Friday August 8 2008 - 12:05pm Eastern
Alright, we’re gonna try this again … a LIVE blog while I’m hosting “The Bridge” from 1:00pm-4:00pm on the FAN.
Check back in about an hour when I’m on the air and feel free to leave any questions or comments below.
E. Smith
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Hey Eric,
- KyleI was just thinking about our potential starting 5 and it got me to thinking: Can you think of a better defensive starting lineup in the league than Jose, AP, Moon, CB4, and JO (strictly based off the defensive abilities of each player, not how its gonna work in the team defense as we don’t know that yet)?
And secondly, with the additions of Shaq in PHX and JO in TO, I think the Raps and Suns might be the most similar teams in the league: Jose vs Nash
AP vs Bell
Moon/Kapono? vs Diaw/Hill?
Bosh vs Amare
JO vs Shaq
The Suns are more experienced and better offensively while the Raps are a team on the rise and probably better defensively, but their are alot of similarities. It should make for an interesting matchup between the 2 I would think. Could you think of another 2 teams that are built this much alike?
Hey Eric,
I can’t call in today. But my mother is someone who is always very passionate about the Olympics in general. However these games in China even she is not all that excited about it. She use to tape all the games. Back when I was in college she stayed up to watch events live and as I was off to school in the morning she would be going to sleep. If she is not excited about these games that speaks volumes to me as she has been excited about every Olympics I can ever remember.
- James BorbathEric, do you think this current U.S Basketball team will win the gold medal at Beijing?
- andrewKyle
I see where you’re going but I’m not sure I agree. Moon tailed off in his D and needs to step it up again and Jose is not exactly a defensive stopper. That’s probably the biggest component of his game that he needs to work on.
All that said … I don’t think Moon will start anyway. I think Kapono will get the nod.
Finally, I think there are similarities with some of those players … but I don’t know if I see it with Bell/Parker, and Bosh/Amare specifically
Thanks for the comment though
Have a good one
- E. SmithI think I’m a lot like your Mom James!
I just don’t care
- E. SmithHey Eric.
Love the show…keep up the good work.
I’ll watch some Olympic events…not necessarily for the sports, but if it looks like an athlete from a small country like Burkina Faso is going to upset the American, Canadian, Chinese and Russian participants, that gets me interested.
Plus, don’t know if you saw it, but today’s torch lighting ceremony was cool. Reminded me of when Ali did it in 1996 in Atlanta.
Cheers.
- Red Sky DesignAndrew … I think the US wins gold. Yes.
- E. Smith“Red Sky” … I’ll give ya that … the torch lighting was very cool.
- E. SmithI’m just wondering why you arn’t interested in the Olympics that much?
- andrewI’m just not into a lot of the sports Andrew. And I’m not convinced that a lot of the athletes are clean; and I don’t like “judged” events either!
- E. SmithHey Eric,
- Cole VandenBygaartI want to know your opinion on volleyball being one of the most watched sports in the olympics. I know that fact sounds ridiculous but it’s all true. Which variation would you like best: Beach or court?
Hey Eric…
Thanks for the reply. Here’s something else to chew on:
These games in Beijing should have gone to Toronto. The IOC was desperate to get them to China, so Toronto was passed over. A friend worked on the bid, who admitted when they saw that China was bidding - it was basically a moot point.
If the games were awarded to Toronto, would you/and some of your listeners still be feeling apathetic towards the Olympics?
Thanks and cheers.
- Red Sky DesignWhat do you mean by judged events?
- andrewHey, Eric,
- TomI would clear up a specific case for Yao Ming, he gave everything to his country, and I think he definitely earned his right to be the flag bearer. Even if he make millions of dollars, it’s not relevant when a man like Yao who trained hard and played hard for his country. Let alone the fact that he contributed back to his country when they needed every help possible in the wake of earthquake. So I think it’s perfectly appropriate for him to be a flag bearer.
It would be nice to see other professional athletes giving back to their countries. I hate to mention Steve Nash here, but what he did for Canada is really dwarfed in comparison to Yao.
Cole - I enjoy beach. And not because of the swimsuits (on the ladies) … I just enjoy the ‘competition’ of watching just TWO people try and cover the entire playing surface.
- E. Smithtru dat ric
- Cole VandenBygaartAndrew - Events that are judged … uhhh … by judges!
- E. SmithWhat events on the olympics might you be interested other then basketball?
- andrew“Red Sky” … I’m sure folks would be more interested if the Olympics were being held here. And it would have cleaned up our freakin’ waterfront too!
- E. SmithTom - Good point about Yao. He’s done a ton of the country - even if it wasn’t always be choice!
- E. SmithI think Yao consciously chose to serve his country, he has the option to put less on his body (and I think he should’ve) but he still risks injury and go out there, so, I think he can serve a role model to a lot of professional athletes.
- TomAndrew … not much. Basketball, Tennis, Boxing, Volleyball … and … that’s about it. A little bit of track.
- E. SmithTotally unrelated to anything, check this out. It’s long … but I found it funny …
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3515780
- E. SmithOh man, the Atlanta Hawks might be the laughing stock of the nba. They lost Josh Childress and they’re about to lose Josh Smith to an offer sheet by Memphis.
- andrewI can’t imagine Atlanta won’t match
- E. SmithEric, which teams in the east other then the raptors have improved the most.
- andrewI like what Milwaukee has done … and Chicago has GOT to be better
- E. SmithWhat about Philly?
- andrewIf folks have questions about J.O’s health in Toronto … then I have questions about Brand’s health in Philly
- E. Smith“I don’t like “judged” events either!” A ref in a basketball game is a judge! Not sure how you can see it any different.
- S. AndrewsEric, what will you do if the USA basketball team dosn’t win gold in Beijing?
- andrewI actually made mention of that earlier in the show S. Andrews … in the first 10-15 minutes. A ref is a judge in many ways.
- E. SmithWhat will I do if USA doesn’t win? I don’t know. I won’t do anything … it means nothing to me if they win or lose … I have no vested interest other than as a ‘fan’
- E. SmithWhat are your expectations for Jermaine O neal for this season?
- andrewIf you had to pick one. Bleach, Nevermind, or In Utero?
- S. AndrewsHi Eric,
This may be a bit off topic but do you think that the Detroit Pistons, as currently constructed, still have enough left in the tank to have another 50+ win season, E.C. finals, etc? Or do you think a rising team Orlando, Toronto, Cleveland or Philly will take over that #2 spot? (behind the Celts, of course)
- AmandaHere is a question for you Eric. What are your thoughts on how the NBA has done in using the Olympics as a marketing tool. In my view they have done a much better job than the NHL has been able to do. The one thing I did notice in the boring opening to the games was how much we saw the various NBA guys. That is some great global marketing. David Stern had to smile watching that.
- James BorbathS. Andrews … I’m going with In Utero.
Though I’m a big fan of the MTV Unplugged album too. A good chill album
- E. SmithAmanda … good question. I like the young guys they’re bringing along like Stuckey and Maxiell but I think they’re due for a bit of a slide. They’re still a top 5 team in my eyes but they could be taken out of their usual 1 or 2 slot
- E. SmithJames … whether it’s intentional or not, it’s all good. The NBA doesn’t decide who holds the flags and such; and the players - with all of their millions - are the ones that have to commit the time and effort to going over there and representing their respective countries … but … in the end … it all looks good for the NBA!
- E. Smithhey Eric,
Love the show, quick question. Do you think Bosh will be ready for camp this year with the olympics taking a toll on him?
- Sasi THe should be fine Sasi … he’ll still have a month of rest before camp opens
- E. SmithAnother successful LIVE blog! I’m off the air in 5 minutes … after 4pm … I’m outta here!
If you got in with a question or comments … thanks.
- E. SmithAlright, it’s 2 minutes early, but I’m outta here.
Have a good weekend folks
Eric
- E. SmithEric,
I love your beard. I wanna sport one too but I kinda find it hard to maintain it. So how do you maintain yours? What kinda razor/machine do u use and how often you use it?
- Beburg aka The 88mph manI’m gonna assume you’re joking! But it was a good one!
- E. Smith#45. I am 100% serious. Beard looks cool on ya. And I really find it hard to maintain mine. Girls love it man.:)
- Beburg aka The 88mph man