The NBA needs more than Magic and Larry

The NBA is predictable. The talent is too diluted. And there are only four teams that have a chance at being champions.

How is this fun exactly?

As the NBA mid-season shortly passed by, The Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers are the only teams in the league who are playing at a championship level. They are the only teams who have the horses, chemistry, experience and toughness to win it all.

The three other contenders you may be thinking of don’t have a chance: The Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks.

The Spurs “senior citizen” issues have been somewhat fixed by their bench, who leads the league in scoring. Still, there not your nephews Spurs. Although they are seventh in the league in defense they just don’t “D” it up like they use to. Manu Ginobli is a shadow of himself. Tim Duncan rests on back-to-back nights. They can’t beat the Lakers in a seven game series. Like Adrian said to Rocky before he fought the Russian, “You can’t win.”

I actually thought the Denver Nuggets would be the heavy favorite to win the West before the season. But I also thought they needed home-court to beat the Lakers. They can score with anyone, and they play with that cocky chip on their shoulder. They have the league’s best record against teams at .500 or better at 21-8, but because of their mental lapses they have lost to woe teams like the Bucks, Clippers, Timberwolves, Pistons twice, Bobcats, Kings, and 76ers thus far. Something tells me the Nuggets just can’t get it right consistently to win it all.

The Hawks are having a cute run. They have a boat load of young talent. They have some scorers. They play D. We know they can beat Boston. But can they beat the Magic and Cavs? Not with the big men that they have. Josh Smith and Al Horford are their “ Big’s” but neither really plays with their back-to-the basket. They will probably try to cause mismatches by bringing their low post guys away from the paint and shoot from the outside in the playoffs. But how long can you have success playing that way?

Even if those three teams are contenders, that only leaves, at most, seven teams that can contend. The Mavericks, Jazz, Rockets, Trailblazers, Raptors, Heat and Suns just don’t have enough in the tank.

Please.

Some say it’s exciting to have a few power house teams, like in the eighties when the NBA peaked.

Wrong.

True, the eighties was the one of the best decades for the NBA. And there was also only a handful of teams who had a shot in those years. Two men named Magic and Larry, whose teams played in a combined 12 NBA finals in the decade, led the show. Fans flocked to games. Cable TV programs began airing NBA games live, and the leagues popularity was at an all time high. But in the years leading into the eighties, the NBA was struggling with an image problem. Players at insurmountable rates were getting into legal trouble and NBA games were not even televised live. At that time the league needed a rebirth. Magic and Larry brought it. Two great teams, with two of the game’s best, were enough.

But these times are different. We had a guy named Jordan pave the way. We have great players. The image of the league is not nearly as bad as it was back then. The NBA doesn’t need a rebirth. What they need is more good teams who have a shot.

Major league baseball and the National Football league have plenty of it. Don’t think so? Than who is going to win next year’s World Series?

The Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Cardinals, Phillies, Indians, Rays, Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Mariners, and Mets all have a chance. And there is always some team that finds a way to get into the mix once the season starts. Barely does that happened in the NBA and this year is no exception.

Check out the NFL. Before each season most fans could pile up a number of teams that can win the big one. It wouldn’t even be crazy to pick the defending champions to win the Super Bowl and them not even making the playoffs that year ( See 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers)

Not so in the NBA, where half of the teams in the league make the postseason.
And maybe that’s the solution. I’ve said in previous blogs that the NBA needs to shorten up its playoff schedule. Allow fewer teams to make it. Make the series shorter and maybe than we could see some upsets.

It doesn’t look like anything will change any time soon.

David Stern, the NBA commissioner, was forced to shell out millions of dollars to over 15 teams in the NBA last year who were hurting financially, which means the teams with the rich pockets and star players ( yes, like the Lakers, Celtics and Magic) will continue to push the little guys around. The little guys just can’t afford to go after the star name free agents. Some people have even suggested that the NBA employ what the NFL calls “ Team revenue sharing” which allows the weaker teams in the league to draw from a small well of cash to help them sign players.

Like Stern would ever go for that.

But I’m just a reporter who writes about sports. I don’t have all the answers. But I can choose to watch if I want.

Wake me up in May.

NHL Winter Classic Exceeds at the Right Time

Yesterday was just a typical Jan.1st morning for RamblinRob. First, I woke up at 11 a.m. from my hangover. Next, I poured coffee down my throat. Than, I nibbled a doughnut. Finally, I turned on some hockey. (Pause for effect and for the turntables to stop and make the screeching sound you hear in all the movies when the main character says something stupid.)

GASP!

No, that was not a typo. Although the National Hockey League numbers have been dwindling the last decade, for the last three New Years I have began my day with the NHL’s newest game, The Winter Classic. That is impressive because I don’t ever watch hockey except for a few playoff and finals games a year. The outdoor game was nothing but sensational. It was on at the perfect time. If only hockey could show all of its games at the right time maybe fans would watch more often than once a season.

The classic has been featured in a different iconic baseball stadium the last three years and this year it was played outdoors in 30 degrees weather in the historic Fenway Park in Boston. The Boston Bruins beat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in overtime. The official numbers have not yet been announced but so far the information obtained says that the games were a huge success.

The game was also very profitable for the league. The third Classic was expected to generate $8 million in ticket sales at Fenway Park and $3 million in ad revenue for NBC, triple the total of two years ago. And according to Reuters, the games profitability is continuing to grow. Despite it being played in cold weather, 38,112 freezing-cold-fans attended.

There were many reasons that made this event worth watching. NBC covered the game and they usually do a great job, dating back to their experience for when they use to cover the NBA. Their picture was really clear. Bob “ freaking” Costas ran the halftime show and it was really unique to see an outdoor hockey game played in a baseball stadium. The game was also really competitive. A fight broke out in the first quarter between Shawn Thornton and Daniel Carcillo. And although the Flyers were more aggressive offensively, the Bruins came back and won in overtime on a tip-in shot by Bruins left wing Marco Sturm.

But if the game were not on at such a convenient time, on the right channel, I, nor millions of others, would have seen it. If you don’t have the NHL Network the only other channel that shows the NHL during the season is the unknown cable channel, Versus, which is owned by Comcast and recently merged with NBC Universal. ESPN no longer covers the NHL. NBC will cover most of the bigger playoff games and the finals. The league hit a low-point in 2007 when NBC decided to cut away from a playoff game that went into overtime to show the pre-game of the Preakness. Yes, horse racing.

Not surprisingly, the numbers have been dwindling the past decade for the NHL. Partly because Versus is unknown. If the games were on broadcast network or a more known cable network, regularly, it would be easier for TV surfers to find.

There is another reason why hockey is hurting: their playoff schedule is almost on par with the NBA playoffs. In today’s fast moving world, the on the fence fans will choose basketball games that score into the hundreds over a hockey game that may only have a couple of scores each night. The die-hard fans of the NBA will watch the orange ball and the NHL people will keep their eyes fixed on that big black puck. But the problem persists because there are more basketball fans than hockey ones nationally.

But what if hockey altered its schedule? Hockey playoffs start in April, same as the NBA. Moving the playoffs back a month earlier, to March, would allow it to end in May. By the beginning of that month hockey would be in the third round while the NBA would just be starting the first round. In theory, hockey would try to grab fans like me to watch the conference championship as opposed to the first round of the NBA. I probably would watch more NBA, but I surely would glance for a few minutes a night at what was going on in the third round game of hockey. If both leagues are in their conference championships than forget about it, I’m choosing basketball. I feel like many other would choose the same.

Also, when should the Hockey season start if the playoffs began a month earlier? If the playoffs began in March than the season would have to be shortened and that would mess with the statistical records. One of two scenarios could be done; start the season in August, when there are no big sporting events going on. Or, start the playoffs at the regular date in April but only allow four teams, as opposed to eight, to make the playoffs from each conference. That would allow fewer rounds, and a quicker pace to the Stanley Cup Finals. It would also make the tournament somewhat more intriguing than the NBA one which also has 16 teams who make the playoffs. At times, the NBA post season feels worn out.

For those who disagree with my suggestion, surely agree that something needs to be done. One game a year is not enough to keep hockey going. Sports fans like me may not know many hockey names, or understand all the rules, but the game itself is exciting enough to watch, as long as it does not interfere with the three major sports of baseball, basketball and football.

Take the Winter Classic, for example. The game began at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. The Rose Bowl began four hours later, right after the overtime thriller. There were no other big sports games on in the morning (except some dumb bowl games) It was the perfect curve-ball to start a day that I knew would be filled with college football.

Right place, right time.

Bring It On

Despite all the objections about the 9/11 trials there is one group that has no complaints: Residence and business owners who live near the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan where the preceding will take place. They are not fazed. They don’t care if all the security and traffic issues disrupt their daily lives. They say bring it on.

“I mean, come on, you have all around here the FBI, homeland security and local police stations, that really I cannot be worried,” said Hugh O’Reilly, 32, who lives at 111 Worth Tribeca, a luxury apartment building a couple hundred yards from the steps of the federal courthouse.

The pending trial has been the talk of the neighborhood since the U.S. government’s Nov. 13 announcement that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed would be tried at 500 Pearl St. Last Saturday, more than 1,000 people protested the trials on Foley Square, across the street from the courthouse. While the trials may bring loads of security concerns and inconveniences to some in the area most are not bothered by the news.

Steven Macada, 39, is a computer programmer who lives in Chinatown’s Chatham Towers co-op apartments located on Park Row, just a block from the federal courthouse. Macada believes people who are worried are over-reacting. “I know a lot of people around here who complain but come on you live in Manhattan, right next to the federal courthouse where it is always a circus,” said Macada.

Even people who are personally not in favor of the tribunal are not scared.
Joe Pak,29, works at the Equitable Building in the financial district and lives at 170 Park Row. He lost his uncle in the World Trade Center on 9/11. While he is uneasy about the suspects being tried in New York City he is not afraid. “ I am not sure what the purpose of them being here is,” said Pak. “ But I am not scared because I know that security will do a good job. They are here to protect us and as a result we just have to deal with the inconvenience.”

Local business might be affected around the courthouse, considering the amount of security, road blocks, and press people that will be infiltrating the area, halting local customers and foot traffic.

According to Alan Siege, a New York University professor who teaches a class called, “ Starting your Own Small Business” local businesses near the trials can lose about 10 percent income on a given day. “Especially in these times any money you take away from business owners will make them nervous,” said Siege.

But Ramon Paniagua, the manager of Albella Restorante and Bar, a high-end bar and restaurant across the street from the courthouse on the corner of Elk and Reade St. said he does not care about losing customers. He believes integrity takes precedence over money. “Yes it will affect my business but I understand it is one of those things that has to happen,” said Paniagua. “. “The crime was committed here and it should be here.”

Needless to say, not everyone is happy with the news. Around the corner from Albella Restorante, on Lafayette and Duane Streets, Faro Costanc, the manager of Corte Café, was working when the planes hit the towers. He is pissed. “It’s bad for business, bad for this area and it is going to bring back bad memories of that painful day,” said Costanc, 50.

At least one woman who lives at 111 Worth Tribeca is not thrilled.” Ya, I am a little scared because you just never know,” said the woman who wanted to remain anonymous. “ I won’t even be able to walk my dog.”

The 9/11 Never Forget Coalition organized the protest on Saturday, which was composed mainly of family members and firefighters who lost loved ones on 9/11. The founder, Tim Sumner, said locals have reasons to worry because security will halt day to day life. “The whole area will be a frozen zone,” said Sumner.

Steven Brams, a Professor of Politics at NYU, disagrees that the security will be an issue. “ I do not think the security will be unduly high,” said Brams. “ That is the cost of the judicial system. They are going to cause inconveniences but overall it will not be a major issue.”

“ This is the most secure place in the world,” said Arlene Ancona, 63, an artist who also lives at 111 Worth Tribeca. Ancona said that previous big name trials with high volumes of security have not been an issue. She is confident that with the 9/11 trial the result will be the same. “ I know I won’t even feel it,” said Ancona.

Community Board 3 includes ChinaTown and Park Row. According to Susan Stetzer, the District Manager at CB3, there have been no complaints so far.

Ro Sheffe, chairman-of-the-board at Community Board One, also said there have been no calls. But he is getting ready for objections once the date is set. For now, he is in favor of the trials but is hesitant to see how much it will impede on people’s way of life. “ Justice should be served where injustice was done,” said Sheffe. “ But if it disrupts residence and businesses than I and probably many others at the board would be opposed to the trials.”

Small Businesses Hanging on By a Thread.

Small businesses in Lower Manhattan are getting slaughtered. Last year there were 320 businesses in the downtown district that closed and 240 were in the financial district. But despite hard times on Wall Street, many small businesses in the financial district are finding ways to adapt. Some are setting up new websites for take-out while others are finding better prices for their customers.

“During these times it’s not fair to let me customers down,” said Mouhamad Shami, owner of Alfanoose’s Middle Eastern Cuisine, located on Maiden Street in New York City’s financial district

Shami runs around his restaurant frantically every day. One second he serves his Middle Eastern food behind the counter, the next second he package orders he receives from his restaurants website which he installed in September.

Times are tough for 54-year-old Shami, a husband and father of two boys and one girl. Still, he is doing whatever he can to make ends meet and stay loyal to his cliental.

Shami use to make a good living but is now getting killed, as income is down about 50 percent. Factors such as the recession and reconstruction projects blocking foot traffic have contributed to the decline in revenue. But the mom and pop business that are staying open are doing so because they are catering to loyal customers they consider family.

Shami, who was born in Lebanon, moved and opened Alfanoose in 2004. So far, Shami said the website has helped revenue about 10 percent.

In a few months, Shami will be serving middle-eastern breakfast consisting of meat pies and chick pea dishes, something his long time customers have requested.
Meanwhile, Shami also started putting advertisements for his restaurant on Yelp, a search engine for restaurants.

Most importantly, Shami maintains his loyal customers by treating them like family.
“Many of my customers keep coming back because they know my kids, we becomes part of their family and they become part of ours,” said Shami.
Phil Yeni, who is 29-years old, works as a financial investor in midtown, said he comes to Alfanoose for the family feel.

“I moved here from Lebanon, so to me this place hits home,” said Yeni.
Currently, small businesses in the financial district are moving over for big time corporate chains.

To help matters, The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation two years ago installed a federal loan program to aid small businesses downtown. In the last four months, Community Board 1 has successfully pushed for almost $2 million of the $5 million dollars promised to be allocated. Last week, Shami finally got his share of the fund, and paid off his landlord.

All around Maiden Street, small businesses are honing in on their loyal cliental.

At Chameleon Comics and Cards, 45-year old Jimmy Wu is also altering. Wu actively is on eBay each day trying to find his customers the cheapest prices on specialized sports memorabilia. “I have to give customers what they want so they keep coming back,” said Wu.

But can small businesses, like Alfanoose, still survive?

“Yes, because he (Shami) has done some good analysis,” said Alan Siege, who teaches a class at New York University called “Starting your own small business. “ Not everyone can do what Alfanoose does because most people don’t know how to solve their needs. When things get tough you have to really adjust and distinguish yourself,” said Siege.

However, Ro Sheffe, chairmen of district board one, believes many small businesses in the financial district will have to close up shop, mainly because not enough money can be guaranteed by the LMDC.
“Simply put, these guys are hanging on by their fingernails,” said Sheffe.

But the LMDC is doing the best they can.

“Two weeks ago we included funds to more than 200 blocks of small businesses that have been hurt,” said John Delibero, media liaison at LMDC.

If business does not continue to improve by the end of the year, Shami will either move to a smaller location or share his large space with another business.
Yet, Shami still believes. “As long as you see a light at the end of the tunnel you can still hope,” said Shami.

An inspiring encounter with THE newspaper man

Former editor and columnist of the New York Post, Pete Hamill, recently presented himself to NYU’s “Reporting Downtown” beat class. The class just finished reading one of his memoirs, “Downtown: My Manhattan.” Simply put, Hamill was there to inspire.

At 74-years old, Hamill still may be the most interesting man in the world. Not only does he look like the guy from those Dos Equis beer commercials; he also shares his aura…the world traveler, newspaperman and author who has accomplished more as a writer than the Pope has as a Christian.

During his 90-minute visit on Oct. 13, he took questions from the 15 undergraduate journalism majors in the class that covered everything from sports and political writing to his thoughts on marriage. In terms of advice, Hamill left nothing out the door. He encouraged the students to never have an agenda before writing. “The worst thing you can do as a journalist is have an ideology,” Hamill said as he mentioned how he approached covering the Vietnam War.

Hamill also noted the importance of truth and morality when it came to reporting, urging the class to never hurt anyone that can’t hurt you back. And, that with great reporting “ the facts always come first.”

When it came to love, Hamill had advice too: “You fall in love with the people you meet; you don’t pursue them like quarry.” As an example, he explained that he met his second wife, a Japanese journalist, in Tokyo while she was interviewing him. They have now been married for 25 years.

“She knows that when I am looking out the window that I am working, “ said Hamill as he explained the benefits of being married to someone who understands what writers are like.

Hamill has also written novels and a memoir with vivid sex scenes. In preparation for his visit, the class had read an excerpt from “Loving Women.” When questions about this fictional work arose during his visit, Hamill said that he writes about sex because “writers like Jane Austin never took you into the bathroom. As for “Loving Women,’ it was “ a work of the imagination” Hamill said with a wink, refusing to admit whether the love scenes were actually about himself.

But in discussing fiction, Hamill admitted that every writer’s work could be entitled, “ Guilty with An Explanation.”

When writing columns, Hamill says he sticks with the facts and goes to the scene.

When writing about himself, which Hamill loves to do, he says the biggest challenge is to “ not give yourself the best lines.”

In addition to authoring more than 20 books, Hamill has also written for many newspapers and magazines. But he feels like he is not done yet. “ I try to live my life without finishing,” Hamill said.

In the late spring, Hamill has a new book coming out. It’s features a crime and a mystery that take place during this latest recession.But his approach to writing about this difficult financial period will not be filled with business and economics. “If I had to write about Goldman Sachs I would cut my wrist," Hamill said.

Reliving History

For the last 100 years the Frances Tavern Museum has acted as a reminder to the Revolutionary War. Today, I visited the museum in New York City’s financial district and for the next month it is showing one of only four hand-written documents of the Magna Carta. Overall, I really enjoyed how the paintings, artifacts and documents showed me history as opposed to me reading it in some boring textbook.

At the museum, I met up with 29-year-old Jennifer Patton, the Director of Education there. She told me how the Museum was purchased in 1904 by the “ Sons of the Revolution” which are actually sons of fathers who fought in the Revolutionary War, who purchased documents, weapons and paintings that depicted colonial America.

“ We want this place to be the starting point of conversation,” said Patton. “ There is a lot more to it than George Washington.”

During my hour at the museum, Patton showed me the fascinating Magna Carta exhibit, paintings of the war by John Ward, a room containing pistols and muskets from the war, and the Long Room where George Washington actually said farewell to his officers of the continental army. Can you imagine, the actual room?

If you are as patriotic as me, or even if you want to impress a date, check out Frances Tavern and relive your countries history. Plus, there is a quaint Frances Tavern restaurant next door that looks like a scene out of the 1700s.

Kind of a bug out.



Information:
Website: http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/
Phone: 212-968-1776
Price: $10.00
Hours: 12p.m-5p.m., closed on Sunday.
address: 59 Pearl St.