Eastern Conference:
Boston/Atlanta series: It seems that if Boston even lost one game in this series, it would sports greatest surprise. Mike Bibby needs to keep his mouth shut, he may be right, but it's not like Atlanta had any fans until halfway through the season.
Detroit/Philly series: Philly is looking good right now. I don't know why Detroit is struggling...This is their time to shine. Don't be surprised to see a Philly upset in this series. I'm starting to think that Philly PF, Reggie Evans, swings more to the right than to the left. I noticed he kept trying to slap Joe Crawford's(ref) ass on multiple occasions. There was also that whole nut-grabbing incident a few years back...Hmmm
Orlando/Toronto series: Sam Mitchell has been an idiot over the first three games of the series. He's made more changes than Michael Jackson, and they've only played 3 games. Hey Coach Sam! Why change your lineup in the playoffs, when the lineup you had in the season worked fine, good luck on the hot seat.
Cleveland/Washington series: Everyone is making too big of a deal out of the whole DeShawn Stevenson/LeBron James/Gilbert Arenas thing. Their all buddies just enjoying the best time of the year. Although, if I was DeShawn, I would talk a little less, because, no matter what DeShawn thinks, he isn't on LeBron or Gilbert's level.
Western Conference:
LA Lakers/Denver: Man if this game goes any further than 5 games, I think we can expect an Iverson suspension. He is already 3 away from the playoff limit. Oh and I think George Karl has been reading some of George Bush's speeches lately. When discussing a possible future as head coach of the Knicks, Karl said that paying attention to rumors like that would just, and I quote, "de-energize me and waste my energy". Oh yeah, and Kobe Bryant is the greatest thing since canned spam...
New Orleans/Dallas: I don't know if you heard, but Mavs small forward, Josh Howard, came out early Friday, and said he smokes weed in the off season. Now I know he "claims" to only smoke in the off season, but there has got to be some reason behind his 15 ppg on 28.5% shooting these playoffs, and I know it's not the defense of Peja Stojakovic.
San Antonio/Phoenix: I don't know who feels more like eating their head right now. Shawn Marion, who will most likely waste his contract year playing for the lowly Miami Heat, or Steve Kerr, for giving into Marion, and acquiring the Big Anti-Fastbreak.
Utah/Houston: Yeah T-Mac, we know your tired, I think everyone in the playoffs is tired right now, but they're hyped and still going hard. This is the playoffs, grow a pair and get YOUR team back in this series.
More soon to come!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
2008 NBA Playoff Predictions: Part II
Here's Crossover Hoop's 2008 Eastern Conference Playoff predictions:
First Round:
1. Boston Celtics vs 8. Atlanta Hawks-Boston in 4: Do I really need to say anything. Atlanta's roster has a combined 66 games of playoff experience, while Boston's roster has a combined 474 games of playoff experience. Easy sweep for the #1 seeded Celtics. Nuff said, let's move on.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs 5. Washington Wizards-Washington in 6: I know Cleveland has the 2nd best player in the league on their team, and that they are the defending Eastern Conference Champions, but I am sorry, there is no way, a hurting LeBron, and a sorry supporting cast is going to get past Washington. Jamison, Butler, and Arenas, are too good to lose, and will most likely finish out the series in 6 to 7 games. Being the amazing player he is, LeBron will still have a great series, despite his back issues, but it won't be great enough to overcome how inconsistent this thrown-together Cavs team has been this year.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 7. Philadelphia 76ers-Detroit in 6: Philly has enough momentum to push this series to 6 maybe even 7 games, but Detroit has just too much experience, and is just too good to lose this series. Andre squared have played great this year, but we probably won't see any upsets here.
3. Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors-Orlando in 7: I don't know how many people agree with me that this will be a tight series, but I think that both teams are pretty square, and that they will push each other as far as both teams can go. Toronto is a great shooting team, and anchored by Bosh down low, will stay neck and neck all series with Orlando despite Superman 2.0 patrolling the paint for Orlando.
Semi-Finals:
1. Boston Celtics vs 5. Washington Wizards-Boston in 6: The fact that Washington beat Boston 3 games out of 4 this season means a lot, but Boston is just too good to lose this early. If they do, I won't be surprised, but I still think that they will win this series in 5 or 6 games. On the other hand, if Arenas is back to his old Hibachi self, I think Washington might have a chance.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 3. Orlando Magic-Detroit in 6: Orlando is going to be tired after their long series vs Toronto, so any chance of pushing the series to 7 games seems pretty unrealistic. But Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis, will put up a good fight against Detroit's Defense. Detroit will want to finish this series quick, and without trouble, so not to tire out for their next series, which will go down as one of the all time greatest Eastern Conference Finals in NBA history.
Conference Finals:
1. Boston Celtics vs 2. Detroit Pistons-Detroit in 7: As I said before, this series will be one of the greats. Two very hungry teams will both go to the brink to win this series. However, in the end, I'm giving the edge to Detroit, whose team has been together for ages. Boston's amazing run will end in Beantown, causing KG to wait another year for a ring.
Now, the moment we have all been waiting for...THE NBA FINALS!
THE NBA FINALS:
1. LA Lakers vs 2. Detroit Pistons(HCA)-LA Lakers in 5: My boys will finally get their revenge for 5 years ago, when Detroit shocked the Lakers Hall of Fame Lineup. Detroit hasn't seen the Lakers with Gasol, and I think they will have too tough a time to contain Kobe, Pau, Lamar, and possibly Bynum all at the same time. Their defense is great, but if Prince is busy on Kobe, Sheed covering Pau, and Hamilton left to make a feeble attempt at stopping the new and improved LAMAR ODOM. And if Andrew Bynum is back, and making an impact, there is no chance of the Pistons getting more than 1 maybe 2 wins. It's time for the rebirth of the Lakers Dynasty, and boy is it SWEET! Oh and by the way, to go along with his MVP, and 4th championship ring, Kobe also brings home his very first Finals MVP award. Pretty good year, for someone who was demanding a trade 1 year ago.
First Round:
1. Boston Celtics vs 8. Atlanta Hawks-Boston in 4: Do I really need to say anything. Atlanta's roster has a combined 66 games of playoff experience, while Boston's roster has a combined 474 games of playoff experience. Easy sweep for the #1 seeded Celtics. Nuff said, let's move on.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs 5. Washington Wizards-Washington in 6: I know Cleveland has the 2nd best player in the league on their team, and that they are the defending Eastern Conference Champions, but I am sorry, there is no way, a hurting LeBron, and a sorry supporting cast is going to get past Washington. Jamison, Butler, and Arenas, are too good to lose, and will most likely finish out the series in 6 to 7 games. Being the amazing player he is, LeBron will still have a great series, despite his back issues, but it won't be great enough to overcome how inconsistent this thrown-together Cavs team has been this year.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 7. Philadelphia 76ers-Detroit in 6: Philly has enough momentum to push this series to 6 maybe even 7 games, but Detroit has just too much experience, and is just too good to lose this series. Andre squared have played great this year, but we probably won't see any upsets here.
3. Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors-Orlando in 7: I don't know how many people agree with me that this will be a tight series, but I think that both teams are pretty square, and that they will push each other as far as both teams can go. Toronto is a great shooting team, and anchored by Bosh down low, will stay neck and neck all series with Orlando despite Superman 2.0 patrolling the paint for Orlando.
Semi-Finals:
1. Boston Celtics vs 5. Washington Wizards-Boston in 6: The fact that Washington beat Boston 3 games out of 4 this season means a lot, but Boston is just too good to lose this early. If they do, I won't be surprised, but I still think that they will win this series in 5 or 6 games. On the other hand, if Arenas is back to his old Hibachi self, I think Washington might have a chance.
2. Detroit Pistons vs 3. Orlando Magic-Detroit in 6: Orlando is going to be tired after their long series vs Toronto, so any chance of pushing the series to 7 games seems pretty unrealistic. But Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis, will put up a good fight against Detroit's Defense. Detroit will want to finish this series quick, and without trouble, so not to tire out for their next series, which will go down as one of the all time greatest Eastern Conference Finals in NBA history.
Conference Finals:
1. Boston Celtics vs 2. Detroit Pistons-Detroit in 7: As I said before, this series will be one of the greats. Two very hungry teams will both go to the brink to win this series. However, in the end, I'm giving the edge to Detroit, whose team has been together for ages. Boston's amazing run will end in Beantown, causing KG to wait another year for a ring.
Now, the moment we have all been waiting for...THE NBA FINALS!
THE NBA FINALS:
1. LA Lakers vs 2. Detroit Pistons(HCA)-LA Lakers in 5: My boys will finally get their revenge for 5 years ago, when Detroit shocked the Lakers Hall of Fame Lineup. Detroit hasn't seen the Lakers with Gasol, and I think they will have too tough a time to contain Kobe, Pau, Lamar, and possibly Bynum all at the same time. Their defense is great, but if Prince is busy on Kobe, Sheed covering Pau, and Hamilton left to make a feeble attempt at stopping the new and improved LAMAR ODOM. And if Andrew Bynum is back, and making an impact, there is no chance of the Pistons getting more than 1 maybe 2 wins. It's time for the rebirth of the Lakers Dynasty, and boy is it SWEET! Oh and by the way, to go along with his MVP, and 4th championship ring, Kobe also brings home his very first Finals MVP award. Pretty good year, for someone who was demanding a trade 1 year ago.
2008 NBA Playoff Predictions
Yeah, I know, it's a little late, but here's Crossover Hoops 2008 NBA Playoff Predictions:
Western Conference:
First Round:
1. LA Lakers vs 8. Denver Nuggets-LA Lakers in 5: On paper, this series looks even all around, but I give the Lakers the edge because I believe Phil Jackson's coaching, and the fact the Lakers have Kobe, will overpower the dynamic duo of Carmelo "DUI" Anthony and Allen Iverson. George Karl has shown in the past that he fails to win when given great talent(see late 90s-early 00s Milwaukee Bucks, and the Olympic team from 2004).
4. Utah Jazz vs 5. Houston Rockets-Utah Jazz in 5: If Houston had Yao, this would be one of those 7 game series that go down as an NBA classic, but the absence of Yao, and the success T-Mac has had in past first round series(0-6) is too much for Houston to overcome and beat this great all-around Utah team.
2. New Orleans Hornets vs 7. Dallas Mavericks-Dallas in 7: If I made these picks after game one of the first round, I would pick the Hornets in 7, but I still think Dallas has a legit chance of beating CP3s Hornet's team, due to sheer playoff experience. This series, no matter who wins, will go to 7 games, and will most likely finish on crunch time plays. Dallas is looking to make up for last years playoff collapse against Golden State, while New Orleans is looking to establish themselves as a finals contender, despite being full of inexperience.
3. San Antonio Spurs vs 6. Phoenix Suns-Phoenix in 6: Like the Dallas-New Orleans series, my prediction would be different if I based it off of game 1. Anyways, this will easily be the best first round series in the West, and the playoff experience of both teams will be very important in this series. However, San Antonio's age hurt them down the stretch of the series, but it should be a great series all around.
Semi-Finals:
1. LA Lakers vs 4. Utah Jazz-LA Lakers in 6: The Lakers took 3 out of 4 against Utah this season, including a win that ended Utah's home winning streak on March 20, despite the absence of Bynum and Gasol. This will be a much tougher series for the Lakers compared to their current first round match up with Denver. Utah could push the game to 7, but the way the Lakers fared against Utah during the regular season, shows that the game will most likely be a 5 or 6 game series in LA's favor.
6. Phoenix Suns vs 7. Dallas Mavericks-Phoenix in 7: Another great series this playoffs could offer. With tons of playoff experience coming from both teams, and each team carrying an MVP from the previous 2 seasons, Dallas and Phoenix will have a great offensive battle, with every game being very high scoring. However, I highly doubt Dirk and Dampier will be able to contain the explosiveness of Amare and Shaq, so I give the edge to the Phoenix Suns.
Conference Finals:
1. LA Lakers vs 6. Phoenix Suns-LA Lakers in 7: Hopefully, for the Lakers, Andrew Bynum will return from injury for this series, and help Gasol inside against Phoenix's bolstered front court of Shaq and Amare. Even if Bynum doesn't come back, LA will most likely still win the series. Kobe and Lamar aren't forgetting what happened the last 2 years, and will be even more fired up now that Phoenix has Shaq. Overall, it will be a series to remember for years to come, but in the end, Kobe and Co. will be heading to the finals to play...
Eastern Conference playoff predictions coming soon!
Western Conference:
First Round:
1. LA Lakers vs 8. Denver Nuggets-LA Lakers in 5: On paper, this series looks even all around, but I give the Lakers the edge because I believe Phil Jackson's coaching, and the fact the Lakers have Kobe, will overpower the dynamic duo of Carmelo "DUI" Anthony and Allen Iverson. George Karl has shown in the past that he fails to win when given great talent(see late 90s-early 00s Milwaukee Bucks, and the Olympic team from 2004).
4. Utah Jazz vs 5. Houston Rockets-Utah Jazz in 5: If Houston had Yao, this would be one of those 7 game series that go down as an NBA classic, but the absence of Yao, and the success T-Mac has had in past first round series(0-6) is too much for Houston to overcome and beat this great all-around Utah team.
2. New Orleans Hornets vs 7. Dallas Mavericks-Dallas in 7: If I made these picks after game one of the first round, I would pick the Hornets in 7, but I still think Dallas has a legit chance of beating CP3s Hornet's team, due to sheer playoff experience. This series, no matter who wins, will go to 7 games, and will most likely finish on crunch time plays. Dallas is looking to make up for last years playoff collapse against Golden State, while New Orleans is looking to establish themselves as a finals contender, despite being full of inexperience.
3. San Antonio Spurs vs 6. Phoenix Suns-Phoenix in 6: Like the Dallas-New Orleans series, my prediction would be different if I based it off of game 1. Anyways, this will easily be the best first round series in the West, and the playoff experience of both teams will be very important in this series. However, San Antonio's age hurt them down the stretch of the series, but it should be a great series all around.
Semi-Finals:
1. LA Lakers vs 4. Utah Jazz-LA Lakers in 6: The Lakers took 3 out of 4 against Utah this season, including a win that ended Utah's home winning streak on March 20, despite the absence of Bynum and Gasol. This will be a much tougher series for the Lakers compared to their current first round match up with Denver. Utah could push the game to 7, but the way the Lakers fared against Utah during the regular season, shows that the game will most likely be a 5 or 6 game series in LA's favor.
6. Phoenix Suns vs 7. Dallas Mavericks-Phoenix in 7: Another great series this playoffs could offer. With tons of playoff experience coming from both teams, and each team carrying an MVP from the previous 2 seasons, Dallas and Phoenix will have a great offensive battle, with every game being very high scoring. However, I highly doubt Dirk and Dampier will be able to contain the explosiveness of Amare and Shaq, so I give the edge to the Phoenix Suns.
Conference Finals:
1. LA Lakers vs 6. Phoenix Suns-LA Lakers in 7: Hopefully, for the Lakers, Andrew Bynum will return from injury for this series, and help Gasol inside against Phoenix's bolstered front court of Shaq and Amare. Even if Bynum doesn't come back, LA will most likely still win the series. Kobe and Lamar aren't forgetting what happened the last 2 years, and will be even more fired up now that Phoenix has Shaq. Overall, it will be a series to remember for years to come, but in the end, Kobe and Co. will be heading to the finals to play...
Eastern Conference playoff predictions coming soon!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Decisions..Decisions..It's Award Time!
As the best NBA season in my lifetime winds down, and the presenting of awards, looms in every NBA fan's head, it is time to hand out the 2008 Crossover Hoops Awards. The race to the MVP, this year, has been one of, if not the closest races in the history of the award. So lets can the small talk, and get on with the awards!
Coach of the Year: Byron Scott-New Orleans Hornets: I'm sure people predicted the Hornets to be good this year. Yeah they had a decent chance at the playoffs, maybe the 2nd or 3rd best record in their division, but I don't think anyone thought they would win their division, and compete for the best record in the conference. Yeah, they had a lot of help from MVP candidate Chris Paul, but I think Byron Scott deserves most of the credit. He has helped Tyson Chandler, a potential bust, transform into a great center, and has turned David West into the all-star he is today. Although New Orleans lack of playoff experience will haunt them throughout the playoffs, I still see them putting up a good fight against Byron Scott's former floor general, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks.
-Runner Up: Eddie Jordan, Washington Wizards
6th Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili-SG-San Antonio Spurs: I really think that there should be rules to this award, because players like Manu and Leandro Barbosa, who do come off the bench, play more minutes than most of the starters, not only on their teams, but other teams as well. Unfortunately, I don't make the rules. So, I just went with the obvious pick for this award, and picked maybe the best "sixth-man" in NBA history. Manu Ginobili. Manu is one of the best clutch players in this game, and he brings it every night. He has been San Antonio's MVP this year, and he deserves to be recognized. He is having a career year in almost every statistical category, and since Barbosa got the award last year, I'm giving it to Manu this year.
Runner Up: Leandro Barbosa, G, Phoenix Suns
Most Improved Player of the Year: Rudy Gay-F-Memphis Grizzlies: There was no question, that when this kid was drafted in '06, he had the potential to be a superstar. It was just uncertain whether or not he had the drive to reach his potential. Well, he has shown this year, that he going to be a very special player in this league for years to come, even though he's playing for one of the worst teams in the league(the Memphis Grizzlies). He's about doubled his scoring average, and has improved in almost every statistical category, from last year. If Rudy continues to improve at this rate, he will be an All-Star for years to come, possibly even an MVP candidate if Memphis builds around him correctly. Look for Rudy to improve even more next year and fight for a spot on the Western Conference All-Stars.
-Runner Up: Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant-SG/SF-Seattle Supersonics: Without a doubt in my mind, is Kevin Durant the R.O.Y. He lead all rookies in scoring(20.3) and free-throw percentage(87.3), as well as putting up solid defensive numbers for a rookie(.96 steals and .94 blocks per game, while only committing 1.53 fouls per contest). Durant is a great scorer, and has the potential to become one of the league's best defenders, due to the length of his arms. He has all the tools to become a top 5 player in this league, and will only improve as his career goes on.
-Runner Up: Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett-PF-Boston Celtics: Although his numbers this year are all well below his career averages, KG has done something more than just put up numbers. He has transformed a Celtics defense, which last year, allowed an embarrassing, 99.2 points per game on 46.8% shooting, into one of the leagues best defenses, holding their opponent's to only 90.3 points per game on a ridiculous 41.9% shooting. If that doesn't warrant the nod for the league's best defensive player, I do not know what does.
-Runner Up: Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets
Most Valuable Player of the Year: Kobe Bryant-SG-Los Angeles Lakers: It's pretty much a done deal that Kobe has this award on lock down, due to the minor collapse of Chris Paul during the month of April. KB24, has shown everyone whose been a doubter anytime in the last 12 years, once again, that he is the best player in the league. He may not be MJ or Magic, but he's something else, he's Kobe, and he'll go down as one of the top 10 players ever, but that doesn't matter now, all that matters is that he had great numbers, helped all of his teammates get better, oh yeah, and led the Lakers to the best record in the toughest conference in NBA history. My boy finally gets the credit he deserves, even though all he cares about is the 4th piece of gold on his finger.
-Runner Up: Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
All-NBA First Team
G-Chris Paul, New Orleans
G-Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles LAkers
F-LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F-Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
C-Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
All-NBA Second Team
G-Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G-Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F-Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F-Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
C-Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
All-NBA Third Team
G-Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets
G- Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
F- Antwan Jamison, Washington Wizards
F-Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz
F-Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
All-Defensive First Team
G-Chris Paul
G-Kobe Bryant
F-Shane Battier
F-Kevin Garnett
C-Marcus Camby
All-Defensive Second Team
G-Rajon Rondo
G-Raja Bell
F-Bruce Bowen
F-Tim Duncan
C-Tyson Chandler
All-Rookie First Team
G-Kevin Durant
G-Juan Carlos Navarro
F-Al Thornton
F-Luis Scola
C-Al Horford
All-Rookie Second Team
G-Mike Conley
G-Rodney Stuckey
F-Thaddeus Young
F-Jeff Green
C-Joakim Noah
So there you have it, Crossover Hoops 2008 Awards Presentation. Hope you enjoyed them. Playoff predictions are coming up in the next few hours so if your an active reader, check back soon.
Coach of the Year: Byron Scott-New Orleans Hornets: I'm sure people predicted the Hornets to be good this year. Yeah they had a decent chance at the playoffs, maybe the 2nd or 3rd best record in their division, but I don't think anyone thought they would win their division, and compete for the best record in the conference. Yeah, they had a lot of help from MVP candidate Chris Paul, but I think Byron Scott deserves most of the credit. He has helped Tyson Chandler, a potential bust, transform into a great center, and has turned David West into the all-star he is today. Although New Orleans lack of playoff experience will haunt them throughout the playoffs, I still see them putting up a good fight against Byron Scott's former floor general, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks.
-Runner Up: Eddie Jordan, Washington Wizards
6th Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili-SG-San Antonio Spurs: I really think that there should be rules to this award, because players like Manu and Leandro Barbosa, who do come off the bench, play more minutes than most of the starters, not only on their teams, but other teams as well. Unfortunately, I don't make the rules. So, I just went with the obvious pick for this award, and picked maybe the best "sixth-man" in NBA history. Manu Ginobili. Manu is one of the best clutch players in this game, and he brings it every night. He has been San Antonio's MVP this year, and he deserves to be recognized. He is having a career year in almost every statistical category, and since Barbosa got the award last year, I'm giving it to Manu this year.
Runner Up: Leandro Barbosa, G, Phoenix Suns
Most Improved Player of the Year: Rudy Gay-F-Memphis Grizzlies: There was no question, that when this kid was drafted in '06, he had the potential to be a superstar. It was just uncertain whether or not he had the drive to reach his potential. Well, he has shown this year, that he going to be a very special player in this league for years to come, even though he's playing for one of the worst teams in the league(the Memphis Grizzlies). He's about doubled his scoring average, and has improved in almost every statistical category, from last year. If Rudy continues to improve at this rate, he will be an All-Star for years to come, possibly even an MVP candidate if Memphis builds around him correctly. Look for Rudy to improve even more next year and fight for a spot on the Western Conference All-Stars.
-Runner Up: Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant-SG/SF-Seattle Supersonics: Without a doubt in my mind, is Kevin Durant the R.O.Y. He lead all rookies in scoring(20.3) and free-throw percentage(87.3), as well as putting up solid defensive numbers for a rookie(.96 steals and .94 blocks per game, while only committing 1.53 fouls per contest). Durant is a great scorer, and has the potential to become one of the league's best defenders, due to the length of his arms. He has all the tools to become a top 5 player in this league, and will only improve as his career goes on.
-Runner Up: Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett-PF-Boston Celtics: Although his numbers this year are all well below his career averages, KG has done something more than just put up numbers. He has transformed a Celtics defense, which last year, allowed an embarrassing, 99.2 points per game on 46.8% shooting, into one of the leagues best defenses, holding their opponent's to only 90.3 points per game on a ridiculous 41.9% shooting. If that doesn't warrant the nod for the league's best defensive player, I do not know what does.
-Runner Up: Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets
Most Valuable Player of the Year: Kobe Bryant-SG-Los Angeles Lakers: It's pretty much a done deal that Kobe has this award on lock down, due to the minor collapse of Chris Paul during the month of April. KB24, has shown everyone whose been a doubter anytime in the last 12 years, once again, that he is the best player in the league. He may not be MJ or Magic, but he's something else, he's Kobe, and he'll go down as one of the top 10 players ever, but that doesn't matter now, all that matters is that he had great numbers, helped all of his teammates get better, oh yeah, and led the Lakers to the best record in the toughest conference in NBA history. My boy finally gets the credit he deserves, even though all he cares about is the 4th piece of gold on his finger.
-Runner Up: Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
All-NBA First Team
G-Chris Paul, New Orleans
G-Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles LAkers
F-LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F-Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
C-Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
All-NBA Second Team
G-Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G-Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F-Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F-Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
C-Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
All-NBA Third Team
G-Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets
G- Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
F- Antwan Jamison, Washington Wizards
F-Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz
F-Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
All-Defensive First Team
G-Chris Paul
G-Kobe Bryant
F-Shane Battier
F-Kevin Garnett
C-Marcus Camby
All-Defensive Second Team
G-Rajon Rondo
G-Raja Bell
F-Bruce Bowen
F-Tim Duncan
C-Tyson Chandler
All-Rookie First Team
G-Kevin Durant
G-Juan Carlos Navarro
F-Al Thornton
F-Luis Scola
C-Al Horford
All-Rookie Second Team
G-Mike Conley
G-Rodney Stuckey
F-Thaddeus Young
F-Jeff Green
C-Joakim Noah
So there you have it, Crossover Hoops 2008 Awards Presentation. Hope you enjoyed them. Playoff predictions are coming up in the next few hours so if your an active reader, check back soon.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Fab Five of the Month for the Moth of March
Sorry to post this article so late, it's been a hectic last couple of days. Any ways, this month (March), has been so competitive. I had a very arduous time in deciding the rankings this month, since there was so many players worthy of top 5 consideration. Last month, Kobe had an outstanding month, en route to the #1 spot in my monthly rankings. LeBron had a ridiculous month, statistically, Carmelo played great all around ball, and two Spurs had great stats along with a great record. This month however, one great player did not make the rankings, another superstar slid far from last months rank, and 3 others, made their first appearance on the ranking board. So here we go, the Fab Five for the Month of March:
5. Kobe Bryant-SG-Los Angeles Lakers: Last month, Kobe was #1 in the rankings after having an outstanding month of February. However, this month, the Kobester dropped 4 spots in the rankings after he and the Lakers lost games that were gimmes. He also didn't shoot the highest field goal percentage either(44%). What kept Kobe in the top 5 though was his play during the absence of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. He dropped 2 50+ point games this month. 52 in an overtime win over Dallas, and 53 in an embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He also showed how versatile his game is, by recording 6 double doubles. The Lakers record was just barely good enough to keep him in the top 5, but for playing in the West, it still wasn't too bad of a record(9-6). For the month, Kobe averaged 31.5 ppg, which was the most any player averaged this month. Look for Kobe and the Lakers to play much better than their March performance, as they make a push for the #1 or #2 spot in the West.
-One thing Kobe has to be careful of is technical fouls. In the Lakers loss to Charlotte, Kobe picked up his 14th and 15th technicals of the season. One more and the Lakers lose him for a game.
4. Andre Iguodala-G/F-Philadelphia 76ers: Playing for one of the hottest teams in sports right now, Andre Iguodala led his team to an outstanding 11-4 record for the month of March. Iggy and the Sixers had HUGE wins over big time playoff contenders, like the, Boston Celtics(IN BOSTON), San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons(IN DETROIT), Denver Nuggets, and the Phoenix Suns(IN PHOENIX). Not only did Iggy Pop show that he could lead his team to wins, but he also showed how versatile he was. He averaged 21.1 points per game(season high), 4.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He also shot 49.4% from the field and 39.6% from behind the arc, which are the best shooting percentages hes had over the course of a month all year. Along with rookie, Thaddeus Young, third year scoring guard, Louis Williams, and the long, young Samuel Dalembert, Philly has a lot to look forward to in the future.
-Iggy, who has an uncanny ability for throwing down nasty dunks, slams in 2 of his 21 points in a 121-99 win over Chicago on March 26th.
3. Amare Stoudemire-PF-Phoenix Suns: One thing that has been greatly affected by the Shaq trade, has been the play of 25 year old Amare Stoudemire. During March, S.T.A.T. averaged 29.3 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, and shot an outstanding 58.7% from the field. Amare also led Phoenix to a 11-5 record this past month, which included a 7 game winning streak. On the last game of that streak, was a home match up against the Houston Rockets. Amare exploded for 38 points, but only hit 9 field goals. How in the world did he manage to get 38 points that game. He didn't he any threes. What he did do, was go 20 for 20 from the LINE! Stoudemire became the third player to ever go at least 20 for 20 from the line, the most recent being Detroit's Richard Hamilton in a win over Charlotte during the 2004-2005 season, in which he hit 20 out of 20 free throws that game. If Amare continues his beast-like play during April and the playoffs, we might see the championship trophy heading to Phoenix.
-Amare throws down 2 of his March high, 41 points, in a 132-117 win over the Denver Nuggets. Amare also hit 17 of 19 free throws and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Phoenix win.
2. Deron Williams-PG-Utah Jazz: D-Will is no doubt having the best season of his young career. He has been averaging career highs in points(19.3), assists(10.5), field goal percentage(51.5%), and free throw percentage(80%). He is proving that he will fill John Stockton's shoes, and will be Utah's next great point guard. He might even be better if he continues to improve at the rate he is doing so. During the month of March, Deron Williams led Utah to an outstanding 12-4 record. Notable wins included victories over Dallas, Phoenix(on the road), Denver, and a road victory over Boston. He had a double double(pts/asts) in all but 2 games during the month. He may not be an MVP candidate this year, but he will be one soon, as he will be hungry to prove that Chris Paul isn't the only superstar point guard in the league.
-Showing he isn't all about just dimes and jumpers, D-Will throws down a thunderous 2 hander in a win over Seattle.
1. Chris Paul-PG-New Orleans Hornets: This month, CP3 looked like the favorite to win the MVP award. He pushed New Orleans into the top spot in the Wild Wild West, and did so convincingly. He led the Hornets to an 11-4 month, and in those 15 games, averaged 21.4 points on a season high 55.3% shooting, while also dropping a season high 13.3 assists per game, to catapult him into the #1 assister in the NBA. He continues to show he is not just a great offensive player, but a great defender too, averaging 2.7 steals per game. He has also recorded at least 1 steal in every game he as played this year, a pretty amazing feat for someone who is only 22. Most likely he will lead New Orleans into the playoffs as the number one seed in the West, but we will see how his and the teams lack of playoff experience hurts them. `
-Here we see CP3 showing off his defensive array, as he covers Paul Pierce who has 6 inches of height over the pesky 6 foot point guard.
Well, there you have it, the Fab Five of the month. April's will be coming up very soon due to the seasons end in the middle of the month. Hope you enjoyed this months rankings. Check back soon for Mock Drafts, Final Season Predictions, and Playoff Predictions.
5. Kobe Bryant-SG-Los Angeles Lakers: Last month, Kobe was #1 in the rankings after having an outstanding month of February. However, this month, the Kobester dropped 4 spots in the rankings after he and the Lakers lost games that were gimmes. He also didn't shoot the highest field goal percentage either(44%). What kept Kobe in the top 5 though was his play during the absence of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. He dropped 2 50+ point games this month. 52 in an overtime win over Dallas, and 53 in an embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He also showed how versatile his game is, by recording 6 double doubles. The Lakers record was just barely good enough to keep him in the top 5, but for playing in the West, it still wasn't too bad of a record(9-6). For the month, Kobe averaged 31.5 ppg, which was the most any player averaged this month. Look for Kobe and the Lakers to play much better than their March performance, as they make a push for the #1 or #2 spot in the West.
-One thing Kobe has to be careful of is technical fouls. In the Lakers loss to Charlotte, Kobe picked up his 14th and 15th technicals of the season. One more and the Lakers lose him for a game.
-Iggy, who has an uncanny ability for throwing down nasty dunks, slams in 2 of his 21 points in a 121-99 win over Chicago on March 26th.
3. Amare Stoudemire-PF-Phoenix Suns: One thing that has been greatly affected by the Shaq trade, has been the play of 25 year old Amare Stoudemire. During March, S.T.A.T. averaged 29.3 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, and shot an outstanding 58.7% from the field. Amare also led Phoenix to a 11-5 record this past month, which included a 7 game winning streak. On the last game of that streak, was a home match up against the Houston Rockets. Amare exploded for 38 points, but only hit 9 field goals. How in the world did he manage to get 38 points that game. He didn't he any threes. What he did do, was go 20 for 20 from the LINE! Stoudemire became the third player to ever go at least 20 for 20 from the line, the most recent being Detroit's Richard Hamilton in a win over Charlotte during the 2004-2005 season, in which he hit 20 out of 20 free throws that game. If Amare continues his beast-like play during April and the playoffs, we might see the championship trophy heading to Phoenix.
-Amare throws down 2 of his March high, 41 points, in a 132-117 win over the Denver Nuggets. Amare also hit 17 of 19 free throws and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Phoenix win.
2. Deron Williams-PG-Utah Jazz: D-Will is no doubt having the best season of his young career. He has been averaging career highs in points(19.3), assists(10.5), field goal percentage(51.5%), and free throw percentage(80%). He is proving that he will fill John Stockton's shoes, and will be Utah's next great point guard. He might even be better if he continues to improve at the rate he is doing so. During the month of March, Deron Williams led Utah to an outstanding 12-4 record. Notable wins included victories over Dallas, Phoenix(on the road), Denver, and a road victory over Boston. He had a double double(pts/asts) in all but 2 games during the month. He may not be an MVP candidate this year, but he will be one soon, as he will be hungry to prove that Chris Paul isn't the only superstar point guard in the league.
-Showing he isn't all about just dimes and jumpers, D-Will throws down a thunderous 2 hander in a win over Seattle.
1. Chris Paul-PG-New Orleans Hornets: This month, CP3 looked like the favorite to win the MVP award. He pushed New Orleans into the top spot in the Wild Wild West, and did so convincingly. He led the Hornets to an 11-4 month, and in those 15 games, averaged 21.4 points on a season high 55.3% shooting, while also dropping a season high 13.3 assists per game, to catapult him into the #1 assister in the NBA. He continues to show he is not just a great offensive player, but a great defender too, averaging 2.7 steals per game. He has also recorded at least 1 steal in every game he as played this year, a pretty amazing feat for someone who is only 22. Most likely he will lead New Orleans into the playoffs as the number one seed in the West, but we will see how his and the teams lack of playoff experience hurts them. `
-Here we see CP3 showing off his defensive array, as he covers Paul Pierce who has 6 inches of height over the pesky 6 foot point guard.
Well, there you have it, the Fab Five of the month. April's will be coming up very soon due to the seasons end in the middle of the month. Hope you enjoyed this months rankings. Check back soon for Mock Drafts, Final Season Predictions, and Playoff Predictions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)