The Gauntlet in the Garden!

You can't turn on ESPN or basically any news station without seeing something about the brawl. While one part of me wants to stay away from the subject due to more overexposure than the Olsen twins... I digress

First of all, people need to stop comparing this to the situation in Detroit. That was a complete riot and this was a scuffle between a few heated players. As many people have pointed out in recent days, fights used to be normal within basketball. Teams had goons much like hockey and even the stars like Bird and Barkley would be known to thrown down. This is not uncommon by any means and is more knee-jerk reactions by people who have been waiting for another fight with bated breath. Calm down people! In the heat of the moment with testosterone raging like wild fire, things do happen.

More than anything, all I could think about beyond the fact that Nate Robinson is Stephen Jackson's midget, crazier brother, was that Carmelo just stepped down a bit in my eyes again. He has always seemed like a punk to me and watching him throw a punch at a guy with his hands down and then run away didn't change that perception. Bill Simmons can swear Mardy was asking for it (which he was), but he reacted like a kid once again. Whether he refuses to enter a game, calls out AK47 or cheap shots someone, his true character always comes through. His veiled apology through his PR person didn't help either. His talent is immense but his attitude, much like Kobe's, will always shine through.

As for Zeke and G Karl, they just need to duke it out in a cage. I kid, I kid. There are always unspoken laws in sports. You don't stare at home run balls and you sit your starters when you're up by 10000 points. George and Zeke are both known for being, well, not the greatest guys and this just demonstrated that. George should have sat his boys and there should not have been orders given to foul any Nuggets that entered the paint.

The suspensions where harsh but I do agree with the NBA in some degree. You hate to see this with the game you love because people will only say the continual stereotypes you already hear about the game. "It's too black", "They are all thugs!", etc, etc. All I want is for people to see the true beauty and art of the game and not judge an entire league on a few incidents. When fans of other games point fingers, they can't deny the criminals and steroid users in football and baseball. All games have their dark pasts but basketball honestly may be the cleanest of them all in reality.

I thought I would give the season twenty games or so before I looked back at my projections and analyzed how things are going thus far. Some are right on while others...... I don't want to talk about it but I must.

Rookie of the Year Prediction: Adam Morrison

Rookie of the Year Thus Far: The stache

This is an award by default. It's like giving a ribbon to a kid who didn't place in the top three but is just "special". Ammo has had his moments for sure but he is sputtering recently like George Jetson's flying briefcase. He also needs to start boarding a bit more and distributing the ball as well. Most of this will come with weight work as well as time within the system. Bargnani is playing good ball in spare minutes and the same goes for John Hollinger's man crush, Paul Milsap.


Most Improved Player Prediction: Josh Smith

Most Improved Player Thus Far: Andris Biedrins

Josh has teased us, or been a "tantilizer" like Bill Simmons would say. If I were a Hawks fan I would feel like a highschooler again that had the captain of the cheerleading squad that would flirt but never fully commit to a date. You see that potential there but she doesn't. His break out year may be a year away which is good news for Suns fans that stare at Hawks box scores hoping for a lose.

Some people will claim Monte Ellis here, which is fair, but he doesn't do much for me beyond scoring ability. Andris is boarding like man, blocking shots and making shots when he gets opportunities. He has to work on his free throw stroke but his numbers have been amazing since Nellie gave him some burn.


Defensive Player of the Year Prediction: AK47

Defensive Player of the Year Thus Far: Emeka Okafor

I haven't seen a 100 block game from him in a little bit but he has put up some insane numbers already this year. He had 8 blocks against Dallas, seven against the Big Easy and 6 against Indiana. It's good to see him healthy and playing well since he's such a stand up guy. Speaking of healthy...

I feel for you Jazz fans. You expect big things from AK47 and he ends up hurt again and he is struggling to fit within the system with everyone back. Then again, you have the best record in the league... so I don't pity you.


6th Man of the Year Prediction: Leandro Barbosa

6th Man of the Year Thus Far: Leandro Barbosa

He has started a bit this year but he has been instant offense off the bench. He's averaging 17 points to go along with 4 assists per game. This is super encouraging for Suns fans because beyond scoring, we never really wanted to see him handle the ball or have to make a decision. It would be like handing George Bush the rock and letting him dictate things. He will always be more of a scorer but his vision and point guard instincts are improving daily.


MVP Prediction: King James

MVP Thus Far: Steve Nash

You can call homerism on this but Nash is putting up insane numbers. He's already had a 20 assist game and then followed that up with a 43 point game. He does all the right things to win and always gives the Suns a chance in every game. He will lead the league in assists again and there is a chance he will be the first 20 and 10 guy since Timmy Hardaway back in 92. He's got skillz!


Finals Matchup: Suns vs. Pistons

The real finale will be in the Western conference finals but I had to pick someone from the East. You could honestly throw a pick up squad out there and they would have a chance to at least be a 5th seed in the East. I still go with the Suns because they have been through the wars the last couple seasons and Amare is beasting again. If you need any proof of this, watch the Magic game as he pushes Dwight Howard around like his little brother. The Jazz, Spurs and Mavs are all solid but with an inside/outside game going in Phoenix, we are really tough to beat. They are even playing a little defense! Writers won't admit to it but they are greatly improved in this area with Kurt, Raja, Shawn and Marcus Banks around.


Others Shocks and Surprises!

I'm glad to see that the NBA finally listened to the players and brought back the old ball. I understand not wanting to slaughter animals for a game but at least take your time and properly test balls. There is no rush and this will ultimately dictate how the game is played in the end. I only hope the players can adjust quickly to bringing back the old ball once again.