The Charlotte Bobcats, on paper, are a bad NBA basketball team. No better than a ragtag group of guys that were good in college. Having sat in person for their season opening one point win against the Bucks and their one point loss to the Heatles, I can however disavow one of that sentiment. You see, the Bobcats are what those in NBA circles may refer to as up and coming.
Now anyone who has followed the Bobcats over the years will know that they've been up and coming before. Unfortunately a four game sweep to the Magic in the 2010 playoffs turned out to be their maximum potential. Yet here today, a year removed from the beginning of their rebuilding process, they have hope. This is why.
1. Young Players
A. D.J. Augustin This guy is in his fourth year as a pro. Starting his career as Raymond Felton's backup, he's now coming into his own. With Kemba Walker stealing the spotlight two games in to his NBA career, Augustin's future in Charlotte is in doubt. But that's still good for Charlotte. Good players that you don't need equal trades. D.J. is not a perennial all-star. He may not ever be an all-star at all. But I can think of a few teams who may trade a serviceable small-forward and draft pick for a solid starting point guard. That is what Augustin is. He won't turn the ball over, he'll get seven assists a game, and he'll score fifteen points. As long as the team isn't on his back he can survive in this league.
B. Kemba Walker Kemba is a Bobcat for life. It may be because he's a rookie and doesn't know any better, but he seems to love the spotlight in Charlotte. The crowd adores him. When he bricks a jumper, nobody cares. When he drains one, thousands scream his name. What more could a 21 year old ask for? More than that though, the guy can play basketball. The first two games of his career he has finished the fourth quarter on the floor. That's more important than starting. He likely won't take the league by storm this season. But wait.
C. Gerald Henderson I had my doubts about this guy coming out of Duke. I thought he'd be a serviceable backup with a decent jump shot. Now in his third year he's showing more. At the end of the Heat game one could see the Bobcat's game plan alive on the floor. Kemba gets the ball, shoot or pass it to Henderson. I watched Henderson guard Dwyane Wade successfully (Wade was hurt but still). I watched him drain a jumper over Lebron, split defenders and lay it up around Bosh. Also, if he's open anywhere from the arch or inside of it, he drains it. Wade himself called Henderson a good athletic young guard in his post game interview. That's enough for me.
D. Bismack Biyombo He has a lot of work to do. His potential isn't showing in the stat sheets yet. But you can look at him and tell. Future opposition will find it hard to score when he's guarding the basket. The first game against the Bucks, Paul Silas played Diop extended minutes. Game two against a much better team he went with Biyombo. Why? Because Diop has been around a while and has nothing. Biyombo just got here and he's overflowing with potential and played acceptable defense. It isn't his fault nobody can stop Lebron.
2. The 2012 NBA Draft
The Bobcats will lose a lot of games this year. They will likely get a top four pick in the draft. That means Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, or Anthony Davis could come to town. Any of those are best case scenarios for the Bobcats. Andre Drummond, or Perry Jones wouldn't be bad either. A Walker, Henderson, Biyombo and Barnes core? Walker, Henderson, Biyombo, and Sullinger? Biyombo and Davis on defense? Yes please. The Bobcats can't lose in this year's draft.
3. Contracts
I look at the contract situation in Charlotte and I like it. Diop has a player option for next season worth seven million. Think he'll take it? Bet your mother on it. Matt Carroll will likely exercise his player option as well. Corey Magette is a great player but he isn't the future. The Bobcats will owe him ten million next year. I recommend trading him next season when another team will salivate over his expiring contract for a first round pick or a younger forward. The good news is that after next season all of these guys are gone. The 2013 free agency period will see the Bobcats with around 25 million available. If they trade away Tyrus Thomas it could be even more money. (I think they should keep him. I'm dreaming of Biyombo and Sullinger or Davis with Thomas coming off the bench. Can anyone say best defense in the NBA?) Sure it's Charlotte, but they can get somebody good with that. I mean it's Michael Jordan. Which leads me to my next point.
The Bobcats situation financially for the future actually isn't bad. It's what they will likely do with it that I don't like. They will overpay the wrong free agent. They'll trade away draft picks for somebody who they hope will sell tickets. Time Warner Cable Arena will fall into a sink hole. They'll offer Boris Diaw a six year extension. Something bad is bound to happen. Michael Jordan passes over Harrison Barnes and re-drafts Kwame Brown. It could happen.
Conclusion: Say Yes to the Cats
What I saw last night against the Heat gave me hope. They played the Heat as well as anyone will play them all season. In front of the biggest crowd in franchise history they left it all on the floor and lost by a point. Nobody was too upset in the stands. It may have been because it was half Heat fans, but there was certainly a sense of hope. Nobody expected the game to be that close. Nobody. When the Heat called timeout in the first quarter after the Bobcats went up 9-0, I saw Bobcat players looking up at the scoreboard. They looked surprised. By the end of the game they were thinking to themselves, "We can win this dang game." They are starting to believe. If they can keep that hope across a few more seasons they will see themselves gradually grow into a competitor. If MJ plays the right cards with his contracts and trades, maybe, just maybe Charlotte will get what it really never had. A good basketball team.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Light of Day
Coming out of a coma is a beautiful thing. Back in June, as Dirk and company got all Mavericky on the Heatles, as Lebron tucked his tale between his legs, as Coach Spol filled out job applications at the local Miami Wal-Mart, I closed my eyes and fell into a long, deep, trance-like sleep.
Why would I do such a thing? Self-preservation. You see, the NBA ship was headed toward an iceberg. And Metta World Peace was the captain. Uh oh. Everybody and their mother knew the lockout was coming. I thought about what November would be like. Nothing to watch but Michael Vick's latest concussion, 7 college football teams complain about why they should be in the BCS Championship game, and college basketball. College basketball is basketball, yes. But it's bad basketball. See, the pros know how to play the game. It's a beautiful display of athleticism, talent, strategy, and finesse. Considering the notion of that ceasing to exist, at least for a time, put me in a coma.
And then Saturday I opened my eyes. I was confused at first. The first thing I heard was college football on TV. This wasn't right. Then my phone vibrated. Needless to say, after eight hours of tearful thanksgiving and primal screams of relief I fully came to my senses. The NBA was back. The world could continue turning. I could breathe again.
So sorry to all of you who had to live through the lockout. You should have taken a nap like me.
So now that that's over, I think you know what it's time for.
You guessed it Sherlock, the time has come for my inappropriately early nonsensical playoff predictions and finals picks. Don't judge me. I've waited a long time to be able to yap about what is to come. I'm ready for basketball now. Christmas is so far away... So without further ado, I will send it to commercial break. That's right. Tricked you. You see, it would be foolish to make predictions before free agency. I don't know who's playing center for the Heat. Will Dwight Howard or Chris Paul be dealt? These things are important. So keep on the lookout for my picks friends. They'll be right here after the break.
Why would I do such a thing? Self-preservation. You see, the NBA ship was headed toward an iceberg. And Metta World Peace was the captain. Uh oh. Everybody and their mother knew the lockout was coming. I thought about what November would be like. Nothing to watch but Michael Vick's latest concussion, 7 college football teams complain about why they should be in the BCS Championship game, and college basketball. College basketball is basketball, yes. But it's bad basketball. See, the pros know how to play the game. It's a beautiful display of athleticism, talent, strategy, and finesse. Considering the notion of that ceasing to exist, at least for a time, put me in a coma.
And then Saturday I opened my eyes. I was confused at first. The first thing I heard was college football on TV. This wasn't right. Then my phone vibrated. Needless to say, after eight hours of tearful thanksgiving and primal screams of relief I fully came to my senses. The NBA was back. The world could continue turning. I could breathe again.
So sorry to all of you who had to live through the lockout. You should have taken a nap like me.
So now that that's over, I think you know what it's time for.
You guessed it Sherlock, the time has come for my inappropriately early nonsensical playoff predictions and finals picks. Don't judge me. I've waited a long time to be able to yap about what is to come. I'm ready for basketball now. Christmas is so far away... So without further ado, I will send it to commercial break. That's right. Tricked you. You see, it would be foolish to make predictions before free agency. I don't know who's playing center for the Heat. Will Dwight Howard or Chris Paul be dealt? These things are important. So keep on the lookout for my picks friends. They'll be right here after the break.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fashionably Late
So after flying around the world solo in a hot air balloon surviving on rain water and ritz peanut butter crackers, joining an eastern European circus as a tiger doctor, and delving deep into South American jungles in search of rare frogs, I have returned to continue my hoops insights.
Today for your cranial pleasure: Why the Thunder are down 3-1 to the Mavs.
Reason 1: Cole Aldrich - Remember when he actually mattered at Kansas? Not so much these days. He's battled injuries through his rookie season but more importantly he's battled mediocrity. And he's badly badly lost. He has contributed to the fall of the thunder not because he hasn't played at all (that actually helps the Thunder) but because he is proof that the Mavericks bench warmers warm that bench way better than their thunder peers. And no tired player wants to sit on a cold bench. Now yes he isn't even part of the playoff roster for the Thunder, so of course he isn't going to play. But the Thunder traded for this guy on draft night. And now he's getting cut off the roster? Enough said.
Reason 2: Nick Collison - He's shown us all in this series what he can do. He's good at getting tip-in's when the Mavs forget to box out (all the time) and he can pass the ball to Durant. Holding it down for white boys everywhere (except that Dirk is in this series) Collison embodies the Thunder identity. So what if I'm not supposed to win? So what if I'm too young? We're going to come out and play hard and catch you off guard. The problem is that he can't back it up with game. He's just good enough to be on the court but not good enough to have major impact. Just like the Thunder are good enough to be in the Conference Finals, but not good enough to survive them.
Reason 3: Daequan Cook - He played five minutes in game three. Not a lot, I know, but its some face time, surely enough to do something? Not only did he score 0 points, he didn't take a shot. Okay so he passed right? No assists. Well he's an energy guy then, he's scrappy, and he disrupts the other team's flow. 0 rebounds, 0 fouls. Well he's a defender then. 0 rebounds, 0 blocks. This guy was a black hole on the court. The Mavs built their roster for efficiency. Everyone has a purpose out there. The Thunder fall short of that.
Reason 4: Kevin Durant - 29 points 15 rebounds 4 assists 48 minutes of game time. This guy might be the best in the game. Most agree he will be one day. How could it be his fault? Half the Thunder possessions he doesn't touch the ball. Look at Jordan's bulls, Kobe's Lakers, heck even Lebron in the 4th quarter of Game 2 against the Bulls. If you're the best on your team, the best on the floor, demand compliance by your teammates. Durant I know you're humble, that you're a good guy. And your one heck of a ball player. But sometimes the two don't mix. Sometimes a winner decides to go ahead and win the game. Durant will learn this. It took Jordan 8 years or so, Kobe four years, and Lebron is still searching. Durant is phenomenal, and his rings will come. But he's not there yet. And that is why the Thunder aren't there yet.
Reason 5: James Harden - Have you ever seen a guy out on the court who was pretty good, but thought he was really good? He would take a contested three and drain it, and you'd think "Well dang, it might be a long day at the Y." Twenty minutes later he's still taking those threes, but they aren't going in any more. James Harden is like this, except that he gets paid millions and hides small children in his beard. He's not a bad six man to be honest, (he occasionally starts) but his counterpart is Jason Terry, who will make those threes all game long. Maybe if he shaved the Thunder would have a chance...
Reason 6: Serge Ibaka - Serge is one of my favorite players in the NBA. He got jipped in the Dunk Contest (Blake Griffin won before it started, are you telling me he actually would have been knocked out of the final round keeping Kia from having that big promotion? please.) Ibaka is a guy who doesn't ask for excuses and doesn't take any prisoners. He just plays ball. I can respect that. I do respect that. But dude can't guard Dirk at all. I mean, it's true that nobody can. But Serge has been getting schooled, especially down on the block. I like is 18 points 10 boards and 5 blocks in game four. But Dirk exploded in the fourth and finished with 40. Not all of those 40 were on Ibaka of course, but they both play the four, and defense starts with the initial match up. Ibaka has not matched up.
Reason 7: Royal Ivey - That sounds like an expensive bad-smelling cologne.
Reason 8: Eric Maynor - I thought it was hilarious when he basically became the starting point guard in the fourth quarter of Game 2 while Westbrook was temporarily in Brooks's dog house. It was hilarious to me because Maynor isn't as good a scorer as Westbrook but he knows how to play point guard. Too bad in Game 4 he laid a huge Thunder egg and had 2 points and 3 assists in 11 minutes. No turnovers though (Westbrook had 6). Typically your back up needs to be consistent. See Barea, J.J. Maynor has been unable to play great in every game, and has hurt his team.
Reason 9: Nazr Mohammad - He's not a Bobcat anymore, but he still plays like one. That explains the DNP.
Reason 10: Kendrick Perkins - Every day he wakes up and hopes that the whole Thunder experience has been a dream and he's back in Boston. He misses Rondo. He misses the city. And he knows that the Celtics needed him and he couldn't be there. This is reflected in his play. To his credit, he's doing exactly what the Thunder knew he would do when they got him. He plays defense, roughs up the other team's center, and occasionally scores. But 3 rebounds and 1 block in game 4? And only two fouls? Fouls are not a bad thing for a center. Too many of course causes issues, but a center needs to be rough on defense and fouls happen as a result. Nick Collison is getting more minutes then him right now, not because Little Nicky is playing way better than anyone expected, but because the Thunder want Jeff Green back, and no one wants to reverse things more than Perkins. How do you play in that situation?
Reason 11: Nate Robinson - Little Kryptonate never asked to be sent to Oklahoma. And he cheers from the bench and shows passion. But not getting to play at all proves he was just trade fodder. Trade fodder doesn't win championships.
Reason 12: Thabo Sefolosha - This guy is a good defender. He got three steals and a block in game four. And he can score at times. He's not a bad guy to have out on the floor. But he's one dimensional. The Mavs are able to double Durant and make him pass, knowing that there often isn't anyone who they can't afford to take a jumper. The Thunder need a cutthroat deep man who will make defenses pay for doubling their star. That's why the Mavs got Stojakovic. Sefo plays great D, but sometimes his team needs some scoring (like overtime last night) and he can't deliver most times.
Reason 13: Russel Westbrook - Fans of his will look at 18 points 8 assists 8 rebounds and 3 steals and look past the 6 turnovers. Here's my problem. He took 22 shots. How many did Durant take? 22. Let me make this clear. This isn't some Great Player 1 and Great Player 2 duo. This isn't James and Wade. This isn't even Jordan and Pippen. Durant is astronomically better than Westbrook. How many times does Westbrook come down the floor with the ball and dive at the rim or throw up a jumper without passing the ball? Sometimes he passes it to others besides Durant and then the ball will come back to him so that he can shoot, all without getting Durant a touch. That tells me that the other players don't feel that Durant necessarily must touch the ball either. That again falls on the point guard. You're the floor general, you lead the troops, set the standard. Westbrook's standard is attack attack attack because I'm the best. Russel Westbrook is not the best. I'll give him second best on his team. He may be a top ten point guard in the league (toward the bottom of that list for sure). But he doesn't play like he's got a superstar on his team. He plays like he's the superstar. He had 8 dimes, how many could he have if he actually focused on passing to the man who's ready to score? He's got potential but he's not living up to it. Which reminds me...
Reason 1-13: Coach Brooks - Somebody needs to get Westbrook on board the Durantula mobile. Somebody needs to motivate Durant to take charge. Somebody needs to get this roster to fit into the championship mold and get them running at peek efficiency. Somehow it isn't happening. I know often times people blame the coach to quickly. But not this time. I thought Brooks was trying to get through to Westbrook with the Game 2 benching. But Games 3 and 4 showed no change in play from Westbrook. Durant is playing great but he doesn't demand the ball enough. There was one beautiful play last night with time running down at the end of the quarter. Durant was on the floor of course, but Brooks had drawn up a play for Harden (James Harden!) instead. The announcers said Durant got the ball because the defense on Harden was too heavy. Please. Durant ran up to inbounder with his arms stretched outward looking at him straight in the eye. He then ran up the floor got fouled and got the Thunder two quick points to close the quarter. That should be every possession. Durant needs to be in control, and it seems Brooks is a hindrance too that. Do you see Phil Jackson drawing plays for Ron Artest to close the quarter? Coach Spol drawing plays for Udonis Haslem? Coach Thib drawing them up for Ronnie Brewer? I didn't think so.
For these reasons, Dallas will be in the finals.
Today for your cranial pleasure: Why the Thunder are down 3-1 to the Mavs.
Reason 1: Cole Aldrich - Remember when he actually mattered at Kansas? Not so much these days. He's battled injuries through his rookie season but more importantly he's battled mediocrity. And he's badly badly lost. He has contributed to the fall of the thunder not because he hasn't played at all (that actually helps the Thunder) but because he is proof that the Mavericks bench warmers warm that bench way better than their thunder peers. And no tired player wants to sit on a cold bench. Now yes he isn't even part of the playoff roster for the Thunder, so of course he isn't going to play. But the Thunder traded for this guy on draft night. And now he's getting cut off the roster? Enough said.
Reason 2: Nick Collison - He's shown us all in this series what he can do. He's good at getting tip-in's when the Mavs forget to box out (all the time) and he can pass the ball to Durant. Holding it down for white boys everywhere (except that Dirk is in this series) Collison embodies the Thunder identity. So what if I'm not supposed to win? So what if I'm too young? We're going to come out and play hard and catch you off guard. The problem is that he can't back it up with game. He's just good enough to be on the court but not good enough to have major impact. Just like the Thunder are good enough to be in the Conference Finals, but not good enough to survive them.
Reason 3: Daequan Cook - He played five minutes in game three. Not a lot, I know, but its some face time, surely enough to do something? Not only did he score 0 points, he didn't take a shot. Okay so he passed right? No assists. Well he's an energy guy then, he's scrappy, and he disrupts the other team's flow. 0 rebounds, 0 fouls. Well he's a defender then. 0 rebounds, 0 blocks. This guy was a black hole on the court. The Mavs built their roster for efficiency. Everyone has a purpose out there. The Thunder fall short of that.
Reason 4: Kevin Durant - 29 points 15 rebounds 4 assists 48 minutes of game time. This guy might be the best in the game. Most agree he will be one day. How could it be his fault? Half the Thunder possessions he doesn't touch the ball. Look at Jordan's bulls, Kobe's Lakers, heck even Lebron in the 4th quarter of Game 2 against the Bulls. If you're the best on your team, the best on the floor, demand compliance by your teammates. Durant I know you're humble, that you're a good guy. And your one heck of a ball player. But sometimes the two don't mix. Sometimes a winner decides to go ahead and win the game. Durant will learn this. It took Jordan 8 years or so, Kobe four years, and Lebron is still searching. Durant is phenomenal, and his rings will come. But he's not there yet. And that is why the Thunder aren't there yet.
Reason 5: James Harden - Have you ever seen a guy out on the court who was pretty good, but thought he was really good? He would take a contested three and drain it, and you'd think "Well dang, it might be a long day at the Y." Twenty minutes later he's still taking those threes, but they aren't going in any more. James Harden is like this, except that he gets paid millions and hides small children in his beard. He's not a bad six man to be honest, (he occasionally starts) but his counterpart is Jason Terry, who will make those threes all game long. Maybe if he shaved the Thunder would have a chance...
Reason 6: Serge Ibaka - Serge is one of my favorite players in the NBA. He got jipped in the Dunk Contest (Blake Griffin won before it started, are you telling me he actually would have been knocked out of the final round keeping Kia from having that big promotion? please.) Ibaka is a guy who doesn't ask for excuses and doesn't take any prisoners. He just plays ball. I can respect that. I do respect that. But dude can't guard Dirk at all. I mean, it's true that nobody can. But Serge has been getting schooled, especially down on the block. I like is 18 points 10 boards and 5 blocks in game four. But Dirk exploded in the fourth and finished with 40. Not all of those 40 were on Ibaka of course, but they both play the four, and defense starts with the initial match up. Ibaka has not matched up.
Reason 7: Royal Ivey - That sounds like an expensive bad-smelling cologne.
Reason 8: Eric Maynor - I thought it was hilarious when he basically became the starting point guard in the fourth quarter of Game 2 while Westbrook was temporarily in Brooks's dog house. It was hilarious to me because Maynor isn't as good a scorer as Westbrook but he knows how to play point guard. Too bad in Game 4 he laid a huge Thunder egg and had 2 points and 3 assists in 11 minutes. No turnovers though (Westbrook had 6). Typically your back up needs to be consistent. See Barea, J.J. Maynor has been unable to play great in every game, and has hurt his team.
Reason 9: Nazr Mohammad - He's not a Bobcat anymore, but he still plays like one. That explains the DNP.
Reason 10: Kendrick Perkins - Every day he wakes up and hopes that the whole Thunder experience has been a dream and he's back in Boston. He misses Rondo. He misses the city. And he knows that the Celtics needed him and he couldn't be there. This is reflected in his play. To his credit, he's doing exactly what the Thunder knew he would do when they got him. He plays defense, roughs up the other team's center, and occasionally scores. But 3 rebounds and 1 block in game 4? And only two fouls? Fouls are not a bad thing for a center. Too many of course causes issues, but a center needs to be rough on defense and fouls happen as a result. Nick Collison is getting more minutes then him right now, not because Little Nicky is playing way better than anyone expected, but because the Thunder want Jeff Green back, and no one wants to reverse things more than Perkins. How do you play in that situation?
Reason 11: Nate Robinson - Little Kryptonate never asked to be sent to Oklahoma. And he cheers from the bench and shows passion. But not getting to play at all proves he was just trade fodder. Trade fodder doesn't win championships.
Reason 12: Thabo Sefolosha - This guy is a good defender. He got three steals and a block in game four. And he can score at times. He's not a bad guy to have out on the floor. But he's one dimensional. The Mavs are able to double Durant and make him pass, knowing that there often isn't anyone who they can't afford to take a jumper. The Thunder need a cutthroat deep man who will make defenses pay for doubling their star. That's why the Mavs got Stojakovic. Sefo plays great D, but sometimes his team needs some scoring (like overtime last night) and he can't deliver most times.
Reason 13: Russel Westbrook - Fans of his will look at 18 points 8 assists 8 rebounds and 3 steals and look past the 6 turnovers. Here's my problem. He took 22 shots. How many did Durant take? 22. Let me make this clear. This isn't some Great Player 1 and Great Player 2 duo. This isn't James and Wade. This isn't even Jordan and Pippen. Durant is astronomically better than Westbrook. How many times does Westbrook come down the floor with the ball and dive at the rim or throw up a jumper without passing the ball? Sometimes he passes it to others besides Durant and then the ball will come back to him so that he can shoot, all without getting Durant a touch. That tells me that the other players don't feel that Durant necessarily must touch the ball either. That again falls on the point guard. You're the floor general, you lead the troops, set the standard. Westbrook's standard is attack attack attack because I'm the best. Russel Westbrook is not the best. I'll give him second best on his team. He may be a top ten point guard in the league (toward the bottom of that list for sure). But he doesn't play like he's got a superstar on his team. He plays like he's the superstar. He had 8 dimes, how many could he have if he actually focused on passing to the man who's ready to score? He's got potential but he's not living up to it. Which reminds me...
Reason 1-13: Coach Brooks - Somebody needs to get Westbrook on board the Durantula mobile. Somebody needs to motivate Durant to take charge. Somebody needs to get this roster to fit into the championship mold and get them running at peek efficiency. Somehow it isn't happening. I know often times people blame the coach to quickly. But not this time. I thought Brooks was trying to get through to Westbrook with the Game 2 benching. But Games 3 and 4 showed no change in play from Westbrook. Durant is playing great but he doesn't demand the ball enough. There was one beautiful play last night with time running down at the end of the quarter. Durant was on the floor of course, but Brooks had drawn up a play for Harden (James Harden!) instead. The announcers said Durant got the ball because the defense on Harden was too heavy. Please. Durant ran up to inbounder with his arms stretched outward looking at him straight in the eye. He then ran up the floor got fouled and got the Thunder two quick points to close the quarter. That should be every possession. Durant needs to be in control, and it seems Brooks is a hindrance too that. Do you see Phil Jackson drawing plays for Ron Artest to close the quarter? Coach Spol drawing plays for Udonis Haslem? Coach Thib drawing them up for Ronnie Brewer? I didn't think so.
For these reasons, Dallas will be in the finals.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spoiler Alert
Spoiler Alert: The Cleveland Cavaliers will not win the championship this year. I repeat, The Cleveland Cavaliers will not win the NBA Title in 2011.
Now, a week removed from the All-Star Break is as good a time as any to make some predictions. I've been reading different versions of power rankings over the weeks. This little tid bit of genius is meant to gauge the week by week performance of all the teams and make a comprehensive list of the best teams all the way down to the worst. It fluctuates incessantly with little rhyme or reason as if the author is trying to copy whoever the people are that come up with the standards for winning an Oscar. At least in the NBA you have to win the Championship to be called the best. Put out a movie that makes no sense, make sure nobody goes to watch it, and it'll get best picture.
My problem with the power rankings is that a week by week look is almost worthless. It's an 82 game season. One week will never serve as an effective microcosm of the season as a whole. That's why I've waited five months for my rankings. Also Power Rankings is a weak title. That's why I've created the Post All-Star Post Trade Deadline Unequivocal Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of Mid Season Infinite Cosmic Power Rankings. PAPTDUUHCMSICPR for short. Take that Marc Stein.
Teams Who Are and Will Remain Championship Contenders
1. Boston Celtics - They are in first place in the East. They win on the road and at home. They've got other teams making trades in hopes of finding a way to beat them while they make trades that don't make any sense because they're not afraid of anyone. They act like they won it last year even though they didn't. Problems: The player who's injury kept them from winning last year just got traded. Summing up Shaq's various ailments this season is like talking to Betty White after a pick up game. The late-season pick-up of Troy Murphy should help with their front-court.however. Oh, and one more thing, they didn't win last year.
2. Los Angeles Lakers - These guys did. Sure they haven't won as many regular season games so far as people thought they would. You know why? Because they don't care. At all. Every time someone asks Kobe about the latest Laker loss he just mumbles and gives a look to the reporter that would rival Charlie Sheen's when appearing in court. He's bored and doesn't care. That said they're just biding their time. They will care in June. I bet even Ron Artest will care. Well...that's a little drastic.
3. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose is MVP. He's not the best player in the league. But he's playing like he is. Yes, there is a difference. As of right now they're third in the East and can smell blood as the Heat falter. Noah is back, Boozer has gone more than one week without a random injury for the first time all season, and Luol Deng is playing solid basketball for the first time in his career. It's all systems go heading into the home stretch.
4. Dallas Mavericks - Last year the Mavs ended up with the 2 seed in the West and disappointed in the playoffs with a quick exit at the hands of the Spurs. Right now the Spurs are looking like the 1 seed, so the Mavs wouldn't see them in the first round. Dirk is playing great, and everyone else is solid. The reason that this might be the year is because everyone on the roster knows that this is the year. The old guys remember 2006 and remember how long its taken to get it all back. The young guys know that sooner or later the Mavs will be plunged into rebuilding mode and their futures will be uncertain. The time is now and they know it. That makes for a dangerous team.
5. Miami Heat - Some may be surprised that I've got the Mavs over the Heat. I'd like to remind you that the Heat have played Dallas the two games they're allotted already...and they lost both. The Miami Heat are a championship contender. I've no doubt that these guys can get it done in crunch time in the playoffs. But as good as Lebron and Wade are, Bosh is frankly overrated. Talk about overpaid. He makes more money that Dwyane Wade. Are you kidding me? Failing to get Murphy is a disappointment, although they still have hope of acquiring Mike Bibby in time for the playoffs. This year is translatable to 2006. They Heat were underwhelming in the regular season against quality opponents then too. Just pretend that the Celtics are the 2006 Pistons. And make up for that fact that Mavs aren't that good by adding in the threat of both the Spurs and the Lakers. My point is, they can get it done. But they are discovering a simple truth that many people looked past. A South Beach hook-up doesn't equate to rings. They have to earn them. The other teams are ensuring that.
6. San Antonio Spurs - They have the best record in the NBA. Why are they so low. Easy. They're like a time bomb. They are likely to explode at any moment. Warning signs have appeared this week with Parker going down with an injury for 2-4 weeks. Parker, Ginobli, Duncan, McDyess, and Jefferson all could go down at any time. Oh, and Blaire has no knees. Good luck with that guys. Having said that, you can't call the team with the best record a non-contender. So I squeeze them in here.
Teams Who Could Be Contenders If...
7. Oklahoma City Thunder - This is a good basketball team. They've got a decent record. A record which they've earned with a poor front court. Now with Perkins acquired and signed to an extension, we're talking contender material. They're just not quite there yet. They don't even necessarily need anymore major changes to the roster. They just need some development. Look at the Bull for example. They were a 500 team last year and now they're up with the elites. Carlos Boozer was a major acquirement but its the increased play of Rose, Deng, and Noah (especially Rose) that has really got them going. If Durant can pick up on defense, and Westbrook can continue to improve at his current rate, and Ibaka and Harden prove to be great players, then along with Perkins they will be worth fearing. With the Lakers, Mavs, and Spurs all communing with Father Time, the future is bright for this squad.
8. Orlando Magic - They are competing for a good playoff seed right now, and yet all one can hear about is what Howard will do in 2012. The Vince Carter experiment failed. The Gilbert Arenas experiment is failing. The Magic have proven that they are not afraid to make a trade. But do they make the right trades? People commend them for getting Turk back, but why did they let him go in the first place? Richardson is a good player, but is he the number two guy on a championship team? I don't see it. This is a good ball club that has the potential of a deep playoff run. With question marks at the center position for Boston and Miami, Dwight Howard should be a monster in the playoffs. But he hasn't won it by himself yet, there is no reason to think he will this year either.
9. Atlanta Hawks - It may be a stretch to put them up this far. They made it on potential more than current performance. They're hoping that Kirk is going to take them places. He doesn't strike me as a franchise savior, but then again, the past two teams he played for had Rose and Wall, so maybe he just hasn't gotten the chance. What the Hawks really need is a center. Imagine if they had gotten Perkins for Marvin Williams ( a fair sub for Jeff Green) and Zaza Pachulia (gotta be better than Nenad, I'd rather start Justin Bieber). Then they slide Hortford to four where he belongs, Smith to the three where he belongs, let Johnson and Kirk run the show in the back court, and all of sudden the Hawks are going places. I'm salivating over the potential, so that's why they're up here.
10. New York Knicks - Yeah so they got Carmelo and Amare. And if you love devising big threes for every team out there than I guess you can add Chauncey into the mix. But really, if they had kept Felton, would you be calling it a Felton/Anthony/Stoudemire big three? No. But Felton is just as good as Billups. So there. The Knicks are an 'almost there' team because they have two of the NBA's best players. They're not there yet because they only have two great players, one good player, and a guy in Landry Fields who will be good in two years. They need a point guard for the future and a center now. If there's anywhere that a free agent might take a look at going, its New York City, so it'll be interesting to see what the Knicks can pull off for the years to come. But for this year, they're just not there yet.
They'll Make the Playoffs...And Probably Get Swept
11. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul is making sure these guys make the playoffs. But are they actually good? No. Right now they are owned by the 29 other league owners and no one is sure if they'll be in New Orleans much longer. Few people expect Chris Paul to hang around much longer to find out. The franchise is in trouble. Despite the uncertainty, they're over .500 in the Western Conference (which is on its way to becoming the Eastern Conference of two years ago) and are a solid mid-pack team. The problem is that they're not going to get much better than this any time soon, and that doesn't bode well.
12. Philadelphia 76ers - I was shocked that I put these guys so high. They don't seem like they're that good. Yet they're a solid playoff team. They are definitely overachieving right now, and have a poor chance of maintaining this level of play in years to come. Yet they're making it happen this year somehow someway, and you gotta hand it to them for that.
13. Denver Nuggets - Having to trade away your best player is never a comfortable scenario. Now the Nuggets have got some young talent and a stockpile of draft picks to work with. Who knows what the future holds for them? Since the Melo deal they've played honestly just as well as they played before the deal. If they keep it up they'll make a brief appearance in the playoffs and call is season before anyone gets hurt.
14. Portland Trail-Blazers - They just got Gerald Wallace from Charlotte for basically nothing, and Brandon Roy had played well since his return earlier this week. Has anyone noticed that this team plays way better than they should with the constant injuries on a yearly basis? This club knows how to persevere and succeed relative to expectations. Everyone in the organization is still crying in their sleep of Greg Oden and whimpering occasionally over Michael Jordan, but they keep chugging and are looking like they'll sneak into the playoffs.
15. Indiana Pacers - For a while it looked like Charlotte might catch these guys for the bottom seed in the East, but lately Indiana has begun to pull away. They're not overly talented. They're not overly dedicated. But Granger and company is winning just enough to sniff out the post season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies - The Western Conference version of the Pacers, they're a just-enough type of ball club right now. Nabbing Shane Battier is a plus, we'll have to see if he helps them out long-term. He'll at least help fill the void until Rudy (No he's not really) Gay comes back.
Playing for Pride I Guess?
17. Phoenix Suns - They're over .500 but aren't looking like a playoff team. I bet wish they were in the East, where they'd be like a six seed right now. Steve Nash still plays hard, and newly acquired Aaron Brooks is solid. But they're probably still slightly dazed over there because they can't figure out how in the world they got stuck with Vince Carter. So while he slowly sapps their will to live, the head honchos have begun planning for a summer move of Steve Nash.
18. Utah Jazz - After watching Lebron flick off the Cavs in the summer and Melo torture the Nuggets all year long, the Jazz said "Forget this" and traded Deron Williams before he even thought about complaining. Now they get to explore rebuilding options while watching Deron flounder in New Jersey. The Jazz are pretty smart.
19. Houston Rockets - Why Yao why? Curse your big feet! The rockets are mired in mediocrity and have strapped themselves to the sail known as Yao Ming for a few years to long now. They know that they've got to move on from the messy relationship, find new love. Except they haven't actually broken up with him yet. Oops...
20. Charlotte Bobcats - At least they've got Michael Jordan.
21. Milwaukee Bucks - Last year the really overachieved and everyone thought they were an up and coming team. I guess they got bored of all that premature praise.
22. Golden State Warriors - As bad as they seem, they've actually won 26 games. For that I had mercy and left them out of this next group.
Somebody Unlock the Basement Door!
23. Detroit Pistons - All of the players are sitting around saying "We're talking about practice, not a game. Any time you can compare Allen Iverson's attitude to a team, you can just leave it at that.
24. Los Angeles Clippers - If it wasn't for Blake Griffin dunking over Kias and Mosgovs then they would be completely hopeless.
25. New Jersey Nets - Lebron laughed at them. Carmelo laughed at them. God laughed at them. So they finally scrapped free agency and acquired Deron Williams against his will. Good luck with that.
26. Toronto Raptors - They hovered around .500 last year with Bosh. Now they are much much worse, but people don't really notice the change. I guess they never really had a chance did they?
R.I.P NBA Graveyard
27. Washington Wizards - John Wall would be alright, if he could shoot the ball at all and Blake Griffin didn't exist.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Fans had a successful campaign to make Kevin Love an All-Star. If they really love him, they should campaign to set him free.
29. Sacramento Kings - Fans are worried that the team will flee for Southern California. They probably should just try and get Chris Webber to come back.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Did anyone really expect them to be good for very much longer? I mean, laws of nature can't be broken forever...
Now, a week removed from the All-Star Break is as good a time as any to make some predictions. I've been reading different versions of power rankings over the weeks. This little tid bit of genius is meant to gauge the week by week performance of all the teams and make a comprehensive list of the best teams all the way down to the worst. It fluctuates incessantly with little rhyme or reason as if the author is trying to copy whoever the people are that come up with the standards for winning an Oscar. At least in the NBA you have to win the Championship to be called the best. Put out a movie that makes no sense, make sure nobody goes to watch it, and it'll get best picture.
My problem with the power rankings is that a week by week look is almost worthless. It's an 82 game season. One week will never serve as an effective microcosm of the season as a whole. That's why I've waited five months for my rankings. Also Power Rankings is a weak title. That's why I've created the Post All-Star Post Trade Deadline Unequivocal Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of Mid Season Infinite Cosmic Power Rankings. PAPTDUUHCMSICPR for short. Take that Marc Stein.
Teams Who Are and Will Remain Championship Contenders
1. Boston Celtics - They are in first place in the East. They win on the road and at home. They've got other teams making trades in hopes of finding a way to beat them while they make trades that don't make any sense because they're not afraid of anyone. They act like they won it last year even though they didn't. Problems: The player who's injury kept them from winning last year just got traded. Summing up Shaq's various ailments this season is like talking to Betty White after a pick up game. The late-season pick-up of Troy Murphy should help with their front-court.however. Oh, and one more thing, they didn't win last year.
2. Los Angeles Lakers - These guys did. Sure they haven't won as many regular season games so far as people thought they would. You know why? Because they don't care. At all. Every time someone asks Kobe about the latest Laker loss he just mumbles and gives a look to the reporter that would rival Charlie Sheen's when appearing in court. He's bored and doesn't care. That said they're just biding their time. They will care in June. I bet even Ron Artest will care. Well...that's a little drastic.
3. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose is MVP. He's not the best player in the league. But he's playing like he is. Yes, there is a difference. As of right now they're third in the East and can smell blood as the Heat falter. Noah is back, Boozer has gone more than one week without a random injury for the first time all season, and Luol Deng is playing solid basketball for the first time in his career. It's all systems go heading into the home stretch.
4. Dallas Mavericks - Last year the Mavs ended up with the 2 seed in the West and disappointed in the playoffs with a quick exit at the hands of the Spurs. Right now the Spurs are looking like the 1 seed, so the Mavs wouldn't see them in the first round. Dirk is playing great, and everyone else is solid. The reason that this might be the year is because everyone on the roster knows that this is the year. The old guys remember 2006 and remember how long its taken to get it all back. The young guys know that sooner or later the Mavs will be plunged into rebuilding mode and their futures will be uncertain. The time is now and they know it. That makes for a dangerous team.
5. Miami Heat - Some may be surprised that I've got the Mavs over the Heat. I'd like to remind you that the Heat have played Dallas the two games they're allotted already...and they lost both. The Miami Heat are a championship contender. I've no doubt that these guys can get it done in crunch time in the playoffs. But as good as Lebron and Wade are, Bosh is frankly overrated. Talk about overpaid. He makes more money that Dwyane Wade. Are you kidding me? Failing to get Murphy is a disappointment, although they still have hope of acquiring Mike Bibby in time for the playoffs. This year is translatable to 2006. They Heat were underwhelming in the regular season against quality opponents then too. Just pretend that the Celtics are the 2006 Pistons. And make up for that fact that Mavs aren't that good by adding in the threat of both the Spurs and the Lakers. My point is, they can get it done. But they are discovering a simple truth that many people looked past. A South Beach hook-up doesn't equate to rings. They have to earn them. The other teams are ensuring that.
6. San Antonio Spurs - They have the best record in the NBA. Why are they so low. Easy. They're like a time bomb. They are likely to explode at any moment. Warning signs have appeared this week with Parker going down with an injury for 2-4 weeks. Parker, Ginobli, Duncan, McDyess, and Jefferson all could go down at any time. Oh, and Blaire has no knees. Good luck with that guys. Having said that, you can't call the team with the best record a non-contender. So I squeeze them in here.
Teams Who Could Be Contenders If...
7. Oklahoma City Thunder - This is a good basketball team. They've got a decent record. A record which they've earned with a poor front court. Now with Perkins acquired and signed to an extension, we're talking contender material. They're just not quite there yet. They don't even necessarily need anymore major changes to the roster. They just need some development. Look at the Bull for example. They were a 500 team last year and now they're up with the elites. Carlos Boozer was a major acquirement but its the increased play of Rose, Deng, and Noah (especially Rose) that has really got them going. If Durant can pick up on defense, and Westbrook can continue to improve at his current rate, and Ibaka and Harden prove to be great players, then along with Perkins they will be worth fearing. With the Lakers, Mavs, and Spurs all communing with Father Time, the future is bright for this squad.
8. Orlando Magic - They are competing for a good playoff seed right now, and yet all one can hear about is what Howard will do in 2012. The Vince Carter experiment failed. The Gilbert Arenas experiment is failing. The Magic have proven that they are not afraid to make a trade. But do they make the right trades? People commend them for getting Turk back, but why did they let him go in the first place? Richardson is a good player, but is he the number two guy on a championship team? I don't see it. This is a good ball club that has the potential of a deep playoff run. With question marks at the center position for Boston and Miami, Dwight Howard should be a monster in the playoffs. But he hasn't won it by himself yet, there is no reason to think he will this year either.
9. Atlanta Hawks - It may be a stretch to put them up this far. They made it on potential more than current performance. They're hoping that Kirk is going to take them places. He doesn't strike me as a franchise savior, but then again, the past two teams he played for had Rose and Wall, so maybe he just hasn't gotten the chance. What the Hawks really need is a center. Imagine if they had gotten Perkins for Marvin Williams ( a fair sub for Jeff Green) and Zaza Pachulia (gotta be better than Nenad, I'd rather start Justin Bieber). Then they slide Hortford to four where he belongs, Smith to the three where he belongs, let Johnson and Kirk run the show in the back court, and all of sudden the Hawks are going places. I'm salivating over the potential, so that's why they're up here.
10. New York Knicks - Yeah so they got Carmelo and Amare. And if you love devising big threes for every team out there than I guess you can add Chauncey into the mix. But really, if they had kept Felton, would you be calling it a Felton/Anthony/Stoudemire big three? No. But Felton is just as good as Billups. So there. The Knicks are an 'almost there' team because they have two of the NBA's best players. They're not there yet because they only have two great players, one good player, and a guy in Landry Fields who will be good in two years. They need a point guard for the future and a center now. If there's anywhere that a free agent might take a look at going, its New York City, so it'll be interesting to see what the Knicks can pull off for the years to come. But for this year, they're just not there yet.
They'll Make the Playoffs...And Probably Get Swept
11. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul is making sure these guys make the playoffs. But are they actually good? No. Right now they are owned by the 29 other league owners and no one is sure if they'll be in New Orleans much longer. Few people expect Chris Paul to hang around much longer to find out. The franchise is in trouble. Despite the uncertainty, they're over .500 in the Western Conference (which is on its way to becoming the Eastern Conference of two years ago) and are a solid mid-pack team. The problem is that they're not going to get much better than this any time soon, and that doesn't bode well.
12. Philadelphia 76ers - I was shocked that I put these guys so high. They don't seem like they're that good. Yet they're a solid playoff team. They are definitely overachieving right now, and have a poor chance of maintaining this level of play in years to come. Yet they're making it happen this year somehow someway, and you gotta hand it to them for that.
13. Denver Nuggets - Having to trade away your best player is never a comfortable scenario. Now the Nuggets have got some young talent and a stockpile of draft picks to work with. Who knows what the future holds for them? Since the Melo deal they've played honestly just as well as they played before the deal. If they keep it up they'll make a brief appearance in the playoffs and call is season before anyone gets hurt.
14. Portland Trail-Blazers - They just got Gerald Wallace from Charlotte for basically nothing, and Brandon Roy had played well since his return earlier this week. Has anyone noticed that this team plays way better than they should with the constant injuries on a yearly basis? This club knows how to persevere and succeed relative to expectations. Everyone in the organization is still crying in their sleep of Greg Oden and whimpering occasionally over Michael Jordan, but they keep chugging and are looking like they'll sneak into the playoffs.
15. Indiana Pacers - For a while it looked like Charlotte might catch these guys for the bottom seed in the East, but lately Indiana has begun to pull away. They're not overly talented. They're not overly dedicated. But Granger and company is winning just enough to sniff out the post season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies - The Western Conference version of the Pacers, they're a just-enough type of ball club right now. Nabbing Shane Battier is a plus, we'll have to see if he helps them out long-term. He'll at least help fill the void until Rudy (No he's not really) Gay comes back.
Playing for Pride I Guess?
17. Phoenix Suns - They're over .500 but aren't looking like a playoff team. I bet wish they were in the East, where they'd be like a six seed right now. Steve Nash still plays hard, and newly acquired Aaron Brooks is solid. But they're probably still slightly dazed over there because they can't figure out how in the world they got stuck with Vince Carter. So while he slowly sapps their will to live, the head honchos have begun planning for a summer move of Steve Nash.
18. Utah Jazz - After watching Lebron flick off the Cavs in the summer and Melo torture the Nuggets all year long, the Jazz said "Forget this" and traded Deron Williams before he even thought about complaining. Now they get to explore rebuilding options while watching Deron flounder in New Jersey. The Jazz are pretty smart.
19. Houston Rockets - Why Yao why? Curse your big feet! The rockets are mired in mediocrity and have strapped themselves to the sail known as Yao Ming for a few years to long now. They know that they've got to move on from the messy relationship, find new love. Except they haven't actually broken up with him yet. Oops...
20. Charlotte Bobcats - At least they've got Michael Jordan.
21. Milwaukee Bucks - Last year the really overachieved and everyone thought they were an up and coming team. I guess they got bored of all that premature praise.
22. Golden State Warriors - As bad as they seem, they've actually won 26 games. For that I had mercy and left them out of this next group.
Somebody Unlock the Basement Door!
23. Detroit Pistons - All of the players are sitting around saying "We're talking about practice, not a game. Any time you can compare Allen Iverson's attitude to a team, you can just leave it at that.
24. Los Angeles Clippers - If it wasn't for Blake Griffin dunking over Kias and Mosgovs then they would be completely hopeless.
25. New Jersey Nets - Lebron laughed at them. Carmelo laughed at them. God laughed at them. So they finally scrapped free agency and acquired Deron Williams against his will. Good luck with that.
26. Toronto Raptors - They hovered around .500 last year with Bosh. Now they are much much worse, but people don't really notice the change. I guess they never really had a chance did they?
R.I.P NBA Graveyard
27. Washington Wizards - John Wall would be alright, if he could shoot the ball at all and Blake Griffin didn't exist.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Fans had a successful campaign to make Kevin Love an All-Star. If they really love him, they should campaign to set him free.
29. Sacramento Kings - Fans are worried that the team will flee for Southern California. They probably should just try and get Chris Webber to come back.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Did anyone really expect them to be good for very much longer? I mean, laws of nature can't be broken forever...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Meeting A Deadline
Over the past months we've heard a lot of talk in the NBA about what things will be like post-something. Post-The Decision. Post-Strike. I'd like to add a new one. Post-2011 Trade Deadline.
Yes I'm saying it. This week's trade deadline changed the NBA forever. By itself it established no precedents, but when paired with the free-agency drama of a summer ago and the likely bitter fight of the coming Collective Bargaining talks, things are changing.
Lebron James established a legacy last summer, one that I doubt he ever foresaw or intended. Now every organization must consider what they would do if their best player left them. Constant rebuilding mode. "What if Kevin Durant leaves in a few years? We don't want to be like the Cavaliers..." Now for the record I think the Thunder are pretty comfortable with their star player at the moment. But look at Orlando. Howard will be a free agent in the summer of 2012. Already the media is in a frenzy discussing where he might play. The notion of staying in Orlando doesn't seem to occur at all. The thing is, Dwight Howard refuses too discuss the future, and the Magic haven't even offered him a contract extension yet. There is no reason to believe he won't stay. But everyone is paranoid.
And then there is Carmelo. He was born in New York. He wanted to play in New York. Now he's in New York. Of course it took some painful months for Denver fans. The Nuggets now find themselves with a mixed up roster and an uncertain future. These two cases demonstrate the power of the player. At first glance it seems that the players hang their organizations out to dry for personal gain. But don't men and women change jobs all the time? Is it uncommon for a man to determine his own situation. Isn't this the American Dream? Does the celebrity status of these men coupled with their millions of dollars mean that they don't get the same opportunity?
This is the conflict. This is why come October there won't be any NBA basketball. There may not be any come December.
I think though that people forget what happens with much more frequency. The Lebron situation and the Carmelo situation make news because they only happen once every few years. But every summer, every fall, and every winter a player gets traded. Carmelo demanded he go to New York and he went. But the majority of trades occur without the players' prior consent. It's the business. That's the way it works.
Just ask Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins epitomizes the Boston Celtics. He played their his whole career. Before the big three he was there. He has devoted years of play, tons of effort, and a summer of rehab. He won a ring there. And he was beloved by his teammates and the fans. Today he plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And you know what? He's going to be great there. It was a great move for the Thunder. And the Celtics may very well be fine as well. But it was a heartless trade.
Perhaps Carmelo and Lebron were heartless in what they did. But I haven't seen much heart out of the organizations either. Is it purely just a business on both sides? It's a sobering thought. Yesterday certainly was a day about business first. It was all about meeting a deadline.
Yes I'm saying it. This week's trade deadline changed the NBA forever. By itself it established no precedents, but when paired with the free-agency drama of a summer ago and the likely bitter fight of the coming Collective Bargaining talks, things are changing.
Lebron James established a legacy last summer, one that I doubt he ever foresaw or intended. Now every organization must consider what they would do if their best player left them. Constant rebuilding mode. "What if Kevin Durant leaves in a few years? We don't want to be like the Cavaliers..." Now for the record I think the Thunder are pretty comfortable with their star player at the moment. But look at Orlando. Howard will be a free agent in the summer of 2012. Already the media is in a frenzy discussing where he might play. The notion of staying in Orlando doesn't seem to occur at all. The thing is, Dwight Howard refuses too discuss the future, and the Magic haven't even offered him a contract extension yet. There is no reason to believe he won't stay. But everyone is paranoid.
And then there is Carmelo. He was born in New York. He wanted to play in New York. Now he's in New York. Of course it took some painful months for Denver fans. The Nuggets now find themselves with a mixed up roster and an uncertain future. These two cases demonstrate the power of the player. At first glance it seems that the players hang their organizations out to dry for personal gain. But don't men and women change jobs all the time? Is it uncommon for a man to determine his own situation. Isn't this the American Dream? Does the celebrity status of these men coupled with their millions of dollars mean that they don't get the same opportunity?
This is the conflict. This is why come October there won't be any NBA basketball. There may not be any come December.
I think though that people forget what happens with much more frequency. The Lebron situation and the Carmelo situation make news because they only happen once every few years. But every summer, every fall, and every winter a player gets traded. Carmelo demanded he go to New York and he went. But the majority of trades occur without the players' prior consent. It's the business. That's the way it works.
Just ask Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins epitomizes the Boston Celtics. He played their his whole career. Before the big three he was there. He has devoted years of play, tons of effort, and a summer of rehab. He won a ring there. And he was beloved by his teammates and the fans. Today he plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And you know what? He's going to be great there. It was a great move for the Thunder. And the Celtics may very well be fine as well. But it was a heartless trade.
Perhaps Carmelo and Lebron were heartless in what they did. But I haven't seen much heart out of the organizations either. Is it purely just a business on both sides? It's a sobering thought. Yesterday certainly was a day about business first. It was all about meeting a deadline.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
All-Star Shooting Guards
Kobe.
Need I say more? The shot clock and game clock both are winding down. The Lakers are down one. Kobe's got the ball, all five defenders stick to him like glue. There are four other players wide open for the easy score! Surely he makes the easy pass! Surely the Lakers win! Kobe dribbles...Kobe twirls...Kobe does a back flip...still no pass! Finally, one second left, he launches a fade away three over five defenders.
Lakers win. Did you doubt it?
No player will frustrate you so much you think about converting to ice hockey and amaze you into permanent basketball fandom like Kobe Bryant.
That's why Dwyane Wade is better.
Wait, what?! Better than Kobe? No one is better than the Black Mamba! Okay, besides MJ, Kareem, Wilt, Karl Malone, etc. And those guys that are better just because they're younger. Wade, Lebron, Durant, etc.
Look, this isn't a Kobe bashing parade. The fact that people cling to the Kobe of old like Rocky clinging to Mick's dead body is beside the point. They see visions of past grandeur just like Rocky saw black and white Mickey flashbacks three movies later.
But seriously. We're not hating on Kobe here. He's got five rings! Sure MJ got six, and Bill Russel had 200 and Kobe's own coach as more than twice as many, Kobe's still got five.
Sure Kobe's fingers are mangled, his knee is bad, and his face is molded into a permanent scowl of frustration. He's still the man. We love him 'cause he's Kobe.
Why is Dwyane Wade better? Easy, because Kobe is the man on the Lakers. Even when it becomes a detriment to the team, still Kobe does what he wants out on the floor. Wade shares with and often bows down to Lebron James. He even throws Chris Bosh the occasional bone so he can say "Thanks Chris Bosh for being a superstar the last seven years, getting paid a superstar salary to come here so that you can play like the glorified role player that you've become!"
Through all of that they've got the same numbers. 25 points, 5 assists, 5 ish rebounds, etc.
Give Kobe a break right? He's getting older, it happens, let him. I would, except that people pretend its not happening. They pretend that he's just looking worse because Ron Artest is a baby and Pau Gasol is Spanish.
But seriously, he is still good. Heck, he's starting for the west in the all-star game. As well he should. He's still better than all the other shooting guards in the West. And Wade in the East? Easy pick again. Good work people.
Next up: Melo v Lebron
Need I say more? The shot clock and game clock both are winding down. The Lakers are down one. Kobe's got the ball, all five defenders stick to him like glue. There are four other players wide open for the easy score! Surely he makes the easy pass! Surely the Lakers win! Kobe dribbles...Kobe twirls...Kobe does a back flip...still no pass! Finally, one second left, he launches a fade away three over five defenders.
Lakers win. Did you doubt it?
No player will frustrate you so much you think about converting to ice hockey and amaze you into permanent basketball fandom like Kobe Bryant.
That's why Dwyane Wade is better.
Wait, what?! Better than Kobe? No one is better than the Black Mamba! Okay, besides MJ, Kareem, Wilt, Karl Malone, etc. And those guys that are better just because they're younger. Wade, Lebron, Durant, etc.
Look, this isn't a Kobe bashing parade. The fact that people cling to the Kobe of old like Rocky clinging to Mick's dead body is beside the point. They see visions of past grandeur just like Rocky saw black and white Mickey flashbacks three movies later.
But seriously. We're not hating on Kobe here. He's got five rings! Sure MJ got six, and Bill Russel had 200 and Kobe's own coach as more than twice as many, Kobe's still got five.
Sure Kobe's fingers are mangled, his knee is bad, and his face is molded into a permanent scowl of frustration. He's still the man. We love him 'cause he's Kobe.
Why is Dwyane Wade better? Easy, because Kobe is the man on the Lakers. Even when it becomes a detriment to the team, still Kobe does what he wants out on the floor. Wade shares with and often bows down to Lebron James. He even throws Chris Bosh the occasional bone so he can say "Thanks Chris Bosh for being a superstar the last seven years, getting paid a superstar salary to come here so that you can play like the glorified role player that you've become!"
Through all of that they've got the same numbers. 25 points, 5 assists, 5 ish rebounds, etc.
Give Kobe a break right? He's getting older, it happens, let him. I would, except that people pretend its not happening. They pretend that he's just looking worse because Ron Artest is a baby and Pau Gasol is Spanish.
But seriously, he is still good. Heck, he's starting for the west in the all-star game. As well he should. He's still better than all the other shooting guards in the West. And Wade in the East? Easy pick again. Good work people.
Next up: Melo v Lebron
Saturday, February 5, 2011
All-Stars
In honor of the upcoming NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles, I shall render my judgment on the fans' choices for the East and West starting five.
But before I deliver my sentences, one thought: Yao Ming a starter for the West? Really? OK, China, we get it. You really like the big fella. He's the man, he represents you on the sport's biggest stage. But he's hurt. He's hobbled. He's been as effective over the past two years for the Rockets as Ricky Rubio has been for the Wolves. But let's, for a minute, accept China's love affair with Yao. Okay, who else to blame? Easy, the NBA. Why was Yao Ming on the ballot? Why would votes count for a guy who has been declared 'out for the season?' This is a simple rule change. From now on, you can't vote for people who will be injured at the time of the game. Easy. Sorry China, if you want to vote for an old and decrepit big man with rubber knees and toothpicks for ankles, than just vote for Tim Duncan next time.
Alright, enough of that, I don't want to start a World War over this. So I shall start with the starting Point Guards for the two conferences.
Derrick Rose - 24.6 PPG 1.0 SPG 8.2 APG 4.6 RPG 3.0 TO
Chris Paul- 16.6 PPG 2.6 SPG 9.6 APG 4.0 RPG 2.3 TO
The Peoples' Choice: A
Rose and Paul are not only the best point guards in their respective conferences, they are the top two point guards in the league. Now there's been some argument lately about which of the two were actually better. I've been hearing a lot of "Rose for MVP!" chatter. I say premature. Yes Rose is scoring eight more points a game than Paul. But where are the steals and assists? Why 3 turnovers?
I've also heard the argument that the Bulls have a better record than the Hornets despite consistent injuries between Boozer and Noah. Well, without those two the Bulls have one superstar in Rose and a bunch of glorified role players. Kind of like the Hornets when everyone is healthy. After Paul who do you elevate to 2nd man status on that team? David West? Emeka Okafor? Please. Paul is doing more with less on a consistent basis. I don't even have to mention that the Hornets are in the Western Conference. They have no business sniffing the playoffs, yet they have a point guard who doesn't let them lose.
It is true that Rose is the man on a better team. But that doesn't make Rose the better player. The Celtics have a better record than the Heat, heck they're 2-0 against the Heat. Does that make Paul Pierce better than Lebron James? The Spurs have a better record than the Heat as well. Is Manu Ginobli better than Dwyane Wade? You get the point.
As far as the All-Star game is concerned, these two men are the right choice. The only other point guard that made the East Roster is Rajon Rondo. He's a great passer on a great team. But he shoots like this.
Apart from Paul, the West has Deron Williams and Russel Westbrook. These are both terrific basketball players. This is a testament to the West right now. Williams was arguably better than Paul a year ago, but not this year. Williams has struggled with injuries all season, kind of like Paul did last year. Westbrook is emerging this year as an elite ball player. There is potential there for a perennial All-Star in years to come. He's not quite up to Paul's level yet.
So good job fans. You got the right point guards.
All-Star Match Up: No one plays defense in the All-Star game. Paul will be forced to let Kobe shoot a bunch of bricks and dribble around because he's Kobe. He'll also have to let Durant and Melo handle the ball and shoot. Oh and everyone in the arena will demand ally oops to Blake Griffin. He won't score that much. But at least he'll get to throw ally oops to Blake Griffin.
Rose will play alongside Wade and James, who are real life teammates and have good chemistry. Maybe he'll run some pick and roll with Stoudemire. And there's always ally oops to Howard. But that was so 2008. No one cares. Did I mention ally oops to Griffin? And Rose will be forced to let the four Celtics come in off the bench and turn it into a Western Conference vs the Celtics with Dwight Howard match up.
So the verdict is that neither one will get a lot of offensive production. But at least Paul gets Blake Griffin.
Victor: Chris Paul
Next Time: Wade vs Bryant
But before I deliver my sentences, one thought: Yao Ming a starter for the West? Really? OK, China, we get it. You really like the big fella. He's the man, he represents you on the sport's biggest stage. But he's hurt. He's hobbled. He's been as effective over the past two years for the Rockets as Ricky Rubio has been for the Wolves. But let's, for a minute, accept China's love affair with Yao. Okay, who else to blame? Easy, the NBA. Why was Yao Ming on the ballot? Why would votes count for a guy who has been declared 'out for the season?' This is a simple rule change. From now on, you can't vote for people who will be injured at the time of the game. Easy. Sorry China, if you want to vote for an old and decrepit big man with rubber knees and toothpicks for ankles, than just vote for Tim Duncan next time.
Alright, enough of that, I don't want to start a World War over this. So I shall start with the starting Point Guards for the two conferences.
Derrick Rose - 24.6 PPG 1.0 SPG 8.2 APG 4.6 RPG 3.0 TO
Chris Paul- 16.6 PPG 2.6 SPG 9.6 APG 4.0 RPG 2.3 TO
The Peoples' Choice: A
Rose and Paul are not only the best point guards in their respective conferences, they are the top two point guards in the league. Now there's been some argument lately about which of the two were actually better. I've been hearing a lot of "Rose for MVP!" chatter. I say premature. Yes Rose is scoring eight more points a game than Paul. But where are the steals and assists? Why 3 turnovers?
I've also heard the argument that the Bulls have a better record than the Hornets despite consistent injuries between Boozer and Noah. Well, without those two the Bulls have one superstar in Rose and a bunch of glorified role players. Kind of like the Hornets when everyone is healthy. After Paul who do you elevate to 2nd man status on that team? David West? Emeka Okafor? Please. Paul is doing more with less on a consistent basis. I don't even have to mention that the Hornets are in the Western Conference. They have no business sniffing the playoffs, yet they have a point guard who doesn't let them lose.
It is true that Rose is the man on a better team. But that doesn't make Rose the better player. The Celtics have a better record than the Heat, heck they're 2-0 against the Heat. Does that make Paul Pierce better than Lebron James? The Spurs have a better record than the Heat as well. Is Manu Ginobli better than Dwyane Wade? You get the point.
As far as the All-Star game is concerned, these two men are the right choice. The only other point guard that made the East Roster is Rajon Rondo. He's a great passer on a great team. But he shoots like this.
Apart from Paul, the West has Deron Williams and Russel Westbrook. These are both terrific basketball players. This is a testament to the West right now. Williams was arguably better than Paul a year ago, but not this year. Williams has struggled with injuries all season, kind of like Paul did last year. Westbrook is emerging this year as an elite ball player. There is potential there for a perennial All-Star in years to come. He's not quite up to Paul's level yet.
So good job fans. You got the right point guards.
All-Star Match Up: No one plays defense in the All-Star game. Paul will be forced to let Kobe shoot a bunch of bricks and dribble around because he's Kobe. He'll also have to let Durant and Melo handle the ball and shoot. Oh and everyone in the arena will demand ally oops to Blake Griffin. He won't score that much. But at least he'll get to throw ally oops to Blake Griffin.
Rose will play alongside Wade and James, who are real life teammates and have good chemistry. Maybe he'll run some pick and roll with Stoudemire. And there's always ally oops to Howard. But that was so 2008. No one cares. Did I mention ally oops to Griffin? And Rose will be forced to let the four Celtics come in off the bench and turn it into a Western Conference vs the Celtics with Dwight Howard match up.
So the verdict is that neither one will get a lot of offensive production. But at least Paul gets Blake Griffin.
Victor: Chris Paul
Next Time: Wade vs Bryant
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