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.
The Crab Dribble Episode 64, New Beginnings
The Crab Dribble is back to dissect a slow start for the Lakers, James Harden’s impact on the league and comment on those players receiving contract extensions in the hours leading up to the deadline. It’s a fast, fun-filled show, so enjoy it responsibly, and leave your comments below.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.19, The King’s Crowned
The Crab Dribble puts a bow on the 2011-2012 season by praising The Chosen One for finally reaching the top of the mountain. Not everyone on the podcast is pleased with the outcome, but we also dissect the lottery picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. The season may be over, but TCD lives on.
“It’s about damn time”
Silence.
That’s the sound dominating the NBA landscape today, just three days after the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, took home the 2012 NBA title. No more chirping about how LeBron can’t win the big one, or how he and Dwyane Wade couldn’t work together, or how the team didn’t have the quality of depth to win a championship. No more outlandish statement, venom-filled tirades or tired jokes (I asked LeBron for change for a dollar, but he only gave me three quarters! Hardy har har!). The LeBron detractors, which have numbered many in the last two years, are busy finding a new target to relentlessly hassle (here’s guessing they land on Russell Westbrook, Alex Rodriguez. Tiger Woods or Tim Tebow – the cynical are very predictable). Finally, LeBron has his ring, and at only 27 years old, a realistic chance to take home a few more before he hangs it up. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.18, Taking the Heat
The Crab Dribble is back with another Finals update, and we break down the other headlines appearing around the league. Note: The episode was recorded during Game 4, so there are no comments on Russell Westbrook’s outstanding game, or his horrific brain fart late in the game that sealed this series game for the Heat.
Check it out, then hit us back and let us know what you think.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.17, Time to Deliver
The Crab Dribble returns from just its fourth vacation in this lockout-shortened season to get you caught up on the conference finals and preview the Finals finals. Will Lebron ever get the respect he deserves? Can Durant keep delivering in the clutch? Will Kendrick Perkins ever admit to committing a single foul? These questions and more are answered in this week’s TCD…
What’s the Story?
Outside of fans located in San Antonio and Oklahoma City, most people don’t have a strong rooting interest in the Western Conference Finals, other than to see an entertaining series between two great teams. Well, few things are more entertaining than witnessing the rush to bury guard Russell Westbrook when the Thunder lose. In fact, judging by the commentary that has followed the first two games, you’d think Westbrook, when he’s not kicking puppies and stealing purses from old ladies, was deliberately sabotaging the series. After all, he’s…wait for it… taken more shots than Kevin Durant. That has to the reason Oklahoma City finds itself in a deep hole as they head home for Game 3, right? (more…)
End of the Bench, Volume 2.23
All those who had the 76ers outlasting the Bulls, Lakers, Mavericks and Grizzlies in the playoffs, raise your hands. Anybody? Hello?
A truncated season full of twists and turns has – not surprisingly - led to a crazy, turbulent postseason. The defending champs were sent packing before winning a game while the odds-on favorite to win this year’s title didn’t even sniff the second round last year. Last year’s young upstart (Grizzlies) was dispatched by this year’s young upstart (Clippers). The Bulls/Heat rematch in the Eastern Conference Finals was derailed by injuries, and at the time of this writing, it’s not farfetched to think a LeBron James/Derrick Rose showdown will be replaced by a Roy Hibbert/Lavoy Allen matchup. It’s been a wild ride, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down. Let’s see if we can figure it all out from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.15, Sure thing
The Crab Dribble is back with more playoff talk than you can shake a stick at. A big stick. The Spurs are a runaway train, the Sixers won’t go away and the Thunder have struck the Lakers. We cover it all, and revise those picks that went horribly wrong.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.20
Well the postseason is officially underway, and it’s been quite a rollercoaster already. The injury to Derrick Rose reshapes the Eastern Conference race dramatically, while the Heat appear to have found their “On” switch and the Knicks continue to make headlines for actions away from the court. The Spurs are rolling along, the Thunder are looking to seize their moment, and Kobe Bryant is being…well…Kobe Bryant.
Let’s not waste any more time. Pull up a chair and let’s see what it looks like from the best seat in the house.
– Rajon Rondo’s suspension was absolutely warranted. His explanation however, was downright laughable. Rondo claimed the reason he bumped the ref was that he tripped, and as most people do when they trip, he puffed out his chest in lieu of extending his arms to brace for his fall. Rondo is one of the league’s best athletes, capable of weaving in and out of defenses at warp speed, but apparently he’s unable to avoid a ref’s foot while walking. (more…)
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 2.12, The Beginning of the End
The Crab Dribble returns just one week prior to the start of the NBA playoffs with a special show dedicated to Dwight’s (temporary) exit from Orlando, the start of the playoffs (April 28!) and the regular season awards. It’s a lot, so listen real slow in case in miss anything. We’ll be back next week with playoff talk in other assorted bits sure to make you squeal with delight.
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.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.16
Nothing like a little Gregg Williams pep talk to get EOTB going… now I just need to finish this so I can go punch someone in the head and take out some unfortunate soul’s ACL.
Aside from crazy (and slightly scary) NFL talk, the action in the NBA is heating up. The Miami/Oklahoma City game on Wednesday might be the best regular season game all year, while the Lakers have proven that Los Angeles is their turf until further notice, and the question in Orlando has switched from “Will Dwight get traded” to “Will Stan get fired?” Additionally, in circumstances we never could have predicted, the Rockets are looking forward to the postseason while the Knicks’ playoff chances look tenuous at best. Whew – it’s a lot a wrap your mind around. But have no fear – that’s why we’re here. Let’s see what it looks like from the best seat in the house. (more…)
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.
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Chicago Bulls (37-10)
Ready for a suprising stat? The Bulls are 9-4 this year when Derrick Rose doesn’t play. Want another one? In those 13 games, CJ Watson and John Lucas have combined to average 19.7 points and 5.9 assists…number that aren’t a far cry from Rose’s season averages. Does this mean the Bulls don’t miss Rose? Not at all. But this is far from a one-man team, and they’ve got the NBA’s best record to prove it. They have a deep rotation, and a roster full of guys who know their roles and fill them to perfection, such as the aforementioned guards, but also guys like Ronnie Brewer, Taj Gibson and Kyle Korver. They’ll need Rose to be 100% once they get to the playoffs, but until then, they’re not missing a beat without him. (more…)
End of the Bench, Volume 2.12
Tick tock….tick tock…tick tock. The trade deadline is drawing ever closer, and the rumor mill is loaded with “inside sources” dropping hints of what is, and isn’t, likely to happen over the next week. Will Pau Gasol remain in Los Angeles? Can the Celtics get even value for Rajon Rondo? Will Lamar Odom-Kardashian be moved? Can the Sixers bring in a big name? Will the Magic try to cash in on Dwight Howard before they lose him for nothing?
It’s a confusing time, to be sure, but have no fear. We’re here for you. So pull up a chair and let’s take a look at it all from the best seat in the house.
– Just when people are starting to hop back on the Lakers’ bandwagon, they somehow manage to blow a 21-point lead to Washington, despite the Wizards playing like…well…the Wizards. How do you lose to a team that does this? (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Chicago Bulls (31-8)
Regardless of the schedule, injuries or the spotlight, the Bulls just continue rolling along. Road wins over the Spurs and Sixers showed Chicago’s toughness, and they’re approaching a six-game homestand that should allow them to pad their lead in the East. Derrick Rose continues to be, well, Derrick Rose, but perhaps the biggest key has been chemistry of their core players. Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Kyle Korver, Taj Gibson and Ronnie Brewer play well together, and Rip Hamilton, when healthy, has proved to be a nice addition. The Bulls remain one of the league’s stingiest teams on defense, and they carry a business-like approach into each game. The only question that remains is how they’ll fare against Miami in the playoffs, who has had their number recently. (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?
End of the Bench, Volume 2.10
All-Star Weekend has arrived, which means you need to sharpen your senses and clear your mind, so you can tell your grandkids exactly where you were when Vinny from “Jersey Shore” used a screen from Tankia Catchings to get enough space to launch a jumper over Common, while Penny Hardaway positioned himself for the rebound. Yes, it’s hard to put a price on entertainment like that.
The All-Star break brings us to the halfway point of the season, and there’s been plenty to like so far (unless of course you’re a Bobcats fan, in which case you’re already saving money for your Anthony Davis replica jersey). With a few days to catch our breath, let’s catch up on the latest from around the league. Pull up a seat, and we’ll review it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Miami Heat (25-7)
Six wins in a row, including five on the road, with an average margin of victory of almost 18 points, will earn the top spot every time. The Heat are 9-2 in February, and look as though they’re on cruise control right now. As a result of putting teams away early on most nights, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh have seen their minutes go down this month as they’ve spent many a fourth quarter resting on the bench. This not only will help keep them fresh through the condensed season, but also helps some of the backups establish some confidence. Mike Miller is shooting 52% from beyond the arc, and Norris Cole continues to bring energy off to the second unit, including a 20-point effort against the Pacers on Tuesday. In short, Miami is looking very dangerous right now. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Oklahoma City Thunder (21-6)
The Thunder somehow dropped a game to the Kings, but because everyone behind them lost at least once as well, they retain the top spot this week. Stop us if you’ve heard this before – Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continue to provide the fireworks for this team, Serge Ibaka gets better every time out, and James Harden has a legitimate case for being left off the All-Star team. The only chink in the Thunder’s armor is finding a backup to Westbrook, as rookie Reggie Jackson has been up and down since Eric Maynor went down with a knee injury. Still, with two of the most explosive players in the league, OKC fans should feel pretty good about their chances. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Oklahoma City Thunder (19-5)
The Thunder have reclaimed the top spot this week, on the strength of wins over Dallas, Memphis and Portland. They did suffer a hiccup in a loss to the suddenly-hot Spurs (see below), but there’s little doubt the Thunder are among the league’s elite. Kevin Durant continues to pour in buckets, and Russell Westbrook has turned up his play a notch, averaging over 25 points and six assists in his last 10 games. It’s hard to judge them against Miami and Chicago as they haven’t played, but for right now, the league’s best team may well reside in Oklahoma City. (more…)
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