, the ballots (along with 145 pounds of food, an extra yoke, and Jessie) were lost and suddently the guide was nowhere to be found. Of course, the same could be said of Bobcat fans, who've only netted their best option, Emeka Okafor with less than 70,000 votes.
As it stands now, Emeka's eighth amongst eligible Eastern Conference centers in votes, but he's closer to Brendan Haywood (28,000) than he is to Andrew Bogut (130,000), who's fifth in the standings. The starting spot this year, and likely for years to come, belongs to Dwight Howard, but does Mek deserve to be a reserve? Let's take a look.
One potential obstacle in Emeka making the All-Star game is not only the market in which he plays, but also the NBA playing fast and loose with the rules. Last season, Chris Bosh was listed on the ballot as a forward, but was selected to the team as a center. With Lebron and KG starting in the east, the possibility that Pierce, Granger, and Hedo being selected to the reserve roles, it's possible that Bosh makes another appearance (incorrectly) as a five. If Bosh, who deserves to be chosen, is selected as a five, Mek's chances take a huge hit. The other potential fly in the ointment is David Lee. Lee's been playing "center" for the Knicks, but by virtue of D'Antoni's system this is more in name than in the traditional sense of the position. Lee's stats stack up well against Okafor's, albeit with different strengths.
What exactly has Mek done to deserve to be in Phoenix in February? He's second in the NBA and first in the Eastern Conference in field goal percentage (.590), fifth in the NBA (2nd in the EC) in rebounds per game (11), third in the NBA in offensive rebounds (4) and third in the EC in blocks and fourth in blocks per game (1.8) and third in the conference in double-doubles (16). Amongst Eastern Conference centers he's third in efficiency behind only Howard and Lee. He's fifth amongst centers in scoring (13.9), but less than half a point behind everyone not named Howard, and plays on the team that averages the fewest points per game in the league.
Two factors have combined (Captain Planet-style) to help Oak have a tremendous December. Perhaps the most significant has been the addition of Boris Diaw to the team. Prior to Diaw's arrival Emeka had no power forward to help him in the front court. Now Diaw handles much of the frontcourt ball handling, has the ability to pull defenders away from the hoop and helped make Okafor a more viable offensive threat. Since the addition of Diaw, Mek's PPG average has risen by over 5 points. He's also averaging an additional rebound, assist, and almost half a block more per game while committing one less foul per game. Before Boris joined the Cats, Mek often found himself in foul trouble, but has had more than four fouls in only game (an OT game) since. The other factor for Mek has been new head coach Larry Brown. Early in the season Okafor appeared to have difficulty adjusting to what Brown wanted him to do, and Brown had to learn what Mek excelled at. Constantly tweaking the offense has allowed Larry to better utilize all of the players on the roster, most importantly Emeka. If he's to become the Bobcats first All-Star he will need to continue this high level of play, but there's little reason to suspect he can't.
Excluding Howard, the only two other centers who stack up statistically with Emeka ar aren't centers. For Mek's sake and for the sake of the team, I hope the NBA recognizes his work this season and for the first time in this team's history, fans can go to the arena to see our All-Star play.
Current voting totals
While the ship has sailed on who will start at Eastern Conference center, votes can still be cast here.
Sunday, December 28
The First All-Star Bobcat?
With our previous success in getting Jon Beason Pro Bowl bound, and with a hat tip to K-Man and to our friends at Bobcats Planet, it's time to take a look at another Charlotte star not getting the deserved love on a national stage.
The poupularity contest known as the NBA All-Star game is just over a month and a half away. Many of the perennial best on topping the ballots, but is it out of the question that the Bobcats could have their first Al--Star in franchise history? A look at the numbers reveals that not only is it a possiblity, but were it not for the lack of national respect it could be a probability.
Wednesday, December 24
Shackleford Files 003: Special Holiday Edition
Tuesday, December 23
Happy Holidays
Well, it's a half day here at the office today so I am about to check out for a nice vacation. It is unlikely in my travels that I will be able to post but if the situation arises I will. I wish a safe and happy holiday to everyone out there, expect Florida fans, just kidding you too. Remember to keep sports close to you this time of year, you can only take being merry around others for so long.
I leav you with one of my favorite holiday clips of all time, Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live sharing his 'Christmas Wish' with all of us.
Week 17 NFL Mr. Green Locks
Another 8-8 effort tells me I'm sputtering to the finish line in my NFL picks this year. Since I am peacing out of the office today at noon, I am getting my picks in although at this point I'm afraid of how they will turn out, but it is the last week so let's go to the picks.
Monday, December 22
AFC West Comes Down to One Game
Hilarious holiday storytelling of the AFC West from KSK.
How the Marmalard Stole the AFC West [Kissing Suzy Kolber]
Weekend Recap
The Leg is not supposed to bend like that. Southern Miss freshman DeAndre Brown injured his leg as pictured above in the Golden Eagles overtime win over Troy in the New Orleans bowl Sunday night. Brown led the Eagles in receiving this year and hopefully will make a full recovery. [FoxSports]
UCONN outlasted Gonzaga in the "Battle in Seattle" on Saturday 88-83 in overtime. The Huskies' Stanley Robinson is back with the team after getting suspended and having to work in a recylcing plant. Great story from Dana O'Neal. [ESPN]
The Sabres lose to Montreal in the final minute of overtime. Alexei Kovalev put a wrister home to end the game. [CBSSports]
Congratulations to the Richmond Spiders, the winner of the only true D-I college football championship as they defeated Montana 24-7. [Chatanooga Times Free Press]
Iowa State turns around and hires former Auburn defensive coordinator to replace the former Auburn defensive coordinator Auburn just hired who was coaching Iowa State. [Sports Illustrated]
Rob Parker is one of those guys who acts like a douche and then gets attention for it which always begs the question is it better to have character and integrity in sports or just be a loud-mouthed dumbass and get attention? I prefer the non-douche rout personally. [Deadspin]
Wondering how the holiday movie line-up shakes out? Check out the reviews from a reliable source. [Arts á la Mode]
Welkah Makes a Wicked Snow Angel Pal!
I think these celebraton flags are just laughable now. Welker and the Patriots blew out Arizona 47-7 in snowy Foxboro to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"I just got a little bit too excited there," Welker said after the game. "I really didn't think it would be a penalty. I wouldn't have done it if I thought it was."
Saturday, December 20
Point-Counterpoint: Our Bowl Picks
The bowls are upon us. Beginning tomorrow, we will be served with a slew of slightly stolid and somewhat superfluous slate of college football over the next twenty days. The old guard of the sport will tell you nothing beats the tradition of bowl games, but the bloated and commercialized world of the modern bowl game creates a general malaise until by the time we get to uninteresting BCS bowls, the viewing audience tunes out. However, it is football and we will be watching. In the spirit of bouts of mostly unattractive competition, we here at the ASD are squaring off in a no holds barred, fight to the death bowl pick compeition. It's me versus Catfish and this time, it's personal....with a vengeance! But not really, this is not for money and the winner may or may not choose to invoke bragging rights. The games and the duo of picks after the break. It's time for pick-counterpick!
Friday, December 19
College Football Playoffs Conclude Tonight
It's Richmond versus Montana tonight in the FCS football championship. These teams have a 16 team, 3 week tournament to decide on the field who deserves to be crowned champions of college football. If the FCS had used the FBS method, it would have been Appalachian State and James Madison automatically in the title game. As it turns out, both of those teams were beaten on their home field and wither the Grizzlies or the Spiders will become the first champion other than App State in 4 years. The game starts at 8 pm on ESPN2 and features the two teams that won on the road by one possesion last week in the semi-finals. Montana is looking for their 3rd title ever while Richmond is seeking their first after thir incredible run through the playoffs by beating App and then winning at Northern Iowa, alma mater of Tim Hightower's Arizona teammate Kurt Warner, last week 21-20. It should be a great game out in Chattanooga tonight.
In other FCS news, Appalachian QB Armanti Edwards won the Walter Payton Award last night which is basically the Heisman for the FCS, only with a much better name.
Thursday, December 18
Escaping a Turkish Prison and other Random Thoughts
Some of you may have noticed that I've been as prolific in my writing as Hank Moody during the first season of Californication. I've been looking for a second job, a process that can be surpassed in fun only by being interrogated in a Turkish prison. The two aren't that different. The prison offers more fezzes and better music, but the job search has the inherent advantage in both ridiculous Christmas sweaters and fake smiles. Anyhow, I'm back (thanks Cleet for doing such a good job holding down the fort) and I've got lots of thoughts on topics of all sorts. Some probably deserve full posts, but due to the shear number of topics I've missed let's hit them in the always popular H. Smith bullet method.
- We've been banging the drum for months for the twelve team playoff in college football and now Sports Illustrated has jumped on board with the exact format we proposed. They offer analysis of each matchup and allow fans to vote for the winners. Fortunately, there's no write-ins so (sorry Redskins fans) Jason Taylor won't be winning the whole thing. Anyone other than Mr. Obama (who has the power to make it happen) writing or talking about an eight-team playoff probably has also written about the importance of the 3-point line to mid-majors in college basketball or that the earth isn't flat as if they're breaking news in the last year.
- Rick Reilly recently took aim at the Tebow of college basketball. There's little debate as to whether or not Psycho T is overexposed or overhyped, however you choose to look at it, but the guy is a phenomenon. We're a society of shortcuts. We pay bills online, we've abandoned grammar, we self-checkout at the grocery store, we take every possible shortcut to make the day easier. With the holidays approaching many are looking forward to coming in to work with the boss already on vacation, because it means more time to gawk at Deadspin. Tyler isn't like that and collectively we have a hard time accepting that. He doesn't take shortcuts and that makes people dislike him, as if he's trying to appear better than the rest of us, when he's just trying to be the best he can be.
There's only one USC in college football, sorry Columbia, but there's also only one in college basketball. The University of Steph Curry. Some pundits question how effective SC-30 can be in the pros because of his height, but did you realize Babyface has grown two inches in the last year and he's likely not done.- Jimmy Smits should win an Emmy for his chilling portrayal of Miguel Prado in this past season of Dexter. He was as cold-blooded as Brandon Roy and like Roy in the 4th quarter, his performance was mesmerizing.
- Speaking of the NBA, Upside and Motor developed this incredibly useful tool. You can read about some of the terms here and Free Darko has already outlined some concerns with it, but in classic FD-style, uses it to riff on the NBA age limit. It was nice to see one of the new Bobcats get his own category (albeit not a ringing endorsement), but what one has to wonder is that Diaw with D'Antoni or any other coach. The inclusion of "veteran floor general" at the bottom has to be questioned, solely based on the Chauncey Billups trade (can we all agree this is how it should be referred to from now on). Mr. Big Shot fits into other categories, but it was his awareness as a veteran floor general that allowed Carmello to go off for 33 in a quarter. There's little doubt that if AI and J.R. Smith were bringing the ball up, they would've decided it was their turn to shoot at various points in the quarter.
- Cleveland State beating Syracuse and Eric Devendorf with a last second heave is kharma. Normally, I'd defend Eric's right to due process, but Syracuse is a private institute and the ruling clearly states that he should not be participating.
- It was just over a month ago when I was viciously derided for comparing the Panthers to the Giants. This weekend, the two teams will play for the NFC's top playoff spot. Just sayin'.
Week 16 NFL Mr. Green Locks
My upset special from last week turned out to be right when I picked teh Texans over the Titans, but my joy was dampered by the 8-8 mark overall. At just over 63% for the year, I have accepted the fact that I am not guru, but hopefully in the last two weeks I can go on a Nostradamus-like streak and finish up toward the .700 clip. On to the picks..
Top Ten: Stadium Songs We Don't Want To Hear Ever Again
I like to think of myself as observant when it comes to taking in a sporting event. Whether it is in a full stadium of fans or in a near empty building. One of the aspects that always holds my attention is the music selection. In my opinion the music at a sporting event should complement the attitude of the fans and on some occasions enhance the experience. In no way should this translate to playing the same redundant, overused, and downright annoying songs during the breaks in the action. Submitted for your approval or your disdain, here are the top ten stadium songs which we would rather stab our eardrums with a rusty spork than listen to again while trying to enjoy the game. This is not necessarily a knock on the songs themslves, I am not one to rag on anyone's taste in music, some are songs I had enjoyed, some were not on my playlists so to speak, but all are now melodies I want stricken from stadiums everywhere.
Wednesday, December 17
$100 Million Pitchers: You Don't Know [Blank]
Last week C.C. Sabathia signed a 7 year, $161 million deal with the Evil Empire New York Yankees to become their ace. It is not the first time a team has doled out over a hundo-million for the services of a pitcher. In this installment of YDKB, we test your knowledge of 9 figure deals and in particular, how they seem to not work out quite often. As always no cheating, feel to share your score and winners will receive a custom Christmas ornament from Catfish. Continue on for the quiz.
Quick Video Q&A with the Panthers
Thanks to our friends over at Arts à la Mode, we have a few video clips of interviews they did with Panthers' safety Chris Harris and pro-bowl wide receiver Steve Smith. The players were at a special premiere of Will Smith's new movie Seven Pounds in Charlotte last week. Harris shares his thoughts on Carolina's Super Bowl chances and when Steve Smith is asked if there is a cornerback in the league that can stop him, you may be surprised by the answer.
College Basketball Notebook: Tough Games Early can be the Difference
The message has been sent by the selection committee and the schools have heard it. Schools from big conferences can no longer depend on their performance in-conference alone to get into the tournament or receive a favorable seed. After certain BCS conference teams have been left out of the big dance, this season has featured some tough early season match-ups between highly ranked opponents. Whether it is in a tournament, a highly contested match-up on a neutral court, or a visit to an opponent's tough home floor teams are loading up their pre-conference schedule with quality games so they their resume is undeniable come tourney time.
Tuesday, December 16
Yes We Did!
What's your name? Big Beas. What ya do? Make Pro Bowls. Thanks to the campaign efforts of Catfish, Carolina Panther middle linebacker and former Miami Hurricane Jon Beason was selected to the Pro Bowl. Beason will be the reserve to Patrick Willis in Hawaii in February. In only his second year Beason leds the team in tackles with 122 which is second in the NFL and has 3 INTs. Other Panthers to make the team were Steve Smith, Julius Peppers, and tackle Jordan Gross. The one Panther that I thought deserved consideration was Travelle Wharton and a case could be made for DeAngelo Williams as well.
Other Miami Hurricanes to make it are Clinton Portis, Jeff Feagles, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed. You can see the complete list here.
Congratulations Big Beas, you earned it.
The Shackleford Files: 002
Another weekly(?) installment of our podcast is all ready for your listening pleasure. In only our second venture into the auditory airwaves of your soul, Catfish and I discuss the NFL action from Sunday, the playoff race and a wide variety of other topics. Of course we share thoughts on the Bobcats-Suns swap, MLB signings, the Heisman and Catfish even waxes poetic on people who decide that the way to show their love for you on Christmas is to get you something that has zero value except to dangle from your tree one time a year. As always, you can download your very own version of it here. Enjoy the podcast and this time no Ray Romano jokes!
NFL Week 15 De-Cleeting: Oops my bad that's my scenario
It is that time of year where many are attempting to calculate what needs to happen to get their teams into the playoffs. For some it is as easy as winning this week or having someone else lose while others need a lot of help. There are ten teams still mathematically alive in the NFC and nine in the AFC. In this week's De-Cleeting, possible realties and alternative truths will be examined for the playoffs. Just remember the sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle is equal to the square of the remaining side.
Monday, December 15
Kings Fire Reggie Theus
Reggie Theus was fired today by the Sacramento Kings after a 6-18 start. I think we can all agree we remember Reggie best for his role as Coach Bill Fuller on "Hang Time", the awesome NBC Saturday morning show that featured the school's basketball team with Daniella Deutscher as the girl who was ballin' enough to get on the guys team. The cast was constantly changing but Anthony Anderson was also part of the early cast.
Theus went 44-52 in his quick tenure as coach but maybe he can get his job back at with the Deering Tornadoes after all, it was Dick Butkus who replaced him.
Those lyrics are made of pure win.
Weekend Recap
The Bobcats celebrated the newly acquired Boris Diaw and Raja Bell by sucking for three quarters before the bench scrubs for Charlotte make a furious rally that just fell short against the Pistons on Saturday 90-86. [NBA.com]
Xavier tops Cincinnati in the chili rivalry. The Musketeers and Bearcats have flipped identities over the past couple years with Xavier now in the top ten and having won 9 of the last 13 in the series. Perhaps Cincy was not wise to get rid of Andy Kennedy so quickly while Sean Miller is doing great things at Xavier. [CBSSportsline]
Our adopted Sabres split their weekend games 1-1. They did beat New Jersey on Saturday and currently sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Thomas Vanek added a couple more goals to his league leading total. [Yahoo!Sports]
You got to love those Walt Coleman reviews as he delivers another gem in the Steelers-Ravens game on Sunday. I just wish we could have seen that fourth down play at the goal-line. More controversial then the call may be the Ravens soft defense on the final drive. [FanIQ via Deadspin]
It was not quite on par with the miracle, but well thanks J.P. Losman, thanks a lot. [SI.com]
Maryland wins men's soccer title in an empty stadium in Frisco, Texas. [ESPN]
Sam Bradford beats the almighty to win Heisman. Lord Tebow garners the most first place votes. [FoxSports.com]
An NC State study proves what we knew all along, BJ's stop cancer. It's Science. [Yesbutnobutyes]
Friday, December 12
Seth Curry, Your Thoughts?
Seth Curry is Stephen Curry's little brother and they are both sons of Dell Curry. I BET YOU DID NOT KNOW THAT!! Ok you probably did. A couple of days ago Seth did an interview with ESPN's "First Take". If you avoid the show like the plague like I do you probably did not catch it, especially since it was the soulless one Skip Bayless and fraulein Jamele Hill on the 1st and 10 segment. Some of the questions are pretty inane, but it is an interesting dynamic between the three Currys and there is even some old footage of Dell in the Charlotte Coliseum jacking it up. I can still remember the PA man at the Coliseum when Curry hit a three, "DC for 3!". Seth has come on to the scene quickly in college basketball, leading all freshman in the nation currently in scoring with 21.4 per game. Stephen surely gets most of the press but Seth should be ready to take his place in the years to come. Liberty right now looks to be a strong contender in the Big South after beating Virginia and almost vanquishing Clemson. VMI who beat Kentucky to open the season also looks strong in a league that should be wide open. The article and video of the interview is below.
Video: Curry Interview on ESPN2 First Take [Libertyflames.com]
