The Italian Job: The Diss Interviews Dane DiLiegro

The Italian Job: The Diss Interviews Dane DiLiegro

The Diss is happy to present our first interview with an Italian Professional -- Dane DiLiegro plays for Dinamo Basket Sassari in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, the highest level of pro basketball in Italy. Dane is 6'9", tweets, and in his spare time he makes and eats large snacks and has a website about it.
 
I grew up in historic Lexington, Massachusetts - the "Birthplace of America"- with Dane DiLiegro. Smack dab in the middle of town were the Center Courts, where I spent time as a youth practicing and perfecting old man post moves to compensate for my lack of fine motor skills, eventually gaining "the courts" nickname of "Big Bird," for reasons yet to be determined. When Middle School rolled around, Dane and I were placed on the same B-squad travel basketball team for both 6th and 7th grade, which was coached by his Dad. We were both tall for our age at the time, and thus presumably could be molded into future Rick Smits and Andrew Declercq's. Why weren't either of us on the A-Squad, you may wonder, what with my intagibles and Dane's future pro career? Like the Tim Tebow's of Lexington Youth Basketball, we were biding our time behind Mark Sanchez Jimmy O'Keefe, the future 2006 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year. But back to the interview setup...
Our paths have certainly diverged since the B-squad, and while my basketball pursuits stayed more Big Bird than Larry Bird, Dane continued to develop as a player, starred for four years at the University of New Hampshire, got on SportsCenter's Top 10, and is now starting his second year playing professionally in Italy. 


Andrew Snyder: Hi Dane. As the only professional basketball player who I've barely kept in touch with to make it out of the Lexington High School Class of 2006, thanks for agreeing to do this interview!
First question -- What led you to play basketball professionally in Italy? Your Italian heritage and/or last name? Did you consider any other options in the professional basketball world before deciding on Italy? Dane DiLiegro: Mostly because I wanted to keep playing really -- I never really dreamed of becoming a pro basketball player, but the opportunity presented itself and I took it. I'll keep playing until I have no more opportunities to play. My last name is indeed Italian, and I do have an Italian passport! Israel was also an option for me, but the Italian league was a higher level league in the European rankings, there's a lot of big time players out here.
AS: Assess the validity of this statement: playing professional basketball in Italy is the equivalent of the best study abroad trip ever.  
  DD: No. I wish it was. A lot of people think this is some type of vacation, but it's still work. I don't get a lot of time off, maybe 1 day a week, and when I do, I usually stay home and rest and recover. I don't really get to travel for recreation because of my busy schedule, and I feel like when people study abroad, they just take some BS classes and then go out and rage (ed note: like Rob Gronkowski?) all the time - with some traveling thrown in. There isn't really much of that here, though it is a way cool job - and I am also told it beats a desk job. 


AS: You've moved up from the second Italian division to a new team in Serie A this season, correct? Are you excited to play against a higher level of competition? 

DD: Yeah. I'm pretty excited. So far the level of play is the highest I've been a part of, the basketball here is just so much faster, and everyone is really good and knows their angles, and is really quick.. not to mentionthe front courts of some teams are 7 feet plus. 

AS: Your new team this year, Dinamo Basket Sassari, is located on the island of Sardinia - do you get the impression so far that it's a coveted Serie A away game destination (a la Miami, LA, or NYC in the NBA), or does nobody appreciate having to fly to an island to play away games? 
  DD: Well its definitely much easier to drive back on a bus one hour to your city than fly for every game, but coming to Sardinia is a great experience and time slows down a bit. The people here live to 100 years old easy, and it's great seeing palm trees all the time and the beach, but traveling on your day off sucks, and well be doing that every time we go on the road. 

  AS: Any obscure former NBA or NCAA stars now playing in Serie A you're dying to posterize and/or swat this upcoming season? Dee Brown? Kenny Hasbrouck? Mustafa Shakur? Timberwolves Summer League contributor but more famous for being George's son Coby Karl?
DD: I'd like to dunk on anyone really. A few weeks ago we played a game against Greek international powerhouse and reigning Euroleague champ Olympiacos. (Former Toronto Raptor) Joey Dorsey shattered the backboard with 2 minutes left in the game. We went home early.

AS: Objectively, is that a better highlight than your SportsCenter Top 10 appearance? 

DD: I would have to go with a yes on that one... I'd love to shatter a backboard. 


AS: What level of play in American basketball would you compare your experience last year in the LegaDue [the second Italian division] to, and what do you expect Serie A to compare to? 

DD: Well, the level of play in Legadue last year was better than NCAA D1 basketball on some levels, but A1 now is a complete different animal. I definitely have my hands full this year. Although I know I wont be getting nearly as much playing time or as many stats as last year, I'm still excited to gain some valuable experience, and I'm glad I started out at the lower level.
AS: Soccer is far and away the #1 sport in Italy, but where does basketball fit into the average Italian's sports fan consciousness? Do you get the picture that basketball's popularity is growing in Italy? 
  DD: Basketball has a pretty solid following here, but obviously nothing else compares to soccer, not even close. People do sometimes recognize who we are. I just wish more people in Europe would look up to hoops the way they do soccer, but that's never going to happen.


AS: After one full season of play in Italy, do you feel that different nations have distinctive basketball styles. Are there variations of an "American style" of play, or are there aspects that are, say, particularly Italian?  
 
DD: Absolutely. The basketball that the Italians play is kind of like soccer players at times. I'll be honest, there's certain guys you can't even get close to or else they'll cry bloody murder and roll around on the ground clutching the back of their neck. American basketball is much more physical, where as European basketball requires a lot of finesse, and a distinct skill for flopping... or at least selling a flop. 

 
AS: So... any double flops? How hard was it adjusting to FIBA rules out of the NCAA? Any specific FIBA rules you've had to adapt to that you hate (or love)?

DD: It's not too bad really, the only difference is that you can't call a time out when the ball is in play, and you can take the ball off the rim [when rebounding], other than that it's practically the same thing. I just hate a lot of the touch fouls they call here - again American basketball compared to Italian. 
AS: Do you and other American pro players in Europe take a serious look at opportunities in the NBA D-League? Why or why not? 

DD: I don't personally, I think the D-League is only ideal for guys who are basically already on an NBA team and get sent down, but are making NBA money. Getting drafted and joining the D-League does not interest me at all -- the max salary in that league isn't very flattering, and it's basically a bunch of athletes whose main focus is not on the defensive end -- not my cup of tea really.

AS: Have you experienced any strange cultural experiences on or off the court in Italy that you never would have expected before playing abroad?  
 
DD: They eat horse and donkey here... it tastes pretty good. If no one told you what it was, you'd never know. Also the food portions are way too small. 

AS: On that note, we'll have to point you to Dane's personal endeavor MidnightSnackBeast.com. Thanks again for the interview Dane, and good luck with the upcoming Serie A season.

The Italian Job: The Diss Interviews Dane DiLiegro

The Italian Job: The Diss Interviews Dane DiLiegro

The Diss is happy to present our first interview with an Italian Professional -- Dane DiLiegro plays for Dinamo Basket Sassari in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, the highest level of pro basketball in Italy. Dane is 6'9", tweets, and in his spare time he makes and eats large snacks and has a website about it.
 
I grew up in historic Lexington, Massachusetts - the "Birthplace of America"- with Dane DiLiegro. Smack dab in the middle of town were the Center Courts, where I spent time as a youth practicing and perfecting old man post moves to compensate for my lack of fine motor skills, eventually gaining "the courts" nickname of "Big Bird," for reasons yet to be determined. When Middle School rolled around, Dane and I were placed on the same B-squad travel basketball team for both 6th and 7th grade, which was coached by his Dad. We were both tall for our age at the time, and thus presumably could be molded into future Rick Smits and Andrew Declercq's. Why weren't either of us on the A-Squad, you may wonder, what with my intagibles and Dane's future pro career? Like the Tim Tebow's of Lexington Youth Basketball, we were biding our time behind Mark Sanchez Jimmy O'Keefe, the future 2006 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year. But back to the interview setup...
Our paths have certainly diverged since the B-squad, and while my basketball pursuits stayed more Big Bird than Larry Bird, Dane continued to develop as a player, starred for four years at the University of New Hampshire, got on SportsCenter's Top 10, and is now starting his second year playing professionally in Italy. 


Andrew Snyder: Hi Dane. As the only professional basketball player who I've barely kept in touch with to make it out of the Lexington High School Class of 2006, thanks for agreeing to do this interview!
First question -- What led you to play basketball professionally in Italy? Your Italian heritage and/or last name? Did you consider any other options in the professional basketball world before deciding on Italy? Dane DiLiegro: Mostly because I wanted to keep playing really -- I never really dreamed of becoming a pro basketball player, but the opportunity presented itself and I took it. I'll keep playing until I have no more opportunities to play. My last name is indeed Italian, and I do have an Italian passport! Israel was also an option for me, but the Italian league was a higher level league in the European rankings, there's a lot of big time players out here.
AS: Assess the validity of this statement: playing professional basketball in Italy is the equivalent of the best study abroad trip ever.  
  DD: No. I wish it was. A lot of people think this is some type of vacation, but it's still work. I don't get a lot of time off, maybe 1 day a week, and when I do, I usually stay home and rest and recover. I don't really get to travel for recreation because of my busy schedule, and I feel like when people study abroad, they just take some BS classes and then go out and rage (ed note: like Rob Gronkowski?) all the time - with some traveling thrown in. There isn't really much of that here, though it is a way cool job - and I am also told it beats a desk job. 


AS: You've moved up from the second Italian division to a new team in Serie A this season, correct? Are you excited to play against a higher level of competition? 

DD: Yeah. I'm pretty excited. So far the level of play is the highest I've been a part of, the basketball here is just so much faster, and everyone is really good and knows their angles, and is really quick.. not to mentionthe front courts of some teams are 7 feet plus. 

AS: Your new team this year, Dinamo Basket Sassari, is located on the island of Sardinia - do you get the impression so far that it's a coveted Serie A away game destination (a la Miami, LA, or NYC in the NBA), or does nobody appreciate having to fly to an island to play away games? 
  DD: Well its definitely much easier to drive back on a bus one hour to your city than fly for every game, but coming to Sardinia is a great experience and time slows down a bit. The people here live to 100 years old easy, and it's great seeing palm trees all the time and the beach, but traveling on your day off sucks, and well be doing that every time we go on the road. 

  AS: Any obscure former NBA or NCAA stars now playing in Serie A you're dying to posterize and/or swat this upcoming season? Dee Brown? Kenny Hasbrouck? Mustafa Shakur? Timberwolves Summer League contributor but more famous for being George's son Coby Karl?
DD: I'd like to dunk on anyone really. A few weeks ago we played a game against Greek international powerhouse and reigning Euroleague champ Olympiacos. (Former Toronto Raptor) Joey Dorsey shattered the backboard with 2 minutes left in the game. We went home early.

AS: Objectively, is that a better highlight than your SportsCenter Top 10 appearance? 

DD: I would have to go with a yes on that one... I'd love to shatter a backboard. 


AS: What level of play in American basketball would you compare your experience last year in the LegaDue [the second Italian division] to, and what do you expect Serie A to compare to? 

DD: Well, the level of play in Legadue last year was better than NCAA D1 basketball on some levels, but A1 now is a complete different animal. I definitely have my hands full this year. Although I know I wont be getting nearly as much playing time or as many stats as last year, I'm still excited to gain some valuable experience, and I'm glad I started out at the lower level.
AS: Soccer is far and away the #1 sport in Italy, but where does basketball fit into the average Italian's sports fan consciousness? Do you get the picture that basketball's popularity is growing in Italy? 
  DD: Basketball has a pretty solid following here, but obviously nothing else compares to soccer, not even close. People do sometimes recognize who we are. I just wish more people in Europe would look up to hoops the way they do soccer, but that's never going to happen.


AS: After one full season of play in Italy, do you feel that different nations have distinctive basketball styles. Are there variations of an "American style" of play, or are there aspects that are, say, particularly Italian?  
 
DD: Absolutely. The basketball that the Italians play is kind of like soccer players at times. I'll be honest, there's certain guys you can't even get close to or else they'll cry bloody murder and roll around on the ground clutching the back of their neck. American basketball is much more physical, where as European basketball requires a lot of finesse, and a distinct skill for flopping... or at least selling a flop. 

 
AS: So... any double flops? How hard was it adjusting to FIBA rules out of the NCAA? Any specific FIBA rules you've had to adapt to that you hate (or love)?

DD: It's not too bad really, the only difference is that you can't call a time out when the ball is in play, and you can take the ball off the rim [when rebounding], other than that it's practically the same thing. I just hate a lot of the touch fouls they call here - again American basketball compared to Italian. 
AS: Do you and other American pro players in Europe take a serious look at opportunities in the NBA D-League? Why or why not? 

DD: I don't personally, I think the D-League is only ideal for guys who are basically already on an NBA team and get sent down, but are making NBA money. Getting drafted and joining the D-League does not interest me at all -- the max salary in that league isn't very flattering, and it's basically a bunch of athletes whose main focus is not on the defensive end -- not my cup of tea really.

AS: Have you experienced any strange cultural experiences on or off the court in Italy that you never would have expected before playing abroad?  
 
DD: They eat horse and donkey here... it tastes pretty good. If no one told you what it was, you'd never know. Also the food portions are way too small. 

AS: On that note, we'll have to point you to Dane's personal endeavor MidnightSnackBeast.com. Thanks again for the interview Dane, and good luck with the upcoming Serie A season.

Monday Media: Welcome to Neo New York

Monday Media: Welcome to Neo New York

I'll just put it all out there: I have nothing to say about today's Monday Media that it doesn't already say for itself. The designers of what you are about to play are far and away more creative, funny and intelligent than I am, so I'll let them speak for themselves:

The Great B-Ball Purge of 2041, a day so painful to some that it is referred to only as the "B-Ballnacht". Thousands upon thousands of the world's greatest ballers were massacred in a swath of violence and sports bigotry as the game was outlawed worldwide. The reason: the Chaos Dunk, a jam so powerful its mere existence threatens the balance of chaos and order. Among the few ballers and fans that survived the basketball genocide was Charles Barkley, the man capable of performing the "Verboten Jam"...

Flash forward 12 years to the post-cyberpocalyptic ruins of Neo New York, 2053. A Chaos Dunk rocks the island of Manhattan, killing 15 million. When the finger is put on the aging Charles Barkley, he must evade the capture of the B-Ball Removal Department, led by former friend and baller Michael Jordan, and disappear into the dangerous underground of the post-cyberpocalypse to clear his name and find out the mysterious truth behind the Chaos Dunk. Joined by allies along the way, including his son Hoopz, Barkley must face the dangers of a life he thought he gave up a long time ago and discover the secrets behind the terrorist organization B.L.O.O.D.M.O.S.E.S.

A tale of zaubers, b-balls, and atonement; brave dangers unheard of, face spectacular challenges that even the greatest ballers could not overcome, and maybe... just maybe... redeem basketball once and for all in:

Tales of Game's Studios Presents Chef Boyardee's Barkley, Shut Up & Jam: Gaiden, Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa
If that isn't enticing enough for you, and if it isn't I don't want to be friends with you, check out the promo video.



Most of the time blogging is about explaining, debating, understanding and learning, but sometimes we have to use our "power" to make sure that as many people as possible have an amazing experience. In that vein, please just go and play Chef Boyardee's Barkley, Shut Up & Jam: Gaiden, Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa.

Your Annotated Smartphone Bathroom Reader for Sunday, September 30, 2012.

Your Annotated Smartphone Bathroom Reader for Sunday, September 30, 2012.

Unfortunately, despite exhaustive searching on Google Images, I was not able to find a picture of Daryl Morey pooping.

When Do We Stop Caring?
rbiegler
Sactown Royalty

Those who survived the Sonics' last season in Seattle detail a sorry scene: where fans, for the first time, felt uncomfortable cheering for something that seemed destined to leave, and before long, stopped attending games and protesting a potential relocation as a means both to cope with the inevitable and also too not give too much financial support for an ownership group that seemed hellbent on screwing them over. Sadly, if this well written piece from Sactown Royalty is any indication, it seems that that moment has arrived for fans of the Sacramento Kings. The author of this piece, "rbiegler", seems openly anxious for the start of this Kings season, when support for keeping the Kings in town, and essentially rewarding the Brothers Maloof and their bad behavior, seems destined to come to an ugly end. Rbiegler does a good job listing off all the things that come with a professional sports team -- radio shows, bars, local commercials, and a different way to structure your year -- and how the Kings' presumed departure will take this away from them forever. It's a heartbreaking piece.
-JG
How Does a King's Fan Root For This Team?
section214
Sactown Royalty

In the above cited piece, also from Sactown Royalty, the author looks at the ramifications of whether the Kings leave or stay. This piece takes a closer look at a small piece of that pie: how do King's fans continue to root for their team? Author "section214" ultimately takes a pluralistic approach, arguing that there is no "right" or "wrong" way for fans to act in this unfortunate season. The piece ends with two lines that I thought were striking:

Go Kings.

Go Kings Fans.
Teams and there fans are often spoken of as if they are one entity. After all, what is a sports team without its fans? Thanks to the Maloof Brothers, we might just find out.
-FM
League's Answer to Floppers Might Run Afoul Upon Further Review
Ken Berger
CBS Sports

Ken Berger reports from the league's annual NBA referee camp, where the refs are apparently in a great mood, given the NFL's recent presentation of how truly difficult it is to properly officiate a professional sports game. Berger notes that one issue not discussed was flopping, which has officially fallen under the league office. Berger explains the trickiness of officiating the game from NBA headquarters in New York, where fines will send messages about the legitimacy of wins, and thus the product on the court (as well as the referees who oversee the product). Berger's comparison of the referees and league office to local police and the FBI, and flopping as a federal offense, is very interesting.
-JG
For Brooklyn's New Arena, Day 1 Brings Hip-Hop Fans and Protests
N.R. Kleinfield
New York Times

The New Jersey Brooklyn Nets media team has done a fantastic job dominating the offseason. It seems like every other day I am reading a story about how the new Barlclays center will make it easier to use public transportation, or about how it is eschewing Aramark and other large concessions companies and inviting local business to provide concessions. But, as any frequent reader of this blog knows, stadium construction is rarely sunshine and roses. In the Barclays Center case, in exchange for taxpayers heavily subsidizing the project, developer Bruce Ratner has promised to build gobs of housing. While the Barclays Center has opened with a Jay-Z concert, groundbreaking on the housing has yet to begin. Kleinfield spends a day outside of the Barclays Center, interacting with protesters, developers, concertgoers, residents and local businesses. In the end, Kleinfield is unable to answer the underlying question: is the Barclays Center good for Brooklyn? Only time will tell.
-FM
IAm the Houston Rockets GM, AMA
Daryl Morey
Reddit

Not an article per se, but you can read it on your smartphone in the bathroom right? Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets GM, went on Reddit recently and answered a ton of questions (including one of mine!) So many people do AMAs on Reddit now that it is essentially another stop on the publicity tour. While I'm sure that factor didn't hurt, Morey seems to have just wanted to answer a bunch of questions, and that's what he did. He gets a lot of credit for answering all top-ranked questions, including one about why he donated money to Mitt Romney, and when he couldn't answer a question he gave legitimate reasons why not (I am prohibited by the NBA from talking about that, I can't answer that because of competitive reasons). This will only further Morey's reputation as the Bill Simmons-proclaimed Dork Elvis.
-FM

Diss Guy Miss Guy, Volume 12

Diss Guy Miss Guy, Volume 12

Diss Guy: Kenyon Dooling

Because what they do is glamorized by society (including this lovely publication), it's sometimes hard to remember that NBA players are just regular dudes that happen to be really good at throwing a spherical object into a cylindrical object. Not coincidentally, my favorite stories are often those that remind us that NBA stardom, let alone NBA off-the-benchdom, is no ticket to a worry-free life.

Enter Kenyon Dooling who, to be honest, hasn't flashed across my consciousness very often. I have vague memories of him being apart of those exciting early 2000's Clippers teams with Lamar Odom, Elton Brand and Quentin Richardson, and know him as one of Dwight Howard's sidekicks in Orlando, but when he announced his retirement a week ago I barely blinked. I didn't stop and ask why a guy who signed a free agent contract a few months before was retiring, or why a guy who was 31 and still in demand was retiring. I just let it pass me by.

So why did Dooling retire? Plain and simple, he didn't want to ball anymore. He's done. His body hurts, he hasn't spent enough time with his family, and he is dealing with some heavy emotional issues leftover from a childhood filled with abuse. He has earned close to $30 million in his career, and he was ready to walk away. As he says, “The average career is 4 1/2 years and I tripled that, almost." Yes you did Kenyon, yes you did.

Miss Guys: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

On the heels of Kenyon Dooling's emotional retirement comes the ridiculous story that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had a dance-off to Trey Songz and Fabulous' "Say Ahh" at Pippen's 47th birthday party. What?

There are so many ridiculous parts of this story. First, the guest list included Jordan, Bulls President Michael Reinsdorf and his wife, Amad Rashad, Nazr Mohammed, ANTOINE WALKER and Worldwide Wes. That's about as bizarre of a collection of people loosely affiliated with the NBA as I can imagine.

Second, what are a bunch of people in their late 40's doing at a club? Admittedly, I have zero percent expertise on the Chicago club scene, but wouldn't they prefer sitting around a living room drinking wine, or perhaps a group trip to Hawaii or something?

Finally, what the fuck are Jordan and Pippen doing have a dance contest? What were the rules of this contest? Was it friendly (yeah right, Michael Jordan was involved) or competitive? Was Jordan wearing his usual pair of hilariously large and distressed in all the right places jeans? Why did they choose to dance to "Say Ahh"? Did Jordan hog the dance floor? Does ANYBODY, for the love of god, have video of this?

Michael Beasley, it's Time to Get Started.

Michael Beasley, it's Time to Get Started.

Michael Beasley became a Diss player three years before the Diss was even born, and about five months before he played a game in the league.

It was July 2008. He had just been drafted second overall by the Miami Heat, who were ready to take whomever was the "loser" in the "who should Chicago draft, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose?" question that bogged down the airwaves and blogrolls in the late spring and early summer of 2008.  Now he was poised to team up with Dwayne Wade and lead the Heat back to the playoffs, and eventually, an NBA title.


But first he had to get through his pre-rookie year summer, and that turned out to be tougher than we thought.  Of course, he got busted for smoking weed  (alongside Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur) and bringing girls up to his hotel room at the Rookie symposium, but the first "red flag" that was raised above B-Easy's head happened during his summer league debut.  Despite the fact that Beasley scored 23 points in 28 minutes (while nursing a cracked sternum), and according to John Denton, looked like the much better draft pick compared to a "jittery and shockingly unsure" Derrick Rose, most observers were shocked and concerned that Beasley scored all of his points while singing aloud.  This seemed to confirm certain misgivings that some teams and journalists had about B-Easy's work ethic and mindset.  At the time, Beasley disagreed.  "It's just basketball, man.  Played it in college, high school and middle school.  The same game, same concepts, the same rules.  I was just out there having fun."


As we enter Beasley's fifth season in the league, it's striking how much has changed, yet how much has remained the same.  Derrick Rose is no longer described as "shockingly unsure", and there are few doubts that the Bulls chose wisely in the Rose-Beasley debate.  Beasley is no longer a member of the Heat, and is now on his way to his third team.  His game, overall, has changed as well; he no longer "drives to the rim with reckless abandon", settling instead for long range jumpers.  But many things have remained frustratingly stagnant.  While B-Easy is still "just out there having fun" and continues to just "go and play", that has not translated to wins, or really even individual success.  And he's continued to deal with injuries.  Lots of them, in fact; he missed 8 games in 2011, and 19 games in 2012.  All of this has produced the player we get today: a player with career averages 15.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, but who has quickly become disposable due to his inefficiencies, unreached potential, and frustratingly inaccessible talents.

His last season in Minnesota highlighted the problems with B-Easy's current evolution into whatever he's turning into -- something less than a full-fledged bust, but certainly a career that looks strikingly different than the multiple All Star appearances that we all imagined for him.  Most of his numbers were career lows due to three reasons: injury, imbalance and instability.  His scoring fell to 11.5 per game as he settled on contested jump shots (from just inside the three point line; low-percentage attempts that yielded less payoff in the end).  His distance from the hoop didn't allow him to crash the boards with the gusto he had in his first two seasons (and his 5.7 average as a full-time starter put him in the lower half of the league compared to his fellow starting small forwards).  Much of this had to do with the fact that he never established a role with either of the coaching staffs he worked with in Minnesota.  He started as a full-time small forward with former coach Kurt Rambis, but mostly came off the bench as a three-four for standing coach Rick Adelman.  His efficiency indicies were troubling, as his PER (13.0), Win Share (0.5) and Offensive Rating (95) all fell from slightly above league average to below league average.  It was a nadir in a career that overall is trending downwards.


Yet, for all of his struggles, B-Easy did not lose friends. Why would he? By all accounts, B-Easy showed up for work on time, stayed out of trouble, and was a positive, outgoing presence in the locker room.  His famously bizarre personality may have rubbed some the wrong way while the ship sank in the second part of the season, but as he might say: "I felt like me."  His coping mechanism seemed to be the fact that litte has changed since his first summer league game against Derrick Rose way back in 2008. For him now, just like then, "it's just basketball, man."  This isn't to say he doesn't care.  Far from it.  But it's just basketball, man.  Why get too worked up?  It's just basketball, man.

And he's right.  It is just basketball.  Which is good that he's on his way to Phoenix, where the desert winds seem to cry: "it's just basketball, man".

*****

In July, Michael Beasley sold his Minnetonka home (as well as his book of Ingmar Bergman screenplays) and moved to a new city: Phoenix, Arizona, where he had just signed a three year, $18 million dollar contract to play for Alvin Gentry's Phoenix Suns.

The Suns exist as something as a NBA Mayo Clinic for troubled souls.  The Suns high octane offense, lauded training staff, and ability to consistently compete (and occasionally contend) have established themselves as a generally positive landing spot.  Many players have rejuvenated their bodies, minds, and careers while playing for the Suns.  Folks know the big names like Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Shaquille O'Neal.  Some might even know the lesser figures like Jared Dudley, Jason Richardson and Marcin Gortat.


But many might not remember Tim Thomas at this point .  Thomas, of course, was the famously talented forward who, according to most pundits, did not "get it" in his ten season career.   Many teams  (either teams, though he was traded nine times) signed him, intrigued by the unique skill set he presented. As a 6'10' swingman who could reasonably defend all three forward positions, and whose long arms, ability to bang down low, employ a bit of finesse, rebound, and most usefully stretch the floor and hit deep threes, he was in many ways America's answer to the Euro-forward who was in vogue at the time.  But, as always, a questionable work ethic, poor conditioning and the always damning "locker room cancer" label followed him everywhere he went.  Tim Thomas was never going to "get it".

But in one spot -- Phoenix, in 2006 -- Tim Thomas got it.

*****
The thing was, in Phoenix, Tim Thomas was good essentially because he could be himself.  In all of his stops prior to Phoenix, Thomas was tasked with becoming whatever the narrative stated he needed to be to be valued in the public's eye.  In Philly, it was to be Allen Iverson's running mate, and a presence in the paint.  Fat chance.  In Milwaukee, it was to be the fourth member of the Big Three of Cassell, Big Dog and Ray Ray, and again, mostly muscle down low (all three of those guys were jump shooters).  Okay, maybe for awhile, but not with George Karl, and not in Milwaukee.  After that, in New York and Chicago, it was to stay out of trouble while playing for mercurial hard asses like Larry Brown and Scott Skiles, while playing inconsistently.  Nope, not a chance.  Thomas seemed unmotivated to become what others wanted him to be, especially when he never had a choice in the matter.

What we see is when Thomas got a choice, he made the most of it, and succeeded at being himself -- at least his basketball playing self.  When he arrived in Phoenix in early March, claimed off the waiver wires after almost four months on the shelf, he became a part-time starter, and full time shooter.  Phoenix used him, and implored him to do what he did best: score.  Mike D'Antoni's famous "Seven Seconds or Less" offense, a high-tempo, shot-happy system that relied upon jump shooters who weren't afraid to let it fly, was perfect for Tim Thomas.  He played the four and the five (Amar'e Stoudemire was out for that season recovering from microfracture surgery), and was taked with creating space and shooting when he was open.  He spent the regular season getting back into shape, and by the playoffs he was ready.


Though he didn't get a lot of time late in the regular season, he stepped up in the playoffs.  Big.  The offensive numbers tell a brilliant story: 20 games, zero starts, but averages of 15 points and 6 rebounds on 50% shooting.  His threes are amazing across the board: 48 threes on 108 attempts, good for 44%.  His advanced stats are wonderful as well: a player efficiency rating of 16.4, a stupendous offensive rating of 119, and a career high win share of 1.9.  It was a banner year for Tim Thomas.  By every metric, he was a highly efficient offensive player, and a contributing member on a team that went deep into the playoffs.


But they only tell part of the story.  Throughout that 2006 playoff run, Tim Thomas was a big game player; the Suns' version of Robert Horry.  When the Suns trailed 3-2 in their first round series against the Lakers, and facing elimination, it was Tim Thomas who hit the big three as time expired to force overtime, and hit another big three in the extra period to beat the Lakers.  The Suns would win Game 7 by 31 points, and overcome a 3-1 deficit.  In the next series against the Clippers, he would move to a starters role, and continue to pour in the points.  He hit big shots against the Clippers, and played a key role in the Game 7 thriller which sunk the other team from LA, doing what he did best: hitting shots.  Though the Suns would flame out against the Mavs in a six game Western Conference Finals, Tim Thomas stayed hot, averaging 20 points in the series, and putting up big shots until the very end.  For once, he got it.

And, unsurprisingly, as a free agent that summer, he got his: a 4 year, $24 million deal with the Clips.

*****

I think you know where I'm going with this by now.  I think Michael Beasley could learn much from Tim Thomas' success as a Sun.

The first is that Phoenix is the place for multi-talented offensive forwards to roam.  Tim Thomas was one of several offensively gifted forwards who have found salvation in the SSOL offense, a variant of which coach Alvin Gentry still utilizes.  As the team's presumptive starting small forward (though positionality still remains a suggestion, and not an all out requirement), Beasley will be asked to do many of the same things Tim Thomas was tasked with doing in 2006.  Already a gifted scorer from the wings, Beasley will have ample opportunities to launch jumpers from either of the corners, or drive to the hoop and attempt to get points at the charity stripe.  Defense -- never a priority for B-Easy -- will be put on the backburner while the Suns attempt to run every team out of the gym.  If he can stay healthy, and continue to hoist shots with the abandon that he's showed in his first four years, we may see a different, more valuable side of B-Easy.


The second is that Phoenix is the place for pro ballers who would sum up their job performances with an unapologetic "it's just basketball, man" -- that is, that there's far more to life than 48 minutes of pick and rolls -- to call home.  The Phoenix program was never just about basketball.  Rather, there was something subtly holistic about the Suns franchise; not only would playing there revitalize your stats, but it would also revitalize your body, mind and soul.  The Suns training staff doesn't just tape ankles and prepare ice baths.  It also changes body shapes through diet changes, increases muscle and memory through yoga and meditation, and provides players with a front office that clearly works in their best interests.  Players who spend time in Phoenix all gush about the camraderie of the team, and the time everyone spends together.  For a highly social guy like B-Easy, who seems to play basketball for social reasons as much as financial ones, this will be a welcoming environment.

The third thing that Tim Thomas could teach B-Easy -- and this may be the most important in both the short and long term -- is that when nothing is expected of you, the best thing to be is yourself, and let the pieces fall into whatever places they're intended to rest.  Thomas arrived in Phoenix as a castaway; a guy who lasted three regular season games before getting waived by the Bulls, and who had to sit on his butt for four months before someone gave him a chance.  He responded by turning his strengths into valuable, tangible assets; skills that could win games in the present, and determine a payday in the future.   And he succeeded.  The Suns went deep into the playoffs because he did what he knew he could do best: score, stretch the floor, start the break, and provide a fourth or fifth trailer option when a fast break fell apart.  And his efforts paid off.  True, he did not remain with the Suns, but he maximized his earnings, given the relatively hopeless state his career was in when he arrived in Phoenix.  He did everything he was supposed to do, and it paid off.


Beasley is not in as desperate of a situation.  He's young -- only 24 years old -- and he just got paid.  But little is expected of this Phoenix team, which is just starting its journey out of the Nash era into some sort of strange beyond.  This is a period of talent evaluation, where assets are judged, and either added permanently to the program, or sent elsewhere.

If SSOL remains the mantra by which the Suns live or die (and it shows no sign of being abandoned soon), Beasley stands a chance to be one of its newest success stories.  He will be the most talented, multi-faceted scorer on the team, flanked by equally dynamic offensive forces in Marcin Gortat, Luis Scola and Goran Dragic.  He will not have to come off the bench, and instead will be told to do one thing: shoot, early and often.  And get back on D.


Before he left Minnesota for Phoenix, Michael Beasley said that his offseason workout routine would be grueling. "Shoot a zillion jump shots a day.  Dribble a million minutes a day.  Just work on being an all-around player, from rebounding to defending to blocking shots to stealing basketballs to scoring to playmaking.  Just being an all-around great player."

This is a good goal.  And this is exactly the player -- a multi-faceted offensive force that can dribble, shoot, pass, and get offensive boards -- that will help the Suns stay afloat this season.

And frankly, he should be working on this anyways.  It's time to get started.

Wild Speculation and Outlandish Guesses: Time to Get Started Edition.

Wild Speculation and Outlandish Guesses: Time to Get Started Edition.

In light of debuting Time to Get Started, today we're talking expectations.

Who is your favorite "failed to live up to expectations" player?


Franklin Mieuli: Ike Diogu. In small sample sizes this guy was great, snagging offensive rebounds and playing a decidedly effective under the basket offensive game. He was only the number 9 pick out of Arizona State, not a traditional basketball powerhouse, so it's not like he was expected to set the world on fire, but his inability to figure out how to defender quicker, taller 4's killed him.

Jacob Greenberg: Larry Hughes. The Warriors traded for him in 2000, and for awhile, he was marketed as the future face of the franchise. And for good reason, too; he was a high draft pick who was thought of as AI's potential running mate in Philly, but like most potential running mates for AI, didn't work out. The Warriors seemed like a perfect place to blossom. But developing young players in Golden State is like planting flowers in concrete. Sure, Hughes put up solid numbers, had an All-Star year in Washington, and set himself apart as an elite defender for a couple of years. He was even thought of as a major free agent coup when he left the Wizards for the Cavs. But injuries, questionable attitude, and really, just a bevy of swingmen who could do what he did, better, and less injured, hastened his departure from the league.

Kenji Spielman: The Stache, Adam Morrison. (Favorite to enjoy that they are somewhat in the league, not that they were really any good at basketball and the entirety of their expectations seem to have been based upon their whiteness)

Andrew Snyder: Well after the Celtics signed Darko maybe I should change my mind, but for now I'm going to have to go with Wes Johnson. I have never seen a top 5 pick with less confidence in himself, and while I hope a change of scenery does him well... KKKAAAAHHHNNNNN!

Which player that has failed to live up to expectations do you think will make a breakthrough this year?


Franklin Mieuli: Evan Turner. He should good plenty of run at either shooting guard (Jason Richardson) or small forward (Thaddeus Young) with Andre Igoudala gone, and he has a legitimate center to protect from any defensive lapses. He may not live up to his number 2 pick draft status, but I think he'll have a good year.

Jacob Greenberg: I'm feeling good about Tyreke Evans, even if he's not with the Kings. When he won Rookie of the Year in 2010, he did so by portraying himself as a mini-LeBron, and became the first rookie since LeBron to average 20, 5 and 5. His next two seasons saw his numbers decline as he spent time at three different positions (and with two completely different coaching staffs) to the point where we're wondering if he's something of a bust. News flash: anyone who's averaging 17, 5 and 4 in a "bad year" is not a bust. This season, he's got a clearly defined role as the Kings starting small forward, and will be asked to do what he does best: score from the perimeter and get to the line. The Kings may not be great this year, but they will be improved, and Reke could be a major reason why. If they blow it up (and considering the shoestring budget Geoff Petrie's on, this is not terribly likely), Reke will find a home elsewhere.

Kenji Spielman: Push. Have to do a little more research to find someone who fulfills criteria from the last question. OK. How about O.J. Mayo? Actually decent, probably going to put up good numbers with Dallas. The "breakthrough" will be that he gets more press attention and plays with good players around him.

Andrew Snyder: Michael Beasley + SSOL = guaranteed success.

Which player that has failed to live up to expectations have you given up on ever succeeding?


Franklin Mieuli: Andrea Bargnani. How does a dude that stands 7 feet tall snag less than 6 rebounds a game and only half a block a game? Sure he takes a bunch of threes, but last year it was only 3.7 a game out of 15.6 shots. Compare that with, say, Ryan Anderson, who shot 12.4 times a game, 6.9 of them being threes, yet still managed to snag 7.7 rebounds a game playing most of the season next to the Rebound Machine that is Dwight Howard. Oh yeah, and Bargnani is terrible on defense.

Jacob Greenberg: I don't have to care about Brandan Wright anymore, and I don't. He can be amazing in limited minutes, but his body seems to fall apart if he's tasked with playing over 20 minutes per game. There's no reason the starting center spot in Dallas shouldn't be his, considering his competition is older, slower and less athletic than him. But I've largely given up on B-Wright showing me why he was worth trading the closest thing the Warriors had to a franchise player way back on Draft Day in 2007.

Kenji Spielman: Marvin Williams. Hmm. This may be too late. OK. Jimmer. Yeah. Jimmer.

Andrew Snyder: Just kidding about Beasley. I don't think he's ever going to "figure it out," simply because he's already too good, but apparently lacking the drive to get to an entirely subjective "next level." When Kevin Garnett retires, he should really start a summer camp for guys like Beas, Andray Blatche, Brandan Wright etc and break them down, build them up, and turn it into the Hard Knocks of the NBA offseason. A man can dream, right?

When a player finally "gets it", what happens?


Franklin Mieuli: No clue. If we knew the answer to this question, we would probably know why they don't get it, and be able to correct the problem.

Jacob Greenberg: I really think it's based on professional fit. Many of us can remember getting our first "grown up job" and having many behaviors that most thought to be "immature" fade into the background as we tried to convince our employers and colleagues that we were a worthy investment. I think a player "gets it" when they feel supported in their jobs, and can rely on their career to not only provide money, but also a safe space to get away from personal issues that can be distracting.

Kenji Spielman: Nine times out of ten a player "gets it" by having better teammates and more touches. Case in point: LaMarcus Aldridge. His per minute/per possession stats haven't changed that much from his early years, but now he is considered amazing. Don't get me wrong, his game is great to watch, but how much of that was related to getting easy lobs from Andre Miller and lots more touches because Roy was out?

Andrew Snyder: Confidence. Swag. Getting buckets. For me, I watched Avery Bradley "get it" for the Celtics and figure out exactly the role he needed to fill on the team, and proceed to execute it perfectly until shoulder injuries knocked him out just in time to not shut down Dwyane Wade in the ECF. I'd define getting it that way - figuring out how to consistently fill a role and excel in it.