Drawings from the Notebook of Chris Grant (episode 15)
2011-09-10The following contains both a tribute to and a musing on Cavs PF Luke Harangody.
Here is the tribute: An illegally procured copy of XXL’s new LH cover.
Initially, I’d planned to make cover art for a fictitious Harangody rap album (tentatively titled, “SPF-44”), and I wrote the following faux-review excerpts to paste on the cover:
-“Incomprehensibly white.”
-“I bought this in a grocery store parking lot.”
-“Better than Ron Artest’s album.”
I couldn’t fit them all in and so I went with the magazine.
Okay, now for the musing.
I read and loved Kevin’s excellent series on Cavalier “Diamonds in the Rough,” and if I valued having an honest relationship with myself, I’d probably go ahead and admit that I think he’s right in his assertion of Luke Harangody (In case you don’t remember, it’s: At best, a “starter for a second place team in the German League.” Which is harsh, but fair. The German League places a premium on undersized, un-athletic 4’s.).
But since I traditionally lie to myself to suit the needs of any individual moment, here’s one potentially more optimistic stance/comparison that I think is somewhat grounded in reality.
Luke Harangody is Brian Cardinal; he’s just too young for us to see it yet.
My theory?
Cardinal, the funnily shaped, self-deprecatory, 34-year-old 10th man had so little “legacy” invested in a Finals win that it ultimately enabled him to perform with surprising effectiveness if only because he was one of the only guys on the court unaffected by the magnitude of the moment. He didn’t win the Finals (he played 30 total minutes), but he helped.
Is it possible that all Harangody is missing by way of comparison is the self-awareness that comes with being a bit-player for 11 NBA seasons?
In my mind, the number one most incriminating Harangody statistic is his current 38.4% shooting percentage. Not good for an interior player.
Brian Cardinal’s career shooting percentage? 41.3% (and he’s 6-8 too).
The key note to take away is that while 40% shooting from a power forward is bad, it doesn’t hurt as much when he’s only taking three shots a game.
With his unique combination of toughness and self-awareness, Brian Cardinal has quite probably now affirmed his status as the best 10th man in basketball.
I believe it’s possible that we’ve found someone similar, we just need to let him age. (And also, maybe send him to the Groundlings. Brian Cardinal is funny.)
…………………
Thanks for reading everyone!
(Picture by CFAAP.com and colors by AJS.)
(Also see, related picture: “Black Luke Harangody.”)
(One last note: I realize I’m posting this at 12:00 AM on the 10th anniversary of September 11th, and though I am probably in no position to substantively comment on it, nor is this the place to substantively comment on it…consider this my best wishes to any and everyone who may have been affected, however they were affected. May the world keep getting better.)
Thanks guys! @ Kevin: I think that’s what we’re saving up our FA money for…signing Harangody. ps @ everybody: Roster of our building blocks with each guy in what I think to be their optimum roster position… 1 – Kyrie Irving 2 – 3 – 4 – Tristan Thompson 5 – 6 – Andy Varejao 7 – Casspi 8 – Gibson or Sessions 9 – Semih Erden 10 -Harangody 11 – Samardo Samuels 12 – Eyenga or Manny Harris (?) We’re Anthony Davis, a versatile wing and a capable 5 away from being really, really good! ps- I actually started… Read more »
The was really funny and I completely understand how you choose to lie to yourself versus the logic of the Diamonds in the Rough. I do/did the same thing.
Also, I like your simple and well versed thoughts on Sept 11th. This isn’t the place to talk too much about it, but it shouldn’t go unmentioned either.
Nice Work!
Ryan,
This was funny. The CD cover would have been great too. Also it’s good to know that I’m up to at least 5 people that read AND enjoyed the “Diamond in the Rough” stuff.
Brian Cardinal played 200 minutes total in his first three seasons. Then his fourth year he hit 44% of his threes, and got signed to a 6 year, $35 million contract. If I was Harangody’s agent, I would strongly advise him to follow that route.
Too funny dude, keep up the good work. My next fantasy hoops team might have to be named “Team Haran-G.O.A.T.-y”