Posts Tagged ‘Philadelphia 76ers’

Who Has the Most to Lose in the NBA Finals?

Thursday, May 31st, 2018

by Gus Griffin

gus

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of USA Today

Photo courtesy of USA Today

It is hard to find storylines for an NBA finals matchup in its fourth consecutive edition. With that said, I think the discussion about whom has the most on the line or to lose is worthy.

Many will say LeBron James has the most on the line. This makes sense for those obsessed with the comparison to Michael Jordan. I am not among those. It is not that I do not believe it is a valid discussion, even if I am not quite ready to put him over Michael Jordan. My issue is that it is largely a disingenuous straw man debate used as a platform for those who just do not like LeBron. I say this because their bar for even considering him with Jordan is seven NBA titles…….or 4 more for teams LeBron is on….which they know will not happen. They then follow up with “if we should credit him for taking a bad team a long way, we should be able to criticize him for losing in the NBA finals 5 times”. That is like crediting a weight-lifter for bench-pressing 400 lbs., but then knocking him for not being able to lift 500 lbs.

The basic reason that LeBron does not have the most on the line or to lose is because it is really beyond reason to expect him to play significantly better than he already has. That will not matter one bit to a certain faction of fans out there. For them, even if LeBron James walked on water, they would complain that his feet got wet. Nothing he nor his team does will change their minds. Donald Trump will welcome immigrants before they cede him his proper due, even if that is short of Jordan. Simply put, if the Gospel of King James has not converted them by now, without adding asterisks or “if” caveats, it never will. We should let them go and cease trying to have reasonable discussions with them.

This brings us to the place of the Golden State Warriors among the all-time greatest teams. Because of this quest, the Warriors have the most to lose. Think about it this way: the Warriors have four all-stars. Does anyone believe that Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are going to take less money to stay? Draymond’s skill set would require two to three players to replace. Thompson has a case for being their best big-game postseason guard. It is not that they have not already accomplished great things. Winning two titles in 3 years is indeed great and yes, but for a suspension, there is a good chance they would be looking at a 4th straight this year.

If “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, we would all have a merry day.

We do not assign all-time great team designations based on endless selective “if” hypotheticals. If Paul does not get hurt, are the Warriors even in this final? You are what your record says you are and that can be completely assigned to teams as opposed to one player.

The fact is the Warriors’ window for joining the likes of the Celtics of the 60s, Lakers of the 80s and Shaq/Kobe era, Pistons of Isiah, and of course, the Bulls with Jordan, is likely closing. What do all those teams have in common? They all repeated as champions. Though I expect the Warriors to accomplish that feat within a week or two, it should not be taken for granted. Those of us that remember the 1983 76ers, who had just acquired the great Moses Malone to join Julius Erving, and then loss only 1 playoff game on the way to sweeping my Lakers for the title, expected that to be the first of several.

It was the last of one.

The same was the case for the 1985 Bears and the 1986 Mets. I would include the 1985 Hoyas of Georgetown, but at least it took a perfect game from Villanova (they shot about 75% for the game and still could only win by 2) to deny them their place. Far less have derailed many teams aspiring to all-time greatness status.

Therefore, that is what is on the line for the Warriors….all time greatness. LeBron will be viewed as LeBron will be viewed.

 

Gus Griffin, for War Room Sports

Chip Kelly and Oregon Ducks receive slap on the wrist from NCAA

Monday, July 1st, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Chip Kelly apologizes to his former team.
(Image via Cleveland.com)

The NCAA issued sanctions for recruiting violations at the University of Oregon that took place during Chip Kelly’s tenure on Wednesday. The penalties didn’t amount to much for the school or the current Philadelphia Eagles head coach.

The NCAA Division I Infractions Committee said that Kelly and the Ducks failed to monitor the school’s program. As a result, Oregon will be put on probation for three years and lose one (count it- ONE) football scholarship for each of those years. Additionally, the school’ s official paid visits will go from 56 to 37 over the next three seasons and the program is banned from using any recruiting services over the three-year probationary period.

The investigation came about after questions emerged following a $25,000 payment in 2010 to Willie Lyles and his Texas-based Complete Recruiting Services. Lyles was connected with an Oregon recruit.

Kelly, who coached the Ducks for four seasons, also faced punishment from the Committee, in the form of an 18-month show-cause penalty should he wish to return to college coaching after only a short time with the Eagles. This means, according to ProFootballTalk, that

“If Kelly wants to return to coaching college football in the next two seasons, he and the school that hires him will have to show that they have a plan in place to abide by any restrictions that the NCAA puts on his recruiting.”

The penalties amount to little more than a slap on the wrist for both the Ducks and Kelly. There was at least one person enraged by the lightness of the NCAA’s touch in addressing Oregon’s violations—and that is Spencer Hawes of the Sixers, who played his college ball at Washington.

“Probation huh @NCAA?!? That’s all you have for Oregon! What a joke!#fingerpointed #cheatcheatcheat

— Spencer Hawes (@spencerhawes00) June 26, 2013

Kelly issued an apology to his former team and school, also stating that the impending sanctions played no role in his decision to leave the college ranks and make the move to the NFL.

“Now that the NCAA has concluded their investigation and penalized the University of Oregon and its football program, I want to apologize to the University of Oregon, all of its current and former players and their fans. I accept my share of responsibility for the actions that led to the penalties. As I have I stated before, the NCAA investigation, I do expect the University of Oregon and its football program to continue to thrive at a high level. They are a talented and resilient group of coaches and players and I’m sure they will attempt to put today’s news behind them very quickly and move forward as they prepare for the 2013 season.”

Follow Philly Sports Muse on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Andrew Bynum: Do You Trust Him with the Keys?

Friday, October 12th, 2012

by Dante Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Bynum has been handed the keys to the 76ers.  Heck, he’s been handed the keys to the entire city.  The heralded all-star center arrived this summer to high expectations.  In the blockbuster four-team trade this summer, the 76ers landed one of the premiere big men in the NBA today.  Oh how, the city welcomed him in grand fashion.  Hundreds of screaming fans showed up to greet him at the National Constitution Center, the site of his first press conference.  Along with his arrival, the 76ers immediately went from being a perennial 6-7-8 seed to a top 4 seed in the East.  Everyone was having visions of grandeur.  Just close your eyes and imagine a Bynum-led offense with newly-acquired perimeter shooters Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young knocking down uncontested jumpers because of the attention that would be the result of having a premiere big man in the paint.  Oh how, Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday could continue their natural progression and assume the “faces-of-the-franchise” role suddenly left vacant with the departure of the veteran and often criticized, Andre Iguodala.  For the record, I liked the taller “A.I.” and accepted him for what he could do and didn’t kid myself into thinking he was more than that (unlike the 76ers and Coach Doug Collins). 

Yes, this is the year we make serious strides in making some real noise in the playoffs, right?  Well, there is the little matter of trying to keep Bynum in Philadelphia for more than just this season (he earns $16.1 million this year, the last year of his contract).  There’s also that matter of the 76ers heralded big off-season acquisition being on the shelf for, at the very least, the entire preseason.  His off-season knee surgery/procedure needs precautionary “healing” time and the team reports that he has a bone bruise in his right knee.  Bynum received Orthokine therapy at the suggestion of ex-teammate Kobe Bryant to help stimulate healing in arthritis-affected areas in both of his knees.  Still trust him with the keys?  I was as excited as every other 76er fan when I heard the news that the front office of our beloved, new-energy-infused basketball team had done more than just talk about getting better, they backed it up.  The new ownership group had actually put their actions where their mouths were and somehow, someway made a gigantic move to bring that talk to fruition. 

I was (and still am) eagerly looking forward to having a bona fide all-star big man on the roster.  We haven’t had one since…well since…Moses Malone unceremoniously was shipped out of town by that stupid, stupid man, Harold Katz (did I mention he was stupid?).  And now, we have one in Andrew Bynum.  Oh yeah, and there’s also that little question of his maturity.  Last year, it was reported that Bynum was involved in a couple of situations where he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Lakers coach Mike Brown and the front office.  There are times when he doesn’t display the maturity you would like to see from your franchise player.  Another instance involved the flagrant foul in the 2011 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks’ J.J. Barea.  The foul was unnecessary and really brought his maturity into question.  Now, am I the only person concerned about this?  Let’s face it, if Bynum is all that we expect him to be (20 points, 10 rebounds & intimidating in the paint), then, there’s no question we want him in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.  Heck, if he is what we hope he is, throw the maximum at him to keep him.  But, there’s that pesky little word…”if”.  Bynum has missed 130 out of a possible 394 games the past five seasons.  Remember, we’ve given him the keys.  Can he be trusted?  Will he be responsible with the keys?

I asked myself those questions in the midst of the screaming fans at the National Constitution Center this past August.  I was fully aware that what I was experiencing at that introductory press conference was the first stage of a year-long courting of Andrew Bynum.  That day was the day we handed over the keys to the city to a 24 year old, seemingly “not-quite-as-mature-as-he-should-be”, multi-million dollar basketball player.  Is anybody else worried about this?  Is it just me?  The last time we turned the city over to a mutli-million dollar basketball player who was “not-quite-as-mature-as-he-should-be”, it was “Mr. Practice” himself, Allen Iverson.  Now, don’t get me wrong here, the A.I. era of Sixers basketball was indeed exciting and brought us a memorable championship run in 2001 (and I thank him for that).  For that stretch of time our city had one of the most iconic players of his time packing the house (whatever the “house” was called at that time but, hey it was jumping).  I know this is an argument for another time, but after MJ retired, A.I. was the iconic figure of the NBA.  But along with the good came the bad.  Among the worst was how A.I. and entourage would invade the T.G.I.Fridays on City Ave. and turn it into “Club Fridays”.  Nothing wrong with that, right?  Yes, that wouldn’t have been so bad except, if you weren’t on the list it was very hard getting in (and I loved my Jack Daniel’s shrimp back then).  Bynum, could potentially find himself on the wrong end of the decision-making process that requires maturity to navigate this city’s social scene.  Will he be the face of the hip-hop culture that the young people gravitate to today like A.I. was?  I doubt that, but it is a lot of responsibility.  

When your dad finally entrusts you with the keys to the car for the first time it’s a huge moment.  It signifies the trust he now has in, not only your ability to drive, but it also shows the trust he has in your ability to make sound decisions.  That trust involves risk.  Yes, you may be capable of driving but are you mature enough to handle the responsibility of making the right choice while the keys are in your possession.  The same applies to Bynum and the keys we have given him to drive the entire city.  It is a lot of power for a young man.  Will he clash with Coach Collins and play his prima donna card?  I am sure he is quite aware of the chips he holds.  Will he be an example for his teammates as a player who, at 24 years old, is actually an established veteran, with championship experience?  He has the power to come in and lead a relatively inexperienced playoff team and show them what it takes to win a championship.  Will he take advantage of that or will we be stuck with the sequel to the infamous “Practice” speech given by one immature Allen Iverson?  We will soon find out if we can trust Bynum with the keys.  As a matter of fact, we have one year to let him test drive the city.  I’ll tell you one thing, if he can bring that type of excitement and an NBA championship back to the city of Philadelphia, some will say not only can he have the keys but if he wants, he can change the locks. 

 

Dante “TheDarkKnight” Johnson of “Damit, Let’s Talk”, for War Room Sports

 

Malik Rose Drops by The War Room!

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Former Drexel Dragon/San Antonio Spur/New York Knick and current color commentator for the Philadelphia 76ers Malik Rose will be in The War Room this Thursday, February 9th to discuss his NBA career, some pressing NBA topics, and his transition from NBA baller to NBA announcer!

Tune in Thursday, February 9th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Malik!  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, join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Market and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

Monta for Iggy???

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

By Brandon Pemberton

This morning I wake up to check my email and I come across a report by Mark J. Miller of Yahoo sports (http://goo.gl/YsEgH) saying that there are strong rumors going around that the Golden State Warriors would be willing to trade guard Monta Ellis to the Philadelphia 76ers for forward/guard Andre Iguodala.   ESPN’s and former NBA point guard Mark Jackson was named head coach last night and the Warriors are looking to make changes to their franchise.  The trade makes some sort of sense for both teams and I’ll tell you why from my point of view.

The Warriors started a talented backcourt of Ellis and 2nd year point guard Stephen Curry, and they were effective offensively.  But their lack of size and defensive ability was a hindrance all season.  Both of them are only 6’2”-6’3” and teams would use their bigger guards to post up and put them in pick and roll situations.  A trade for Iguodala would give the Warriors a bigger wing player to go alongside Curry and a legit defender that this team desperately needs.  Golden State plays an up-tempo type of basketball and Iguodala would be the perfect fit.

The Sixers lacked a legit number one scoring option this season and because Iguodala was the highest paid player, most Sixers fans thought he should be that.  But he’s not, and he caught hell during his career here after he signed that big contract a few years ago, for not developing into the player the Sixers thought he would.  Monta Ellis would give the Sixers a legit scoring option on the perimeter and go to guy.  Ellis has averaged 24.5 ppg over the last two seasons, but has the tendency to take shots early in the shot clock and makes no effort on the defensive end.  He also has three years left on a contract paying him $11 Million per year.

I’m in favor of moving Iguodala for sure, but I don’t want another big contract back in return (like Rudy Gay).  Monta Ellis is a good player, but is he good enough for the Sixers to avoid being a 7 or 8 seed yearly, and make it out of the first round of the playoffs?  The right medley of front office decisions can take you from a laughing stock to a game away from the conference finals (check out the Grizzlies), and even though the Sixers will have to deal with the Miami Heat for the next five years, along with the Bulls and Knicks, they need to make progress.

I’m all about winning it all, not making lateral moves to just stay in the middle of the pack or stay afloat.  The way the NBA is currently structured, the only way to get out of purgatory is to dump salary and/or get lucky in the NBA lottery and make the right draft pick.  The Cleveland Cavaliers have a $14 Million trade exception they can use and if I were the Sixers, I would try my best to ship Iggy’s ass there.  But hey, I’m not the General Manager.  I’m just tired of the circle of mediocrity this franchise has displayed since the trip to the Finals in 2001.  It has been a damn decade and it has to stop.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports, Blogger for War Room Sports

What Have You Done For Me In The Last 5 Minutes?

Friday, May 20th, 2011

By Devin McMillan

Stop Flip-Flopping

I need to address the “quick to judgment” nature of the society we live in…and though this notion applies to MANY aspects of our everyday lives, I’ll keep it in sports.  Why is it that every night in sports makes the general public forget about the night before?  For instance, why do we (and when I say “we”, I mean YOU)…why do we jump to conclusions after every single game we watch?  For instance, the whole world castigated the Chicago Bulls for their struggles in both the Indiana and Atlanta series’ while concurrently lauding the Miami Heat for the efficient manner in which they dispatched the 76ers and Boston Celtics.

Then, after Game 1 of the Heat-Bulls series, everyone now wondered how the Miami Heat could ever possibly match up with the juggernaut, 85 Chicago BEARS-like defense of the Chicago Bulls.  Heat “wagoneers” were quiet, Bulls fans were crowing, the world was in immediate disarray.  I even heard several “experts” hinting that the series might be over after Game 1 and after the first quarter of Game 2, they were almost completely convinced.

Then the other 3 quarters were played (like they usually are in a basketball game).  The Bulls couldn’t score on the Heat’s stalwart defense, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller made significant appearances, Dwyane Wade was…Dwyane Wade, Lebron James scored a few clutch buckets, and the Miami Heat successfully snatched back control of the series by winning a game on Chicago’s home court.  The world was again turned upside down.  All I heard the day after Game 2 were Heat “wagoneers”…excuse me… Lebron protective cup holders…speak tales of legend in lure of their King.  I heard the SAME “experts” who had so adamantly proclaimed the day before that the series was over, now questioning the Bulls’ chances of winning the series.  Didn’t we just crown them Eastern Conference Champions after the prior game…GAME ONE?  On top of all that, I didn’t hear from any Bulls fans all damn day after Game 2.

So for all of YOU PEOPLE who flip-flop with the wind, IT’S A SEVEN GAME SERIES and it’s tied up at ONE!  Please folks, let’s allow it to play out and let’s refrain from making new CONCLUSIVE judgments after every single game…after every single quarter…after every single bucket.  Fans, “stans”, die-hards, and shameless wagon jumpers alike; try to see a bigger picture and stop basing your “moxy”, your fear, your sports knowledge, and anything else you have going on in those little brains, on one game.  Shut up and let them play PLEASE!

Devin “Dev” McMillan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

The Miami Heat Are Officially a Problem: How Does It Feel?

Monday, May 16th, 2011

By Roy Burton

 

This one is for the haters.

For the people who hate LeBron James, despite the fact that he’s one of the best basketball players that you’ve ever seen.  For those who hate Dwyane Wade, who is pretty much just guilty by association at this point.  And even for those who hate Chris Bosh, who swears he’s tough, but in reality comes across as a man who – as Ghostface Killah would say – is softer than baby thighs.

For whatever reason, you may not like Miami’s “Big 3”, and you have every right to do so.  But deep down inside, tucked away in one of those places that you don’t want to talk about, you know the truth.

The Miami Heat are officially a problem.

To all of the haters, doubters and naysayers out there: How does it feel?

How does it feel to know that they’ve finally figured it out?  It took far longer than they (and some of us) expected, despite what they may have said at various points during the season.

But you can’t deny that they’ve turned it up another level this postseason, especially during their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Celtics. 

A team that was routinely criticized as not being clutch came through when they needed to, outscoring the Celtics 55-31 during the 4th quarter and overtime periods of the final two games of the series.

The Miami Heat weren’t passed the torch of Eastern Conference supremacy last week – they ripped it from the Celtics’ old, dead hands.

Most of you don’t want to admit it. Maybe you still have some lingering resentment over “The Decision” (sponsored by Vitamin Water).

We can all agree that it was a poorly managed affair, spearheaded in part by Maverick Carter, who appears to have learned everything he knows about sports management from watching the first two seasons of “Arli$$” on DVD.

But who can blame LeBron for jumping at the chance to go to Miami? As a 26-year-old man, he gets paid an obscene amount of money to work with his friends during the day, and spend his down time enjoying the pleasures of South Beach.  If that’s not the American Dream, then it’s pretty darn close.

That being said, the situation this summer could have been handled better.  10 months later, James realized the error of his ways and apologized for the debacle that was “The Decision” (sponsored by Vitamin Water).  By that time, Cavs’ owner Dan Gilbert was done penning missives in Comic Sans font, and busy sifting through the wreckage of a 19-63 season.

Perhaps you’re one of those still upset at the welcoming party/concert announcing the formation of the so-called “3 Kings.”  Shortly after signing the contracts that made their partnership official, James and Wade and Bosh proceeded to pose and preen and peacock their way through the American Airlines arena as they were greeted like rock stars by thousands of adoring Heat fans.

After the laser show ended and the last of the confetti fell from the ceiling, LeBron James made his now infamous “not one, not two, not three…” championship boast, predicting untold success for his new team.

Cocky?  Maybe a little.  But if their recent success is any indication, James might not have been too far off. 

And that bothers you.

It bothers you because your favorite squad probably can’t go the “superteam” route.  I’ve since reconciled the fact that barring an Act of God, my team of choice – the Philadelphia 76ers – can’t come close to a title in the foreseeable future.  I’ve accepted the Sixers’ place in the hierarchy of the NBA and have since moved on.

It might be hard for some people to come to grips with, but the reality is this: for the next few years, the fate of the Eastern Conference – and perhaps the entire NBA – lies in the hands of the Miami Heat.

Back in March, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned that a couple of his players were crying after the team lost its fourth game in a row.

It’s likely that this summer – and for several summers to come – there will be tears shed in the Miami locker room for an entirely different reason. This time, those tears will be dried with a T-shirt declaring the Miami Heat as the champions of the NBA.

Be mad.

***************

Roy Burton of The Broad Street Line, for War Room Sports

Roy Burton is one of the hosts of “The Broad Street Line”, a weekly sports podcast on Blog Talk Radio (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/broadstreet).  He also serves as a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, and is a contributing writer for several other websites as well.  You can follow him on Twitter at @thebsline.

“He’s the best player in the world, and he may not even be the best player on his team!”
– Dan LeBatard on LeBron James

 

The Sixers Need to Move Iguodala This Offseason, but Will They Do It?

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

By Brandon Pemberton

The Philly fans’ frustrations with the play and contract of the Sixers F/G Andre Iguodala grew to a all-time high this season and in my opinion, it’s time for him to go this offseason.  Yes Iguodala is a role player who’s overpaid in my eyes, but I put blame on Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski for signing him to the deal instead of letting his ass walk.  Stefanski has made a number of mistakes since taking over for Billy King and now it’s time for him to right the ship with the help of  President Rod Thorn, who has a great track record (he put together the Nets teams who went to 2 NBA Finals in the early 2000’s).

The Sixers had a chance to dump Iguodala’s contract last season when the Houston Rockets were willing to take on his contract and Samuel Dalembert for the expiring contracts of Tracy McGrady and Chase Budinger.  But Stefanski said the Sixers weren’t looking to dump salary.  Now there are rumors floating around NBA circles that there are a few possible trades that could happen before the NBA lockout begins on June 30th, a week after the 2011 NBA Draft.

1. Rudy Gay:  The salaries match, but Gay is coming off of a bad shoulder injury and has an extra year (player option) on his deal that would pay him $19.3 million in 2014-15.  While Gay is a better scorer and shooter than Iguodala and people believe he hasn’t reached his full potential, I don’t want to take on another big contract.  Rudy Gay isn’t the type of player who takes the Sixers to the next level and I need to see a full year of a player they drafted #2 overall in Evan Turner.


2.  Chris Kaman:  Has one year left on his contract at $12.7 million and would give the Sixers a legit post scorer that they don’t have.  He played in only 32 games this season due to injury and his minutes were down due to the emergence of NBA Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin and his running mate DeAndre Jordan.  In the 09-10 season, he averaged a career best 18.5 ppg and pulled in 9.2 rpg.  This is a “win-win” to me.  You’d get Kaman for a year, put him in the starting lineup, and let him walk after the season.

3.  The Cleveland Cavaliers:  The Cavs have a $14.5 million dollar trade exception acquired in the Lebron James deal.  If the Cavs are that high on Iguodala, they could send anything from draft picks to the rights of a player, or a player that makes much less than Iguodala, since the trade doesn’t have to match dollar for dollar like typical NBA trades.  This is another way the Sixers could dump his salary and receive cap space and draft picks.  Remember, the 2012 NBA Draft is going to be loaded.

There you have it!  Me personally, I would go for either options two or three,
but that’s just me.  Bottom line, Iguodala’s time is up in Philly and he has
to go.

Brandon Pemberton, Blogger for War Room Sports

Allen Iverson: “The Answer”

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

"The Answer"

Allen Iverson, nicknamed “The Answer”, is known for attacking the rim and going up against anybody, leading to points and sometimes hard fouls.  Unfortunately A.I.’s aggressive style of play has put a lot of wear and tear on his diminutive 6 foot, 165 pound frame.  

Now, a new injury has developed while Allen Iverson was playing in Turkey, and this ankle injury may jeopardize the rest of A.I.’s astounding career.  Iverson hurt his ankle back on January 12th, and came back to the U.S. for surgery.  When the injury first occurred, A.I. tweeted that he would return, but now it seems like he is really contemplating retirement.  If he does retire, it would be a very sad end of story to such an amazing career.  

To sum up his illustrious career, he will go down as the best player of all-time 6-feet or under, and the things that he has accomplished individually will make him a surefire Hall of Famer.

Derrick “Dee” Slayton, guest blogger for War Room Sports.  Read more of Dee’s writing at DeeSixersFan.Wordpress.com, or simply click this link.

Out From the Shadows

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

"The Phour Aces", "The Phour Kings", "The Phour (insert noun here)"

If you are a Philadelphia sports enthusiast like myself, then you are on a serious high right now.  First the uniting of the four kings, (Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels), and now this?  The Miracle at the Meadowlands part II?  Only one word can describe it; unbelievable.

ANOTHER Miracle in the Meadowlands!

Can you feel it in the air or am I just riding the hallucination train thinking we might go-all-the-way?  First, a little arena football team called the Philadelphia Soul brought home a championship, much needed in the city of drought.  This little team won and challenged all the major league teams to do the same.  Then the boys in red pinstripes rolled through Milwaukee, LA, to Tampa to bring home a much-needed World Series that sent this City into a euphoric state.  The Flyers, the ultimate Cinderella story, made it to the Stanley Cup Finals last year when nobody thought they would even make it out of the first round.

Phillies Win the 2008 World Series!!!

I don’t know about you, but I can smell the polish they use to make that Lombardi trophy shine.  In my life, I have never seen anything like what I saw on Sunday and I have been watching football for a long time.  I could be naïve in thinking that we are going to the Superbowl, but what I saw Sunday gave me something that I haven’t had in a long time; hope.

2009-2010 Eastern Conference Champions!!!

There were so many blunders in Sunday’s game, a fumble here, an interception there.  It seemed like the Giants had Vick’s number and yet he still found a way to make it happen.  I love you Donovan, but you would have never been able to make this happen.

Mike Vick Never Says "Die"

We may finally be getting out from the under big brother’s shadow.  For now, we have the bragging rights over the Big Apple.  The only thing they can say is that the New York Knicks are slightly better than the 76ers and I’m okay with that.  All I know is that on a Sunday afternoon in December, I became glued to the television.  I watched history happen.  I watched Michael Vick turn an impossible to a possible.  I saw the speed of young man lift an entire city from its somber state.  I saw that same man celebrate in a way that I would usually frown upon, but this time he earned it.

Stephanie C. Curry, Guest Blogger for War Room Sports