davidtoback

SEC Bans Mobile Updates

If the SEC hadn’t flexed their college football conference muscle previously with their $3 Billion television rights deal, they sure did with their latest rules decree:

“Ticketed fans can’t produce or disseminate (or aid in producing or disseminating) any material or information about the Event, including, but not limited to, any account, description, picture, video, audio, reproduction or other information concerning the Event.”

With the increased takeover of social media and the ultimate availability for instant information updates, the SEC feels their $3 Billion deal is in jeopardy.  That’s right, the richest and most powerful conference in the NCAA fears the tweets, facebook updates, and instant blogging of fans in attendance…as if the television audience will turn off their TV’s and wait patiently by their computers, iphones, and crackberry’s, for the next twitter update.  Who wants to watch a college football game anymore when you can just get updates from people in the stands?  That sounds like so much more fun!

Seriously, this is not a joke folks.  I wish it was, honestly, because me writing about this has made it official that the SEC has lost its collective mind.  Or maybe I’ve lost my mind to write about it.  Either way, someone has lost it.  I’m just wondering what the meeting was like when some delusional corporate suit convinced everyone that these social media outlets could affect their TV audience and therefore cannibalize their viewing audience.

If there was ever a time to pronounce the SEC a monopoly and quite possibly a dictatorship, it’s now.  How can an Athletic Conference tell people what they can and cannot do on their cell phones? How can they Mandate that fans cannot voice their opinion, pleasure, displeasure, or excitement with their favorite team?  Sounds like a civil rights infraction to me…you know that thing called the 1^st Amendment – Freedom of Speech.

On the other side, I understand there are fan rules that are stipulated on each ticket and this new ruling may be a forecast to what technology may allow in the future.  I’d imagine they fear the increased capability of video phones which could ultimately allow a user to broadcast a game live via the internet.  But that type of capability isn’t available just yet, so why put the rule in place now?

For once, it would be nice if college sports, especially football, were not so obviously dictated by money.  If fans were to stop watching games on TV and follow the every word of those in the twitterverse, blogosphere, and facebook world, it would mark the end of exclusive TV Network deals, home viewing parties, and I’d imagine there would be some pretty empty sports bars.

Let’s be real SEC, that’s just not going to happen in the foreseeable future.  The world of social media will not replace the excitement of watching a game on LIVE TV.  Seeing the game winning touchdown as time expires cannot be replicated or expressed the same way with words or short video clips as currently available.  Until technology advances to the point where TV is rivaled by mobile devices, why go to this extent and anger your fans?

SEC big wigs - loosen your ties, open a button, take your chokehold off of college sports and let fans communicate their game experience…after all, they did pay to watch amateur athletics, which has helped make you richer than many University budgets in this country.

 

As Always, Thanks For Reading

 

David Toback

The eternal question, "is there a Heaven", could be answered by Brett Favre...because apparantly he's God.  Well, at least that's how the Minnesota Vikings treated him as they groveled at his feet in prayer..."please come play for us, it's all we ask, just this once, if you do I will never ask for antying ever again, so please...play for us".

I imagine this is how the courting conversation went between Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress and his All Mightiness, especially after the Vikings declared they were moving on thus postponing the Brett Favre saga until another team made its way to the pulpit for worship.

The Vikings are going back on their word and sending a hypocritical message to its players, fan’s, and the NFL.  It’s ok for the Vikings to lie, mislead, and support a “me first” attitude, as long as they get their quarterback.  It’s ok for a player to just decide when he sees it’s fit for him to join the team of his choice.  It’s ok to not be a teammate and participate in MANDATORY workouts, practices, and meetings, not developing the much needed chemistry between a quarterback and his team – An issue with his previous worshiper, the New York Jets

No Mr. Favre, IT’S NOT OK!!!!  In the normal football world, this is called a holdout.  But I guess in Favreland, everything is pixie dust and rainbows, and there’s always a pot of gold at the end of them.

When players do this over contract disputes, it’s seen as a negative toward the team, damaging team chemistry, and an act of selfishness none of which are seen very favorably in the world of team sports.  But when an old man decides, for the 2^nd time, he wants to play football again after retiring, did I mention for the 2^nd time?, he’s allowed to call the shots and tell teams when he’ll be joining them.  Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he told them how much they were going to pay him…who needs an agent when you’re God?

Now, I didn’t just crawl out from underneath a rock, I know Favre is one of the greatest quarterback’s to ever live.  But that doesn’t give him an excuse to be treated differently than the rest of the players on any other team in the NFL.  Vikings star defensive lineman Jared Allen said he would welcome Favre if he reported to camp along with the rest of the Vikings and if not, then he wouldn’t want him there.  Where are you now Mr. Allen?  I don’t see teammates up in arms that they have gone through all the rigors of camp, and then just get to watch Favre waltz in wearing his Wrangler jeans, horse dung covered Nike Golf hat, and start winging the football around.

(That brings me to a not so football related tiff I have…why the hell was Brett Favre wearing the above gear to a press conference?  I know he’s a man’s man, but when being introduced as a new member of a professional football team…take a shower, shave your white chin hairs, and put on some clothes that look like you’ve been making millions of dollars for countless years.  The NBA has a dress code when players are in the public eye…maybe the NFL needs to do the same…it should be called the Favre Rule)

 

The fact of the matter is, the Vikings Organization wants to win a Super Bowl and they think Favre is the key.  They already have the best running back and run defense in the NFL, so making a run at Favre was always their main priority.  But I have to agree with my man Mark Schlereth…football teams are never one player away from winning a championship.

In fact, the Vikings are getting a Favre that led the NFL in interceptions last year with 22, amassing 6 in his final 3 games and who is also coming off a biceps tendon tear which required surgery in the off-season…the main reason why he retired for the 2^nd time

The Vikings, as an Organization, have lost all respect from me.  After giving Favre a hard deadline in which to sign and stating they would move on with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels at quarterback if not, they have turned around and gone back on their word, calling Favre at his Mississippi home and begging him to play for them.  Would life in Minnesota really been that bad if your opening day starter was Tarvaris Jackson?

Here’s the stat line of both players in their last 4 games in the 2008 season….which one are the Vikings getting?

W/L	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	TD	INT	QB RAT
3-1	57	89	740	66.8%	8	1	116.6
1-3	75	132	764	57.3%	2	8	54.0

Well, if you paid attention to Favre’s interception tally which I recited above, you’ll know….

I guess that’s fitting, the Vikings are taking a huge gamble that Favre will come off his injury plagued horrid 2008 campaign and revert to the kid who led the Packers to Glory in the 90’s.  It makes sense though, they need a miracle…guess they’re worshiping the right guy.

 

As Always, Thanks For Reading

 

David Toback

Orlando Magic General Manger, Otis Smith, has just earned my vote for NBA GM of the year with his cunning strategy and resourceful maneuvering through the tumultuous world of NBA Free Agency.

Earlier this month, Smith pulled off such a feat of sports management, I may have wept a tear or two.  Today’s professional sports world is rough, tough, and losers get fired.  The economy is weak and has infiltrated even the world of the super rich professional sports franchise.  Money doesn’t grow on ticket stubs anymore, so teams have to be a smart and creative when making acquisitions.

This is where Mr. Smith, as I will call him from now on as he as distinguished himself as a smooth kat, took his GM game to the next level.  “Restricted Free Agent” Marcin Gortat, a hot free agency target after his solid performance backing up all World center Dwight Howard, was the first piece in Mr. Smith’s chess game ala NBA style.

After already making the bold trade for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson, Mr. Smith pulled another rabbit out of the hat, but the Mavericks were the ones left shocked and surprised.  Gortat became a major target for the Mavs during the off season.  They courted him with first class service and after a mid level offer was given, all in Dallas were excited to get their next big man.

This is where Mr. Smith put on his Houdini costume and made “Magic”.  (Sorry, I just had to do it)  Under the restricted free agent rules, the Magic reserved the right to match any offer given to Gortat.  Knowing this, Mr. Smith negotiated a deal with the Mavericks PF Brandon Bass, a top target for the Magic who were looking to beef up a weak front court.  The Mavs didn’t put up a fight letting Bass walk fairly easily, to which I can only assume was because they were happy with getting Gortat.

That was until day 7 after the initial offer sheet was delivered for Gortat.  With skillful deception and perfect timing, the Magic dipped well over the salary cap and matched the Mavs offer for Gortat of 5 years / $34Million.

This left the Mavs without Bass or their prized big man Gortat.  My only assumption is that they figured the Magic wouldn’t match a mid level exception for a backup center.  With having Gortat presumably on the way to Dallas, the Mavs executives must have figured to let Bass go without a fight, not wanting to pay him in addition to the money forked over for Gortat.

This is a great move for the Magic, who get the PF they wanted and get to keep a key player who proved to be a necessary backup.  But my sports senses tell me that Mr. Smith might have one more trick under his sleeve.  After Dec. 15^th, the Magic can trade Gortat under his current restricted free agent contract.  It’s no secret that Gortat was displeased with the Magic’s move to resign him.  He publicly voiced his displeasure but who can blame him?  He was getting an enormous raise to be the Mavs starting center, now he will have to play behind the best center in the league…I know, tough job.

By trading Gortat though, the Magic will be able to use the huge $7M trade exception received in the sign and trade deal sending Hedo Turkoglu to the Toronto Raptors.  This combo will enable the Magic to possibly go after a max contract player to really shake things up in the East.  I’m going to call it now and say Amare Stoudamire or Chris Bosch...

But wait, there’s more!  The Magic made yet another free agency move this week, acquiring small forward Matt Barnes, in what has become the most active off season in NBA history.  Barnes leaves Phoenix where he played in 77 games averaging carrier-highs of 10.2ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.8 apg last year.

"Matt (Barnes) is a versatile player that fits very well with our style of play," said Smith.  "He is a good defender, can knock down the open shot and is coming off his best season as a pro. We're happy to welcome Matt to the Magic family."

Mr. Smith, you are a gentleman and a scholar.  You have earned all good that may come to you…I bid you good day sir!

Now that I’ve said my due to Mr. Smith, I’ll get back to my unparalleled analysis.

The Magic now have a roster that is filled with starters coming off the bench.  Petrius, Barnes, Anderson, and Gortat all have the talent to start in the NBA.  With the key additions recently made, Mr. Smith addressed a very weak and undersized front court.  Having a true power forward will allow Rashard Lewis to move back to his natural position of SF, leaving the bigs to do the dirty work down low, and let him shine as a prolific scorer.  That paired with the scoring ability of Vince Carter and the ball handling and game management of Jameer Nelson, I think the Magic are in a very good place heading into next season.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that big dude, what’s his name….oh! Dwight Howard…yeah he’s pretty good too! 

The match-up problems that Orlando gave teams last year will hail in comparison to this year’s.  If I was Danny Ferry or Danny Ainge, I’d be buttoning up the suit jacket, shining my shoes, and hitting the market HARD!!…you’re going to need all the fire power you can get!

 

 

As Always, Thank you for Reading!

David

I’d like to give my friend Nick Maringnoni a big thanks for whipping my ass in gear to get this column written.  You gave me the motivation I deeply needed and warmly accepted…and for that I thank you!

Video footage of the infamous "Dunk on Lebron" by Xavier sophomore Jordan Crawford has finally been uncovered. I feel it as my obligation to show it with pride to my faithful readers (or just those that I bug enough to read my rants). Without further a due, I present to you....

LeDunk on Lebron

http://m.www.yahoo.com/_ylt=Apd5Uv8E5qh22KcP2Ovbe.mbvZx4;_ylu=X3oDMTMyMTkzdHBiBGEDMDkwNzIyIHNwb3J0cyBsZWJyb24gdmlkZW8gdARjcG9zAzEEZwNpZC05NzA0BGludGwDdXMEcGtndgM4BHBvcwMzBHNlYwN0ZC1mZWF0BHNsawNtb3JlBHRlc3QDNzAx/SIG=13qvkcvc6/**http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/TMZ-posts-anticlimactic-video-of-LeBron-getting-%3Furn=nba,178138

Thank You Yahoo


As Always, Thank You For Reading

David

LeBron James hasn’t done anything right since the final seconds in the “Colossal Beatdown” handed down by the Orlando Magic in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. 

First, he rushed off the court showing the world his true colors as a sore loser, spurning the Magic of their well deserved congratulatory handshakes, daps, and one armed man hugs.   Now, he has displayed a level of narcissism rivaling that of Ashton Kutcher.

During a pickup game at the “LeBron James  Skills Academy”, which of course is run and sponsored by Nike, Xavier Sophomore Jordan Crawford threw down a hellacious two handed dunk.  The kind of dunk that rocks the rim, gets people up on their feet, and draws oooohhhhhhh’s from the crowd.  Now, that is not usually that big of a deal, it happens all the time…except when the receiver of the dunk is none other than LeBron “King” James!

Here’s where the “King” handed down his tyrannical power and had the tapes of this dunk confiscated.  Free lance cameraman, Ryan Miller, was shooting at the camp in part with ESPNU.  After the dunk, LeBron called a Nike rep, Lynn Merritt, over and a few minutes later, Merritt confiscated the tapes from Miller and another cameraman who was shooting at the same time.

Has LeBron’s ego and self bloated image expanded faster than the universe?  Would this kid’s dunk over the “King” do irrevocable damage to his image (which is directly related to his multi-million dollar Nike endorsement deal)?  It’s not like the LeBron loving world would stop buying his shoes, jerseys, apparel, and the rest of “LeBron World” merchandising.  This is as pure a display of narcissism as there is.

But LeBron’s act of, what I’m sure he though to be, “damage control” has turned out to be a media and internet controversy.  A controversy over nothing in my humble opinion.  If these tapes were not confiscated, they would have hit the internet and the world of Youtube would have gone crazy for a few days.  Instead, LeBron has created a media frenzy and shown yet another character flaw to which the sports community is feasting on.

Why is this such a big deal to LeBron?  If my memory serves me correctly, and it does, Magic rookie Courtney Lee, posterized James not once, but twice in the playoffs last year.  LeBron didn’t go running to the league trying to get those tapes confiscating to save his image.  So why is it such a big deal to LeBron that a kid, only 2 years younger than Lee, dunked on him?  In a pickup game at a skills camp none the less?

Nike spokesman Derek Kent released this statement on Wednesday, “Nike has been operating basketball camps for the benefit of young athletes for decades and has long-standing policies as to what events are open and closed to media coverage.  Unfortunately, for the first time in four years, two journalists did not respect our no videotaping policy at an after-hours pickup game following the LeBron James Skills Academy”.

This sounds more of a copout than a legitimate reason.  If this pickup game was “after-hours following the LeBron James Skills Academy”, then what jurisdiction does Nike have and why were they there in the first place to hand down this judgment?

If you ask me, this sounds like the mega conglomerate flexing its muscle to protect their coveted cash cow.  Nike, do us all a favor and release the tape and let the World see it.  Give this kid his 5 minutes of fame and let it be done with.  The only reason why were still talking, and I’m writing, about this is because it’s been stripped away from our viewing pleasure.  Maybe LeBron needs a lil humility in his life.  Maybe that would bring him back down to Earth from his perch atop the Heavens.


As Always, Thank You for Reading

David Toback

For everyone that is compelled to discredit Michael Jackson at the time of his death, I respect and can understand the basis of your opinion.  The same people that made him famous Worldwide know about his troubles in life. 

Michael lived a life uncommon to anyone in the World.  He couldn’t even attend private school as a child because of his fame.  He was beaten to greatness and pushed to his psychological edge by his Father, resulting in the eviction of his childhood.

Despite his troubled youth, Michael brought the World together through his music and set it on fire with his incredible dance moves.  He set record after record, won Grammy after Grammy, and transcended the music industry forever.  His musical dominance ranged over 30 years and is evident by his amazing 800 Million records sold.

But music wasn’t the only way Michael touched the World.   He made helping children just as important as his music and made making the World a better place his life’s work.  Michael was a religious man, as raised so by his Mother, and used his fame and fortune to share the love he saw in life.  He donated tens of millions of dollars to 39 charities and led campaigns to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in a time when the disease was taboo.

Yet Michael Jackson is and has been arguably one of the most under appreciated humanitarians.  His years of contribution and monetary generosity have gone unnoticed and forgotten due to his eccentricities and legal troubles.  But Michael was a one of a kind both in music and service.

However, charity and humanitarian service wasn’t Michael’s largest accomplishment…it was breaking the color barrier.  Michael became the world’s first African American superstar.  People all over the world of every race, color, and gender were signing and dancing to a black man’s music.  The world saw and embraced Michael no matter the color of his skin and this was the true beginning for change in this country, and the World.

On the day of his emotional and deeply moving memorial, the caring and loving Michael Jackson was remembered.  His affect on everyone dear to him was apparent today.  Those who watched saw the importance and impact Michael’s life had on so many, as friends and family said goodbye recounting intimate and personal stories near and dear to their hearts.

Today we remember the positives of Michael’s life as a humanitarian and career as a pioneer and the greatest entertainer the World has and will ever see.  Those who choose to celebrate do not share the ideal to hang onto accusations of old. So for those that do, please let the World and people that care celebrate his life and career the way it deserves to be.

As always, thank you for reading.

David Toback

 

 

It’s hard to believe that the King of Pop is dead.  It doesn’t seem plausible that the greatest musical performer in history will never entertain us again with his jaw dropping dance moves and purely amazing musical talent.  A talent that has been taken for granted with his reclusion from the public eye in more recent years.

As people cope, come to terms, and morn his death, we celebrate it with endless play and tributes of his music.  Everywhere you go, you hear Michael Jackson.  From bars here in downtown Orlando, to house parties, music at the pool, and designated Michael Jackson tribute shows, Jackson’s legacy is being celebrated like no one before.

It feels as though we forgot how good the King was, and as we listen in retrospect, memories and feelings are brought back to the surface to be relived again.  There’s an emotional response, a feeling that you get when you hear Billy Jean, Beat It, Thriller, PYT, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Rock With You, etc, the list goes on and on.  It’s like we’re remembering what it was like when these songs came out and how big and important of a role they played in our lives.  Michael Jackson’s music wasn’t just amazing, it was life!

It’s hard to describe at times just how different his music celebrity death is in comparison to others.  Some might say this is my Generations Elvis, and I can agree with that but it feels different.  Michael Jackson was by far the most musically talented person, the world has ever seen.  His music touched people throughout the world for over 30 years.

Michael paved the way for pop in the US and inspired so many artists for years to come.  He seemed to be able to rule the charts at will, that’s how talented he was.  Michael had a Midas touch, everything he made was gold.  He’s the best selling solo male pop artist with 800 million records sold.  Among his countless awards throughout his illustrious career, he won 13 Grammies and had 13 single number 1 hits – which are the more than any other male artist in the Top 100 Era.  He transformed the music video to an art form and made MTV the giant it became.

Michael was also one of the most generous people in the world, donating to and supporting 39 different charities.  Numerous times he gave Tour profits to charities.  He donated all profits from the single “Man in the Mirror” to charity.  Michael donated his $5 Million share from the 1984 Victory Tour to charity. He supported the United Negro College Fund from 1985-1990, gifting $500,000 each year.  1n 1992, The Dangerous World Tour began and all profits went to his Heal the World Foundation which raised millions in relief for children.  Michael was honored by Ronald Regan for his charitable work with charity’s that helped people with alcohol and drug abuse.

There is a lot more that can be written about Michael Jackson.  He did so much for the music industry and the World while he was here.  Of course, there are the parts of his life that are controversial; his battles with child molestation accusations, numerous plastic surgeries changing his appearance to look, what some say, like his idol and best friend Diana Ross, and the lightening of his skin pigment among other things.

But his quirks and strange behavior can be attributed to the life he led ever since age 6.  Michael was abused by his father who took away his childhood as he pushed the child star to perfection.  He never knew what a normal person’s life was…at age 10 he was a super star and it stayed that way until his death.

I’ve chosen to remember and celebrate the prodigy Michael Jackson was and the positive aspects of his life, music, and contributions to the World.  He was the best we’ve seen and there will never be a musical performer that will eclipse him…EVER.  So as we celebrate our country’s birthday, let’s crank up the MJ and celebrate the good times and good music that he brought us for 4 decades. 

He will be remembered through his music forever – Just the way he wanted.

RIP Michael Jackson – your musical talent will be missed by many, but forgotten by none.

 

As Always, Thanks for Reading

David

In the days leading up to the draft, it was the blockbuster trades made by GM’s around the league that took the spotlight, not the new guys wearing suites and adorning the hat of their new employer.

 Leading off was Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, a move that puts San Antonio back into contention in the West.  Next came the news that Shaq had been dealt to Cleveland, and the last came the day before draft day when the Magic got Vince Carter in 3 player deal.

 I’m not too involved in the Spurs trade but not giving it is fair mention would be bad karma.  The Spurs acquired Jefferson via a 3 team trade including the Bucks and the Pistons. This is a big trade for the Spurs and thoughts of the Gasol trade the Lakers finagled 2 years ago come to mind.  The Spurs didn’t give away much and got A LOT in return.  Jefferson is an athletic perimeter shooter that can drive, dish, and make plays.  His addition will most certainly move the Spurs back into the top 3 teams in the West.  Jefferson will add versatility that was missing at the forward position allowing the Spurs to be considered legitimate contenders once again for the West crown.

 If anyone thought the Cavs were exposed for what they truly were, a one man team…*cough* Lebron *cough*, by the Magic in the playoffs, they were exactly right.  It would seem the Cavs front office was included in the group.  They must have been sitting in their nice luxury suites wondering what happened to their team.  Turns out you can’t win playoff basketball games with one player, imagine that!

 In an effort to make Lebron happy, and a feeble attempt to keep him in Cleveland, the Cavs traded Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a 2^nd round pick in 2011 and $500K for Shaq.  I guess the 4 time NBA Champion and 15 time All Star is only worth a big mac and a milk shake….hold the fries, let’s not get carried away.

 This deal is a direct response to Orlando’s dominance in the playoffs in which the glaring fault of not having any length, athleticism, or skill at the forward position broke them.  Cleveland’s inability to guard Dwight Howard results in this trade, to which I’m completely certain will prove to backfire, crashing and burning just as their Championship run did this year.

 Yes Shaq is huge and will have enough strength to guard Howard straight up.  But he cannot guard his quickness or his passing ability off the dribble.  This brings out the next weakness in the Cavs game, their wing play.  Cleveland knows they have work to do in order to compete again this year, and they better get to it.  A lengthy wing player, ala Tashaun Prince, is needed.  If they can acquire a player with his type of skill set, it should prove to be valuable against teams like Orlando and Boston who have length and skill at their forward positions.

 I’ve saved the best for last of course…the Magic trade for Vince Carter.  The Magic shipped Tony Battie, Rafer Alston, and Courtney Lee to New Jersey in return for the 8 time All Star.  Although Carter comes with medals of Honor and a stat sheet to match, the trade was received with mixed emotion amongst sports analysts and fans alike. 

 With this move, the writing that was on the wall has now been etched in stone…Turkoglu will not be in a Magic uniform next year.  Word is that an agreement could not be met between the Magic and Turkoglu, giving Orlando the opportunity to put this deal together at the speed of light, in direct response to the Cavs addition of Shaq.

 While Turkoglu was a focal point in Orlando’s offense, he wasn’t able to do what Carter brings to the Magic…make his own shot.  This weakness on the offensive side of the ball, clearly obvious against the Lakers in the finals, is what prompted the Magic to make the trade.  Sure giving up Lee is tough, as I and many others believe the young talented 2 guard will become a very good player in the not so distant future.  But you have to give up something good to get something good in return, and if Magic fans have aspirations of hoisting up Championship Banners in the rafters, this is the jagged pill they’ll have to swallow.

 With Carter, 20 pts a game is a guarantee.  He’s a spot up shooter that is more athletic, faster, quicker, better off the dribble, a better rebounder, better post player, and a better passer that Turkoglu.  His size is a step down from Turkoglu, who at 6’10” handed match-up problems to opposing teams like it was his business card.  But his size was not used the way the Magic need it.  Turk has a very limited post game (to be nice), and for a 6’10” Forward, that can prove to be a problem when facing a front court with size and strength.

 While I do think the Magic will lose some match-ups against teams with the loss of Turkoglu, I believe what they get in return with Carter will be much more beneficial when the dust settles.  That and with an additional move to sure up a strong Power Forward, the loss of the Turkish Wonder will be a distant memory in the rear view mirror.

 
As always – Thanks for reading

 David Toback

As quickly as my Magic dreams came to fruition, the ensuing nightmare of the NBA Finals came even quicker.  I admit I'm a homer and picked the Magic in 6.  I honestly thought the Magic would steal a game in LA and come home and take care of business and be in position to win going back to LA.

You could say that two shots made or broke this series.  I could say if Lee's lay-up at the end of game 2 goes down and Derek Fischer doesn't find his shot at the end of regulation in game 4, the series would have been much much different.  But if's are for those that are now relegated to holding onto the feeling of a conference championship, not that big golden basketball, rim, and net that every NBA player dreams of embracing.

Now that I've come to terms with defeat, I can clearly see the reasons behind the Magic's collapse in the Finals...they were out matched.  In a playoffs where the Magic held the match up advantage, they were beat at their own game.  LA's defense came to play and the Magic's inability to come up with answers for Gasol, Odom, and Ariza was the difference. 

Despite the deficiencies of the Magic, this was a much closer series than the 4-1 outcome would suggest.  There were 2 overtime games in which the Magic could, and in some cases should, have won and we can revisit the "what if's" of Lee's lay-up and Fishers clutch shooting.  Even though the Magic were out matched, out coached, and out played, they still had several opportunities to win games and take momentum away from LA.  But the Magic didn't and one could site their lack of experience as a key ingredient.

Magic Johnson said something very profound during the series.  He related this year’s Magic team to last years Lakers team in the Finals.  Last year against the Celtics, the Lakers got beat up, gave away a 20 pt lead in game 5, and got embarrassed in game 6 in Boston.  They brought that experience, feeling, and emotion into this years finals.  They knew how to win when they needed to.  They knew how to close out close games and they knew how to suck the air out of a resilient team.  The Lakers won because they were the better team and they wanted it more.

Yes, the loss in the Finals was crushing for many Orlando fans and the city seemed to be lacking its playoff buzz, but there is a bright future for Orlando to look forward to.  The Magic have their 3 All Stars coming back in Howard, Nelson, and Lewis accompanied by rising talents Petrius and Lee.  The only question marks are Turkoglu, Gortat, and Alston. 

Turkoglu opted out of his contract and will test the free agent market however the Magic and Turkoglu have both expressed the desire to resign; the only obstacle will be dollar signs.  Turkoglu has said he needs to take care of his family with his next contract.  So if he values the big contract over a ring, you might be rooting against Turk next year.  Look for him to go to Detroit, who has openly expressed a big interest in him.

Gortat will be hard to keep in a Magic uniform.  His emergence as a quality center with good speed, defense, and offensive ability will command a big pay raise in the free agency market.  Gortat is good enough to start on as few as 15 NBA teams right now.  The only chance Orlando has at keeping him is giving him a decent offer and hope he values the opportunity to play along side Howard and make another Championship run next year. 

Alston is another guy who most likely will not be in a Magic jersey come the 2009-2010 seasons.  I should have asked him at Shari the other night, we sat a table away at our favorite sushi restaurant her in downtown Orlando.  But since he was with his family, and I didn't feel like being an ass, I'll just give you my opinion instead of cold hard journalistic fact!  The truth is Alston is a starting point guard in the NBA.  He proved to be a very good player this year after being traded from Houston shortly after Jameer Nelson fell victim to injury.  If the Magic can keep Alston, it would be a huge plus.  Having a starting caliber point guard coming off the bench behind Nelson would be invaluable.  Whether or not Alston can handle the prospect of being a bench player is the hurdle the Magic must leap.

As for prospects the Magic need to consider, I have one and only one...Rasheed Wallace.  Now, I'm not claiming to be a basketball expert, in fact baseball is my past time, but it doesn't take Red Arbauch to see what the Magic need.  A true Power Forward.  The Magic were beat up by teams with size in the front court.  Playing Rashard Lewis at the power forward position is a disadvantage if he goes up against a big man and Turkoglu is and plays like a gigantic shooting guard.  Neither forwards for the Magic play like true forwards.  This creates match up problems for most teams, but the pendulum swings the other way too.

With the addition of a big man at power forward that that is a threat to shoot from anywhere on the court, plays very good defense, and is a rebounding machine will instantly make Orlando a serious contender for the Championship next year.  Along with Wallace's playing skills comes his extensive experience as a winner.  Wallace has played in 153 playoff games and has been to the playoffs with Detroit and Portland for the past 13 consecutive seasons.  He's played in 2 NBA Finals, winning 1 with the Pistons in 2004.  He has been in 2 Western Conference Finals with Portland in 1999 & 2000, and 4 Eastern Conference Finals with the Pistons, 3 in a row from 2004-2006, including his lone Championship season.

With a resume like this, Wallace has the experience to help lead Orlando back to the Finals.  He also can help Dwight develop as a dominate center along with Patrick Ewing.  I recognize that Wallace isn't a spring chicken any longer at 34, but he certainly has serviceable years left in the tank.  With Dwight Howard and Wallace both at 6'11", coaches and defenders will have nightmares trying to develop ways to game plan against the Magic's big men.  If Orlando can sign him to a 2 year contract, I predict a Championship.  Mark it down, I said it here first!

This, of course, is my opinion of what the Magic need to do to in order to compete for the Title next season.  Only GM Otis Smith knows what course of action the Magic will take with off season moves.  Their first and most important task is resigning Turkoglu.  Until then, I'll just have to wait and see what transpires.  Here's to hoping for the best!

Until next time, thanks for reading!

David

Currently, I am a fan of the NBA but I'm not sure how long that will last.  With every playoff game that goes by, more and more referee controversy is spewed out like a busted fire hydrant.  Unfortunately, I'm one of the kids playing in it. 

As I watch my beloved Orlando Magic on their journey to what just about every sports analyst, fan outside of the 407 area code, and media jockey throughout the country thought impossible, I am constantly blundered by the play of the officials.  Yes, I said play as in they actually have an impact on the outcome, because they do!

Now, I'm not on any conspiracy bandwagon, but I do believe that the time has come for the NBA to get off their high horse and actually listen to what people are complaining about.  The same people, who thought Orlando had no chance against the mighty Lebrons, are the same people that are noticing the horribly weak, inconsistent, and biased officiating in recent playoff memory.

It's obvious that the officiating in the NBA has been on the decline for years.  You can find that yourself by conducting a survey of people who moved their viewership from the NBA for greener pastures.  Why?  Because the officiating has ruined the game that was once great.  From the days of Dr. J, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, to today's stars Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo Anthony, the officiating of the game has become somewhat comical.

It seems as if in today’s game, the official’s job is to manage games and make sure that mayhem does not break out ala the Malay in the Palace.  I find it insulting, some may find it necessary, but what kind of message are we sending to the loyal viewers of the NBA?  That the players they allow to get paid millions of dollars and use them to market their brand generating huge amounts of revenue are thugs, fighters, hoodlums...that's what it sounds like.

INSTANT UPDATE - As I write this I'm watching ESPN's post game coverage of the Lakers win over Denver to win the Western Conference Championship.  As they run through the highlights, I was forced to put my DVR in slow motion to make sure I wasn't in ref hating mode.  JR Smith, a Denver guard, drove to the basket and took 5 steps, yes 5 steps and was not called for traveling.  For those that aren't the most basketball rules savvy, a travel is called when a player stops their dribble and takes 3 or more steps.  So 5 is a pretty blatant travel and some of my friends and I would call that a Lebron.

Back on topic now.  As we experience this change in officiating, you wonder why they call the game differently.  Conventional wisdom would say that the rule book should be called the same in 1999 as it is in 2009.  Well, that's not the case unfortunately.  It appears the rule book has been opened for interpretation and not in a good way.  Fouls are called at an alarming rate, and a lot of the time, incorrectly.

I have some reasoning for this impropriety.  We first have to look at the change in the game.  The players in the NBA have morphed like a caterpillar into a butterfly.  In years past, no one was as big, strong, and athletic as the athletes that adorn the NBA today.  The game itself has speed up parallel to the players.

With that being said, I want to skip to my second reasoning.  Referees are an integral part of the game and their view of the game can control the game and certainly impacts the way the game is played.  So why are there so many older, non athletic and slow referees still in the game?  I read Bill Simmons blog the other day, please check it out, it was great http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090528&sportCat=nba, and saw something that confirmed a suspicion I've had for years.  13 of the current NBA referees are between the ages of 54 and 72!  These old timers are officiating amongst some of the best athletes in the world? 

I can only imagine the physical affects father time has had on these ref's and I can't say that it would help them do there job any better.  My eye sight has worsened a lot in the past couple of years and I'm only 28...well, 29 in 2 weeks.  I think it would be fair to speculate that these officials’ reaction time, eye sight, and physical ability to get into position to make the correct calls has depreciated about as much as the US housing market.

With having said this all, I believe the NBA needs to put an investment into recruiting and developing referees, young referees.  I think if the NBA manned up and admitted they may have a problem and are working to resolving it would garner applause and praise from fans Worldwide.

Currently, the NBA frowns on ANYTHING they view to be challenging or damaging the integrity of the game.  Phil Jackson was asked a question about the officiating by the media in a press conference after losing a game against the Nuggets.  Jackson answered honestly and questioned the disparity of foul calls between the Lakers and Nuggets.  The NBA swiftly levied their normal $25K fine to both Jackson and the Lakers Organization.

What I don't understand is why the NBA refuses to allow players and coaches to question officiating when they themselves publicly admit it.  At the end of a Mavs / Nuggets game, the Mavs intentionally fouled Carmelo Anthony but it wasn't called.  He wound up hitting the game winning shot directly after the foul.  The NBA publicly stated that the play was a foul and it should have been called by the officials.  Kenyon Martin, a Nuggets Forward, was called for 3 technicals during their playoff run that were rescinded by the NBA.  The NBA also has rescinded flagrant fouls that were called and has given flagrant fouls that were not called; all after the games were finished.  Dwight Howard was given a ridiculous technical foul for celebrating after Anderson Varejo tried to tackle him by the neck.  The NBA rescinded that one too.

My question is, why are the people that are affected by these bad calls not allowed to question them in the media, but the NBA publicly announces how bad their referees are with every foul call they reverse?  While the NBA is so concerned with the integrity of their game, they are the ones doing the most damage.  It's one thing for players and coaches to challenge the officiating, it's another when the league has to change their referees call because they were so blatantly wrong. 

I guess its ok for the NBA to be hypocrites.  Maybe teams should start fining the NBA every time their officials miss calls and the NBA is forced to admit it.  I don't think that will ever happen but the NBA does need to revamp their referee program.  They need to get rid of older inadequate referees and make way for a new type of official.  The NBA should target athletes and younger referees in high school, college, and in other professional basketball organizations.

Maybe if the NBA would pull their head out of their ass and take a good hard look in the mirror, they'd see the problem they are having.  Masked by the popularity of their "Star League" they miss the real problems that are tarnishing their game.  It's time for a change; let’s just hope they realize it before it's too late.

Until next time - thanks for reading,

David Toback