At number 9 first round of the 1997 NBA draft the Toronto Raptors select Tracy Mcgrady. Yep that T-mac that people see now chilling on the Atlanta Bench getting 10 points if getting any playing time. A multi time All star. a no doubter when it came to scoring ability and overall talent was visible to plenty but a legacy of injuries and playoff struggles have affected T-mac all for the wrong ways as he now has been with the knicks, pistons and now Hawks after seeming to be the franchise player and one half of the what was hoped to be the one two punch in Houston with injury prone Yao Ming. His best years were arguably in Orlando where he averaged close to 30 points every season he was there playing his best ball in his career. but like today Orlando Magic despite there star player working his butt of they were not winning games forcing Tracy to see newer heights in Houston in what was considered a blockbuster deal sending Steve Francis (remember him) to Orlando since that trade i have not heard anything bout "Steve Franchise" but that dude is a whole other topic. Tracy then led Houston to three straight NBA finals however what i find shocking is that T-mac has never made it past the first round of the postseason loosing in all attempts (thanks Vince Carter) if there was anything this player was criticized for it was his playoff failure whether it be from injury or lack of clutch performances. I'm sure this player would be in higher grounds if he just got past that one round. It is really a shame that a man this talented had this hard of a downfall. In my opinion he has copied his cousins Vince carters career in nearly every footstep. from highlights and stardom to now minimal role play off the bench. Despite his recent downfall he will always be one of my favorite players that i had the privilege to watch when he was draining 3s and dunking on seven footers, and i am happy for him that he continues to ball cause hes damn good.
OH that 7 footer dunk i was talking bout here it is
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Sunday 1 January 2012
top 10 stories of 2011
Here we are the end of yet another memorable year in sports. as we enter another year in 2012 we leave a year in 2011. lots of stories have erupted in this timeline here are my top 10 sport stories as i seem them.
10. The Saint Louis Cardinals winning the World Series.
October 28th 2011 under the dark nervous bright lights of Busch Stadium infront of both Cardinal and Rangers fans the Cardinals being down to there last strike in game 6. ralled back to defeat the Texas Rangers in game seven all thanks to a David Freese home run in the bottom of the 9th in game six, won Baseballs most coveted prize the World Series trophy. what was as special as how the Cardinals won is how they managed to get into the postseason. at some point in the crazy MLB season the Cards managed to be at the bottom of the NL Central or near. but thanks to there mega star and Former Cardinal Albert Puljos managed to crawl back to the top of the standings after having to beat Houston and have the Braves loose to the Phildalphia Phillies. A dramatic turn of events the Phillies beat the Braves sending the Cards to the postseason. and eventually to the Holy Grail.
9. Peyton Manning career in jeopardy
what was one of the most surprising and unfortunate events in sports Indianapolis Colts Quarterback and franchise player Peyton Manning went down and suffered a season ending Neck injury that forced him to have surgery and miss the entire 2011 season. before this injury Peyton Manning had a consecutive streak of 227 starts before he was hurt, second to the incomparable Brett Favre which had 321 consecutive starts. as much as football was impacted by this no team had this hurt more than Peytons Colts. they are now 2-13 and off to there worse start since Peyton took over as QB. not only is Peytons future with the Colts in jeopardy but his future in football is also deeply impacted. time will tell is the only real answer.
8. the deaths of Derrick Boogard, Wade Belak, and Rick Rypien
rough, tough, mean, scary. thats what most people may think of these NHL enforce. when in reality they are anything but. in unexpected series of events these three players Surprisingly died while dealing with pain killers and other forms of drugs.With concussions already a hot topic in the NHL having these players pass away was defiantly not a positive moment in a heated debate over whether fighting should be accepted in today's NHL. this situation brought a more darker side of the enforcers that certainly I did not think of. With these players deaths occurring it made me scared whenever i watch a Leafs game or any other hockey game. having these players risk there lives for only 5 minutes in a box was a topic to think hard about.
7. KHL hockey team Lokomotive plane crash
On September 7th after taking flight to an away game the KHL hockey team Lokomotive faced a tragedy as there team plane lost fuel and came to a crash killing most of the team most importantly Candain Head Coach Brad MCcrimmion and Former Vancouver Canucks and stand out NHL star Pavol Demtra. what was considered hockeys darkest day. fans, sports broadcasters, and even non sports fans felt a dark cloud come over them as they heard this tragic news. the KHL fans felt most affected by this and decided to parade the streets of Yaroslavl Russia in honor of those who fell. players,coaches, and team memebrs certianly said there prayers and felt deeply of this situation.
6. Derek Jeter Hits 3000
now as a loyal Red Sox fan i find it hard to like any New York Yankee. but in this case number 2 Derek Jeter comes as an exception. there could not be a more humble guy in my opinion in baseball than Derrick Jeter. the face of the franchise and the captain of the Yankees for years and years and one of the most respected hitters in baseball Derrick Jeter stepped up to the plate at Yankees Stadium in front of a sold out ball park and hit number 3000 in only the script said by hitting a home run, for a guy who is not known for hitting the home runs hitting a homer for 3000 felt extra special for number 2. what was more astonishing that he became the first Yankee to do so not even Ruth or Mantel was able to get to that mark. it was a Proud moment that i was lucky enough to witness. Jeter would finish the day 5 for 5 and win the game for the pinstripes.
5. Boston Bruins win the Stanely Cup.
in what was a masterpiece of a series the NHL Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins faced off in Hockey s most coveted game for the most coveted trophy in seven close and exciting games. the Bruins came out on top in game seven trouncing the Canucks 4-0 and capturing gold. the cup win gave Boston there first cup win since 1972 and denied the Canucks there first ever win. some might argue though what happend after the game in Vancouver when upset angry Canucks fans decided to riot the streets of Downtown Vancouver to show the frustration they had towards there team.
4. Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat to win NBA Title
In what could be described as the karma season, the Miami Heat "big 3" of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh joined forces in south beach during the historic July 1st free agency the new big 3 made a huge statment and "promise" that they were off to capture far more than just one ring during an over hyped celebration of the "NWO" of the NBA. they would soon find there way after a dramatic see-saw season in the NBA finals, facing the Dallas Mavericks and there superstar Dirk Nowitzki. The finals MVP got by the flu in game four and got great support from the bench as Dallas bench outscored Miamis on way to winning the finals. It was the Mavs first ever trophy and it could not have come faster.
3. Chris Paul gets denined trade to Lakers.
The theme of the NBA for a while now has been teaming with your buddies and making one big group on a team. rarely now do you see a certain player stick to his original or one team. that seemed to be the case with Chris Paul Guard for the New Orleans Hornets who decided to leave the Hornets Organization to go play in a higher NBA market. Hornets gm and front office were on there phones frantically trying to make a deal happen. when a deal that would send Paul to the hornets was seemingly in place and looked like a done deal. NBA commissioner David Stern abruptly canceled the trade. which infuriated both Chris Paul and everyone in the NBA. Paul would eventually get traded to the LA Clippers fittingly enough.
2. Penn State Scandal
in probably the most shocking and disturbing story of 2011 Penn State legend and former coach Joe Paterno was fired by the board of Trustees after 46 years of Head Coaching duties. Paterno along with defensive coach Jerry Sandusy were let go because of a sex scandal involving Sandusky sexually abusing eight over 15 year old boys. Paterno was let go after having to believe he could have prevented the incident. soon after the firings the Board of Trustees also let go of the schools president.
1. Sidney Crosby s not so long return
it was the day hockey fans and players all over the world were looking forward too, the return of the franchise player in Sidney Crosby. after missing nearly a year due to concussions suffered on ice, and after days weeks and months of speculation, "the kid" finally made his triumphant return to the ice against the New York Islanders. after wondering whether he will return to his true form again. Crosby quickly put those questions away with a quick burst of speed up the ice and past the Islanders defense and scored with a wicked backhand to score his first goal in 10 months. you could see the excitement pouring out of his face after screaming a blast of excitement the hockey world knew that it was good to have Crosby back. he would finish the game with four points. the excited return would be short lived though as Crosby would go back on the shelf with concussion like symptoms due to a collision with teammate Chris Kunitz and an elbow from Bruins forward David Krejci. that same worrisome feel that surrounded the NHL was back after the Pens put Crosby on the Injured Reserve List on December 17. although news has been more quite this time this should be a wake up call to both players and the league.
Well there are my top 10 stories of 2011. whether you agree or disagree on the placements these stories made an impact in 2011. this year was like any other sports year a memorable one
10. The Saint Louis Cardinals winning the World Series.
October 28th 2011 under the dark nervous bright lights of Busch Stadium infront of both Cardinal and Rangers fans the Cardinals being down to there last strike in game 6. ralled back to defeat the Texas Rangers in game seven all thanks to a David Freese home run in the bottom of the 9th in game six, won Baseballs most coveted prize the World Series trophy. what was as special as how the Cardinals won is how they managed to get into the postseason. at some point in the crazy MLB season the Cards managed to be at the bottom of the NL Central or near. but thanks to there mega star and Former Cardinal Albert Puljos managed to crawl back to the top of the standings after having to beat Houston and have the Braves loose to the Phildalphia Phillies. A dramatic turn of events the Phillies beat the Braves sending the Cards to the postseason. and eventually to the Holy Grail.
9. Peyton Manning career in jeopardy
what was one of the most surprising and unfortunate events in sports Indianapolis Colts Quarterback and franchise player Peyton Manning went down and suffered a season ending Neck injury that forced him to have surgery and miss the entire 2011 season. before this injury Peyton Manning had a consecutive streak of 227 starts before he was hurt, second to the incomparable Brett Favre which had 321 consecutive starts. as much as football was impacted by this no team had this hurt more than Peytons Colts. they are now 2-13 and off to there worse start since Peyton took over as QB. not only is Peytons future with the Colts in jeopardy but his future in football is also deeply impacted. time will tell is the only real answer.
8. the deaths of Derrick Boogard, Wade Belak, and Rick Rypien
rough, tough, mean, scary. thats what most people may think of these NHL enforce. when in reality they are anything but. in unexpected series of events these three players Surprisingly died while dealing with pain killers and other forms of drugs.With concussions already a hot topic in the NHL having these players pass away was defiantly not a positive moment in a heated debate over whether fighting should be accepted in today's NHL. this situation brought a more darker side of the enforcers that certainly I did not think of. With these players deaths occurring it made me scared whenever i watch a Leafs game or any other hockey game. having these players risk there lives for only 5 minutes in a box was a topic to think hard about.
7. KHL hockey team Lokomotive plane crash
On September 7th after taking flight to an away game the KHL hockey team Lokomotive faced a tragedy as there team plane lost fuel and came to a crash killing most of the team most importantly Candain Head Coach Brad MCcrimmion and Former Vancouver Canucks and stand out NHL star Pavol Demtra. what was considered hockeys darkest day. fans, sports broadcasters, and even non sports fans felt a dark cloud come over them as they heard this tragic news. the KHL fans felt most affected by this and decided to parade the streets of Yaroslavl Russia in honor of those who fell. players,coaches, and team memebrs certianly said there prayers and felt deeply of this situation.
6. Derek Jeter Hits 3000
now as a loyal Red Sox fan i find it hard to like any New York Yankee. but in this case number 2 Derek Jeter comes as an exception. there could not be a more humble guy in my opinion in baseball than Derrick Jeter. the face of the franchise and the captain of the Yankees for years and years and one of the most respected hitters in baseball Derrick Jeter stepped up to the plate at Yankees Stadium in front of a sold out ball park and hit number 3000 in only the script said by hitting a home run, for a guy who is not known for hitting the home runs hitting a homer for 3000 felt extra special for number 2. what was more astonishing that he became the first Yankee to do so not even Ruth or Mantel was able to get to that mark. it was a Proud moment that i was lucky enough to witness. Jeter would finish the day 5 for 5 and win the game for the pinstripes.
5. Boston Bruins win the Stanely Cup.
in what was a masterpiece of a series the NHL Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins faced off in Hockey s most coveted game for the most coveted trophy in seven close and exciting games. the Bruins came out on top in game seven trouncing the Canucks 4-0 and capturing gold. the cup win gave Boston there first cup win since 1972 and denied the Canucks there first ever win. some might argue though what happend after the game in Vancouver when upset angry Canucks fans decided to riot the streets of Downtown Vancouver to show the frustration they had towards there team.
4. Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat to win NBA Title
In what could be described as the karma season, the Miami Heat "big 3" of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh joined forces in south beach during the historic July 1st free agency the new big 3 made a huge statment and "promise" that they were off to capture far more than just one ring during an over hyped celebration of the "NWO" of the NBA. they would soon find there way after a dramatic see-saw season in the NBA finals, facing the Dallas Mavericks and there superstar Dirk Nowitzki. The finals MVP got by the flu in game four and got great support from the bench as Dallas bench outscored Miamis on way to winning the finals. It was the Mavs first ever trophy and it could not have come faster.
3. Chris Paul gets denined trade to Lakers.
The theme of the NBA for a while now has been teaming with your buddies and making one big group on a team. rarely now do you see a certain player stick to his original or one team. that seemed to be the case with Chris Paul Guard for the New Orleans Hornets who decided to leave the Hornets Organization to go play in a higher NBA market. Hornets gm and front office were on there phones frantically trying to make a deal happen. when a deal that would send Paul to the hornets was seemingly in place and looked like a done deal. NBA commissioner David Stern abruptly canceled the trade. which infuriated both Chris Paul and everyone in the NBA. Paul would eventually get traded to the LA Clippers fittingly enough.
2. Penn State Scandal
in probably the most shocking and disturbing story of 2011 Penn State legend and former coach Joe Paterno was fired by the board of Trustees after 46 years of Head Coaching duties. Paterno along with defensive coach Jerry Sandusy were let go because of a sex scandal involving Sandusky sexually abusing eight over 15 year old boys. Paterno was let go after having to believe he could have prevented the incident. soon after the firings the Board of Trustees also let go of the schools president.
1. Sidney Crosby s not so long return
it was the day hockey fans and players all over the world were looking forward too, the return of the franchise player in Sidney Crosby. after missing nearly a year due to concussions suffered on ice, and after days weeks and months of speculation, "the kid" finally made his triumphant return to the ice against the New York Islanders. after wondering whether he will return to his true form again. Crosby quickly put those questions away with a quick burst of speed up the ice and past the Islanders defense and scored with a wicked backhand to score his first goal in 10 months. you could see the excitement pouring out of his face after screaming a blast of excitement the hockey world knew that it was good to have Crosby back. he would finish the game with four points. the excited return would be short lived though as Crosby would go back on the shelf with concussion like symptoms due to a collision with teammate Chris Kunitz and an elbow from Bruins forward David Krejci. that same worrisome feel that surrounded the NHL was back after the Pens put Crosby on the Injured Reserve List on December 17. although news has been more quite this time this should be a wake up call to both players and the league.
Well there are my top 10 stories of 2011. whether you agree or disagree on the placements these stories made an impact in 2011. this year was like any other sports year a memorable one
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