The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 4/14/09 – Playoff Round 1 Edition
April 14, 2009NFL Trade Rumors: Braylon Edwards, Again?
April 14, 2009
I’ll lead off with the Commissioner’s stance on the Cavalier bench parties. In case you missed it, David Stern was asked by a “journalist” for a response to the Cavs bench dancing during the Celtics rout the other day. His response-
“I missed that dance, but I think celebrations by our players do have a place,” Stern said. “If I were the Celtics, I would make sure that that tape, if it exists, runs every game in the locker room as a sort of motivation. I wouldn’t spend my time telling our players about that.
Mary Schmitt Boyer did a good job at the PD tracking down more specifics. It seems that the “journalist” in question was much more interested in defending Boston than raising a legitimate concern. Check out her piece for the rest.
There are two basic schools of thought when it comes to in-game celebrations. The first is what we might call old school. Ray Allen would approve. In a nutshell this philosophy can be summed with the phrase ‘act like you’ve been there before.’ As the reigning old fart at WFNY, I have to say I’ve been in this camp most of my life. It’s something that I was taught. My coaches always enforced this type of behavior. You were allowed to high five your teammates. That was about the extent of it. Cheering is ok. Clapping was appropriate. Nothing more. If your opponent does something that you believe disrespected you or your team- you did something about it. On the playing surface.
I understand Ray Allen’s mindset, because that is what I was raised to think as well. But something has happened. Over the last twenty five years, we’ve seen a shift. Did it start with the Fun Bunch in Washington? Was it Billy ‘White Shoes’ Johnson? Did the dunk contest have something to do with it? Let’s face it, celebrations have crept into the sports culture, and they have gotten more and more prevalent. So much so, that I believe there has been a paradigm shift with today’s athletes. I wonder how many NFL players would actually find Terrell Owens’ sharpie celebration offensive today? Wasn’t it more the owners, press and older fans that had a problem with it? Certainly there is a line, and where that line is I’m not the best to judge. But it seems to me that the NBA has done a much better job of embracing the mindset of the current athlete than the NFL has. It’s funny, I think Garnett’s cobra routine during play is more of a low class move than anything a bench might do during a time out.Boston, it’s called the other other foot. And that is now where the shoe sits. What’s the matter? Don’t like it?
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My second thought today is on the Cavs resting players for the home finale. LeBron hinted after the win yesterday that he might in fact sit out the last game against the Sixers. Obviously, there is some history that the Cavaliers could share in with a win on Wednesday, and so many fans are clamoring for the superstar to suit up and play on. In addition, it is fan appreciation night, and so some fans claim that they should be rewarded with the full compliment of players for the evening. Well fans, I think we need to focus a bit here. Have you seen the commercial during Cavs games that is basically a collection of player interviews? What’s the over-riding theme of that commercial? The goal of the team is the NBA title. That’s the goal, and as Mike Brown says at the end- they are ready for the challenge.
Home court advantage throughout the playoffs is secured. The Cavs have nothing to accomplish on Wednesday night. What’s that? Oh sure, they could share an NBA record for home wins in a season. Let me ask you this- did you know what that record was or who held it at the beginning of the season? No? Me neither. And that’s just about how important it is. If we one win away from the best regular season record ever, it might make a difference. Might. But the chance to simply tie for the best home court record? No thanks. I’d rather not risk injury. I’d rather give up that mark and settle for the franchise best 66 wins (if in fact they lost on Wednesday.) And to those claiming they are owed something because it’s fan appreciation night- are you kidding me? They are giving away A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF PRIZES. Hope you win a tv to watch the playoffs on. And wouldn’t a World Championship be the best way to ‘appreciate’ the fans? That’s what they can give me. You can have the autographed jersey, or big screen television, I’ll take the title please.
Here’s a better question- who do they sit? Who deserves the rest? LeBron and Mo have played every game this season. I would imagine that both should sit this one out. Andy has missed only one game, and has had an unbelievable season. Shouldn’t he get some rest? What about Z? He could usesome time off. Delonte? Why not just sit the starting five? Well, then who plays? Tough decisions for Mike Brown.
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Finally, the Cavs will face the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. The Cavs are 1-1 in playoff series with Detroit since LeBron entered the scene. Of course if you asked Rasheed Wallace the Pistons should never have lost that second series. According to Sheed they were the better team. Well, the Cavs are clearly the better team this time around. But Detroit will not be a cake walk. It seems fitting I suppose that if the Cavs are to return to the NBA Finals, they could have to beat the last three other Eastern Conference representatives. (Detroit, Miami, Boston) That would be old school. You gotta beat the champs to be the champs.
24 Comments
Nice post, pretty much covers everything that is going on with the Cavaliers. I think it hurts the chemistry of the team to sit everyone. We won’t play again after Wednesday until Saturday (assuming that is how the playoff schedule is set), and it could mess up with our rhythm as a team to have our entire starting five not play for six days.
I think Detroit has a decent chance to beat us in Game 3, but they way we are playing at home this season this series could be over quickly. Tim Legler made a great point last night on NBA Fastbreak saying that the Cavs will easily win the first two, and then if they are able to carry this momentum into game 3, the series is over.
1st Thought: I am a young guy (19), have always celebrated during sports. I try to be respectful though. I (and most guys I play with) don’t yell in anyone’s face or anything, but if someone crosses another guy in basketball or hits a 3 in your face, trash talk follows. Don’t like it? Do something bout it. It’s something I’ve pretty much grown up with.
I thought the TO sharpie thing was funny and I liked it. Wish the Browns had someone who would be good enough to do something like that. I loved Winslow because he was loud but was tough and backed it up on the field. It’s part of the reason I love Ray Lewis even though I hate the Ravens. Dude will talk more than anyone, but whose better than him? No one
2nd Thought: Sit Z for sure, shouldn’t even dress. And I wouldn’t mind LBJ and Mo not dressing either. Delonte and Andy can play a little because they HAVE to dress, hopefully 5 mins wouldn’t hurt. Let Wright and Sasha and Kinsey and Jawad start and play and wat ever else. Playoffs are just a little more important. Plus, you never know, maybe Philly wouldn’t know wat to expect and we upset them haha.
3rd Thought: 1 game at a time 1 game at a time… All we need is 16 more wins. Get LOCKED IN!!! Let’s GO CAVS!!!!
Someone dancing should be the least of your concerns after getting blown out by 30.
Lebron is not going to want to sit. That’s just who he is. Hopefully Mike Brown is going to have to step up and tell him he’s playing very, VERY limited minutes. Sit Mo, he’s played more minutes this year at any point in his career and has earned a night to stay on the bench. Z should definitely sit. Limit everyone elses minutes carefully. Give guys like Boobie, Wally and Sasha an opportunity to find there rhythm–we will need at least 2 of them if not all 3 to be solid over the next two months.
That being said Iguodala is going to burn us for 30 with LBJ on the bench. I’m still confident that this team can play with key players sitting and possibly still tie the record (which Rick you bring up a great point that no one knew what or who had the record before this season started). Who cares, give me the title.
I agree Tom. If you are mad because the other team is dancing, and not because you got blown out by 30, not to mention I scored 8 points in that blowout. Definately something wrong with that.
I grew up with the “high five only” mindset, but am fine with people enjoying the game. Especially after something significant
The only thing that really annoys me is football players doing a dance after tackling someone for a 2 yrd gain.
Seems like starting everyone but Z makes the most sense, and just limiting their burn to 10-15min. You’ve (the collective you) convinced me it’s ok if we don’t win this game, although I’m not excited about it.
**you scored 8 points** haha sorry bout that. Like my 5’10 fat butt could ever play NBA.
You know what is funny about this. My sister-in-law said during the Boston game she wishes there was a small picture at the bottom corner of the screen that showed the bench the whole game. I think that would be very entertaining. This team cheers each other on, and they don’t care who gets the credit. That is a special thing in today’s professional sports.
I say start the starting 5 for ceremonial purposes – let them play for 5 minutes…then sit them all down for the rest of the game.
Major minutes go to Boobie, Wally, Sasha, Jackson and Jawad.
Our starting 5 tomorrow should be Austin Carr, Fred McCleod, Joe Tait (HAHA imagine that), Danny Ferry, and Gilbert. Keep the same bench bunch.
Seriously though, Z needs the night off more than anyone.
im excited to play detroit becuz i think it will keep us sharp. i also like the idea of putting the final nail in their coffin.
wednesday is nothin in the big scheme of things and if anyone knows that its lebron. he wont play if he thinks it could hurt the team down the road.
I think the choreographed pre-meditated celebrations are lame. Spend your time working on getting better, not coming up with new and creative ways to disrespect your opponents.
I agree with Swig and Marco. Chad Johnson making his “next end zone plan” news while his team is 3-13 is classless. Guys doing a throat slash or a sack dance after tackling a guy for a 2 yard game is not only classless, but moronic.
It would be interesting if more sports adopted baseball’s or hockey’s “unwritten” rule. Wouldn’t it be great if, after Joe Horn pulled the cell phone out from under the goal post, the next play the DB was allowed a free shot at him and then the refs would “warn” both benches?
🙂
Personally, I think from karmic point of view giving up on tying an all-time record is bad.
Conversely, #14: focusing on a record instead of the task at hand can be bad, too. Just ask the 2001 Mariners.
I know I’ve posted this previously, but anyone from the Celtics complaining about overzealous celebration should be playing tapes of KG in games. Waving his hands in people’s faces, clapping, screaming all the time, I mean, come on. That’s more annoying than celebrating when you BLOW OUT THE DEFENDING CHAMPS BY 31 POINTS.
Just for the record, I LOVE spontaneous celebrations for major accomplishments – I think it’s one of the best things in sports.
Acting like clowns during a regular season game because you’re up big doesn’t qualify in my book.
DP, we don’t quite agree (I <3 a good TD celebration). What constitutes excessive celebration (and similarly, a significant event) would be a long enough for a Simmons article.
You did not just introduce Ray Allen and then follow it up with the word “nutshell” in the next sentence!
Classic.
Hey marco do you watch sports? Well have you ever seen a football sideline when the game is out of reach? Guys dancing having fun ( you know fun… what a game is essentially all about) joking around with their teammates. A baseball dugout, guys again having fun putting bubbles of gum on another guys hat when he doesn’t know about it. Guys dancing on a basketball sideline to the music during a timeout, and then getting excited for another teammate when he does something good. How in the world is that showing up the other team?? IMO it is just team unity. I would much rather have that then guys come out of a game, sit with a blank stare til the final buzzer, hit the showers, then go home without saying a word to his teammates. Anyway aren’t professional athletes’ showmen anyway?
@ The other Tim- touche!
so so so funny….hey BOSTON…dont phone it in next time and lose by 30+ including a block by Wallyworld! Even the announcers were saying that if anyone in the NBA has been blocked more than one time by Wally they deserve a lifetime ban! ha even the announcers were dissin’ the Celtics …classic classic classic
On the game:
Start the starters. Play the first half like it matters. Start the second half, too. After about 5 minutes of doing whatever was covered at the half, take them out one by one to ovations.
I think it’s important to always keep the “prepared and focused” mindset, even for games that don’t matter. I also caution all to look at the Cavs (or at least LBJ’s) numbers when it comes to rest. He doesn’t like getting too much of it, and 5 days is too much.
On celebrations:
There’s a clear difference between celebrations for your own team and fans and those that are targeting the other team. If anything, the best place to celebrate is on your own bench. The worst celebrations are those clearly meant to insult – TO on the Dallas star, the Pats on the SD bolt, etc. I’m also not bothered by some acts of machismo on the court or field, though more questionable – Lebron’s flexing after a made and-1, or a yell after a nice dunk or block by Garnett or whomever. The after-sack celebrations are retarded, especially down 20 in the 4th quarter after getting run on all game.
If the Cavs started dancing on the Celtic, that would be insulting. If they sat on the bench using green hats as seat cushions, that would be classless. Dancing and celebrating their own teammates’ accomplishments or just chilling out to finish a big win is cool by me.
@ #2..
Who is better than Ray Ray? Lots of people. The only reason you hear about him, and apparently love him, is because he celebrates after every tackle. I have seen that man get up and scream after making a tackle on a 5 yard run for a first down and Ill swear on my life to that.