Pain-free Curry is stronger, lighter
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Notes from Raiders practice Thursday, wrapping up a three-day session of “organized team activity,” with Steve Corkran relaying the notes with some editorial license taken by yours truly:
– Wide receiver Ronald Curry, back from surgery to remove a bone spur which he said hampered him all last season, returned to practice and looked as if he has never been away.
On one play, Curry faked outside and made a sharp cut inside in which he beat cornerback Darrick Brown. He caught balls in traffic, took some incidental contact, and showed little in the way or rust.
Javon Walker and Drew Carter continued to run with the first-team offense. Coach Lane Kiffin said Curry was doing “about half the stuff.”
Curry seemed happy to simply be pain free.
“I had the bone spur, played pretty much the whole season, had it since the beginning of March,” Curry told reporters after practice. “Pretty much every time I planted, it hurt. But I have no discomfort in running. I’ve just got to get my feet up under me as far as running in traffic. But the foot feels great.”
Curry had the spur removed surgically, hoped to be ready for the mandatory minicamp, but was still too stiff to participate. At the behest of Kiffin, Curry hit the weight room hard in the offseason. The result has been a stronger upper body and the loss of nine pounds, to 206. He said the club wants him between 200 and 203.
“I’ve never been a big weight room guy. Just being a quarterback, where you don’t lift too much, and then playing basketball, where they really didn’t lift too much,” Curry said. “So on the football team I was weak, on the basketball team I was strong. I never took the weight room too seriously. I would just do enough.
“But Kiffin wanted me to get in there and really hit the weights, and (strength coach Brad Roll) has been a blessing . . . he got me on my own little plan as far as upper body, lower body, and it’s really helped me out.”
The Raiders leading receiver the past two years, Curry is taking nothing for granted.
“They bought a guy here in Javon Walker they have big expectations for,” Curry said. “It’s a little different role as far as what’s asked of receivers, because we’re predominantly a running team. We drafted a running back that’s probably going to bring a lot of punch to the offense. I’m sure they’re going to want to move him around, get him involved.
“They dished out a lot of money, that’s just the way the league is. Pretty much if you get paid you’re going to get your opportunity to make those plays. You know, Javon, he’s going to be the guy, and I’m just going to be out there making the plays when they go to me.”
– Walker, whose weight was a topic of conversation initiated by Kiffin in recent practices, made a leaping catch in the end zone against John Bowie.
– Fred Wakefield, working at defensive end, go into a brief skirmish with Jesse Boone that lasted less than 10 seconds.
– Linebacker Shane Simmons was waived, with former Raider Grant Irons signed to the roster. Irons practiced Thursday and was wearing No. 48. Irons has not played since 2005 after a sustaining a back injury.
“He’s worked extremely hard, basically worked for two years to come back and have an opportunity,” Kiffin said. “He’s really in phenomenal shape for a guy that has not been in an NFL program so we’ll give him a chance.”
– John Wade, running second team to Chris Morris during most sessions open to the media since his arrival as a free agent, worked with the first-team offense. Jesse Boone worked with the second team. Morris, running first team in recent weeks, took a back seat.
“We’ve given Wade more reps to see how far he can take that this week and we’ll re-evaluate this weekend going into next week,” Kiffin said.
– Sounds as if the job of punt return specialist, replacing Chris Carr, belongs to Johnnie Lee Higgins unless he plays his way out of it.
“We’ve had DeAngelo (Hall) back there as well, but we’re really trying to make Johnnie Lee the guy and see how far he can go with it,” Kiffin said.
Among the candidates to return kickoffs, Kiffin said, were McFadden, rookie Tyvon Branch and Chris Johnson.
– Linebacker Ricky Brown got some first-team snaps on defense, but Kiffin cautioned not to attach significance to position groupings.
– Running back Justin Fargas woke up feeling ill Thursday and watched practice in shorts and a T-shirt. McFadden got most of the first-team work in his absence. Defensive tackle Terdell Sands and safety Gibril Wilson missed practice with personal matters and are expected back next week.
– Branch filled in for Wilson at strong safety and was victimized numerous times in coverage, continuing at trend.
– Somebody finally managed to get the ball from McFadden, whose fumbling was an issue in college but who has been secure since becoming a Raider. Kirk Morrison stripped McFadden on one play, and although McFadden may have been down, it was played as a live ball.
– Defensive tackles Gerard Warren and Josh Shaw were forced to run a lap during practice for jumping offsides.
– Another advantage in having a 269-pound quarterback _ JaMarcus Russell scored with ease on a quarterback sneak, going in standing up. Then again, he had better score, since it is a no-contact drill and the quarterback has a red jersey, making him off limits to defenders.
– Among those who were not at the voluntary activity or did not practice because of injury were defensive end Derrick Burgess, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, center Jake Grove, running back LaMont Jordan (Kiffin had no update on efforts for a trade), wide receiver Marcel Reece, wide receiver Arman Shields and safety Jarrod Cooper.
– The Raiders have another OTA session next week, with media availability Wednesday, before breaking up as a team until July 25, the reporting date for training camp at the Napa Marriott.
For borderline veterans, it will be an important time, Kiffin said.
“It’s a very crucial and critical month for them, individually,” Kiffin said. “It will make or break a lot of these guys.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
June 12th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
what the ………
June 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
segundo again
June 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
go lakers!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
it dosent look good for your boys tonight bro
June 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Grant Irons???? Great, another special teamer to tie up a roster spot.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Say what? Lakers by 20!
Hmmm, Branch is looking like a bust…should have drafted RED BRYANT!
Yeah, yeah, I know BHP, it is too early to call someone a bust, but I can because I am always right (except that whole Lakers in 4 or even 4 thing, lol.)
Glad to see Wade with the first team…anything would be better than Newberry or Grove.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
To return to greatness, the Lakers need the second coming of George Mikan
June 12th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Thanks Jerry! I needed that.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
A little Seahawks news about RED BRYANT!
“ROOKIE WATCH
Defensive tackle Red Bryant continues to abuse…linemen in the pass-rush drill. Wednesday, the team’s fourth-round draft choice used his quickness to blow past Steve Vallos twice from the right side. Then, Bryant flopped to the left side and used his muscle to maul his way past Dustin Dickinson.
There definitely is a place in the tackle rotation for Bryant. But because so much of his 318 pounds is in the upper portion of his 6-foot-4 frame, Bryant will have to concentrate on staying low so linemen can’t ride him out of plays.”
_______________________________________________________
Hmmm, sounds a little better than Turd or Shaw…but instead we drafted Branch.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
go A’s…..
June 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Yes, I am bitter we didn’t draft Red…I’ll get over it when I see Branch in the pro bowl.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
When Branch gets burned enough in coverage, RR will then switch him to OLB a la Bing.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
sign Benley and Gray
June 12th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I like that Dakota got over his positive posting phase. He seems much saner now.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Any word on LeCharles Bentley on the waiver wire? He was an absolute stud for the Saints and the Browns made him the highest paid center when he was a FA. If he is anywhere near the player he was… AND can play in a zone blocking scheme which he should since he plays center, he would be the most dominating offensive lineman on the team.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
June 12th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
that was random
June 12th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I remember Kiffin specifically saying at the end of last season that he had plans to develop Curry in the offseason to get him stronger and faster to make him better and more consistent.
It’s great news that Curry is 100% and followed through with the program. Curry is a perfect slot receiver and I believe will really do well as the #2 guy if Javon returns to form and commands extra attention/double teams because Curry is great at finding those open spaces - Jerry Porter lacked the deep speed and run after the catch ability to command double teams, so we essentially played with two #2 caliber WR’s last year with no game breakers at RB and two back up QB’s that for different reasons (DC lack of mobility in the pocket and McCown lack of arm) couldn’t run the offense.
This year we finally have some speed at the WR position and a QB that can get them the ball, a game breaker at RB, and two good possession type receivers in Curry and Miller. Minus the Offensive Tackles, this O has all the parts we need.
I will add that since Kwame is already a good run blocker that will improve in this system because of his physical skills and our pass game is going to be based on the success of our run game via play action, our O line pass blocking isn’t as important as it would be in vertical/power/man scheme.
Now that we’re set at the skill positions, I think Kiffin’s ingenuity will start to really show - we will have the personnel to run reverses, half back run/pass option passes with Bush (that dude has an arm! check out his youtube highlights) and McFadden, and other occassional gadgets that will keep the defense honest, not to mention being able to run a no-huddle that can feature multiple formations with the same personnel on the field (e.g. McFadden at WR, Bush at FB, Miller/Madsen at H-Back/slot WR, etc.) That, along with JR’s cannon arm and the new speed/talent at WR should really allow Kiffin to open this offense up. It may take a year because I know Kiffin doesn’t want to throw too much at JR, but certainly we’re going to see a lot more of the playbook this year than what we saw last year. A lot more designed roll outs, deep passes off those roll outs, misdirection screens, etc. This is the first time in three years I’ve been excited to see what we’ve got instead of ‘hoping’ the coach could turn hangover urine into wine.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I just hope Curry doesn’t false start this season. For a wide receiver to do that, you have to be stupid or not paying attention. He did it several times last year.
When I read that Higgins might be the punt returner my stomach immediately tightens up in knots. He looked totally clueless back there last season.
I wonder who the refs are going to let win tonight? Kobe’s probably playing tennis with them right now.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I really wanted Calais Campbell in the second, i think he will be a monster. I was pulling for us to go after Okam or Bryant in the later rounds as well. I also really liked Pat Sims out of Auburn, but alas Mr. Davis got his traditional fast DB in Branch. I honestly think that Tyvon will be really good on special teams and he is obviously the heir apparent to Jarrod Cooper as our special teams leader and gunner.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
JLH looked great in the pre-season returning punts, idk what happened in the regular season.
Curry really does need to cut down on the false starts and the drops, he cost us more than one oppurtunity to win games with his mental lapses. Lets hope that he can get back to his ‘06 form.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
[...] Curry is stronger, lighter - Jerry Mcdonald Pain-free Curry is stronger, lighter - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the h… Pain-free Curry is stronger, lighter By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at [...]
June 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
JediRaider post 18 -
Good post mang, great insight. I agree with all your comments.
I think the defense has the ability to take some pressure off the offense as well, which, in turn will help with the things you mentioned.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Where is everyone? Jerry, I think this post was so dissapointing everyone has left you and gone over to the Jason Jones blog.
Sorry.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
“disappointing”…my bad…drank too much at lunch.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
What is the Jason Jones Blog?
June 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
E,
Jason Jones Blog:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/
June 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
yeah the fals starts were killing me last year!!!!!! The Great Tim Brown had faith in Curry so ill withold judgment 4 now…..
June 12th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Jason appears to be on vacation…damn personal lives getting in the way of our Raider news. Don’t these people understand that once the next set of OTAs are done there will be a month and a half of NOTHING! We need our info NOW!
June 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
If Mr. Raider (Touchdown Timmy) said it, it’s good as gold.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
However, I am biased, as Tim Brown is my personal favorite Raider.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Props to Chris Johnson for attending PRIME U!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Tim Brown was the perfect Raider…started out at my college favorite, Notre Dame, and went on to a HOF career with da RAAAAAders!
Not my favorite though…that would be Howie Long.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Howie is a legend, but, that offsides penalty in the early 90’s in the playoff game against the Bills killed me, that pretty much lost the game. If im not mistaken I think that was Howies last game. Either way that one was hard to get over.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I was gutted when we took Branch then i though maybe he will be sh1t hot at returning punts fair enough but he jus seams sh1t if JLH is returning kicks. He’s clueless. Red Bryant is a unit he would have sloted in perfectly at nose tackle. Good to see Curry healthy he aint a huge threat but is an awesome possesion reciever and a role model. Plus id rather he started at QB than Tui if JM goes down.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
E,
Yeah, I was saddened by his last game too, hard way to go out, but I tend to take a panoramic view of his career; he was great from the get go, helped us win a SB, helped us stay competative till the early 90s…what a stud.
Yeah, I will admit it…I love Howie.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Einstein Says:
June 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
However, I am biased, as Tim Brown is my personal favorite Raider.
Dude I still rock my 81 jersey 2 the games!! but when i go 2 whinner games I sport the 75 LONG in black……. I hear alot of smack but I still hold it down 4 the nation BTW I always meet people reppin the NATION @ said games
June 12th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Gotta go pick up the pizza, then clean out the garage…relatives (in-laws) are coming for A WEEK! Hopefully my wife will let me stick them in the crawlspace above the garage…with both cars running underneath them.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
D,
Agreed. A real legend of the Raiders and a Hall of Famer. Not taking anything away from him, Howie was friggin awesome.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Dnt leave me Jason nooooooooooooooooooooooo
No more updates for ages. Im goin to have to go cold turkey and kick the raider drug out my system for now
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
L8r D
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Even David White is on vacation…I mean how hard is this job anyways???
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=27258
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Part of Howies pregame routine was to have his socks done low. When he was ready to go, he’d stand in the endzone and pull them over his calves.
Go Lakers!!!!
Don’t make me drink to much tonight. I want to enjoy the game.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
LosT thats what i was thinkin. An hour a day they write for. MAX. Plus they get to stand in the sun and take notes at OTA’S. Its the most awesome job around and pretty stressless
June 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Dude,
If they hired me, I would never go on vacation…their job is a vacation…o well
June 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Interesting blurb from Kiff’s Q & A…
Q: After the conclusion of next week’s OTAs, it’s going to be about five weeks until the start of training camp. What do you do as a coach and coaching staff and what are the players responsible for during this time?
Coach Kiffin: The rookies are around. We give them a little of time off and then they come back and we give them some time off and they come back. They are around and we are around with them at times. Most of the guys go off and train on their own somewhere because we can’t do much with them. It is a very crucial and critical month for them individually and it will make or break a lot of these guys. Just like last year you will see some guys get waived at the beginning of camp because they didn’t come back in the shape they needed to be in. Hopefully, that is not the case.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Investigators asked Hue Hollins about Dick Bavetta who worked game 1 in Boston. Questioned him about Bavetta favoring the home team.http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3439554
Does this mean Boston’s victory was tainted?
June 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Why the hell would we bring Grant Irons back? He wasn’t good back then and he won’t be good now so whats the point? Rob is too damn nice and plays favorites way too much. Dude, find some new and better talent instead of bringing back players that never did anything. Retarded.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hey Filo Betto, if you are referring to the Any Which Way.. movies, his name is properly spelled Philo Beddoe.
Funny thing, I use that handle for online gaming.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
The Lakers will lose tonight.
Fat and happy after their first win of the season over the Celtics.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
This team won’t win so long as journeyman like Newberry and Wade and busts like Grove are trotted out at Center. The Raiders had a tradition of great Centers, basically only four guys over 40 plus years. This position is the glue that holds the line together, and the team must find another gem like Otto, Dalby, Mosebar, and Robbins.
Davis has built a contendah if pass blocking and run stopping aren’t factored in.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Kirk knows his sh*t
I am still cracking up at all of these Laker fans scrambling to justify getting help from the officials all of these years. It reminds me of Patriots fans.
The NBA will prove a point tonight and the officiating will not be a factor one way or the other. Which means that the Lakers will lose. At home. To a better team.
FYI -
Newberry is now a Charger. I have seen his name mentioned a few times today and I thought y’all should know.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Doh! Count on me to make it look like a Star Wars character…
June 12th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Petrino-
John Wade played for a decade with one team and then joined ours, how does that classify him as a journeyman???
June 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Killa
The NBA will prove a point tonight and the officiating will not be a factor one way or the other
————————————————–
Officiating should never be a factor and the NBA should not have to make a point if their refs were calling the games fairly. Neutral officials are needed. Then there will be no doubt. May the better team win tonight and every night.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Call the game by the rules. No traveling, double dribbles, flopping, backing in, hacking etc.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
By either team!
June 12th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Oh what the heck,
GO LAKERS!!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Exla… You all staying DRY, in the Buckeye state??
June 12th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I feel you exlaraiderseasonticketholder.
Good luck tonight.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Huff,
Did you know Grant Irons is Gerald Irons son, former Raider Linebacker as well?
June 12th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Game 3 who cares….. OK ima watch
June 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
An Oakland Raiders football player who makes about $2 million a year playing linebacker sued an Antioch woman for $7,500 over a dispute about a deaf dog he purchased from the amateur breeder.
Robert Wayne Thomas, a 27-year-old defensive player who recently signed a three-year, $6 million contract with a $1.5 million signing bonus, claims in the filing that the woman, Catherine Jenna Garber, knowingly sold him a deaf English bulldog for $2,500, but refused to refund the cash when he returned the pet.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
It doesn’t matter how much money you make, there are certain principles and ethics that should be adhered to. When it isn’t, it is up to the consumer to pursue whatever action necessary to obtain a satifactory resolution. I would do the very same thing.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
dude thats what he gets 4 buyin a dog from a chick!!!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Yep I wanted Red Bryant too
June 12th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
he went to small claim court.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
who drafted Red?? do you guys know?
June 12th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Grant irons again? come on now,just because hes a weight room rat doesnt mean he can play ball,plus hes rated like 52 in madden
June 12th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I mean how do we not draft a single DT in the last 2 Drafts when we know it has been a weakness.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
VanGundy is right, he should not have to pay full price for a haircut.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Pau Gasol needs to pull his head out of his arse.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Odem also
June 12th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Ditto
June 12th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Cool gamer picture of McFadden running the wildcat for the RAIDERS!
http://www.sportsgamer.com/assets/images/06.11.08.19.15.21.jpg
June 12th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Raider O……Seachickens got Red.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Here’s to great game and a LAKER VICTORY. clink.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Thx 909, I wnt to the NFL site and saw that he was listed as a backup, the “seachickens” are very happy with him. I like Branch he is fast and a hard hitter, plus he can play both safety positions. He will be a good backup and ST player. Red was a need pick IMO even as a backup on the line. Dre moore was there too.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
is it just me? or is that the greatest 1st quarter in NBA finals history?
June 12th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Fakers $uck.
Go Celtics.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I was wrong about the officiating. The Lakers continue to get help. Going to the line 15 times to Celtics 2? Here we go Laker fans. The best Championship money can buy.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Dakota killer, what kind of sad sack are you? You must be one of those Laker haters upset that we have a better team than the one you root for and have only missed the playoffs 5 times in franchise history. If we were being given rings then the team with Karl Malone and the Glove would have won for sure
June 12th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Nice logic Severe
The Lakers can only win with help. PERIOD.
The sad sack is the person that roots for such a team.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
and the name is Killa bitch!
June 12th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I am officially dropping the “Dakota” portion from my name. Only because I like the dude. Yes he is a Laker’s fan, but nobody’s perfect.
I will now post as Killa #99.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Severe -
your low level of intelligence clearly limits your ability to comprehend simple logic.
I am not Madden Dumba$$ either.
Think what you will, ignorance is clearly your bliss. I will continue to use my brain while you rely on low brow insults and no real intellectual perspective.
Good luck with that. It has clearly gotten you so far in life up to this point. That last sentence is something called “sarcasm”. Look it up so you can actually understand what I am typing.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
TT -
That has to be one of the best 3rd quarters in Finals history.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Koby Just got Dipped on
June 12th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
SevereRetardation -
Once again something has gone completely over your head. Big shocker there. You actually don’t understand something? I would have never guessed that someone could be so moronic while actine intelligent. It’s called an oxymoron, the key part of that word being MORON. Look it up in the dictionary so you can realize how stupid you seem.
I do find it funny that you gravitate to gay jokes. Quite a window into your psyche my friend. You probably have mommy issues too.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Severeraider Says:
June 12th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
“U Killed 99 dicks”
Come on bro, seriously. That kind of stuff is uncalled for. Grow up mang.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
24 point lead…gone
June 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
and they didn’t need help to do it. A real team. Let’s hope the refs don’t hand it to the Lakers again. It’s clear to all watching who the better team on the floor is.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
A team with a 24 point lead that ends up losing the game has to be considered one of the biggest chokes by any team in NBA Finals history.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
This place is like The Staples Center. Completely quiet.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Its great to hear Curry feeling better. It makes sense that he was not very healthy last year.
Prediction: Zach Miller will make the pro bowl this year. He is going to catch a lot of footballs this year.
Welcome back TT..
June 12th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Here we go, the refs will now start to get “more involved”.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Nice Laker defense. How do you let Ray Allen get a lay up in such a critical time in the game? Wow.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Jedi;
Good point -
“Jerry Porter lacked the deep speed and run after the catch ability to command double teams, so we essentially played with two #2 caliber WR’s last year with no game breakers at RB and two back up QB’s that for different reasons (DC lack of mobility in the pocket and McCown lack of arm) couldn’t run the offense. ”
That just reminds me that the upgrade on this offense this year is simply sick. McFAdden, Miller, JRuss, Walker.
I just hope that this offense is able to gel. Most good teams (Ind, Pats, SD) needed 1+ years to get on the same page. Hopefully we can all get on same page sooner rather than later. The following year is when they are really going to be ridiculous.
Give AD credit for listening. Kiff said he needed some weapons to put around JRuss. AD delevered.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
The Lakers are now the proud owners of the BIGGEST CHOKE IN NBA FINALS HISTORY!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Celtics come from behind and steal 1 in LA.
This series is over.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Ko-Me will be crying now. LOL
June 12th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Get ready for all of the excuses. That is if any Laker fans actually show themselves around here.
Sorry Dakota, don’t go doing something crazy now.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Let’s hope Branch can play special teams. Otherwise, looks like another Al Davis scholarship crapper.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Killa #99 Says:
June 12th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
“The Lakers are now the proud owners of the BIGGEST CHOKE IN NBA FINALS HISTORY!”
You got that right son!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I called it.
Oh! The humanity!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Poa Gasol and Rodmonavic are as soft as cotton.
There is no way a team can win a championship with those two on the same team playing major minutes.
Both are very skilled but they have no killer instinct. Epecially when Lamar Odom is also on thatteam.
There is no fire in the Lakers gthey play as if they couldn’t care less. Vujacic and Kobe and Fisher are the only real competitors, playing major minutes.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Post #50, I called it.
The Lakers unbathed Eurosofts could not stop Ray Allen when it counted.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Typical Kobe.
Fakers $uck.
It’s OVER.
Go Raiders.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
RaiderTay was there any doubt at all that Mr Davis would put weapons around Russell? He’s done that his entire career. Kiffin just had to ask for which weapons he wanted.
Randy Moss should still be here. If not for Kiffin he would be. And we’ve always had tremendous offensive weapons. The QB was the problem.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Kobe…
It couldn’t happen to anyone more deserving.
Now he will blame the rest of the team.
Get me some better players! Whaaa!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Kirk -
I always give you your props. You know your sh*t.
I have to say that I saw this coming as well. Lakers have no defense. None. Gasol is no Shaq!
I heard that they are selling Pau Gasol jerseys outside of Staples Center that say “Gasoft” on the back. My buddy down in LA said that they are all over the place, he even thought about getting one and he is a Laker fan. Nice fans…
June 12th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Well as much as this pains me to say. Must give props when it is due.
The Celtics manned up and won this game fair and square. Great play in the 2nd. half.
Yes, the Lakers did choke it up, but the Celts earned it.
Kudos.
See ya on Sunday.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
909
much respect
June 12th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Killa 99, great story about the Gasoft jerseys. My first thought when I read your story was, “Damn, what a great way to make money. Those guys are smart.”
June 12th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Phil, looks like he has to pass a kidney stone, right now at the presser.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Well, that was one of the worst moments in my personal sports watching history.
Congrats Celtics.
Bill P, what size and where do I send it?
At least the Cubs will never do this to me, lol.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Kudos to Dakota for being man enough to show up tonight.
I don’t think I would have.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
KIrk Says:
June 12th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
“Kudos to Dakota for being man enough to show up tonight.”
I second that. Dakota and 909 get the prize for being man enough to take their lumps.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Nothing can compare with the Raiders blowing the Super Bowl.
Its just basketball Dakota.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
If you never see me here again…I had a stroke…I am having shooting pains in my head!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Dakota,
with all due respect to you as a Raider fan…you should never fix your mouth to make another basketball prediction again.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Killa#99….It’s all good, just remember the fat chick may be clearing her voice box, but she ain’t singing just yet.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Nope, sorry K-rock, the Raiders got whipped in the SB, I was stunned and dismayed, but this is much much worse for me…if the Raiders had blown a 10 point 4th quarter lead, then that would be worse than this, but right now, this is about as bad as it gets…ask my wife…I was a wild man.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Lakers win it all next year!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Kobe disappeared in the 4th quarter when his team needed him the most. For all of the Jordan comparisons(blasphemy, Mike would have single handedly one that game for his team, once the game got to within 6 points. Kobe is a joke and anyone who thought Lamar Scrotum was gonna carry the Lakers is delusional at best.
Go Raiders.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
haha meant to say ‘won’ that game.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
6 for 19 baby….I can take over any game!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
that was a pretty amazing comeback
June 12th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Imagine guys on a blog that probably should be working criticizing sports writers for taking a vacation.
FYI…kickoff returns & punt returns are not 1 in the same so Branch can still cease the kickoff return job. Higgins is slotted for punts…
You people calling out busts in may/june kill me.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Guess I Will have to watch the U.S. Open or Nascar until Sun. night. No bspn, that would be much to painful.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Dakota, sleep it off bro.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Next year the Lakers actually have a pretty formidable looking team with Bynum, Gasol Odum, Bryant, and Fisher. On paper they should be the favorites to win the West.
Unfortunately for Laker fans, Kobe is not a champion. He had an opportunity tonight to show that he is the second coming of MJ and failed miserably.
He has yet to accomplish anything apart from Shaq, meanwhile Shaq went to Miami and won a championship without Kobe. The Lakers are done. Go Warriors!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
No wonder I dont live in Utah and never will.
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June 12th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Raiders, A’s, and Warriors. That’s how professional sports looks at my house.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
wow…. what a differant tune tonight as the lakers dont get enough ref help…..OUCH! im sorry i had to say it.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I have been watching Laker games, since the Elgin, Jerry and Wilt days. Never ever, seen them lose a game like the way they just did in the Playoffs.
I must again give all due props, to the Celts.
Even my ice COLD beer, just doesn’t taste as refreshing as usual. Damn.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
shame on you laker fans. theres still more ball to play. stranger things have happened, like the sox down 3 games to the yanks…. i can tell your a raider fan too though. you can see the writing on the wall as in our seasons together.lol
June 12th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Kush, Kobe is a joke? one game makes him a joke?
C’mon man let just give credit were credit is due. The Celts are a better team. Kobe got zero help from his teammates. They need Bynum badly, Gasol and Rodmonavic are almost gutless. There isn’t a thing he can do about that.
Kobe got them in the NBA finals and he’s playing one against three…………..period
June 12th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Kobe…is a good player just not a good teamate…
June 12th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Well, reveille is early, as always.
AMF & Take care all..
Go Raiders.
See you Celts fans on Sunday.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Hey, let’s go to Kobe’s house. He just said “Lots of wine, lots of beer and lots of shots. Will be needed tonight”. At the presser.
Out, take care all….
June 12th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I love that analogy about “we just wet the bed and a big one” He knows he’s playing with a very young team and it’s all about getting them to play to their potential.
Tonight they just didn’t.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
my brother in law was so mad i couldnt even give him the bizness 25 point lead thats all bad…..laker fans you guys still have a chance……..go raiders
June 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
BHP,
Kobe is the best individual player in the league. That’s pretty undeniable. However, Kobe is considered by many delusional, Laker fans as the second coming of Michael Jordan. I’ve even heard a few confused souls have the nerve to say that Kobe is BETTER than Michael Jordan.
Well the accomplishments of Kobe and the Lakers as a whole since Kobe ran Shaq outta town, prove that Kobe is nowhere near MJ’s skill and leadership level.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
And furthermore how can you say that Kobe didn’t get any help from his teammates? They gave him a twenty four point lead. He didn’t even score until the second half! And in the fourth quarter when champions step up, Kobe shot enough bricks to build a skyscraper. No excuses.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The paul pierce block was right up there with raja bells clothesline…
June 12th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
lakers in 5! it can happen!
June 12th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Kush….. There is only ONE M.J. Just as there is only ONE, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, “The Logo”, Dr. J, Bird, Russell, Mchale, Cousey. etc.
Don’t write Kobe off just yet…
Really, got to check out now. AMF & take care all…
June 12th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
i was looking for the post prior to we sign mcfadden. My man Dakota wrote specifically how clutch the lakers are in the 4th. I wish i could find that post. he also said the celtic bench sucked even though it’s what beat the pistons. I wrote in there that the bench is underrated. I also noticed that la has an advantage at every position. ouch.
I also heard they’re sorry asses to celebrate winning the weak east. I also heard that they can’t win a clutch a game.
i was asked if the celts lose a 2-0 lead if that was choking. i said, “no. you can’t choke games only within a game”. tonight was a choke. It was within the game. but the game is over.
Give props to Pierce for requesting to guard kobe at halftime. he did it and he scored.
CT RAIDER
June 12th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
no shaq no championship
shaq did it w/wade. (an injured wade).
June 12th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
kobe = Ai with height. Hey, I wish i had AI’s talent. Is he a Magic.. no.. MJ..you’re joking, right?
this is not a knock. these guys are extremely talented and might beat me one on one! However, if LBJ has this team they’re in better shape. if LBJ has the 80s lakers.. they still win those championships. If kobe is in the 80s.. i honestly don’t think they win any. I ‘m not dishing on him. it’s how i feel. He doesn’t fit a system. he’s a loner.
not dogging him. he’s a great talent.
CT RAIDER
June 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I hope the Celtics lose on Sunday. It’s always better to win the championship at home.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Then why does he have 3 rings if he’s such a loner and bad teammate. Kobe will win anther 2 -3 championships B4 his career is over trust me.
He had 10 assist and should’ve had 15 the Celts just guard him. His teammates let him down not him letting them down.
MJ could’ve won with this team either. or he would’ve done it long B4 he got all that help from Scottie, Horace and Rodman. Give Kobe another talent close to his him and he’lkl win a championship. Right now there isn’t anyone on that team remotely close to his talent level. Boston has that and so did your beloved Michael Jordan B4 he could win anything. Hell at least Kobe got them there Michael didn’t sniff a championship until Scottie and Horace got there.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
People are always bagging on Kobe because the truth is he is very close to being in the top ten best players ever. And they hate that. I saw Wilt play and Russell and Oscar most of the great ones.
Magic didn’t win a champinship without talent neither did Michael and neither did Bird they all NEEDED help from players that will be in the HOF to get the rings and so will Kobe.
Oscar Robertson was as good as Michael Jordan and never got close until Kareem. Kareem never won again until Magic. Russell needed Havlicek and the Jones boys and Sanders.
Kobe will need his HOF talent to win another one just like everybody else.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
BHP Kobe had another talent of his caliber and ran him off. His name was Shaq.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Please, Kobe isn’t in the same league as Michael Jordan. I watched Jordan score 63 points against the Bird-led Celtics in a playoff game. It was the greatest individual performance I have ever seen. Jordan was a FORCE OF NATURE. Kobe is a good player, but there is no comparison.
Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player who ever lived. Period.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
That’s crap Shaq ran himself off being too damn lazy to get in shape. Dr. Buss got rid of Shaq if you really want the truth and he let Kobe take the heat.
I saw that game against the Celtics and it took him 3 ot’s to score the 63.
As a scorer Michael isn’t close to Kobe if you really want the truth. Michael’s game is below the FT line Kobe’s is from half court in. They’re really not even similar in style. Michael was an around the bucket scorer, while Kobe’s game includes the perimeter. Michael is closer to Oscar in shot selection. He was just more spectacular than Oscar. Hell David Thompson was just as talented if not for the drugs.
Wether you realise it or not Kobe is indeed one of the greatest players ever to lace them up. In the top 20 and getting better.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Here is video of Jordan’s game against the Celtics….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69vkEcc-zfc
June 12th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
If Michael is the greatest player to come along at the right time.
If Wilt Chamberlain wanted to he could have taken the record books into the stratus sphere. Best athlete I’ve ever seen in any sport hands down Wilt Chambelain.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Dude Wilt would score 50 by half time.
over 70 points 25 times. Michael never scored 70
June 12th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Chamberlain led the league in assist, the only front court player to do so. and averaged 50 points a game in one season. Once had 55 rebounds over BILL RUSSELL.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
I was a huge Wilt fan. I loved Wilt.
But nobody delivered in the clutch like Jordan. On both ends of the court.
Here’s Kobe’s best moment…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lofoN5g2FI&feature=related
June 12th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Kobe’s best moment hasn’t happened yet he’s only 29 about the same age Michael was when he won his first championship. I think Mike was 28 years old n the league 7 years getting his rear end kicked.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
a micheal less team won only one game less, the year after retired ! so how good can he be ? That show how good scottie was! And his role players ! The lakers would be below .500 if Kb24 would miss next year !!
June 12th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Wilt and Russell were hands down the two most dminant forces to ever play in the NBA.
Michael was simply the most spectacular talent at the right time when cable was exploding. So the entire saw him play virtually no one saw Wilt and Russell, by comparison.
If they had this discussion would be mute
June 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
After a stand-out career at the University of North Carolina, Jordan joined the NBA’s Chicago Bulls in 1984. He quickly emerged as one of the stars of the league, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring. His leaping ability, illustrated by performing slam dunks from the free throw line at Slam Dunk Contests, earned him the nicknames “Air Jordan” and “His Airness”. He also gained a reputation as one of the best defensive players in basketball. In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that achievement with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a “three-peat”. Though Jordan abruptly left the NBA at the beginning of the 1993-94 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships (1996, 1997, and 1998) as well as an NBA-record 72 regular-season wins in the 1995–96 season. Jordan retired for a second time in 1999, but he returned for two more NBA seasons in 2001 as a member of the Washington Wizards.
Jordan’s individual accolades and accomplishments include five MVP awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVP, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, and was second to Babe Ruth on the Associated Press’s list of athletes of the century. He will be eligible for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
The entire world saw Michael virtually no one saw Wilt and Russell, by comparison.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
kobe outscored the mavs in three quarter and sat out the fourth ! it took micheal three overtimes what it took kobe three quarters!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
true i never saw wilt play
June 12th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
BHP, Wilt was great, but the athletes weren’t nearly as good then. Wilt is like Shaq. Great player, but Jordan was better.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
and wilt was playing with a bunch of 6 foot white boys !!
June 12th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
How many times has Kobe won defensive player of the year?
June 12th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
So what! all that does is make my point he was infinitely more famous than either Wilt or Russell everyone knows that.
ESPN wasn’t around to see Wilt or Russell.
That’s like comparing Ruth to Josh Gibson. No one covered Josh or Satchel Paige.
I’m getting no where so I can’t help you
June 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
jordan would not have done as good as scottie did, if it was scottie that retired check the stats and the records
June 12th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Kirk if Wilt were here now he would do even more and let me tell you something they were much better back then than they are now.
These players couldn’t carry those players jocks, they just dunk more! but they have zero fundamentals.
All you have to do is watch this crap final series.
No where near the calibre of basketball they playe back then. They were better hands down.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
SIX FOOT WHITE BOYS !!!! jordan would be playing center if he played againts wilt! i didnt watch him live but those dudes look stiff on those few highlight s
June 12th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
back then they never used their off hand! YOUR TRIPPIN’
June 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Fr you to say that Wilt was like Shaq says it all. You have no idea what kind of player Wilt was. Shaq isn’t on the same planet skills wise. Shaq’s game is to dunk, Wilt played basketball.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
SIX FOOT WHITE BOYS !!!!!!!! that why he got balled up by russel
June 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Tommy Heinson was an allstar then. He wouldn’t even make an NBA team today.
I saw quite a bit of Wilt. He and Shaq are comparable players.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
didnt mike lose the game he scored 63 against the celts in the playoffs
June 13th, 2008 at 12:02 am
SIX FOOT WHITE BOYS !!! kobe for pres !!!!!!i will take our all-stars againts wilts era all-stars. ALL DAY !!!!!!!!!!!
June 13th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Ya’ll are trippin, the two greatest players ever are Wilt and Jordan.
Props to Kush #134 Ditto!
Love to see Lakers lose.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Jordan won six NBA titles even though he retired twice.
He won three titles in a row twice.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:03 am
You guy’s are clueless lol you think Wilt played against players with no talent. WOW!! I’m obviously talking to some 20 year olds.
Let me say this, the centers in todays game are no comparison to the centers I grew up watching these guy’s today are terrible TERRIBLE!! Poa Gasol couldn’t make a team back then.
This is a joke!! Adios guy’s sweet dreams. Too bad you just haven’t seen real basketball.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:03 am
nike made mike like nike is making lebron
June 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
and everytime he missed he also went the line to shoot a freethrow
June 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Yeah Russell won 8 in a row, so what!!
June 13th, 2008 at 12:05 am
im out! pau sucks bad ex.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:06 am
look the nba needed magic and bird then the pistons then they only had mike left so we got stuck watching that crap for 6 of 8 eight years cause there wasnt anything else to watch
June 13th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Go raiders
June 13th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Russell had a better team around him than Jordan did. Wilt and Jordan Best of all time. Mullin was the shat though.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:07 am
no there are plenty of stars in the league so it they dont care who wins as long as people are watching
June 13th, 2008 at 12:09 am
russel won 8 only because there was only eight teams in the league !!! EIGHT TEAMS !!! EIGHT TEAMS !! im not impressed EIGHT TEAMS!!!!!!!!! LOL
June 13th, 2008 at 12:09 am
mike “i got a whistle in my pocket” jordan cant hold wilt or kareems jock strap
June 13th, 2008 at 12:10 am
KOBE FOR PRES
June 13th, 2008 at 12:11 am
raider 1st ! go dodgers I’m out !! EIGHT TEAMS !! thats weak!!lol
June 13th, 2008 at 12:14 am
You guys have to see this video…
I had forgotten some of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WmNHGA5jh8
June 13th, 2008 at 12:15 am
mike jordan is not even in the top 5 all time in the nba
June 13th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Black Hole Priest says: Michael’s game is below the FT line Kobe’s is from half court in…
BHP I’m gonna tell you like I did Dakota…When it comes to football you’re my brethren and a proud member of the Raider Nation. But when it comes to basketball, your arguments sound completely ludicrous and clueless.
Fact is Michael Jordan holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. Higher than the great Wilt Chamberlain.
Look up MJ’s career stats, and accomplishments on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. No one else even comes close. Especially not the great Pretender, Kobe Bryant.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:17 am
michael jordan averaged the most free throws attempted ever per game
June 13th, 2008 at 12:18 am
and he got the calls on the road as well. his whistle traveled well
June 13th, 2008 at 12:20 am
the nba makes their stars and then uses them to promote there product if you di=ont believe that you are one nieve person
June 13th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Like I said check the stats, and then get back to me with some logic.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:23 am
More video evidence…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKlvfx9ODM8&feature=related
June 13th, 2008 at 12:24 am
in a 179 playoff games he averaged 10+ freethrows a game look it up if u want
June 13th, 2008 at 12:26 am
and for his career he averaged 8+ freethrows a game not bad when your career average is aided by 8 or nine points a night
June 13th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Jordan’s individual accolades and accomplishments include five MVP awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVP, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, and was second to Babe Ruth on the Associated Press’s list of athletes of the century.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am
The Lakers are quitters,…chokers,…losers,…Dakota, how do you feel now you loser?…you and the Lakers are both losers…enjoy each other.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:32 am
and lets not talk about competetion he beat an aging magic johnson and a rookie vlade divac, he got the aged superstar tandem of john stockton and karl malone, he then beat the fiercesome sonics, and the oh yes the unstopable force portland trailblazers.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:34 am
not in that order of course. but he never beat a champion in his prime. the teams he beat were old and weak. now if you wanna talk about the greatest free throw shooter in the history of the game mike is your man
June 13th, 2008 at 12:36 am
oh yes and he did play with the flu once ( and the academy award goes to mike jordan)
June 13th, 2008 at 12:38 am
mike was good but to say he is the greatest is up for debate and thats just the facts
June 13th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Michael Jordan played 13 seasons in the NBA. Kobe so far has played 12. If you compare what Kobe has accomplished individually and collectively on his team, compared to Michael Jordan he don’t even come close. Here’s a comparison below… I know it’s long, but that’s how much stuff Michael has accomplished.
Michael Jordan Achievements
Plaque chronicling the career achievements of Jordan at the United Center.
* Scored in double-digits in all but one of 1,109 games as a Chicago Bull (8 points on March 25, 1986 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers)
* Scored 20 or more points in 1,099 games (926 regular season, 173 postseason)
* Scored 30 or more points in 671 games (562 regular season, 109 postseason)
* Scored 40 or more points in 211 games (173 regular season, 38 postseason)
* Scored 50 or more points in 39 games (31 regular season, 8 postseason)
* Scored 60 or more points in 5 games (4 regular season, 1 postseason)
* Recorded 30 triple-doubles (28 regular season, 2 postseason)
* Recorded 240 double-doubles (201 regular season, 39 postseason)
* 11-time regular season leader, total points (1984-85, 1986-93, 1995-98)
* 10-time regular season leader, scoring average (1986-93, 1995-98)
* 3-time regular season leader, steals (1987-88, 1989-90, 1992-93)
[edit] NBA Finals
Jordan played in six NBA Finals for a total of 35 games.
* 6-time NBA champion (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98)
* scored 40 or more points in six games, and 50 or more in one game
* averaged 33.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 6.0 apg
* 6-time Finals MVP (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98)
Holds NBA Finals records for:
* Finals MVP honors (6)
* named MVP in each Finals appearance
* scoring average, single-series (41.0 ppg)
* set in the 1993 NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns
* consecutive games, 20 or more points (35, June 2, 1991-June 14, 1998)
* only player to score 20 or more points in all games, career (min. 15 games)
* Jordan scored at least 20 in all 35 of his Finals performances
* consecutive games, 40 or more points (4, June 11-18, 1993)
* points, one half (35)
* set in 1st half vs. the Portland Trail Blazers, June 3, 1992
* field goals made, one half (14)
* did so twice; vs. Portland, June 3, 1992 and vs. Phoenix, June 16, 1993
* shared with Isiah Thomas
* consecutive field goals made (13)
* set vs. the Los Angeles Lakers on June 5, 1991
* free throws made, quarter (9)
* shared with Frank Ramsey
* three point field goals made, one half (6)
* set vs. the Portland Trailblazers, June 3, 1992
* shared with Kenny Smith
* scoring 30 or more points in all games of series
* set in the 1993 NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns
* shared with Elgin Baylor, Rick Barry, Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O’Neal
* points, 6-game series (246)
* set in the 1993 NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns
* field goals made, 6-game series (101)
* set in the 1993 NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns
* steals, 5-game series (14)
* set in the 1991 NBA Finals vs. the Los Angeles Lakers
* highest assists average not by a point guard, single-series (11.4 apg)
* set in the 1991 NBA Finals vs. the Los Angeles Lakers
Rank among NBA Finals leaders in other stats:
* 2nd, points, game (55 vs. Phoenix Suns, June 16, 1993)
* 2nd, points, one half (33 in 1st half vs. the Phoenix Suns, June 16, 1993)
* shared with Elgin Baylor
* 2nd, three point field goals made, career (42)
* 2nd, field goals made, 5-game series (63)
[edit] Playoffs
Holds NBA Playoff Records for:
* points per game average, career (33.45)
* points, career (5,987)
* points, single postseason (759, 1992)
* 50 point games (8)
* 40 point games (38)
* 30 point games (109)
* 20 point games (174)
* consecutive games, 10 or more points (179)
* scored 10 points or more in every career playoff game
* consecutive games, 20 or more points (60)
* June 2, 1989 - May 11, 1993
* points in a game (63)
* set vs. the Boston Celtics, April 20, 1986
* averaged 43.7 ppg, 5.7 apg, and 6.3 rpg for the three games series against the Boston Celtics
* points in a 3-game series (135)
* set in the 1992 First Round vs. the Miami Heat
* points in a 5-game series (226)
* set in the 1988 First Round vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
* field goals attempted, career (4,497)
* field goals made per game, career (12.2)
* field goals made in a game (24)
* set vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on May 1, 1988
* shared with Wilt Chamberlain and John Havlicek
* field goals attempted, half (25)
* set vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on May 1st, 1988
* shared with Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor
* field goals made in a 3-game series (53)
* set in the 1992 First Round vs. the Miami Heat
* field goals made in a 5-game series (86)
* set in the 1988 First Round vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
* field goals made in a 6-game series (101)
* set in 1993 NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns
* consecutive field goals made (13)
* set vs. the Los Angeles Lakers on June 5, 1991
* free throws made, career (1,463)
* free throws made, quarter (13)
* blocks by a guard, career (158)
* free throws made per game, rookie (12.0)
* free throws attempted per game, rookie (14.5)
Rank among NBA Playoff leaders in other stats:
* 2nd, free throws attempted (1,766)
* 2nd, field goals made, career (2,188)
* 2nd, steals, career (376)
* Scottie Pippen is the all-time leader with 395
* 2nd, field goals made, single postseason (290, 1992)
* also holds the 6th (251, 1993), 7th (243, 1998), and 10th (227, 1997) highest
* 2nd, field goals attempted, single postseason (581, 1992)
* also holds the 4th (528, 1993), 5th (526, 1998), and 8th (498, 1997) highest
* 2nd, points, 3-game series (131)
* set in the 1986 First Round against the Boston Celtics
* 2nd, points, 4-game series (147)
* set in the 1990 First Round against the Milwaukee Bucks
* 2nd, points, 5-game series (215)
* set in the 1990 Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers
* 2nd, points, 6-game series (246)
* set in the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns
* 2nd, rebounds by a guard, career (1,152)
* Magic Johnson is the all-time leader with 1,465
* 3rd, free throws made, single postseason (183, 1989)
* also holds the 4th highest with 181 in 1998
* 4th, points per game average, rookie (29.2)
* Following Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (35.2), Wilt Chamberlain (33.2), and George Mikan (30.3)
* 4th, steals per game average, rookie (2.8)
* shared with Andre Iguodala
Other:
* only player to record back-to-back 50 point games
* Set in Games 1 and 2 of 1988 First Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers (April 28-May 1, 1988)
* recorded two playoff career triple-doubles
* both against the New York Knicks (May 9, 1989 and June 2, 1993)
[edit] All-Star Game
* selected 14 times (1985-93, 1996-98, 2002-03)
* started in 13 of the 14 years, including rookie season, and missed one due to injury (1986)
* 3-time All-Star MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
Holds NBA All-Star Game records for:
* points, career (262)
* field goals made, career (110)
* field goals made, game (17)
* shared with Wilt Chamberlain and Kevin Garnett
* field goals attempted, career (233)
* field goals attempted, game (27)
* shared with Rick Barry
* steals, career (37)
* blocked shots, half (4)
Rank among NBA All-Star Game leaders in other stats:
* 2nd, selections (14)
* behind Kareem Abdul-Jabar (16)
* 2nd, points, game (40)
* finished with 40 points on 73.9% shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 assists (1987-88 All-Star game)
* 3rd, scoring average (20.2)
* 3rd, minutes, career (382)
Other:
* recorded the only All-Star Game triple-double (14 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in 1997, in Cleveland)
[edit] Regular season
Holds NBA regular season records for:
* All-Defensive First Team honors (9)
* shared with Gary Payton
* Player Efficiency Rating, career (27.91)
* points per game average, career (30.12)
* consecutive games scoring in double-digits (866)
* seasons leading the league in points per game average (10)
* consecutive seasons leading the league in points per game average (7, 1986-87 through 1992-93)
* shared with Wilt Chamberlain
* Appears on the All-time top 100 list of most points per game in a season a record 9 times.
* seasons leading the league in total points (11)
* Appears on the All-time top 100 list of most points in a season a record 11 times.
* seasons leading the league in field goals made (10)
* consecutive seasons leading the league in field goals made (7)
* shared with Wilt Chamberlain
* seasons leading the league in field goals attempted (9)
* seasons leading the league in steals per game (3)
* highest Game Score on record
* 64.6 at the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 28, 1990
* free throws made, one half
* 20, against the Miami Heat on December 30, 1992
* free throws attempted, one half
* 23, against the Miami Heat on December 30, 1992
* free throws made, one quarter (shared)
* 14, against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 1989, and against the Miami Heat on De