Post by Orlando Magic on Apr 27, 2008 23:38:22 GMT -5
4/27/08
Philadelphia, PA
Guess who’s back with another edition of Beyond the Arc. Today I am in Philly to talk with the only other legit reporter for NBA Legends.
As the obvious superior in this duel of sports journalists, I prepare myself to hand this younger, more inexperienced member of the media some pointers. I needed to let his kid know just how a true competitor in the media must act.
But first, I had to channel MY inner competitor, my inner winner, my inner fighter. And what better place to gear up than the home of Rocky himself.
Flipping the Ipod to repeat on Eye of the Tiger, I jogged around the city before the meeting and took in the sights, Rocky-style. Threw some air jabs, some upper cuts, some haymakers and jogged up the famous steps arms held high in victory. I could feel it, now I was ready.
Gassed from my jog around the city, I naturally summoned my driver to take me over to the 76ers clubhouse. Philly didn’t know what was coming at him.
Flatscreens and plasmas covered the walls of the clubhouse like wallpaper. All tuned to the NBA Network, ESPN, ESPNNews. I stopped for a brief moment to catch a glimpse of my riveting interview with “The Mad Scientist” being televised on ESPN Classic. Genius. But that’s besides the point.
I finally reach Philly and we went right into it.
Midway: First off, let's discuss your role as official rumor analyst here in Legends. What prompted you to take this role?
PHI: I always loved writing articles but never had the time to do it. I grew up watching guys like you on ESPN getting the exclusives and it was something that really drew my attention. So when I finally found myself with some time on my hands, I decided to take the job and see if it was right for me.
Midway: In my experience with rumors, I have found that squeezing the behind-the-scenes details out from GMs can be like pulling teeth. So how do you form the rumors in your column? You stick with strictly the facts, or mix in a little Midway Monster spice and put down whatever comes to mind?
PHI: Agreed on the pulling teeth metaphor. GM's are VERY hush-hush about what they do behind closed doors so every rumor I find is taken very seriously. What you hear or read from me is what I get from my sources. Although there might be a fake one from time to time, I really try and stick to my guns and keep it honest.
Midway: Very respectable. Now, moving to your own team. Just as Seattle did, you have completely turned around your year and find yourself in serious playoff contention. What were the biggest parts in accomplishing this turnaround?
PHI: I see the Josh Smith trade as the biggest part of my turnaround. That trade had a domino effect on my other deals. I got Bibby and Webber. I turned and dealt Webber for Ricky Davis and SAR who I then turned and traded for Gooden. That deal also gave me the idea to move Andre Igoudala for Kevin Garnett. I mean I had 2 stud SF's in Iggy and Smith and at the time, those guys were going for super-high value. I couldn’t turn that down.
Midway: You mentioned KG. The guy is putting up absurd numbers and clearly is the centerpiece of your lineup. Describe his impact on your team and what his presence means for the others on the squad? Are the rumors true that he hogs the limelight or has he stepped into the role model or mentor spot?
PHI: Hogging the limelight? Not a chance. KG has been great for us not only on the court but also in the locker room. Last season this team was lacking a leader and KG has come in and taken over that role. The players love him, coaches love him, fans love him. We all respect him and listen to what he has to say. This guy is the heart and soul of the Philadelphia 76ers and that is not changing any time soon.
Midway: Your team is now in the thick of the playoffs and currently have a 1st round projected matchup with CLE. Assuming you make it past this VERY dangerous team, who do you see as your largest obstacle in your quest for the title?
PHI: I probably see Milwaukee as the biggest threat in the East. They have arguably the top defensive frontcourt in Oden-Okafor-Artest and one of the best offensive backcourts in TP-KMart. You'd think with a starting five with so much firepower their bench would be pretty thin. But actually it is quite the contrary, they've proved through their vets having huge games that these Bucks are for real. That team has no real weaknesses and I think they could make a lot of noise in the playoffs. I just hope that we can postpone the inevitable there.
Midway: Well I know a certain “scientist” who would be very disappointed to hear that response, but we will push on. As we enter the second stretch of the season with draft talk and FA rumors beginning to take shape, where do you see the future of your team heading? Any offseason trade rumors, FA targets, draft targets, team needs?
PHI: I'll probably be looking to move some of my depth for a star SF or C to take some pressure off KG. I'm thinking maybe a deal to acquire a mid first rounder for the upcoming draft. We really like the Nigerian, Hasheem Thabeet from UConn. We feel he would learn a lot from the likes of Kevin Garnett and Dikembe Mutumbo. Although his offence is still very raw we love his shot blocking ability. He would be the kind of guy that we want taking over the starting center position once Dikembe retires.
Midway: Well Philly, I think that is all I got for you. Some real great stuff from you today. I especially liked the remark you made about looking up to a certain Midway Monster reporting for ESPN as your inspiration. But I think this is just the ego taking over again so I will quit while I’m ahead here. Thanks as always for your time.
As I got up to leave his office I realized that maybe a little something for the kid to keep his spirits high would be nice. Grabbing my Ipod out of my pocket, I tossed it over to Philly.
Midway: This is for you kid, hit play and you’ll hear a little song that kept me going through the years.
I turned and headed out the door as Philly put on the earphones. With Eye of the Tiger already cued up, I could only hope that Philly took that spirit of Rocky to heart as he draws up his next rumors article.
And for those worried about the seemingly ridiculous choice to just throw away a perfectly good Ipod as a gift I have this: Apple gives me those things like they’re candy. No worries.
After a successful trip to the City of Brotherly Crunch (Colbert shout-out), this is Midway Monster. ESPN
Philadelphia, PA
Guess who’s back with another edition of Beyond the Arc. Today I am in Philly to talk with the only other legit reporter for NBA Legends.
As the obvious superior in this duel of sports journalists, I prepare myself to hand this younger, more inexperienced member of the media some pointers. I needed to let his kid know just how a true competitor in the media must act.
But first, I had to channel MY inner competitor, my inner winner, my inner fighter. And what better place to gear up than the home of Rocky himself.
Flipping the Ipod to repeat on Eye of the Tiger, I jogged around the city before the meeting and took in the sights, Rocky-style. Threw some air jabs, some upper cuts, some haymakers and jogged up the famous steps arms held high in victory. I could feel it, now I was ready.
Gassed from my jog around the city, I naturally summoned my driver to take me over to the 76ers clubhouse. Philly didn’t know what was coming at him.
Flatscreens and plasmas covered the walls of the clubhouse like wallpaper. All tuned to the NBA Network, ESPN, ESPNNews. I stopped for a brief moment to catch a glimpse of my riveting interview with “The Mad Scientist” being televised on ESPN Classic. Genius. But that’s besides the point.
I finally reach Philly and we went right into it.
Midway: First off, let's discuss your role as official rumor analyst here in Legends. What prompted you to take this role?
PHI: I always loved writing articles but never had the time to do it. I grew up watching guys like you on ESPN getting the exclusives and it was something that really drew my attention. So when I finally found myself with some time on my hands, I decided to take the job and see if it was right for me.
Midway: In my experience with rumors, I have found that squeezing the behind-the-scenes details out from GMs can be like pulling teeth. So how do you form the rumors in your column? You stick with strictly the facts, or mix in a little Midway Monster spice and put down whatever comes to mind?
PHI: Agreed on the pulling teeth metaphor. GM's are VERY hush-hush about what they do behind closed doors so every rumor I find is taken very seriously. What you hear or read from me is what I get from my sources. Although there might be a fake one from time to time, I really try and stick to my guns and keep it honest.
Midway: Very respectable. Now, moving to your own team. Just as Seattle did, you have completely turned around your year and find yourself in serious playoff contention. What were the biggest parts in accomplishing this turnaround?
PHI: I see the Josh Smith trade as the biggest part of my turnaround. That trade had a domino effect on my other deals. I got Bibby and Webber. I turned and dealt Webber for Ricky Davis and SAR who I then turned and traded for Gooden. That deal also gave me the idea to move Andre Igoudala for Kevin Garnett. I mean I had 2 stud SF's in Iggy and Smith and at the time, those guys were going for super-high value. I couldn’t turn that down.
Midway: You mentioned KG. The guy is putting up absurd numbers and clearly is the centerpiece of your lineup. Describe his impact on your team and what his presence means for the others on the squad? Are the rumors true that he hogs the limelight or has he stepped into the role model or mentor spot?
PHI: Hogging the limelight? Not a chance. KG has been great for us not only on the court but also in the locker room. Last season this team was lacking a leader and KG has come in and taken over that role. The players love him, coaches love him, fans love him. We all respect him and listen to what he has to say. This guy is the heart and soul of the Philadelphia 76ers and that is not changing any time soon.
Midway: Your team is now in the thick of the playoffs and currently have a 1st round projected matchup with CLE. Assuming you make it past this VERY dangerous team, who do you see as your largest obstacle in your quest for the title?
PHI: I probably see Milwaukee as the biggest threat in the East. They have arguably the top defensive frontcourt in Oden-Okafor-Artest and one of the best offensive backcourts in TP-KMart. You'd think with a starting five with so much firepower their bench would be pretty thin. But actually it is quite the contrary, they've proved through their vets having huge games that these Bucks are for real. That team has no real weaknesses and I think they could make a lot of noise in the playoffs. I just hope that we can postpone the inevitable there.
Midway: Well I know a certain “scientist” who would be very disappointed to hear that response, but we will push on. As we enter the second stretch of the season with draft talk and FA rumors beginning to take shape, where do you see the future of your team heading? Any offseason trade rumors, FA targets, draft targets, team needs?
PHI: I'll probably be looking to move some of my depth for a star SF or C to take some pressure off KG. I'm thinking maybe a deal to acquire a mid first rounder for the upcoming draft. We really like the Nigerian, Hasheem Thabeet from UConn. We feel he would learn a lot from the likes of Kevin Garnett and Dikembe Mutumbo. Although his offence is still very raw we love his shot blocking ability. He would be the kind of guy that we want taking over the starting center position once Dikembe retires.
Midway: Well Philly, I think that is all I got for you. Some real great stuff from you today. I especially liked the remark you made about looking up to a certain Midway Monster reporting for ESPN as your inspiration. But I think this is just the ego taking over again so I will quit while I’m ahead here. Thanks as always for your time.
As I got up to leave his office I realized that maybe a little something for the kid to keep his spirits high would be nice. Grabbing my Ipod out of my pocket, I tossed it over to Philly.
Midway: This is for you kid, hit play and you’ll hear a little song that kept me going through the years.
I turned and headed out the door as Philly put on the earphones. With Eye of the Tiger already cued up, I could only hope that Philly took that spirit of Rocky to heart as he draws up his next rumors article.
And for those worried about the seemingly ridiculous choice to just throw away a perfectly good Ipod as a gift I have this: Apple gives me those things like they’re candy. No worries.
After a successful trip to the City of Brotherly Crunch (Colbert shout-out), this is Midway Monster. ESPN