Z-BO and NYC. What could possibly go wrong?
And some other trades and the NBA draft.
G’s up. Imus’s offensive insensitive word down. If the Knicks can’t swim, they gonna drown.
Love it. LOVE IT!!! In a basketball sense, sure it’s a little crazy to have two lost post scorers that don’t do anything on defense. One of them is rugged on offense (meaning Eddy Curry catching the ball and plowing over 8 people and not getting called for the offensive foul on his finest possessions) but he can’t rebound. The other is a finesse player with refined skills on the low block, but he’s good at understanding where the ball goes to get rebounds. It is not a perfect basketball solution, but hey it’s the Knicks and it should be fun.
Steve Francis and Channing Frye are nice people, but there are a lot of nice people out there that don’t need to be on an NBA basketball team. Channing had a few good months. Steve is the enigma of all enigmas. Later fellas.
Then there is the other side of Z-BO. When I wrote the feature on him for SLAM this past season, I spoke with him in the visitor’s locker room in Philly before and after a game. (Interesting factoid: when we were introduced his pants were half on, and as he reached out to shake my hand they fell down and he stood there naked like it was nothing. Locker rooms are a weird place.) My biggest regret of the past year is from that night. He asked me “What are you doing later?” and knowing his whole, you know “history” I froze up and just said going back to my hotel. I could have been running wild with Hoop Family! Trizzy!
Yesterday I had a man-to-man meeting with my boss of bosses at work. We talked about the past, present, and future, and it led me to thinking of one moment in the past when I had this Hip Hop radio show in college and I started talking about SLAM on the air. It was around the time when Karl Malone was about to win the MVP, and there was an issue of SLAM with Iverson on the cover calling him the real NBA MVP. I hope this story is accurate and that issue exists, cause my memory of those days is not 100% clear. Anyways, this was a time when a player having tattoos and a checkered past out in the open was still kind of shocking. I do not know where this train of thought is heading, but I will say that I am very excited for the people of NYC that have never heard of Z-BO and want to be front-runner Knicks fans. It’s not so much the basketball media and fans that are going to have fun with a guy with his kind of reputation coming to town, it’s the outrage that will come from the moral highground types. Looking forward to it. Can Z-Bo stay out of trouble in a city with this much temptation? Of course not! This is going to be fun.
Stephon Marbury has already weighed in as only he can, saying “It’s finally happening. God’s plan is working.” Seriously, he said that. No Stephon, you as a person that is quoted publicly is God’s plan working.
Okay, for the rest of last night’s events.
Ray Allen traded to Boston? Hey, him and Paul Pierce are sort of the same thing, with Paul being a better all-around player and Ray a better outside shooter, but it’s not like the Celtics needed any more young guys. They are in the Atlantic, and next year Ray-Pierce-Al Jefferson might be just as productive as Kidd-Carter and his $60 mill-Richard Jefferson. Toronto should be the favorite though, just because they seem to have some kind of plan/direction. The Sonics don’t need Ray anymore with a new franchise player in town, so why not? Did anyone have any idea that this trade was happening? The pre-draft rumor period is so worthless.
The Bobcats traded Brandon Wright for J-Rich, which seems on the surface to be Michael Jordan once again taking a risk on bringing veterans to a team for that WIN NOW atmosphere. Uh… The Bobcats have an interesting mix. Interesting. Can a team have J-Rich and Gerald Wallace at the same time? Is that allowed? G-Shock (contest winner name!) is out of there. The Warriors ditched an expendable part to get someone that could be a great fit for them and maybe even give them some defense if Nellie can motivate. If he wants to do it that way. Never try to predict what Nellie has up his sleeve, because you do not know.
Dah dah dah. Dah dah dah. E-S-P-N! On the front page of the Post. Scandalous.
I don’t have much to add about the being at the draft experience, since Lang did a live blog, Russ watched it on TV and wrote about it - staying through the whole second round (!), and we have another exclusive draft post coming later today. I didn’t even bring my laptop to the draft, but I had my camera for surveillance photos of some of the SLAM braintrust. Here is Khalid and Lang staring over at the player’s section to try and figure out who is about to be selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Really I just wanted to take photos inside of MSG, because I had an unfortunate run-in with George Kalinsky earlier in the evening. He is the official photographer of Madison Square Garden and he threw me an impatient forearm shiver. I will have my revenge Kalinsky.
The other funny part of the draft was when I would leave my seat and walk around with my media credential around my neck, people kept yelling at me “SLAM!” I felt it was my duty to pose like a rapper. When you’re in public you’ve always got to be ON.
Alright, FRI-DAY!!! I hope everyone sticks with us over the summer. Just because the season and draft are over doesn’t mean we stop. I now have a staff of many, and there will be lots of things and stuff for you all to enjoy.
53 Responses to “Z-BO and NYC. What could possibly go wrong?”
Jun.29 at 8:53 am
Kevin says:
first!
Jun.29 at 8:59 am
Schmukaz says:
Fried day peeples!
Schmukaz
Jun.29 at 9:02 am
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
so the nets took sean williams, they had better put him in a locker far away from uncle spliffy
Jun.29 at 9:02 am
Ryan Jones says:
Kalinksy has never liked SLAM, and I’m glad to see you’re helping to extend that relationship, Sam.
Jun.29 at 9:06 am
Myung says:
Durant looks like a young Jamie Foxx. Oden talks like Serena Williams. Having an Allen Ray and a Ray Allen on one team is very cute.
Jun.29 at 9:16 am
Nadav says:
first time two dunk champs have been on the same team? (knicks)
Jun.29 at 9:17 am
H to the izzo says:
Didn’t Gerald Wallace opt out of his contract?
Jun.29 at 9:34 am
Cheryl says:
@Greased Up, that is exactly what I was thinking when the Nets picked Sean Williams. The talking heads were all saying that “in the right environment, he could flourish”. Yet, you got Uncle Spliff on that team that couldn’t even put down the joint for the playoffs. Plus, this is NY/NJ right?? The kid should have gone to San Antonio if he needed the “right environment”. Good luck with that, Rod Thorn. –ASPOV
Jun.29 at 9:37 am
Gilbert0 says:
I cant make any sense of this without some female perspective. Its a shame there aren’t any women who post.
Jun.29 at 9:37 am
Gilbert0 says:
thanks a lot cheryl, had to beat me by a minute.
Jun.29 at 9:43 am
The Brooklyn Boy says:
I’m totally with you on this Randolph trade. I was judging a poetry slam (DVRing the draft), and realized something was up when my boy Sash called me six times in 20 minutes, despite me not answering. I got absolutely effing giddy when I realized he was serious about the Knicks not giving up anyone besides Francis and Frye, and all the (non-basketball-oriented) poetry people were making fun of me. They just don’t understand. I actually have … hope.
Jun.29 at 10:10 am
Cheryl says:
Glad to be of service, Agent Zero!
Jun.29 at 10:16 am
Joel O's says:
That issue exists Sam. It’s the one with AI with his hair out…
Jun.29 at 10:25 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Excellent. There is a huge nearly life-sized framed blowup of that issue outside the boss’s office too.
And strangely enough I mentioned my old radio show, and this weekend I’m going to the bachelor party for my old co-host up in Boston. He is a dedicated reader of this site, and a huge Celtics fan (ever since moving to the Boston area when they had Antoine and Pierce the first time around). Funny how the Ray trade fits in to all of that too. It’s part of the puzzle of life.
Jun.29 at 10:30 am
Nadav says:
Ray Allen and Allen Ray are playing for the same team.
Jun.29 at 10:33 am
Joel O's says:
Btw NBA.COM has the “proper pronunciation” of “Jianlian” listed as “Tee-an Lee-an” or something. And that pronunciation has even been quoted on SI.com. There is no such thing as a “J” being pronounced as a “T” in the Chinese language, or I would’ve been called “Toel” by my family for the last 22 years.
Jun.29 at 10:39 am
Cheryl says:
Hey, Boston can have Antoine back for a pack of juicy fruit. –ASPOV
Jun.29 at 10:59 am
tike says:
I am 100% sure that Zach gets himself in trouble..but what was boston thinking? Ray Allen…Doc Rivers said for experience?…well in the east they look pretty good.
Jun.29 at 11:40 am
AJ$ says:
Slam 106:Zach Randolph
Gangsta Ballin’
Various rappers:New York!
Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Bo!
Jun.29 at 12:18 pm
Allenp says:
People who don’t think Randolph and Curry can play together haven’t watched enough games. Zack can shoot jumpers and he gets boards. The main problem will be defense and passing since neither he or Curry can pass our of a double team or likes to guard people. But, you can’t ignore the match problems they cause and the trouble other teams will have in doubling one and leaving the other one easy buckets on the offensive glass. Also, don’t forget that Crawford has really blossomed under Isiah and they still have David Lee. I like the Knicks’ chances.
Jun.29 at 12:19 pm
Allenp says:
Or, the Knicks could trade Randolph and some assorted parts for Kobe! That just crazy enough for isiah to try it.
Jun.29 at 12:21 pm
paniscus says:
OK, perspective from a Portland fan: it sucks when your GM gets duped by Isiah Thomas. I realize that the prudes around stumptown wanted Randolph gone because of his off-court stuff. But this trade kills us! What can I say? I’ve been known to visit the occasional strip club, so I won’t hold that against him. Most importantly, Randolph is a hard worker, cares about the game, and was one of 5 members of the 20/10 club last season. I’ll miss everything about him but his defense. Portland has a bad habit of not appreciating its bigs. When we had Sheed everyone wanted him to score more and pass less. When we had Zach everyone wanted him to focus less on scoring and learn to pass. Here’s to hoping that we don’t f*ck things up with Oden…
Jun.29 at 12:29 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
There is no way to know how Curry and Zach will play together on the court. Zach does have more game than just bodying up and being sneaky, but those guys take up a lot of space to put it nicely.
Channing Frye had a great early rookie season before LArry Brown got his hooks into him, but he just hasn’t been the same since then.
Jun.29 at 1:25 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Last night one of my Knick fan friends texted me the following: “Zach to the future!” I am also excited about the start of the Zach Randolph era, but for different reasons.
Jun.29 at 1:28 pm
Magic says:
Im excited to watch the Knicks this season, and Im not mad at the Randolph trade. But we still dont have what we need, which is a defensive presence in the paint. That being said, whos this Uncle Spliff every1 keeps talking about?
Jun.29 at 1:37 pm
H to the izzo says:
Magic but you still have two big ass men in the paint they could injure a few people by running into them if nothing else
Jun.29 at 1:44 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Uncle Spliffy = Cliff Robinson
Jun.29 at 1:59 pm
Chukaz says:
I heard that Z-Bo already tried to kill someone in NY. That’s a shocker.
Jun.29 at 2:08 pm
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
too bad he didnt try to kill you chukaz
Jun.29 at 2:11 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I went to a bar last night after the draft and was seriously disappointed that Z-Bo wasn’t there.
Jun.29 at 2:46 pm
MTZ says:
I like Zbo, it could work. I really liked Frye though. I feel Zeke mishandled him & then slapped a ‘Trade Me’ sign on him. Too bad. I bet he’ll be a 20-10 guy with the right team.
Jun.29 at 3:26 pm
bobby stew says:
please give Myung a prize for noticing the Ray Allen-Allen Ray comparison. Has anything happened like that before on the same team?
Jun.29 at 3:33 pm
The Brooklyn Boy says:
mtz - the right team’s not portland, that’s for sure. Frye better enjoy coming off the bench.
Jun.29 at 3:45 pm
Myung says:
Thanks, Bobby Stew, but I think I was just one of 1039819804 people who noticed it. =) I’ve seen it on the Internet all day today. It kind of reminds me of the # of players in the NBA who’ve been named Charles Smith. I’m hoping the Hawks can sign Johnson Joe now, as long as he plays a mean center.
Jun.29 at 3:48 pm
Myung says:
I’m still shocked with how similar Greg Oden sounds like Serena Williams. If you ever listen to their interviews, the way they talk is very familiar (kind of like how Kobe copied everything about Michael Jordan, even his voice). Oden looked mad intimidating on SLAM’s cover back in the day, but honestly, he now seems like the nicest guy in League, a totally humble and unassuming guy.
Jun.29 at 4:48 pm
Mavs-Cavs Fan says:
the nickname G-shock sucks @$$!! so does “the blade” and “J-5″ whoever thought those nicknames up r retarded
Jun.29 at 5:07 pm
Matt says:
Solid recap Sam. Btw, I was the guy who stopped you in the hall asking if you were the SLAM guy….hope you caught me and my boys get kicked out in the second round after three warnings from MSG security…overall great night for this Knick fan.
Jun.29 at 5:30 pm
Quicker Knicker Upper says:
Am I the only one who sees this whole Zach Randolph pickup as the potential final element to put the Knicks in a viable position for a KG trade? Zeke is a mad scientist I tell you!
Jun.29 at 5:30 pm
bigmike407 says:
NY got rid of one guy who played low post D to have 2 guys who don’t play a lick of D whatsoever. Way to go, Isaiah. At least Spike Lee liked the move. Boston needed Ray Allen like we all need another hole in our heads. This is a replay of sorts of Walker and Pierce, two shooters firing away. Isn’t Ray fresh off surgery? Just curious. Did anyone hear Brandan Wright’s comments about MJ? When he said something along the lines of beating MJ in a one on one game? I think that’s what got him traded. Surprised no one at SLAM noticed his little comment.
Jun.29 at 5:39 pm
Simmy Sosa says:
Portland has so many bigs with LaMarcus, Oden, Prysbilla, Magloire , LaFrentz, and Luke Schenzer. With Francis and LaFrentz freeing up 29 mil in 09-10 they’ll be in great position to make moves in free agency. They still need a really good guard to go with Brandon Roy. As for New York, what do you do with Jared Jeffries, Jerome James, and Malik Rose. These guys don’ figure to be part of the rotation (well, maybe Jeffries) but they’re each paid close to 6 mil each for the next two years. Thats a real mess…
Jun.29 at 11:35 pm
hollywud says:
NUGGETS VS> KNICKS ROUND 2
hoo will win
i still say nuggets cuz now they have AI to deal wit shrimp robinson and Kenyon Martin will b bak to handle Z-BO. alongside Melo An JR this team is still to thuged….of ya and reggie evans n his dirty tricks
Jun.30 at 12:16 am
Chukaz says:
@Clay Davis: F*ck you. I don’t live in NY, and if I did, Z-Bo wouldn’t want a piece of me. I the coolest motherf*cker in the world.
Jun.30 at 2:18 am
tike says:
Bout time someone told Clay Davis to shut the f*ck up!!…guys more annoying then Robin Williams in the Flubber..hahahaha
Jun.30 at 11:58 am
Holiday says:
Zach Randolph is the biggest joke in the league, he takes like 40 shot’s just to get 20 points! anybody could get 20 points if there team just passed them the ball every time and the guy threw it up every time he touched it!
Jun.30 at 5:59 pm
AJ$ says:
@hollywud: finally somebody remembers about K-Mart!
Jul.1 at 12:55 am
Sesa says:
SLAM!
I wish I could run around with SLAM tag on my neck too.
Jul.1 at 5:14 am
tom says:
Allen and Pierce both wear #34 what do you think will happen with the uni’s? I hope K-Mart comes back, we could use an interior force on the offensive end(Camby just shoots jumpers)
Jul.1 at 6:00 am
Ryu says:
David Lee should not to be introduced to Z-Bo at all. Bad influences? Nah…
Jul.1 at 9:07 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Still laughing at the line about God’s plan being Steph talking to the media. Word up!
Jul.2 at 6:08 am
tom says:
seriously who do you think will change numbers?
Jul.2 at 7:59 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Ben, I pray you watched Mike’d Up last night. No Mike, but MArbury was the guest. It was… awkward.
Jul.3 at 2:39 am
tom says:
hey sam i live in aus and im 11 i asked my dad 4 a subsciption and he sed yes but ive waited the 12 weeks and its not here yet i go 4 the nuggets cuz there awesome lol but whats with my subsciption PS: my dad suggested this because getting an email 2 u guys is impossible!
Nov.7 at 9:08 am
SLAM ONLINE | » A moment in time with Z-Bo says:
[…] I made some strides in my lifelong dream to become a member of Hoop Family. After Zach Randolph’s monster game (22 and 17, big plays down the stretch) I spoke with him in the locker room for a little bit. Moving beyond the small talk and basketball stuff, I asked how he was adjusting to New York with my favorite loaded question “So, what have you been up to?” “Relaxing, playing video games.” […]