Catching Up on NBA, NFL, Golf, and more

It's been a long tough summer and I'm getting back into this blogging mode.  Let's just jump right in and catch up:

NBA:

Los Angeles Lakers:  There have just got to be Jedi in the Lakers front office to get the deals that they get.  First Pau Gasol for a hearty dinner (I used to say a ham sandwich, but that other Gasol brother turned out pretty good) and a 2 liter of Mountain Dew, but now they get Dwight Howard for what amounts to a turkey sandwich that someone left in a hot car for a day and 3 Caprisuns (not cold, just straight out the box).  The Lakers must grow Jedis in their organization because these deals just don't happen for other teams.  With Dwight, the Lakers have kept Kobe's window of opportunity for #6 open for 2 years.

Miami Heat: Juwan Howard may finally call it quits as a basketball player, but he may end up as a coach for the Miami Heat come this fall.  Juwan is a good guy, and I'm glad that things are working out for him.  He got his rang too.

OKC Thunder: After showing the love to Serge Ibaka in the form of a 4yr/$49M deal, the Thunder gotta figure out what to do about Harden.  They know they gonna be a tax paying team, so let's just say it's gonna come down to how much more they gonna pay.  IF they can get Harden for the same deal as Ibaka, I think it'll all be great for the Thunder.  If not, Harden plays out next year and becomes a free agent in 2013.  I'm really interested if they can sell Harden on the team and what they've built when he's staring at all them $$$s.


NFL:

New York Jets:  As I sat watching the Jets last night, all I could keep saying is, 'the Jets better have a great dayum defense this year, or they in trouble'.  The other thing that kept going through my mind was that if Tebow would have been the person to score or throw for the touchdown that would have given the Jets their first (and only TD) in the preseason,...Mark Sanchez was going to be on his way out of town today.  I like Tebow, he has something about him, but he's not a starter in the NFL.  But I will say this, I think he will be the starter for the Jets by Week 4 if they get off to a slow start.  NY fans will have Sanchez on a fastboat outta there.

Seattle Seahawks:  Hey, all isn't bad with Matt Flynn, at least his pockets straight.  He got a 3yr/$26M deal that averages about $6M per year.  That's great money if you can get it, but it's not NFL starter money.  With Russell Wilson being named starter for the opener, it gives the Seahawks a chance to play the rookie and if he's good, they didn't really invest BIG money in Flynn.  to Mr. Russell Wilson, get your game on brother.  We'll be rooting for you here.

New England Patriots:  I guess the one person that has to be unhappy right now is Wes Welker.  We know he's a team guy, but the Patriots have essentially let Welker know where he stands in their plans by re-upping both Gronk and Hernandez (5yr/$40M, $12.5M signing bonus, $16.4M guaranteed).  The Patriots will be running two TE sets until the dogs come home.  The beuaty of it all is that many teams can't matchup with them when they have both TEs, Welker and Lloyd running around.  I expect Brady to throw for about 40 TDs this year.  I guess the only difference is that Welker knows he won't be there next year.

Philadelphia Eagles:  Vick already hurt?  Vick has a rib injury that, trust me, will linger for a while.  If this team starts off slow again, I'm not sure what they can do to turn it around.  We know they won't fire Andy Reid and the Eagles don't really have a seasoned backup QB.  I've wanted this team to win big since the Reggie White and Jerome Brown days, since Cunnigham, since Carmichael, and for some reason they can't get it done.  I hope this is their year.

Chicago Bears:  Everyone is concerned that the Bears are limping into the season.  Urlacher had his knee recently scoped and isn't back to full strength yet.  Peppers is battling 'continual soreness' (plantar faciitis) and this defense is already one injury to the linebacking core from being seasoned to being old.  But, just like every other Bear year in recent memory, the Bears have a problem on their offensive line.  I think I just saw Mike Tice on Michigan Ave taking applications for left tackle for anyone over 6'5" (if you're in Chicago, just walk down the street, someone will approach you with an offer).  It'll help that Cutler won't be taking as many deep drops this year, but they gotta find a way to give him time for him and Brandon Marshall to cook this year. 


Golf: 

Where or where has the Tiger that I once knew gone?  Yes he was in contention on Friday after tweaking his back, but he went to hell in a hand basket after that.  Each week, I wait to see the Tiger that dominated golf on a weekly basis and sadly to say, I'm not sure if that guy is ever coming back.  But, I will be waiting and watching and hoping.

The 2012 Ryder Cup is coming to the Chicagoland Area and I plan on being there.  We'll see how many photos I can get and maybe an interview or two.  Should be fun.  

 More to come,......

2012 NBA Playoffs - Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Lakers and Nuggets for the chance to play the OKC Thunder (yes, I'm projecting). 


Lakers: The Lakers come into the playoffs with the suspension of Metta World Peace and the health of Kobe's shin as the hot topics of discussion.  We all know that 'the elbow' has MWP out for at least the first 6 games of this series, but more importantly we may be an injured shin away from Kobe being out of the playoffs.  The Lakers were already thin on the wings prior to the suspension and that will impact this game, because I'm not sure who's going to guard Gallo.  The Lakers do have the best big man tandem in the league in Bynum and Gasol and will be smart to lean on those two as they play a Nuggets team without a lot of size. 

Who has to step up: Devin Ebanks, Matt Barnes, and Ramon Sessions.  Ebanks has been playing well as of late but he and Matt Barnes are going to not only find a way to play some defense, but they are going to have to find a way to consistently score also.  Ramon Sessions is going to have to play ball and find a way to slow down Ty Lawson. 

Nuggets: These ain't the Carmelo Anthony Nuggets.  This team runs and runs and runs.  They have Danillo (Gallo) Gallinari, Ty Lawson, and Aaron Afflalo.  Gallo, before hurting his foot earlier this year, was on a tear.  He is a 6'11" guy with a perimeter game and with MWP out he should be able to get going.  Afflalo can do it all, including some defense on Kobe.  When you add in an active, yet immature McGee and the rookie fan favorite in Faried, these Nuggets are going to keep coming at you. 

Who has to step up: Danillo Gallinari and Ty Lawson.  Gallo is going to have to revert to his mid-season tear that he was on and he isn't scared to take those big shots.  Ty Lawson is going to have to see if anyone on the Lakers can keep up with him.  The more he pushes the ball and exposes that defense, the easier it'll be for these Nuggets to score.  If the game slows down the Lakers will be able to use their size advantage.


Outcome: I got the Lakers in 7, just in time for the return of MWP and a matchup with the Thunder. 

NBA Trade Deadline Deals (Part 1)

Although it was pushed back a little this year to accommodate the shorter season, the NBA deadline has come and passed and a few good deals were made so let's take a look at the deals and see who the smartest teams were.

New Jersey Nets get: Gerald Wallace

Portland Trail Blazers get: Shawne Williams, Mehmet Okur, and a 1st round pick (Top 3 protected)

Synopsis:

I'm not sure why the Nets make this move other than to say something to Deron Williams that we are 'trying' to make this team better.  By getting Crash, the Nets have a high volume scorer who can play both forwards spots.  As his nick name would suggest, Wallace enjoys contact and in my opinion is always thisclose to being injured for a week or two.  Here's to hoping that he doesn't opt out of his contract (player option) and leave the Nets next year.  If he does (and possibly he may not even matter) I would expect Deron to leave too.

The Blazers traded for 2 players that are,..wait for it,....injured.  Williams has a bad foot and Okur has a bad back.  Maybe they just finally realized that Crash just wasn't a fit for their team and wanted some relief and the ability to get a top 10 pick in this loaded draft. 

Overall, this was a swap of spare parts for the chance to get a good part this summer.  Did I mention that the Blazers fired (in my Ahmad Rashad voice) my main man Nate McMillan?  Sad day in Portland.

Portland Trail Blazers get: Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn, and Minny's 2nd round pick

Houston Rockets get: Marcus Camby

Synopsis: 

Out with the old, in with the new for Portland.  Not only did they make this move but they released oft-injured Greg Oden and Chris Johnson.  In this trade they get a young inexperienced center in Thabeet and a former Timberpuppies PG in Flynn.  I have to say that I am intrigued by Thabeet.  He's a big body, but he never had a chance to really work on his game (on the offensive end) and seems to be somewhat of a defensive presence only.  IF he can make some waves offensively, that could help him and this Portland team.  And it's Portland that we're talking about so if he stays healthy that's a plus.  Not that high on Flynn as I might have once been, but he'll get some opportunity to play and we'll see what he can do.

The Rockets get a 15 year grizzled veteran who can still play defense and make a few of those awkward jumpers that he takes with that elongated shooting form.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a Camby fan and the fact that he has been in the league this long and produced, that says a lot about him.  This gives the Rockets the defensive presence they need to make a run for the playoffs and beyond.  Can someone ask Camby what happened to Lou Roe?

Overall, decent deal on each end.  Portland gets an opportunity to try out a few new players to see if they fit in their system and for that they get a 2nd round pick.  Houston definitely got the better end of this one. 

Golden State Warriors get: Richard Jefferson, TJ Ford, and a 1st round pick (SAS)

San Antonio Spurs get: Stephen Jackson

Synopsis:

The Warriors take on RJ's albatross of a contract while ridding itself of Captain Jack.  TJ Ford will retire, and the Spurs' 1st round pick would be late 1st round.  Jefferson might actually help this team make the playoffs.  I've always like Jefferson, but something just isn't there.  Sometimes I don't think that he wants to play basketball for a living.

The Spurs get Capt. Jack.  Let that sink in for a second as you think about the Spurs and their organization.  Enter Coach Pop and he knows that he has his work cut out with Jackson, but if he can get his head right, Jackson can play a little defense and put up points in a hurry.

Overall, this is an RJ for SJ swap and for the trouble the Spurs' 1st rounder.  I like this for the Spurs as they have a wildcard now in Jackson that they seem to have lacked in the playoffs the last few years.  You always knew that Ginobili and Parker would get there's but who else?  More firepower for the battles they'll face in the West this year.

Los Angeles Lakers  get: Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga 

Cleveland Cavaliers get: Luke Walton, Jason Kapono, and a 1st round pick (LAL)

Synopsis:

How does this keep happening?  Where is David Stern to void a trade when you need him?  Are the Buss' their own Jedi clan?  The Lakers got Ramon Sessions for NOTHING.  I'm sorry they got Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga for NOTHING.  They gave away Walton (bad back, expiring contract), Kapono (has he even played this year), and a late 1st round pick.  They got the point guard that they needed to help Kobe and Eyenga is a young wing that can atleast help play some defense.  So I give you 2 guys that don't play and a chance to get a rookie next year and you give me a pretty dayum good starting point guard and a young SF?

Cleveland,.....say it ain't so.  Maybe this deal didn't get submitted in time and won't be allowed.  Dan Gilbert just made the Lakers dangerous.  Is he still that mad at LBJ?

Overall, the Buss' should not only send a hand written thank you note, but they should give them the Jeter treatment. 

More to come,......

Ron Artest Foolishness

Ok, watching the NBA draft online and I get this,..........Ron Artest.  I'm not gonna say it's stupid, but this is almost up there with the Mike Tyson tattoo when we talk about bad ideas. 

2011 NBA Draft Rumors and Notes

Tomorrow night is it, the 2011 NBA Draft, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the clock with the #1 pick.  As usual the rumors are spreading like wildfire as teams are doing their best to hide their interest in a certain player so that they don't have to move up in the draft to get them.  With all of this misdirection you tend to get lots of rumors, so let's take a look at a few and we'll discuss my take on them.  First up,.......

Lakers - Trade Pau Gasol to Minnesota for Kevin Love and #2 pick. 
Synopsis:  If you can get Minny to accept this deal, I do it all day long.  Not only can the Lakers get back Love who will work the boards (unlike Pau) but they also get an opportunity to draft a young player (I think Derrick Williams to address their SF need).  They lose some of the scoring that Pau provided at the beginning of last season, but still I'd do this everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. 

Spurs - Trade Tony Parker for a pick to either the Toronto Raptors (#5) or the Sacramento Kings (#7).
Synopsis:  I like George Hill but I don't think that this is a good move for the Spurs.  Who's the best player you can get at 5 through 7?  In this week draft class you're better off holding on to Parker and maybe doing this next year.  Just say 'no'.

Suns - Trade Steve Nash to Minnesota for the #2 pick.
Synopsis:  You could probably get a better deal if you're Phoenix.  I understand wanting to draft Derrick Williams (local kid) but, Minny would have to include a player or something.  Nash might have a year or two left in him and the only reason I say that is that the training staff in Phoenix has to be the best in the league.  They have taken all types of players with ailments and got them playing and playing at a high level when most thought they were done (i.e. - Shaq (all), Grant Hill (ankle), Nash (back), etc.).  If Nash were to leave, would he fall apart?  Or would he welcome being that close to home?  I wouldn't do this one, but at least we're negotiating.

Suns - Trade Marcin Gortat and the #13 pick to Minnesota for the #2 pick. 
Synopsis:  Now we're cooking with grease.  I actually like Gortat for what he does (rebounder, can score, and has an attitude), but if we weigh the careers of Gortat against that of anyone that you'd get at #2, I'll take those chances.  Plus, I keep Nash and we are still viable in the Western Conference.  Do the d$@( thing. 

Nuggets - Trade Raymond Felton and the #22 pick to Sacramento for the #7 pick.
Synopsis:  Hmmm,...not sure about this one.  The two headed point guard monster in Denver seems to work and I think you have to keep that moving in that direction.  Not sure who the Nuggets would go after at the #7 slot unless they would go after Kemba Walker.  I don't know how good a fit that would be.  They are trying to lock up Nene long term, Afflalo is solid at either guard spot, and they are pretty much loaded.  I can't quite put my finger on what they're missing, but it's something that I don't think they get at #7 in this draft.  Hold your horses on this one. 

Cavaliers - Trade the #4 pick to the Wizards for the #6 and the #18. 
Synopsis:  It seems as though the Cavs are intent on drafting Jonas Valanciunas.  Since he won't be playing in the NBA next season, the Cavs don't want to waste a higher pick for him because they need all the help they can get and they'd like someone to give up multiple picks to make this a little more enticing.  The Wizards would draft Enes Kanter with the #4 pick and this deal could only be done if he's available at 4.  Seems like things are working out for the Cavs even after LBJ leaves.  I do this deal and get extra players on the cheap or more trade chips. 


Suns - Trade Robin Lopez to Golden State for Epke Udoh and the #13 pick. 
Synopsis:  Whew, this is a big one.  You would give up on Lopez this quickly?  He had a good year, then a bad year and he's trending down?  As my guy NYSTOM always says, you can't turn down a 2 for 1 deal, but I think I could turn this one down.  I'm not sold on Udoh being a center in the West and I just see him getting killed by Andrew Bynum, Nene and any other 'big' in the West. 

Sixers - Trade Andre Iguodala to Los Angeles Clippers for Chris Kaman OR to Golden State for Monta Ellis OR to Orlando for Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson. 
Synopsis:  The Sixers and Clippers seem to have the best deal that works for both teams.  The Sixers need some size to play next to a smallish PF in Brand.  The Clippers need Kaman to move to give Jordan more time and this will keep Griffin in that PF spot.  I do this deal even though it would involve some other smaller pieces.  The Sixers and Golden State I like for Golden State.  They could slide Iggy into the 2 or 3 spot and instantly have some size.  Curry can evolve into a better point guard and Lee and Iggy would take some pressure off of Curry.  The Sixers and Orlando, well,......it's a 2 for 1, that's a plus.  I think that Turkoglu is better with the ball in his hands (the way he was before he left Orlando) but off the ball he's a liability.  Jameer would have to take a bench role which would be tough for him.  Just not a good fit. 



What have you heard?  What's the word on the street?  What do you think about these prospective deals?  I will post more as I hear it. 

And There's Another One Gone,.........

The Big ___________ (insert your own moniker) has called it quits.  Shaq will announce his retirement tomorrow from his home in Isleworth, FL.  For those that are a little long in the tooth, Shaq was THE most dominate force that we've seen in years from the NBA.  No, he didn't win the number of championships that many of us thought he would, but he changed the game and the league.  Shaq started out in Orlando running the fast break (with Anfernee Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, and Horace Grant) and smiling and he ended his career in Boston, on the sidelines and smiling.  The one thing that can be said, is that even through some of the good (Championships with LA) and the bad (Kazaam!!!, Kobe and D-Wade) we've all enjoyed each moment because of the smiling giant.  Shaq will forever go down in history as one of the most dominate, but he'll also go down as one of the most loved.

From the crew here at MeltingPotThoughts, good luck on the next part of your journey. 

What was your favorite memory of Shaq?

Western Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Lakers come in to this series knowing that they escaped a game Hornets squad.  What I mean by that is if the Hornets had someone other than Chris Paul, they may not even be here.  The Mavericks pulled a series out against the Trailblazers and their only hope is that whatever curse that Portland team has on it didn't rub off on the Mavericks during their games there.   

Los Angeles Lakers:

This all starts with Kobe.  He looked terrible, at times, in the series against the Hornets.  Looked like his legs were dead or something was going on, maybe an ankle issue (hahahaha).  Once his bigs started playing Kobe could cheer from the bench.  The Lakers are the best team in the NBA, make no mistake, but they have to get it in gear.  This whole, we won't play until the playoffs is going to get them beat against quality teams.  Bynum and Gasol have to dominate.  If they do, I don't see anyone beating them.  If they don't, the Mavericks have a chance.    

Dallas Mavericks:

Not much to say about this team.  Dirk is Dirk, Jason Terry is Jason Terry, and when you add in the ageless wonder in Kidd, you have the Mavericks Big 3.  The difference this year will be the Mavericks with Chandler and Haywood in the paint.  They are going to be big for this team to win.  Roddy Beaubois is starting to play and his quickness will give Fisher and probably Blake some problems.  If Caron Butler can find a way to get on the floor he'll provide this team with a little bit of an emotional lift.  Dirk is going to have to play well against either Artest or Odom for the majority of this series.     

X-factors:

Lakers - Ron Artest and Shannon Brown.  Artest is going to have to play Dirk and beat him up.  If the refs let him get away with being physical, this one is over quickly.  Brown has to be that spark off the bench that he was earlier in the year.  He was doing his best (young) Kobe impersonation with his scoring and aerial displays.  He's gotta be that catalyst that gets this team going when they get lackadaisical.    

Mavericks - Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Peja Stojakovic.  Chandler and Haywood have got to be men and get the Laker big bodies out of the paint.  They may not have to score big numbers but they will have to dominate the boards.  Peja is the unkown.  I mean he hasn't been himself since he was in Sacramento and if you remember him from there,......he likes playing the Lakers.  If he can get some of that old Peja magic going, this Mavs team can pull one off.     

Prediction:  An old guy once said this, 'to be the man, you've got to BEAT the man, and I am THE man'.  Some old Ric Flair for those that remember.  With that said, the Lakers are THE man in this matchup and the Mavericks need to do something extra if they are going to win.  When it comes down to it, the Lakers have Kobe and the best I can say for the Mavericks is they have Dirk.  But, I've said that no one will win an NBA Championship with a 7-foot shooting guard.  Lakers 4-3. 

Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's

And now the West,......

Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold.  Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup.  The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed.  The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going.  Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence.  Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.

Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest.  Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls.  That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close.  This is all fools gold anyway.  The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction.  The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't.  He missed two layups and didn't get any calls.  Is this how it ends for him?  Kobe actually looked human on Sunday.  He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.

Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers.  Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims.  I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time.  Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team.  With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.

Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch.  Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago?  Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter.  Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts.  Not much else to say.  The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.

What game did you enjoy the most?  Who you got?    

Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets

This is what the Lakers played for the entire season, playoff time.  They are the only team (outside of the Celtics) that have been able to flip that switch when it comes to the postseason.  The Hornets are a good team, but with the loss of David West, they are in one of the most unenviable positions that I've seen a team in in a long time. 

Lakers:

The Lakers limped in to the 2nd spot in the West, whether that's Bynum's knee or the losing streak that they were experiencing.  Kobe probably is somewhere practicing his shooting (that's a joke).  The Lakers have it all when healthy with Kobe, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom.  What we haven't seen much of this year is Artest really playing well and Fisher being able to play some defense.  Barnes is hurt, Steve Blake is getting over his chicken pox, and I'm not sure the Lakers can win it all with Joe Smith and Luke Walton playing too much.  If Bynum's injury is major, this makes the Lakers suspect, although not in this series.  They always have Kobe when things break down. 

Hornets:

The Hornets are a decent team.  That's about it.  I know Chris Paul didn't think it'd be like this.  They lost David West to injury and to me that pretty much ends their season after these next 4 games.  I like Okafor for this team (when West is there) and no one else really impresses me.  Trevor Ariza is really an athlete (run and jump) and that's it.  I don't think he's hit a shot all year long.  Marcus Banks can fill it up, but you can't have him and Paul on the floor together too much or Kobe's going to post one of them up. 

X-Factors:

Lakers - Luke Walton.  The Lakers don't need an X-factor for this series, but they need to know that Walton will be available for the next round. 

Hornets - Got prayer?  Paul would have to have the series of his career and probably some other people too.  It's have to read like 20 pts, 20 asts, 10 stls, and 10 rebs.  Even then I think they would have a tough time winning. 

Prediction:  No chance for the Hornets.  At least the season will be over in 4 games.  Lakers 4-0.

The Weekend that Was (Catching Up)

Ok, lots of sports to catch up on from this past weekend, so here’s the cliff notes version:

Miami Heat – Terrible loss against the Knicks and they were at home.  This team still ahs some wrinkles to iron out, most specifically some semblance of a half court offense, but I still think that they will be ok.  It’ll be interesting to see if they are players in the veteran market when Troy Murphy (bought out today) and possibly Mike Bibby (may get a buyout tomorrow) are added to the team. 

Los Angeles Lakers – Good game for the Lakers as a team.  They were able to keep Durant in check (isn’t that all the Lakers need from Artest) and they let their volume shooter, Kobe, get his 17 points on 22 attempts.  I only point that out because I have someone (Moose, I’m talking about you) who rides and dies with Kobe and his greatness, so I just had to point something out.  Congrats to Kobe for becoming #7 on the All Time scoring list. 

Duke Blue Devils – You went and did what?  You lost to the Hokies, in Blacksburg?  Yes, it’s a tough place to play but the Dukies came out lackadaisical or something and then fell behind.  With games against Clemson and UNC coming up, that should be the last ‘L’ for this team until the NCAA tournament.  There are rumors out of Durham that Kyrie Irving may return and I think quietly, Coach K is praying in earnest for that.  Plus, Irving may not want to go to the NBA next year with the lockout and several sources claiming that the Cleveland Cavaliers will select him with the #1 pick.  If Irving didn’t have a reason to stay, that may have clinched it. 

Cincinnati Bearcats – I took a bet just to watch how this team plays.  I still can’t understand how they score points?  I mean they are like the Miami Heat to me, they get steals and turnovers because of their defense and they are great in transition, but once you slow the game down, they look like a bunch of guys who just got to the same court and decided to play basketball.  No sets, no offense, just a lot of standing and watching.  Shout out to Dion Dixon, whom we have to hear about on occasion (Dion your cousin has your back).  You guys have some work to do in order to make the NCAAs so take your turn and step up your game.  Also, drop by and let’s do an interview or something.

San Antonio Spurs – People, they just keep winning.  I’m waiting for them to falter or even see a team that will catch them (Jason Terry said the Mavs would, but I’m not sure), but the Spurs are quietly beating the tar out of just about everyone.  Each night it’s a different person and Tim Duncan has been able to rest for the majority of the year.  I know people don’t think they have a chance because they aren’t the Lakers, but it’s time to take notice.

Chicago Bulls – Another team that people should really take notice of is the Bulls.  I’m going out on a limb that if the Bulls were able to pull off an OJ Mayo deal, I think they would be in the NBA Finals, this year.  They are that close, a SG away.  If they could combine Korver and Brewer into one person, that would be excellent.  Derrick Rose is playing out of his mind and he’ll have to continue doing that for the rest of the season.  He is, by all accounts, #1 on anyone’s MVP list.  Rasual Butler, whom the Bulls plan on signing today, will help, but I’m not sure he’s the answer either. 

BYU – I have seen a lot of Jimmer Fredette and I can say one thing, the kid can play ball.  He has that off the bus range (meaning you gotta start checking him when he gets off the bus) and enough savvy to know that if you crowd him he can make the right pass (9 asts against SDSU on Saturday).  He has proved that he can adapt his game and when he has help (Charles Abouo, 18 pts, 9 rebs, 2 stls) this team is going to be hard to beat.  I think that point guards have an advantage over other players making the leap to the NBA because they have the ball in their hands more.  Part of me thinks that Jimmer is going to be somewhere between Adam Morrison (bust) and JJ Redick (better than average role player).  It’ll be interesting to see where he goes in the draft.

The Big East – Understand that when I write this it give me pain.  I’m an ACC guy, born and bred and they have arguably always had the best conference in basketball from the top down.  This year, there is NO argument.  The best conference is the Big East and they are beating the crap out of each other.  Georgetown, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Providence, Villanova, West Virginia, Syracuse, and quietly St. John’s have all taken turns beating each other.  I’m not sure who’s going to win this conference, but whoever does will definitely be battle tested.  I could see 3 or 4 Big East teams make it to the Elite 8 (depending on seeding) because of the level they’ve had to play at all year long.  

What should I be talking about?  

NBA 2010 12-8-10 Wrap Up

Denver @ Boston - The Celtics are moving along without all of the controversy and notoriety that you see in LA and Miami, and that's just where they want to be.  Without Carmelo playing the Nuggets could keep up with the Celtics despite a big game from Ty Lawson (24 pts, 7 asts, 2 rebs, 3 stls, in 34 minutes) off the bench.  The Celtics were paced by Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen) and his effortless shooting (28 pts, 5 rebs, and 4 asts).  When you add in Rondo (13 asts), Garnett (17 pts, 9 rebs), and Pierce (17 pts, 3 rebs, 4asts) you can easily see why this is the team to beat in the East come playoff time.  Other than an almost altercation between Nene and Big Baby (I'm sure someone will get a fine for that one) and KG's brief discussion with George Karl after the game (about Garnett's cancerous statement to Charlie Villanueva) this was pretty much a no contest.  Next up for the Celtics are the 76ers and for the Nuggets the Knicks. 


Chicago @ Cleveland - Are we all just piling on the Cavaliers?  The Bulls went in to Cleveland and came from behind to beat a game Cavs team.  As usual, Derrick Rose (29 pts, 8 asts, 4 rebs) along with Joakim Noah (13 pts, 14 rebs) led the Bulls as Carlos Boozer (4 pts, 3 rebs) had a stinker in his old Cleveland home.  Just for a second, imagine this,......Boozer and LBJ in Cleveland with Big Z, and some shooters around them.  That's exactly what the Cavs needed, but as we all know, that is just a dream.  The Cavs were led Antawn (don't call him Antwan) Jamison (21 pts, 6 rebs) but the Cavs bench (8 pts on 3 of 15 shooting) wasn't able to make a shot for the majority of the night.  The Cavs are 7-15 and it's looking real bad (if it wasn't already) for this franchise.  Note to Clevelanders, yes LBJ left, the WAY he did it was wrong, but if you want to blame someone, start looking Dan Gilberts' way.  He is the owner and should have had a plan on what to do if/when LBJ left.  AND, if LBJ was all of the things that Gilbert said he was (after LBJ left) then he definitely should have had a plan in place for life after LBJ.  Just my two cents.  Up next for the Bulls, the Lakers.  For the Cavs, they get to play the Houston Rockets.     


Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers - Derek Fisher!!!  The Lakers ran into a rather pesky bunch of young Clippers last night.  The Clippers were the more physical team and they also showed just how athletic they are when they have Jordan (9 pts, 11 rebs) and Griffin (16 pts, 11rebs) on the floor together.  In the end, the young bunch fell to the old men on a last second layup by Derek Fisher.  Not sure if Bledsoe (11pts, 7 asts, 4 rebs) forgot but Fisher (6pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls) is a lefty, who likes driving left, and Bledsoe played his right hand with time ticking away.  Kobe (24 pts, 4asts, 2 rebs) led the way for the Lakers with an efficient 9 of 15 shooting preformance (5 of 7 from the line).  The Lakers are still the cream of the crop in the NBA, but they may have some trouble with this Clippers team when they play them again.  Quietly, Shannon Brown (16 pts, 5 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl, in 17 minutes) has become a very reliable scorer, defender, or whatever this team needs off the bench.  Could you imagine him in a Bulls uniform?  The Bulls are up next for the Lakers and the Clippers get the Grizzlies next. 


Miami @ Utah - I'm not going to jump on the Heat bandwagon like everyone else (I've actually never gotten off) as everyone writes stories about the team gelling, but they did look good last night and they will get better.  I've said this before, once they get Chalmers (8 pts, 3 asts, 2 rebs, 2 stls, +16 when he's on the floor) back to playing like he was last year and put Arroyo (0 pts, 1 to, 1 stl in 23 minutes) back on the bench and they get Miller back (with a fully healed wrist) that this team will be dangerous.  LBJ (33 pts, 9 asts, 7 rebs, on 12 of 20 shooting) and Wade (28 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asts on 9 of 14 shooting, 8 of 11 from the line) played well together last night and even some of the Jazz players were saying that they might be close to putting it all together.  Utah got an impressive performance from Deron Williams (21 pts, 12 asts, 4 rebs, 1 blk), but it wasn't enough as the Heat held on late for a 13 point win.  Moose, the Heat have won 6 in a row and you've gotten WAY too quiet.  The Heat will run with the Warriors in their next game and the Jazz get Orlando (coming off a back to back). 

NBA Wrap Up - Lakers, Blazers, Celtics 10-27-10

Great night of games last night, let’s recap.

Heat @ Celtics – This pretty much turned out the way I thought.  The Celtics looked good in spurts and they were egged on by the home crowd.  You got the majority of what you’ll see all year long: Pierce (19 pts, 7 rebs), Allen (20 pts), Garnett (10 pts, 10 rebs), Big Baby (13 pts) and Shaq (9 pts, 7 rebs) will show up every now and then.  Rondo had a terrible scoring game but led the Celtics with 17 assists (only 3 turnovers).  Welcome back Marquis Daniels, the Celtics really need you (could have used you last year too).  The Heat were slow out of the gates, with the exception of LBJ.  I can’t believe that he actually posted Paul Pierce up.  I mean, yes, he missed the two foot bunny, but he POSTED Paul Pierce up. If that’s not something to be happy about, I don’t know what is.  The Celtics were able to hold on and win this game, and we know the Heat will be better, but I agree with Charles Barkley when he said that Mike Miller should renegotiate his contract right now, because without him, the Heat have no outside shooting. 

Rockets @ Lakers – The good thing for the Rockets is that Yao Ming didn’t get hurt.  He actually played pretty well and so did the Rockets backcourt of Aaron Brooks (24 pts, 9 asts) and Kevin Martin (26 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts).  The Lakers got their Championship Rings and it was good to see each player introduce the next.  Interesting note, Adam Morrison has a Championship ring, let that marinate with you for a moment.  Kobe was Kobe (27 pts, 5 rebs, 7 asts) on his gimpy knee, Gasol put on a clinic (29 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blks) and the Lakers bench helped with the play of Shannon Brown (16 pts) and Steve Blake (10 pts, 3 asts).  The scary part is when they get Bynum back, they have to be odds on favorites to repeat.  This team could be scary. Take a look at the Lakers' Ring. 

Suns @ Trail Blazers – Maybe Steve Nash had a point about being upset about the team around him.  Outside of his performance (26 pts, 4 rebs, 6 asts, 9 TOs) the Suns pretty much stunk.  Yes, Jason Richardson had 22 pts, but for some reason he stopped shooting (he was 9-13 last night).  Turkoglu disappointed by getting two early fouls and he was pretty much done for the night.  If there is a sliver of hope, it’s Hakim Warrick’s play (10 pts, 2 rebs).  He’s not Amare, but he can do some of the things that Amare can do.  Give him some time.  The Blazers were led by Brandon Roy (24 pts, 3 rebs, 6 asts, 3 stls) and Nicolas Batum (19 pts, 11 rebs).  Interesting note, the Bulls should STILL be killing themselves for not picking Roy (and picking Tyrus Thomas back in the 2006 draft) especially now that they really need a 2 guard.  This Portland team may be ready to make some noise this year.    

NBA 2010 Opening Night

The NBA season kicks off tonight with three games on the docket.  The first game of the night pits the new look Heat paying a visit to the Boston Celtics.  The next two games are both West Coast affairs with the Champion Los Angeles Lakers (on ring night) taking on the Houston Rockets, while the Phoenix Suns visit the Portland to take on the Trail Blazers.  Let’s take a look at these games.

Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics – The original Big 3, get to see the new Big 3.  We all know the principles here, LBJ, Wade and Bosh for the Heat and KG, Pierce, and Allen for the Celtics.  Let’s say for kicks that each Big 3 plays each other even.  The difference in this game will come down to the next tier of players.  Rajon Rondo going up against Carlos Arroyo and the Big Leprechaun playing against Joel Anthony/Ilgauskas are definitely the match ups that the Celtic hope to exploit.  Both benches have their pluses and minuses, but I guess I have to go with the Celtics.  Yes, Game 1 for the Heat is an ‘L’.  Winner – Celtics.

Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers – Ring Night!!!  Can’t wait to see the rock they get.  Is it me or are these rings starting to cost the GDP of a small country?  Back to basketball, with Kobe playing limited minutes, we’ll see how good some of that bench is.  No Luke Walton or Bynum, so Odom should start seeing extended minutes at the 4 with Gasol manning the 5 until Bynum gets back.  The Lakers are stacked so it shouldn’t be an issue and guys like Artest can play 2-4 or Barnes can play 2-3, and the Lakers always have clutch shooter/performer Derek Fisher.  Tonight is the return of a healthy (we’ll see how long that lasts) Yao Ming.  Can Trevor Ariza make his old team pay for letting him walk?  I doubt it.  Winner – Lakers.

Phoenix Suns @ Portland Trail Blazers – What does it say for your chances to win when your star player is pretty pissed with the team that you have around him?  Ask Steve Nash.  The Suns and all of their forwards (how many do they have on this team) go to Portland and play against another forward-laden team (mostly due to injury).  This will be Game 1 of the post-Stoudamire regime for the Suns and I think they will actually be ok.  They were able to pick up some pieces that will essentially replace Stoudamire (although it’ll take about 2 ½ people).  The Trail Blazers have one of the best backcourts in the game with Miller and Roy, but you have to hope that they can play nice with each other.  I’m going out on a limb on this one and I’m picking the Suns.  Winner – Suns. 

Who you got?  Can the Lakers win it all again this year?  Are the Heat for real?  Can the Celtics get another year out of KG and possibly win it all? 

2010 NBA Finals - Recap of Game 1 and 2

Well we’re two games into the NBA Finals and we’re sitting 1-1. The Lakers were able to ride Kobe and a surprising Ron Artest to a win in Game 1, while Ray Allen showed that he can still do it with a scorching performance of 32 points while breaking a NBA Finals Record for hitting 8 three pointers.

As far as Game 1 was concerned, the Celtics looked slow and old and almost not interested in the game. Paul Pierce ended the game with a decent stat line of 24 pts, 9 boards, 4 helpers, and 2 blocks, but most of this was done after the game was no longer in doubt. Artest hounded (beat) Pierce up for the majority of the game and also was able to make Pierce a lot more tentative after instigating the double technical foul call 20 seconds into the game. Kobe (30 pts) and Pau Gasol (23 pts, 14 boards) led the way for the Lakers. Artest not only held Pierce in check for most of the game but he gave them 15 pts, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Game 2 was a complete role reversal. Ray Allen was dogged by foul trouble in Game 1 but in Game 2 he came out with his jump shot switched to ‘ON’. Ray hit his first 7 3-pointers. It got so bad that the Lakers had to switch Kobe off of Rondo to try and cool down Allen. They even tried Artest at one point but the only person that seemed to be able to stop Allen was Doc Rivers. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett couldn’t even put up a combined triple double with 16 points (on 4 of 16 shooting), 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Overshadowed by Allen’s onslaught was the triple double turned in by none other than Rajon Rondo (19pts, 12 rebs, 10 asts). Rondo was also key down the stretch making all the right plays. Kobe had a subpar game (21 pts, 5 fouls), while Gasol and Bynum controlled the paint with 46 pts, 14 rebounds, and 13 blocks combined. Kobe was seething after the game, so I expect for him to come out swinging in Game 3.

Recap on My Predictions:

KG has done his best Rashard Lewis/David Copperfield impression by disappearing in this series so far. I don’t know if it’s his leg or he’s tired or he’s old or a combination of all of them. It pains me somewhere deep in my heart to watch him lumber up and down the court like this. KG, please find your game, soon. Right now Gasol is killing you. (Matchup BIG in favor of Lakers)

Bynum is impressing me. He has played well in both games and has looked rather agile, mobile and ready to rumble with the Celtics. He is overpowering the shorter Perkins and he’s finishing at the rim. If this continues, the Celtics are in T-R-O-U-B-L-E. (Matchup swinging in favor of Lakers)

Pierce has not showed up yet either. Points-wise I’d call this matchup a draw, but the intangibles are heading in the Celtics favor. Before you ask if I’m crazy, the Celtics haven’t really needed Pierce, yet. He’s putting up some numbers but he isn’t taking a pounding (yet) and he’s got some life in his legs. Ray Allen getting off against in Game 2 forced the matchups that Boston wants. Worst case, this one is even. (Matchup even)

Kobe has put up 51 points in two games and that’s enough to normally swing this in the Lakers favor, however, I like the 32 point outburst by Ray Allen in Game 2 and what that means for the Celtics. I mentioned before the matchups, and if Kobe has to guard Allen instead of Rondo, this puts Fisher back on Rondo, who will continue to eat him (Fisher) alive. (Matchup even)

Rondo has a triple double and a not so bad Game 1. We know that this is the place where the Lakers try and hide Fisher and for good reason. (Matchup going in Celtics favor).

Celtic Bench Production – I pose this one question, what has Sheldon Williams done of not except to marry Candace Parker? Shelden, I’m a Dukie apologist and I need for you to do something instead of turning the ball over. Nate Robinson has provided some spark and I look for him to get a little more tick so that Doc can rest Rondo. Tony Allen, I can at least excuse you from my wrath for playing decent defense.

Lakers Bench Production – Tin Man, where are you? If Odom doesn’t play well next game, look for Kobe to hit him squa’ in the face during one of the huddles. Farmer has played ok, but for some reason he always seems to be a little too fast for his own good. Only 5 minutes of Luke Walton playing so, we’ll wait on that one.

2010 NBA Finals

Well, it’s that time. The NBA Finals start tonight in LA as the Celtics and the Lakers battle it out for the title. We all know the subplots, the Celtics are 9-2 against the Lakers in the Finals, Kendrick Perkins is a ‘T’ from having to sit out a game, Bynum is a quick move from being out of the series, Kobe is supposedly back to form and the Celtics defense is the best in the league. So what’s going to happen?

So with all of that said let’s look at the matchups and then I’ll give you my picks:

Kendrick Perkins vs. Andrew Bynum – I’ve been one that said that Bynum should have had that surgery a while ago, but then when you think about the surgeries that he’s had in the past, he never healed quickly. So with that said, he’s holding on by a thread. I expect him and Perkins to get in to it with each other. Bynum will find a way to pick up fouls at a Perkins rate too. Matchup – Even

Kevin Garnett vs. Pau Gasol – This will be the matchup of the series. KG looked awful at times guarding Dwight Howard as he beat him off the dribble on that same move going to the lane. Gasol is just as quick, but Howard was able to jump over KG, and I’m not sure that Gasol can. At times, KG looked like the KG of old (see games 1-3 of the ECF) and others, he’s looked just old. I don’t think that you can change your mentality, your essence in a series. Matchup – Edge Celtics

Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest – A few years ago, this would have been great to watch because Artest could play defense AND give you 20 points. Although that 20 point total might be closer to 13 or 15 now, Artest’s defense is going to be of the utmost importance. If Pierce didn’t know it yet, he should make sure that he has medical coverage and that his life insurance is paid up because Artest is going to maul him this series (see Kevin Durant, 1st Round vs. Lakers). Pierce likes to flail and fall a lot and may draw a few extra fouls on Artest, but he’s going to have to tough this one out. He is the Truth. Matchup – Edge Celtics

Ray Allen vs. Kobe Bryant – Well not much to say here, I love ‘Jesus’ (Ray Allen), but against Kobe, he’ll have his hands full on defense and offense. Kobe is the premier player in the league today, even with his many maladies. I expect Kobe to get his points, but the trick will be to make him a volume shooter. If he gets 30 and he takes 30 shots, you can almost live with that. Allen will get his points and may help tire out Kobe from running off of every pick from Boston to LA. Matchup – Edge Lakers

Rajon Rondo vs. Derek Fisher – Most would say that Fish needs to sit this one out. He’s going against one of the quickest PGs in the game and he will have a problem staying in front of him. If they back off of Rondo and force him to shoot jumpers, which may be the best way to handle him. I imagine that you’ll see a lot of Jordan Farmer on Rondo too to try and match some of his quickness. Rondo will continue to run this Celtics team as long as his hammy/back hold up. Hopefully the rest has done him well too. Matchup – Edge Celtics

Celtics Bench vs. Lakers Bench – We know that the Celtics are going to need production from Rasheed Wallace, especially if they lose Perkins for a game or two for ‘T’s. I’m looking for another dusting off of Nate Robinson but the two people that will have an impact on this series will be Tony Allen and Sheldon Williams. I imagine that Williams will have to do some spot duty in this series for Perkins and how he plays will dictate whether the Celtics have to double up or play man. The Lakers are going to need contributions from Farmar and Odom off their bench. Farmar can’t be a turnover waiting to happen and Odom has to show everyone that he isn’t the Tin Man (ouch). I expect that you’ll get a heavy dose of Luke Walton this series which always seems to produce good outcomes for the Lakers. Matchup – Even

I think that unfortunately, Bynum’s knee doesn’t hold up. The Celtics defense is able to make life extremely hard for Kobe and in the end; I got the Celtics in 6.

Who ya got? NBA Playoffs 2010 - Western Conference

Well, the regular season is done and there’s nothing left to do but look at the playoff brackets and dream. The season seemed to end on a sour note with a lot of teams experiencing injuries to their important players on their team. Other teams may have over thought this thing and rested some of their key players while at the same time enduring a small losing streak here and there. We’re going to take a look at the playoffs and see where it takes us.

Western Conference – Round 1

Lakers vs. Thunder

Not too many teams have looked as out of sync as the Lakers as of late. With Kobe ailing (where are his legs?), Fisher injured, Vujacic injured, Bynum returning (hopefully) from injury, and Farmar with a hammy that could go at any time, the Lakers are playing the part of the wounded hero. We all know that the Lakers were the odds on favorite with the addition of Artest, but now, not so much. Kobe looks like he needed the 2 game break he got at the end of the season, but the Lakers just aren’t plain playing well. We know that Kobe should be able to turn it on, but the big question is whether Bynum can come back and play decent ball and whether the other injuries are going to hurt the Lakers. We’ll see.

The Thunder come in as one of the darling teams in the NBA. By that I mean they weren’t supposed to be here. They were the young team with a lot of talent, but they played ahead of their curve. Kevin Durant has been the catalyst for them by scoring at will, but this team also has Jeff Green (a do it all forward), Russell Westbrook (a good on the ball defender), and a host of guys willing to play their roles. Phil Jackson has already started working the refs in his favor, evidenced by his $35K fine for what he said about the refs giving Durant all the calls. This is the big stage for the Thunder, their opportunity to shock the world. As healthy as they are and as hungry as they are, they have more than a fighting chance.

Series Roundup – I want an upset, I’m thinking it’ll be an upset, but then reality sets in. Prediction: Lakers in 7.

Nuggets vs. Jazz

The Nuggets come into the playoffs struggling also. They can at least attribute their struggles to their coach being out fighting cancer. This team is too talented to not be at the least in the Western Conference Finals. It’s the same crew with Billups, Melo, and Nene. Add to them, the speedy Ty Lawson, the never gun shy J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin (recovering from a knee injury), and the crowd favorite, the Bird Man. I think the window for these Nuggets is closing and that may add some pressure to the expectations that many have as the team that can dethrone the Lakers in the West. Now is the time to step it up Denver.

The Jazz are suffering from their own pains. Carlos Boozer went down with an oblique strain that will probably not get better during the playoffs and Andrei Kirilenko’s calf isn’t allowing him to play. The Jazz still have Paul Milsap who can produce like Boozer, but they really need AK. I like the fact that Deron Williams has played well of late and he in his own groove. The Jazz always play a physical game and that may be to their benefit against a Nuggets team that doesn’t have their enforcer (Martin) really ready to step up to the plate. Look for CJ Miles to play an important role in this series if the Jazz are to win.

Series Roundup – Can I just watch the first game to see who wins to pick this series? Denver has home court, but something is telling me to pick the Jazz.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6.

Mavericks vs. Spurs

This will be interesting. The Mavericks have played some of the best basketball since the All-Star break. Caron Butler is starting to find his way in this rotation, Haywood is giving them a much needed offensive presence in the paint, Kidd looks 30 again, Shawn Marion playing good defense, and you still got Dirk. I didn’t even mention Jason Terry, who is quietly the compass for this team. As he goes, so go the Mavericks. The Mavericks were supposed to end up around the 4th seed but they have used defense to help them get to that second spot in the West. The Spurs have really been a thorn in the Mavericks side in the past and this year, I think the Mavericks are ready.

The Spurs have been battling injuries coming into this game. George Hill sprained an ankle and may not be able to come back for the 1st round of the playoffs, Tony Parker is coming back from an injury, Tim Duncan is fighting off father time and bad knees, and we all know that Ginobili is one falling down awkward shot from being out of the series. I am surprised that Richard Jefferson hasn’t been more of a force with this team, but he is starting to come on now that Ginobili is back. DeJuan Blair has been some beef that has been welcomed by everyone, but specifically Tim Duncan. This team is solid as they always are and they are playing well at this juncture.

Series Roundup – This is going to come down to defense for the Mavericks. Can they stop this Spurs team when they need to and can they keep Ginobili from going bonkers? The Spurs get older each year, but like wine they seem to get better with age. Prediction: Mavericks in 6.

Suns vs. Trial Blazers

That’s Amar’e!!! Talk about someone who has done the most with what he has and has thereby increased (well, he’s getting a max deal regardless next year) his value, Stoudamire has caught fire since playing his way into shape. He has led the Suns on a streak that has gotten the Suns to the #3 spot in the West. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look at least 3 years younger and the Suns have enjoyed getting Barbosa back from a wrist injury. The only downside is that they are going to lose their big man, Robin Lopez for at least the first round and possibly the entire playoffs. He’s not spectacular but he does have a good motor and plays well next to Amar’e. Replacing him is one of the Collins twins (are they both still in the league?), but I hope that we’ll see more Channing Frye or even a sighting of Earl Clark (where has he been?).

Let me get myself together for a second (grabs rabbit feet, lucky charms, the Bible, some holy water, brought in my pet unicorn, caught a falling star, threw about $20 in a wishing well, and grabbed some horse shoes), the Blazers lost another player to injury. Brandon Roy tore his meniscus and will have surgery and will miss at least the 1st round of the playoffs. The Blazers have lost at least 300+ games due to injury. Even with all of that the Blazers have performed this year and are the #6 seed in the West. Nate McMillan should have some COY votes strictly on that alone. The Blazers are a balanced squad and they can play defense with the best of them. They were able to shut Kobe down towards the later part of the season with Batum and Webster taking turns. They will struggle to score a lot without Roy, but don’t’ count these Blazers out just yet. Look for the veteran big men Camby and (gulp) Howard to play a big role in their success.

Series Roundup – Can anyone stop the Suns from rolling? I expect the Blazers to slow this thing down and make the Suns play half court or it’s over. Prediction: Suns in 6.

Catching Up

'Once again, back, it's the incredible!' - Public Enemy

Thanks for those that were worried about me, but everything is ok. Just got a lot of life going on and it's been a lot of fun. So let me take a few moments to catch up on the world of sports.

NBA Finals: Congrats to the Lakers for making this interesting. I like the Orlando team on paper, but the Lakers have showed up and are willing themselves to their 2-0 lead in the Finals. I expect them to beat the Magic 4-2, but Kobe should be celebrating another Championship this year. I just can't stand thinking about what it would look like to see Stan Van Gundy celebrate a NBA Finals Championship.

Congrats to Tiger: Tiger showed us that he is in fact back. 14 of 14 is all I have to say. If you hit that many fairways, you are going to score low. I wonder how many people give anyone a chance at the US Open now since the Memorial ended the way it did. I know I'll be watching to see how dominate Tiger will be.

Congrats to Federer: It's about time you won on clay. Nadal had already lost and if Federer would have lost, this would have been the biggest upset in tennis, EVER!!!! Both Federer and Tiger have 14 championship wins and they both won on the same day. Is this strange or what?

Congrats to the Penguins: For at least making this a series. After going down 2-0, everything seemed bleak in Pittsburgh, but Malkin woke up and Crosby woke up, at least for 2 games, to bring the series to a 2-2 tie. The Redwings destroyed them in Game 5 and the close out game is tonight, Game 6. I'm looking for the Pens to win tonight on their home ice and make a Game 7 back in Detroit. It should be exciting.

NFL: Training camp is starting soon. More Favre drama, more holdouts, and I can't wait for the pre-season to be over already. I will say this though, Fantasy Football is already started on some sites. Go Cold Ones!!!!!!

MLB: Best pitcher in the game is Halladay. Yes, he's in Canada, but give the man his due. The Yankees and the Red Sox start a 3 game series which is always fun. Yankees need these wins. Big Papi, please find your swing, we miss it.

NBA: The Raptors traded Jason Kapano to the Sixers for Reggie Evans. A head scratcher to say the least. I know the Sixers need a shooter, but why do the Raptors need Reggie Evans?!?!?

What have I missed that you want to discuss?

NBA Playoffs - Western Conference 2nd Round

The first round wasn't that exciting with the exception of the Rockets vs. Blazers series. With the Hornets, Trailblazers, Jazz, and Spurs at home, we have some better matchups in the semis. Here's my take on the series for the 2nd round, and yes, I have already had the opportunity to see two Game 1's, and some Game 2's but this won't effect my predictions.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

Prediction: 4-3 Los Angeles Lakers

Well, it's 1-1 and there was a lot of bs going on in the game last night. The Lakers may be with out Derek Fisher for Game 3 and the Rockets have to watch the combustible Ron Artest (who shouldn't have been thrown out last night). This series is going to go 6 or 7 games because the the Lakers have yet to show me that they can consistently play defense. They can outscore anyone, but they better get a few stops or it's going to end like it did last year, a loss in the Finals.

Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks

Prediction: 4-1 Denver Nuggets

This series is 2-0 Nuggets and I expect more of the same. The Nuggets are just too good for the Mavs. The Mavs were able to beat the Spurs, but let's admit this, the Spurs had no Ginobli, 1/2 of Tim Duncan, and an on fire Tony Parker, but that's it. Dirk has picked up his play, but the Nuggets have the bigs that at least make him scoring that much more of a chore. Billups is running this team like a well oiled machine and when you add in Carmelo and JR Smith, the points just keep coming. I said this a while ago, but I'll do it again. The Lakers don't want to see the Nuggets in the playoffs. The Nuggets are 2 games away, what are the Lakers going to do?

West Conference Finals Prediction: Lakers vs. Nuggets and it'll be a barn burner.

Catching Up with the Western Conference

Yes, it's been a few days since I talked about the NBA playoffs, but let's just catch up with the Western Conference since the first round is basically over.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

Did we expect anything different? We knew that Kobe wasn't going to allow the Lakers to play around for too long. They are at home now and they should be watching the Nuggets play and they should be getting worried. The Lakers still haven't shown me their want to play defense. That may hurt them in the future. My take on the series was 4-1 Lakers, and it ended 4-1.

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets

I don't know how you lose a game by 58 when you have a chance to get back in your series and you are playing at home. I think the Hornets just quit. They lost all of their mojo in a year. Last nights game sealed. They at least made it a game but Melo finally gets to the 2nd round of the playoffs. My take on the series was 4-2 Nuggets, but it ended 4-1.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs are just old. I don't think that this is the end of an era, but the Spurs have to retool, somehow. Duncan needs a young beast in the paint like he was to David Robinson and some help on the wing (which I thought Udoka would be able to provide, but he hasn't done that yet). We'll see if Pop can do something to spruce up this team. Dallas was the better team in this series and they showed it. This is the scary team that may cause Denver some problems. My take on the series was 4-2 Mavericks, but it ended 4-1.

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets

This is the most exciting series in the West. The Blazers are showing their youthful side as they seem to play every other game. They haven't been able to consistently win the matchups that they should win (LaMarcus Aldridge, that means you against Scola), but they are only down 3-2 and they get a chance to go into Houston tonight to try and even the series. The Rockets are playing extremely well, without T-Mac. They are one game away from getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs. That would be a success but again another knock on T-Mac since they would have done it without him. Yao is showing that he is the most consistent big man in the league and possibly the best. I had the Blazers winning this series 4-3, so the Blazers have a lot of work to do.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

This game picked up where Game 1 ended. When will some defense be played in this series? The Lakers started off this game by shooting 63%. The only thing that makes that a little questionable is that the Jazz shot 60% from the floor. The Lakers were led by their big 2, Kobe (26 pts, 9 asts, 6 rebs) and Gasol (22 pts, 6 rebs, 2 blks), but they ended up with 7 players in double figures. Lamar Odom was the biggest part of that bench with 19 pts. The layups and dunks that the Lakers got early in this game was ridiculous. It's like a grown man playing against a 10 yr old.

The Jazz, just don't have it. As I watched this game, at no point did I say to myself, the Jazz have a chance. Deron Williams (35 pts, 9 asts, 4 rebs, 4 stls,2 blks) had another great game and Boozer (20 pts, 10 rebs, 2 stls) contributed too, but the Jazz really have no chance. Unless,....they just start beating people up. Most Jazz teams of the past (yes, Karl Malone and John Stockton are somewhere crying) would have NEVER let the Lakers get that many open looks in the paint without drawing blood. This team, by it's coach's admission isn't nasty enough. With Okur out, they can't stretch the floor and that really highlights the limitations of this team (no one outside of Korver or Williams can hit a 3) and makes it easy to guard them. I hope the Jazz have at least one win in them.

Key facts:

- Shannon Brown has taken Jordan Farmar's spot in the rotation. Brown contributed 12 pts off the bench and has played solidly on both sides of the ball. This may have been a steal for the Lakers.

- Kobe is still showing patience and this is doing nothing but helping the Lakers. As you watch the game, you can tell that Kobe could take over at any moment, but he waits patiently to do that. 7 Lakers in double digits shows how much he has bought in to trusting his teammates.

This one is pretty much over. Call me when some blood is drawn or some heart is shown by the Jazz. What is your take on this one?