The Crab Dribble Episode 65,
Enjoy this week’s Crab Dribble as we discuss the Lakers (get used to it), and some other stuff. We go around the entire league in a little more than 80 seconds, and our Advanced Scout gives us the inside information TCD listeners have come to expect. It’s fair to say we had the time of our lives making this podcast, and we owe it all to you.
Team USA still golden
For all the talk of how the 2012 version of Team USA lacked size, they sure stood tall when it counted the most.
No, Sunday’s gold medal thriller against Spain won’t go down as one of the greatest games ever. With 54 personal fouls being whistled, including four each on LeBron James, Marc Gasol, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love, not to mention Rudy Fernandez fouling out, the game lacked any real consistent rhythm. But as they did in 2008, Team USA picked up their play at the right time, pushing a three-point lead out to nine with just under two minutes remaining to seal their second consecutive gold medal. Clutch plays by LeBron, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul helped offset a brilliant effort by Pau Gasol, and set off a raucous celebration following the final horn, with players dancing, hugging and even dousing Coach Mike Krzyzewski with bottles of water. For Team USA, it was the culmination of another long journey, and it’s safe to say their celebration was born not only of joy, but also of a little relief. (more…)
The Indecision
By the time you read this, Dwight Howard may be a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Or the Dallas Mavericks. Or the Los Angeles Lakers, the Atlanta Hawks or the Houston Rockets. Heck, at this rate, he may even be a member of the New York Yankees. But one thing is for sure. He’s not going to be a member of the Orlando Magic for much longer…and they should be thrilled about that.
No – Howard hasn’t embarrassed the franchise by committing an awful crime, a la Michael Vick with the Falcons. He hasn’t disrespected the game by using foreign substances to enhance his performance, as Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds and hosts of other have done. He hasn’t even created disruptions on the court with inappropriate behavior, like Metta World Peace tends to do with his elbows. But what he has done is raise the bar on what it means to be a selfish, entitled athlete, dragging out a decision on his long-term future for well over a year and burning bridges in Orlando faster than you can say “and Dwight misses another free throw.” (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.14, the plot thickens
The Crab Dribble, unlike defending MVP Derrick Rose, is back in action this week, breaking down each bracket with the precision and accuracy of three fans who watch a lot of ball. We not only look back on what’s taken place, but we also look ahead to second round (and occasionally third round) match-ups. There’s a lot, so get comfy and hit play.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.13, Making Noise
It’s time for The Crab Dribble’s playoff preview! We break down each series, each game, each quarter, each … OK, we just make our first round picks. It’s timely, considering the playoffs start right now. Listen to the show, and tell us what’s what.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.11, Playoff positioning
The Crab Dribble returns with Episode 2.11. This episode finds the guys discussing possible playoff matchups that have likely changed since the discussion. They’ve probably changed again as you read this. The guys also ask “Is he the Answer?” and take part in perhaps the worst game of “Jason Vs.” in the history of man. It’s fun, so listen however you listen and let us know what you think.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.10, Rolling Thunder
The Crab Dribble talks “Best in the West,” with OKC looking like world-beaters, the Spurs defying their advanced age and the Lakers still struggling with substitution patterns. All that, plus a draft re-draft and a confusing, confusing Tweet of the Week. Check it out, then hit us back in the replies section.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.9, Heated Seats
We’re back, again! The Crab Dribble returns from hiatus this week to bring you the flaming hot seat Vinny Del Negro sits in as Clippers coach, March Madness difference-makers, and the recent personnel decisions of several playoff teams. It’s a full show and totally worth the next 39 minutes.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.13
Yes, it’s March – the month ruled by college basketball. The month where basketball fans have to legitimately think about which game they want to watch on a Wednesday night – Cal against South Florida or the Heat against the Bulls? The month where a team from the Ohio Valley Conference will be talked about more than the Celtics. The month where ESPN will blather endlessly about Peyton Manning and the NFL because, well, some things never change.
But the NBA is still here, and with the trade deadline now passed, it’s time to get serious about the final third of the season. With Dwight Howard remaining in Orlando (wait, let me double check that. Yep- he’s still there, for now anyway), and the Lakers making a couple of deals, the playoff race is going to get very interesting. Let’s try to take the pulse of the league, shall we? Join me as we watch it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.8, The Return
The hiatus is back off, again. The Crab Dribble returns after a brief break to get you caught up on All-Star Weekend festivities, and what they mean for the second half of the season. We also answer some fan mail, and it’s not too kind. Join us, won’t you?
K-Dogg’s Fantasy Island, The B-Team
33 percent factual tweets from actual readers…
“When is @TCDKDogg going to write another stellar blog on fantasy bball? My team is slipping…” – @average_smo
“I’m lost in the fantasy world without direction from the fantasy island and @TCDKDogg’s advice” – @MathewBerryTMR
“I was living the fantasy, but apparently my ex-wife wants me back. So much for the fun single life.” – @Kobe24
Back by popular demand, it’s the Fantasy Island!
We have a lot on the plate today so let’s get to it.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.9
Pretty boring week in the NBA, no? Sure, Jeremy Lin buried a game-winner, the Heat pulled off a feat not done in nearly 30 years, the Spurs are forcing their way into the contenders circle, the Blazers lost their best player, Rajon Rondo had a monster triple-double and Carmelo Anthony’s impending return has sparked endless debates about his worthiness as a player. But other than that, nothing to see here, right?
We are officially at the halfway point of the season (more or less anyway), and it’s safe to say we’ve had more than a few surprises. Sure, we knew the Heat, Thunder and Bulls would be good…but the Sixers over the Celtics? We figured the All-Star Game would feature the usual contingency of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Paul Pierce…but did anyone thing they’d be sharing the stage with Roy Hibbert? And we suspected the Knicks would be an interesting storyline, but did we think it would happen when both Carmelo and Amare Stoudemire were sitting out? If you’re overwhelmed by it all – don’t worry. Just relax, grab a seat and we’ll explain it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.7, Insert Lin pun here
The Crab Dribble gets swept up in Linsanity, along with the rest of the league. We share our take on the Knicks’ Linning ways, along with All-Star reserves and snubs. We answer some fans around the league in search of some good advice, and share the Tweet of the Week, which had everyone shaking their heads. It’s almost too much show for one week, but you’ve been good and deserve a treat.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.6, Buy low, sell high
The Crab Dribble returns this week with thoughts on All-Star snubs, teams that need to push players to the trading block, and those teams needing to pick discarded players no one else wanted. Also, Kenyon Martin is back. It’s a full show, so stay until the end, and then write us at thecrabdribble@thecrabdribble.com.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.5, Love it or leave it
The Crab Dribble has entered The Lockout Zone, and lived to tell about it. This week’s episode breaks down Kevin Love’s new contract, players not receiving contract offers and the Orlando Magic’s disappearing act. It’s all there, you just have to listen. Please leave comments at www.thecrabdribble.com or on iTunes.
Wednesday linkage: Jan. 18, 2012
"I've made a huge mistake." (G.O.B. Bluth voice)
Here we go like Jimmy Dean cooking sausage on the farm. One link after another.
* Remember a year ago? It was Melo Mania. Would the Nuggets trade Carmelo Anthony? Would they not? Where would he wind up? Who could the Nuggets get in return? Where would LaLa’s reality show be filmed?
The answer of course proved to be New York. And a year later Danilo Gallinari is among those who think the whole thing was a bad idea for the Knicks.
Shaun Powell was way ahead of the game on that one.
* The Pacers are off to a 9-3 start. So why do they rank 26th in attendance?
* Speaking of hot starts, what’s up with Philly? Joel Huerto breaks down the secret to their success.
* One of the NBA’s poorest defensive teams – my Boston Celtics. Unreal, isn’t it? Now they’re taking solace in moral victories.
* And last but not least we applaud Jamaal Tinsley’s “intellectual cowboy” look just perfect for the crisp winter air in the mountains of that Salt Lake.
Ben Walpole is a producer, blogger and intellectual cowboy of sorts for The Crab Dribble. Readers can, nay should, nay MUST, follow him on Twitter @TCDBen.
Team USA…on the way
Sure, the NBA regular season is barely two weeks old, and we’re not even halfway through January, but I’m already excited about this summer. No, not for the NBA Finals, although I am anxiously hoping that June brings a championship to Miami. But even more important than that is the 2012 Olympics, where Team USA will defend not only their gold medal from the 2008 Olympics, but also their title from the 2010 World Championships.
Team USA Chairman Jerry Colangelo has announced that an 18-player pool will be released this month, from which the final 12-man roster will ultimately be selected. Sources are reporting that, as expected, the final roster will be a mixture of the 2008 and 2010 teams, with Blake Griffin the only newcomer likely to be considered. So now the question is simple – who makes the final cut? (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.1: East side!
The Crab Dribble is back, and we’ve made some changes. Check out the shorter, tighter version of the podcast while we break down the Eastern Conference from worst to first. We also hand out some preseason conference awards, and feature a new board game sure to be a treat for the whole family.
The Crab Dribble Episode 40, European vacation
The NBA players may be locked out, but The Crab Dribble is back this week to break down the lockout (sorry, we don’t know when it’s going to end) and the new “cool thing to do,” which is taking your talents to Turkey, China or anywhere but ‘Merica.
This is the first of several shorter, more pointed summer episodes. If you’ve got an episode idea during the lockout, hit us up at thecrabdribble@thecrabdribble.com or leave a comment below. You could also befriend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. It’s totally up to you.
Lockout may hinder Team USA
Is it over yet?
It’s been less than three weeks since the NBA lockout officially went into effect, but the consequences are already being felt. We’ve seen players – including one superstar – leave to go play overseas, with the door open for more to follow. We’ve seen the cancellation of the summer league, which normally allows undrafted rookies the chance to make a roster. We’ve seen teams have to cut all communications with their players, leading to some humorous, and awkward, stories. We’ve seen posturing from both the players’ union and the owners, as both sides try to sway public sentiment to their side even as they’re busy ruining the game we all care about.
But one more damaging aspect of the lockout came to light early this week, when it was reported that NBA players may choose not to play in the 2012 Olympics if the lockout is still going. While that’s a ways off, it’s certainly not out of the question to think that the 2012 Team USA could be vastly different than the one we’ve imagined, especially given the success at the 2008 Olympics and the 2010 World Championships. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 39, Getting picked
The Crab is back after a nice vacation, and we’re breaking down the rookie class and all things NBA Draft.
Unlocking the lockout
Comedian Ron White isn’t exactly known for issuing words of wisdom, but as we settle into the NBA lockout, I can’t help but think of one of his catchphrases…
“You can’t fix stupid.”
Seeing as how writers have used nearly every cliché imaginable in describing the NFL lockout (millionaires vs. billionaires, fans are the real losers, etc.), I won’t copy their work. I’ll just instead start with this little tidbit, which may be relevant as we prepare over the coming weeks to hear how many NBA teams and owners are losing money.
Andrei Kirkilenko made $17,823,000 last season. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 32: Playback Payback
We’re flexing our muscles like Zach Randolph this week on The Crab Dribble, but without all the success. We take time to admit our mistakes this week, and also brag about how right we were about Memphis. Oh yeah, we also rhyme Carmelo with Jell-O, and that can’t be bad, right?
End of the Bench Vol. 9
Welcome back to the End of the Bench, where we don’t need Mel Kiper or Todd McShay’s analysis to get a clear picture of what’s happening. We know Kevin Durant is insanely talented. We know that Kobe Bryant would never miss a playoff game, even if he had recently had a leg removed. We know that the Celtics like to limp to the finish line and flip the switch in the postseason. And we also know that you should not let Gary Neal have a clear look at the basket from behind the three-point line.
But despite our vast array of knowledge, there’s still plenty of mystery and intrigue left in the playoffs, even for EOTB. Will the Heat be intimidated by Boston? Are the Thunder too young to come out of the West? Can Derrick Rose continue to carry the offensive load? And most importantly, can the Timberwolves draft another point guard without David Kahn being irreparably harmed?
We may not find those answers anytime soon, but we know it’s going make for some good viewing. So pull up a chair and take it all in. (more…)
What they’re saying