Heart

"Every time I hit the ground, I bounce up like round ball..."


Jay-Z - Heart of the city (Ain't No Love)


Last night the Celtics outlasted the Heat 97-81, however it wasn't the score that impressed the most...it was the desire and leadership from Boston's point guard.


Hardcore


Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow after a collision with Dwyane Wade...and while he writhed with anguish as he was taken to the training room, no one knew what would ensue upon his return.


Rondo appeared on the Celtics bench by the end of the 3rd quarter, and he soon after began the final period on the court with his mates. I've seen games where an athlete lead their team to victory on sheer will, and Saturday was no different. Playing in pure pain...the one-armed guard worked relentlessly, when others would have folded and accepted defeat.


Today we celebrate mother's worldwide...and if Boston wins more games in this series, it will be the heroics of Rajon Rondo that will remain in the echos of basketball history.








Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Faith

"I'm super fly, I'm super high, you gettin' yours...I'm gettin' mine..."

Rick Ross - Super High

I haven't been myself lately...anyone that knows me...understands exactly what I mean, on paper I'm sure I look great...I'm a college graduate with job, and bright future. However I haven't been up to par...best way I can explain it...I'm starting to mirror a certain team in South Florida.

Goodfellas

I think Jay-Z said it best, when he stated..."it was all good just a week ago"...now things haven't spiraled to the point of no return, but if you check your twitter time line, or read the your ESPN app regularly, then you would think the Miami Heat had lost their glass slipper, and turned into a pumpkin at midnight.

Currently they are playing less than advertised with 15 games in the books (8 wins, 7 losses), however when a team like this is assembled in the free agency fashion it was...you need time for it to coagulate.

Every great team has a superstar or two (Lakers), and the Heat have that...what they lack is the experience of playing together, front court defense, and health. In these times of 24-hour instant access, I believe that the average, fly-by-night, bandwagon, fan doesn't have the patience to wait for DWade and company to fulfill the championship promises.

Miami is stuck in neutral, and with 67-games to go...things can change for the better...the Heat's biggest concern is not when they turn things around...it's the more established teams in the East, like Orlando, and Boston.

This is not the year LeBron makes good on his quest for the title...that day is still a little further down the road. Until that time comes, games like James' return to Cleveland will have to do for highlights, and headlines of this season.

Have faith everyone, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Fifth Element

"There's a long list of high profile celebrities..."

Nas - Get Down

It's been slightly over a year since the Lakers defeated the Magic for the title...but before we take a trip down memory lane...it was merely a few weeks ago, when they did the impossible and repeated as champions.

Rivalry

Ron Artest, and Derek Fisher stepped up in the final two wins... nevertheless, Kobe Bryant received all the credit. However this was the best of one team in the Lakers, against the fire power of another...the rival Celtics. Anytime a best of 7-series goes the distance, the teams are evenly matched and it's the little things that go a long way. For example Kobe had a terrible shooting night in the finale, however he still managed to grab 15 rebounds...and Sasha Vujacic knocked down 2 critical free-throws down the stretch to help seal the victory.

Now that both teams have beaten one another for all the marbles in the last 2-years...it is safe to say that the heated rivalry from previous decades are back...which is a great thing for the fans and the overall popularity of the league.

What I didn't appreciate is how it seemed everyone cheered for the C's and they weren't even Boston fans. Much respect to my friend Ariana, who is legit and bleeds green...nevertheless, now that the season is over, it's time for the rookies to make a name for themselves, and for free agency to make everything topsy turvy.

It's July, and I can hardly wait for next season to begin.

One More

"You gotta go the distance..."

Common - The Game

The Lakers have extended the NBA Finals to a Game 7...and the rest will be history come Thursday evening.

Tomorrow Never Dies

The Lake Show earned an 89 - 67 victory over the Celtics Tuesday night in LA, and they did it playing as a team. In the last two losses, the Lakers failed to hustle, fight, and rebound...nevertheless everything changed in Game 6.

The Celtics lost their starting center Kendrick Perkins to a knee injury, and they succumbed to the Lakers defense and grit.

As with any win or go home situation, anything can happen...so both teams will have to play with heart, and intelligence. The stakes are at their highest, and with the Staples Center playing host...the home court advantage could prove positive for LA. Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett will not go quietly into the night, as this upcoming matchup can easily go either way.

Before the Finals began, I wrote that both teams are evenly matched...and that this series will go the distance. Will Kobe stop at nothing for his 5th championship ring, or will the C's bounce back, and win on the road?

The team that rebounds and defends walks into the history books, while the other will vow for revenge just as the Lakers did in '08.

Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

There Will Be Blood

"I never brag how real I keep it..."

Nas - Take It In Blood

The Boston Celtics stand one game away from their second championship in 3-years. They will have 2 chances this week to capture the crown, however there is one obstacle in their way...

Final Destination

The NBA Finals began in the City of Angeles with each team winning 1-game apiece and once the series shifted to Boston...things got tricky for the Lake Show. In Game 4 it was the second unit of the Celtics that proved to be too much, and for Game 5, I honestly believe the C's wanted to win that much more, with superb play down the stretch from Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo.

Game 6 and a potential 7th will be played in LA, and if Ron Artest, and Lamar Odom provide Kobe Bryant with a better effort on both ends of the floor, then it's game over for Boston.

Bryant proved what he can do, however the Celtics have played a much better team game as of late, so with the fate of the season on the line, I expect the Lakers to win.

Can Kobe Bean lead his team through sheer will and desire? Can the Celtics close it out and raise another championship banner...the answer to those mysteries are in the steady hands of number 24. The real question is, who will show up to play with Kobe Bryant...the reining champs, or the other squad that seemed to give up in two winnable games in the TD Bank North Garden...

At this point in the year the game is all about executing, and having the determination to accomplish the goal.

Actions speak louder than words, and I believe we will see a very good Lakers team in Game 6, poised to force a 7th and deciding game.

From there...anything can happen...winner takes all.

Commercial Appeal

"With my unique skills...nah, you can't compare me..."

Guru - Mass Appeal

Once upon a time Kobe Bryant was on top of the world with championship rings, and much respect from Madison Avenue. After a brief hiatus from the wins, and sponsorships...it's really good to see that things have shifted for the better.

Change

With the Lakers and Celtics vying for the title and bragging rights within the storied rivalry...Kobe Bean is quietly making his way back to the small screen. His advertisements with Nike Basketball and Vitamin Water are only the beginning if his team can win two more games.

Winning changes everything...just watch and see what I mean.

Dedication

"Some dreams stay dreams, some dreams come true..."

Kanye West - Still Dreaming

I've known Kobe and his family for several years, and I'm happy to see the results of his labor.

Relentless

Nike Basketball has a new campaign and while it invokes memories of seasons past, it made me think about the future, and the determination that it takes to become successful.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Mean Green

"Business before pleasure..."

P. Diddy - Victory

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off tonight in the City of Angels...and while this matchup will go into the history books as the most storied rivalry in basketball...I feel there is no clear favorite.

No Fear

I was watching an NBA Finals preview on ESPN Wednesday, and everyone on the show picked the Boston Celtics to win the series in 6 games...and while agree that the C's are a very tough team, I just don't see one team over the other. Tonight's game will not give me enough information on either franchise, so I'll reserve my full opinion until after Game 3 in the TD Banknorth Garden.

This is the Finals that both teams wanted. With bragging rights and basketball history on the line, my expectations are few...I understand that everyone on the floor has the experience, heart, and savvy to win.

The big story right now is Derek Fisher and Rajon Rondo, however the Lakers have had to deal with really good point guards throughout the playoffs, so the bigger story is team defense which the Lake Show lacked in their '08 Finals loss.

This series goes the distance, and we as fans will be there for a memorable ride. These teams are even, and it's the team that does the little things and pays attention to detail that will emerge victorious.

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Dangerous

"It's easy to love me now..."

Nate Dogg - 21 Questions

The Celtics have put themselves in a position to raise championship banner number 18...and while it didn't seem like it was going to happen during the season...they have quietly made a run unlike no other.

Not now, but right now

Before the 2009-10 NBA campaign, I wrote a piece on how the Lakers and Celtics would meet again for the title. My assumption could prove accurate in the next week, as the C's look to wrap up the series tonight in Orlando. On Monday I met with Hall of Fame Coach John Chaney, and as our conversation shifted to the league...he expressed that Rajon Rondo is a scoring first, pass second point guard, and because of that fact the Celtics will not win it all with him at the helm.

I'm not sure what to think...I feel that Rondo is doing a terrific job. Coach Chaney wants him to pass to Ray Allen more, and drive to the basket less. (Coach says Ray has the best jump shot in the league, while Kobe Bryant is the best overall player) The Orlando Magic have struggled more within themselves, than from any defensive pressure, and as they play Game 5, 8:30PM EST...they are playing for tomorrow, while the C's once again find themselves with nothing to lose.

If they win, mission accomplished...if they fail, then they still have two more opportunities to win one game...which makes the Boston Celtics a very dangerous team.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

The Tipping Point

"I'm young, and I'm black..."

Jay-Z - 99 Problems

The Celtics have a possibility of 2-games to advance into the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Cavaliers are merely taking it one game at a time...

Win or go home

The Boston/Cleveland series is a unique mix of playoff basketball and Catch 22 politics. If the Cavs win, then that's exactly what they were melded together to do...however if Celtics emerge victorious, then it will be a total failure by LeBron and the James gang.

I usually watch the games while I surf on Twitter. By the intermission of Game 5...fans, and naysayers formed a united front in bashing LeBron James. I content on texting my friend Ariana the score after each quarter (she's a Celtics fan), nevertheless it was interesting to see...how fickle people are.

In my opinion the Cavs played poorly, yet the other side of that coin proves how well the C's competed, and just how good they are. The real story is, the maturation of Rajon Rondo, and a healthy all-star supporting cast. When Boston won their 17th championship in '08, Rondo was a decent guard playing with a veteran laden core, now he is a veteran point guard leading his peers.

Sometimes things fall apart, while other times everything works together accordingly...in the case of the very storied Boston Celtics, their plan has been working, and the secret ingredient of Rondo is no longer a mystery based on potential...he's an integral cog toward another title.

So will the Celtics win in 6, or do they try again? If this goes the distance, then it's anybody's game. If the Cavs fail, it's because they either struggled way too much, or they just didn't have enough to get it done...regardless of those facts the better team always wins.

Boston has everything to gain, and nothing to lose.

Photo: David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Outstanding

"I'm the blueprint, I'm like the map for 'em..."

Jay-Z - A Star Is Born

Last year LeBron James won his first league MVP, and this year the celebration had a familiar ring to it, with the reigning King adding another trophy to his basketball resume.

Stepping Stone

The media have spoken...as it is evident that the best player in the league is LeBron R. James, however if you speak with him, he'll tell you that he couldn't have accomplished winning back to back MVP's without his team, and family. He'll also mention that he would like to win as many NBA titles as possible...so much so that it literally drives him to play no matter the situation.

Coincidentally he is playing with an elbow injury that could potentially alter his championship dreams. The Cavs/Celtics series is a match up of really good, veteran laden teams, and while LeBron's elbow adds a new wrinkle, I expect this one to go the 7-game distance. That's just my opinion, because I feel that the Celtics are a much better team than they get credit for. Nevertheless, this story is about the MVP...as James is the current face of the NBA, now and for years to come. In the past I would often say that the league is in good hands once Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan retire, however the changing of the guard happened a lot sooner than I thought...the change is very good.

LeBron is a stand up guy, and has always treated me with respect. I look forward to watching his success and legend build...and as the questions arise, of will he stay in Cleveland or go...I understand that basketball is a business and he will do whatever is best for him, his family, and brand.

Congratulations Bron Bron!

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Ubiquitous

"They never leave, they're here to stay..."

Mos Def - History

Nobody remembers who came in second place...so when you talk about the 2009 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic have become can afterthought.

Definition

If the season ended today, many people would pencil in the Lakers and Cavaliers in a highly anticipated Kobe versus LeBron, Nike Most Valuable Puppets championship...however basketball like everything else in life has no guarantee.

The Magic with a pillar in Dwight Howard and floor general in Jameer Nelson have the components to make return trip to the promise land. Atlanta, Boston, and Cleveland are playing well, and because of that fact, the reining conference champions are left without their proper respect.

I asked a few of the Magic players what their thoughts were on the topic:

AXG: What's the state of this team?

Dwight Howard: It's a different team from last year for one...and now we're starting to gel together, so the biggest difference from last year's team is that last year we had all been together for a long time so we had great chemistry, and now we're just trying to learn to play with each other.

AXG: Where is the love and respect for this team?

Dwight Howard: We are still the only people who believe in us. There are still people that think we won't get as far as we did last year, but our main concern is finishing out the regular season strong without any injuries. I don't think they respect us...we still have to get that respect from people. We are the defending Eastern Conference champs and you let everybody else tell it...it's like we didn't even win it. We understand that, we are just going to continue to work on our game, and come playoff time we're going to be ready.

AXG: Jameer...you and Dwight sat and watched the Lakers celebrate the championship last year...can you speak on that?

Jameer Nelson: I did it with him...he wanted me to stay out there to soak it in...because you don't want anyone to celebrate on your home court, and we don't want that feeling anymore. What we did was try to soak it in, and use that as motivation.

AXG: How will that help your team as you make this run into the playoffs?

Jameer Nelson: Well we know the feeling...and we don't want that again, so like I told the guys earlier...each time we step on the court, it's a different experience and it prepares you for another game, and another situation similar to it.

AXG: Can you explain your last meeting against the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant specifically?

Matt Barnes: With great players like that you have to make them work. I think a lot of attention came to it because it was the Lakers and they [Magic] played each other in the Finals last year. I just thought it was a physical game...back and forth and the fact that it was Kobe and someone was standing up to him...everyone made a big deal about it, but you have to really make someone like him work. He's the greatest player in the world and you can't let him have the mental advantage over you as well. So I tried to stay in it and make him take as many shots as possible to get his points.

AXG: What do you bring to this team?

Matt Barnes: I'm trying to change the mentality around here. You know word on the street and around the league was that Orlando was soft, and it's nothing that one person is going to change, I think it's a team overhaul and mentality that you're not just going to come into our house and push us around. I think the team has taken to that and that's a good thing to roll with.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Imagaes

Varsity Blues

"It's not how you start...it's how you finish..."

The playoffs are right around the corner and with some recent erratic play, a few Eastern Conference teams seem ill prepared for the championship hunt.

Green with Envy

The Celtics and Cavaliers played earlier, and while they didn't match up against one another...they both lost their respective contests. If the playoffs started today, the Eastern Conference favorites range from Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Orlando...however only one can win.

LeBron James has emerged to repeat as the league's MVP, but I am sure he would much rather have a championship trophy. With or without the Cavs' trade, it's in my opinion that they are a very tough club, and once the regular season is over...they will be a team that no one wants to play.

Boston on the other hand appeared to be a clear cut contender at the start, as they added Rasheed Wallace to an already proven winning roster, however I'm not sure that defensively they can hang with the likes of their post season nemesis Atlanta, not too mention the Chicago Bulls.

Atlanta has several weapons in Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Horford, Josh Smith, and Jamal Crawford off the bench. What is tricky about playing the Hawks is that they are youthful enough to run you out the building, and now they have enough experience to close out a series.

As for my sister's team...the Magic had what it takes last year...obviously as they won the east and played in their first NBA Finals. They did it with dominance from Dwight Howard in the front court, and finesse from Hedo Turkoglu at point forward, and Rashad Lewis on the perimeter. Their inability to resign Turkoglu may prove costly in the long run, but basketball is a business, and they must adapt to newcomers Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, and Jason Williams.

In the Western Conference I believe the last two teams standing will be the Nuggets and Lakers...and I don't want to go any further than that, but I do know that if and when these teams play, it's going to be nothing less than spectacular.

The questions will soon play into answers and then the focus will switch to the free agency class of 2010, and World Championship Games.

I love this game!

Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Triumph over Tragedy

Respect

"Ignorant and mad young...wanted to be the one..."

Raekwon - Can It Be All So Simple

I covered the Sixers/Celtics game last week for an interview with Kevin Garnett, and two things dawned on me...KG is one of the best players in the league, and Rasheed Wallace is back wearing number 30 again.

Back to the Basics

Watching 'Sheed play for the C's was interesting. The main reason why is because I'm not a Boston fan, however I had a feeling of joy watching him play. Wallace has been one of my favorite players since his days at Simon Gratz H.S.

His passion, intelligence, and dexterity make him a tough opponent. He has worn #30 for years, and it wasn't until a trade from Portland to Atlanta that he switched up, and then again while a member of the Detroit Pistons. The more things change the more they stay the same, and seeing that number in a Celtics jersey made me think of Len Bias.

Bias was drafted by Boston in 1986, and a few days later he died from drug use. He was one of the best players in college basketball history and had he suited up and played, 30 would have been his jersey of choice.

After the game I caught up with Head Coach Doc Rivers, and Rasheed Wallace...here is the final score on our conversation:

AG: Len Bias would have worn the number 30 had he played with the Celtics, your thoughts coach?

Doc Rivers: I didn't know that...with Rasheed picking that same number...I don't think that was intended, but it is interesting, and its great, and we're all for that.

AG: Talk about 'Sheed and what he brings to the team:

Doc Rivers: He's great for our team...you can see that. He gives us fight, he gives us energy, he's been terrific!

AG: Talk about Len Bias:

Wallace: He would have worn 30, and I remember watching him play down in the ACC with Maryland...smashing Carolina, smashing [Georgia] Tech...you know its unfortunate what happened to him. I think he would have been, definitely a trend setter as far as power forwards go in this league, you know he would have set that bar, and its unfortunate what happened.

AG: Talk about the number:

Wallace: Definitely it's cool to share the number, but I don't think about it like that...I think about it more from my point of view, wearing it in high school, where it all started at.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Nostalgic

Flight

"I'll throw it down your throat like Barkley..."

Chuck D - Rebel Without a Pause

Three weeks ago I had an opportunity to interview a former NBA player that with one dunk carved out a place in history.

Attrition

When my editor at Sneaker Freaker emailed me and asked if I would be interested in interviewing Dee Brown about his famed Reebok Pump sneakers, and the 1991 NBA Dunk Contest, I not only replied yes...I emphatically reveled in the opportunity. I love basketball, and history was one of my best subjects as a child, so to combine the two is like having cake and eating it too!

I wouldn't be within my rights to post the story I wrote, however I thought it would be fitting to show the quotes that didn't make the final edit. I found it extremely interesting that Brown had a scholarship off from my beloved Temple University...had he gone to school in North Philadelphia, instead of Jacksonville University...I would have been a fan long before he set foot on the court, that one night in February, 1991.

Below is the final score on our court side conversation:

So Temple University and the legend John Chaney was looking at you?

“Yeah Temple was…I had like 10 schools looking at me after the Sunshine State Games, its like the Empire State Games in New York. Its like a junior Olympics type of event and I broke the scoring record, and I was playing against all the top players…Mr. Basketball, and other top players in the state, and I was grinding them up, and then all of a sudden I had like 10 scholarship offers the next day. But I said no because I wanted to stay home. Everything with me has been like the underdog, because it made me work hard, and made me more humble. My whole life, you can look at the whole story…its funny, I’ve always been the underdog, got overlooked, and had to wait to get it done.”

I was inspired back in the day by the play and flair of Dee Brown, and after interviewing him recently...I was sincerely inspired by his words, and story.

"There is no substitute for hard work..." - Coach John Wooden

Northside

Inspiration

Family

Respect

Strength

Legendary

"The Bulldogs, Roxbury, and Boston is what I represent..."

Ed O.G. and Da Bulldogs - I Got To Have It

Things have changed drastically this offseason as teams and players alike are making moves as if there is no tomorrow.

Detroit Red

The Boston Celtics sat patiently during the recent free agent circus...that is until last week when they made waves throughout the league by signing veteran forward Rasheed A. Wallace. The versatile, and oft times misunderstood big man is exactly what the C's need as they prepare to win title number 2 in the last 3 years. Wallace is the perfect counterattack to the Ron Artest move the Lakers made.

I see it like this, and please don't get me wrong...Anthony Gilbert does not make predictions, however it's like the 1980's all over again. The team of that decade was clearly the Lakers with championships in '80, '82, '85, '87, and '88, but they had some company as Boston won it all in '81, '84, and '86. The point I'm making here is that you can expect these two teams to win a few more rings in the next couple of years. The rivalry is back and will be in full bloom once the season begins.

With 'Sheed...say what you will, but the man is a winner. I recall watching him when he played here in Philly at Simon Gratz H.S. As an ambidextrous 6-foot, 11-inch power forward, there is nothing he cannot do on the basketball court.

Now I could be wrong, but I have a strong feeling about this one...

Photos: AXG, Philadelphia Daily News

The Five Deadly Venoms

Four

Love

Fresh

Family

Focus

"Trying get that Kobe number...one over Jordan..."

Kanye West - Swagga Like Us

The NBA season concluded Sunday night in Orlando, as the Poison Clan closed out the Finals with a stellar 99 - 86 victory over the Magic.

Mission Statement

No one believed in the Lakers more than themselves. I was in Orlando last week...and even I was on the edge of my seat after what happened in Game 3, but with determination, teamwork, and a few mishaps from the home team, the Lake Show made it happen over the next two games...capturing their 15th title in franchise history.

I had an hunch that things would be different in Game 4 and 5, because after I conversed with Kobe, and Odom before and during the media availability (Wednesday afternoon) they both spoke candidly about staying the course and closing the Magic out. They were so relaxed that we started talking about things other than the game, as it was just really good to catch up.

This was a special year for me, as I witnessed some classic moments this season...from Andre Iguodala's buzzer beater in LA, to LeBron's crab dribble, as well as the 61-points posted by Bryant in Madison Square Garden...its been quite a show.

In covering the 76ers, Wizards, Cavs, Magic, and Lakers this year...I must admit that I began to see the evolution of each team. The 76ers showed promise in making the playoffs two years in a row, and while the Wizards had a tough season, they were able to develop JaVale MaGee which will come in handy next year. I was surprised by both the Cavs and the Magic, as I thought Cleveland would advance to the Finals, and not Orlando, but that is why the games are played, won, and lost. Last but not least what I noticed from the Poison Clan was a growth and maturity that very few teams have. Losing to Boston last year changed the Lakers, as they learned to win by losing.

Let's see...I covered the Lake Show in the following cities: Philadelphia, DC, New York, the Meadowlands, Los Angeles, and Orlando. They won all but 2 games, with one of the losses in Game 3...and while they didn't always play well, it was usually good enough to win. The formula worked for them to the tune of "I Love LA" and another championship banner.

Consequently, the parade and celebration is tomorrow in the City of Angeles. I firmly believe that this team can win again, and we will have NBA deja vu with the Celtics and Lakers trading championships. Last year is 1984 in which the C's took it all, and this year is '85 with the Lake Show victorious.

The Poison Clan wins again, Kobe and Fisher have 4, Phil has 10, and I have a feeling that the Magic will be back again.

Stay tuned sports fans.

Photos: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE, Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Anthony Gilbert/AXG

The OC - Original Celtic

Success

Class

Style

"I know it's late and I took all year, but you can stop complaining, 'cause I'm finally here..."

Kanye West - We Can Make It Better

I was born a Philadelphia 76ers fan, and throughout their history, they have had a few rivalries, but none of them rank higher than the Boston Celtics.

Dynasty

I was never supposed to like the Celtics, as they were once the most hated franchise in the NBA, because of their many championships, and hall of fame players...so as a child in the late 80's and early 90's I rooted for Dr. J, and Charles Barkley. However I did respect the C's because if not for anything else, they were winners, and in any game...that's all that matters.

Prior to June 2008, Boston's last successful title run was in 1986, and since then I've grown to cheer for both the Sixers and Lakers, as if that's possible, and a few players here and there. From Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Eddie Jones, to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Stephon Marbury, I was a big fan of their game. Things change and while half of that list are no longer playing, the other 3 are members of the Boston Celtics.

So hopefully by now you can see the problem. I liked KG and Steph with the Timberwolves, and Ray Allen has been a favorite since the movie He Got Game, but as they continue their career in Beantown, I had to turn my back on them. It's not that I don't like them as people, I just don't like the Celtics. The only person I have respect for on that team is Paul Pierce. He was drafted by that squad, and it is his team. One of the things that bothers me about the C's and their "BIG 3" is when one of them talks about the fact that there are 3 future hall of fame players in the locker room, it bothers me.

Did I miss something? Or is the Hall a lock for all of them? I can see KG and I feel strongly about him making it, but hmmm...let's consider Pierce, and Allen...I'm just not sure they are going to get in.

Nevertheless, I still dislike the Celtics, and I see a new Eastern Conference rivalry on the horizon, as I am looking forward to watching them and the Cavilers in the playoffs. Tomorrow we will get a preview as LeBron and The OC (I made that nickname, so if you see it anywhere else, it started here), match up in a game that can decide first place in the east, come April.

The only thing I can comprehend about the C's is that they actively sought out players that could bring the Larry O'Brien trophy back to New England, and in that capacity, they are kind of like the New York Yankees, which isn't such a bad team to be compared to.

Photos: Boston Herald