The Writing on the Wall

The blog name is finalized I suppose. I'm glad I could thieve this name from @MikePradaSBN when he tweeted it, and I'm hopeful no one else did. Ernie Grunfield also hilariously dubbed Yi Jianlian the Great Wall of Chinatown, so it seems we have the city walled off. Having Yi and Kirk Hinrich certainly should make things interesting next season, and should give John Wall the ability to penetrate with the floor spaced. I'm so goddamn excited for next season, regardless of it's outcome, because I get to watch him play. I'm hoping to get some sort of affordable ticket pacakge to do so live, but we shall see what the prices look like towards the start of the season. I wanted to do a post entirely devoted to Wall, but around the time of the draft I was too caught up in the excitement so I ignored my duties of filling minds with DC championship aspirations. I'm sorry, but I'm back now so lets make due.

It was an interesting day in hoops, as D. Wade and Bosh joined forces in Miami, while Boozer agreed to terms of a deal with Chicago. The numbers don't matter to me too much because they're all making ridiculous money, but I'm glad Boozer could get Rudy Gay cash and that Chi-town didn't up empty handed. With that said, LeBron James will not be going there - he will be staying in Cleveland. As if I didn't hate the guy enough, the thought of him going on national television (ESPN @ 9 pm EST - boycott!!!) and dissing his hometown team for a scrubby Knicks squad would just be icing on the cake. We all know he's a douchebag. He dragged us this far with his ego-mania by announcing and rescheduling his decision date at least two or three times, and really making it tough for any team to finalize their plans because most lower-tier free agents can't do jack until he decides. While I'm sure he's already decided, I don't really care where he goes. The Heat thing would be cool, especially watching them try to field a team with three superstars and 12 minimum level "veterans"; the Bulls could work, but I actually like that team so I'm hoping he doesn't; him going to the Knicks would be hilarious because people (New Yorkers) will think they matter again, because we all know the Knicks ever mattering the in the NBA = biggest NBA myth. Well shit, I just wrote a paragraph about LeBron James, does that mean I care where he goes? NO! I really just feel bad for players and teams that want to actually make some moves to improve their teams because LeBron's decision hinders all of that. This article really sums up my thoughts well, just a little more vulgar than I prefer.

Another big myth is that Mike Miller is a shooter. I remember seeing him hoist approximately 7 three pointers last season, which is why I'm confused that he is in such high demand. Please take him away and overpay him. The Knicks and Cavs are going pretty hard for him, using the knowledge that he and LeBron are pals as a way to lure LeBron or surround him with capable "shooters". How can LeBron be friends with anyone but himself? Maybe I just don't get it.

To no one's surprise, Ray Allen resigned with the Celtics for 2 years and $20, which is totally reasonable and awesome because he deserves every penny. Screw all haters who watched him play for the first time during the Finals and think he's done. Don't hold your breath for Ray Allen fail-fest round 2 because it is NOT coming. The Celtics will be back strong next year with Kwame Brown ownage (seriously), so be ready. The Clippers are going to be back strong too! Wait, they haven't been strong since, well, ever, but they now have .500 coach Vinny Del Negro so they will surely have the talent and ability to climb from the depths to mediocrity. Not bad for the Clips. They drafted fairly well, have Blake Griffin returning, an All-Star center in Kaman and my guy Baron Davis healthy, so no excuse for less than mediocrity from these guys this year. Other than these little tidbits, all I have left to say is that Evan Turner kind of sucks thus far (I've actually watched some Summer League and I know its fairly meaningless, so hush). My hopes are that my next post comes soon and have some interesting Summer League points since I've actually watched more than some of it. These are just my hopes though, I hope I don't get my hopes up.

Go Hard or Go Home

I bet ya'll didn't expect me to put some mushy personal reflection junk on my blog. Well surprise, because a lot has been going on and it may explain my blogging hiatus (see last blog post date). I've been working harder than I've been partying, and the permanence of that is slowly setting in.

This summer season has been pretty amazing and already has been better than those passed. Simply put, things are finally going my way and I'm taking advantage of it. Starting off with a week in Palm Springs, CA and then another week in Outer Banks, NC was perfect. I wish I stayed on top of the blog better so I could recap both trips, but truthfully most of it isn't made for the public...except Jonathan jumping off a second story balcony (I wish I had a video of that). I was in Palm Springs for my cousins wedding and it was absolutely beautiful. It was pretty hot, but the scenery with the mountainous backdrop was breathtaking, along with the palm trees and wonderful wedding reception made the heat a non-issue. Speaking of which, it's pretty hot in MD right now, around 103 degrees? And I think it's supposed to stay around there so it's time to hit up the pool on the regular.

Anyway, it was my first time visiting Outer Banks, and hostess Romina picked out a great spot for us. There was about 15 of us, and the house was about three miles from any roads, so we got to sandbuggy Jonathon's expedition. We grilled everyday, the waves were massive and wild horses were wandering about the area. Just a great experience with people I become better friends with each day. Can't wait till round 2. Some other adventures I had included getting kicked out of the Kentland's Tiki Bar, which was pretty absurd. Then last weekend, spent the evening in Adam's Morgan at District, where I had fun with Arya, Kadima and Vir, and even more fun on the metro. I get attacked out of nowhere by a destroyed Scott Stables, who then proceeded to cross metro cars through the emergency exits, where we met with Will Lee and Jason Furst. Great night with friends new and old.

After OBX though, it was back to reality and back to work. However, much of my time was dedicated to finding new opportunities, such as jobs, school, internships and volunteering opportunities. I struck gold in a couple of those categories, as I was accepted into UMBC for the fall to finish up my bachelor's, and I am currently awaiting a decision on a job opportunity that will allow me to act as a guru for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's social marketing project. I really hope I can get this because not only is it a great resume builder, but I have a personal interest in both social marketing and the CCFA. I believe I have a lot to offer them, including personal experience and expertise. Fingers crossed.

Also upon my return, I had the pleasure of enjoying each NBA Finals game. There hadn't been a 7 game Finals series in a while, and this series was amazing. I found myself rooting for the Celtics, and yes it felt very dirty, but overall I had no personal stake in either team. Watching Nate Rob and Ron Ron do their things was the best part, but unfortunately Peirce was invisible for the most part and surprisingly, Kobe was less than amazing. Watching the Finals makes me that much more excited for the possibilities that come with a new season - aka John Wall. I'll absolutely have more on the draft and a summer league/ regular season preview in the coming days.

Right now I have a ton on my mind: planning for fall semester (classes, living situation, transfer stuff, etc), finishing this summer class, quitting my job, Caleb returning from China, Bobby having surgery, Zach and Daniel's birthdays this weekend and trying to make some money before moving out. This should be a great week once I get all my ducks in a row. Tonight I'm seeing Toy Story with someone special before she leaves the country, Caleb comes home from China tomorrow, and I get to hang with the OG crew this weekend to celebrate some birthdays...life is good.