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WRS Book Review: “Wilt: Larger Than Life”

Thursday, April 24th, 2014

by Jimmy Williams

jameswilliamsblog

 

 

 

 

 

wilt book

 

The great John Wooden once said, “Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability”.  As a person who loves great quotes (Just go to any social media site and look up #Jimspiration), this quote always comes to mind when discussing two NBA players.  These two players are Wilton Norman Chamberlain and Shaquille Rashaun O’neal.  These legendary giants of the game seemed to be judged on a curve when it comes to their legacy.

As a native Philadelphian I can attest to the many stories passed down from generations about Wilt as not only a great basketball player but as a great overall athlete and lover.  In fact these stories are so beyond belief that my brother B. Austin says “Wilt never existed because his feats just aren’t possible.”  The legendary Philadelphia basketball icon Sonny Hill just looks at what Wilt has done and says “No Human Being Can Do That!”.

Wilt was a polarizing figure and this book gives details as to why he was and remains that way. The book also does a tremendous job of providing context.  Many Wilt detractors look at his lack of success (or should I say his TEAMS’ lack of success) against Bill Russell and the great Boston Celtics teams of that era and label Wilt a loser or act as if he was a selfish player who played against inferior talent.  Both of those assessments would be incorrect.  People tend to make judgments based on bad information that is just spewed over and over, or they speak on facts without giving context.  This book goes through each series and gives context to Wilt the player as well as context to Wilt the ladies’ man.  Many players of his day hated Wilt because of his success in hoops, financially, and with the ladies.  They were upset Wilt got to practice “Yam Farming” while they lived the life of an uxorious man.  Speaking facts without context is sometimes deplorable.  The Sixers just finished the 2014 season by beating the Miami Heat and I actually heard a Sixers fan bragging about beating the Heat.  Well let’s give that game context.  LeBron nor Bosh played.  Now was that game really something to brag about after the season the team had?  Yet when you look back 30 years from now all you will see is a W in the column for the Sixers.  This is what I mean by context.  And for you Sixers fans bragging about that win, I hate you more than Joffrey Baratheon.  You bragging about beating the Heat without their best players is the equivalent of a man bragging about sleeping with a beautiful woman that gave him A.I.D.S.  Maybe that’s extreme but you get the point.

This book does a great job of painting a picture of Wilt the athlete and also Wilt Chamberlain the man.  What I appreciated most about the book was it seemed to be fair but also critical.  Sometimes biographies on star athletes read like a blumpkin in the narrative.  I would definitely recommend this book, especially for anyone who loves the history of hoops.

 

Jimmy “The Blueprint” Williams of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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It’s “Showtime” in The War Room with Jeff Pearlman!!!

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

jeffpearlman ad

 

Jeff Pearlman, sportswriter and New York Times bestselling author of books such as “Boys Will Be Boys”, “Sweetness”, “The Bad Guys Won”, “Love Me, Hate Me”, and “The Rocket That Fell to Earth”, will be in The War Room this Thursday, March 27th, to discuss his latest release, “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980’s”!

Tune in Thursday, March 27th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Jeff!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, follow Jeff Pearlman on Twitter @JeffPearlman, and check out his website at www.JeffPearlman.com.

While you’re at it, you should also join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter @WarRoomSports!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Google Play and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app (just search “War Room Sports”)!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content from one central location!

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WRS Book Review: Shaq Uncut

Saturday, February 1st, 2014

by Jimmy Williams

jameswilliamsblog

 

 

 

 

 

Shaq Uncut

 

As a huge fan of basketball aka “This Thing of Ours”, Shaquille Rashaun O’neal aka Shaq, aka The Big Aristotle, aka Wilt Chamberneezy has always been a larger than life figure (No Skittles).  Since first watching him dominate at LSU, Shaq has always been a polarizing figure. This is not just because of his game or size (Naw), but he was always full of personality.  Shaq has always been an entertaining celebrity and he delivers in this book. Now because I’ve read so many biographies I must admit this isn’t a great book but it has many great stories. What is missing from this book is transparency.

Now I don’t personally know Shaq but I know he is human (at least I think he is), and as a human being we all go through struggles. One of the great things about reading biographies of great athletes is a chance to get a look at not only their triumphs but also their tragedies. I’m not saying Shaq should have given us a chapter on “Superhead” (although I would have enjoyed it) but this read more like a commercial for how great Shaq was/is. Shaq did give us insight into the relationship with his step father which I found amazing but overall I’m left feeling like there are many stories which would have given us a better idea of who Shaq is, that were left out.

The stories of the various games Shaq played at every level are amazing. I might overrate the book because of them. What was missing about his personal life is made up by great stories of games and championship runs.

This book was a good read primarily due to the basketball stories but it gets comical at times because it really reads like a commercial for the Shaquille O’Neal brand and not a biography. Maybe I am being too harsh because I have read so many biographies on athletes who are open and honest about their demons, so I have come to expect a lot of “Worldstar” moments. The great thing is Shaq is still creating his legacy and building his brand these days, so maybe in the future we will get another book with some “Worldstar” moments, or at least a chapter on “Superhead”.

 

Jimmy “The Blueprint” Williams of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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WRS Book Review: Dr. J: The Autobiography

Friday, January 24th, 2014

by Jimmy Williams

jameswilliamsblog

 

 

 

 

 

dr j.

 

“There ain’t no back in the day Nicca…Ain’t no nostalgia to this sh*t here. There’s just the street and the game and what happen here today.”   – Melvin ‘Cheese’ Wagstaff

 

When talking hoops with people these days, it’s sad because the legends of the past are often forgotten.  And that’s the case when talking professional ball or street-ball.  You watch TV and you would think that the game was played by only Magic & Bird in the 80’s, followed by Jordan in the 90’s.  Growing up in Philadelphia I know better.  One of the most popular figures of my childhood was Julius “Dr. J” Erving.  He was larger than life in the city.  He was also a legend in street-ball.   Most of the older men in my neighborhood wanted to be him and all of the older ladies would have given him their love canal if they had the chance.  Not only was he considered a great ball player but he has always been considered someone who carried himself with class.

The great thing about biographies is the chance to hear stories and learn details about someone’s life you had no knowledge of.   The Doc was an amazing ball player and he did carry himself with class but he was far from perfect.  This book is not only filled with amazing stories of legendary games and players but it also talks about his shortcomings and his personal struggles.  If you are a hoops fan and love the history of the game, this is a must-read.  The stories of playing one on one with Pistol Pete and George Gervin are amazing.  His relationship and thoughts on other legends such as Kareem and Bill Russell are also great.  There are also stories of Moses, Barkley, Magic, Bird, and many more.

Much was made of his story of fathering a child with a woman who was not his wife.  Not because he cheated but because in the words of Jadakiss, “It’s no way she gonna have a baby out of her mouth”.  Doc said she only became pregnant because she couldn’t give him a twirly due to getting braces and they had “traditional” sex only one time.  Now when I first heard about that excerpt I laughed and said, “damn, Doc was foul for talking about the mother of his child that way”.  When reading what he said and putting it into context, it doesn’t come off the same.  Don’t get me wrong, Doc is still a creep, but he was being honest and transparent when telling his story.

As a hoops fan and one who loves the history of the game, this book was amazing.  I may overrate it based on the fact that I’m a hoops junkie.  This was a great story that dealt with race, poverty, basketball, business, family, and making love to a lot of women.  That will always be a recipe for a great book in my opinion.

 

Jimmy “The Blueprint” Williams of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Who is Running the Lakers?

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

by Brandon McConnell

Brandon Mac Blog

 

 

 

 

 

Lakers Logo

 

Through the years we have watched the Lakers win NBA Championships led by different Hall of Fame players from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant.  One common denominator in each of the past ten Lakers championships was late owner Dr. Jerry Buss.  He turned the Lakers into the New York Yankees of basketball.

Since the Great Dr. Jerry Buss passed, we have seen some very questionable moves by the Lakers organization.  The first move would be putting all their balls in one hoop by bringing in Dwight Howard with no long-term deal and not trading him at the trade deadline when all of America knew he was not signing back with the Lakers.  Second questionable move was signing a 38-year old point guard with health issues when you know the NBA is full of top-notch point guards that will run circles around Nash.  Next, you sign a coach that has not proven anything but he can create a team that can average over 100 points, which would be good if they didn’t give up 100+ points per game.  Finally you sign a 35 year-old shooting guard at 48.5 million dollars, who is coming off an Achilles injury, without seeing if he will ever be healthy again.

So I analyzed the Lakers today and asked myself this question; “How is Mitch Kupchak going to turn this one around?”   The Lakers have a plan to clear the cap for summer of 2014 in the chance of getting multiple free agents to bring them back into a championship contender.  Part of this plan was totally blown when they signed Kobe Bryant.  There was no negotiation done when signing him; they just gave him the money.  Kobe is just like anyone else in the world, he is “not turning nothing down but his collars”.    So 48.5 million dollars for the next two years is already taken off the cap, leaving room to pay only one more max player.  While researching the list of available free agent players for 2014 that are considered max deal players, these are my top 5.

LeBron James:  He is not coming to LA to help Kobe Bryant win a 6th ring.  LeBron is legacy chasing.  It probably already pisses him off that D-Wade keeps getting one more than him, but no one thinks Wade is an all-time great.

Dwayne Wade:  He is the mayor of Miami.  He is not leaving Miami, ever!  Plus you don’t need D-Wade if you already have Kobe.  Both are playing on their last leg, literally.

Chris Bosh: He could probably help the Lakers but they would need the old Toronto, dread-wearing Bosh who averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds per game.  But why leave Miami when you’re winning championships and getting undeserved max money.

Dirk Nowitzki:  He is not going anywhere.  He enjoys being Mark Cuban’s #1 prostitute.  Loyal to a fault.  I call it the Kevin Garnett Minnesota syndrome.

Carmelo Anthony:  The most likely out of the bunch to leave and come to LA.  NY sucks and will continue to suck as long as they are paying Stoudemire.

There were rumors at the beginning of the season that LeBron wanted to play with Carmelo in the future.  If this rumor were to be true,  the Lakers had the money to pay both of them and put the correct pieces around them in order to contend.  By signing Kobe Bryant, who looks like he will never be himself again, they eliminated all chances of that happening in LA.  It just doesn’t make sense to give him that amount of money without knowing he will be 100% healthy.

So the sell for Mitch will be, getting an all-star to want to come in and play with Kobe, not knowing if he will even last the next two years.  So good luck Lakers fans, of which I am one.  There is no Pau Gasol to steal from any franchises.   But we do have one thing working for us; THE BEST BENCH IN THE NBA BABY!  Only because we have the worst starting five in the NBA.

Best Current Laker
"Swaggy P"

“Swaggy P”

Brandon McConnell of Respect Da Game, for War Room Sports

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WRS Book Review: Phil Jackson – Eleven Rings

Friday, December 13th, 2013

by Jimmy Williams

jameswilliamsblog

 

 

 

 

 

11 Rings

 

 

Part Basketball, Part Management, & Part Leadership

Last time I wrote a review I had just finished my 37th book. Well yesterday I just finished my 42nd book of the year and I’m 81% at my goal of 52 books this year. Yes I’m still bragging but I need to step it up, considering I’m 14% behind schedule.  Yes, I have a thing for meaningless data (judge ya mother).  At any rate, let’s talk about the Phil Jackson book, “11 Rings”.

Good quick read. The book is as different look at all 11 championship runs presided over by Phil Jackson. It always amazes me at how much preparation, energy, and thought go into a single game or series. This book shows how mental the game of basketball is. This is refreshing these days, considering our country celebrates mediocrity and stupidity (don’t believe me, watch TV).  It is also interesting to see his perspective on players like Jordan, Pippen, Kobe, and Shaq.  His ability to find various ways to motivate each player on his teams is what allowed him to have the success he had.  Many look at Phil’s accomplishments and give them the Stuart Scott crooked eye because he had very talented teams.  There isn’t one successful coach in any sport who won at a high level without talent, so FOH.  Phil Jackson is the greatest coach of my generation and in my personal opinion, Phil Jackson has the best books when it comes to coaches. The reason for this is because his books are part sports stories, part self- improvement, and part management & leadership. This book is no different.  Many will feel I enjoyed this book because I’m a Lakers fan, and part of that may be true, as it is good to hear the stories behind the great Laker teams.  I also believe you will enjoy this book if you are not a fan of Phil, the Lakers, the Bulls, or even basketball.  His philosophies and mental approach to a child’s game make this book that interesting.

 

Jimmy “The Blueprint” Williams of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Why Kansas center Joel Embiid could end up being the best player out of the 2014 NBA Draft

Friday, December 13th, 2013

by Christian Roberts

Christian Roberts Blog

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Embiid

 

With all the hype surrounding Duke’s Jabari Parker, Kentucky’s Julius Randle, and teammate Andrew Wiggins (rightfully so – all three will be great), a new-comer to the sport of basketball, Joel Embiid, may end up surpassing all three of them at the next level.

The special skill-set embodied by Embiid, is what has NBA scouts drooling. Also the fact that he’s only been playing this game for a few years and he is already this good. He’s basically dominating while learning on the job. His defensive prowess is unmatched. Offensively, he one of the most efficient and effective big men in college basketball. Once he gets a better awareness and feel for the game, which will come along as he plays, he will be unstoppable.

Showing an array of post moves some big men in the NBA don’t even have, you can see why some scouts are putting him in the conversation for the #1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. One NBA exec is even quoted as saying, “If he’s not the first overall pick, he’s definitely the second”. That’s high praise for a young man who is just now getting his feet wet.

While only playing 20 minutes per game, the 7-foot/250 pound center makes his presence known every game. Teammate and fellow freshman Andrew Wiggins, plays 10 minutes more per game than Embiid, but you could argue, the center’s impact is much bigger. The only real downside to his game is his rawness to the game and he is prone to foul trouble. The game that’s being played in the NBA now-a-days, with all the flopping, could pose a problem for Embiid and his physical presence. As long as he continues to get “coached up” and plays under control, he should be just fine.

A center with this kind of unlimited upside, both offensively and defensively, doesn’t come around too often. You can see why he’s receiving the praise he has received thus far.

The NBA will have to wait for now though, as the future lottery pick will play a key component in the Kansas Jayhawks’ quest for a National Title this year. But when that time does indeed come, don’t be surprised if Joel Embiid is the first name you hear called off the board in next year’s draft.

 

Christian Roberts of Sportz Overtime, for War Room Sports

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10 NBA Players on the Verge of Super Stardom

Friday, December 6th, 2013

by Christian Roberts

Pistons C Andre Drummond:
13.5 ppg 12.8 rpg 1.3 bpg 2.0 spg 64% fg

Andre Drummond has pretty much exceeded everybody’s expectations of him since being drafted in the 2012 draft. The level of dominance he shows in the paint night in and night out, is really something to see. He does this with ease because he’s that much more athletic than every other center in the NBA. President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars has even been quoted recently as saying “I didn’t think Drummond was this good”. That should speak volumes to what this guy is doing right now. His efficiency on the offensive end of the ball is also what makes him so special. Shooting 64%. Just a look at how dominant the big man has been has of late. Here’s his stat line from the last 3 games:

24 points 19 rebounds 3 block 2 steals vs Bucks
10 points 18 rebounds 2 steals 1 block vs Heat
31 points 19 rebounds 6 steals 2 blocks vs 76ers

He’s doing all this while only playing 33 minutes per game. I think right now the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats, and Washington Wizards are kicking themselves in the behind for passing on Drummond. Imagine how much better those teams would be with him. It’s still early but this young center is not just on the verge of super stardom, but he’s on the verge of greatness. He is still figuring things out on the court, think 3 years from now, he might be the most unstoppable center in the NBA.

Pacers G/F Paul George:
24.9 ppg 3.4 apg 5.9 rpg 2.1 spg 47% fg

Some may argue Paul George is already a superstar. Whether you think he is now or not really, doesn’t matter. He will be. Arguably the best two-way player the NBA has to offer, George’s star is shining brighter than ever this year. Since Danny Granger went down all season with an injury last year, the talented wingman has single-handedly put the Pacers on his back. Last year, pushing the defending champion Miami Heat to their limits, this year, Paul George is out for blood. Having improved his jump shot and making better shot decisions, makes him almost unguardable. On defense, the Pacers’ guard brings it every night. Causing fits for some of the NBA’s very best. Paul George has put himself in the MVP conversation already in this early NBA season. A conversation some might have thought to be laughable in the off-season. He is making the world realize how talented he really is. It’s going to be fun to see how far he can take the Indiana Pacers this year.

Nuggets PG Ty Lawson:
20.2 ppg 8.1 apg 3.8 rpg 1.1 spg 46% fg

Denver has been looking for a go-to scorer and star since Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks. Ty Lawson is emerging into that player for the Nuggets. Don’t be fooled by his small stature, he can ball and ball at a very high level. He is also a feisty perimeter defender and plays the passing lane very well. Denver started the season off slow but has now picked it up, and part of that is due to Ty Lawson’s play every night. By the end of the season Lawson should be a household name.

Kings C Demarcus Cousins:
21.7 ppg 10.1 rpg 2.6 apg 1.2 bpg 1.6 spg 48% fg

I think we all knew the story on Demarcus Cousins coming out of Kentucky. Extremely talented and could be a great player if he wants to be, but his immaturity and temper might prevent that. Up until this season all the immaturity concerns and temper problems proved to be true. This year, Cousins seems to have his head on straight and is maximizing his potential. Though the Kings are still not a very good team, Cousins has been the only consistent piece. With a wide array of moves, he poses matchup problems every night. You can’t really double team him in the post because he’s one of the better passing centers in the league. There aren’t too many flaws in the big man’s game, other than he sometimes takes way too many shots. But on that team, can anyone blame him?. As long as Demarcus can stay focused on basketball and continue to grow as a person, I see no reason he can’t be a superstar. Talent isn’t the issue. It’s all the other things not basketball related.

Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving:
20.6 ppg 5.9 apg 3.4 rpg 1.0 spg 40% fg

The Cavs PG is having somewhat of a down year, but it’s not completely his fault. He has to do it all on a nightly basis and is the team’s only consistent scorer. That being said, even through a down year, you can’t deny the fact that Kyrie is a superstar in the making. Great ball-handler, passer, and just has a great feel for the PG position. Irving’s best attribute without a doubt, is that silky smooth jump shot. He is hands down one of the best shooters in the league and is dangerous from anywhere on the court. Also, Kyrie is not afraid of the big moment. He embraces it. That’s what superstars do. Cleveland’s front office really has to put some talent around this guy. Dion Waiters is about as hot and cold as you can get in the NBA. He’s not the answer, and they have no other real threat with the ball in their hands, which puts added pressure on Kyrie. You see the numbers he’s capable of putting up every night, imagine when he has someone to take the pressure off him consistently.

Pelicans C/PF Anthony Davis:
18.8 ppg 10.2 rpg 3.6 bpg 1.6 spg 49% fg

The best big man in the game as far as I’m concerned (most will disagree). What’s not to love about Davis? He’s an incredible defender, great around the rim, runs the the floor like a guard, and is a freak athlete. He also has a high motor, and gives 100% every night. The only thing standing in his way of taking that next step, is he is hurt a lot. This year he is already out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured hand. If he can stay healthy, no doubt he will reach that level of being a superstar. But you have to be on the court to do so.

Wizards PG John Wall:
19.0 ppg 9.2 apg 4.4 rpg 2.2 spg 41% fg

The former Kentucky guard is showing us every night why he earned that hefty contract extension in the off-season. Averaging a career high 9.2 assists per game, Wall looks to be more comfortable running the point this year. He and 2nd year player Bradley Beal have made quite the dynamic duo this year. What makes Wall so special is his ridiculous speed and athleticism. Probably the fastest player in the NBA, John Wall is a downright beast in transition. That doesn’t come with some negatives though. Sometimes he plays out of control and that leads to a lot of turnovers. Another area of his game that can be fixed is his shot selection. Sometimes settling for too many jump shots. Typical growing pains for a young NBA player. We have yet to see the best of John Wall though. He hasn’t even scratched the surface on how good he can really be. He’s a superstar in the making.

76ers PG Michael Carter Williams (R):
17.7 ppg 7.3 apg 5.8 rpg 3.1 spg 40% fg

Yes, a rookie made this list. It’s not everyday you a see highly skilled 6’6″ point guard in the NBA. That’s exactly what MCW is. With unbelievable court vision and poise for a rookie PG, Williams has set the NBA world on fire. Having one career triple-double under his belt already and a near quadruple-double on opening night, the game just looks like it slowed down for him. Most young players’ problems are the speed of the game. MCW has no problem with that at all, looking like a seasoned vet on the court. The knock on him coming out of Syracuse was his shooting. Though not great, his jumpshot has been very impressive and so has his defense, stealing 3 balls per contest. MCW just has that “it” factor you don’t see in a lot of rookies coming out of school. It wouldn’t surprise me if 2-3 years from now, he’s the best PG in the game. This kid is that good.

Blazers PG Damian Lillard:
20.6 ppg 5.7 apg 4.1 apg 39% fg

Lillard is really a great player. Fearless scorer and not afraid to take that last second shot. Even though his field goal percentage is down from last year, you really can’t put a number on how he’s helped the Blazers back to relevancy. He has also helped Portland to one of the best records in the league, alongside LaMarcus Aldridge. His shot selection will have to be better if he wants to take that next step. But other than that, Lillard has all the tools of a star. The Blazers have a good enough team to make it far in the playoffs, and that will be Damian Lillard’s time to shine and prove he is among the league’s best.

Suns PG/SG Eric Bledsoe:
18.8 ppg 5.8 apg 4.3 rpg 1.5 spg 49% fg

Eric Bledsoe continues to be one of the NBA’s best kept secrets. A flat out steal for the Phoenix Suns in free agency, the undersized PG has proved his money’s worth. Dubbed by some the “mini Lebron”, Bledsoe is just as good on defense as he is on offense. One of the best perimeter guard defenders in the league. He might be small but he’s an extremely strong guard; especially when driving to the rim. He gets to the hole with ease. A true combo guard. He had to leave LA so he could flourish in his own role, other than playing behind Chris Paul every night. Even then, he showed flashes of being a great player in limited minutes. His former coach at Kentucky, John Calapari, is on record as saying “If not for John Wall being here, Bledsoe could have been the #1 pick in that draft”. That should speak volumes to the talent level of the young point guard. Led by Bledsoe, the future looks really bright for the Phoenix Suns.

Christian Roberts of Sportz Overtime, for War Room Sports

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How Much Money did Dwight Howard Leave on the Table? ($9 million, not $30 million)

Monday, July 8th, 2013

by Aquil Bayyan

Quil Blog

 

 

 

 

 

(Image courtesy of Rockets.ClutchFans.net)

(Image courtesy of Rockets.ClutchFans.net)

 

In light of the 2-3 year Dwight Howard drama that has allowed him to play for 2 different teams and 3 different coaches, it seems that it is finally over. The All-Star center has decided to take his talents to Houston and play for coach Kevin McHale and with James Harden.

The big story surrounding where Dwight Howard would sign revolved around coaches, style of play, the current roster, roster flexibility, and (drum roll please)…MONEY. By staying with the L.A. Lakers, Dwight could have signed for 5-years and $117 million. By signing with Houston, Dallas, Golden State, or Atlanta he could only sign for 4-years and $88 million (the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement allows the current team of a free agent to offer 1 more year and more money to the free agent).

The big question has been, why would Dwight Howard leave $30 million on the table to go play in Houston? If you are aware of the U.S. tax structure, he is leaving far less on the table than $30 million. He is actually only leaving $9 million on the table. Here is how it all works out:

1. The effective tax rate for those who earn over $400,000 in the U.S. is 39.6%.

2. The effective state income tax rate for California residents who earn over $1 million is an extra 13.3%. (That’s what pro golfer Phil Mickelson was complaining about.)

3. The effective state income tax rate for Texas residents is 0%.

4. NBA players are taxed for 41 games in their home state and 41 games in the other states (plus Canada) that they play games in. It is understood that states like CA, TX, FL, and NY have multiple teams.

5. The average state income tax level for all of the states that have NBA teams is 4.6%. We will add the 4.6% state average rate to the 39.6% federal rate for away games to come up with a 44.2% tax rate for away games.

Now let’s do the math:
Staying in Los Angeles, CA with the Lakers, with a 5-yr/$117 million contract:

41 homes games = $58.5 million (52.9% tax rate) = $27.5 million left
41 away games = $58.5 million (44.2% tax rate) = $32.6 million left

Totals: $27.5 million + $32.6 million = $60.1 million after taxes

Moving to Houston, TX with the Rockets, with a 4-yr/$88 million contract:

41 homes games = $44 million (39.6% tax rate) = $26.6 million left
41 away games = $44 million (44.2% tax rate) = $24.5 million left

Total: $26.6 mil + $24.5 million = $51.1 million after taxes

Overall:
$60.1 million – $51.1 million = $9 million

 

To see/hear a verbal breakdown of the comparison of Dwight Howard’s projected earnings, click HERE!

 

Aquil Bayyan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

 

 

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Takeaways from Game 6 of the NBA Finals

Thursday, June 20th, 2013

By Chris Price

B-ball fans, I didn’t get a chance to watch Heat-Spurs Game 6 the other night.  I was in the midst of a great camping trip with the wife, but we both caught the second half of the game on ESPN radio.  Just got a chance to watch the recorded game earlier, and I must say this was a good one.  The game made me mull over some things and I wanted to make a couple of observations.  Bear with me.

“Are you willing to go down the stretch of an elimination game with your second best player sitting on the bench to put more shooting around your best player? Tough decisions if you’re a coach.” – Jeff Van Gundy, when Dwyane Wade subbed in for Mike Miller at 3:48 left in the 4th quarter

The lineup that brought the Heat back from down 10 at the beginning of the 4th to up 3 later in the quarter was Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, Mike Miller, LeBron, and Birdman.  JVG noted this was also the lineup that blew open Game 2 for them… Miami’s best lineup might contain only one member of their “Big 3”.  Take a minute to let that sink in. Miami’s best lineup might contain only one member of their Big 3.  When D Wade came back into the game, LeBron stopped being as aggressive, some chemistry seemed lost, and the Spurs eventually took the lead.

The Takeaways…

A. Been told y’all from the beginning “The Decision” was not a good look, on multiple levels.  The same people who were championing The Big 3 coming together are the same people now talking about trading Wade (a Top 5, 10, 15, 20 player, however you want to look at it) or bringing him off the bench so that he doesn’t bother LeBron’s rhythm… So that the Heat can be more effective… Because they are not as effective with both of them in the game.

B. The Cavs management were not as dumb we thought.  In Cleveland, LeBron had shooters to space the floor, post defenders, rebounders, and finishers. That’s all he needs, or seems to want to play with.  I don’t ever want to hear “LeBron needs help” again.  He doesn’t need the type of player you might naturally think he does to win with his current style of play.  He is playing with two perennial All-Stars and has yet to make either one of them better or find a workable chemistry with either.  Who he is “making better” and finding greater success with is his team’s role players.  He is playing at his best, and most comfortably, with a solid point guard, two shooters, and a rebounder/finisher.

C. Dwyane, LeBron, and Bosh have never had great offensive chemistry.  The only way they all worked was by them (primarily Dwyane and LeBron) creating havoc on defense, creating steals and getting out and running in transition.  When they are not creating turnovers, or when a team is able to stop their transition offense, they limit their effectiveness (at least in how they want to play).  This is how you have a Ray Allen looking like he’s possibly more effective than Dwyane Wade for any stretch of time.  Ray Allen has value just standing in a half-court set without the ball (he stretches the defense); Dwyane Wade does not.

D. The Heat will not be able to play their most effective lineups for the majority of Game 7 because there is no way Erik Spoelstra is going to bench Dwyane Wade. There is no way he is going to play Bosh for 20 or less minutes.  Conversely, there is no way he is going to bench LeBron for 10-15 minutes to let Wade work (also a slightly positive +/- against the Spurs without LeBron on the floor). Because of real life dynamics, the Heat will probably try to win Game 7 using less efficient lineups… They have more talent than the Spurs but worse chemistry. We’ll see which one wins out tonight.  The Heat still have a good chance because their talent is supreme and they are playing at home; We’ll see how it goes.

E. I only heard part of the 3rd and the 4th quarter of the game on the radio the other night, so I thought LeBron went into superhero mode in that 4th quarter. When I went back and watched the game though, I realized that he didn’t; he just played comfortable LeBron James basketball with that particular Chalmers, Allen, Birdman, Miller lineup.  Now some people think LeBron is a superhero anyway so this could all be semantics, but I didn’t see a guy taking over the game.  I saw a guy who was able to do what he does because of space, and knowing he was the 1st and 2nd best offensive option on the floor.  LeBron just “did him” in that 8 minute stretch before Wade came in, and the result was a 13 point swing in favor of Miami.

F. Oh yeah, and as far as him choking or almost choking at the end of regulation, I can’t even call what I saw choking.  Because I’m used to seeing LeBron tentative from time to time.  In the last couple minutes of the game, he went back to looking like he did in Games 2 and 3.  To me, “choking” refers to a guy being visibly shaken by the moment and nerves causing you to play at a level below what you are capable of. Choking to me is not missing shots or making bad passes.  For instance, vs. Indiana Game 2 where Lebron made two late turnovers, I did not consider that a choke.  LeBron was still being aggressive but just made two poor passes; it was poor execution.  In Game 6 though, the turnovers he made were because he was being tentative.  On the first turnover, he over-dribbled and on the second, I literally don’t know if he was trying to pass or shoot.  His reactions to both of those turnovers further let me know these weren’t just poor execution turnovers.  On the same hand though, I don’t know if you can “choke” and win the game.  And even though he shot those late 3-pointers with what looked liked 20% confidence, one of them joints went in.  If Ray Allen didn’t hit that corner three, it would have been a Cruel Summer, but I can’t say LeBron choked because his team won the game… AND LeBron did hit the three to cut it to 2 with 20 seconds left.  He’s got to get credit for that.  And after that he was very comfortable in the overtime and was key to helping his team win this game in that period.  In my opinion, no choke should be credited.

Y’all enjoy Game 7.

 

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