Uh-Oh!
Write it down, stamp it, seal it and call your grandma and tell her that Derrick Rose is ROY.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Crawford for Harrington??
I saw this trade come through on the wire and I don't know what to think. I can somewhat see this from Golden State's standpoint being that Crawford can fill it up and we all know that Nellie likes him some runnin and gunnin. Then again, they have been playing well and the time that players like Anthony Morrow is getting right now is so valuable. Hopefully this won't disrupt team chemistry too much and they can continue to spread the wealth. This will either go very well for them or very bad and I don't really see an in-between. This could be a dynamic back court with Crawford and Ellis running the show, Maggette and Jackson on the wings and Latvian rebounding machine manning the middle. Or this will turn into Crawford gunning too much, Ellis being pissed about a lesser team role, Maggette's leg falling off and Jackson stabbing somebody. Stay tuned...
As for the Knicks, this has to be strictly a salary move. Maybe they just looked around and said, "@#$% it". This means less minutes for David Lee and can someone explain to me why he isn't playing? Is it because he doesn't have a good enough J for coach D? Also, this means more Nate Robinson and I think that is frightening. This is more of a salary cap move than anything else and if I'm the Knicks and I continue to stink, does a great city really justify a high profile signing?
What are you thoughts Knicks and Warriors fans if there are any out there that read the blog?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Al Holy Horford!
Cruising around the boxscores last night, I came across an insane line. Al Horford had 27 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks. He got more looks with Josh Smith being out but Horford has produced more than I thought he would coming out of college. I knew he was talented and had an NBA body but of the big three from Florida (I can't stop saying "big three"!), I thought that Noah would be the best pro and that Brewer could even end up being better than big Al in the end. Boy was I wrong.
While Al continues to rack up double-doubles, Noah just drinks and smokes pot in the streets and Corey Brewer, last I checked, still weighs 111 pounds. This could all turn around of course with a little maturation. Al was obviously ahead of the game physically and is off to an early lead in NBA success among the Florida boys. We'll see how it all turns out but Al is the anchor of an undefeated team and his success needs to be recognized.
-Aaron
Cruising around the boxscores last night, I came across an insane line. Al Horford had 27 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks. He got more looks with Josh Smith being out but Horford has produced more than I thought he would coming out of college. I knew he was talented and had an NBA body but of the big three from Florida (I can't stop saying "big three"!), I thought that Noah would be the best pro and that Brewer could even end up being better than big Al in the end. Boy was I wrong.
While Al continues to rack up double-doubles, Noah just drinks and smokes pot in the streets and Corey Brewer, last I checked, still weighs 111 pounds. This could all turn around of course with a little maturation. Al was obviously ahead of the game physically and is off to an early lead in NBA success among the Florida boys. We'll see how it all turns out but Al is the anchor of an undefeated team and his success needs to be recognized.
-Aaron
NEW SHOW IN TOWN
I was quite excited for my first serving of "Fan Night" on NBATV. A matchup of two of the best teams in the league and a clear choice of the best game of the night - by the fans. Not that I was not flipping over to the amazingly entertaining matchup of the Spurs and Knicks... because I wasn't.
Frankly I really wasn't watching that much of the Lakers and Mavs either, because even though I was, I could not wait to get back to the studio crew of Ahmad Rashād, Gary Payton and Chris Webber.
As much as I love the crew of Chuck, Kenny and Erny, I have never been as captivated as I was by the riveting smack flowing back and forth between The Glove and C-Webb, not to mention the greatest unintentional humor of Rashād trying to keep up. Which is the nice way of me saying Rashād had not been blacker since he popped out of the womb.
Charles may have moves, but GP is a bad Mo'Fo.
Listening to GP and C-Webb do the highlights, was in fact the highlight of my evening. GP had a constant chirp to him. Making sounds I had never heard telecast. While C-Webb could have been called C-Smooth. Offering up a dose of truth to each of The Glove's indiscernible calls.
Whoooooooo... Oh na, son... Oh na... Why you trying to block dat? Why even jump? What you thinkin? No business... dont you know who dat is?
(what i was able to make of GP)
Throwing it down like a man. Cause thats how a man does it.
(C-Webb offered, making me realize Lebron dunking was a life lesson)
I have never asked for much in life, but I remember a Christmas wish list back in 1995 where all I wanted was Sports Center to be done on BET... Well, thanks to NBATV, I did not even have to fake cancer.
Rob McElhenney is going to hell...
I could go on and on about Rashād slinging jive and suddenly acquiring a slur of the street, but really that would be a detractor from the beauty that is the chemistry between GP and C-Webb. How no general manager had the where with all to match these two is beyond me; from the description of New York's salary cap struggles and doomed breakdown of Eddy Curry to their top ten highlight analysis, my life is forever changed in the best way.
Thank you NBATV - See you next Tuesday...
- PALKA
I was quite excited for my first serving of "Fan Night" on NBATV. A matchup of two of the best teams in the league and a clear choice of the best game of the night - by the fans. Not that I was not flipping over to the amazingly entertaining matchup of the Spurs and Knicks... because I wasn't.
Frankly I really wasn't watching that much of the Lakers and Mavs either, because even though I was, I could not wait to get back to the studio crew of Ahmad Rashād, Gary Payton and Chris Webber.
As much as I love the crew of Chuck, Kenny and Erny, I have never been as captivated as I was by the riveting smack flowing back and forth between The Glove and C-Webb, not to mention the greatest unintentional humor of Rashād trying to keep up. Which is the nice way of me saying Rashād had not been blacker since he popped out of the womb.
Charles may have moves, but GP is a bad Mo'Fo.
Listening to GP and C-Webb do the highlights, was in fact the highlight of my evening. GP had a constant chirp to him. Making sounds I had never heard telecast. While C-Webb could have been called C-Smooth. Offering up a dose of truth to each of The Glove's indiscernible calls.
Whoooooooo... Oh na, son... Oh na... Why you trying to block dat? Why even jump? What you thinkin? No business... dont you know who dat is?
(what i was able to make of GP)
Throwing it down like a man. Cause thats how a man does it.
(C-Webb offered, making me realize Lebron dunking was a life lesson)
I have never asked for much in life, but I remember a Christmas wish list back in 1995 where all I wanted was Sports Center to be done on BET... Well, thanks to NBATV, I did not even have to fake cancer.
Rob McElhenney is going to hell...
I could go on and on about Rashād slinging jive and suddenly acquiring a slur of the street, but really that would be a detractor from the beauty that is the chemistry between GP and C-Webb. How no general manager had the where with all to match these two is beyond me; from the description of New York's salary cap struggles and doomed breakdown of Eddy Curry to their top ten highlight analysis, my life is forever changed in the best way.
Thank you NBATV - See you next Tuesday...
- PALKA
Monday, November 10, 2008
ROY???
No disrespect intended here but I didn't think OJ Mayo would produce like this, this quickly. I've gotten so caught up in the rightful hype of Derrick Rose and Mike Beasley that I drifted away from OJ. I have followed OJ closely for years as the child prodigy from West Virginia that was playing varsity ball as an 8th grader. I think after hearing about questionable attitude issues, switching schools and then going to LA, I thought he had gotten too big for himself.
Then stories started leaking out about his work ethic at USC being exceptional and the same thing was echoed during workouts and by coach Mike in Memphis currently. His numbers are backing up the hype as well. The last three games, he's put up 28, 20 and 31 points. I understand that they were playing teams like Golden State and Sac Town but those are impressive numbers nonetheless. It's an early season but he's averaging 19 on the season and shooting a respectable 44%. At the end of the year, he may not win ROY but he should be in consideration and I wouldn't be shocked at all if he keeps putting up numbers like he is. He'll get plenty of time on a bad Memphis team to showcase his all around game.
-Aaron
No disrespect intended here but I didn't think OJ Mayo would produce like this, this quickly. I've gotten so caught up in the rightful hype of Derrick Rose and Mike Beasley that I drifted away from OJ. I have followed OJ closely for years as the child prodigy from West Virginia that was playing varsity ball as an 8th grader. I think after hearing about questionable attitude issues, switching schools and then going to LA, I thought he had gotten too big for himself.
Then stories started leaking out about his work ethic at USC being exceptional and the same thing was echoed during workouts and by coach Mike in Memphis currently. His numbers are backing up the hype as well. The last three games, he's put up 28, 20 and 31 points. I understand that they were playing teams like Golden State and Sac Town but those are impressive numbers nonetheless. It's an early season but he's averaging 19 on the season and shooting a respectable 44%. At the end of the year, he may not win ROY but he should be in consideration and I wouldn't be shocked at all if he keeps putting up numbers like he is. He'll get plenty of time on a bad Memphis team to showcase his all around game.
-Aaron
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The Spanish Inquisition
I've sat back and watched in amazement as the game I love so much has grown on a world wide scale. It never ceases to amaze me how players from all corners of the globe end up in the NBA with the longest of shots and they not only make it but they succeed. I remember watching in amazement as players from outside our soil like Dirk or Manu not only did well but played at an All-Star level in the NBA and proved that region does not designate aptitude on the playing court. For years, the Argentineans proved this as much as anybody but right now, Spain is taking the torch from all comers as the top country in the world outside the good ol' USA that is producing basketball talent.
We all have seen the exploits of Pau Gasol but they are so many other players that have done well for themselves on the NBA hardwood. Jose Calderon finally got the starting nod in Toronto and he's averaging a nifty 16 and 10 per game thus far in the great white north. Down in Memphis, Pau's brother Marc is averaging 10 and 8 on the season and had a monster game against Golden State in which he put up 27 an 16. Up here in the Pacific Northwest, Rudy Fernandez picked right back up where he left off in the Olympics and is averaging 14 points a game playing along side fellow countryman Sergio Rodriguez.
Now, this may not seem rare as we've seen waves of talent come from regions like Serbia, Lithuania, Brazil, the aforementioned Argentina, Italy, etc. Some hot prospects come out but as you've seen in recent times, new countries emerge as a hotbed of talent and it seems that the big names from those given regions dry up over time. What began with Pau seven-years ago is just getting bigger. Rudy and Marc just came to the States and the upcoming class of players looks very strong as well.
Ricky is tall!
I've mentioned and awed at the exploits and poise of Ricky Rubio and he showcased this in the Olympics. He could very well be a number one pick once he comes out and any team that grabs him is getting something truly special. Beyond Ricky though, you have fantastic players on the horizon like Victor Claver, Sergio Lull and Pablo Aguilar. All this talent in a large but not quite that large region got me thinking, why is there SO much talent in a small pool?
I think all of this can be traced back to their own shores. In 1992, the original Dream Team was created and the world took notice. In Barcelona, people were able to watch all time great players like MJ, Barkley, Magic and Stockton take center court and dominate. It was awe inspiring as a fan but I could also imagine seeing it for the first time. Imagine the first time you saw Jordan levitate, or Magic no look somebody. Those things resonate forever and they obviously did with the Spanish people as well. It can be no real surprise to anyone either that the ACB league in Spain is the hardest in the world to play in outside the NBA and is also the most organized. While many, including myself may cringe at the image of David Stern, the Dream Team and his reach across borders was a brilliant concept that is paying off in spades now. They have structure and passion for basketball in Spain and the results are telling.
So, the next time you hear a Spaniard's name called during the draft or on Sportscenter, remember that this is just the beginning. Players will continue to roll in from around the globe but Spain will remain the second best country outside our borders at producing basketball talent. This may all change of course but for the time being, viva Espana!
-Aaron
I've sat back and watched in amazement as the game I love so much has grown on a world wide scale. It never ceases to amaze me how players from all corners of the globe end up in the NBA with the longest of shots and they not only make it but they succeed. I remember watching in amazement as players from outside our soil like Dirk or Manu not only did well but played at an All-Star level in the NBA and proved that region does not designate aptitude on the playing court. For years, the Argentineans proved this as much as anybody but right now, Spain is taking the torch from all comers as the top country in the world outside the good ol' USA that is producing basketball talent.
We all have seen the exploits of Pau Gasol but they are so many other players that have done well for themselves on the NBA hardwood. Jose Calderon finally got the starting nod in Toronto and he's averaging a nifty 16 and 10 per game thus far in the great white north. Down in Memphis, Pau's brother Marc is averaging 10 and 8 on the season and had a monster game against Golden State in which he put up 27 an 16. Up here in the Pacific Northwest, Rudy Fernandez picked right back up where he left off in the Olympics and is averaging 14 points a game playing along side fellow countryman Sergio Rodriguez.
Now, this may not seem rare as we've seen waves of talent come from regions like Serbia, Lithuania, Brazil, the aforementioned Argentina, Italy, etc. Some hot prospects come out but as you've seen in recent times, new countries emerge as a hotbed of talent and it seems that the big names from those given regions dry up over time. What began with Pau seven-years ago is just getting bigger. Rudy and Marc just came to the States and the upcoming class of players looks very strong as well.
Ricky is tall!
I've mentioned and awed at the exploits and poise of Ricky Rubio and he showcased this in the Olympics. He could very well be a number one pick once he comes out and any team that grabs him is getting something truly special. Beyond Ricky though, you have fantastic players on the horizon like Victor Claver, Sergio Lull and Pablo Aguilar. All this talent in a large but not quite that large region got me thinking, why is there SO much talent in a small pool?
I think all of this can be traced back to their own shores. In 1992, the original Dream Team was created and the world took notice. In Barcelona, people were able to watch all time great players like MJ, Barkley, Magic and Stockton take center court and dominate. It was awe inspiring as a fan but I could also imagine seeing it for the first time. Imagine the first time you saw Jordan levitate, or Magic no look somebody. Those things resonate forever and they obviously did with the Spanish people as well. It can be no real surprise to anyone either that the ACB league in Spain is the hardest in the world to play in outside the NBA and is also the most organized. While many, including myself may cringe at the image of David Stern, the Dream Team and his reach across borders was a brilliant concept that is paying off in spades now. They have structure and passion for basketball in Spain and the results are telling.
So, the next time you hear a Spaniard's name called during the draft or on Sportscenter, remember that this is just the beginning. Players will continue to roll in from around the globe but Spain will remain the second best country outside our borders at producing basketball talent. This may all change of course but for the time being, viva Espana!
-Aaron
Saturday, November 08, 2008
POSTED BY PALKA
When not shooting kids, Al Powell/Carl Winslow loves eating twinkies. Deep fried.
FLAT FEET SYNDROME
Playing on your heels... Playing like you enjoyed election night a little too much...
Playing with FLAT FEET.
At what point as a coach do you just acknowledge your team does not have it for the night?
NEVER.
On Friday night, the Suns were Sgt. Al Powell, a desk jockey. A flat footed squad unqualified for the court.
Watching the game on Season Pass, I had no problem sacrificing a night on the town to listen to Stacey King, Neil Funk, and Ronny Garretson's whistle. (No, really, Stat just went to the line again.) They called a decent game, if not a cultural mash-up as King continued to sing Ludicrous while Rose threw it down on Leandro Barbosa, a man who looks lost if not bewildered as to what his role is with the "new" old Suns, and Funk wanted to bring back Johnny Cash, I suppose to match the dark sleep Phoenix conceded to on the third game of a four game Eastern Conference road swing.
That was disgusting.
Not to be deterred, and believing Stacey's proclamation that the Suns are not a team you sleep on, I stuck around to watch a game that pushed every one of my basketball passion buttons.
I understand sometimes it just is not your night. I understand when another team is shooting the lights out, there is not a lot you can do. What I do not understand is the Flat Feet Syndrome which can completely sabotage a team. Where does the hunger go? Where is the pride?
It is not by good fortune that every loose ball is going to one side, it is that only one side wants that loose ball. Only one side cares. Nothing is more infuriating to see.
At one point, I saw Raja Bell get mad. He pulled up hit a three, and tried to stoke the flames of a melancholy squad. When that fell short, after the 200th turnover of the night, he dove in at Rose's body on an extremely frustrated reach in, but a poignant effort to say he would not quit, even if short 20 points. His attempts to ignite the pride in his squad, though, fell on deaf ear. This was a night of Flat Feet. A night the Suns feel short of the qualifications needed to participate on a professional level.
In a 3rd quarter interview Kerr excused the team. "There will be nights like this while we transition" (to paraphrase). Funk, the Bulls play-by-play was more critical, saying he never liked Terry Porter's offense.
Frankly, what I saw had little to do with the sets; it had little to do with new rotations. It had all to do with effort, and the Suns gave none.
To come home with a split would be a major let down, after starting off 2-0 on this swing. And, yes, I realize they are only 6 games deep in the season, but I refuse to be so cynical as to just accept that "there will be nights like this".
Terry Porter was a fierce competitor, and that attitude needs to be a foundation in this squad if they wish to take on the likes of Los Angeles, a team that does not seem to be taking any nights off. As Porter brings his squad into Milwaukee, his former stomping grounds, on the second night of a double header, and last game of the swing, lets all pay attention to the energy level. Lets watch to see if the squad reacts with a determined first quarter, playing on their toes, and going for each ball as if it were theirs. Set the tone early, Terry. Instill the nightly passion that you played with and do not let this veteran laden team be satisfied at any moment.
Flat feet syndrome... be gone.
When not shooting kids, Al Powell/Carl Winslow loves eating twinkies. Deep fried.
FLAT FEET SYNDROME
Playing on your heels... Playing like you enjoyed election night a little too much...
Playing with FLAT FEET.
At what point as a coach do you just acknowledge your team does not have it for the night?
NEVER.
On Friday night, the Suns were Sgt. Al Powell, a desk jockey. A flat footed squad unqualified for the court.
Watching the game on Season Pass, I had no problem sacrificing a night on the town to listen to Stacey King, Neil Funk, and Ronny Garretson's whistle. (No, really, Stat just went to the line again.) They called a decent game, if not a cultural mash-up as King continued to sing Ludicrous while Rose threw it down on Leandro Barbosa, a man who looks lost if not bewildered as to what his role is with the "new" old Suns, and Funk wanted to bring back Johnny Cash, I suppose to match the dark sleep Phoenix conceded to on the third game of a four game Eastern Conference road swing.
That was disgusting.
Not to be deterred, and believing Stacey's proclamation that the Suns are not a team you sleep on, I stuck around to watch a game that pushed every one of my basketball passion buttons.
I understand sometimes it just is not your night. I understand when another team is shooting the lights out, there is not a lot you can do. What I do not understand is the Flat Feet Syndrome which can completely sabotage a team. Where does the hunger go? Where is the pride?
It is not by good fortune that every loose ball is going to one side, it is that only one side wants that loose ball. Only one side cares. Nothing is more infuriating to see.
At one point, I saw Raja Bell get mad. He pulled up hit a three, and tried to stoke the flames of a melancholy squad. When that fell short, after the 200th turnover of the night, he dove in at Rose's body on an extremely frustrated reach in, but a poignant effort to say he would not quit, even if short 20 points. His attempts to ignite the pride in his squad, though, fell on deaf ear. This was a night of Flat Feet. A night the Suns feel short of the qualifications needed to participate on a professional level.
In a 3rd quarter interview Kerr excused the team. "There will be nights like this while we transition" (to paraphrase). Funk, the Bulls play-by-play was more critical, saying he never liked Terry Porter's offense.
Frankly, what I saw had little to do with the sets; it had little to do with new rotations. It had all to do with effort, and the Suns gave none.
To come home with a split would be a major let down, after starting off 2-0 on this swing. And, yes, I realize they are only 6 games deep in the season, but I refuse to be so cynical as to just accept that "there will be nights like this".
Terry Porter was a fierce competitor, and that attitude needs to be a foundation in this squad if they wish to take on the likes of Los Angeles, a team that does not seem to be taking any nights off. As Porter brings his squad into Milwaukee, his former stomping grounds, on the second night of a double header, and last game of the swing, lets all pay attention to the energy level. Lets watch to see if the squad reacts with a determined first quarter, playing on their toes, and going for each ball as if it were theirs. Set the tone early, Terry. Instill the nightly passion that you played with and do not let this veteran laden team be satisfied at any moment.
Flat feet syndrome... be gone.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Iverson on the Go!
Well, the Billups move happened much sooner than I anticipated. I thought I would look sharp if he were moved later in the year but I didn't see this one coming at all. I've sat back and watched initial reactions and thought about it myself. I think initially, this trade helps Denver. They needed a steady hand to right the ship and Chauncey can more than do that with his experience and abilities. Iverson will provide scoring but I don't really know if I like his dynamic on that team. Detroit is built upon team first and selfless play and even though AI plays his heart out, I still see him wanting and needing to be that number one guy. This move was really made for down the road though. This gives Stuckey a chance to shine and ensures that Maxiell and Johnson get the burn they need to develop their skills. This also gives Detroit a shot at free agency come 2010. So, Denver will shine now but if the youngins' get it done and grow and a big name free agent comes to Michigan, they will look like the big winners down the road.
-Aaron
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The New Season is Here! The New Season is Here!
With the new season upon us, it's time to move ahead, wash away memories of last season and start anew. With these new changes comes a little different format. Beyond just writing more, I will be going back and forth with my best basketball buddy on the planet, John. We will co-write some pieces, have our own posts, or just respond to one another. If anything, it will be fun to actually print some of the discussions we have over cocktails. In this post, I will give my predictions on various awards and champs and John will respond with his thoughts as well. Let the discussions and season begin! FINALLY!
Lets start out with some seeding predictions for the East and West.
West
1. Lake Show - While I hate to do this with an admitted bias, I must. They all seemed to gel well and with less pressure on Kobe and a healthy Bynum back, they should be really tough to beat. The only thing that could come back to haunt them is the hectic schedule Kobe has been playing with. He's too proud to sit and his body may be feeling it come April.
2. Hornets - This team needs health to survive and potentially win it all but what team doesn't? CP3 will only be better which is scary, Chandler and Wright should continue to improve and the addition of Posey provides insurance if Peja somehow hurts his back due to too much hair gel.
3. Jazz - The Jazz should be playing sweet Jazz flute ala Ron Burgondy. Williams and Boozer will still be a force but they have great depth with a healthy and fit Okur, an improving Ronnie Brewer and the junk man AK47.
4. Rockets - This is a team that will show flashes early but injuries will haunt them in the end. Artest may stay healthy physically, not mentally, but that doesn't mean that T Mac and Yao will still be there with him. At some point they will be proclaimed the best team in all the land and they will fade come playoff time due to the injuries I referenced. Also expect 1,000,000 references to the "Big 3" this year.
5. Spurs - They will go through some pains without Manu for sure but Pop and this smart bunch always find a way. They will cruise and turn it on come March like they always do.
6. Suns - This is another team that will struggle initially with a new style of play and personnel. Age can always be a factor but added depth and a coach that uses a bench will help these worries.
7. Blazers - This years sexy pick. Everybody and their mama has the Blazers being successful with their uber talented young core. They will have ups and downs but they will end up being somewhere in the middle as they learn more about the game and their team in general.
8. Dallas - They have slipped a lot and they regret the Devin Harris trade no matter what they say but they still have a lot of talent and Diop is back to help secure a weak defensive front line.
East
1. Boston - I don't expect a slip with KG and Paul Pierce around. They will be pushed nightly but they still have the "Big 3", I even said it, but they have depth even without Posey around. Losing him could hurt come playoff time but they will still own the regular season.
2. Philly - Take a good up and coming team and drop one of the best post players in the league on their roster and you get a much improved squad. They are a bit of a sexy pick this year too but it is hard to overlook their abundance of young talent ala Portland.
3. Detroit - This is a team that will struggle initially to find an identity. A new coach and new roles within the team will cause a little chaos, even for a team that knows one another so well. Just wait for a Chauncey Billups/Rodney Stuckey starting conversation come March. Just you wait...
4. Cleveland - Williams will help but Lebron will continue to run wild. If his Olympic play is an indication of things to come, watch out. This could be the season that not only makes him memorable but legendary.
5. Orlando - This team is still lean on point guards but Dwight Howard is still a force of nature.
6. Toronto - I expect a solid season from JO and an All-Star season from Chris Bosh and Calderon. They seem hungry and if Bargnani plays up to his potential, could be scary come playoff time.
7. Atlanta - This is a hit or miss pick. They will either play to their potential or injuries will catch up with Bibby and Speedy again and they will sorely miss the bench production of Childress.
8. Bulls - They will have a fun open style with Vinny in house and it should be fun to watch players like Rose, Thomas and Noah grow. Kirk should have a great year and I expect a big bounce back from Deng.
Champ??
I hate to admit it but I think that this is LA's year. If they stay healthy, there is no reason that they shouldn't be able to hang with any team on any given night. Kobe could fade and make this tough but he should have enough around him to help ease that burden.
Awards
MVP - This is Lebron's year all the way. He will put up 30, 7, and 7 and play much improved defense. If he gets rolling, the Cavs could be really tough to beat come playoff time.
Defensive Player of the Year - I am going out on a limb and picking a wild card here. I think Josh Smith takes it this year. If Atlanta makes the playoffs again and he puts up his insane numbers per the norm, he has to be in this discussion. He is a force when motivated.
Sixth Man - I am going out on a limb and taking Louis Williams here. He will put up big numbers off the bench in Philly and I see them as a top tier team in the East this season. All he needs is eyes on him when he plays which he will have now.
Most Improved Player - Andrew Bynum will walk away with this. He will be healthy and motivated on a very good team. This is his to lose.
Coach of the Year - This always seems to go to the coach that has a team that improves the most. Congrats Maurice Cheeks!
Rookie of the Year - I wouldn't normally go with a point guard but I think Rose will get the time and enough points to win this award and take it from Mike "Be Easy" Beasley.
With the new season upon us, it's time to move ahead, wash away memories of last season and start anew. With these new changes comes a little different format. Beyond just writing more, I will be going back and forth with my best basketball buddy on the planet, John. We will co-write some pieces, have our own posts, or just respond to one another. If anything, it will be fun to actually print some of the discussions we have over cocktails. In this post, I will give my predictions on various awards and champs and John will respond with his thoughts as well. Let the discussions and season begin! FINALLY!
Lets start out with some seeding predictions for the East and West.
West
1. Lake Show - While I hate to do this with an admitted bias, I must. They all seemed to gel well and with less pressure on Kobe and a healthy Bynum back, they should be really tough to beat. The only thing that could come back to haunt them is the hectic schedule Kobe has been playing with. He's too proud to sit and his body may be feeling it come April.
2. Hornets - This team needs health to survive and potentially win it all but what team doesn't? CP3 will only be better which is scary, Chandler and Wright should continue to improve and the addition of Posey provides insurance if Peja somehow hurts his back due to too much hair gel.
3. Jazz - The Jazz should be playing sweet Jazz flute ala Ron Burgondy. Williams and Boozer will still be a force but they have great depth with a healthy and fit Okur, an improving Ronnie Brewer and the junk man AK47.
4. Rockets - This is a team that will show flashes early but injuries will haunt them in the end. Artest may stay healthy physically, not mentally, but that doesn't mean that T Mac and Yao will still be there with him. At some point they will be proclaimed the best team in all the land and they will fade come playoff time due to the injuries I referenced. Also expect 1,000,000 references to the "Big 3" this year.
5. Spurs - They will go through some pains without Manu for sure but Pop and this smart bunch always find a way. They will cruise and turn it on come March like they always do.
6. Suns - This is another team that will struggle initially with a new style of play and personnel. Age can always be a factor but added depth and a coach that uses a bench will help these worries.
7. Blazers - This years sexy pick. Everybody and their mama has the Blazers being successful with their uber talented young core. They will have ups and downs but they will end up being somewhere in the middle as they learn more about the game and their team in general.
8. Dallas - They have slipped a lot and they regret the Devin Harris trade no matter what they say but they still have a lot of talent and Diop is back to help secure a weak defensive front line.
East
1. Boston - I don't expect a slip with KG and Paul Pierce around. They will be pushed nightly but they still have the "Big 3", I even said it, but they have depth even without Posey around. Losing him could hurt come playoff time but they will still own the regular season.
2. Philly - Take a good up and coming team and drop one of the best post players in the league on their roster and you get a much improved squad. They are a bit of a sexy pick this year too but it is hard to overlook their abundance of young talent ala Portland.
3. Detroit - This is a team that will struggle initially to find an identity. A new coach and new roles within the team will cause a little chaos, even for a team that knows one another so well. Just wait for a Chauncey Billups/Rodney Stuckey starting conversation come March. Just you wait...
4. Cleveland - Williams will help but Lebron will continue to run wild. If his Olympic play is an indication of things to come, watch out. This could be the season that not only makes him memorable but legendary.
5. Orlando - This team is still lean on point guards but Dwight Howard is still a force of nature.
6. Toronto - I expect a solid season from JO and an All-Star season from Chris Bosh and Calderon. They seem hungry and if Bargnani plays up to his potential, could be scary come playoff time.
7. Atlanta - This is a hit or miss pick. They will either play to their potential or injuries will catch up with Bibby and Speedy again and they will sorely miss the bench production of Childress.
8. Bulls - They will have a fun open style with Vinny in house and it should be fun to watch players like Rose, Thomas and Noah grow. Kirk should have a great year and I expect a big bounce back from Deng.
Champ??
I hate to admit it but I think that this is LA's year. If they stay healthy, there is no reason that they shouldn't be able to hang with any team on any given night. Kobe could fade and make this tough but he should have enough around him to help ease that burden.
Awards
MVP - This is Lebron's year all the way. He will put up 30, 7, and 7 and play much improved defense. If he gets rolling, the Cavs could be really tough to beat come playoff time.
Defensive Player of the Year - I am going out on a limb and picking a wild card here. I think Josh Smith takes it this year. If Atlanta makes the playoffs again and he puts up his insane numbers per the norm, he has to be in this discussion. He is a force when motivated.
Sixth Man - I am going out on a limb and taking Louis Williams here. He will put up big numbers off the bench in Philly and I see them as a top tier team in the East this season. All he needs is eyes on him when he plays which he will have now.
Most Improved Player - Andrew Bynum will walk away with this. He will be healthy and motivated on a very good team. This is his to lose.
Coach of the Year - This always seems to go to the coach that has a team that improves the most. Congrats Maurice Cheeks!
Rookie of the Year - I wouldn't normally go with a point guard but I think Rose will get the time and enough points to win this award and take it from Mike "Be Easy" Beasley.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I'm Back!!
First of all, I want to apologize to the two people that read my blog for the long delay. I've had a ton of things going on in everyday life but I am alive and kicking and have many things on my mind. It may be a little Suns-centric but you understand the bias.
Coach Mike
My first thoughts go back to Mike D'Antoni. While I have always respected his offensive vision and class, I have to say that many of his coaching tactics had worn thin. While I appreciate the beauty of what the Suns offense once was, I had to come to a hard realization that it was never going to get us the ring. While we were quick, we were small and couldn't board or contest shots on the interior. Even with the speed we had on the exterior, our man-to-man defense was poor and while Shawn and Raja have the ability, it wasn't there every night. It also didn't hurt that coach Mike stubbornly played a short bench and refused to acquiesce to another teams style. This became increasingly more apparent watching Greg Popovich pick us apart systematically again and then watch the Spurs play various styles. I wish coach Mike the best of luck but a lot of these issues will come to light soon enough under the spotlight that is New York media.
The Draft
I'm not one to bring up conspiracy theories, but how does Chicago get the first pick in the draft? I used to laugh at people when they would question this but with the smoke and illusion the NBA puts behind the lottery process, it's hard not to question this. A team with a 1% chance ends up with the top pick and they have a shot at a local stud in Derrick Rose. Of course it sounds like the Bulls may like Beasley but that could be tactics regardless. Speaking of all these players..
While everyone is familiar with Rose and Beasley, there are a few players that I am man crushing on right now that I feel would not only be good for the Suns but will become very good pros.
Joe Alexander
I was really impressed with Joe's game this year. His athleticism is off the charts but there are other aspects of his game that I really enjoy. First of all, he plays hard, all the time. I always respect players like this, especially the ones that have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Secondly, being that he has only been playing for five years, his game has a ton of upside. I hate to sound cliché, but I could see his handle, mid-range jump shot and overall basketball sense growing game by game. I think he's going to be a gamer and I would be surprised if he wasn't in the long run.
Nicolas Batum
I've had my eye on Nicolas for a few years now. NBADRAFT.NET pointed him out and his dominating performance during the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in 2006 where he was the tournament MVP. I've heard comments about him drifting in games but I have a different perspective then others in this discussion. In the games that really counted, like the game against Maccabi this year, he stepped his game up. He is always big when he has to be and when you combine that with his athleticism and just overall skills at the tender age of 19, he has tremendous potential.
I'll have more on the draft as it approaches and I promise to post more often.
First of all, I want to apologize to the two people that read my blog for the long delay. I've had a ton of things going on in everyday life but I am alive and kicking and have many things on my mind. It may be a little Suns-centric but you understand the bias.
Coach Mike
My first thoughts go back to Mike D'Antoni. While I have always respected his offensive vision and class, I have to say that many of his coaching tactics had worn thin. While I appreciate the beauty of what the Suns offense once was, I had to come to a hard realization that it was never going to get us the ring. While we were quick, we were small and couldn't board or contest shots on the interior. Even with the speed we had on the exterior, our man-to-man defense was poor and while Shawn and Raja have the ability, it wasn't there every night. It also didn't hurt that coach Mike stubbornly played a short bench and refused to acquiesce to another teams style. This became increasingly more apparent watching Greg Popovich pick us apart systematically again and then watch the Spurs play various styles. I wish coach Mike the best of luck but a lot of these issues will come to light soon enough under the spotlight that is New York media.
The Draft
I'm not one to bring up conspiracy theories, but how does Chicago get the first pick in the draft? I used to laugh at people when they would question this but with the smoke and illusion the NBA puts behind the lottery process, it's hard not to question this. A team with a 1% chance ends up with the top pick and they have a shot at a local stud in Derrick Rose. Of course it sounds like the Bulls may like Beasley but that could be tactics regardless. Speaking of all these players..
While everyone is familiar with Rose and Beasley, there are a few players that I am man crushing on right now that I feel would not only be good for the Suns but will become very good pros.
Joe Alexander
I was really impressed with Joe's game this year. His athleticism is off the charts but there are other aspects of his game that I really enjoy. First of all, he plays hard, all the time. I always respect players like this, especially the ones that have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Secondly, being that he has only been playing for five years, his game has a ton of upside. I hate to sound cliché, but I could see his handle, mid-range jump shot and overall basketball sense growing game by game. I think he's going to be a gamer and I would be surprised if he wasn't in the long run.
Nicolas Batum
I've had my eye on Nicolas for a few years now. NBADRAFT.NET pointed him out and his dominating performance during the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in 2006 where he was the tournament MVP. I've heard comments about him drifting in games but I have a different perspective then others in this discussion. In the games that really counted, like the game against Maccabi this year, he stepped his game up. He is always big when he has to be and when you combine that with his athleticism and just overall skills at the tender age of 19, he has tremendous potential.
I'll have more on the draft as it approaches and I promise to post more often.
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