Love Your Relatives

On this day of being around older folks, and possibly watching basketball and/or discussing FreeDarko, here's something to ponder: Who was the first true SF? We have Frank Ramsey in the book. But a grouchy Amazon reviewer says Jim Pollard who also, like Ramsey, played next to a bigger 4. You could also make an argument for George Yardley, although he had shooting guard's game that was way ahead of its time, and size enough to play the PF.

Also, consider this an open thread for today's games, as Twitter is down. Please tell me other generational debates concerning our favorite sport! I am at home with a cat and pancakes, neither of which is much help, and my father is already in the doghouse for talking me out of putting Dick Barnett in the book.

Time to Build My Brand Back Up

Me and him both. This is the most important man in the playoffs, for now, and I can't wait. Apologies to Rose (Celtics will adjust, can Rose make the superhuman rock-solid, I refuse to believe that team is always there for him in any structurally sound way), and anyone else I missed because I was off in music crit realm yesterday and barely watched. Am willing to hear other nominees.

This might have to be an open thread for now, but one point: What are the chances the Ariza is pretty much what we hope TT might one day become?

Oh, and Texans out there, please help me convince Lady Shoals that she really, really needs to be excited about her Mavs vs. Spurs. I like the Mavs as underdogs, maybe even miscreants and misfits, instead of the establishment. It's like the old days, sort of.

BONUS: Joey continues to rain hot fire with his most impassioned, and yet sympathetic (for him and them) defense of the Spurs ever.

Free Experimento: OPEN THREAD FOR 2ND HALF

I'm not going to beat around the bush, I am openly rooting for the Lakers tonight, and I am pissed.

Phil Jackson comes out with a brilliant gameplan, but they can't play defense worth a damn. Stop fouling.

Boston is looking tougher, rougher, and more aggressive.

Andrew Bynum is needed.

I NEED YOUR HANDS

No, really, I do. I might miss Game Seven tomorrow. I've tried, but still might fail. Travel is hard stuff.

So here's what I propose: All of you, everyone out there who reads this site, live blog the game in the comments section. For me. I'll be checking my mail via phone, so this will keep me posted on what ESPN's Gamecast can't reveal.

In the meantime, watch this video and get pumped. I've been debating for two days whether this is crossing some line, but ultimately decided the innumerable parallels are too perfect. And this is really the only upset a Hawks win would compare to:



Help me! Win, friends! You and them both!