Mickey Mantle's Liver

R.I.P Kevin Duckworth 1964-2008

Goodbye Kevin Duckworth.  44 years young, Kevin Duckworth passed away in Gleneden Beach last night, the cause of death is unknown, according to this report.

Me Thinks David Stern Doth Protest Too Much

One of NBA Commissioner David Stern's worst nightmares probably  came true yesterday when Tim Donaghy, the official who admitted to throwing NBA basketball games, publicly released allegations that the NBA itself may have been involved in the "fixing" of at least two playoff series in the 2000's.

Not surprisingly, Stern issued an immediate response denouncing these latest allegations as nothing more than a last ditch, hail-mary, buzzer-beater attempt by Donaghy to have his jail sentence reduced by the federal court (Donaghy is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14th).  A classic case of Stern trying to kill the messenger while not addressing the message.

The fact that Stern responded immediately, and the manner in which Stern reacted, should not come as a surprise to anyone, even Tim Donaghy.  Crisis managers are taught to immediately respond to any allegations levied against their client even if they do not know all the facts at the time.

However, most crisis managers will tell you to admit to everything, and if the allegations are later proved to be untrue, well, the American public is much more willing to forgive and forget.  But if you continually deny, deny, deny........not only does it irritate the public, but it also backs people like Stern into a corner.  In other words, Stern had better be right, or he can kiss the Association goodbye.

In fact, as someone trained in what is called "issues management", I can tell you that Stern is doing exactly the wrong thing by calling out anyone who dare challenge Stern's veracity on this subject.  I have now heard at least three interviews of David Stern where he openly criticizes the questioner for even considering the allegations made by Donaghy might be true.

There are several angles to this story, and much to Stern's chagrin, I don't think this story is going away anytime soon.  Stern claims that the Association and the federal government have "fully investigated" Donaghy's claims, but Stern does not ever tell us the conclusion either the federal government and/or the Association has reached.

And in fact it appears now that the feds and/or the Association have not fully investigated Donaghy's allegations.  Stern's indignant denials are beginning to fall apart.

Listen carefully to the words Stern uses in response to these recent allegations.  Stern immediately attacks the messenger, and dismisses the allegations out-of-hand without ever addressing any specific charge.  This is called "white-washing" in the world of politics, and is used to blow over allegations by never addressing the specific allegations.  Usually one white-washes when there is some truth to the explosive allegations.

And I think that is what is going on now.  I think there is some truth to what Donaghy is saying.  Why?  Well, who has more reason to lie?  Donaghy or Stern?

Stern points the finger at Donaghy, saying Donaghy has tremendous motivation to lie in order to get his jail sentence reduced.  In fact, quite the opposite is true.  Donaghy's jail sentence is already set.  The only way the sentence will be reduced is if the federal government asks the judge for what is called a "downward departure" from the current sentence.  The only way Donaghy gets a downward departure is if Donaghy tells the feds the truth.  Lying right now is definitely not in Donaghy's best interests.

I think, for obvious reasons, Stern has a bigger reason to lie.  The very integrity and future of the Association is at risk.  Stern isn't going to admit that some of the series over the last several years (hey Blazer fans, remember the 2000 Western Conference Finals....), because if he did, well, the Association would be no better than pro wrestling.  Stern has to lie, and lying has no consequence for him, because he is not making these denials under oath like Donaghy.

Finally, I can't help but come back to Jose Canseco and the steroids scandal in baseball.  Canseco made some pretty wild accusations in his book, all of which were initially denied, most ( if not all) have since been proved true.

Stern makes a point of  the fact that Donaghy is a dirty ref who broke the law.  Well, as the Canseco situation regarding steroids demonstrates, the dirty guys are the ones with the most credibility because, well, they are dirty.  I think this is about to be a long summer fr David Stern.

Bring the Big Aristotle to Portland!

OK, I said it, the Trailblazers are at a crossroads.  We have a young team that is playing extremely well, so good that thinking about the playoffs is not putting the cart ahead of the horse anymore.  This team is certainly positioned to be a playoff team this year, and certainly into the future.

But the Boston game last night demonstrated where the Blazers are weakest - experience.  Our team is so young we have no players with the experience needed to play in those big games.  The bottom line is that the Blazers were the more talented team last night, but the Celtics got into those kids' heads.  We need someone on this roster who has played in enough big games that he isn't going to let the antics of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce get into his head.

That player is Shaquille O'Neal.

Trade Darius Miles and Raef LaFrentz for him......

There are a number of reasons why I like this trade.  First of all, the trade works in terms of the salary cap.  Try out the ESPN trade machine and see for yourself.

From the Heat's perspective, this trade works well.  Lafrentz's contract, which is approximately $12 million, expires in two years.  Which means in 2 years the Heat would have $12 million come off the cap in 2009.  Miles' contract expires in 2010, which is another $8 million off the cap.  Ultimately, the Heat would have $20 million off their cap, which is what they would have if they kept O'Neal for the full term of his contract.

The downside of this trade for the Blazers is the effect the trade would have on the cap.  In 2009, as the roster currently stands, the Blazers would have $12 million come off their cap.  If they trade LaFrentz and Miles for O'neal, the Blazers would be committing one more year at $12 million.  In 2009, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster and LaMarcus Aldridge have expiring contracts.  However, given the current rate of cap increases, the Blazers should have enough money to sign all three players to long term deals.

But lets talk about the upside of this trade.  From the Blazers' perspective, this trade makes sense for at least three reasons.  First, they get a world champion on their roster.  One of the 50 greatest players of all time.  He may not be in his prime, but Shaq can still bring it.  Shaq will also bring experience and a degree of nastiness that doesn't exist on the Blazers' roster right now.

Second, Shaq is a character guy, and would fit in well with this team.  Look at how Shaq mentored, in a sense, Dwayne Wade into the superstar that Dwayne is today.  Shaq is a good guy in the locker room and would fit nicely on the Blazers.  Also, Shaq has a LOT of respect for Maurice Lucas - and I suspect that respect is shared.

Third, Shaq is likely one of the best - if not the best - center in the history of basketball.  Isn't that who you want teaching Greg Oden how to play the position?  Like I said above, Shaq doesn't mind mentoring players if it is for the good of the team.  Oden - and the Blazers - would benefit greatly if Shaq was on the roster.

This trade just makes sense.  For Shaq personally, who is going through a divorce, it would give him a chance to get away from south Florida and away from the drama.  Also, it would put Shaq in the Western Conference, where he could dominate the Northwest Division.

Finally, from the Blazers perspective as an organization, Shaq puts butts in seats.  The team is playing well right now, but it won't always be a hot fudge sundae in Portland, and Shaq is the bridge the Blazers could travel to the Greg Oden era.

So let's start the campaign now.  Bring Shaq to Portland!!!!

NBA is fixed.....what a shock!

Well, well, well.  David Stern has some 'splainin' to do.  The Liver has always thought there was something fishy about the NBA.  Remember the phantom fould calls against the Blazers in the 2000 Western Conference Finals, when the Association was staring the possibility of a ratings-downer Finals pitting the Blazers versus the Pacers.  Stern and the Association had to due something or else face the very real possibility of losing millions of dollars in ad revenue.

Now it comes out that Referee Tim Donaghy has fixed games he refereed.  By the way, now that he is out of a job, it is being reported that Donaghy is trying to sell his $1.35 million home in Florida.  How does a referee afford a $1.35 million home on a referee's salary?

Remember when Joey Crawford ejected Tim Duncan for laughing?  Not laughing at Crawford, but simply laughing!  Hmm.....

And what about that mysterious no-call against Robert Horry and the subsequent suspensions in this year's playoffs between the Spurs and the Suns?  Suspending those Suns determined the outcome of the playoff series.  Hmm.......

And those are just this year's curious calls.

What about the fact that it is understood certain players get certain calls.  Remember the Jordan Rules?  It is generally well accepted in the NBA that the stars in the league get the calls.  Why?  Isn't a foul a foul?  Why has Stern tolerated this form of manipulation of the rules as well?

I am beginning to think the NBA is about as honest as pro wrestling.  Maybe less.

The Stephen A. Smith Hecklers......they are GREAT!

(From Awful Announcing)

These guys are awesome.  If you didn't see their performance at the 2006 NBA Draft, click here.  But I can tell you, their performance at the 2007 NBA Draft is a work of art.  They have brought heckling to a whole new level.

Watch and enjoy.....

What could be DUMBER than NOT drafting Greg Oden?

HarryDunne over at draftkevindrant is trying his best to make a case for the Trailblazers drafting Kevin Durant over Greg Oden.  However, Harry has little to work with, given that there are no good reasons to draft Durant over Oden.  As a result, HarryDunne spends most of his time patting himself on the back, and telling everyone how great he is.  He obviously loves himself very, very much.  I am sure Harry's mom thinks he is very handsome.

So it got me to thinking, what, if anything, could possible be dumber than drafting Kevin Durant over Greg Oden if you are the Portland Trailblazers?

There are many, many stupid things out there, but how many stupid things are dumber than taking Kevin Durant instead of Greg Oden?

Here is my list, feel free to add to it:

1. Unprotected sex with Paris Hilton (That's Hot!)
2. Riding shotgun with Lindsey Lohan
3. Cutting your johnson with a table saw
4. French kissing your Father-in-Law
5. Telling Mike Tyson he sounds like a girl
6. Taking Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan
7. Taking Ryan Leaf instead of Peyton Manning
8. Playing "Marco Polo" in a shark tank
9. Going over to Jeffrey Dahlmer's house for "dinner"
10. Driving against the traffic at the Daytona 500

This list is, of course, just a partial list and is subject to continued amendment.  I just for the life of me cannot think of a dumber idea than drafting Kevin Durant over Greg Oden.

Hey LeBron, First Things First!

  I know LeBron James is only 22 years old, and it is a lot to expect for a 22 year-old to make the correct decision every time an "adult" situation confronts him.  But when a person - like LeBron - makes millions upon millions of dollars, he should at least be able to hire a person who can make sure LeBron makes the correct "adult" decisions.

LeBron's unbelievable performance in the Eastern Conference Finals establishes him as an elite player, and I am sure that he sees this NBA Finals series as his only shot at the NBA Championship.  That may be.  After all, Charles Barkley only got one shot at the title.

Why I am writing this?  LeBron's girlfriend is about to give birth to their second child.  Now, this may be LeBron's only chance at an NBA title, who knows?

But I do know this: LeBron, this will be the only birth of your second child.  There is no instant replay.  No do-overs.  I can guarantee you will never have another chance at seeing the birth of this child.

I know that LeBron doesn't want to leave his team out on a limb during the most important series the Cleveland franchise has ever played.  I know LeBron loves his teammates and wants to do everything he can to see his teammates win an NBA title.  I know LeBron wants to bring a championship to his hometown of Cleveland.

But first things first, LeBron.  If your teammates and the city of Cleveland care as much about you as you care about them, then they will all understand.  Not only will they understand, they will insist that you be there for the birth of your second child.

First things first.

The Trailblazers MUST Draft Greg Oden

The euphoria over the NBA Draft Lottery has not yet worn off here in Blazerland.  Yesterday, in the Oregonian, the front page of the Sunday Paper highlighted the fact that the Blazers had to choose between Durant and Oden.  Kevin Pritchard, the Blazers General Manager, has been all over the television, and on The Fan, it is just about all anyone can talk about.

I heard Kevin Pritchard last week, and he said all the politically correct stuff he is supposed to: we are weighing our options, we want to wait until we meet with these kids before we make a decision, we "honestly" don't know who we are going to take, blah, blah, blah.  The only commitment that Pritchard made was that he said it was going to take a package of current all-stars and multiple draft picks in order for him to even consider trading away the first overall pick.

Despite Pritchard's political correctness, most observers agree that the Blazers must draft Oden.  And after reading the stories on Durant and Oden, you can put me in that camp.  Here is the one stat that really stands out for me:  since junior high school, Greg Oden's teams have lost a grand total of 6 basketball games.

The tough part of this discussion is the fact that Durant is a fantastic player, and just about any other year, the Blazers would draft Durant.  But the Blazers need a center far more than the Blazers need a 3-man.  In other words, it isn't that Durant isn't worthy of being the number one overall pick, its just that Oden fills the Blazers' immediate need.

Durant is still a 19 year-old kid, and I am sure that all the talk about Oden being the obvious #1 pick is having effect on Durant's self-confidence, that would only be a natural  and human reaction for any person, regardless of age.  I hope that Durant realizes that the only reason why the Blazers are even considering picking someone other than Oden is because Durant is so very good.

But the Blazers must Draft Greg Oden.  And later in the week Rashard Lewis, the Sonics three-man (and probably the best free-agent available this off-season) opted out of his contract with the Sonics, making him an unrestricted free agent.  Lewis played for Blazers' Coach Nate McMillan, having made the Western Conference All-Star squad in McMillan's last year with the Sonics.  Lewis seems like an obvious fit to play in Portland.

And signing Lewis would make drafting Oden an even more obvious option for the Blazers.  Although the Blazers cannot sign Lewis until after the draft, I would suspect the Blazers are already talking to the Sonics about a sign-and-trade deal involving Lewis.  Maybe we can finally get rid of Darius Miles!

Which leads me to my next post about the Blazers, what to do with Zach Randolph.......

Ode(n) to Portland

Simply awesome!  How great is it to be a Trailblazer fan right now?  The Blazers had a 5.3% chance of getting the first overall pick in the NBA draft.  And they did!

So the next big question is:  Who do the Blazers take with the #1 overall pick?  The choice should be a simple one for the Blazers.  Hell, even Bob Whitsett couldn't screw this pick up.   Unless the Blazers are hell bent on pulling a Houston Texans-type draft, Greg Oden has to be the Blazers pick.

Why?

I don't think you can go wrong selecting either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden.  Both players are franchise players who will change the face of the Blazers and the Sonics.  In short, neither player would be a bad pick for the Blazers.

But the Blazers need a big man - a dominant big man - more than anything.  And that is what Oden will become (provided he does not break his leg....).  He is a true 5-man and has the skill set that will allow him to become an impact player right now.  Given the Blazers current roster, Oden will not be asked to come to Portland and be the main scoring option for the Blazers.

The Blazers roster is replete with scoring options.  The fact is that Oden will be able to contribute on the defensive end of the court, while learning how to be an offensive force in the future.

Finally, Oden is a winner.  In his only year in college Oden led OSU to the national title game.  He led OSU to the Big 10 Title and the Buckeyes were the Big 10 Tournament Champions.  In short, Oden is a winner and knows how to win.  He knows what it takes to be a winner, and he will bring that mindset to Portland.  You cannot say the same thing about Durant.

NBA: The Fix is in....

Ever since the phantom foul calls in the 2000 NBA Western Conference finals, I have  contended that NBA games (at least NBA playoff games) are about as genuine as WWE wrestling matches.  You will recall that in the 2000 NBA Western Conference finals the Trailblazers were up by double-digits in game seven of he series, against the Lakers.  The NBA was facing the very real possibility of a Blazers-Pacers, which would have been a ratings disaster for the NBA.

Suddenly, many phantom fouls were being called against the Blazers.  And the rest, as the say, was history.

Fast forward to this year's Suns-Spurs series.  Tim Duncan runs 5 feet out onto the floor when he thinks there is about to be an altercation on the floor, and Duncan does not get a suspension.

Cheap Shot Bob hammers two-time defending MVP Steve Nash, Mr. Cheap Shot (a scrub who means nothing to the Spurs' chances in the series) gets a two game suspension, while Amare Stoudamire and Boris Diaw (who are critical to the Suns' chances) get a one-game suspension for taking one step off the bench.

The outcome of the Suns-Spurs series was sealed.  There was no way the Suns could have beaten the Spurs without Diaw and Stoudamire, and the NBA rigged the series so that the Spurs would have a 3-2 series lead with game 6 in San Antonio.