The Internet’s a wonderful thing. Not only does it host a copy of this funny AT&T commercial, but it also taught me how to say goodbye in Chinese.
So “zai jian” to Yi Jianlian, and good luck (or, “hao yun,” according to the wise old Internet). He’ll be missed, but we’ll get over it. Probably around November.
The trade is a stunner, the kind that left co-workers wondering why I yelled “Wow!” at the computer when the pre-draft news broke. Yi and Bobby Simmons for borderline All-Star Richard Jefferson? Nobody told us Bucks GM John Hammond had prior experience as a thief. What’s next? CP3 for Dan Gadzuric and the rights to Bango?
Yi himself may well be an All-Star someday, but based on what we saw last season, that day’s a few years off. He showed flashes of talent, but was mostly overmatched against NBA players, not an uncommon thing for rookies. And by the time his talent fully develops, his rookie contract will be up, which would be bad news for Milwaukee.
Because Yi re-signing with the Bucks was as likely as me signing with the Energee! dancers.
So why was the trade so unexpected? Because Yi was such a revenue stream that Bucks observers viewed him as untouchable. New draft pick Joe “I love Milwaukee” Alexander may have grown up in China, but I don’t think he’ll be generating courtside ads with Chinese characters. Moreover, some 2,000 unique Chinese visitors per day were viewing the Bucks’ Web site, where they were greeted by more Chinese-language ads and content. Yi also built a bridge between the Bucks and the local Asian community (and it’s for those fans that I feel the most sympathy, because the trade surely disappointed them). And no doubt we’ll see plenty of Yi/Bucks jerseys at the Beijing Olympics.
In other words, Yi may not have brought in the wins, but he certainly brought in the cash.
That Bucks ownership signed off on shutting down that cashflow speaks volumes about Sen. Herb Kohl’s mindset. The notion that Kohl cares only about money, not the team’s success, has never looked more ridiculous. This trade is all about giving up money for success. So perhaps it’s time to lay off bashing Kohl for awhile, seeing as he’s the only reason this team isn’t called the Oklahoma City Bucks.
As for Jefferson, never mind the early reports that he’s unhappy about being traded to the Bucks. After a few brats and beers, not to mention life without New York traffic jams, he’ll get over it. Then he’ll get down to the business of making the Bucks a playoff team once again.
Even if Hammond can’t pull off another trade to improve the Bucks (but remember, once a thief, always a thief), Milwaukee’s already a far better team. And maybe playing alongside two great scorers instead of only Michael Redd can convince Mo Williams that passing, not shooting, is his first option. And Andrew Bogut will be a year better. And maybe Alexander’s work-ethic will rub off on Charlie Villanueva. And I can’t wait to see how young point guard Ramon Sessions develops after playing regular minutes.
The bottom line: It’s not just safe to watch the Bucks again; it should be plenty of fun.
So gan zhi ru yi, Milwaukee. Which, as my friend the Internet says, is an old Chinese saying.
It means “to gladly endure hardships for a noble cause.”
This week’s pop quiz
What did the Brewers say to pitcher Mark DiFelice and his 3.95 ERA on Sunday when his roster spot went to Eric Gagne and his 6.98 ERA?
A) Sorry kid, sometimes life isn’t fair.
B) But we thought you liked Nashville…
C) Sign your own $10 million contract and we’ll talk.
In other news…
Braun closing fast
Ryan Braun continues to streak toward a starting role for the National League All-Stars. Monday’s update reported that he was just 32,925 votes behind Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome for the third and final outfield slot. Regardless of whether Braun catches Fukudome, he’s a shoe-in to make the team as a reserve. And if free-agent-to-be Ben Sheets doesn’t join him, there should be an investigation.
Playing what-if with the Packers
There are two reasons to visit an excellent Web site called WhatIfSports.com. The first is if you want to incinerate most of your free time by playing their excellent sports simulation games. (To my married friends, get the florist on speed dial before you sign up. It’s cheaper than a divorce lawyer.)
But the second and slightly more productive reason is they’re serious about their preview articles, writing them using data generated from thousands of simulated games.When their NBA Finals preview correctly predicted the Celtics would beat the Lakers in six games, it did so with 10,000 games of ammunition. They also nailed this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tourney, hitting seven of the Elite Eight, all of the Final Four and having Kansas over Memphis for the title.
So what does this mean for your Green Bay Packers?
Swallow hard, folks.
The What-If folks peg the Pack as a 9-7 team that finishes second in the NFC North behind 11-5 Minnesota.
And no, Brett Favre does not make a comeback.
But there’s good news, too. They predict rookie QB Brian Brohm to play well while making four starts for an injured Aaron Rodgers. To which I say, just four? I’ve seen plywood that’s sturdier than Rodgers.
Anyway, more good news. What-If predicts Green Bay’s 9-7 record is good for the final NFC Wildcard spot, and that the Packers will win a playoff game. But the run ends in the second round against Dallas, and the Cowboys go on to lose the Super Bowl to New England.
Hmm… Dallas and the Patriots in the Super Bowl? Can I watch figure skating instead?
And finally…
Looks like Wisconsin and Lake Michigan aren’t the only places with algae problems.
But at least our algae hasn’t threatened to shut down the Olympics.
Could it be that the biggest winner from these Olympic Games isn’t an athlete, but the environmental movement? Because surely the stories are just beginning.
Tune in every Tuesday morning during the 6 o’clock hour when I join Doug Russell and Mike Wickett on SportsRadio 1250 AM. And don’t forget to check out our Bar Time column.
