milkyway21
11-24-2005, 09:51 PM
http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/pod_051123.jpg
http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/basketball/nba/img9060523.jpg
All around the league, it's time to give thanks
Nov. 24, 2005
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
'Tis the season to be thankful, ingrates. Whatever it is you're blessed with, cherish it, be it as prosperous as a winning lottery ticket or as simple as a delicious packet of Vienna sausages cooked over an open fire.
The Heat are thankful that D-Wade and Shaq live in perfect harmony. (Getty Images)
Same goes for NBA teams, from the champion Spurs to the lowly Hawks, whose first victory finally came -- and it only took 10 tries.
Every squad has at least three things it can give thanks for this Thanksgiving, and if they need any ideas, CBS SportsLine.com is here to help. Keep in mind, this has nothing to do with what teams may want for the holidays, but rather to appreciate what they already have.
After all, I'm not Santa Claus and can't grant the Rockets a killer chiropractor for Tracy McGrady and Bobby Sura, the Orlando Magic a new arena in which to play or Larry Brown a pass-first point guard to enjoy. Maybe in December. If you're good.
On this joyous occasion, the (insert team name here) can be thankful for:
Atlanta Hawks
1. The franchise has yet to spontaneously combust.
2. Locusts haven't descended upon Philips Arena.
3. Former partner Steve Belkin can no longer stand in the way of personnel decisions.
Boston Celtics
1. The team's talented youngsters, its future, are making progress while learning on the job.
2. Center Mark Blount has decided to show up this season.
3. Adding black to the traditional white and green on those alternate uniforms may be sacrilegious, but it should add extra revenue.
Charlotte Bobcats
1. Trading in the Charlotte Coliseum for the team's brand new arena is like trading in an old-school Geo Metro for a tight Saab convertible.
2. Kareem Rush and Gerald Wallace obviously worked hard over the summer as both have seen their scoring numbers vastly improve.
3. Emeka Okafor's sophomore slump can't last all season.
Chicago Bulls
1. Fans actually care about the team again.
2. The Bears' success has partially helped mask their sluggish start.
3. Tyson Chandler seems genuinely enthused about coming to work every day knowing all post play starts with him.
Cleveland Cavaliers
1. LeBron James -- after all, you can't take the mother lode for granted. We are all witnesses to something happening in Cleveland for the first time since Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
2. They were fortunate to have all that cap space available with so many jewels on the market. Larry Hughes was the loveliest of consolation prizes after missing out on Michael Redd.
3. Zydrunas Ilgauskas' once-brittle feet continue to hold up. Someone get the name of their podiatrist.
Dallas Mavericks
1. Every day, Josh Howard looks more and more like the steal of the 2003 draft. Among the names that went ahead of him: Reece Gaines, Troy Bell, Sasha Pavlovic and Ndudi Ebi.
2. The Mark Cuban-hooked up dressing rooms and assorted other treats he spoils his players with. You have to give the man credit; no owner is better to his roster.
3. It doesn't matter how lethargic they are in a game, provided they keep it within 15, they're just a Dirk Nowitzki hot streak away from getting right back in it.
Denver Nuggets
1. George Karl, after successfully battling cancer this offseason, can deliver a potent message on what this holiday signifies.
2. Marcus Camby has carried over his level of play from a year ago, has remained relatively healthy and is headed for an All-Star berth.
3. Carmelo Anthony continues to mature, with his game following suit.
Detroit Pistons
1. The 8-0 start kept the wolves from devouring Flip Saunders.
2. Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton actually seem to be improving as the years go by, giving Detroit a new-school Isiah-Dumars.
3. Despite locking up a lucrative contract extension, Tayshaun Prince has not loafed, but rather brought his level of play up every single night.
Golden State Warriors
1. The acquisition of Baron Davis cost them no one of great significance, keeping their talented young nucleus intact while fetching a leader.
2. Mike Montgomery seems to be one of the few immune from the "great college coach not suited for the pros" epidemic.
3. Bottom line, they're cool again.
Advertisement
Houston Rockets
1. The injury bug can't linger all season.
2. Late first-round pick Luther Head looks like an absolute steal.
3. Yao Ming's presence allows them to be the most popular sub-.500 team in the world.
Indiana Pacers
1. They're finally intact.
2. Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal understand that after all the controversy they've gotten in, whatever doesn't kill them makes them stronger.
3. Conseco Fieldhouse provides a raucous home-court advantage few teams enjoy.
Los Angeles Clippers
1. Uh, duh. The best start in franchise history. Their turkey would taste phenomenal even if it was made of tofu.
2. Sam Cassell's legs and spirit appear recharged.
3. For once, they're clearly the No. 1 team in L.A.
Los Angeles Lakers
1. Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant are getting along. Sooner or later, that partnership will translate into wins.
2. Point guard Smush Parker has helped fill a glaring hole at a bargain price.
3. Despite also-ran status, they're still clearly the most popular team in L.A.
Memphis Grizzlies
1. The locker room chaos has subsided, with savvy veteran-provided peace reigning supreme.
2. Pau Gasol seems to have finally come into his own, and he's saving money on razors and shaving cream.
3. Writing utensils through the entire city are safe.
Miami Heat
1. Alonzo Mourning, certain to one day have his jersey number hanging from the rafters, looks rejuvenated, has made a triumphant return and, best of all, feels healthy.
2. Superstar guard Dwyane Wade will never even imply, "It's either me or Shaq."
3. If they wanted to, they could've gotten over their loss to Toronto by enjoying an 80-degree day on South Beach.
Milwaukee Bucks
1. T.J. Ford's neck isn't only healthy, but his game is actually stronger after such a one-year absence. Deadlier jumper, just as quick, headier.
2. Andrew Bogut doesn't look like a bust.
3. Michael Redd's new $90 million deal means free turkeys (plus all the trimmings) for the rest of the squad.
Minnesota Timberwolves
1. Kevin Garnett doesn't call out Kevin McHale every day.
2. Michael Olowokandi has actually shown some signs of life, providing hope the bust can bloom.
3. New coach Dwane Casey has a far more harmonious, albeit less talented, locker room than predecessors Flip Saunders and McHale.
New Jersey Nets
1. But for his recent minor back problem, Vince Carter's Nets stint has been injury-free.
2. Richard Jefferson and Carter can indeed co-exist in the offense, with Jason Kidd keeping the duo happy with enough shots.
3. Part owner Jay-Z gives out some great holiday presents.
New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets
1. Chris Paul is going to be the gift that keeps on giving for quite some time.
2. The folks in Oklahoma City have embraced the team with more than warmth that could ever have been expected.
3. Even with the destruction in New Orleans, the people there are keeping their heads up, as is the team that represents them.
New York Knicks
1. Channing Frye's start would indicate the team did something right with a first-round pick for the first time in ages. Still, the Frederic Weis-over-Ron Artest memories won't fade.
2. There may not be enough shots to go around, but there sure is enough gravy. Maybe Larry Brown can get them to share it "the right way."
3. The team's media contingent can drum up Kevin Garnett-to-New York fantasies to keep their fans from falling asleep.
Orlando Magic
1. In Dwight Howard, they have an Amare Stoudemire clone to build around.
2. At least wasted first-round draft pick Fran Vazquez is learning how to win. His squad in Spain is among the league leaders. Hey, sometimes you've got to look at the bright side.
3. The team's new leadership, from coach to front office, at least somewhat knows what they're doing. Far cry from last year.
Philadelphia 76ers
1. Who knew Allen Iverson and Chris Webber would be able to play nicely with one another?
2. The arrival of Maurice Cheeks has given them a head coach the entire team can stand.
3. Samuel Dalembert's return is imminent, and the team has managed to maintain a hold on first place in the Atlantic without him.
Phoenix Suns
1. Less than 100 days (hopefully) until Amare Stoudemire returns.
2. There's no doubt who's going to carve up the turkey and pass out plates, is there? Steve Nash -- he distributes everything else.
3. Fan interest hasn't waned despite the team's record dipping.
Portland Trail Blazers
1. Zach Randolph's knee surgery has left him almost as good as new, and he's enhanced his efficiency by perfecting his jumper.
2. Nate McMillan's arrival has restored order on a franchise that lacked any direction. The rebuilding process is already ahead of schedule.
3. Darius Miles appears to have committed his full attention on fulfilling his vast potential, and his game is coming along nicely as a result.
Sacramento Kings
1. Their struggles came early. It's hard to imagine talent like Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic struggling all season. Better to get the funk out of the way.
2. The New Jersey Nets foolishly passed on Shareef Abdur-Rahim, allowing the talented -- and healthy -- power forward to end up in NoCal.
3. Young wings Francisco Garcia and Kevin Martin will make for a deep bench as they continue to improve.
San Antonio Spurs
1. David Robinson picked the perfect season to get injured, leaving the team depleted enough to where it reached new lows, managed to grab the No. 1 pick, ended up with Tim Duncan, and you know the rest.
2. Their international scouting department is the best in the league, having unearthed jewels like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Fabricio Oberto can play, and the latest project, Ian Mahinmi is a fabulous prospect.
3. They're so good they can entice Robert Horry to stay and Nick Van Exel and Michael Finley to sign up for reduced rates.
Seattle SuperSonics
1. Ray Allen stayed put despite coach Nate McMillan leaving and other franchises nosing around for his services.
2. They didn't fall into the trap of offering Jerome James another multiyear deal despite his last-ditch attempt to earn one last postseason.
3. There have been no sharp objects around Vladimir Radmanovic when he's voicing his displeasure at how he's being used under Bob Weiss.
Toronto Raptors
1. This will likely be their last Thanksgiving with Rob Babcock.
2. Rookies Charlie Villanueva, Jose Calderon and Joey Graham have all quickly shown they belong in this league.
3. Vince Carter visits often enough that the team can hear someone else get booed.
Utah Jazz
1. Deron Williams is definitely for real, giving the team the first player worthy of manning the position John Stockton once held.
2. Jerry Sloan came back to help teach the team's young core discipline and fundamentals.
3. Mehmet Okur left his shooting slump behind at the European Championships, as he's been nothing short of spectacular thus far.
Washington Wizards
1. Golden State failed to match the offer sheet on Gilbert Arenas, who considering his development, is well worth the six-year, $65 million deal he received.
2. Antonio Daniels' arrival has helped instill some defensive principles that were missing last year and will be essential for a deeper run come playoffs.
3. The Kwame Brown nightmare is over -- and hey, he ultimately landed Caron Butler.
Lastly, in the spirit of the season, please take time to remember those less fortunate than us, like the unemployed Latrell Sprewell, forced to make every dollar count in order to feed his family. :lol
for me,
1. Tim Duncan didn't need surgery to get healthy at the start of the season.
2. Horry, NVE, Finley & Oberto signings.
3. Emergence of Tony Parker offensively, Spurs accomplished fastest 10 wins in just 12 games.
so, what's yours?
http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/basketball/nba/img9060523.jpg
All around the league, it's time to give thanks
Nov. 24, 2005
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
'Tis the season to be thankful, ingrates. Whatever it is you're blessed with, cherish it, be it as prosperous as a winning lottery ticket or as simple as a delicious packet of Vienna sausages cooked over an open fire.
The Heat are thankful that D-Wade and Shaq live in perfect harmony. (Getty Images)
Same goes for NBA teams, from the champion Spurs to the lowly Hawks, whose first victory finally came -- and it only took 10 tries.
Every squad has at least three things it can give thanks for this Thanksgiving, and if they need any ideas, CBS SportsLine.com is here to help. Keep in mind, this has nothing to do with what teams may want for the holidays, but rather to appreciate what they already have.
After all, I'm not Santa Claus and can't grant the Rockets a killer chiropractor for Tracy McGrady and Bobby Sura, the Orlando Magic a new arena in which to play or Larry Brown a pass-first point guard to enjoy. Maybe in December. If you're good.
On this joyous occasion, the (insert team name here) can be thankful for:
Atlanta Hawks
1. The franchise has yet to spontaneously combust.
2. Locusts haven't descended upon Philips Arena.
3. Former partner Steve Belkin can no longer stand in the way of personnel decisions.
Boston Celtics
1. The team's talented youngsters, its future, are making progress while learning on the job.
2. Center Mark Blount has decided to show up this season.
3. Adding black to the traditional white and green on those alternate uniforms may be sacrilegious, but it should add extra revenue.
Charlotte Bobcats
1. Trading in the Charlotte Coliseum for the team's brand new arena is like trading in an old-school Geo Metro for a tight Saab convertible.
2. Kareem Rush and Gerald Wallace obviously worked hard over the summer as both have seen their scoring numbers vastly improve.
3. Emeka Okafor's sophomore slump can't last all season.
Chicago Bulls
1. Fans actually care about the team again.
2. The Bears' success has partially helped mask their sluggish start.
3. Tyson Chandler seems genuinely enthused about coming to work every day knowing all post play starts with him.
Cleveland Cavaliers
1. LeBron James -- after all, you can't take the mother lode for granted. We are all witnesses to something happening in Cleveland for the first time since Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
2. They were fortunate to have all that cap space available with so many jewels on the market. Larry Hughes was the loveliest of consolation prizes after missing out on Michael Redd.
3. Zydrunas Ilgauskas' once-brittle feet continue to hold up. Someone get the name of their podiatrist.
Dallas Mavericks
1. Every day, Josh Howard looks more and more like the steal of the 2003 draft. Among the names that went ahead of him: Reece Gaines, Troy Bell, Sasha Pavlovic and Ndudi Ebi.
2. The Mark Cuban-hooked up dressing rooms and assorted other treats he spoils his players with. You have to give the man credit; no owner is better to his roster.
3. It doesn't matter how lethargic they are in a game, provided they keep it within 15, they're just a Dirk Nowitzki hot streak away from getting right back in it.
Denver Nuggets
1. George Karl, after successfully battling cancer this offseason, can deliver a potent message on what this holiday signifies.
2. Marcus Camby has carried over his level of play from a year ago, has remained relatively healthy and is headed for an All-Star berth.
3. Carmelo Anthony continues to mature, with his game following suit.
Detroit Pistons
1. The 8-0 start kept the wolves from devouring Flip Saunders.
2. Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton actually seem to be improving as the years go by, giving Detroit a new-school Isiah-Dumars.
3. Despite locking up a lucrative contract extension, Tayshaun Prince has not loafed, but rather brought his level of play up every single night.
Golden State Warriors
1. The acquisition of Baron Davis cost them no one of great significance, keeping their talented young nucleus intact while fetching a leader.
2. Mike Montgomery seems to be one of the few immune from the "great college coach not suited for the pros" epidemic.
3. Bottom line, they're cool again.
Advertisement
Houston Rockets
1. The injury bug can't linger all season.
2. Late first-round pick Luther Head looks like an absolute steal.
3. Yao Ming's presence allows them to be the most popular sub-.500 team in the world.
Indiana Pacers
1. They're finally intact.
2. Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal understand that after all the controversy they've gotten in, whatever doesn't kill them makes them stronger.
3. Conseco Fieldhouse provides a raucous home-court advantage few teams enjoy.
Los Angeles Clippers
1. Uh, duh. The best start in franchise history. Their turkey would taste phenomenal even if it was made of tofu.
2. Sam Cassell's legs and spirit appear recharged.
3. For once, they're clearly the No. 1 team in L.A.
Los Angeles Lakers
1. Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant are getting along. Sooner or later, that partnership will translate into wins.
2. Point guard Smush Parker has helped fill a glaring hole at a bargain price.
3. Despite also-ran status, they're still clearly the most popular team in L.A.
Memphis Grizzlies
1. The locker room chaos has subsided, with savvy veteran-provided peace reigning supreme.
2. Pau Gasol seems to have finally come into his own, and he's saving money on razors and shaving cream.
3. Writing utensils through the entire city are safe.
Miami Heat
1. Alonzo Mourning, certain to one day have his jersey number hanging from the rafters, looks rejuvenated, has made a triumphant return and, best of all, feels healthy.
2. Superstar guard Dwyane Wade will never even imply, "It's either me or Shaq."
3. If they wanted to, they could've gotten over their loss to Toronto by enjoying an 80-degree day on South Beach.
Milwaukee Bucks
1. T.J. Ford's neck isn't only healthy, but his game is actually stronger after such a one-year absence. Deadlier jumper, just as quick, headier.
2. Andrew Bogut doesn't look like a bust.
3. Michael Redd's new $90 million deal means free turkeys (plus all the trimmings) for the rest of the squad.
Minnesota Timberwolves
1. Kevin Garnett doesn't call out Kevin McHale every day.
2. Michael Olowokandi has actually shown some signs of life, providing hope the bust can bloom.
3. New coach Dwane Casey has a far more harmonious, albeit less talented, locker room than predecessors Flip Saunders and McHale.
New Jersey Nets
1. But for his recent minor back problem, Vince Carter's Nets stint has been injury-free.
2. Richard Jefferson and Carter can indeed co-exist in the offense, with Jason Kidd keeping the duo happy with enough shots.
3. Part owner Jay-Z gives out some great holiday presents.
New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets
1. Chris Paul is going to be the gift that keeps on giving for quite some time.
2. The folks in Oklahoma City have embraced the team with more than warmth that could ever have been expected.
3. Even with the destruction in New Orleans, the people there are keeping their heads up, as is the team that represents them.
New York Knicks
1. Channing Frye's start would indicate the team did something right with a first-round pick for the first time in ages. Still, the Frederic Weis-over-Ron Artest memories won't fade.
2. There may not be enough shots to go around, but there sure is enough gravy. Maybe Larry Brown can get them to share it "the right way."
3. The team's media contingent can drum up Kevin Garnett-to-New York fantasies to keep their fans from falling asleep.
Orlando Magic
1. In Dwight Howard, they have an Amare Stoudemire clone to build around.
2. At least wasted first-round draft pick Fran Vazquez is learning how to win. His squad in Spain is among the league leaders. Hey, sometimes you've got to look at the bright side.
3. The team's new leadership, from coach to front office, at least somewhat knows what they're doing. Far cry from last year.
Philadelphia 76ers
1. Who knew Allen Iverson and Chris Webber would be able to play nicely with one another?
2. The arrival of Maurice Cheeks has given them a head coach the entire team can stand.
3. Samuel Dalembert's return is imminent, and the team has managed to maintain a hold on first place in the Atlantic without him.
Phoenix Suns
1. Less than 100 days (hopefully) until Amare Stoudemire returns.
2. There's no doubt who's going to carve up the turkey and pass out plates, is there? Steve Nash -- he distributes everything else.
3. Fan interest hasn't waned despite the team's record dipping.
Portland Trail Blazers
1. Zach Randolph's knee surgery has left him almost as good as new, and he's enhanced his efficiency by perfecting his jumper.
2. Nate McMillan's arrival has restored order on a franchise that lacked any direction. The rebuilding process is already ahead of schedule.
3. Darius Miles appears to have committed his full attention on fulfilling his vast potential, and his game is coming along nicely as a result.
Sacramento Kings
1. Their struggles came early. It's hard to imagine talent like Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic struggling all season. Better to get the funk out of the way.
2. The New Jersey Nets foolishly passed on Shareef Abdur-Rahim, allowing the talented -- and healthy -- power forward to end up in NoCal.
3. Young wings Francisco Garcia and Kevin Martin will make for a deep bench as they continue to improve.
San Antonio Spurs
1. David Robinson picked the perfect season to get injured, leaving the team depleted enough to where it reached new lows, managed to grab the No. 1 pick, ended up with Tim Duncan, and you know the rest.
2. Their international scouting department is the best in the league, having unearthed jewels like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Fabricio Oberto can play, and the latest project, Ian Mahinmi is a fabulous prospect.
3. They're so good they can entice Robert Horry to stay and Nick Van Exel and Michael Finley to sign up for reduced rates.
Seattle SuperSonics
1. Ray Allen stayed put despite coach Nate McMillan leaving and other franchises nosing around for his services.
2. They didn't fall into the trap of offering Jerome James another multiyear deal despite his last-ditch attempt to earn one last postseason.
3. There have been no sharp objects around Vladimir Radmanovic when he's voicing his displeasure at how he's being used under Bob Weiss.
Toronto Raptors
1. This will likely be their last Thanksgiving with Rob Babcock.
2. Rookies Charlie Villanueva, Jose Calderon and Joey Graham have all quickly shown they belong in this league.
3. Vince Carter visits often enough that the team can hear someone else get booed.
Utah Jazz
1. Deron Williams is definitely for real, giving the team the first player worthy of manning the position John Stockton once held.
2. Jerry Sloan came back to help teach the team's young core discipline and fundamentals.
3. Mehmet Okur left his shooting slump behind at the European Championships, as he's been nothing short of spectacular thus far.
Washington Wizards
1. Golden State failed to match the offer sheet on Gilbert Arenas, who considering his development, is well worth the six-year, $65 million deal he received.
2. Antonio Daniels' arrival has helped instill some defensive principles that were missing last year and will be essential for a deeper run come playoffs.
3. The Kwame Brown nightmare is over -- and hey, he ultimately landed Caron Butler.
Lastly, in the spirit of the season, please take time to remember those less fortunate than us, like the unemployed Latrell Sprewell, forced to make every dollar count in order to feed his family. :lol
for me,
1. Tim Duncan didn't need surgery to get healthy at the start of the season.
2. Horry, NVE, Finley & Oberto signings.
3. Emergence of Tony Parker offensively, Spurs accomplished fastest 10 wins in just 12 games.
so, what's yours?