FanNation

on cheating

First, read this (another quality post from Josh).

As for performance enhancing drugs (p.e.d.), I certainly can't disagree with Josh that they probably get used a lot more than we'd like to think. where i don't totally agree, though, is in thinking that these guys do things that can't be done otherwise.

Have you ever watched the Shaolin monks (the real ones, not the movie guys with wires and special effects)? Or other martial arts experts who compete at a high level? I seriously doubt there is much p.e.d. use in those activities, and the things they do seem inhuman, nearly impossible.

Watch Out for the Mavs

I think Dallas has made some very smart moves that solidify their roster and put them in an even stronger position to contend this season. It's clear to me that they took the lessons of the '06 Finals to heart, and they are determined to create a roster that can go the distance.

They added solid veteran help off the bench in Croshere, and Johnson can compete for starting minutes with the play he showed in last year's series against NJ. Add Buckner and George to the mix and I think these guys will make a lot of noise. San Antonio and Miami proved that depth makes a huge difference when making a title run, and these moves remind me a lot of what S.A. has done in the past few seasons to stay dominant. Look out everyone, Dallas is serious.

Tired of Waiting

Right now it's all about waiting. NBA training camp is still a ways off, never mind the actual season. But just some new rumors, useless speculation, or hype would be better than this.

WRC, my other favorite thing to watch and imagine myslef actually doing at the level that makes it worth watching, is also quiet these days. They have a two-month break this summer and don't hit the roads in Germany for another week.

If you've never watched any rally car racing I would highly recommend you download some of these torrents and check it out. Great driving action, beautiful scenery, rabid fans. Nascar has nothing on these guys. They pilot compact 4-cylinder, four-wheel-drive cars on real roads at over 100mph. They drive on gravel, asphalt, even snow. Soon they'll be back in action and I'll have more to watch.

Shhhh! The NBA Is Sleeping

You know things are quiet in NBA news when we get a softball interview with Stephon Marbury on Regis & Kelly. He'll be selling cheap signature shoes, apparently. Good for him, I say. We all know a pair of Nike's costs a few dollars to produce in Asia, and Nike gets to pocket a nice fat margin on every pair. Hard to imagin budget sneakers getting much cachet, though.

As for trades, Al Harrington is about the only one left on the free agent market who can generate much excitement, and has fired his agent. He was supposed to be heading to the Pacers, but it sounds like his agent messed that up, and now the deal may be in question.

For us Celtics fans, there's this interesting bit in the Boston Globe where McMillan talks about why giving up Telfair works for the Blazers. Interesting comments on Telfair, his style of play, and his value. This is nice praise:

"Boston got a good player and a kid with a heart. He's fearless. He wants to take the big shots. Once he consistently learns to knock down his perimeter shot, it will be very difficult to defend him."

Let's hope it pans out that way for the C's.