The Return of the Prodigal Son

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  • SHOGUN
    4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
    • Jul 2009
    • 11416

    The Return of the Prodigal Son

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrudkCOnGbM&hd=1[/ame]

    Let me ask you something. Had Carmelo Anthony decided to take his talents to South Beach this summer rather than LeBron James, would there have been a similar outcry?

    Probably not. Right?

    Granted, the circumstances are different, Melo wasn’t playing for his hometown and certainly doesn’t have the cache to commandeer an entire network, but both of those are reflections of a larger issue.

    Expectations.

    Plainly put, most folks don’t believe Melo is capable of the same things as LeBron or Dwyane Wade. ‘Capable of what?’ you might ask. ‘He’s arguably the most complete scorer in the league, one of its most clutch players and as recently as two years ago was two games away from a Finals appearance.’ All of which is true, but considering their athleticism, playmaking abilities, productivity and overall success, ultimately you’d concede that James and Wade are the better players.

    Melo would probably be fine with that. As he should be. There’s 300+ other guys keeping him company in that category. What he does take issue with, however, is the increasing volume and frequency of folks questioning whether he’s even a franchise player.

    By definition every team in the NBA has a ‘best’ player, a talent that distinguishes himself from his peers and whether by merit or sheer necessity becomes the units focal point and de facto leader. But a franchise player is one who not only distinguishes himself from his peers, he separates himself from practically every other teams best player by exhibiting the talent, aptitude and character needed to lead his mates on a championship run. Not every team has a franchise player.

    Has Carmelo Anthony displayed the skill and will to be held in such regard?

     
    "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia
  • SHOGUN
    4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
    • Jul 2009
    • 11416

    #2
    Team Archives

    October
    NEWS: Carmelo Anthony: 'It's Time For A Change'
    NEWS: Nuggets sever ties with Anthony, send him to New York
    2010-11 New York Knicks Roster/Depth Chart
    Game 1: New York at Toronto
    Game 2: New York at Boston
    Game 3: New York vs. Portland

    November
    Game 4: New York vs. Orlando
    Game 5: New York at Chicago
    Game 6: New York vs. Washington
    Game 7: New York vs. Philadelphia
    NEWS: Back spasms to keep Felton out of lineup
    Game 8: New York at Milwaukee
    Game 9: New York vs. Golden State
    Game 10: New York at Minnesota
    Game 11: New York vs. Houston
    Game 12: New York at Denver

     
    "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

    Comment

    • SHOGUN
      4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
      • Jul 2009
      • 11416

      #3
      Around The League
      October 26-October 30
      October 31-November 6
      November 7-November 13

       
      "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

      Comment

      • SHOGUN
        4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
        • Jul 2009
        • 11416

        #4
        3

         
        "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

        Comment

        • SHOGUN
          4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
          • Jul 2009
          • 11416

          #5
          4

           
          "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

          Comment

          • SHOGUN
            4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
            • Jul 2009
            • 11416

            #6
            NEWS: Carmelo Anthony: 'It's Time For A Change'


            Carmelo Anthony: 'It's Time For A Change'
            Anthony's statement is the latest in a series of twists that began this summer when the Nuggets offered their star forward a 3-year, $65 million contract extension. Anthony, whose current contract expires at the end of next season, initially refused to sign the extension, leading to a flood of trade rumors. By late summer, league insiders were convinced that the Nuggets would trade their star forward before the team opened training camp.

            However, the Nuggets' opted not to pull the trigger on a deal with the New Jersey Nets, paving the way for an awkward opening day of training camp in which Anthony deflected constant questions about his future with the team.

            After a surprisingly smooth camp, many began wondering whether Anthony wouldn't remain a Nugget through the end of the year.

            "They want to sit down and talk, but my thing is it's way beyond this year. It ain't got nothing to do with the new GM, Josh, the players. For me, I feel it's a time for change." Anthony told Yahoo.

            Asked if he thinks he'll be a Nugget come opening night, Anthony said: "I don't know, man. I don't know. I'm taking it day by day. It's possible that I will be here opening night."

            Yahoo also reported that league sources expect the Nuggets to trade Anthony sooner, rather than later. ESPN reports that the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets remain Melo's most-likely destinations.

             
            "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

            Comment

            • SHOGUN
              4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
              • Jul 2009
              • 11416

              #7
              NEWS: Nuggets sever ties with Anthony, send him to New York


              Nuggets sever ties with Anthony, send him to New York
              The New York Knicks have acquired Carmelo Anthony, league sources said Tuesday afternoon.

              The Knicks will send center Eddy Curry and 2008 first round pick Anthony Randolph to Denver in the trade, along with two future No. 1 picks after Anthony signs his three-year, $65 million contract extension.

              "It was disappointing that we couldn't convince Anthony to stay and prove that we were going to maintain our goal for a championship, but he gave this franchise seven great years and that should be commended" new general manager Masai Ujiri said, "However, all we can do now is move forward and build from here."

              Anthony's refusal to re-sign with the Nuggets put the Denver front office in a bind after seeing the damage done to Toronto and Cleveland in the aftermath of Lebron James' Decision. Anthony was reportedly uncertain of the Nuggets' plan for contending long term after the multiple shake ups on the coaching staff and front office and most of the roster on one-year deals.

              The Nuggets were rumored to be in contact with several teams - including the Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets - and they were close to pulling the trigger on a 4-team trade that would have sent to Anthony to the Nets, but it fell through at the last second.

               
              "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

              Comment

              • SHOGUN
                4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                • Jul 2009
                • 11416

                #8
                2010-11 New York Knicks Roster



                2010-11 New York Knicks Roster


                 
                "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                Comment

                • SHOGUN
                  4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                  • Jul 2009
                  • 11416

                  #9
                  Game 1: New York at Toronto




                  Melo's 28 help Knicks to close win over Raptors

                  Simulated Game.

                  Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony - 28 PTS, 7 REB, AST, STL


                   
                  "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                  Comment

                  • SHOGUN
                    4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                    • Jul 2009
                    • 11416

                    #10
                    Game 2: New York (1-0) at Boston (1-1)




                    Shaq's 29 lead Celtics past Knicks

                    Simulated Game.

                    Player of the Game: Shaquille O'Neal - 29 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK


                     
                    "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                    Comment

                    • SHOGUN
                      4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                      • Jul 2009
                      • 11416

                      #11
                      Game 3: New York (1-1) vs. Portland (1-1)




                      Aldridge's heroics lead Trail Blazer to win

                      Simulated Game.

                      Player of the Game: LaMarcus Aldridge - 22 PTS, 9 REB, AST


                       
                      "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                      Comment

                      • SHOGUN
                        4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                        • Jul 2009
                        • 11416

                        #12

                         
                        "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                        Comment

                        • SHOGUN
                          4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                          • Jul 2009
                          • 11416

                          #13
                          Around the League: October 26-October 30

                          ALPHA-1: Alive! 1 - Live Results and Commentary

                          Simon Vine vs. Kichisaburo Morri - Round 1 - Vine moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a solid left. There's a takedown attempt from Vine. Morri not only stops the takedown, he manages to wrestle Vine to the floor and take his back. Morri attempts to set up a rear naked choke on Vine. Vine does well to roll over and spin out, ending up in his opponent's guard. Morri should have gotten hooks in before attempting that submission. In guard, Vine begins working to pass to side control. He passes the guard well, gaining side control. Vine attempts the mount. Morri keeps Vine at side control, not letting the mount happen. Morri tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Vine fires away with rights, Morri is getting pounded. Unless he finds a way out of this position soon, Morri is going to lose this fight! The referee pulls Vine away, stopping the match!

                          Simon 'Hell Boy' Vine defeats Kichisaburo Morri by TKO (Strikes) in 3:05 of round 1 (Good)

                          Xie Ming vs. Shinji Oiwa - Round 1 - Ming slips past a left jab and counters with a barrage of hard left hands, Oiwa is dazed and can only cover up to try and protect himself! Oiwa gets knocked down and Ming keeps up the pressure with punch after punch! With Oiwa taking a lot of big punches, the referee has to stop the match!

                          'The X Factor' Xie Ming defeats Shinji Oiwa by TKO (Strikes) in 0:23 of round 1 (Good)

                          Felipe Luiz Rosa vs. Gyokusho Fujimoto - Round 1 - There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. Fujimoto counters a left jab by hitting a pair of jabs and a big right hook. Fujimoto fires off a stinging leg kick. Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant. From the missed strikes they clinch. Fujimoto tries to get Rosa into a Muay Thai clinch. Fujimoto manages it, and now controls Rosa by the back of the head. Using the clinch, Fujimoto hits a vicious knee to the face! Rosa crumples to the ground, out cold! Gyokusho Fujimoto takes the victory by way of Knock Out!

                          Gyokusho 'Fujizilla' Fujimoto defeats Felipe Luiz Rosa by Knock Out (Knee) in 1:57 of round 1 (Good)

                          Syed Tan vs. 'The Lightning Kid' Fumiaki Hayashi - Round 1 - Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. From the missed strikes they clinch. Hayashi gets a couple of ineffective strikes in, but ultimately loses control of the grapple after being caught off-balance. Tan is trying to muscle Hayashi up against the ropes. He does so, and now has Hayashi pinned to the ropes. Tan steps back from Hayashi and looks to unleash some strikes. Using head movement, Hayashi slips past a left jab and counters with a crisp left. Tan uses good footwork to move to safety, out of the way of a crazy flying knee strike attempt. Tan checks a low kick and quickly hits a nice jab. Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. Hayashi slips past a tidy combination of punches and then hits a sharp kick just above the hip. Checking a leg kick, Tan counters back immediately with a solid left jab. Tan lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a straight left. An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. Hayashi uses head movement to avoid a vicious right hand and fire right back with a jab. An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling. Hayashi looks to get some strikes in, but Tan seizes the moment and wrestles his way into control of the grapple. Tan tries to wrestle Hayashi backward and up against the ropes. Tan manages it, and controls Hayashi up against the ropes. We move into the second half of this round. Tan steps back from Hayashi and looks to unleash some strikes. Hayashi slips past a tidy combination of punches and then hits a punch. Hayashi slips past a tidy combination and hits a hard right kick across the side. Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Tan hits a crisp left hook to the body. A left jab misses the mark and allows Tan to counter with a crisp left. Hayashi slips past a nice combination and hits a crisp left. Hayashi dodges a jab, and fires back with a clean punch. Hayashi uses head movement to avoid a combination of punches, then counters with a nice left. A left jab misses, giving Hayashi the chance to hit back with a swift leg kick. Using head movement, Hayashi slips past a left jab and counters with a jab. Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Tan hits a stinging jab. Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Tan hits a series of quick punches. A left jab misses, giving Hayashi the chance to hit back with a nice left. Hayashi uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a sharp kick to the shin. Syed Tan won't want to take too many unchecked strikes to the legs like that. Slipping past a left jab, Tan hits a quick series of punches. Tan uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a quick series of punches. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Tan dodges a jab, and fires back with a solid right hook to the body. Using head movement, Hayashi slips past a left jab and counters with a nice left. Slipping past a left jab, Hayashi hits a solid left jab. Tan sees an inside leg kick coming and hits first with a stinging jab. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

                          Round 2 - It sounded like his corner told Tan to hit Hayashi with everything he has in this round. A leg kick misses badly, giving Tan an opening to score with a lightning fast couple of jabs and a right cross. Hayashi counters a one-two combination with a sharp body kick. Hayashi drops his shoulder and feints to step in, but Tan isn't buying it. Tan is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. Tan is in the pocket, ready to attack Hayashi. Hayashi uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a nasty-looking kick to the inside of the knee. Syed Tan is showing the effects of the damage he is taking to the legs. It's a clever strategy by Hayashi to work the legs. Tan is less of a threat on his feet if he is limping around. Slipping past a one-two combination, Hayashi has the angle to counter with a sharp kick to the shin. Seeing a right kick to the body coming, Tan darts in and counters with a left jab to the cheek. Hayashi slips past a big right and hits a jab. We pass the halfway mark of this round. They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot. Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. Tan tries to wrestle Hayashi backward and up against the ropes. Hayashi ends up backed against the ropes. Syed Tan is looking really tired. Tan drives a knee to the thigh area. Hayashi gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh. Tan steps back to achieve some separation from Hayashi and gets ready to strike. Slipping past a left jab, Hayashi hits a solid left jab. There's under a minute left in this round. Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, both fighters start swinging! Tan gets clipped with a right hand and falls to the ground while trying to back-pedal! Moving quickly, Hayashi tries to ensnare the stunned Tan in an armbar. The armbar is locked in, but Tan survives because the round ends! Time expires and we come to the end of round two. That was the sort of round that MMA fans love; full of action, effort and drama. Great stuff.

                          Round 3 - Moving forward, Hayashi counters a left jab with an amazing flying knee strike, shaking Tan but not putting him down! From the pocket, Hayashi leaps and hits Tan with a flying knee but can't knock him off his feet! Tan, standing in the pocket, darts back to avoid a right kick to the body. Hayashi backs away from Tan, creating some space between them. Despite being tired, Tan looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Hayashi. Hayashi uses his strikes to stop Tan from getting too close. Tan comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket. Tan is now standing in the pocket. Hayashi uses head movement to avoid a left jab. Hayashi uses head movement to dodge a punch, then strikes back with a kick to the side of the ribs. We move into the second half of this round. Showing good footwork and reactions, Tan avoids a body kick. In the pocket, Hayashi tries to get a knock out with a scorching right cross but Tan covers up. Tan sees a right kick coming and strikes first with a crisp left jab. A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. Hayashi is trying to muscle Tan up against the ropes. Hayashi can't do it though, and Tan is able to get free. Syed Tan looks very, very tired. There's under a minute left in this round. Hayashi gets Tan with a punch to the ribs, but it lacked power. Not letting Hayashi settle at all, Tan comes in closer. Fumiaki Hayashi is breathing very hard. Tan comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket. Tan moves into the pocket. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. The official decisions are being reported now. All three judges give the result in favour of Hayashi.

                          Official Result: 'The Lightning Kid' Fumiaki Hayashi defeats Syed Tan by Unanimous Decision (Good)

                           
                          "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                          Comment

                          • SHOGUN
                            4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                            • Jul 2009
                            • 11416

                            #14
                            Game 4: New York (1-2) vs. Orlando (1-1)

                            ALPHA-1: Alive! 1 Preview: Fumiaki Hayashi and New Faces Headline This Weekend



                            ALPHA-1 Lightweight Championship Bout: Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) vs. Syed Tan (13-2-1): With the recent reshuffling of the weight classes in ALPHA-1, 16th-ranked welterweight Syed Tan is one of the many contenders moving down in weight class. The 28-year old Tan is an aggressive kickboxer who intends to stand and bang with Hayashi. Fumiyaki ‘The Lightning Kid’ Hayashi is ranked ninth in the world at lightweight and one of the early heros of Japanese MMA, who is going onto his third defense as lightweight champion. Hayashi is an unorthodox striker with a inclination for flashy techniques over sound technique, but it has obviously served him well throughout his career. One interesting storyline behind this match will be how the 5’8” Hayashi can overcome the length of the 5’11” Tan and if Tan can handle the weight cut.



                            Heavyweight: Felipe Luiz Rosa (11-5) vs. Gyokusho Fujimoto (6-0): 'Fujizilla' Fujimoto is one of the brightest Heavyweight prospects to come from Japan in years and gets another opportunity to display his elite-level striking against Brazilian Felipe Luiz Rosa. Rosa prefers to strike and while he is no slouch standing, he is not quite up to par with Fujimoto. Expects of Rosa pulling the upset is slim.



                            Lightweight: Xie Ming (20-4) vs.Shinji Oiwa (7-4): Xie 'The X Factor' Ming is a highly touted fighter from Pearl River, China making his ALPHA-1 debut at lightweight. The #12th ranked welterweight in the world has traveled the Orient demolishing opponents with his patented Muay Thai clinch and is expected to become an immediate title contender at lightweight. Shinji Oiwa is an elusive Karate fighter that in reality poses no threat to Ming. Expect this to be a showcase fight for one of ALPHA-1's newer acquisitions.



                            Welterweight: Simon Vine (19-6) vs. Kichisaburo Morri (10-3): Kichisaburo Morri makes his plan clear from the sound of the bell - he wants to take you down and smother you. He's riding an win streak into this fight, so he's been successful with it. But Morri faces Simon 'Hell Boy' Vine, an aggressive Canadian who likes to take down his opponents and pound them into submission. Vine is coming off a loss, but wants to make his debut in ALPHA-1 a strong one. This match will come down who can out-wrestle the other and administer their gameplan first.

                             
                            "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                            Comment

                            • SHOGUN
                              4 WR 1 RB 0 TE. 24/7/365.
                              • Jul 2009
                              • 11416

                              #15
                              Game 5: New York (2-2) at Chicago (2-1)


                               
                              "Sometimes I just want to be with my family and watch movie and eat some popcorn. But when I step on the mat I know there is no other place I'd rather be." - Marcelo Garcia

                              Comment

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