Same Story, Different Season
LeBron James (photo. Mannion)Ain’t nothing changed. When LeBron doesn’t play, the Cavs don’t win, even when the game doesn’t count. Last night Cleveland got 20-pieced at home in its preseason opener, falling to the Raptors while LeBron (1 pt, 2 asts) played sparingly in the first quarter before taking the rest of the night off. Mo Williams (12 pts) and Big Z (16 pts) carried the load in LeBron’s absence, and Mo found the time to jack up seven threes, although nobody would get on him for gunning since he was the best offensive player left on the floor. Will Solomon led the Raps with 17 points, Andrea Bargnani dropped 15, and Jermaine O’Neal and Chris Bosh scored 11 apiece in a little less than 20 minutes apiece … It was almost another disaster for the Wizards, when Dirk threw a shoulder fake at Antawn Jamison in the first quarter of Mavs/Wizards and Jamison went down clutching his right knee. It was initially reported to be a strain, but we’ll see how it goes; it’s not like this franchise has been coming through in the luck department lately. With Caron Butler and Andray Blatche (18 pts) leading the way, the Wizards got smacked. Dirk scored 17, and Josh Howard held his hand over his heart for the anthem like everyone else and didn’t get a vicious reaction from the home crowd … Greg Oden is one step closer to playing in a real NBA game, as he put up 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in his preseason debut, a Blazers blowout win over the Kings. Oden looked to be in good shape, but that Freeway beard is only gonna make for more old-man jokes at his expense. On one of Portland’s first possessions Oden backed down Spencer Hawes and dunked on him, and the Blazers fans went nuts with the cheers they’d been holding back for more than a year … Rudy Fernandez wowed the crowd too, getting an alley-oop dunk, an alley-oop reverse layup, and hitting LaMarcus Aldridge with a dime that he put through his defender’s legs … Carlos Boozer (hamstring), Sasha Vujacic (ankle), Phil Jackson (swollen legs) and Luke Walton (fear) weren’t around for Lakers/Jazz, and Kobe was relatively quiet with eight points in Utah’s win. Ronnie Brewer (13 pts) was the standout, looking more confident than ever on offense, sticking some jumpers and working the baseline well. One time he beat Kobe badly on a backdoor alley-oop layup, then a few minutes later went baseline and crowned Lamar Odom … Andrew Bynum (15 pts, 8 rebs) looked good coming off the bench — which could be his role for the foreseeable future. Phil doesn’t like how Bynum and Pau Gasol (who only played 5 minutes Tuesday) have been playing together, so for the time being Bynum is the sixth man … Between the braids and the fact that he’s wearing #21, it’s gonna take a while for us to look at Josh Powell on the Lakers’ bench and remember he’s not Ronny Turiaf. Do you think Kobe made Powell take that number just for his own comfort level? Don’t be surprised if Powell shows up next week with a gap in his grill and more facial hair … T-Mac (knee) and Shane Battier (foot) were out, but we did get some idea from Rockets/Grizzlies of what Rick Adelman wants to do with Ron Artest. Artest (15 pts, 6 rebs) started at the three, with Luis Scola at the four and Luther Head at the two. Yao put up 10 points and 9 boards in Houston’s win, Carl Landry had 18 and 9, and Aaron Brooks pretty clearly outplayed Rafer Alston. Memphis was led by Hakim Warrick’s 15 points, while Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo each had 14. Marc Gasol is leading the Three Stooges parade at center, getting the start over Hamed Haddadi and Darko (DNP) … “Real Training Camp” followed the Suns on Tuesday, and it was clear right away that new coach Terry Porter is focusing on defense more than anything. (It’s also clear that Porter either has no sense of humor or he’s terribly nervous, because he ignored/no-sold all of Shaq’s jokes.) The announcers were so enamored with Shaq that they mic’d him and let him provide most of the commentary, which was good because it wasn’t the best day for Rick Kamla and Eddie Johnson. Kamla called Robin Lopez “Brook Lopez” (no one corrected him), and while talking about Shaq’s offseason MMA workouts, said he’d never heard of Royce Gracie. EJ, while talking about Phoenix’s interior D pre-Shaq, said “Perkins for Minnesota” torched the Suns last year … Did anyone else get uncomfortable when Porter kept calling out the play named “Sloppy Fist”? Sounds like an AVN award winner … Eddie started an argument in the Dime office and on DimeMag.com when he casually suggested Michael Jordan is “arguably” the greatest player of all-time, noting his preference for Magic Johnson. We can see the case for Magic — not to mention Wilt, Kareem, Russell and Oscar — but most fans give Mike the crown out of habit. Do you think Jordan is definitely the G.O.A.T., or is it someone else? … After all these years of having to endure the Clippers stinking — which, granted, was at least partially his fault — Elgin Baylor is out of a job now? The L.A. Times reported that Baylor is no longer the team’s GM and VP of basketball operations, which he apparently walked away from after the team wanted to take away his authority but still pay him the same salary. It seems weird that the Clips would make such a move after Baylor had just put together one of the most promising rosters in the franchise’s last 20 years … We’re still taking entries for our exclusive Reebok giveaway: a free pair of Talkin’ Krazy kicks, a basketball autographed by Jason Terry, a $100 Champ Sports gift card and a one-year Dime subscription. All you have to do is GO HERE and tell us the best trash-talk like you’ve ever said on the court … We’re out like Walton …
October 8th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Bruce says:
1
October 8th, 2008 at 2:42 am
driveatsleep says:
number 2!
October 8th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Flying-Aussie-Dutchman says:
Luke Walton (fear) LOL!
October 8th, 2008 at 2:59 am
2 Easy says:
Trainin camp was awful to watch, thank God for Shaq talkin reckeless the whole time.Steve Nash’s jumper is so wet it sickens me. That thing barely hits rim, and he doesnt shoot until its necessary most times. Had he been a couple years younger he could easily average wat CP3 averages (points and assists wise, not defensively of course) Bynum and Oden fans please dont go nuts. Im happy their both doin well but dont go off and say that LA and Por will be the western conference finals and so on. It was 20 mins in a preseason game.
October 8th, 2008 at 3:00 am
alf (from melmak) says:
this was a fun read today dime. between walton’s fear, the turiaf look, and the three stooges stuff, i would say you deserved an 8.
maybe this is just me being a big jazz fan, but the way they played the lakers is scary. i know it is just the pre-season but the possibility is there for them to go all the way this time.
they have all the tools and the lineup versatility is awesome.
i am out like sloan again complaining about the lack of defense from his team. good things need not be changed.
October 8th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Three Stacks says:
Lakers-Blazers, Western Conference Finals!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:18 am
2 Easy says:
really? I wonder if that was a joke or serious cause I swear thats the one thing i asked not to have happen
October 8th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Coop says:
hahahaha “best centre in the nba” coming off the bench. how do you like those apples, LA fanboys?
October 8th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Craig says:
im 2nding three stacks
lakers-blazers!!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:46 am
2 Easy says:
really? no one paid attention to wat i asked at all. O well
October 8th, 2008 at 4:01 am
Three Stacks says:
If there was ever a natural law that applies to the Dime comments sections, it’s: if you ever ask for something not to be said or done, it will very soon be said or done.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Three Stacks says:
I wish they’d mic up Terry Porter during games so we can hear the rest of his plays, like “Dirty Sanchez” and “Reverse Panama Face Hat.”
October 8th, 2008 at 4:06 am
2 Easy says:
lol very true, I shoulda remembered that, its my bad I shoulda endorsed it so everyone could tell me how dumb I am. O well too late now. I almost forgot to mention that the Wiz are hurt again. Who works on thier trainin staff Dr.Kevorkian? I wanna see how far a healthy wiz can go, I feel like Im bein robbed
October 8th, 2008 at 4:22 am
KBY says:
You know, perhaps Sterling is miffed at Baylor for the Brand mess. Maybe that’s the reason for the change.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:41 am
solomon says:
lakers-blazers west finals sounds too much 1980’s to be true…
and until bynum learns how to play with gasol, and vice versa, that lakers finals repeat may just have to wait, coz most of dem the west boys (houston, portland, clippers) just got bigger, better and badder…
we’re out like magic vs drexler…
October 8th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Tobi says:
Rudy Gay’s dunks were sick!!
http://www.squidoo.com/RudyGay
October 8th, 2008 at 5:13 am
drewstar says:
wow rudy fernandez is better than i thought.. kid’s got mad game. reverse alley-oop layups, dunks, no look dimes..making martell webster look like the second coming of vince carter.
all i have to say is damn.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:44 am
bakedbeing says:
I hope we get some Blazers games down under this year, I don’t know that the kids will go that deep but it’s going to be effing showtime.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:15 am
smity far away says:
dime magazine (not one of you writers) using the word “aint” ? a surprise. An appropriate one though because that statement is true when talking about the cavs (and a bunch of other teams like the mavs, wizards, bucks and a few others). Aint nothin changed.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:58 am
schoops says:
hakim warrick needs more PT. dude is nice.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Dagomar says:
Euro talent on the Raps and Blazers looking pretty sick from the sounds of it. I really hope this is the year Bargnani puts it all together - and maybe he will because he’s playing at his natural position again. If Fernandez and Oden are half as good as advertised the Blazers are going to scare some cats this year. And I have a bad feeling that Mo is a shot jacker and Bron is going to flip on him at some point this year.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:27 am
QuEsT??? says:
hakim warrick cant handle more pt
October 8th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Tunez says:
Luke Walton (Fear) LOL
You get a W for that
October 8th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Sweet English says:
Just watched the game highlights for the Blazers game last night. Looks like a great team to watch and i have been doubting Odens potential after sitting out a year but the guy is a beast. Hes got a good look going aswell he looks like some sort of cross between Kimbo Slice and one of Frank Lucas’ Brothers. Wouldnt wanna post up against that guy.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Andy says:
nice porn reference
October 8th, 2008 at 8:13 am
YOUNGFED says:
The results are in IGN.com (the best gaming site ever - TRUST) has issued it’s reviews for NBA Live and 2k9. 2k9 got and 85 overall while Live got a horrible rating of 65 pverall.
WTF Topic of the Day: Did you guys know that the guy who knocked Kimbo Slice out was gay. Check out the pics.
http://www.mediatakeout.com/2008/27203-nuh_uhhhhhhh_remember_the_dude_that_knocked_out_kimbo_in_12_seconds__well_dude_is_reportedly_gay_and_flaming_.html
Song of The Day: Devin the Dude ‘I need a song ft. 14k’ (It’s Bannana’s!!!!)
http://www.sixshot.com/media.asp?id=12844
BTW: Decent Job today DIME you guys were a lil dry lately.
Almost forgot “Hi Haterrrrssss!!!!” lol
October 8th, 2008 at 8:26 am
YOUNGFED says:
Useless NBA Facts:
Tayshuan Prince has played all 82 games each of the past five seasons — the only player in the NBA to do so over that time frame.
Round The Way News:
“Remember all the talk from last June about bringing Derrick Rose along slowly and not burdening a rookie owning one season of college experience with too many expectations? Well, forget about all that. In conversations with several people who have witnessed or participated in Bulls practices, the praise for Rose is glowing and unanimous. Two people –one with ties to the Bulls’ organization, one without — said Rose is having the best training camp of anybody on the team. Most observers now consider Rose a lock to be a starter on opening night against the Bucks on Oct. 28.” SI.com
October 8th, 2008 at 8:42 am
S, line♥ says:
And guys, You may love directly chat sports online at
__ http://tallloving.com ___, where the hot affluent Singles and sexy girls and models to hook up for Hot Love, Flirt and Sexy Dating! They also like sport games!
October 8th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Kobeef says:
@KBY
I agree. Baylor’s firing was delayed and is absolutely related to the Brand fiasco. How do you let a guy who made a verbal commitment walk? Why did you let him become unrestricted? The Clips got screwed and Baylor paid for it.
Jermaine O’Neal looks like he’s been in the gym all summer - his arms look bigger than they have during any point in career.
Lebron’s team sucks. I bet if he could jump-ship now he would. The cavs got destroyed by the Raps who are not even an elite team in the leastern conference.
Memphis looked surprisingly good. If Conley and Warrick can play at this level for the season they won’t be the worst team in the NBA. Mayo looks like he’s been in the league for a decade. The guy is a pro.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
RonNation says:
Man brewer had a sick alleyoop where he caught the ball underneath the basket and reached underneath the hoop to the other side and spun in it.
Guy is gonna be sick..
Miles lookin prty good too.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Brown says:
Cleveland is terrible. The only position they have talent at is the 3 (LeBron). Nobody else in their starting lineup deserves to be a starter in the NBA. What does that tell you about their talent level? If they want to keep LeBron, they should miss the playoffs on purpose and get a high draft pick. That’s the only way they’ll improve the talent level on the team before LBJ’s contract is up.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am
ERIC says:
Does anyone else feel that the Clippers, more than any other franchise, are in dire need of a new Logo, Color Scheme and Jerseys? Clips have need a change badly for years.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Kobeef says:
Oh - nobody mentioned this yet but apprently Amare is going “Kareem” and wearing goggles for the rest of his career after an eye injury.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Kudabeen says:
Amare is looking very Moses Malon in those Specs…He always reminded me of Moses anyway as far as his temperment on the court. I hope he starts to enforce his will even more no that he is 100%…
October 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Kudabeen says:
Moses Malone…
October 8th, 2008 at 10:27 am
GEE...Hooligaaaaaaanss! says:
Day late and dolla short but the Hip Hop Honors took a playa back! Them Slick Rick joints had the wife and I going.
“Punched him in his belly and he gave him a slap, but little did he know the little boy was strapped…”
Derrick Fisher’s pass last night was ill.
Washingtonians as a Rocket’s fan I am feeling for you, cause injuries will do it to your team like nothing else in the world.
Got to give it to G.O. dude looked ok. Depending on the minutes and provided he stays healthy, dude is most def. a 20 and 10 guy.
Bynum was impressive as well. Could we see the return of legit bigs slowwwly coming into play. I mean both are young and have time. I hope so.
AVN line was funny. Sloppy fist does sound kinda nasty.
Still wondering how Jamison went down, cause the fake wasn’t that raw for him to get all twisted or whatever.
Anyone think some players might use the talkin crazy joints to go at refs or coaches without getting fined possibly. I could see “Give me more minutes” on a shoe, or “That tech last game was bull”.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Buffalo Brave says:
“and Luke Walton (fear) weren’t around for Lakers/Jazz”
LMFAO!!!!!!!!
Major props that’s hilarious!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Aron says:
Luke Walton (fear). Classic!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:31 am
bigdoggchad says:
Oden looked slow sheldon williams went past him like he was standing still.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Michorizo says:
Did anyone else get uncomfortable when Porter kept calling out the play named “Sloppy Fist”? … I was uncomfortable when he first called out “stinky pinky”
October 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am
P_Dizzle says:
That Luke Walton (fear) line is great!
LOL
October 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am
that's whats up says:
I think DIME also runs tallshoving.com or whatever stupid-ass websites are pitched on here. Why else would they not block or remove that crap?
FED, the dudes hair was pink. PINK! Did you really need the photographic proof?
…and I love how the Spurs are not even mentioned or considered to be good this year. They will work in their new guys slowly, have a rough start, Manu will come back in January and then we’ll be ready to roll. By that time Oden will be out injured, Bynum will be out injured and all we’ll have to worry about is the Hornets. Spurs in ‘09
October 8th, 2008 at 10:36 am
E$ says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpd8ArKBU7w - Cavs vs Pacers 2k9
GO ROCKETS!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Kudabeen says:
Bynum did have some nice moves. He hit two turnaround Js that are almost unstoppable at his size…Very Nice.
With Oden, I can see another injury coming, because he put on more weight after a major knee injury. Usually you want to lose weight while healing. I hope the Docs are really looking out. You can be strong without being Heavy (Dwight, Early Shaq, David Robinson, Duncan, Hakeem, and Bynum is looking really fit etc.) Oden looks a little too big to be dunking and coming down as flat as he does.
FED got me thinking about Def Squad and all, so to Oden I’ll say with all that Jumping man, “You gotsta Chill”
October 8th, 2008 at 11:37 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Thats Whats Up
I gotta say I didn’t know if dude was just crazy or flaming. But you gotta admitt Kimbo is got be crushed he got whooped by a Cock Strong (get)Panzy and that those Pics were funny as hell.
Also good point about Dime letting people advertise on their site but it seems to be happenning everywhere. I’m going to come up with something and run it on here.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
that's whats up says:
yeah FED, those pics were pretty bad. At least when Vince Young was shirtless with twenty dudes he didn’t put on the leather leash and shit, at least not in public - lmao.
…and thank goodness the ref stopped the fight because Homo-ey was about to Slice up that Kimbo Azz
October 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
James F. Carter says:
Strange. It appears that only the squidoo spammer mentioned Rudy Gay’s dunk-a-thon against the Rockets last night. I’m glad Rudy hasn’t adopted the “I’m more than a great dunker” line and stopped attacking the basket.
DANG Darko couldn’t get any tick in a preseason game? Dah well…
I’ve never heard of Royce Gracie. But then again I guess I’m not gushing over Shaq’s workouts either lol.
I DO like how Oden tried to cram everything near the basket. Even if it was against Spencer Hawes.
Any news on Tyrus Thomas? Breakout season coming up for him, or will he always be Stromile Swift with a halfway sorta kinda decent jumper every 5 games?
Looks like NBA Live lost again on the ratings tip. Been playing Live since ‘95, but I haven’t enjoyed it one bit since ‘06 on Xbox. 07 was just god-awful on 360, and 08 was only a slight improvement. Renting Live and 2K next week to settle it for myself, but based on the demos I’m looking at 2K9 to win this round…
October 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Tom S. says:
My cousin was at the Cavs game and he said when the Cavs rotation players were in the game, they were up by 10. It was the end of the bench and training camps bodies that got blown out. Preseason means nothing.