Kobe Bryant aka The Black Weasel & JR Smith JR

Kobe Taking More (Cheap) Shots

No, I'm not saying Kobe should have been suspended for his elbow to the "R" on Artest's jersey, but Mr. Bryant is a flat out punk when it comes to physical play. This isn't the first time Kobe hit his opponents with subtle jabs and elbows, he even did the same to Shane Battier - one of the league's classiest players - in the series opener. Right after last night's game though, I was fuming to my boy Stephane about the Black Weasel's antics and he responded saying "oh you mean he was being smart?" ...Yes I agree it was a smart tactic, but it was also a cheap shot. Jordan got under his opponents skin by talking trash and in the eloquent words of Eddie House "busting their ass." This is just one of the few reasons Kobe isn't liked by his fellow players and sometimes even his own teammates...Don't believe me? Just ask Shaq, Reggie Miller or my main man Chris Childs.

JR Smith JR

Lost in all the fights and suspension hoopla yesterday was the ejection of Rockets Guard Von Wafer - by his OWN coach. Apparently, a distraught Wafer had words with Coach Adelman and the Rockets Head Coach soon had enough and sent him to the showers early. For those that don't know, this kid Wafer has a trail of attitude problems that is very like the old (knock on wood) JR Smith in Denver. Both former McDonald's All-Americans, great talents with range and crazy hops, but also possess the same knucklehead mentality that has slowed down both their careers significantly. But here's to hoping that this was just a hiccup in what has been a very successful season for Von so far. The Rockets without Tracy McGrady need all the fire power they can get, so keep your head in the game young gun.