TRUE GRIT

Never doubt the Texas Ranger.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY



Welcome to the Wild-West. Now there's plenty of gun-slingers in town, but only one can be at the top. Even in the Southwest, there are plenty of Texan Rangers shooting and duking it out with each other. Now the Houston Rockets may be taking off and there may be Mavericks down in Dallas, but the real Texan titans are the San Antonio Spurs. Sure this old dog hasn't learnt any new tricks but so what, if it aint broke, don't fix it. This veteran team have re-tooled a little but are still so together as these Spurs are really clicking in the associations saloon of contenders.

It all starts with the sheriff. The frontier of this franchise. The old hand who still knows how to draw...a double team that is. Sure there are young shooters that may challenge, but this dead-eye talent and associations two time most valuable still rules the roost like Cogburn the West. With one foot on either side of the paint, this man can take it to the rack or bank it in from deep. That's a real rifleman right there. He keeps his distance but isn't afraid to get up close and personal to get his man...and he always gets his man too. Shaq, Kobe, the best of the West and the best of the best have been pursued and caught by T.D. An admiral before him taught him and now Tim Duncan is more then just a 'Cowboys & Aliens' esque robot, he's a machine taking the league to school with educated, grown up basketball. Just try and stop him.



Still, every sheriff needs his deputies and with Tony Parker and Manu Ginoboli, Duncan has his. Together they form a tried and tested big three fro America that came years before those in New England or Florida. Two former young steeds-who came in from out of town-who now wear their Spurs with a hometown pride. First came Parker. A man with a foreign translation but a game that spoke victories language and still echo's that to this day beyond Texan borders. Quick to draw, he is this band of brothers silver bullet, reducing the opponents to teardrops. Then there's the South American, cowboy wild, tenacious talent. With skill and flair this talent tears through defenders like his fellow, Argentinean sportsmen who kick for a living. Sure he's no longer young and wet behind the years, but as he seasons over the campaigns his talent shows no sign of drying up. Even after hard fought battles in the Phoenix desert year after year, or international duty. If anyone is a testament to this teams old but far from done ideal it's Emanuel.

Still this posse isn't just cut there. Sometimes to be at your best you've got to look outside and when the Spurs enlisted the help from a silent assassin from out of town, that's when their boots really shined. Gunman, Richard Jefferson gives this old hand some young palms. This underrated talent is one of San Antonio's most deadly weapons. Not only does he come with the experience of taking charge in two other States he is also incredibly underrated. Sure he goes about his job without a sound, but haven't people learnt with Duncan that sometimes silence speaks the loudest. R.J. never leaves a job undone, write this man off or disregard him and he'll just go about his business without a word...and finish you.



How about the old hand with a firm grip on his offensive weapon? This may be Antonio McDyess last call of duty, but the retiring, former injury prone outlaw can still dust off the Stetson and kill the enemy with just one tip. Just ask those folks down in Los Angeles. Or how about long-range ranger, Matt Bonner? A red hot rifle-man, capable of gunning down opponents from the most unbelievable distance. That's real 'True Grit' right there, just ask Matt Damon, or his beloved Boston Celtics, or any town in this civilisation for that matter. There's also Brazilian, Tiago Splitter, a real-big addition at 6, 11. Yet another South American addition for a Southwest team never afraid to seek help from friends afar. This former Spanish league MVP is well-travelled and was on the most wanted list, but San Antonio got their man. Sure with time not on San An's side they have big Spurs to fill once those veterans become lone rangers. Still young backcourt, guns for hire George Hill, Chris Quinn and Gary Neal have learned from the best, showing promise and a right to wear the teams shield with pride and promise.

As fierce as a coyote, this band of men have their mascot, fans and the whole town behind them. Led by legendary, lasting, lawmen Greg Popovich and R.C. Buford, these black, silver and whites colour the West, proving that old age is on their side as of right now. This is why at 0.821, in 56 duels the team have answered every challenge with only 10 setbacks. With 6 games ahead of their nearest Texas rival and more then 8 above the reigning Laker, these guys are running all their enemies out of town, with no return in sight. Follow the stream of success down the River Walk and you may soon see a parade in this town to boot. Even with a looming lockout there would be no asterisk this year, just a certified reward, worth more than $1000. 'True Grit' isn't just a movie that portrays the classic, timeless Western tale of American literature, it is also the embodiment of one of basketballs storied, principle and traditionally minded teams, the San Antonio Spurs. Their legend has already been engraved. It's time for the tales next chapter and you know just like the Cohen's these brothers will write it the right way, by the book. Now will the duke be beaten this year? The hell they will!

THROUGH THE WIRE: FRIDAY (02/18/10)

24. With the All-Star game being played in Los Angeles this weekend, let's keep Friday's, 'Through The Wire', Laker themed. It's about time the logo's legend was cemented in stone in Los Angeles. The Lakers have given Jerry West the Magic Johnson and Chick Hearn treatment, immortalizing him in a bronze statue. The Lakers golden Hall Of Famer was enshrined in the Star Plaza along with Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya. Jerry reiterated the fact that he was uncomfortable receiving the attention but thanked the Los Angeles Lakers and the Staples Centre for the honor. The statue depicts, Mr. Clutch dribbling. The ice to Jerry's fire, Elgin Baylor was on hand as was Laker legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pat Riley and Shaquille O'Neal and Boston foe, but good friend Bill Russell.

48. Usually blockbuster trades and the All-Star weekend go hand in hand but don't expect much noise out of Los Angeles on the transfer front. Ron Artest was rumored to be hitting the road, like a fouled out Jack at the Staples Centre and Carmelo Anthony was supposed to be the next Pau Gasol and make the Lakers list of stars look that much more elite. Still, you should expect the only blockbusters to come out of Hollywood to be Matt Damon films as Mitch Kupchak is telling us to not expect much by the February 24th deadline like kids who have forgot that homework. "I think it's unlikely," the former Laker Power Forward said about 'Melo turning yellow. "But there's eight days to go. All of the general managers are here in Los Angeles this weekend, and there will be a lot of yapping. There will be a lot of guys moving off to the side, and there will be a lot of phone calls. ... I stand by what I said, that it's unlikely, but I don't think any general manager can stand here and say there will be absolutely no changes in eight days, in particular at this time of year." the Lakers have lost more form, since the rumors first started as they've just come off three straight losses to end their road trip including one embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would of been acceptable last year, but not now, times are a'changing, do the Lakers need to? As Kupchak quoted, "Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can climb up."

82. Keeping it Lakers and legendary it looks like good friends and great rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are off to New York. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtic legends and Basketball pioneers are set to have a Broadway play written about them. Hey if the company ENRON and the rapper Jim Jones can have a play done about them then why not these two icons? The production will centre around the relationship between the two icons which started as their two colleges went head to head and lasted through their battles in the NBA and to this day. The writers who wrote the 2010 smash 'Lombardi' will pen tnis Earvin and Legend piece. Time to book that ticket to JFK, this is one show you won't mind taking your girlfriend to see.

O.T. Even more Lakers now. Sure Ron Artest may not be playing in Staples this weekend and rumor has it that if he returns there it may not be for long (It would be the Lakers loss) still the enigmatic man has more important plans at the moment. Ron, Ron ha visited Washington D.C. to raise more awareness about the need for help in the area of mental health. We salute his work...the New Jersey Nets have reiterated their stance that Carmelo Anthony won't be heading to the Meadowlands before or after February 24th...injured, reigning Rookie Of The Year, Tyreke Evans won't suit up for the Rookie challenge tomorrow. The injured star will be replaced by James Harden...San Antonio and Western All-Stars coach Greg Popovich says that Tim Duncan will start for the West for Sundays big game. The Robot has been a cog in the All-Star team for practically his whole career, plugging the Power Forward position...enjoy the All-Star weekend and check back on BASKETBALL 24/48/82 on Monday for our recap. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: THURSDAY (02/17/10)

24.Former Los Angeles Laker, showtime legend and current Cleveland Cavalier coach Byron Scott will be honored this All-Star weekend, but outside Los Angeles and outside the NBA. His former college Arizona State will retire his jersey. Scott's number 11 will be retired, a number he wore in college in honor of his favourite player Bob McAdoo (also a former Laker). Byron later on got to play with his hero for the Lakers, but that meant he could no longer wear his number 11. Byron adopted the number 4, another number that deserves to be retired. It took two years for Byron to work up the courage to tell Bob he was his hero. Lets hope it doesn't take the Lakers too long to realise that some of their best role players deserve more recognition and status too.

48.Someone better get the Fonz on the phone because happy days aren't in Memphis right now. Their star player Rudy Gay is expected to miss 4 weeks with a shoulder injury. This month long infliction could really claw away at the Grizzlies playoff opportunities. Rudy picked up this injury during his teams in against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. A day later an MRI revealed a partial dislocation of the shoulder. Gay will be evaluated in four weeks but if there is little improvement he'll miss more time. This news is only good for the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets who are battling with Memphis for the last playoff seed out West. Right now Memphis are just in a bad spot.

82. Keeping it between Byron Scott and the Lakers. You know things are bad when you lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is one weary road trip that the Los Angeles Lakers will want to forget quick. Putting a 25 plus losing streak behind them and avenging a 55 point drubbing by the Lake Show earlier in the season, the Cavs took care of the Lakers 104-99. Former Laker and Cleveland coach Byron Scott ended the showtime as he sent in guard Ramon Sessions, who had a season-high 32 points to go with 8 assists off the pine and into the prime time. All the zen mater had after the game was more stress as he told press, "I think (the Lakers) took their All-Star break before the game. They left before this game started. I'm not happy with the way this trip ended, that's for sure." Kobe Bryant had a season-high 12 rebounds but was taken out the game on D by some Cavalier players. Kobe committed 7 turnovers and 4 fouls and was an old jersey/new jersey number 8 for 24, en route to 17 points. Pau Gasol may have had a big 30 points to go with Derek Fisher's 19, but the Lakers ended their 7 game road-trip with their third straight loss to the worst team in the league.

O.T. Brave Orlando Magic VP, Pat Williams has told press that he will beat cancer. We have faith in him, get well soon...Mike Miller injured his head during a Miami game but tests have revealed nothing serious for the oft-injured, shooting swingman...the Charlotte Bobcats have offered interim coach Paul Silas a one-year deal. Still a full contract, if a little interim-ish...Blake Griffin will be the first rookie to ever partake in all three days of the All-Star weekend in his teams native Los Angeles. The big talent will smash more records, playing in the Rookie challenge, the Slam Dunk comp and the All-Star game itself...also the Clippers other big talent, Chris Kaman is back from an ankle injury, so it's all looking good in Los Angeles this weekend. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: WEDNESDAY (02/16/10)

24. Bill Russell has received many honors during his career, just look at his fingers. Still, he received a real special one this week, thanks to basketballs most famous fan. President Barack Obama rewarded the Boston Celtic legend with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom. This honor is the United States' highest civilian award and well deserved for such a great man, on and off the floor. This honor is quoted as recognising those who have, "made an especially meritorious contribution to (1), the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The White House issued a statement about Bill, saying in one part , "(Bill Russell) The first African American to coach in the NBA—indeed he was the first to coach a major sport at the professional level in the United States—Bill Russell is also an impassioned advocate of human rights. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality". Russell stated humbly that his father was his real hero but also stated that he was, "I am very, very flattered by this honor". You deserve it sir.

48. Bill Russell isn't the only member of the NBA family honored this week. Kobe Bryant will put his hands and feet in concrete outside Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater, joining the likes of everyone from John Wayne to Adam Sandler. As Kobe just goes with it, during the Los Angeles held All-Star weekend, the Lakers duke will be honored by vearious celebrities. With the Celtics and the Lakers making honor roll news this week it looks like the two storied rivals are competing yet again. With all due respect however Obama beats George Lopez and Jimmy Kimmell, who will be speaking at Bryant's ceremony (no offence). Lopez a life long Laker fan will be a key-note speaker and Jimmy Kimmell's ABC late night show films across the road from the theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Get this though, Kobe is the first non-Hollywood star to have his hands and feet in cement. Now he just needs to have a star on the Walk Of Fame.

82. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the senior vice president of the Orlando Magic Pat Williams. The long-time NBA executive has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. The condition is known as multiple myeloma and the Doctors are optimistic that they have discovered this cancer early. Here's wishing a speedy recovery for this hard-worker. All the best, get well soon.

O.T. The Milwaukee Bucks are close to being back in the Redd. As their star guard Michael Redd looks to come back after a long knee injury. The Bucks look to score big as their star and his shot returns...on the flip side of the injury coin. Michael Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves will be out of the woods for the teams next game with an ankle injury...yeat another big event has been named to the All-Star weekend. As the league owners and player plan to have a meeting in L.A. regarding the labor situation. Let's hope this is one of the big highlights of the weekend. We don't want a lockout next season. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ELGIN

The genuine article.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY

(Continuing Our 'Laker Legacy' Series)

"He was one of the most spectacular shooters the game has ever known"-Jerry West, HOOP Magazine, 1992.

This forthcoming All-Star weekend is big for all of the NBA, right down to the logo. The Los Angeles Lakers are hosting the game at the STAPLES Centre and are also using the weekend to unveil their latest statue. Joining Magic, Chick, Wayne and Oscar will be Mr. Clutch himself, Jerry West. Now with all due respect, where respect is due, (http://lakeshowview.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-west-has-won.html) the Lakers had someone East of West too. Standing right next to the fire of Jerry was the ice of Elgin Baylor, one of the coldest players to ever grace a basketball court. Elg's influence has been huge. R&B superstar Ginuwine was named after the megastar. The singer even drops his latest album entitled 'Elgin' this week. How fitting.

Before, new revolutionary forwards like Pau Gasol, before Shaq and Kobe, before 'Cap and Magic, before Wilt. Before even fans chanted West's first name like Springer audiences, before even purple and gold. Straight out of Minneapolis, right to to Los Angeles, Elg was there in blue and white, with stars around his Lakers shield. Los Angeles first officer was a force, making Laker fans feel better about Mikan's retirement. Taking them higher, right before the days of the 'stilt'. After 13 years, when Elgin called it a final game, Los Angeles Times reporter Mal Florence, put it even better then the legendary Jim Murray, eulogising his career by stating that, "no man has contributed more to the success and popularity of the Lakers since they moved to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 1960 than Baylor".

Still for every Magic and Kobe, there's a Gail Goodrich and James Worthy. Los Angeles have had so many stars over the decades, and were not talking about Hollywood ones. With so much talent it's easy for some of these guys to avoid the limelight or the recognition that they truly deserve. Think about it, list your top five Laker players of all-time. Does Elgin make the cut? Well he should. Baylor isn't just the Lakers all-time rebounder (11,463). Out in California, he walked more than boards. This classic player ran the show a generation before Earvin learnt the tricks of his Magic trade.

Way before Kobe, Elgin was using his speed, wide offensive set and Basketball I.Q., to get past any defender in his way, en route back then to hanging more jump shots on opponents then anyone in the association not named Chamberlain or Robertson. Baylor took bites out of the Big Apple, making Madison Square Garden his Mecca way before Kobe's high scoring nights faded past performances away. Kobe may have dropped a cool, classic 61 points two years back, but Baylor once notched a tremendous, timeless 71 in New York. OK, so Kobe raised Baylor's all-time scoring performance silver by 10-hitting 81 against Toronto-to lie just behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 (Baylor's still the highest scoring forward). Still the point is, both these legends have been just as important to Laker legacy.

"I hear people talking about forwards today and I haven't seen many that can compare with him." Jerry West, HOOP Magazine, 1992.

Before the STAPLES Centre let Shannon Brown dunk his 6, 4 heart out, the inch higher Baylor had as much vertical, dazzling the Los Angeles crowd and other forums league wide with his athletic, acrobatic, aerial assaults. Taking it out of L.A. this guy is one of the best all-time players in the whole history of the league. At 6, 5 and 225 pounds he was affording way more rebounds then his size could spend, way before Charles Barkley made the mound. Most teams would love to have a 20 and 10, double, double machine at the 4 or the 5, but sized like a 3, Elg averaged 27.4 points 13.5 rebounds for his career (24.9 and 15 as a Rookie playing like a veteran to boot as well). That's almost 30 and 15. In fact one season Baylor brought 34.8 points and 19.8 rebounds to the end of season box-score. That's Wilt numbers.

Decades before last years Boston/L.A. Finals and way before Magic and Bird helped re-vitalise the NBA and the Lakers/Celtics rivalry, Baylor and West where doing it with their own historic Boston match-ups, ensuring that arm-chair sports fans didn't adjust their sets. Amongst all these heated, historic rivalries, Baylor and West may have achieved circle digits in relation to championship rings, but they sure did win a lot of respect. Sure there was no love lost between these East and West Coast team but Elgin had his own personal Boston rivalry with all-time forward Bill Sharman. Sure they had their battles but amidst the war Shar' admired Elg. The pair played the game the way it was meant to be played and were friends, professionals, warriors, basketball purists and true sportsman.

OK, if your done with the history lesson then how about some maths? The stats speak for themselves, especially since this player recorded all these numbers in just 170 games over 13 seasons. Even injuries couldn't chill this legends place on the all-time lists. During his 14 years (all with the Lakers, now that's loyalty), he was an NBA All-Star 11 times. The Rookie Of The Year was so big from the outset in what was also the Lakers debut year in Los Angeles. He hit more than 50 points 17 times in his career and hit around 60 as much as most top players today hit 40. One of many highlights was his 1962, 61 point, 22 rebound Finals performance against Boston when Jerry West was out injured. The glass cleaner once polished off 30 rebounds against Cincinnati, just another crowning achievement for NBA royalty.

So sure Jerry West is getting his just deserves out in California this weekend, but the Lakers better make room and stone for many more Laker legends who's jerseys are already raised to the rafters. Especially Elg, as this man of the Hall needs to be monitored more by the eye of NBA history. Sure Jerry West is the logo, but Elgin Baylor is a symbol. A symbol of the birth of the Lakers out in Los Angeles and the real rise of African-American players in the NBA and the leagues popularity itself. Elgin scored big on many points, even beyond the stat-sheet. As for the respect for this loved game, just hear what the fans and the coaches alike at Elgin's rookie, 55 point performance against the Knickerbockers said and, 'Give it to Baylor'.

"Elgin Baylor should be there," Jerry West, 17th February, 2010.

THROUGH THE WIRE: TUESDAY (02/15/10)

24. This years Western and Eastern Conference players of the week really are big guys. Out East Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic was given the honor after a huge week. The All-Star was all numbers over the last seven, with a 16.8 rebound average to go along with four double, doubles (four of his 14 straight) en route to a 3-1 week for his Magic side. Dwight's statistical vision was a perfect, 20/20 (points and rebounds) against the Clippers. This is the fifth time Howard was seen stats like this, this season. Despite the criminal All-Star snub, Portland's stud talent LeMarcus Aldridge led the one time Jail-Blazers, to a scorching hot undefeated week. Blazing a trail of 3 points or more in all three games, the big forward pushed his Portland Trail Blazers further up the Western elite. Showing true grit in his performances including 42 points against Chicago. Aldridge joins fellow player of the week Howard and probable Rookie of The Year, Blake Griffin as the only player to average 22 points and 9 rebounds. All these bigs numbers really do add up and equate to something...recognition.

48. The Lakers, engines are only purring on their road-trip at the moment as they couldn't claw a victory against the Charlotte Bobcats. Coach Phil Jackson was so upset after his former player, Michael Jordan's Charlotte franchise blew the Lakers lights out, 109-89. The second coming, Kobe had nothing to say to the press to go with 20 points in contest that was matched and bested by the fierce cat, Gerald Wallace. He also had 11 boards and Gerald Henderson pulled away with 18. This makes it 8 out of 10 in favour of the city that used to house the Hornets. They used to be a tough test for the Lake Show but these Bobcats appear to be a bogey side for L.A. in fact in 13 unlucky contests the Lakers have only picked away 5 wins to Charlotte's 8. The only other team the L.A. Lakers have a negative record with is the Boston Celtics...and we all know about the history of those two teams.

82. The Orlando Magic may have been fishing for big names recently, still one of their best contributors is real, role playing talent, Brandon Bass.Bold as brass, Brandon is a crowd favourite and ever the dependable player. The star has been out injured recently with a sprained ankle, but he was turned things over and is looking to get might healthy and well-balanced in the second half of the season and playoffs. One of the contenders biggest contributors returned during the Magics weekend win over the Lakers. "It felt good just to get back on the court and to be out there playing with the guys," Bass told NBA.com, giving instead of fishing for compliments. He doesn't need to, it's clear his team and his fans love him.

O.T. Following his suspension, Sacramento rook, Cousins will now have to relate his wrong with some money, as the Sacramento star has been fined by his team...the injury problems are getting worse for the transitional Utah jazz. Their versatile forward, Andrei Kirlienko missed the teams game against Phoenix with injury problems...Speaking of the Suns the team who have been re-tooling over the years almost looks nothing like that of the past when their Point Guard was a two-time MVP and they where out-right contenders. Still their star player Steve Nash still believes he won't be traded. This season or the next. Good, because the Suns would be burnt without him. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (02/14/10)

24. The Los Angeles Lakers have been up to their old tricks recentely winning games again, however they had no Magic up against Orlando last night. Dwight Howard pulled 31 points and 13 rebounds out of his hat as the Magic made the Lakers disappear with an 89-75 win. The Orlando Magic showed they where still a contender with a convicting win over the defending champions that beat them in the finals two seasons back. The Lakers where held to their lowest point total all season as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum had 17 each, while Lamar had 15 and Pau 11. "Offensively we were really stagnant. Defensively we could have been a little better. But they had 89 points. It was a winnable game as far as points go. But we didn't put any up," Bynum told the press-post game. Time for the Lakers to step and freshen it up.

48. The Showtime/Magic perfromance wasn't the only clash of contenders this weekend. The reigning Boston Celtics hosted the pretenders to their throne, the Miami Heat. The Celtics where without Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Delonte West and Marquis Daniels and Paul Pierce points as the star shot 0 for 10. Miami almost rallied from a 13-point deficit, but they proved unlucky as the luck of the Boston Irish made it a green evening. "We also can't afford to come in the third quarter and not have our motor going," LeBron told reporters after the King and his men where denounced by Boston. The forward knows that against the best his team will have to power up more, or heads will roll. As of right now out East, nobody is taking the Conference leading, Celtics crown.

82. Speaking of dethroning. The Kings left their young apprentice, DeMarcus Cousins at home-court as they embarked on a three game road-trip. Cousins will have to become real familiar with time off as the Rookie has been suspended for fighting with teammate Donte Greene in the teams ARCO Arena tunnel. The top Rookie was angry that he wasn't receiving much possessions in the clutch and after arguing his case, apparantly he tried to strike out, swinging for his teammate. Cousins and Green where pulled apart and then Cousins was pulled from the teams plane. So what's next? Reconciliation, trade, it's time for these Kings to act like men and not the Shaq dubbed, Sacramento 'Queens'.

O.T. After Pierce's clean sheet of no buckets against Miami, the Boston legend is planning to have an MRI in his injured foot...Washington have a revolving door of injuries at the moment as Josh Howard has returned only for Rashard Lewis to hold his suit on the sidelines...still the Wizards are looking a little better,m after a healthy blowout win agaisnt the Cavs. They ended a 25 road losing streak as they pushed Cleveland's continung losing streak closer to 30...he may have been snubbed for the All-Star game, but LeMarcus Aldrige isn't stopping. His 36 points drove his red-hot Blazers past the Detroit Pistons. TIM DAVID HARVEY.