With the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA Draft the Portland Trail Blazers selected center Greg Oden.
With the No. 2 pick in this year's NBA Draft the Seattle SuperSonics crush the dreams of all East Coast fans. Wait, no, they only selected the best player available forward Kevin Durant.
Over the past month, it has been tiring to hear that the worst thing for the NBA is that the Pacific Northwest stole this years lottery. Most analysts were just outraged that neither Boston or New York landed a top three pick.
But, Oden and Durant going to the Pacific Northwest is just what the NBA needs.
Both Seattle and Portland have histories in the NBA. Forty-eight combined playoff appearances and two titles split between the teams. While they are not a storied as as the LA Lakers (14 titles) or Boston (16 titles), getting the top two players in the draft moving West will only help reignite the two franchises.
In the mid-1990s, Seattle was one of the most exciting teams to watch. Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Detlef Schrempf led the Sonics to three consecutive division titles and one appearance in the NBA finals. With today's draft pick of Durant and the trade for the No. 5 pick and Jeff Green the prospect of winning is back and hopefully help the Sonics remain in Seattle.
What more can be said about Portland. Blazermania should return quickly to the City of Roses and be just a crazy as 1977 when they league champs.
As these teams become more competitive the league will benefit. Having the same teams in the playoffs and finals year-after-year is boring. Just look at the ratings from the last NBA Finals. San Antonio won its fourth championship in nine seasons and 'yawn' nobody cared.
But an upstart Golden State team, who had been absent from the playoffs for 12 years, won a series and people noticed. For the disenfranchised fans in the Northwest, today's draft is the best thing that happened in years.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Open was Tiger's to lose
Watching the final few holes of this year's U.S. Open was painful.
I'm not even sure I remember who won the tournament, but I certainly know who lost it. "Tiger vision" was on full-display Sunday.
The television coverage was all Tiger, all the time, as NBC's cameras fixated on golf's superstar. NBC's announcers tirelessly analyzed every shot Woods would and did take, not to mention piping in with the necessary formula Tiger needed to do to claim the U.S. Open title. When Woods putt came up short on the 72nd hole, Angel Cabrera had not won the title, Tiger had lost it.
What? Wait a second, Cabrera played an outstanding tournament. He shot a 69 in the final round, bouncing back from a round of 76 on Saturday. Cabrera was the best golfer at Oakmont and rightfully WON.
But that's only because Tiger lost. Just look at some excerpts from today's sports columns:
"Woods lost the 107th U.S. Open by one stroke Sunday, leaving his major championship victory total stalled at 12..." - Jason Sobel (ESPN)
"This is not supposed to happen. Tiger Woods is not supposed to be in the lead at a major, or at least tied for the lead, and not win. But it happened in the U.S. Open. As two months ago it happened in the Masters...[Woods and Furyk] gave it away on the 18th, and it went to Cabrera." - Art Spander (Fox Sports)
"Cabrera might want to check the papers Monday and he will find a different answer. For his shot at celebrity, however long it lasts, Cabrera will have to send thank-you notes to Woods and Furyk for such a neatly-wrapped gift." - Mike Purkey (NBC Sports)
Golf is an individual sport and a professional can only be concerned with how they play. On Sunday, Cabrera played better than Woods, Furyk, Fasth, Toms, Verplank, Rose and everyone else at the top of the leaderboard. Please, give the man some credit.
The final note - Not the greatest, not yet
As Woods winced and grabbed the bill of his black hat on the 18th green Sunday, it marked the 29th time that Tiger has not been able to win a major tournament after he trailed beginning the final round. That's right, Woods in 0-for-29 when trailing at a major entering Sunday.
Tiger still trails Jack Nicklaus by 15 career runner-ups finishes at major championships. During his career, Nicklaus came from behind to win eight majors. To date, that would be eight more than Woods. If you ask me, Tiger has a long way to go to prove he is the best golfer ever. Nicklaus is possibly the most consistent golfer at major championships with 18 titles and 19 runner-up finishes.
I'm not even sure I remember who won the tournament, but I certainly know who lost it. "Tiger vision" was on full-display Sunday.
The television coverage was all Tiger, all the time, as NBC's cameras fixated on golf's superstar. NBC's announcers tirelessly analyzed every shot Woods would and did take, not to mention piping in with the necessary formula Tiger needed to do to claim the U.S. Open title. When Woods putt came up short on the 72nd hole, Angel Cabrera had not won the title, Tiger had lost it.
What? Wait a second, Cabrera played an outstanding tournament. He shot a 69 in the final round, bouncing back from a round of 76 on Saturday. Cabrera was the best golfer at Oakmont and rightfully WON.
But that's only because Tiger lost. Just look at some excerpts from today's sports columns:
"Woods lost the 107th U.S. Open by one stroke Sunday, leaving his major championship victory total stalled at 12..." - Jason Sobel (ESPN)
"This is not supposed to happen. Tiger Woods is not supposed to be in the lead at a major, or at least tied for the lead, and not win. But it happened in the U.S. Open. As two months ago it happened in the Masters...[Woods and Furyk] gave it away on the 18th, and it went to Cabrera." - Art Spander (Fox Sports)
"Cabrera might want to check the papers Monday and he will find a different answer. For his shot at celebrity, however long it lasts, Cabrera will have to send thank-you notes to Woods and Furyk for such a neatly-wrapped gift." - Mike Purkey (NBC Sports)
Golf is an individual sport and a professional can only be concerned with how they play. On Sunday, Cabrera played better than Woods, Furyk, Fasth, Toms, Verplank, Rose and everyone else at the top of the leaderboard. Please, give the man some credit.
The final note - Not the greatest, not yet
As Woods winced and grabbed the bill of his black hat on the 18th green Sunday, it marked the 29th time that Tiger has not been able to win a major tournament after he trailed beginning the final round. That's right, Woods in 0-for-29 when trailing at a major entering Sunday.
Tiger still trails Jack Nicklaus by 15 career runner-ups finishes at major championships. During his career, Nicklaus came from behind to win eight majors. To date, that would be eight more than Woods. If you ask me, Tiger has a long way to go to prove he is the best golfer ever. Nicklaus is possibly the most consistent golfer at major championships with 18 titles and 19 runner-up finishes.
Friday, June 15, 2007
A-Rod's vain effort
A front page ESPN.com poll recently asked who is the best hitter in baseball: Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols or Vladimir Guerrero?
The largest percentage of respondents said Alex Rodriguez.
And he very well might be. Rodriguez hit his league leading 25th home run of the season Wednesday night. A-Rod is not only leading the majors in home runs, but also in runs scored, RBIs and slugging and has helped the Yankees charge back after a 9-14 April.
But, A-Rod's blistering starting that included 14 homers in April did not help the Yankees win. At the end of the month, 27 major league teams had more wins than New York.
Their current winning streak has been sparked more by the resurrection of outfielder Bobby Abreu than Rodriguez's consistent power. Abreu is batting over .400 with 12 RBIs and 14 runs in the past ten games.
But, the Yankees turn around can be credited to A-Rod. Forget about the home run he hit off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth in Boston. The Yankees turn around started with a scream.
Rodriguez exchanged pleasantries with Toronto third baseman Howie Clark as he headed to third base on May 30. In the top of the ninth A-Rod appeared to yell out "I got it" during an infield pop up, causing the Blue Jays infielder to drop what would have been the third out of the inning.
The Yankees were up two runs at that point and tacked three more runs on after the incident. New York won the game 10-5.
"I just said, 'Hah!' That's it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't," Rodriguez said after the game.
Rodriguez has turned into a screamer and is not MVP material. Talk about A-Rod landing his third MVP award is beginning. When the end of the season comes rolling around, voters must keep two things in mind. First, that Rodriguez will have had the benefit of having $75 million of talent hitting around him in the one, two, three, five and six spots in the lineup. Second, A-Rod's power surge did not help New York win. The Yankees were dead last in the AL East entering May.
Yankee fans seem to have let A-Rod start at square one this year, forgiving him for his past October transgressions. However, with a lot of baseball yet to play, having a hot start to this season may end up being meaningless for Alex.
The other MVP Contenders
Magglio Ordonez - The Tigers outfielder is following up an October triumph, three-run homer that lifted the Tigers into the World Series, in style. Ordonez might have a shot at the triple crown. He is first in the AL in average, third in RBIs and tied for seventh in home runs. He belted 30 doubles in the Tigers' first 61 games, which made Mags the fastest player to that mark since 1996. Staying healthy is key, but Ordonez is in prime position early.
Vladimir Guerrero - Vlad is having another Vlad like season. The Angels star outfielder is currently batting with a .335 average, which is good for sixth in the AL. Guerrero is also tied for ninth in homers and is second in the league with 61 RBIs. Guerrero is also in the top-five in the league in on-base percentage and slugging. A previous MVP winner, Guerrero has consistently put up the numbers to win the award. Not to mention LA is in first place in the AL West.
Justin Morneau - Morneau, the reigning American League MVP, has yet to put up great offensive numbers. But his 18 home runs have him second in the AL. The Twins are playing .500 baseball at the moment. But, Justin should not be written off yet. Minnesota has a history of playing well after the All-Star break, so Morneau should improve his .273 average and 50 RBIs.
Victor Martinez - The catcher from Cleveland is a definite dark horse. Martinez's performance has gone relatively unnoticed. However, Victor leads the Indians in average (.326), home runs (13), RBIs (56) and on-base percentage (.941). Martinez's numbers might suffer later in the season, but the longer the Indians are in postseason consideration the more attention Victor should garner.
*Blogger's Note: All statistics used were current at time of post.
The largest percentage of respondents said Alex Rodriguez.
And he very well might be. Rodriguez hit his league leading 25th home run of the season Wednesday night. A-Rod is not only leading the majors in home runs, but also in runs scored, RBIs and slugging and has helped the Yankees charge back after a 9-14 April.
But, A-Rod's blistering starting that included 14 homers in April did not help the Yankees win. At the end of the month, 27 major league teams had more wins than New York.
Their current winning streak has been sparked more by the resurrection of outfielder Bobby Abreu than Rodriguez's consistent power. Abreu is batting over .400 with 12 RBIs and 14 runs in the past ten games.
But, the Yankees turn around can be credited to A-Rod. Forget about the home run he hit off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth in Boston. The Yankees turn around started with a scream.
Rodriguez exchanged pleasantries with Toronto third baseman Howie Clark as he headed to third base on May 30. In the top of the ninth A-Rod appeared to yell out "I got it" during an infield pop up, causing the Blue Jays infielder to drop what would have been the third out of the inning.
The Yankees were up two runs at that point and tacked three more runs on after the incident. New York won the game 10-5.
"I just said, 'Hah!' That's it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't," Rodriguez said after the game.
Rodriguez has turned into a screamer and is not MVP material. Talk about A-Rod landing his third MVP award is beginning. When the end of the season comes rolling around, voters must keep two things in mind. First, that Rodriguez will have had the benefit of having $75 million of talent hitting around him in the one, two, three, five and six spots in the lineup. Second, A-Rod's power surge did not help New York win. The Yankees were dead last in the AL East entering May.
Yankee fans seem to have let A-Rod start at square one this year, forgiving him for his past October transgressions. However, with a lot of baseball yet to play, having a hot start to this season may end up being meaningless for Alex.
The other MVP Contenders
Magglio Ordonez - The Tigers outfielder is following up an October triumph, three-run homer that lifted the Tigers into the World Series, in style. Ordonez might have a shot at the triple crown. He is first in the AL in average, third in RBIs and tied for seventh in home runs. He belted 30 doubles in the Tigers' first 61 games, which made Mags the fastest player to that mark since 1996. Staying healthy is key, but Ordonez is in prime position early.
Vladimir Guerrero - Vlad is having another Vlad like season. The Angels star outfielder is currently batting with a .335 average, which is good for sixth in the AL. Guerrero is also tied for ninth in homers and is second in the league with 61 RBIs. Guerrero is also in the top-five in the league in on-base percentage and slugging. A previous MVP winner, Guerrero has consistently put up the numbers to win the award. Not to mention LA is in first place in the AL West.
Justin Morneau - Morneau, the reigning American League MVP, has yet to put up great offensive numbers. But his 18 home runs have him second in the AL. The Twins are playing .500 baseball at the moment. But, Justin should not be written off yet. Minnesota has a history of playing well after the All-Star break, so Morneau should improve his .273 average and 50 RBIs.
Victor Martinez - The catcher from Cleveland is a definite dark horse. Martinez's performance has gone relatively unnoticed. However, Victor leads the Indians in average (.326), home runs (13), RBIs (56) and on-base percentage (.941). Martinez's numbers might suffer later in the season, but the longer the Indians are in postseason consideration the more attention Victor should garner.
*Blogger's Note: All statistics used were current at time of post.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The interleague monster
On this date in 1997, Major League Baseball made an egregious error. The league began Interleague play, which ended a 126-year tradition of separating the major leagues until the World Series.
Baseball was built on the years of history and the bats of giants including Ruth, Gehrig, Wagner, Mays, Aaron and Clemente. Baseball was synonymous with tradition; then it went to pot.
Sure Interleague play is fan-friendly. But who cares when the Brewers play the Royals or Tampa Bay faces Washington?
Honestly, there are only four Interleague series that people care about. They are all intra-city series: New York - Yankees and Mets, Chicago - Cubs and White Sox, LA - Dodgers and Angels and the Bay area: Athletics and Giants.
Oh sure, a few more intriguing match-ups exist, but almost everything else is second-class to the aforementioned series.
There are numerous pros and cons for Interleague play. As a baseball purist, my biggest complaint about the ten years of NL-AL regular season baseball is that the World Series has been robbed of its mystique. A great tradition had endured, but that has long been forgotten.
So with everything else going on this weekend, be sure not to miss this the prime Interleague series, Texas at Cincinnati. I'm bursting with anticipation.
Baseball was built on the years of history and the bats of giants including Ruth, Gehrig, Wagner, Mays, Aaron and Clemente. Baseball was synonymous with tradition; then it went to pot.
Sure Interleague play is fan-friendly. But who cares when the Brewers play the Royals or Tampa Bay faces Washington?
Honestly, there are only four Interleague series that people care about. They are all intra-city series: New York - Yankees and Mets, Chicago - Cubs and White Sox, LA - Dodgers and Angels and the Bay area: Athletics and Giants.
Oh sure, a few more intriguing match-ups exist, but almost everything else is second-class to the aforementioned series.
There are numerous pros and cons for Interleague play. As a baseball purist, my biggest complaint about the ten years of NL-AL regular season baseball is that the World Series has been robbed of its mystique. A great tradition had endured, but that has long been forgotten.
So with everything else going on this weekend, be sure not to miss this the prime Interleague series, Texas at Cincinnati. I'm bursting with anticipation.
Monday, June 11, 2007
New York, New York
Here come the Yankees.
Winners of six in a row the Bronx Bombers are finally starting to play baseball. Actually they are finally taking care of business against teams they should beat.
However, the Yankees six-game winning streak is not that impressive. New York stole three games on the road at Chicago versus the White Sox, who were hovering around the .500 mark. Then they pounded on a struggling Pittsburgh team at home over the weekend.
Two weeks ago, baseball analysts had the Yankees dead in the water. Now that Roger Clemens is back, you can bet that the same analysts will be backtracking on their earlier proclamations.
Clemens pitching line Saturday looked like this: 6 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, 7 strikeouts and 2 walks. While it looks good on paper the reality is that Clemens faced a Pirates offense that is ranked 13th or lower in the NL in every major batting statistic.
Pitching has been the main problem for the Yankees and Saturday's start showed that the Rocket is not completely out of gas. Judgement should be reserved until Clemens makes at least one if not two more starts. His second start will most likely against the New York Mets this Friday.
As we near mid-June, if Clemens cannot pitch consistently and bring some stability to the Yankees rotation, the rest of the pitching staff goes with him. New York is desperate for quality pitching and will have to pay a serious price if try to trade for anyone down the strectch.
The Yankees have a favorable June schedule finishing the month at Colorado and San Francisco (both sub .500 teams). But the next six games against the Diamondbacks and the Mets will show whether or not we can finally take the Yankees seriously.
Right now, their 9-14 April record continues to overshadow everything.
Winners of six in a row the Bronx Bombers are finally starting to play baseball. Actually they are finally taking care of business against teams they should beat.
However, the Yankees six-game winning streak is not that impressive. New York stole three games on the road at Chicago versus the White Sox, who were hovering around the .500 mark. Then they pounded on a struggling Pittsburgh team at home over the weekend.
Two weeks ago, baseball analysts had the Yankees dead in the water. Now that Roger Clemens is back, you can bet that the same analysts will be backtracking on their earlier proclamations.
Clemens pitching line Saturday looked like this: 6 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, 7 strikeouts and 2 walks. While it looks good on paper the reality is that Clemens faced a Pirates offense that is ranked 13th or lower in the NL in every major batting statistic.
Pitching has been the main problem for the Yankees and Saturday's start showed that the Rocket is not completely out of gas. Judgement should be reserved until Clemens makes at least one if not two more starts. His second start will most likely against the New York Mets this Friday.
As we near mid-June, if Clemens cannot pitch consistently and bring some stability to the Yankees rotation, the rest of the pitching staff goes with him. New York is desperate for quality pitching and will have to pay a serious price if try to trade for anyone down the strectch.
The Yankees have a favorable June schedule finishing the month at Colorado and San Francisco (both sub .500 teams). But the next six games against the Diamondbacks and the Mets will show whether or not we can finally take the Yankees seriously.
Right now, their 9-14 April record continues to overshadow everything.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Oh Canada!
Most celebrating ended as the fans filed out of Honda Center.
Few Americans probably noticed that the Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup last night. Anaheim's victory was historic, as the franchise became the first NHL team to win the Cup from the Pacific Time Zone and the first West coast city to lay claim the trophy since Victoria of the Western Hockey League defeated Montreal in 1925.
More significant, the Ducks win marks the third Stanley Cup in a row that a Canadian team has lost. The Canadians are not just losing to anyone, they are losing to southern U.S. expansion teams.
In 2004, Tampa Bay defeated Calgary in seven games. Two years later, it was Edmonton's turn as they also lost in seven to Carolina. Finally yesterday, Anaheim embarrassed Ottawa, home of Lord Stanley's Cup, to win in five games.
The teams were all first-time winners, all from places that the average January temperature is at or above 50 degrees.
It is hard to say what's worse for hockey, the fact that Americans largely ignored this year's title bout or the fact that the Canadian Cup drought has now reached 14 years. The Canadiens of Montreal were the last team to hoist the Cup North of the border in 1993.
Hockey is distinctly Canadian. Along with Mounties, moose's and maple leaves, hockey defines Canada. The NHL would benefit if a team from the North won the Cup.
That prospect does not look good in the near future. Ottawa made it to the finals, but three of the six canuck teams missed the playoffs and the Calgary Flames nearly missed.
Buffalo, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and San Jose are loaded with young talent and promising postseason futures. These teams along with the youth movement taking place in Colorado should cause Canadian teams hoping for Cup success headaches.
Lord Stanley's Cup will reside in southern California for the next year. A strange thought indeed, but a thought all-hockey fans must come to grips with.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
MLB: First third power rankings
1. Boston - The Red Sox boast the best record in baseball and are sitting in the top five in the AL in pitching stats. Manny is through his early season slump. The only thing that could hold up Beantown right now appears to be blisters. The Sox are the best team entering June.
2. Cleveland - The Indians young bats lead by Sizemore, Martinez and Hafner were never in question at the beginning of the year. To this point their pitching has been more than solid. The road sweep at Detroit puts the Indians in the drivers seat in the AL Central.
3. Detroit - Magglio Ordonez is putting up first half MVP-like numbers. However, the darlings of last year Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander haven't looked great yet. The Tigers 30 wins has them in at three.
4. NY Mets - The Mets are again the premier team in the NL. Aggressive base running (1st in the majors in stolen bases) and top ten pitching staff have one New York team poised for a postseason run.
5. LA Angels - Vlad is being Vlad, K-Rod is lights out again and John Lackey leads the majors in wins with nine. The Angels have battled several early season injuries and still have managed 34 wins.
T6. Arizona - Eric who? That would be Byrnes, who is pacing Arizona in batting average, home runs, runs scored and on base percentage. Surprising yes, as has been Randy's return to the desert. Johnson has 53 strikeouts in seven starts and sub-4.00 ERA. The D-Back's are tied for the NL West lead starting the month and tied for the final ranked spot.
T6. San Deigo - While offense has been more than a struggle, its defense and pitching that wins championships. The Padres have a team ERA less than 3.00. Jake Peavy is anchoring San Deigo's rotation and will continue to cause headaches. The Padres are in the NL West log jam.
In the chase: Atlanta - The Braves may have 32 wins, but have a 4-5 record against the Nationals. Sub-500 records versus the Nats is pathetic, holding the Braves back.
LA Dodgers - Brad Penny is having another stellar first-half as a Dodger. LA's bats have been average (13th in average, 18th in runs, 25th in slugging), enough to keep them out.
2. Cleveland - The Indians young bats lead by Sizemore, Martinez and Hafner were never in question at the beginning of the year. To this point their pitching has been more than solid. The road sweep at Detroit puts the Indians in the drivers seat in the AL Central.
3. Detroit - Magglio Ordonez is putting up first half MVP-like numbers. However, the darlings of last year Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander haven't looked great yet. The Tigers 30 wins has them in at three.
4. NY Mets - The Mets are again the premier team in the NL. Aggressive base running (1st in the majors in stolen bases) and top ten pitching staff have one New York team poised for a postseason run.
5. LA Angels - Vlad is being Vlad, K-Rod is lights out again and John Lackey leads the majors in wins with nine. The Angels have battled several early season injuries and still have managed 34 wins.
T6. Arizona - Eric who? That would be Byrnes, who is pacing Arizona in batting average, home runs, runs scored and on base percentage. Surprising yes, as has been Randy's return to the desert. Johnson has 53 strikeouts in seven starts and sub-4.00 ERA. The D-Back's are tied for the NL West lead starting the month and tied for the final ranked spot.
T6. San Deigo - While offense has been more than a struggle, its defense and pitching that wins championships. The Padres have a team ERA less than 3.00. Jake Peavy is anchoring San Deigo's rotation and will continue to cause headaches. The Padres are in the NL West log jam.
In the chase: Atlanta - The Braves may have 32 wins, but have a 4-5 record against the Nationals. Sub-500 records versus the Nats is pathetic, holding the Braves back.
LA Dodgers - Brad Penny is having another stellar first-half as a Dodger. LA's bats have been average (13th in average, 18th in runs, 25th in slugging), enough to keep them out.
Friday, June 1, 2007
C-Webb holding back Pistons
LeBron James scored a career playoff-high 48 points, including the Cleveland Cavaliers final 25 points in a double-overtime victory Thursday night. The victory moves the Cavs to within one win of the NBA finals.
Last year, Cleveland was in the same position up 3-2 on the Detroit Pistons. Last year, the Cavaliers lost the final two games and the series. Their fortunes are about to be reversed.
However, it is not because of King James. The reason happens to be No. 84 for the Pistons, Chris Webber.
Webber is not a winner, plain and simple.
Jump back to 1993, the championship game of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan trails the North Carolina Tar Heels by two points. Webber dribbles the ball into the corner and attempts to call a timeout. However, Michigan had already used their final timeout, and Webber earned his team a technical foul. The Tar Heels went on to win the game, 77-71.
Webber caused one of the most notorious blunders in NCAA history. Unfortunately for C-Webb, that moment was seared into his psyche.
Sure, Webber lead his high school teams to three state championships. But in the NBA, things have looked a lot different.
During the 1996-97 season, C-Webb helped the Washington Bullets earn their first playoff berth since 1988. Three games later it was over. In Sacramento, where Webber spent the majority of his career, the Kings never made the NBA finals.
The Kings with Webber made the playoffs six times, losing twice in the first round, three times in the semifinals and once in the conference finals. The Western Conference final choke came in 2001-02 as the Kings dropped two straight against their division rival the LA Lakers. Three times Webber's Sacramento teams lost game seven.
The series versus the Lakers is the defining playoff moment of Webber's career. Webber played well throughout, but did not have an answer for LA's superior star power.
The Pistons and Chris Webber face a bleak off-season. The championship that eluded C-Webb in college will remain elusive yet again as his professional career wanes.
Last year, Cleveland was in the same position up 3-2 on the Detroit Pistons. Last year, the Cavaliers lost the final two games and the series. Their fortunes are about to be reversed.
However, it is not because of King James. The reason happens to be No. 84 for the Pistons, Chris Webber.
Webber is not a winner, plain and simple.
Jump back to 1993, the championship game of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan trails the North Carolina Tar Heels by two points. Webber dribbles the ball into the corner and attempts to call a timeout. However, Michigan had already used their final timeout, and Webber earned his team a technical foul. The Tar Heels went on to win the game, 77-71.
Webber caused one of the most notorious blunders in NCAA history. Unfortunately for C-Webb, that moment was seared into his psyche.
Sure, Webber lead his high school teams to three state championships. But in the NBA, things have looked a lot different.
During the 1996-97 season, C-Webb helped the Washington Bullets earn their first playoff berth since 1988. Three games later it was over. In Sacramento, where Webber spent the majority of his career, the Kings never made the NBA finals.
The Kings with Webber made the playoffs six times, losing twice in the first round, three times in the semifinals and once in the conference finals. The Western Conference final choke came in 2001-02 as the Kings dropped two straight against their division rival the LA Lakers. Three times Webber's Sacramento teams lost game seven.
The series versus the Lakers is the defining playoff moment of Webber's career. Webber played well throughout, but did not have an answer for LA's superior star power.
The Pistons and Chris Webber face a bleak off-season. The championship that eluded C-Webb in college will remain elusive yet again as his professional career wanes.
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