2012 Men's Team vs. 1992 Dream Team Debate Continues...

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The London Olympics have finally kicked off from Olympic stadium in beautiful England the firework display was a treat. Watching and viewing the Queen and the James Bond skit was wonderful and to the unbelievable remarks given by American Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. All is safe in peaceful in the beautiful surroundings of London. Now the battles and competition can start as old rivalries continue China vs. Japan Mens Gymnastics and great rivalries coming to a end Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte in Mens Swimming. The Women's competitions of Allyson Felix  (USA) vs. Veronica Campbell Brown (Jamaica)  and of course one of our favorites Australia vs. Great Britain for Medal "Lord of the Rings" medal count supremacy. 


Yet, one debate rages on, a debate so debatable that legends have spoken out and we will never truly experience the outcome. It's the debate of the 1992 USA Olympic "Dream Team" the greatest team ever assembled in the sport of basketball vs. the 2012 USA Mens Basketball team. Debates and conversations from Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley describing how the 1992 Dream Team will never be touched on the court to Kobe Bryant and "now" LeBron James quoting that the 2012 Mens Team could beat the 1992 version. 


The original Dream Team led by Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird defeated Olympic opponents by an average 43.8 pts and a gaudy number even for a team full of NBA Hall of Fame players. The international competition was not the same compared to 2012.  International players have evolved in the sports of basketball over the last two decades and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski agrees when asked about the difference. Krzyzewski is also Head Coach at Duke University and was an assistant coach on the 1992 Dream Team that dominated the world in Barcelona. 

So even with improved international play omitting the 43.8 pts per game winning average the comparisons between the two teams continue with the question of what would have happened had the 1992 Dream Team faced the 2012 Men's Team led by Bryant, James and Kevin Durant. Navigating the roster the #1 weak spot for the 2012 Men's Team is the depth chart. Team USA 2012 players have been hit with a rash of unfortunate injuries Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard have all been removed or replaced on the Men's Team for the 2012 Olympics. 


#2 Weak spot the interior post game, the Dream Team was comprised of several dominating big men. David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley a list of the greatest power forwards and centers to ever set foot on any basketball court. To compare the down low post game of the 1992 team to the 2012 squad would be cruel and down right murderous. 2012 Men's team post players include Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis and Kevin Love serviceable players on NBA teams but not 1992 Dream Team qualified. 


The two weak points listed are just an example of why the debate that continues to fuel fire should be extinguished with liquid hydrogen. The only real question is with the high level of competition would the Dream Team average more 20 point wins vs. 40 point wins if faced with the Marc and Pau Gasol's of Spain or the Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola Argentina. How far has international competition gone and where is it going. I agree with the words of Bryant when addressing NBA Commissioner Stern's comments of a 23 and younger team "only" being allowed to enter the Olympics. "It's a stupid idea," Bryant told reporters. 


Truly with international players Tony Parker (France), Anderson Vareajo (Brazil), Serge Ibaka (Spain) etc... the USA fielding a 23 and under team would be ridiculous and put the USA at a great disadvantage in an American dominated sport. 

Bottomline: 1992 Dream Team would out perform the 2012 USA Men's Team, International competition has increased around the globe and a 23 yr old and younger USA Men's Team is no Dream Team for America it's stupid, it's a nightmare. The last and only Dream Team to ever play was in 1992 all other teams are simply USA Men's Basketball Team's.


Of course this last statement must be added NBA 2K we have a request to help with some of the virtual debates. "In honor of the 2012 London Olympics, JMC Sportsbook would like to propose a valuable 2K13 feature include the Dream Team and all the USA Men's Teams since 1992 for the soon to be highly anticipated sports game of the year NBA 2K13 just a thought"

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Greek's Papachristou Removed from 2012 London Olympics

The 2012 Olympic Games from London starts off with racism and controversy days prior to the opening ceremonies. Voula Papachristou Greece's Olympic hopeful for the Gold Medal in the Triple Jump has been removed from the Greek National team and deemed barred from the Olympic games for her Xenophobic remarks about West Africans in her homeland. 


On July 22nd 2012 Papachristou using her Twitter account posted the following comment; 
“with so many Africans in Greece, at least the West Nile mosquitos will be eating food from their own home.” This comment which is Xenophobic meaning "unreasonably fearful of or hating anyone or anything foreign or strange" has caught fire in the Olympic International Community and viewed as racist by fans and spectators around the globe. 


The Greek government issued a statement to the international community following her Twitter post stating 
“Racist humor and ”jokes” concerning human lives are not tolerated by the Greek society,  can not thrive in Greek athletics. The least the  Greek Olympic Committee can do now is to revoke Ms Voula Papachristou from the Olympic Games. Watching the Olympics on TV screen, she could do as many vile ”jokes” she wants through the social media. But for sure, she can not represent Greece in London.”

As her statement and post flooded the internet Papachristou issued an apology Wednesday afternoon;
 “I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal Twitter account. I am very sorry and ashamed for the negative responses I triggered, since I never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights.

My dream is connected to the Olympic Games and I could not possibly participate if I did not respect their values. Therefore, I could never believe in discrimination between human beings and races.

I would like to apologize to all my friends and fellow athletes, who I may have insulted or shamed, the National Team, as well as the people and companies who support my athletic career. Finally, I would like to apologize to my coach and my family.”

The apology feel on deaf ears as the Greek government has held stead fast in keeping with their ruling and no allowing Papachristou  to participate in the 2012 London Olympics. Her comments were definitely misrepresent the peaceful spirit of togetherness that the Olympics represent around the world.   Whether Papachristou statement was suppose to be presented as a playful joke or not this is not what the Olympics are about. 

In the opinion of JMC Sportsbook, her comment was not in the true definition of racism but her comment hinted with a sense of Xenophobia and of a world citizen athlete who does not realize her own shadow, her own spotlight, an individual that made a stupid decision. She was an Olympic athlete, Olympic athletes should represent the world "well the world is currently at war" but Olympic athletes should represent peace in the world not divide it. Her actions were careless and put out into the public for the world to view and witness. She should of recognized her own shadow, she should of recognized the public and world view of her as a person so this comment shows a lack of understanding her true identity.  Since she did not understand her identity as an Olympic athlete, she is no longer an Olympic athlete...

Did the Greek's overreact by removing Papchristou from the Olympic team?

Voula Papachristou Twitter page comment link: https://twitter.com/papaxristoutj/status/227152669129732096 

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Guor Marial the Olympic Athlete Without a Country

Imagine competing in the Olympics realizing your dreams, being awarded for your achievements, hosting the flag of your country high above the rest, you are the best in the world. For many Olympians competing for national pride is an extra bonus an extra shot of adrenaline that pushes you to be the best. You compete not just for yourself but for the pride of your countrymen. 


Now imagine competing in the Olympics with no flag, no countrymen, no President or Prime Minister to meet and shake hands with. Not being able to display pride to the country you belong to, your flag not hoisted high above the rest. For Sudanese refugee Guor Marial the case is surreal its an unfortunate story. Marial who met the Olympic qualifying time of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds at the 2011 Twin Cities Marathon. 


Attending Iowa State University he was eligible to become a U.S. Citizen. He mentions by all accounts that "Technically, I was supposed to be a citizen last June, because I did everything, I did my citizen test, I did my interview, I did my fingerprints, and everything was all set. All I needed to do was to go to their office and get my passport and do the ceremony. That was in June 2011, but there has been a security background check...and that's what took everything longer," He has lived in the U.S. for over 11 years. His currently a permanent resident but without full citizenship he is not allowed to represent the Red, White and Blue. 

Marial was born in the newly formed Republic of South Sudan, an independent country without an established National Olympic Committee. Countries must an established National Olympic Committee  per IOC requirement to compete in the Olympic Games.


Unfortunately with no country to represent, Marial began petitioning the IOC to run as an independent participant under the Olympic flag. In an New York Times interview Marial stated "It would be great for the people of South Sudan for me to run as an independent, And the U.S. because that's where I discovered running. It would be great for the whole world."


As a child in Sudan Marial ran to escape a Sudanese child labor camp. Hiding in caves to escape the war torn country, Marial would finally arrive to his destination in America.  Marial say's he is excited to be competing in the Olympics quoting to the Associated Press that  "The voice of South Sudan has been heard," "The South Sudan has finally got a spot in the world community. Even though I will not carry their flag in this Olympic Games, the country itself is there."The dream has come true. The hope of South Sudan is alive."

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Team USA "Beauty and the Beast" Quanitta Underwood

Quanitta "Queen" Underwood is the perfect example of "Beauty and The Beast" as one of boxings most gifted female athletes Underwood is primed to compete for the gold in the lightweight field. Underwood is ranked #4 in the world and is a 5 time National Champion. Underwood won the first U.S. Olympic boxing team trials in February but dropped a one-point decision at the world championships to Ingred Egner in Norway.  The loss jeopardized her quest for competing at the 2012 Olympics. Yet, Underwood would rise again in June when the international governing body announced her name awarding her an at-large berth in the 2012 Olympics. In a recent interview after the AIBA selected Underwood to compete in the 2012 Olympics she stated  “I now have the chance to write my own story and my winning the gold medal is now going to be the headline”. 

Born and raised in Seattle WA Queen Underwood gave a heartwarming yet emotional interview with "The New York Times". Underwood expressed the story of her and her sister Hazzauna's rough childhood growing up in Seattle WA and being sexually raped and molested.  The two sister's story is a tragic story full of unfortunate pain created by a man they trusted their father Azzad Underwood. Yet, Queen fought back rising from the ashes of despair from the terrible and traumatic childhood tragedy with help from her biggest supporter and fan her sister Hazzauna. 

Despite the rough times of her childhood and up bringing Underwood has  continued to be strong and follow her passion. Underwood said, "One day, I'm going to be the "Queen of the Ring" and nobody will ever hurt me again. One day, I won't be 12 years old and feeling helpless; one day I'll be strong and unstoppable." Her drive and determination to not be defeated in life has brought her to London for the 2012 Olympic Games. No one will ever hurt or harm Queen Underwood again. This will be the first time women's boxing will be held as an Olympic sport. 


Note: 
1.) Queen Underwood trained at the Tacoma Boxing Club in Tacoma WA
2.) Underwood trained at Cappy's Boxing Gym in Seattle WA
3.) Underwood's motto "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"
4.) Born May 9th 1984 (28 yrs old)
5.) Her goal is not only win the Gold Medal but serve as a symbol of hope to everyone who has ever been sexually abused. 

Follow U.S.A. Olympic Athlete Queen Underwood @QueenUnderwood http://twitter.com/queenunderwood


Queen Underwood NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/sports/quanitta-underwood-a-contender-for-olympic-gold-and-a-survivor.html?pagewanted=all

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Dwight Howard Saga: Houston Wants a Problem!

How important is it for NBA teams to work a deal for Dwight Howard? Howard has gone on record quoting that the only team he wanted to play for was the "Brooklyn Nets". Last season Howard said he would not resign with the Lakers or Rockets if traded to Los Angeles or Houston. Now the Brooklyn Nets Howard's preferred choice has decided to move away from the "circus show" that is Dwight Howard and the merry go round Barnum and Bailey show he has created. 

This brings me to this point, it's a sad day when a franchise player single handily destroys a NBA franchise by pity patting and pouting about where they are playing. Especially after signing an extension with the franchise less that 4 months ago.So has Dwight Howard put himself in position where fans in Orlando are read to boo him and say enough is enough? Has Howard destroyed his reputation as a player will the NBA market for Howard start to reflect his personality issues? 

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey has thrown in all his chips including the future of the franchise to nab "SuperMan" out of Orlando. Houston traded PG Kyle Lowry to Toronto and amnestied Luis Scola. Rockets have simply mortgaged the franchise in hopes of landing Dwight Howard but is he worth the cost? Imagine the trade occurs and Howard is disgruntled in Houston decides to walk away after the 2012-2013 season and enter free agency next summer. Plain and simple Howard is not worth the cost of blowing up a franchise just to watch him walk away after one season. Houston Do You Really Want A Problem?

When the 2012 NBA off season concludes Dwight Howard could end up as the most hated man in the NBA based on his un-SuperMan like attitude. Orlando Magic should take the best deal available and let Howard become some other Owner or GM's problem child. Orlando trade Howard cut your ties let him go if Rockets are willing to send over young talent and future lottery picks take it. Rebuild the franchise get rid of the clown with the size 18 buffalo shoes.

For the Houston Rockets this could be the worst deal in NBA history. Some pundits have compared the gutting of the Rockets roster to the gutting of the Heat in 2011. Seriously stop, the Miami Heat was a team gutting their roster for 2 Hall of Famers and 1 All Star with guaranteed long term contracts with a NBA Championship to follow. Howard your no LeBron James or Dwayne Wade and NBA GM's and Owners should stay away from the circus show you have created. Superman has already lost the city/burrough of Brooklyn. Dwight Howard what franchise will he destroy next? I guess Houston Seriously Wants a Problem...

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NBA Off Season 2013...

The NBA Finals are over LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have ushered in a new era ready to take the NBA to a new level. Now the shift occurs the "BIG BOOM" to the NBA 's new Miami Heat era has exploded and now there are casualties. NBA players are on the move and NBA franchises including the L.A. Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are creating tidal waves in free agency. As the casualties fall and NBA empires young and old are rebuilt to compete in the NBA's new market defectors have also changed sides. Ray Allen once a Boston Celtic general "the only player to shake the hands of Miami Heat players after game 7 in Miami" has agreed to a new deal in South Beach.


Steve Nash signs with rival Lakers creating a MVP back court with Kobe Bryant. Move puts Lakers into prime position to challenge OKC Thunder for Western Conference supremacy. Nash trade also keeps Bynum and Gasol in L.A. giving the "Purple and Gold" brass an opportunity to keep most of the Lakers "Boom or Buss" plans intact.


New York Knicks sign Jason Kidd believing the veteran point guard can help the trio of Carmelo, Chandler and Stoudemire mesh on the basketball court. Kidd says he signed to help with the maturation process of Jeremy Lin. Lin is currently being pursued heavily by the Houston Rockets.


Los Angeles Clippers are progressively moving forward during the off season adding Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom two of the best sixth man in the NBA over the past 4-5 years. Clippers re-signed Chauncey Billups creating possibly the deepest roster in the NBA. Clippers are ready to challenge the Thunder this season youth, athleticism, veteran sharp shooting and excellent inside paint presence will keep the Clippers in the race in 2013.


Brooklyn Nets acquired Joe Johnson in a big trade deal keeping franchise "face" Deron Williams in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. The re-signing of Gerald Wallace plays a significant role in the movement of the Nets moving forward. Don't look now but Nets have enough pieces with Brook Lopez serving as a dominant presence to challenge to Miami Heat for the next several seasons.


 Ray Allen to Miami many "NorEasters" believe     Allen turned red coat and ran to the side of the enemy. Only issue the Celtics treated Allen like an after thought during his last season in Boston. Canceled trades to Memphis and bickering with team PG Rajon Rondo created a rift that could not be repaired. Kevin Garnett returned to Boston with a 3yr $34million contract while the Celtics offered Allen a 2yr $12 million contract big difference. Celtics shook hands with PG/SG Jason Terry prior to Allen's decision. Yes, Allen was offered more cash from the Celtics but something tells me this is personal and Allen wants to stick it to the Celtics.


Miami Heat made the landscape of the NBA shift to a new era. Franchises jumping on board and moving forward will have a chance to compete. Organizations not sitting on the sidelines will continue in mediocrity. Example Brookyln Nets in / Orlando Magic out...


So what are we to expect, what will be the next fall out as we turn to the next chapter in the NBA. Here's a few thoughts.


1.) Expect the Brooklyn Nets to vastly improve (automatic dark horse..)
2.) Boston Celtics v. Miami Heat rival will intensify (Bad Blood..)
3.) Western Conference Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, and Clippers one of these four teams are NBA Finals bound 2013...
4.) Dwight Howard the wait will continue, will he explode psychologically or will Orlando ship him out...


Note: Yes I know a NorEaster is a generally a term used for snowstorms duh....

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