Hey guys check out our newest episode of #BlueCollarSports. This week we start off with the NFL playoff bracket and NFL MVP candidates. We follow up with NBA Christmas day games and close with UFC, Jones vs Cormier. Listen & enjoy!
(click the link to listen to the show)
https://soundcloud.com/crodillfx/blue-collar-sports-show-9
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Kobe's battle with reality
What is it about this man that keeps him going? Is it all the doubters? Being ranked 40th? Carrying a bad team? Is it catching MJ with that illustrious 6th ring? Or maybe it's going head to head with Father Time, in what seems to be a twelve round title fight to the death. You would think after all the success on and off the court he would find solace in his accomplishments. A 36 year old man in his 19th season, with 54,000+ minutes on his body and battling back from a torn Achilles and broken left knee should be slowing down. It's a constant battle with a beast or monster that lies within, refusing to go into that good night.
Since the start of preseason, critics were making their negative predictions. Mostly all of them placing the Kobe we used to know as a thing of the past; However, up until recently Kobe was showing that he is still the player of old. He was second in the NBA in overall minutes played, while leading the league in scoring. It was clear that a person at this stage of their career would not be able to keep this up. After the first month of the season, the super hero or immortal like player we have been accustomed to seeing was finally slowing down. He was succumbing to his body and father time. You could see towards the end of games his legs were not there, shots were not falling, and his defense was awful. In post game interviews Kobe was finally sending out his subtle admissions of fatigue. Anyone would tell you that Kobe admitting to any type of defeat or him not being the guy he's always been is a major warning sign.
Head Coach Byron Scott has finally got the message. Whic in all honesty should have been done all along. Minimize the minutes and occasional days off, where he is benched for a game due to rest. Kobe and Byron seem to be getting on the same page recently. Hopefully this much needed rest can preserve his high level of play that he showed he still had through the first 6 or 7 weeks of the season. He is still showing the hunger to compete and win championships. Minimizing his minutes will preserve Kobe's energy and make him more efficient throughout the game. Even after all that this season is basically a wash, the Lakers will not make the playoffs. With some luck next year and a whole lot of cap space, they can finally bring in some pieces that can really help Kobe make a legitimate run to a title.
In every stage of his career Kobe has continued to amaze me. From his first seasons in the NBA, showing his potential and what he could be. To his prime, where he showed his greatness and dominance. Lastly, the final act. Where after all he has accomplished, being regarded as a top 10 player all time, his fire is still burning bright for that next title. I can't wait to see what he does next.
Since the start of preseason, critics were making their negative predictions. Mostly all of them placing the Kobe we used to know as a thing of the past; However, up until recently Kobe was showing that he is still the player of old. He was second in the NBA in overall minutes played, while leading the league in scoring. It was clear that a person at this stage of their career would not be able to keep this up. After the first month of the season, the super hero or immortal like player we have been accustomed to seeing was finally slowing down. He was succumbing to his body and father time. You could see towards the end of games his legs were not there, shots were not falling, and his defense was awful. In post game interviews Kobe was finally sending out his subtle admissions of fatigue. Anyone would tell you that Kobe admitting to any type of defeat or him not being the guy he's always been is a major warning sign.
Head Coach Byron Scott has finally got the message. Whic in all honesty should have been done all along. Minimize the minutes and occasional days off, where he is benched for a game due to rest. Kobe and Byron seem to be getting on the same page recently. Hopefully this much needed rest can preserve his high level of play that he showed he still had through the first 6 or 7 weeks of the season. He is still showing the hunger to compete and win championships. Minimizing his minutes will preserve Kobe's energy and make him more efficient throughout the game. Even after all that this season is basically a wash, the Lakers will not make the playoffs. With some luck next year and a whole lot of cap space, they can finally bring in some pieces that can really help Kobe make a legitimate run to a title.
In every stage of his career Kobe has continued to amaze me. From his first seasons in the NBA, showing his potential and what he could be. To his prime, where he showed his greatness and dominance. Lastly, the final act. Where after all he has accomplished, being regarded as a top 10 player all time, his fire is still burning bright for that next title. I can't wait to see what he does next.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Blue Sports Podcast #7
This week on #BlueCollarSports we talk about the Cowboys' huge victory over the Eagles. We also get into the crazy week of MLB winter meetings and Kobe passing MJ..
https://soundcloud.com/crodillfx/blue-collar-sports-show-7
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Kobe vs Jordan... It's closer than you think.
Michael Jordan has always been the face of the NBA. The name that is mentioned at the top of the mountain. His name is synonymous with anything that is regarded as the best, in all walks of life. Since the day he crossed over Byron Russell as he hit that perfect jump shot to lock up his 6th title, he was set to go down as the greatest to ever lace them up. That is until a cocky, confident, driven, skinny 17 year old from Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia was on a mission to change all that.
Comparisons started the day that Kobe first stepped on the court his rookie season. He was regarded as either an "MJ wanna be" or the second coming. Over time their games became more identical. Kobe studied Jordan's game relentlessly and constantly worked, almost literally around the clock, fine tuning his game and conditioning. He welcomed the comparison and was motivated by it. He was going to be the greatest ever by any means necessary.
Throughout NBA history, there was always famous battles or duels between teams and players. From Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Bird and Magic, Jordan and Isaiah Thomas. When Kobe hit his prime he was regarded as the best active player. He had the respect of his peers, he had the rings, gold medals and MVP's. While Kobe was accomplishing all this, Tim Duncan of the Spurs was also doing the same but even with that, it never seemed as if they were rivals. Kobe was competing against a retired legend.
Kobe loves and respects Jordan but his mission was to dethrone him. That's where his hunger and competitiveness lies. At the end of the day when you line up resumes, Jordan has the statistical advantage. Rings its 6-5, Jordan. MVP's its 5-1, Jordan. Scoring titles it's 10-2, Jordan. Finals MVP's it's 6-2, Jordan. There also many factors that play into that aside from individual play. Jordan has always had the all around better team and had it for a longer run. Kobe dealt with instability in the franchise, especially after losing Shaq. Kobe was playing along side Smush Parker and Chris Mihm for crying out loud. He played through terrible seasons with bad teams. He's also played with numerous unsuccessful coaches that were fired during awful seasons.
When I look at overall talent I see them as equals. The nod to Jordan defensively and the nod to Kobe offensively. No one could lock someone up like MJ. Offensively, Kobe is a better 3 point shooter and ball handler. Can't forget about their brand and influence; no other player has had the same influence as they did, ever. Kobe now is recognized as the face of the NBA; respected, feared and looked at in awe by his peers. At the end of the day Jordan's statistical resume will always out weigh Kobe's. To many, Kobe will down as the closest player humanly possible that could have passed up Jordan for that top spot. Whatever you may think, make sure you appreciate a living legend and one of the five greatest players to ever grace the basketball court. In my eyes, Kobe will always be #1.
Comparisons started the day that Kobe first stepped on the court his rookie season. He was regarded as either an "MJ wanna be" or the second coming. Over time their games became more identical. Kobe studied Jordan's game relentlessly and constantly worked, almost literally around the clock, fine tuning his game and conditioning. He welcomed the comparison and was motivated by it. He was going to be the greatest ever by any means necessary.
Throughout NBA history, there was always famous battles or duels between teams and players. From Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Bird and Magic, Jordan and Isaiah Thomas. When Kobe hit his prime he was regarded as the best active player. He had the respect of his peers, he had the rings, gold medals and MVP's. While Kobe was accomplishing all this, Tim Duncan of the Spurs was also doing the same but even with that, it never seemed as if they were rivals. Kobe was competing against a retired legend.
Kobe loves and respects Jordan but his mission was to dethrone him. That's where his hunger and competitiveness lies. At the end of the day when you line up resumes, Jordan has the statistical advantage. Rings its 6-5, Jordan. MVP's its 5-1, Jordan. Scoring titles it's 10-2, Jordan. Finals MVP's it's 6-2, Jordan. There also many factors that play into that aside from individual play. Jordan has always had the all around better team and had it for a longer run. Kobe dealt with instability in the franchise, especially after losing Shaq. Kobe was playing along side Smush Parker and Chris Mihm for crying out loud. He played through terrible seasons with bad teams. He's also played with numerous unsuccessful coaches that were fired during awful seasons.
When I look at overall talent I see them as equals. The nod to Jordan defensively and the nod to Kobe offensively. No one could lock someone up like MJ. Offensively, Kobe is a better 3 point shooter and ball handler. Can't forget about their brand and influence; no other player has had the same influence as they did, ever. Kobe now is recognized as the face of the NBA; respected, feared and looked at in awe by his peers. At the end of the day Jordan's statistical resume will always out weigh Kobe's. To many, Kobe will down as the closest player humanly possible that could have passed up Jordan for that top spot. Whatever you may think, make sure you appreciate a living legend and one of the five greatest players to ever grace the basketball court. In my eyes, Kobe will always be #1.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Are Kobe and the Lakers tanking?
When the roster was put together this off-season, most Lakers fans (myself included), saw potential. I was excited to see the new pieces in action along side a healthy and hungry Kobe Bryant. When I heard Jeremy Lin's name I immediately thought of "Linsanity" and how good he can be with Kobe mentoring and embracing him. After that Lakers signed Carlos Boozer, an All-Star vet who said he was motivated and looking to prove doubters wrong. I felt they were off to a solid start, especially while drafting two really good players with a high ceiling in Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. Let's not forget about the firecracker Nick Young and good role players like Jordan Hill, Ed Davis and Wes Johnson, for me things were looking up.
The Western Conference is extremely tough and probably the most talented it has ever been. Even with all these young, high flying, talented teams I believed Lakers had enough talent to push for the 7 or 8 seed. My mind set changed quickly after the first few weeks of the season. The team started off terrible and looked liked they were dead in the water. Then Nick Young returned and gave the Lakers some life, won a few games and things appeared to be looking up. Quickly reality sets back in as losses mount up and you look at stat books and analytics. The defense was awful and the offensive was clearly lost.
The tanking strategy was said to never be an option, I believed Jim Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak when they would say "Tanking is not the Laker way". That is until I started to see things on and off the court that didn't make sense. It almost seemed like in every game the Lakers starting unit would be getting blown out and the 2nd unit would get them right back in it. The starters would return and the game would get out of hand. Kobe would play one on one, hero ball. The offense would become stagnant, turnovers mounted up and no one knew where to be. I'd never accuse Kobe of throwing games but Kobe definitely shot the Lakers out of games while demoralizing his teammates for their play. Against Boston on Friday, the Lakers were -29 points with him on the floor. Maybe Kobe was seeing the bigger picture and saw what one bad season could lead to. A top draft pick next year, followed by a good free agency that certainly leads to better players on the court for him to play with.
Lakers were recently granted a hardship waiver that allows them to have up to 16 players on their roster, which obviously gives them more help and options to win games. They had two days to act on it and chose not to make any moves. That shows me the front office isn't looking to necessarily improve right now. I'm not sure why a 5-15 team wouldn't try look for help from all places possible. Unless a big trade is made this season, the intentions although never said publicly, are to tank.
In Laker Land patience is running thin. I know another season of mediocrity or flat out embarrassment like this one has been will not be tolerated. Bottoming out for a chance at a top pick that may or may not pan out is not worth it. History tells us that, look at all the recent #1 picks. The majority of them have bombed. I will always go proven player over unproven draft pick. Its time for the owner/governor of the Lakers Jeanie Buss to let her brother Jim & GM Mitch know that this experiment isn't working.
The Western Conference is extremely tough and probably the most talented it has ever been. Even with all these young, high flying, talented teams I believed Lakers had enough talent to push for the 7 or 8 seed. My mind set changed quickly after the first few weeks of the season. The team started off terrible and looked liked they were dead in the water. Then Nick Young returned and gave the Lakers some life, won a few games and things appeared to be looking up. Quickly reality sets back in as losses mount up and you look at stat books and analytics. The defense was awful and the offensive was clearly lost.
The tanking strategy was said to never be an option, I believed Jim Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak when they would say "Tanking is not the Laker way". That is until I started to see things on and off the court that didn't make sense. It almost seemed like in every game the Lakers starting unit would be getting blown out and the 2nd unit would get them right back in it. The starters would return and the game would get out of hand. Kobe would play one on one, hero ball. The offense would become stagnant, turnovers mounted up and no one knew where to be. I'd never accuse Kobe of throwing games but Kobe definitely shot the Lakers out of games while demoralizing his teammates for their play. Against Boston on Friday, the Lakers were -29 points with him on the floor. Maybe Kobe was seeing the bigger picture and saw what one bad season could lead to. A top draft pick next year, followed by a good free agency that certainly leads to better players on the court for him to play with.
Lakers were recently granted a hardship waiver that allows them to have up to 16 players on their roster, which obviously gives them more help and options to win games. They had two days to act on it and chose not to make any moves. That shows me the front office isn't looking to necessarily improve right now. I'm not sure why a 5-15 team wouldn't try look for help from all places possible. Unless a big trade is made this season, the intentions although never said publicly, are to tank.
In Laker Land patience is running thin. I know another season of mediocrity or flat out embarrassment like this one has been will not be tolerated. Bottoming out for a chance at a top pick that may or may not pan out is not worth it. History tells us that, look at all the recent #1 picks. The majority of them have bombed. I will always go proven player over unproven draft pick. Its time for the owner/governor of the Lakers Jeanie Buss to let her brother Jim & GM Mitch know that this experiment isn't working.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
#BlueCollarSports podcast update!
Hey guys! Listen to our newest episode of #BlueCollarSports. We dive into USC, UCLA, the Super Bowl preview of Pats vs GB. We also talk a little Lakers, Clippers and these crazy MLB contracts!
LISTEN HERE: https://soundcloud.com/crodillfx/blue-collar-sports-show-5
LISTEN HERE: https://soundcloud.com/crodillfx/blue-collar-sports-show-5
Monday, December 1, 2014
Lakers' front office fails Kobe Bryant
When the nightmare 2013-2014 season came to an end, it finished with a high note. No not two wins to close out the season but the resigning of then coach Mike D’Antoni. For Lakers fans everywhere it was a sign of the Buss family taking a step in the right direction. The off-season was filled with hope and and an eagerness for change. Kobe signed that major deal but that really didn’t bother me because he deserved it and was the main reason the Lakers got a $4 Billion TV deal. It was their obsession with cap space and who they chose to pursue.
Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James were the obvious free agents teams were interested in, but at the same time a clear long shot. I’m assuming most Lakers fans felt the same way I did, knowing chasing these two free agent were an impossibility even though I heard Carmelo was a lot closer to signing with the Lakers then people realize. During the Carmelo hunt I felt that the Lakers missed key opportunities to sign good free agents at a better price.
The free agents I’m thinking of are Isaiah Thomas, Lance Stephenson and Greg Monroe. They may not be huge superstars but they are very talented, young, improving and cheap. Also by acquiring these free agents who said they wanted to play for the Lakers, it would have kept Pau Gasol around. Lance and Isaiah both signed deals this season that equal $16 million combind, which is less than what the Lakers would have paid Melo. It made more sense, especially considering that Lance and Isaiah are in their early 20’s and Melo would be 35 and still making $20 million per year, taking up the rest of the cap space. Not a road I want to go down. This years Lakers roster could have put together way more efficiently.
Watching games now it’s a sad reminder to see the mistakes our franchise made regarding the roster. They did choose wisely by hiring Byron Scott, a former Laker great and a former coach of the year. Scott has been dealt a tough hand with this team. Instead of Scott coaching a line up that would have consisted of Isaiah Thomas, Lance Stephenson, Kobe, Pau and Greg Monroe, we are stuck with a sub par line up full of role players and 2nd unit guys. Don’t get me wrong, Lin and Boozer are solid players but at this stage in their careers, running a strong 2nd unit is what they should be doing. Its going to be a long year and even longer for Kobe, who’s the biggest competitor the game has probably ever seen, in his final two years. I hope Lakers can pull something off soon
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Does Kobe's contract make him the villain in LA?
At age 36, 5 rings, over 50,000+ minutes played in the course of 19 seasons, two catastrophic injuries and you’ll find Kobe Bryant still hard at work, still hungry for another ring and still the highest paid player in basketball.
His contract is 2 years, $48.5 million, which infuriates most Lakers fans and boggles the mind of most NBA fans and analysts. The question is asked why a man at this stage of his career, is taking up a 1/3 of their salary cap, leaving the Lakers under manned and Kobe the lone star.
It’s easy to point the finger at Kobe and say things like “why would you take so much money” or “you’re not the same player, take the pay cut like Dirk and Duncan”. Clearly the people seeing it that way do not understand business and the mistakes the franchise made that put the Lakers in this situation.
This year, the Lakers are off to a terrible start but Staples Center is still packed and TV ratings are fine. The reason the Lakers are maintaining relevance is because of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is also the reason the Lakers received a $4 Billion TV deal and the reason Lakers made a $100 million in profit last season, which was the highest in the NBA. No other player, except for Lebron James has that type of impact. They are more than just players, they are their own brand.
Despite how you may feel of his ability on the court, so far he’s proving he’s still offensively elite and will only get better as the season progresses while all of his rhythm and timing are coming back.
The current roster formed leaves Kobe with little help but it is not the fault of cap space taken by his contract. Lakers made bad moves and missed on really good and really affordable free agents. Lakers still have a maximum contract spot available and they are choosing to wait for a star to use it on. Fans will just have to get used to the idea of the long process rebuild.
More efficient efforts for a rebuild could have been done, even with Kobe’s large contract. It’s really not the Kobe blame party but a far fetched plan that takes a lot patience from fans who are accustomed to a traditon of winning and glory.
So if you’re looking for a face to blame make sure you consider all the factors that play into the Lakers recent struggles rather than putting all the blame on one man.
Chris Rodriguez covers the Los Angeles Lakers – get in touch with him and see his latest posts by following him on Twitter at @C_RodSportsWiz.
His contract is 2 years, $48.5 million, which infuriates most Lakers fans and boggles the mind of most NBA fans and analysts. The question is asked why a man at this stage of his career, is taking up a 1/3 of their salary cap, leaving the Lakers under manned and Kobe the lone star.
It’s easy to point the finger at Kobe and say things like “why would you take so much money” or “you’re not the same player, take the pay cut like Dirk and Duncan”. Clearly the people seeing it that way do not understand business and the mistakes the franchise made that put the Lakers in this situation.
This year, the Lakers are off to a terrible start but Staples Center is still packed and TV ratings are fine. The reason the Lakers are maintaining relevance is because of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is also the reason the Lakers received a $4 Billion TV deal and the reason Lakers made a $100 million in profit last season, which was the highest in the NBA. No other player, except for Lebron James has that type of impact. They are more than just players, they are their own brand.
Despite how you may feel of his ability on the court, so far he’s proving he’s still offensively elite and will only get better as the season progresses while all of his rhythm and timing are coming back.
The current roster formed leaves Kobe with little help but it is not the fault of cap space taken by his contract. Lakers made bad moves and missed on really good and really affordable free agents. Lakers still have a maximum contract spot available and they are choosing to wait for a star to use it on. Fans will just have to get used to the idea of the long process rebuild.
More efficient efforts for a rebuild could have been done, even with Kobe’s large contract. It’s really not the Kobe blame party but a far fetched plan that takes a lot patience from fans who are accustomed to a traditon of winning and glory.
So if you’re looking for a face to blame make sure you consider all the factors that play into the Lakers recent struggles rather than putting all the blame on one man.
Chris Rodriguez covers the Los Angeles Lakers – get in touch with him and see his latest posts by following him on Twitter at @C_RodSportsWiz.
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