Movie quotes, and how they relate to sports. Part 1

This is going to be an ongoing trend of me posting some of my favourite movie quotes, and connecting them to things that happen in the NBA or maybe just sports in general. Some of them may be a stretch, just because I want to fit in a great quote, some of them will seem like the movie was written about the NBA itself. If possible, I will include links to the movies themselves, just because its always funnier that way. Here goes nothing!


Terence Baggett: [sniffs] What's that smell?
Lt. Frank Drebin: Oh, that would be me. I've been swimming in raw sewage. I love it... [pause] I LOVE IT!

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This is one of the greatest, and most criminally underrated films of all time - The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear. The context is irrelevant, just the idea of someone loving swimming in raw sewage is hilarious, and unexpected. In the same way, I LOVE the trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans, for the 76ers. Lots of people are ragging on them for getting an injured rookie and a first in return for an all-star caliber PG, but if you think about their ultimate goal, its clear that it was a great trade.

Firstly, I think Jrue Holiday is overrated, and I will never forgive the NBA 2K series for having him be the same or higher rating than James Harden all the way up until about February. Secondly, even if he is as good as his numbers suggest (he's not), is he a player you can build a championship team around? No, he isn't nearly efficient enough, and teams led by PGs that aren't superstars NEVER win championships. So why continue down that road to mediocrity, when you can blow it all up and swing for the fences?

             Whats not to love about 
                     this flat-top?!

By picking up Nerlens Noel, the Sixers get the huge rim-protecter that all contenders seem to have (unless they employ Mr. LeBron James). In addition, they get a second (probably late lottery) first round pick in the upcoming 2014 draft that is expected to be one of the strongest in about a decade. Most importantly, it means that Philly will suck this season! And that means that their first round pick will be even more valuable - probably top 5. Just by giving up Holiday, the 76ers will have dropped by about two spots in the overall standings which means: MORE PING PONG BALLS!

Only 2 teams in the last few years have built themselves into title contenders without the help of a high lottery draft pick or two (Lakers in 05, and Houston this season). Clearly, tanking and getting a productive player with potential on the prohibitive rookie contract is the best way to build a championship contending team. 

Once Boston trade Rajon Rondo (happening soon, or maybe he will be out 'injured' for an extended period),  the Celtics and the 76ers are going to battle it out for the top spot in the draft, and that will suit both management teams fine. They know now is not the time to win, so why try and force it - *cough* Lakers *cough*.

Rhys T-J