Team USA exorcises Greek ghosts, Artest trade is official, and Stephon Marbury stays a Knick
D-Wade, Dime #19Anyone who is rooting for Team USA obviously wouldn’t mind seeing a string of eight straight 40-piece ass-whuppins in Beijing, but we’re never mad at a good, close game along the way to the medal stand. Thursday’s matchup with Greece was supposed to be the first tough one on Team USA’s Olympic schedule — only Dwyane Wade and crew apparently aren’t too big on drama. Propelled by their now-trademark blowout run in the second quarter, the Americans led by 19 at the break and continually beat back any comeback threats in the second half, eventually winning by 23 … Greece came out of the gate trying to out-physical the U.S. (not a bad strategy; show ‘em you’re not scared), but you have to wonder if they’d be that bold if Kevin Garnett or Ron Artest was wearing red, white and blue. Soon after Jason Kidd picked up three fouls in about the time it takes Baby Shaq to do an up-and-back, D-Wade (17 pts, 6 stls, 5 asts) came in and took over. After going into this summer as almost an afterthought, Flash has become The Man on this squad and is simply playing better than anyone else in the world right now. Wade made the play of the game yesterday when, headed out of bounds, he hit Kobe for a crazy no-look alley that Kobe finished with two hands … Chris Bosh (18 pts) played his best international game ever, getting buckets at will and putting a punctuation mark on the first half by swatting one of Greece’s shooters at the top of the key right before the buzzer … We said in our Greece/USA preview that Greece had a chance to win because they excel at all of the facets of the game that have plagued the U.S. in recent international competition. But yesterday they just didn’t have any of it going for them: The Greeks turned the ball over 25 times, hit just 4-of-18 beyond the arc, and only showed their famous chemistry in short bursts. Whenever it started to look like they could make it interesting, they’d shoot themselves in the foot with a turnover, a silly foul or a defensive breakdown that led to a soul-crushing highlight dunk … Kobe finally started finding the net with his jumper, finishing with 18 points, and LeBron put up 13 points, six boards, six dimes, three blocks and two steals … The U.S. wasn’t flawless — they went 35% from three and 56% from the stripe — but this was the best overall game against a quality opponent we’ve seen them play in a while. Spain is up next, perhaps the toughest test they’ll face in this field … Baby Shaq actually got called for goal-tending one time, meaning he at least has a higher vertical than Eddy Curry and Mike Sweetney … We’re not sure when it’s coming, but doesn’t it feel like we’re overdue for a dominant Carmelo Anthony game? … What’s up with Craig Sager rocking a plain green collared shirt? What’s going on over there in Beijing? Was the pimp suit determined to be in bad taste? Were the NBA studio heads not going for the Mr. Whitefolks look? (Bonus points if you know what movie that’s from) … In Thursday’s other Olympic action, Argentina put a previously-scorching Croatia squad on lock-smash, holding them to 53 points total and not letting any player crack double-digits. Andres Nocioni and his long summer hair had 18 points and seven boards, while Manu dropped 14 and eight assists … Yao Ming had a Christian Laettner-at-Duke line against Angola, putting up 30 points on 10-for-11 field goals and 10-for-11 freebies in an easy win. Yao did, however, fail to stomp on anyone’s chest and act like a huge d-bag … Yi Jianlian finally showed up, recording 10 points and 11 boards for China … Spain smacked Germany behind 13 points apiece from Pau Gasol and Jose “Some of my best friends are Asian” Calderon. You know, amidst all the China/Spain Offensive Photo controversy, how awkward is the first meeting between Pau and Sun Yue going to be at Lakers’ training camp? … Lithuania got a big win over Russia, staying undefeated in pool play. Ramunas Siskauskas (reigning Euroleague MVP and one of our “Summer Players to Watch” in Dime #42) put up 16 points, seven boards and three steals to lead the way … Andrei Kirilenko had a classic AK-47 outing in the loss: 17 points, six boards, six assists, six steals and three blocks … So Canada’s Olympic baseball team has an ex-major leaguer named Stubby Clapp. That sounds more like a really bad day at the free clinic than a middle infielder … The Artest trade became official yesterday, which makes Houston’s point guard situation that much more interesting. Second-round pick Sean Singletary (acquired from the Kings) is better than his draft position and could push Steve Francis and Aaron Brooks for PT, while both of them are busy trying to steal Rafer Alston’s spot, which Rafer is trying to make available by piling up off-court incidents … It’s already seemed like forever, and now Blazers fans have to keep waiting before the future of their franchise suits up together. Just as Greg Oden was on his way back to actual basketball work, Brandon Roy will miss for 4-6 weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery. The injury — a slight meniscus tear — isn’t believed to be too serious, but B-Roy has had knee issues dating back to college, so it’s something to keep an eye on … We have to steal this phrase from DimeMag.com reader “Hiram Clarke GO-Rilla” and work it into our vocab: The Blues, as in “Tommy Mason-Griffin will give your favorite PG the BLUES.” That’s what Hiram had to say about the Class of 2009 high schooler (committed to Oklahoma), who we saw wrecking shop at the Nike Global Challenge last weekend. TMG is no taller than 5-10, but he’s built like a tank and his handle is secure like an armored car. Check him out on HighSchoolHoop.com … Who else but DeShawn Stevenson would be caught doing THIS on YouTube? It’s like he’s publicly pitching his own reality show, “2 Family Matters” … Was Donnie Walsh’s decision to keep Stephon Marbury for the time being really a genuine case of giving a veteran a chance to prove himself, or was it just a result of the Knicks being unable to find a trade partner? Either way, Chris Duhon just got some legit competition for the starting job he thought was his, while Mike D’Antoni just woke up in another cold sweat … We’re out like Spanoulis …
August 15th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Celts Fan says:
This just in, the Spanish basketball team’s not alone:
http://redsarmy.com/
(2nd story down)
Man, there must be a lot of Chinese best friends in Spain…
August 15th, 2008 at 9:02 am
GEE...I will break you. says:
“I have to put a ho under pimp arrest for reckless eyeballin’.”–Mr. WhiteFolks
Pimps up and hoes down right?
Also he was in a few other pimp joints too. Give me my bonus points lol.
USA is gonna thrash Spain.
Dang I hated that Houston had to let Greene go cause I think dude is going to be a future problem. Still getting Ron Ron is major. I just wish Houston could package up all them point guards and just get a really solid floor general who can create his own shot and not make so many turnovers and be consistent.
To much to ask for right…I know.
Wade is out of control. He is enforcing his will. I am impressed but at the same time, it was expected. I don’t know but since the divorce he has had seemingly a lil extra pep in his step. Guess it’s nothing like playing again on the court and off.
LOL @ reckless eyeballin lol.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:03 am
GEE...I will break you. says:
It might have been American Pimp though.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Phileus says:
I can’t imagine what would happen if Team USA did something like that. Worldwide rampage I’m sure. To be fair though, wasn’t Yao pretty cool about it a few years back when Shaq was making fun of the Chinese language?
August 15th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Ashlov says:
Oh man, I didn’t think of the Gasol-Yue angle. Maybe Yue can get some payback by mummifying himself in tissue paper and wear a Spain jersey.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Steve Nash says:
Please Utah trade AK47 to a team that will utilize his talents
August 15th, 2008 at 9:17 am
richard from cleveland says:
mr whitefolks was from pimps up hoes down. but steph mite get sum tick this year If not maybe he can get the buyout and go overseas
August 15th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Celts Fan says:
@Phileus, it’s one thing to jokingly make fun of old-school, dubbed over movies like Godzilla (which is all Shaq did was move his mouth and not say anything then pretend he was dubbed over,) it’s entirely different to go after something cultural or someone’s appearance. They’re both insensitive, but they’re on a completely different level to me anyway. Also, when Shaq apologized, he actually, ya know, apologized. Jose’s apology was worse than the picture!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:28 am
GEE...I will break you. says:
No I think Whitefolks was in both. Pimps up hoes down and American Pimp. Anyway Dime yall took it there callin him out lol. Pimpin Ken, that girl pimp, of course Don and some other cats. Pimps that actually wear the old skool attire and talk that talk are stright comdey.
Anyway that is messed up so many cats from Spain doing that. Like I said they know who to do it to though. LOL let them try something like that with Black-Americans.
Anyway Spain is officially wack (old skool word) to me. They gets no love.
So Dime what up on the idea of the L doing pg, sg, sf, pf and C of the year awards. I think that would be tight. The more awards the better.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Logan Light says:
@GEE – too many awards and I think it would water down MVP… plus it creates more conversation among the fans. How many debates has DIME hosted about who the best (name your position) is? Countless. With that said, I could still see it working out… I’m just not a fan of it.
ALSO
I do think the divorce has affected Wades play. More time off the court to focus about what you’re going to do on it. I have no doubt that dude is as focused as ever right now. No nights on the town… only jumpshots and O’Brien dreams.
Steph is getting traded. This whole “clean slate” mess is just a way for Mr. Walsh to show other teams that Marbury has some sort of value. Plus with his expiring contract he’ll be a hit at the trade deadline to a lottery bound team wanting to clear cap room. Count on it.
LL
August 15th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Tbeezy says:
This is what’s up with Sager:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/08/bud_lights_and_blonds_five_min.html
I think Bud light is Sager’s pimp juice.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:03 am
j ryu says:
dime,
team USA engaged in physical training with greek undead spirits?
you guys mean exOrcise, right?
it’s ok, it’s friday…
August 15th, 2008 at 10:06 am
jjankechu says:
Probably exorcise, but since they ran the greeks out of the gym i guess they exercised them too
August 15th, 2008 at 10:16 am
schoops says:
Maybe my Knicks are keeping steph around because they have Roberson as their backup PG (and little nate too)… That doesn’t really give me a whole lotta confidence. And somewhow the front office down at MSG convinced themselves that a backup PG on a non-playoff team can come in and start. I know Duhon has a good assist to turnover ratio, but still… What about maybe bringing in Stoudmire (mighty mouse) to give some real veteran leadership. The only place Steph will lead the knicks is either to the lottery or to a “truck party.”
@Logan… All I’ve heard about Wade post-divorce is he’s having MORE nights on the town. I think he was just nasty before he went through a “mini penny hardaway” injury slump. But Wade is healthy and killing in the olympics. Beasley should be ampd up for next year.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:38 am
yoda says:
“but you have to wonder if they’d be that bold if Kevin Garnett or Ron Artest was wearing red, white and blue”
i like kevin for his passion and loe of the game, but c’mon. all he did this season is to bully rookies and some kids. when someone step up to him, he would back down. first time he would try to shout at some of greeks, he would eat his teeths. euro players might be floppers, but they don’t back down. after all, yours “artest in to stands” fights is not uncommon around europe, especially on away games and sometimes (at least on balcan) with securty crew.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Young Lebron 23 says:
I’m pissed that I missed the game, but my mom got me Madden 09 so its okay.
What a statement by USA. Wade has to be the MVP of the team.
As for Starbury put him in Italy where Knicks fans can forget about him.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:59 am
nick says:
steph could find some time at the 2 alongside duhon. he always has had a scorers mentality. crawford will start no doubt though.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:18 am
YGB (Obama 08) says:
@Gee what’s good my boy. How much do you think Ron’s going to help?
August 15th, 2008 at 11:22 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
My guess is Sun Yue and Gasol will become quick friends because the pic is not that big of a deal to anyone outside the US. Have you heard any reports out of CHina about China or anyone else being offended by the pic? Me either. Cause no one cared….
Go USA! Bring home that gold baby.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Mad Max says:
@T Beezy-
That shit was posted here a few days ago, but thanks for the breaking news
August 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Tbeezy says:
Mad Max –
I thought i saw it on here, but i wondered why they were asking about craig sager. I’m always trying to break a good news story.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Celts Fan says:
@Yoda, you really think he’d back down to the Greeks? He routinely picked out guys to pick on, and when one (Zaza) went back at him, he didn’t back down and he put him on his @$$ in game 7. Unless you pull that in a close, Playoff game, he’ll seperate your head from your shoulders.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Jim says:
I don’t think it’s going to be awkward because Pau’s a star and Yue is a rook who will be playing thumb war with Cody Karl. Yue’s not saying anything to Pau.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Good call Jim!
August 15th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
doc says:
I hope my youngin Sean Singletary just stick somewhere because he got game and with the right chance he can be a factor.The US gonna run through Spain tomorrow.Nobody got a chance of beating this squad when they focused.I like that Paul Pierce said the toughest player he had to guard in the league was Bron earlier today.As skilled as some other players is,Bron beastiness with his smarts make him the CHOSEN ONE.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Jim — Hey, you never know. I just saw something on NFL Network about how one-game-wonder young QB Clint Longley punched Roger Staubach in the face at Cowboys practice one year. (He was cut that very day and never played in the NFL again.)
August 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
JC says:
haahaaa Jim made it real plain for us. Well said, sir. Dime, you guys had the one-liners rolling today. Quite an enjoyable read!
D-Wade’s diving outta bounds no-look alley oop to Kobe was one of the best plays I’ve seen in years. Kobe finished it with such ease. He was barely stressin. Just… Perfect…
Bring on Spain!
August 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Skeeter McGee says:
Hahaha at Jim’s comment. I can just imagine Coby playing thumb war on the bench haha, that made my day…
The awards idea is pretty neat. Baseball has a similar set up and I don’t think it waters down the MVP award there. If they did it by conference then I could see it being kinda irrelevant. I think Supaman aka Dwight Howard’s got the Best Center award locked down for a while tho…
August 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
YGB what up though! Man Ron gone have them boys doing better. Still injury is more of a nemesis to Houston than any team. So once Houston beats the whole injury thing.
Might have a lot of teams saying ..Ohhhh Shhh
August 15th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
Skeeter that is what I was saying. Baseball does that and I agree I don’t think it waters it down. Sure it will create more debate. But lets be honest, it’s going to be debates about who was, is and will be the best at this and that even after we gone. Yea I think you could do it whole Leauge or by conference but I think more awards would be cool. Plus nothing wrong wit a lil controversy right lol?
August 15th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Celts Fan says:
@GEE, isn’t what you’re proposing basically just the All-NBA First Team?
August 15th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
doc says:
Like Celts said,the All NBA got 3 teams by position.Thats basically best at your position during the year.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Austin Burton says:
But if we did adopt GEE’s idea, who would you name the trophies after?
Center — Wilt.
Power Forward — Bob Petit (can’t do Duncan yet since he’s still playing).
Small Forward — Elgin Baylor.
Shooting Guard — Mike.
Point Guard — Clyde Frazier. (Cousy already has a college trophy named after him, and the NBA would never name anything after Isiah Thomas.)
August 15th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
LOL @ the Isiah Thomas remark…true though.
Point I would say Magic
The rest I could see although they might go Bird for that small forward.
Celts and doc yea w/ All NBA it is like that true.
Ok then switch it up and actually hand out actual awards for Assist leader, Rebound leader, block and steals leader at the end of the year rather than just ending it with them having nothing.
That way you still got more hardware being handed out, could name trophies after say Johnny Stock (assist), Hakeem (blocks) and so on.
How bout that then?
August 15th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
that's whats up says:
if you had an award for blocks, you have to think of Mark Eaton and his monster season in 84-85 where he averaged 5.56 blocks a game for the Jazz.
Call it the “Eaton Balls” Award
August 15th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Austin Burton says:
Speaking if discredited MVP’s, doesn’t the NFL have the weakest MVP award in the major sports? I’m a big football fan and I’d have to look up the last 10 winners.
NBA I can name easy (Kobe, Dirk, Nash, Nash, Garnett, Duncan, Duncan, Iverson, Shaq, Malone). And I’m not a baseball guy but I know the baseball MVP’s are a big deal.
(How many people remember Karl Malone winning MVP in the lockout year? I almost forgot.)
August 15th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
http://www.defsounds.com/news/Game_jay_article
For my rap cats. And check out what BK*Bullshyt718 says about Game lol. I’s completely agree.
I don’t think no one wants an award that deals with Eat and Balls together lol.
I get what you sayin, at least I hope you meant like they eating up shots by blockin them.
Still Eat and Balls and even worse Eat- on Balls lol.
Naw pimpin.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
Yea fa real I don’t no hardly any football MVP’s, but I think it’s was Manning last year and Brady this year. QB’s usually win it don’t they.
Adrian Peterson was the truth though. Did wonders for my fantasy squad lol.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Celts Fan says:
@Gee, not hating man, it was a good idea. I think even the 1st Team All NBA only gets a plaque (is that right Dime?) so we could at least get a real trophy for them.
@AB, you gotta name the PF Award, “The Charles Barkley, Not Turrible Trophy”
Point I’d go Magic or Oscar or Stockton before Clyde. I might lean to Oscar since his averaging a triple double still seems like the gold standard for PGs.
Either that or make an award for the most versatile player in the league and name it after Oscar. Guys that fill up the stat sheet should be recognized for doing it all. Michael Redd’s nice, but Brandon Roy can play the 1-3, put up 20 and give you 5 dimes and good D, Melo’s sweet, but Marion can play 2 different positions, lock you up, toss your shot to the hot dog guy, shoot over you, drive by you, dunk on your head, or pass out of a double team. JSmooth is a triple double threat every night w/out having to dish out 1 dime, and that’s just to name a few of the most prominent. That kind of all-around production should be recognized without you having to put up amazing #s in order to beat out the pure scorer types for an MVP, 1st Team, etc.
LMAO at Mark Eaton…
August 15th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
GEE...I will break you. says:
Charles crossed my mind for the PF award too lol.
Dang just a plaque. Yea that is messed up. Come on man get them dudes trophies.