The Greatest Not To Be

Words cannot describe it but they can try. 

I believed I could fly. 

I did fly, higher than high. 

Then I fell lower than low. 

Left my hometown on the go. 

Took my talents to South Beach guaranteed rings. 

Guaranteed things since I was king of kings. 

Not one, not two, not three, not four.
Now in troubled waters just looking for the shore.

They all probably think I'm a liar.

"He's so good, so strong, but he has no fire." 

I'm just a man expected to be more.

I try to block it out but I can't close the door.

Nobody can guard me when I have the ball.

Except pressure, that guy's too tall. 

2012 All-NBA Teams

The NBA announced its All-NBA teams today acknowledging 15 NBA players that were honored by being selected for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd team. It was no surprise to see the 1st team headlined by superstars Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant. However, there were a few surprises and players I felt deserving of more recognition in their 2012 NBA campaign. Here's my take compared to the Association's.

NOTE: These teams are based solely on the 2012 season, therefore career statistics do not play a factor in making the annual All-NBA teams. With that being said, injuries do play a factor, for example, the 2011 MVP Derrick Rose missed 27 out of 66 games thus making it difficult to consider him for any of the three teams.

Anyways, here's the NBA's best in 2012...

Lebron James won his third MVP trophy in 2012

All-NBA 1st Team
G Chris Paul - Los Angeles Clippers
G Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers
F Lebron James - Miami Heat
F Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City Thunder
C Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic

I don't have any problem with the 1st team members as they are the best players in the world at their respective positions. I'm just glad David Stern finally allowed Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant to be on the same team together.

Stop The Flop

Somewhere in Serbia Vlade Divac is smiling as NBA players have mastered the art of flopping. And somewhere in Germany Bayern Munich players and fans are living on the wrong end of karma after forward Franck Ribery flopped in yesterday's UEFA Champion's League Final. As the match was nearing its end, Ribery fell to the pitch in an attempt give his team a chance at getting a potential game-winning penalty shot. After the referee had signaled for the penalty shot Ribery was attended to by the ever-so-deliberate medical unit before being taken off the pitch where he would watch his teammate take the shot. As Ribery looked on, the little pain that he was feeling from his "injury" quickly shifted from his foot to the pit of his stomach.

Click HERE to view the entire video of the foul.

Bayern's Franck Ribery drawing a foul in the penalty box

Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech had done the impossible. He made an unbelievable save to keep Chelsea's hopes alive and extend the match into extra time.  After 30 minutes of extra time the score remained 1-1 forcing a penalty shoot-out that would seal the fate for both teams.  In the shoot-out, Didier Drogba - the man who made the "foul" on Ribery and almost cost Chelsea the match - had an opportunity to win the match for Chelsea taking the potential game-winning shot. And, as destiny and karma would have it, Drogba scored the match winner to give Chelsea the Champion's League crown while all Ribery and Bayern Munich could do was watch helplessly.

Summer Sports

Hydrate up.

Now that summer is here or almost here for most of you, I got to thinking which summer activities are the best when the sun's shining, the girls are half naked, and hydration is a must.  The dog-days of summer can be tough on the average athlete but with the right amount of sunscreen, beverage intake, and competitive spirit, dominating the summer athletic grounds won't be a problem for you.

With no further delay, here's a list of the top 5 activities that are perfect for your summertime experience.

Lather up.

 
5. Wiffleball: Oh yeah, some good ol' wiffleball is always a good call.  Careful though, make sure you're arm and beverage are getting plenty of ice after throwing a high-volume of pitches.

4. Tennis: Tennis can be exhausting, but it's a good way to workout and have fun. I'd recommend a headband and any other band you can get your hands on because you're not leaving the court without a good sweat.

Great Time Of Year

For sports fans everywhere how can you not love this time of year?  Spring's over, summer is in full swing and sports are at their peak.  The major league baseball season is fully underway, the Stanley Cup playoffs are bubbling with excitement, and the NBA playoffs are as intense as ever.  Sure, not having football right now kind of stings but I can live with baseball, hockey playoffs, and basketball playoffs.  And if you really want to get rowdy throw in the Champions League final (that's a soccer championship in Europe for all of you Americans).  It's a beautiful time of year to crack open a cold one, fire up the barbecue, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.  Cheers everyone.

Be sure to check out these video clips, they are ALL truly inspiring and entertaining.

"MLB Genrations" Great 2012 MLB commercial 

"Beacuse it's the Cup" Another great commercial - Stanley Cup 2012

NBA Playoffs 2012 "Burn it Down" promo video

MUST-SEE commercial that blends the past and present greats of the NBA

I'm taking off, you take it easy.

Bisq

Friday Funnies

In light of the holiday weekend, here are some funnies to get you ready for the weekend. Those that were inappropriate were left off. Also, RIP Adam Rauch (MCA) founding member of the Beastie Boys. In his honor:

Brought to us by TheHoopDoctors.com here are the top ten bloopers of the NBA season:

A couple of kids doing funny things:

And lastly a story about Jeff Francoeur, who knows how to give back to the fans.

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend. Until next time, this is the Berg just trying to stay relevant.

2012 NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs are here.  The regular season bears no meaning come playoff time, it's lose and you go home, win and you move on.  Teams are fatigued and injured yet rejuvenated and humbled by the thought of winning an NBA championship.  In the playoffs anything can happen, I guess that's the beauty of it right?  Well, unless you're the 2011 Spurs or Lakers or Heat who all lost as favorites in their respective match-ups.  But, it's now 2012 and a new champion will be crowned as basketball's best. Who will it be this year?

Below are my predictions for the 1st round match-ups.  I will track my pick record and update my picks according to the playoff schedule.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Chicago Bulls

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Pick: Chicago Bulls - Even with Rose out for the season Chicago remains a threat because of their depth and defense.

  

4. Boston Celtics 

5. Atlanta Hawks

Pick: Boston Celtics - Boston is too experienced not to get out of the 1st round.

3. Indiana Pacers

6. Orlando Magic

Pick: Indiana Pacers - Dwight Howard is out for the year and the Magic will struggle without their big man.

2. Miami Heat
7. New York Knicks
Pick: Miami Heat - Lebron James and the Heat are on a mission to not only get back to the finals, but to win it all. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. San Antonio Spurs
8. Utah Jazz
Pick: San Antonio Spurs - Playing under the radar works for the Spurs who are a bigger threat than many people think.

4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Paul won't let the Clippers lose in the 1st round (not after off-season talks of being a championship contender).

3. Los Angeles Lakers
6. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers won't get beat in the 1st round two years in a row even without Metta World Peace.


2. Oklahoma City Thunder
7. Dallas Mavericks
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder - Dallas got their ring last year but drew a championship favorite in their 1st round match-up.

I will continue to update my 2012 NBA playoff predictions and keep track of my pick record as the games continue.  Be sure to tune in every night to catch some of the action on TNT and/or ESPN and ABC.

I'm taking off, you take it easy.

Bisq