Welcome to the first installment of 'Pick n Pop,' a weekly/bi-weekly look at all things hardwood! A back-door pass of basketball coverage spanning, local NBA, College and other NBA news all brought to yours truly by Dr. Gonzo and The DC Sports Page. Lace up your sneaks, pound the floor and get ready for some up-tempo full court trapping coverage of the Wiz, Terps and everything else NBA.
Opening tip: The Wizards began their 66-game season this past Monday with a new red, white and blue jerseys and a brand new motto 'New Traditions.' Only someone forgot to tell the team that they had changed their motto, instead the Wiz blew a 21 point lead and fell to the underwhelming New Jersey Nets 90-84.
I was in attendance for this game and was hyped up after having a couple happy hour beers and half price apps at Bar Louie. From my perch in the 400 section, I had a great view spanning the entire stadium. After a spirited player introduction I was ready to start the season, ready for something fresh, ready for something to cheer about, and then it happened. Andre Blatche grabbed the mic before tip-off and thanked the fans in attendance and said that he was the Wizards new captain. WHAT? That was no typo. Is model citizen Andre Blatche is finally getting the respect he deserves?
After the Wiz choked away a sure thing, Blatche showed his real colors and blamed everyone but himself complaining about the play calling and the fact that he isn't getting the ball on the block enough. Great, one game in, already one collapse and the so-called 'Captain' was already creating problems. Are we in the twilight zone here? Can we just bring Gil back; at least he made game-winners.
John Wall must have been relived that Blatche spouted off. If not most of the focus would have been on the poor defense Wall played against Derron Williams and his decision to drive on four Nets in the final minute instead of feeding a wide-open Jordan Crawford for a three. Even more concerning is the fact that this Wizards team appear to have no one to go to when they needed any easy basket, Nick Young made some nice shots down the stretch, but you never felt like he could take over. Crowd favorite Kris Humphries, made matters worse by embarrassing the Wizards front court while registering 21 points and a game high 16 rebounds.
It seems that for now we're looking at the same ole same ole in Chinatown!
The Wizards get a chance to make good on their 'New Traditions' motto tonight as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta. Tip-off 7:30.
Here to 'Len' a helping hand: I have to admit, when I saw this seasons Terrapins squad play Alabama way back in November, I was thinking maybe this team can win 10-15 games, may be. Now the Terps sit at 7-3 with 3 more non-conference games before ACC play starts and tonight we finally get to see the debut of Alex Len.
Len was forced to sit out for the first 10 games of the season and should give the Terps size, depth and athleticism in the post. Something they are desperate for. The Len debut is must watch for all Terps fans, this could be the first look at a possible difference maker that could help this team make a serious push for the tournament. No not the NIT either, the big dance. Whoa, before I get ahead of myself, tonight the Terps must take care of Albany.
Lens return marks the second such return in the past two games. In Maryland's last victory over Radford, Pe'Shon Howard made his season debut after breaking his foot in October. Howard wasn't in tip-top shape, but he helped make a difference. With Howard and Len returning, the Terps are suddenly a much deeper team.
Terps fans rejoice, no one thinks they're any good and that's how Gary would have like it. Tip-off 8:00 pm Comcast Center.
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back: You can't tell, but right now I'm singing the 'Welcome Back Cotter' song in my head. I was like a little kid on Christmas, I couldn't sleep, all I could think about was getting to that tree and unwrapping the best gifts of them all, NBA basketball.
It was a glorious day of food, family, presents and hoops. The Knicks v. Celtics started us off with a classic, and only a stellar performance by the Melo man could hold off the aging, but competitive Celts. Next we were treated to a finals rematch, except no one told Dallas; they must have still been on the parade route as the Heat gave them a spanking. Kobe Bryant and the whitest Lakers team ever, eat your heart out Kurt Rambis, lost on a last second shot by Derrick Rose and the Bulls and Dwight Howard continued to suck on Christmas as the Thunder, donkey-punched the Magic in to submission.
Then came the night-cap, featuring the most anticipated game of the day, The Clippers vs. The Golden State Warriors, man that still feels so weird to write, but it was the truth. Chris Paul and the newly christened 'Lob-City' Clips disposed of the Warriors, but gave us few highlight reel dunks. I can only remember seeing two dunks worth getting up for, oh and a ridiculous over the basket shot by Caron Butler.
All in all it was a big win for the NBA. Did they deserve it for making us sit through the lockout? Hell no! Do I care? Hell no! Basketball is back and all is right with the world.
That's it and that's all........
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