It’s Trizzzzy here. Wait. You might be asking yourself “Isn’t Matt K. supposed to be doing this article?” Well, yeah.  But see Matt K is doing Matt K things and is getting intimate with some 16th century pre-Germanic/post-Moor romance novels (I’m guessing) for college.  So, bottom line, he’s busy and ya’ll cats get me this weekend as the substitute gangsta.  It was a busy week here at the I GO HARD NOW offices, so let’s not waste anymore time reviewing the week that was.

Our Joints:

Good – Pain and Suffering in a Short Season and The Lockout: Impacting Stats

It’s a tie!  Yep, a tie between Alex’s article looking into how the short NBA season is affecting player injuries and Charty McGraph’s statistical firestorm looking into how the short season is affecting scoring, pace, offensive output and many other stats that go deeper than Mr. Marcus.  I feel like they dovetail nicely like chocolate and peanut butter.  Good on their own, even better together.

Better –  Mourning the Death of the Trade Rumor

So Boosh mourned the death of the NBA trade rumor.  Or, as I like to call it, “Boosh drops a digit on Chris Broussard.”  I hate to pick on Broussard (not really) but in reality Boosh’s point that sourcing has gotten lazy is spot on. Reporters for all sports seem to just use the generic “sources tell me” line.  Technically, a “source” could be the McDonalds drive-thru guy  or their own mother.   As our own friend Elastyk would tweet: SMH.

Best – How to Lose a Superstar

Angelo takes a trip down memory lane by breaking down how the Nuggets, Raptors, Jazz and Cavs all handled losing their franchise players.  It’s really good analysis.  One of the main things to take away from the article is that teams that just absolutely know they can’t keep their franchise guy should just cut their loses and get something good in return.  I won’t spoil the article too much, but lets just say the Nuggets are poppin’ bottles.

Their Joints:

Bad – Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston on LeBron and Pat Riley playing nice.  Bill. Look bro. It’s been a couple years. I’m over LeBron.  We have this new kid named Kyrie who is pretty darn good.  I don’t care if LeBron and Pat Riley aren’t getting along.  Yeah, in hindsight, LeBron might regret leaving Cleveland, but for now he is in Miami.  His problems should not be taking up space in Cleveland’s newspapers.  Let it go, Bill.

Good –  It’s a tradition unlike any other.  No, I’m talking about The Masters, I’m talking about Philadelphia’s annual WING BOWL!  Always held the Friday before the Super Bowl, the Wing Bowl is a mix of disgusting eating displays, people drinking too much and boobs. Lots of boobs.  For me, the best parts include the WWE-style entrances the contests make  and their names — including my personal favorite and five-time champ, “El Wingador.”

Podcast! Podcast! Podcast! – Check out the 10th episode of the IGHN Weekly All-Star Bonanza with special guest Chris Towers from CBS Sports.  Lots of good basketball talk.  That’s why you’re here right?

YouTube-y Things –  In honor of Grantland’s awesome profile of everyone’s favorite urban philosopher, Young Jeezy, here’s my favorite joint:  ”All White Everything”

Extra Stuff! - You know I wouldn’t leave you without a parting gift.  Just because, here are some pictures of John Legend’s fiance, Chrissy Teigen, seductively doing jello shots and eating cheese cake.  You. Are. Welcome.

Until next time…