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(10/27/15 9:16pm)
Last year, for the WIUX blog that you are now viewing, I wrote an infinite amount of words about the NBA. Yes, this is a hyperbole, but only slightly.
I broke down every team in both the Western and Eastern Conferences, previewed the teams that would make the biggest jumps and made a bunch of bold proclamations that I don't want to look back at, because I'm sure they were horrendous.
This season, I decided to make a change. I would actually like someone else, besides myself, to make it through just one article that I write about the NBA. Thus, in Internet fashion, here is a listicle of ludicrous predictions about the upcoming NBA season with a dog gif accompanying each sentence. I will try to have the dogs represent the emotion that I'm feeling in each bold proclamation, but what do you care? You're not even reading this. You're already looking at the puppies.
1. The Thunder will win at least 65 games.
2. Chicago will be the sixth seed in the East.
3. Anthony Davis will carry the Pelicans into the playoffs even though their second best player might be an injured Tyreke Evans.
4. Carmelo Anthony will get traded to the Rockets or Heat by the end of this season.
5. Blake Griffin will average 20 points and 10 rebounds this season.
6. Miami will win 50 games and every team that passed on Justise Winslow will cry themselves to sleep.
7. Charles Barkley will say something that will get him suspended for at least a week on TNT. Shaq won't notice Chuck's absence.
8. Andrew Wiggins and Danilo Gallinari will both make the All-Star team in the West.
9. Derek Fisher will get fired this season, but Carmelo will already be gone so no one will really care.
10. Kevin Durant will win the MVP, Russell Westbrook will win the MVP of my heart and the Oklahoma City Thunder will win the NBA Championship.
That's it. See you later. Hope you made it to the end of the article!
(10/25/15 3:36am)
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(10/21/15 5:28pm)
Once in a while, a music video comes along that shakes America to its core. From Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to Run DMC's "Walk This Way" to the Jonas Brothers' "Lovebug", the artistry and heart that goes into these visual masterpieces are sometimes better than the original songs. "Hotline Bling" is no exception. It is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. It has Drake dancing like a drunk dad, Drake dancing like a drunk dad and even Drake dancing like a drunk dad.
The original music video is linked right here.
This very interesting video has provided some room for "remixes" if you will.
I went ahead and created a few, doing the Lord's work every step of the way.
"Hotline Suite Life"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Suite-Life-1.mp4"][/video]
"Hotline Arthur"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Arthur-1.mp4"][/video]
"Hotline Bojack"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Horseman-1.mp4"][/video]
"Hotline T-Swizzle"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Swift-1.mp4"][/video]
"Hotline Adele"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Adele-1.mp4"][/video]
"Hotline You're A Wizard Harry"
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://wiux.indiana.edu/wiux.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drake-Potter-1.mp4"][/video]
(10/08/15 11:01pm)
Sometimes a debate arises in the field of sports that can take the world by storm. Your answer to these types of quandaries defines who you are as a person and can foreshadow your future triumphs or downfalls. This is that type of deliberation.
On Twitter, @DragonflyJonez and @LaJethroJenkins brought up the question of which animal is more athletic, a rat or a squirrel. The social media site and the world immediately split into two camps. There is only one correct answer to this question and through the course of this article, I will definitively prove to you why #TeamSquirrel is the ultimate winner.
Let’s start with speed, which is the rat’s claim to fame. Rats are known for their speedy demeanor, which has been emphasized by cartoons, such as “Tom and Jerry”. Jerry the rat’s speed is ultimately hyperbolized in this cartoon and is false propaganda to create a fictional stereotype. Rats are fast, don’t get me wrong, but their top speed is 8 mph. A squirrel, on the other hand, can get up to 15 mph, almost twice as fast.
Along with speed is the element of quickness, which may be more important than how fast someone can run. For example, Steve Nash was never the fastest guy on the court, but his quickness and ability to cut on a dime and move directions in different ways made him a more dynamic player. Squirrels win in this category as well.
The following is a personal anecdote but integral to back up my point. Sitting in the passenger seat while my mom was driving me to middle school one day, a squirrel cut in front of the car just inches in front of the wheel. The front of the squirrel was clearly in front of the tire but the rear legs seemed like they would be cut off. In a split second, the squirrel picked its hind legs off of the ground and ran on his front two. He survived and lived to tell the tail (pun definitely intended). This is Russell Westbrook or Odell Beckham Jr. level freakish athleticism, which a rat would never have the ability to match.
You know what? Perhaps the best way to describe my squirrel argument is to give these rodents their professional sports comparison. In NBA terms, a rat is Kyle Lowry or Gordon Hayward. Rats are bulldogs, which run on strength and a will to survive. They are definitely strong, as evidenced by Pizza Rat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPXUG8q4jKU
I would not want to fight a rat, but their total athleticism is definitely suspect. A squirrel on the other hand is Russell Westbrook or Vince Carter. There’s inexplicable athleticism involved and an ability to do things that seem otherworldly. Squirrels climb trees, hop without the slightest of care and scamper across lawns in the blink of an eye. Their one possible downfall is their inability to make quick decisions.
As evidenced by squirrels at Indiana University, squirrels are slow thinkers. They sometimes linger around longer than they should. They could be great all the time, but sometimes their mental fortitude holds them back. As stated before, Westbrook is the quintessential squirrel comparison. He has the same athletic moments of brilliance, but still sometimes makes questionable decisions. Ultimately, however, it doesn’t matter because he’s always a step quicker than you and that makes all of the difference.
Finally, let’s get into the final archetypal category for athletes, their ability to trash-talk. Squirrels are assholes, first and foremost. They run in front of your cars to make a point, to show that they can. Their hubris can get in the way but it’s surely incredible. For example, outside of the IMU, I once saw a squirrel steal a girl’s entire bag of chips. Not just one chip. Not just two chips. But, a whole bag of chips. That squirrel didn’t need all of those chips. He just did it because he wanted to, to rub it in her face. Squirrels aren’t scared of you. They’ll walk up to you, stare you dead in the eyes and stroll away, proving their point that they’re better than you. Rats live in holes. They’re terrified of you. A rat would never speak ill of you for one second because it would fear the repercussions. People who snitch are named after rats for a reason, they’re ultimately scared of you and need to hide behind others.
This debate has two sides, those who side with rats and those who are correct. Squirrels win in speed, quickness, agility, brashness and trash talking. It’s not really a contest. A rat can try its hardest, but in any athleticism competition against a squirrel, all it can say is, “Oh, rats!”
(10/07/15 2:43pm)
I find “Saturday Night Live” fascinating.
The show itself is a bloated carcass of what it once was and oftentimes is anti-funny propaganda for whatever star has a film to plug, but it is everything else that makes me so intrigued.
It’s the behind-the-scenes exploits that pique my curiosity. Tina Fey wrote about Lorne Michael’s process of her selection to the phenomenon in her book “Bossypants”. She stated the anxiety, drama and jars full of urine that were commonplace in her everyday activities. This is what fascinates me.
The same can be said for the world of sports journalism, especially what’s happening at ESPN. I once wrote a column about why Skip Bayless, talking head and constant derpface, was the devil, but I would like to rescind this statement. He’s not the devil, but instead working in a business that is inherently evil. The constant striving to attain clicks has become conventional in online sports journalism circles. “Twenty cat gifs that show my reaction to that catch”, “You won’t believe what the coach said”, “How many times does this have to happen before we fix it” are all headlines based off of articles that I scroll by every day.
There are times where I despise the business I want to work in, but that’s because I’ve seen what the best of it can be. In-depth sports pieces or interesting game recaps, telling a full-arching story, are a rarity now but the best of the best are as powerful as anything else found on a page. I would put Albert Burneko’s “Fuck Winning” next to any of the “Harry Potter” or “Series of Unfortunate Events” books that molded my childhood. It’s powerful, funny and compelling. Everything that the majority of sports journalism is not.
Now let’s talk about Stephen A. Smith.
https://twitter.com/DragonflyJonez/status/651054048855072768
Stephen A. Smith is incredible at what he does. I would go as far as saying that no one is as good at his or her job as Stephen A. Smith is. The problem is his job calls for him to be a buffoon and incessantly whip up arguments. Currently, he is in a tiff with Kevin Durant about Durant’s future. It’s a he-said, she-said type argument in which the only winner is ESPN’s ratings.
A quick roundup: Smith declared that Durant was thinking about the Lakers for his upcoming free agency, Durant promptly replied that Smith was a liar and then Smith did that thing where he whispers and yells at the same time.
This isn’t journalism, it’s a bunch of loud noises that happen to be on ESPN about basketball.
Currently, I am the Weekend editor for the IDS. Yes, this is a humblebrag but it’s necessary. Shut up. With that, I love writing about movies, television and music. It feels calmer.
There are arguments, sure, but at the end of the day it’s all a preference. I may not agree with you on the merits of “Avatar”, but it will never progress to the point that sports does.
Perhaps it’s tribalism or a longing to really belong to something, but sports often bring out the worst in people. Stephen A. Smith is just the latest example in a long life of senselessness.
(05/14/15 9:36pm)
The first time I watched “Mad Men” was during my junior year of high school. I remember being “sick” but odds are that I probably just had a test that day and when I woke up with a cough and runny nose, I made an executive decision to not subject myself to the perils of pre-calculus.
Anyway, I sat down on the couch and proceeded to peruse through Netflix trying to find something to watch (we’ve all been there). Eventually, I decided on “Mad Men” because I had read some positive reviews and the icon of Jon Hamm holding a cigarette looked pretty cool. Thus, I watched the first episode. Then, the second. Then, the third. Then, I finished the first season. From that moment I was hooked and as the marvelous show comes to an end, it seems only fitting to wax poetic about the greatest show that you have probably never seen.
“Mad Men” has garnered from 1.65 to 3.5 million viewers per episode, which might seem like a lot until you realize that “2 Broke Girls” lowest viewership was 6.5 million. Don Draper, the “protagonist” of “Mad Men” and friends, are not appointment television for many, yet for a select few, it’s at the upper echelon of television.
Thankfully, some of the people who understand its brilliance are the Emmy Voters. Mad Men has won seven Emmys and won Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row. This is quite the honor, yet it doesn’t really get into why this show is so magnificent.
Even though it dominates the drama category, “Mad Men” is arguably one of the funniest shows on television. The humor is often dark and sharp, yet it fits into the overall tone of the show. Perhaps one of the better examples of this is Roger Sterling’s witty one-liner about a man who recently lost his foot, remarking “right when he got it in the door”.
The world of advertising in the 60’s is a foreign place to many, yet through endearing characters and unbelievable set design, it seems all too real. A blast from the past, the costumes and set pieces truly set the time period and allow the audience to connect with these people as if the events unfolding in front of them were true.
Since I’m aiming for an English minor, it seems apt to try to insert a piece of literary criticism into “Mad Men”. As one of my professors said, “All stories contain a circle”. By this he means that the narrative will eventually reach a conclusion that is fitting with the beginning. “Mad Men” surely has this narrative arc, from Peggy Olsen’s rise from secretary to copy-chief or Don’s link to his family and how it ebbs and flows over time. Yet, the circle is not what makes “Mad Men” great. It’s the little, obscure moments, the attention to detail that make it stand out from the rest of the crop.
As the “Mad Men” finale comes and goes, it will surely not go out with a bang. “Mad Men” has prided itself on its realism and linear narrative in a way that most television shows don’t have the audacity to do. “Mad Men” will depart the same way it entered, telling stories of people. It will conclude with a song from the time period, as all episodes do, and then it’ll be gone.
“Mad Men” is not only about a bygone era but is itself a part of a bygone era. It’s scope and magnitude may be copied but never justly replicated. As Don and Peggy and Roger and Joan and Pete and Sally and Meredith and Megan disappear, so will the chance of seeing a show like this ever again.
The show has run its course and is going out at the top of its game but it seems odd that after next week Don Draper will never be seen grasping for a cigarette, driving into oblivion or making a speech to rally the agency.
All shows eventually end. Thankfully, “Mad Men” lasted seven seasons and made the best of every episode.
(04/27/15 12:23am)
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(04/18/15 2:47pm)
As the great Abraham Lincoln once said, “I’m just gonna go with my wife to this play tonight and let’s make sure to watch some NBA Playoffs tomorrow.” Now, Lincoln didn’t accomplish this dream, however I will make sure to watch the playoffs for him.
With the NBA Playoffs getting set to tip-off, I’m sure we’re all going to come across quite a few articles, columns and blog posts predicting what’s going to happen, so what’s the fun in me posting another one of those? I mean, at the end of the day, we all know that Steph Curry will be hoisting the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, thus let’s just talk about the teams.
To break down each team, I’m going to use the never-before-utilized approach of comparing each playoff team to a Disney channel show. The reason for this is that Disney owns ABC and ESPN, thus we’re going to do some vertical integration. Actually, that’s not true. I just like talking about Disney and I might as well utilize my unfathomable knowledge of the topic in my NBA preview.
Eastern Conference
8. Brooklyn Nets
This may seem like an odd start, however the now defunct Shake It Up is the perfect comparison to the Brooklyn Nets. None of the pieces really seem to make sense. Both the show and team definitely have talent and star power, however the parts are definitively better than the sum of the members. Also, like Shake It Up, the Nets are somehow always around. You turn on the Disney Channel and bam, Shake It Up is somehow always on; I’ve heard this from sources, I don’t do this. The Nets, on the other hand, were out of the playoff picture for a majority of the season, yet somehow found a way to slide in. Finally, both just aren’t that good. They stuck around past their prime and eventually Shake It Up was put out of its misery, just like the Nets will be very very soon.
7. Boston Celtics
Yup… The Emperor’s New School for the Boston Celtics. Just like the Celtics, this show was a retread of a previously great product. The Emperor’s New Groove is perhaps the most underrated Disney movie, in the same way that the Garnett-Pierce-Rondo Celtics will be criminally undervalued due to the fact they only won one championship. Both, the current Celtics and the Emperor’s New School, will never be as good as their predecessors, but they still have their moments. Also, Isaiah Thomas is far and away the best and most entertaining player on the team, in the same way that Kronk is the best character in this show by a mile.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
You may have never heard of Jessie and that’s okay because most people couldn’t name a player on the Milwaukee Bucks. Jason Kidd leads the Bucks in the same way that Debby Ryan spearheads the cavalcade of characters on this “hit” Disney show. They both are coming off illustrious pasts. Jessie rose to stardom through The Suite Life on Deck in the same way that Jason Kidd became a hall-of-fame player during his playing career. There is potential for both as Kidd has made the playoffs two straight years with two different teams and Ryan jumped ship (pun definitely intended) to a new show immediately after her old one was cancelled.
5. Washington Wizards
In case you didn’t know, there’s an actual show on Disney called Dog with a Blog. Your confusion is the same as all Wizards fans wondering how Randy Wittman can still be the head coach after such a disastrous season. The team has quit on Wittman in the same way that Disney channel fans quit on Dog with a Blog. Both will be forgotten and ultimately will amount to nothing.
4. Toronto Raptors
Hey! Remember Cory from That’s So Raven. What if he just lived in the White House? This million-dollar idea not only led to pay-raises for everyone working for the Disney Channel but also created one of the dumber and more confusing shows in Disney history. Why the White House? What’s the point? The same can be said for the Toronto Raptors who have fallen off a cliff since they realized that they are nothing more than two very good players and a bunch of mediocre bench guys. This team doesn’t really make sense yet somehow they’re still alive in the East.
3. Chicago Bulls
When running on all cylinders, Kim Possible is perhaps the best Disney Channel show of all time; yeah, I said it. This spy thriller always brought the laughs and action, yet, near the end of its run, it seemed to just be a little off. The same can be said for the Chicago Bulls who are probably at the end of the Tom Thibodeau era. There’s a lot of talent but just not enough, especially with a wobbling Derrick Rose. Both showed glimpses but I’m just not sure either expected to end their respective runs petering out.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Was there ever a doubt about what show would be matched up with the Cavaliers? The Miley Cyrus vehicle, Hannah Montana, was a cultural phenomenon unlike any other; in the same way that LeBron James brings the star power to every stadium that he goes to. People love to hate James, especially with this Cavs team, even though theya re always going to bring the highlights. Hannah Montana was also chockfull of highpoints. Remember that episode when she had to tell Oliver that she was actually a pop star…I mean, that’s what my sister told me about the show, I never actually watched it (hides cd of Hannah Montana’s greatest hits).
1. Atlanta Hawks
Here’s a great show, Even Stevens. Lost in the Hannah Montanas, Waverly Places and Suite Life, Even Stevens was one of the original greats. Like the Hawks, it is about the team, the characters are great individually but combined you have a once-in-a-lifetime type program. The main problem is how the Hawks will fare with the brighter lights. Even Stevens also had this problem when the movie, aptly titled The Even Stevens Movie, arrived. It seemed out of place and not sure what it wanted to do. Will the Hawks follow in this show’s footsteps? Only time will tell.
Western Conference
8. New Orleans Pelicans
Just like how the students in the show Recess are happy to be outside, instead of learning in school, the Pelicans are just glad to be here. Definitively, the best part of Recess is the movie, which came years after the program’s initial run. This is comparable to how we’re a few years away from the Pelicans really making a dent in the playoffs. Give New Orleans a few years and they’ll be a top team in the league.
7. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are the always forgotten squad. They have enough talent to make a run, with Dirk Nowitzki, Rajon Rondo and a deep bench, yet they are expected to lose in the first round. Likewise, Phil of the Future was an extremely well done show yet it never garnered as much attention as the rest of the programs. Finally, Phil of the Future never really made sense. If they were from 2121, why would Phil’s family not invest in stocks or bet sporting events in which they knew the outcome? This confusion spreads to the Mavericks as there is a lot of talent but the pieces don’t always connect.
6. San Antonio Spurs
Lizzie McGuire, possibly the best show in Disney history, is the perfect comparison to the Spurs. Both were impossible to contend with during their respective primes and kept on pumping out great content for years. Even the Lizzie McGuire Movie resonated with audiences and was popular. What other show was really able to do that? Under Coach Popovich’s leadership, the Spurs will make the playoffs and compete for a title until the end of days.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Phineas and Ferb’s dynamic duo is able to invent create and thrive even in pressure-packed situations. The Memphis Grizzlies pack the same punch under their own tenacious twosome, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. These twin towers are Memphis’s hope to making a title and whether they take over the tri-state area remains to be seen.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
The Proud Family’s charm and watchability was due to the entire family. Every character played a pivotal role in garnering popularity for the program. The same can be said for the Trail Blazers who come into the playoffs missing their X-Factor, Wes Matthews. He was the glue that held the team together and his absence is a crucial reason to their impending demise. What would the Proud family be without Penny or Oscar or Suga Mama. The premise only works with the whole family and unfortunately; the Blazers are going into the playoffs missing a member.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Both the Clippers and Wizards of Waverly Place premise are grounded in dysfunction. Every episode of the show incorporated a pivotal problem due to magic and the Clippers find their way into their own mess of troubles. Time and time again, Chris Paul and Doc Rivers yell at referees and trashtalk opponents as Blake Griffin finds a way to get under the other team’s skin. Other teams hate the Clippers yet they keep on thriving due to their talent.
2. Houston Rockets
That’s So Raven and the Houston Rockets are built around a star and everyone else is just there for show. Raven Symone and James Harden both carry their respective teams through thick and think. Raven’s charm and comedic timing is the perfect link to Harden’s shooting and ability to draw fouls.
1. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are spearheaded by two unstoppable stars, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Suite Life has the same gameplan, give Zack and Cody the ball and no one will stop them. Like the Warriors, this show goes deep in its cast of characters. Not only did it have the Sprouse twins but there are also Brenda Song, Ashley Tisdale and guest appearances like Chris Brown. This show was a monster at its peak and the Warriors have that same tenacity and fire as they get set for the playoffs.
(03/16/15 10:42pm)
Released: 3/17/2015
7/7 stars
2015 has already been and will continue to be a year in music built around rap. From J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive to Drake’s new mixtape that’s already been memed to the umpteenth degree to new Kanye West, Action Bronson, Snoop Dogg, Jay Rock and everyone else set to be released, this year is a culmination and ultimately trial to see who comes out on top.
Yesterday, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly was accidentally put onto iTunes, subsequently leaked, then taken off iTunes, followed by the clean version going back up and eventually everything was released again into the stratosphere. It makes sense that all of this chaos went into releasing the album because ultimately that’s what the album’s about. It runs on and preaches about pushing the status quo, thinking about what’s normal and turning it on its head.
With that being said, this is coming from as biased a source can get. Section 80 and good kid, m.A.A.d city are two of my favorite albums.
GKMC, in particular, is as focused in as an album can get and a masterpiece in its own right. Supposedly, all of the events that occur throughout the course of the story take place through one day. Every phone call with Lamar’s mom to evading the cops culminate together to create a cohesive story that is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before.
Now, to To Pimp a Butterfly.
Like its predecessor, the new album is at its best when listened in the order that Lamar wants you to hear it. It has its highs and lows but there is a story being told. Unlike GKMC, however, TPAB is much more comprehensive and wide-ranging. Every song is Lamar wrestling with his demons (literally at times) and trying to reach out to an African-American community and create a more diplomatic environment. It’s not taking place in a few hours but seems to start from Lamar’s first foray into rap, and ending with where he is now, with all of the fame and accolades.
Perhaps the best instance of this is in “The Blacker the Berry,” the lead single off the album (don’t want to spoil anything), in which Lamar calls himself a hypocrite but doesn’t reveal why until the end of the song. This song, and much of the album, deal with Lamar being disgusted at the racism still prevalent today and how it is hypocritical to be sickened by it with so much inner-tension within the black community, instead of joining together and making a difference.
For most albums, there are a few songs that stand out. Sometimes it’s the pop, more radio-friendly singles and other times it’s the track with the “hottest” verse that make it to the radio playlists. However, for Lamar, this is not the case. There may be some songs that stand out to the individual listener however they are at its best as an amalgamation. “i,” for example, works well as a fun, optimistic hit when first released but in the album it is strengthened by what it follows and precedes. The message to be grateful and cheerful is evident without the album around it but its importance is increased tenfold through what surrounds it.
The greatest part about this album is that Lamar, himself, doesn’t really have a solution. Like all great philosophers and speakers of their times, Lamar is attempting to point out the negatives and problems in society while explaining why they must change. For example, in the outro of the album closer, “Mortal Man,” Lamar interviews a deceased musician about the evils that plague all of us. This finale suggests why Lamar created this album and what he is trying to express.
Most albums can be reviewed and graded with a neat little bow after one listen, but Lamar inserts so many references, analogies, historical references and opinions that it’s impossible to give it a grade on the first day. I mean, yeah, it’s great. Stellar, fantastic, wonderful…any positive review would work but to give it a grade, just 12 hours after its release, would be blasphemous. Now, it’s time to go, I have to listen to “To Pimp a Butterfly” again.
(02/22/15 10:38pm)
I’m just going to apologize right now because you’re about to find all of the winners to tonight’s Academy Awards. I mean… sure, the awards haven’t been handed out yet but after watching all of the movies nominated I’m pretty sure that I’m going to correctly predict what the Academy’s group of elderly white guys will select as their Oscar Winners. Like I did last year, HERE’S PROOF, I’m going to give you, loyal readers, the winners to the Top Six Oscar Categories before they’re even announced. Consider yourself part of the select few who get to witness history in the making. (LEGAL NOTICE: None of these predictions are binding and if one of these guesses happens to be wrong, Greg has the ability to change the picks afterwards) ON WITH THE SHOW!
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
*Patricia Arquette-Boyhood*
Laura Dern-Wild
Keira Knightley-The Imitation Game
Emma Stone-Birdman
Meryl Streep-Into The Woods
Now let’s get the lucky-to-be-here’s out of the way. Wild was a well-received movie and Laura Dern was fine in it but her nomination has more to do with the weakness of the category than her performance. Same goes for Meryl Streep. The supporting actress has been a weaker field over the past few years and as long as Streep makes a movie, she’ll be thrown in there for her career achievements. Unfortunately, Emma Stone has no chance of winning this award which is unfortunate due to how crucial her character was to keep the plot of Birdman moving, however this isn’t the year for one of the best young actresses today. The award comes down to Keira Knightley and Patricia Arquette. Personally, I thought Knightley was a bit better as her character seemed more layered and she had more to do in her respective film, however I see Arquette going home with the trophy. Her performance was extremely showy and her noticeable changes over time are something Oscar voters want to reward.
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Robert Duvall-The Judge
Ethan Hawke-Boyhood
Edward Norton-Birdman
Mark Ruffalo-Foxcatcher
*J.K. Simmons-Whiplash*
This is the lock of the night. If Simmons doesn’t win this award, you can get all of your money back that you bought this article with. J.K. Simmons gave one of my favorite performances in film, creating a multi-dimensional music teacher that was a cross of R. Lee Ermey’s drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket and Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson from Spiderman. His performance was the backbone to the entire movie and could have been a disaster in any other actor’s hands. With that said, Edward Norton deserves a runner-up trophy for his role in Birdman. Every time he was on the screen, Norton stole the scene. He was the best part of a superb movie and almost any other year this would be his trophy, unfortunately he came across the bulldozer that is J.K. Simmons.
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Marion Cotillard-Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones-The Theory of Everything
*Julianne Moore-Still Alice*
Rosamund Pike-Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon-Wild
Although the movie itself wasn’t anything special, this is Julianne Moore’s trophy. Moore played a linguistics professor who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and if there’s anything the Oscar voters love, it’s actors and actresses playing a character with a disease or physical limitation. This isn’t a knock against her as she was fantastic in the film, but it seemed like this was just Oscar-bait at its finest. The only obstacle in her way is Rosamund Pike, who I hope will shock the predictions and win, in Gone Girl. Pike was an acting tour-de-force and played an insane character with enough charisma and magnetism that the audience can believe the plot.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Steve Carell-Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper-American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch-The Imitation Game
*Michael Keaton-Birdman*
Eddie Redmayne-The Theory of Everything
This is where the stakes are raised and the result seems more up in the air. The Best Actor award has a legitimate shot of going to three people: Bradley Cooper, Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton. Let’s start with Cooper. No one saw this coming. After jumping into the public’s conscience in Wedding Crashers and the Hangover trilogy, no one could have possibly predicted Cooper being nominated for an Oscar three straight years, yet here we are. The big boost to Cooper is his film’s success. American Sniper was the biggest surprise, at the box office, of the year and Cooper was magnetic and polarizing to audiences. With that said, his Best Actor push seemed to come to late in the game after the polls were closed so I see him at a distant third. Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton are neck-to-neck for the win even though their stories are on opposite sides of the spectrum. Newcomer to Hollywood, Redmayne played Stephen Hawking to a tee whilst established veteran Michael Keaton was a darker, more brooding version of himself as a washed-up actor dealing with the struggles of mediocrity. I’m pulling for Keaton in this race, mostly because I thought his performance was more interesting as he got to play off others more. Redmayne was much more one-note and the movie itself was quite dull and tedious. I believe that the Oscar voters will agree with me due to their love of awarding actors in their “comeback” stage.
BEST DIRECTOR
Alejandro G. Iñarritu-Birdman
*Richard Linklater-Boyhood*
Bennett Miller-Foxcatcher
The Grand Budapest Hotel-Wes Anderson
The Imitation Game-Morten Tydlum
BEST PICTURE
American Sniper
*Birdman*
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
Whiplash
The reason I’m lumping these two categories together is that it’s impossible to discuss one without the other. The norm for the Best Director and Best Picture is to pair the two. What that means is that whoever wins the directing award will be joined with the ultimate Best Picture winner. However, last year was an example of a time where the two were disconnected. Alfonso Cuaron won Best Director for Gravity while 12 Years A Slave ultimately took home the grand prize. I believe that this year will be another example of a split between the two. I see Boyhood as a triumph in directing and storytelling more than a great movie. It lags and dips at parts, however the gimmick of telling the story of a boy over 12 years takes a tremendous director and foresight into the project from day one. That’s why I think Richard Linklater will win the Best Director award. For Best Picture, I see Birdman taking home the gold, as it is more of a complete movie, in that it is a cohesive piece and is a film that doesn’t have one “best” part. From the phenomenal acting to the cinematography to the directing, Birdman feels like a Best Picture winner, sort of like The Artist, as the sum is greater than all of the pieces.
(02/20/15 7:10pm)
What just happened?
At one point, it seemed like your run of the mill trade deadline. There were a few important trades; Aaron Afflalo went to Portland early in the day, Andre Miller was on the way to Sacramento, Javale McGee was dumped by the Nuggets with a first round pick … and then all hell broke loose.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-PEwbwIYAA1GIk.jpg
In an hour span, eight trades went down, including major mix-ups for integral teams in both conferences. To salute the day that was, we’re going to go over the winners and losers, mostly because we’re still trying to figure out where each player is.
Winner- Pat Riley
Well, he did it again. The man that convinced LeBron James and Chris Bosh to team up with Dwyane Wade made another blockbuster move. Top-tier point guard Goran Dragic has been under the radar this season, especially after an All-NBA caliber year. However, that has less to do with Dragic’s talent as it does with the squad assembled around him. The guard situation was never figured out in Phoenix with Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas and Dragic splitting the minutes, the loss of Channing Frye ruined the floor spacing, and the enthusiasm that was so apparent last year was nonexistent for the first half of this season. Instead of waiting for free agency, Dragic is now on a Heat squad that can be a difficult out in this year’s playoffs and has plenty of talented players. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are still on the squad and Hassan Whiteside has become a serviceable big-man in a conference where having one is not a norm. Dragic will get to run pick and rolls with Bosh and NBA viewers will realize the steal the Heat made getting Dragic for some washed up talent and two late first round picks.
Loser- Thad Young
What did Young do to deserve this punishment? Last year, Young was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, not only the worst team but also a team actively trying to tank. Then, lo and behold, Young got traded to … Minnesota, another putrid team whose point guard of the future, Ricky Rubio, immediately got injured right after they traded away their superstar in Kevin Love. Then, Young got traded again, this time to the Brooklyn Nets where he will waste away with the rest of the subpar, overpaid, declining squad until they get the ninth seed and just miss the playoffs. A new rule should be enacted that if you find yourself on this many putrid teams, you should be allowed to play for Gregg Popovich for at least one season. Let him live. #FreeThadYoung
Winner- Danny Granger
As part of the trade for Goran Dragic, the Miami Heat had to give up Granger. Now Granger has been injured for years, ever since his stint with the Pacers, and there’s no better place for a wounded player to end up than Phoenix. Perhaps the best training staff in NBA history, the Suns have been able to revive careers and keep players healthy in a way that paints them in the light of Dr. Frankenstein. The second Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire left, they were reinjured and on a downward spiral. Phoenix is a team that rejuvenated the careers of Shaquille O’Neal and Grant Hill. If any team could return Granger to his former glory, it’s the Suns.
Loser- Anyone who has to root for the 76ers
This has to be a prank, right? There’s no tanking end in sight for Philadelphia. This was supposed to be the start of something for the franchise. They have been tanking for multiple seasons now, finally had some talent and BOOM, Sam Hinkie traded it away for even more draft picks. Michael Carter Williams and KJ McDaniels are both good to great players in this league and the 76ers just gave them away for picks. Also, they added Javale McGee, who has become Dennis Rodman without the talent. You just have to feel bad for anyone who has to root for this pitiful squad, which has become just a pile of picks with no players attached. Also, why does anyone think they are going to nail these picks? Hinkie and the 76ers leadership have no real track record in building a cohesive squad. Why would they start now?
Winner- Bahw-ston
Isaiah Thomas wasn’t even on the trading block, and then all of a sudden he’s a Celtic. Capitalizing on Phoenix’s distaste for Thomas, Boston made a move and got the skilled point guard who has proven that he can be at least a double-digit scorer in the NBA. The Celtics didn’t really give up that much, just Marcus Thornton and a first round pick, which they already have mountains of. The Celtics have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs and Thomas paired with improving rookie Marcus Smart is a compelling backcourt. Also, Brad Stevens has already shown that he’s a brilliant coach in the league and may be the guiding force to Thomas making another leap.
Loser- Everyone who will have to hear “Coming Home” for the next week
I really thought after LeBron’s return to Cleveland, we wouldn’t have to endure another time where we would have to hear the same haunting tune about a comeback. However, now that Kevin Garnett is returning to Minnesota, Diddy and Skylar Grey are back. The Wolves are not making the playoffs anytime soon, but the KG trade is a phenomenal one. KG gets to end his career in the place where he started it all, and the Timberwolves fans get to cheer for their franchise’s best player one more time. It’s going to be fun to see Garnett back in the Minnesota uniform. Now, let’s get Stephon Marbury back on the Wolves and see what happens.
Winner: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook
One of the big winners of free agency was the Oklahoma City Thunder, who not only acquired a few important pieces but also added by subtraction. It’s not that Perkins is a bad NBA player; it’s just that he’s not an NBA player. The addition of Enes Kanter in his place is, at worst, a dramatic upgrade at the center position and could take a little of the pressure off of the Thunder’s dynamic duo. Also, the additions of Kyle Singler and DJ Augustin will help deepen the Thunder’s bench, which has been lacking at times. Furthermore, the Thunder’s best move might have been the removal of Reggie Jackson. There’s no doubt Jackson is a tremendously talented guard, but he seemed to grow stale with the Thunder. Waiters basically replaced him and Jackson’s ball dominance was no longer needed on a team with Westbrook and Durant. Anytime a player tweets out that they’re “crying tears of joy” when they get traded, you know it was time for them to go. Jackson will flourish under Van Gundy’s coaching in Detroit, but the Thunder are better off without him for this season and the foreseeable future.
Loser- Greg Gottfried
Before the season started, I said the Portland Trail Blazers would miss the playoffs. I believed that Damian Lillard would cool off from last season, an injury was bound to hit this healthy team and their bench just wasn’t deep enough. It’s time to eat crow. The Blazers have been stellar this year and, even though it was the first, might have made the best move of the season trading for Aaron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee. Afflalo, who just two years ago was heralded as a top shooting guard in the league, was in a disaster zone with the Denver Nuggets, whose coach threw his players under the bus and had so many chemistry issues they could have their own reality show. Afflalo is now in the perfect spot as a backup guard who can play off the ball, move around and be one of the dominant defenders on the squad. It really is a match made in heaven for Portland. Golden State is still my favorite to make it out of the West, but Portland has caught up to Memphis as the runner-up.
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on "The Roundtable" on Thursdays 6-8 p.m.
(02/02/15 6:01am)
Well, that was fun. The Patriots won 28-24. Model, millionaire, super-model wife having Tom Brady won another Super Bowl that finally made him happy. And, everyone in America ate too many wings and slices of pizza. However, the Super Bowl is not really about the football but everything else, so we here at WIUX are going to recap everything that was really important from the commercials to Katy Perry. Let's get started, shall we?
THE COMMERCIALS
The most integral part of any Super Bowl is the commercials.The theme this year seemed to be mediocrity because besides a few, they were very porous. However, because this is the most prestigious event of the year and everyone should decide for themselves we have rated every commercial throughout the game and posted them here for your viewing pleasure. 10's the best and 1's the Jets. Just a few precursors. Any commercial with a dog is automatically at least a 7 in my book. Just thought you should know that. Also, I'm skipping any NBC commercial because I'm still bitter about "Community" being cancelled and Tina Fey's new show getting dropped from the network. So you can air a show called "The Slap" but not one from comedic genius Tina Fey. Geez Louise. Okay, on with the show.
FIRST HALF
CHEVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404&v=hHS426cnNBA
1- This is not funny and Chevrolet should be fined for this. This Sopranos-like advertisement terrified the entire room for a brief moment thinking the television stopped working until we realized it was just a commercial. I want heads to roll. The marketing team should be fired and Charles Chevrolet should issue an apology to America.
TurboTax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=8XTwbgmWRrA
5- I personally liked this one. It was clever and beautifully shot. Essentially, the ad states that if TurboTax was around during the Revolutionary War, peace would have conquered fighting and all would be right. Solid ad.
Toyota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404&v=PjUfygo5mzw
2- In what was the first of many montages of someone working hard with inspirational historical quotes being uttered, I'm personally sick of these bland advertisements. Do something unique or funny or have a dog in a wig. It's not that hard.
BMW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1jwWwJ-Mxc
6- Another major theme for these Super Bowl commercials was looking back in history and comparing it to the present. This was that type of ad at its best and Bryant Gumbel and Katie Couric both sell it.
Snickers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqbomTIWCZ8
7- Back-to-back good ads was a rarity but this commercial from Snickers was great. Having Danny Trejo as Marcia is an inspired casting choice while the laugh track and Steve Buscemi's cameo make it a great one. Also, it's really well done and the photoshopping is impeccable.
Coca-Cola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=ibgvkXm9Qkc
3- Apparently, Coca-Cola stops bullying. This ad is visually sound but there's no real point to it. Just bland and easily forgettable. Where are the polar bears when you need them.
Foot Locker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404&v=SlDQnqFb418
4- Nick Cannon, the black Ryan Seacrest, gives his pitch to be the Trail Blazers official celebrity in a pretty lame commercial by Foot Locker standards. However, if Lillard broke Cannon's ankles, it would have been a perfect 10...missed opportunity.
Cure.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljb5kGki4gA
1- Hahahahahahaha. Deflated balls joke, really topical. Nice job. You were really creative and original.
Squarespace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKIlfLReHyo
7- I like to think that after this Jeff Bridges went bowling with Walter and Donny. Goddamn, Jeff Bridges is the best.
NoMore.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTJT3fVv1vU
8- Really powerful ad about domestic violence. Interesting approach and very well done.
Budweiser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAsjRRMMg_Q
9- Who put all these chopped onions in here? Why is it so dusty? *Bawling* Budweiser knows what it's doing. Just make an ad focused on a dog and it's great.
T-Mobile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=ZTwzsV3I3OQ
5- I'd like to think that Kim Kardashian thought this was a really important PSA and not just a joke. Pretty good, not great. Couldn't Kanye just interrupt the ad or something?
Avocados From Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26hl9YWLyn4
6- The commercial itself is pretty dull but the singing of "Avocado From Mexico" make it a fantastic advertisement.
Dove
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoqWo3SJ73c
3- Dove "makes a man stronger"? I knew something was missing from my weightlifting routine.
Nationwide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrq8ruhmCX0
4- I don't get the Mindy Kaling hype, I feel like I'm missing something. I mean she was fine in "The Office" and all but does she deserve her own Super Bowl commercial? On the other hand, Matt Damon is the best and just his presence gives the ad a few points.
Nationwide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUy-tfrIHY
7- Now this is a terrible, terrible ad but it's my favorite by far. The Fight Club twist of a happy boy and dog and then BOOM, he's been dead the whole time. I mean, who thinks of this stuff? Did a group of Nationwide executives look at this ad and think, "Yeah, now everyone will connect Nationwide to child deaths. That'll be great." Fantastic stuff, Nationwide.
https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/562044450185445377
Weight Watchers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvUO_jU8XlI
3- Watching this ad made me hungry. I don't think that's the correct response.
WeatherTech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBo6S6y2Imw
2- All you had to do to get a 7 was put a dog in an adorable hat. What are you doing, WeatherTech?
McDonalds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2Sm2XGv_s
4- I feel like my mom liked this commercial. It's fine and all but if I was going to be lectured by a major fast food conglomerate about connecting with family, I was sorta hoping it'd be from Burger King.
Fiat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAcLViTHDOo
10- Funniest commercial of the night. Fiat really knew what they were doing on this one and the last phrase, "Bigger, More Powerful and Ready for Action" is the icing on the cake. Good job, Fiat.
GoDaddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT7lLnd_DYE
2- I was expecting to give a Danica Patrick GoDaddy ad a 2 but instead I'll just give this boring, bland GoDaddy ad a 2.
Skittles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDwRN2GBUj8
7- There's a dog in the ad so it's mandatory that I give it a 7 but if there wasn't one I'd probably give it a 4 or 5. That really is all you need to win me over. Quick thinking, Skittles.
Nissan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd1qCi5nSKw
3- "My NASCAR driving dad drives a Nissan so I'll forgive him for basically abandoning my family."
Carnival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404&v=cyuqfKTyKiA
4- Hey, look. Another montage with a historical speech. Really original. For a cruiseline with such a fun name, you would think they could make a not-bleh Super Bowl commercial.
Doritos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JqRXLQYF9o
6- Funny ad but more importantly a quick rant. There is always a baby on an airplane. I feel like it's a national law or something. It's ridiculous and why do they always sit in the row right behind me? I feel like everyone's just playing a joke on me or something. Argh! Rant over.
Esurance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtEpnTprU4
7- I miss "Breaking Bad" so much and any time Bryan Cranston is on the television screen, it's a win. Why couldn't Aaron Paul show up? Where's Jesse? Where did he drive to? What was his plan? Is he making meth again? Sigh, I really miss "Breaking Bad".
Microsoft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLXRt-qRBfU
5- This commercial was a magnificent feat. Oh god, that's awful. I'm sorry. I don't even have a leg to stand on. Oh no. Uhh, I'll see myself out.
Toyota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un6uP6cykgo
4- Man, Toyota's really going all-in on trying to make the viewers cry. When did the Super Bowl commercials become so sad? Isn't this supposed to be a fun event?
Second Half
Always
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxA3o84syY
8- Really well done. See, everyone else, you don't have to make it sappy or unbelievably depressing to create a powerful commercial. Nice job!
Skechers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAhdnCfiE6k
6- That was good, I guess. A little chuckle at the end. However, what I really want to focus on is the brandname Skechers. Have you ever really looked at it before? Really weird name. Say it over and over to yourself. Just odd.
T-Mobile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTQd0XYgo4E
5- Sarah Silverman's great. Chelsea Handler...not so much. On the bright side, Silverman saying, "Sorry it's a boy" is a fantastic one-liner.
Mercedes Benz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQvdIGeUUvo
3- "We can't really think of a good idea so let's just use the story of the Tortoise and the Hare."
"Nice job, Bob. Let's go out to lunch. I think you're gonna get that promotion."
Scientology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXf3pWVJOkA
1- Read This
Heroes Charge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_YLUgtOeTI
2- How do these apps get the money for these commercials? Who's supporting this? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
Mophie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuVsf_hE7gM
7- There's a dog so it's a 7. Probably should be a 3.
Bud Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxiRLOqDENM
6- I'm just giving it a 6 because hopefully someone from Bud Light headquarters will read this and let me play real-life Pacman.
Wix.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5SB1Ypy1EM
4- I thought Brett Favre would stay away from the Internet after that whole nude picture fiasco.
Sprint
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EijwT1Ykxeg
3- You get it? The donkey actually stands for something else. Hahaha, high comedy. Ugh!
Kia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSqqCI0LNHs
4- "Celebrity cameo (Pierce Brosnan)-CHECK. We show the car driving up steep hills-CHECK. We say Kia at the end-CHECK. Oh wait, we forgot to make it interesting. Whatever, no one will notice."
Lexus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOZywMwhEIM
5- This commercial is impressive to me because I'm such an awful driver. Like really, really, really bad. I wish I could drive like that but alas.
Victoria's Secret
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lZgpaVpKQk
9- Next!
NASCAR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi68a0LsLDA
6- Nick Offerman will be my best friend eventually. I just gotta meet him. That's all.
Katy Perry
https://vine.co/v/Ot0jViMbWxE
I just wanna give a few opinions about the halftime show. It was visually stunning and Perry lip-synced her butt off. The second best part were the sharks. They were amazing and I have heard rumors that the sharks will be performing in a special concert hosted by WIUX. Stay tuned.
The best part was MISSY ELLIOTT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm28EEeyLek
How do you not love "Work It"? It's going to be stuck in my head for the next month but it's totally worth it.
Movie Trailers
The final part of this Non-Football recap will be my ranking of the movie trailers. This is the definitive ranking of how great these movies will be in order from worst to best. It's definitive so you can't disagree.
14. Kingsman: The Secret Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_zkMzrKu4
13. Insurgent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4uRQrE7x6g
12. Seventh Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXQgwPGFN0U
Terminator Genisys- Do they know that they spelled Genesis incorrectly?
11. Unfinished Business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBGsexeeaTg
10. Furious 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vYQby_hDDU
9. Fifty Shades of Grey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey7joQ10fZk
8. SpongeBob: Sponge Out Of Water
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7AnWDATXaQ
7. Hot Tub Time Machine 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5s3-K2B6fI
6. Inside Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48kGNXray80
5. Tomorrowland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksax9gbhIhE
4. Jurassic World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mvWuky1g0g
3. Ted 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9CNXIruNfE
2. Minions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joRSujsHoks
1. Pitch Perfect 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si9U9dMJ_WE
If you got through all of this, I thank you and hope that we can do this again next year when the New York Jets play the Cleveland Browns.
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on “The Roundtable” Thursdays from 6-7pm
(01/08/15 11:51pm)
The Detroit Pistons are technically a professional basketball team, so it should come as no surprise that they have the ability to beat other professional basketball teams. However, just a few weeks ago, the Pistons winning one game, let alone seven in a row seemed implausible.
Well, I’ll let the NBA standings chart speak for itself.
Entering the season with raised expectations due to the addition of coach Stan Van Gundy, who somehow made the NBA Finals with Dwight Howard, Hedo Türkoğlu, and, a bunch of scrap metal, the Pistons had the makings of a Playoff team, especially in a weak Eastern Conference. Then, the Pistons doused out these hopes by starting 5-23, which is a level of bad that can only be found in Madison Square Garden.
The team just didn’t seem to mesh. Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith and Andre Drummond all needed the ball and the spacing on the court was nonexistent.
However, with the flick of the wrist and a deleterious spell (Harry Potter reference), Stan Van Gundy made Josh Smith disintegrate. Smith has been a serviceable frontcourt player in years past, especially on a balanced Hawks team. Nevertheless, he had become a liability for the Pistons. He hogged the ball, made dumb mistakes and took heavily-contested shots. It seemed that he was not wanted nor did he want to be there. However, he had a $26 million contract, and it was guaranteed. The reason this is all in the past tense is because Van Gundy did the improbable and just cut him from the squad. It was ballsy and outrageous but perhaps it was the right call.
Since the impromptu cutting, the Pistons are 7-0 and playing the best basketball they have all year. They have won by double digits in every game except one, and have beaten the likes of the Cavaliers, Spurs and Mavericks. Perhaps the player who has benefited the most has been Brandon Jennings.
His shot chart over the past seven games is astounding compared to that of his total career. Jennings is shooting lights out and has been given a larger role in the Pistons’ offense.
On these charts, created through StatMuse, the darker the dot, the higher the percentage. His three-point shooting has skyrocketed with Smith gone and he has been shooting with a better outcome near the rim. This is due to Smith not clogging up the paint and Jennings having more room to operate closer to the basket.
Only three games back from the eight seed, the Pistons are coming together at the right time and, with Josh Smith gone, thriving. This team has the talent to make the postseason with Jennings, Drummond, Monroe and a decent bench, especially in the East. I think Dr. Frankenstein ("it's Frankensteen") said it best when he said…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VkrUG3OrPc
(01/08/15 10:20pm)
As the new year rolls around and the NBA season reaches its midway point, it’s about time to give out some midseason awards. But instead of giving out some lame accolades like “Best Player”, which is so obviously Nick Young, or “Most Improved Player, which also goes to Nick Young, we here at WIUX have some real honors to award. From Dr. J to the present, a trademark of the NBA has been the wacky and superb hairdos that particular players sport.
Today in this hair-piece, we see which players are leading the league thus far. But before we begin, let’s go over some ground rules.
Only one type of haircut is allowed. Thus, some players will be left out due to copying or just not pulling off the cut as well as their counterparts.
There will be two groups of five, like the All-NBA squads, which will be broken down into positions. This isn’t like that rinky-dink All-Star Game where it’s just guards and forwards. This matters!
No touching of the hair and/or face.
SECOND TEAM ALL-NBA
PG-Elfrid Payton
A rookie? Damn right, a rookie. We here at WIUX don’t care about age, stats or what team you play on. All that matters is what’s above your forehead, and Payton makes it work. His hair may seem all mangled and messy, but we believe Payton has done this on purpose. He plays with an unfiltered swagger that meshes perfectly with his fresh cut. It’s not just about what you wear but how you pack it up.
SG-Chris Douglas-Roberts
This one’s a no-brainer. Douglas-Roberts has one of the most unique hairstyles in the league. What sort of looks like a hundred spiders crawling on his head is in fact one of the most unique and interesting looks in the NBA. Although he’s not a star on the court, his hair is the star of any party. Even though Douglas-Roberts plays for the Clippers, let’s hope no clippers are headed his way.
SF-Chris Copeland
How Copeland plays in this haircut is unfathomable, but the amount of swag it brings is worth the weight. With the hair that never quits, Copeland brings Indiana that much needed spark for a struggling Pacers squad. On a team that lost Paul George to injury and has Rodney Stuckey playing meaningful minutes, Pacers fans need something to look at, so why not Chris Copeland’s luxurious locks?
PF-Lou Amundson
The New York Knicks may have made the best hair trade of the season. Not only did they get rid of Iman Shumpert, who recently traded his flattop for a crew-cut (BOO!!!), but they also added Amundson, whose hair has improved since entering the league. Amundson has a tremendous ponytail that is far and away the best in the league, but more importantly, he can straighten it and change his whole look at a moment’s notice. This versatility gives Amundson so many possibilities and catapults him into the top ten.
C-Marcin Gortat
This was a tough call because he could have easily been on the first team, but Gortat should be proud to be the second-best center in the NBA (hair wise). Gortat had a great first season in Washington last year, playing wise, but brought nothing to the table follicle-ly. After a disappointing start, Gortat created this Mohawk and showed DC just how great his hair can be.
FIRST TEAM ALL-NBA
PG-Norris Cole
Known for his speed and quick first-step, the key to Cole’s game is the flattop. Perhaps the most difficult style to pull off, Norris Cole has made the flattop his signature and year-after-year has had the best hair at the point guard position. What accentuates the cut however is the beard that meshes perfectly and creates a hair game that is a force to be reckoned with.
SG-Manu Ginobili
This selection may seem like it’s coming out of left field, but Ginobili really deserves it. This award isn’t for Most Hair, but for Best Hair. Ginobili has a bald spot but he wears it with grace and, in fact, utilizes it to his advantage. Opposing players have been known to go blind when looking at the spot, and the main reason that the Spurs have been a dominant basketball powerhouse for so long is Ginobili’s acceptance of his limitations, not just on the court but also on the top of his head.
SF-Kawhi Leonard
After winning the NBA Finals MVP and succeeding at the highest level of basketball, many thought that Leonard would not be able to reach this apex again. However, today, Leonard has a new, and probably more important, trophy to add to his collection. Leonard plays smart, clean and crisp, which is reflected, in his hair choice with well-ordered and immaculate braids. He really has a bright future. Also, his hair looks like this when he doesn’t have the braids in, so he’s a shoe-in.
PF-Chris Anderson
Yeah, yeah, I know. I said that none of the top ten can have the same haircut, but rules are meant to be broken. Gortat and Anderson’s Mohawks are essentially different haircuts due to length and stylistic choices, and thus I’m allowing it. Also, this is an article about NBA players’ hair so if you really have a problem with it, perhaps you should get off of the Internet. The Birdman has become known for his trademark hair, and for good reason, because it’s awesome. Anderson strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents, and the reason they call him the Birdman is that once a bird flew into his Mohawk and was never seen again.
C-Robin Lopez
Rounding out the top five is Sideshow Bob … I mean, Robin Lopez. This is a common mistake and one of the main reasons for Lopez’s inclusion to the top five. Lopez is not copying Bob but instead honoring the famous cartoon villain with a similar haircut. Lopez may not be the best center, but he certainly has the best hair for a big man and should be saluted.
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on "The Roundtable" Thursdays from 6-7 pm
(10/25/14 12:38am)
We are now five days away from the NBA opener, which is also the amount of wins the 76ers will get this season. Every year, we as fans believe we know how the season will play out. But every year, the season proves us wrong. For example, the Phoenix Suns made a run for the playoffs after being a projected lottery team last season and are now in the hunt again for a Western Conference playoff seed. It already seems that we are in for a tumultuous season. There are so many questions that will be answered… “How will the Thunder fare without Kevin Durant?” “Will LeBron James’s return to Cleveland end with a Finals victory?” And, “Why, oh god why, is Kobe Bryant taking 50 shots a game?” Now, to get ready for another NBA extravaganza, I have decided to comb my brain and make some daring predictions. Surely, all of them will be correct (Full disclosure: they won’t)
1.The Portland Trailblazers Will Not Make The Playoffs
This is something that I have brought up before, in the West Over/Unders. As great as the Trailblazers’ starting five is, I truly doubt that the rest of their roster has enough to make the playoffs again. Every team in the West has an enormous amount of depth. The Spurs have won games where Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have taken off, the Clippers have Jamal Crawford and Spencer Hawes coming off their bench and, even with the Durant injury, the Thunder still have competent players down to their twelfth man. On the other hand, the Trailblazers are relying on backups such as Steve Blake and Chris Kaman to play meaningful minutes. If any one of the Trailblazers’ starting five is out for an extended period of time due to injury, I don’t believe that they could consistently compete in a loaded Western conference.
2.Blake Griffin Will Win The MVP
Shush. Calm down. I know, it’s crazy, but it makes sense. Former winner Kevin Durant is essentially out of the running due to his foot injury that will sideline him for an extended period of time, and there will surely be some early trouble in Cleveland due to chemistry and a new system. (I’m not saying the Cavs will be bad but with a new coach in David Blatt and many new players trying to acclimate to each other, I can see them starting pretty slow.) With the two usual favorites out of the race, there are only a few viable candidates. I see it coming down to James Harden, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Joakim Noah and Blake Griffin. Due to defensive lapses and changes around them, a new point guard and small forward in Houston and a new coach in Golden State, James Harden and Steph Curry will be great after the All-Star Break but will be out of the running by then. Anthony Davis will cement his rising star as one of the best players in the league this season, however I do not see a scenario where the Pelicans make the Playoffs, thus kicking him out of the race. Finally, as great as the Bulls will be this season, I see it being more of a team effort with the Pau Gasol addition and Derrick Rose stealing some of Noah’s thunder. This leaves Blake Griffin all by his lonesome. The Clippers have one of the best rosters in the league, top to bottom, one of the best point guards, Chris Paul, feeding Griffin and a top-5 coach in Doc Rivers. All of these factors will give Griffin time to flourish and play some MVP-worthy basketball. Also, Griffin’s shooting has apparently improved in workouts and game footage which is the final step for the best big-men. Griffin will be a monster this season and the publicity his dunks get will just be another indicator of his rise as one of the NBA elite.
3.The Toronto Raptors Will Win Over 50 Games And Be The Third Best Team In The East (By Far)
It may not be as competitive as the West, but the Eastern Conference has dramatically improved from last season. The Wizards added Paul Pierce, the Bobcats picked up Lance Stephenson and the rest of the East has matured and will ensure that they are not that much of a laughingstock. With all that said, there are only three teams that really have a chance to make the NBA Finals. Of course, there are the Cavaliers and Bulls but running in the third spot is the Toronto Raptors. Perhaps the most complete team in the Eastern conference, the Raptors are stacked from the top-down. They are led by gritty, future all-star point guard, Kyle Lowry, who cemented himself as a top-30 player in the NBA. Fellow man in the backcourt, DeMar Derozan, who made the All-Star squad last season and has the potential to be a top shooting guard in the league, joins him. The Raptors may not be the flashiest or the most entertaining team, but night-in and night-out, they can compete against anyone and will build upon a great season from last year.
4.The Atlanta Hawks Will Be A Top Four Team In The East
At one point last season, before the Al Horford injury and a series of other bang-ups, the Hawks were one of the top teams in the East. When Horford went down for the year, it seemed the Hawks would tank, however Mike Budenholzer, one of the best new coaches in the league altered the offensive system and the Hawks slid into the eighth seed. After giving the Pacers a run for their money, the Hawks showed potential once their best post player returned. At every position, the Hawks have a competent player and their offensive scheme is perfect for their players. Atlanta will be tremendously entertaining as they hoist up three after three, led by shooting-star Kyle Korver, and will also prove their dominance in the East. I predict the Hawks to get the fourth seed and win at least 45 games. They may not be at the forefront of the NBA conversation, but they will be soon.
5.The Lakers Are Going To Be Really, Really, Really Bad
Led by future Hall-of-Famer and one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball in Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are going to plummet this season in a loaded Western Conference. For one, their coach, Byron Scott, is preaching to his team not to shoot three-pointers and instead settle for longer jump shots inside the perimeter. Has Scott not watched basketball in the last decade? Study after study has shown the importance of the three and every champion has utilized this shot in their arsenal. Just last year, the San Antonio Spurs used the shot to perfection as it stopped any Miami Heat run and increased the growing lead at the same time. Also, besides the fact that their coach is a raving madman, the Lakers have an extremely limited roster. When you’re anxious for Nick “Swaggy P” Young to return from an injury, you know things are bad. Kobe Bryant may average 30 points a game but the Lakers might average 75.
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on "The Round Table" Thursdays 6-7pm
(10/16/14 7:16pm)
Well, here we are.
Two weeks away from the start of the NBA season and still so many bets to place, fantasy teams to be drafted and money to be lost. Of course, these picks are what will keep you afloat in the fluid and challenging game of NBA betting. So let’s get to it. These are the over/unders for the Western Conference.
Jazz: 25.5
After an abysmal season in which they won 25 games, the Jazz are given essentially the same win total by Vegas, which seems more than fair. With Enes Kanter and Trey Burke, Utah has talent but ultimately in a crowded West, they do not have enough skilled players or the coaching staff to really put up a fight this season. They will be close to the 25.5 mark but the under is safer as there is a decent chance that the team blows it up, trades some of their better players for future assets and tank the season. UNDER
Timberwolves: 25.5
One of the best League Pass teams and hopefully one of the more entertaining squads in the league, the Timberwolves record will drop dramatically from last year, but at least they have players to build around. The Kevin Love trade was a rare occasion where both teams won. The Wolves got a future All-Star in Andrew Wiggins and more cap space for the future. With Rubio throwing lobs to Wiggins and Zach Lavine, Minnesota will be able to keep the entertainment factor up, however with so many young’uns and a lack of real leadership the Timberwolves’ record will take a big hit. Even with that said, 26 is a very attainable goal and I see the Wolves going over, but barely. OVER
Kings: 30.5
Somehow, the Kings are one of the two teams with two 2014 FIBA World Cup Gold Medalists as DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay both played well for the USA. With that said, this team is still as far away from the playoff picture as they were in previous years. This offseason was a strange one for Sacramento as the Kings let their point guard and volume scorer Isaiah Thomas leave in Free Agency while they picked up backup point guard Darren Collison for roughly the same amount of money. In my opinion, this was a costly mistake and is just one of many screw-ups that the Kings have made in recent years. The 30.5 number is too low, however, and Sacramento will continue to be a subpar to middling team until management gets its act together. OVER
Lakers: 31.5
Last season, the Lakers had 27 wins and, on paper, have gotten worse in talent leading into this season. Even with future hall of famer, Kobe Bryant back, the Lakers are still going to be a stunningly bad team. Their second best player, Steve Nash, has not been able to stay on the court due to injuries and their third best player, Nick Young, is already out for a few weeks. Aside from their guard problems, their frontcourt is one of the worst in the league. Robert Sacre is playing meaningful minutes, which would not be the case for almost any other basketball team, and he’s one of the few bright spots. Bryant’s scoring will be a pleasure to watch but other than that the Lakers have no direction and no real hope this season. UNDER
Nuggets: 40.5
This to me is one of the easiest lines in the entire league. The Nuggets were plagued by injuries all of last season. Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and many others were either banged up or missed meaningful time. It was essentially the “Year from Hell” and the Nuggets still managed to win 36 games. With the addition of Aaron Afflalo, Denver has a dominant starting lineup and immense depth and every position. I see the Nuggets making the playoffs this year and see them winning between 45 and 50 games. OVER
Pelicans: 41.5
Anthony Davis is going to be very, very, very good this season and has a chance to be a legitimate MVP candidate, however the Pelicans still do not have a good enough roster to merit a winning record. One of the main flaws in this team is the head coach. Monty Williams has had moments of decent leadership, however, overall, he is not a very good coach. He hasn’t been able to utilize Davis effectively and doesn’t have a hold over the team. There are quite a few future stars on New Orleans including guard Tyreke Evans, however their lack of roster depth and bland coaching will not allow the team to make a real jump. UNDER
Suns: 42.5
The biggest surprise from last season, the Suns were just games away from sneaking into that eight seed and making the NBA playoffs. This season, we will see another jump forward for this squad. The addition of Isaiah Thomas is a perfect supplement to the guard play of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe and the improvements of the Morris twins will allow the Suns to get better and better as the season goes on. OVER
Grizzlies: 48.5
After winning 50 games last year, the Grizzlies, on paper, seem to be even better. Marc Gasol will be ready to start the season after missing an extended period of time last year and the addition of Vince Carter will assist a woeful small forward gap for Memphis. Even if he’s just 50% of what he has been in previous years, Carter is an obvious step up from Tayshaun Prince. The frontcourt is great, however the hidden gem for Memphis lies in their backcourt. Perhaps the best defensive backcourt in the league, Mike Conley and Tony Allen are both tremendous at their respective positions and perform the Memphis’ “grit and grind” mentality to a tee. OVER
Trailblazers: 48.5
After a fantastic first round upset over the Houston Rockets, the Trailblazers instantaneously became the darlings of the NBA playoffs. Led by All-Star point guard Damian Lillard, this team has the potential to be a playoff team for the foreseeable future, however I believe that as they have remained stagnant in talent, the rest of the West has improved. Their starting five is great, however I believe Portland has some difficulties in their bench and role players. I see them going under the win projection but still getting a winning record for the season. However, whether they will make the playoffs remains to be seen. UNDER
Mavericks: 49.5
After 50 wins last year, it seems like this team has only improved during the offseason. The additions of Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler have upped their defensive potential and have created an even better all-around team. Dirk Nowitzki is still one of the top scorers in the league and the entire roster is filled to the brim with serviceable players. I see this team getting over the 50-win mark and improving on their eight seed from last season. OVER
Rockets: 49.5
Even with the Parsons loss, I believe the Rockets will still surpass 50 wins. There’s too much talent on this team to not do so. Parsons has been replaced with the above-average small forward Trevor Ariza and I think that Dwight Howard will improve on last season’s numbers. James Harden may not play defense consistently, but he is one of the best at scoring and getting to the line by attracting contact. The Rockets may not be the most aesthetically pleasing but will still get their wins and eclipse the 49.5 win mark. OVER
Warriors: 50.5
Wow, the West is going to be good this year. The Warriors are projected to be the fourth-best team and I see a major step-up from a great season last year. Mark Jackson was a great coach but it seemed that he limited the team offensively. There were too many dead possessions that ended with isolation one-on-one plays, which will not be allowed in Steve Kerr’s offensive sets. I believe Steph Curry will build on last season and will thrive under Kerr. OVER
Clippers: 55.5
My pick to make the NBA Finals out of the West, I believe that this is the year for the Clippers to put it all together. Their guards, JJ Redick and Chris Paul, are finally healthy and Blake Griffin will be the third best player in the NBA by the end of the year. The squad has a superb coach in Doc Rivers and the Clippers have the shooting that will lift them up when their big-men, specifically DeAndre Jordan, gets into foul trouble. Take the over as I can see this team hitting the 60-win mark. OVER
Spurs: 56.5
I’m not betting against the Spurs in the regular season until they prove me wrong. Every year, this team wins around 60 games and I don’t see why this season will be any different. With the best coach in Gregg Popovich and most complete roster, the Spurs may be a contender in the West until the end of time, or until Tim Duncan retires, which may be the same year. OVER
Thunder: 57.5
Sigh. Sometimes, sports suck and this is one of those rare occasions. The injury to Kevin Durant that will see him sidelined for two months not only hurts the Thunder’s chances but the league as a whole. He is a rare talent and the second-best player in the league and it hurts the overall product of the NBA that he won’t be on the court when the season starts. Nevertheless, the Thunder will still make the playoffs and by early 2015, Durant will be back and post-season ready. The Thunder will start off poorly but should finish strong when all of their talent is on display. UNDER
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on "The Round Table" Thursdays from 6-7pm
(10/07/14 6:49pm)
October has many traits and characteristics, however the most important is the color orange. As the month progresses, leaves will begin to change to their orange hue, orange Halloween-themed Oreos will be back to nauseate the American consumer and, most importantly, the orange basketball will bounce once again in the return of the NBA. We’re three weeks away from the season opener, and thus, it is time for NBA over/unders.
For those of you who don’t know, before every NBA season, Las Vegas releases a win total for each team, and the betting public can bet whether each squad will go over or under Vegas’s predicted number of regular season wins. This week, we shall go over the East teams. Like Drake, we will start from the bottom (spoiler alert: the 76ers) and proceed from there. I am essentially giving you free money because obviously, all of these picks will (likely not) be correct, so make sure to fly to Vegas and score some cash.
Of course, I get a 10 percent cut.
76ers: 15.5
-Allowing almost 110 points per game last year, the 76ers were not what most call a “good” team. In fact, they were horrendous…like historically bad. Even with all that said, Philadelphia will be worse than they were last season. During the offseason, Philadelphia traded its best player in Thaddeus Young and will undergo another rebuilding year. This has been ongoing since the team traded Allen Iverson, as the 76ers have been a laughingstock since his departure. The only positive is Michael Carter Williams. The reigning Rookie of the Year improved dramatically as the season went on and will be a lone bright spot for Philly. UNDER
Bucks: 24.5
Another Eastern Conference garbage-fire, the Milwaukee Bucks actually tried to make the playoffs last year. It seems so long ago, but the Bucks were a playoff contender and trendy pick before the 2013-14 season started. Then…the season started. Milwaukee finished with a league worst 15 victories and finished the season on a 1-9 slide. Even with improvements to their bench and the addition of rookie Jabari Parker, they are not 10 wins better. UNDER
Celtics: 26.5
The Celtics are certainly an enigma. They seem to be starting from scratch with a young, raw roster, however the presence of Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green ensure that the Celtics will be able to compete on a game-by-game basis. Even with the Rondo injury, there is a lot of talent on this roster from Jared Sullinger to lottery-pick Marcus Smart. Boston will start off slow but I believe they will be a solid team after the All-Star break. Also, Brad Stevens is a darn good coach. OVER (But barely)
Magic: 28.5
OLADIPO! Even though they only won 23 games last year, the Magic had a youthful and extremely talented roster. At the heart are future stars Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo. The Aaron Afflalo loss might be a boon to Orlando as it will allow the younger players to improve as the season progresses. With all that said, take the under. This team will be great in a few years but they have no veteran leadership and their best players are too young to be a threat in the East. UNDER
Pacers: 32.5
Sigh. Over the past few years, the Pacers cemented themselves as one of the contenders in the East. However, they had an offseason many would like to forget. First, they lost Lance Stephenson to free agency and then…the Paul George injury. I’m still trying to forget about that one. It sucks to have one of the best players in the league out for the entire season and his injury all but destroyed the Pacers chances of making the Playoffs. I think they go over the low 32.5 mark but not by much. OVER
Pistons: 36.5
Even though they are a great 2K team, the Pistons were putrid for most of last season. They played sloppily, had little to no chemistry and relied way too heavily on Josh Smith. With all that said, I think the Pistons make the Playoffs this year. There’s so much talent on this roster that I see a breakout year for Detroit. The key addition wasn’t a player but that of Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy was one of the best coaches in the league when he had Dwight Howard and led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals. Now with Detroit, Van Gundy has talented big men in Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Josh Smith. With the coaching improvement, I see the Pistons getting to at least 40 wins. OVER
Knicks: 40.5
Even though I despise Carmelo Anthony, I see big things out of him this year. Melo now has a Coach and General Manager, Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson respectively, who will build a solid foundation around him. The Knicks were awful most of last year and still finished with 37 wins. I really like Jose Calderon on this squad. His shooting and ability to spread the floor works with Anthony’s game. OVER
Hawks: 40.5
This may be my favorite line in the East. I think Atlanta is going to turn some heads this year, in a good way. The Hawks lost their best player in Al Horford for a large portion of last season and still made the playoffs. Coach Mike Budeholzer is one of the best in the league and this team is perfectly set up for him. He wants shooters and Atlanta has that in bulk. A backcourt of Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague is one of the most underrated in the league. Atlanta will definitely be in the playoff picture again, with well more than 40.5 wins. OVER
Nets: 41.5
I don’t get it. Why do the Nets have such a high over/under? Yeah, they won 44 games last season but that was with Paul Pierce, a healthy Joe Johnson and a semi-healthy Kevin Garnett. Pierce is in Washington, Johnson usually succumbs to the injury bug and Kevin Garnett is in his 32nd NBA season. That last bit about Garnett isn’t actually true, but didn’t you have to think about it for a second? Deron Williams seems to be consistently banged up and has already stated that he is not feeling 100 percent. The only hope is Brook Lopez, who also seems to be injured for large stretches of every season. With Kidd gone, I don’t see the Nets having a chance to go above .500. They may make the Playoffs but that’s more an insult to the East than a compliment to the Nets. UNDER
Heat: 43.5
Like their fan count, the Heat’s projected win total is dropping. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Heat lost a pretty important player. Of course, I’m talking about James Jones. Oh yeah, and that LeBron fella left too. The Heat still have talent with Wade, Bosh and newcomers Josh McRoberts and Luol Deng. I see the Heat surprising people and breaking the 43.5 bar. Chris Bosh is one of the best shooting big men in the league and will receive more touches this season. The Heat may have cooled down but they’re still hot. OVER
Wizards: 49.5
The Wizards are going to be one of the contenders in the East this season. The addition of Paul Pierce and another year of Wall, Beal, Gortat and Nene allows the Wizards to have the depth and talent that is so rare, especially in the mediocre Eastern Conference. With that said, I don’t think the Wiz make it to that 50 win mark. Especially early, there will be some chemistry problems in Washington as they lost key contributors Trevor Booker and Trevor Ariza. I think they go just a shade under that 49.5 wins but they will still be a top-four seed in the East. UNDER
Raptors: 49.5
The best backcourt in the league has become a regular discussion from year to year, however I believe the mantle will be passed to the Raptors during the 2014-15 season. Lowry and Derozan will both be All-Stars and Toronto will be a force to be reckoned with. This team is so deep at every position, and after years of inconsistency, this team is finally on the right track. OVER
Bulls: 55.5
This is essentially a bet on Derrick Rose. Can he stay healthy? Will be get back to his former MVP self? He had flashes of brilliance with the USA Basketball team but was one of the weak links on the team and was turnover prone. The safe bet here is the under because even if Rose is healthy, I expect a limited number of minutes. Also, 55.5 is an extremely high number. I’m taking the under but rooting for Rose. UNDER
Cavaliers: 58.5
The Cavs are going to be very, very, very good this year but, like the Heat in Lebron’s first year, I imagine they will experience some growing pains. Expect the Cavs to start off slowly and then click into gear by the second half of the season. No team in the East went over 58.5 wins last season and I expect that trend to hold steady. Take the under but, by god, this team is going to be fun to watch. UNDER
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on "The Round Table" Thursdays from 6-7 pm
(09/25/14 6:59pm)
By: Greg Gottfried
Yet another mistake in the Ray Rice saga has transpired, and this time it wasn’t Roger Goodell’s fault.
Yesterday, ESPN suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks due to what his comments about the NFL’s handling of the domestic violence.
After saying that Goodell has been dishonest in his press conference addressing the Ray Rice issue, Simmons stated, “I really hope somebody calls me or emails me and says I’m in trouble for anything I say about Roger Goodell, because if one person says that to me, I’m going public. You leave me alone. The commissioner’s a liar and I get to talk about that on my podcast. Thank you.”
What makes Simmons such a compelling read and journalistic trailblazer is that he never holds anything back. In the past, he has called out David Stern, MLB drug testing and even Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Celtics. Additionally, Simmons remarks on his own company, ESPN, and some of its products and partnerships. His critical observations about one of ESPN’s flagship programs, First Take, where their debater, Skip Bayless, got in a pissing match with Richard Sherman forced Simmons to call the event “awful” and “embarrassing”, which it frankly was. Simmons was immediately suspended from Twitter and his website Grantland, which is owned by ESPN.
What makes all of these occurrences so infuriating is that it brings into question ESPN’s journalistic standards. ESPN relies on the NFL heavily in its day-to-day news coverage, and having one of its own calling out the National Football League was a step too far for the Global Sports Empire.
ESPN’s lines have been blurred between journalism and the quest for the almighty dollar, which should discourage many of its fans. Not only did a man get reprimanded while exercising his right of freedom of speech but also it seems that this chastising was only due to whom Simmons was talking about.
For example, Stephen A Smith said—on national television—that it was sometimes a woman’s fault if she got beaten. However, because he didn’t verbally attack the NFL, he was only suspended one week. This inane opinion by Smith is not only in poor taste but demonstrates his misguided sentiment on a very serious issue.
Simmons, on the other hand, did not misunderstand anything. Just as everyone else who follows the NFL has been trying piece together the events of recent weeks, Simmons has been in search for the truth about how the NFL handled the Ray Rice incident. Unfortunately, he did so for a company that doesn’t allow reasonable denunciations about a company that they’re in bed with.
The only positive from this suspension is that it will inevitably lead to Simmons doing what he should have done years ago— leaving ESPN. His podcasts have been edited without his permission; he has been fined and postponed for commenting on the nature of sports journalism and he has been muted in his writings and columns in the past.
That’s not what journalism should be. It should allow an individual to delve into any event and report on what is happening. Simmons did so and was promptly hushed.
ESPN has lost its way. What was once a cutting-edge company that prided itself in illuminating the world on important sports topics has become a pure cash-grab. They will milk out every penny from its uninformed viewing public until it's time to switch to a new teat.
Shows such as First Take and whatever iteration of SportsCenter we have been witnesses to are not reporting but in fact anti-journalism. As the talking heads continue to say whatever will get the biggest reaction, no matter if it’s relevant or not, ESPN has free-fallen and is not what its creators would have wanted.
I, for one, am trying to wean myself off of ESPN. Of course, it’s difficult because there’s no other website or network with the all-encompassing sports’ coverage, however ESPN’s decisions in biased reporting and acceptance of shock-and-awe journalism has dissuaded me from the Global Sports Empire.
Goodbye ESPN. Don’t let an errant Tebow pass hit you on the way out.
Follow Greg on Twitter @gott31 and listen to him on “The Roundtable” Thursdays from 6-7pm
(09/24/14 11:09pm)
By: Greg Gottfried
Hello there. How are you? Nice of you to drop by. I would like to welcome you to the NBAYY, the one-stop shop for basketball news, recaps and puns on WIUX.
With training camp just two weeks away, we are closing in on what will be a superb NBA season. Following a tumultuous year, which included injuries to some of the best players in Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose, that whole Donald Sterling fiasco and the demise of LeBron’s hairline, it’s nice to have a chance to start anew. In fact… can’t you just smell that new car smell?
Since there has not yet been a ball bounced or Jimmy Butler jump shot bricked, it’s too early for power rankings. However, it’s never too soon for Entertainment Rankings, otherwise known as League Pass rankings. What follows is my list of the top five entertaining teams this upcoming season. Of course, this list is the definitive rankings so don’t bother disagreeing.
5.Toronto Raptors
THE TORONTO RAPTORS? Yes, the Toronto Raptors. Take a sip of that drink and calm down. In case you forgot, the Raptors were the three seed last season and were one of the most exhilarating teams in the league. Their fans are FAN-tastic, especially against good teams, so look for Toronto to thrive off of the crowd’s energy. The reason I’m giving them a top five spot is the talent of their two best players: Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry. Both were All-Star caliber players and should follow up last year’s coming-out party with another fantastic season. Lowry in particular is a fantastic watch. He has Allen Iverson grit and attacks the rim viciously. Even with the East’s improvements, the Raptors will still be one of the top squads and a tremendous team to watch.
4. Phoenix Suns
On the way to becoming a legitimate threat in the West last season, the Phoenix Suns also became one of the more entertaining teams in the league. Of course, this distinction derived from Goran Dragic becoming one of the best point guards in the league. Although he was snubbed from the All Star Game last year, this season will be different. The Suns breakneck speed will allow Dragic to rack up assists and even if Bledsoe ends up on another squad, the addition of Isiaiah Thomas more than makes up for the loss. Everyone on this team can shoot, from Phoenix’s guards to its towering Morris brothers, which allows the offense to remain in perpetual motion. The absence of a true center also gives the Suns a more athletic and versatile lineup.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Well, this was a given. Any team with LeBron James is a must-watch and it will be interesting to see how he fits with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. One of the hidden gems of Love’s game is his ability to throw the long outlet pass. This season, I’m sure, there will be many a time where Love catches a board and hits Irving or James in stride for a jam. There is no lack of ball-handlers and scorers, which will make the Cavs one of the must-watch teams of the year.
2. Golden State Warriors
Although they have had Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and a plethora of exciting talent the past few seasons, Mark Jackson seemed to hold them back offensively. There were too many possessions where their offense would turn into a standstill and revolve around David Lee post-ups. As solid a player as Lee is, the offense should be faster-paced and center around the shooting that the Splash Brothers provide. Another key to the Warriors success will be their defense. When Bogut wasn’t injured, this team could play more aggressive defense, as they knew they had a shot-blocking big behind them. His presence could lead to more fast breaks and Steph Curry pull-up three pointers, which may be the most impressive move in the NBA.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Honestly, this isn’t even close. The Clippers are going to be exhilarating this year. With a full season under Doc Rivers’ belt, he will be better acquainted with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and friends and I don’t see this team holding back any punches. Also, losing Donald Sterling only helped the team’s chemistry and took away many bad vibes throughout the organization. A ham sandwich would be a better owner than Donald Sterling, and with billionaire Steve Ballmer taking the reins, watch for Los Angeles to make some big moves come trade deadline. Furthermore, I sense a MVP-caliber season for Blake Griffin. When Chris Paul took some time off last year, the Clippers didn’t miss a beat. I believe that Griffin’s newfound confidence is the final piece for him in putting everything together. Finally, this team is still Lob City. They play at such a frenetic and exciting place that every game, even against the NBA lowlifes (I’m looking at you Milwaukee), will be fun.
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