Luck of the Hoosier?

Well, it’s happened again. Isiah Thomas has been hired by the New York Knicks. Take a moment, and yes we haven’t Hot Tub Time Machined back a few years. Thomas, who is presently the head coach at FIU, has been hired as a consultant for the Knicks by his former boss James Dolan. This story has so many angles, I’m not sure where to start. Maybe right here:

- The last time Zeke worked for the Knicks it cost them $11.6M for Anucha Browne Sanders. No she doesn’t play for the Liberty, she just happened to be someone that Zeke sexually harassed.

- Zeke gave out several terrible cap limiting deals that further hurt the organization: Eddy Curry, Jerome James, and Jared Jeffries come to mind.

- As a coach for the Knicks they ended up firing him because the team was terrible under him and at one point they told him to not even speak with Knicks players.

I guess my biggest question is how does this happen? Zeke has only been able to do one thing and that is find talent. So how does he go from being lambasted out of NY and then right back into NY on a cushy deal? Some people say that Zeke was instrumental behind the scenes with getting A’mare Stoudamire to come to NY in the off season ($100M would have done that) even though his pitch to LBJ didn’t work. Maybe he found a way to look good to Dolan again and thus this signing. With the present GM, Donnie Walsh, possibly heading off into the sunset in 2 years, has Zeke been promised the GM position again? For New York fans, I hope not.

The next biggest thing is where is the NCAA? With this position Zeke is allowed to recruit for FIU and the Knicks, all in one fell swoop? Who is he representing when he walks in the door? This could mean higher recruits might find their way to FIU knowing that Zeke has a pipeline, that all of us can see, directly to the NBA. This reeks of something unfair and I’m waiting for David Stern or the NCAA to nix this whole thing. If this passes the muster, I imagine that the Lakers will be reaching out to (insert your favorite college basketball coach) Coach K for a similar kind of engagement. The possibilities would be endless.

What’s your take on this move? Does it make sense? How did HE get a job with the Knicks again?

Free Agent Signings?

Well, that time is upon us and the free agency period for the NBA is almost over with the biggest FA, LeBron, announcing this Thursday night his intentions. While I care, I wonder how they can make this an hour long segment and his business team is selling advertising. Now, the dollars will go to the Boys and Girls Club, but nevertheless, LeBron may be too important. But, I digress. Let’s take a look at the signings that have already occurred and we’ll give you our take on them.

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks – 6 years / $119M
This has got to be THE worst deal of the free agency period. Joe Johnson has essentially robbed the Atlanta Hawks without even having a gun. There was no team out there that was going to give Johnson the max especially after how he performed, or didn’t perform in the playoffs this past year. After the Hawks extended this offer, Johnsons’ camp was saying that he was still going to look at other opportunities, yeah right.

Darko Milicic, Minessota Timberwolves – 4 years / $20M
How can a guy who was for all intents and purposes on his way back to Europe with a bag of money and no chance to play in the NBA again, end up with a 4 year deal for $20M? Even Kevin McHale doesn’t make this deal, not ever. Another bad deal that baffles most people. Darko has height, but no heart, but he might have a chance to play more if the Timberwolves move Al Jefferson.

Drew Gooden, Milwaukee Bucks – 5 years / $32M (Years 4 and 5 are partially guaranteed)
I am a little torn on this one. The Bucks got rid of Dan Gadzuric and that’s a good thing because after Kurt Thomas, the Bucks had no big men to come off the bench. Gooden is anything but spectacular and that’s probably what Coach Skiles wanted for this team. He’s a veteran that has played a lot of minutes but has always been consistent. Good pickup but I wonder if they paid to much to get him.

Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies – 5 years / $80M
Wow, the Grizzlies actually opened their wallets. It just may have been for the wrong person. I like Gay and the upside that he brings, but they are going to have to get the right coaches and help him grow into the player that they are paying him to be. I almost think that the Grizzlies should have let him walk and found a way to build their team like the Thunder have.

Amir Johnson, Toronto Raptors – 5 years / $34M
The former Detroit Piston will get a lot more playing time with the impending loss of Chris Bosh, but this contract is based on upside. He averaged about 6 pts and 5 rebs last year with the Raptors. If that’s the case and I use my Jerry Stackhouse math (half of Jordan’s production equaled half of Jordan’s salary ($30M) for Stackhouse), Rudy Gay is underpaid severely.

Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns – 5 years / $30M
One of those, ‘had to do it’ situations. The Suns were going to lose A’mare because they weren’t interested in maxing him out (smart move). Frye is a 7 foot 3 point shooter not named Nowitzki. This deal is reasonable, but they did over pay a little to make sure that they didn’t lose him. Can someone teach him a post move is my only question?

John Salmons, Milwaukee Bucks – 5 years / $39M
What is a 17 point a game scorer worth? Especially when Michael Redd’s knees are very much in question? This looks like a decent deal on the face. It’s about $8M a year and they also traded for Maggette and signed Gooden, so he’ll have some extra scoring to help him. Salmons has shown flashes in the past two playoffs and he should get some more rest and a whole lot more money in this situation.

Hakim Warrick, Phoenix Suns – 4 years / $18M
For some reason, this deal seems okay to me. No he hasn’t shown much yet and he’s still has to be put in the right situation for him to flourish, but going to Phoenix will help. He has to learn how to finish better in traffic, but he’s an athlete that can run the floor and make the easy buckets that he’ll get from Nash setting him up. He doesn’t replace all of what A’mare does, but he brings some of A’mare to the Suns.

Steve Blake, Los Angeles Lakers – 4 years / $16M
Derek Fisher, if you don’t take this $1.5M or $2M deal, pack your bags. We thank you for everything that you’ve done for the Lakers. This is THE BEST deal outside of one of the Big 3. Blake is a point guard who can hit a three and play defense, and a savvy vet that will be a great addition to this Lakers team. Somehow they find ways to get better. If they bring Fisher back, it continues to get better.

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics – 4 years / $61M
Another ‘had to do it’ scenario. Pierce is Mr. Celtic (for our era) and there were rumblings that this might not happen because of non-guarantees in year 4. Bringing Pierce back at a reduced rate helps the Celtics, along with the retirement of Rasheed Wallace, to make maybe one more run at a title before it’s time to close the chapter on this team. Doc is back, Perkins is hurt, and Ray Allen is still undecided, so look for this team to make some more moves.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks – 4 years / $80M
I thought Dirk would have taken a little less for the hometown discount, but hey, get your money while you can. Not sure how much flexibility this contract gives the Mavs, but Dirk was Cuban’s guy and he paid him. Dirk also garnered the second no-trade (Kobe was the first) clause in the league because of his tenure with the team.

A’mare Stoudemire, New York Knicks – 5 years / $100M
We knew someone would pay for A’mare and we knew that it would probably be the Knicks who may have struck out with LeBron. A’mare has two knees that have had several surgeries and a detached retina that requires him to wear goggles now. I understand the Suns hesitancy on maxing A’mare out, but the Knicks had to make a splash. Reuniting A’mare with his old coach from Phoenix will probably be a good thing, but that team is really depleted.

2010 NBA Draft Recap (Picks 21-30)

Oklahoma City – Craig Brackins (Traded to Hornets)
A big that can score, that’s exactly what the Hornets needs. Brackins needs to just get a little more consistent. He can rebound, score, and runs the floor pretty well. Great pick for the Hornets as they continue to build around CP3.

Portland Trailblazers – Elliot Williams
Hmmmm,….I don’t understand this pick. I guess he fills a need if they have to part ways with Rudy Fernandez, but other than that the Trailblazers are stacked at guard. Williams is a big guard that can play both positions and can easily get to the basket against most guards (doesn’t this sound like Jerryd Bayless?), but he loves that deep 3 just a bit too much for me. Really wish he would have stayed at Duke another year or two.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Trevor Booker (Traded to Wizards)
Like this pick because this guy has a motor and he’s a beast on the boards. He’s long as all get out and he’s still working n his offensive game. The hustle might get him on the floor quickly in Washington.

Atlanta Hawks – Damion James (Traded to Nets)
I think that he can make the switch from 4 to 3, but he’s going to have to work on his handle. He may end up hurting a small forward because he is physical. He may help the scoring load and get some minutes from Yi Jialin.

Memphis Grizzlies – Dominique Jones (Traded to Mavs)
Jones is a scorer with the ability to get to the hole and get his shot on most. He’s 6’5” but makes up for it with his long arms. Another player that’s ready to play from Day 1.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Quincy Pondexter (Traded to Hornets)
Well, it looks as though the Hornets are getting slashers to go around CP3, when will they get some shooters?

New Jersey Nets – Jordan Crawford (Traded to Hawks)
Since Jamal Crawford will be starting (expecting JJ to leave) the next best thing is to bring in a Crawford clone. Introducing Jordan Crawford, no relation. He’s a scorer that ought to help the Hawks off the bench.

Memphis Grizzlies – Greivis Vasquez
I don’t yet know how to describe his game, but passion is the word that many use. He’s not a smooth player, but he gets the job done. I think that his height will help him in the half court, although he will have problems guarding people, but the Grizz are going to have to run to get their money our ot Vaquez.

Orlando Magic – Daniel Orton
Sometimes it’s best to go late in the first round. Orton will be able to play backup minutes and you can put both he and Gortat on the floor together. We’ll see was 3pts and 3 rebounds per game does in the NBA.

Washington Wizards – Lazar Hayward (Traded to Timberwolves)
Not sure what to say. The last pick of the first round. Mr. Hayward, you have a guaranteed contract.

2010 NBA Draft Recap (Picks 11-20)

New Orleans – Cole Aldrich
Safe pick. Aldrich can hit a medium range jumper, he can rebound, and although he may not be the most athletic guy on the court, I like what he does. He should be able to play the PF spot at times. He put up decent numbers playing with a shoot first point guard, so just imagine what he’ll do with Chris Paul.

Memphis Grizzlies – Xavier Henry
A little of a reach, well, maybe not a reach but Henry didn’t show us his game until the latter part of the year. He brings additional scoring to a team that lacks wing scoring (yes, OJ is in the backcourt). He’s a Kansas project and they normally turn out to be decent players, so I expect that Henry will work out well in Memphis.

Toronto Raptors – Ed Davis
I liked this guy last year and I watched a lot of ACC ball. I will say this, I thought that Deon Thompson was more polished of the two big men at UNC, but Davis just oozed of potential. He’s long, he’s athletic, but a little on the thin side. He’s in the mold of a Chris Bosh kind of guy, so the Raptors won’t start at ground zero when Bosh walks.

Houston Rockets – Patrick Patterson
Love this pick. Yes, Patterson is a little bit of a tweener (6’9”, 240 lbs), but he’s a player that can come in and play day 1. He showed that he has an inside and outside game and good basketball sense.

Milwaukee Bucks – Larry Sanders
Decent pick for the Bucks. Definitely a big that can run with Maggette and Jennings. Still working on his game on the offensive side, but a decent pick none the less.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Luke Babbitt (Traded to Blazers)
Good shooter who can stretch the floor. The issue is whether he’ll be able to guard someone in the NBA. He’s too small to guard a 4 and too slow to guard a 3. Gotta find a system for him to play in. He’ll be a good bench player for the Blazers that can provide scoring off the bench.

Chicago Bulls – Kevin Seraphin
A French guy named Kevin, that should say it all. He’s a pick for the Wizards (from the Kirk Hinrich trade) that will stay over in Europe for a while. Not very polished, but could come into his own in a few years. I think this was too high for Seraphin, but the Wizards are building a team so they can afford stash him for a while.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Eric Bledsoe (Traded to Clippers)
Great pick for the Thunder (what?), well not the Thunder, Bledsoe was traded to the Clippers. Good pickup and good combo guard. Maybe this means that the Clippers are expecting Steve Blake to walk this summer. We’ll see if Bledsoe can make the transition to PG in the NBA.

Boston Celtics – Avery Bradley
A big combo guard that can hopefully give Rondo a breather every now and then. He can also fill in that shooter role, to some extent, if Ray Allen leaves. Hopefully the Celtics keep this pick, although he may not ever see the home locker room in Beantown.

San Antonio Spurs – James Anderson
A scorer and slasher that can offset some of what you may lose as Ginobli gets older/hurt. He’s a bigger guard that could possibly guard some 3’s in the league. Definitely someone that can come in and play right away. He’ll have some good coaching in Pop.

2010 NBA Draft Recap (Picks 1-10)

Washington Wizards - John Wall
Great pick. Wall will come in run this Wizards team. Now the organization has to find a way to make Gilbert Arenas sane. He should be able to be the face of the organization and he’s known that ever since the lottery was complete.

Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner
I think that the Sixers got it right. Since Turner and Iggy play the same position, but this goes back to the Bulls/Blazers thing. Do you pick Jordan when you already have Drexler? I’m not saying that Turner is Jordan, but the Sixers got this pick right. I am expecting Brandon Roy Part II. Iggy pack your bags.

New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors
Good pick again. Favors comes from a long line of GT big men (in their own ways), Dennis Scott, Chris Bosh, James Forrest (look him up if you don’t know, before the shoulder injury), etc. I expect Favors to become a better version of Chris Bosh. His body reminds you of a younger Dwight Howard but he already has an offensive game better than Howard. He should work well with Brook Lopez.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson
By many, Johnson is the most NBA ready SF out there. He has range and that’s something that the Timberwolves need, since they ranked in the bottom of 3 point shooting in the league last year. Corey Brewer will be able to play the 2 for defensive purposes and Johnson can start at the 3. Without Kevin McHale there, the Timberwolves are making some good decisions. Now if they can only convince Rubio to come and play in Minny.

Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins
I hope that the real player hasn’t shown up yet. Cousins has shown an immature streak at times, but he brings it on the court. I’m hoping that he’s the next ‘Double D’ Darryl Dawkins and not the next Oliver Miller. If he shows up and plays the Kings finally have a center they can get 20 and 10 out of each night.

Golden State – Epke Udoh
Not sold on this one. I mean Udoh had a great year last year, but I think the Warriors needed someone that complements their system. They really needed Greg Monroe at this spot but I understand the downside to him also. Udoh will be a hustle guy and should help Bierdrins on the floor with defense, but on offense it’ll be another story.

Detroit Pistons – Greg Monroe
Monroe has all the tools you’d want in a big man. He can pass, he can score, he can rebound, and he can even play a little defense. The one thing that I question about him is his desire. It looks like he’s happy with the accolades that he gets from everyone knowing he has all the tools. When Joe Dumars said that he wanted to get back to an edgier Pistons team, I just don’t see how this pick fills that need. Good player, but will he play all the time for the Pistons?

Los Angeles Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu
Wow, this is 3 in a row. Aminu hasn’t really shown me much. I liken him to a (gulp) different version of Darius Miles. Aminu is a tweener but he doesn’t have a defined offensive game. He’s an athlete that runs and jumps and can rebound. If he doesn’t develop an offensive game, this will be a wasted pick.

Utah Jazz – Gordon Hayward
Good fit. Hayward showed in the title game that he’s athletic enough and he can shoot and in Utah’s offense, you’re going to have to guard him. He’s tough and I think that he’ll thrive in this system with Sloan coaching. Add in the fact that he won’t be the 1st or 2nd option on this team and he could possibly be in the running for ROY if he gets the playing time.

Indiana Pacers – Paul George
Is this the writing on the wall for Danny Granger? I mean George will play the same position as Granger. The Pacers really need a point guard, so maybe this is a pick for someone else. Otherwise, George should be a great asset off the bench.

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.

2010 NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference Recap

Caavaliers vs. Bulls (Cavs 1 - 0)

Well, LeBron promised the Bulls a different kind of animal during these playoffs, but I think he was really referring to himself. What the Bulls saw was vintage Shaq (only for a short period of time, 24 mins). Shaq stole the show early as he showed all of us that you can turn back the hands of time, at least for a while. Shaq said he went on the 'Uncle Jerome' diet which dropped him 20 lbs, and he looked good running up and down the court. The rest of the Cavs contributed, with Mo Williams leading the pack (of everyone not named LBJ) with 19pts and 10 asts. The Cavs did make several lapses and allowed the Bulls back in this game late, but they were able to finally close the door.

Celtics vs. Heat (Celtics 1 - 0)

This turned out about how many of us thought it would. The Heat ran out to an early lead but the Celtics finally decided to play some basketball in teh 4th quarter. Wade pretty much had his way for 3 quarters of the game, doing what ever he wanted and keeping his teammates involved. Things got a little chippy between the two teams when Paul Pierce was bumped near the Heat bench and seemed to hurt his shoulder. KG came over to check on his fallen teammate and Quentin Richardson said he was coming over to take the ball out of bounds. KG shot Q an elbow and then another elbow shortly thereafter. This ended up being a a lot of pushing and shoving but KG was thrown out of the game and could face a suspension. That would really change the playoffs for the Celtics. One good thing for the Celtics was the game Tony Allen played. He played pretty good defense on Wade, but he also was able to put up 14 points.

Hawks vs. Bucks (Hawks 1 - 0)

Well, this started off as a blowout of monumental purposes. Then Brandon Jennings, well actually Jennings kept the Bucks in this game then entire time but couldn't get any helop from his teammates until it was too late. Jennings ended the game with 34 pts, two short of tying the rookie playoff record set by Derrick Rose last year against the Celtics. The Hawks were hitting from everywhere and everyone contributed, in the first half. At halftime Jennings was single handedly keeping the Bucks within 20 (yes, 20). Jennings had 20 pts and no one else on his team had more than 4 pts. The Bucks were able to get back in the game by getting some stops and finally John Salmons was able to contribute, but in the end the Hawks and a surprising performance by Mike Bibby got the win.

Nuggets vs. Jazz (Nuggets 1 - 0)

I don't know who to feel sorry for here. The Nuggets are without their head coach, and the Jazz lost Memhet Okur in the 1st quarter of this game to a possible achilles tendon tears/rupture. The one thing I do know is that the Jazz started strong with CJ Miles setting the tone with a dunk early in the game, but the Jazz ran out of gas and able bodies at the end. The Nuggets seemed to not really want to play in the first half last night. The Jazz hit them in the mouth and they just seemed to be ok with it. In the 3rd, Melo woke up and decided that he needed to start scoring. Melo ended the game with 42 and the Nuggets rolled to a 1-0 series lead. The Jazz are really in trouble, I mean really.

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.

Who ya got? NBA Playoffs 2010 – Eastern 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.

Eastern Conference – Round 1

Cavaliers vs. Bulls

Part of me says the Bulls should have lost their last two to get a chance at this draft (I think they would have swapped that pick anyway), but they won out and earned the 8th spot and a chance to be bludgeoned by the Cavs. Derrick Rose looks like he’s in a nice groove right now (39 pts, 27 pts in the last two) with his jumper (never thought I’d say that). We know he can get to the rim, but he’s starting to consistently hit his jumper which makes him oh so dangerous. The Bulls are playing well as a team despite the fact that their GM and coach want to enter the Octagon.

The Cavaliers have limped along lately while sitting LeBron for several minor ailments (I can’t believe the league is getting involved with this). Despite the fact that one voter might not vote LBJ as the MVP, he’s gotten some rest while giving others some time to play. The Cavaliers also get back a fit and trim (and I expect focused) Shaq. A lot of people are saying that it’s going to be hard for the Cavaliers to get Shaq back into the mix since he’s been out for over a month. I say hogwash!!! Shaq and Jamison are going to put this team into the Eastern Conference Finals (yes, and LeBron too). This is what Shaq promised right, a for a Ring for the King. That quest starts now.

Series Roundup – Too much LBJ and too much Cavs. I expect this to be a little chippy, but a Cavaliers series victory. Prediction: Cavs in 5.


Celtics vs. Heat

This ought to be a good series. The Celtics struggled to turn on the switch to get the 4th seed. At times they looked like the old team that they are. I think all of Boston hopes that they are in fact sandbagging the rest of the league and they are ready for, dare I say it, a Championship run. The Big Three are two years older from the last time they won and their window is closing fast. I will say this, Paul Pierce and KG have started playing some good basketball lately. KG is looking like that knee is back and he’s no longer laboring to get up and down the floor. The Celtics are only going to be as good as their bench. Rasheed Wallace has got to start taking more shots in the paint than out, and somebody playing guard (off the bench) has got to score on a consistent basis. So if you are Nate Robinson, Michael Finley, Tony Allen, or Marquis Daniels, now is the time to step up.

The Heat have gotten here on the shoulders of Dwayne Wade, period. I don’t think that many realize how good this guy is and how much he has to carry EVERY game for them to compete. Wade is the only consistent threat that the Celtics need to worry about. Cut off the head and the rest of the snake dies, right. With all of that said, Jermaine O’Neal has rested the last few games and he was playing pretty well, so that will help against the Celtics front line, but I am expecting big things out of Michael Beasley. We know Haslem can handle his own and we know that Jamaal Magloire is done (about 2 years ago actually), but Beasley is the key to this series for the Heat. He’s got to be able to take good shots and make them. He stretches the floor for the Heat and could bring Garnett out to the wing so that he’s not able to help with the rebounding. Outside of that, the Heat would need a barrage of 3’s from Cook and Richardson.

Series Roundup – I actually think the old guard gets out of the 1st round. I’m not to inclined to think that the Heat can pull it off. They have a chance, but if the key to the series is Michael Beasley, that may be too much to overcome. Prediction: Celtics in 6.


Magic vs. Bobcats

Congratulations to Michael Jordan for getting HIS team to the playoffs. Now, you get the Magic. The Bobcats have played great defense all year and that’s probably the only thing that they can attribute their rise to the playoffs. Larry Brown knows how to teach defense. On the offensive side of the ball, Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson lead this team in shots taken and made (not a surprise, eh), but it seems to work. The Bobcats’ big men (Ratliff, Chandler, Diop, and Mohammed) can defend, rebound, and run the floor, while their guards seem to be pretty much interchangeable (Felton, Hughes, Wallace, and Augustin). In all, they are a solid team that probably won’t scare many people on paper.

The Magic come in to this series pretty much rolling. Dwight Howard is playing some of his best ball and Vince Carter is trying to forget how to shoot 3 pointers and instead is making his way to the basket. We know Van Gundy will have his team focused and ready to play. Carter’s rise seems to be taking some of the luster off of Rashard Lewis and it’s shown all year long. I expect Matt Barnes to get in Stephen Jackson’s shorts (this may get a little feisty) and the Magic bench to perform like they have all year long with Redick, Pietrus, and Jason Williams leading the way.

Series Roundup – This is going to come down to defense. We know that the Magic can afford to get into a knock’em out drag’em out type of game, but in the end, I think the Magic just have that much better of a bench. The Magic have to keep pace with the Cavs. Prediction: Magic in 5.


Hawks vs. Bucks

I love big Bucks and I can not lie!!! That has to be a funny tag line that doesn’t seem to get too old. The Bucks have been a Scott Skiles team all year long. Remember his days in Chicago when that team played defense, executed on offense and made you lose the game? Well, this Bucks team has done just that. They have played defense and kept themselves in games, but with the addition of John Salmons the Bucks have found a scorer to help Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut. Jennings has surprised many as a rookie (by NBA standards) pg leading his team to the playoffs. Bogut had finally started showing why the Bucks extended him to big money last summer before suffering a terrible elbow/wrist injury toward the end of the season. Ersan Ilyasova has stepped up his game and hopefully they won’t miss Bogut that much. People forgot about Jerry Stackhouse, but I expect him to make some waves for the Bucks coming off the bench.

The Hawks are like the ugly step child. I mean they should be considered one of the elite teams in the East, but for some reason people just talk about the Celtics, Cavs, and Magic. The Hawks have yet again, played well this season. Joe Johnson is leading this team along with Al Horford and they win. When you throw in Mike Bibby, who is playing pretty well and actually hitting 3’s, Josh Smith, and the 6th Man of the Year, Jamal Crawford, this team is stacked. Crawford gives them a scorer off the bench who is a big upgrade over former-Hawk Flip Murray. I think everyone wanted this team to play the Celtics in the first round again.

Series Roundup – The Bucks will miss Bogut and I’m not sure that they can afford to get into a shoot out with this Atlanta team. The Hawks frontline is going to be too much for the Bucks. Prediction: Hawks in 5.