Really Big Shoe

CBS Action are showing Thunder in Paradise starting next week on CBS Action at 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. Whether it's just the straight to video 2 part pilot episode I'm not sure. The original series ran 22 episodes. From the CBS Action twitter

 

https://twitter.com/cbsaction/status/777795642001203201

Yea I think it's more than likely Chael turns up and cuts a promo since he's signed with them now. Bellator have been slowly picking up the pace and have signed some fairly big names recently Benson Henderson, Rory MacDonald & now Chael. They should ideally switch to a PPV model down the line if they want to go forward, maybe have quartely big PPVs like the WWF used to do. Being bankrolled by their parent company Viacom has obviously helped them with acquiring fighters but I'm sure somewhere down the line they'd like to step into the PPV waters again and build the brand so they can tour overseas.

Watched some of Young Hyacinth, but didn't like it.

 

On the other hand, I found Til Death Do Us Part hilarious, had a simple storyline and the jokes weren't nothing groundbreaking yet but I think it harked back to a time when comedy didn't rely on too much gimmickry, so it all clicked. I think the casting of Alf was good too he had his mannerisms down pat. Simon Day's also hilarious as Brian Pern (the fictional Peter Gabriel type Rock star) but it's all down to what type of humour you like. So far Til Death Do Us Part is my favorite remake, Goodnight Sweetheart is at 2, Porridge at 3. I'd like to see more TDDUP but with a better set. I think they should remake/bring back Steptoe with Harold & his son but I don't know who could be as good as Harry H Corbett as he was great as 'Aorld.

Goodnight Sweetheart was a lot better than I expected it to be. I think there's a lot of options too if they make a full series since he can time travel again. I think along with Porridge it's been the most successful remake so far. I've been watching a lot of Red Dwarf repeats on Dave, the first 3 series are my favorite and there's some classic episodes. me2 is one of my all time faves with the two Rimmers and Queeq is a hilarious episode too. 

For those who missed Gladiators (I did too) they show it at 7pm on Sundays. This week its episode 6. There's 9 episodes in total in series 1.

I was wondering who were Dave Meltzer's source(s) back in the day when he first started writing about pro-wrestling?. I know he was pals with Brusier Brody, but outside of Brusier who else gave him info/rumors?. I'd imagine the industry was more closed doors back then unless he got info from disgruntled ex-employees/wrestlers so getting inside knowledge must have been difficult.

Westbrook signs a 3 year deal with OKC. $85M

 

Lock in that Warriors-OKC game on Christmas Day!

From what I've read the Thunder seemed to have a long term plan of building for the future so I imagine Russ bought into that The massive contract he's just signed would have softened the blow of KD leaving. I'd assume they will make a run at a major free agent next season too, as I doubt Westbrook would have stayed for the money alone. He's somebody who I think is ultra competitive, Kobe has compared him to himself, so he'll want to compete and somewhere down the line win a championship. Right now in the West I can't look beyond the Warriors or the Spurs.

TNA -The Comic!

 

Reminds me of the old WCW comic by Marvel.

 

Thanks for the info. The study is interesting too.

OK thanks. It seems ITV started the ball rolling with televised wrestling in the United Kingdom back in 1955. Surprised the BBC didn't capitalize on the WWF's success in the late 80s/early 90s and either tried to show some WWF shows, or bid for WCW. I don't know if it would have replaced Noel's House Party et al as Saturday Night entertainment but if they aired it around like 5pm it would have had a big audience. Or if the BBC couldn't get a US promotions shows they could have brought the World of Sport style back on TV as ITV cancelled wrestling in 1988. I wonder in hindsight whether the WWF would have been bigger in popularity if the shows were on BBC or ITV instead of Sky since the audience base would have been much larger. 

After being reminded of 'Rumble' the TV show with Lesley Joseph and Brian Glover on the BBC, have the BBC ever showed any pro-wrestling matches?. I know recently they did the Kendo doc in the 1990's and more recently the Sheamus doc, the ICW ones, one about Fergal Devitt & Bullet Club in NJPW, the radio DJ doc when he visits WWE wrestlers/Divas backstage etc. But did they ever show any British Wrestling or WWF etc. I know ITV has a long history of televised wrestling and Channel 4 showed the WWF for a while, Channel 5 showed WCW for a time also. Thanks

Yeah, thanks for those other links Shoe.

 

A high number have been diagnosed with ALS too so whilst OJs behaviour can never be condoned I actually think he snapped and lost his mind like Chris Benoit and him realizing his actions caused him to act erratic and both cases are eerily similar in a way.

I'm not sure if Made In America covered this as I've still got episode 5 to watch yet but I wonder if the thing that possibly triggered the murders was OJ's girlfriend at the time, Paula Barbieri, had left him a long message on his answer machine the morning of the murders, breaking up with him. She'd been with him at a fund raiser the night before so something must've happened that night to result in her dumping him the next morning. Maybe that was the last straw and he started winding himself up about Nicole moving on and seeing other men and that was it. Fucking lunatic.

 

What seems to be forgotten a lot of the time as well is they had a son and daughter who've had to grow up knowing their mum was murdered and most of the world thinks their dad did it. Beyond fucked up.

 

No worries. I don't think they looked into the CTE angle, it's more my own assumption when reading/hearing about other NFL players who were diagnosed with it. How OJ acted so irrationally and had outbursts of anger, mood swings etc. For example another NFL player former Pittsburgh Steeler Justin Strzelcyzk who had a high speed car chase with the police and died in a car accident. Post mortem study of his brain showed that he had CTE and in an article where his ex-wife spoke about how he acted, it was again very similar to OJ. He wasn't physically threatening or abuse to her, but she feared he could be. http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ex-wife-player-who-had-cte-nobody-said-death-was-option

 

I also agree OJ splitting up with his girlfriend of the time was like a huge trigger for him to go off on one. I'm not sure what episode of Made in America it's in but one says that he followed Nicole & Ron around and watched them which was very creepy. So I think with his relationship breaking down and his ex wife with another man those both were massive factors in him snapping. I don't know if he intentionally set out to murder Ron & Nicole, because if he was hell bent on revenge he'd have targeted his then ex-girlfriend. Because in theory he should have moved on with his life and Nicole would still be the mother of his children but he could have had a cordial relationship with her. I can't imagine what thought(s) went thru his mind and why he did what he did. I mean if he wanted to reconcile with Nicole I'm sure if he promised to change his ways and not be abusive she'd have patched things up with him for the children. But really she should have run a thousand miles away from him. I mean the LAPD had phonecalls where she's describing being attacked and you can hear OJ Simpson raging in the background. You can't help but feel sorry for their children. I wonder whether they have any contact with their father and I'm sure deep down even if they don't want to believe it that their father murdered their mother. I still don't know if it was predetermined, or pre-planned for OJ to commit a cold calculated murder. Maybe it was a spur of the moment like rage outburst which resulted in the murders. Just a horrendous situation however way you wish you look at it. But again I can't see from watching the Made in America documentaries, reading If I Did It and other things that OJ is innocent. I also wonder in his mind whether he believes he didn't do it and thats an even more worrisome possibilty. Because if he does have that thought pattern and isn't taking responsibilty for his actions and grieves for his ex-wife and feels any remorse, then he could snap at any time.

 

I think I mentioned before that some of it is difficult to watch.

I watched episode 4 tonight and it was the most disturbing one yet. Especially the bit when the one talking head (think he was one of the prosecution team) went through the details of how they thought the murders went down on the night. The way he described it was even more fucking horrific than I thought it would be and it didn't help that while he was going into all the gory details, pictures of the dead bodies were shown. The one in particular of Nicole Brown was awful, and you could see by her neck where he'd basically halfway cut her head off.

It's a shame the trial became all about race because it really seemed to cloud everything and distract from the real issue. I really felt for Ron Goldman's dad in the footage of him talking about it outside the court. The victims became an afterthought once it became a white vs black issue and from then on it was the defence vs Mark Fuhrman.

And the glove thing was nuts. "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."

It is gruesome and as viewers we could have done without seeing the photos and hearing how they believe Nicole and Ron were murdered. I mean if OJ wasn't OJ he'd be in jail for double homicide. Because of his celebrity and Johnny Cochran using the Black vs White angle and because of his whole persona it kind of sweet talked the jury to acquit OJ. But yep the whole glove thing, that must be the most mind boggling way to get off from murder. I also felt very sorry for Nicole's family and Ron's. They both deserve real justice. But I imagine if he did get retrialed he'd be like Jimmy Snuka and say he's not capable of trial. Although from the first part where they question him about his life in jail in the court the topic somehow goes back to the murders and his demenaor changes rapidly and he becomes stand offish, angry too. From there it shows that he isn't innocent. I mean who else could have murdered Nicole and Ron? Unless he had a hit put on them both but that seems highly unlikely and that would lead back to him anyway. His history of domestic abuse and strange behaviour should have been the smoking gun in the case but like you say it was all about race. But if OJ was a white guy would that have changed things? I think the LAPD feared another riot after what happened with Rodney King. But really how ever big a OJ fan that folks could have been all the evidence points to him being guilty.its unfathomable to think he was acquitted. I do think at one point they'll revisit the case and OJ will have to stand trial again. The Familys of Ron and Nicole should push for a retrial. This time I think if the jury are fully told the back story and maybe they should play the ESPN doc in the court room I can't see beyond a unanimous vote for guilty. But again Johnny Cochran played the race card and OJs celebrity and public persona as a good guy won out. Yet behind the persona he was cold blooded. I do think he has CTE as there's a number of former NFL players with it who have committed suicide. I mean you have Ray Lewis the former Baltimore Raven player who was involved in a murder trial too. Lewis testified instead of being indicted but the white suit he wore hasn't been found. No one was found guilty for that murder as no DNA was found on the murder weapon. So that's another example. I mean Ray might be innocent and covered up for one of his friends whom he testified against. But again with the amount of hits to the head they recieve I believe there are many NFL players with CTE. A high number have been diagnosed with ALS too so whilst OJs behaviour can never be condoned I actually think he snapped and lost his mind like Chris Benoit and him realizing his actions caused him to act erratic and both cases are eerily similar in a way. Maybe post mortem they'll diagnose OJ for CTE but it's really on the NFL to provide adequate protection for the players. Those who were said to have been punch drunk were no doubt exhibiting symptoms of CTE also. So it's something I believe if there is a retrial his defense team will push the CTE angle for another acquittal verdict or it be like Snuka were he won't even go to trial.

 

edit: The other OJ related 30 for 30 is called June 17th, 1994. Can't remember watching this at the time but BBC did a OJ doc too

 

 

 A few more OJ related docs

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUuaRqjNMF8

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vseh2gbRt5E

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kgdl7H80kY

 

 

Finally got around to watching that OJ: Made In America series. Well, I'm up to episode four. Watching it with my better half and she's too young to remember the case at the time (I very vaguely recall bits and pieces, mostly the footage used at WrestleMania 12 of the police chase) or even really know who OJ is/was, and she's still gripped to it. Like others have said, the 30 for 30 documentaries are great for hooking you in even if you're completely unfamiliar with the stories going in or otherwise uninterested in the sport or field the subject is covering. It's really fascinating to watch. Although some of it makes for disturbing viewing, especially the audio of Nicole Brown's calls to the police numerous times because he'd battered her.

Watching the first episode it really hit home just what a massive superstar celebrity he was in America. Then by episode three he's been charged with two murders and is threatening suicide while on the run from the police. Must've been absolutely surreal for American people who grew up idolising him to watch the live coverage of the chase on the news at the time.

Watching this and reading up on the case, I've got no doubt he did it. It's mad to think he was not only found not guilty but then still ended up back in jail for other crimes. Literally gets away with murder but gets himself locked up for years anyway. What a fucking nut.

I think I mentioned before that some of it is difficult to watch. The unedited footage used in the other 30 for 30 is even more so as it's like you are watching it in real time. You have news anchors talking about the case, Bob Costa's freaking out and it's just surreal. I would have to agree that OJ is guilty. You had Nicole Simpsons calls to the police, you have actual physical evidence and him threatening to shoot himself and his actions that day weren't of an innocent man. Did they play the full audio of the call to the policeman who was talking him out of shooting himself?. But him speeding off in the Bronco and him driving down the freeway was like the equivalent of him getting rushing yards so I honestly think he has CTE and his outbursts of anger, unexplainable behaviour etc are all signs of CTE too. It's ironic that hes in jail for a totally unrelated series of charges but I think they gave him more jail time than the charges usually warranted. I think one of OJs friends or legal team mentioned if he didn't have history most of those charges would have been dismissed and he'd even have a leninent sentence or a suspended one so it's like they did with AL Capone they couldnt get him for the crimes he did commit but got him for tax evasion. I think the 30 for 30 docs are great anyway but the OJ one was one of if not the best one so far. The OJ story is one which will keep being retold but as it's such a fascinating story I think there's so much still be told. I'm also won't be surprised if one day OJ does confess.

The WWE Network ideally should have been for the archived PPVs, old TV shows etc. and they have kept the PPV model going because it was still a money spinner for them. Albeit not the spinner it once was, but WrestleMania alone must have made it cost affective. WWE really should have adopted a business model similar to the UFC where the PPVs are the same (ie available on cable/satellite) and the Network is the equivalent of Fight Pass with some exclusive MSG shows, NXT big shows etc. and their tape library. I mean if they digitzied their old shows and put them on the Network (Wrestling Challenge/Superstars (original one not the current Superstars/All Star Wrestling/Championship Wrestling etc.), plus if they put WCW Worldwide, Saturday Night etc. and the other territory shows they have along with the old PPVs then that would be worth 9.99 alone. So the PPVs as part of the deal is really great value for money when you think about it. Whether they will alter the Network to say offer the PPVs in Ultra HD or something then I think the price structure might change so you get the older shows - SNME etc for 9.99, then add in the archived PPVs etc. for 19.99 and with PPVs it'll be 29.99 or 39.99 in higher definition and with less buffering etc. and maybe be like iPlayer where you can download them for a set time and they expire after 30 days so you can watch them on other devices. Also not sure if they record their live events but if they did just a one hard camera set up I'm sure people would be intrigued to watch them and it's a cheap way to add new content to the Network. But if they did change the Network with the PPVs seperate or back on pay-per-view cable/satellite providers I think they'd be a big backlash (no pun intended) but again the fanbase is so loyal so they'd no doubt still pay for them anyway.

The Bellator show is now added to Channel 5 on demand. Just search for Bellator and it should come up.

If anyone hasnt checked this out it's on 5ondemand , just search under sports and the main & prelims are on there. There's another Bellator card on Friday too.

Blake Griffin's an interesting one because at one point he was highly coveted, was a great dunker and could have become one of the top stars of the NBA. But like a Rondo his values kinda diminished and he had the fall out and suspension after fighting with a member of the Clippers staff so if I were Boston I'd keep Crowder and try and build a younger team that can develop. Case in point is the Golden State Warriors they let Steph & Klay develop into great players and whilst I wouldn't place Crowder in their class he could become an integral part of the Boston team.

 

Here's what the trade is rumored to be:

 

 

 

BOS would get Griffin, LAC would get Gay and SAC would get Crowder. Other pieces also involved.

 

So the Clips don't even want Crowder, they want Rudy Gay.

Apparently the directors cut of the Final Deletion will air on Pop, anyone know if Challenge will air it too?.

The Smackdown GM has apparently been leaked but it's only been reported by Newz sites so far so might not to be accurate.

 

 

 

There's a five part documentary about OJ Simpson on BT Sport starting next Monday with a part on every night next week. Looks good from the advert.

Yep, watched the first episode yesterday, it was very good and it makes you realise how huge a star OJ was at one point. I also watched the June 17th 1994 30 for 30 doc which is like a companion piece to it too, although it was made years earlier. It had footage I haven't seen before like the cops talking to OJ whilst he was in the Ford Bronco. It's actually difficult to watch at times because you can hear that he's lost his mind and he's in a state of delirium. It's very powerful stuff and there's no voice overs or talking heads so that makes it even more impactful. If the footage is part of the OJ 5 part doc you'll see what I mean. Also, whilst I was watching the June 17th doc it made me wonder whether due to how out of character he acted whether OJ Simpson has CTE, and according to Dr Omalu he says that most likely does.

 

 

Former football star O.J. Simpson likely suffers from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as CTE, according to the doctor who discovered the condition over a decade ago.

Dr. Bennet Omalu, who is portrayed in the major motion picture “Concussion” by Will Smith, recently told People he is confident that Simpson is stricken with CTE for a variety of reasons, including Simpson’s profile and head size.

According to Tri County Sentry, CTE is linked to repeated head trauma that leads to the degenerative condition. Over the life of their careers, football players often endure concussions and other types of cranial impact on the field.

Dr. Omalu discovered CTE in 2002 after examining the brain of football player Mike Webster after the athlete’s death. The renowned doctor spoke about Simpson to People, saying, “I would bet my medical license that he has CTE.”

 

People reports that in 2008, when Simpson faced trial for armed robbery and kidnapping in a Las Vegas courtroom, he considered using CTE as a defense, arguing concussions he sustained over his many years with the NFL may have contributed to his behavior. Simpson was found guilty and the presiding judge sentenced him to 33 years behind bars, reports Heavy. The Heisman Trophy winner now resides in Nevada’s Lovelock Correctional Center and is not eligible for parole until October 2017.

In 2012, attempting to obtain a new trial in the robbery and kidnapping matter, Simpson and his team again argued he suffered from brain damage related to concussions, People reports.

Currently, there is no test for CTE, which can only be diagnosed by examining the brain tissue of the deceased. However, symptoms of CTE are evident, which include unprovoked violent outbursts, mood swings, criminal behavior, domestic disputes, and highly exaggerated emotional responses to everyday problems or concerns, according to People.

According to Tri County Sentry, Dr. Omalu believes that Simpson’s rather large head is just one indicator he likely suffers from CTE. The doctor told People that the bigger an individual’s head, the heavier it is. Dr. Omalu stressed, “That means the momentum of your impact would be bigger. It’s basic physics.”

People reports that Simpson’s head is so big that while playing professional football, the NFL star had to wear custom made helmets.

Dr. Omalu is not the only medical professional who believes Simpson has displayed CTE symptoms over the years. Dr. Robert Huizenga, who can often be seen consulting on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” told Access Hollywood CTE could have been part of Simpson’s double murder defense if there had been awareness at the time of his trial.

 

Over two decades ago, Simpson was charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman. The subsequent trial revealed that Simpson and his former spouse had a tumultuous relationship. Goldman, a waiter at a local restaurant was at the wrong place at the wrong time, simply returning sunglasses Nicole Brown Simpson’s mother had left at the restaurant he worked when the crime took place.

Dr. Huizenga, who examined Simpson following the double murders, told Access Hollywood, “I think it [CTE] could have been important in the O.J. Simpson case and may have been part of the reason he was in a mindset to do things that doesn’t really make sense, that someone else might not have done.”

 

 

According to Access Hollywood Dr. Huizenga stated that, “Aggressive behavior is one of the earlier symptoms, sometimes before outright dementia… that might account for someone for being overly aggressive.”

CTE is not only a concern for football players, but just this week WWE star Daniel Bryan announced his retirement from the sport saying he realized what impact it could have on his health. Bryan said, “…a week and a half ago, I took a test that said that maybe my brain isn’t as OK as I thought it was,” according to News Press Now.

USA Today reports that during a news conference regarding the suicide of BMX star Dave Mirra, it was revealed the athlete sustained a number of “big hits” throughout his career and that he may have suffered from CTE.

 

Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2794631/o-j-simpson-likely-suffers-from-cte-says-concussion-doctor-bennett-omalu/

Big Tim's announced his retirement now:

 

 

TIM DUNCAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Five-Time Champion Concludes 19-Year Career in San Antonio

Posted: Jul 11, 2016

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SAN ANTONIO (July 11, 2016) – San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan today announced that he will retire after 19 seasons with the organization. Since drafting Duncan, the Spurs won five championships and posted a 1,072-438 regular season record, giving the team a .710 winning percentage, which is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB over the last 19 years.

 

Originally selected by the Spurs as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Duncan helped San Antonio reach the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons and became the only player in league history to start and win a title in three different decades. The Silver and Black won at least 50 games the last 17 seasons, the longest streak in league history, and posted at least a .600 winning percentage in each of Duncan’s 19 seasons, an all-time record for most consecutive seasons with a .600 win percentage in the four major U.S. sports.

The 40-year-old Duncan comes off of a season in which he led the NBA in Defensive RPM (5.41) and became just the third player in league history to reach 1,000 career wins, as well as the only player to reach 1,000 wins with one team. He helped the Spurs to a franchise-best 67-15 record and also became one of two players in NBA history to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks in his career (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Duncan totaled 15 All-NBA Team selections (tied for most all-time) and 15 NBA All-Defensive Team honors (most all-time), garnering both honors in the same season 15 times, the most in league history. The 1998 Rookie of the Year was named NBA MVP twice (2002, 2003) and NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003 and 2005).

 

Duncan totaled 15 All-NBA Team selections (tied for most all-time) and 15 NBA All-Defensive Team honors (most all-time), garnering both honors in the same season 15 times, the most in league history. The 1998 Rookie of the Year was named NBA MVP twice (2002, 2003) and NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003 and 2005).

In his NBA career, the 15-time All-Star appeared in a total of 1,392 games and averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.17 blocks in 34.0 minutes. He shot .506 (10,285-20,334) from the floor and .696 (5,896-8,468) from the free throw line.

The Wake Forest graduate is the Spurs all-time NBA leader in total points (26,496), rebounds (15,091), blocked shots (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392), as well as third in assists (4,225). In NBA history, Duncan is fifth all-time in double-doubles (841) and blocks, sixth in rebounding and 14th in scoring.

As the only player in NBA history to play over 9,000 career minutes in the playoffs, Duncan ranks first all-time in postseason double-doubles (164) and blocks (568), third in rebounds (2,859) and sixth in points (5,172). For his career, Duncan appeared in 251 postseason contests (second all-time) and averaged 20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 37.3 minutes while shooting .501 (1,975-3,939) from the field.

 

Along with teammates Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, Duncan is part of the NBA record for most wins by a trio in both the regular season (575) and postseason (126). Duncan and Gregg Popovich have the most wins by a player-coach duo in NBA history (1,001) and the Spurs forward finishes his career in San Antonio as one of just three players in NBA history, along with John Stockton and Kobe Bryant, to spend 19 seasons with one franchise.

Credit: http://www.nba.com/spurs/tim-duncan-announces-retirement

Are Challenge going to show this in full?. I've heard the US broadcast was the segments broke up and shown during the show and the match at the end. The stuff with the Drones and Jeff whacking them with his guitar is hilarious as is Matt mowing thru the middle of Jeff's lawn.

 

You are joking about the Bulls, right? Like many others I'm amazed they've done this. I love D Wade and he's been a fantastic player over the past 13 years but the Bulls signing him was the dumbest thing they've done since spending big on a washed up Big Ben Wallace in 06. It seems to me they thought about tanking and then got cold feet and panicked and spunked their load on Wade. Which would have been amazing, in 2010. Tom Thibodeau must be laughing his nuts off. They've now got the worst 3 point shooting team in the entire organisation, the floor spacing is going to be a mess, they're chasing 44 wins and 8th seed if they're lucky. Not one of their starters shoots over 35% from deep, even worse they've got Rajon fucking Rondo as their starting point guard on a guaranteed 2 year deal. Honestly, you couldn't make this up, this is Knicks levels of incompetence. 

 

The real winner here is Lebron James, again. Lost in the mix of all this, the Cavs picked up Mike Dunleavy. Another sharpshooter to add to their ranks. They've got nothing to sweat in the East, again.

 

Also, fuck Kevin Durant. What a bitch move that was, i hope the Spurs meet them and send them packing.

The Bulls had to do something to placate their fanbase. Signing one of their own with a known pedigree and with 3 rings to boot doesn't really sound like a dumb move to me. Did they pay too much, yes, but with the amount of jersey's they'll shift and with increased ticket sales and such they'll not go broke with the deal. I mean without a D-Wade I don't see many Chicagoians turning up just to see Jimmy Butler. I mean he's a very good player but he's not a elite level franchise type player like a Dwayne Wade is. Rajon Rondo at one time was one of the most coveted point guards in the NBA and whilst he has fallen from grace if, and if it's a big if, he gets his head on straight and everything does gel together and that was my point. I didn't say we should gift wrap the NBA championship and send it to the United Center. It's a similar scenario in New York where the Knicks have gone for an all or nothing scenario where it could implode along the way if D-Rose gets injured etc. But it's another case where if it works, they could make an impact in the East. The Eastern conference is one which unlike the West, it's hyper competitive but if the Bulls and Knicks do step up and again if's a huge if, then Cleveland will have some competition and it won't be a cakewalk for them. Thats the point I was making. As for KD, he wants a ring and I'm sure in a similar position most folks would go to the #1 place they will achieve that goal. If he had re-signed with OKC and they fell again in the Western conference finals he'd be known as a nearly man again. So whilst I'd have liked to have seen him and Russ together a little longer in Oklahoma and try to push the Warriors out of the picture, I don't begrudge him moving to the Bay Area in search of a NBA championship. So I wouldn't call it a bitch move, more of a the smartest move he could possibly make right now. He wants a ring and outside of the Cavs the #1 place you'd have a chance of achieving one is with the Warriors. But who knows, maybe the GSW will implode again in the finals and Cleveland have their name on the Championship again. They might not even make the finals either if a dark horse team derails them along the way. It's been a crazy post season so far so nothing will surprise me in the NBA next season.

Yea the Bulls if it all gels will be a threat in the East now. Whats interesting about the Heat's recruitment was that they were just focusing on mentioning Chris Bosh returning and Spo being the coach. So maybe they knew really that D-Wade was leaving. Right now they will be reeling against the ropes. It's a huge blow for them to lose their franchise player and the integral part of the team which along with Shaq brought them their first championship and the two championships with Bron & CB4. They've signed Hassan Whiteside to a 4 year deal now but in more bad news for them,Tyler Johnson has signed a 4 year, 50m offer sheet with the Nets: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--nets-sign-tyler-johnson-to--50m-offer-sheet-065909040.htmlAs the article says they have 3 days to match that offer. So Miami's team is diminshing and Pat Riley needs to pull off something huge to make the Miami fans happy after losing D-Wade. Only if they manage to work out a deal for say Russell Westbrook would their cloud have a silver lining, but apparently there's more chance of him turning up in LA for the Lakers.