The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have advanced to the second round in the NBA's championship tournament. Both teams were favorites to win this year's NBA crown. As of today, the Lakers have been humiliated by the Dallas Mavericks in 4 quick games, the last 2 via blowout. The Celtics seem heading down a similar path. Why have two of the most storied NBA franchises looked so meek?
After watching the Celtics lose in overtime to the Miami Heat- now leading the series 3-1, it seems like the Celtics reign as Eastern conference champions is drawing to a close. What's staggering is that the Heat are imposing their will, youth and fury on these aging Celtics. Last night Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 83 points. Most of them coming by slashing to the basket for easy jumpers and layups. The Celtics looked soft. The Kendrick Perkins deal has left a gaping hole in the middle with Shaquille O'Neal unable to fill in the void. Shaq hasn't been much of a contributer this post season and with no bruising big man in the middle, the Heat will likely end the Celtics run tomorrow.
The Lakers, uncharacteristically left this year's playoffs in complete turmoil. They were thoroughly outplayed by the Mavericks on both ends of the court who showed the poise and relentlessness as past championship Laker teams. Kobe Bryant, who usually carries this team and single handedly wins games by himself, looked listless and old. The Lakers lacked veteran leadership that became their staple the last 2 seasons with Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum throwing cheap dirty fouls during their game 4 blowout.
Looking forward, both teams will be going through transition periods. The Celtics aging Big 3 will be intact for next season, but will need a different supporting cast to contend next year. The Lakers more than likely will have a new coach, but will keep their core of Bryant, Bynum, and Pau Gasol intact. Both teams will be good next year, but judging by these playoffs their days of winning titles are over.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Sports Autographs - Determining Value on Autographed Sports Memorabilia
Collecting sports autographs and autographed sports memorabilia has become a trendy and pricey hobby. No doubt collecting such items can be complicated and expensive. Like any investment vehicle, prices of autographed sports memorabilia are determined by supply and demand. This clip aims to clarify some of the confusion that help determine value on sports autographs.
The primary driver in valuation is popularity of the athlete. Athletes who have been the best in their sports like Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle and Manny Pacquiao will command higher prices than others. These athletes set the bar in their trade and are regarded as Hall of Fame players. Championships, top rated rankings, MVP’s and other awards help cast the spot light on athletes propelling their autographs to higher levels.
The type of memorabilia athletes sign is also a key valuation driver. Game used balls, jerseys, bats, helmets etc. will be more expensive than replicas. The condition of the item also persuades buyers. Items in pristine condition will attract more interest than those that show signs of wear and deterioration.
The location of the signature can make a product more aesthetically appealing thus creating newness for collectors. Baseballs signed legibly in a non fading marker on the sweet spot will be draw more buyers and higher prices than ones that are non legible and on the side. The same holds true for jerseys, hockey pucks, bats, helmets and other memorabilia articles.
Signatures on documents can be worth tremendous amounts of money. It is believed that one of the most expensive sports athlete documents was Babe Ruth’s signature on a contract between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. This was the contract that led to the demise and the 86 year World Series drought for the BoSox meanwhile propelling the Yankees to record championships.
Not only is the popularity of the athlete important in valuing sports autographs, but also the supply of autographs available in the market place. It is said that Tiger Woods and Tom Brady rarely sign autographs when randomly asked. They sign memorabilia only in private auctions and events. Because of the rarity of signatures in the market, their autographed sports memorabilia costs a lot more.
Other factors to consider are whether the athlete is still alive. Popular athletes who have passed on are known as vintage collectibles. Their value tends to remain steady and rarely drops. Games in playoff mode also help drive athletes value simply because television networks and media outlets focus on those teams and players. For example athletes who perform well in an NBA Finals series will more than likely have a surge in autograph demand. Keep these tips in mind when searching for you favorite athletes.
The primary driver in valuation is popularity of the athlete. Athletes who have been the best in their sports like Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle and Manny Pacquiao will command higher prices than others. These athletes set the bar in their trade and are regarded as Hall of Fame players. Championships, top rated rankings, MVP’s and other awards help cast the spot light on athletes propelling their autographs to higher levels.
The type of memorabilia athletes sign is also a key valuation driver. Game used balls, jerseys, bats, helmets etc. will be more expensive than replicas. The condition of the item also persuades buyers. Items in pristine condition will attract more interest than those that show signs of wear and deterioration.
The location of the signature can make a product more aesthetically appealing thus creating newness for collectors. Baseballs signed legibly in a non fading marker on the sweet spot will be draw more buyers and higher prices than ones that are non legible and on the side. The same holds true for jerseys, hockey pucks, bats, helmets and other memorabilia articles.
Signatures on documents can be worth tremendous amounts of money. It is believed that one of the most expensive sports athlete documents was Babe Ruth’s signature on a contract between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. This was the contract that led to the demise and the 86 year World Series drought for the BoSox meanwhile propelling the Yankees to record championships.
Not only is the popularity of the athlete important in valuing sports autographs, but also the supply of autographs available in the market place. It is said that Tiger Woods and Tom Brady rarely sign autographs when randomly asked. They sign memorabilia only in private auctions and events. Because of the rarity of signatures in the market, their autographed sports memorabilia costs a lot more.
Other factors to consider are whether the athlete is still alive. Popular athletes who have passed on are known as vintage collectibles. Their value tends to remain steady and rarely drops. Games in playoff mode also help drive athletes value simply because television networks and media outlets focus on those teams and players. For example athletes who perform well in an NBA Finals series will more than likely have a surge in autograph demand. Keep these tips in mind when searching for you favorite athletes.
Autographed Sports Memorabilia - The Market
Collecting has become a national and global phenomenon. Because of its popularity, the autographed sports memorabilia market has become a huge and successful enterprise. This article examines what is necessary to get into the collecting business as well as steps to be taken to avoid buying counterfeit sports memorabilia.
The market of collecting autographed sports memorabilia is no different than what Wall St terms as a Bull and Bear Market. Collecting is more of a hobby than a necessity. Hence, the demand in the sports memorabilia market drops in a downward economy and spikes when it's hitting on all cylinders. The sports market is constantly changing with different fads, trends, and rules affecting sports on a year to year basis. Performance and scandals affect players rise and fall as well. There are collectors' forums, social websites and vertical portals that help get information on what is the trend in sports.
Like any investment industry, careful research and studying needs to be done. Collecting autographed sports memorabilia is no different. There are countless tools like magazines, articles, trade shows, authenticators and dealers to help make informed decisions on purchasing autographed sports memorabilia. There are numerous forgers and scammers out there waiting to give a sports autograph of your favorite player at bargain basement prices. This automatically should be a red flag. Dealers go through great lengths to get athletes to sign merchandise in the so called "sweet spot" with a non fading marker that ensures the longevity of the signature. Again, price comparisons and research must be done to make sure the signature is authentic. Authenticators like Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services can help in authenticating products. Buying from trusted vendors that guarantee a money back return policy provides added protection that the memorabilia is authentic. Trusted vendors that give such a service are All Authentic Autographs, Hollywood Collectibles, Steiner, Sports Memorabilia and All Authentic.
It is also important to keep in mind that older, vintage autographs tend to hold their value more than those athletes currently playing. Older players have made their mark on their respective games and have solidified their place in history. Such is not true with those currently playing as countless events can happen that could affect the value of their autographs. Hardly will a player who has passed away ever have a drop in his autographed memorabilia value. Consider all these factors when purchasing autographed memorabilia of your favorite athletes. It will ensure a sports décor that is guaranteed to be worth every penny of your time and investment.
Ameesh Morjaria - Contributor, AllAuthenticAutographs.com
About AllAuthenticAutographs.com
All Authentic Autographs is a sports autograph and sports memorabilia company. All of our sports autographs and sports memorabilia products are guaranteed authentic and come with a certificate of authentication.
The market of collecting autographed sports memorabilia is no different than what Wall St terms as a Bull and Bear Market. Collecting is more of a hobby than a necessity. Hence, the demand in the sports memorabilia market drops in a downward economy and spikes when it's hitting on all cylinders. The sports market is constantly changing with different fads, trends, and rules affecting sports on a year to year basis. Performance and scandals affect players rise and fall as well. There are collectors' forums, social websites and vertical portals that help get information on what is the trend in sports.
Like any investment industry, careful research and studying needs to be done. Collecting autographed sports memorabilia is no different. There are countless tools like magazines, articles, trade shows, authenticators and dealers to help make informed decisions on purchasing autographed sports memorabilia. There are numerous forgers and scammers out there waiting to give a sports autograph of your favorite player at bargain basement prices. This automatically should be a red flag. Dealers go through great lengths to get athletes to sign merchandise in the so called "sweet spot" with a non fading marker that ensures the longevity of the signature. Again, price comparisons and research must be done to make sure the signature is authentic. Authenticators like Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services can help in authenticating products. Buying from trusted vendors that guarantee a money back return policy provides added protection that the memorabilia is authentic. Trusted vendors that give such a service are All Authentic Autographs, Hollywood Collectibles, Steiner, Sports Memorabilia and All Authentic.
It is also important to keep in mind that older, vintage autographs tend to hold their value more than those athletes currently playing. Older players have made their mark on their respective games and have solidified their place in history. Such is not true with those currently playing as countless events can happen that could affect the value of their autographs. Hardly will a player who has passed away ever have a drop in his autographed memorabilia value. Consider all these factors when purchasing autographed memorabilia of your favorite athletes. It will ensure a sports décor that is guaranteed to be worth every penny of your time and investment.
Ameesh Morjaria - Contributor, AllAuthenticAutographs.com
About AllAuthenticAutographs.com
All Authentic Autographs is a sports autograph and sports memorabilia company. All of our sports autographs and sports memorabilia products are guaranteed authentic and come with a certificate of authentication.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Denver Nuggets - Addition by Substraction
Has anyone looked at the Denver Nuggets recently? They have fallen below the radar since the Carmelo Anthony saga was resolved and have surged since then. Next to the L.A Lakers and Chicago Bulls, the Nuggets have been playing some of the best basketball in the NBA.
Yesterday the Nuggets dropped the Lakers- winners of 17 of their past 18 games, at home with a 95-90 victory. They are now 15-4 since trading their superstar Anthony and team leader Chauncey Billups. Apparently, no one told the Nuggets that they weren't supposed be this good. Once the smoke cleared, new comers Danilo Gallinari and Nugget veteran Kenyon Martin have energized this team. Once the pressure of winning was gone, this bunch have played carefree and team basketball. Meanwhile, things in New York haven't been as rosy for the Knicks.
The Nuggets have a clinched a playoff berth and look like a very dangerous opponent in the first round of the playoffs. If the playoffs were to start today, a matchup with Oklahoma City Thunder would be in order. I believe in momentum in the playoffs. A team peaking at the at the right time is extremely dangerous and do not count these Nuggets to quietly exit the playoffs.
Yesterday the Nuggets dropped the Lakers- winners of 17 of their past 18 games, at home with a 95-90 victory. They are now 15-4 since trading their superstar Anthony and team leader Chauncey Billups. Apparently, no one told the Nuggets that they weren't supposed be this good. Once the smoke cleared, new comers Danilo Gallinari and Nugget veteran Kenyon Martin have energized this team. Once the pressure of winning was gone, this bunch have played carefree and team basketball. Meanwhile, things in New York haven't been as rosy for the Knicks.
The Nuggets have a clinched a playoff berth and look like a very dangerous opponent in the first round of the playoffs. If the playoffs were to start today, a matchup with Oklahoma City Thunder would be in order. I believe in momentum in the playoffs. A team peaking at the at the right time is extremely dangerous and do not count these Nuggets to quietly exit the playoffs.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Sports Autographs - What do you want?
There are a lot of questions collectors have about autographed sports memorabilia and how to go about collecting sports autographs. The main question I always get asked is about valuations and authentications.
Sports Autographs are worth by the authentication process. If you cannot prove its authentication, you will have a hard time to find buyers who will pay top dollar. Usually, reputable companies will provide you with a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee money back policy. These are legit companies and ones that you should do business with. Of course selling autographed sports memorabilia has become a huge enterprise and fans have become closer to athletes than ever before. This means that fans are able to get signatures from athletes in their raw form. Players will sign memorabilia in haste creating speculation from buyers whether the autograph is real. There are companies out there that verify such memorabilia and have many different versions of a players autograph. The leaders in the industry are PSA/DNA and James Spence. A collectible certified by these companies will assure an authentic product. Usually companies (ours included) that sell autographed sports memorabilia will buy from different industry leaders and no one else. Trust is a huge part of the sports memorabilia market and one that should be taken seriously by both the buyer and seller.
Sports Autographs are worth by the authentication process. If you cannot prove its authentication, you will have a hard time to find buyers who will pay top dollar. Usually, reputable companies will provide you with a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee money back policy. These are legit companies and ones that you should do business with. Of course selling autographed sports memorabilia has become a huge enterprise and fans have become closer to athletes than ever before. This means that fans are able to get signatures from athletes in their raw form. Players will sign memorabilia in haste creating speculation from buyers whether the autograph is real. There are companies out there that verify such memorabilia and have many different versions of a players autograph. The leaders in the industry are PSA/DNA and James Spence. A collectible certified by these companies will assure an authentic product. Usually companies (ours included) that sell autographed sports memorabilia will buy from different industry leaders and no one else. Trust is a huge part of the sports memorabilia market and one that should be taken seriously by both the buyer and seller.
Baseball Autographs - What to expect from the Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies in 2011 season
A new baseball season has dawned before us and the excitement could not be greater. With spring in the air, one thing seems absolutely certain- America's favorite past time is back. There has been a bountiful of off season moves that make this season appealing. Powerhouses like the Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have revamped their teams to become favorites in winning the World Series. Which teams are for real? And which players will have the greatest impact for their teams to drive their baseball autograph values? These are compelling questions that will be addressed.
The Red Sox have added superstars Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez and a handful of great relievers to their solid core. Together with their starting pitching, I expect them to have a great season. One that will eventually end with winning their division and going deep in the playoffs. Barring injuries, the newest additions will perform above expectations thus igniting demand for their autographs. Guys like Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz should especially benefit from the new offensive additions.
Like the Red Sox, the Yankees are always in contention for the World Series. This year, however, they are fielding a team with less star power and more question marks than ever before. Derek Jeter's stock has plunged and the Yankees are throwing a starting rotation of CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett as the anchor of their rotation. Look for guys like Robinson Cano and especially Mark Texeira to step up to help the Yankees lack of pitching. I do see the Bombers making mid season moves to bolster their lineup and get back into the World Series chase. They always do.
The Phillies have made the biggest splash this off season and surprisingly, they weren't even supposed to be in the running for the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Yet they added the most coveted free agent on the market. The Phillies boast Hall of Fame pitching in Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton. We all know that pitching wins championships- San Francisco Giants in 2010. This lineup is incredible. The only down side will be complacency and knowing you have someone the next day to cover your bad performance. That won't be a problem with Halladay. His work ethic is one of the best in baseball and I don't see him becoming lackadaisical. Look for Halladay and Lee to continue their dominant pitching in 2011.
The baseball season is only a few weeks away. The three teams making headlines- Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies are primed to make deep runs in the post season. Baseball autographs are always more valuable with players on winning teams. These teams will be at the top of their division and respective leagues in 2011. With being on top, comes the added spotlight and glory from fans and media. Thus, players on such teams tend to fetch higher prices for their baseball autographs than others.
The Red Sox have added superstars Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez and a handful of great relievers to their solid core. Together with their starting pitching, I expect them to have a great season. One that will eventually end with winning their division and going deep in the playoffs. Barring injuries, the newest additions will perform above expectations thus igniting demand for their autographs. Guys like Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz should especially benefit from the new offensive additions.
Like the Red Sox, the Yankees are always in contention for the World Series. This year, however, they are fielding a team with less star power and more question marks than ever before. Derek Jeter's stock has plunged and the Yankees are throwing a starting rotation of CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett as the anchor of their rotation. Look for guys like Robinson Cano and especially Mark Texeira to step up to help the Yankees lack of pitching. I do see the Bombers making mid season moves to bolster their lineup and get back into the World Series chase. They always do.
The Phillies have made the biggest splash this off season and surprisingly, they weren't even supposed to be in the running for the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Yet they added the most coveted free agent on the market. The Phillies boast Hall of Fame pitching in Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton. We all know that pitching wins championships- San Francisco Giants in 2010. This lineup is incredible. The only down side will be complacency and knowing you have someone the next day to cover your bad performance. That won't be a problem with Halladay. His work ethic is one of the best in baseball and I don't see him becoming lackadaisical. Look for Halladay and Lee to continue their dominant pitching in 2011.
The baseball season is only a few weeks away. The three teams making headlines- Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies are primed to make deep runs in the post season. Baseball autographs are always more valuable with players on winning teams. These teams will be at the top of their division and respective leagues in 2011. With being on top, comes the added spotlight and glory from fans and media. Thus, players on such teams tend to fetch higher prices for their baseball autographs than others.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tips For Buying Sports Autographs
Here are some tips for buying autographed sports memorabilia:
1. Buy from a reputable vendors- preferable from stores that offer a money back guarantee.
2. Watch out for Ebay- If its too cheap, its probably not the real deal.
3. Do your research, shop and compare prices from different stores.
4. Find out who has authenticated the product.
5. Find stores that do business with sports authenticators.
These tips will ensure that you're buying authentic sports autographs.
1. Buy from a reputable vendors- preferable from stores that offer a money back guarantee.
2. Watch out for Ebay- If its too cheap, its probably not the real deal.
3. Do your research, shop and compare prices from different stores.
4. Find out who has authenticated the product.
5. Find stores that do business with sports authenticators.
These tips will ensure that you're buying authentic sports autographs.
Basketball Autographs - What to Expect in This Year's Playoffs
The NBA season is fast winding down with the playoffs looming in a month. Most of the playoff teams are set with a few bottom dwellers competing for the last couple of seeds. Its playoff time that sets apart the clutch athletes and sky rockets their popularity. It's these athletes that drive the value of basketball autographs. This article will look at the athletes who have the potential to drive value to their basketball autographs.
Currently, the elite teams in the NBA are your usual suspects- Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic. Either one superstar or a collection of superstars defines these teams. From a basketball autograph valuation standpoint, players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant have seen most of their best days priced into the current market. There is very little to drive their value unless they start climbing the list of Hall of Famers who have defined the game and numbers for so long. That coupled with another championship would raise the value of their basketball autographs. The greatest reward lies in players like Derek Rose, Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard. Derek Rose and Dwight Howard are having MVP caliber seasons with numbers that are eye boggling. Rose has greater potential simply because his team is playing at a championship level.
Under the command of coach Tom Thibodeau, Rose has thrived and the Bulls are playing stifling defense. He looks like a solid basketball autograph investment not only because of the numbers he's putting up, but also because this team has the potential to win multiple championships. Dwight Howard, although individually, has put up MVP numbers, his basketball autograph will never reach soaring heights until he wins a championship. With Howard threatening to leave the Magic for greener pastures, his autograph potential is good, but carries a level of uncertainty. Kevin Durant's value rose significantly last year with their playoff success against the Lakers. He has put up great numbers this year and with the emergence of Russell Westbrook has a running mate to do some damage in the diluted West. Durant's value lies on how far he advances in the playoffs with getting out of the first round a must.
In conclusion, in evaluating basketball autographs, no time is more crucial than the NBA playoffs. Players can go from obscurity in the regular season to stars in the playoffs and gain instant popularity. Each round the player advances enhances his basketball autograph popularity. Continuous success and championships are essential for keeping the player's basketball autograph on the rise
Monday, March 28, 2011
March Madness is Mad
I wrote a post a week ago predicting winners of the remaining squads in the March Madness tournament. I should give up writing because every team I picked to advance has been ousted. Ohio St. Buckeyes- my no brainer shoe-in for the Final 4 got knocked out by the Kentucky Wildcats on a last second jumper. In my mind that game shouldn't have been close. The Buckeyes defense should have won this game going away.
The surprise of the tournament is of course Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). These guys, dubbed by many college pundits to be the least deserving of the tourney, are proving they belong. They shocked the nation by upsetting a Kansas team favored to win the matchup by 11 points by the wise guys in Vegas. Clearly this team is playing with a chip on its shoulder and now a force to be reckoned with in the Final Four.
Your Final Four teams- Uconn, Butler, Kentucky and VCU. Two Cinderella matchups with Butler and VCU squaring off ultimately will lead to one's improbably run to end. I give the slight edge to Butler. The other game, with 2 great coaches- Jim Calhoun and John Calipari going head to head is also intriguing. Uconn sports the best player in this tournament in Kemba Walker and I believe he will continue his amazing play in Houston. I look for a Butler | Uconn final. Of course, with the way things have played out, that is anything but a 50 |50 guess.
The surprise of the tournament is of course Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). These guys, dubbed by many college pundits to be the least deserving of the tourney, are proving they belong. They shocked the nation by upsetting a Kansas team favored to win the matchup by 11 points by the wise guys in Vegas. Clearly this team is playing with a chip on its shoulder and now a force to be reckoned with in the Final Four.
Your Final Four teams- Uconn, Butler, Kentucky and VCU. Two Cinderella matchups with Butler and VCU squaring off ultimately will lead to one's improbably run to end. I give the slight edge to Butler. The other game, with 2 great coaches- Jim Calhoun and John Calipari going head to head is also intriguing. Uconn sports the best player in this tournament in Kemba Walker and I believe he will continue his amazing play in Houston. I look for a Butler | Uconn final. Of course, with the way things have played out, that is anything but a 50 |50 guess.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March Madness- Another Year of Madness
So what do we make of the March Madness matchups? It seems every year the wise guys in the NCAA know how to seed these teams and year in and year out those seedings prove irrelevent. How does Morehead St upset Louisville and legendary coach Rick Pitino? That should not happen. I suppose its the reason why we watch the Madness and let's face it, everyone loves an underdog. Another huge surprise is Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). How have these guys, ranked number 11 in their region, steam rolled through the tournament winning by margins of 18 against a good Georgetown and Purdue squad? Who would've thunk that? I am interested to see who picked this team to go this far in the tournament other than the fans of VCU. My hats off to you if you did and can I get the name of your research company?
There are still 3 number one seeds left and right now Ohio St looks the strongest of the bunch. I am picking that they will have an easy time ridding Kentucky. As for the other guys, I do expect Richmond to give Kansas a tough time. If Kansas wins, it will be the slimmest of margins. Another nail biter will be Duke and Arizona. I expect Duke to win this game simply because Arizona has had 2 emotional victories in this tournament. I am predicting they will run out of gas against this seasoned Blue Devil team.
You can pretty much flip a coin and pick the winner of this year's March Madness matchups. You have just as much odds as those so called "college gurus" and they get paid to predict winners. The Madness is far from over. In fact, its just the beginning. Keep watching folks.
There are still 3 number one seeds left and right now Ohio St looks the strongest of the bunch. I am picking that they will have an easy time ridding Kentucky. As for the other guys, I do expect Richmond to give Kansas a tough time. If Kansas wins, it will be the slimmest of margins. Another nail biter will be Duke and Arizona. I expect Duke to win this game simply because Arizona has had 2 emotional victories in this tournament. I am predicting they will run out of gas against this seasoned Blue Devil team.
You can pretty much flip a coin and pick the winner of this year's March Madness matchups. You have just as much odds as those so called "college gurus" and they get paid to predict winners. The Madness is far from over. In fact, its just the beginning. Keep watching folks.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lakers, Bynum Lead Second Half Surge
The Lakers are flourishing again winning 10 of 11 ballgames. Many of those games are against some of the best in the league including a rout of the San Antonio Spurs in their own gym. Coincidentally, the Lakers rise is directly related to the great play of Andrew Bynum.
Since the All Star break Bynum has put tremendous numbers. Not only has he been able to stay healthy, but he has renergized this Lakers defense. Since the All Star break Bynum has averaged 30.9 min, shot 62% from the field, made 73% of his free throws, grabbed 13 rebounds, and blocked 2.6 shots a game. Those numbers get even better during the last 7 games where he has gone 31.3, 64%, 71%, 14.6, 2.7. He is on the floor and the Lakers are winning. Usually its the Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol show, but having Bynum playing the way he has has enabled a lighter work load for their 2 key stars which could be invaluable come playoff time.
The Lakers have their swagger and Bynum is leading the charge. The Lake Show have allowed a paltry 88 points a game during their surge. The champs are back and they don't look ready to rescind their championship just yet.
Since the All Star break Bynum has put tremendous numbers. Not only has he been able to stay healthy, but he has renergized this Lakers defense. Since the All Star break Bynum has averaged 30.9 min, shot 62% from the field, made 73% of his free throws, grabbed 13 rebounds, and blocked 2.6 shots a game. Those numbers get even better during the last 7 games where he has gone 31.3, 64%, 71%, 14.6, 2.7. He is on the floor and the Lakers are winning. Usually its the Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol show, but having Bynum playing the way he has has enabled a lighter work load for their 2 key stars which could be invaluable come playoff time.
The Lakers have their swagger and Bynum is leading the charge. The Lake Show have allowed a paltry 88 points a game during their surge. The champs are back and they don't look ready to rescind their championship just yet.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Why Are We Obsessed With Sports?
I've been wondering for a long time- why do we care so much about sports? Our culture is so sports driven to the point we pay thousands of dollars to watch the games live, spend time from our day checking scores, statistics, reading articles, streaming videos and track the personal lives of athletes. Athletes make millions from our obsessions. They live the quality of life most of us dream of. So why are we so obsessed?
I've been a huge sports junkie for years. I've been watching sports, writing about teams and players to the point where I sell autographs of professional athletes. Athletes make millions of dollars by my and the rest of the world's consumption to the point where players can work 6 months of the year and feed their entire past and future family generations for decades. So what's the point of sports? Are we infatuated with the fame and money involved? Are athletes like movie stars where they take us to fantasy world where we can escape the mundane activities of our day to day lives? Quite frankly, I know more people who feel that actors and actresses are more deserving of the millions they make than professional athletes.
I'm an avid NBA and Celtics fan. I follow the Celtics deeply and watch their every move. In the end what is all for? An 18th championship? For me to be one of the 60,000 residents in the Boston area to claim our team is #1? The Larry O'brien trophy is worth approximately $15,000. Yet, you have hundreds of million dollar franchises spending millions to capture that trophy year in and year out. The taste of championship sweetness lasts about a week or 2 before normalcy takes over and a new sporting season is underway. The NFL is planning to boycott the season because the players and owners cannot come up with a way to amicably divide $9 billion dollars. In the end the fans suffer. Maybe we need a new obsession to fill the void.
I've been a huge sports junkie for years. I've been watching sports, writing about teams and players to the point where I sell autographs of professional athletes. Athletes make millions of dollars by my and the rest of the world's consumption to the point where players can work 6 months of the year and feed their entire past and future family generations for decades. So what's the point of sports? Are we infatuated with the fame and money involved? Are athletes like movie stars where they take us to fantasy world where we can escape the mundane activities of our day to day lives? Quite frankly, I know more people who feel that actors and actresses are more deserving of the millions they make than professional athletes.
I'm an avid NBA and Celtics fan. I follow the Celtics deeply and watch their every move. In the end what is all for? An 18th championship? For me to be one of the 60,000 residents in the Boston area to claim our team is #1? The Larry O'brien trophy is worth approximately $15,000. Yet, you have hundreds of million dollar franchises spending millions to capture that trophy year in and year out. The taste of championship sweetness lasts about a week or 2 before normalcy takes over and a new sporting season is underway. The NFL is planning to boycott the season because the players and owners cannot come up with a way to amicably divide $9 billion dollars. In the end the fans suffer. Maybe we need a new obsession to fill the void.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
What's Wrong with the Heat?
The Miami Heat were built with 3 of the best players in the basketball universe and favorites to win the NBA title. With tremendous star power and 2 players with Jordanesque type numbers in Dwayne Wade and Lebron James; a team committed to team defense, its no wonder the wise guys in Vegas have the Heat favored to win this year's title. So what's wrong with this team so many picked to steamroll through the regular season on its way to capturing the Larry Obrien trophy?
The Heat have the talent to compete with anyone, but from time to time they look like a team expecting to have the NBA title handed to them. On Sunday they blew a 14 point lead losing at home against the New York Knicks and last night squandered a 24 point lead to lose to the Orlando Magic 99-96. Watching the body language by Heat players, clearly disgusted by the performance, figured to play better tonight against the league best San Antonio Spurs.
The problem is the Heat dug themselves a huge hole 20 point hole and seem lethargic and uninspired at the start of the game. At the half, the Heat trail by 12. This team built on stars clearly has no vocal leader. Wade and James need to step up and motivate this team like Kevin Garnett does with the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant with the L.A Lakers. Watching these 2 guys play basketball one can see the animated body language and passion exhumed by these superstar players. Perhaps youth of James, Bosh and Wade is served causing uncertainty amongst the entire team. The Heat promised championships at the beginning of the season, but currently this team looks like a team unable to win the Eastern conference.
The Heat have the talent to compete with anyone, but from time to time they look like a team expecting to have the NBA title handed to them. On Sunday they blew a 14 point lead losing at home against the New York Knicks and last night squandered a 24 point lead to lose to the Orlando Magic 99-96. Watching the body language by Heat players, clearly disgusted by the performance, figured to play better tonight against the league best San Antonio Spurs.
The problem is the Heat dug themselves a huge hole 20 point hole and seem lethargic and uninspired at the start of the game. At the half, the Heat trail by 12. This team built on stars clearly has no vocal leader. Wade and James need to step up and motivate this team like Kevin Garnett does with the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant with the L.A Lakers. Watching these 2 guys play basketball one can see the animated body language and passion exhumed by these superstar players. Perhaps youth of James, Bosh and Wade is served causing uncertainty amongst the entire team. The Heat promised championships at the beginning of the season, but currently this team looks like a team unable to win the Eastern conference.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Autographed Sports Memorabilia, Sports Autographs, Vintage Autographed Sports Collectibles: Was the Celtics trade a good one?
Autographed Sports Memorabilia, Sports Autographs, Vintage Autographed Sports Collectibles: Was the Celtics trade a good one?: "The Celtics tweaked a roster that needed no such thing. They were first in the Eastern conference and playing solid consistent basketball. T..."
Was the Celtics trade a good one?
The Celtics tweaked a roster that needed no such thing. They were first in the Eastern conference and playing solid consistent basketball. Their defense ranked as one of the best in the NBA and players were getting up against top foes- Lakers, Bulls, Heat, Magic. So why make a move to shake up something that's not broken?
Very simple- The Celtics were playing just fine with Shaquille O'neal and rotating Kevin Garnett at the center position for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Now, thay have added Nenad Kristic and Jeff Green. Remember, Jeff Green was traded on draft day to the Seattle Supersonics for Ray Allen which led to the Garnett signing. The Celtics lose Perkins and more important than his numbers (which, by the way weren't too impressive) was his relationships with 'The Big Three'. Clearly the off court chemistry was what Perk brought to this team more than his interior defense. With coach Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett constantly preaching a defense first mentality, its hard to imagine other players not buying into their system.
The Celtics, in Kristic have a better shooter and longer arms that may not always block shots, but certainly he can disrupt shots. In addition, the Celtics have added Troy Murphy, a 6'11'' power forward who can shoot the 3. With a James Posey like scoring punch off the bench in Jeff Green, the Green are looking more like the team that won the championship in 2007.
Very simple- The Celtics were playing just fine with Shaquille O'neal and rotating Kevin Garnett at the center position for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Now, thay have added Nenad Kristic and Jeff Green. Remember, Jeff Green was traded on draft day to the Seattle Supersonics for Ray Allen which led to the Garnett signing. The Celtics lose Perkins and more important than his numbers (which, by the way weren't too impressive) was his relationships with 'The Big Three'. Clearly the off court chemistry was what Perk brought to this team more than his interior defense. With coach Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett constantly preaching a defense first mentality, its hard to imagine other players not buying into their system.
The Celtics, in Kristic have a better shooter and longer arms that may not always block shots, but certainly he can disrupt shots. In addition, the Celtics have added Troy Murphy, a 6'11'' power forward who can shoot the 3. With a James Posey like scoring punch off the bench in Jeff Green, the Green are looking more like the team that won the championship in 2007.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Carmelo Anthony- Basketball's A-Rod
The Carmelo Anthony saga continues to dominate headlines in the NBA even during the highly anticipated and star studded All Star game in Los Angeles. So what is so great about this guy? He is a great talent, but one dimensional and an obvious cancer to the Denver Nuggets right now. I view him as basketball's version of Alex Rodriguez when he was playing with the Texas Rangers.
Like A-Rod, Anthony is now realizing he is not going to win a championship with the Nuggets. Over the summer, he married TV personality Lala Vasquez. Now all of sudden the lights in Colorado aren't as bright as the ones in NYC. Fortunately for A-Rod he was surrounded by enormous talent to hide his selfish personality and mediocre stats to win a World Series. That won't be the case with Anthony who will need to be the main talent on a 12 man roster. Anthony is an offensive minded player who doesn't play defense and constantly needs the ball to stay involved in the game. Unlike stars Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, he doesn't distribute the ball and cannot take over a game like Bryant and James.
Ultimately championships are won by defense and defense usually starts with your star players. Bryant has his rings and with the way the Heat are playing, James seems certain to get his as well. Unless the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks- 2 of the primary players in the Melo Sweepstakes can surround Anthony with players to overcome his defensive deficiencies those teams will not win championships. Down the line you can be sure that Anthony, like A-Rod, will whine until he is traded to a team where he will be a supporting member in order to win basketball's ultimate prize.
Like A-Rod, Anthony is now realizing he is not going to win a championship with the Nuggets. Over the summer, he married TV personality Lala Vasquez. Now all of sudden the lights in Colorado aren't as bright as the ones in NYC. Fortunately for A-Rod he was surrounded by enormous talent to hide his selfish personality and mediocre stats to win a World Series. That won't be the case with Anthony who will need to be the main talent on a 12 man roster. Anthony is an offensive minded player who doesn't play defense and constantly needs the ball to stay involved in the game. Unlike stars Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, he doesn't distribute the ball and cannot take over a game like Bryant and James.
Ultimately championships are won by defense and defense usually starts with your star players. Bryant has his rings and with the way the Heat are playing, James seems certain to get his as well. Unless the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks- 2 of the primary players in the Melo Sweepstakes can surround Anthony with players to overcome his defensive deficiencies those teams will not win championships. Down the line you can be sure that Anthony, like A-Rod, will whine until he is traded to a team where he will be a supporting member in order to win basketball's ultimate prize.
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