(Editor's Note: In a previous post -- Tick Tock, Tick Tock....Get off of Kobe's Jock -- I mistakenly labeled Lakers fans the most ignorant in the NBA.  While I still maintain they are pretty damn stupid, the Mavericks fans are slowly making a case for themselves.  Today I play the role of psychologist as we dig into the mind (or lack thereof) of the Mavs fan)

Before I begin this rant, I'd just like to point out that Mark Cuban is the perfect owner for the Dallas Mavericks as he epitomizes the city of Dallas and its fans: rich, arrogant, insecure, superficial, with an undeserved sense of entitlement.

Approaching a decade into the Mark Cuban Era of the Dallas Mavericks, one that has been relatively successful, the Mavericks finally have a team considered to be legitimate championship contender.

Yet, for all the growth the city of Dallas and its Mavericks have accomplished as an NBA franchise, deep down inside they still remain the ugly little stepchild who inevitably overshadowed by their siblings.

Displaying a false bravado to overcompensate for years of getting donkey-raped by the league, the Mavs have tried to establish the confident persona similar to the one established by the Lakers only to further reveal the inferiority complex that ultimately resides in all Mavs fans.  And after an initial taste of success, their fans have developed a smug sense of entitlement without having accomplished anything of significance.

The phenomenon, which I will refer to as the "Ugly Red-headed Step Child" complex -- or is it German in this case? -- is not completely new.  After finally defeating their long-time nemesis (The Yankees in this case playing the role of the Spurs), the Red Sox developed the same nasty character flaws now inherent in the Mavericks. 

Although to be fair, at least the Red Sox WON a championship before becoming whiny jerks ya mooks.

To show how deluded the Mavericks and their fans are, let's look at their relationship with the other two teams considered to be in the same elite bracket: The Spurs and Suns.

The Spurs have been the gold standard for the Mavericks for years, with Dallas constantly being compared to their interstate rivals only to be found wanting.  It's like going into a high school where your older brother was the star quarterback, top student, and class president and everyone expect the same from you.

And the Suns are like the younger brother, the sibling who has gotten more leeway with authority and a lot more attention as they begin to blossom into something truly special.  They are where the Mavs were earlier, only with a better idea of how to accomplish things after watching the Mavs muck it up for years.

As the Spurs remain the most formidable threat, just like in years past, the Mavericks have chosen to pretend to ignore them, downplaying their rich legacy while trying to carve out a niche of their own.  Still, deep down you know the Mavs are just waiting for them to flex their muscle and restore things to the way they have always been.

Has there ever been a more coward act in NBA history  -- well, besides Carmelo "Hit and Run" Anthony --than the Mavs not unveiling their WCF banner on opening night? 

And as for the Suns, the Mavericks have developed a deep hatred for them.  The Suns are the charismatic younger brother who stole all the Mavs attention, and not to mention their toys (Steve Nash).  Indeed, the Mavericks fan spends most of his time bashing the Suns and the praise lavished on them.  Why?

Because the Suns are what the Mavs use to be: A talented, exciting bunch hell bent on succeeding in the world by doing it their way.  Only the Suns are a lot better at it. 

And without their familiar identity as the entertaining, loveable team that can't help but amaze us despite the end results -- when you strip that away  -- all you are left with is what ended the 2006 season.

Choke Artists.

(Editor's Note Part II: Notice I did not say the Mavericks were a bad team, only that they had yet to accomplish anything that validates the smug sense of accomplishment that the Mavs fan has displayed.  Furthermore, it amazes me how despite having a brilliant basketball mind in Coach Johnson, who is a dominant personality, the Mavericks still show the loser persona of Cuban when times get tough).

(Editor's Note: This is my obligatory "Let me step in with my high moral standards and be the savior of the FoxSports blogs, and then everyone in the community will give me "props" and kneel before Zod" post.  So, just like JC, here I am to sacrifice myself for your sins...)

We know interrupt this blog site -- which is barely read -- for this important announcement:

The blog of the day post has routinely sucked for a while.  It seems the most popular posts are those that are included in what some of you have dubbed "Blog wars"  -- proving that along with way too much free time at work, you apparently have way too much time at home too.

Seriously, the blogs have become lame as all I read are back and forth bickering, with a few cracks of humor in between.  It's gotten so bad that while I sit here it's almost made me want to do work...honest to God, work!

What once was a respectable site has been transformed into an even lamer version of MtV's alleged hit sho "Yo Mamma"  (Fez should have won an Emmy). 

Now, there are some blogs out there that are genuinely all in good fun, like the brackets, but have caused a lot of contreversy.  A good lesson for those offended by these is don't take yourselves too seriously.  Honestly, the world would be a lot better off if we could just take this advice.

I'm going to use Dust as an example, not because I have a strong opinion of any kind towards him, its just his blogs seem to polarize the most people.  Dude, take it easy and lets talk sports.  If you do indeed live in Cali, grab a laptop, get a hammock, and tell me why the Lakers are going to win. 

Everyone going on his site to complain, he's doing a hell of a job blogging because his site gets top hits on a daily basis.  If he has opinion, let him have it.    If you want to address it, you have your own space.

I no longer wish to read about how some guy in Podunk, USA is going to beat the hell out of some guy in Uknown, USA.  I'd much rather be reading about the romance rumors between Brittany Spears and Mike Tyson, since they're now both officially on the same level of Looney Tunes.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have the sudden sick urge to actually get some work done around here..ugh.

-- We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

About the only thing that rates on these blogs, other than childish fueding that fills the blog of the day board -- yes, it is jealousy, but only because good sports blogs are overlooked in favor of people taking shots at Dusty Outlaw and vice versa -- are good old fashioned rants.

So in lieu of writing a semi-formatted story, I'll sell my soul to be an attention-grabbing whore and just let a good old rant fly, the subject matter -- one that really pisses me off with their ignorance, is Laker fans.

There is no more ignorant fan in all of the NBA than those who root for the purple and gold.  Now I realize that there are Laker fans across the nation, but does that mean that nearly every single one of them have to be as shallow and fake as the city they play in?

What I'm talking about are the heaps and opinions thrown about the internet on a wide variety of subjects, many of which I'll touch on briefly.

The first topic: Kobe "hating"

Now, there are so called "haters" -- for the love of God and the English language can we please stop using that word you freaking mooks -- that are determined to rate Kobe as the worst thing that ever happened to basketball, you know who you are, and you are morons.  But for the most part many acknowledge Kobe as one of the five greatest players in the world today.  Where he is listed in those top five is a point of debate, but that's not the issue here.

The issue here is that most of you so-called Kobe fans are more dedicated to number eig--errr-24 than islamic radicals are to Allah.  And like Al-Queda, you guys have no sense of humor when it comes to the topic of Alla--I mean Kobe.  Heaven forbid we put his likeness in a comic strip and start a riot.

The point is, you guys classify anyone who does not get right down on their knees to (self-imposed blogger edit) and proclaim Byrant as the God of all basketball is considered anti-Kobe (I refuse to use the word "hater" anymore you late 90's ebonic mooks, learn a new word and for the love of God let it be actual English).  In fact, the statement "Kobe is a great player, but I prefer Wade right now" is considered blasephmy, and despite no criticism to Kobe, you are a (bleep).

The second issue: Trade Rumors -- which brings us to the title of the blog as the trade deadline inches closer.

Yes, we all know that Andrew Bynum is the next Shaq -- never mind that you already had the current one, before Kobe made a power play -- but seriously, I am tired of you guys getting off on some wierd idea that a project center, that may or may not ever develop into an all-star, is somehow not worth one of two hall of famers still operating at a very high level.

What am I talking about?  Those that claim that Bynum or Odom are too much to part with for ONLY Kevin Garnett or Jason Kidd.  Get over it, as a mid-tier franchise the Lakers would be so lucky as to have this deal fall in their laps.  For that matter, have you ever stopped to read your own trade proposals.  They usually involve something like this: "I think we should trade Smush Parker, Jordan Farmar, and either Kwame Brown or Chris Mihm for Kevin Garnett/Pau Gasol/Jason Kidd, that's a good deal, no?"

Try posting realistic trade ideas or keep it on Laker fan boards.  No team is taking on your garbage, unless their GM is named Thomas, King, or McHale.  To get one of these players you are going to have to lose something of value.  And this is what irks me.  Every marquee player in the history of the world has to be rumored to go to L.A., and for free to boot.

The only fans more ignorant on this subject are Knicks fans, and I'm under the opinion that they're just suffering from mass delusion after suffering Thomas and Layden for years and that thoughts of Iverson or KG are all that keeps them from jumping off the Empire State Building.  You guys have a good team, so I'm working under the conclusion that you're just stupid.

Which brings us to Lakers fan assessment of their place in the NBA...Reality check:  The Lakers are a good, mid-tier team that is improving.  However, you guys are not Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, or even Utah at this moment.  Kobe Bryant is a great player, but by no means is he God.  He may or may not be the best all-around player in the world, depending on your opinions of Wade, Duncan, or Nash -- of which the first two are far superior to Bryant on the defensive end.

So if you want my prediction for your team, here it goes: The Lakers will trade Jordan Farmar, Chris Mihm, and two protected second round picks for Jason Kidd (can't give up too much for him, you know).  Then they acquire Kevin Garnett for Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, and Smush Parker, with Vald thrown in for salary cap purposes. 

After that, Phillip signs Scottie Pippen who reverts to his mid-90's form.  The Lakers make a huge run going into playoffs sweeping every round with the only contreversy being the one foul they call on Bryant  in game three against Detroit -- cause the refs hate Bryant after all. 

Then when it is discovered that Sash Vuja-vaya-that Euro guys has the same brain type as Michael Jordan and is white, Danny Ainge trades the rights to Greg Oden to the Lakers. 

After all, anything less would be considered Laker hat-oops, almost got me there.

(Editor's Note: This blog is the result of a back and forth argument between me and another blogger.  While most of the time I try and keep topics in story form, this one will be a little more freely constructed as I'm more interested in the discussion then the quality of writing...enjoy and please chime in.)

It says in this corner of the blog world that Kevin Garnett, although a warranted future Hall of Fame player, is overrated.

For years Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale has been looking for a team to build around Garnett, when in fact, he should have been looking for a star that Garnett could complement.

Franchise player is a term that gets thrown around far too easily these days.  It seems that anyone that can pair a scoring average in the high teens with one other competent skill and get a max deal while some team pegs him as the cornerstone of their rebuilding movement.

While Garnett is certainly worthy of praise, and is one of the all-time greats, he is hardly a franchise player. 

Before we get in too deep, let's define a franchise player (FP) first.  A FP must be a Hall of Fame (HOF) worthy candidate, but not all HOF'ers are franchise players.  A FP is one that you can put on any roster and have at least a playoff team on a consistent basis.

Now, for the sake of this arguement let's put Garnett against his most  often compared peer, Tim Duncan.  First we will break down the components of each person's game into five categories: Post offense, Perimeter offense, Rebounding, Post Defense, Perimieter defense -- ranking each one on a scale of 1-10 with one being poor, four being average, seven being All-Star worthy, and 10 being one of the top three at said particular skill.  After we rate them, we'll explain. 

Kevin Garnett (KG)

Post Offense - 6
Perimeter Offense - 8
Rebounding - 10
Post Defense - 6
Perimeter Defense - 8

The strength of KG's game lies in his versatility.  At seven feet tall, KG can do just about everything at a high level of play.  Every individual skill you could want in an NBA player Garnett has at an average to near All-Star level, which makes him a great, complete player.  But if you take a look at each skill on its own, only one stands out as dominant.  Therein lies the problem.  Let's examine.

Post Offense:  In the current NBA era, KG boasts a post up game that is better than half the league, but falls short of the true post players.  His biggest deficiency in this area, and indeed in his whole game, is his lack of bulk, which prevents him from establishing good position against capable defenders.

As a post player, Garnett relies mostly on his length, which he mostly unleashes in the form of various turnaround jumpers.  When on, this particular move is unguardable given his length.  This approach works for averaging 20 ppg, but has its flaws.  Jumpshots, even for the best, are not reliable.  In the clutch, KG's pet move does not draw fouls, double teams, or the highest percentage shot.

In this particular aspect of the game, KG ranks below players such as Tim Duncan, Paul Gasol, Shaq, Zach Randolph, Carmelo Anthony, Eddie Curry, and even Elton Brand.

Perimeter Offense: Again, KG shows no true weakness in this part of the game as every aspect is sound but not at an All-Star level.  As a ball handler, Garnett has shown to be capable as most average NBA point guards, which for a power forward is pretty remarkable.  For his position, he probably only trails Antoine Walker in this department.  Indeed, Garnett is good enough to initiate an offense, which he has done in the past.

As a shooter, Garnett displays a stroke that is legit All-Star caliber, but falls short of being a shooting specialist along the likes of Peja, Dirk, or Kyle Korver.  KG's primary offensive weapon is a jump shot that is impossible to block due to his height and knowledge, has comfortable range out to 19 feet, and is capable from behind the three-point line.  The problem lies in the fact that KG is seven feet tall with his athletic ability and this is his primary weapon.  Again, jump shots are good enough to boost the scoring average, but not reliable in playoff series.

Rebounding:  This is the one area of his game where Garnett is one of the elite.  Despite his thin frame, Garnett uses his length, athleticism, will, and instincts to be one of the best rebounders of his generation.

Post Defense: Like on offense, KG's frame prevents him from establishing position in the paint.  Because of his length, speed, and smarts, Garnett has developed into a more than capable defender here.  However, against some of the better post up players in this league he runs into problems.  While undersized power forwards, and average post players post know threat, the T'Woles are vulnerable to the Zach Randolphs, Al Jeffersons, Tim Duncans, and Dwight Howards of the world.  However, KG is a respectable shot blocker, altering many would be layups at the rim.

Perimeter offense:  While not on the same level as a Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest, or even Trenton Hassell or Raja Bell for that matter, KG uses his long arms and foot speed very effictively on the perimeter,  At seven feet tall he is capable of guarding most guards at a high level of performance.  For that matter, he is also a good help defender, restricting driving and passing lanes while still being able to recover to his own man.

Tim Duncan

Post Offense - 10
Perimeter Offense - 5/6
Rebounding - 10
Post Defense - 10
Perimeter Defense - 6

Post Offense:  Currently Tim Duncan is the best low post player in the game, and second only to Shaq in his era.  While Garnett relies primarily on finesse and athletic ability here, Duncan offers a balance of power moves, hook shots with either hand, and indeed every post move is in his working repetoire.  When one aspect of his post game is not working, TD is usually able to compensate by drawing fouls.  Furthermore, as most of his shots are going towards the basket he is usually in prime position to tip in his own shot.  Unlike KG, in the low block Duncan chews up fouls and demands double teams regardless of the matchup.

Perimeter Offense: While not as good as KG in this respect, Duncan has enough versatility to be a threat.  In the past TD featured a bank shot from 15 feet that was as accurate as any shot in the league, although TD has used it much less and thus, has been more inefficient as the years have gone by.  Overall Duncan is a better shooter than the average big man, which makes him capable, but not up to par with Dirk, Garnett, Bosh, or even a Brad Miller.

Again, while Duncan does not have the creativity of the dribble that KG possesses, he is capable of bringing the ball up the court on occassion, generally makes good decisions, and is an underrated passer. 

Rebounding: Unfortunately for KG, the one area he is truely great at his rival is able to match.  Both forwards are HOF caliber as far as rebounding is concerned. 

Post Defense: With all due respect to Ben Wallace, who may be a better help defender, Duncan has probably been the best post defender of the last seven years, as evident by his selections to several all-defensive teams.  Duncan has the size and quickness to match most post players, is a shot blocker both on and off the ball, and rarely puts himself in position to draw fouls.  Since the retirement of David Robinson, the entire Spurs defense has been predicated on what Duncan can do in the middle.

Perimeter Defense: While not able to step out and guard perimeter players individually, Duncan is good at deterring ballhandlers from getting in the lane with his help defense and able to show on pick and roles and recover to his man.  Again, his footwork his fundamentally sound but his lack of foot speed prevent him from reaching KG levels here.

Conclusion

Never mistake activity for achievement...While Garnett does more things than Tim Duncan, and perhaps more than any other big in the history of the game, Garnett does not have one aspect of his game, other than rebounding, that would be considered HOF material.  So although Tim Duncan can't initiate an offense, shoot threes, or take his man off the dribble, the things he can do he is usually the best in the league at.  As was the case with most franchise players.

As another mark of true greatness, Duncan has lead three vastly different teams to NBA championships and maintained a level of greatness within the Spurs organization. 

So where does that leave us with KG?  Well, his skill set reminds me of another great player who will be a Hall of Famer and is one of the 50 greatest of all-time.  Scottie Pippen.  While we can all appreciate the greatness of Pippen, we all acknowledge that teams were not build around them.  Garnett is simply a souped up, seven foot tall of Pippen.  So what would KG's ideal legacy be?  Why, the greatest sidekick of all time, of course.  A combination of Pippen, Michael Cooper, and Dennis Rodman all rolled into one.  Unfortunately, we've spent so much time looking for his sidekick, we never thought to find a Michael Jordan he could play his Scottie Pippen to.

(Editor's Note: This article has yet to appear, but will debut in June 2007 at a Newspaper near you.  Although events and teams are subject to change, the chances of either are highly unlikely...This is pretty much set in stone)

New York -- Almost 10 years since the Boston Celtics saw franchise center Tim Duncan slip through their hands, Boston was finally awarded with the top overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft.

However, combining a little bit of irony, and two decades worth of tragedy as only the Celtics could, that selection will be neither Kevin Durant or Greg Oden.

In a shocking move, both freshman declared in seperate press conferences late last night that they would be following in the footsteps of Florida superstar Joakim Noah, and put off their NBA careers to return to their college teams.

"I'm having way too much fun here in college, and would regret passing up this positive experience at such a young point in my life," said Oden, whose Buckeyes lost to the Florida Gators in the Final Four.  "I look forward to returning next season and showing what I can do when I don't have one hand tied behind my back."

Texas superstar forward Kevin Durant, the consensus National Player of the Year, will also remain in school after falling just short of a Championship against Noah's Gators last March.

"I'm not sure why anyone would throw away a season to get me," said Durant in response to a chorus of boos from the Boston media.  "I never gave any indication that I was (going pro) early.

Boston general manager Danny Ainge, who has not made a public appearnce since his jubilant "Irish jig" dance following the NBA's draft selection show, has already begun scheduling workouts and entertaining offers for the first overall pick.

Among the first  collegiate players who worked out for Ainge was Pittsburgh's seven foot center Aaron Gray, who averaged 15 points and nine rebounds as a senior.

"We really like Aaron a lot and will continue to evaluate him while keeping all other options open for the time being," Ainge told reporters from an undisclosed location.  "We feel he can contribute immediately and would be fortunate to have him."

Gray, projected to be a late first rounder, saw his draft stock rise in the Celtics scouting evaluations when it was revealed that he has the same brain type as Hall of Famer Hakeem Olujawon.

Ainge, if you recall, once signed forward Brian Scalabrine to a large multi-year contract after he tested as having the same brain type as Michael Jordan.

"The way I see it, is that we already have the next Michael Jordan in Scals, and have the opportunity to get a person who thinks like Hakeem," said Ainge.  "So by my ingenious studies, we are not too far off from recreating the original dream team."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who received a seven year contract extension during the offseason, has expressed his desire to draft versatile forward Julian Wright, in hopes of recreating the Walker/Pierce tandem that once led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals.

Meanwhile, Celtics forward Paul Pierce has been unaviable for comment, but has reportedly been seen attending group therapy sessions with Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, and Lebron James as they try and cope with incompetent GM's that have wasted the prime of their careers.

While fans are understandably sulking in Boston, Knicks fans have begun to take a much more light-hearted approach following a season that saw them improving to 34 wins and an Atlantic Division title.

Chants of "Fire Thomas" has been replaced, at least temporarily, by chants of "At least we're not Boston!". 

In related news, sources within the Knicks organization have reported that Knicks are trying to move  up to target Gray or Nick Fazekas after it was rumored that the Hawks have already guaranteed one of them will be selected with the third overall pick.

The Hawks made a similar deal last year when they selected Shelden Williams with the fifth overall pick.  Williams averaged nearly four points, three rounds, and almost one block in his rookie season.

In unrelated news, the Timberwolves Kevin McHale announced that they have traded their first round selection, eighth overall, for Clippers center Chris Kaman.