Sunday, June 15, 2008
It Ain't Over Yet...
Down 3-1, game 5 in Los Angeles tonight, morale low, the Lakers are in a win or go home situation. After a demoralizing loss at home to Boston in game 4, the Lakers need to decide whether they want to begin their summer, or show how good they truly are. If they choose option one, well, there is always next year, but why wait, when they still can this year. However, if they choose option two, they will have to decide if they want to play intense and productive for 48 minutes. They need to do whatever they can to put game 4's loss out of their minds, so they can focus on winning these next three games. Whether it be drinking till they drop, smoking Coach Phil's peace pipe and sining kumbaya, or watching "300", they need to do something to get fired up and blow Boston away tonight. In the 6 games Boston and Los Angeles have played this year, the Lakers have seen everything Boston has to offer, while Boston hasn't seen any of the Lakers weapons all on their A game. If Pau can just play as half as intense as KG has been playing the Lakers will win tonight. If Kobe explodes for the best game he's had since his 49 point outburst against Denver in game 2 of the playoffs. If Lamar can play great for a full game. If the Lakers bench can play like they have all season long. If the Lakers play defense. If the Lakers can do one or two of those things, Boston will not see what's coming tonight. That's all they have to do, and this series, which seems to be locked up by Boston, will be a real series again. Although the chips are down, and their backs are against the wall, NEVER, count out a team with Kobe Bryant on it. The Lakes have a shot, it's going to be tough, it's going to defy all odds, but it's possible. Good luck my Lakers, and please, PUH-LEASE, try and make the beginning of my summer something to be happy about!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Celtics Only Win Half the Battle
Down 22 with 7:40 left to go in the game, most teams would have given up, most coaches would have pulled their stars, most fans would have gone to bed mad already, however, that cannot be said for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. To the Lakers, 7:40 is just as good as a full quarter. Despite the inexcusable reffing during tonight's match, the Lakers played hard, scored baskets, and a decent number of important stops. Although they didn't get the win, they won half that battle, by stealing the momentum from Boston. Boston may think they have the momentum, being up 2-0, and keeping the Lakers from winning what would have been a heart-breaker for the Celtics, however, the fact that the Lakers were able to overcome the reffing and cut they Celtics 22 point, 4th quarter lead, down to 2 with a minute or so remaining, shows how great this team is, and it gives them the fire, the momentum, to make this series one to remember. Remember folks, L.A. is the only undefeated team at home in the playoffs thus far. With the momentum the Lakes received from their comeback tonight, and their toughness inside Staples Center, they should have no problem going up 3-2 on the Celtics. KG and PP34, get ready to dance.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Breakdown of the Lakers and Celtics; Position by Position
With the NBA Finals just a few days away (exactly 66 hours and 28 minutes away, not that I'm counting), the debate continues, who is truly the better team. Well we will not know until 4 games have been one by a single team, but what we can figure out, based on statistics, my ridiculous knowledge for the NBA, and some opinions, we can figure out who has the better team, position by position. Giving us something to think about, and debate over, while those fans like me, sit and do absolutely nothing until Thursday night at around 6pm...
Point Guard: Derek Fisher or Rajon Rondo: Right now, Rondo is the better player. At 6-1 in shoes, Rondo averages 4.2 rebounds per game, and shoots an outstanding percentage from the field (49.2%), although that is primarily due to the fact that he has no jump shot. However, his athleticism and defensive play make him the better of the two point guards in this series. I know, as a Laker fan, Derek Fisher has been great for us in all his years here. However, Fisher is 33, and although he's still playing some of the best basketball of his career, once a player hits 30, they tend to lose a step. Rondo is simply too athletic for fisher, and will cause problems, not major ones, but problems nonetheless that could impact the way Phil uses his guard rotation.
Edge: Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant or Ray Allen: I'm not even going to waste time explaining this one. So the edge goes to the MVP, that's all that needs to be said here.
Small Forward: Vladamir Radmonovic or Paul Pierce: PP is the obvious choice here, but if Radmonovic devotes this entire series to just playing good D on Pierce (which he can do), I have a feeling that Pierce and the Celtics nation might be surprised of the series they get from their longtime star. Although I give the edge to Pierce here, Radmonovic's D on Paul could be a key factor to the Lakers winning this series.
Power Forward: Lamar Odom or Kevin Garnett: This match up will easily be the most entertaining out of the 5 possible match ups. Both players are extremely long and athletic. Although KG plays with more intensity than any one in the league (yes, even my MVP, Kobe Bryant), if Odom can match even half of Garnett's intensity (which is quite hard to do since KG plays like his kid's lives are at stake), the Lake Show win the series. Odom has shown this year and during the playoffs, that he can be the great player he was always suppose to be. If he gets 17/12/4 for the series, it's pretty much over. However, advantage here goes to KG and his defensive player of the year trophy.
Center: Pau Gasol or Kendrick Perkins: Great offense meets great defense. It's like the Patriots playing themselves. Gasol's finesse and offensive game are top notch, however, he sometimes plays too soft, which makes me worry about this series the most. If Pau plays to soft, and KG plays like KG, the Lakers will have a hard time winning this series. Pau needs to play tough and be a dominate post presence for the Lakers to win. If he averages about 18/11/5, and plays semi-acceptable defense, the Lakers will be en route to their 15th championship (and yes Bill Simmons, I count the Minneapolis days! http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=20902) Perkins is great on defense, and is extremely strong, but Pau's offensive game is to advanced for him, and he will have trouble stopping Pau's quick offensive move set.
Bench: Okay, the Lakers have a bench of 4 solid players (Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton, and Ronny Turiaf. You could say 5 if you count Trevor Ariza) that all play consistent rotation minutes, and impact the outcomes of Laker games greatly. Whereas Boston has about 2 bench players they play consistently (James Posey and PJ Brown) who have any effect on their wins. However, when Doc Rivers plays guys like Leon Powe, Glen Davis, and Eddie House, the Celtics play much better. Sam Cassell is garbage now, and should retire to the sidelines, so I know he won't help them. But, the Lakers bench is great all around, and if they play like they have all season, the Lakers should win the series easily.
Edge: Lakers Bench
Head Coach: Phil Jackson or Doc Rivers: Easy one here, 8 rings in 9 finals apperances, or 0 rings in 0 finals appearances? I'm going to go out on a VERY thin limb and say, I'd much rather have the 8 than the 0, but that's just me. Phil, in my opinion is the second best coach in the league (behind Gregg Poppovich, whom I believe is one of the top 3 greatest coaches of all time), and he knows how to win. The Detroit series, wasn't entirely his fault. The Lakers were outplayed, and the injury bug that caught Karl Malone (god did he look terrible in a Lakers uni), didn't help their cause either. Overall, Phil is hands down the winner in this match up, and unless Red Auerbach comes back from the dead, the Lakers have the clear cut advantage here.
So based on the match ups, it looks like the winner goes to, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS! And trust me, this was not a homer pick. I gave the Celts advantages in their rightfully deserving spots. What do you want me to say that Kendrick Perkins is a better player than Pau, umm, no thank you, I'd rather not. But the facts are there. By match ups, the Lakers win this series. Hopefully it plays out the way the match ups say they will, and not the way WhatIfSports predicts it will. (http://www.whatifsports.com/beyondtheboxscore/default.asp?article=20080531)
Point Guard: Derek Fisher or Rajon Rondo: Right now, Rondo is the better player. At 6-1 in shoes, Rondo averages 4.2 rebounds per game, and shoots an outstanding percentage from the field (49.2%), although that is primarily due to the fact that he has no jump shot. However, his athleticism and defensive play make him the better of the two point guards in this series. I know, as a Laker fan, Derek Fisher has been great for us in all his years here. However, Fisher is 33, and although he's still playing some of the best basketball of his career, once a player hits 30, they tend to lose a step. Rondo is simply too athletic for fisher, and will cause problems, not major ones, but problems nonetheless that could impact the way Phil uses his guard rotation.
Edge: Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant or Ray Allen: I'm not even going to waste time explaining this one. So the edge goes to the MVP, that's all that needs to be said here.
Small Forward: Vladamir Radmonovic or Paul Pierce: PP is the obvious choice here, but if Radmonovic devotes this entire series to just playing good D on Pierce (which he can do), I have a feeling that Pierce and the Celtics nation might be surprised of the series they get from their longtime star. Although I give the edge to Pierce here, Radmonovic's D on Paul could be a key factor to the Lakers winning this series.
Power Forward: Lamar Odom or Kevin Garnett: This match up will easily be the most entertaining out of the 5 possible match ups. Both players are extremely long and athletic. Although KG plays with more intensity than any one in the league (yes, even my MVP, Kobe Bryant), if Odom can match even half of Garnett's intensity (which is quite hard to do since KG plays like his kid's lives are at stake), the Lake Show win the series. Odom has shown this year and during the playoffs, that he can be the great player he was always suppose to be. If he gets 17/12/4 for the series, it's pretty much over. However, advantage here goes to KG and his defensive player of the year trophy.
Center: Pau Gasol or Kendrick Perkins: Great offense meets great defense. It's like the Patriots playing themselves. Gasol's finesse and offensive game are top notch, however, he sometimes plays too soft, which makes me worry about this series the most. If Pau plays to soft, and KG plays like KG, the Lakers will have a hard time winning this series. Pau needs to play tough and be a dominate post presence for the Lakers to win. If he averages about 18/11/5, and plays semi-acceptable defense, the Lakers will be en route to their 15th championship (and yes Bill Simmons, I count the Minneapolis days! http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=20902) Perkins is great on defense, and is extremely strong, but Pau's offensive game is to advanced for him, and he will have trouble stopping Pau's quick offensive move set.
Bench: Okay, the Lakers have a bench of 4 solid players (Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton, and Ronny Turiaf. You could say 5 if you count Trevor Ariza) that all play consistent rotation minutes, and impact the outcomes of Laker games greatly. Whereas Boston has about 2 bench players they play consistently (James Posey and PJ Brown) who have any effect on their wins. However, when Doc Rivers plays guys like Leon Powe, Glen Davis, and Eddie House, the Celtics play much better. Sam Cassell is garbage now, and should retire to the sidelines, so I know he won't help them. But, the Lakers bench is great all around, and if they play like they have all season, the Lakers should win the series easily.
Edge: Lakers Bench
Head Coach: Phil Jackson or Doc Rivers: Easy one here, 8 rings in 9 finals apperances, or 0 rings in 0 finals appearances? I'm going to go out on a VERY thin limb and say, I'd much rather have the 8 than the 0, but that's just me. Phil, in my opinion is the second best coach in the league (behind Gregg Poppovich, whom I believe is one of the top 3 greatest coaches of all time), and he knows how to win. The Detroit series, wasn't entirely his fault. The Lakers were outplayed, and the injury bug that caught Karl Malone (god did he look terrible in a Lakers uni), didn't help their cause either. Overall, Phil is hands down the winner in this match up, and unless Red Auerbach comes back from the dead, the Lakers have the clear cut advantage here.
So based on the match ups, it looks like the winner goes to, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS! And trust me, this was not a homer pick. I gave the Celts advantages in their rightfully deserving spots. What do you want me to say that Kendrick Perkins is a better player than Pau, umm, no thank you, I'd rather not. But the facts are there. By match ups, the Lakers win this series. Hopefully it plays out the way the match ups say they will, and not the way WhatIfSports predicts it will. (http://www.whatifsports.com/beyondtheboxscore/default.asp?article=20080531)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Big Dance: It's Finally Here
It's been eight long, exciting, surprising months, but the dance is finally here, and it's better than ever. We've got renewed rivalries, a new MVP, a battle to prove doubters wrong, a fight to the end. Whatever happens, it we be great. It's the NBA Finals, where truly amazing happens. Kobe Bryant is searching for his first ring without Shaq, and Kevin Garnett is going for his first. Both teams have improved drastically over the past year, and if anyone told me during May of last year that Boston and the Lakers would be in the finals come June, I would check them into the Betty Ford Clinic, because they would have to of been doing some serious drugs to think that. However, roster renovations and major player improvement fueled these teams throughout 82 games, and 3 rounds of playoff series, and now they are here, on the biggest stage in the world, to show who is the world's champions. Will it be MVP Kobe Bryant (GOD I LOVE SAYING THAT) and his new and improved Lake Show Squad? Or will it be KG and co.? Only time will tell. We have at least 4 games ahead of us, and either team is good enough to win 4, but only one team will come out on top, and be crowned number one. It's the NBA Finals, where champions happen.
Upcoming!
Look for post game analysis for every finals game.
Also, once I can get one down I'm happy with, a mock draft version 1.0 will be posted. I would think after doing mock drafts since November, I would come up with one I like, but it seems every day, with every draft camp rumor that comes about, my picks seem to change. Hopefully I can get the mock draft up by this coming weekend.
Upcoming!
Look for post game analysis for every finals game.
Also, once I can get one down I'm happy with, a mock draft version 1.0 will be posted. I would think after doing mock drafts since November, I would come up with one I like, but it seems every day, with every draft camp rumor that comes about, my picks seem to change. Hopefully I can get the mock draft up by this coming weekend.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Quick Thoughts on the Conference Finals
As it has come down to the final four, and 4 games have been played so far in each round, here are my comments so far on the two current series.
Western Conference:
L.A. Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs (Lakers lead series 3-1): After a gut-wrenching blowout in game 3, the Lakers bounced back for a close game 4 win, and look to close the series out on Wednesday. Commenting on the controversial non-call at the end of tonights game 4 victory for the Lakers, I will state as a known die-hard Laker fan, that the play between Barry and Fisher WAS a foul. However, it was NOT a shooting foul. So even if the foul was called, Barry only should receive two free throws. And being the great foul shooter Barry is, he probably would have tied the game up, either sending the game into OT, or having his and the rest of the Spurs nation's hearts crushed by a Laker buzzer beater. Also, in that situation, at the end of the game, fouls generally have to be quite hard to be called, otherwise, they will be viewed as fair game. Although this is not fair to the losing team, it is consistently not called by refs, and I don't think it will ever change. Well, thats my two-cents on the West Finals
Eastern Conference:
Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons (series tied 2-2): There is no question that this series won't push as far as it can go. These teams are extremely equal, and will beat each other up to get to the finals, only to be demolished by whatever Western Conference team advances. I think that the injury to Piston point guard, Chauncey Billups, has so far, not affected the series to a large extent. However, if the Pistons had a healthy Chauncey Billups, I think the series would be over in six games rather than seven, allowing the Pistons to win on their home court, and have an extra days rest. McDyess' performance in game 4 was unreal (http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280526008) and the Pistons will only build off of that energy in game 5. I think Detroit ends up winning the series, just because of sheer experience. Boston has a ton of accumulated experience among it's players, but Detroit's team has experience together, as one team. I'm looking forward to the re-match of the NBA Finals from four years ago.
Well, that's what I have to say about the Conference Finals. Mock Draft coming soon! I promise! Also look for more posts than normal during the weeks of the NBA Finals.
Western Conference:
L.A. Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs (Lakers lead series 3-1): After a gut-wrenching blowout in game 3, the Lakers bounced back for a close game 4 win, and look to close the series out on Wednesday. Commenting on the controversial non-call at the end of tonights game 4 victory for the Lakers, I will state as a known die-hard Laker fan, that the play between Barry and Fisher WAS a foul. However, it was NOT a shooting foul. So even if the foul was called, Barry only should receive two free throws. And being the great foul shooter Barry is, he probably would have tied the game up, either sending the game into OT, or having his and the rest of the Spurs nation's hearts crushed by a Laker buzzer beater. Also, in that situation, at the end of the game, fouls generally have to be quite hard to be called, otherwise, they will be viewed as fair game. Although this is not fair to the losing team, it is consistently not called by refs, and I don't think it will ever change. Well, thats my two-cents on the West Finals
Eastern Conference:
Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons (series tied 2-2): There is no question that this series won't push as far as it can go. These teams are extremely equal, and will beat each other up to get to the finals, only to be demolished by whatever Western Conference team advances. I think that the injury to Piston point guard, Chauncey Billups, has so far, not affected the series to a large extent. However, if the Pistons had a healthy Chauncey Billups, I think the series would be over in six games rather than seven, allowing the Pistons to win on their home court, and have an extra days rest. McDyess' performance in game 4 was unreal (http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280526008) and the Pistons will only build off of that energy in game 5. I think Detroit ends up winning the series, just because of sheer experience. Boston has a ton of accumulated experience among it's players, but Detroit's team has experience together, as one team. I'm looking forward to the re-match of the NBA Finals from four years ago.
Well, that's what I have to say about the Conference Finals. Mock Draft coming soon! I promise! Also look for more posts than normal during the weeks of the NBA Finals.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Beasley or Rose?
As the lottery approaches (it's tomorrow in case you didn't know), I decided to break down, for each team, who they should take (between Beasley and Rose), if they ended up with the number one pick. We'll start with the league-worst Miami Heat...
Miami: This franchise is about to go through drastic rebuilding process, and will have to complete it quickly in order to please their star guard Dwyane Wade, who could bolt in 2010/2011 for a chance to play with a better team and a brighter future. However, if Miami manages to escape karma, and win the top pick, Kansas State hybrid forward Michael Beasley is the best choice for a quicker improvement. While Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade would make the best, most explosive back court in the league, a trio of Wade, Marion, and Beasley would be much more effective in the long run. So I give the edge to Beasley for Miami.
Seattle: Although most Seattle fans are drooling at the idea of Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant, two potential 25 point per game scorers, playing along side each other, the presence of Derrick Rose would benefit this team to a much greater extent. Seattle has a nice future ahead of them, with a core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Chris Wilcox, but they don't have a future point-man for their offense, which will hold them back for a while in this tough Western Conference. If Seattle ends up with Rose, Durant will easily become a top 3 scorer in the league, and will do so much more efficiently. Seattle has another pick later in the first round, and could possibly select Rose's Memphis Tiger's teammate, Chris Douglas-Roberts to fill in as shooting guard, and allow Kevin to move back to his natural SF position. So for this pick, I give the edge to Derrick Rose of Memphis.
Minnesota: It seems as though, Minnesota wants Randy Foye as their point guard of the future, but for the good of their team, drafting Derrick Rose would be much more beneficial to the games of Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, and Randy Foye. However, I believe that if Minnesota were to land the number 1 pick, Michael Beasley would be in their future, and their future would be bright. Lately, I have been hearing many people say how the Wolves need a center, so Big Al can move back to PF, but I disagree, with how the league is changing into a more athletic league, and starting centers are become quicker and more agile, Al Jefferson should stay at center. So by drafting Beasley, Jefferson stays at center, and Beasley and Brewer, alongside Jefferson, create one of the best future front courts in the league. So I'm saying the Wolves take Beasley here.
Memphis: Although Derrick Rose was the hero for the city of Memphis this year, the Grizzlies already have their point guard of the future in Mike Conley Jr., and adding Rose would just be a waste of a pick, when they could fill their void at PF with Michael Beasley, who would, create one of the most athletic forward combos in the league, alongside Rudy Gay. So I give the obvious edge to Michael Beasley here.
New York: The Knicks, being in the situation they are now, could go either way with this pick. However, with the recent hiring of run n' gun head coach Mike D'Antoni, the only way the Knick's offense will be effective this year, is with a top notch point guard running the show. So unless the Knicks are able to pull of a deal for a Jose Calderon or a TJ Ford, Derrick Rose would be the much better choice. Not only would Derrick Rose make an immediate, positive, impact on this dysfunctional Knicks team, but he would be D'Antoni's New York Steve Nash, and would most likely end up being a top three point guard in the league some day. So D-Rose gets the edge in this pick.
L.A. Clippers: The Clippers are even more of a tossup if they get the first pick. They could go with Rose, and have a future core of Rose, Thornton, and Kaman, or they could draft Beasley, and create possibly one of the best future front courts in the league, with Thornton, Beasley, and Kaman. If they drafted Beasley, they could probably get a nice shooting guard or point guard in sign and trade deals including Corey Maggette and Elton Brand. However, if they draft Rose, they could keep Brand and have a great front court right now, and possibly make the playoffs after having two bad years after making the playoffs for the first time in god knows how long. But it seems like, for this young Clippers team, playing for the future is the best bet, and the amount the could get for Brand and Maggette while picking Beasley, would be greater than just taking Rose. So, Beasley gets the edge for this pick.
Milwaukee: Rumors are starting to surround around the Milwaukee Bucks, saying that the Bucks might entertain trading this years lottery pick for someone that could help them immediately. Now this might not be such a bad idea, since Milwaukee's last three draft picks have turned into Yi Jianlian, Andrew Bogut, and TJ Ford, who was later traded to Toronto for Charlie Villanueva, a small forward stuck in a power forward's body. Considering the Bucks passed up on Corey Brewer, Thaddeus Young, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams, guys who all would of filled voids at the time, and are either superstars in this league, or have very bright futures ahead of them in this league. Nevertheless, it is tough to tell whose going to be good, unless you have a top two pick, the draft is really a crap shoot. So best of luck to Milwaukee. If they do decide to draft, Beasley is the obvious choice here, as the Bucks are weak at the small forward position, and have a logjam at the point guard spot, with to formidable point men in Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions.
Charlotte: It's tough to know what the Charlotte Bobcats want out of this years draft. They can barely get their starting lineup healthy and/or situated. They could go small and have a lineup of Felton, Richardson, Morrison, Wallace, and Okafor, and draft a player to add depth to their bench, or they could go smart, send Morrison to the bench, and start Felton, Richardson, Wallace, and Okafor. Then they would draft a power forward, in this case, Beasley, and move Okafor to the center position, creating a very athletic starting five, and a very deep bench, hopefully paving the way for the franchises first playoff appearance, and many more after that. So I give the edge easily to Michael Beasley.
Chicago: Very tough decision here. Chicago is a very young team, that has very solid, very young players at virtually every position. However, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley would certainly be upgrades over Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas. With the Bulls lack of interior scoring, Michael Beasley seems like he would help Chicago immediately, and by drafting him, it would allow Chicago to trade Tyrus Thomas or Drew Gooden to teams whose system they fit in better, and maybe get a better shooting guard or point guard in return if they thrown in Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, or Larry Hughes. Rose would be a big help to this team, but Chicago needs interior scoring now, and Gooden, Thomas, and Joakim Noah aren't they guys that will bring that for Chicago.
New Jersey: If New Jersey gets the top pick, or any pick in the top 3 for that matter, it seems that, according to rumors, it will be sent, along with Richard Jefferson and a few other players to Denver for Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby. I think that if that is the case, I am basically drafting for Denver here, so I would pick Michael Beasley for Denver, because with the absence of Carmelo AND Camby, the Nuggets will need some inside offensive firepower, which Beasley can bring, while drafting Rose, will just create problems with Iverson in the back court. Iverson would have to go back to the shooting guard position, and probably wear down his body much quicker, instead of preserving his body by playing the point, and scoring less points night in and night out. So I go with Beasley here, for either team.
Indiana: This is an easy decision. The Pacers already have Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy, so adding Beasley would just bring in another combo forward for Indiana (who also has the 21 year old Shawne Williams on their roster in addition to Granger and Dunleavy). Also, the Pacers need help at the point guard, since Jamal Tinsley has proven to be inconsistent and injury prone, so drafting Rose would change the face of their entire franchise, and possibly push the Pacers back into the playoffs.
Sacramento: Like Minnesota and the Clippers, this decision is a coin toss. Although the Kings already have Beno Udrih as their point guard, Derrick Rose would be a great addition to the Kings, and give them a point guard who would be playing at the level of Chris Paul and Deron Williams in a year or so. However, Sacramento's power forward situation doesn't look to bright. They are currently going with Mikki Moore, who is a center at heart, Shelden Williams, who is a center in a power forward's body, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas, who seem to be injured every other game. So with Sacramento's dire need of some dominate interior players, Michael Beasley looks to be the Kings first choice, if they are selecting #1 in June.
Portland: If Portland even finishes in the top 3 this year, I'm calling the NBA lottery fixed, because that would give the Blazers Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, and a top three pick in this years draft, in a span of just 3 years. No way a team gets that lucky. However, if the balls decide to fall in Portland's favor, I see them knowing their decision by the end of the lottery, and going with the Memphis point guard, Derrick Rose. Alongside Roy, Rose and Roy would create possibly the best back court in the Western Conference, to go along with a top flight front court, and ensure the Blazers success for the next decade and a half. Drafting Beasley would be a mistake, giving the Blazers 3 inside scorers, most likely forcing them to trade at least one of them, when they could keep who they have now, and become one of the best teams in the west in 08-09 by drafting D-Rose.
Golden State: Drafting Rose would definitely give the Warriors something to fall back on in case Baron Davis decides to opt out this summer, but if he doesn't, it would be a wasted pick. By drafting Beasley, the Warriors fill a hole that has been empty since the days of Antwan Jamison. Beasley would become a leading scorer and rebounder for the Warriors, something they desperately need, and would thrive in Don Nelson's system, due to his amazing athletic ability. So for this pick, I give the easy nod to K-State hybrid forward, Michael Beasley.
Well, those are the 14 lotto teams. Best of luck to all of them (except for Miami, who deserves the 4th pick) in tonight's draft lottery. Check back soon for Playoff Reports, Mock Drafts, and other cool stuff.
Miami: This franchise is about to go through drastic rebuilding process, and will have to complete it quickly in order to please their star guard Dwyane Wade, who could bolt in 2010/2011 for a chance to play with a better team and a brighter future. However, if Miami manages to escape karma, and win the top pick, Kansas State hybrid forward Michael Beasley is the best choice for a quicker improvement. While Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade would make the best, most explosive back court in the league, a trio of Wade, Marion, and Beasley would be much more effective in the long run. So I give the edge to Beasley for Miami.
Seattle: Although most Seattle fans are drooling at the idea of Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant, two potential 25 point per game scorers, playing along side each other, the presence of Derrick Rose would benefit this team to a much greater extent. Seattle has a nice future ahead of them, with a core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Chris Wilcox, but they don't have a future point-man for their offense, which will hold them back for a while in this tough Western Conference. If Seattle ends up with Rose, Durant will easily become a top 3 scorer in the league, and will do so much more efficiently. Seattle has another pick later in the first round, and could possibly select Rose's Memphis Tiger's teammate, Chris Douglas-Roberts to fill in as shooting guard, and allow Kevin to move back to his natural SF position. So for this pick, I give the edge to Derrick Rose of Memphis.
Minnesota: It seems as though, Minnesota wants Randy Foye as their point guard of the future, but for the good of their team, drafting Derrick Rose would be much more beneficial to the games of Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, and Randy Foye. However, I believe that if Minnesota were to land the number 1 pick, Michael Beasley would be in their future, and their future would be bright. Lately, I have been hearing many people say how the Wolves need a center, so Big Al can move back to PF, but I disagree, with how the league is changing into a more athletic league, and starting centers are become quicker and more agile, Al Jefferson should stay at center. So by drafting Beasley, Jefferson stays at center, and Beasley and Brewer, alongside Jefferson, create one of the best future front courts in the league. So I'm saying the Wolves take Beasley here.
Memphis: Although Derrick Rose was the hero for the city of Memphis this year, the Grizzlies already have their point guard of the future in Mike Conley Jr., and adding Rose would just be a waste of a pick, when they could fill their void at PF with Michael Beasley, who would, create one of the most athletic forward combos in the league, alongside Rudy Gay. So I give the obvious edge to Michael Beasley here.
New York: The Knicks, being in the situation they are now, could go either way with this pick. However, with the recent hiring of run n' gun head coach Mike D'Antoni, the only way the Knick's offense will be effective this year, is with a top notch point guard running the show. So unless the Knicks are able to pull of a deal for a Jose Calderon or a TJ Ford, Derrick Rose would be the much better choice. Not only would Derrick Rose make an immediate, positive, impact on this dysfunctional Knicks team, but he would be D'Antoni's New York Steve Nash, and would most likely end up being a top three point guard in the league some day. So D-Rose gets the edge in this pick.
L.A. Clippers: The Clippers are even more of a tossup if they get the first pick. They could go with Rose, and have a future core of Rose, Thornton, and Kaman, or they could draft Beasley, and create possibly one of the best future front courts in the league, with Thornton, Beasley, and Kaman. If they drafted Beasley, they could probably get a nice shooting guard or point guard in sign and trade deals including Corey Maggette and Elton Brand. However, if they draft Rose, they could keep Brand and have a great front court right now, and possibly make the playoffs after having two bad years after making the playoffs for the first time in god knows how long. But it seems like, for this young Clippers team, playing for the future is the best bet, and the amount the could get for Brand and Maggette while picking Beasley, would be greater than just taking Rose. So, Beasley gets the edge for this pick.
Milwaukee: Rumors are starting to surround around the Milwaukee Bucks, saying that the Bucks might entertain trading this years lottery pick for someone that could help them immediately. Now this might not be such a bad idea, since Milwaukee's last three draft picks have turned into Yi Jianlian, Andrew Bogut, and TJ Ford, who was later traded to Toronto for Charlie Villanueva, a small forward stuck in a power forward's body. Considering the Bucks passed up on Corey Brewer, Thaddeus Young, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams, guys who all would of filled voids at the time, and are either superstars in this league, or have very bright futures ahead of them in this league. Nevertheless, it is tough to tell whose going to be good, unless you have a top two pick, the draft is really a crap shoot. So best of luck to Milwaukee. If they do decide to draft, Beasley is the obvious choice here, as the Bucks are weak at the small forward position, and have a logjam at the point guard spot, with to formidable point men in Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions.
Charlotte: It's tough to know what the Charlotte Bobcats want out of this years draft. They can barely get their starting lineup healthy and/or situated. They could go small and have a lineup of Felton, Richardson, Morrison, Wallace, and Okafor, and draft a player to add depth to their bench, or they could go smart, send Morrison to the bench, and start Felton, Richardson, Wallace, and Okafor. Then they would draft a power forward, in this case, Beasley, and move Okafor to the center position, creating a very athletic starting five, and a very deep bench, hopefully paving the way for the franchises first playoff appearance, and many more after that. So I give the edge easily to Michael Beasley.
Chicago: Very tough decision here. Chicago is a very young team, that has very solid, very young players at virtually every position. However, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley would certainly be upgrades over Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas. With the Bulls lack of interior scoring, Michael Beasley seems like he would help Chicago immediately, and by drafting him, it would allow Chicago to trade Tyrus Thomas or Drew Gooden to teams whose system they fit in better, and maybe get a better shooting guard or point guard in return if they thrown in Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, or Larry Hughes. Rose would be a big help to this team, but Chicago needs interior scoring now, and Gooden, Thomas, and Joakim Noah aren't they guys that will bring that for Chicago.
New Jersey: If New Jersey gets the top pick, or any pick in the top 3 for that matter, it seems that, according to rumors, it will be sent, along with Richard Jefferson and a few other players to Denver for Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby. I think that if that is the case, I am basically drafting for Denver here, so I would pick Michael Beasley for Denver, because with the absence of Carmelo AND Camby, the Nuggets will need some inside offensive firepower, which Beasley can bring, while drafting Rose, will just create problems with Iverson in the back court. Iverson would have to go back to the shooting guard position, and probably wear down his body much quicker, instead of preserving his body by playing the point, and scoring less points night in and night out. So I go with Beasley here, for either team.
Indiana: This is an easy decision. The Pacers already have Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy, so adding Beasley would just bring in another combo forward for Indiana (who also has the 21 year old Shawne Williams on their roster in addition to Granger and Dunleavy). Also, the Pacers need help at the point guard, since Jamal Tinsley has proven to be inconsistent and injury prone, so drafting Rose would change the face of their entire franchise, and possibly push the Pacers back into the playoffs.
Sacramento: Like Minnesota and the Clippers, this decision is a coin toss. Although the Kings already have Beno Udrih as their point guard, Derrick Rose would be a great addition to the Kings, and give them a point guard who would be playing at the level of Chris Paul and Deron Williams in a year or so. However, Sacramento's power forward situation doesn't look to bright. They are currently going with Mikki Moore, who is a center at heart, Shelden Williams, who is a center in a power forward's body, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas, who seem to be injured every other game. So with Sacramento's dire need of some dominate interior players, Michael Beasley looks to be the Kings first choice, if they are selecting #1 in June.
Portland: If Portland even finishes in the top 3 this year, I'm calling the NBA lottery fixed, because that would give the Blazers Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, and a top three pick in this years draft, in a span of just 3 years. No way a team gets that lucky. However, if the balls decide to fall in Portland's favor, I see them knowing their decision by the end of the lottery, and going with the Memphis point guard, Derrick Rose. Alongside Roy, Rose and Roy would create possibly the best back court in the Western Conference, to go along with a top flight front court, and ensure the Blazers success for the next decade and a half. Drafting Beasley would be a mistake, giving the Blazers 3 inside scorers, most likely forcing them to trade at least one of them, when they could keep who they have now, and become one of the best teams in the west in 08-09 by drafting D-Rose.
Golden State: Drafting Rose would definitely give the Warriors something to fall back on in case Baron Davis decides to opt out this summer, but if he doesn't, it would be a wasted pick. By drafting Beasley, the Warriors fill a hole that has been empty since the days of Antwan Jamison. Beasley would become a leading scorer and rebounder for the Warriors, something they desperately need, and would thrive in Don Nelson's system, due to his amazing athletic ability. So for this pick, I give the easy nod to K-State hybrid forward, Michael Beasley.
Well, those are the 14 lotto teams. Best of luck to all of them (except for Miami, who deserves the 4th pick) in tonight's draft lottery. Check back soon for Playoff Reports, Mock Drafts, and other cool stuff.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Quick Thoughts on the Second Round Series
Last round we saw some surprises, with Atlanta pushing Boston to seven games, Dallas and Phoenix being knocked out in five games, and Philly putting up a gallant fight against Detroit. Can we expect some of the same this round? Here's why I have to say so far...
Western Conference:
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs 4. Utah Jazz: The Lakers are looking great, although they have allowed Utah to grab forty-one offensive rebounds in the first two games, with the positive energy coming from my boy Kobe Bryant winning his first MVP, this series looks to be another quickie for the Lake Show.
2. New Orleans Hornets vs 3. San Antonio Spurs: CP3 and Co. really surprised a lot of people by coming out and beating down on the defending champs in games one and two. However, San Antonio will pick up the poor play and will win games three and four, tying the series at two games a piece.
Eastern Conference:
1. Boston Celtics vs 4. Cleveland Cavaliers: I didn't think the Boston Celtics could disappoint their fans any more after letting Atlanta take them to seven games, but after game one of their second round series with Cleveland, it looks like they might not make it to the third round, let alone the NBA Finals. I don't know what happened to the team that won sixty-six games during the regular season, but they sure aren't playing right now.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 3. Orlando Magic: Basically, Orlando was cheated out of a win in game two, but the got revenge in game three, and some extra sweetener on the side, by getting a big win, and seeing Detroit lose Chauncey Billups for possibly the rest of the series. Although Billups will probably be back for game four, don't expect Orlando to take it easy on him. This series for sure goes to seven games.
Well, that's all I got for now. Although I am still giddy from Kobe's "celebration", I am tired, and I gotta get some sleep. Hoops.
Western Conference:
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs 4. Utah Jazz: The Lakers are looking great, although they have allowed Utah to grab forty-one offensive rebounds in the first two games, with the positive energy coming from my boy Kobe Bryant winning his first MVP, this series looks to be another quickie for the Lake Show.
2. New Orleans Hornets vs 3. San Antonio Spurs: CP3 and Co. really surprised a lot of people by coming out and beating down on the defending champs in games one and two. However, San Antonio will pick up the poor play and will win games three and four, tying the series at two games a piece.
Eastern Conference:
1. Boston Celtics vs 4. Cleveland Cavaliers: I didn't think the Boston Celtics could disappoint their fans any more after letting Atlanta take them to seven games, but after game one of their second round series with Cleveland, it looks like they might not make it to the third round, let alone the NBA Finals. I don't know what happened to the team that won sixty-six games during the regular season, but they sure aren't playing right now.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 3. Orlando Magic: Basically, Orlando was cheated out of a win in game two, but the got revenge in game three, and some extra sweetener on the side, by getting a big win, and seeing Detroit lose Chauncey Billups for possibly the rest of the series. Although Billups will probably be back for game four, don't expect Orlando to take it easy on him. This series for sure goes to seven games.
Well, that's all I got for now. Although I am still giddy from Kobe's "celebration", I am tired, and I gotta get some sleep. Hoops.
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