While We’re Waiting aims to be the round-up of the recent WFNY-esque information for your morning viewing. DP takes a stab at it this morning. If you like these links, thank DP. If you don’t, it was all Scott’s fault. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email in the sidebar.
Perhaps we haven’t given the Nard-Dawg enough credit: “According to a source familiar with the situation, the Giants no longer see any hope of acquiring … Cleveland receiver [Braylon Edwards] and are moving forward with their plans to take a receiver early in the NFL draft. The sticking point still appears to be GM Jerry Reese’s refusal to part with the Giants’ first-round pick and the Browns’ refusal to take anything less. It’s pretty much been that way since Reese and Browns GM George Kokinis first talked about Edwards in February, but until very recently there was at least some optimism inside the Giants’ organization that one of the two sides would blink. Reese has no plans to blink, the source said, and the Giants are now convinced that Kokinis won’t either.” [Ralph Vacchiano/NY Daily News]
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Along those same lines: “Why would the Browns schedule last-minute workouts with borderline first-round receivers Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia? It might be no coincidence that those trips took place after the Browns visited in Berea with Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, the draft’s No. 1-rated receiver. According to a source, the Browns were so put off by [Michael] Crabtree’s world-revolves-around-me attitude that coach Eric Mangini elected to extend the search for a receiver. If the Browns do complete the much-discussed trade of Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants, they probably would acquire the Giants’ first pick at No. 29. Hicks, Britt and Massaquoi are projected for the late first round, early second round.” [Tony Grossi/Plain Dealer]
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Someone should tell the Pistons’ starters they believe they can win: “Up, 2-0, in their first-round playoff series, the Cavs may be in danger of relaxing a bit as they prepare for a weekend on the road. [Ben] Wallace doesn’t want to let that happen. ‘I know that team, they never lacked confidence,’ said Wallace, who spent five seasons in Detroit, won a championship in 2004 and reached The Finals again in 2005. The Pistons have won 15 playoff series over the past six years in reaching at least the Eastern Conference finals each season. ‘They always believe they can win,’ Wallace said, ‘regardless of what the situation is.’” [Brian Windhorst/Plain Dealer]
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Think the Pistons don’t miss Chauncey Billups? “Chauncey Billups is a terrific defender, but common sense would tell you that [Chris] Paul could run circles around him. Nene is one of the game’s stronger interior defenders, but the Hornets’ best post scorer loves to float out to the perimeter. And, most importantly, when you’re not staying in front of Chris Paul 100% of the time, the supporting cast suddenly becomes supercharged with the ability to catch the ball in their ideal spots on the floor. He’s just magical like that. Somehow, Chauncey and Dahntay Jones have kept the league’s best point guard in check by bodying him up, staying in front of him, and funneling him into the help defenders. Help defenders that include Carmelo Anthony (who used to be terrible at defense), Kenyon Martin (the guy who loves blocking but used to always leave his feet and/or throw blocks out of bounds instead of saving them), and the Birdman (…BIIRRRRRRRRRRRDMAN!). These are the defensive masterminds that have somehow captured Chris Paul in a bottle, and thrown David West into the stocks.” [Rob Mahoney/Hardwood Paroxysm]
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And finally, on a personal note, I will do my best: “I wanted to make sure everyone saw this message from a poster named ‘GoodVybes’ over on HF: ‘CBJ fans, remember this time right now and hold it your head. Think about last year, were you this mad about how your team played last night? NO! Your team was playing golf or off on fishing trips. Your team had its best season ever, weathered adversity better than anybody in the hockey world thought it would. Your team broke through to the playoffs for the first time ever. Yes, its getting beat up right now, and its flaws are being exposed. Has your GM sat idly the last two years? Is this the same team he took over? No and No. [GM Scott] Howson and [coach Ken] Hitchcock have turned this team around, they are forming an identity and building for long term success. Look at who is ready to come into the line-up, is there a step backwards there? This team will make the playoffs next year and it will be better. Now, take that image of this moment and hold it, remember it a year from now, and be ready to enjoy the success that will come.’” [Light the Lamp]
