Indianapolis and the Death of the American Game

As the Indiana Pacers heroically staved off a late Miami Heat run to tie the Eastern Conference Finals series at two games a piece, I couldn't help but reflect on what had taken place in that same building eleven years ago. Then known as Conseco ( now Bankers Life) Fieldhouse hosted the 2002 FIBA world championships, a tournament that will forever be etched in the memories of American basketball fans. For the last ten years, dating back to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, America had dominated a sport that it had practically created, though Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of the sport, was born and raised in Ontario. The United States was hosting a major international basketball event for the first time since the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. Again, the Americans were highly favored to breeze through this tournament, as they had done in every major event for the last ten years, with the exception of the 1998 world championships in Athens, in which they had finished third, due to the absence of locked out NBA players. That was during the league's first major labor dispute that delayed the start of the 1999 season until February. Aside from that, the U.S. was dominant as long as it sent its NBA players to compete. In fact, they hadn't lost a game in which NBA stars were playing.

Former Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller was on the U.S. team that finished 6th at the FIBA world championships in 2002

The Americans breezed through group C, defeating Algeria, Germany, and China respectively. In the second preliminary round, the United States won its first two matches against Russia and New Zealand. It appeared as though the Americans were on pace to do what they had done in previous years, win with ease. But on September 4th 2002, the U.S. squared off with Argentina in a match that changed the sport forever. Led by Manu Ginobili, Argentina stunned the U.S. on its home floor in America's heartland of Indianapolis by the final score of 87-80. Reeling, the Americans headed into the knockout stage to face a very tough and experienced Yugoslavia team that featured Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic, two players who had literally been robbed of a Western Conference title with the Sacramento Kings a couple months earlier by crappy officiating. In a closely contested game, the Yugoslavs came out victorious by a score of 81-78. The disappointing finish sent American basketball to the drawing board to conjure up a plan to bring the glory days of the Dream Team back to life. The American team wound up finishing 6th in that dreadful tournament, losing to Spain in the consolation round. The Americans would not win another major tournament until the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, but it took all the effort they could possibly give to sneak by Spain in the championship game.

Fortunately, the United States has won the last two major international events, the 2010 world championships, and the 2012 Olympic tournament, thanks to the guidance of Mike Krzyzewski. With the help of Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo, and Kevin Durant, it appears that American dominance in their sport has returned, but the loss in Indianapolis was truly the death of the American game, and the reincarnation of basketball as a legitimately international sport that any country can now have a chance at becoming a powerhouse in. With the FIBA world cup coming up in 2014, we may be entering the most globally competitive era of basketball yet.

NBA Strikes Out With Small Market Conference Finals

After the Indiana Pacers received every ounce of favoritism from the referees in order to advance past the demoralized Knicks, it  has come down to four teams left to compete for American basketball's top prize, the NBA title. San Antonio and Memphis will kick off what is sure to be a competitive Western Conference Finals series this afternoon. Meanwhile, Indiana and Miami will square off in South Beach in game one the East Finals on Monday. Despite the teams being somewhat interesting to watch, the NBA will have a major problem trying to get people to maintain an interest in these games, considering that three out of the four teams represent small markets.

Following the 2011 lockout, NBA commissioner David Stern has worked hard to make the league more competitive, and with the help of the new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) structure the league to be more small-market friendly, disallowing teams from exceeding the salary cap without paying an enormous luxury tax. One of the main causes of the labor negotiations that took place between the players, owners, and league office in 2011 was disgruntled ownership in smaller markets who felt that they had no chance to compete with the Knicks, Lakers, Bulls, and Heat. Now, small market teams suddenly have hope, and we the fans have a glimpse at what the NBA could look like in the coming years. Suddenly, its possible to envision finals between Indiana and Memphis, Minnesota and Cleveland, and New Orleans and Charlotte.

Brooklyn native Lance Stephenson celebrates Indiana's game six victory over his hometown Knicks

Although this new-found parity around the league sounds great, it also suddenly means that we can look forward to more finals match-ups that lack interest from the most important markets in the NBA, those being L.A., New York, and Chicago. Without the interest from those markets, NBA ratings will be sure to sink faster than rocks. Suddenly, teams like the Pacers and Grizzlies can think about building championship contenders year-after-year that could potentially oust teams from bigger markets. What this suggests, is that the small market teams in the league are just as important as the large market teams, and this is simply not the case. If teams from New York and Los Angeles can spend more money to make themselves better, let them do it. Those are the cities that hold the key to the prosperity of the league, not Indianapolis and Memphis.

When small market teams complain that they have no ability to compete financially with big market teams, they must consider the fact that the big markets are what drive, not only professional basketball, but America's economy in general. When ratings for these games begin to flounder, Stern can only blame himself for giving in to the whining ownership of small-market teams that claimed they couldn't stay afloat with the, then current, structuring of the league. Instead of downsizing the league, and removing some of these irrelevant cities from the basketball map, he has handed over the reins to them, and now fans in America's biggest cities must sit back and watch teams from much smaller ones battle for hoops supremacy.

Former Knick Richardson Building An Unlikely Legacy In Canada

When NBA aficionados think of Micheal "Sugar" Ray Richardson, they generally don't associate him with Canadian basketball. Richardson began his 24 year professional career with the Knicks in 1978. He was selected 4th overall out of Montana, and was proclaimed to be the next "Clyde" Frazier. Two picks later, the Celtics drafted Larry Bird. Though Richardson never fully lived up to the hype, he still managed to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals in just his second year as a pro.

In 1982, the Knicks traded Richardson to the Golden State Warriors, after signing Bernard King. Golden State quickly traded him to the Nets, where he made the all-star team, and led New Jersey to first-round upset of the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers in the 1983 playoffs.

Richardson's career took a wild turn in 1986, when he was banned from the league for violating the NBA substance abuse policy three times. Richardson tried to make an NBA comeback in 1991, but failed two cocaine tests.

Micheal Ray Richardson has won back-to-back NBLC titles with the London Lightning (Photo Courtesy of London Free Press)

It was during his time away from the NBA, that Richardson truly established himself as a legendary, albeit controversial, professional basketball player and coach. After spending one season with an AAU team, and one with a CBA team, Richardson went to Italy to play for Knorr Bologna, now known as Virtus Bologna, where he played for three seasons. He then spent one year in Croatia with KK Split, two years with what is now Libertas Livorno of the Italian league, three years with Olympique Antibes of the French league, and one season with French club Cholet. He spent two more years in Italy, with the now defunct clubs of Motana Forli and Basket Livorno, before ending his career in France with a second stint with Olympique Antibes, and finally the now defunct AC Golfe-Juan-Vallauris.

By the end of his pro career, Richardson had been a four time NBA all-star, and made the all-defensive first team twice, but his legacy as a coach has been far more successful. After working briefly for the Denver Nuggets as a community ambassador in 2003, he won the CBA title twice. He then won the PBL coach of the year with the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry. Even in the CBA, Richardson couldn't avoid controversy. He was suspended from the 2007 CBA finals for telling the Albany Times Union newspaper that Jews were "crafty (because) they are hated worldwide." Richardson made the comments after he was offered a less than satisfactory contract by general manager Jim Coyne to coach his team in the CBA and USBL. It was also reported by the Times Union that Richardson had made an anti-gay remark at a heckling fan during the first game of the championship series against the Yakima Sun Kings.

In 2011, Richardson was named head coach of the London Lightning for the inaugural season of National Basketball League of Canada, what is the country's first established professional basketball league. In 2011-2012, Richards coached the Ontario-based club to a 28-8 regular season record, before defeating the Halifax Rainmen in the best of five championship series to become the league's first champions. This past April, Richardson and his Lightning defended their title, defeating the Summerside Storm in four games in the championship series. Richardson has garnered coach of the year honors in the both of the league's first two seasons.

Though the NBLC title is far from an NBA title, Richardson has proved that he has a knack for winning, as proven by his two championships. It may not be long before we see the former NBA all-star roaming a sideline across the American border.

NBA Must Penalize Cheap Shots More Harshly

If J.R. Smith was suspended one game for clearing the air space that he is entitled to as an offensive player by throwing an elbow into the jaws of Jason Terry, there should be numerous other plays in these playoffs that should be under review by the league offices. The fact is, what Smith did looked really bad, but for those of us who actually play the game, I think we all know that Terry deserved a shot to the chops for cutting off Smith's room to operate offensively.

After calling a timeout during game 2, Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was undercut by Rockets guard Patrick Beverly, injuring Westbrook's knee. The play was clearly not accidental. Westbrook knew what Beverly had done as soon he slapped the press table in frustration. Beverly took out Westbrook's knees. It was a cheap shot, and one that could seriously dash all title hopes for the Thunder, who now must rely on the inexperienced Reggie Jackson to carry the load in the back court. It was a play that was much more condemnable than the one Smith had made, and yet there was not even a foul call, much less a suspension.

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook falls to the ground after being knocked over by Rockets guard Patrick Beverly. Westbrook is now out for the remainder of the season. (Photo by Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Westbrook was not the only one to be the recipient of a cheap blow. Though Carmelo Anthony stayed in the game, he was the victim of a dirty play on the part of Kevin Garnett. After setting a screen, Garnett yanked Anthony's shoulder, the same one Melo had injured earlier in the season. Carmelo was in pain for a couple of minutes, but stayed on the court. These types of cheap shots that are meant to injure other players have no place in the game. Garnett clearly intended to injure Anthony by pulling his arm. This is something that should garner a suspension. While Smith's blow to Terry's head looked bad, this act on the part of Garnett was absolutely deplorable. Further stoking Carmelo's fire, Jordan Crawford opened his big mouth and said less than savory things about Carmelo's wife. If there's any way to fuel a fire of an opposing team, it's talking about another player's loved ones.

Simply put, these cheap shots and out of line trash talk have no place in the game, and should be penalized far more harshly than Smith's elbow. The NBA needs to consider the fact that some plays just look bad, but that some really are bad, and are deserved of stiffer penalties, especially if they result in the effective injury of another player.

Wizards Center Comes Out As Gay

NBA veteran Jason Collins made headlines this morning, coming out as the first openly gay active player in the NBA. The seven footer has played twelve seasons in the NBA, and hopes to continue playing. Former teammates and coaches alike have been thoroughly supportive of his decision. NBA commissioner David Stern stated today through NBA.COM:
       
       "Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."

Jason Collins is the first openly gay active player in any of the four major U.S. Sports (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

Wizards Fall To Bulls In Season Finale

The Washington Wizards had been victorious in two out of three meetings with the Bulls coming into their final game of the season in Chicago on Wednesday night.

It had been a tale of two seasons for the Wizards, who started the season an abysmal 5-28, but rebounded to finish 12th overall in the Eastern Conference.

Washington fell behind early by the score of 29-8, but only trailed 52-47 at halftime.

Wizards forward Jan Vesely shoots a layup over Bulls forward Taj Gibson (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Though Washington never led, they did manage to tie the game at 85 with 3:19 left in the 4th quarter. John Wall had another chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but missed a three-point attempt, and the Bulls held on for a 95-92 victory. Carlos Boozer led Chicago with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich added 18 points for the playoff-bound Bulls.

The Wizards were led by A.J. Price with 24 points. John Wall added 23 points in a losing effort.

Washington's season is now over. Meanwhile, the Bulls will advance to the playoffs to take on the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.

The Barclays Center Experience

Located in Brooklyn's historic Flatbush neighborhood, the brand new Barclays Center is Brooklyn's new jewel, and is the new home of the Nets. After spending years across the river in New Jersey's Meadowlands Sports Complex, the Nets are in their first season in N.Y.C.'s most populace borough.

Barclays Center before the Nets game against the Wizards

The Nets logo at center court

Nets mascot The BrooklyKnight

Nets logo illuminated during introductions

Nets huddle after player introductions

Already, the arena has made a name itself from its looks. The exterior redefines what an NBA arena should look like. It almost looks like a giant spaceship has landed in the heart of Brooklyn.  The sleek inside matches the Nets' new sharp color scheme of all black, a move no doubt inspired by rapper and entertainment mogul Jay-Z. Coupled with Jay-Z's creative inspiration, and majority billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov's generous monetary support, the Nets have recreated their organization, and branded themselves as one of the hippest teams in basketball.

Wizards center Emeka Okafor defends Nets center Andray Blatche

Nets center Kris Humphries goes up for the slam

Emeka Okafor takes the hook shot over Kris Humphries

The Nets dance team: The Brooklynettes

Nets and Wizards players dive for the loose ball

Nets forward Mirz Teletovic goes for the layup

Nets forward Tornike Shengelia goes for the layup

Wizards guard Garrett Temple tries to intercept a pass on its way to Nets guard Tyshawn Taylor

Wizards guard John Wall runs past Nets forward Mirza Teletovic

Nets center Andray Blatche and Wizards forward Jan Vesely fight for the rebound

Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin flies in for the rebound

Nets forward Gerald Wallace spins on Wizards forward Cartier Martin

Kevin Seraphin shoots over Andray Blatche

John Wall drives on Nets forward Kris Joseph

Trevor Booker shoots over Kris Humphries

Garrett Temple drives on Kris Joseph

Jan Vesely deflects the ball out to the perimeter

The actual game didn't have much bearing on the rest of the season, strongly resembling an exhibition contest. Brooklyn had already clinched the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Meanwhile, the Wizards had already been mathematically eliminated from post-season contention, and were playing for mere pride.

Despite trailing by four at the end of the third quarter, the home team held on for a 106-101 victory behind 20 points from both Kris Humphries and Andray Blatche. Both Deron Williams and Brook Lopez sat out to rest up for the playoffs, which begin on Saturday.

Washington was led by John Wall with 18 points and 12 assists. Kevin Seraphin added 17 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.

The Wizards will finish off their 2012-13 season against the Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago.

The Last (Home) Game

The last time the Philadelphia 76ers visited the Verizon Center on March 3rd, the Washington Wizards escaped with a 90-87 victory. The two teams had split the season series up until tonight, in what was the final home game of the season for the Wizards.

John Wall signs an autograph for an admirer

Kevin Seraphin signs an autograph for some young fans

It was a festive evening at the Verizon Center, as the Wizards celebrated the last game of the season on their home floor with fan appreciation night. There were plenty of free giveaways, including game-worn jerseys at the end of the game. Most of the merchandise at the team stores was marked down anywhere from 40 to 60% off. It was bittersweet watching the arena shut down for the season, though there was a sense of optimism that next year's Wizards team will be much better than this one if they can stay healthy.

Sixers center Spencer Hawes boxes out Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin

Wizards forward Trevor Booker drives the lane

Booker finishes with the one-handed slam dunk

Kevin Seraphin posts up on Spencer Hawes

Kevin Seraphin takes it up against Spencer Hawes

Seraphin finishes with the hook shot

John Wall in transition

Trevor Booker glides towards the basket for the rebound

Wizards guard A.J. Price drives on Sixers guard Justin Holiday

John Wall drives the lane

Justin Holiday reaches in against Kevin Seraphin

Wizards forward Jan Vesely and Sixers center Spencer Hawes anticipate the rebound

John Wall drives against Spencer Hawes

Wall goes up for the layup against Hawes

The Sixers won the game by a score of 97-86 behind 22 points from Jrue Holiday, but the night belonged to Wizards fans. This was their last opportunity to see this team, one which showed great resilience, bouncing back from an abysmal 5-28 start, to be one of the more competitive teams in the league, and holding down 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Much of the credit for the resurgence of the team was due to the return of John Wall in January. Wall scored 24 points and 7 assists tonight.

As fans filed out of the Verizon Center for the final time this season, they were handed a poster that features all of the players on this year's team. Less than a week ago, the Wizards organization had honored the 1978 champion Washington Bullets. Given the performance of this year's squad in the second half of the season, it doesn't seem too far fetched to think that another title could be on the horizon. Hopefully, as fan photographer, I'll be there to capture every moment, and every memory along the way.

Bring In The Heat

After winning the NBA title last year, the Miami Heat were putting together another stellar season, highlighted by a 27 game winning streak spanning from February through March. As they made their way into the Verizon Center for the last of four meetings with the Washington Wizards, Miami had already won 61 games, good enough to clinch home court throughout the playoffs. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had already planned to sit the game out. At the last minute, LeBron decided to take the night off as well.

Heat point guard Mario Chalmers is averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 assists per game this season

Fairfax, VA native, and Heat forward Jarvis Varnado has only played in 11 games for Miami this season

Needless to say, there were a lot of disappointed fans in attendance for tonight's game. Many had payed big money to see LeBron, Wade, and Bosh in action. At least half of the arena must have been Miami fans, or more specifically LeBron fans.

Heat forward Chris Andersen, nicknamed "Birdman", has averaged 4.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 38 games with Miami

Many thought Heat sharpshooter Ray Allen would finish his career in Boston, so signing with Miami over the off-season came as somewhat of a surprise.

Heat forward Shane Battier has averaged 6.6 points in 24.9 minutes per game for Miami in 2012-13

Now in his second year out of Cleveland State, Heat guard Norris Cole has averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 assists in 2012-13

Heat players lineup before the game for the national anthem

Washington had already beaten Miami once this season. That was on December 4th, before John Wall made his comeback. Jordan Crawford led the Wizards on that night with 22 points. Since then, Crawford had been shipped to Boston, and the Wizards had lost twice to the Heat in South Beach. Tonight, the Wizards were intent on evening the season series with the defending NBA champs.

Wizards forward Jan Vesely jumps for the rebound

Chris Andersen, Norris Cole, James Jones, and Rashard Lewis discuss strategy late in the game

Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin tries to pass out of a double team

Without the stars in the lineup, Miami held on for a 103-98 victory behind 23 points from Ray Allen. Former Wizards Rashard Lewis chipped in 17.

A.J. Price led the Wizards with 23 points off the bench. John Wall added 17 points and 11 assists.

The Wizards will wrap up their home schedule on Friday night, as the take on the Sixers at the Verizon Center.